Category: Trump

  • MIL-OSI China: Global trade should not be dominated by a single power, says economist

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

    U.S. President Donald Trump (Rear) delivers remarks on “reciprocal tariffs” at the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on April 2, 2025. (Xinhua/Hu Yousong)

    The United States’ recent decision to raise tariffs on foreign steel and aluminum to 50 percent, which took effect Wednesday, marks a significant escalation in protectionism and economic coercion, posing serious risks to global trade stability, an economist has warned.

    “This move inevitably trigger retaliatory tariffs from other countries and ultimately harm the U.S. economy most in the long run,” Gavran Igor, an economic analyst from Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), told Xinhua, adding that unilateral actions like these erode trust and cooperation by treating global partners not as equals, but as subordinates.

    Igor stressed that no single country should dictate the rules of global trade. Instead, he advocated for a more inclusive and balanced approach built on fairness, reciprocity and mutual benefit. He characterized the U.S. tariff policy as a form of “economic bullying” that violates international norms and called for a collective global response to uphold multilateralism.

    “The United States is pressuring its partners to ‘surrender’ instead of engaging in negotiations on equal terms,” Igor said. He pointed out that the European Union is already facing 25 percent tariffs on steel and automobiles, while a broader set of so-called “reciprocal tariffs” — provisionally set at 50 percent — remains temporarily capped at 10 percent under a 90-day suspension set to expire in July.

    Although BiH is not an EU member, its economy is tightly woven into EU supply chains, making it highly vulnerable to global trade disruptions.

    “The most immediate impact is on our defense sector, which is our largest exporter to the U.S. market,” Igor explained. “Over 60 percent of our exports to the United States come from this industry, and these products are now subject to a 35 percent tariff — up from 12 percent. Other sectors, including metals, are also being hit.”

    This photo taken on April 8, 2025 shows the exhibiting area of Croatia during the 26th International Economy Fair Mostar in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). (Photo by Jasmin Brutus/Xinhua)

    He cautioned that the longer-term consequences could be even more severe for Bosnian manufacturers integrated into EU-based industries, especially automotive supply chains, which are themselves being affected by the new U.S. tariffs.

    He called on the international community to strengthen cooperation among reliable trade partners, who should “take the lead in shaping a fairer, rules-based global trade system.”

    Smaller economies like BiH would benefit from a more balanced global trade environment, Igor added, urging countries to reject economic coercion and work together toward shared prosperity.



    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Schiff, Peters, Vargas Demand Investigation Into San Diego ICE Raid

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)
    Lawmakers to ICE’s Office of Professional Responsibility: “This troubling incident is not an isolated case. Rather, it appears to be part of a broader pattern of escalated and theatrical immigration enforcement operations across the country”
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla, Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.), along with U.S. Representatives Scott Peters (D-Calif.-50) and Juan Vargas (D-Calif.-52), condemned a recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid in San Diego and demanded an investigation following reports that around 20 ICE agents detained four employees at Buona Forchetta and Enoteca Buona Forchetta restaurants. ICE agents wearing military-style gear raided the restaurants during peak dining hours, detonating flash-bang grenades and instilling widespread fear and panic across the restaurants and the broader San Diego community. 
    The lawmakers emphasized that this disturbing raid reflects a pattern of “theatrical” immigration enforcement stunts under the Trump Administration, which have stoked fear and uncertainty in communities in California and across the country. They urged ICE’s Office of Professional Responsibility to investigate the agents’ use of force, tactical decisions, compliance with legal protocols, and coordination with local officials, as well as the operation’s impact on local communities and businesses. They also requested information on how the raid aligns with ICE’s current immigration enforcement priorities and what guidance agents had received regarding enforcement in civilian or public-facing settings.
    “This troubling incident is not an isolated case. Rather, it appears to be part of a broader pattern of escalated and theatrical immigration enforcement operations across the country,” wrote the lawmakers. “Similar tactics — including the use of heavily armed agents and high-profile raids in civilian spaces — have recently been employed in several other communities. These include a raid at an underground nightclub in Los Angeles just hours after the San Diego incident, and an April operation in New Bedford, MA, where agents violently smashed in a car window to detain a Guatemalan man waiting in his car for an attorney to arrive. These events raise serious questions about the appropriateness, proportionality, and execution of ICE tactics.”
    The lawmakers also highlighted the San Diego raid’s harmful impacts on the local economy, community safety, and public trust in law enforcement.
    “Several local officials — including the mayor of San Diego — have publicly condemned the raid, emphasizing its destabilizing effect on the community and economy. They have also condemned its chilling impact on the willingness of individuals to report crimes or co-operate with law enforcement,” continued the lawmakers. “These concerns are not just local; they speak to the national implications of how this Administration is misusing federal immigration enforcement power in ways that undermine public trust and community safety.”
    “We urge your office to prioritize this investigation and to provide a detailed report of your findings. Transparency and accountability are essential to maintaining public confidence in our law enforcement agencies,” concluded the lawmakers.
    Senators Padilla and Schiff, as well as Representatives Peters, Vargas, Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.-51), and Mike Levin (D-Calif.-49), also sent a letter today to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem expressing their concern over the deliberate targeting of immigrants trying to follow the legal process at courthouses, including at the San Diego Immigration Court located in the Edward J. Schwartz Federal Building.
    Senators Padilla and Schiff continue to stand up against the Trump Administration’s inhumane immigration enforcement tactics across California. Last month, Padilla, Schiff, and Representative Norma Torres (D-Calif.-35) condemned the Department of Homeland Security’s indiscriminate immigration enforcement raids in Pomona, California, as part of President Trump’s cruel mass deportation agenda, which has terrorized California communities and harmed the economy. Earlier this year, Padilla and Schiff also demanded answers from the Trump Administration after Homeland Security Investigations agents attempted to enter two Los Angeles Unified School District elementary schools to question students.
    Full text of the letter is available here and below:
    Dear Associate Director Fenton:
    We write to express serious concern regarding the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation conducted on May 30, 2025, at Buona Forchetta and Enoteca Buona Forchetta restaurants in San Diego, California. Reports indicate that approximately 20 agents in military-style gear executed a raid during peak dining hours, detaining four employees and deploying flash-bang grenades, which created widespread panic among staff and patrons.
    This troubling incident is not an isolated case. Rather, it appears to be part of a broader pattern of escalated and theatrical immigration enforcement operations across the country. Similar tactics—including the use of heavily armed agents and high-profile raids in civilian spaces—have recently been employed in several other communities. These include a raid at an underground nightclub in Los Angeles just hours after the San Diego incident, and an April operation in New Bedford, MA, where agents violently smashed in a car window to detain a Guatemalan man waiting in his car for an attorney to arrive. These events raise serious questions about the appropriateness, proportionality, and execution of ICE tactics.
    Given the gravity of these concerns, and the potential civil rights implications of these enforcement strategies, we respectfully request that your office undertake a thorough investigation into the May 30 raid in San Diego. We also ask that you respond to the following questions by July 7, 2025:
    1. Use of Force and Tactical Decisions: Was the decision to deploy agents in military-style gear including face coverings and to use flash-bang devices in a civilian environment justified based on any credible threat or resistance? If so, what specific threat assessments, risk factors, or intelligence justified the use of such force?
    2. Compliance with Legal Protocols: Did the operation comply with ICE’s internal policies and all applicable laws governing workplace enforcement actions, including the scope and execution of the search or arrest warrants? Please identify any lapses in oversight that may have contributed to the operation’s execution, and clarify whether any internal review procedures have been initiated as a result.
    3. Community Impact and Coordination: What steps, if any, were taken to consider the effect of such tactics on local businesses, immigrant communities, and public safety? Were local officials or law enforcement agencies consulted prior to the operation?
    4. Pattern of Conduct: How does this operation fit into current enforcement priorities, and what guidance has been issued by ICE leadership in recent months regarding arrest and detention priorities in civilian or public-facing environments?
    Several local officials—including the mayor of San Diego—have publicly condemned the raid, emphasizing its destabilizing effect on the community and economy. They have also condemned its chilling impact on the willingness of individuals to report crimes or co-operate with law enforcement. These concerns are not just local; they speak to the national implications of how this Administration is misusing federal immigration enforcement power in ways that undermine public trust and community safety.
    We urge your office to prioritize this investigation and to provide a detailed report of your findings. Transparency and accountability are essential to maintaining public confidence in our law enforcement agencies.
    Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. We look forward to your timely response and to the results of your investigation.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Gavin Newsom on recent chaotic and reckless immigration raids

    Source: US State of California 2

    Jun 6, 2025

    LOS ANGELESGovernor Gavin Newsom today issued the following statement in response to widespread immigration raids by federal agents:

    Continued chaotic federal sweeps, across California, to meet an arbitrary arrest quota are as reckless as they are cruel. 

