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  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman DeSaulnier Announces Virtual Town Hall on Protecting Democracy

    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 on protecting democracy amidst attacks on constitutional rights and democratic norms from the Trump Administration on Tuesday, June 24that 4:00 p.m. PT. 

    To discuss the Trump Administration and congressional Republicans’ attempts to undermine the separation of powers and curb the rights of Americans, and to highlight the legal victories that have put a stop to some of the Administration’s actions, Congressman DeSaulnier will be joined by special guests from Democracy Forward, a legal nonprofit working to defend democracy in the courts. The Congressman and panelists will also take questions live.

    Virtual Town Hall on Protecting Democracy 
    Tuesday, May 24th
    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 234th town hall and mobile district office hour since coming to Congress in January 2015.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman DeSaulnier to Visit County Hospital and Hold Press Conference on Republican Attempts to Cut Funding for Hospitals and Health Care Services

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

    Walnut Creek, CA – Today, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) announced he will visit Contra Costa Regional Medical Center (CCRMC) and then hold a press conferenceon Friday, June 20that 3:00 p.m. as part of House Democrats’ Save Our Hospitals Week of Action to highlight how the Trump Administration’s One Big, Ugly Bill will devastate hospitals like CCRMC and gut health care services for millions of Americans across the country and in California’s 10th Congressional District. 

    Prior to the press conference, Congressman DeSaulnier will hold a roundtable with County health leaders to hear from them directly about how the Trump cuts will harm CCRMC’s operations and patient care.

    CCRMC is the County’s 166-bed full-service hospital and is the central hub of Contra Costa Health’s nine outpatient health centers. Contra Costa Health serves an estimated 515,000 patients annually.
     

    WHO: Congressman Mark DeSaulnier

                Dr. Sergio Urcuyo, Chief Medical Officer for Contra Costa Regional Medical Center

    WHEN: Friday, June 20th from 3:00 to 3:30p.m. PT

    WHERE: Contra Costa Regional Medical Center (2500 Alhambra Avenue, Martinez, CA)

                      Parking available curbside along the circle.

    RSVP: Please RSVP to Mairead Glowacki at (202) 760-1365 or mairead.glowacki@mail.house.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman DeSaulnier Announces Town Hall in Antioch

    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 an in-person town hall on Monday, June 30that 6:30 p.m. Topics to be covered include the Trump Administration’s attacks on our constitutional rights and the situation in the Middle East. 

    Town Hall
    Monday, June 30th
    6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
    Antioch, CA
    RSVP for Location

    The event is RSVP only and capacity is limited. To reserve your spot or request special accommodations, visit https://desaulnier.house.gov/town-hall-rsvp or call (925) 933-2660. 

    This will be Congressman DeSaulnier’s 235th town hall and mobile district office hour since coming to Congress in January 2015.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • 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: 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.

    ###

    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: 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: 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 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: Davids Speaks with Frontline Health Care Providers on Impact of Extreme Republican Medicaid Cuts

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3)

    KANSAS CITY, KS – Today, Representative Sharice Davids joined nearly 200 health care workers at Vibrant Health to discuss the harmful impact of recently enacted Republican Medicaid cuts. Davids heard directly from providers about how these cuts, which she voted against, will threaten all Kansas families’ access to affordable care — and reaffirmed her commitment to protecting the health and well-being of every Kansan, over billionaire tax giveaways.

    “Kansans shouldn’t have to pay more or travel farther for health care just so billionaires can get another tax break,” said Davids. “These Medicaid cuts will strip coverage from hardworking families, force rural hospitals to close, raise premiums, and reduce access to essential care for all children, seniors, and veterans. I voted against these cuts — and yes, I’m angry. But I’m also determined to keep pushing back against these extreme policies, lowering costs for Kansans, and protecting the care our communities count on.”

    “At Vibrant Health, our goal is to ensure that everyone in our community has access to high-quality healthcare,” said Patrick Sallee, President & CEO, Vibrant Health. “Many of the people we see in our clinics rely on Medicaid, many of them children, whose parents simply want them to grow up healthy and thrive. When families worry about the cost of care, they often delay or avoid essential preventive services. Cuts to Medicaid don’t just reduce coverage — they increase the barriers our patients face in staying healthy.”

    The law, signed last week by President Trump, includes the largest cuts to Medicaid in American history. According to the U.S. Congressional Joint Economic Committee, the new law will strip coverage from 92,937 Kansans, put six rural hospitals across Kansas at risk of closure, restrict reproductive health care, and increase Affordable Care Act premiums by $780 per year for Third District families.

    President Trump and Congressional Republicans’ Medicaid cuts will hit Kansas hard, with hospitals across the state projected to lose more than $78 million annually. The University of Kansas Hospital, Overland Park Regional Medical Center, and AdventHealth Shawnee Mission are among those facing the steepest losses. Medicaid covers one-fifth of hospital spending, so eliminating coverage for nearly 12 million Americans will significantly increase uncompensated care, including at Community Health Centers. Hospitals already operating in the red may not survive the added financial pressures of treating more uninsured patients without reimbursement.

    “Health Partnership Clinic is evaluating the impact that the recently passed bill will have on our organization and patients that we serve,” said Amy Falk, Chief Executive Officer, Health Partnership Clinic. “Any time there are potential cuts that may affect our funding, we do a thorough analysis and make the necessary adjustments that are needed, and sometimes these are not easy decisions. HPC remains committed to being here for the patients we serve in Johnson, Miami, and Franklin counties.”

    These harmful provisions in the law go far beyond health care. In the Kansas Third District alone, 15,000 households could lose access to emergency nutrition assistance, and local grocery stores — especially in rural communities — may be forced to close. Cuts to clean energy incentives could eliminate up to 10,000 good-paying jobs and increase utility bills by $670 per household. Meanwhile, the law adds $3.3 trillion to the national debt and gives massive tax breaks to billionaires, even as it raises taxes on hardworking families.

