NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: Steil Joins Deputy Secretary Faulkender for Roundtable on Modernization of U.S. Payment Systems

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Bryan Steil (Wisconsin-1)

    Washington, DC – Yesterday, Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) joined Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Michael Faulkender and industry leaders at a roundtable to discuss the modernization of payments to and from America’s bank account, consistent with President Trump’s March 25th Executive Order. During the meeting, Steil and Faulkender highlighted the federal government’s efforts to shift from paper checks to electronic payments by the end of this year, the benefits of digital payment options like traditional electronic fund transfers and stablecoins, and future advancements in delivering U.S. payments. 

    Steil focused his remarks on how these reforms will benefit families in his district and the work Congress is doing to support financial modernization efforts, including advancing legislation on payment stablecoins. Other attendees highlighted the flaws within the current, antiquated system, including billions of dollars in fraudulent or improper payments, the advantages of digital transfers, and how private sector expertise can help drive reforms that benefit the American people.

    “The federal government spends more than $650 million each year on outdated payment systems that lead to higher costs, delayed payments, and an increased vulnerability to fraud,” said Steil. “For hard working families or seniors who rely on a Social Security check or tax refund, a lost or stolen payment can mean the difference between paying rent and utilities on time or facing costly penalties. For the U.S. government these fraudulent payments represent $247 billion in avoidable losses.  President Trump and the Department of Treasury’s reforms to these outdated systems can help prevent fraud and provide meaningful support for American families.”

    “Treasury continues to explore opportunities for public-private partnerships so we can deliver faster, more secure, and more modern payment experiences for the American people, while cutting hundreds of millions of dollars in unnecessary government spending. I commend Congressman Steil and the Financial Services Committee for their ongoing work to help root out waste, fraud, and abuse as we strive to enact President Trump’s agenda to protect hardworking Americans,” said Faulkender.

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Soto, Salazar, Wasserman Schultz Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Designate Venezuela for Temporary Protected Status

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Darren Soto (D-FL)

    The Venezuela TPS Act of 2025 would protect over half a million Venezuelan nationals who currently hold protected status

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Florida Reps. Darren Soto (D-FL-09), María Elvira Salazar (R-FL-27), and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL-25) introduced the bipartisan Venezuela TPS Act of 2025, legislation designating Venezuela for Temporary Protected Status. This comes after U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem announced the termination of Venezuela’s TPS extension by the Biden Administration, affecting more than half a million Venezuelans who currently hold protected status. 

    “We are concerned by the Trump Administration’s actions to strip Venezuelans of Temporary Protected Status, parole, and other critical protections during a time of major instability in their country. In Central Florida, thousands of Venezuelans have fled political violence and joined family members already living in the United States, contributing to our economy, and working hard to help our community grow,” said Congressman Darren Soto. “It is insulting to turn our backs on this group. Now more than ever, we need to come together to protect our community from unjust treatment and unconstitutional deportations.” 

    “The oppression of the Maduro regime and the total failure of socialism of the 21st century has created dangerous conditions in Venezuela and a constant threat of political persecution,” said Congresswoman Salazar. “That’s why I am proud to co-lead the Venezuela TPS Act of 2025—to ensure law-abiding Venezuelans currently in the United States can stay here until conditions improve and they are not forcibly returned to a brutal dictatorship. I will continue fighting for a free and prosperous Venezuela, led by its legitimate President Edmundo Gonzalez and the Iron Lady Maria Corina Machado.”

    “It is simply wrong to subject law-abiding Venezuelan families to a criminal, murderous regime that openly and flagrantly violates human rights,” said Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz. “TPS recipients are not criminals—they are here legally and nobody with a criminal record is eligible for protection. I’m proud to join this bipartisan effort to prevent Venezuelan families in my district from being unjustly torn apart while we continue to fight for a free and prosperous Venezuela under democratic leadership.”

    The Venezuela TPS Act of 2025 automatically designates Venezuela for TPS for an initial period of 18 months, with the option of renewal. Under TPS, Venezuelans would be shielded from deportation and granted work authorization, allowing individuals to pay taxes and contribute to their communities. The Act also provides for individuals to travel abroad for emergencies and extenuating circumstances.

    Political instability, endemic corruption, and repression under Nicolás Maduro’s authoritarian regime has led to massive food and medicine shortages, with millions living in poverty and suffering from food insecurity. Venezuela’s economy has contracted by more than 80% since 2014, which is more than twice the magnitude of the Great Depression in the United States. Due to the ongoing crisis in Venezuela, Venezuelans have consistently been the leading nationality requesting asylum in the United States since 2016. As of June 2023, United Nations agencies believe that over 7.3 million Venezuelans have fled the country, many of whom have resettled in neighboring countries like Colombia and Brazil. 

    Venezuelan nationals will be eligible for TPS if they: 

    ·    Have been continuously physically present in the United States since the date of the bill’s enactment;

    ·    Are admissible to the United States; and

    ·    Register for TPS in a manner established by the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security.

    For the full text of the bill, please click here. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: EN ESPAÑOL: Soto, Salazar, Wasserman Schultz Presentan Proyecto de Ley Bipartidista Para Designar a Venezuela al Estatus de Protección Temporal

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Darren Soto (D-FL)

    La Ley de TPS para Venezuela del 2025 protegería a más de medio millón de ciudadanos venezolanos que actualmente tienen estatus protegido

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Hoy, representantes de la Florida Darren Soto (D-FL-09), María Elvira Salazar (R-FL-27) y Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL-25) presentaron la Ley de TPS para Venezuela del 2025, un proyecto de ley bipartidista que designaría a Venezuela al Estatus de Protección Temporal (TPS, por sus siglas en inglés). Este proyecto de ley se produjo después de que la secretaria de Seguridad Nacional de los Estados Unidos, Kristi Noem, anuncio la terminación de la extensión del TPS para Venezuela por parte de la Administración Biden, que afecta a más de medio millón de ciudadanos que actualmente tienen estatus protegido.

    “Estamos preocupados por las acciones de la Administración Trump para sacarle a los venezolanos los beneficios del Estatus de Protección Temporal, la libertad condicional y otras protecciones críticas durante un momento de gran inestabilidad en su país. En Florida Central, miles de venezolanos han huido de la violencia política y se han unido a sus familiares que actualmente viven en los Estados Unidos—contribuyendo a la economía y trabajando arduamente para ayudar a que nuestra comunidad crezca,” dijo el congresista Darren Soto. “Darle la espalda a este grupo es un gran insulto. Ahora más que nunca, necesitamos unirnos para proteger a nuestra comunidad contra trato injusto y las deportaciones inconstitucionales.”

     “La opresión del régimen de Maduro y el fracaso total del socialismo del siglo XXI ha creado condiciones peligrosas en Venezuela y una amenaza constante de persecución política,” dijo la congresista Salazar. “Es por eso que me enorgullece coliderar la Ley de TPS para Venezuela del 2025, para garantizar que los venezolanos respetuosos de la ley que actualmente se encuentran en los Estados Unidos puedan permanecer aquí hasta que las condiciones mejoren y no sean devueltos a la fuerza a una dictadura brutal. Seguiré luchando por una Venezuela libre y próspera, liderada por su legítimo presidente Edmundo González y la Dama de Hierro María Corina Machado.”

     “Es simplemente un error someter a las familias venezolanas respetuosas de la ley a un régimen criminal y asesino que viola abierta y flagrantemente los derechos humanos,” dijo la congresista Wasserman Schultz. “Los beneficiarios del TPS no son criminales, están aquí legalmente y nadie con antecedentes penales es elegible para la protección. Estoy orgullosa de unirme a este esfuerzo bipartidista para evitar que las familias venezolanas en mi distrito sean injustamente separadas mientras continuamos luchando por una Venezuela libre y próspera bajo un liderazgo democrático.”

    La Ley de TPS para Venezuela del 2025 automáticamente designaría a Venezuela al TPS por un período inicial de 18 meses, con opción de renovación. Bajo el TPS, los venezolanos estarían protegidos contra la deportación y se les otorgaría autorización de trabajo, permitiéndoles a los beneficiarios pagar impuestos y contribuir a sus comunidades. El proyecto de ley también prevé que los beneficiarios viajen al extranjero por situaciones de emergencia y circunstancias atenuantes.

    La inestabilidad política, la corrupción endémica y la represión bajo el régimen autoritario de Nicolás Maduro han provocado una escasez masiva de alimentos y medicamentos, con milliones de personas vivendo en la pobreza y sufriendo inseguridad alimentaria. La economía de Venezuela se ha contraído en más del 80% desde el 2014, más del doble de la magnitud de la Gran Depresión en los Estados Unidos. Debido a la crisis en Venezuela, los venezolanos han sido consistentemente la principal nacionalidad que solicita asilo en los Estados Unidos desde el 2016. Hasta junio del 2023, las agencias de las Naciones Unidas Unidas creen que más de 7,3 millones de venezolanos han huido del país, muchos de los cuales se han reasentado en países vecinos como Colombia y Brasil.

    Los ciudadanos venezolanos serán elegibles para el TPS bajo estas condiciones:

    ·    Haber estado físicamente presente continuamente en los Estados Unidos desde la fecha de promulgación del proyecto de ley; 

    ·    Ser admisibles a los Estados Unidos; y 

    ·    Registrarse para el TPS de la manera establecida por el/la secretario/a de Seguridad Nacional de los Estados Unidos.

     Para ver el texto completo del proyecto de ley,haz clic aquí.  

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Soto Delivers Opening Remarks During Energy & Commerce Full Committee Markup of Budget Reconciliation Text

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Darren Soto (D-FL)

    WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, during the House Energy & Commerce Full Committee Markup of Budget Reconciliation Text, Congressman Darren Soto (FL-09) spoke against cuts to Medicaid, including KidCare and nursing home care. In Florida’s Ninth Congressional District, over 158,000 constituents rely on Medicaid programs, totaling 19% of the district’s population. Below are Rep. Soto’s remarks as prepared for delivery.

    “It’s Ebenezer Scrooge Day at the Capitol today. Taking healthcare from the poor to fund tax cuts for the rich. 

    “I’m sure Scrooge would think this is a very fine plan. A very fine plan, indeed. Of course, he’s a billionaire hedge fund manager and he’s thrilled about paying even less in taxes.

    “We have a few perspectives to guide us. 

    “First, it’s my favorite: The Ghost of Congress Past. The 115th Congress, y’all may remember that. Where former GOP Congressman Jacob Marley, a frontliner, reminds you how he lost his seat, as well as 20 other Republicans, because you went after Obamacare, KidCare, and Medicaid. 20 seats lost and the majority. 

    “Then, of course, there’s the Ghost of Congress Present. The Cratchit family, of course, is on Medicaid. They have a disabled child, Tiny Tim. There’s Ebenezer’s beloved Fanny—she’s on the ACA. 63 years old. And then Fred Scrooge. He thinks he’s fine because he gets his healthcare through the employer.

    “But we know what’s gonna happen in the future. You passed this terrible bill and you cut $715 billion from the program. You can’t just cut that and not have people lose health insurance.

    “We know for a fact 13.7 million Americans will lose health insurance, including the Cratchit family. Of course, Tiny Tim dies in this scenario. Fanny finds out her Obamacare increases by $10,000. And of course, Fred Scrooge is shocked that his employer-based healthcare went up by 25% because people are flooding the emergency room because they’re sick and they’re uninsured.

    “Of course, this is not some fairytale. In real life, back in my district, in Florida’s Ninth, these are the kids from McCoy Elementary. Half the kids in my district are on Medicaid, they’re on KidCare. It’s a wildly popular program. You can’t cut $715 billion from Medicaid, and then not have this affect our kids.

    “And then I got to go to Providence Assisted Living. A nursing home in my district. I met George. He’s a veteran, he’s partially in a wheelchair. 25% of the seniors in this assisted living facility get their coverage through Medicaid.

    “Don’t be a Scrooge!

    “Don’t vote for this terrible bill that’s gonna cut Medicaid, cut KidCare, cut nursing home care all to fund tax cuts for the rich and powerful.”

    For a video of Rep. Soto delivering his opening remarks, please click here.

    The Energy & Commerce Committee markup is currently live and can be watched here. 

    ###
     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bipartisan House Members Reintroduce the Farm Workforce Modernization Act of 2025

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose)

    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representatives Zoe Lofgren (D-CA-18), Dan Newhouse (R-WA-04), Mike Simpson (R-ID-02), Jim Costa (D-CA-21), David Valadao (R-CA-22), and Adam Gray (D-CA-13) reintroduced the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, H.R. 3227, which creates a workforce solution for America’s agriculture industry, one of the most critical sectors of the national economy.

    The bill, which passed the House of Representatives with strong bipartisan support in the 116th and 117th Congresses, and introduced in the 118th Congress, updates the H-2A agricultural guest worker program and is a compromise solution that provides needed stability for farms and farmworkers. 

    “The men and women who work America’s farms feed the nation. However, in the past few years, we’ve seen labor shortages contribute to high food prices,” said Rep. Zoe Lofgren. “As economic chaos and confusion continues, it is essential we provide stability to this critical workforce. The Farm Workforce Modernization Act would do so, which will protect the future of our farms and our food supply. It is well-past time we get this bipartisan legislation twice passed by the House of Representatives to the President’s desk.”

    “The workforce crisis has come to a boiling point for farmers across the country. Reintroducing the Farm Workforce Modernization Act sends a clear message to farmers that we are working hard to find solutions that ease the burdens brought on by the current state of the H-2A program. This legislation is necessary to lay the groundwork for continued negotiations, and I am committed to working closely with my colleagues to enact long-term, durable reforms to our agriculture guest worker programs. This issue has been, and remains, my top priority and unified Republican government is an opportunity to deliver for our farmers and ranchers,” said Rep. Dan Newhouse.

    Background

    The bill was negotiated over eight months in 2019 with input from farmers, agricultural stakeholders, labor organizations, and farmworker advocates. In December 2019, it became the first agriculture labor reform legislation to pass the House of Representatives since 1986. Since its passage, a bipartisan coalition of Members has continually been working to move the bill through the legislative process. 

    Why? Because farmers and ranchers across the United States are in desperate need of a high-quality, reliable workforce, farmworkers need a stable future, and the current H-2A guestworker program needs meaningful, bipartisan reform.

    The bill:

    • Reforms the H-2A program to provide more flexibility for employers, while ensuring critical protections for workers.
    • Establishes a program for agricultural workers in the United States to choose to earn legal status through continued agricultural employment and contribution to the U.S. agricultural economy.
    • Focuses on modifications to make the program more responsive and user-friendly for employers and provides access to the program for industries with year-round labor needs.

    Support

    “Across America, farm workers are still going to work everyday to put food on our tables,” said UFW President Teresa Romero. “Yet even as they feed our nation, too many farm workers are living in fear and uncertainty. The farm workers who feed America have earned the right to call America home. This bipartisan, common sense legislation will create an opportunity for these workers to step out of the shadows and become full members of the society they feed.” 

    With the reintroduction of the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, we thank Representatives Lofgren and Newhouse for their continued leadership on this important issue. During this legislative process, we implore Congress to provide much-needed updates to this bill to provide both immediate relief and long-lasting solutions for American agriculture. As always, we stand ready to engage with our elected officials on both sides of the aisle and in both houses of congress to develop legislation that can be signed into law,” said Western Growers’ CEO Dave Puglia. 

    “The workforce crisis is the most important issue facing agriculture in our country,” said Rep. Mike Simpson. “Supporting American agriculture means providing a stable, reliable, and legal workforce, and this legislative solution addresses one of the most pressing concerns our farmers and ranchers face. Now that we finally have an administration taking the border crisis seriously, Congress must address this issue and enact necessary reforms. It is well past time we solve this problem. I look forward to working with my colleagues and getting this critical legislation across the finish line to President Trump’s desk for his signature.”

    “American agriculture depends on a reliable workforce and nowhere is that more true than in California’s San Joaquin Valley, where farmworkers are the backbone of our economy. This legislation is a common-sense, bipartisan solution that provides stability for our farmers and dignity for the workers who feed America. If President Trump is serious about fixing our broken immigration system, he should work with us to get this bill across the finish line,” said Rep. Jim Costa. 

    “Central Valley farmers are the backbone of our nation’s agricultural industry, but they continue to face serious challenges finding and retaining a reliable workforce,” said Rep. David Valadao. “The current H-2A program doesn’t meet the labor needs of many producers, but the Farm Workforce Modernization Act is a positive step to addressing our agriculture workforce needs and securing our food supply chain. Food security is national security, and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to find long-term solutions that support our farmers and strengthen our food supply chain.”

    “Farm workers and the larger agricultural community are the backbone of the Central Valley’s economy,” said Rep. Adam Gray. “Labor shortages on our farms could lead to higher food prices across the country and the Valley cannot afford to be shorthanded. This commonsense bipartisan bill would stabilize our vital workforce and make sure Valley farmers can continue to feed families across the country.”

    Documents

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lofgren, Salinas, Padilla, Bennet Reintroduce Legislation to Provide Disaster Relief for Farmworkers

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose)

    Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) and Rep. Andrea Salinas (OR-06), the daughter of a former farmworker and a leader in the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, along with U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Michael Bennet (D-CO), reintroduced the Disaster Relief for Farm Workers Act. This legislation would provide compensation for farmworkers who lose out on wages due to extreme weather, public health emergencies, and other disasters beyond their control. The bill was first introduced in the 118th Congress.

    “When extreme weather occurs, farmworkers across our country continue to feed the nation. And yet, these essential workers and their families face great uncertainty when unexpected disasters harm their communities and livelihood. For example, hundreds of farmworkers in my congressional district faced displacement and lost wages after severe flooding devastated the Pajaro community in early 2023. We owe them – and all farmworkers – more. The Disaster Relief for Farm Workers Act ensures America’s indispensable farmworkers can receive disaster relief funding they need and have earned,” said Rep. Lofgren.

    “Extreme weather and natural disasters are only getting worse with climate change. Unfortunately, many of the hardworking individuals who grow and harvest our food do not receive direct financial support when they are forced to miss work and lose wages as a result of these disasters,” said Rep. Salinas. “My legislation would finally correct this injustice by providing federal disaster relief for farmworkers. This change is well-deserved and long-overdue, and I will continue to advocate for the brave men and women who help feed America.”

    “California’s farm workers often work under extreme conditions to help put food on the table for hundreds of millions of Americans,” said Sen. Padilla. “But increasingly frequent natural disasters, including historic flooding in Pajaro, have devastated California’s agricultural communities. We must protect the heart of our nation’s food supply by providing critical emergency assistance to these essential workers.”

    “Agriculture is the backbone of Colorado’s economy and central to our Western way of life, but as climate-fueled disasters become increasingly common, our state’s farm workers are paying the price,” said Sen. Bennet. “Our bill will help ensure the people that grow America’s fruits, vegetables, and other crops get the assistance they need in the wake of emergencies like drought, wildfires, and other natural disasters.”

    Oregon is home to over 100,000 farmworkers, many of whom live and work in the Willamette Valley and power the state’s $42 billion agriculture economy. Yet despite their importance to our food systems, the average farmworker family in Oregon earns less than $25,000 per year. Ninety-six percent reported living in overcrowded housing and about thirty percent are living below the poverty line. When farmworkers cannot work due to extreme weather or other unexpected disasters, they can lose wages and even their jobs—pushing them deeper into housing and food insecurity.

    The Disaster Relief for Farm Workers Act would address this problem by providing direct relief funding for farmworkers. Specifically, this bill would:

    • Make grants available to eligible farmworker organizations to provide emergency relief to farm workers affected by a disaster.
    • Ensure USDA develops and executes a promotional plan prior to and throughout the distribution of the relief grants to increase awareness of the assistance available.
    • Require USDA to work with eligible farmworker organizations.
    • Provide definitions for a covered disaster, eligible farmworker organization, and migrant or seasonal farmworker.
    • Amend Section 2281 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to allow for emergency assistance for farmworkers.

    In addition to Reps. Lofgren and Salinas, the Disaster Relief for Farm Workers Act is cosponsored by Reps. Nanette Barragán (CA-44), André Carson (IN-07), Judy Chu (CA-28), Jim Costa (CA-21), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Paul Tonko (NY-20), and Juan Vargas (CA-52).

    The legislation is endorsed by the following organizations, in alphabetical order: A Better Balance, Alianza Americas, Alianza Nacional de Campesinas, Association of Farmworker Opportunity Programs (AFOP), Borderlands Resource Initiative, California Human Development, Campesinos Sin Fronteras, Care in Action, CASA of Oregon, Center for Employment Training, Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE), Central Valley Opportunity Center, Centro de los Derechos del Migrante, Inc (CDM), Child Labor Coalition, CHILDREN AT RISK, CIERTO, Civic Empowerment Coalition, Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), Columbia Legal Services, CRLA Foundation, Davidson County Local Food Network, El Futuro es Nuestro, Farm Worker Ministry Northwest, Farmworker and Landscaper Advocacy Project-FLAP, Farmworker Housing Development Corporation (FHDC), Farmworker Justice, Food Empowerment Project, GALEO Impact Fund, Hand in Hand/Mano en Mano, Hispanic Affairs Project, Hispanic Federation, Houston Immigration Legal Services Collaborative, Immigrant Defenders Law Center, La Union del Pueblo Entero (LUPE), Latino Outdoors, League of Conservation Voters, Make the Road CT, Make the Road NJ, Make the Road NV, Make the Road NY, Make the Road PA, Make the Road States, Michiganders for a Just Farming System, National Association of Social Workers, National Association of Social Workers – Florida and Virgin Islands Chapter, National Consumers League, National Domestic Workers Alliance, National Employment Law Project, National Migrant and Seasonal Head Start Association, NC FIELD, Inc., NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, North Carolina Council of Churches, North Carolina Farmworker Advocacy Network, North Carolina Justice Center, Nourish Up, Opportunity Arizona, Oregon Human Development Corporation, Organización en California de Lideres Campesinas, Inc, PCUN, Oregon’s Farmworker Union, Pesticide Action and Agroecology Network (PAN), Popular Democracy, Presente.org, Progress Michigan, Proteus Inc., Puente de la Costa Sur, Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), Slow Food USA, Student Action with Farmworkers, Sur Legal Collaborative, TODEC Legal Center, Toxic Free North Carolina, UFW Foundation, Unidos Yamhill County, United Farm Workers, Voces Unidas de las Montañas.

    “Farm workers are always on the front lines of fires, floods, and storms — yet are too often excluded from federal disaster relief programs,” said Teresa Romero, President of United Farm Workers (UFW). “If the federal government can provide emergency support to farm owners who lose crops in natural disaster, then the federal government can emergency provide support to farm workers who lose work in that same disaster. The Disaster Relief for Farm Workers Act will ensure that farm workers who put food on all our tables can continue to put food on their family’s table when disaster strikes.”

    “Every year we see an alarming number of natural disasters that drastically and disproportionately impact the farm worker community. As climate change gets worse, these types of disasters will only worsen and farm workers are the ones who are affected the most by these calamities. Just last year, we saw heavy California rains flooding Ventura County farm areas and Hurricane Helen devastating Georgia’s farm worker communities, leading to organizations like ours stepping up to do what we can. But that is not enough. We must have a federal response to these kinds of disasters. From wildfires to tornadoes to hurricanes, farm workers have little to no safety net to help them recover from unexpected disasters,” said Erica Lomeli Corcoran, Chief Executive Officer at UFW Foundation. “This is exactly why the UFW Foundation is supporting the Disaster Relief for Farm Workers Act. It would provide resources and aid to those who truly need it and would ensure that those responsible for our nation’s food supplies are not overlooked, as they have been in the past. Farm workers have been largely ignored and neglected by the law, shut out from basic protections provided to all workers. It is time that Congress acts and ensures that our nation’s farm workers are given the support they need to overcome times of emergencies and to provide equity to all workers.” 

    “Farmworkers are frontline workers, which means they are the hardest hit by the impacts of extreme weather conditions across the country. Many farmworkers feel that they are risking their health with extreme heat and colder days, but losing even one day of work is not an option for their families’ economic situation. Outdoor protections are important, yet there are days that are becoming too extreme to even be outside. Our vision is to be a resilient workforce for the agricultural industry. Disaster relief means we can start investing in addressing the issues that workers are facing today by building resilience for climate change in the future, without sacrificing the economic well-being of farmworkers,” said Reyna Lopez, Executive Director of Pineros y Campesinos Unidos del Noreste (PCUN).

    To read the full text of the legislation, click here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Jim Costa Honors Fresno Police Sergeant George Imirian with Congressional Recognition on National Police Week

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

    WASHINGTON – During National Police Week, Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) presented a special congressional recognition to Fresno Police Sergeant George Imirian in Washington D.C. This honor was given to commend Sergeant Imirian’s outstanding service and to celebrate his recent recognition as a recipient of the prestigious Top Cop Award by the National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO).In addition to receiving the Top Cop Award, Sgt. Imirian was selected as the Citizen’s Choice Award recipient, NAPO’s highest honor, chosen from hundreds of nominations across the country. This special award is reserved for the officer whose story of bravery, resilience, and service resonates most with the American people. ABOUT SGT. GEORGE IMIRIANOn October 26, 2024, Sgt. Imirian’s life and career took a harrowing turn. While responding to a call involving a homicide suspect, he was ambushed and shot multiple times in the line of duty. Despite the critical injuries he sustained, Sgt. Imirian survived and made a remarkable return to the force.  Today, Sgt. Imirian is back on full duty, continuing to serve the Fresno community with the same dedication, professionalism, and pride that defined his service before the attack.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEWS: Costa, Schiff Lead Push to Stop Closure of California USDA Offices

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

    WASHINTGON – Representatives Jim Costa (CA-21) and Adam Schiff (D-CA) co-led California members of the California Congressional Delegation in calling on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to reverse their disastrous plan to close nine USDA offices in California, including Bakersfield and Madera.  In a letter to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and Acting Administrator of the General Services Administration (GSA) Stephen Ehikian, the lawmakers urged a reversal of the plan, stressing that office closures in Bakersfield, Blythe, Los Angeles, Madera, Mt. Shasta, Oxnard, Salinas, Woodland, and Yreka will place an additional burden on farmers already navigating market uncertainty from rapidly changing tariffs and other cuts to USDA staffing and funding. Their letter also highlights the downstream impact these closures will have on economies in rural communities across California, which rely on USDA for services ranging from small business loans to wildfire management.  “California is the nation’s largest agricultural state. In 2023 alone, California’s farms received $59.4 billion in cash receipts for their output. Closure of these offices would severely hamper USDA’s ability to support farmers imperative to California’s agricultural success.” the lawmakers wrote.  “These terminations come at a time when farmers are already navigating an uncertain agricultural economy due to USDA funding freezes and cancellations as well as the impact of tariffs. USDA field offices play a vital role in providing services to agricultural communities across the state, providing loans, grants, and technical assistance. These offices provide farmers with a place to meet face-to-face with USDA staff to discuss services and programs they rely on. Closing these vital centers will make it more difficult for farmers to access the essential resources farmers must be able to rely on,” the lawmakers continued.    The letter was led by Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA), and Representatives Jim Costa (CA-21), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), and Adam Gray (CA-13). The letter was also signed by Representatives Jared Huffman (CA-02), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), and Jimmy Panetta (CA-19).  Read the full text of the letter HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Jim Costa Calls for Return to Farm Bill Negotiations After Republicans Pushed $300 Billion SNAP Cuts

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

    WASHINGTON – Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) released the following statement after the House Agriculture Committee held its full committee markup of the Republicans’ partisan reconciliation bill, which directs over $300 billion in cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as “Cal-Fresh” in California.  “House Republicans just pushed a budget blueprint that guts SNAP and weakens America’s safety net that millions of Americans rely on. Food is a national security issue, and we must treat it as such. These cuts are real, and they hurt families in the San Joaquin Valley and across the country,” said Congressman Costa.“SNAP doesn’t just feed families; it supports the farmers and producers who grow our food. Instead of working together, Republicans shut House Democrats out and ignored the needs of the people we represent. Democrats remain committed to governing responsibly, and that starts with returning to the table to deliver a bipartisan Farm Bill.” BACKGROUNDIn California’s 21st Congressional District, home to some of the most productive farmland in the world, nearly 30% of households rely on SNAP benefits to put food on the table. If these proposed cuts are enacted, more than 131,000 people in Costa’s district, many of them children and seniors, will be directly impacted.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Jim Costa Champions Bill to Invest in Small Police Departments

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

    WASHINGTON – During National Police Week, Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) is pushing a bipartisan bill to support local law enforcement by backing the Invest to Protect Act, legislation that would deliver critical resources to small and midsize police departments across the country. “During National Police Week, we honor the service and sacrifice of the brave men and women in uniform who put their lives on the line every day to protect our neighborhoods,” said Costa. “The Invest to Protect Act is about making sure they have the tools, training, and support they need to do their jobs safely and effectively, especially in rural and underserved areas.” BACKGROUNDRoughly 94% of police departments in the United States employ fewer than 100 sworn officers, often operating with limited budgets and outdated equipment. The Invest to Protect Act, led by Rep. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), would establish a targeted federal grant program to help departments with less than 175 law enforcement officers fund de-escalation and safety training, mental health support, recruitment and retention efforts, victim-centered response programs, and modern safety equipment. Costa is an original cosponsor of the bill.  This bill would directly benefit departments throughout the San Joaquin Valley, including those serving Dinuba, Exeter, Farmersville, Fowler, Kingsburg, Orange Cove, Parlier, Reedley, Sanger, Selma, Visalia, and Woodlake. Neighboring communities such as Atwater, Chowchilla, Dos Palos, Gustine, Livingston, Los Banos, Madera, and Merced would also stand to gain.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Costa, Kiggans Push for MORE Nurses to Address National Shortage

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Representatives Jim Costa (CA-21) and Jen Kiggans (VA-02) introduced H.R. 3333 – Magnifying Opportunities to Recruit and Educate (MORE) Nurses Act, bipartisan legislation aimed at addressing the growing nursing shortage nationwide. “The nursing shortage is not just a workforce crisis—it’s a public health emergency,” said Congressman Costa. “In the San Joaquin Valley and across the country, patients are waiting longer for care, and hospitals are operating beyond capacity. My legislation directs the federal government to step up with real solutions to train, recruit, and retain the nurses our communities desperately need.” “As a nurse practitioner, I know the vital role nurses play in communities across the country and have seen firsthand how the ongoing nursing shortage negatively impacts patients,” said Congresswoman Kiggans. “America’s nurses work from sun-up to sundown to provide lifesaving care, and we must do our part to provide them the training they need, prevent burnout in their workforce, and encourage more men and women to take up the profession. The MORE Nurses Act is a critical step to identify the root causes of our nation’s nursing shortage and deliver lasting solutions to support and rebuild our nursing workforce. I am proud to join Congressman Costa in introducing this bipartisan legislation to support our healthcare heroes.” BACKGROUNDThe United States is facing a critical shortfall in nurses, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a need for more than 275,000 additional nurses by 2030. California is among the hardest-hit states, and the shortage is even more severe in the San Joaquin Valley, where some communities have the lowest nurse-to-patient ratios in the state. A 2024 study by UCSF-Fresno found that the Valley would need to double its number of registered nurses to meet national benchmarks. The MORE Nurses Act will ensure the federal government is employing all the tools at its disposal to bolster the nursing workforce. This legislation directs the National Advisory Council on Nurse Education and Practice to take a comprehensive look at the crisis by:

    Evaluating trends in the nursing workforce and the capacity of nursing schools to train future professionals.
    Identifying barriers contributing to the shortage, particularly in rural and underserved regions.
    Reviewing federal programs that support nursing education and promote diversity in the profession; and
    Recommending concrete policy solutions to strengthen and expand the nursing pipeline.

    The Council’s findings and policy recommendations will be delivered to Congress within one year and made available online to ensure public transparency and engagement from healthcare and education stakeholders.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Golden votes against cutting funds that support Maine’s marine resources, Acadia National Park

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02)

    WASHINGTON — In an early morning vote today, Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) opposed the House Natural Resources Committee’s (HNRC) portion of the GOP’s reconciliation budget. 

    The final package proposes $1 billion in federal spending cuts, including cuts targeting several programs that support Maine’s marine resources economy, coastal communities and Acadia National Park. The committee advanced the package in a 26-17 vote. 

    “Maine’s way of life and economy are inextricably tied to our lands and waters. When I joined this committee this year, I pledged to advocate for Maine’s natural resources and to use my position to champion investment and stewardship to support our state,” Golden said. “This proposal would undermine investments in our marine resources and Acadia National Park. I could not, in good conscience, support it.” 

    The package proposes $100 million in cuts for Inflation Reduction Act funding for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Affected funding streams support fisheries, marine and coastal habitats, and stock assessments. They have supported projects in Maine including fish passage restoration for Atlantic salmon and other migratory species; rebuilding salt marshes to reduce roadway flooding hazards in communities Downeast; and an initiative to recover, recycle and refabricate marine debris material in the Gulf of Maine, such as ghost lobster traps and derelict aquaculture gear.

    “I have gone toe to toe with NOAA to oppose regulatory proposals that could harm Maine’s fishing communities, and to demand regulators give Maine lobstermen and fishermen a seat at the table,” Golden said. “But the funding streams targeted for cuts in this bill support worthy conservation, restoration, and infrastructure efforts that have helped protect Maine’s natural resources and make our communities more resilient. There’s no reason to put them on the chopping block.”

    The package advanced out of committee also would slash $279 million from the National Park Service, threatening funding streams that have supported resiliency, habitat restoration and jobs at Acadia National Park.

    House and Senate Republicans sent reconciliation instructions to all House Committees on April 10. Those instructions required the Natural Resources Committee to cut funding by $1 billion — part of the GOP’s plan to slash health care and cut taxes for the wealthy while adding more than $ 7 trillion in new debt over the next decade. 

    Congressman Golden voted against the GOP’s reckless reconciliation plan in February and again in April, and has been critical of efforts to undermine working families and the fiscal stability of the nation while padding giveaways to the wealthy. 

    “There’s a better way forward: Congress could target tax cuts to working families, paid for by allowing the expiration of tax cuts for the very wealthy,” Golden said in April. “We don’t need to take away anyone’s health care or pass trillions in new deficit spending to pass a budget that puts the middle class first.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Golden announces release of $1.6 million in federal funds for Auburn-Lewiston airport upgrades

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02)

    WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) today announced the release of $1.6 million in previously frozen funds for airport terminal upgrades previously awarded to the Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport. 

    “This project will support the growth and success of Androscoggin County,” Golden said. “The release of these funds will allow for the construction of the new hangar and related upgrades to proceed as planned — improving the airport experience for those who already use it and paving the way for passenger air service in the future. I’m proud to have worked with the Airport’s leadership and the administration to get these funds flowing.”

    The funds were originally secured by Golden as part of the FY2023 Appropriations Process. The Airport sought to draw down the approved funds in January and reached out to Golden two months later when the funds were still not made available. Golden’s office contacted the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on the Airport’s behalf, and learned the grants were frozen pending review for compliance with executive orders. 

    The lack of funding meant the airport was at risk of missing a critical mid-May contractor payment deadline, jeopardizing the project’s future. Over several months, Golden’s office worked with Airport Director Jonathan LaBonté to stress the importance of the project and the looming deadline to the FAA and secure the funds’ release.

    On Thursday, the FAA announced the funds would be released. 

    “As we position the Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport to be the preferred general aviation airport in southern and western Maine, we’ve quickly run out of space for the pilots wishing to base their aircraft here,” LaBonté said. “With the support of Congressman Golden, additional federal investment will be paired with local and state dollars to construct a 10-unit T-hangar to welcome even more aviators here. In the last two years, we’ve grown to host a flight school, three aircraft maintenance businesses and dozens more aircraft, in addition to our role hosting a base for LifeFlight of Maine. This new federal investment continues that momentum.”

    Opened in 1935, the Auburn-Lewiston Airport has been a hub for corporate, charter, cargo and recreational aviators for nearly a century.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Golden pushes House for up-or-down vote on Medicaid cuts

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02)

    WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) has signed a discharge petition that, if successful, would force an up-or-down vote in the House to protect Medicaid and food assistance from budget cuts in the reconciliation process. 

    “While they debate the specifics, there’s no question the GOP plans to cut Medicaid by hundreds of billions of dollars,” Golden said. “Hundreds of thousands of my constituents use Medicaid for health care, while roughly one in six households use SNAP to help put food on the table. I oppose efforts to take their coverage away or make it harder to afford groceries.”

    A discharge petition allows members of the House to force an up-or-down vote on a piece of legislation if a majority of members of Congress sign on. The underlying bill in this discharge petition, the Hands Off Medicaid and SNAP Act of 2025, would prohibit Congress from using the reconciliation process to cut benefits or remove individuals from Medicaid and SNAP.

    The budget reconciliation instructions approved by the House and Senate require the House Energy and Commerce Committee to cut $880 billion in spending — a target that will be impossible to reach without hundreds of billions in Medicaid cuts, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO).

    On Wednesday, the CBO found that the several proposals for cutting Medicaid would result in millions of Americans losing health coverage. Cuts to Medicaid would hurt families in the 2nd Congressional District. Medicaid provides health coverage to 236,000 people in CD2 — more than one-third of the population — according to KFF.

    The Medicaid cuts are part of the GOP’s plan to slash health care to pay for tax cuts for the wealthy while adding more than $ 7 trillion in new debt over the next decade. 

    Congressman Golden voted against the GOP’s reconciliation plan in February and again in April, and has been critical of efforts to undermine working families and the fiscal stability of the nation to extend tax cuts for the wealthy. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Amata Honors Service Members

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

     

    Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is honoring all who serve for this Armed Forces Day (Saturday) and highlighting Military Appreciation Month.

    “On this Armed Forces Day, we think of our great Toa o Samoa serving the cause of peace and freedom, using their time and energy in the protection of others,” said Congresswoman Amata. “I find our people absolutely everywhere I go, serving honorably and making us proud. I meet up with our people in uniform when I’m on international congressional trips, in the Middle East, right here at home in the Army Reserve, and the many of our own I see each time I visit the U.S. east coast military installations like I did early this year.”

    “To each of you, we say thank you, and we are so proud of you!” continued Aumua Amata. “You are in our thoughts, and we know you are deeply missed at home. May the Lord bless and keep you in his care, as many Scriptures promise.”

    “It is God who arms me with strength, and makes my way perfect.” Psalm 18:32 (NKJV) 

    Armed Forces Day is the third Saturday of May, specifically honoring those currently serving, positioned at the center of Military Appreciation Month in May, which then ends with the important observance of Memorial Day. 

    Armed Forces Day has been a tradition since its creation under President Harry Truman and each year closes out Armed Forces Week.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Suns out Guns Out!

    Source: US Army (video statements)

    About the U.S. Army: The Army Mission – our purpose – remains constant: To deploy, fight and win our nation’s wars by providing ready, prompt & sustained land dominance by Army forces across the full spectrum of conflict as part of the joint force. Interested in joining the U.S. Army? Visit:
    spr.ly/6001igl5L
    Connect with the U.S. Army online: Web:
    https://www.army.mil
    Facebook:
    https://www.facebook.com/USarmy/
    X:

    Instagram:
    https://www.instagram.com/usarmy/
    LinkedIn:
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/us-army
    #USArmy #Soldiers #Military #Shorts #Army

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLLMz13-thI

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Betty McCollum Slams Trump Administration for Betraying Afghans who Supported American Troops and Diplomats

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Monday morning, the Department of Homeland Security announced that in one month it will terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghanistan, effectively abandoning life-saving protections for over 11,000 Afghans who fled Taliban persecution after supporting U.S. military engagement in the region.  

    In response to the Trump Administration’s decision to betray our Afghan allies, Congresswoman Betty McCollum, Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, issued the following statement:

    “Our Afghan allies risked everything, including their own lives and the safety of their families, to keep American troops and diplomats out of harm’s way during the war in Afghanistan.

    “President Trump’s decision to end TPS for these American allies is an appalling betrayal of their service and assistance to our nation. When they return home, they may face the wrath of a Taliban government that regularly facilitates the assassination, arbitrary arrest, and human rights abuses of those they view as dissidents.

    “This decision doesn’t just harm our Afghan allies; it fundamentally undermines American trust around the world.”

    ###

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ranking Member McCollum Remarks at United States Air Force and Space Force Oversight Hearing

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn)

    WASHINGTON — Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-MN-04), Ranking Member of the Defense Subcommittee, delivered the following remarks at the subcommittee’s oversight hearing on the United States Air Force and Space Force:

    Good afternoon.

    I would also like to welcome Acting Secretary Ashworth, Generals Saltzman and Allvin.

    It’s a distinguished panel that’s here, but, as the Chair pointed out, we look forward to having a conversation with the upcoming Secretary of the Air Force about the budget after confirmation. We know the Senate has spoken with him, but our Members too, would like to understand the priorities that he’s going to be putting forth.

    This is our first hearing with the Administration following the release of the “skinny budget.” I’d like to take a few moments to acknowledge what the Administration is proposing. For Defense discretionary spending – President Trump is proposing an $893 billion request – essentially what President Biden would have proposed. This is effectively a freeze from the current fiscal year.

    Any increases beyond that are assumed through the reconciliation process – which the authorizers control. No one will be shocked to learn that I do not think reconciliation is a responsible way to appropriate defense dollars. This Committee is Constitutionally responsible for the allocation of Department of Defense resources – and we should be controlling the process. 

    Appropriating defense dollars through reconciliation undermines the authority and the jurisdiction of the Appropriations Committee. Now, Administrations of both parties have tried before to move money from the discretionary budget into mandatory spending. 

    This is not a new trick – but this is not something normally done with Defense funding. That is because the reconciliation bill may not become law. If it does not, this Committee cannot guarantee that Department of Defense priorities will be backfilled through the Appropriations process.

    Next, we know that programs for clean energy and climate resilience have been cut by this Administration. But as the leaders of the Air Force and Space Force – you cannot afford to take your eyes off the costs of climate change. Islands in the Pacific are not easy places to ship materials to or to build and maintain infrastructure in. It is difficult to protect them from the impacts of climate disruption, just look at the typhoon that hit Guam two years ago. $1.8 billion in additional funding was required to support the construction, planning, and design of facilities on Guam that were destroyed. 

    The Continuing Resolution last December carried an additional $3.4 billion in repair costs for other catastrophic weather events. That’s over $5 billion in taxpayer money that we had to spend on the impacts of climate change within the Department of Defense. That is not waste, fraud, abuse – or any other kind of political spin. It’s necessary to prepare, protect, and replace the critical infrastructure that our warfighters depend on. Climate disruption will not just go away by a wish and a prayer. It is something that we have to plan for, deal with, and expect to happen into the future.

    Turning to major programs – Air Force and Space Force have big bills due right now. The Sentinel program has ballooned to $141 billion, from an original estimate of $78 billion. The schedule is wildly off track from where it needs to be. The Next Generation Air Dominance program is planned to exceed $23 billion – and the price per plane is a serious consideration. The next Air Force One is behind schedule, and the Air Force has asked for more money to get it on track. Progress has been made on the parked F-35s – that’s good news, although it was bad news for us to read recently in the paper ‘the world’s top jet fighter is about to get more expensive’ because of the President’s tariffs. But there is more that needs to be done to get those planes delivered with the capabilities the Services need. And of course, there are new requirements for the Golden Dome – a missile defense program that has yet to be fully articulated by the Administration. These are problems that must be fixed through proper program management, planning, and resourcing. 

    Finally, I want to comment on the Administration’s approach to personnel management. There is no question that there is a culture of fear developing across the federal government as this administration continues to demean and demoralize federal employees. I have spoken with far too many of them. People have been fired without cause. People have been asked to quit to find “higher productivity jobs in the private sector.” 

    I wish the Department of Defense was immune to this – but it is not. I’ve had conversations with all the Services, especially Space Force, about how to build a first-class workforce. Secretary Hegseth’s goal is to remove 60 to 70 thousand civilians from across the Department of Defense. And now civilians are raising their hand – not to serve – but to leave. 

    Who will be around to manage the contracting process DoD needs to get major programs back on track? We are already living with the impacts of what happens when civilians take a buyout and stop working on contracts. The contract isn’t signed, the mission doesn’t get done, the programs fall behind and it costs the taxpayer more. There will be real ramifications to our national security because of the Administration’s personnel policies.

    We need to do something, sure, but let’s not take a chainsaw to it, let’s take a scalpel to what we need to do with our personnel policies.

    Gentlemen, I want to thank you again for appearing today.

    Thank you for your service, and for the service of the Airmen, Guardians, and civilians serving alongside you.

    I yield back.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Betty McCollum Statement on Israeli Airstrikes Targeting Gaza Hospital and Other Civilians

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — After multiple Israeli airstrikes this week, including on the European Hospital in the southern city of Khan Younis on Wednesday which killed 28 people and injured many more, Congresswoman Betty McCollum, Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, issued the following statement:

    “The use of bunker-busting bombs by Israeli Defense Forces to target civilian hospitals must stop immediately. Strikes on civilians are completely unacceptable. The people of Gaza are on the brink of starvation, and Israeli actions to bomb hospitals are driving the region further from peace. The United States and the international community must focus on delivering humanitarian aid to those in need as quickly as possible.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Al Green to Attend 111th Birthday Celebration of Mother Viola Ford Fletcher, Oldest Survivor of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Al Green (TX-9)

    (Tulsa, Oklahoma)— On Saturday, May 10, 2025, Congressman Al Green will join the Tulsa community in honoring a cherished matriarch of American history at the 111th birthday celebration of Viola Ford Fletcher, affectionately known as, “Mother Fletcher,” the oldest living survivor of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. 

    The celebration will serve as both a joyous occasion and a solemn reminder of the continued lack of action to provide justice to the victims of the horrific Tulsa Race Massacre for nearly 104 years. At the event, Congressman Green will honor the life, resilience, and steadfast determination of the living survivors – Mothers Viola Ford Fletcher and Lessie Benningfield Randle – by previewing his upcoming legislation aimed at providing meaningful restitution for the life-long inaction and enduring legacy of the Tulsa Race Massacre. Congressman Green hopes his legislation will assist in bringing justice and healing to the survivors and the Tulsa community.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Green Addresses Joint Session, Censure, Articles of Impeachment, Gaza and More on C-SPAN

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Al Green (TX-9)

    (Washington, D.C.) — On Thursday, May 8, 2025, in an interview with C-SPAN’s Washington Journal hosted by Mimi Gergees, Congressman Al Green addressed questions about the Joint Session of Congress, being censured, articles of impeachment, Gaza, and more. 

    You can access and listen to Congressman Al Green’s full interview online here. The floor speech highlighted is also accessible on various social media platforms, including Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Green Announces His Articles of Impeachment Against Pres. Trump Will be Introduced Next Week

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Al Green (TX-9)

    (Washington, D.C.) — On Thursday, May 8, 2025, Congressman Al Green delivered remarks on the House floor to announce that his articles of impeachment against President Trump will be introduced next week. 

    You can access and listen to Congressman Al Green’s full speech online here. The floor speech highlighted is also accessible on various social media platforms, including Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI Update: Rep. Al Green Files Impeachment Articles, Cites Trump as Threat to Democracy in ‘To Whom It May Concern’ Letter

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Al Green (TX-9)

    (Washington, D.C.)— On Thursday, May 15, 2025, I announced on the floor of the House of Representatives that I have filed H.Res.415, to impeach Donald John Trump, President of the United States. The resolution states that the President has devolved American democracy into authoritarianism, with himself as the authoritarian. I address President Trump’s failure to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution by flouting constitutional law as well as the orders of federal courts, including the Supreme Court. A copy of my letter provides further explanation for why I am filing articles of impeachment against President Donald John Trump and is accessible here. Additionally, a copy of the articles of impeachment can be accessed by clicking here.

    You can access and listen to Congressman Al Green’s full speech online here. The floor speech highlighted is also accessible on various social media platforms, including Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter). 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Al Green Files Impeachment Articles, Cites Trump as Threat to Democracy in ‘Dear Colleague’ Letter

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Al Green (TX-9)

    (Washington, D.C.)—Today, I announced on the floor of the House of Representatives that I have filed H.Res.415 to impeach President Donald John Trump for condoning the flouting of federal court orders, flouting the separation of powers, undermining the independence of the federal judiciary, and flouting the constitutional mandate of due process – devolving our democracy into a de facto dictatorship with himself as the de facto dictator. A copy of my letter “To Whom It May Concern” provides further explanation for why I am filing articles of impeachment against President Donald John Trump and is accessible here. Additionally, a copy of the articles of impeachment can be accessed by clicking here.

    You can access and listen to Congressman Al Green’s full speech online here. The floor speech highlighted is also accessible on various social media platforms, including Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter).  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: After 17-Hour Debate, Rep. Judy Chu Slams Republicans for Advancing Tax Bill that Hurts American Families

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Judy Chu (CA2-27)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – After a 17.5-hour markup, the House Ways and Means Committee advanced House Republicans’ tax bill in a 26-19 party-line vote. In response, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28), issued the following statement:

    “Republicans’ tax scam puts billionaires first and working families last. It rips health insurance away from 13.7 million people—the equivalent of every person in Los Angeles and Orange Counties combined. This bill guts coverage under the Affordable Care Act and forces the largest cut to Medicaid in our nation’s history, and it terminates SNAP food assistance for families who need it the most. All to fund trillions of dollars in tax giveaways to the wealthiest people and corporations in our country.”

    During the markup, Rep. Chu offered two amendments to protect Americans from these harmful cuts:

    • The “No Tax Cuts for Mega-Millionaires” Amendment would have blocked those making over $10 million a year from receiving new tax breaks under the bill.
    • The “Strike ACA Sabotage” Amendment would have removed harmful provisions that increase health insurance premiums, that make it harder for people to enroll in health coverage, and kick people off of their Affordable Care Act marketplace coverage.

    “These were simple, common-sense proposals to protect working Americans from the worst parts of this bill,” said Rep. Chu. “But every single Republican on the Committee voted no. They’re marching in lockstep with Donald Trump and Elon Musk while everyday Americans are left paying the price.”

    “Millions will be left without the food assistance they need to survive. People across the country will lose the tax credits that make health coverage affordable or be locked out of coverage altogether. Hospitals will be pushed to the brink of closure, emergency room visits will skyrocket, and seniors will be kicked out of their nursing homes. All so Republicans can give more money to their billionaire friends. But Democrats won’t stop fighting to protect the American people and hold Republicans and the Trump administration accountable.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Judy Chu Responds to Heartbreaking Case of Atlanta Nurse Forced to Be Kept on Life Support Due to Georgia’s Extreme Abortion Laws

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Judy Chu (CA2-27)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — In response to a heartbreaking report from Atlanta’s 11Alive News, which revealed that Georgia’s extreme abortion law has denied a brain-dead woman’s family the right to remove her from life support because she was pregnant at the time of her tragic brain death.

    Rep. Judy Chu, author of the Women’s Health Protection Act, issued the following statement: 

    “This is a tragedy. A brain-dead woman is being forced to stay on life support against her family’s wishes, because of Georgia’s extreme abortion ban. Let’s be clear: this is not a gray area. Georgia’s extreme abortion law has robbed Adriana Smith and her family of choice in the last moments of her life. This is what Republican abortion laws look like in practice: total disregard for women’s lives, and even their deaths. It’s beyond disgraceful.

    “In the quest to control women’s bodies, anti-abortion extremists have saddled us with laws that reduce women to nothing more than a womb. Adriana Smith is not an incubator. Adriana is a person. She is a mother, a nurse, and a daughter. She deserves dignity and the right to rest in peace.

    “We do not have to stand for this in America. My bill, the Women’s Health Protection Act, would restore the right to abortion care nationwide and stop states from enforcing cruel, medically unnecessary restrictions, like the one in Georgia that has trapped Adriana. We only need four Republicans in the House to join with us to pass this vital legislation to restore bodily autonomy to every person in this country, regardless of their state or zip code.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Chu Responds to Film Unions’, Studios’ Call for Expanded Film Incentives

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Judy Chu (CA2-27)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, President Trump announced his intention to impose tariffs on foreign films, a proposal which could have devastating impacts on the American film industry as well as all American service exports. Earlier this week, film and television unions and studios joined together with the Trump administration’s “Special Ambassadors” to Hollywood in sending a letter to President Trump urging support for expanded tax incentives for U.S. film and TV production. Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28), a long-time proponent of federal incentives including the Section 181 federal tax deduction for domestic film and television production, released the following statement: 

    “President Trump identified a serious and growing problem: that film and television production has been moving out of the United States and to the more than 80 countries that offer tax incentives for productions. This trend has hurt not just my district in Southern California, but communities across the country that have hosted film shoots, studios, prop manufacturers, and the thousands of good-paying jobs that go into making a movie or TV show a reality. Unfortunately, the President’s proposal to impose tariffs on foreign films is ill-conceived and would do more harm than good. 

    “Instead, we need to invest in domestic incentives that will make America more attractive for film productions so that we can bring these jobs back to the United States and maintain our economic and cultural leadership in entertainment. That means extending and expanding Section 181, the only federal tax incentive specifically for domestic film and television production. Section 181 is set to expire at the end of this year, and as a Member of the House Ways and Means Committee, I am working in a bipartisan manner to extend and improve this deduction. We must also think bigger and create new credits and incentives that will put us on equal or better footing with the countries that have been able to attract productions that would otherwise have happened here in the United States. 

    “I urge the President to back away from his dangerous threat of film tariffs and instead work with me and my colleagues in Congress on incentives that will restore this great American industry.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens Leads Special Order Hour on Science Cuts

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11)

    Stop Trump’s Chaos. Stand Up for Science!

    WASHINGTON, D.C. –– Yesterday, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens and Congressman Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA) led House Democrats in a Special Order Hour to call out President Trump and Elon Musk’s reckless policies and budget cuts to federal science agencies, including the National Science Foundation (NSF), which is causing chaos across Michigan and the country. Federal science agencies, including NSF,  fund vital scientific research, train the next-generation of scientists, and support technology transfer. These harmful policies and budget cuts jeopardize more than $3 billion in federal research dollars that Michigan universities and small businesses receive, threatening Michigan’s competitiveness in the global economy and threaten to deny Michigan students opportunities in STEM

    During the Special Order Hour, the Congresswoman brought attention to the unprecedented attacks on the National Science Foundation. Since the second Trump Administration began, NSF has:

    • Terminated over $1 billion in grants for research and STEM education authorized by Congress.
    • Attacked STEM education programs authorized by bipartisan Congressional action, including the Congresswoman’s Building Blocks of STEM Act which President Trump signed into law in 2019.
    • Carried out chaotic “Reduction in Force” efforts at NSF to tackle so-called “bloat” in an already efficient workforce; over 94% of NSF’s $9 billion in Fiscal Year 2025 budget was distributed in the form of grants, awards, and scholarships.
    • Undermined technical and subject-matter expertise by removing NSF scientific advisory boards
    • Politicalized gold-standard merit review process for choosing scientific awards. 

    Congresswoman Stevens was joined on the floor by her colleagues Reps. Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA); Don Beyer (D-VA); Bill Foster (D-IL); Valerie Foushee (D-NC); Melanie Stansbury (D-NM); Mark Takano (D-CA); Paul Tonko (D-NY); and George Whitesides (D-CA).

    Workers who were fired from the National Science Foundation sat in the gallery during the Special Order Hour.

    “The State of Michigan is known for its manufacturing prowess, its best-in-class skilled workforce, and the beauty of the Great Lakes. But what’s often overlooked is that the State of Michigan relies on innovation,” said Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens. “But Trump’s anti-science agenda undermines this symbiotic relationship and threatens Michigan’s future in advanced manufacturing, environmental protection, and next-generation mobility technologies. Trump’s chaotic policies are setting Michigan up to lose. 

    “The Trump Administration’s attack on science is not about cutting waste, fraud, and abuse. Federal science funding and programs return double or triple the investment we make in them. What these cuts and agency firings will do is lead to a brain drain in our government, which will hurt the health and safety of every American and diminish our country’s standing in the world,” said Congressman Suhas Subramanyam.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Severe Thunderstorm Watch 273

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Note:  The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports.
    SEL3

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Severe Thunderstorm Watch Number 273
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    1130 PM EDT Fri May 16 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Severe Thunderstorm Watch for portions of
    Far Southeast Ohio
    Western Virginia
    West Virginia

    * Effective this Friday night and Saturday morning from 1130 PM
    until 500 AM EDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph likely
    Isolated large hail events to 1.5 inches in diameter possible
    A tornado or two possible

    SUMMARY…Clusters of thunderstorms should spread eastward overnight
    while posing a threat for mainly scattered severe/damaging winds,
    with peak gusts up to 60-70 mph. Isolated hail and perhaps a tornado
    or two may also occur.

    The severe thunderstorm watch area is approximately along and 50
    statute miles east and west of a line from 35 miles east northeast
    of Parkersburg WV to 5 miles west southwest of Bluefield WV. For a
    complete depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline
    update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU3).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are
    favorable for severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area.
    Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening
    weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible
    warnings. Severe thunderstorms can and occasionally do produce
    tornadoes.

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 267…WW 269…WW
    270…WW 271…WW 272…

    AVIATION…A few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to
    1.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 60 knots. A
    few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean storm motion vector
    27040.

    …Gleason

    SEL3

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Severe Thunderstorm Watch Number 273
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    1130 PM EDT Fri May 16 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Severe Thunderstorm Watch for portions of
    Far Southeast Ohio
    Western Virginia
    West Virginia

    * Effective this Friday night and Saturday morning from 1130 PM
    until 500 AM EDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph likely
    Isolated large hail events to 1.5 inches in diameter possible
    A tornado or two possible

    SUMMARY…Clusters of thunderstorms should spread eastward overnight
    while posing a threat for mainly scattered severe/damaging winds,
    with peak gusts up to 60-70 mph. Isolated hail and perhaps a tornado
    or two may also occur.

    The severe thunderstorm watch area is approximately along and 50
    statute miles east and west of a line from 35 miles east northeast
    of Parkersburg WV to 5 miles west southwest of Bluefield WV. For a
    complete depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline
    update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU3).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are
    favorable for severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area.
    Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening
    weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible
    warnings. Severe thunderstorms can and occasionally do produce
    tornadoes.

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 267…WW 269…WW
    270…WW 271…WW 272…

    AVIATION…A few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to
    1.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 60 knots. A
    few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean storm motion vector
    27040.

    …Gleason

    Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas.
    SAW3
    WW 273 SEVERE TSTM OH VA WV 170330Z – 170900Z
    AXIS..50 STATUTE MILES EAST AND WEST OF LINE..
    35ENE PKB/PARKERSBURG WV/ – 5WSW BLF/BLUEFIELD WV/
    ..AVIATION COORDS.. 45NM E/W /29S AIR – 29WNW PSK/
    HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..1.5 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..60 KNOTS.
    MAX TOPS TO 500. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 27040.

    LAT…LON 39547987 37258037 37258219 39548176

    THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A
    COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS
    FOR WOU3.

    Watch 273 Status Report Messages:

    STATUS REPORT #1 ON WW 273

    VALID 170340Z – 170440Z

    THE SEVERE WEATHER THREAT CONTINUES ACROSS THE ENTIRE WATCH AREA.

    ..BROYLES..05/17/25

    ATTN…WFO…RLX…RNK…

    &&

    STATUS REPORT FOR WS 273

    SEVERE WEATHER THREAT CONTINUES FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS

    OHC167-170440-

    OH
    . OHIO COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE

    WASHINGTON
    $$

    VAC021-027-051-071-185-170440-

    VA
    . VIRGINIA COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE

    BLAND BUCHANAN DICKENSON
    GILES TAZEWELL
    $$

    WVC001-005-007-013-015-017-019-021-025-033-035-039-041-047-055-
    063-067-073-075-081-083-085-087-089-091-095-097-101-105-107-109-
    170440-

    WV
    . WEST VIRGINIA COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE

    BARBOUR BOONE BRAXTON
    CALHOUN CLAY DODDRIDGE
    FAYETTE GILMER GREENBRIER
    HARRISON JACKSON KANAWHA
    LEWIS MCDOWELL MERCER
    MONROE NICHOLAS PLEASANTS
    POCAHONTAS RALEIGH RANDOLPH
    RITCHIE ROANE SUMMERS
    TAYLOR TYLER UPSHUR
    WEBSTER WIRT WOOD
    WYOMING
    $$

    THE WATCH STATUS MESSAGE IS FOR GUIDANCE PURPOSES ONLY. PLEASE
    REFER TO WATCH COUNTY NOTIFICATION STATEMENTS FOR OFFICIAL
    INFORMATION ON COUNTIES…INDEPENDENT CITIES AND MARINE ZONES
    CLEARED FROM SEVERE THUNDERSTORM AND TORNADO WATCHES.
    $$

    Note:  Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes

    Probability of 2 or more tornadoes

    Low (20%)

    Probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes

    Low (10%)

    Wind

    Probability of 10 or more severe wind events

    Mod (60%)

    Probability of 1 or more wind events > 65 knots

    Low (20%)

    Hail

    Probability of 10 or more severe hail events

    Low (20%)

    Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches

    Low (10%)

    Combined Severe Hail/Wind

    Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events

    High (70%)

    For each watch, probabilities for particular events inside the watch (listed above in each table) are determined by the issuing forecaster. The “Low” category contains probability values ranging from less than 2% to 20% (EF2-EF5 tornadoes), less than 5% to 20% (all other probabilities), “Moderate” from 30% to 60%, and “High” from 70% to greater than 95%. High values are bolded and lighter in color to provide awareness of an increased threat for a particular event.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Neguse Leads Renewed Call for Ban on Congressional Stock Trading: “Just put a bill on the Floor to ban it. Period. Members of Congress will no longer be able to trade stocks. Simple as that.”

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

    Washington, D.C. — In case you missed it, Congressman Joe Neguse joined a bipartisan coalition on the House Floor yesterday evening to call on Speaker Mike Johnson to bring forth legislation that would ban Members of Congress from holding or trading stocks. Neguse, who has led the four-year effort to ban the practice, spoke of the need to weed out corruption in Washington and ensure transparency in all branches of government. 

    Newfound support from across the political spectrum emerged after public reporting revealed that some Members of Congress profited inappropriately from the Trump Administration’s erratic economic policy shifts and the chaotic, on-again-off-again imposition of tariffs.
    Watch Rep. Neguse’s remarks HERE.

    NEGUSE: Our 26th President, Teddy Roosevelt, once said, “No man who is corrupt, no man who tolerates corruption in others, can do his duty by the community.” That admonition rings true today.

    Four years ago, I led an effort to ban stock trading by Members of Congress, joined with colleagues on both sides of the aisle. For four years, we have tried to convince this Chamber to ban Members of Congress from trading stocks. Why? Because Members of Congress should be serving their communities, their constituents, and their country—not their stock portfolios.

    In that four-year span, forty-eight months, 1,400 days—how many millions of dollars have Members of Congress in this body made from trading stocks? It’s unconscionable. It’s a practice that should have ended years ago. And we have continued to beat that drum, month after month, week after week, day after day—and we will keep doing it until a majority in this body joins the rest of the American people, the public, in supporting a ban on this insidious practice. 

    And I’m grateful to Representative Magaziner for continuing to beat that drum. Leading the effort now, over the last two years. It feels as though we’re on the precipice—as Mr. Magaziner noted—of finally getting traction in this Chamber to end this practice. 

    But the one cautionary note I would offer, Mr. Speaker, is that in that four-year span, as I mentioned, this journey, this battle that we have waged—again, colleagues of mine on both sides of the aisle to ban stock trading—I have heard virtually every excuse in the book from some of my colleagues.

    It’s too complicated. There are competing bills. The legislative text is complex. 

    This is very simple. Just ban it. 

    Not five years from now, not next year. Just put a bill on the Floor to ban it. Period. 

    Members of Congress will no longer be able to trade stocks. Simple as that. 

    I hope, Mr. Speaker, that my colleagues will join me, join Mr. Magaziner, join the coalition that has organized around this issue so that we can finally get this done and end corruption here in Washington. 

    With that, Mr. Magaziner, I yield back.

    MIL OSI USA News –