    Donald Trump’s chaos is eroding trust, tearing families apart, and undermining the workers and industries that power America’s economy.

    Governor Gavin Newsom

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    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Energy Secretary Wright, EPA Administrator Zeldin, and Interior Secretary Burgum Visit Alaska to Advance Unleashing American Energy

    Source: US Department of Energy

    In Case You Missed It— U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright traveled to Alaska earlier this week, where he joined U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin to advance President Trump’s bold agenda to unleash Alaska’s extraordinary resource potential. In Anchorage and on the North Slope, Secretary Wright met with state, local and tribal leaders as well as Alaskan energy workers, held bilateral meetings with foreign energy ministers to advance American energy projects like Alaska LNG, and participated in a keynote fireside chat at the Alaska Sustainable Energy Conference.

    “I was proud to join my colleagues, Doug Burgum and Lee Zeldin, in Alaska to help fulfill President Trump’s mission of unleashing Alaska to create a safe, prosperous, and opportunity-filled future,” said Secretary Wright. “Alaska has always been a big bold place, a big bold idea, full of big bold people. Unfortunately, the last administration especially and many before them sought to shut down Alaska in the name of climate nonsense. Those days are over. The Trump Administration is fully committed to restoring the rights and liberties of Alaskans, because when Alaska is unleashed, the entire country and world benefits.”

    Click here to watch a highlight video of the trip and here to download and view photos from the visit.

    Roundtable in Anchorage

    On Sunday, Secretaries Wright and Burgum and Administrator Zeldin joined Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy and Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) for a roundtable discussion in Anchorage with leaders from across Alaska’s resource development industry.

    Town hall in Utqiagvik (Barrow), Alaska

    The delegation then traveled to the capital of Alaska’s North Slope Borough, Utqiagvik, Alaska, for a town hall with the predominantly Alaska-Native community. The cabinet members heard from a variety of community leaders and residents from villages across the North Slope who described how President Trump’s agenda has positively impacted their future.

    “The people of Kaktovik have been prisoners in our own ancestral homelands because the refuge was placed on top of us, restricting not just oil and gas development, but our movements. . . I’m so proud of our President because he made sure that our ancestral homelands weren’t going to be stolen… if the other guy would have won, there’s no doubt in my mind that our homeland would have been stolen and there’s nothing we could have done about it. But on day one, Trump had the heart and the wherewithal to be able to right this wrong and I’m extremely grateful for that. . . In the words of our commander in chief, President, Donald J. Trump, drill baby drill.” —Charles Lampe, resident of Kaktovik, Alaska, the only village in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR)

    Tour of Trans-Alaska Pipeline System and meetings with industry leaders and international energy ministers in Prudhoe Bay

    On Monday, the delegation visited Prudhoe Bay. They began at Pump Station 1 of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS) they met with energy workers and delivered remarks. Upon arrival, Secretary Wright and his colleagues greeted international dignitaries from South Korea, Taiwan, Japan, the Philippines, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) who joined for the day’s events.

    “Today, oil is the largest source of energy on the planet and the fastest source of energy on the planet is natural gas. You have the big two right here: let’s double oil production, build the big, beautiful twin pipeline, and we will help energize the world, strengthen our country and strengthen our families.” Secretary Wright

    The delegation also held a roundtable discussion with foreign energy representatives and U.S. industry executives, focused on international investment, LNG demand, and energy security partnerships. They also toured the Hilcorp Central Gas Facility and visited the Prudhoe Bay Discovery Well—highlighting Alaska’s legacy and future as a cornerstone of American energy production.

    Alaska Sustainable Energy Conference and bilateral energy meetings

    At the 2025 Alaska Sustainable Energy Conference, Secretaries Wright and Burgum and Administrator Zeldin joined Governor Dunleavy for a keynote discussion on the Administration’s progress and future plans for expanding resource development in Alaska.

    “The main thing we’re looking to get is people that want to buy Alaskan natural gas, and I think we’ve seen tremendous interest in that.” –Secretary Wright at the Alaska Sustainable Energy Conference

    Secretary Wright also held bilateral meetings with the energy ministers from the Philippines and Taiwan.

    Advancing President Trump’s ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’

    Throughout the visit, Secretary Wright and the delegation also discussed the enormous potential of President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill, which includes provisions to mandate lease sales in the Cook Inlet and ANWR with an increased cost-share for Alaska, initiate a de-risking program for LNG projects, enact energy permitting reforms, and deliver higher wages and lower energy costs for American families.

    Making headlines across the country

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ranking Member Hassan Emphasizes Bipartisan Cooperation & Need to Streamline Regulations to Strengthen U.S. Supply Chains at Joint Economic Committee Hearing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Maggie Hassan
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Joint Economic Committee, helped lead a hearing yesterday examining barriers to supply chain modernization and ways to enhance U.S. manufacturing productivity. During the hearing, Senator Hassan highlighted bipartisan agreement on the need to strengthen America’s ability to outcompete China while raising concerns about current policies from the Trump Administration that threaten recent progress. 
    “I join Chairman Schweikert in recognizing how important it is that we modernize our supply chains and strengthen manufacturing here in the United States, especially as we work to outcompete China,” said Senator Hassan. “In the last several years, we’ve seen increased investment in critical technology manufacturing across the country, including new funding for projects in my home state of New Hampshire.”  
    Senator Hassan emphasized the success of recent bipartisan investments in American manufacturing and research, noting that legislation like the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act has driven critical domestic technology manufacturing and that the bipartisan infrastructure law and energy tax cuts in the Inflation Reduction Act are supporting modern supply chains through energy production and infrastructure investments. “To capitalize on these investments, deliver for the American people, and support private sector growth, we also need to streamline regulations. Doing so is essential to advancing American innovation and manufacturing,” she said. 
    However, Senator Hassan expressed concerns about Trump Administration policies that could undermine recent progress: “President Trump’s actions have threatened the progress that we’ve started to see in recent years. His erratic tariffs are slowing manufacturing investment and his moves to slash funds for cutting-edge research will make it harder for the United States to develop and produce our own technology,” Senator Hassan warned.  
    Click here for video of the full hearing.  

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI China: S. Korean president holds phone conversation with Trump

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

    South Korean President Lee Jae-myung held a phone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump at 10:00 p.m. local time on Friday, according to the presidential office of South Korea.

    The call lasted about 20 minutes, during which, the presidential office said, the two leaders discussed a range of issues including how to develop the South Korea-U.S. alliance.

    Trump also extended an invitation for Lee to visit the United States, the office said. 

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI China: Trump administration shuts down ‘Quiet Skies’ passenger surveillance program

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

    The Trump administration has closed a controversial program that used undercover U.S. air marshals on flights to surveil passengers, and removed a government official who took responsibility for putting Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard in it.

    Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem called for an investigation into the program as she announced its closure on Thursday. DHS said the program cost taxpayers 200 million U.S. dollars a year and “failed to stop a single terrorist attack.”

    In a recent meeting, administration officials confronted leadership at the Transportation Security Administration over what they said was politically motivated use of the Quiet Skies program under the Biden administration, reported The Wall Street Journal on Friday about the move.

    “The clash over Quiet Skies, a program that has long been a cause for concern for civil liberties advocates, is the latest example of the Trump administration accusing career officials of political weaponization,” it noted.

    The program was launched in 2010, and its existence was first uncovered by the Boston Globe in 2018. Undercover U.S. air marshals travel on flights with individuals included in the program. 