    Throughout her time in Congress, Davids has championed policies to make health care more affordable and accessible. She voted to cap insulin costs at $35 per month for Medicare recipients, extend tax credits that help families afford insurance through the Affordable Care Act, and cap annual out-of-pocket drug costs for seniors. She also supported giving Medicare the power to negotiate drug prices — saving 74,000 Kansans up to 79 percent — and led efforts to ban surprise medical billing and increase transparency from insurers to help patients avoid costly out-of-network care.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Davids Opposes Partisan Bill That Slashes Health Care, Food to Benefit Billionaires

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3)

    Today, Representative Sharice Davids released the following statement after voting against President Trump and U.S. House Republicans’ extreme budget that cuts health care and raises grocery prices for hardworking families to pay for tax giveaways for billionaires and ultrawealthy corporations. 

    “Simply put, President Trump’s extreme budget hurts everyone who isn’t already a billionaire,” said Davids. “It hands out tax giveaways to the ultra-wealthy while gutting Medicaid, raising grocery prices, and putting rural hospitals and reproductive health care at risk — all while adding trillions to the national debt. I was raised by a single mom in the Army, so I know what it’s like to live paycheck to paycheck. This proposal would only make it harder for families like the one I grew up in. Kansans deserve responsible leadership, not reckless cuts and partisan gimmicks — that’s why I’m focused on a commonsense, bipartisan path forward that actually lowers costs, supports small businesses, and grows our economy responsibly.”

    Background:

    President Trump and U.S. House Republicans pushed a budget that would make the largest cuts to Medicaid and emergency food assistance in American history — all to fund tax giveaways for billionaires. These extreme cuts would gut programs that help Kansans afford food and stay healthy. In contrast, Davids supports a commonsense tax framework to lower costs for Kansas’ hardworking families, support small businesses, and strengthen our long-term economy.

    How This Bill Hurts Kansans: Raising costs on the middle class so billionaires pay less

    • HIGHER Health Care Costs: The Joint Economic Committee estimates 92,937 Kansans will lose health care coverage under this reckless bill, including those on Medicaid. These cuts put six rural hospitals across Kansas at risk of closing and would increase Affordable Care Act premiums by $780 for people in Kansas’ Third District.
    • HIGHER Grocery Costs:In Kansas’ Third District alone, 15,000 households could lose access to the emergency food assistance they rely on through this bill. Also, local grocery stores nationwide may be forced to close due to lost revenue, worsening food deserts, especially in rural communities. These cuts would reduce farm income by more than $25 billion and threaten good-paying jobs.
    • HIGHER Utility Bills: Davids previously supported tax credits that are helping Kansans save on their energy bills, supporting farmers, and creating thousands of good-paying jobs across the state. But now, this budget proposal would gut those cost-saving policies — including some that even Republicans have backed. It’s projected to eliminate 10,000 manufacturing and energy jobs in Kansas and raise annual energy costs by $670 per household.
    • LOWER Reproductive Health Care Access: This bill would gut access to reproductive health care by putting nearly 200 Planned Parenthood health centers in 24 states at risk of closure — making it harder for 1.1 million patients to get lifesaving care like cancer screenings, birth control, abortion services, and more. 90 percent of those closures would happen in states where abortion is legal and protected, including Kansas.

    • HIGHER Deficit: The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget reported that this Trump-backed bill would add $3.3 trillion to the national deficit through 2034. Such high levels of borrowing could substantially boost interest rates, slow economic growth, and spark a debt spiral.

    • LOWER Taxes for Billionaires: The Republican budget actually raises taxes on the lowest-income families in the country, all while billionaires who already pay next to nothing in taxes get more breaks. The top 0.1 percent stands to gain $309,000, or $847 every day, in 2027 alone. This bill shows exactly where U.S. House Republicans’ loyalties lie: not with the hardworking Americans who sent them to Congress, but to Trump and their billionaire donors.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Davids Unveils Comprehensive Tax Reform Framework to Lower Costs, Expand Economic Opportunity, Promote Fiscal Responsibility

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3)

    Rejecting the GOP Tax Scam, Rep. Davids is charting a new path forward

    Today, Representative Sharice Davids joined the New Democrat Coalition in unveiling a new Tax Framework aimed at advancing commonsense reforms that deliver better outcomes for Kansas’ hardworking families, support small businesses, and strengthen our long-term economy.

    The Framework stands in clear contrast to President Trump and Congressional Republicans’ extreme tax plan, which slashes health care and nutrition support for working families to pay for tax breaks for billionaires — adding $3.3 trillion to the national debt.

    “We should be focused on finding commonsense solutions that lower costs for hardworking families — not on extreme proposals that only benefit billionaires and the wealthiest corporations,” said Davids. “This new framework puts Kansas families and small businesses first by lowering costs, supporting job creation, and ensuring we grow the economy without adding to the national debt.”

    The Framework lays out a policy roadmap capable of amassing support on both sides of the aisle, including more than 20 pragmatic solutions that fall into one of three principles: lowering costs for middle class families and hardworking Americans; expanding economic opportunity and growing American jobs and businesses; and promoting fiscal responsibility and long-term economic security. 

    Framework Goals (read more here):

    1. Lower Costs for Working Families:
      • Support American Families and Children
        • Ex: Extend the expanded, refundable Child Tax Credit
      • Reward Work and Support Economic Mobility
        • Ex: Simplify and expand access to work-related tax benefits, including commuting and caregiving expenses
      • Make Higher Education and Training More Affordable
        • Ex: Update the tax code to recognize modern training and credentialing programs to support lifelong learning and upskilling
    2. Sustained Economic Growth and Grow American Jobs and Businesses:
      • Strengthen Innovation and Investment
        • Ex: Support tax incentives for domestic research and development and manufacturing
      • Support Small Business and Entrepreneurs
        • Ex: Modernize and simplify small business tax provisions to reduce compliance burdens and help startups and small businesses scale and compete
      • Promote Long-Term, Broad-Based Growth
        • Ex: Ensure international tax rules encourage U.S. investment and onshoring, keep IP in the U.S., and American companies are globally competitive
    3. Fiscal Responsibility and Long-Term Economic Security:
      • Lower annual deficits
        • Ex: Reject irresponsible tax policies that primarily benefit the wealthiest individuals at the expense of working families and the deficit
      • Stabilize and then reduce debt-to-GDP ratio
        • Ex: The more the U.S. spends on interest on the debt, the less it can spend on children, Social Security, Medicare, and defense

    This week, President Trump and Congressional Republicans are pushing a budget plan that gives tax breaks to the ultra-wealthy and large corporations while raising costs and cutting services for everyone else. Davids previously voted against a version of this bill because it would:

    • Gut Medicaid and force rural hospitals to close;
    • Increase grocery prices and put smaller grocery stores at risk of closing;
    • Cut clean energy tax credits that are saving Kansans money on energy bills and supporting domestic manufacturing;
    • Add $3-5 trillion to the national deficit through 2034;
    • Raise taxes on hardworking families to fund tax giveaways for billionaires.

