NewzIntel.com

Category: CTF

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman DeSaulnier to Host Virtual Town Hall on Impacts of Republican Budget Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mark DeSaulnier Representing the 11th District of California

    Walnut Creek, CA – Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) announced today that he will host a virtual town hall to discuss the recently-passed Republican budget scheme, a bill that harms tens of millions of Americans and raises their cost of living in order to make the ultrarich even richer on Thursday, July 10that 4:00 p.m. PT.

    The Congressman will take live questions on both Zoom and YouTube and address how this bill will harm California and the East Bay.

    Virtual Town Hall 
    Thursday, July 10th
    4:00 p.m. PT
    Hosted on Zoom 
    Streamed to YouTube

    To reserve your spot and receive a Zoom link or to request special accommodations, visit https://desaulnier.house.gov/town-hall-rsvp or call (925) 933-2660. 

    This will be Congressman DeSaulnier’s 236th town hall and mobile district office hour since coming to Congress in January 2015.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman DeSaulnier Statement on Passage of Republican Budget Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mark DeSaulnier Representing the 11th District of California

    Legislation would strip health care from 17 million Americans, cause 18 million children to go hungry, and increase national debt by $4 trillion to give tax breaks to billionaires

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA) made the following statement upon passage of the Republican budget scheme (H.R. 1), a bill that harms tens of millions of Americans and raises their cost of living in order to make the ultrarich even richer. 

    “Republicans, more loyal to Donald Trump and their ultrawealthy donors than to their constituents, made clear what their priorities are. They’ve spent nearly six months focusing on finding ways to make the most vulnerable among us pay for tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans. In the process, they have betrayed working families. The results: Americans will forego medical treatments, struggle to put food on the table, go into debt, and die. After exhaustive attempts to improve the bill and then several efforts to stall, I joined every House Democrat and a measly two Republicans in voting NO.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Biggs Issues Statement on House’s Passage of President Trump’s Big, Beautiful Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05)

    Today, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1, the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act. Congressman Andy Biggs (R-AZ) issued the following statement:

    “Today, I voted to advance President Trump’s One Big, Beautiful Bill through the House of Representatives and to the President’s desk. I have worked directly with President Trump to advance his policy priorities, and I will continue to advance the America First mandate he was elected to deliver.

    “When President Trump signs the One Big, Beautiful Bill into law, he will be extending the historic tax cuts from his Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, and expanding them to reduce taxes on tipped wages, overtime, Social Security, and car loans. These tax cuts lower the economic burden on working-class American families, empower small businesses, and bring back jobs to our shores. The Big, Beautiful Bill also secures necessary funding for President Trump and his Cabinet to keep up their work in securing our border. 

    “My colleagues in the House Freedom Caucus and I worked diligently with President Trump and House and Senate Leadership to push for significant spending reductions and reforms to Medicaid and SNAP benefits. While there is always room to improve, the historic tax cuts and reforms in this bill move us in the right direction and will power our economy. 

    I will always stand shoulder-to-shoulder with President Trump as he continues to fight the bloated bureaucracy left behind by years of anti-American oligarchy. The fight to restore fiscal sanity has only just begun.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: What They’re Saying: Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens Introduces the ‘Unearth America’s Future Act’

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

     

    “The ambitious bill is Stevens’ response to growing concern that the United States is overly dependent on China to power manufacturing in key strategic sectors.”

     

    WASHINGTON, D.C. –  This week, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens announced her plan to introduce the Unearth America’s Future Act which would remake America’s mineral supply chain to lower prices, create jobs, and stop dependence on China.

    Congresswoman Stevens formally introduced the bill today.

    Here’s what Michiganders are hearing about this bill:

    Detroit News: With China dominating, Stevens bill seeks CHIPS-like federal effort on critical minerals
    By: Grant Schwab

    Democratic U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens will introduce a bill this week urging the federal government to play a more active role in reducing U.S. reliance on China for critical minerals.

    “This bill is about real results. It will lower costs and create jobs by bringing mineral production back home, supporting Michigan workers, and keeping our supply chains strong,” the Birmingham congresswoman and U.S. Senate candidate said.

    The package — called the Unearth America’s Future Act — would direct tens of billions of dollars in federal loans, tax credits and other funds into the next decade for initiatives to boost mining and refining of essential materials for the automotive, defense, health care and telecommunications industries.

    The ambitious bill is Stevens’ response to growing concern that the United States is overly dependent on China to power manufacturing in key strategic sectors. Those concerns only grew stronger after the Far East nation created a potentially “dire” situation for Michigan’s auto sector with export controls issued in response to President Donald Trump’s trade policies.

    “Donald Trump has pushed an agenda that puts our economy and national security at risk. They talk tough and make headlines but their policies have only caused prices to rise, weakened our manufacturing industries, and left America more dependent on China,” Stevens said in an emailed statement.

    The fourth-term lawmaker’s package is structured similarly to the CHIPS and Science Act, a signature legislative achievement of former President Joe Biden.

    Politico’s E&E News: Dems prepare bill to provide $10B for critical materials
    By: Hannah Northey

    House Democrats are planning to unveil legislation this week that would set aside more than $10 billion for critical material projects to counter China’s dominance.

    Reps. Haley Stevens of Michigan and Jim Clyburn of South Carolina say the proposal would rival any trade deal President Donald Trump reaches with Beijing because it would restore U.S. supply chains faster.

    The language, according to Stevens’ and Clyburn’s aides, is structured similarly to the CHIPS and Science Act, which former President Joe Biden signed into law in 2022.

    Michigan Advance: Stevens intros bill for critical materials to counter China
    By: Ben Solis

    U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Birmingham) is working with her congressional colleagues to introduce legislation that will seek to counter China’s stranglehold on critical materials and set aside $10 billion to make it happen.

    Unveiled Tuesday, the Unearth America’s Future Act was described as a means to lower costs, create jobs and ensure Michigan workers and manufacturers are leading the way in critical mineral production.

    At present, the U.S. and many other nations are dependent on China for these materials, including cobalt, lithium and magnesium, which are needed in the manufacture of many high tech electronics. Stevens’ bill aims to fix that by putting money toward responsible domestic mineral production. The legislation would also support partnerships between government and private industry, with investments in innovation that would keep jobs in Michigan.

    “Donald Trump has pushed an agenda that puts our economy and national security at risk,” Stevens said in a statement. “They talk tough and make headlines but their policies have only caused prices to rise, weakened our manufacturing industries, and left America more dependent on China. This bill is about real results.”

    WEMU: Rep. Stevens tries to boost American mineral production efforts
    By: Colin Jackson

    “The industry for materials key to American manufacturing could receive extra government support under proposed legislation from a Michigan congresswoman.”

    “The bill is named the “Unearth America’s Future Act.” It would create new federal loans, tax credits, and programs to spur the domestic production and refining of critical minerals like copper, magnesium, and aluminum.”

    “The policy proposal is a response to concerns about China’s dominance in the market for precious metals, especially those used in goods like smartphones or vehicle batteries.”

    “Stevens said that makes both the country’s and Michigan’s current situations untenable.”

    “Leaving Michigan’s entire manufacturing base on the hook for materials coming from minerals that are refined in China, that’s a risk. And that’s not working,” she said.

    WDET – Detroit, MI 

    “Democratic representative Haley Stevens says her bill takes a different approach. ‘What this bill is, is focused on public-private partnerships, supply chain opportunities, as well as recyclability, which is something that’s getting a lot of traction in the critical material space right now.’

    Michigan Public Radio – Detroit, MI 

    “Democratic Representative Haley Stevens calls her bill a comprehensive plan. ‘This will increase our resilience here in the United States of America, but it will also increase our domestic production capabilities, which means lowering costs, lowering costs, lowering costs. We need to lower costs, and that’s what this bill is going to be about as well and job creation.’

    WJR-Detroit, MI

    “It’s not acceptable to have this reliance on China, and so I put forward legislation.”

    “This bill will actually lower costs, get us jobs and end up paying for itself.”

    “We all know that this current administration is eager to cut deals with other countries. I’m eager to cut deals for Michigan. I am eager to put proof in the pudding and put forward real industrial policy that will deliver for our state.”

    Here’s what stakeholders are saying about the bill:

    David McCall, President of United Steelworkers International: 
    “Erasing the People’s Republic of China’s global lead in critical minerals will require a balance of domestic and international efforts. The USW applauds Rep. Stevens’ work to develop domestic mining and manufacturing jobs while ensuring export financing supports projects that respect strong labor rights and maintain strict air and water quality standards.”  

    John Bozzella, President and CEO of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation:
    “A healthy and competitive auto industry in America supports our economic and national security. Representative Stevens’ Unearth America’s Future Act makes good sense on multiple fronts: it’s a policy to secure critical material supply chains that bypass China and are essential for national defense; it will further modernize our domestic industrial base; and will support American manufacturing, innovation and auto industry jobs.”

    Will Brown, Vice President of Government Relations & International Programs of the Aluminum Association:
    “This legislation is a significant step toward producing, collecting and securing more critical materials like aluminum in the United States. As one of only 11 mineral commodities included on the Department of Defense and all other government critical materials lists, aluminum is essential to modern life – in everything from cars, cans and smartphones to tanks and fighter jets. Congresswoman Stevens’ bill is a downpayment on American jobs, innovation and supply chain resilience.”

    Sarah Venuto, Executive Director of the American Critical Minerals Association:
    “The Unearth America’s Future Act recognizes the need for comprehensive legislative solutions aimed at catalyzing the growth of the U.S. domestic critical materials sector. China continues to demonstrate its persistent willingness to take any and all steps to maintain its monopoly over the global supply of critical materials. The U.S. must play a leading role in the diversification of these markets in order to ensure our economy is insulated from increased costs to consumers, delayed timelines for essential goods and services, and national security risks associated with our dependence on other nations for materials key to our defense sector. We applaud Representative Stevens for her continued leadership on the imperative nature of addressing these risks comprehensively and aggressively, and for continuing this important policy conversation. ACMA looks forward to working with Representative Stevens and Congress as this legislation is debated and considered.”

    Orit Frankel, CEO of the American Leadership Initiative: 
    “Congresswoman Stevens’s bill is a critical step to strengthening America’s national and economic security, while reducing our dependence on China’s critical mineral supply which China has withheld as leverage in the bilateral relationship.”

    Dinah McLeod, Director General of the Cobalt Institute:
    “Ensuring critical mineral projects have access to affordable finance often becomes a missing piece of the policy puzzle. Rep. Stevens’ Bill takes important steps to close the gap and get America growing its critical minerals capacity.”

    Alice Wu, Critical Minerals and Energy Supply Chains Policy Manager at the Federation of American Scientists: 
    “Geographic concentration in critical minerals supply chains puts American national security and our economy at risk. That risk has been made clear with recent trade disruptions such as the PRC’s changes to rare earth export license requirements. The Loan Program established by the Unearth America’s Future Act would reinvigorate investment in diversifying and onshoring critical minerals supply chains, while the public-private partnership would provide a flexible set of tools for the federal government to work with industry in mitigating project risks and supporting market stability.”

    Patrick Donnelly, Chief Commercial Officer of Anovion Technologies: 
    “Anovion Technologies considers this bill a vital step in strengthening the domestic battery materials industry. Synthetic graphite, which can account for up to 30% of the weight of a typical lithium-ion battery, is currently sourced almost entirely from China. Reducing reliance on China for this critical material is essential to securing the nation’s energy infrastructure, supporting the Department of Defense, and advancing the automotive sector.”

    Scott Monteith, CEO of Avalon Advanced Materials: 
    “The proposed legislation is a needed blueprint for how the United States government, in partnership with allies can spur economic growth and an innovation economy for the future. Avalon welcomes the bold initiative and looks forward to helping accelerate North American energy security.” 

    Matt Bedingfield, President of Mint Innovation:
    “Mint Innovation is a pioneering clean technology company that has developed a biotechnology to recover critical minerals from electronic waste. The Unearth America’s Future Act is a significant move forward for U.S. national security, bolstering domestic critical mineral production. The Unearth America’s Future Act’s definition of ‘Critical Minerals Manufacturing’ expands to the secondary market including recycled metals, improving mineral supply where traditional mining production will not meet growing demand. Additionally, greater access to funding by way of grants, loans, and research & development will support the growth of domestic critical minerals production across the entire supply chain. This will create new jobs for U.S. citizens, and improve the national and economic strength of the United States.”

    Teague Egan, CEO of EnergyX: 
    “This legislation is a pivotal step toward securing America’s leadership in the global critical materials market.  By aligning federal incentives, innovation, and workforce development, it positions the U.S. to lead globally while driving sustainable growth and industrial resilience at home.”

    Adam Handley, Executive Chair of Northern Minerals:
    “Ensuring access to critical minerals through strategic collaboration with allied nations and partners is vital to reducing reliance on single-source supply chains. We commend Rep. Stevens and the introduction of the Unearth America’s Future Act for rightly emphasizing the need for deeper international cooperation to build secure, resilient supply chains, and look forward to supporting its progress through Congress.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens to Introduce the ‘Unearth America’s Future Act’

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

     

    Bill will lower costs for Michiganders, create jobs, and end dependence on China by bringing the supply chain for critical minerals home to America

     

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Haley Stevens (MI-11) announced she will introduce the Unearth America’s Future Act, a bold new bill that will lower costs, create jobs, and make sure Michigan workers and manufacturers are leading by bringing the critical mineral supply chain home to America.

    Critical minerals are essential to everything from smartphones and automotives to military systems and clean energy technologies. Currently, the United States remains dangerously dependent on foreign suppliers, especially China, for these vital materials.

    The Unearth America’s Future Act takes direct action to fix that by supporting responsible domestic mineral production, promotes partnerships between government and private industry, and invests in next-generation innovation, all while keeping jobs in Michigan and reducing reliance on foreign adversaries like China.

    “Donald Trump has pushed an agenda that puts our economy and national security at risk. They talk tough and make headlines but their policies have only caused prices to rise, weakened our manufacturing industries, and left America more dependent on China,” said Congresswoman Stevens. “This bill is about real results. It will lower costs and create jobs by bringing mineral production back home, supporting Michigan workers, and keeping our supply chains strong.”

    The bill follows a three-part strategy:

    • Targeted federal incentives to boost domestic mineral production.
    • Investment in innovation to drive clean, efficient, and competitive manufacturing.
    • Fair and strong labor policy to protect American jobs and workers.

    This bill stands in sharp contrast to recent efforts by President Trump and Vice President Vance to roll back domestic mineral policies, undermine long-term energy independence, and allow China to continue to control production and the supply chain.

    The Unearth America’s Future Act is supported by the United Steelworkers and is supported by and was developed through collaboration with a wide range of industry, labor, environmental, and trade organizations.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Detroit Man Pleads Guilty to Concealing His Cryptocurrency Donations to ISIS

    Source: US FBI

    DETROIT – Jibreel Pratt, 26, of Detroit, Michigan, pleaded guilty today to two counts of concealing cryptocurrency donations he intended to make to the Islamic State of Iraq and Al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization, announced United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr.

    Gorgon was joined in the announcement by Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan.

    According to the plea agreement, in February 2023, Pratt initiated a conversation with a Confidential Human Source (CHS) who Pratt believed was an ISIS member who could facilitate overseas travel to join ISIS. Over the next several months, Pratt communicated his desire to travel overseas to join ISIS and recorded a video pledging allegiance to ISIS’s leader. Pratt also provided ideas, information, documents and handwritten notes on a variety of subjects, including how ISIS could use drones and remote-controlled cars to deliver explosives, how ISIS could organize intelligence operations, and how ISIS could improve its air defense systems. And, in March and May 2023, Pratt sent cryptocurrency (Bitcoin) to the CHS, intending that the money would be used to help pay for the travel of other individuals who were purportedly traveling to join ISIS and/or to help fund an individual who Pratt believed would commit an act of violence in support of ISIS. Pratt concealed the nature and source of his Bitcoin transfers by using a privacy focused VPN and an app that encrypted private keys and transaction data.

    “Jibreel Pratt has many talents. And he swore a binding oath to use them to help ISIS—a genocidal anti-American terrorist organization,” said U.S. Attorney Gorgon. “Pratt meticulously plotted to support ISIS and covertly sent them money to further their evil works. We will find the terrorists operating in our shadows and bring them to justice.”

    “Today’s guilty plea by Jibreel Pratt underscores the serious threat posed by individuals who attempt to support foreign terrorist organizations known for violence and human rights abuses,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “The FBI remains unwavering in its commitment to protecting the American people from those who seek to carry out or orchestrate acts of terrorism. This outcome reflects the strength of our partnerships with law enforcement and intelligence agencies, as well as the dedication of our Joint Terrorism Task Force. The FBI in Michigan will continue working relentlessly to disrupt any plot that threatens the security of our nation.”

    Sentencing is scheduled for November 13, 2025. A conviction for concealing the financing of terrorism carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. The parties agreed that a 9-year sentence is an appropriate resolution of the matter. 

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Douglas Salzenstein and Jennifer Burke, Trial Attorney, National Security Division, U.S. Department of Justice are prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Gonzalez Leads 16 Congressional Hispanic Caucus Colleagues in Demanding Answers from Navy Secretary Concerning Tragic Death of Valley Native, Seaman Angelina Petra Resendiz

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

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) announced that he led a letter to the Secretary of the Navy, John Phelan, concerning the tragic and disturbing death of Seaman Angelina Resendiz. More than a dozen Members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus joined the Congressman in demanding answers regarding the circumstances surrounding Seaman Resendiz’s death and the Navy’s ongoing investigation into the matter.

    The letter reads, “As you may know, on May 29, 2025, Angelina P. Resendiz, a 21-year-old sailor from Brownsville, Texas, went missing from her barracks at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia…Despite early warnings from her colleagues, friends, and family, the U.S. Navy did not classify Seaman Resendiz as a missing person until June 3, 2025, at which point the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) and the Virginia State Police were involved. Tragically, on June 9, 2025, her body was found in a wooded area behind an elementary school 10 miles from Naval Station Norfolk. The Navy has a responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of the men and women who take an oath to defend our country. When a service member goes missing, their next of kin should be provided with relevant and accurate information as soon as possible, and an investigation should be launched immediately. 

    This letter follows the Congressman’s meeting with Seaman Resendiz’s mother in Washington, DC. Congressman Gonzalez is committed to doing everything in his power to bring justice, peace, and accountability to Ms. Resendiz’s family.