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI Video: MAGA Minute, June 6, 2025

    Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)

    THE TRUMP EFFECT IS REAL

    139K Jobs
    $2.8T Deficit Cut via Tariffs
    Trade Deficit Halved
    FOP Backs Trump’s Bill
    Egg Prices Down 61%
    ICE’s Largest Operation
    Army Hits Goal
    13M Acres for Drilling
    Calls with Putin & Xi
    $9.4B DOGE Cuts Proposed

    Watch Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt’s MAGA Minute!

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndbLXKxwzmQ

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Maxwell Frost Statement on Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s Return to the United States

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Maxwell Frost Florida (10th District)

    June 06, 2025

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10) issued the following statement in response to reports that the Trump Administration has returned Maryland resident Kilmar Abrego Garcia to the United States to face trial, after wrongfully deporting him to El Salvador.

    In a statement Rep. Frost says:

    “The U.S. Constitution is crystal clear — everyone in this country is entitled to due process. Kilmar Abrego Garcia was denied that right when the Trump Administration unlawfully deported him, stripping him of the chance to defend himself in court.

    “When I traveled to El Salvador, I did so to stand up for the basic rights and civil liberties that every person in our country should be guaranteed — regardless of citizenship or immigration status. These rights are not conditional. They are not optional. And they are not subject to the whims of any president, past or present.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Tim Scott Statement on Senate Republicans Meeting with President Donald Trump

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott
    WASHINGTON — Yesterday, at the conclusion of the meeting of Senate Republicans with President Trump, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) released the following statement:
    “One thing was clear from the discussion: Senate Republicans and President Trump are united and dedicated to delivering on the promises made to the American people,” said Senator Scott. “We are working diligently to ensure we pass legislation that will lead to a stronger and more prosperous America.”

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Glenn Ivey Provides Statement on Return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia to United States

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Glenn Ivey – Maryland (4th District)

    WASHINGTON, D.C.– Congressman Glenn Ivey (MD-04) provided the following statement on the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia to the United States.:

    “President Trump and his Administration defied the Supreme Court and misled the American people for months, saying they could not bring Kilmar Abrego Garcia back to the United States under any circumstances, knowing that they had the power to do so all along. I went to El Salvador and advocated for Kilmar’s return because he was entitled to due process under our constitution. Kilmar will now get his day in court. I hope he receives the fair trial that he is guaranteed. “

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: MYTHBUSTER: There’s No “Pork” in the One Big Beautiful Bill — Only Wins

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Whitehouse
    class=”wp-block-heading”>“I’ve heard there’s ‘pork’ in the One Big Beautiful Bill.”
    You heard wrong — and nobody puts it better than White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, who confronted that lie head-on during an interview with Charlie Kirk.
    “There’s no pork in the bill. The bill has been public for weeks. Every single provision is just one campaign pledge, one promise, one campaign vow after another. The ONLY new spending in the bill is to secure the homeland of the United States and save American sovereignty — fully paid for, by the way, by increased visa fees on foreigners. […]
    The 2017 Trump Tax Cuts were rightly hailed as one of the conservative movement’s great victories. How much greater would we say that victory was if it also included full funding for the border wall? What if it also included full funding for deportation? What if it also defunded transgender surgeries nationwide? What if it also had the first-ever endowment tax on America’s corrupt institutions of higher learning? What if that bill also had No Tax on Tips, No Tax on Overtime, No Tax on Social Security? What if that bill also created the strongest framework for energy deregulation in American history? What if that bill also created the first-ever system for the Department of Defense to be involved in the defense of our southern border? In other words, one policy went after another — plus the tax cuts. Nothing like this has ever been done before in the history of the conservative movement. This bill is electric. […]
    A rational person should be able to say, ‘Wow, it is amazing this bill accomplishes the full tax agenda, the full border agenda, the full immigration agenda, the full energy agenda, large portions of the trans and de-woke-ifying agenda, large portions of the higher ed agenda, also cancels the Green New Deal, also cancels the student loan bailout, also has the largest welfare reform in history. You can acknowledge all that — and then if you want to be an even greater fiscal hawk, say, ‘But I’d like to cut more!’ But to pretend this bill includes pork — there’s no pork in the bill. It’s been public for weeks, and the only provisions you will find in the bill are campaign promises.”

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla Statement Condemning Trump Admin’s ICE Raids Across Los Angeles

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)
    LOS ANGELES, CA — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, issued the following statement after the Trump Administration’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted a series of sudden immigration raids across Los Angeles, stoking fear and chaos throughout the region:
    “The ICE raids across Los Angeles today are a continuation of a disturbing pattern of extreme and cruel immigration enforcement operations across the country. These indiscriminate raids prove once again that the Trump administration cares about nothing but instilling harm and fear in our communities to drive immigrants into the shadows. It will not work. This fearmongering is not going to change the fact that immigrants are valued members of our communities who contribute to our society and economy, and my office will demand accountability for today’s actions.”

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEW DATA: Over 300,000 Washingtonians Would Lose Health Coverage If Trump’s Budget Bill Passes

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell

    06.06.25

    NEW DATA: Over 300,000 Washingtonians Would Lose Health Coverage If Trump’s Budget Bill Passes

    Central and Eastern WA hit the hardest; The U.S. House of Representatives passed the “Big, Beautiful” bill 215-214 in May; legislation now being considered in the Senate

    EDMONDS, WA – Data released by the Joint Economic Committee minority staff breaks down, by state and congressional district, how many Americans would lose health care coverage losses due to President Trump and Congressional Republicans’ proposed cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, announced today.

    In total, 16 million Americans – including 306,312 Washingtonians –  will lose the health care coverage they need to get regular check-ups, behavioral health care, family planning services, long-term care, urgent care, and more if the Republican bill passes the U.S. Senate and is signed into law.

    Congressional District

    Est. # of People Losing Affordable Care Act Coverage

    Est. # of People Losing Medicaid Coverage

    Est. Total # of People Losing Health Coverage

    WA-01

    11,500

    11,638

    23,138

    WA-02

    13,500

    20,155

    33,655

    WA-03

    10,000

    21,654

    31,654

    WA-04

    8,400

    31,693

    40,093

    WA-05

    11,500

    24,934

    36,434

    WA-06

    10,000

    20,288

    30,288

    WA-07

    13,500

    10,458

    23,958

    WA-08

    10,000

    13,572

    23,572

    WA-09

    11,500

    22,069

    33,569

    WA-10

    8,400

    21,589

    29,989

    According to the analysis, Washington’s Fifth Congressional District, covering Eastern Washington, would see the most people lose health insurance under the Republican plan of any district in the state. More than 40,000 Eastern Washingtonians in the Fifth District alone won’t be able to get affordable health care if the Republican plan passes.

    Washington’s Fourth Congressional District, covering most of Central Washington, would see the second-most people lose health insurance under the Republican plan of any district in the state. More than 35,000 Eastern Washingtonians in the Fourth District alone won’t be able to get affordable health care if the Republican plan passes.

    People without health insurance tend to wait until their health problem is an emergency before seeking care in local hospitals. This leads to more crowded emergency rooms for everyone.

    And hospitals must factor the uncompensated cost of additional uninsured patients into already strained finances – finances which are especially strained at rural hospitals like those in the Fourth and Fifth Districts.

    The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) published its updated analysis, available here, after House Republicans passed their budget reconciliation bill with over $700 billion in cuts and significant changes to Medicaid. The Committee fact sheet, available here, provides updated estimates for all 50 states and D.C. of the estimated number of people losing their health insurance. The Committee data broken down by Congressional District is available here. Totals by congressional district and by state are slightly different due to rounding.

    Medicaid, known as Apple Health in Washington state, covers over 1.9 million Washingtonians. Sen. Cantwell has held events across the state to hear about the impact of the proposed cuts on Washingtonians and released three reports detailing the cuts’ significant negative impacts.  On May 2, Sen. Cantwell released a snapshot report highlighting the impact that Medicaid cuts would have on Washington state’s highly-ranked long-term care system for seniors and people with disabilities. In February, she released a snapshot report that demonstrated how cuts would harm health care access in Washington state, and she followed up with a report in March that dove into impacts on the Puget Sound region.