    The New Democrat Coalition is a group of more than 100 forward-thinking, solutions-focused House Democrats committed to growing the economy, strengthening communities, and protecting our democracy. Representing more than half the Democratic Caucus, they work across the aisle to deliver real results on issues like health care, housing, and national security.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mount Vernon Police Sergeant Sentenced for Use of Excessive Force

    Source: US FBI

    United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced that MARIO STEWART, a Sergeant with the Mount Vernon Police Department (“MVPD”), was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kenneth M. Karas to six months in prison.  While working as a Sergeant for the MVPD in 2019, STEWART used excessive force against an individual experiencing a mental health crisis (the “Victim”), tasing him seven times over the course of several minutes, in violation of the Victim’s rights under the U.S. Constitution.

    “New Yorkers depend daily on the women and men of law enforcement,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton.  “We trust them to keep us safe, to act in line with their training, and to respect our individual rights.  This trust, earned over decades, is essential to our way of life.  When a law enforcement officer breaches that trust, we are all affected.  Yesterday’s sentencing was about protecting the trust between our communities and our police departments.”

    According to the Indictment, court filings and statements made in court:

    On or about March 26, 2019, STEWART was employed as a Sergeant with the MVPD.  STEWART was assigned to the MVPD’s Emergency Services Unit, which is responsible for, among other things, responding to individuals who are experiencing mental health crises.  On that day, STEWART and six other MVPD officers received a call to assist the Victim in Mount Vernon, New York, as the Victim was experiencing a mental health crisis.

    At the scene, STEWART and the other MVPD officers restrained the Victim, handcuffing his hands behind his back and securing his legs in a restraint bag in preparation to transport the Victim for medical assistance.  When the MVPD officers were unable to pull the restraint bag over the Victim’s chest because the Victim was holding onto one of the bag’s straps, STEWART directed the Victim to release the strap.  STEWART then deployed his taser seven times on the Victim. During each of STEWART’s taser deployments, the Victim remained laying on the ground, handcuffed with his hands behind his back and his legs secured in the restraint bag.  STEWART’s actions caused bodily injury to the Victim, including extreme pain.   

    In pronouncing STEWART’s sentence, U.S. District Judge Kenneth M. Karas stated that a prison sentence was necessary “to send a clear message” to law enforcement that “even though your job is really hard, and even though you protect us every day and you have to make really tough decisions, there are still times where you have to yield to authority, and where the line is clear, you cannot cross it. . . . The people of Mount Vernon have to know that they will not be themselves victims of their law enforcement officers.”

    *               *                *

    In addition to the prison term, STEWART, 46, of Brooklyn, New York, was also sentenced to six months of home confinement.

    Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and thanked the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office and the MVPD for their assistance with the investigation.

    The case is being handled by the Office’s Civil Rights Unit in the Criminal Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sam Adelsberg and Jared Hoffman are in charge of the prosecution.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mount Vernon Police Sergeant Sentenced for Use of Excessive Force

    Source: US FBI

    United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced that MARIO STEWART, a Sergeant with the Mount Vernon Police Department (“MVPD”), was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kenneth M. Karas to six months in prison.  While working as a Sergeant for the MVPD in 2019, STEWART used excessive force against an individual experiencing a mental health crisis (the “Victim”), tasing him seven times over the course of several minutes, in violation of the Victim’s rights under the U.S. Constitution.

    “New Yorkers depend daily on the women and men of law enforcement,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton.  “We trust them to keep us safe, to act in line with their training, and to respect our individual rights.  This trust, earned over decades, is essential to our way of life.  When a law enforcement officer breaches that trust, we are all affected.  Yesterday’s sentencing was about protecting the trust between our communities and our police departments.”

    According to the Indictment, court filings and statements made in court:

    On or about March 26, 2019, STEWART was employed as a Sergeant with the MVPD.  STEWART was assigned to the MVPD’s Emergency Services Unit, which is responsible for, among other things, responding to individuals who are experiencing mental health crises.  On that day, STEWART and six other MVPD officers received a call to assist the Victim in Mount Vernon, New York, as the Victim was experiencing a mental health crisis.

    At the scene, STEWART and the other MVPD officers restrained the Victim, handcuffing his hands behind his back and securing his legs in a restraint bag in preparation to transport the Victim for medical assistance.  When the MVPD officers were unable to pull the restraint bag over the Victim’s chest because the Victim was holding onto one of the bag’s straps, STEWART directed the Victim to release the strap.  STEWART then deployed his taser seven times on the Victim. During each of STEWART’s taser deployments, the Victim remained laying on the ground, handcuffed with his hands behind his back and his legs secured in the restraint bag.  STEWART’s actions caused bodily injury to the Victim, including extreme pain.   

    In pronouncing STEWART’s sentence, U.S. District Judge Kenneth M. Karas stated that a prison sentence was necessary “to send a clear message” to law enforcement that “even though your job is really hard, and even though you protect us every day and you have to make really tough decisions, there are still times where you have to yield to authority, and where the line is clear, you cannot cross it. . . . The people of Mount Vernon have to know that they will not be themselves victims of their law enforcement officers.”

    *               *                *

    In addition to the prison term, STEWART, 46, of Brooklyn, New York, was also sentenced to six months of home confinement.

    Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and thanked the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office and the MVPD for their assistance with the investigation.

    The case is being handled by the Office’s Civil Rights Unit in the Criminal Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sam Adelsberg and Jared Hoffman are in charge of the prosecution.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Amata Welcomes Home Our Athletes at Airport

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

    Pago Pago — Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata was delighted to take part in welcoming home American Samoa’s athletes upon their arrival at Pago Pago International Airport, where they were greeted enthusiastically by their families, friends and supporters. 

