NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Files Amicus Brief in Support of Challenge to Trump Administration’s Attempt to Remove PREA Protections

    Source: US State of California Department of Justice

    Thursday, July 3, 2025

    Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

    OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today, as part of a multistate coalition of 13 attorneys general, filed an amicus brief in Jane Doe, et al. v. Pamela Bondi, et al., in support of a challenge to the Trump Administration’s executive order targeting protections under the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) and access to healthcare for transgender individuals in federal prisons. In their brief, the attorneys general urge the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit to affirm the district court’s decision granting the plaintiffs’ motion for a preliminary injunction.  

    “The Trump Administration’s attempt to strip away protections under PREA not only undermines the progress we’ve made to safeguard the rights and wellbeing of individuals in our correctional facilities but also increases the risk of harm for vulnerable individuals,” said Attorney General Bonta. “These protections are crucial to preventing sexual assault and ensuring that we foster safer environments for incarcerated individuals and our staff in these correctional facilities.”

    In 2003, Congress enacted PREA to ensure that all incarcerated individuals, including those who are transgender, are better protected in correctional facilities. Protections implemented under PREA reduce the risk of sexual assault, promote the safety and security of prisons housing transgender incarcerated individuals, improve the safety of those transgender incarcerated individuals, and further the goal of effective prison administration. In January 2025, President Trump issued the Gender Ideology EO which (1) prohibits transgender individuals from being detained based on their gender identity in prisons or detention centers, (2) prohibits the Bureau of Prisons from recognizing transgender identity, and (3) ends federal fund use for gender affirming care in prisons.

    In the amicus brief, the coalition urges the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit to affirm the district court’s preliminary injunction arguing that:

    • PREA protections are essential to the safety and well-being of all incarcerated individuals and protect all incarcerated individuals, especially transgender individuals, from sexual assault.
    • The Bureau of Prisons blanket policy undermines public safety as it prevents discretion in housing determinations making it more difficult to effectuate PREA’s purpose of eliminating sexual assault in prisons.
    • Amici States’ experiences demonstrate that case-by-case housing assessments consistent with PREA are effective at ensuring the safety of all those who are incarcerated, including incarcerated individuals who are transgender. 

    In filing the amicus brief, Attorney General Bonta joins the attorneys generals of Massachusetts, Hawaii, New York, Illinois, Rhode Island, Vermont, Maine, Minnesota, Oregon, Delaware, Maryland, and the District of Columbia.

    A copy of the brief can be found here.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick Releases Statement on Passage of Republicans’ One Big Ugly Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Florida 20th district))

    WASHINGTON, DC ─ Today, Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) released the following statement regarding the passage of the Republicans’ One Big Ugly Bill. 
     
    “Today is a sad day for all Americans. At a time when Americans are struggling with rising costs—from healthcare to housing, groceries to childcare—House Republicans have chosen to pass the most heartless bill of the 21st century. 
     
    “This 900-page piece of legislation is an act of pure cruelty, written without mercy for the families who will suffer under its weight. It strips health insurance from over 90,000 hardworking Americans in my district and cuts off life-saving food assistance for over 400,000 Floridians, including children, seniors, veterans, and working families. 
     
    “In South Florida, this bill would shut down hospitals and doctors’ offices—including children’s hospitals—and slash access to long-term care for our most vulnerable seniors. It guts clean energy investments, threatening 700,000 jobs and accelerating the climate crisis. Florida families will now pay $610 more, on average, each year because of this scam.  
     
    “I will continue to fight for my constituents throughout South Florida in Congress, the community, and the courthouse. While today’s vote is a setback, the fight for a brighter future must continue.”

    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Letlow Statement on Passage of Trump Agenda

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Julia Letlow (LA-05)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Julia Letlow released the following statement on congressional passage of President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill.

    “With passage of President Trump’s pro-family agenda, we have provided tax relief for the middle class and saved every American from a tax increase. Our working families and seniors will see new relief through a bigger child tax credit, eliminating taxes on tips, and a tax cut for retirees on Social Security. Our farmers will have much-needed certainty with the reauthorization of key Farm Bill policies, updated reference prices for commodities, and lower taxes. Now that we have extended the Trump Tax Cuts and supported Louisiana’s families and our economy, I will continue to advocate for my district as the Big Beautiful Bill is implemented.”

    Highlights of the One Big Beautiful Bill:

    • Permanently extends the 2017 Trump Tax Cuts, protecting American families from an average $1,700 tax hike.
    • No taxes on tips up to $25,000 annually.
    • No taxes on overtime pay up to $12,500 annually.
    • Permanently extends the doubled standard deduction for middle class families and provides an additional $1,500 deduction.
    • Permanently extends the doubled child tax credit and provides an additional $400 for a family of four.
    • Provides tax relief for retirees on Social Security through an added $6,000 tax deduction for low and middle-income seniors.
    • Strengthens tax incentives for paid leave and child care under the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit and Flexible Spending Arrangements.
    • Permanently extends the 20% small business deduction for family-owned farms and other small businesses.
    • Updates reference prices for farm commodities.
    • Provides new enforcement resources to support the Trump Administration’s border security efforts.

                                                                          ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Valadao Releases Statement After House Budget Reconciliation Vote

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David G. Valadao (California)

    WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) released the following statement on the House budget reconciliation vote.

    “It was not an easy decision for me, but I voted yes on the budget reconciliation bill,” said Congressman Valadao. “Since January when the reconciliation process began, I’ve been a vocal advocate for protecting and preserving Medicaid for the most vulnerable in my district. I know how important the program is for my constituents. Many policy changes were suggested over the past six months that would have devastated healthcare in my district, including changes to the federal match rate for the California and per capita caps on the expansion population, and after months of meetings, I was able to prevent these provisions from being included. However, the Senate version of the budget reconciliation bill ultimately made more changes to Medicaid than the House-passed version, and I had several concerns.”
     
    Congressman Valadao continues, “Since they were announced, I made my concerns about the provider tax and state directed payments provisions clear to my colleagues in the House and Senate and the administration. After numerous conversations, an additional $25 billion was added to the newly established Rural Health Transformation Program—which will help to support rural and other at-risk hospitals in my district—bringing the total to $50 billion. I’ve been assured by the administration that it will be structured in a way that benefits our providers and keeps our hospitals and communities running. To be clear, I still have concerns with the implementation of the provider tax and state directed payment provisions of H.R. 1, but I’ve worked and will continue to engage with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to identify specific risks to Valley hospitals and mitigate them.” 
     