    Highlights of those snapshot reports include:

    • In Washington state, WA-04 (Central Washington) and WA-05 (Eastern Washington) have the highest proportions of adults and total population on Medicaid (Apple Health). In District 4, 70% of children are on Medicaid.
    • In the Puget Sound region, children in Seattle’s blue-collar strongholds would feel the deepest pain from Medicaid cuts. More than half of children in Burien, SeaTac, Kent, Federal Way, Auburn, Renton, and Rainier Valley depend on Medicaid.
    • In an exclusive survey of 68 WA nursing homes, 67 of 68 would cut services if Medicaid were cut by 5% or more, and 65% would consider closing.

    Sen. Cantwell also toured the state to hear from folks who would be directly impacted by cuts to Medicare. Doctors, patients, and health care providers in Seattle, Spokane, the Tri-Cities, and Wenatchee warned that such cuts would devastate Washington state’s health care system and limit access to lifesaving care.

    On May 21, Sen. Cantwell joined Washington state health care professionals for a virtual press conference to highlight statewide alarm and opposition to proposed Medicaid cuts. That same day, 23 Republican members of the Washington state legislature sent a letter to the entire Washington state federal Congressional delegation, urging the delegation to “protect Medicaid funding for Washington State.”

    A full timeline of Sen. Cantwell’s actions to defend Medicaid from cuts is HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: AI Insider Blows the Lid Off Musk’s Secret AI Operation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BALTIMORE, June 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A mysterious AI complex in Memphis is now being called the most powerful system of its kind — and it wasn’t supposed to be public knowledge.

    In a newly released briefing, bestselling author and tech expert James Altucher reveals the details of a covert AI operation led by Elon Musk that, until now, has gone almost entirely unreported.

    Known as Project Colossus, the facility was built by Musk’s AI company, xAI, and is allegedly housing the highest-density AI computing power in the Western Hemisphere.

    “The AI Mothership”

    Altucher says the project has quietly surpassed every major tech firm in the race for AI dominance — including OpenAI, Microsoft, Meta, and even Nvidia.

    “Elon Musk has created the AI mothership… an innovation of such enormous proportion… that he has already surpassed all the leading AI developers.”

    He adds that the complex is powered by 200,000 high-performance AI chips — and growing.

    “Making it the most advanced AI facility known to man.”

    Buried in a Warehouse. Unleashed by Policy.

    According to Altucher, the project only became possible after a specific presidential action early in Trump’s second term.

    “In one of his FIRST acts as President… Donald Trump overturned Executive Order #14110.”

    That order had previously restricted advanced AI development in the name of safety and oversight. Its removal, Altucher says, opened the floodgates.

    Not a Tool. A Turning Point.

    Altucher warns that this isn’t just about AI doing tasks faster. This is a leap into self-operating systems that think, react, and solve.

    “AI 2.0… gives that knowledge to intelligent machines that I believe will solve our problems for us.”

    He claims a major update to Colossus — scheduled before July 1 — could mark the moment America enters a new technological era.

    About James Altucher

    James Altucher is a computer scientist, entrepreneur, and bestselling author with four decades of experience in artificial intelligence and innovation. His past work includes contributions to IBM’s Deep Blue supercomputer and the early development of AI-driven market systems. His recent briefings focus on the intersection of AI, secrecy, and national acceleration.

    Media Contact:
    Derek Warren
    Public Relations Manager
    Paradigm Press Group
    Email: dwarren@paradigmpressgroup.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fighting for a Livable Future: Markey, Labor Leaders, Workers Speak Out Against Republican Efforts to Cut Clean Energy and Climate Investments

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
    Watch: Markey, labor leaders, workers slam clean energy investment cuts

    Markey joined by labor leaders, workers in Dorchester at IBEW Local 103
    Boston (June 6, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee and the Environment and Public Works Committee, today hosted a press conference at IBEW Local 103 with labor union leaders and workers to highlight how Congressional Republicans’ proposed budget reconciliation cuts to climate and clean energy investments from the Inflation Reduction Act would hurt workers in Massachusetts.
    The Congressional Budget Office estimates the House-passed Republican bill would cut more than $500 billion in investments for environment, energy, and climate, which could lead to 830,000 jobs lost by 2030 and shrink the national economy by $1.1 trillion over the next decade.
    “In Massachusetts, we have over 115,000 workers in the clean energy sector. Thousands of union jobs will be at risk. Trump and Republicans are selling out the livelihoods of working people and the future of our children, all to pay for tax breaks for millionaires and billionaires. The Trump agenda is clear: steal from the workers to give to the wealthy. But if Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans think that union workers are going to roll over as their jobs, families, and livelihoods are threatened—they have another thing coming,” said Senator Markey. “Together, we are going to make clear how Republicans are hurting people in their own states; slow and stop this bill—defending our jobs, our future, and our way of life; and put Republicans on the record. The fight ahead of us is hard, but the harder the fight, the more important it is that we take it on. We fight until we win. For every worker. For every American. For a livable future.”
    “We need more energy, and we need more jobs in Massachusetts, plain and simple. Working families shouldn’t have to purchase energy from billionaire oil tycoons and foreign governments or let them set the price of our energy bills. We can generate massive amounts of energy right here in Massachusetts and we can create thousands of union jobs for Massachusetts residents while we do it. Over the last few years, thousands of our neighbors and our friends have been put to work on electric grid upgrades, battery storage facilities, and manufacturing plants. They’re building our clean energy future and we’re all benefiting: the family that these workers support, the homes, the schools, the businesses that need a reliable supply of energy, and every one of us that will live on a cleaner, safer planet because of it.” said Chrissy Lynch, President, Massachusetts AFL-CIO.
    “Repealing clean energy tax credits is a union job killer. These tax credits help level the playing field, they drive investment, and they put IBW electricians, laborers, ironworkers, and pipe fitters to work building America’s energy future. If you take those tax credits away, you’re not just pulling funding: you’re pulling paychecks from working families, you’re pulling apprentices out of training facilities, you’re pulling opportunity straight out of our communities. Every solar panel installed, every wind turbine wired, every EV charger connected, that’s a job with wages, healthcare, and a pension that stands for dignity for the American worker. You don’t kill that kind of progress: you build on it.” said Lou Antonellis, Business Manager/Financial Secretary, IBEW Local 103.
    “Hundreds of thousands of lives will be affected if these tax credits are repealed. Our members are the ones out here in the freezing cold and the blazing heat; laying foundations, wiring schools, setting steel, climbing wind turbines, and putting up solar panels. I’m here today representing those skilled union workers who build the schools our kids learn in, the bridges we drive on, and because of smart, clean energy investments, the solar and wind farms that will power our future. With the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, we saw national investment in clean energy that wasn’t about corporate tax breaks. It was about people. It meant workers having access to construction projects that benefit communities and families and taking part in building a clean economy. But now the Republican Reconciliation package threatens to undo all of that. said Chaton Green, Business Agent, Greater Boston Building Trades Union.
    “We need long-term, sustained investment in renewable energy to ensure this work continues well beyond the current round of offshore wind projects. Major solar and hydroelectric projects must also move forward to deliver clean power to our communities and meaningful, local jobs to our members. These are more than just jobs—they’re life-changing careers, especially for people who have historically been left out of economic opportunity. This is exactly the kind of progress we need to protect and expand for the future,”said Andy Benedetto, Business Representative, Local 1121 Millwrights. 

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sanders Announces Capture of Inmate Grant Hardin

    Source: US State of Arkansas

    LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders released the following statement today on the capture of inmate Grant Hardin:

    “Thanks to the great work of local, state and federal law enforcement Arkansans can breathe a sigh of relief and I can confirm that violent criminal Grant Hardin is back in custody. I am grateful for all law enforcement who contributed to his capture and give special thanks to the Trump administration and Secretary Kristi Noem, who sent a team from Border Patrol that was instrumental in tracking and apprehending Hardin.”

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Court Allows Trump Administration to Proceed with Efforts to Destroy Institute of Museum and Library Services as Case Continues

    Source: American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Union

    American Library Association and American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Warn of Grave Threats Nationwide


    Washington, D.C.
    – A federal judge has declined to block the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The ruling, issued today in ALA v. Sonderling, will allow the administration’s cuts at the independent agency while the case proceeds. The case was brought by Democracy Forward and Gair Gallo Eberhard LLP on behalf of the American Library Association (ALA) and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

    On May 6, a federal district court in Rhode Island issued a preliminary injunction in a separate case, prohibiting the agency from shutting down while that case is pending. That decision remains in effect.