    Welcoming our athletes

    “It’s good to have our athletes, coaches, and parents home from competing in the Republic of Palau. Our excellent athletes brought home gold and silver medals and represented our islands very well. We are all proud of their successes and competitive performances, but also all the hours of unseen hard work, training, nutrition efforts and dedication that go into these achievements, and set a good example for young aspiring athletes. Welcome home!” said Congresswoman Amata. “Thank you to our people who came out to the airport to show love and appreciation to our athletes, I could see how they enjoyed and appreciated that warm support.” 

    Team American Samoa competed in various sports in the Pacific Mini Games, earning an impressive number of awards, and arrived back to flags, congratulatory signs, and people wearing red, white, and blue in celebration.

    More pictures here

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Harris Applauds EPA Finding of Offshore Wind Permit Error

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Andy Harris (MD-01)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) determination that the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) improperly issued its final permit decision for the U.S. Wind offshore wind project off the coast of Ocean City, Maryland.

    In a letter issued to MDE Secretary Serena McIlwain, the EPA outlined multiple legal errors in the agency’s approval of the US Wind permit, including providing misleading information about the public’s right to appeal under federal law. The EPA is now requiring MDE to reissue the permit in accordance with proper federal procedures, a move that if left uncorrected, could lead to the invalidation of the permit on appeal.

    Statement From Congressman Harris:

    “The EPA has confirmed what many of us knew for years — this project was approved with glaring procedural and legal flaws. The Maryland Department of the Environment had no business directing the public to appeal a federal permit to a state court, and such a decision showed both incompetence and a disregard for public input from my affected constituents in Worcester County. For many years, my constituents across the First Congressional District have been overwhelmingly clear: they do not want offshore wind off their coast. This ruling is a major victory for the Eastern Shore, the environment, and our local economies that are existentially threatened by this project.”

    The EPA letter can be read HERE.
    For media inquiries, please contact Anna Adamian at Anna.A@mail.house.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: MATSUI CONDEMNS PASSAGE OF REPUBLICANS’ BIG UGLY BILL

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

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07) released the following statement after House Republicans voted to pass H.R. 1, the Big Ugly Bill. The bill will cut nearly a trillion dollars from Medicaid and take health care away from 17 million Americans. 

    “Republicans’ Big Ugly Bill is a staggering betrayal of the American people. It cruelly rips away health care from 17 million Americans. It takes food off the table of children and our most vulnerable. It’s a disaster for American workers and American families struggling to pay the bills. Bottom line – it’s the biggest transfer of wealth from the working class to the rich in American history,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “These aren’t just numbers on a spreadsheet – every dollar slashed represents real human suffering. Republicans are forcing Americans with the fewest options to make impossible choices – all to give tax breaks to billionaires.”

    “The bill includes nearly a trillion dollars of cuts to Medicaid – leaving children with disabilities, cancer patients, seniors in nursing homes, and working families without the care they depend on. These cuts will shutter rural hospitals and pull ambulances off the streets,” Matsui continued. “And while the Big Ugly Bill is slashing health care and nutrition assistance, it will also drive up energy costs by more than 400 dollars a year per household, kill clean energy jobs, and sabotage clean energy projects across the country. This isn’t just bad policy – it’s an all-out assault on American families. It is cruel. It is reckless. And that’s why I emphatically voted NO.”

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: MATSUI, MULLIN, WHITEHOUSE, PADILLA REINTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO REDUCE OCEAN SHIPPING POLLUTION, MODERNIZE MARITIME INDUSTRY

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

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA-07), Congressman Kevin Mullin (D-CA-15), and U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI)and Alex Padilla (D-CA), reintroduced legislation aimed at reducing harmful pollution from the global shipping industry. Maritime shipping is a significant source of greenhouse gas pollution around the world and a major contributor to local air pollution in port communities.

     

    The bicameral International Maritime Pollution Accountability Act would address pollution from large cargo ships and oil tankers by charging a fee for greenhouse gases and other hazardous air pollutants emitted by these ships. The revenue from collected fees would be used to fund cleaner ships and port equipment, protecting our port communities and fighting climate change, while also revitalizing the U.S. shipping industry.  

    “The climate crisis isn’t a distant threat. It’s here, it’s accelerating, and it’s devastating communities across our state and our country,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “We must act quickly to reduce greenhouse gases and other harmful air pollution across our economy. The International Maritime Pollution Accountability Act takes decisive action to slash pollution from cargo ships and provide urgently needed investment in clean maritime technology and infrastructure. While the International Maritime Organization made history this spring by approving a global net-zero shipping framework, President Trump tried to derail negotiations and continues to block any action to fight climate change. This bill would ensure the U.S. is leading—not lagging—on climate action. As Trump and his allies double down on climate denial and fossil fuel handouts, we’re fighting back with real solutions that protect public health and the planet.”

     

    “Communities near our ports—like those in the San Francisco Bay Area—bear the brunt of pollution from ships that fuel global trade,” said Congressman Mullin. “The International Maritime Pollution Accountability Act ensures that the global shipping industry does its part to reduce emissions. The revenue from these pollution fees will help speed the shift to cleaner ships and healthier ports. I’m proud to partner with Congresswoman Matsui to advance this policy that meets the urgency of the climate crisis while protecting the people and places most impacted by maritime emissions.” 

     

    “As climate change destroys lives and drives up costs for families, we need an all-hands-on-deck approach to avoid the worst consequences for communities, businesses, and the environment,” said Senator Whitehouse. “Encouragingly, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has put forward a global carbon price on shipping emissions. This legislation reinforces that work, further cutting harmful emissions while supporting the maritime innovators that are pioneering clean technologies to protect public health and can help put us on course to climate safety.”

     

    “California’s ports are the powerhouse of our country’s economy, moving critical freight and providing good-paying jobs, all while leading the nation’s decarbonizing efforts. But neighboring communities have been forced to shoulder the brunt of global shipping pollution for too long,” said Senator Padilla. “Our legislation would strengthen the sustainability of our shipping industry by reducing emissions in maritime transportation while simultaneously protecting coastal communities. The health of our communities and our planet requires us to be forward-looking and ambitious — we owe future generations nothing less than bold, transformative action.”