    “Ultimately, I voted for this bill because it does preserve the Medicaid program for its intended recipients—children, pregnant women, the disabled, and elderly. The bill also includes dozens of other policy provisions that directly benefit CA-22, including blocking the largest tax hike on working families in American history, eliminating taxes on tips and overtime, expanding the Child Tax Credit, enhancing deductions for seniors, and keeping provisions in place that double the standard deduction for over 90% of taxpayers in my district. These are real wins that will put more money back in the pockets of hardworking families throughout the Valley.”
     
    “In addition to critical tax provisions, I was able to secure $1 billion in western water storage and conveyance funding to support critical water infrastructure throughout the district. The bill also authorizes key Farm Bill investments by increasing funding for specialty crop research, expanding crop insurance coverage, providing funding to prevent pollution of drinking water in rural communities, and extending funding for the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). After weeks of meetings, I was able to successfully secure improvements to the IRA tax credit language to support the Central Valley’s clean energy sector. This version of the bill will provide companies with a long transition period to construct renewable facilities, protecting investment in our region.”
     
    “No piece of legislation is perfect, but this bill ultimately reflects the priorities of CA-22—lower taxes, stronger farms, better infrastructure, and a commitment to protecting access to healthcare for Valley residents. I came to Congress to be a voice for our community, and I’ll keep fighting every day to make sure every provision is implemented responsibly to serve the needs of our district. While there’s still more work to do, this bill is a meaningful step forward.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: The One, Big, Beautiful Bill delivers on President Trump’s promises to the American people. It secures massive tax cuts for American families and businesses, complete border security, a supercharged economy, and accountability in taxpayer-funded programs,

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Dale Strong (Alabama)

    WASHINGTON – Today, Representative Dale W. Strong (AL-05) issued the following statement after final passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

    “The One, Big, Beautiful Bill delivers on President Trump’s promises to the American people. It secures massive tax cuts for American families and businesses, complete border security, a supercharged economy, and accountability in taxpayer-funded programs, while reducing out-of-control government spending,” said Representative Dale Strong.  

    “From our space, defense, and manufacturing sectors to our working families, farmers, and small business owners — all of North Alabama will benefit from President Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill,” continued Strong.  

    ALABAMA WINS

    Marshall Space Flight Center

    • $4.1 billion for two Space Launch System rockets for the Artemis IV and V missions through Fiscal Year 2029
    • $20 million for Orion and integration of Orion with SLS
    • $100 million for construction and infrastructure projects at Marshall Space Flight Center

    Rural Healthcare

    • Locks in Alabama’s 6% hospital provider tax rate  
    • $50 billion national fund to support rural health through 2030, with $500 million in funding for Alabama in formula dollars alone  

    Farmers and Agriculture

    • Delivers much-needed enhancements in the farm safety net – including higher reference prices that reflect the current agricultural economy
    • Expands access to more affordable crop insurance while making it more responsive to risk

    National Defense  

    • $25 billion for the Golden Dome which Redstone Arsenal will play a significant role in supporting
    • $150 billion for defense spending through 2034, including $19 billion to restock America’s arsenal  

    Tax Cuts for Families and Small Businesses

    • Prevents a 22% tax hike for the average worker
    • Take-home pay for a family of 4 increases by $7,600-$10,900 per year  
    • No tax on tips, overtime pay, and made in America car loan interest
    • Additional tax relief for seniors

    AMERICA FIRST WINS
     

    Border Security Investments

    • 701 miles of primary wall and construction, and 900 miles of river barriers
    • Increases funding to ICE for transportation and mass deportation operations  
    • 3,000 new Border Patrol agents, 5,000 new Office of Field Operations customs officers

    Restores Fiscal Sanity

    • Cuts waste, fraud abuse of programs to preserve them for people who truly need them
    • Implements work requirements for able-bodied Americans without young dependents to receive SNAP and Medicaid  
    • Ends Medicaid benefits for 1.4 million illegal immigrants
    • Repeals Biden-era Green New Deal agenda  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Morgan McGarvey Slams Passage of Republican Budget: “Slap in the Face to Kentucky and All of Rural America”

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan McGarvey (Kentucky-03)

    July 03, 2025

    Today, Congressman Morgan McGarvey, a member of the House Budget Committee, condemned passage of the Republican budget. Congressman McGarvey voted against the budget after debating the bill at 4:00am on the House floor. Click here to download video of his debate remarks.

    “This Republican budget is a slap in the face to Kentucky and all of rural America. It will kick millions of Americans off their health insurance, take food away from Kentucky families, kids, and seniors, and add trillions to the national debt. All so that Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos pay even less in taxes. It is cruel and indefensible.

    “I don’t want to hear any Republican who voted for this say they care about rural America or our national debt ever again.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Young Kim Secures Historic Tax Cuts for Working Families

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Young Kim (CA-39)

    Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Young Kim (CA-40) voted in favor of the Senate Amendment to H.R. 1, which secures historic tax cuts for working families in California’s 40th District and across the nation.

    Rep. Kim stood up to the White House and House leadership to secure an increase of the cap on state and local tax (SALT) deductions to $40,000 for individuals and families making less than $500,000 a year, allowing working Californians and Americans to keep more of their hard-earned money. She also fought to remove the cap on SALT deductions for small businesses, preventing a 2% tax increase. 

    In addition to increasing the SALT cap, the bill makes life more affordable for working Americans, middle-class families, and small businesses by:

    • Extending middle-class tax cuts signed into law through the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in 2017 to avoid a 17% tax hike for the average CA-40 family;
    • Permanently increasing the Child Tax Credit to $2,200 per child;
    • Exempting individuals from a tax on qualified tips for up to $25,000 for the next four years; 
    • Providing relief to seniors by increasing the Social Security tax deduction to $6,000 per individual;
    • Creating a $12,500 overtime pay deduction; and,
    • Supporting financial literacy by creating a pilot program to give newborns a $1,000 tax-advantaged investment account.

    “For too long, middle-class Americans, working families, and small businesses I represent have been hurting from high taxes, rising prices, and skyrocketing living costs made worse by out-of-touch policies from Sacramento and Washington,” said Rep. Young Kim. “This bill lowers taxes and provides relief to put money back in the pockets of everyday Americans. I will keep fighting to make life affordable for California’s 40th District and ensure our communities are great places to live, raise families, and start businesses.”

    “This bill takes important steps to ensure federal dollars are used as effectively as possible and to strengthen Medicaid and SNAP for our most vulnerable citizens who truly need it. I will keep working to get our country back on the right track and protect the American dream for future generations,” she continued.

    “Over the last seven years, the 20% Small Business Tax Deduction has helped America’s small businesses grow and hire,” said NFIB California State Director John Kabateck. “Rep. Young Kim understands the importance of the Small Business Deduction and has been a leading voice in Congress to make it permanent.”

    According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, nearly 25,000 small and pass-through businesses across Rep. Kim’s district will see an increase of approximately $21,906,300 in their qualified business income deduction through the bill’s passage.