    “ALA is disappointed that the court did not grant our motion for preliminary injunction. The extent to which some libraries have already cancelled services and programming – and even lost staff in some cases – is evidence of the importance of IMLS. ALA will not rest until libraries in every state receive the funding promised and IMLS is back in full force to meet the information needs of all Americans,” said ALA President Cindy Hohl.

    “Our fight to protect our nation’s libraries and museums will continue,” said AFSCME President Lee Saunders. “This administration cannot ignore the separation of powers and dismantle agencies established by Congress at will. After we obtained an initial temporary restraining order, another federal court in a case brought by state attorneys general has agreed with our position and blocked the gutting of the Institute of Museum and Library Services. So, while we disagree with today’s decision, the fight is not yet lost. We will regroup and continue moving this case forward.”

    “Museums and libraries are vital for people and communities across our nation. Attacking those who ensure the continuity of their services is an attack on access to information and the truth itself. Democracy Forward is committed to working to protect these important institutions in our country. We will explore all legal avenues available to us as we continue this case,” said Robin Thurston, Legal Director at Democracy Forward.

    With today’s ruling, the IMLS – a non-partisan and independent agency dedicated to supporting and funding museums and libraries and the crucial community services they provide in every state across the country – may face devastating cuts to grants and services that will make it impossible to operate as required by Congress. The case will now proceed on the merits in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia.

    IMLS was first created and funded by Congress in 1996 and charged with supporting America’s libraries and museums. The agency has had bipartisan support throughout its history, having been reauthorized under the Clinton, George W. Bush, Obama, and Trump administrations. IMLS is bound by laws requiring that the agency conduct certain activities to support libraries and report on important issues to Congress. The complaint explains that cutting programs at IMLS will violate the law by eliminating programs Congress has provided funding for and directed IMLS to undertake.

    This case continues Democracy Forward’s record of working with communities, parents, and libraries to defend the freedom to read. That work has previously included efforts in Arkansas, where Democracy Forward represented a coalition of librarians, booksellers, and readers who successfully prevented portions of an Arkansas law that threatens to criminalize librarians and booksellers from taking effect is asking a court to permanently stop the law from being enforced; Florida, where Democracy Forward represented the Florida Education Association, Florida Freedom to Read Project, and Families for Strong Public Schools to challenge the DeSantis administration’s actions that shutter classroom libraries and undermine public education in Florida; and in Alabama, where Democracy Forward is representing a group of Alabama families and librarians with a broad array of political and religious backgrounds in a suit to stop policies approved by the library board that threaten to keep constitutionally protected books like To Kill a Mockingbird off of public library shelves.

    The Democracy Forward legal team leading the matter are counsel Rachel Fried, Orlando Economos, Kayla Kaufmann, Robin Thurston and Skye Perryman. 

    Read the full complaint here and today’s order here.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Supreme Court Allows DOGE’s Unlawful Seizure of Americans’ Social Security Data as Challenge Continues

    Source: American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Union

    Washington, D.C. – The United States Supreme Court has stayed a preliminary injunction in AFSCME v. SSA, which had prevented the Trump administration from granting staff at the so-called “Department of Governmental Efficiency” (DOGE) unprecedented and dangerous access to the sensitive, personal data of millions at the Social Security Administration. An appeals court previously declined to stay the injunction, which recognized that DOGE’s operatives’ unprecedented access to private Social Security data, ranging from immigration records to health and financial information, violates critical privacy protections and will cause irreparable harm.

    This decision overturns a first of its kind order issued by a lower court that required Elon Musk and DOGE to “disgorge” and “delete” any personal data.

    Democracy Forward represents the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees; the American Federation of Teachers; and the Alliance for Retired Americans in this case. The coalition issued the following statement:

    “This is a sad day for our democracy and a scary day for millions of people. This ruling will enable President Trump and DOGE’s affiliates to steal Americans’ private and personal data. Elon Musk may have left Washington, D.C., but his impact continues to harm millions of people. We will continue to use every legal tool at our disposal to keep unelected bureaucrats from misusing the public’s most sensitive data as this case moves forward.”

    The case will now proceed on the merits in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland and Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.

    Democracy Forward’s legal team in this matter includes Anne Swift, Mark Samburg, Emma Leibowitz, and Robin Thurston.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Gavin Newsom on recent chaotic & reckless Immigration raids

    Source: US State of California Governor

    Jun 6, 2025

    Los Angeles, CaliforniaGovernor Gavin Newsom today issued the following statement in response to widespread immigration raids by federal agents in Los Angeles:

    Continued chaotic federal sweeps, across California, to meet an arbitrary arrest quota are as reckless as they are cruel. 

    Donald Trump’s chaos is eroding trust, tearing families apart, and undermining the workers and industries that power America’s economy.

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Recent news

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    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom issued the following statement today after a federal judge ruled that the Trump administration must restore funding to AmeriCorps in California. This comes after Governor Newsom, Attorney General Rob Bonta and a coalition of…

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Statement On ICE Detaining Several People At An Immigration Supervision Program Site In Chicago

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    June 06, 2025

    CHICAGO – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained several people in Chicago:

    This Administration is diverting historic levels of law enforcement personnel and resources away from narcotics and violent crime to Trump’s mass deportation effort. Individuals with no record of dangerous crime are being rounded up at great expense and removed even when they are awaiting a court hearing. America is not safer or stronger with this Trump plan.”

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rosen Condemns Trump Administration For Rescinding Approval of High-Speed Internet Funding for Nevada

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)

    Senator Rosen Announces She’s Going To Block Expedited Confirmation of Trump Commerce Department Nominees That Oversee Or Deal With Broadband Until Nevada Gets Funding
    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) released a statement condemning the Trump Administration’s reckless decision to rescind Nevada’s approval to receive its share of Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program funding. The BEAD program was created to connect families in the hardest-to-serve communities to high-speed internet and close the digital divide.
    Senator Rosen worked across party lines to help create the BEAD program, and she secured $416 million for Nevada through BEAD. The state has been fully approved to receive this funding since January 2025. Given the Administration’s pause and delay of the program, Senator Rosen led 11 of her colleagues in a letter last month demanding that the Trump Administration immediately release funding for the program. The Trump Administration’s new guidance will rescind this final approval and hinder Nevada’s ability to connect Nevadans to high-speed internet. 
    “I’m beyond outraged that the Trump Administration has moved the goal post yet again and rescinded Nevada’s approval to get the BEAD funding I secured to connect the hardest-to-reach communities in our state to high-speed internet,” said Senator Rosen. “This decision will put Nevada’s broadband funding in jeopardy, and it’s a slap in the face to rural communities that need access to high-speed internet. I’m going to put a hold on all nominations for Commerce Department positions that oversee or deal with broadband policy in any way, and block their expedited confirmation, until Nevada gets its BEAD funding.”
    Senator Rosen has been a strong advocate for expanding high-speed internet access in Nevada. Through her efforts, she has secured $550 million in federal funding through various programs and legislation for the High Speed Nevada Initiative, including the Middle Mile Infrastructure Grant Program she created. Senator Rosen helped write the broadband section of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, securing $65 billion in overall nationwide investments to make high-speed internet affordable for Americans. She also successfully pushed the Federal Communications Commission to update its deeply flawed National Broadband Map and ensure Nevada receives its fair share of BEAD funding.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Peters Leads Colleagues to Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Streamline Federal Software Purchases and Save Taxpayer Dollars

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters

    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Joni Ernst (R-IA), James Lankford (R-OK), Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) have reintroduced bipartisan legislation to save taxpayer dollars by improving how federal agencies purchase and manage software. The Strengthening Agency Management and Oversight of Software Assets (SAMOSA) Act requires federal agencies to conduct independent, comprehensive assessments of their software licensing purchases and develop plans to save costs. These assessments will provide Congress, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and the General Services Administration (GSA) with critical insights to strengthen oversight of software contracts, streamline operations and reduce wasteful spending.