    The International Maritime Pollution Accountability Act would:

    • Impose a $150 per ton fee on greenhouse gas pollution emitted by ships carrying cargo destined for the U.S., as well as fees for nitrogen oxides ($6.30/lb.), sulfur dioxide ($18/lb.), and soot (PM2.5) ($38.90/lb.) that ships emit in U.S. waters. The fees would only apply to large foreign-flagged ships with 5,000 gross tonnage or more.
    • Provide critical funding to modernize the Jones Act fleet with low-carbon vessels, revitalizing and electrifying U.S. shipbuilding, and addressing and reducing pollutants in America’s port communities, along our coasts, and in our oceans.

       

    The International Maritime Pollution Accountability Act has been endorsed by EV Maritime, Friends of the Earth, GreenLatinos, Ocean Conservancy, Pacific Environment, San Pedro & Peninsula Homeowners Coalition, Sierra Club, 350 Bay Area Action, and 350 Brooklyn.

    “We applaud Senator Whitehouse and Representative Matsui for reintroducing the International Maritime Pollution Accountability Act of 2025,” said Antonio Santos, Federal Climate Policy Director, Pacific Environment. “This bill will ensure that the shipping industry pays its fair share in the fight against climate change. It will raise billions of dollars over the next decade, funds that would be reinvested into cleaner ships and port infrastructure, as well as maritime workforce training and development. The bill will curb the shipping industry’s massive pollution problem and help protect port communities that are disproportionately exposed to harmful emissions. Now is the time for the U.S. to show global leadership in the transition to a zero-emission shipping industry, and we call on Congress to pass this important legislation.”

    “Global shipping is responsible for 1 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions every year, equal to the emissions from 112 billion gallons of gasoline,” said Caroline Bonfield, Ocean Conservancy’s Shipping Emissions U.S. Policy Manager. “This pollution heats our ocean, drives climate change and chokes portside communities with toxic fumes. But the U.S. can chart a new course. The International Maritime Pollution Accountability Act would charge a fee to large ships offloading cargo at U.S. ports for their emissions, and use the funds to make critical upgrades here in the U.S., like electrifying ports, modernizing vessels and switching to cleaner fuel. Passing this bill would protect the ocean, reduce climate impacts and create cleaner air for millions of Americans living near ports. It would also make the entire U.S. maritime sector including American ships more efficient and competitive. Ocean Conservancy is grateful for the leadership of Representative Matsui and Senator Whitehouse on this critical issue. For the health of our ocean and our communities, we urge Congress to pass this common sense legislation.” 

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: THOMPSON SLAMS CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS’ MOVE TO HIDE TRUE COST OF BUDGET BILL

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) released the following statement in response to Congressional Republicans’ decision to change the process by which Congress calculates the cost of their tax bill in order to hide trillions of dollars in spending. Congressional Republicans are using this trick to pretend that extending the President’s 2017 tax bill, which disproportionately benefit his billionaire donors, will be free. In reality, this bill will saddle Americans with trillions more in debt.

    “It’s a simple fact that this big, ugly bill is set to add $5 trillion to our national debt. It’s shameful that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle are trying to hide that fact.

    “Congressional Republicans are using a budgeting gimmick to claim that the cost of extending the President’s 2017 tax bill will be zero dollars. This is as if you paid your mortgage payments for the last few years and then decided you don’t have to budget for home payments going forward. This budgeting theory would bankrupt families and businesses and will certainly bankrupt our country.

    “This is flat out irresponsible. This bill will saddle our future generations with debilitating debt in order to give handouts to people who don’t need the help. Everyday Americans will be left with pennies while the wealthy reap all the benefits. Every hardworking American, regardless of party stripe, should be outraged.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: THOMPSON, SCHWEIKERT, MATSUI, BALDERSON INTRODUCE TELEHEALTH PERMANENCE BILL

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

    Washington – Today, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04), David Schweikert (AZ-01), Doris Matsui (CA-07), and Troy Balderson (OH-12) announced the introduction of the bipartisan and bicameral CONNECT for Health Act, legislation that would expand telehealth access for millions of Americans on Medicare. 

    “Since my days in the California State Senate, I’ve been a big believer in telehealth’s ability to save money, time, and lives,” said Rep. Thompson. “Telehealth allows patients—especially those with low mobility or who otherwise can’t make it to the doctor’s office—to access the care they need when they need it. The CONNECT for Health Act will provide Americans on Medicare with the peace of mind that telehealth will be covered by their benefits. Proud to join Representatives Matsui, Schweikert, and Balderson to introduce this bill.”        

    “Digital health isn’t just a convenience, it’s a modern necessity. It’s how we make care more accessible, especially for rural and underserved communities, without blowing up the budget,” said Congressman Schweikert. “By permanently removing outdated restrictions, the CONNECT for Health Act helps Medicare keep pace with the real world. This is about using technology to improve outcomes, reduce costs, and meet patients where they are.” 

    “Telehealth is a proven tool to meet patients where they are and increase access to quality care throughout our communities,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “The expansion of telehealth services has been crucial to reaching our most vulnerable patients, older Americans, and the traditionally underserved. The CONNECT for Health Act permanently removes barriers to this critical resource and keeps it accessible for Medicare beneficiaries for years to come.”

    “Telehealth has become a core component for how we deliver high-quality care, especially in rural and underserved communities,” said Rep. Balderson. “The CONNECT for Health Act ensures Medicare keeps pace with modern medicine by removing outdated restrictions, expanding who can provide telehealth, and giving patients the flexibility to receive care from home. This legislation would be a big win for providers in rural Ohio, like our Federally Qualified Health Centers, who are the front line of care in many of the communities I represent.”

    “Permanently extending telehealth coverage will benefit patients and physicians far and wide, ushering in a new era of patient care. Medicare coverage of telehealth offers better access to health care not just for rural and other underserved communities; it also reduces travel time and serves as a vital tool for patients to receive seamless care with their existing physicians.  We deeply appreciate Representatives Thompson, Schweikert, Balderson, and Matsui for their leadership,” said American Medical Association President Bobby Mukkamala, M.D.

    The CONNECT for Health Act of 2025 would permanently expand access to telehealth services—ensuring that Medicare beneficiaries can continue to receive essential care.