    The bill also invests in America’s future by:

    • Modernizing our air traffic control system to ensure safe and efficient air travel;
    • Boosting our shipbuilding capabilities, investing in our military, and improving quality of life for troops;
    • Bolstering border security funding to increase border technologies and support our border patrol and CBP officers; and,
    • Supporting educational opportunities by protecting access to the Pell Grant program.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • There is a lot of excitement among people, says Indian envoy ahead of PM Modi’s Trinidad and Tobago visit

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Trinidad and Tobago has generated “intense desire” for greater engagement and collaboration between the two countries, India’s High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago, Pradeep Singh Rajpurohit, said on Thursday.

    “There is a lot of enthusiasm and excitement among the people. Everyone is looking forward to this visit,” Rajpurohit told ANI. “There is already an intense desire here for broader cooperation across sectors. Both the people and the government are keen to build a longstanding, broad-based partnership with India.”

    Rajpurohit underlined the historical ties between the two countries, pointing out that nearly half of Trinidad and Tobago’s population is of Indian origin. “They have been here for the last 180 years. Many are now fifth- or sixth-generation descendants,” he said, adding that the diaspora has played a key role in preserving India’s heritage abroad.

    “There is great excitement among the diaspora. They closely follow developments in India and feel a deep emotional connection,” he said.

    The High Commissioner said discussions during the visit are expected to build on the groundwork laid during Modi’s visit to Guyana last year for the Second India-CARICOM Summit. “Many of the areas discussed then — agriculture, IT, health and pharmaceuticals, renewable energy — are likely to figure in talks again. We expect tangible outcomes,” he said.

    Rajpurohit noted that Trinidad and Tobago’s new government has several ministers of Indian origin. “There is great enthusiasm among them to bring the benefits of India’s growth journey here,” he said. He added that the country was the first in the Caribbean to adopt India’s flagship UPI platform and is working towards its implementation.

    (ANI)

  • There is a lot of excitement among people, says Indian envoy ahead of PM Modi’s Trinidad and Tobago visit

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Trinidad and Tobago has generated “intense desire” for greater engagement and collaboration between the two countries, India’s High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago, Pradeep Singh Rajpurohit, said on Thursday.

    “There is a lot of enthusiasm and excitement among the people. Everyone is looking forward to this visit,” Rajpurohit told ANI. “There is already an intense desire here for broader cooperation across sectors. Both the people and the government are keen to build a longstanding, broad-based partnership with India.”

    Rajpurohit underlined the historical ties between the two countries, pointing out that nearly half of Trinidad and Tobago’s population is of Indian origin. “They have been here for the last 180 years. Many are now fifth- or sixth-generation descendants,” he said, adding that the diaspora has played a key role in preserving India’s heritage abroad.

    “There is great excitement among the diaspora. They closely follow developments in India and feel a deep emotional connection,” he said.

    The High Commissioner said discussions during the visit are expected to build on the groundwork laid during Modi’s visit to Guyana last year for the Second India-CARICOM Summit. “Many of the areas discussed then — agriculture, IT, health and pharmaceuticals, renewable energy — are likely to figure in talks again. We expect tangible outcomes,” he said.

    Rajpurohit noted that Trinidad and Tobago’s new government has several ministers of Indian origin. “There is great enthusiasm among them to bring the benefits of India’s growth journey here,” he said. He added that the country was the first in the Caribbean to adopt India’s flagship UPI platform and is working towards its implementation.

    (ANI)

  • MIL-OSI: JCPal Unveils Award-Winning Range of Shortcut Keyboards for Creative Professionals

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Vancouver, Canada , July 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — JCPal Technology, a global leader in the design and manufacturing of premium tech accessories, announced today the launch of Dash, an innovative range of wireless shortcut keyboards built specifically for creative professionals. With over 15 years of experience crafting smart, elegant, and functional tools, JCPal continues to elevate the creative process through purposeful design.

    JCPal Unveils the Dash Wireless Shortcut Keyboards

    Enhancing Creative Flow

    Tailored for video editors, photo editors, graphic designers and digital artists, Dash seamlessly integrates with industry-standard softwares DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, Adobe Lightroom, and Adobe Photoshop. Each keyboard features an intuitive color-coded software guide printed on the keys as well as preprogrammed shortcut hotkeys that streamline complex commands – enhancing efficiency, reducing friction, and keeping creators in their flow.

    The Dash keyboards also offer deep customization options through web-based VIA software and interchangeable keycaps, enabling users to personalize the shortcuts and key layout to suit their unique workflow. 

    Award-Winning Innovation

    “We designed Dash to help creatives stay in their flow,” said Matt Hocking, lead designer on the project and Art Director at JCPal. “By removing distractions and providing intuitive access to essential tools they allow creators to focus on what really matters – their ideas.”

    This commitment to user-focused design was recognized with a 2025 Red Dot Product Design Award, celebrating Dash’s balance of minimalist aesthetics and powerful functionality. The award affirms JCPal’s dedication to crafting high-performance tools that elevate the creative experience.

    Designed for Creative Control

    With a streamlined, space-saving form and universal compatibility across Mac and Windows platforms, Dash fits seamlessly into any workspace. Ready out of the box, it ships preprogrammed and is fully customizable – making it a powerful addition to any creative professional’s toolkit.

    Key Features:

    • Seven Preprogrammed Shortcut Hotkeys for instant access to essential functions
    • Browser-Based Customization – no drivers or software required
    • 20 Swappable Shortcut Keycaps for personalized layouts
    • Over 400 Hours of Battery Life with fast USB-C charging
    • Tri-Mode Connectivity with Bluetooth (x3), 2.4Ghz and Wired USB-C
    • Cross-Platform Compatibility with Mac, PC, iOS, Android, and Linux
    • Durable PBT Keycaps and Gateron Linear Switches rated for 60 million presses

    Available Now

    The Dash Wireless Shortcut Keyboard is available now at JCPal.com and select retail partners. 

    Learn more about each of the five Dash models: DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom Classic

    The Dash Wireless Shortcut Keyboards received the 2025 Red Dot Product Design Award

    About JCPal Technology

    Since 2009, JCPal has been designing and manufacturing thoughtfully engineered tools for creative professionals and enthusiasts. Our mission is to create elegantly simple, functionally clever accessories that enhance the way people interact with their mobile and computing devices. Each product is built to empower creative expression wherever it happens, combining enduring quality with purposeful design. 

    Press inquiries

    JCPal Technology
    https://jcpal.com
    Matt Hocking
    matt@jcpal.com
    258 – 4974 Kingsway, Burnaby British Columbia V5H4M9, Canada

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: JCPal Unveils Award-Winning Range of Shortcut Keyboards for Creative Professionals

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Vancouver, Canada , July 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — JCPal Technology, a global leader in the design and manufacturing of premium tech accessories, announced today the launch of Dash, an innovative range of wireless shortcut keyboards built specifically for creative professionals. With over 15 years of experience crafting smart, elegant, and functional tools, JCPal continues to elevate the creative process through purposeful design.

    JCPal Unveils the Dash Wireless Shortcut Keyboards

    Enhancing Creative Flow

    Tailored for video editors, photo editors, graphic designers and digital artists, Dash seamlessly integrates with industry-standard softwares DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, Adobe Lightroom, and Adobe Photoshop. Each keyboard features an intuitive color-coded software guide printed on the keys as well as preprogrammed shortcut hotkeys that streamline complex commands – enhancing efficiency, reducing friction, and keeping creators in their flow.

    The Dash keyboards also offer deep customization options through web-based VIA software and interchangeable keycaps, enabling users to personalize the shortcuts and key layout to suit their unique workflow. 

    Award-Winning Innovation

    “We designed Dash to help creatives stay in their flow,” said Matt Hocking, lead designer on the project and Art Director at JCPal. “By removing distractions and providing intuitive access to essential tools they allow creators to focus on what really matters – their ideas.”

    This commitment to user-focused design was recognized with a 2025 Red Dot Product Design Award, celebrating Dash’s balance of minimalist aesthetics and powerful functionality. The award affirms JCPal’s dedication to crafting high-performance tools that elevate the creative experience.

    Designed for Creative Control

    With a streamlined, space-saving form and universal compatibility across Mac and Windows platforms, Dash fits seamlessly into any workspace. Ready out of the box, it ships preprogrammed and is fully customizable – making it a powerful addition to any creative professional’s toolkit.

    Key Features:

    • Seven Preprogrammed Shortcut Hotkeys for instant access to essential functions
    • Browser-Based Customization – no drivers or software required
    • 20 Swappable Shortcut Keycaps for personalized layouts
    • Over 400 Hours of Battery Life with fast USB-C charging
    • Tri-Mode Connectivity with Bluetooth (x3), 2.4Ghz and Wired USB-C
    • Cross-Platform Compatibility with Mac, PC, iOS, Android, and Linux
    • Durable PBT Keycaps and Gateron Linear Switches rated for 60 million presses

    Available Now

    The Dash Wireless Shortcut Keyboard is available now at JCPal.com and select retail partners. 

    Learn more about each of the five Dash models: DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom Classic

    The Dash Wireless Shortcut Keyboards received the 2025 Red Dot Product Design Award

    About JCPal Technology

    Since 2009, JCPal has been designing and manufacturing thoughtfully engineered tools for creative professionals and enthusiasts. Our mission is to create elegantly simple, functionally clever accessories that enhance the way people interact with their mobile and computing devices. Each product is built to empower creative expression wherever it happens, combining enduring quality with purposeful design. 

    Press inquiries

    JCPal Technology
    https://jcpal.com
    Matt Hocking
    matt@jcpal.com
    258 – 4974 Kingsway, Burnaby British Columbia V5H4M9, Canada

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Scholten Statement on House Passage of Republicans’ ‘Big Ugly Bill’

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Hillary Scholten – Michigan

    After Republicans finally broke a historically long stalemate on the House Floor, they passed their Big Ugly Bill that will rip health care away from millions of Americans and raise costs on working families. On behalf of West Michiganders, Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (MI-03) voted no.

    “I just voted no on H.R. 1 for the good people of West Michigan—for our health care, for our children, for our farmers, for our seniors, for our veterans, and for each and every one of you. You need no further evidence of how disastrous this bill will be than the narrow margin by which it passed and the hours upon hours that it took House Republicans to be convinced that this bill was good for their constituents,” said Rep. Scholten.

    “Our work is not over. As I told my neighbors at my town hall last night, I will fight the provisions of this bill tooth and nail in the days ahead. There is nothing more important to me than ensuring our community is set up for success by the federal government – from access to quality health care, to affordable housing, to a fair tax system. This bill accomplishes none of those things. Today is a disappointing day for our nation, but we will continue to work towards the future that West Michigan deserves,” concluded Rep. Scholten.

    This betrayal of a bill:

    • Cuts roughly $1.3 trillion from health care and food assistance for families and gives roughly $1.3 trillion in tax breaks to people making over $500,000—a historic wealth transfer from middle-class Americans to the wealthiest few.
    • It makes the largest cut to health care in American history and will cause approximately 425,000 Michiganders to lose their health care.
    • It jeopardizes SNAP for the 34,000 MI-03 residents who participate in the program.
    • Increases household energy costs by an average of $400 and will lead to millions of jobs lost, $197 billion in lost wages, and $290 billion in economic investment that will be ceded to countries like China.
    • Will add $4 trillion to the national debt, including $700 billion in interest.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Scholten Statement on House Passage of Republicans’ ‘Big Ugly Bill’

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Hillary Scholten – Michigan

    After Republicans finally broke a historically long stalemate on the House Floor, they passed their Big Ugly Bill that will rip health care away from millions of Americans and raise costs on working families. On behalf of West Michiganders, Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (MI-03) voted no.

    “I just voted no on H.R. 1 for the good people of West Michigan—for our health care, for our children, for our farmers, for our seniors, for our veterans, and for each and every one of you. You need no further evidence of how disastrous this bill will be than the narrow margin by which it passed and the hours upon hours that it took House Republicans to be convinced that this bill was good for their constituents,” said Rep. Scholten.

    “Our work is not over. As I told my neighbors at my town hall last night, I will fight the provisions of this bill tooth and nail in the days ahead. There is nothing more important to me than ensuring our community is set up for success by the federal government – from access to quality health care, to affordable housing, to a fair tax system. This bill accomplishes none of those things. Today is a disappointing day for our nation, but we will continue to work towards the future that West Michigan deserves,” concluded Rep. Scholten.

    This betrayal of a bill:

    • Cuts roughly $1.3 trillion from health care and food assistance for families and gives roughly $1.3 trillion in tax breaks to people making over $500,000—a historic wealth transfer from middle-class Americans to the wealthiest few.
    • It makes the largest cut to health care in American history and will cause approximately 425,000 Michiganders to lose their health care.
    • It jeopardizes SNAP for the 34,000 MI-03 residents who participate in the program.
    • Increases household energy costs by an average of $400 and will lead to millions of jobs lost, $197 billion in lost wages, and $290 billion in economic investment that will be ceded to countries like China.
    • Will add $4 trillion to the national debt, including $700 billion in interest.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Van Orden Votes for Tax Breaks for Families, Small Business Growth, SNAP & Medicaid Protection

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Derrick Van Orden (Wisconsin 3rd)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Derrick Van Orden (WI-03) released the following statement after voting to pass H.R.1 – the One, Big, Beautiful Bill:

    “This bill is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Americans – our seniors, veterans, families, farmers, manufacturers, and most vulnerable populations. 

    “My Democrat colleagues have been fearmongering and pushing blatant lies from day one, and that ends now. When this beautiful bill reaches President Trump’s desk, Americans will see their taxes go down, wages go up, and integrity and stability restored in critical programs like SNAP and Medicaid. 

    “This is what delivering real results for the people I represent looks like and what 77 million Americans and 1.7 Wisconsinites voted for.”

    The One, Big, Beautiful Bill contains a variety of wins for the American people, including:

    • Preventing the Death Tax from hitting over two million family-owned farms so they can be passed down to the next generation
    • Making the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act permanent, preventing a 25% tax hike on Wisconsin families
    • Making the Small Business Deduction permanent, and increasing it to 23%
    • Eliminating taxes on overtime pay and tipped wages
    • Providing billions of dollars in tax relief for low- and middle-income seniors
    • Increasing funding for border security measures

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Van Orden Votes for Tax Breaks for Families, Small Business Growth, SNAP & Medicaid Protection

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Derrick Van Orden (Wisconsin 3rd)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Derrick Van Orden (WI-03) released the following statement after voting to pass H.R.1 – the One, Big, Beautiful Bill:

    “This bill is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Americans – our seniors, veterans, families, farmers, manufacturers, and most vulnerable populations. 

    “My Democrat colleagues have been fearmongering and pushing blatant lies from day one, and that ends now. When this beautiful bill reaches President Trump’s desk, Americans will see their taxes go down, wages go up, and integrity and stability restored in critical programs like SNAP and Medicaid. 

    “This is what delivering real results for the people I represent looks like and what 77 million Americans and 1.7 Wisconsinites voted for.”

    The One, Big, Beautiful Bill contains a variety of wins for the American people, including:

    • Preventing the Death Tax from hitting over two million family-owned farms so they can be passed down to the next generation
    • Making the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act permanent, preventing a 25% tax hike on Wisconsin families
    • Making the Small Business Deduction permanent, and increasing it to 23%
    • Eliminating taxes on overtime pay and tipped wages
    • Providing billions of dollars in tax relief for low- and middle-income seniors
    • Increasing funding for border security measures

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Andrea Salinas Statement on House Passage of Republican Tax Scam

    Source: US Representative Andrea Salinas (OR-06)

    Today, U.S. Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (OR-06) released the following statement following the House Passage of Republicans’ Tax Scam

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (OR-06) released the following statement following the House Passage of Republicans’ Tax Scam:

    “I voted no on this big, ugly betrayal because it increases costs for working families and hurts seniors, veterans, and children in Oregon and across the country. At a time when Americans are already struggling to make ends meet, this bill will increase costs, strip away health care, take food off the table of working families and increase energy costs for all Americans—all to give tax breaks to large corporations and billionaires. I was proud to stand up for hardworking Oregonians and vote against this bill.

    “For Oregonians, the damage is immediate and severe. The bill slashes hundreds of billions of dollars from Medicaid, known in our state as the Oregon Health Plan. These cuts could shutter rural hospitals, nursing homes, and health centers, leaving all Oregon families with higher health care costs and rural patients with little to no access to care.

    “This package also threatens nutrition assistance for the almost 800,000 people in our state who count on SNAP to put food on the table. The cuts would make this the single largest rollback of food aid in American history and would hurt Oregonians who rely on SNAP as well as local farmers and grocers. And the cuts would extend beyond SNAP to threaten food assistance programs like Meals on Wheels. This is cruel, plain, and simple.

    “Not only does this bill increase costs for families, it’s also a fiscal disaster. It adds $5 trillion to our national debt, further jeopardizing our bond rating and our children’s future. For a party that claims to care about cutting the debt, it’s clear Republicans care more about kicking working families when they’re down.

    “This bill is a betrayal of the values we hold in Oregon. I will never support legislation that asks our working families to sacrifice, for the sole purpose of enriching the wealthiest Americans. This bill isn’t about fiscal responsibility – it’s a tax giveaway to the ultra-wealthy, paid for by gutting healthcare and SNAP programs that our communities rely on to survive and thrive.”

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Andrea Salinas Statement on House Passage of Republican Tax Scam

    Source: US Representative Andrea Salinas (OR-06)

    Today, U.S. Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (OR-06) released the following statement following the House Passage of Republicans’ Tax Scam

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (OR-06) released the following statement following the House Passage of Republicans’ Tax Scam:

    “I voted no on this big, ugly betrayal because it increases costs for working families and hurts seniors, veterans, and children in Oregon and across the country. At a time when Americans are already struggling to make ends meet, this bill will increase costs, strip away health care, take food off the table of working families and increase energy costs for all Americans—all to give tax breaks to large corporations and billionaires. I was proud to stand up for hardworking Oregonians and vote against this bill.

    “For Oregonians, the damage is immediate and severe. The bill slashes hundreds of billions of dollars from Medicaid, known in our state as the Oregon Health Plan. These cuts could shutter rural hospitals, nursing homes, and health centers, leaving all Oregon families with higher health care costs and rural patients with little to no access to care.

    “This package also threatens nutrition assistance for the almost 800,000 people in our state who count on SNAP to put food on the table. The cuts would make this the single largest rollback of food aid in American history and would hurt Oregonians who rely on SNAP as well as local farmers and grocers. And the cuts would extend beyond SNAP to threaten food assistance programs like Meals on Wheels. This is cruel, plain, and simple.

    “Not only does this bill increase costs for families, it’s also a fiscal disaster. It adds $5 trillion to our national debt, further jeopardizing our bond rating and our children’s future. For a party that claims to care about cutting the debt, it’s clear Republicans care more about kicking working families when they’re down.

    “This bill is a betrayal of the values we hold in Oregon. I will never support legislation that asks our working families to sacrifice, for the sole purpose of enriching the wealthiest Americans. This bill isn’t about fiscal responsibility – it’s a tax giveaway to the ultra-wealthy, paid for by gutting healthcare and SNAP programs that our communities rely on to survive and thrive.”

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Strickland Statement on Greatest Scam in History

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland released the following statement after voting against the Republican-led bill that resulted in the greatest, most cruel, scam in history:

    “President Trump and House Republicans continue to lie to the American people. They promised to lower costs on ‘day one’. Instead, they have championed the greatest scam in American history.

    Trump and House Republicans have stripped healthcare from 17 million Americans. They will have closed one in four nursing homes, shut down over 300 rural hospitals, and ripped food from the mouths of five million SNAP recipients – including children.

    It is clear now, more than ever before – that Trump and these spineless House Republicans do not care for the American people. They only care about themselves.”

    Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. She is Whip of the New Democrat Coalition, Secretary of the Congressional Black Caucus, and is one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Strickland Statement on Greatest Scam in History

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland released the following statement after voting against the Republican-led bill that resulted in the greatest, most cruel, scam in history:

    “President Trump and House Republicans continue to lie to the American people. They promised to lower costs on ‘day one’. Instead, they have championed the greatest scam in American history.

    Trump and House Republicans have stripped healthcare from 17 million Americans. They will have closed one in four nursing homes, shut down over 300 rural hospitals, and ripped food from the mouths of five million SNAP recipients – including children.

    It is clear now, more than ever before – that Trump and these spineless House Republicans do not care for the American people. They only care about themselves.”

    Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. She is Whip of the New Democrat Coalition, Secretary of the Congressional Black Caucus, and is one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Harshbarger’s Statement on House Passage of President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Diana Harshbarger (R-TN)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger (TN-01) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed President Donald J. Trump’s comprehensive One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBBA):

    “Today, the House took a historic step toward restoring trust in government by passing meaningful reforms that put the American people first. The One Big Beautiful Bill is about ensuring taxpayer dollars are used wisely, those who genuinely need help receive it, and our communities are safer, stronger, and more secure. This bill enhances Medicaid for the truly vulnerable, strengthens our border, cuts wasteful spending, and invests in the future of American families. It reflects the values of accountability, compassion, and commonsense that folks in East Tennessee and across the country expect from their government. That is why I voted yes for the One Big Beautiful Bill.” – Congresswoman Harshbarger

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Tonko: Republicans Have Abdicated Their Duty & Betrayed the American People

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Paul Tonko (Capital Region New York)

    WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Paul D. Tonko released the following statement on the House passage of President Trump’s budget, the so-called “Big, Beautiful Bill” that exacts the largest cut to health care and food assistance in American history, all to bring massive tax breaks to the wealthiest 0.1 percent.

    “This bill will go down as one of the most egregious betrayals of the American public in history. At a time when we should be celebrating the birth of our nation and a celebration of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” the President and rubber-stamp Republicans have condemned millions to a harder, less free, less joyous life.

    “Republicans spent these past few weeks hemming and hawing about this legislation: from the devastating cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, to the eradication of countless manufacturing and clean energy jobs, to the massive increase in our debt. But after that whining, they went ahead and voted to pass all those disastrous provisions anyway.

    “Republicans had one job: to vote no on a bill that their constituents don’t like, that hospitals don’t like, that businesses don’t like, that unions don’t like, that they themselves don’t like. Instead, they voted yes all to appease one man.

    “It’s clear that Republicans would rather lie about the contents and consequences of this bill and bow down to wannabe king Donald Trump than protect the lives and livelihoods of their constituents. Regardless of what they believe, they are still beholden to their constituents and the American people. When they go home to their districts, they’ll have to explain why they voted to make more people slide into poverty, more kids go to bed hungry, and more patients die without the care they need.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tonko: Republicans Have Abdicated Their Duty & Betrayed the American People

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Paul Tonko (Capital Region New York)

    WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Paul D. Tonko released the following statement on the House passage of President Trump’s budget, the so-called “Big, Beautiful Bill” that exacts the largest cut to health care and food assistance in American history, all to bring massive tax breaks to the wealthiest 0.1 percent.

    “This bill will go down as one of the most egregious betrayals of the American public in history. At a time when we should be celebrating the birth of our nation and a celebration of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” the President and rubber-stamp Republicans have condemned millions to a harder, less free, less joyous life.

    “Republicans spent these past few weeks hemming and hawing about this legislation: from the devastating cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, to the eradication of countless manufacturing and clean energy jobs, to the massive increase in our debt. But after that whining, they went ahead and voted to pass all those disastrous provisions anyway.

    “Republicans had one job: to vote no on a bill that their constituents don’t like, that hospitals don’t like, that businesses don’t like, that unions don’t like, that they themselves don’t like. Instead, they voted yes all to appease one man.

    “It’s clear that Republicans would rather lie about the contents and consequences of this bill and bow down to wannabe king Donald Trump than protect the lives and livelihoods of their constituents. Regardless of what they believe, they are still beholden to their constituents and the American people. When they go home to their districts, they’ll have to explain why they voted to make more people slide into poverty, more kids go to bed hungry, and more patients die without the care they need.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Latta Votes to Ensure Tax Relief, Strengthen Medicaid, Prioritize American Energy Dominance, & Reduce Fraud & Abuse in Federal Government

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green Ohio)

    Latta Votes to Ensure Tax Relief, Strengthen Medicaid, Prioritize American Energy Dominance, & Reduce Fraud & Abuse in Federal Government

    Legislation Heads to President Trump to Sign into Law

    Washington, July 3, 2025

    Today, Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH-5) released the following statement after voting to ensure tax relief, strengthen Medicaid, prioritize American energy dominance, and reduce fraud and abuse in the federal government by supporting H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act:   

    “Northern Ohioans work hard to provide for their families, that’s why today I voted to ensure they receive the real tax relief they deserve through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. This bill prioritizes American energy dominance, promotes economic growth, supports families, seniors, and small businesses, strengthens our border security. Most importantly, it puts America first, including our farmers who deserve the ability to grow their operations and access more flexible, lower-cost loans. Today’s vote takes us one step closer to cutting wasteful spending and reducing fraud and abuse in the federal government and I urge President Trump to quickly sign this bill into law.” 

    Read Congressman Latta’s statement following his support for the Energy and Commerce budget reconciliation markup here, and his statement after voting to send the Reconciliation Bill to the Senate here.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Latta Votes to Ensure Tax Relief, Strengthen Medicaid, Prioritize American Energy Dominance, & Reduce Fraud & Abuse in Federal Government

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green Ohio)

    Latta Votes to Ensure Tax Relief, Strengthen Medicaid, Prioritize American Energy Dominance, & Reduce Fraud & Abuse in Federal Government

    Legislation Heads to President Trump to Sign into Law

    Washington, July 3, 2025

    Today, Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH-5) released the following statement after voting to ensure tax relief, strengthen Medicaid, prioritize American energy dominance, and reduce fraud and abuse in the federal government by supporting H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act:   

    “Northern Ohioans work hard to provide for their families, that’s why today I voted to ensure they receive the real tax relief they deserve through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. This bill prioritizes American energy dominance, promotes economic growth, supports families, seniors, and small businesses, strengthens our border security. Most importantly, it puts America first, including our farmers who deserve the ability to grow their operations and access more flexible, lower-cost loans. Today’s vote takes us one step closer to cutting wasteful spending and reducing fraud and abuse in the federal government and I urge President Trump to quickly sign this bill into law.” 

    Read Congressman Latta’s statement following his support for the Energy and Commerce budget reconciliation markup here, and his statement after voting to send the Reconciliation Bill to the Senate here.  

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Moore Votes “Yes” on One Big Beautiful Bill – Legislation Headed to President’s Desk

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Riley Moore (WV-02)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, the House of Representatives passed the final amended version of H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Congressman Riley M. Moore voted “Yes” on the legislation.

    Congressman Moore issued the following statement:

    “In November, the American people gave President Trump a mandate for change after years of mass migration, inflation, and progressive insanity. They demanded secure borders, lower costs, and a return to commonsense. The One Big Beautiful Bill delivers on that America First agenda. I proudly voted ‘Yes’ on this historic legislation.

    “This bill provides the largest border security investment in America’s history – $175 billion to finish the wall, hire thousands of new ICE and Border Patrol agents, and conduct mass deportations – giving the President every tool he needs to restore our national sovereignty. We also provide the largest tax cut in American history – no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, and 88% of seniors will pay no taxes on Social Security.  

    “The bill also embraces fossil fuels to power our economy, reindustrialize the heartland, and beat China in the AI arms race. It fully defunds Planned Parenthood, invests in a 21st century military, increases and makes permanent the Child Tax Credit, permanently extends important business tax credits – including the Section 199A deduction – and cuts spending by more than $1.35 trillion. 

    “President Trump’s signature legislation is a huge win for the American people that puts our nation on the path to a new Golden Age. I can’t wait to see the President sign the One Big Beautiful Bill on Independence Day.”

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Newhouse Statement on Passage of H.R. 1

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Newhouse (4th District of Washington)

    Headline: Newhouse Statement on Passage of H.R. 1

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement upon final House passage of the Senate-amended H.R. 1. The legislation, which passed 218-214 now goes to President Trump’s desk to be signed into law. 

    “At the start of this Congress, we made a commitment to reduce government spending, keep taxes low for hard working Americans, and make reforms to federal assistance programs to ensure their long-term sustainability. This is by no means a perfect bill, but it delivers on our commitment while benefiting farmers, families, and small business owners across central Washington. 

    H.R.1 prevents the largest tax hike in American history, increases the Child Tax Credit, and unleashes American energy production to lower costs and reduce inflation. It makes the largest-ever investment in border security and makes our nation safer by strengthening our military. I was able to secure continued investment in our current and future nuclear energy fleet, which is vital to the Tri-Cities and the surrounding region. 

    We include major portions of the Farm Bill to deliver critical assistance for our farmers and ranchers, including my long-time priority of doubling the Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development Program to open new markets for our ag exports. I worked with House Leadership not once, but twice, to successfully prevent the sale of our public lands in this bill. 

    We are protecting Medicaid and SNAP for those who truly need it by requiring part-time work requirements for able bodied adults without dependents and establishing a $50 billion fund for our rural hospitals. By reducing improper payments to deceased individuals and defunct providers, we are ensuring there are more funds for the low-income individuals, families, and seniors who rely on the program. I am committed to keeping our rural hospitals open, and I will utilize my position on the House Appropriations Committee to do just that. 

    Working families, small businesses, rural hospitals, and farmers across Central Washington have been at the top of my mind throughout this process. For weeks since we first passed H.R. 1, I have heard from my constituents about the legislation’s benefits and downsides, and I have truly given serious thought to the legislation. This was a hard, thoroughly considered vote that I believe will benefit the people of my district.” 

    The following are provisions in H.R. 1 that Rep. Newhouse worked to secure.  

    Market Access for Farmers and Ranchers 

    • Doubles funding for the Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development Program to give Central Washington producers the upper hand in global markets.

    Nuclear Energy Tax Credits Preservation 

    • Protects the small nuclear reactor project in Richland.
    • Allows advanced nuclear projects to utilize the Production Tax Credit (45Y) and Investment Tax Credits (48E) once they have commenced construction.
    • Maintains the Nuclear Power Production Tax Credit (45U) through 2031 for existing nuclear reactors. 

    Protections for Rural Hospitals 

    • Commitments that funds from the Rural Health Transformation program will support rural hospitals in Washington state. 

    H.R. 1 delivers an economy that is pro-growth, pro-worker, pro-family, and pro-business:  

    • Makes the 2017 tax cuts permanent, preventing the largest tax hike in American history on the middle class.
    • Removes taxes on tips, overtime pay, and Social Security for seniors.
    • Makes permanent the 20 percent Small Business Tax Deduction, delivering $250 million in GDP growth and 5,000 jobs to Washington’s Fourth District annually.

    H.R. 1 makes historic investments into the agriculture industry:  

    • Increases the coverage level and affordability of certain crop insurance policies used by specialty crop producers.
    • Provides more affordable crop insurance for beginning farmers and ranchers for the first ten years of farming.
    • Expands access to standing disaster programs and conservation programs.
    • Improves the livestock programs to be more responsive to drought and predation and expands producer eligibility for the tree assistance program.

    H.R. 1 makes the largest investment into border security in American history: 

    • Funds over 700 miles of border wall at the southwest border.
    • Funds 3,000 new Border Patrol agents and 5,000 new Customs and Border Protection officers.
    • Invests in cutting-edge technology to combat the flow of fentanyl across the border.

    H.R. 1 makes common-sense reforms to Medicaid to ensure the program’s long-term sustainability: 

    • Work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents to work, volunteer, or pursue further education 80 hours per month to receive benefits.
    • Prevents illegal immigrants from receiving taxpayer-funded benefits.
    • Ensures the program will continue to efficiently serve eligible participants who truly need it.
    • Establishes the Rural Health Transformation Program at $50 billion to states and to covered facilities including a wide array of small, rural, and Medicare-dependent hospitals, rural health clinics, community mental health centers, opioid treatment programs, and more.

    H.R. 1 reforms the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to support recipients and end abuse of the program: 

    • Saves taxpayers nearly $200 billion through reforms to SNAP that ensure the program works the way Congress intended by reinforcing work, rooting out waste, and instituting long-overdue accountability incentives to control costs.
    • Implements modest state cost-share for SNAP to ensure states manage program resources responsibly.
    • Incentivizes correcting error rates in SNAP payments by allowing states with an error rate below six percent to be exempt from paying the cost-share for benefits.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: ‘Shameful, Dangerous, and Unforgivable’ | Pingree Statement on Final Passage of Trump’s Megabill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (1st District of Maine)

    Today, after the U.S. House passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act without any Democratic support, Maine First District Congresswoman Chellie Pingree released the following statement:

    Today, the House passed the most harmful, heartless, and regressive bill I’ve seen in my time in Congress. It’s difficult to overstate the scale of devastation this legislation will unleash on families across the country.

    This bill represents one of the largest wealth transfers in American history—cutting more than $1 trillion from Medicaid and putting health care for millions of people at risk. It slashes SNAP benefits by nearly $300 billion, threatening food security for working families and children. The burden this will put on states, whose budgets are already strained—particularly with respect to health care and food security—is enormous and will almost certainly lead to higher state and local taxes. And they’re doing it all to hand more than $1 trillion in tax breaks to billionaires and corporations, adding $3.3 trillion to the national deficit. They’re willing to sacrifice the health and wellbeing of hardworking Americans, struggling families, and marginalized communities to make the rich ever richer. It’s deeply immoral and needlessly cruel.

    And let’s not forget the absurd political vendettas and pet projects tucked in the bill, like raising taxes on clean energy, showering the oil and gas industry with subsidies, building the President’s so-called ‘Garden of Heroes’, and moving the Space Shuttle Discovery to Texas. It hands ICE over $75 billion—more than we spend in a year on the Marine Corps or medical research–to create a sprawling, secretive deportation force and a vast network of detention centers, enriching private prison companies while subjecting immigrant communities to unfathomable fear and suffering.

    The impact of this legislation here in Maine will be devastating. Tens of thousands could lose access to health care and food assistance. We’re already seeing the closure of hospitals and clinics across the state. This bill puts even more pressure on our state’s already strained health infrastructure. And immigrants in our communities—many of whom have already survived unimaginable hardship and who contribute actively to our communities and local economies—will be forced to live in even greater fear of being detained or disappeared.

    That Speaker Johnson chose to keep the procedural rule vote open for hours last night while holdouts made backroom deals with the President on their own pet issues, forcing debate on the bill into the dead of night, underscores the chaos that has defined this process from the very beginning. 

    Leader Jeffries’ extraordinary floor speech today laid bare just how dangerous and damaging this bill truly is, and how Republicans are betraying the people they represent. Meanwhile, it’s clear from the President’s own comments that he doesn’t even know what’s in his signature legislation, or that it will kick 17 million people off their health care. The ignorance and apathy on display is staggering.

    This bill is not about helping everyday Americans. It’s an assault on the working class, a gift to the ultra-wealthy, a climate disaster, and a ticking time bomb for the economy. 

    It’s shameful. It’s dangerous. And it’s unforgivable.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: REP LIEU VOTED NO ON TRUMP BILL TO CUT MEDICARE AND MEDICAID

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ted Lieu (33 District of California)

    WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) issued the following statement after voting against Donald Trump’s Big Ugly Bill, H.R. 1. The bill passed the House 218-214 and will now be signed into law. In California, more than 2.3 million people will lose health insurance and 368,000 could lose access to food assistance because of this bill. 

    “Republicans just passed the Big Ugly Bill. The bill cuts approximately $1 trillion from Medicaid. The bill results in cuts of $500 billion to Medicare. The bill will kick 17 million Americans off their health care. The bill also cuts essential anti-hunger programs, increases utility bills, defunds Planned Parenthood, and blows a $4.5 trillion hole in the federal deficit. Why did Republicans go through all this trouble? To give tax breaks to billionaires.

    “I will not mince words: this is an absolute betrayal. A betrayal of hardworking Americans who are struggling with the high cost of living in Trump’s terrible economy. A betrayal of children, seniors, and veterans who rely on Medicaid, Medicare and anti-hunger programs.  A betrayal of everyone who believes our government should help our communities thrive, not make Americans sicker, hungrier, and poorer.

    “All 212 House Democrats voted no. We fought back against this bill every way we could. We assembled on the Capitol steps to call on four Republicans to stand up with us, I joined my colleagues to go live on social media to speak about how the American people will be harmed, and I demanded Republicans reverse their cuts to Medicaid and anti-hunger programs on the House Floor. Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries broke a record by speaking on the House Floor for nearly nine hours straight to delay the vote and share real stories of Americans who will be hurt by the Republican bill.

    “All we needed was four Republicans to do the right thing and protect their constituents. Instead, they voted to betray the American people. My heart breaks for the Americans who will be harmed by this bill. What Republicans did is shameful. This is a distressing moment in our nation’s history. But I will not stop fighting for you. House Democrats are in this for the long haul – we will not be silent, and we will keep doing everything we can to fight against the Republican attacks on everyday people.”

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Casten Statement on Republican Budget Betrayal

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Sean Casten (IL-06)

    July 03, 2025

    Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representative Sean Casten (IL-06) released the following statement regarding the Republican budget betrayal:

    “This bill forces us to borrow $5 trillion to pay for a tax cut for billionaires. It will make seniors who depend on Meals on Wheels and children who get free lunch at school go hungry. It will shut down nursing homes and hospitals because of cuts to the Medicaid system. It strips over 17 million Americans of their health insurance. It raises energy costs and hurts the reliability of our electric grid.

    “Why would any elected official vote for legislation that saddles the country with massive amounts of additional borrowing while simultaneously making most Americans sicker, hungrier, and poorer?

    “That’s not a policy question. It’s a moral question. I voted NO because I will always put the interests of my constituents over the interests of the Trump family and their billionaire grifter friends. Those who voted for this legislation should be ashamed of themselves. The American people deserve better.”

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Mike Levin Votes “Hell No” on the Big Ugly Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Levin (CA-49)

    July 03, 2025

    Washington, D.C.—Today, Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) released the following statement after voting “Hell No” on the Republicans’ Big Ugly Bill that will kick millions of Americans off their health insurance, cut food assistance, and raise energy prices:

    “I’ve been saying it for months – this is the worst bill that the House has voted on during my time in Congress.

    “I’ve made sure my Republican colleagues know exactly what their vote in support of this legislation means. The numbers are dire. Health care coverage ripped away from 17 million Americans. Food assistance for 42 million threatened. Home electricity bills increasing over $400 dollars a year.

    “However, we must all remember the consequences of the bill go far beyond statistics. During a visit to a community health care clinic in Encinitas, I heard from a father whose children with autism will suffer when Medicaid is gutted. At one of my town halls, a single mom from Oceanside who works in our local schools shared how her children with special needs are dependent on every SNAP dollar they receive. During that same town hall, a community member involved with San Diego Community Power explained exactly how this bill’s provisions meant to boost Big Oil will drive up our electric bills, particularly as tens of millions of families across the country already struggle to keep the lights on.

    “These terrible consequences aren’t a secret; Mike Johnson and House Republicans have heard the same stories. They know that people will die just so that they can finance tax breaks for their ultrawealthy donors. It’s shameful that they’re so eager to bow to Donald Trump that they don’t care what they’re doing to working families.”

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