    This legislation builds on the success of Peters and Cassidy’s bipartisan MEGABYTE Act, which was signed into law in 2016. The MEGABYTE Act has saved taxpayers more than $4 billion by reducing duplicative software purchases and improving software management practices. The SAMOSA Act will build on the MEGABYTE Act and could save taxpayers an estimated $750 million dollars per year.

    “By improving how the federal government tracks and manages software purchases, this bipartisan bill will help save taxpayer dollars, strengthen cybersecurity, and promote innovative government operations,” said Senator Peters. “This commonsense approach ensures agencies can make needed upgrades to better serve the American people while reducing wasteful spending.” 

    “President Trump wants to cut waste and spend taxpayer dollars wisely,”said Dr. Cassidy. “By consolidating their inventory, this bill forces federal agencies to spend as if taxpayers were spending their own money.” 

    “The federal government’s ancient computers and outdated, noncompetitive bidding process for software contracts cost taxpayers hundreds of millions every year,” said Senator Ernst. “Through the SAMOSA Act, we can bring Washington out of the Stone Age and into the 21st century to save Americans’ hard-earned tax dollars. Let’s pass this bipartisan bill to force federal agencies to take commonsense steps when purchasing software.” 

    “The SAMOSA Act is government tech policy done right –it will save money and give federal agencies better software,” said Senator Wyden.“I’m particularly pleased the bill takes steps to increase competition for government software contracts, so agencies are less reliant on a few massive vendors.” 

    Federal agencies spend billions of dollars on software purchases and license updates every year. Agencies’ lack of visibility of what they have already purchased, combined with the way vendors sell software, often leads to duplicative purchases and limits agencies’ ability to conduct their own oversight of these purchases. The senators’ legislation would help agencies get fairer, more cost-effective deals on their software purchases and achieve important technology modernization goals. 
    Below are statements in support of the senators’ bipartisan legislation: 
    “A comprehensive overview of federal software licensing will increase agency coordination and help realize new ways to advance projects, which directly benefit U.S. taxpayers,” said Brian McMillan, Vice President, Federal Affairs for the Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA).“We encourage policymakers to recognize the far-reaching positive impacts of this bill.” 
    “SAMOSA Act will enhance federal agencies’ ability to adopt modern, secure cloud-based technologies by reforming software procurement practices,” said Ross Nodurft, Executive Director of Alliance for Digital Innovation. “This legislation will make government IT procurement more efficient and more cost effective while improving cybersecurity and the digital services available to American citizens.” 
    “We are thrilled to see lawmakers coming together to support theSAMOSA Act and address the government waste resulting from restrictive software licensing practices,” said Ryan Triplette, Coalition for Fair Software Licensing Executive Director. “The coalition applauds Senators Peters, Cassidy, and Ernst for leading on this important issue and working to drive significant cost savings and improvements in federal software management. We look forward to working with lawmakers in both chambers to put this bill on the President’s desk as soon as possible.” 
    “NetChoice strongly supports this bipartisan effort and commends Senators Ernst, Peters and Cassidy for reintroducing the SAMOSA Act,” said NetChoice President & CEO Steve DelBianco. “If passed this year, the SAMOSA Act would be a win for agencies that have been pressured by incumbent software vendors for too long. It will empower competition for contracts in the IT space, saving taxpayers around $750 million per year. SAMOSA will also incentivize companies to improve their product quality, security, and value—a big win for taxpayers.” 

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warren, Wyden Press Trump Officials on Seniors’ Economic Pain As Result of Trump’s Chaotic Tariffs, Social Security Takeover

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    June 06, 2025
    New Fidelity analysis found average 401(k) balances fell 3%, IRA balances fell 4%, due to market volatility
    “The Trump Administration must answer for the damage it is inflicting on America’s seniors.”
    Text of Letter (PDF)
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, pressed top Trump administration officials on how President Trump’s chaotic tariffs — paired with his efforts to dismantle the Social Security Administration — are harming America’s seniors. The letter follows a new analysis released by Fidelity Investments, the largest provider of 401(k) plans in the U.S., finding that average 401(k) balances fell 3% even as savings rates rose, and the average individual retirement account (IRA) balance fell 4%.
    The lawmakers wrote to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, United States Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and Social Security Administration (SSA) Commissioner Frank Bisignano with their concerns.
    “The economic chaos triggered by President Trump’s disastrous tariff policy has the potential to decimate retirees’ savings. Simultaneously, the Trump Administration has taken a wrecking ball to the Social Security Administration, limiting seniors’ access to their hard-earned benefits,” wrote the lawmakers. “In doing this, the Trump Administration is making it harder for seniors across the country to make ends meet.”
    President Trump’s trade policy has created economic chaos for Americans. The Department of Commerce recently released data showing that the nation’s economy shrank 0.3% in the first quarter of 2025 — the first decline in over three years. At the same time, Trump’s red-light, green-light approach to tariffs is “rain[ing] volatility on markets.” 
    “Higher inflation reduces consumers’ purchasing power and reduces the value of Americans’ hard-earned financial savings. Consumers, businesses, and professional economic forecasters are all in agreement that President Trump’s tariffs have the economy teetering on a cliff,” wrote the lawmakers.
    America’s seniors are particularly hurt by President Trump’s chaotic economic policy. 77% of the 57 million retirees in the U.S. rely on a combination of their savings and Social Security benefits. Some retirees are reporting that if stock market volatility continues, they “can’t stay retired.” Consumer confidence among Americans 55 years and older has plummeted since the start of the Trump administration.
    The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is also hollowing out the Social Security Administration as a backdoor means of cutting benefits. DOGE is closing offices, cutting the workforce, and destroying the IT infrastructure that Americans rely on to access benefits. As a result, wait times have increased on the national 1-800 help number, and Americans have been forced to deal with long service blackouts and glitches.
    “More than half of Americans over the age of 50 worry they do not have enough savings to support them in retirement. Further reducing the value of these savings while limiting access to Social Security benefits means putting seniors at risk of having to choose between putting food on the table and paying rent,” concluded the lawmakers. “The Trump Administration must answer for the damage it is inflicting on America’s seniors.”
    Senate Dems’ Social Security War Room is a coordinated effort to fight back against the Trump administration’s attack on Americans’ Social Security. The War Room coordinates messaging across the Senate Democratic Caucus and external stakeholders; encourages grassroots engagement by providing opportunities for Americans to share what Social Security means to them; and educates Senate staff, the American public, and stakeholders about Republicans’ agenda and their continued cuts to Americans’ Social Security services and benefits.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gillibrand Demands That Trump Administration Restore Funding For Youth Mental Health Grants

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand

    New York Was Awarded Over $18 Million Through The Now-Terminated Programs From FY2022-FY2024

    U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is demanding that the Trump administration restore funding to two grant programs that support school-based mental health services, the Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration Grant (MHSP) and the School-Based Mental Health Services Grant (SBMH). MHSP and SBMH were designed to create a workforce development pipeline for school counselors, psychologists, and social workers to address the shortage of school-based mental health professionals in New York and across the country. Thanks to the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the programs were slated to provide a combined $1 billion through Fiscal Year 2026, $18.2 million of which was already allocated to schools in New York State.

    “Protecting the mental health of our kids should not be a partisan issue,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I am appalled by the Trump administration’s decision to terminate MHSP and SBMH funding, particularly as the shortage of mental health professionals and school counselors persists nationwide. Thousands of students are set to benefit from the mental health care they’re receiving because of these programs, and I am committed to fighting for the restoration of this vital funding.”

    Senator Gillibrand’s most recent letter to Education Secretary Linda McMahon follows a similar letter that she sent with Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) in May. In that letter, the senators discussed the impact of the MHSP and SBMH programs nationwide and asked for the Department of Education’s rationale for terminating this funding. The senators received an unsatisfactory response to this outreach last month.