    • Telehealth utilization surged in 2020 when CMS waived many statutory restrictions on telehealth to ensure continued access to health care during the public health emergency.
    • Recent reports find that older adults and individuals from underserved communities benefited the most from expanded telehealth access.
    • Since 2021, Medicare beneficiaries’ telehealth utilization has stabilized at 15 percent, while overall health care use is level, indicating that telehealth often substitutes in-person care.
    • With telehealth flexibilities set to expire in September 2025, beneficiaries will lose access to care due to statutory restrictions, including requirements that only permit beneficiaries to receive telehealth services if they are in rural areas and at certain clinical sites.
    • Permanent changes to Medicare’s coverage of telehealth services are critical in order to protect access to care and fully integrate telehealth into care delivery.

    The full bill text can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: THOMPSON RELEASES STATEMENT ON PASSAGE OF REPUBLICANS’ BIG, UGLY BILL: “BAD DEAL FOR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE”

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

    BILL SET TO RIP HEALTH CARE FROM 17 MILLION PEOPLE, FOOD ASSISTANCE FROM 11 MILLION PEOPLE

    Washington – Today, Ranking Member of the Ways & Means Subcommittee on Tax, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04), released the following statement on House Republicans’ passage of H.R.1:

    “Congressional Republicans’ big, ugly bill is a bad deal for the American people. 

    “In one bill, my Republican colleagues have managed to rip health care away from 17 million people, take food away from 11 million people, gut my green energy investments responsible for our manufacturing boom, and drive up our national debt by a whopping $5 trillion dollars. All of this just to give tax breaks to their billionaire donors who don’t need the help. 

    “In our district, 22,000 of our friends, family members, and neighbors stand to lose health care coverage. Another 14,000 could go hungry. Twenty-eight rural hospitals in California and one in four nursing homes across our state will close. This isn’t just bad policy — it’s cruelty. 

    “We have a responsibility as members of Congress to work for everyone, not just the well-off and well connected. This bill will saddle our future generations with debilitating debt in order to give handouts to people who don’t need the help. Every hardworking American, regardless of party stripe, ought to be outraged. And my colleagues on the other side of the aisle ought to be ashamed.” 

    H.R. 1 passed the House of Representatives 218-214. Every House Democrat voted “No.” 

    Watch and download Rep. Thompson’s speech on the House floor here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: VAT Chairman Aderholt Applauds Supreme Court Ruling in Mahmoud v. Taylor

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

    Congressman Robert Aderholt, Chairman of the House Values Action Team, released the following statement today after the Supreme Court ruled favorably in Mahmoud v. Taylor, confirming that parents have the right to make decisions about the education of their children concerning family life and human sexuality:

    “I applaud the Supreme Court for upholding the fundamental rights of parents,” said Rep. Robert Aderholt (AL-04). “Children are not wards of the state, and families, not government officials, should decide how curriculum related to human sexuality is introduced to their children. This is a clear victory for the rights of families and parents.”

    In Mahmoud v. Taylor, a group of religiously diverse Maryland parents challenged a public-school district’s refusal to provide any opt-out option for their children from classroom activities that included explicit sexual material and ideological viewpoint advocacy about sexuality and gender.

    “The Court’s decision in Mahmoud v. Taylor reaffirms that respecting parental rights is not only lawful, but essential to preserving both parental rights and religious freedom,” said Aderholt.

    The parents who brought the suit were simply advocating for an opt out option in the classroom, which is a very common practice; they did not ask for specific books to be excluded from the curriculum.  

    Congressman Aderholt was proud to lead an amicus brief in this case along with Senator Bill Cassidy and 60 Members of the House of Representatives and 17 Senators emphasizing that federal law does not compel the use of this curriculum and that Congress has long supported strengthened parental rights.

    “For years, parents have sounded the alarm about obscene and inappropriate content invading our schools, and today, they were heard,” said House VAT Co-Chair, Rep. Mary Miller (IL-15). “The Supreme Court has delivered a historic win for families, affirming parental rights, safeguarding religious freedom, and pushing back against the Left’s radical gender ideology targeting our children.”

    “Today’s Supreme Court decision is a huge victory for parental rights nationwide. Parents should always have the primary role in guiding their children’s upbringing, and in no world should a school be allowed to hide critical information about their child’s learning from them. Today’s ruling ensures that public schools can no longer impose controversial gender ideology curriculum on children without parental knowledge or consent. As a father of three school-aged daughters, I deeply care about what my children are taught outside of our home, and this decision offers parents across the country greater peace of mind and control over their children’s education,” said Rep. August Pfluger (TX-11).

    Rep. Brian Babin, D.D.S (TX-36) added, “No government, no school board, and no activist agenda has the right to come between a parent and their child. Today, the Supreme Court affirmed what our Constitution and our Creator make clear: children belong to families, not the state. Forcing children into radical gender ideology without parental knowledge or consent is not education, it’s indoctrination.”

    “Today’s decision affirms the fundamental truth that parents, not the government, have the right to determine the best educational curriculum for their children,” said Rep. Daniel Webster (FL-11). “Moms and Dads should not be intimidated or silenced when advocating for their children and religious convictions, and I applaud the court protecting parents’ rights and religious freedoms. I have and will continue to stand with students and parents.”

    Rep. Rick W. Allen (GA-12) added, “This decision from SCOTUS is a major win for parental rights and religious freedom in our country. No elementary-aged child should be subject to woke gender ideology curriculum without parental input or consent, especially in a taxpayer-funded school system. Parents know their children best and should be the primary decision makers when it comes to their child’s education.”

    “Today parents all over the U.S. received a Supreme Court huge victory,” said Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-03). “This ruling ensures parents will be notified of any gender and sexuality-related instruction and given the opportunity to opt-out. When Montgomery County, Maryland made the choice to instruct preschoolers on ‘LGBTQ+ inclusivity’ without notifying parents and guardians, they decided to supersede the will of these parents and guardians. To have these kinds of choices stripped from the parents is an absurd overreach by the state, and I was glad to see our Supreme Court agreed with me.”

    “It should be common sense that parents have a right to protect their children from being indoctrinated by curriculum that violates their religious convictions,” said Rep. Gary Palmer (AL-06). “Parents know what is best for their children. I’m glad that the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the parents trying to protect their children from being indoctrinated by controversial gender ideology curriculum.”

