NewzIntel.com

Category: CTF

  • MIL-OSI China: S. Korea’s ex-president Yoon leaves party ahead of presidential election

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol announced departure from his conservative People Power Party on Saturday ahead of the June 3 presidential election.

    “I’m leaving the People Power Party today. I bow down to my comrades in the party who believed in me and stayed with me for a long time,” Yoon said in an online statement.

    Yoon noted that his departure from the party, he believed, would be the best way he can to win the snap presidential election and protect the country’s liberal democracy.

    Calls recently emerged for Yoon to leave the party to woo swing voters in the upcoming election, caused by Yoon’s botched martial law bid, his impeachment and his permanent removal from office.

    Yoon asked the public to join forces with Kim Moon-soo, presidential candidate of the People Power Party, and cast their ballots in the June 3 election to safeguard freedom, sovereignty and prosperity.

    In recent polls, Kim lagged far behind Lee Jae-myung, the majority liberal Democratic Party’s presidential candidate who lost the 2022 presidential election to Yoon by the country’s narrowest margin of 0.73 percentage points.

    According to local pollster Flower Research’s survey of 4,016 voters from Monday to Thursday, Lee gained a support rate of 51.7 percent while Kim took 28.7 percent.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Belgrade exhibition marks 70 years of China-Serbia friendship

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Visitors view the opening of the exhibition – titled “A Bridge of Cultural Heritage” at the Chinese Cultural Center in Belgrade, Serbia, May 15, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The Chinese Cultural Center in Belgrade opened a cross-cultural handicraft exhibition on Thursday to mark 70 years of China-Serbia friendship and the first anniversary of the center’s official launch.

    Co-hosted with Serbia’s handicrafts association Ethno Network, the exhibition – titled “A Bridge of Cultural Heritage” – features more than 100 traditional handicrafts from both countries, including embroidery, weaving, and pottery. Hundreds of visitors attended the opening, drawn by the opportunity to engage firsthand with the rich traditions of Chinese and Serbian intangible cultural heritage.

    “This exhibition is not only a dialogue of craftsmanship but a handshake between civilizations across mountains and seas,” said Tang Dasheng, cultural counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Serbia. “These artworks reflect our peoples’ shared pursuit of beauty and passion for life.”

    Tatjana Matic, director of Serbia’s Development Fund, said the display honors a long-standing friendship. “Culture is not only our memory but also our future,” she said, expressing hope the exhibition becomes a lasting symbol of mutual trust and cooperation.

    Violeta Jovanovic, executive director of Serbian National Alliance for Local Economic Development (NALED) and president of Ethno Network, highlighted several Serbian artifacts now in the national heritage registry, including handwoven carpets, wool socks and towels.

    “We are honored to co-host this exhibition, which builds a bridge between our countries,” Jovanovic told Xinhua. She added that Ethno Network looks forward to collaborating with Chinese artisans to preserve traditional crafts and share Serbia’s heritage with Chinese communities and tourists.

    Ethno Network brings together craft associations across Serbia to safeguard and promote traditional arts, playing an active role both domestically and internationally.

    Zhang Aimin, director of the Chinese Cultural Center in Belgrade, reaffirmed the Center’s mission to support cultural preservation. “Each piece – whether a Chinese embroidered robe or a Serbian wool rug – bears the mark of history, identity, and craftsmanship,” he said.

    Tatjana Matic (L), director of Serbia’s Development Fund, and Violeta Jovanovic (C), executive director of Serbian National Alliance for Local Economic Development (NALED) and president of Ethno Network, pose for a selfie while attending the opening of the exhibition – titled “A Bridge of Cultural Heritage” at the Chinese Cultural Center in Belgrade, Serbia, May 15, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Beatty Introduces Resolution to Promote the Prevention, Detection, and Treatment of Hypertension

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (3rd District of Ohio)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) introduced a resolution expressing support for the designation of May as “National Hypertension Awareness Month” and supporting the goals and ideals of this effort.

    “While hypertension – or high blood pressure – affects nearly half of U.S. adults, and disproportionately those who lack access to health care, education, healthy foods, and safe neighborhoods, its lack of obvious symptoms often makes it a “silent killer,” said Congresswoman Beatty. “This month is a reminder of the importance of raising awareness about this condition and expanding our efforts to prevent, detect, and treat it. By recognizing National Hypertension Awareness Month in this way, we can help improve health outcomes, reduce health care costs, and save lives.”

     

    The National Hypertension Awareness Month resolution is supported by the American Heart Association and the Partnership to Advance Cardiovascular Health.

     

    “With nearly half of adults in the U.S. having high blood pressure or hypertension, communities that lack access to education, health care, healthy foods and safe neighborhoods have an even higher risk of developing the condition,” said Mark Schoeberl, Executive Vice President of Advocacy, American Heart Association. “Through efforts like our Get Down With Your Blood Pressure™ program and advocacy work to pass science-based policies that will improve the places in which we work, live and play, the American Heart Association is committed to improving health outcomes and expanding opportunities for everyone to live longer, healthier lives. We thank Rep. Beatty for her leadership to recognize National Hypertension Awareness Month and raise awareness of the steps that individuals can take to improve their blood pressure.”

    “It’s important that we continue to develop new treatments and therapies for uncontrolled hypertensionthat give patients an array of options when treating such a modifiable disease state,” said Ryan Gough, Executive Director of the Partnership to Advance Cardiovascular Health.“Adherence is crucial in managing hypertension, yet 50% of patients stop treatment within the first year. As we continue to combat cardiovascular disease, prioritizing therapies that are effective and sustainable for each patient is essential.”

    “Hypertension is the country’s leading modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease,” said Stacy Manthos, Executive Director, American Society Preventive Cardiology (ASPC). 

     

    “Hypertension, often thought of as a silent killer because of its lack of symptoms, can have a devastating impact on a person’s heart health. Highlighting and recognizing the dangers of this condition through Hypertension Awareness Month is an important and necessary step in raising awareness and encouraging people to understand their risk so that they can seek treatment and live longer, healthier lives,” said Mandy Sandkuhler, Director of Partnerships and Communications, MendedHearts.

     

    As a Co-Chair of the Congressional Heart and Stroke Coalition, Congresswoman Beatty has been a champion of policies that raise awareness and promote prevention, treatment, and access to care for cardiovascular diseases. 

    Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) has served Central Ohio’s working families in Congress since 2013. She is the Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on National Security, Illicit Finance, and International Financial Institutions, co-chairs the bipartisan Financial Literacy and Wealth Creation Caucus, and is Chair Emerita of the Congressional Black Caucus.  

     

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Hudson Statement on the Passage of Energy and Commerce Budget Reconciliation Package

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-09) released the following statement after the Committee on Energy and Commerce passed President Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill. 

    “After almost thirty hours of debate, I am proud to join my Republican colleagues in passing the Energy and Commerce Committee’s part of President Donald Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill.” said Rep. Hudson. “This bill delivers on our promise of protecting the vulnerable, cutting wasteful spending, and renewing the middle-class tax cuts that effect every working family in America and fuel good jobs here at home. Our bill strengthens Medicaid by ending fraud and stopping handouts to illegal immigrants. We’re reining in Biden’s woke, reckless climate agenda, refilling the Strategic Petroleum Reserve depleted during the Biden Administration, and eliminating onerous regulations that threaten prosperity for you and your family. As Telecom Subcommittee Chair, I worked with my colleagues to raise $88 billion through spectrum auctions while protecting our defense and national security interests. This is about protecting hardworking families, restoring sanity to Washington, and putting America first.”

    

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Hudson, Pfluger, Balderson Lead Bill to Stop Flawed Social Cost of Energy from Driving Burdensome Regulations

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09), along with Republican Study Committee (RSC) Chairman August Pfluger (TX-11) and RSC House Energy Action Team Chairman (HEAT) Troy Balderson (OH-12), introduced the Transparency and Honesty in Energy Regulation Act in the House and Senator James Lankford (OK) introduced the legislation in the Senate. This bill would prohibit the federal government from using the flawed social cost of carbon, methane, nitrous oxide, or any other greenhouse gas metric in the rulemaking process.

    “The Biden-Harris Administration used every tool at their disposal to advance their radical green agenda. My bill ensures that going forward, no Administration can use inaccurate, unreliable standards to pass dangerous regulations,” said Rep. Hudson.

    “For too long, unelected bureaucrats have relied upon biased and flawed research to wage war against American energy producers. To unleash a new era of American energy dominance, we must rein in onerous regulations that hamstring our economy. I thank Representative Hudson, Senator Lankford, and RSC HEAT Chair Balderson for leading this effort to get rid of ‘social cost of carbon’ estimates once and for all,” said RSC Chairman Pfluger.

    “As Administrator Zeldin noted last month in his historic deregulatory announcement, social cost of carbon hurts the United States’ global competitiveness and increases our reliance on foreign energy producers. I applaud Representative Hudson and Senator Lankford for leading this important bill,” said RSC HEAT Chairman Balderson.

    “Under President Trump, American energy dominance is back, and states like Oklahoma are fueling the charge,” said Sen. Lankford. “This bill pushes back on the Biden Administration’s war on American energy producers by ensuring federal rulemaking is grounded in facts—not flawed models or political agendas. It’s a necessary step to restore transparency, rein in government overreach, and keep American energy competitive.”

    Read the full text of the bill HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Gregory W. Meeks Reintroduces Three Capital Market Bills

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05) reintroduced three pieces of legislation aimed to further capital formation and provide additional transparency and opportunities for investors. 

    “I’m proud to reintroduce three bills today that strengthen transparency, empower investors, and support smart, inclusive growth in our capital markets,” Rep. Meeks said. “From closing loopholes in multi-class share disclosures to giving all issuers the ability to responsibly explore public offerings, and protecting the integrity of investment vehicles relied on by everyday Americans, these bills are focused on ensuring that our financial system works for everyone—not just the well-connected. Each of these measures reflects thoughtful, bipartisan collaboration and a shared commitment to expanding opportunity, enhancing market fairness, and helping families across the country build long-term financial security. I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance this important legislation.”

    H.R. 3357Enhancing Multi-Class Share Disclosures Act would close documented gaps in transparency around multi-class governance structures for the benefit of traditional investors.  Multi-class governance structures allow corporate insiders or beneficial owners to hold an outsized amount of voting power relative to their shares. This could limit other investors’ abilities to influence management, direct strategy, and hold misaligned boards accountable. Under current rules, the difference between a corporate insider’s voting power and their ownership interest – regardless of how large that gap may be – is either not fully disclosed or lacks clarity. This commonsense legislation makes sure that investors have the clearest information available to make the best possible decisions. 

    H.R. 3381 Encouraging Public Offerings Act of 2025 co-led by Rep. Meeks (D-NY) and Rep. Ann Wagner (R-MO). The bipartisan legislation ensures that all issuers can test the waters on going public in order to gauge interest and feasibility before committing to a public offering.

    Lastly, H.R. 3383Increasing Investor Opportunities Act is another bipartisan measure led by Reps. Meeks and Wagner. This bill addresses two issues facing Closed-End Funds (CEFs) which are investments for many individual retail investors with long-term saving goals including Americans saving for retirement. CEFs face two major challenges in today’s marketplace: threats from hostile activist investors looking to wage takeover campaigns, and limitations on their investments into private funds. The legislation would protect CEFs by restricting the amount of CEF shares that hostile activist investors and their affiliates can acquire to no more than 10% and remove informal SEC guidance that limits the ability of CEFs to invest in private funds to no more than 15% of its net assets. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Meeks Blasts Trump Administration for Bypassing Congress on UAE Arms Sale, Announces Joint Resolutions of Disapproval

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)

    Washington, D.C. – Representative Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, today criticized the Trump administration’s decision to bypass the Congressional committee review process and immediately notify major arms sales to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) despite the country’s continued support of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia in Sudan. In January, the United States government determined the RSF committed genocide in Sudan. Meeks announced that he will introduce Joint Resolutions of Disapproval to block the weapons sales.

    “Last night, the Trump administration informed me of its intent to once again bypass the Congressional review process and years of standing practice and notify billions of dollars in arms sales to the UAE. This decision violates years of established practice and undermines Congress’s constitutional role in overseeing arms transfers.

    “Earlier this year, I made public my hold on major U.S. arms sales to any country sustaining the conflict in Sudan. Despite international outcry, including by Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle, credible evidence continues to show that the UAE is providing weapons to the RSF.

    “Recent RSF attacks on the city of El Fasher and the Zamzam displaced persons camp killed hundreds of civilians, including nine aid workers, and displaced nearly 400,000 people. The war between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces has killed over 150,000 people and displaced nearly 13 million since it began in 2023. Nearly 1 million people are on the brink of starvation.

    “Despite the UN Darfur arms embargo, UAE weapons and supplies have enabled RSF attacks on civilians and prolonged the fighting. The UAE claims to have ended support to the RSF but multiple credible reports and investigations – both inside and outside of the U.S. government – indicate otherwise. Now, under Trump’s watch, the UAE has faced no consequences for keeping this conflict going. External actors must end support for the parties to change the calculus and make a negotiated peace possible.

    “President Trump has shown a complete disregard for Congress’s role as a co-equal branch of government and has failed to take meaningful action to stop the atrocities in Sudan. Given the gravity of the situation in Sudan and the UAE’s continued involvement, I will be introducing Joint Resolutions of Disapproval with my Senate colleagues to block these sales and prevent U.S. weapons from going to countries fueling further atrocities.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI This Week: Rep. Meeks Celebrates Funding for Public Health and Holds Trump Accountable

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)

    May 9, 2025

    Rep. Meeks Celebrates New Expansion at Joseph P. Addabbo Family Health Center   

    I had the pleasure of joining Joseph P. Addabbo for a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate their facility’s new extension. I was proud to secure $1.5 million in funding through Community Project Funding to help make this vision a reality. This expansion will increase efficiency, expand specialty care for patients, and offer additional space for education programs. While Republicans threaten our communities with cuts to vital health care services, I will continue fighting to protect centers like Addabbo Family Health Center. 
    Congressman Meeks Demands Vote to Protect Medicaid and Food Assistance 

    I signed a discharge petition that would force a vote in the House to protect Medicaid and food assistance like SNAP from receiving cuts under the Republican-led budget plan. Read my release, here.
    Rep. Meeks Questions Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Trump’s Reckless Tariffs in Financial Services Committee   

    Trump’s reckless tariffs are crashing the economy and raising prices for American families. Congress must regain authority over tariffs as the Constitution intended it to be. 
    Share Your Story: How Have You Been Impacted by President Trump’s Executive Orders?

    I’d like to hear from my constituents about how the Trump administration’s actions have affected you and your loved ones. Over the past few months, we’ve witnessed mass layoffs across government agencies, executive orders impacting various issues, threats against immigrants, potential tariffs on neighboring countries, and much more. 

     
    My office is working with state and local officials to learn more about how these actions could affect our district and provide resources for people who have been affected. Please complete the form here to explain how these actions are affecting you and the organizations, nonprofits and businesses you support.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Meeks, Jacobs Introduce Joint Resolutions of Disapproval for Trump Administration’s Rushed Arms Sales to United Arab Emirates

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)

    Washington, D.C. – Representatives Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Sara Jacobs, Ranking Member of the Africa Subcommittee, today issued the following statement announcing the introduction of Joint Resolutions of Disapproval (JRDs) to block the Trump administration’s recent notification it would advance over $1B in arms sales to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by skirting longstanding practice to subject such sales to Congressional committee review and violating Congress’s constitutional role. In doing so, the Trump administration blew past the hold that Ranking Member Meeks had placed on U.S. arms sales to the UAE – as well as any other country fueling the conflict in Sudan – earlier this year. 

    PDFs of the JRDs are available here and here.

    “The Trump administration’s decision to once again bypass the Congressional review process and notify over one billion dollars in arms sales to the UAE is a clear violation of longstanding, bipartisan process and undermines Congress’s constitutional authority and responsibility in overseeing arms transfers.

    “Worse, this comes amid further credible reporting and evidence – both inside and outside the U.S. government – that the UAE continues to provide weapons to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), fueling the conflict in Sudan where more than 150,000 people have died and the RSF is committing genocide.  

    “The Trump administration’s end-run around Congress is irresponsible and will further embolden the UAE to violate the UN’s Darfur arms embargo and continue its support for the RSF and the killing of innocent civilians. The brutal war between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces has already displaced nearly 13 million since it began in 2023 and forced 1 million people to the brink of starvation. It must end now. 

    “The JRDs seek to block certain arms cases the Trump administration notified on May 12 for export to the UAE, despite a Congressional hold. We urge our colleagues to support these JRDs to block these arms sales until the UAE ceases its armed support to the RSF and fueling of its horrific atrocities.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Meeks Introduces Bill to Block Foreign-Gifted Luxury Jet to President Trump

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)

    Washington, D.C. – Representative Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, today introduced legislation to prohibit President Donald J. Trump, or any future president, from accepting a luxury aircraft reportedly offered by the government of Qatar. The bill aims to uphold constitutional safeguards against undue foreign influence. The legislation makes clear that such a gift is unacceptable, whether intended for his personal use, while in or out of office, or as a donation to the Trump Presidential Library. The bill reinforces long-standing constitutional principles that prohibit presidents from accepting gifts or titles from foreign governments without congressional consent. It also addresses a broader concern over foreign influence and the erosion of ethical norms surrounding the conduct of the president of the United States. 

    A PDF of the legislation is available here.

    “This is not just about one plane or one president, it’s about drawing a firm line against the appearance—or reality—of foreign governments currying favor by providing a free luxury jet to the President of the United States. Beyond the clear corruption and influence peddling on display, retrofitting this luxury plane to serve as Air Force 1 would be an enormous expense on U.S. taxpayers – estimated as much as $1 billion dollars – and would likely only be completed in time to be placed in Trump’s Presidential Library. Taxpayers should not be footing the bill for Trump’s personal palace in the sky, especially as this administration cuts vital programs in the name of cost-cutting and asks American families to face the consequences of his trade war.  

    “Our national interest must never take a back seat to personal indulgence or foreign flattery. This legislation is a clear statement that the integrity of our democracy is not for sale—on the runway or anywhere else.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pallone Recognizes Outstanding High School Students at Spring Awards Ceremony

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank Pallone (6th District of New Jersey)

    Long Branch, NJ – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today announced the recipients of the Congressional Award, this year’s U.S. Service Academy nominees, and the winners of the 2025 Sixth Congressional District High School Arts Competition at an awards ceremony. 

    Pallone also announced the winners of the Congressional App Challenge and the winners of the tenth-annual Poetry Showcase. Students representing multiple local schools were honored at a reception at Middlesex College. 

    Pallone honored the 2025 recipients of the Congressional Award. Created by his predecessor, the late U.S. Rep. Jim Howard, the Congressional Award recognizes the initiative, achievement, and volunteer services of young people. The recipients include:

    Bronze Congressional Award Recipients:

    • Brody Gray, Rumson
    • Nyla Martin, Rumson
    • Timothy McCooey, Rumson

    Silver Congressional Award Recipients:

    • Hunter Barrett, Rumson
    • Aditya Herekar, Edison
    • Mahi Mahitcha, Edison
    • Ethan Poon, Edison

    Gold Congressional Award Recipients:

    • Suhani Sengupta, Edison

    “The Congressional Award is given to individuals whose accomplishments and dedication to their communities exemplifies the best qualities of the future,” Pallone said. “I’m proud to award this honor to this year’s recipients, and I wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors.” 

    The New Jersey Congressman also honored the candidates he nominated to the U.S. Service Academies. The nominees include:

    U.S. Air Force Academy

    • Brody Cannan, Sayreville War Memorial High School
    • Jackson Gervais, Christian Brothers Academy
    • Cole Pangborn, Rumson Fair Haven Regional High School
    • Satyam Shah, Northwestern Preparatory School
    • Sanjna Thoguru, Rutgers Preparatory School
    • Brandon Trivino, Saint Joseph High School

    U.S. Naval Academy                                      

    • Carter Braun, Marine Academy of Science and Technology
    • Thomas Clark, Marine Academy of Science and Technology
    • Ryan Miller, Middletown High School North
    • Sanjna Thoguru, Rutgers Preparatory School
    • Brandon Trivino, Saint Joseph High School
    • Caitlin Williams, Trinity Hall

    U.S. Military Academy at West Point

    • Tyler Boelhower, Woodbridge High School
    • Carter Braun, Marine Academy of Science and Technology
    • Max Fredericks, Keyport High School
    • Reed Kerstetter, St. Thomas Aquinas High School
    • Ryan Miller, Middletown High School North
    • Hannah Nitka, High Technology High School
    • Kyle Pear, South Plainfield High School
    • Cassidy Robertson, Saint Rose High School
    • Brandon Trivino, Saint Joseph High School

    U.S. Merchant Marine Academy                  

    • Owen Bradford, Spotswood High School
    • Carter Braun, Marine Academy of Science and Technology
    • Robert Gallagher, Arthur L. Johnson High School
    • Reed Kerstetter, St. Thomas Aquinas High School
    • Ryan Miller, Middletown High School North
    • Brandon Trivino, Saint Joseph High School
    • Jacob Weir, Seneca High School

    “The value of military service to our nation cannot be overstated, and I am proud of the commitment that these nominees have shown to serving their country,” said Pallone. “These nominees showed outstanding academic and extra-curricular achievements, leadership, and motivation in serving our country. Our nation’s service academies are some of the highest caliber institutions that are committed to graduating leaders of character, honor, and integrity. New Jersey’s 6th Congressional District is home to so many bright and qualified students. I wish all of the nominees the very best of luck in the future and thank them for their willingness to serve.”

    Young artists from various schools in Middlesex and Monmouth counties participated in this year’s art competition. Local judges chose first, second and third place winners. They also awarded 15 honorable mentions. The first-place winner, Sylphania Njoku, will have her artwork displayed for the next year in the United States Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.  

    Congressional Art Competition Winners:

    First Place: Sylphania Njoku, Piscataway High School

    Second Place: Emily Hsu, John P. Stevens High School

    Third Place: Elizabeth Poole, Piscataway High School

    Honorable Mentions: 

    • Shruthika Adaki, John P. Stevens High School
    • Mishti Bajaj, John P. Stevens High School
    • Gabriel DeJesus, Sayreville War Memorial High School
    • Yoskar Deleon, Perth Amboy High School
    • Julia Liu, John P. Stevens High School
    • Aaliyah Matias, Perth Amboy High School
    • Chasity McNamara, Edison High School
    • Haley Norris, Red Bank Regional High School
    • Ash Peña Martinez, Red Bank Regional High School
    • Gabrielle Petit-Homme, Piscataway High School
    • Patrick Powers, Raritan High School
    • Sofia Rojas, Piscataway High School
    • Mia Vargas, East Brunswick Magnet School
    • Ava Wallenstein, Sayreville War Memorial High School
    • Alexander Zayas, Perth Amboy High School

    “I have long believed that Congress should play a major role in encouraging interest in the arts,” Pallone said. “This competition provides a forum to help the aspiring young artists of our area gain recognition and exposure. Young artists can gain confidence in themselves and their abilities by displaying their work and having it evaluated by knowledgeable judges.”

    Pallone also announced the winners of the 2025 Congressional App Challenge. The competition encourages students to explore STEM education and highlights the value of computer science.

    First Place: Ekya Dogra, Sahil Ghosh and Adithiya Venkatakrishnan, all from Edison Academy Magnet School, with the app RADR: Rapid Amber Detection Response, which is an initiative to enhance amber alerts & assist in child abduction cases.  The core mission is to provide a faster, more efficient way of not just tracking abducted children, but any suspected vehicles supplementing law enforcement officers with autonomous technology. 

    Second Place: Ishaan Kunwar from Edison High School with the app CataSight, which aims to detect cataracts in fundus images, which are images of the back of the eye taken with an ophthalmoscope (fundus camera), using a machine learning approach that involves a Multilayer Perceptron Layer (MLP) model. The web app, developed using Streamlit, allows users to upload a fundus image and receive a diagnosis of “Cataract” or “Normal,” along with the probability of the prediction, which is out of 1 and rounded to the nearest 2 decimal places.

    Third Place: Neerav Gupta from John P. Stevens High School, with the app Symptix, an innovative app designed to assist users in navigating healthcare information and making informed decisions about their health. At its core, Symptix leverages cutting-edge AI technology to provide fast and reliable medical guidance based on user input. One of the key features of the app is an AI-powered chatbot, powered by the Gemini 1.0 pro model, which allows users to input their symptoms and receive an instant diagnosis. 

    “The Congressional App Challenge is an important platform for students to showcase their skills in programming and computer science while supporting the next generation’s interest in STEM subjects. I will continue to support investments in STEM education so that our country remains at the forefront of innovation and research. I congratulate this year’s winners and encourage everyone who has an idea to submit it for the competition next year,” said Pallone.

    Finally, Pallone announced the winners of the tenth-annual Poetry Showcase. The Poetry Showcase coincides with National Poetry Month, which is celebrated during the month of April. The showcase allows students of all ages to express themselves in writing under one of three thematic categories: civic engagement, the environment, and social justice. 

    “The Poetry Showcase is a wonderful opportunity for students of all ages to express themselves in writing while exploring themes that I believe resonate with their community,” Pallone concluded. “This year, we received over 600 submissions, which is a testament to our students’ dedication to literature and language. I want to thank everyone who participated and commend them for their commitment to this literary art.” 

    Category: Civic Engagement

    • Harshikha Anumala, Oak Tree Road School (Woodbridge) (Grades K-5)
    • Ameirah Gordon, Assumption Catholic School (Perth Amboy) (Grades 6-8)
    • Libby Peckman, Highland Park High School (Grades 9-12)

    Category: Environment 

    • Samantha Rybakov, Alan B. Shepard Elementary School (Old Bridge) (Grades K-5)
    • Sujena Maheshwaran Subashini, Thomas Jefferson Middle School (Edison) (Grades 6-8)
    • Alexander Poon, Edison Academy Magnet School (Grades 9-12)

    Category: Social Justice

    • Sophia Santos, South Amboy Elementary School (Grades K-5)
    • Scarlett Garcia, Carteret Junior High School (Grades 6-8)
    • Haniya Arif, Piscataway High School (Grades 9-12)

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pallone After 26 Hour Markup: Republicans Have No Answers for 13.7 Million Americans Losing Their Health Care on Their Watch

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank Pallone (6th District of New Jersey)

    Washington, D.C. –Congressman Frank Pallone (NJ-06), Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee released the following statement after Republicans advanced the largest Medicaid cut in history in their budget reconciliation bill:

    “It’s outrageous Republicans forced this debate to occur late into the night when most of the country was asleep and couldn’t see what they were up to.

    “After 26 hours, Republicans failed to justify their draconian Medicaid cuts. The truth is Republicans want to rush this legislation through because they know the American people will be outraged by what’s in the bill.

    “Now that both the Energy and Commerce and the Ways and Means committees have acted, it’s clear 13.7 million people stand to lose their health care on Republicans’ watch..

    “President Trump repeatedly promised Republicans were not going to cut Medicaid, but that was a lie since Republicans just voted for the largest Medicaid cut in history.

    “Democrats will continue to fight to defeat this GOP tax scam that takes health care away from millions of Americans in order to give tax breaks to billionaires and big corporations. We’ve beat Republican health care repeal attempts before and we can do it again.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: House Passes Pallone Bill to Honor Bill Pascrell at Paterson Great Falls

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank Pallone (6th District of New Jersey)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives has overwhelmingly passed legislation authored by Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) to rename two prominent sites at Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park in honor of the late Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. The Bill Pascrell, Jr. Scenic Overlook Trail Bridge and Bill Pascrell, Jr. Overlook Park will serve as lasting tributes to the Paterson native who dedicated his life to public service and to preserving the city’s role in American history.

    Congresswoman Nellie Pou (NJ-09), who now represents Pascrell’s district and is also a Paterson native, managed the bipartisan legislation on the House floor, where it overwhelmingly passed under suspension of the rules. The bill now heads to the Senate for further consideration.

    “Bill Pascrell spent his life fighting for the city that raised him,” said Pallone. “He believed in Paterson, in its people, and in preserving its proud place in our national story. Without Bill, Great Falls wouldn’t be a national park, and the story of Paterson’s contribution to the American industrial revolution might have been lost to history. Renaming these sites in his honor is a small but lasting way to recognize everything he did to lift up his community and preserve its legacy.”

    Pascrell played a pivotal role in establishing the Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park in 2009 and later expanding it to include the historic Hinchliffe Stadium – a rare surviving Negro League baseball venue. His work ensured national recognition of Paterson’s central role in America’s industrial revolution.

    “Few public servants have shaped Paterson or New Jersey more than Bill Pascrell,” said Congresswoman Pou. “He understood the importance of honoring our past while fighting for our future. Every brick and every drop of the Falls tells a story about Paterson and America, and now those stories will include Bill. I was proud to help lead this effort on the House floor in tribute to my friend and mentor. I look forward to its swift passage into law.”

    In addition to his work preserving Paterson’s cultural heritage, Pascrell was a national leader on traumatic brain injury (TBI) awareness and care. Last year, the House passed legislation championed by Pallone to rename the federal TBI program in Pascrell’s honor. The Bill Pascrell, Jr. National Program for Traumatic Brain Injury Surveillance and Registries supports critical research and care for survivors and their families. Pallone reintroduced the bill in February.

    The bill renaming sites at Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park in honor of Pascrell must now be taken up by the Senate before it can be signed into law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Representative Adriano Espaillat Leads AI Leadership Roundtable on Equity, Access, and Opportunity 

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) issued the following statement on the introduction of his bill, H.R. 3210 – the Artificial Intelligence Literacy and Inclusion Act, co-led by Reps. Yvette Clarke (NY-09), and Ted Lieu (CA-39). The bill aims to close the AI literacy gap—particularly among Latino, Black, AAPI, and underserved populations and would direct the National Science Foundation (NSF) to provide grant funding awards to K-12 schools, nonprofits, and other organizations to promote AI literacy and foster inclusive participation. 

    The full text of the legislation can be found HERE. 

    “We have to meet communities where they are—students, working moms, seniors—and build from the ground up. That means making AI education and literacy as fundamental as reading, writing, and math,” said Congressman Espaillat. “My legislation puts AI directly into the curriculum of our schools and our workforce development programs to ensure everyone—no matter their zip code—has the opportunity to understand and succeed in a tech-driven future. If we don’t act now, we risk widening the digital divide and locking entire communities out of the economy of tomorrow.”
     

    “Artificial intelligence has opened a world of possibilities, and it is critical we prepare the next generation of workers with the skills to harness this technology,” Congressman Lieu said. “We’re investing in our country’s future when we ensure students of all backgrounds can learn about artificial intelligence and how to use it. I’m pleased to join Reps. Espaillat and Clarke in introducing the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Literacy and Inclusion Act to help close the AI literacy gap among students, particularly those in Latino, Black, AANHPI, and underserved communities.”

    “As Artificial Intelligence technologies continue to grow more effective in their capabilities and more ubiquitous in our communities, ensuring America’s diverse and underserved students are not left behind by the widening AI literacy gap must be a priority. Positioning our nation to thrive in this exciting new technological era means empowering our brightest, most talented young people with the skills and education they need to thrive, no matter their background. I’m proud to support this initiative that will meaningfully bridge the digital divide and ensure every young person can seize the opportunities AI provides,” said Congresswoman Clarke.

    Earlier this week, Espaillat, as Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), in collaboration with Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Chair Clarke and House Democratic Caucus Vice Chair Lieu, hosted a Congressional AI Leadership Roundtable: Looking Ahead 2025.  

    The discussion featured AIandYou and focused on ensuring equitable access, AI literacy, education, and opportunity as artificial intelligence rapidly transforms the global economy. During the discussion, the Tri-Caucus leaders emphasized the urgency of preparing Latino and other historically excluded communities for the future of work. 

    Click here to view photos from the latest AI roundtable series. 

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    Representative Espaillat is the first Dominican American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and his congressional district includes Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill and the north-west Bronx. First elected to Congress in 2016, Representative Espaillat is serving his fifth term in Congress. Representative Espaillat currently serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for funding the federal government’s vital activities and serves as Ranking Member of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee of the committee during the 119th Congress. He is Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC), and serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/. 

    Media inquiries: Candace Person at Candace.Person@mail.house.gov 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Representatives Espaillat and Díaz-Balart Reintroduce Bipartisan E-Waste Legislation for the 119th Congress

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13)

    The Secure E-Waste Export and Recycling Act (SEERA) Strengthens National Security by Halting the Export of Electronic Waste to High-Risk Foreign Entities

    WASHINGTON, DC – The ongoing national security concerns related to the United States’ unchecked export of electronic waste (“e-waste”)—such as old cell phones, computers, servers, and other gadgets—have prompted Representatives Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) and Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26) to reintroduce the Secure E-Waste Export and Recycling Act (SEERA). 

    The bill would curb the flow of U.S. e-waste to foreign nations, which is on track to reach over 80 million tons by 2030. Upon its arrival in foreign nations, U.S. e-waste is frequently discarded in ways that are environmentally destructive, unlawfully turned into counterfeit electronics, or insufficiently refurbished electronics products that are then resold as new. Concerningly, these counterfeit and unsafe electronics are often then resold to buyers in the United States, where the faulty materials can make their way into critical U.S. military equipment.

    “As technology evolves faster than ever, so does the volume of electronic waste generated in the U.S.—waste that, if not properly managed, can pose serious risks to our national security and the environment,” said Rep. Espaillat. “Today, unregulated actors around the world continue to exploit U.S. e-waste to manufacture counterfeit electronics, some of which re-enter the global supply chain and threaten consumer safety, cybersecurity, and intellectual property. Proper e-waste recycling isn’t just an environmental issue—it’s a national security imperative. SEERA addresses this urgent need by keeping sensitive materials out of the wrong hands, supporting climate goals, and creating thousands of American jobs through secure, domestic recycling infrastructure.” 

    “As we work to free America from unfair and hostile trade practices, the enactment of SEERA would be an important step in that direction–strengthening our national security against China and protecting our future. Proper handling of electronic waste ensures our critical data and infrastructure remain protected and that dangerous materials are handled responsibly. Importantly, it would set requirements for the recycling of these products to be done domestically while creating new jobs. Passing this legislation will fortify and reinforce our national security as well as our future,” said Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart.
     

    “The Coalition for American Electronics Recycling (CAER) is most appreciative of the leadership of Rep. Espaillat and Rep. Diaz-Balart in introducing this important bipartisan legislation to limit untested, nonworking e-scrap exports,” said Bob Houghton, CEO of Sage Sustainable Electronics and CAER Executive Committee member. “Under SEERA, our industry will play an integral role to address National Security concerns, further develop a domestic source of rare earth and critical minerals, and create up to 42,000 good paying jobs here in the United States.”

    The Secure E-Waste Export and Recycling Act prohibits the export of specified e-waste and outlines the process for the registration and compliance of export declarations and for the disposal of electronic waste in the United States.

    Click here to read this SEERA legislation in its entirety.

      
     

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    Representative Espaillat is the first Dominican American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and his congressional district includes Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill and the north-west Bronx. First elected to Congress in 2016, Representative Espaillat is serving his fifth term in Congress. Representative Espaillat currently serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for funding the federal government’s vital activities and serves as Ranking Member of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee of the committee during the 119th Congress. He is Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC), and serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/. 

    Media inquiries: Candace Person at Candace.Person@mail.house.gov 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Gonzalez Meets with Salvadoran President Bukele and Tours CECOT Amid Efforts to Strengthen Bilateral Ties

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (15th District of Texas)

     WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) announced his recent trip to El Salvador where he met with Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele and toured several sites, including the country’s maximum-security prison, el Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo or CECOT. Congressman Gonzalez led this trip with fellow Congressional El Salvador Caucus Co-Chair, Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna (FL-13). Both were joined by fellow caucus member Congressman Andy Ogles (TN-05) and former Congressman and Co-Chair, Matt Gaetz.

    The bipartisan group of lawmakers met with President Bukele and Salvadoran leadership to discuss the importance of U.S.-El Salvador relations and the crucial role El Salvador plays in the region. The delegation then toured the Children’s Home of San Vicente De Paul which provides children whose families are incarcerated safety, care, and educational opportunities. This was followed by a visit to La Libertad, El Salvador, to greet local leaders and receive the key to the city. Lastly, the delegation toured CECOT facilities in Tecoluca, El Salvador and saw firsthand the operations behind one of the world’s largest maximum-security prisons. 

    “I thank President Bukele for hosting our Congressional delegation as we work to ensure the relationship between the people of the U.S. and El Salvador continues to prosper,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “El Salvador is crucial in helping the United States curb the flow of irregular migration and is an important ally in the western hemisphere.” 

    “President Bukele and I also discussed the detention of individuals from the United States. As a U.S. lawyer, I have concerns about whether due process and constitutional protections are being followed—specifically regarding the detention of foreign nationals. I made sure to assert these concerns during our discussions.” 

    Photos from the visit are available here.  

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Kustoff Applauds Ways and Means Passage of Tax Package

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative David Kustoff (TN-08)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman David Kustoff (R-TN) released the following statement regarding the House Ways and Means Committee’s passage of the tax portion of reconciliation: 

    “Today, the House Ways and Means Committee did its job and passed the tax portion of President Trump’s one big, beautiful bill with my support,” said Congressman Kustoff. “This tax package will deliver on our promise to lower taxes, support small businesses, and reinvigorate our economy. The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ignited a red-hot economy that benefited all Americans. By extending and building on TCJA’s successful provisions, this new tax package will help usher the United States into a new era of economic growth and prosperity.”

    The tax package passed the House Ways and Means Committee by a vote of 26 to 19.
     

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Quigley, Bell, Kaptur, Johnson Send Letter Opposing Ed Martin Nomination Over Russian Media Ties

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05)

    Today, Congressman Mike Quigley (IL-05), Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, along with Representatives Wesley Bell (MO-01), Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), and Hank Johnson (GA-04), sent a letter to President Donald Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi raising serious concerns over the nomination of Ed Martin to serve as U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia.

    The letter cites Martin’s extensive history of appearances on Russian state-funded media outlets RT and Sputnik—over 150 times in recent years—as cause for alarm given the sensitive nature of the role. The lawmakers argue that Martin’s public statements on these platforms, many of which were not disclosed,  have often echoed Kremlin propaganda and undermined U.S. national security interests, particularly regarding Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.

    “Mr. Martin’s public contributions to Russian-backed platforms are deeply troubling to consider when considering how these views may reflect his stance toward critical issues related to Ukraine and national security. The downplaying of Russian aggression and interference in Ukraine he has espoused on Russian media raises concerns about his ability to uphold U.S. interests, particularly at a time when Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has escalated tensions globally. Additionally, his denying evidence of a Russian military buildup near Ukraine’s borders and suggesting that it was the U.S., not the Assad Regime, who “engineered” the deadly 2017 Syrian chemical weapons attack. His appearances have included promoting narratives that align with Russian propaganda over U.S. policy positions and our national interests,” said the lawmakers.

    As the Senate continues to consider Martin’s nomination, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have raised concerns about his fitness to serve in the role. 

    Read the full text of the letter here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fitzpatrick, Quigley Lead Bipartisan Push to Deliver Lifesaving Care to Retired Federal and Military K9 Heroes

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05)

    Congressmen Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1) and Mike Quigley (IL-5) announced they have introduced the Honoring Our K9 Heroes Act, bipartisan legislation establishing a first-of-its-kind federal grant program to expand access to critical veterinary care for retired federal and military working dogs.

    More than 5,500 K9s serve federal agencies across the nation—working on the frontlines to detect explosives, intercept narcotics, protect national security assets, and perform life-saving search and rescue operations. These dogs serve with unmatched courage and dedication, but after years of physically demanding work, they often retire with complex medical conditions. Today, the full burden of their care falls on their handlers.

    The Honoring Our K9 Heroes Act authorizes $1 million in grant funding through 2029, administered by the Department of Homeland Security—the largest federal employer of working dogs. The grants will support nonprofit organizations that provide veterinary care to retired federal and military K9s, helping relieve the financial burden on handlers and ensuring these animals receive the care they’ve earned.

    “Every day, we force federal working and military dogs to make sacrifices for our country that result in long lasting harm to their quality of life and exorbitant veterinary fees for their handlers. The federal government has a responsibility to support their care long after they are retired from service,” said Quigley. “The Honoring our K9 Heroes Act will ease the cost burden for owners and provide life-saving care for our hero dogs. After man’s best friend spends years keeping us safe, we must honor their sacrifice and provide a helping paw.

    “Our working K9s have played an irreplaceable role in defending our nation—from detecting threats to saving lives. As Co-Chair of the Animal Protection Caucus, I believe we have a moral and national obligation to care for these animals in retirement, just as they cared for us in service. This bipartisan legislation ensures that responsibility is met with real federal support, easing the burden on handlers and empowering the nonprofits doing this vital work,” said Fitzpatrick. 

    “The main goal, and the reason we created K9 Hurricanes Heroes, is to take all the heavy lifting off of the handlers and ensure these K9s receive the best medical care. Our nonprofit has everything established so once the donations or grants are received it’s a seamless process for the retired working K9 heroes’ medical bills to be paid without the handler having to front any expenses out of pocket” Marshall Mirarchi, Founder of K9 Hurricane’s Heroes 501c3

    “Providing medical care to these canine heroes is not only a patriotic duty but one of human compassion. Their service like all those that protect America should never be forgotten,” said Kathryn Coyne, Chief Executive Officer at The Animal Medical Center of New York

    “Retired working dogs have bravely served our communities, often at great personal risk. Ensuring they receive comprehensive medical care in retirement is not just our duty but a testament to our gratitude for their unwavering service and sacrifice,” said Nick White – U.S. Marine Veteran (Fallujah), Former U.S. Secret Service, & Celebrity Dog Trainer.

    “The sacrifice police canines give to their partners and agency is unprecedented. Continuing health coverage after retirement is a way for us to give back to them,” said Former USSS ERT Canine Supervisor, Special Agent Jonathan Stewart.

    “The mission statement of the Department of Veterans Affairs is ‘to fulfill President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in our nation’s military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors.’ Our K9 veterans deserve that same level of care, to honor their service to our country,” said Dr. Matthew W. Brunke, DVM, CCAT, CVPP, CVA, Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation, International Association of Veterinary Rehabilitation & Physical Therapy Fellow, Veterinary Referral “As a veterinary specialist, I have treated many retired federal canines for musculoskeletal and neurological conditions that come with the rigors of their job and service. To care for these dogs is a privilege and honor but it should not be on the handler alone to pay for that care.”

    Read the full bill text here. 

    Background:

    Working Federal and Military dogs often endure significant physical and mental strain during their service, resulting in serious injuries and their quality of life. Upon retirement, these dogs typically become the responsibility of their handlers, who must bear the increasing costs of their medical care alone. Without the support of organizations like K9 Hurricane’s Heroes, many working dog heroes would go without the essential care they need and deserve. As the demand for such support grows, these organizations face multiple challenges in meeting capacity needs. After years of dedicated service, these working dogs deserve to enjoy long and fulfilling retirements simply as beloved pets.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Quigley Concludes Trip to Texas Primate Facilities, Introduces Bipartisan “Captive Primate Safety Act”

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05)

    Quigley and lawmakers introduced the bill to ban the private ownership of primates like chimpanzees, monkeys, and lemurs, bolstering public safety and animal welfare.

    Today, Congressman Mike Quigley (IL-05) concluded a trip to Texas to visit the Born Free USA Primate Sanctuary and the San Antonio Zoo, following his introduction of the Captive Primate Safety Act with Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Julia Brownley (CA-26), and Nancy Mace (SC-01) earlier this week.

    “Monkeys and apes belong in the wild—not in living rooms. This bill will ban private possession of these animals, ensuring that we are safe and primates are able to live freely,” said Congressman Mike Quigley (IL-05), co-chair of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus. “As the lead sponsor of the Big Cat Public Safety Act which was later signed into law, I’m proud to sponsor the Captive Primate Safety Act to advance the same protections for primates.”

    Signed into law in 2022, Quigley’s Big Cat Public Safety Act banned the private ownership and breeding of big cats including lions, tigers, and pumas. Similarly, the bipartisan Captive Primate Safety Act  will ban private ownership of non-human primates like chimpanzees, monkeys, and lemurs. The bill will also prohibit interstate or foreign commerce of these animals, further preventing people from having them as pets. Senator Richard Blumenthal (CT) also introduced this legislation in the Senate.

    “Primates are intelligent and social creatures. But when primates are kept as pets—in captivity and restrained—they can become highly unpredictable and dangerous,” Senator Blumenthal (CT). “Wild animals belong in the wild, and this legislation ends the inhumane exploitation of these animals as pets—protecting both people and primates.”

    “Private ownership of primates is a dangerous and outdated practice that puts both animals and communities at risk,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick (PA-01). “As a Co-Chair of the Animal Protection Caucus, I’m taking action to put an end to this cruelty and close the legal gaps that allow it to continue. The Captive Primate Safety Act will ban the unlicensed trade and private possession of primates—reducing the threat of disease, preventing future tragedies, and ensuring these intelligent animals are no longer subjected to neglect and abuse. It’s time to get this done.”

    “Your family shouldn’t have to worry about wild monkeys next door. When reckless owners treat primates like pets, it’s law enforcement, taxpayers, and innocent families who pay the price,”  said Congresswoman Mace (SC-01). “The Captive Primate Safety Act  is simple: protect the public, protect law enforcement, and stop this dangerous trend before someone else gets hurt.”

    “Too many times, our sanctuary team has received frantic phone calls from primate pet owners desperate for us to help them. They purchase a monkey when they are just a few weeks old and have no idea that this small, vulnerable animal will soon become a dangerous risk to them and their families,” said Angela Grimes, CEO of Born Free USA. “When the monkey reaches adolescence, the owners start to see instances of aggression – a natural behavior in monkeys – and these instances often escalate to the point of someone being seriously harmed. It is then that a sanctuary is called in to take on the monkey, as the owner realizes that they have made a mistake. Law enforcement is not trained to deal with these animals. This puts their staff in danger when they find illegally kept primates, or it means that confiscation is simply not possible for lack of somewhere for the monkeys to go. Given the dangers posed by primates to humans – including injury and disease transmission – forcing law enforcement agencies to take responsibility for the fallout of the primate pet trade is unacceptable.”

    “Primates are highly intelligent, social animals with complex needs that cannot be met in private homes,” said Allison Ludtke, legislative affairs manager at the Animal Legal Defense Fund. “The reintroduction of the Captive Primate Safety Act offers a federal solution that is needed to end the trade of nonhuman primates as ‘pets’ in the U.S., instead of the current patchwork of laws that fail to fully address this issue. Keeping nonhuman primates as pets not only causes immense suffering for the animals but also puts the public at serious risk — resulting in injuries, physical and emotional trauma, and costly emergency responses from law enforcement who are unfairly put in the position of managing dangerous wild animals. ALDF applauds Senator Blumenthal, Congressman Quigley, Congressman Fitzpatrick, Congresswoman Mace, and Congresswoman Brownley for their leadership on this impactful and common sense legislation.”

    “Primates are wild animals, not pets or playthings” said Susan Millward, CEO and executive director of the Animal Welfare Institute. “Primates have natural instincts that can make them aggressive and unpredictable toward humans, and nobody wins when they’re kept inside a home. These animals suffer permanent physical and mental trauma when they are mutilated, isolated, caged, and malnourished. The Captive Primate Safety Act would protect primates from a lifetime of cruelty.”

    “Primates are not pets and the primate pet trade is a risk to human health, individual animal wellbeing, and fuels the illegal wildlife trade,” said Lincoln Park Zoo President & CEO Megan Ross, Ph.D. “The Captive Primate Safety Act not only ends the now-legal pet trade, but will protect these cognitively advanced animals.”

    To read the full text of the Captive Primate Safety Act, click here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Kelly on Released American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Robin Kelly IL

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) released the following statement after Hamas released American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander:

    “Edan Alexander is returning home after more than 19 months in brutal captivity by Hamas. I’m thinking of Edan and his family as they begin to recover and heal from unimaginable pain.

    “I urge for the continued release of all hostages, including the remains of four Americans to provide families with closure. We must secure a lasting peace in Gaza for Palestinians, Israelis and the Middle East region.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Kelly on Rep. Schakowsky’s Retirement, Decades of Public Service

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Robin Kelly IL

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) released the following statement thanking U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowksy (IL-09) on her years of public service:

    “For over 25 years, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky has been a powerful advocate for her constituents and the people of Illinois. I’m incredibly grateful for her partnership in the Illinois Delegation and the Energy and Commerce Committee as we’ve fought together for access to high-quality healthcare.

    “Congresswoman Schakowsky’s legacy, including her leadership in passing the Affordable Care Act, will continue to improve American lives. I wish her and her family all the best in a well-earned retirement.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Kelly condemns Trump Administration for flooding streets with dangerous rapid-fire devices

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Robin Kelly IL

    CHICAGO – U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) condemned the Trump Administration for permitting the sale of forced reset triggers, which enable semi-automatic weapons to fire rapidly like machine guns.

    The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) settled a lawsuit with the National Association for Gun Rights, which challenged a rule by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) to ban forced reset triggers. 

    “President Donald Trump just put people’s lives at risk in exchange for the gun lobby’s support. This is not about the Second Amendment – this is about a dangerous device that can do irreparable harm to communities. Anyone can buy or 3D print a forced reset trigger without a background check and without question as to why someone needs a gun with the same firing capacity as a machine gun. Machine guns have been illegal since 1934, and it’s time our laws catch up to the 21st Century to ban devices that cause the same damage, pain and grief.”

    Rep. Kelly has dedicated her career in public service to ending gun violence. Most recently, she led a letter to President Trump demanding he reinstate funds to community violence intervention organizations.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: In marathon committee markup, Rep. Kelly protects Medicaid from Republican $880 billion cut

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Robin Kelly IL

    Rep. Kelly offered amendments to codify Medicaid postpartum coverage, remove red tape

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) offered two amendments to protect Medicaid in a marathon committee that has lasted for over 22 hours.

    “Republicans continue to play political games and scheduled their $880 billion cut to Medicaid overnight, because they know it’s unpopular and harmful. I, and my Democratic colleagues, however, are awake and fighting on behalf of the American people.

    “I offered two amendments that would strengthen Medicaid and actually reduce waste, fraud, and abuse. To no one’s surprise, Republicans voted them down. My colleagues on the other side of the aisle would rather force families to regularly report their employment status just to keep their health coverage – creating bureaucratic hurdles that lead to people losing Medicaid.

    “Cuts to Medicaid, which covers almost half of all births nationwide, threaten mothers and babies. My amendment would have codified the lifesaving policy that expanded postpartum coverage from 60 days to a full year. We cannot expect someone to recover from childbirth, return to work, care for a newborn and also scramble to reapply for coverage. That’s not healthcare – it’s chaos.”

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Kelly: ‘Cuts to Medicaid aren’t about saving taxpayer money’

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Robin Kelly IL

    House Republicans push $880 billion cut to Medicaid through Energy and Commerce Committee

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02), member of the Energy & Commerce Committee, is committed to protecting Medicaid. Today, Republicans on the committee will try to pass $880 billion in cuts to Medicaid as part of President Donald Trump’s “One Big, Beautiful Bill.”

    “Let’s be clear about what today’s markup is and isn’t about. This isn’t about reducing ‘fraud, waste, and abuse.’ This is about ripping healthcare away from working families, children, seniors, people with disabilities, veterans and pregnant women. 

    “Yet my Republican colleagues dismiss our concerns over $880 billion in Medicaid cuts as a ‘misunderstanding.’ But you don’t gut the largest insurer of low-income Americans without real harm. Call it what it is: abandonment, disinvestment, disregard for human life.

    “Cuts to Medicaid aren’t about saving taxpayer money. It’s about who we think is worth the investment of living a long, independent and healthy life.  In Illinois, 3.4 million people are covered by Medicaid. When Illinois implemented Medicaid expansion, the uninsured rate dropped by 44% between 2013 and 2015. These statistics demonstrate the significance of Medicaid for Illinoisans.

    “This committee is tasked with protecting public health, not dismantling it. We need to strengthen our health care system, not use budget gimmicks and add unnecessary requirements to make it harder for people to see a doctor. We owe it to the American people to stop playing games. They deserve affordable health care.”

    The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released a new analysis determining 13.7 million Americans would lose healthcare under President Trump’s and Republicans’s budget cuts.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: MATSUI STATEMENT ON TRUMP’S EFFORT TO ROLL BACK DIGITAL EQUITY FUNDING

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07), Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, released the following statement in response to President Trump’s announcement that he would immediately end Digital Equity Act grant funding. 

    “President Trump is once again launching an illegal, unilateral attack on the most underserved Americans — this time by trying to block Congressionally directed funding meant to invest in communities and build a better future,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “Broadband access and digital literacy are far from luxuries. They decide who gets to participate and succeed in today’s economy. Digital Equity Act grants are a crucial tool to make sure that once Americans have access to the internet, they are able to make full use of it. From our children’s performance in school to our ability to find work, the digital divide has far reaching consequences for American families. Especially in our rural areas, millions of Americans continue to lack access to the resources and skills they need to capitalize on an increasingly digital world. That’s why I have worked my entire career to make sure equity is a central pillar of our long-term solutions. President Trump may be willing to jeopardize Americans’ future — but I will continue to fight back against his reckless attacks.”

    The Digital Equity Act, included as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, provides $2.75 billion to establish three grant programs that promote digital equity and inclusion. In October of last year, California was awarded $70 million from the program to implement its Digital Equity Plan.

                                                   

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: MATSUI BLASTS REPUBLICANS’ EFFORTS TO GUT MEDICAID DURING OPENING REMARKS AT ENERGY AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE RECONCILIATION MARKUP

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07), delivered the following opening remarks at the Energy and Commerce Committee markup of Republicans’ budget reconciliation bill that would cut hundreds of billions of dollars from Medicaid and take health care away from millions of Americans. 

    A video of her remarks is available HERE. 

    Thank you, Mr. Chairman.  

      

    This committee wields immense power when it comes to reconciliation – and in the past we’ve used that power to deliver real results.   

      

    We expanded health care through the Affordable Care Act. We rescued the economy during COVID. We lowered drug costs. We made bold investments in clean energy and climate action through the Inflation Reduction Act. 

      

    Tangible. Positive. Impact.  

      

    But that’s not what we’re doing today.  

      

    Today, my Republican colleagues are trying to ram through a bill that would slash hundreds of billions of dollars from Medicaid.  

      

    Let’s be honest about what is happening. No matter what Republicans say, there is no if about it – benefits will be cut.  

      

    And I’ve seen this playbook before.  

      

    Fifteen years ago – in this room – we debated and passed the Affordable Care Act.  

      

    I’ll never forget the passionate advocates who filled this room then – and how Republicans looked them in the eyes and voted against a bill that would provide them lifesaving health care.  

      

    Then I watched as Republicans tried again and again to repeal the ACA. And I fought back every time. And I will fight back just as hard today. 

      

    Because Republicans can choose to callously ignore the facts – but the impact in each of our communities is real and plain to see.  

      

    Cuts to Medicaid mean denying care to the most vulnerable among us: seniors in nursing homes, cancer patients, people with disabilities, and kids. 

      

    Kids like Sam. 

      

    Sam is 13 years old. He has Down syndrome, autism, and a severe speech disorder. And thanks to Medicaid—Sam is living a safe, supported, and dignified life. 

      

    Medicaid covers his in-home supportive services so Sam can live at home with his family—not in an institution. It provides Sam with services to help him build toward greater independence.  

      

    Sam’s mom said it best: “Disability rights are human rights. Medicaid is what allows Sam to live a life of dignity, with his rights intact.” 

      

    If this bill passes, those rights will be rolled back. The support that helps millions of families like Sam’s will be ripped away. 

     

    Today, we will hear Republicans try to defend their bill. They’ll tell us their cruel policies exempt kids like Sam, and pretend that they’re reinvesting in services to support him. 

    But that’s simply not true. 

    This bill cuts around $800 billion dollars from our health care safety net. It rips massive holes in states’ budgets – that are near impossible to fill. It sets devious paperwork traps to force families like Sam’s to jump through hoops to keep coverage.

    The math is clear. $800 billion dollars gouged out of our health system means $800 billion dollars less care to go around. 

    With this bill Republicans are choosing to rip away health care and abandon the American people. All to pay for temporary tax cuts for the wealthy, and to keep fueling corporate greed that’s making life harder for everyday Americans. 

     

    I’m here to fight for those Americans. And I’ll be here as long as it takes.  

    I yield back.  

                                                   

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: President Trump’s Big, Beautiful Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Tom McClintock Representing the 4th District of California

    House Budget Committee Holds Hearing on Budget Legislation

    Washington, D.C. – Member of the House Budget Committee Rep. Tom McClintock (CA-05) today delivered remarks in committee on the budget reconciliation bill.  Rep. McClintock’s remarks:

    President Trump’s Big, Beautiful Bill
    Remarks by Congressman Tom McClintock
    House Budget Committee
    May 16, 2025

    Mr. Chairman:

    I share the disappointment expressed by some of our Republican colleagues that there is so much more reform that could have been and should have been made in this reconciliation bill.

    But as Benjamin Franklin reminded the Constitutional Convention, when you assemble a group of people to benefit from their collective wisdom, you will also get their collective folly.  He asked them, from such an Assembly can perfection be expected?  He noted that the principal difference between the Catholic and Anglican Church was that the Catholic Church was infallible, and the Anglican Church was never wrong.  But, he reminded them, as sure as we may be of our own perfection, we must all doubt a little of our infallibility if we can ever come together for the common good.

    And the common good is clearly served by this bill, with all its imperfections and disappointments.   The only economic indicator that matters is how people answer this question next year: “Are you better off today than you were two years ago.”  This bill provides much of the tax and regulatory relief that is needed to revive the American economy.  But it must be put in place now if it is to have time to work.  By this time next year, Americans could be enjoying one of the most explosive periods of growth in our history.    Only those who remember what it was like to wake up in Reagan’s Morning in America know how exciting and joyful that feels.  

    Are we to sacrifice all of that in the quixotic quest for perfection?  This is not the end of the fiscal reforms necessary to restore our nation’s solvency, but rather the first step.  

    The day after this bill becomes law, we’ll begin work on the 2026 budget act and the next reconciliation bill that will offer the next step toward enacting additional spending reforms.  But if we falter in taking this first step, we can’t get to the next one.  We’ll spend the summer squabbling and fuming to the delight of the Democrats and the despair of our fellow Americans.  If we succeed, we can then build on that success in the months ahead, adding additional spending reforms — a task that will be made easier by a prosperous and expanding economy and an electorate that can taste that success in their own lives and fortunes.

    As Lincoln once told Congress, “It is not can any of us IMAGINE better – but can we all DO better?”   He said, we can’t escape history, for we will either nobly save or meanly lose the last best hope of mankind. He said, “We must disenthrall ourselves – and then we will save our country.”

    Let’s do that today.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bipartisan Majority Members of the House Support H. Res 166

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Tom McClintock Representing the 4th District of California

    Washington, D.C.  – Today, Congressman Tom McClintock (CA-05) released the following statement on H. Res 166:

    “I am pleased to announce that H.  Res. 166 supporting a democratic, secular, and nonnuclear Republic of Iran has crossed an important threshold.  A majority of the entire House of Representatives has now joined to co-sponsor this resolution, comprised of 136 Republicans and 83 Democrats.

    “This truly bi-partisan and broad-based House majority endorses the general principles propounded by Iranian democracy groups, most notably the ten-point plan proposed the National Council of Resistance of Iran.  It calls for the universal right to vote; free elections; a market economy; separation of religion and state;  gender, religious, and ethnic equality; a foreign policy based on peaceful coexistence; peace in the Middle East; and a nonnuclear Republic of Iran.  It also condemns the Iranian regime’s terrorism, regional proxy war and internal oppression.

    “Over 4,000 parliamentarians worldwide, “the majority of 33 national legislative assemblies, over 130 former world leaders and 80 Nobel laureates have endorsed these principles and I am gratified that a majority of the entire House has stepped forward to support this resolution.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Aderholt Applauds Inclusion of Adoption Tax Credit Refundability in Budget Reconciliation Package

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04), Co-Chair of the Congressional Adoption Caucus and Chairman of the House VAT (Values Action Team), today announced a key milestone in ongoing efforts to support adoptive families: the inclusion of Adoption Tax Credit refundability in the House Ways and Means Committee’s reconciliation framework, known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill.”

    “One of our top priorities in reconciliation this year was providing families with a refundable Adoption Tax Credit,” said Congressman Aderholt. “I’m pleased to report that the Committee has included this much-needed provision in the draft package—a refundable amount of up to $5,000 for adoption expenses, indexed for inflation.”

    In March of 2025, the Congressman led the letter to House and Ways & Means Committee leadership urging inclusion of a refundable adoption credit in reconciliation.

    “For too long, the nonrefundable nature of the credit has limited its reach, particularly for working- and middle-class families who may not owe enough in taxes to use the full amount,” Aderholt continued. “Refundability means more children can be welcomed into permanent homes, and more families can say yes to adoption without being held back by financial constraints. I’m proud to see Republicans put families first in this year’s Budget Reconciliation.”

    As an original co-sponsor of H.R.2833 – Adoption Tax Credit Refundability Act of 2025, Congressman Aderholt has consistently led bipartisan efforts to make adoption more accessible.

    “As Adoption Caucus Chairman and a longtime advocate for children and families, this is personal,” Aderholt said. “Making adoption more affordable is both morally right and fiscally responsible. Every child who moves from foster care into a forever home saves taxpayer dollars and gains a stable, loving environment.”

    Group Support: National Right to Life; Concerned Women for America; Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission; March for Life Action; Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America; Students for Life Action; U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth; Americans United for Life; Lifeline Children’s Services

    Though the bill has not yet passed, Congressman Aderholt remains committed to ensuring the refundability language remains intact as the reconciliation process moves forward.

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    MIL OSI USA News –