    The full text of Senator Gillibrand’s most recent letter can be found here or below:

    Dear Secretary McMahon,

    I write to you with grave concern over the administration’s reports of terminations of youth mental health grant funding to school districts in New York. The Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration Grant (MHSP) and School-Based Mental Health Services Grant (SBMH) programs have benefitted not only New York but countless states across the country in urban and rural settings alike. I wrote to you about these terminations on May 9, 2025, and received an unsatisfactory response from your office on May 30, 2025. Both MHSP and SBMH programs play a vital role in addressing the shortage of school-based mental health professionals. Furthermore, they do not undermine standards for fairness, merit, and excellence in education as asserted in your response sent on May 30, 2025. 

    Your response to my earlier letter indicated that both the MHSP and SBMH programs would end at the end of the grants’ current budget periods. This outcome would harm both the students and mental health professionals who benefit from these programs. The demand for behavioral health, mental health, and substance abuse disorder services is projected to increase in the coming years. By 2037, it is estimated that there will be a shortage of 113,830 psychologists, 50,440 psychiatrists, and 39,710 school counselors. The MHSP and SBMH programs directly address this shortage, and discontinuing these programs will negatively impact current and future students.  

    These funding streams were intended to create a workforce development pipeline for school counselors, psychologists, and social workers. Thousands of students have benefited from the mental health care they received because of these programs. There are also hundreds of future mental health professionals in New York alone who benefit from these programs. However, with current grants set to expire soon, successful programs, like those in Lyons Central School District and the Seneca Falls Central School District, that have built mental health professional pipelines for students in high-need school districts could see their momentum stopped in its tracks. Hundreds of future mental health professionals, who are sorely needed across New York, stand to lose the support of innovative programs that serve my constituents and their families.

    I am concerned that the Department is disrupting grant funding that truly represents how the government can address the direct needs of our taxpayers and their families. These programs work, and New York students deserve their continued benefits.

    I request your response to the following questions by no later than June 4, 2025:

    1.         Will the Department commit to answering the nine questions from my original letter sent May 9, 2025, most of which were unaddressed in your response dated on May 30, 2025? 

    2.         How did each MHSP and SBMH grant that received a non-continuation notice violate Federal civil rights law?

    3.         What are the Department’s plans to recompete its mental health program funds in the next grant cycle, including the grant application and selection criteria for the upcoming cycle?

    4.         How will the Department address service disruptions for New York students after the expiration of this funding?

    5.         Explain how the Department plans to address mental health workforce shortages stemming from the disruption of this funding.
    6.         Have New York mental health and education stakeholders been engaged? Please provide a detailed explanation of your engagement processes with stakeholders.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tillis Introduces Legislation to Replenish Disaster Relief Fund As North Carolina Prepares For Hurricane Season

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Carolina Thom Tillis

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – With hurricane season officially underway, Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) has introduced legislation to replenish the Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) to ensure FEMA has the financial resources it needs to respond to natural disasters in the months ahead.

    Tillis’ legislation would provide $25 billion for the DRF, which would fulfill President Trump’s historic DRF funding request for Congress. Since last year, North Carolina has received roughly $4.45 billion from the DRF to respond and recover from Helene. 

    “With Western North Carolina still recovering from Helene and an above-normal hurricane season expected this year, we have to ensure that FEMA has the constant flow of resources it needs to help states respond to natural disasters,” said Senator Tillis. “Congress shouldn’t wait until the last minute, and I’m proud to lead the effort to replenish the DRF and ensure that President Trump’s request is fulfilled so FEMA can focus on its critical mission of helping states and local communities respond to emergencies.” 

    Read the bill HERE.

    Background

    Senator Tillis has been pushing for federal assistance for Western North Carolina since the moment Helene made landfall. 

    On October 1, 2024, Senator Tillis led a bipartisan letter to Senate Appropriations Chair Patty Murray (D-WA) and Vice Chair Susan Collins (R-ME) on the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene and the urgent need to pass an appropriations package to support the millions of Americans affected by the storm.   

    On October 16, 2024, Senator Tillis led a bipartisan group of senators in urging the White House to rapidly submit a government funding request to Congress that will fully cover costs associated with clean-up and recovery following Hurricanes Helene and Milton so that affected communities could begin to heal. The Senators called for Congress to return to Washington from the October in-state work period to approve federal disaster relief legislation.

    On October 23, 2024, The Hill published an op-ed by Senator Tillis addressed to members of Congress to step up and be proactive with long-term disaster recovery assistance.  

    On October 29, 2024, Senator Tillis and his colleagues announced plans to introduce legislation that would replenish the Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Program with families and small businesses across WNC unable to get loans approved until then. The Senators outlined their plan to seek passage of the legislation when Congress returned to session.

    On November 14, 2024, Senator Tillis attempted to pass legislation to replenish the SBA Disaster Loan Program through a unanimous consent request on the Senate floor, but was blocked by another Senator.

    On November 15, 2024, Senator Tillis led a bipartisan letter to request that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) immediately send a supplemental appropriation request to Congress to support the communities we represent, which were devastated after Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The OMB sent the request to Congress a few days later.

    On November 18, 2024, Senator Tillis introduced the standalone RELIEF Act to provide Hurricane relief to small businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene.   

    On November 20, 2024, Senator Tillis called on Congress to quickly pass Hurricane Helene relief during his testimony to the Senate Appropriations Committee. 

    On November 21, 2024, Senator Tillis met with Governor Cooper, Governor-Elect Stein, members of the North Carolina Congressional Delegation and the North Carolina General Assembly, and local leaders from Western North Carolina to discuss efforts to provide federal assistance to North Carolinians affected by the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. 

    On December 5, 2024, Senator Tillis joined Fox News’ Your World with Neil Cavuto where he discussed the urgent need for Congress to provide federal assistance to North Carolinians affected by the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene.  

    On December 10, 2024, Senator Tillis hosted N.C. Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger, N.C. House of Representatives Speaker-elect Destin Hall, State Senators Bill Rabon and Ralph Hise, and State Representative Dudley Greene to discuss efforts to provide immediate assistance to North Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene’s devastation.  

    On December 18, 2024, Senator Tillis committed to filibustering any continuing resolution that did not include disaster aid for Western North Carolina. 

    On December 21, 2024, Senator Tillis voted to pass a bipartisan government funding bill that included more than $100 billion in disaster relief for states and communities hit by natural disasters, including North Carolina during Hurricane Helene. 

    On January 7, 2025 Senator Tillis announced $1.65 billion in Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds to help rebuild communities devastated by Hurricane Helene.  

    On January 24, 2025, Senator Tillis released a statement thanking President Trump for his visit to Western North Carolina to survey the devastation left behind by Helene. 

    On January 31, 2025, Senator Tillis introduced the Disaster Mitigation and Tax Parity Act of 2025, legislation that excludes from gross income, for income tax purposes, any qualified catastrophe mitigation payment made under a state-based catastrophe loss mitigation program. 

    On March 11, 2025, Senator Tillis reintroduced the Disaster Assistance Simplification Act, bipartisan legislation to simplify the application process for federal disaster recovery assistance.  

    On April 1, 2025, Senator Tillis sent a letter urging U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins to work with Congress to quickly distribute the more than $23 billion Congress passed in December to assist farmers, ranchers and rural Americans in responding to devastating natural disasters in 2023 and 2024.

    On April 3, 2025, Senator Tillis (R-NC) introduced the FEMA Independence Act, bipartisan legislation to restore the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as an independent cabinet-level agency and improve efficiency in federal emergency response efforts.  

    On April 24, 2025, Senator Tillis introduced the Helene Recovery Small Business Act and the Loans in Our Neighborhoods (LIONs) Act of 2025, legislation that would provide much-needed relief to small businesses as they work to recover from the devastation of Helene.

    On June 4, 2025, Senator Tillis announced he helped secure approximately $1.45 billion in federal funding for disaster-impacted communities, including those in Western North Carolina affected by Helene.

    In addition to Senator Tillis’ legislative efforts the Senator has met with local leaders, residents, and elected officials across Western North Carolina including in: Asheville, Black Mountain, Boone, Burnsville, Canton, Clyde, Fairview, Flat Rock, Hendersonville, Hot Springs, Marshall, Morganton, Spruce Pine, Swannanoa, Waynesville and Wilkesboro.  

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER STATEMENT ON USDOT SECRETARY DUFFY HEEDING HIS CALLS TO MEET WITH FLIGHT 3407 FAMILIES AHEAD OF FAA SENATE HEARING

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer

    Trump’s FAA Nominee, The CEO Of Republic Airways, Has Previously Fought To Roll Back Basic Air Safety Standards – Including Rule That Pilots Must Have 1,500 Hours Of Flight Training – That Flight 3407 Families Have Fought For

    Senate Hearing For Trump’s FAA Nominee Will Be Next Week, And After Weeks Of Schumer Pressuring USDOT To Meet With Flight 3407 Families, The Transportation Secretary Has Now Agreed

    New York, N.Y. – Today, after calling on USDOT Secretary Duffy to meet with 3407 families amid growing concerns for aviation safety and the upcoming hearing of Trump’s controversial FAA Nominee, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer released the following statement on news of Secretary Duffy heading his calls to meet with the families of Flight 3407:

    Senator Schumer said, “The families of Flight 3407 have been my guiding light for more than 16 years and their unwavering dedication has unequivocally changed the course of aviation history in America for the better. Now, at this critical moment when so many Americans are worried about air travel, the safety reforms they fought for, like the 1,500 hour rule, are more critical than ever. I appreciate Secretary Duffy heeding my calls to meet with the Flight 3407 families. I remain seriously concerned about Bedford’s nomination to serve as FAA administrator, whose attempts undercut and circumvent basic air safety standards, including the 1500-hour rule the families and I have fought for years. Secretary Duffy must commit clearly and unequivocally to the protection of the 1,500 hour rule and other air safety reforms the Flight 3407 helped create, the safety of our skies depends on it.”

    “We are pleased to learn that Secretary Duffy has agreed to meet with the Families of Flight 3407 very soon regarding the pending confirmation of a new FAA Administrator,” said Scott Maurer, who lost his 30-year-old daughter Lorin in the crash. “Now is the time to strengthen the aviation system and not weaken it. Our families group intends to deliver that message when we meet with the Secretary, and we thank Senator Schumer for his advocacy and help facilitating this meeting.”

    Schumer has been a long-time, relentless advocate for air safety standards following the tragic crash of Colgan Air Flight 3407. In February 2009, the tragic crash of Flight 3407 near Buffalo, New York claimed 50 lives and alerted the nation to the shortfalls in our aviation safety system, particularly at the regional airline level. In the wake of the tragedy, Schumer worked with the families who lost loved ones in the crash, to pass the Airline Safety and Federal Aviation Administration Extension Act of 2010. This landmark aviation safety legislation addressed many of the factors contributing to the increasing safety gap between regional and mainline carriers by requiring the FAA to develop regulations to improve safety, including enhanced entry-level pilot training and qualification standards, pilot fatigue rules, airline pilot training and safety management programs, and the creation of an electronic Pilot Record Database.

    Notably, the legislation included a mandate that first officers – also known as co-pilots – hold an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, which requires that the pilot log 1,500 flight hours, and the advocacy of the families has led to many other laws including regulations to combat pilot fatigue, the establishment of the electronic Pilot Records Database, and more.

    Schumer’s previous letter to Secretary Duffy can be found HERE 

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Budd, Nehls Applaud President Trump’s Push to Legalize Supersonic Flight

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ted Budd (R-North Carolina)

    Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.), a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Representative Troy Nehls (R-Texas-22), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Aviation for the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee today celebrated the news that President Trump issued a transformative executive order to repeal the prohibition on overland supersonic flight, establish an interim noise-based certification standard, and repeal other regulations that hinder supersonic flight.

    The executive order follows Senator Budd and Representative Nehls’ introduction of the Supersonic Aviation Modernization (SAM) Act, which would require the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator to issue regulations to legalize civil supersonic flight in the United States. President Trump’s executive order directly aligns with the goals of this legislation.

    “President Trump’s swift leadership to unleash supersonic flight will boost America’s ability to compete with China in the race for next-generation aircraft and revolutionize commercial air travel. For too long, outdated restrictions on civil supersonic flight have stifled innovation. I am grateful that President Trump has leaned in to legalize this vital technology in the United States and promote international engagement for international operations. I will continue to work with my colleagues in Washington, like my friend Rep. Nehls, to advance policies that unleash cutting-edge technologies like supersonic aviation,” said Senator Budd.

    President Donald J. Trump’s executive order promoting supersonic aviation in the United States is a crucial step in ensuring we remain competitive in the aviation industry against our foreign adversaries. Congress must pass the Supersonic Aviation Modernization Act, which I introduced alongside Senator Ted Budd, to codify President Trump’s actions immediately so we can ensure that out-of-touch FAA policies don’t hinder the Golden Age of American air travel,” said Representative Nehls.

    BACKGROUND:

    For the past fifty-two years, the United States has had a speed limit in the sky. 14 CFR § 91.817, enacted in 1973, dictates that no person may operate a civil aircraft in the United States at a true flight Mach number greater than 1. This rule prohibits non-military related supersonic flight over the United States, setting an artificial speed limit in the national airspace.

    American companies, like Boom Supersonic, have developed quiet supersonic technologies and have already demonstrated that their aircraft can operate above Mach 1 without a sonic boom reaching the ground.

    This is due to a well-known phenomenon called Mach cutoff, in which a sonic boom refracts in the atmosphere and never reaches the ground.

    Despite these innovations, FAA regulations continue to restrict supersonic operations.

    President Trump’s executive order will permit operators to fly aircraft at supersonic speeds within the National Airspace System if no sonic boom reaches the ground, the intended outcome of the SAM Act.

    The SAM Act was cosponsored by Senators Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), and Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.). Representative Sharice Davids (D-Kan.-3) joined Representative Nehls in introducing the bill in the House.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Justice Department Files Statement of Interest in Oregon Elections Case Concerning States’ Obligations Under the National Voter Registration Act

    Source: US State of California

    Note: View statement of interest here.

    The Justice Department announced today that it has filed a Statement of Interest in Judicial Watch v. Reed, No. 6:24-cv-1783 (D. Ore.) regarding the requirements under the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) for states to maintain and make available for public inspection records concerning list maintenance to ensure the accuracy of the official list of eligible voters.

    The lawsuit filed by Judicial Watch alleges that the State of Oregon failed to comply with the state’s obligations under the NVRA to conduct a list maintenance program and to make the records concerning list maintenance publicly available.  Advancing President Donald J. Trump’s Executive Order to preserve and protect the integrity of American elections, the Attorney General of the United States, through the Civil Rights Division, enforces NVRA mandates.

    “Accurate voter registration rolls are critical to ensure that elections in Oregon are conducted fairly, accurately, and without fraud,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “States have specific obligations under the list maintenance provisions of the NVRA, and the Department of Justice will vigorously enforce those requirements.”

    More information about voting and elections is available on the Justice Department’s website at www.justice.gov/voting. Complaints about possible violations of federal voting rights laws can be submitted through the Civil Rights Division’s website at civilrights.justice.gov or by telephone at 1-800-253-

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Files Statement of Interest in Oregon Elections Case Concerning States’ Obligations Under the National Voter Registration Act

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    Note: View statement of interest here.

    The Justice Department announced today that it has filed a Statement of Interest in Judicial Watch v. Reed, No. 6:24-cv-1783 (D. Ore.) regarding the requirements under the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) for states to maintain and make available for public inspection records concerning list maintenance to ensure the accuracy of the official list of eligible voters.

    The lawsuit filed by Judicial Watch alleges that the State of Oregon failed to comply with the state’s obligations under the NVRA to conduct a list maintenance program and to make the records concerning list maintenance publicly available.  Advancing President Donald J. Trump’s Executive Order to preserve and protect the integrity of American elections, the Attorney General of the United States, through the Civil Rights Division, enforces NVRA mandates.

    “Accurate voter registration rolls are critical to ensure that elections in Oregon are conducted fairly, accurately, and without fraud,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “States have specific obligations under the list maintenance provisions of the NVRA, and the Department of Justice will vigorously enforce those requirements.”

    More information about voting and elections is available on the Justice Department’s website at www.justice.gov/voting. Complaints about possible violations of federal voting rights laws can be submitted through the Civil Rights Division’s website at civilrights.justice.gov or by telephone at 1-800-253-

    MIL Security OSI