    “I am pleased with the Supreme Court’s decision to let parents make important decisions about what their children are exposed to in public schools, especially when it involves an ideology that violates their family’s religious beliefs. Public school instruction should stick to reading, writing, and arithmetic. Parents know best how to raise their children,” said Rep. Mark Messmer (IN-08).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: VAT Chairman Aderholt Applauds Supreme Court Ruling in Mahmoud v. Taylor

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

    Congressman Robert Aderholt, Chairman of the House Values Action Team, released the following statement today after the Supreme Court ruled favorably in Mahmoud v. Taylor, confirming that parents have the right to make decisions about the education of their children concerning family life and human sexuality:

    “I applaud the Supreme Court for upholding the fundamental rights of parents,” said Rep. Robert Aderholt (AL-04). “Children are not wards of the state, and families, not government officials, should decide how curriculum related to human sexuality is introduced to their children. This is a clear victory for the rights of families and parents.”

    In Mahmoud v. Taylor, a group of religiously diverse Maryland parents challenged a public-school district’s refusal to provide any opt-out option for their children from classroom activities that included explicit sexual material and ideological viewpoint advocacy about sexuality and gender.

    “The Court’s decision in Mahmoud v. Taylor reaffirms that respecting parental rights is not only lawful, but essential to preserving both parental rights and religious freedom,” said Aderholt.

    The parents who brought the suit were simply advocating for an opt out option in the classroom, which is a very common practice; they did not ask for specific books to be excluded from the curriculum.  

    Congressman Aderholt was proud to lead an amicus brief in this case along with Senator Bill Cassidy and 60 Members of the House of Representatives and 17 Senators emphasizing that federal law does not compel the use of this curriculum and that Congress has long supported strengthened parental rights.

    “For years, parents have sounded the alarm about obscene and inappropriate content invading our schools, and today, they were heard,” said House VAT Co-Chair, Rep. Mary Miller (IL-15). “The Supreme Court has delivered a historic win for families, affirming parental rights, safeguarding religious freedom, and pushing back against the Left’s radical gender ideology targeting our children.”

    “Today’s Supreme Court decision is a huge victory for parental rights nationwide. Parents should always have the primary role in guiding their children’s upbringing, and in no world should a school be allowed to hide critical information about their child’s learning from them. Today’s ruling ensures that public schools can no longer impose controversial gender ideology curriculum on children without parental knowledge or consent. As a father of three school-aged daughters, I deeply care about what my children are taught outside of our home, and this decision offers parents across the country greater peace of mind and control over their children’s education,” said Rep. August Pfluger (TX-11).

    Rep. Brian Babin, D.D.S (TX-36) added, “No government, no school board, and no activist agenda has the right to come between a parent and their child. Today, the Supreme Court affirmed what our Constitution and our Creator make clear: children belong to families, not the state. Forcing children into radical gender ideology without parental knowledge or consent is not education, it’s indoctrination.”

    “Today’s decision affirms the fundamental truth that parents, not the government, have the right to determine the best educational curriculum for their children,” said Rep. Daniel Webster (FL-11). “Moms and Dads should not be intimidated or silenced when advocating for their children and religious convictions, and I applaud the court protecting parents’ rights and religious freedoms. I have and will continue to stand with students and parents.”

    Rep. Rick W. Allen (GA-12) added, “This decision from SCOTUS is a major win for parental rights and religious freedom in our country. No elementary-aged child should be subject to woke gender ideology curriculum without parental input or consent, especially in a taxpayer-funded school system. Parents know their children best and should be the primary decision makers when it comes to their child’s education.”

    “Today parents all over the U.S. received a Supreme Court huge victory,” said Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-03). “This ruling ensures parents will be notified of any gender and sexuality-related instruction and given the opportunity to opt-out. When Montgomery County, Maryland made the choice to instruct preschoolers on ‘LGBTQ+ inclusivity’ without notifying parents and guardians, they decided to supersede the will of these parents and guardians. To have these kinds of choices stripped from the parents is an absurd overreach by the state, and I was glad to see our Supreme Court agreed with me.”

    “It should be common sense that parents have a right to protect their children from being indoctrinated by curriculum that violates their religious convictions,” said Rep. Gary Palmer (AL-06). “Parents know what is best for their children. I’m glad that the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the parents trying to protect their children from being indoctrinated by controversial gender ideology curriculum.”

    “I am pleased with the Supreme Court’s decision to let parents make important decisions about what their children are exposed to in public schools, especially when it involves an ideology that violates their family’s religious beliefs. Public school instruction should stick to reading, writing, and arithmetic. Parents know best how to raise their children,” said Rep. Mark Messmer (IN-08).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Aderholt to Host Two Vietnam Veteran Pinning Ceremonies in August

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

    Washington, D.C. – Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04) announced today that he will host two Vietnam Veteran Pinning Ceremonies this August to honor and thank Vietnam veterans living in Alabama’s Fourth Congressional District for their service and sacrifice.

    The ceremonies will take place in Tuscumbia and Cleveland, Alabama. These events are part of the ongoing United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration effort to give long-overdue recognition to those who served during the Vietnam War era. Family members and the public are welcome to attend.

    “These men and women served our nation with courage during a difficult chapter in our history, and many never received the recognition they so rightfully deserved when they returned home,” said Congressman Aderholt. “These ceremonies are a small but heartfelt way to say ‘thank you’ on behalf of a grateful nation.”

    Event Details:

    📍Tuscumbia Ceremony
    Date: Friday, August 22, 2025
    Time: 10:30 AM
    Location:Alabama Music Hall of Fame
    617 U.S. Hwy 72 W, Tuscumbia, AL 35674

    📍Cleveland Ceremony
    Date: Friday, August 29, 2025
    Time: 10:30 AM
    Location:Blount County Multi Purpose Center
    6700 Co Hwy 1, Cleveland, AL 35049

    Each Vietnam veteran in attendance who resides in the Fourth Congressional District will receive a commemorative lapel pin from Congressman Aderholt as a symbol of the nation’s gratitude.

    Vietnam veterans who live in the district and wish to be honored are asked to sign up in advance by visiting:
    👉https://aderholt.house.gov/services/vietnam-veterans-50th-anniversary-pin-program

    Or call (256) 546-0201

    Please register by August 18th.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Aderholt Applauds House Passage of President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill”

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

    Washington, D.C. — Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04) today released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed President Donald J. Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill,” sending the landmark legislation to the President’s desk for his signature:

    “The One Big Beautiful Bill delivers the America First agenda in a fiscally responsible way. Getting this bill to the President’s desk to deliver his mandate for an economy that is pro-growth, pro-family, pro-business, and pro-worker. It also continues to support the most vulnerable in our society while helping able-bodied individuals get back to work.”

