NewzIntel.com

Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. William Timmons Joins Bipartisan Effort to Tackle National Debt Crisis

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman William Timmons (SC-04)

    Congressman William Timmons (SC-04) announced his continued support as an original cosponsor of the Fiscal Commission Act, a bipartisan initiative introduced by Representatives Bill Huizenga (R-MI) and Scott Peters (D-CA). The legislation seeks to establish a bipartisan, bicameral fiscal commission tasked with developing solutions to improve the nation’s medium- and long-term fiscal health.

    “Our national debt has surpassed $36 trillion, posing a significant threat to our economic stability and the well-being of future generations,” said Rep. Timmons. “It’s imperative that Congress confronts this issue head-on. The Fiscal Commission Act represents a critical step toward restoring fiscal responsibility and ensuring the longevity of essential programs like Medicare and Social Security.”

    The proposed commission would comprise 16 members, including lawmakers from both chambers and private sector experts. Its mandate is to craft comprehensive recommendations to address the nation’s fiscal challenges. Importantly, the legislation requires Congress to vote on the commission’s proposals without amendment, ensuring timely consideration of its findings.

    Rep. Timmons emphasized the urgency of the situation: “If we fail to act now, the consequences will be dire. Interest payments on our debt are already outpacing critical expenditures, and without intervention, we risk undermining the financial security of millions of Americans.”

    The Fiscal Commission Act has garnered bipartisan support, reflecting a shared commitment to addressing the nation’s fiscal challenges. Rep. Timmons’s involvement underscores his dedication to collaborative solutions that prioritize the country’s long-term economic health.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Timmons Op-ed Opposing Paris Mountain Development Project

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman William Timmons (SC-04)

    In a new op-ed in The Post and Courier, Congressman William Timmons (SC-04) makes the case against a proposed luxury hotel development on Paris Mountain, which has stirred strong public reaction across the Upstate. Residents and local officials have voiced serious concerns over traffic, safety, environmental impact, and preservation of Paris Mountain. With over 13,000 signatures opposing the project, the debate underscores a critical moment for the future of one of Upstate’s most cherished natural landmarks.

    In case you missed it…

    Paris Mountain is a jewel of the Upstate. We must protect it.
    The Post and Courier
    Rep. William Timmons (SC-04)
    April 23, 2025

    As a conservative congressman representing the Upstate, I feel compelled to address the troubling proposal for a 153-room hotel development on Paris Mountain. My family has proudly resided at the foot of this iconic landmark for over 60 years, and I never imagined that we would be facing a situation where the integrity of Paris Mountain could be compromised. This beautiful mountain has always been regarded as a jewel of our region, and it has historically been protected as such.

    The land proposed for this hotel has been designated as an Environmentally Sensitive District by Greenville County Council since the 1980s. This zoning was put in place to safeguard the unique natural resources of the area, and it reflects the community’s longstanding commitment to protecting our environment. Yet now, a developer with minimal experience who has acquired a narrow strip of land adjacent to Furman University is looking to sidestep these essential protections through annexation into the city of Travelers Rest.

    In 2013, Furman University annexed into Travelers Rest using a narrow strip of land. As a result, the city now arguably has the authority to annex and develop Paris Mountain. However, this move threatens to undermine our community’s commitment to environmental stewardship. If Travelers Rest annexes the property, the city would rezone it, and the developer has applied for Flexible Review District zoning for the purpose of building a hotel and effectively discarding decades of preservation efforts.

    The hotel proposed by the Divine Group features plans for 153 rooms, an event space for over 750 guests, a convention center, office space and dining facilities, with the capacity to accommodate over 1,000 people. This level of development raises several serious concerns.

    First and foremost is safety. The proposed entrance on Altamont Road, a narrow and precarious route that crosses Paris Mountain, is already known for accidents involving both vehicles and cyclists. Our first responders are challenged by the difficult terrain when responding to emergencies, the fact that Altamont Road is the only way in and out of Paris Mountain, and an evacuation could quickly become hazardous if Altamont Road were to be blocked. A serious fire could even force the fire department to shut down Poinsett Highway to access water from Furman’s Lake.

    Moreover, the Environmentally Sensitive District designation is in place to protect land deemed environmentally sensitive. This area features steep ravines that lead to the headwaters of the Reedy River, making it nearly impossible to avoid significant erosion and damage to the local ecosystems. Allowing commercial development in such an area is simply inappropriate and conflicts with the principles of good governance and responsible development we hold dear.

    It is shocking to see the proposed annexation get this far. If the city were to approve this hotel development, we would open the floodgates to further urban encroachment on Paris Mountain, jeopardizing its natural beauty and environmental integrity. We should not allow urban sprawl to tarnish the character of our region — Paris Mountain deserves better.

    Public sentiment against this development has also been overwhelmingly clear. The Greenville County Council — representing over 580,000 residents in the Upstate — unanimously passed a resolution opposing both the hotel and the removal of Environmentally Sensitive District protections, marking an exceptional show of solidarity in protecting our natural resources. Furthermore, more than 65% of adjacent property owners have voiced their objections, and over 13,000 signatures have been collected on a petition requesting that the city reject this proposal.

    Finally, I must express my concerns regarding the qualifications of the developers. Their budget for this project is 40% less than what was required to construct the Grand Bohemian Hotel in downtown Greenville, and their experience primarily consists of developing gas stations and laundromats, not complex hotels in challenging environmentally sensitive locations. Entrusting our beloved landscape to developers without significant experience in similar projects is irresponsible.

    I urge the Travelers Rest City Council to heed the voices of their constituents and recognize the extensive issues presented by this proposed development. Additionally, I encourage members of the Legislature to enact measures that protect environmentally sensitive lands throughout South Carolina, including Paris Mountain, from urban sprawl. Together, we should fight to ensure that Paris Mountain remains a cherished part of our Upstate identity for future generations.

    Congressman William Timmons represents South Carolina’s 4th Congressional District.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Timmons Statement on the House Passing the One Big Beautiful Bill Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman William Timmons (SC-04)

    Congressman William Timmons (SC-04) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 1 — the One Big Beautiful Bill Act:

    “I proudly voted YES on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, advancing President Trump’s America First Agenda, Congressman Timmons said. “This historic legislation permanently cuts taxes for South Carolina’s hardworking families, strengthens border security, restores fiscal responsibility, enhances earned benefits, bolsters our military for peace through strength, and unleashes American energy dominance.

    Congressman Timmons continued, “South Carolinians and Americans nationwide demanded bold change, and this bill delivers. I thank President Trump and my colleagues for their efforts and urge the Senate to swiftly pass this bill to enact the America First Agenda our citizens overwhelmingly support.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: As President Trump Fires Immigration Judges, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher Leads Effort To Address Immigration Court Backlog

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07)

    Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) spearheaded a letter joined by 72 of her House colleagues, to the House Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee requesting that Congress allocate funding for the U.S. Department of Justice’s Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR).  The Trump Administration’s sweeping changes to our immigration system, termination of immigration judges, and mass deportation agenda threaten the integrity, operational efficiency, and fairness of our immigration courts. It is critical that EOIR has the resources to hire additional qualified immigration judges and provide them with sufficient case processing capacity—both to address the current backlog of more than 3.6 million pending immigration court cases and to ensure due process in an impartial and timely manner.

    “Currently, our immigration courts face a staggering backlog of more than 3.6 million active pending cases, which EOIR has cited as the largest single issue facing the immigration courts today,” the members wrote.  “This growing backlog impedes our immigration system, creating significant barriers for people legally seeking asylum, migrants, pregnant women, and people with disabilities that seek to remain in the United States.  These complex cases can take up to seven years before receiving a hearing, leaving migrants, families, and communities in legal limbo as they await hearings and decisions.  At a time when President Trump is making sweeping changes to our immigration system that threaten the integrity, operational efficiency, and fairness of our immigration courts, adequately funding EOIR is essential to a well-functioning and fair immigration system. 

    “It is crucial that Congress continues to support and invest in EOIR to ensure a well-functioning immigration system to adjudicate our immigration laws consistent with our values and address the growing backlog of pending cases,” the members continued.  “We strongly urge you to allocate the highest possible funding and include report language for EOIR funding to go towards the hiring of additional highly qualified judges, the hiring of additional judge teams, the modernization of case management system, the building and expansion of immigration courtroom spaces, and funding of the Legal Orientation Program.” 

    In 2022, 2023, and 2024, Congresswoman Fletcher led similar letters requesting congressional funding to address the immigration courts’ backlog by hiring more highly qualified immigration judges. 

    To read the full text of this year’s letter, click here.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher Fights Back Against House Republicans’ Plans To Defund Planned Parenthood

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07)

    Today, during the Energy & Commerce Committee’s consideration of the Republican budget bill, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) introduced an amendment to stop Republican efforts to defund Planned Parenthood.  Federal funding helps Planned Parenthood provide annual exams, cancer screenings, pap smears, STI testing, family planning, and other essential health care for women in every state across our country.  The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimated that this Republican effort would increase the deficit by $300 million.  To watch the amendment introduction, click here or on the video below.

    [embedded content]

    Congresswoman Fletcher’s amendment strikes Section 44126 of the bill, which, if enacted, would implement a 10-year ban on federal Medicaid payments. 

    After introducing the amendment, Congresswoman Fletcher questioned Republicans and their counsel about the policy decision to eliminate access to one of the most trusted providers of reproductive health care nationwide.  To watch the exchange, click here or on the video below.

    [embedded content]

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher Votes Against Disastrous Republican Budget Reconciliation Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07)

    Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher Votes Against Disastrous Republican Budget Reconciliation Bill

    Washington, May 22, 2025

    Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) voted against Republicans’ Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 budget reconciliation bill – which they call the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025, H.R. 1, and which is estimated to add trillions to the national debt while cutting essential programs.

    “At a time when families across our community and our country are struggling with rising costs, the House Republican budget bill makes devastating cuts to programs that they rely on every day while increasing deficit spending and the national debt,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher.  “This bill takes from the poor to give tax cuts to the rich.  It is going to make life harder, not better. It is going to make things more expensive, not less. And its deep cuts to programs that Americans rely on for their health and security.  Nearly 14 million Americans are estimated to lose their health care coverage and millions of kids, seniors, and people with disabilities to lose food assistance because of the provisions in this bill.  The American people deserve better than what is in this bill—and we can do better.  For these reasons, I voted no.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: As Trump Administration Cuts Weather Service Offices, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher, Congresswoman Val Hoyle, and Congressman Joe Neguse Lead Effort To Support Funding for Federal Natural Disaster Research and Preparedness

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07)

    Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), Congresswoman Val Hoyle (OR-04), and Congressman Joe Neguse (CO-02) led 35 of their House colleagues in sending a letter to the House Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies requesting that Congress reject President Trump’s attempt to gut the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) and instead fund it at a level of at least $656 million in the upcoming appropriations package.  This funding would allow OAR to continue its critical mission to prepare our communities for life-threatening natural disasters and to keep the U.S. at the forefront of atmospheric and oceanic research and science. 

    “Recent reporting on the President’s FY26 budget proposal shows that the Trump Administration plans to effectively eliminate OAR,” the members wrote.  “The proposal includes a $485 million cut to OAR’s budget, which is a nearly 75 percent cut, and a directive to transfer any remaining research funding to other divisions of NOAA.  The proposed budget would ‘eliminate all funding for climate, weather, and ocean laboratories and cooperative institutes.’  It also does not include funding for Regional Climate Data and Information, Climate Competitive Research, National Sea Grant College Program, or the National Oceanographic Partnership Program.  This shortsighted and dangerous proposal would cripple United States (U.S.) leadership in scientific research and leave our communities less prepared to face extreme weather events.  As hurricane season quickly approaches, OAR’s advancements in predicting extreme weather events are more important than ever.  The research and data resulting from the OAR Hurricane Research Division’s partnership with the U.S. National Hurricane Center have saved countless lives and nearly $5 billion per major U.S. hurricane landfall.” 

    “Stronger science for forecasting severe weather and communicating impacts will protect communities and save lives,” the members continued.  “Robust funding will enable NOAA and its research institution partners to continue their long and proud history of partnering with industries and other government agencies to provide that cutting-edge research.” 

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher Hosts Town Hall Meeting with Fort Bend County Commissioner Dexter McCoy

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07)

    Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher Hosts Town Hall Meeting with Fort Bend County Commissioner Dexter McCoy

    Houston, May 30, 2025

    Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) held a town hall with Fort Bend County Commissioner Dexter McCoy, where they provided an update and answered questions.

    “With so much happening in Washington, it is critical that our community stay engaged and informed,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher.  “From cutting Medicaid and health care access, to implementing barriers to Social Security, to cutting funding for medical research, the House Republicans’ and the Trump administration’s recent actions and inaction are undermining the rule of law, separation of power, and the progress we have made as a society.  I was glad to join Fort Bend County Commissioner Dexter McCoy to hear from residents of Texas’ Seventh Congressional District about their priorities and concerns at a time when it is more important than ever to work together for our community and country.”

    Since her election to office, Congresswoman Fletcher has held dozens of events in the community to hear directly from residents of Texas’ Seventh Congressional District.  For information about past and future events, click here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Roy: We should not be giving more to Medicaid than Medicare

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Chip Roy (R-TX)

    On Medicaid Expansion:

    “The President United States, President Trump, and his Secretary of Treasury, Treasury Bessent, are doing a fantastic job, and the Secretary has laid out a objective of obviously, getting our deficits down to 3% of GDP through strong economic growth, through the tax policy that we want to extend, that the President put forward. I believe that’s one piece of the puzzle that we must go do. But right now, we are not going to address the key drivers of spending that will make it impossible for the President and the Secretary to achieve that objective. Bond markets are on a knife’s edge. You know that, and I know that, and that is necessary for the free flow of capital to have that economic growth. If we continue to allow Medicaid to consume our budget and allow us to continue to drive that budget up so deficits go up, then we’re not going to be able to achieve those objectives.”

    “Medicaid right now is now a trillion dollar higher baseline than when we came in under Biden. We are spending $620 billion a year on Medicaid, compared to $400 billion in 2019 and if we allow this to continue where we’re, as you said, continue to fund the able body in massive expansion states, heavily in blue states. If we were doing that at a seven times dollar value, imagine that, if you’re listening to this, we the federal government are funding Medicaid seven times higher for the able bodied than for those who need it, the vulnerable, the sick, the people who truly Medicaid was designed for. What kind of a country does that? It’s ridiculous.”

    “And by the way, if we do this, we’re going to cement Obamacare, and the 10 non expansion states like Texas will have incredible pressure to expand, and that will eat up all of the so called savings in this bill, which, by the way, are back loaded. You know that, and I know that. And if you have back loaded savings, they never materialize. That means deficits go up, and under our bill, debt will be $56 trillion in a decade. That’s not winning. We’ve got to change it. Republicans should do better.”

    On Flaws in Current Medicaid Reforms:

    “I couldn’t believe it when I read those were the provisions that the work requirements were supposed to be the core engine of Medicaid reform, which isn’t good enough. You have to deal with Medicaid. You have to deal with the expansion population. You have to do with the you have to deal with the money laundering. But the work requirements were basic. They don’t kick into 2029 they have waivers even once they kick in.”

    On Fiscal Responsibility and Medicaid Reform:

    “We should do the right thing. Let’s do the fiscally responsible thing. But here’s what’s really important. Let’s make sure that people who are vulnerable and are sick they’re the ones that the program is focused on. Let’s preserve capital and free up our health care system so we can drive down health care prices and free it up for the average hard working American. We have plans to do that, strong, robust health savings accounts, getting the competition back into the system. We can do that, and you can do that by drawing down all these subsidies on Medicaid, which are subsidizing blue states and massive expansion states at the expense of the non expansion states and the vulnerable at the expense the expense of the vulnerable for the able body, I think that’s a mistake.”

    “We should not be giving Medicaid to anyone who is ineligible, including those who are illegal, and we should kill all the scams the blue states are using to launder federal money to all of their ridiculous programs. Republicans should lead to support the president. They’re not right now. I can’t support the bill as it is.”

    On Gaining Republican Support:

    “There’s a good chunk of my colleagues that are with me on the fiscal conservative side, but they’re also struggling because they’re deferential to the president, which I understand.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Roy Issues Statement on the Advancement of the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill” in the House Budget Committee

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Chip Roy (R-TX)

    Washington, D.C. — Representative Chip Roy (TX-21) issued the following statement tonight after the House Budget Committee voted to advance the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill”.

    Congressman Roy said: “Tonight, after a great deal of work and engagement over the weekend, the Budget Committee advanced a reconciliation bill that lays the foundation for much needed tax relief, border security, and important spending reductions and reforms. Importantly the bill now will move Medicaid work requirements forward and reduces the availability of future subsidies under the green new scam.

    But, the bill does not yet meet the moment – leaving almost half of the green new scam subsidies continuing. More, it fails to end the Medicaid money laundering scam and perverse funding structure that provides seven times more federal dollars for each dollar of state spending for the able-bodied relative to the vulnerable. This all ultimately increases the likelihood of continuing deficits and non-Obamacare-expansion states like Texas expanding in the future. We can and must do better before we pass the final product.

    As such, I joined with 3 of my colleagues to vote “present” out of respect for the Republican Conference and the President to move the bill forward. It gives us the opportunity to work together this week to get the job done in light of the fact our bond rating was dropped yet again due to historic fiscal mismanagement by both parties. This bill is a strong step forward – and I am proud of Chairman Arrington, the Speaker, and my colleagues for the work we did to make progress with the White House. But we have to do more to deliver for the American people.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Roy in Budget Committee: We are writing checks we cannot cash, and our children are going to pay the price 

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Chip Roy (R-TX)

    Washington, D.C. — Rep. Chip Roy (TX-21) spoke in the House Budget Committee hearing this morning on the current state of reconciliation.

    Rep. Roy said in Budget Committee:
     
    “I appreciate my friend from Texas, the chairman, and you know, my Democratic colleagues keep telling things that are not true. The vast majority of Americans will get tax benefits under this bill. It’s just simply false to say that that’s not true. Hardworking Americans who will benefit from the standard deduction increase, hardworking Americans who will benefit from child tax credits and lower tax rates—stop saying things that aren’t true. Those things are true. The fact is, we have money in here for the border to undo the damage of Joe Biden. We have more money in here for defense to undo the damage of Joe Biden, but we also address Medicaid and Medicaid spending goes up. Stop lying. Medicaid spending goes up. My colleagues on the other side of the aisle are profoundly unserious when it comes to being real about what’s happening with the numbers. I applaud Chairman Arrington. I applaud my colleagues on this side of the aisle for taking a step forward in dealing with the spending problem in this town.

    But I have to now admonish my colleagues on this side of the aisle: this bill falls profoundly short. It does not do what we say it does with respect to deficits. The fact of the matter is, on the spending, what we’re dealing with here is tax cuts and spending a massive front-loaded deficit increase. That’s the truth. That’s the truth. Deficits will go up in the first half of the 10-year budget window. And we all know it’s true, and we shouldn’t do that. We shouldn’t say that we’re doing something we’re not doing.

    The fact of the matter is, this bill has back-loaded savings and front-loaded spending, nowhere near the Senate Budget top line, by the way. The Senate Budget top line of six and a half trillion dollars, which, by the way, is what we were pre-COVID, inflation-adjusted, on interest, on Medicare and Social Security. And if we would reform Medicaid, we could actually get to the core of the problem, but we refuse to do it. And I’m not going to sit here and say that everything is hunky-dory when this is the Budget Committee. This is the Budget Committee. We are supposed to do something to actually result in balanced budgets, but we’re not doing it. Look at what happens under deficits… Only in Washington are we expected to bet on the come that in five years, everything will work, then we will solve the problem.

    We have got to change the direction of this town, and to my colleagues on the other side of the aisle: yes, that means touching Medicaid. It went from $400 billion in 2019 to $600 billion this year. It’ll be over a trillion in the 2030s. We are making promises that we cannot keep. We do need to reform it. We need to stop giving seven times as much money to the able-bodied over the vulnerable. Why are we sticking it to the vulnerable population, the disabled and the sick, to give money to single able-bodied male adults? We shouldn’t do that. We should reform it. But guess what? That message needs to be delivered to my colleagues on this side of the aisle too.

    We are writing checks we cannot cash, and our children are going to pay the price. So I am a no on this bill unless serious reforms are made today, tomorrow, Sunday. We’re having conversations as we speak, but something needs to change, or you’re not going to get my support.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Roy Congratulates Exceptional High School Seniors in TX-21

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Chip Roy (R-TX)

    Hays County, Texas — Representative Chip Roy (TX-21) offered his congratulations today to thirty-six stellar high school students across Texas’ 21st congressional district who achieved the Exceptional Senior Award (ESA). This award is in its sixth year of existence. 

    ESA winners have consistently displayed high levels of character, leadership, integrity, and diligence. These virtues are evident through their philanthropic activities, academic success, and reputations among peers and teachers.  

    Congressman Roy said: “I am proud of all that the incredible young men and women of Texas’ 21st Congressional District have achieved. Texans have reason to be optimistic about our great state’s destiny with them as our future leaders.”

    Rep. Roy is deeply grateful to the families of these exceptional seniors for their love and support throughout their educational journeys. He would also like to thank the faculty of schools across his district who recommended these individuals for the ESA.

    The Exceptional Senior Award winners, Class of 2025:

    Ms. Victoria Allen, Geneva School of Boerne

    Ms. Sophia Arreguin, Memorial Early College High School (New Braunfels) 

    Ms. Anneliese Bacon, Harper High School

    Mr. Keegan Ballard, Dripping Springs High School

    Ms. Kaitlyn Best, New Braunfels High School

    Ms. Taylor Bloom, Our Lady of the Hills Catholic School (Kerrville)

    Ms. Sienna Carter, Medina Secondary School

    Mr. Stephen “Finn” Cone, Kerrville Christian Homeschoolers

    Mr. Corey Cook, Boerne Champion High School

    Mr. Jonathon Davenport, Wimberley High School

    Ms. Perry Faught, Blanco High School

    Ms. Evelyn Garrett, Tivy High School (Kerrville)

    Ms. Jalyn Lamb, Bandera High School

    Ms. Jillian Land, Bracken Christian School (Bulverde)

    Mr. Cole Leidy, New Braunfels Christian Academy

    Ms. Casey Loewer, LBJ High School (Johnson City)

    Ms. Madeline McAdams, Regents School of Austin

    Ms. Audrey McFarlane, Heritage School of Fredericksburg

    Ms. Schreiner Meredith, Nueces Canyon High School

    Mr. Aidan Nolen, San Marcos Academy

    Ms. Kaylin O’Rourke, Boerne Area Christian Homeschoolers

    Ms. Aven Ottmers, Fredericksburg High School

    Ms. Katelynn Salazar, Leakey School

    Ms. Kinsley Sawyer, Boerne High School

    Ms. Abbigail Shultz, Hill Country Preparatory High School (New Braunfels) 

    Ms. Athena Sorenson, Davenport High School (Garden Ridge)

    Ms. Hailey Turner, Hill Country Christian Homeschool Association (Kerrville)

    Mr. Brody Vanacker, Ingram Tom Moore High School

    Ms. Hope Van Geffen, Comfort High School

    Ms. Donna Verkamp, St. Anthony Catholic High School (San Antonio)

    Mr. Aidan Williams, Gloria Deo Academy (Bulverde)

    Ms. Peyton Wilson, Canyon High School (New Braunfels) 

    Ms. Rachel Wood, Jack C.Hays High School (Buda)

    Ms. Rylee Wunderlich, Canyon Lake High School

    Ms. Eliana Wyche, Saint Mary’s Hall (San Antonio)

    Mr. Elijah Yun, Alamo Heights High School

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Roy Statement on House Passage of The One Big Beautiful Bill Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Chip Roy (R-TX)

    Washington, D.C. — Representative Chip Roy (TX-21) issued the following statement after the House passed The One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.

    “After much deliberation, I voted yes on H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. 
     
    Months ago, I worked to ensure that any tax cuts or extensions would be connected to an equal or greater amount of spending cuts to force fiscal discipline.  The good news is that the bill technically held true to that framework by yielding modest deficit reduction over a 10-year budget window.  Importantly, it does this by cutting spending $1.5 trillion over 10 years, reforming programs like Medicaid and SNAP with work requirements, and improving healthcare freedom by expanding health savings accounts to allow use with Direct Primary Care.
     
    But the good things didn’t just happen by accident. 
     
    My fellow budget hawk colleagues and I, including many in the House Freedom Caucus, forced reforms that were critical to making the bill more responsible. We:

    • Accelerated Medicaid work requirements 3 years from 2029 to 2026.
    • Helped stave off further Obamacare expansion by aligning State Directed Payments (SDPs) in Medicaid to the rates of Medicare in Medicaid expansion states while allowing states that have not expanded Medicaid (ex., TX) to have SDPs at 110% of Medicare.
    • Froze the state provider taxes to ensure states don’t grow their money laundering schemes.
    • Paid Texas and other states back for their border efforts under the Biden administration.
    • Began to claw back the “Green New Scam” put on steroids by the Inflation Reduction Act’s (IRA) corrupt subsidies – namely by putting in place a required construction start within 60 days of enactment and a much earlier “in service” requirement of 12/31/28 – all designed to limit the reach of subsidies.

    To be clear, I didn’t vote for the bill without significant reservations. 
     
    For example, in classic Washington fashion, the bill produces sizable deficits in the first 5 years while achieving “savings” in the future, which means we’ve got to bring forward more savings than I already fought for.
     
    And as with most major bills in Washington, this bill was rushed, mashed together, and crammed through the House without sufficient time to review every item carefully.  We should do better.
     
    The Medicaid money laundering scam was not reformed sufficiently, and far too many of the new green scam subsidies continue to operate.
     
    And inexplicably, we funded high-tax state jurisdictions with a $350 billion tax deduction for their “SALT” tax deductions – something I strongly oppose.
     
    But even though I supported this bill out of the House, this bill needs massive improvements if we are to make a dent in our deficit or to change the trajectory of this country.  
     
    We must reduce deficits much further, even as we continue to work to FULLY repeal the IRA’s unreliable energy subsidies and reduce the damage done by Obamacare’s Medicaid expansion.  We can do this most efficiently with state block grants – but we can also reduce the 90% FMAP for able bodied people – ensuring states are not getting seven times more money for able bodied adults with no children over the most vulnerable in traditional Medicaid – and reducing provider taxes to end the unnecessary inflation of costs in healthcare.  
     
    I stand ready to work with my colleagues in the Senate to continue to get this bill right before sending it to the President’s desk.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia Condemns Trump Administration for Threatening Arrests Over Congressional Oversight

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (TX-29)

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    May 10, 2025

    MEDIA CONTACT:
    Joseph Guzman
    202-355-8084
    joseph.guzman@mail.house.gov

    HOUSTON, T.X. – Today, Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (D-TX-29) issued the following statement in response to the confrontation at the Delaney Hall ICE detention center in Newark, New Jersey, where Democratic Representatives Bonnie Watson Coleman, Rob Menendez Jr., and LaMonica McIver were carrying out their lawful oversight duties. During the incident, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested, and the Trump administration is now reportedly considering arrests for the lawmakers involved:

    “America, this must be our clarion call. We are at risk of backsliding into a dictatorship as Trump continues trying to enact his authoritarian playbook. Republicans and Democrats must stand together against this absurdity. Today it’s Representatives Watson Coleman, Menendez, and McIver. Tomorrow, it’s you. 

    “Members of Congress are tasked with conducting oversight of the federal government, and these Members were doing just that. I stand with my colleagues who were doing their job and will always stand with those who do the same, regardless of political affiliation.

    “We must come together and stand up against Trump and his administration’s all-out assault against a co-equal branch of government, the rule of law, and our Constitution. We must all do our part to protect our great American experiment from those who seek to perverse it. We must all make our voices heard against the Trump-Vance administration to ensure we leave a stronger and more resilient democracy for the next generation.”

    HOUSTON, T.X. – Hoy, la Congresista Sylvia R. García (D-TX-29) emitió la siguiente declaración en respuesta al enfrentamiento en el centro de detención de ICE Delaney Hall en Newark, Nueva Jersey, donde los congresistas demócratas Bonnie Watson Coleman, Rob Menendez Jr. y LaMonica McIver estaban cumpliendo con sus deberes legales de supervisión. Durante el incidente, el alcalde de Newark, Ras Baraka, fue arrestado, y ahora se informa que la administración de Trump está considerando arrestar a los legisladores involucrados:

    “America, esto debe de ser nuestro llamado para actuar decisivamente. Estamos en riesgo de retroceder hacia una dictadura mientras Trump sigue intentando de actualizar sus aspiraciones autoritarias. Tanto los republicanos como los demócratas debemos unirnos en contra de las acciones ilegales de esta administración. Hoy quieren perseguir a los congresistas Watson Coleman, Menéndez y McIver. Mañana podrías ser tú.

    “Los miembros del Congreso tienen la responsabilidad y autoridad de supervisar al gobierno federal, y estos legisladores estaban cumpliendo con ese deber. Yo apoyo a mis colegas que estaban haciendo su trabajo y siempre apoyaré a quienes hagan lo mismo, sin importar su afiliación política.

    “Debemos unirnos y alzar la voz para rechazar rotundamente el asalto total de la administración Trump-Vance contra una rama del gobierno co-igualitaria, el imperio de la ley y nuestra Constitución. Todos debemos hacer nuestra parte para proteger este gran experimento conocido como los Estados Unidos de todos que buscan corromperlo. Todos debemos hacernos escuchar y oponernos a la administración Trump-Vance para asegurar que dejemos una democracia mas fuerte y resiliente para la próxima generación”.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia Travels to Mexico to Confront Trump Administration’s Cruel Deportation of U.S. Citizen Children

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (TX-29)

    MEXICO – Today, Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia (D-TX-29) joined a Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) delegation to Mexico, alongside CHC Chair Adriano Espaillat (D-NY-13) and Congressman Joaquin Castro (D-TX-20). They traveled there to meet with a mixed-status family that was detained and deported by immigration authorities while driving to Houston for an emergency medical appointment for their 11-year-old daughter, a U.S. citizen recovering from brain cancer. 

    The family, two parents and five children, four of whom are U.S. citizens, was stopped at an immigration checkpoint in Texas in early February. Although they had letters from doctors and lawyers, they were taken into custody and deported the next day without due process. The young girl, who had recently undergone brain surgery to remove a tumor, has not been able to continue her regular treatment since being removed to Mexico, where the family says they now fear for their safety.

    Congresswoman Garcia released the following statement:

    “I came to Mexico because what’s happening to this family is a warning to all of us. When a U.S. citizen child with a serious medical condition is deported alongside her entire family without a hearing, without medical care, and without basic human decency, that’s not just an immigration issue. It’s a Constitutional crisis. And if we don’t push back now, it won’t stop with immigrant families. The rights and protections that every American depends on will be put in danger.

    My district knows this story too well. It’s home to working families, many of them of mixed status, who live with the fear that a medical emergency, a traffic stop, or a checkpoint could tear their family apart. We’re here to expose Trump’s cruelty, to stand with this family, and to remind the Trump-Vance administration that due process isn’t optional. It’s a constitutional right. And it’s one I intend to defend.”

    The family is now seeking humanitarian parole so their daughter can return to the U.S. and resume her treatment. Garcia and her colleagues are calling for a full investigation into the case and for accountability from the Trump administration and federal immigration agencies.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia Slams Trump Tariff Chaos in House Financial Services Hearing: “The People Paying Are Our Constituents”

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (TX-29)

    WASHINGTON, DC –  During today’s House Financial Services Committee hearing on the state of the international financial system, Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia (D-TX-29) called out the Trump administration’s failure to address poverty and its reckless tariff agenda that’s threatening the U.S. and Houston economy. The hearing focused on the impact of tariffs, market instability, and deteriorating global economic relationships under Trump’s leadership. 

    In a pointed exchange with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Congresswoman Garcia called out the administration’s one-sided focus on tax cuts for the wealthy. 

    “It just strikes me that most of your testimony is about tax cuts and cutting costs. It’s always about tax cuts and it’s always about the rich. But nothing is ever said about the poor,” said Congresswoman Garcia. “As Secretary of Treasury, it’s not just about the inflation rate, it’s not just about the GDP, it’s also about making sure that we keep the poverty rate in this country low. There are people who are living in poverty who have never lived in poverty before.”

    Congresswoman Garcia also laid out the real-world consequences of Trump’s trade policies in her district.

    “I’m from Houston. I’m concerned about the tariffs on energy. We have done a lot to increase trade in Houston, construction, everything after the pandemic, and everything was growing,” added Congresswoman Garcia. “But now that the Trump tariffs have surfaced, it is threatening Houston’s economy. The petrochemical companies, the port—everybody is trying to figure out what the hell we’re going to do.”

    Though time limitations prevented Garcia from delivering her full set of questions, she submitted additional remarks for the record pressing Secretary Bessent on rising fuel and construction costs, job losses, and the administration’s failure to coordinate with key trading partners.

    “Don’t you see the problem here? The people paying are our constituents. Doesn’t matter who they voted for. Doesn’t matter if they live in red or blue districts, although I’ll add that the red districts are projected to bear the brunt of the impact,” said Congresswoman Garcia. “They will pay for these misguided tariffs, whether it is on Amazon, at the grocery stores, at the gas stations, or with their jobs. I hope you realize this soon and work with House Democrats to make sure that the U.S. economy isn’t in a recession by your next visit.” 

    Watch Congresswoman Garcia’s remarks HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia and Democratic Colleagues Walk Out of Republican Crypto Sham Hearing

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (TX-29)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (D-TX-29) and her Democratic colleagues walked out of a rare joint hearing between the House Financial Services Committee and the House Agriculture Committee, after Republicans turned it into a platform to rubber-stamp President Trump’s latest scheme to enrich himself and his family through the power of his office.

    “This wasn’t a fair hearing—it was a sham,” said Congresswoman Garcia. “While my constituents are worried about affording groceries, Donald Trump is trying to line his pockets. He is a grifter, plain and simple—and Republicans are helping him get away with it.”

    The hearing, focused on cryptocurrency regulation, was convened under the unusual authority of both committees—required to unanimously agree to hold a joint session. At the start of the hearing, Democrats requested a single common sense safeguard: a simple amendment to bar the President, Members of Congress, and other public officials from personally profiting from the sale of cryptocurrencies. Republicans flat out refused.

    This comes as a Trump business entity owns 60 percent of World Liberty Financial, a crypto startup, and is entitled to 75 percent of all revenue from coin sales. 

    “Instead of prioritizing his job as our nation’s leader, President Trump is using his position to strip financial regulators of their independence, all to line the pockets of his friends and his family, many of whom are now listed as members of the World Liberty Financial team,” added Congresswoman Garcia. “This is such a direct, obvious, in-your-face conflict of interest, that it’s outrageous there is no bipartisan outrage against this. When a company lists the President of the United States as ‘Chief Crypto Advocate’ it’s a clear signal that the President and his family are cashing in.”

    Rather than let their constituents’ voices be silenced in the Republican sham hearing, Congresswoman Garcia and her Democratic colleagues held their own session focused on the facts, the law, and the urgent need for ethical regulation of digital assets.
     

    Watch the hearing HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia Slams Trump-Republican Budget for Slashing Medicaid, SNAP, and Raising Taxes on the Most Vulnerable

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (TX-29)

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    MEDIA CONTACT:
    Joseph Guzman
    202-355-8084
    joseph.guzman@mail.house.gov

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia (D-TX-29) released the following statement in response to House passage of the harmful Republican budget bill:

    “Matthew 25 teaches us to care for the poor, feed the hungry, and tend to the sick. Republicans say they believe in those values, but their budget scam does the exact opposite.

    “The budget Republicans rammed through the House includes the largest Medicaid cuts in our nation’s history. It guts SNAP, targeting single mothers and taking food out of the mouths of children. It will kick seniors out of nursing homes. It pushes disabled children even further into the margins. And why? To hand more tax breaks to Trump’s billionaire donors.

    “The Trump-Republican budget scam is a reverse Robin Hood. It takes from the poor to give to the rich. To make matters worse, this budget would raise taxes on the lowest-income families all while handing out giveaways to those who need it least.

    “The American people are watching. They know the difference between leadership and cruelty. They will not forget Republicans chose to give billionaires tax breaks at the expense of children, mothers, seniors, and working people. I will keep fighting, and I will not back down.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: House Passes Congressman Meuser’s “Gold Shield Families Resolution” During National Police Week

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-9)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, as part of National Police Week, the House of Representatives unanimously passed H.Res. 364, the Gold Shield Families Resolution, introduced by Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09). The bipartisan resolution recognizes the families of fallen first responders as “Gold Shield Families” and calls on local communities to support nonprofit organizations that provide them with comfort, connection, and healing as they face profound loss.

    “Of all the priorities we face in Congress, none is more fundamental than ensuring public safety and protecting human life,” said Congressman Meuser. “And that responsibility rests squarely on the shoulders of our police officers, firefighters, EMTs, correction officers, and dispatchers. These are the people on the front lines of our communities, putting themselves in danger every single day to keep the rest of us safe. They are the thin gold line that holds society together.” 

    Meuser continued, “As the son of a police officer and the grandson of a firefighter, I’ve seen the risks they take and the sacrifices their families quietly endure. When the worst happens—when a life is lost in the line of duty—it’s the family that carries the burden of that sacrifice. This resolution ensures that sacrifice is acknowledged, honored, and remembered.”

    Just as we recognize the families of fallen servicemembers as “Gold Star Families,” this resolution ensures the families of fallen first responders are known and acknowledged as Gold Shield Families. It also calls on local communities to support the nonprofit organizations that serve them. These groups provide critical services—offering connection, care, and healing to families navigating life after unimaginable loss. The resolution also encourages Gold Shield Families to seek out these trusted resources as they carry forward the legacy of their loved ones.

    The resolution was inspired by Camp Freedom, a nonprofit in Carbondale, Pennsylvania, that provides outdoor healing experiences to disabled veterans, first responders, and their families, as well as to Gold Shield and Gold Star Families. The idea for the resolution was brought forward by Camp Freedom Executive Director Matt Guedes, a veteran and lifelong advocate for those who serve.

    “First responders run toward danger—and many of them do it as volunteers or on a modest income,” said Guedes. “They put their lives on the line for others, and when one of them is lost, their families are often left with nothing more than a well-meaning spaghetti dinner or a firehouse fundraiser. That’s kind, but it’s not enough. These families go home without their husband, their wife, their mother or father—and without the income or support they once had. Their grief is real, their financial strain is real, and the gap in long-term care is wide.”

    Guedes continued, “This resolution is so important because it recognizes those families and helps direct attention and resources to where they’re truly needed. Nonprofits like Camp Freedom are ready to stand in that gap—to walk with these families not just in the days after a loss, but for the months and years that follow. But recognition is the first step. With this resolution, we’re finally saying as a nation: we see your pain, we value your sacrifice, and we’re here for you.”

    To date, Camp Freedom has served more than 12,000 veterans, first responders, and servicemember families across the country. Congressman Meuser also credited Camp Freedom founder Bill Bachenberg for his vision and leadership in making that mission possible. 

    “This resolution may be just two pages long—but its message is powerful,” Meuser concluded. “It says to every Gold Shield Family: your loved one’s service mattered. Their sacrifice will not be forgotten—and neither will yours. And to every community: recognize these families, lift them up, and walk with them through their grief. Together, we can ensure their resilience is met with gratitude—and their loss is never faced alone.”

    Congressman Meuser spoke on the House floor in favor of H.Res. 364 here. 

    Text of the legislation can be found here. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Meuser Supports Passage of The One Big Beautiful Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-9)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the reconciliation package known as The One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

    Meuser said, “I believe we were elected to work with President Trump to improve our country—to improve our national security, strengthen our economy, bring fiscal sanity to our budget, deliver accountability, and lead the world toward peace. And frankly, to bring back common sense so people start trusting the government again. That’s what this Big Beautiful Bill is about.

    “It’s designed to fortify our now-secure border, responsibly grow our domestic energy supply, and create more opportunity for all Americans. It gives small businesses the kind of tax environment and certainty they need and deserve—not one where they’re slammed by massive tax increases.

    “Passing this bill will increase production so supply better meets demand, thereby reducing inflation. And with lower inflation comes lower interest rates, which leads to greater investment and more American production.

    “This Big Beautiful Bill is just the beginning. It sets the stage to Make America Great Again and deliver the America First agenda that we were elected to implement.”

    This legislation includes key Trump Administration priorities—it eliminates tax on tips and overtime, expands the Child Tax Credit, and establishes savings accounts for newborns.

    The bill also extends key provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that are vital to small businesses and manufacturers—making permanent immediate R&D expensing, 100% bonus depreciation, and permanently expands the Section 199A small business deduction to 23%. 

    On the border, this legislation strengthens existing enforcement by providing the statutory authority needed to sustain and expand current operations. It funds the completion of physical barrier, funds10,000 new ICE personnel, 5,000 new customs officers, 3,000 new Border Patrol agents, and provides $10,000 retention bonuses to Border Patrol and ICE agents. The bill ensures that effective border security resources are available to law enforcement. It also invests nearly $144 billion to modernize our military and strengthen national defense.

    The legislation also implements policies to reestablish American energy dominance by incentivizing increased domestic production. It does so by reinstating quarterly onshore oil and gas lease sales, as well as streamlines the permitting process for energy infrastructure. Further, it ends costly mandates, repeals billions in wasteful subsidies tied to ideological policies, reverses EV mandates, and restores consumer choice. 

    And despite Democrat claims, the bill, in fact, strengthens and sustains Medicaid benefits for those who truly need them. It removes ineligible recipients and illegal immigrants from the program and implements work requirements—80 hours per month through work, education, training, or community service—for able-bodied adults without dependents. It includes provisions derived from Congressman Meuser’s bill, H.R. 1533, the PIIA Reform Act, which requires CMS to verify eligibility against the Social Security Administration’s Death Master File and for states to reduce payment error rates.

    Finally, the Big Beautiful Bill delivers $1.6 trillion in mandatory savings—the largest deficit reduction in nearly 30 years. It reins in wasteful spending, while advancing pro-growth policies to put the nation on a stronger path forward.

    Congressman Meuser Spoke in favor of the legislation here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Meuser Highlights Ninth District Businesses at House Small Business Showcase

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-9)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Yesterday, Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09) participated in the House Small Business Committee’s 2nd Annual Small Business Showcase, held in the U.S. Capitol. The event brought together innovative small businesses from across the country and featured remarks from Republican leaders and Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler.

    At the invitation of Congressman Meuser, two standout businesses from Pennsylvania’s Ninth District—Masser Family of Companies and C2G Energy Solutions—were featured at the Showcase, representing the strength and diversity of the region’s small business economy.

    The Masser Family of Companies, headquartered in Sacramento, PA, is an eighth-generation, family-owned agricultural enterprise dating back to 1754. With operations spanning farming, processing, logistics, and grain storage, Masser has become the largest potato grower and distributor in Pennsylvania. Julie Masser Ballay, who serves as Chief Financial Officer and Vice President, has helped modernize and expand the company’s capabilities while maintaining its deep-rooted commitment to community and innovation. Julie previously testified before the Small Business Committee on the importance of preserving pro-growth tax policies like the R&D credit.

    C2G Energy Solutions, based in Montrose, is a leading provider of sustainable water and waste management solutions for the energy industry. Under the leadership of Co-Founders Jesse Bonnice and Adam Locke, the company develops advanced treatment technologies to upcycle industrial waste streams—converting byproducts into usable resources and minimizing environmental impact. C2G’s Shaskas Facility exemplifies this model with on-site wastewater treatment, extensive storage capabilities, and direct natural gas supply infrastructure that supports a more circular and sustainable energy economy.

    “These companies are perfect examples of what happens when you pair entrepreneurial spirit with strong community values,” said Congressman Meuser. “Masser has built an agricultural operation that honors centuries of tradition while embracing cutting-edge innovation—and they’ve done it right here in Schuylkill County. C2G is pioneering a groundbreaking process to produce rare minerals from a previously overlooked source—turning what was once considered waste into a valuable asset for the energy sector. These are the kinds of businesses that fuel our economy, strengthen our communities, and prove that rural America is not just participating in the future—we’re leading it.”

    Congressman Meuser, a member of the Small Business Committee, spoke during the Showcase and emphasized the need to pass President Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill to extend key provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

    “As someone who spent more than 20 years helping grow a small business into a larger business, I understand the challenges entrepreneurs face,” Meuser said. “Small businesses need certainty to plan, invest, and expand—and that means making the 199A small business deduction and 100% bonus depreciation permanent, restoring immediate R&D expensing, and delivering real, lasting relief that empowers Main Street to grow and compete. That’s why we must pass the Big Beautiful Bill, which extends these critical pro-growth provisions and gives small businesses the long-term stability they deserve.”

    Administrator Loeffler’s participation underscored the SBA’s renewed focus on common-sense regulation and pro-growth policies under President Trump’s leadership.

    “We’re fortunate to have an SBA Administrator who listens, leads, and understands the real needs of small businesses,” Meuser added. “Administrator Loeffler brings practical experience to the job and a clear focus on reducing burdens and expanding opportunity. She also has the ear of President Trump, whose commitment to pro-growth, pro-small business policies continue to make a real difference for Main Street America.”

    The event concluded with a reception honoring participating businesses and thanking them for their contributions to the American economy.

    A video of Congressman Meuser’s remarks can be found here. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Meuser Announces Winners of the Congressional Art Competition

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-9)

    WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09) announced the winners of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition. 

    The first-place winner’s artwork will be displayed for one year in the United States Capitol alongside winning pieces from congressional districts across the country. The second-place entry will hang in Congressman Meuser’s Washington, D.C. office, where it will be seen by visitors from Pennsylvania’s 9th District. The third-place piece will be exhibited in the Congressman’s Pottsville District office.

    2025 Congressional Art Competition Winners:

    First Place: “Untitled” (The Barn) by Arianna Yule from Schuylkill Haven Area High School, 11th Grade

    Second Place: “Untitled” (Mountain Scene) by Heidi Stone from Schuylkill Haven Area High School, 12th Grade

    Third Place: “Untitled” (Chalet) by Sarah Tiver from Schuylkill Haven Area High School, 12th Grade

    The judging process was conducted blindly—meaning students’ names and school affiliations were not shared at the time of selection. Only after the top three pieces were chosen was it revealed that all three winners attend Schuylkill Haven High School, a remarkable and unintentional outcome that speaks to the strength of the school’s art program, led by teacher Luke Ott.

    Mr. Ott is a dedicated art educator and accomplished artist based in Schuylkill County. A graduate of Blue Mountain High School in 2004, he earned a bachelor’s degree in art education from Kutztown University in 2008. Since 2009, he has been teaching art at Schuylkill Haven Area High School.

    In addition to his teaching role, Luke built a ceramic studio in his home where he devotes time to his artistic practice. His work has gained both national and international recognition, including exhibitions in the 2023 Strictly Functional Pottery National and the 2023 and 2024 International Juried Exhibition of Contemporary Fine Craft.

    Luke Ott’s commitment to both education and art making informs and strengthens his professional practices. He seeks to inspire creativity and enthusiasm in his students by exemplifying the passion he brings to his own artistic endeavors.

    “Congratulations to Arianna Yule on her first-place entry—your talent and creativity stood out among many strong submissions,” said Congressman Meuser. “It’s a tremendous opportunity to have your work displayed in the U.S. Capitol, where it will be seen by thousands over the next year. The Congressional Art Competition is a meaningful way to support and celebrate young artists, and my office always enjoys participating in this annual tradition. I also want to commend Heidi Stone and Sarah Tiver for their exceptional second- and third-place entries and thank all the students who took part this year. Special recognition goes to art teacher Luke Ott, whose impressive program at Schuylkill Haven High School continues to foster outstanding young talent.”

    The Office of Congressman Meuser hosted an art show at the Walk In Art Center in Schuylkill Haven on April 24, 2024. Sixteen students from across Pennsylvania’s Ninth District participated in the event. 

    More information about the Congressional Art Competition can be found here.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Meuser Celebrates President Trump’s Landmark Action to Keep U.S. Steel in America, Delivering 70,000 Jobs and a $14 Billion Boost to the Economy

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-9)

    Washington, D.C. – Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09) today applauded President Donald J. Trump for successfully negotiating a record investment and record job creation for Pennsylvania and America’s steel industry through a landmark partnership between the United States of America, U.S. Steel, and Nippon Steel.

    The agreement will keep U.S. Steel’s headquarters in Pittsburgh, generate at least 70,000 family-sustaining American jobs, and inject $14 billion into the U.S. economy—the largest steel-sector commitment in Pennsylvania’s history.

    Congressman Meuser’s tireless efforts included meeting repeatedly with Local 2227 Steelworkers to gather shop‑floor priorities; conducting rigorous oversight and vocal opposition when the Biden Administration attempted to block this historic investment; engaging colleagues across Capitol Hill to build bipartisan momentum; conferring directly with Nippon Steel executives to guarantee America‑First terms; coordinating personally with U.S. Steel President & CEO Dave Burritt to arrange high‑level discussions in Washington; and directly with the White House and President Trump—an America‑First blueprint the Dealmaker‑in‑Chief embraced to secure record investment and record jobs for Pennsylvania and the nation.

    “President Trump has reinvigorated American manufacturing. Today he has truly proven himself to be the Man of Steel,” said Congressman Meuser. “Keeping U.S. Steel here at home protects Pennsylvania jobs, fuels a modern manufacturing revival from Pittsburgh to the Mon Valley, and sends an unmistakable message that Made in the USA is back for good. I knew that once President Trump brought his great business acumen to the table, and saw the opportunity for our country, he would secure the best deal possible. With 70,000 new jobs on the way and billions of dollars flowing into our communities, Pennsylvania is ready to lead the steel industry once again. It’s enough to make me become a Steelers fan!”

    Congressman French Hill (AR-02) said, “The merger of Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel will greatly benefit many of our steel-producing states like Pennsylvania, Indiana, Michigan, and my home state of Arkansas. Foreign direct investment is a vote of confidence in our country, and in my view, this deal is an important win for President Trump. I thank my colleague and friend Rep. Dan Meuser for his leadership and commend his longstanding support for this important merger.”

    David B. Burritt, President and CEO, U.S. Steel said, “Congressman Meuser’s support and advocacy over the past year has been invaluable. His leadership on behalf of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is deeply appreciated by the U.S. Steel team.”

    Key Highlights of the President’s Announcement

    • U.S. Steel Headquarters to Stay in Pittsburgh – safeguarding legacy jobs and local supply chains.
    • Strategic Partnership with Nippon Steel – combining advanced technology with American innovation.
    • 70,000 New, Family-Sustaining Jobs – the largest single-investment jobs surge in Pennsylvania history.
    • $14 Billion Economic Impact – majority of spending and hiring to occur over the next 14 months.
    • Nationwide Manufacturing Revival – benefits extending from Pennsylvania to Arkansas, Minnesota, and Indiana.
    • Strengthened National Security – President Trump’s tariff policies ensure American steel remains the backbone of critical infrastructure and defense production.

    Congressman Meuser hails and will be joining the President’s plan to celebrate the milestone at a rally on Friday, May 30, at the U.S. Steel facility in Pittsburgh, calling it “a fitting tribute to the men and women whose skill and determination will forge the next chapter of American leadership.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: [VIDEO] Rep. Lee Testifies Before Rules Committee in Support of her Amendment to Stop Amodei’s Utah Land Grab That Jeopardizes Nevada’s Water Security

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03)

    Utah Land Sale Could be Used for Controversial Pipeline to Take Water Away from Nevada

    DOWNLOAD VIDEO OF TESTIMONY AND QUESTIONING HERE

    WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03) testified before the Rules Committee in support of her amendment to stop House Republicans from moving forward with Congressman Mark Amodei’s (NV-02) Trojan horse Utah land grab that jeopardizes Nevada’s and the Southwest’s water security. Amodei’s proposal is currently included in the House Republicans’ budget reconciliation bill but could be removed by House Republican leadership. 

    Lee has been working with House Republicans to have Amodei’s proposal removed in an expected “manager’s amendment” from Republican leadership.
    Parcels of land marked for sale in Amodei’s proposal line up with the public land that Utah has been targeting for its Lake Powell Pipeline. If this land is sold and the pipeline is built, it could divert 28 billion gallons of water each year from Lake Powell and the Colorado River to communities in southern Utah, away from Nevada and the other Basin states. Six of the seven Colorado River Basin states — that is, all the Basin states but Utah — have previously highlighted ‘outstanding legal and operational concerns raised by the proposed Lake Powell Pipeline project.’ 

     

    TRANSCRIPT OF REP. LEE’S REMARKS:  

    “I’m here to ask for support to my amendment to this big, bad, billionaire bill or whatever it’s called. It’s not about the nearly 100,000 Nevadans who will be left without healthcare. It’s not about the thousands of homebound seniors who will no longer receive Meals on Wheels. It’s not about the trillions that will be added to our national deficit. 

    It’s about water, something so precious and important to my home district in southern Nevada. 

    My amendment aims to stop Congressman Mark Amodei and the House Republicans from moving forward with a Trojan horse Utah land grab that jeopardizes Nevada’s water security and could very well derail sensitive and complicated negotiations about the future of the Colorado River. 

    I’m here because two weeks ago, literally in the middle of the night — seems to be a recurring theme for how Republicans legislate — Rep. Amodei advanced legislation in the Natural Resources Committee to sell off thousands of acres of federal land in Nevada and Utah. The proceeds from those sales would go to Washington to pay for billionaire tax breaks in the budget bill.  

    Mr. Amodei claims that this sell-off is necessary to lower the cost of housing. I’ve always supported releasing more federal land for housing in Nevada. In fact, I’ve introduced and passed bipartisan legislation to do exactly that.    

    My first problem is that Rep. Amodei’s proposal isn’t really about housing. The Amodei proposal doesn’t require that the land sold in Nevada be used for housing. In fact, there is very little information on how exactly this land would be used.  

    Which leads me to my second issue with the proposal. For decades, the law has ensured that proceeds from federal land sales in southern Nevada stay in Nevada.    

    Rep. Amodei’s proposal would instead send these proceeds to the federal government, and Nevada would lose billions in revenue as a result. This would mean less money to build more schools, water infrastructure, and so much more.  

    In fact, federal land sales in southern Nevada have generated about half a billion dollars to date to invest directly in southern Nevada water priorities.  

    Under Rep. Amodei’s own projection, this move could divert nearly $10 billion from Nevada. Think about it, who would then pay for things like water and parks and schools? Nevada homeowners. So, the Amodei move actually increases housing costs for Nevadans, not decreases them. 

    And let me remind you that Rep. Amodei doesn’t represent any part of Clark County, and his proposal is not supported by the county government or any member of Nevada’s federal delegation elected by the voters of Clark County.   

    I would never introduce a bill to sell off land in another congressperson’s district without consulting with them.  

    Congresswoman Titus just proposed an amendment to stop the land sales in southern Nevada, which I support. 

    I finally want to talk about the third issue with this proposal and the purpose of my amendment, which relates to Nevada’s and the southwest’s water security.   

    Arizona Congressman Greg Stanton and I have been alerted by water officials in Nevada and Arizona that the public land that Amodei wants to sell off in Utah could be used for a controversial water pipeline. The parcels of land marked for sale in his proposal coincidentally line up with the land in Utah that has been targeted for the so-called Lake Powell Pipeline.  

    This proposed pipeline has greatly concerned water managers in Nevada, Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming. These are six of the seven states that depend on the Colorado River — every one except Utah.   

    If this land is sold and the pipeline is built, this could divert 28 billion gallons of water each year from Lake Powell and the Colorado River to communities in southern Utah — away from Nevada, Arizona, and other Basin states.  

    Look, Amodei did not consult local authorities in southern Nevada, and it shows, because he clearly doesn’t understand the relationship between water and development and housing costs.  

    I support the Titus amendment, and I’m asking you to advance my amendment to repeal the Amodei land sale in Utah so we can stop this Trojan horse to steal Nevada’s water. Thank you.” 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Lee, Stanton Statement on House Republicans’ Public Land Sale Proposal Threatening NV and AZ Water Security

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03)

    Includes Utah Land Sale Which Could be Used for Controversial Pipeline to Take Water from Colorado River

    WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03) and Congressman Greg Stanton (AZ-04) released the following statement in response to Republican Congressman Mark Amodei’s (NV-02) proposed amendment to sell off public lands.  
     
    Several parcels marked for sale line up with the proposed pathway identified for the controversial Lake Powell Pipeline, a water diversion project in Utah that could derail fragile conversations concerning post-2026 operating guidelines for the Colorado River. In 2020, six of the seven Colorado River basin states warned the Department of the Interior that fast-tracking an environmental review of the pipeline could jeopardize cooperation and potentially lead to multi-year litigation. 

    “Last week, in the middle of the of night, Congressman Mark Amodei led House Republicans in advancing legislation to pay for their tax-breaks-for-billionaires bill by selling off public lands in Nevada and Utah. 

    “We’ve now been alerted by Nevada and Arizona water managers that the public land to be sold in Utah could be used to develop a long-proposed and highly controversial water pipeline from Lake Powell to Washington County, Utah.  

    “Six of the seven Colorado River Basin states — that is, all the Basin states but Utah — have previously highlighted ‘outstanding legal and operational concerns raised by the proposed Lake Powell Pipeline project.’ 

    “We are calling on Congressman Amodei and House Republicans to immediately withdraw this reckless public land sale proposal which looks to be a Trojan horse to steal Nevadans’ and Arizonans’ water.” 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lee Urges Amodei to Withdraw Proposal to Send NV Public Land Sales Proceeds to Federal Government for Billionaire Tax Breaks Rather Than Staying in NV

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03)

    WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03) sent a letterto Congressman Mark Amodei (NV-02) urging him to immediately withdraw his reckless Clark County public land sale proposal that sends proceeds of Nevada public land sales to Washington to pay for House Republicans’ tax-breaks-for-billionaires bill.

    For decades, federal law has ensured that proceeds from land sales in southern Nevada stay in Nevada. Amodei’s proposal — which was added to Republican-led legislation last week without the consent or collaboration of the Clark County Commission or any member of Nevada’s federal delegation elected by the voters of Clark County — would instead send these proceeds to the federal government.

    Lee’s initial response to Amodei’s dead of night surprise amendment can be found here.

    “Prior to the surprise introduction of your 33-page proposal, you failed to collaborate or consult with — or even alert — any member of Nevada’s federal delegation elected by the voters of Clark County,” wrote Congresswoman Lee. “Further, you acted against the wishes — and without the consent — of Clark County itself, a fact that you acknowledged in real time under questioning by House Natural Resources Committee Democrats during the markup of your proposal last Tuesday night.”

    Lee continued, “For decades, the Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act (SNPLMA) has ensured that proceeds from the sales of federal land in Clark County stay in Nevada. Your proposal would instead send Nevada’s dollars to Washington to subsidize Republicans’ reckless spending and billionaire tax cuts.”

    Full text of the letter can be found here and below: 

    May 13, 2025

    The Honorable Mark Amodei

    United States House of Representatives

    104 Cannon House Office Building

    Washington, D.C. 20515

    Dear Congressman Amodei:

    As a member of Nevada’s congressional delegation who represents Clark County, I urge you to immediately move to strip the reckless Clark County public land sale provisions that you advanced as “pay-fors” in House Republicans’ tax-breaks-for-billionaires bill under the cover of darkness last week. 

    While I have additional concerns with your proposal in full, including how the Utah provisions you included could affect the integrity and future operations of the Colorado River System, I want to underscore the following four concerns in particular, which make the Clark County provisions completely unworkable:

    No Collaboration: Prior to the surprise introduction of your 33-page proposal, you failed to collaborate or consult with — or even alert — any member of Nevada’s federal delegation elected by the voters of Clark County. 

    No Consent: Further, you acted against the wishes — and without the consent — of Clark County itself, a fact that you acknowledged in real time under questioning by House Natural Resources Committee Democrats during the markup of your proposal last Tuesday night. A spokesperson for the Board of County Commissioners has since reaffirmed that your proposal “does not reflect the Board’s priorities to facilitate responsible future development, especially as it relates to environmental conservation, water and public infrastructure.”

    No Consistency: For decades, the Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act (SNPLMA) has ensured that proceeds from the sales of federal land in Clark County stay in Nevada. Your proposal would instead send Nevada’s dollars to Washington to subsidize Republicans’ reckless spending and billionaire tax cuts.

    No Clarity: Finally, because of the last-minute, late-night introduction of your proposal — which was apparently timed at the direction of the Republican House Natural Resources Committee chairman, presumably to prevent the proposal from receiving unwanted scrutiny in the light of day — key components of the proposal are still unclear. This includes even something as basic as precisely how many acres of public land you intend to sell off.

    Per recent reporting by E&E News:

    While Republicans had suggested the sales would amount to a few thousand acres,

    advocates and Democrats have said that in analyzing the amendment it could be 500,000 acres in total — or more.

    A spokesperson for the Natural Resources Committee said they did not have exact

    figures. An Amodei spokesperson explained, after this story originally published, that the amendment involved 449,174 acres but that actions involving 356,100 acres would not amount to a net change in federal ownership.

    I ask that you act as quickly to remove the Clark County public land sale provisions as you acted to rashly add these provisions to Republicans’ tax-breaks-for-billionaires legislation in the first place.

    The sooner that you agree to end this unfortunate — and entirely unnecessary — episode in the history of Nevada and the Nevada delegation, the better for us all.

    Sincerely,

    Susie Lee

    Member of Congress

    CC: 

    The Honorable Bruce Westerman, Chairman, House Committee on Natural Resources

    The Honorable Jared Huffman, Ranking Member, House Committee on Natural Resources

    # # # 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Lee Statement on Voting Against House Republicans’ Budget Bill That Wages War Against Healthcare and Hungry Families

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03)

    WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03) released the following statement after voting against the House Republican budget reconciliation bill that takes away healthcare and nutrition assistance from working families to give tax breaks to the wealthiest Americans: 

    “House Republicans have waged war against healthcare and hungry families. 
     
    “Last night and into the early morning, they rammed a budget bill through the House that takes money away from working families, the sick, poor, and seniors, and gives it to the wealthiest Americans for tax breaks. I voted no. 
     
    “House Republicans passed the largest cuts to Medicaid in history and the most severe reduction to SNAP in decades. 
     
    “Thousands of Nevadans and millions of Americans will lose healthcare, hungry children and seniors won’t get the food they need, hospitals and nursing homes will shutdown, and trillions will be added to our national debt. 
     
    “I’m disgusted and I hope Senate Republicans see the devastation of this bill and vote against it.” 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Lee Statement on Stopping the Amodei Land Grab Proposal

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03)

    WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03) released the following statement on the Amodei land grab proposal being removed from the House Republican budget reconciliation bill: 

    “My amendment to protect Nevada’s water has been included by Republican leadership in their budget reconciliation bill, and after our pressure campaign, the Amodei land grab proposal has been removed.  

    “This is a huge win for Nevada’s and the Southwest’s water security.  

    “I’m happy that my Republican colleagues, led by Rep. Zinke, acknowledged that it would wrongfully change the way federal lands are managed. They stood their ground, and we were able to stop the unprecedented Amodei proposal.” 

    Lee worked with House Republicans to have Amodei’s proposal removed in a Republican leadership manager’s amendment.  

    Parcels of land marked for sale in Amodei’s proposal lined up with the public land that Utah has been targeting for its Lake Powell Pipeline. If this land were sold and the pipeline were built, it could divert 28 billion gallons of water each year from Lake Powell and the Colorado River to communities in southern Utah, away from Nevada and the other Basin states. 

    For decades, federal law has ensured that proceeds from land sales in southern Nevada stay in Nevada. Amodei’s proposal would have sent these proceeds to the federal government to subsidize Republicans’ reckless spending and billionaire tax cuts.  

    Amodei doesn’t represent any part of Clark County, and his proposal was not supported by the county government or any member of Nevada’s federal delegation elected by the voters of Clark County.  

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Horsford to House Speaker: End Taxes on Tips Today

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressmen Steven Horsford (NV-04)

    Bipartisan Support Proves the Only Reason to Make Policy Political is to Play Politics with It

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04) today sent a letter calling on House Speaker Mike Johnson to bring legislation eliminating taxes on tips up for a vote in the House of Representatives.

    Horsford’s call comes after the Senate passed a Republican-led proposal yesterday to end taxes on tips, and as a similar proposal in the House has been attached to a deeply partisan budget reconciliation proposal. 

    Horsford, who has led the fight to end taxes on tips in the House, urged Speaker Johnson to hold a standalone vote on the policy to remove politics from the process. 

    “There is no doubt that policy ending taxes on tips has bipartisan support – the only question is whether the House Speaker will bury that policy in a highly partisan and deeply flawed proposal,” Rep. Horsford said. “Speaker Johnson could bring legislation ending taxes on tips to the floor today and it would pass – it would become law, and millions of tipped workers across the country would keep more of their hard-earned money as a result.” 

    Congressman Horsford worked with advocates, tipped workers, and lawmakers from both parties to craft his legislation, the TIPS Act. Unlike Republican proposals to end taxes on tips, Horsford’s bill additionally ends the sub-minimum wage of $2.13 an hour that six million tipped workers across the country earn; ensures tipped workers continue contributing to Social Security; and prevents wealthy individuals from gifting their fortunes to their children tax-free by claiming the inheritance is a tip. Additionally, Horsford’s TIPS Act would provide permanent relief, whereas Republican proposals end after four years. 

    “To truly get the policy right as we eliminate taxes on tips, the House needs to consider my bill, the TIPS Act,” Horsford continued. “But we should not make the perfect the enemy of the good – Speaker Johnson has multiple options and any one of them would bring much-needed relief to tipped workers. Given the very public bipartisan support for this policy, the only reason to make this political is to play politics with it. I urge the Speaker to do the right thing, get this done, and deliver a win for the American people.” 

    Rep. Horsford’s letter to Speaker Johnson is available here. 

    More information about Rep. Horsford’s TIPS Act is available here.

    Video of Rep. Horsford testifying today in the House Rules Committee about the need for a standalone vote is available here. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Horsford on Biden Diagnosis: He Will Fight with Grit & Grace

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressmen Steven Horsford (NV-04)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04) released the following statement after news broke Sunday that former President Joe Biden was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer.

    “My thoughts are with President Biden and his entire family during this very difficult time,” Rep. Horsford said. “Through nearly 55 years of public service, the former President has shown every American what perseverance over adversity looks like. We know the grit that Joe Biden is made of, and we know he will fight this diagnosis with the grace he has brought to every challenge in his life.”

    Beginning in 2016, then-Vice President Joe Biden spearheaded a Cancer Moonshot “to eliminate cancer as we know it”. The initiative, which came one year after the loss of Biden’s son Beau to brain cancer, brought together patients, advocates, researchers, and clinicians to address cancer with the resources available across government, academia, and the private sector. President Biden’s Cancer Moonshot is credited with expanding prevention drives, developing new technologies to characterize tumors and test treatments, and redoubling efforts to understand the leading causes of childhood cancers, and much more.

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    MIL OSI USA News –