    The letter is also signed by Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Congressman Raul Ruiz (CA-25), Congressman Jesús G. “Chuy” García (IL-04), Congresswoman Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44), Congresswoman Linda Sanchez (CA-38), Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Congressman Greg Casar (TX-35), Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10), Congressman Darren Soto (FL-09), Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28), Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernandez (NM-03), Congressman Gil Cisneros (CA-31), and Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21). 

    Read the full letter here.  

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Gonzalez Announces Over $170 Million in Final Title I Allocations for South Texas Schools

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

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) announced $170,337,465 in final Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Title I formula allocation funds for the 34th District of Texas. The U.S. Department of Education released final totals in late June 2025.  

    Title I funds provide for the development and creation of opportunities for student success. Congressman Gonzalez previously announced preliminary Title I allocations in early June of this year.  

    “These federal funds are crucial for every child in the 34th Congressional District of Texas,” said Congressman Vicente Gonzalez. “One of my top priorities in Congress is making sure that every South Texan child, regardless of their background, can receive the same opportunities to succeed and achieve their American Dream. As this Administration threatens the Department of Education’s existence, I will continue to fight for our children’s success and future.” 

    The following allocations have been provided to school districts in the 34th Congressional District of Texas:  

    • Brownsville ISD: $30,579,752
    • Donna ISD: $19,483,217
    • Edcouch-Elsa ISD: $5,138,957
    • Edinburg Consolidated ISD: $26,923,139
    • Harlingen Consolidated ISD: $9,285,923
    • Kenedy County-Wide Common School District: $1,254
    • Kingsville ISD: $2,385,261
    • La Feria ISD: $1,112,832
    • La Villa ISD: $577,228
    • Lasara ISD: $165,089
    • Los Fresnos Consolidated ISD: $4,075,081
    • Lyford Consolidated ISD: $730,948
    • McAllen ISD: $15,824,641
    • Mercedes ISD: $3,872,038
    • Monte Alto ISD: $1,234,922
    • Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD: $24,398,212
    • Point Isabel ISD: $1,183,081
    • Progreso ISD: $1,708,280
    • Raymondville ISD: $1,368,696
    • Ricardo ISD: $187,895
    • Rio Hondo ISD: $708,555
    • Riviera ISD: $120,366
    • San Benito Consolidated ISD: $7,537,678
    • San Perlita ISD: $112,260
    • Santa Maria ISD: $347,026
    • Santa Rosa ISD: $496,089
    • Weslaco ISD: $10,779,045 

    Total $170,337,465 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kustoff Reappointed Chairman of House-Knesset Parliamentary Friendship Group

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

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) named Congressman David Kustoff (R-TN) Chairman of the House-Knesset Parliamentary Friendship Group for the 119th Congress.

    “I am honored to be reappointed Chairman of the House-Knesset Parliamentary Friendship Group for the 119th Congress,” said Congressman Kustoff. “Now more than ever, it is imperative we show the rest of the world that the United States stands firmly with our greatest friend and ally in the Middle East, Israel. I thank Speaker Johnson for establishing this group that will further strengthen the U.S.-Israel relationship and build a better understanding of our two democracies. I look forward to working with my colleagues in Washington and Jerusalem on this important initiative.”

    The House-Knesset Parliamentary Friendship Group brings together selected American and Israeli lawmakers to discuss ways to strengthen the partnership between the U.S. and Israeli legislative bodies. 

    The bipartisan members of the group are as follows:

    • Rep. David Kustoff (Chair)
    • Rep. Ann Wagner
    • Rep. Nicole Malliotakis
    • Rep. Mike Lawler
    • Rep. Max Miller
    • Rep. Craig Goldman
    • Rep. Randy Fine
    • Rep. Brad Sherman (Ranking Member)
    • Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz
    • Rep. Richie Torres
    • Rep. Nikema Williams
    • Rep. Jared Moskowitz

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kustoff Celebrates Final Passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill

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

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman David Kustoff (R-TN) released the following statement after voting to pass the One Big Beautiful Bill in the House of Representatives: 

    “Today, House Republicans passed historic legislation that delivers on our promises to the American people,” said Congressman Kustoff. “As a member of the House Committee on Ways and Means, my colleagues and I have worked tirelessly to ensure working Americans get the tax relief they deserve. This bill will make permanent key provisions in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and enact President Trump’s agenda of no tax on tips, overtime, and social security. Small businesses will thrive with a reduced tax burden. Families will benefit from an enhanced and permanent Child Tax Credit.
     
    “The One Big Beautiful Bill will secure our border, unleash domestic energy production, and help get able-bodied Americans back to work. It will also ensure a more efficient federal government and execute the largest spending reduction in history. 
     
    “President Trump’s America First agenda will usher in a new era of growth, opportunity, and prosperity for the United States. I am proud to support this legislation and look forward to seeing it signed into law.”

    Congressman Kustoff spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives in support of the One Big Beautiful Bill. Click here to watch his remarks.

     

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kustoff, Blackburn Introduce Legislation to Crack Down on Crime

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

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman David Kustoff (R-TN) introduced the Restoring the Armed Career Criminal Act in the House of Representatives. This legislation will reinstate an important tool for prosecutors to seek enhanced penalties against violent, repeat offenders. 

    Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Tom Cotton (R-AR) introduced the companion legislation in the U.S. Senate. 

    “Career criminals are a danger to our citizens and our communities,” said Congressman Kustoff. “The Restoring the Armed Career Criminal Act will reinstate a critical tool that allows prosecutors to seek tougher penalties for violent career criminals. I appreciate Senator Marsha Blackburn and Senator Tom Cotton for their work on this important bill.” 

    “Violent, repeat offenders have no business being back on our streets,” said Senator Blackburn. “We’ve seen the heartbreaking consequences of rewarding repeat offenders with the freedom to victimize more law-abiding Americans. The Restoring the Armed Career Criminal Act would empower prosecutors to keep dangerous felons behind bars and prevent future tragedies.”

    “Violent, repeat criminals should be behind bars, not roaming the streets threatening law-abiding citizens,” said Senator Cotton. “The Restoring the Armed Career Criminal Act will give back federal prosecutors the tool they need to lock up hardened, repeat offenders.”
     

    The Restoring the Armed Career Criminal Act is endorsed by Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti, the Fraternal Order of Police, the National Association of Police Organizations, and the National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition.

    “I am grateful for Congressman Kustoff and Senator Blackburn’s leadership on this important legislation that ensures serious federal time for dangerous criminals. Career criminals with guns put our communities at risk. This legislation restores prosecutors’ ability to seek appropriate enhanced penalties for dangerous repeat offenders while ensuring the law meets constitutional standards. This common-sense approach will keep violent criminals off our streets,” said Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti.

    “This bill empowers law enforcement and the justice system to better protect the public—especially at a time when some of our nation’s cities are still struggling to bring down violent crime rates. The Fraternal Order of Police firmly stands behind this effort to bring clarity, consistency, and safety back to our neighborhoods,” said Patrick Yoes, the Fraternal Order of Police National President.

    “Congress passed the Armed Career Criminal Act in 1984 to protect our nation’s communities from the most dangerous violent criminals. Unfortunately, this important law was essentially voided by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2015 due to part of the definition of “violent felony” being unconstitutionally vague, taking away an important tool that law enforcement used to get the worst career criminals off our streets. The Restoring the Armed Career Criminal Act will fix and restore the Act, giving law enforcement and prosecutors back a significant resource in the fight against violent crime. We thank Senator Blackburn for her leadership and support,” said Bill Johnson, Executive Director of the National Association of Police Organizations.

    “The National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition (NNOAC) strongly supports the Restoring the Armed Career Criminal Act, led by Senator Blackburn and Congressman Kustoff, because it gives law enforcement and prosecutors the tools they need to keep communities safe. Violent, repeat offenders continue to drive much of the serious crime in our neighborhoods, and this legislation ensures they can be effectively identified and prosecuted. By clearly defining serious felonies, the bill strengthens our ability to focus federal resources where they’re most needed. We appreciate Senator Blackburn and Congressman Kustoff’s leadership on this important public safety measure,” said Eric Brown, President of the National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition.

    Background:
    In 1984, the Armed Career Criminal Act (ACCA) was included in the Comprehensive Crime Control Act with the intent to guard Americans from the most dangerous career offenders by defining the parameters under which offenders are classified. However, in the 2015 case Johnson v. United States, the Supreme Court ruled the residual clause unconstitutional, thus providing a loophole for repeat offenders to end up back on the streets.

    Today, under the current ACCA, individuals with three prior “serious drug felonies” or “violent felonies” who are found in possession of a firearm are subject to a 15-year mandatory minimum penalty. 

    The Restoring the Armed Career Criminal Act of 2025 would:

    • Establish a new, clear definition of a “serious violent felony”
    • Empower prosecutors to hold habitual violent offenders accountable when they’re caught with a firearm
    • The Armed Career Criminal Act would still apply only in a case where a felon who possesses a firearm –in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) –has previously been convicted three times of serious felonies, which must have been committed on different occasions.
       

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Doggett Calls for Answers on Federal Cuts to Local National Weather Service Operations

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Lloyd Doggett (D-TX)

    Concerns raised with the Trump Administration, well before deadly floods in Central Texas, are still unanswered.

    Contact: Alexis Torres  

    Washington, D.C.—Today, U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-Austin) requested immediate answers from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the agency responsible for the National Weather Service (NWS), about the impact of critical understaffing on the recent catastrophe in Central Texas. The Congressman is seeking information regarding how President Trump’s abrupt staffing cuts and hiring freezes may have affected forecasts and warning alerts in the NWS Austin/San Antonio office. One of the six vacant positions is the “Warning and Coordination Meteorologist,” who is responsible for planning, coordinating, and carrying out area-wide public awareness programs to mitigate death, injury, and property damage or loss caused by severe weather.

    Over the July Fourth weekend, Central Texas experienced disastrous flooding, which has taken at least 100 lives, including two 8-year-old Austinites among the more than two dozen young campers and counselors drowned at Camp Mystic. Rescue crews continue to search for survivors throughout the region.

    “For months, I have been sounding the alarm about the danger to Central Texans from the Trump staffing cuts and hiring freeze at the National Weather Service and NOAA,” said Rep. Doggett. “The Administration has been unresponsive to my repeated attempts to secure information about the extent of the harm it has caused to our local NWS office. Without complete and accurate information about what really occurred last week at NWS, we cannot prevent future catastrophes, like the loss of lives in the recent Kerr County flooding, which is causing such extraordinary pain to so many families.”

    In the letter, the Congressman wrote, “[a]lthough the NWS issued a flash flood warning at 1:14 AM, a repeat of this warning at 3:35am as Camp Mystic was being inundated, and a flash flood emergency at 4:03 AM, this catastrophe raises questions regarding what and when communications were sent to local disaster coordinators, what special flood statements were issued to the public, and what coordination occurred between NWS and local leaders.”

    On May 20, Rep. Doggett first contacted NOAA about severe understaffing at the NWS Austin/San Antonio office, which doubled from 11% to 22% after President Trump took office. The agency has not responded.

    Since the spring, Rep. Doggett has publicly warned about how the Trump administration’s federal cutbacks could negatively impact timely, accurate weather forecasts and operations. Today’s letter in full can be read here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Doggett’s Statement on Passage of Trump’s Big Ugly Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Lloyd Doggett (D-TX)

    Washington, D.C.—Today, U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas) released the following statement:

    “So many Republican colleagues seem to believe that their most important role is clicking their heels and saluting Trump. With the rare exception of Republican Senator Tillis, who recognized that ‘this bill will betray the promise Donald Trump made,’ they fell in line like automatons. Less health care access, higher electricity rates, and trillions more in national debt represent the price imposed to provide billions in tax giveaways to the superrich and their multinational corporations. Never have such an elite few gained so much from those who have so little. As we celebrate Independence Day, we must be mindful that we will not remain the land of the free unless we are indeed the home of the brave, determined to resist one-man rule.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Doggett and Texas Democrats Demand Answers on Stalled AmeriCorps Funding

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Lloyd Doggett (D-TX)

    Contact: Alexis Torres  

    Washington, D.C. — Amid the Trump administration’s drastic cuts threatening a wide range of community-based services, U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas) led members of the Texas congressional delegation in demanding answers from Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought on more than $3.5 million in stalled federal funding to local AmeriCorps partners. Some Texas organizations are in limbo, as they cannot access the federal support they were selected for—and need—because OMB has yet to make these congressionally authorized appropriations available. 

    “As Members of the Texas congressional delegation with AmeriCorps members and partner organizations serving in our districts, we are writing to request information regarding the status of Fiscal Year 2025 funds appropriated to the AmeriCorps agency. In 2024 alone, more than 17,200 Americans united to serve over 2,000 locations across Texas. These investments provide critical support to our communities, delivering essential services in healthcare, education, disaster relief, and community development,” wrote the lawmakers.

    The members specifically request that OMB provide information on the status and timeline of releasing federal funds for Texas initiatives designated under three national AmeriCorps programs:

    1. AmeriCorps State and National to address local needs through nonprofits, schools, community and faith-based groups, and more: Teach for America, Reading Partners, and OneStar Foundation.
    2. AmeriCorps Senior Companion to provide independent living support for homebound seniors and other adults: City of Corpus Christi, Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center of Houston, and Concho Valley Council of Governments.
    3. AmeriCorps Foster Grandparent to provide one-on-one mentoring and academic support to children with special or exceptional needs: City of El Paso, Senior Life Midland, and Concho Valley Council of Governments.

    The full letter with all signatories can be read here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Williams Leads Letter to AG Bondi Regarding Concerns with ICEBlock App

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Roger Williams (25th District of Texas)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Roger Williams (TX-25), alongside Congressman Pat Fallon (TX-4), led a letter to United States Attorney General Pam Bondi expressing significant concern about the ICEBlock app, which was designed to alert users of impending U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. The use of this app constitutes a large-scale obstruction of justice and poses a serious threat to public safety and the safety of the ICE officers carrying out these operations.

    “As President Trump works to secure our borders and restore law and order, assaults against ICE Agents have reached alarming and unprecedented levels as demonstrated by the recent attack on the McAllen Border Patrol Station on Monday, July 7th,” said Congressman Williams. “Bad actors are now using tools like the ICEBlock App to undermine the integrity of our justice system and encourage people to interfere with and evade lawful operations that are designed to remove dangerous criminals from our streets. These actions jeopardize public safety and put our federal officers at serious risk. I am proud to lead this effort alongside my colleagues to fight for the safety of our federal law enforcement officers and uphold our immigration laws.”

    “I am deeply concerned with the ICEBlock app, which deliberately undermines the heroic efforts of ICE agents working to deport dangerous criminal aliens flooding our nation due to the previous administration’s reckless open-border policies,” said Rep. Pat Fallon. “The 690 percent surge in assaults on federal and ICE agents in just the first half of 2025 is a direct consequence of emboldened criminals, and this app only escalates the threat by broadcasting agents’ locations, inviting violence. ICE agents, operating under clear legal authority, are risking their lives to remove murderers, sex offenders, human traffickers, and potential terrorists from our streets. We cannot allow a smartphone app to jeopardize their safety or hinder their mission to restore public safety. It is crucial that the DOJ launch an immediate investigation into ICEBlock to assess its role in endangering our officers and take swift action to protect those who protect us.”

    Background:

    • Read the full letter here.
    • First covered by Fox.
    • Co-lead: Pat Fallon (TX-4)
    • Co-Signers: Randy Weber (TX-14), Tom Tiffany (WI-7), Mark Alford (MO-4), Michael A. Rulli (OH-6), Ryan Mackenzie (PA-7), Brad Finstad (MI-1), Eli Crane (AZ-2), John Rose (TN-6), and Addison McDowell (NC-6)
    • Supporting Orgs: Immigration Accountability Project and NumbersUSA

    ###

    Congressman Roger Williams is the Chairman of the House Small Business Committee and member of the House Financial Services Committee. He proudly represents the 25th Congressional District of Texas.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Williams Announces Senior Staff Promotions

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Roger Williams (25th District of Texas)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Roger Williams (TX-25), Chairman of the House Committee on Small Business, announced the promotion of Lauren Holmes to Chief of Staff and Katie Crane to Deputy Chief of Staff in his Washington, D.C. office.

    Lauren Holmes currently serves as Staff Director for the House Committee on Small Business and will now take on a dual role, leading Congressman Williams’ personal office. She previously served as the Deputy Staff Director for the Task Force on the Attempted Assassination of Donald J. Trump, as General Counsel for the House Committee on Small Business, and as Counsel for the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

    Katie Crane has been a key member of Congressman Williams’ team since 2018, most recently serving as Legislative Director. She holds a Master’s degree in Defense and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College, where she specialized in Irregular Warfare. With nearly a decade of experience on Capitol Hill, Crane brings expertise in legislative strategy, public policy, and team management.

    “Lauren and Katie are strong, proven leaders whose professionalism and experience make them uniquely qualified to lead our team,” said Congressman Williams. “Their steady judgment, strong work ethic, and deep commitment to the values of Texas’ 25th District will be instrumental as we take on the challenges ahead. I am confident in their ability to guide our office and continue our efforts to serve the American people and advance our shared mission to Make America Great Again.”

    ###

    Congressman Roger Williams is the Chairman of the House Small Business Committee and a member of the House Financial Services Committee. He proudly represents the 25th Congressional District of Texas.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Pedestrians struck by car at Aberfoyle Park

    Source: New South Wales – News

    A learner driver will be fined after colliding with two pedestrians in a shopping centre car park at Aberfoyle Park today.

    Police and emergency services were called to the Hub Shopping Centre, Hub Drive, Aberfoyle Park just after midday on Saturday 12 July by reports of a crash.

    A vehicle lurched forward while parking and collided with two pedestrians.

    The pedestrians were knocked to the ground and both sustained minor injuries and grazes.  One of the pedestrians, a man aged in 70s, was taken to hospital as a precaution.

    The Holden Commodore sedan also sideswiped a car parked alongside it and struck the chicken shop.

    The driver, a 20-year-old man from Old Noarlunga, only holds a learner’s permit and did not have a qualified supervising driver present.

    Neither he, nor his young passengers, were injured in the crash.

    The driver is expected to receive an expiation notice for failing to maintain proper control of his vehicle and breaches of his learner’s permit conditions.

    The Holden was towed from the scene.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Secretary for Health attends 13th Nanjing Academic Symposium on Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation in Nanjing (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, attended the 13th Nanjing Academic Symposium on Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation in Nanjing today (July 12) to share with liver transplant experts from around the world Hong Kong’s latest developments in organ transplantation, and the work of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government in co-operation with the Mainland on organ donation and transplantation.
     
         In his address at the opening ceremony, Professor Lo said, “Hong Kong and the Mainland have a long-standing collaboration in hepatobiliary surgery. I have personally witnessed experts from both places jointly performing a number of complex liver transplant surgeries, achieving in-depth integration of technology and resources, which is an exemplary model of medical co-operation under the ‘one country, two systems’ framework. In recent years, Hong Kong and the Mainland have also made breakthroughs in organ donation and transplantation. In December 2022 and February this year, two cases of cross-boundary heart donation successfully saved the lives of two infants, exemplifying to the fullest the inseparable ties between the Mainland and Hong Kong as well as our shared principle and mission in protecting and saving lives. With the accumulation of experience, the channels and procedures for handling urgent cross-boundary organ transplant requests have now been streamlined and standardised. The HKSAR Government will continue to explore arrangements for regularising this mechanism.”
     
         He also shared the latest developments in the prevention and control of liver disease in Hong Kong. He said, “Since 1988, Hong Kong has provided universal hepatitis B vaccination for all newborns, significantly reducing infection rates among younger generations. As outlined in last year’s Policy Address, the Chief Executive also proposed to implement hepatitis B screening to prevent liver cancer. If patients can be identified at an early stage, it will facilitate ‘early identification and early treatment’, thereby effectively reducing risks of developing complications including cirrhosis and liver cancer.”
     
         The conference was jointly organised by the Jiangsu Anti-cancer Association, the Jiangsu Medical Doctor Association, and the Jiangsu Medical Association. The conference brought together international experts and scholars in liver disease, as well as senior health officials from around the world.
     
         Professor Lo then visited the Jiangsu Province Hospital (the First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University), where he exchanged views and shared experiences on enhancing hospital management and services with the President of Jiangsu Province Hospital (the First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University), Professor Liu Yun. He said, “The Hospital Authority (HA) is adopting China’s International Hospital Accreditation Standards (2021 Version) developed by the Shenzhen Hospital Accreditation Research Centre to resume the hospital accreditation programme at its public hospitals. Through independent professional hospital accreditation organisations, various aspects of hospital performance are assessed in an objective manner, with a view to enhancing the quality of healthcare institutions and safeguarding patient safety. Moreover, the HA seeks to optimise the diagnosis process of the relevant specialties and improve the treatment outcomes through the establishment of the first stroke centre at Tuen Mun Hospital, as well as chest pain centres at both Queen Mary Hospital and Prince of Wales Hospital in accordance with national accreditation standards, thereby enhancing the survival rate of patients.”
     
         Professor Lo added, “The HKSAR Government will continue to promote the accreditation programme under the Standards as well as the establishment of chest pain centres and stroke centres. These initiatives will not only improve healthcare integration within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and support Hong Kong’s integration into national development, but also leverage Hong Kong’s advantages of enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world, so as to demonstrate the excellence of the national hospital accreditation standards to the international community.”
     
         The Assistant Director of Health (Drug), Mr Frank Chan; the Director (Quality and Safety) of the HA, Dr Michael Wong, and the Cluster Chief Executive of Hong Kong West Cluster of the HA, Dr Theresa Li, accompanied Professor Lo to attend today’s functions. They will return to Hong Kong this afternoon.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • PM Modi to distribute over 51,000 appointment letters at 16th Rozgar Mela today

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In a push to accelerate employment, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will distribute more than 51,000 appointment letters to newly inducted candidates in various government departments and organisations on Saturday at the 16th edition of the Rozgar Mela, which will take place virtually.

    PM Modi will address the recruits via video conferencing at around 11 a.m.

    Today’s event will be organised at 47 locations across the country, covering recruitments in several key Central Government Ministries and Departments. These include the Ministry of Railways, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Department of Posts, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, the Department of Financial Services, and the Ministry of Labour & Employment, among others.

    The new recruits, selected from different parts of the country, will take up roles in various sectors, further strengthening government service delivery and infrastructure.

    The appointments are expected to bring fresh energy and commitment to public administration while ensuring that government departments are adequately staffed to meet the growing demands of governance.

    This nationwide employment initiative, launched by PM Modi on October 22, 2022, is part of the government’s mission-mode approach to creating new job opportunities and bolstering the public workforce. Since its inception, the Rozgar Mela has led to the issuance of over 10 lakh appointment letters across India, according to official data.

    The Rozgar Mela symbolises the government’s ongoing commitment to harnessing the potential of India’s youth. By offering structured employment and career development opportunities, the initiative seeks to inspire the younger generation to actively contribute to nation-building.

    With a strong focus on merit, transparency, and efficiency, the Rozgar Mela continues to speed up the recruitment process and enhance public sector capacity.

    (IANS)

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese Scientists Successfully Clone Yak

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    LHASA, July 12 (Xinhua) — A cloned yak was born via Caesarean section at a yak breeding base in Damsun County, southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region, on Thursday, researchers said.

    They said the cloned calf weighed 33.5 kg at birth, which is heavier than most newborn yaks.

    Xinhua News Agency reporters saw the calf, which had a completely black coat, at the breeding base on Friday. It was already able to walk and was healthy.

    The project started in July 2023 under a joint initiative of a research team from Zhejiang University in eastern China, the Damsun County government and the Institute of Plateau Biology of Xizang Autonomous Region.

    To obtain a cloned yak, scientists used whole-genome selection and somatic cell cloning technologies.

    Fan Shengguo, who led the research team from Zhejiang University, said the cloning technology would play a key role in improving yak breeds and establishing a highland cattle breeding system in Xizang.

    Yaks are endemic to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and serve as both a key source of livelihood for local pastoralist communities and an integral component of the local ecosystem. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crapo and Bipartisan Senators Introduce Bill to Empower States and Communities to Reduce Homelessness

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo

    Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Mike Rounds (R-South Dakota), Tina Smith (D-Minnesota) and Jack Reed (D-Rhode Island) introduced the Reducing Homelessness Through Program Reform Act, legislation to cut red tape and create local solutions for addressing homelessness.

    “With rising rates of homelessness sweeping across America, nonprofit organizations on the front lines deserve maximum support as they stretch limited donations and funding to provide shelter, food, skills training, addiction recovery and hope to our friends and neighbors who need it most,” said Crapo.  “This bipartisan legislation is urgently needed to strengthen the Housing Choice Voucher Program, remove burdensome regulations and better coordinate between diverse agencies serving unhoused individuals.”

    As of January 2024, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) reported approximately 771,480 people experiencing homelessness during the annual point-in-time count.  The 2024 count represented an all-time high, which was an 18 percent increase from 2023.  The 2025 point-in-time count results have not been released by HUD. 

    Specifically, the Reducing Homelessness Through Program Reform Act:

    Eases the bureaucratic burdens for Continuum of Care organizations by moving the time intensive annual application process for funding to every other year.

    • Empowers local communities by cutting federal red tape and allowing homeless service providers to respond more quickly and effectively to local needs.
    • Removes unnecessary federal barriers that prevent individuals from accessing housing and support services in a timely manner.
    • Makes commonsense reforms to the Housing Choice Voucher Program by streamlining unit inspections, income verification and allowable uses of funds–reducing waste and inefficiency.
    • Studies the hiring, retention and compensation of staff at all levels of homeless service organizations.
    • Authorizes specific and targeted funding to upgrade the outdated software used for applications and grant management of the CoC Program. 
    • Improves coordination between local healthcare systems, law enforcement, veterans’ programs and job training services to deliver integrated support and reduce repeat homelessness or justice system involvement.
    • Supports better use of data–including advanced tools like artificial intelligence–to making sure resources are going where they are needed most.
    • Establishes more feedback mechanisms for service providers and people with lived experience of homelessness to advise HUD on the effectiveness of federal homelessness policies and programs.
    • Continues the work of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness and increases congressional oversight of the council.

     
    “Despite record levels of federal funding, homelessness continues to rise.  It’s clear that a one-size-fits-all approach isn’t working,” said Rounds.  “The challenges we face in South Dakota are not the same as those in California or New York.  This legislation takes a conservative approach by shifting power back to the states and communities closest to the problem.  This commonsense bill cuts red tape and enables local leaders to deliver faster, more effective and more appropriate solutions for the people they serve.”

    “Without a safe, affordable place to live nothing else in your life works–not your job, health, family or education,” said Smith.  “This bipartisan bill makes commonsense reforms to federal homelessness programs: cutting red tape for homeless service providers, streamlining and improving federal housing vouchers, reducing administrative burden and modernizing out-of-date software systems.  It will reduce homelessness while using taxpayer dollars more efficiently.  We know that the best ideas come from those closest to the issues, and that’s why our legislation gives local leaders in Minnesota and across the country the tools and flexibility they need to address homelessness no matter the ZIP code.”

    “At a time when more Americans are facing homelessness and there are fewer federal resources available, we must do everything we can to make programs more effective and assist people by connecting them to housing, local health systems and behavioral health programs that can offer the ongoing, community-based support they need,” said Reed.

    This legislation is endorsed the Bipartisan Policy Center; National Low Income Housing Coalition; the Council of State Community Development Agencies, whose members include the Idaho Department of Commerce and the Idaho Housing and Finance Association; the National Alliance to End Homelessness; Catholic Charities USA and the Mayors and CEOs for U.S. Housing Investment.

    “Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) Action is proud to endorse the Reducing Homelessness Through Program Reform Act and applauds Senators Mike Rounds, Tina Smith, Mike Crapo and Jack Reed for their bipartisan leadership.  The bill’s focus on cutting red tape, streamlining the Housing Choice Voucher program and improving data coordination aligns closely with the proposals put forth by BPC in its American Housing Act,” says Michele Stockwell, president of Bipartisan Policy Center Action.  “These practical reforms will help communities more effectively address homelessness and connect people with housing and services.”

    “Streamlining systems isn’t just good governance–it’s what’s needed to meet the urgent housing needs of people across the country,” said National Low Income Housing Coalition President and CEO Renee Willis.  “The bipartisan Reducing Homelessness Through Program Reform Act enacts common-sense reforms to improve coordination between government agencies and the private sector, ensuring programs more effectively serve people with the most urgent housing needs.” 

    Read the full text of the bill here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Scalise: OBBB Delivers on Trump’s Agenda

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Scalise (1st District of Louisiana)

    WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) joined Fox News’ Fox and Friends to discuss how President Trump and House Republicans are delivering on their promises through the One Big Beautiful Bill. Leader Scalise stated that despite Democrat leaders’ efforts, House Republicans are on track to deliver for struggling families who suffered under four years of Biden’s failed policies. Leader Scalise outlined how lower costs at the pump, a secure border, and rooting out the wasteful spending of taxpayers’ dollars are all promises made, promises kept.

    Click here or the image above to view Leader Scalise’s full interview. 
    On President Trump working with Republicans to pass an America First agenda:“Yeah, Charlie, great to be with you. Good morning. This bill has been on life support many times throughout the – this will be the fourth major vote on the House floor in this bill, and it’s always been tight. We have a tight majority, but we’ve always stuck together. We’ve come together when we’ve needed to. I will tell you, Donald Trump has been there every step of the way to make sure we got this bill to the next step. The final step is going to be getting it to President Trump’s desk in just the next [few] hours.“It was a lot of one-on-one conversations, some group meetings [to whip votes]. Look, I was up at 1:00 in the morning with President Trump on a call with a couple of members and the Speaker of the House. Every step of the way, President Trump has been right there talking to our members, walking them through why this bill is so important for the country. Look, this bill delivers on President Trump’s agenda. But remember, this was the American agenda that the voters gave us a mandate to go deliver so that we can help families get back up off their feet after four years of Joe Biden’s failed policies, lowering food costs at the grocery store, lowering energy costs, securing our border, opening up more energy production, ensuring there’s no tax increase.“Then, of course, President Trump went further and said, no tax on tips for those waiters and waitresses working hard hours. If you’re a shift worker working overtime, a cop working overtime, you’re not going to pay taxes on your overtime. All that’s in this bill and a lot more. We have school choice for low-income families who want better options for their kids. That’s in this bill.”On Democrats being out of touch with the needs of everyday Americans: “Well, Lawrence, I wish it would. But sadly, you can see, the Democrat Party is in disarray.It’s why right now they’re literally standing in the way on the House floor. They don’t want that waitress, who’s making $32,000 a year, that’s the average pay of a tip worker, they don’t want that waitress to get her own money back, to not have to pay taxes on tips. They want to keep that money in Washington and want to keep power in Washington, and they don’t want to give it away. Donald Trump wants to empower families in America. He wants to get a new renaissance, literally a golden age of America again, and it’s going to happen. The Democrats don’t want to be a part of it because the Socialists have taken over their party. But you know what? Most of America does not want socialism, and that’s why we won the majority, and that’s why we’re going to deliver on the promises that Donald Trump made and we made.“It’s going to end soon. But look, I think it’s good that America gets to see it’s the same lies, the same scare tactics that the American people rejected in November. They have not understood why the American people said, ‘We want Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress,’ and we’re going to deliver today. Once they finish all of their lies and bloviating, we’re going to deliver for those hardworking families. And this bill is going to deliver great benefits to American families. Starting day 1, July Fourth, tomorrow, Independence Day, is going to be a great day for America for a lot of reasons. We celebrate independence, but Americans are going to celebrate the renaissance and the new golden age of America.”On rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse in government spending:“Charlie, a lot of the early conversations, there were some members that wanted to change this bill again. We could go around 10 more times, and you’re going to basically end up in the same place. Let’s remember, there in this bill, House and Senate, $1.6 trillion in cuts to waste, fraud, and abuse. Most Americans want to get rid of waste, fraud, and abuse. Democrats in Congress don’t. But this bill does that. That’s historic. That had never been done before. And so by cleaning up a lot of that waste, it allows you to free up more tax cuts for families who are working. I’m talking blue-collar workers. So we deliver on all those things, but some members wanted to do more. I would want to do more. Let’s try it in the next bill. But you have to get this bill done first. And President Trump made that clear. Let’s get this bill signed and then go fight for the next things we want to do. We’re going to keep delivering wins for the American people.”On House Republicans delivering for American families:“Well, look, go look at the tape about two hours ago. One of the lead Democrats was sitting right behind Hakeem Jeffries, and he fell asleep. Hakeem’s speech was so boring. And they literally yanked him off the floor. They said, ‘Let’s get him out of here and replace him with another Democrat.’ They’ve had to replace him with a few others because he’s put so many people to sleep.“The American people are watching this. They know the theatrics and the lies, and they’re sick and tired of the lies. They want hope and optimism. That’s what Donald Trump ran on, is to say, ‘There is a better America.’ You don’t have to have four years of malaise under Joe Biden, where inflation is high, gas prices are high, you can’t even fill up your grocery cart, crimes out of control, illegals are running rampant, millions a year. We finally are fixing those problems, and this bill really delivers on the rest of those promises to get this country back on track, to bring hope back to people who want to control their own destiny.Democrats will stand in the way. That’s why they’re a party of the past. That’s why they’re a party of failure and socialism. Americans have rejected that.“God bless you. We’re going to get it done.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Scalise: Republicans Address Biden’s Four Years of Failures

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Scalise (1st District of Louisiana)

    JEFFERSON, La.—Today, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) appeared on Fox Business Network’s Mornings with Maria to discuss how Republicans are getting the country back on track after years of decline under Joe Biden with the One Big Beautiful Bill. Leader Scalise highlighted how hardworking Americans will now have access to no tax on overtime, no tax on tips, strengthened social safety net programs, lower energy costs, and a stronger border. Additionally, Leader Scalise highlighted the work the House Oversight Committee is doing to expose the Biden Administration’s coverup of President Biden’s cognitive decline.

    Click here or the image above to view Leader Scalise’s full interview. 
    On the once-in-a-generation impact of the One Big Beautiful Bill:“Quite historic, Maria. It’s going to be great for American families who have been struggling. I mean, look, for four years, people struggled under Joe Biden, high inflation, high interest rates, high costs at the grocery store. All that is going to be turning around. You’re going to see, number one, more jobs, millions of more jobs will be created, trillions of more investment, people investing in America again because of this bill, stabilizing the tax code. Nobody gets a tax increase. I’d love, Maria, for every Democrat who’s out bashing this bill, ask them this basic question: Will you pay the higher tax rate that you voted for for all Americans? Because every Democrat voted ‘no,’ which means they voted for a higher tax rate for everybody in America. Will they pay that higher tax rate? Or are they going to take the benefits of this bill? There’s a lot of hypocrisy out there because this bill delivers a lot of great things for a lot of people. No tax on tips. One of the great hallmarks President Trump said that he would do on the campaign trail. Everybody who’s a tip worker is going to get it.“I’ll tell you something, Maria, I’ve been talking about with constituents just in the last few days back home that they didn’t even know about this bill. So not only do we say no tax on overtime, but let’s say you’re a cop, let’s say you’re a nurse, and you work overtime hours. This bill is retroactive to January to when Donald Trump took office. So all the taxes you paid on your overtime this year, you’re going to get that money back when you file your return. That’s going to be more money in your pockets. These are blue-collar workers.These aren’t the millionaires and the billionaires that the Democrats have been lying about this bill. This is blue-collar workers that get the benefits of this bill, plus more energy production, more border security. We revamp and modernize America’s whole air traffic control system. We’ve seen all these horrible reports. Laguardia being shut down for days, every air flight in America being canceled because we’re running off of floppy disks, for goodness’ sake. We fixed that in this bill. Sean Duffy, the great job he’s been doing over at transportation, they will now have the resources to modernize America’s air traffic control system. Every Democrat voted against that, Maria.”On combating Democrat lies over strengthened Medicaid for deserving Americans:“Well, we’re going to tell the truth while they’re out lying. We’ve always said, ‘If you keep lying about us, we’re going to keep telling the truth about you.’ They’ve been saying, ‘Everybody’s going to die. Every hospital is going to close.’ Well, a year from now, Maria, we’re actually going to be able to see results. It’s all the hyperbole that you saw them saying on the House floor. They were all lies. Disabled people will get better Medicaid under this bill because all of the fully able-bodied, the 35-year-old guy sitting at home playing video games in his mom’s basement, he’s going to have to go work because we put work requirements in place. And so he will not be crowding out disabled people in Medicaid. It’s a crowded program. It’s not the best form of health care right now. And so we’re going to make that program work better for the people that are truly disabled and needy, not for somebody who’s turning down work. And by the way, when he gets a job, he’s going to get health care with his job that’s better than Medicaid. So these are all components of the bill that they’ve been lying about. The truth is going to be something that the American people like because these are all things that President Trump campaigned on, and so did we.”On the Biden Administration’s coverups:“First, this is not somebody who has been stumbling over words, Maria. Everybody in America has watched his cognitive decline for years. Some in the far-left media act like that this was some new revelation at the debate where President Trump destroyed Joe Biden in the debate. It had been going on before that, and everybody knew about it, but the left was covering up, including the media in the left. And so let’s not play that game. “However, we’re really concerned about things like the use of the autopen. The autopen wasn’t just used to sign some congratulatory note for somebody who turned 100. They were signing pardons with the autopen, other really important documents. And then now there are people testifying saying, ‘Joe Biden probably didn’t even know it was being used.’ Well, if so, who was? Why was somebody using President Biden’s signature without President Biden’s own knowledge? We’re digging into things like that. His doctor raises a lot of questions when you’re asked, ‘Were you ever pushed into lying about Joe Biden?’ And you plead the fifth. It raises a lot of serious questions, Maria, and we’re going to keep digging to get answers.”On the disarray in the Democrat Party:“Yeah, Maria, people want to know the truth. The American people deserve to know the truth. And we have some people who are talking. There were some people in the Biden White House who are talking to Chairman [James] Comer’s committee. You were spot on in 2021. I have a number of my colleagues, we were all talking about this back then because you could see it. It wasn’t just something that we were trying to throw at the wall. It was something everybody that saw Joe Biden could see. They scripted him. They limited his schedule severely. They kept a really close bubble around him so people couldn’t talk to him. He didn’t do press conferences. Donald Trump does press conferences, everyday free-wheeling. But look, I have Republicans that went on Jake Tapper’s show to say he had a cognitive decline, and Jake Tapper read them the riot act, called him all kinds of crazy names. Now he’s got a book saying, ‘gee-whiz, we just realized it.’ No, he didn’t. He knew it back then, and he was playing pitbull for the far-left to attack any Republican who said there was a decline. The American people have figured this out.“The Democrat Party is still in denial. So, as you saw the clip from [Rep. Jasmine] Crockett, they’re trying to still cover up for it. They’re still in denial about why they lost the election. Their party is being run by Socialists. Go look in New York City. That’s who they are. That’s who their party is. And that’s not where the American people are. We’re fighting for blue-collar, hard-working families, and they’re still yelling lies about millionaires and billionaires and people dying in the streets, and they wonder why they keep losing elections.”On ICE agents making America safe again:“Well, first of all, it’s criminal. You are seeing President Trump and the Justice Department going aggressively after anybody who’s attacking ICE agents, whether they’re slashing tires or whether they’re ambushing and trying to murder them in shootouts. They’re going to do hard jail time. It’s a federal crime to attack and assault a federal officer. And so it’s being fueled by the left, though. Make no doubt about it, Maria. When you see Democrat politicians at the highest levels still out there publicly bashing ICE agents, the Democrat Party, who tried to defund police, is now trying to defund ICE. They want chaos. They don’t want rule of law. We are fighting for rule of law, and ICE agents are doing a wonderful job. These are heroes. These are people getting the pedophiles off of our streets, hardened criminals, gang leaders from foreign countries that Joe Biden let in. They’re the ones that are getting them out of our country to keep our community safe. And the Democrat Party wants to go after them. Shame on them, Maria.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Scalise Releases Video Touting OBBB Wins

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Scalise (1st District of Louisiana)

    WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) released a video touting the wins in Republicans’ One Big Beautiful Bill. Leader Scalise highlighted the economic relief, border security, and energy independence achieved by President Trump signing this historic bill into law. To view the full video, click here.

    On promises made, promises kept through the OBBB:“For the last four years, America has been held back. We ran and said, ‘We’ll do something about it and we’ll fix it.’ America went to the polls in November and gave us this mandate – the House, Senate, and White House – to go deliver on all of the things that are in this bill, this One Big Beautiful Bill. This bill that’s going to deliver on so many promises that the American people asked us to do for them.“President Trump said that he was going to lock those tax rates in. Waiters and waitresses with no tax on tips. We get rid of all taxes on overtime pay for blue-collar workers. It’s going to lower inflation, create higher wages for families.“We fully fund President Trump’s effort to finish building the wall, give our Border Patrol Agents new technology so they can actually compete with the drug cartels of Mexico.“President Trump said that we were going to produce more American energy from ANWR in Alaska to the Gulf of America. In this One Big Beautiful Bill, those promises are kept.“You will see an American renaissance, a golden age in this country that we haven’t seen in generations, and we will get this economy moving again.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Scalise Talks One Big Beautiful Bill Passage

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Scalise (1st District of Louisiana)

    WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) spoke following the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill – a key piece of legislation to unlock President Trump’s agenda. Leader Scalise discussed how President Trump and House Republicans delivered on their promises to provide American families with tax relief, more jobs, energy independence, and border security. Leader Scalise praised President Trump and Speaker Johnson for their leadership in unifying House Republicans around this once-in-a-generation bill.

    Click here or the image above to view Leader Scalise’s full remarks. 
    On delivering relief for American families:“What a beautiful day here in America. It is the golden age of America again. America is coming back. And I tell you, a lot of people wrote this bill off for dead. Nobody said it would be easy. But you know what? We didn’t come here to do easy things. We came here to do big things. We came here to make history. We came here to deliver on the promises we made to the American people to fight for them and to take power out of Washington and give it back to those families who have been struggling for way too long.”On Democrat scare tactics:“Now, we had a little bit of debate on the floor today. You got to see a difference between the two parties in Washington, maybe more crystallized than we’ve ever seen before. And I think that’s a good thing. I hope America watched all of it. Watched Democrats falling asleep behind their leader as he went on and on, trying to scare the American people with lies, with scare tactics, with depressing stories about things that will never happen unless Democrats keep running this country. But the American people said, ‘We will not live in fear.’ We are not a country of fear. We’re a country of hope. We’re a country of optimism. We’re a country that believes our brightest days are ahead, and they elected Republicans to deliver on those brighter days. And I think maybe their leader wanted to speak for hours and hours and break records because they wanted to stand in the way of history. But history is not going to be denied. We were elected with a purpose.”On passing President Trump’s agenda:“Donald Trump ran all around this country. He went to swing states that they said Republicans could never win. And he didn’t give different messages to different places. A lot of us traveled with the President. And the one thing you can say about Donald Trump is it doesn’t matter where he went. When you listen to his speech, it’s probably going to be a little bit longer than the paper that was written – might have been about a 15-minute-long speech because President Trump speaks from the heart. President Trump expanded our base. Wasn’t just the typical Republican voters. It was people of all walks of life, people who had given up on Washington because Washington gave up on them, and they finally saw a leader who was willing to fight for the hardworking people of this country.“That’s who Donald Trump has always been. And all the people that knocked Donald Trump ignore one important fact: There is no better, more passionate fighter for America and its hope and promise than Donald J. Trump.”On promises made, promises kept:“President Trump said at every stop, ‘If you elect me, if you give me a Republican House and a Republican Senate,’ these are the things I will do. It was historic in a lot of ways. It should be commonplace that a presidential candidate runs on specific things and then delivers on every single thing he ran on. He said, ‘I’m going to secure America’s border.’ His opponent said they were going to keep the border open. He said, ‘I’m going to actually make our country energy independent again.’ And then the war, the attack on American energy that we’ve seen for four years, crushed jobs, crushed the economy, forced families to pay too much for gasoline, and emboldened the enemies of our nation, like Russia, Iran, and others. And those days are over with this One Big Beautiful Bill. And President Trump said a lot of other things.“What the American people knew about not only electing Donald Trump, but about keeping this House majority and about electing a Republican Senate is that they said, ‘We’re going to entrust this group of people to go and be different and to deliver on those promises.’ And when you look through all the historic things in this One Big Beautiful Bill, the wins for hard-working families, win after win after win. It’s delivering on those promises. We are going to see economic growth. When Donald Trump signs this bill tomorrow on America’s birthday, the independence of our nation, you will start seeing historic growth like we’ve never seen before.”On House Republicans rallying around the OBBB:“I’ve been proud to work on a lot of important pieces of legislation. There is not one group of people, and there is not one bigger piece of legislation that will deliver more great benefits for the hard-working families who have been struggling in this country than this One Big Beautiful Bill. There’s a reason it was hard. There’s a reason that it wasn’t two committees like Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. It was 11 committees involved – historic. We made great historic reforms in education policy. First-ever repeal of a Second Amendment tax in the history of our country. A constitutional right being taxed, gone in this bill. You’ve heard about a lot of the other provisions. One of the things you didn’t hear about is school choice, federal school choice for the first time ever, so low-income families will have an opportunity to get their kids out of failing school rules. “Every Democrat voted against all of those things, and they’re going to have to explain that. Once the lies and the hot air and the long-winded speeches are over, people are going to go, ‘I’m better off today now that this bill signed into the law and all the things you said didn’t happen. But the great things that Donald Trump and this Republican majority promised did.’ And that’s the testament to the non-ending hard work of this group of people. And I will tell you, I’ve worked alongside a lot of leaders, and I’ve been blessed to be a part of leadership and majorities, mostly, minorities, too – it’s a lot more fun to be in the majority. But you get in the majority to do the big things, to do the hard work. And believe me, this was hard work. You all know it. You all know how many times this bill could have died if we just said, you know what? It’s probably not going to get there. There’s a lot of reasons why you could say it’s just going to fail. But this group always said from the beginning, and we told you this, and we meant it, failure is not an option because the American people are counting on us. There’s too much at stake. There was too much at stake from the very beginning, and we knew the power of what this bill will do for those families who are counting on us. And so every time it would have been easy to give up, we just thought about those families who entrusted us with their vote, and we had to deliver for them.”On the strong leadership of the Republican Party:“We figured out a way to come together, people you never would have thought showing up voting ‘yes.’ And I will tell you, all the leaders I’ve served with, I don’t think there’s one that held this group together – complicated majority, narrow majority, narrowest we’ve ever had. We had a two-vote majority at the beginning of this process. And Speaker Mike Johnson never one day wavered on his commitment. Donald Trump absolutely was our closer, and Donald Trump never stopped. Every day was there in the fight. Who do I need to call? What do I need to do? No President more directly engaged.“And believe me, tomorrow at the White House, you’re going to see a proud President who’s ready to deliver on his promise to the American people. But this bill wouldn’t be heading over to the White House tonight without the incredible Yeoman’s unwavering support of Speaker of the House, my dear friend, Mike Johnson, our leader.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Foster Statement on Military Action in Iran and Escalating Nuclear Threat

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bill Foster (11th District of Illinois)

    Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL), Congress’ only PhD physicist, issued the following statement:

    “Make no mistake: We are in this situation because of President Trump’s careless decision to withdraw from the Iran Nuclear Deal during his first term. Under that agreement, we maintained adequate oversight over Iran’s nuclear program such that if they backed out, the U.S. and our allies would have at least a full year to respond militarily before Iran had enriched uranium for their first nuclear weapon. Because Trump pulled out of that agreement, Iran now has the ability to produce a weapon within weeks.

    “In the period since Iran has stopped full cooperation with nuclear inspectors, there was more than enough time for the Trump Administration to brief Congress on the situation and seek the permission Constitutionally required for military action. It is also inexcusable that Trump did not inform Congressional leadership before military action was taken.

    “Now is the time for diplomacy that must include an agreement to return all of Iran’s enriched uranium inventory to IAEA inspection. All parties must return to the negotiating table to ensure a safer future for the United States and the world.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Foster, Casten Lead Roundtable at Northern Illinois Food Bank to Discuss GOP SNAP Cuts Threatening 360,000 Illinoisans

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bill Foster (11th District of Illinois)

    **PHOTOS AND VIDEOS AVAILABLE**

    Photos and videos can be viewed here.

    Geneva, IL – Today, Reps. Bill Foster (D-IL-11) and Sean Casten (D-IL-06) led a discussion at Northern Illinois Food Bank in response to the GOP budget, signed into law last week, which includes nearly $200 billion in cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps. 

    In Illinois, 1.8 million individuals rely on SNAP benefits annually. This bill changes eligibility requirements, putting an estimated 360,000 Illinoisans at risk of losing SNAP benefits.

    Reps. Foster and Casten, Northern Illinois Food Bank President and CEO Julie Yurko, DuPage County Board member Greg Schwarze, Kane County Board member Jarett Sanchez, local food pantry partners, and neighbors who rely on food assistance came together to discuss how this legislation will impact Illinoisans struggling to make ends meet and the hunger relief programs that provide essential food support.

    “I watched in disgust as Republicans celebrated passing a budget that puts 42 million Americans at risk of losing their food assistance or seeing it reduced,” said Rep. Foster. “With costs for everyday essentials surging under President Trump, these cuts threaten to push even more Illinoisans into food insecurity. In Congress, I will continue working to ensure the Northern Illinois Food Bank and local pantries have the resources and support they need to feed our neighbors.”

    “Hundreds of thousands of Illinoisans will go hungry because Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans cut food assistance programs in order to give their billionaire friends a tax cut,” said Rep. Casten. “Organizations like the Northern Illinois Food Bank and other local food pantries have played a vital role in our community. We owe it to the folks they serve to keep up the fight and ensure they have what they need to continue their work.”

    “While we are disappointed by the funding cuts to SNAP, we remain firmly committed to supporting our neighbors and network partners. Together, we will continue to advocate for lasting solutions that address the root causes of hunger and ensure every neighbor in Northern Illinois has access to the nutritious food they need to thrive,” said Julie Yurko, President and CEO of Northern Illinois Food Bank.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pelosi on House Floor: “You should be ashamed of yourselves.”

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi Representing the 12th District of California

    Washington, D.C. – Early this morning, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi spoke again on the House Floor to condemn Republicans’ “One Big, Ugly Bill” which adds $4 trillion to the national debt to fund tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans.
     
    Pelosi underscored the moral failure of prioritizing tax cuts for billionaires over critical investments in education, health care and food assistance for children and families. Pelosi called out Republican hypocrisy for criticizing essential public investments while pushing the largest spending item in the bill: massive tax breaks for billionaires. 
     
    Watch her full remarks here.

    Read the transcript of Speaker Emerita Pelosi’s Floor remarks below: 

    Speaker Emerita Pelosi. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the gentleman for yielding and for his exceptional leadership, recognizing that our budget should be the statement of values of our country and how we allocate our resources reflecting those values.
     
    I asked to speak because I hear Members on the other side talking about spending on the part of the Democrats. Spending for education and health care and all the needs—of food for our children.

    I just want to remind all of them, speaking to you, Mr. Speaker, that tax cuts are expenditures.
     
    They’re the biggest spending in this bill to the tune of $5 trillion—$[4] trillion added to the national debt to give tax cuts to the wealthiest people in the country at the expense of feeding our children, health care for our people and the education of our children.

    Nothing brings more money to the Treasury than the education of the American people, from early childhood, lifetime learning and every phase of it in between.
     
    So you should be ashamed of yourselves to mock spending on education.
     
    The best dollars we spend is on educating the American people and the investments in scientific research, the biblical power to cure that science provides for us—cut in this bill—to spend $5 trillion for the wealthiest people in America.
     
    Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pelosi on House Floor: “You should be ashamed of yourselves.”

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi Representing the 12th District of California

    Washington, D.C. – Early this morning, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi spoke again on the House Floor to condemn Republicans’ “One Big, Ugly Bill” which adds $4 trillion to the national debt to fund tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans.
     
    Pelosi underscored the moral failure of prioritizing tax cuts for billionaires over critical investments in education, health care and food assistance for children and families. Pelosi called out Republican hypocrisy for criticizing essential public investments while pushing the largest spending item in the bill: massive tax breaks for billionaires. 
     
    Watch her full remarks here.

    Read the transcript of Speaker Emerita Pelosi’s Floor remarks below: 

    Speaker Emerita Pelosi. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the gentleman for yielding and for his exceptional leadership, recognizing that our budget should be the statement of values of our country and how we allocate our resources reflecting those values.
     
    I asked to speak because I hear Members on the other side talking about spending on the part of the Democrats. Spending for education and health care and all the needs—of food for our children.

    I just want to remind all of them, speaking to you, Mr. Speaker, that tax cuts are expenditures.
     
    They’re the biggest spending in this bill to the tune of $5 trillion—$[4] trillion added to the national debt to give tax cuts to the wealthiest people in the country at the expense of feeding our children, health care for our people and the education of our children.

    Nothing brings more money to the Treasury than the education of the American people, from early childhood, lifetime learning and every phase of it in between.
     
    So you should be ashamed of yourselves to mock spending on education.
     
    The best dollars we spend is on educating the American people and the investments in scientific research, the biblical power to cure that science provides for us—cut in this bill—to spend $5 trillion for the wealthiest people in America.
     
    Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pelosi on House Floor: “Let us not turn the American dream into a nightmare.”

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi Representing the 12th District of California

    Washington, D.C. – This morning, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi spoke on the House Floor against Republicans’ “One Big, Ugly Bill,” legislation that makes deep cuts to Medicaid and SNAP while handing massive tax breaks to the wealthiest Americans.

    Pelosi denounced the bill’s extreme policies and joined House Democrats in urging a ‘no’ vote in defense of America’s seniors, children and working families. Her remarks underscored the broad opposition to the Republican bill and reaffirmed Democrats’ commitment to fighting for the American people against its harmful effects.

    Later, Pelosi stood on the Floor with more than 100 House Democrats to ask Unanimous Consent that an amendment be made in order which would protect against any cuts to Medicaid and SNAP in the legislation. The effort was rejected by the Republican Majority.

    Watch her full remarks here.

    Read the transcript of Speaker Emerita Pelosi’s Floor remarks below: 

    Speaker Emerita Pelosi. Thank you for your leadership, Mr. McGovern. The gentleman just ended by saying, ‘to vote for this “Big, Beautiful Bill.”‘ This ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’?

    Well, if beauty is in the eye of the beholder, then you, GOP, you have a very blurred vision of what America is about.

    Is it beautiful to cut off food from seniors and children?

    Is it beautiful to cut off 17 million people from health care?

    Is it beautiful to do this? To give tax cuts to billionaires in our country?

    Is it beautiful to take money from education and the rest? The list goes on and on.

    Dr. King, nearly 60 years ago, said: ‘Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health is the most shocking and the most inhuman because it often results in physical death.’

    We come to this Floor with the moral force of Dr. King’s words in our heart.

    Let us not with this bill turn the American dream he talked about into a nightmare for America, seniors, the disabled. Our children. Our children. Our children.

    Let us vote ‘no’ on this shameful bill — and throw a punch, For The Children.

    MIL OSI USA News –