    In addition to the bill’s broad economic and social reforms, Congressman Aderholt successfully fought for the inclusion of a key pro-family provision — a refundable Adoption Tax Credit. This critical measure will help make adoption more accessible for lower- and middle-income families by ensuring they can fully benefit from the tax credit, regardless of their federal tax liability.

    “As someone who has long championed pro-life and pro-family policies, I was proud to lead the charge to make the Adoption Tax Credit refundable once again,” Aderholt said. “No family should be denied the opportunity to adopt a child simply because they can’t afford the upfront cost. This provision ensures that families of modest means receive the same support as wealthier households when they open their hearts and homes to a child in need.”

    The “One Big Beautiful Bill” is a sweeping legislative package aimed at restoring American prosperity, securing the border, promoting work, and uplifting families. With its passage, Congress takes a bold step forward in delivering on the America First vision and strengthening the nation from the ground up.

    “Despite what many of my Democrat colleagues and the national news media have claimed, this bill does not remove children or veterans from Medicaid or food assistance. What it does do is restore these vital programs to their original purpose — providing a safety net for the poor, pregnant women, children, and individuals with disabilities. The reforms we’ve made will help ensure that Medicaid remains focused on its core mission and continues to serve those who truly need it most. Not for able bodied people who just don’t want to work.”

    Having now cleared both chambers, the bill awaits the President’s signature and is expected to be signed into law in the coming days.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Underwood Secures More Than $1.6 Million in Federal Funding for Affordable Housing, Environmental Cleanup, and Research

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14)

    WASHINGTON — This week, Representative Lauren Underwood announced a new round of federal funding she has secured for affordable housing, environmental cleanup, and research in the 14th District.

    As a member of the Appropriations Committee, Underwood has made securing federal resources for northern Illinois a top priority. The following funds will support programs in the 14th District with federal resources:

    The Neighbor Project, Aurora, Illinois – $57,000

    The Neighbor Project will receive $57,000 in federal funding from NeighborWorks America through the NeighborWorks Flexible Impact Grant program.

    This grant will support efforts to lower housing costs, expand housing supply, spark economic opportunity, revitalize neighborhoods, and strengthen communities across Illinois’s 14th Congressional District. NeighborWorks America, a public nonprofit established by Congress in 1978, provides financial and technical support to nearly 250 local and regional partner organizations nationwide.

    Rep. Underwood helped secure this funding through her work on the Appropriations Committee.

    City of Ottawa, Ottawa, Illinois – $1,243,270

    The City of Ottawa will receive $1,243,270 in federal funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Brownfields Cleanup Grant Program.

    The grant will fund the cleanup of the former Beer Depot site at 429 W. Lafayette Street, which was previously used for oil and coal distribution from 1891 until the 1970s. The site, vacant since the 1970s and contaminated with semi-volatile organic compounds, metals, and pesticides, will be remediated to support community revitalization and economic redevelopment.

    Rep. Underwood helped secure this funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and her work on the Appropriations Committee.

    A Cubed Design LLC, Aurora, Illinois – $305,000

    A Cubed Design LLC has been awarded federal funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) through a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I grant to develop an affordable, durable, and user-repairable refreshable braille display.

    This project aims to address the high cost and limited accessibility of current refreshable braille technology, which hinders braille literacy and digital access for blind and low-vision individuals. The innovation has strong commercial potential in a rapidly growing market and is expected to benefit thousands of users within three years of launch, expanding access to education, employment, and digital tools for the blind and low-vision community.

    Rep. Underwood helped secure this funding through her work on the Appropriations Committee.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: RELEASE: Harder Demands Release of Frozen Education Funding for San Joaquin County Ahead of New School Year

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Josh Harder (CA-10)

    $18 million for hiring teachers, STEM education, and after-school programs locked up

    Clock running out with first day of school just weeks away

    STOCKTON – Today, in response to unacceptable education funding freezes just weeks away from the first day of school, Rep. Josh Harder (CA-09) demanded the immediate release of these funds to ensure Valley students heading into the new school year aren’t affected. More than $18 million in federal funding promised to San Joaquin County is currently locked up.

    Here’s what’s on Washington’s chopping block:

    • Funding for homework assistance and after-school clubs.
    • Investments in STEM education and digital learning services.
    • Hiring and training more teachers — one local school district has a 100+ shortage.

    “Make no mistake — this is an attack on our kids and their futures, and I’m furious that Washington is trying to pull the rug out from under our schools just weeks away from the first day of school,” said Rep. Harder. “Working families deserve to know that their tax dollars are going to invest in our schools, not sit locked up in the hands of politicians. I’m calling on Washington to immediately reverse this mindless decision before it’s too late.”

    In his letter, Harder urged Washington to:

    • Immediately release the $18 million promised to San Joaquin County.
    • Restore funding for hiring teachers and providing education programs.
    • Prioritizekids’ education and career futures.

    Read the full letter here.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: MEGABILL: Harder Condemns Largest Health Care Cut in American History

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Josh Harder (CA-10)

    Rips health care away from nearly 50,000 San Joaquin County residents, lays off 3,000 health care workers 

    Finances trillions in handouts for billionaires like Elon Musk

    WASHINGTON – Today, following the U.S. House of Representatives’ passage of the largest health care cut in American history, Rep. Josh Harder (CA-09), who voted no, released the following statement condemning the bill:

    “I’m heartbroken for our community. This bill is cruel beyond words. It rips health care away from 50,000 people in San Joaquin County, shutters clinics, lays off thousands of health care workers, and sends premiums through the roof – all so billionaires like Elon Musk can get another handout. 

    “Thousands of working families will lose access to in-home care for aging parents. They’ll be forced to skip doctor’s appointments for their kids. They won’t be able to afford an emergency room visit if there’s an accident. This isn’t just politics, this is life and death.

    “Our families were already stretched thin – now they’re being kicked off their health care so the rich can get even richer. I’m heartbroken. I’m furious. I voted no, and I’ll do everything in my power to fight back against this heartless betrayal.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –