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Category: Trump

  • MIL-OSI USA: WATCH: Padilla Exposes Alarming Surge in Voter Suppression, Republican Push for Racial Gerrymandering in Texas During Spotlight Forum

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    WATCH: Padilla Exposes Alarming Surge in Voter Suppression, Republican Push for Racial Gerrymandering in Texas During Spotlight Forum

    Padilla: “Instead of running on a record of clawing away health care coverage to pay for tax cuts for billionaires, they’re trying to rig the rules of the game.”

    WATCH: Padilla: “The Trump Administration is not focused on protecting your right to vote. They’re focused on denying it.”

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration and California’s former Secretary of State, and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, convened a Rules and Judiciary Committee Democrats spotlight forum titled “Protecting the Future of American Democracy: Fighting a Surge in Voter Suppression.”

    Padilla’s remarks at the forum focused on recent trends in disturbing voter suppression tactics, including:

    • The Trump Administration’s efforts to pressure Texas and other states to undertake mid-decade racial redistricting for partisan political purposes;
    • The six-month long effort to overturn the election for the State Supreme Court in North Carolina by the targeted disenfranchisement of eligible voters after they cast their ballots, including military voters serving our country overseas; and
    • The change in mission of the DOJ Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section to focus on unsubstantiated voter fraud claims, and the DOJ’s demands for multiple states’ sensitive voter information.

    During the forum, Padilla uncovered recently received DOJ requests to Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco for their voter data, setting up a potential purge of voter rolls.

    Padilla also shed light on potential violations of the Hatch Act committed by senior Trump Administration political appointees regarding their partisan redistricting efforts in Texas. He highlighted his letter to the independent Office of Special Counsel requesting an investigation into senior Trump Administration officials for any role they are playing in carrying out the president’s partisan scheme to racially gerrymander Texas and other states, calling it “a clear violation of the Hatch Act.”

    Democratic Senators heard from former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, North Carolina Supreme Court Associate Justice Allison Riggs, LMU Loyola Law School Professor Justin Levitt, and Vet Voice Foundation Chief Executive Officer Janessa Goldbeck on systematic attacks on the right to vote.

    Key excerpts from Senator Padilla’s opening remarks are included below:

    Key Excerpts

    • “Today, just one week ahead of the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, we’re witnessing a disturbing trend, a coordinated campaign frankly, of voter suppression led by the Trump Administration. Their goal is to amplify their false narrative of insecure elections, to justify their power grabs and to make it harder to register to vote, to stay on the rolls, and to actually cast your ballot.”
    • “What started with the Trump Executive Order on Election Integrity and the Republicans’ SAVE Act has now moved on to the wholesale weaponization of the Department of Justice: The Department of Justice’s Voting Section has reversed their mission statement to drop voting rights protection and prioritize alleged voter fraud. And now, all across the country, the Department of Justice is demanding that states turn over voter rolls — not just a list of names, but a lot of sensitive, private, and confidential information for folks that are registered to vote.”
    • “The last few months, Trump and his Republican allies have seen the thin margins in the House and can feel the political winds shifting. Instead of running on a record of clawing away health care coverage to pay for tax cuts for billionaires, they’re trying to rig the rules of the game. From the South Lawn of the White House, Donald Trump has directed the Department of Justice and state officials to redraw congressional maps in Republicans’ favor.”
    • “The Trump Administration is not focused on protecting your right to vote. They’re focused on denying it.”
    • “Colleagues, if we want to defend the future of American democracy, we can’t afford to wait until election season rolls around to act. We’ve got to raise the alarm today by shining a spotlight on the shocking voter suppression efforts coming out of the White House.”

    Senator Padilla has led the charge in fighting back against the Trump Administration’s unprecedented efforts to suppress the right to vote. Earlier this month, Padilla, Durbin, and Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) led 13 Senators in raising the alarm on the DOJ Civil Rights Division’s policy shift to focus on unsubstantiated voter fraud investigations. Padilla and Senators Gary Peters (D-Mich.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) also recently expressed serious concerns that recent changes to and the expanded use of the insufficiently tested Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program could purge eligible citizens from state voter rolls. Previously, Padilla led 11 Senators in introducing the Defending America’s Future Elections Act to repeal Trump’s illegal anti-voter executive order and prevent the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing sensitive voter registration data and state records. He also led 14 Democratic Senators in calling on Trump to revoke his illegal anti-voter executive order and issued a statement slamming the order when it was announced.

    This spotlight forum is the second in a series of Rules Committee Democrats’ forums focused on protecting the future of America’s elections.

    The series continues to underscore the dangers of the Trump Administration’s unprecedented attacks on election security, integrity, and funding required to smoothly administer elections and protect American democracy. The first spotlight forum in May focused on Congressional Republicans’ Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act and Trump’s illegal anti-voter executive order, both of which threaten to disenfranchise millions of eligible American citizens.

    Padilla’s full remarks, as delivered, are available below:

    Good afternoon and thank you all for being here for today’s spotlight forum on “Protecting the Future of American Democracy: Fighting a Surge in Voter Suppression.”

    I’m Senator Alex Padilla, Ranking Member of the Rules and Administration Committee here in the Senate. Joined by my colleage, Senator Dick Durbin, Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee. I’m still getting used to that. I’m used to just calling you Chairman. I was spoiled for the prior four years.

    And just one quick word of housekeeping as we set the stage for the hearing, our Senate Democratic Caucus lunch is a few minutes from adjourning, so you’ll see an influx of members during either our opening statements or your opening statements. There’s a lot of interest in the conversation today, one that the majority has no interest in holding at the subcommittee level or at the committee level in either of our committees. But the issues are important to make sure we shed light on them. So looking forward to your testimony, the question, answer, discussion portion of it, and a lot of engagement from our colleagues.

    Today, just one week ahead of the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, we’re witnessing a disturbing trend, a coordinated campaign frankly, of voter suppression led by the Trump Administration.

    Their goal is to amplify their false narrative of insecure elections, to justify their power grabs and to make it harder to register to vote, to stay on the rolls, and to actually cast your ballot.

    What started with the Trump Executive Order on Election Integrity and the Republicans’ SAVE Act has now moved on to the wholesale weaponization of the Department of Justice:

    The Department of Justice’s Voting Section has reversed their mission statement to drop voting rights protection and prioritize alleged voter fraud.

    And now, all across the country, the Department of Justice is demanding that states turn over voter rolls — not just a list of names, but a lot of sensitive, private, and confidential information for folks that are registered to vote.

    In fact, this month, Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco, counties, local jurisdictions, were also hit with those requests — a move that looks a lot like they’re laying the groundwork for mass voter purges.

    Their actions are also helping to embolden election deniers outside of the federal government.

    Just look to this past November, when even after leading her opponent by over 700 votes and winning two separate recounts, North Carolina Supreme Court Justice candidate Allison Riggs was forced to defend her victory in court for six months before taking office.

    Now, taking a page from Trump’s playbook, her Republican challenger sought to undo the votes of over 65,000 North Carolinians — many of which were cast by military voters serving overseas.

    Today, even after Justice Riggs has taken her seat, the Trump Administration has now taken up the cause and sued North Carolina, threatening to disenfranchise around 100,000 previously registered voters.

    But the last few months, Trump and his Republican allies have seen the thin margins in the House and can feel the political winds shifting.

    Instead of running on a record of clawing away health care coverage to pay for tax cuts for billionaires, they’re trying to rig the rules of the game.

    From the South Lawn of the White House, Donald Trump has directed the Department of Justice and state officials to redraw congressional maps in Republicans’ favor.

    Earlier today, I wrote to the Office of Special Counsel requesting an investigation into senior officials for any role they are playing in carrying out the president’s partisan scheme.

    It’s a clear violation of the Hatch Act in my view.

    So no, the Trump Administration is not focused on protecting your right to vote. They’re focused on denying it.

    Colleagues, if we want to defend the future of American democracy, we can’t afford to wait until election season rolls around to act.

    We’ve got to raise the alarm today by shining a spotlight on the shocking voter suppression efforts coming out of the White House.

    And for that reason, I’m looking forward to hearing more about each of our witnesses’ experiences.

    With that, let me recognize Senator Dick Durbin.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Feenstra Applauds President Trump for Signing Legislation to Keep Veterans in their Homes

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Randy Feenstra (IA-04)

    HULL, IOWA – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) issued the following statement praising President Trump for signing into law the VA Home Loan Program Reform Act:

    “I thank President Trump for signing into law the VA Home Loan Program Reform Act, which will help keep veterans in their homes and alleviate financial stress. This law ensures that veterans who have fallen on tough times can receive relief on late mortgage payments and avoid foreclosure. Our veterans are true American heroes, and this law represents a small token of our gratitude and appreciation for their service.”

    The U.S. House of Representatives unanimously approved this legislation in May.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden Calls for Investigation Into Reported Diversion of Resources From Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Investigations By Department of Homeland Security

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)

    July 30, 2025

    Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., called for an immediate investigation of reports the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has drastically diverted resources away from investigations into serious crimes against children, including child sexual abuse and human trafficking, in order to devote more resources to rounding up immigrants.

    “Instead of locking up rapists, child predators and other violent criminals, Trump appears to be diverting investigators to target cooks, farm workers and students. Congress and the American people will not tolerate the Trump administration ignoring the ongoing sexual abuse of vulnerable children,” wrote Wyden in the letter to DHS Inspector General Joseph Cuffari.

    Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) at DHS is responsible for investigating serious crimes, and is one of the leading agencies charged with investigating child sexual abuse materials online. The 7,000 HSI agents are supposed to focus on investigating drug smuggling, human trafficking, and child sex trafficking, among other crossborder criminal activities. According to DHS, HSI arrested over 3,000 individuals for crimes against children and rescued over 1,000 victims of child exploitation in 2020 alone.

    Wyden’s letter cites a recent report published by the Atlantic, which stated that HSI “supervisors have waved agents off new cases so they have more time to make immigration-enforcement arrests,” and quoted one agent describing the impact: “No drug cases, no human trafficking, no child exploitation.” 

    Wyden has been a staunch advocate in the Senate for increasing resources for investigating sex trafficking and prosecuting predators to protect vulnerable children. In January 2024, Wyden introduced bipartisan legislation to protect children from online exploitation. In June 2024, he released information from his investigation into child abuse and neglect in youth residential treatment facilities across the United States. In September 2024, he urged existing authorities to protect and strengthen services for children susceptible to abuse enrolled in Medicaid in the child welfare program.

    The full text of the letter is here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen FBI Whistleblower Protections

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), co-founder and co-chair of the Whistleblower Protection Caucus, today introduced the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act. Grassley’s legislation is cosponsored by Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.).

    “The Biden-Harris administration’s weaponization of the Justice Department and FBI, as well as its egregious retaliation against whistleblowers, caused great damage to our nation’s federal institutions. Multiple agents who bravely blew the whistle had their security clearances suspended and were placed under investigation with no end in sight, leaving them in professional limbo and causing serious financial harm. While the Trump administration has taken significant steps to undo the damage, Congress must offer a solution to ensure future FBI whistleblowers aren’t subjected to a similar retaliatory playbook,” Grassley said. “My legislation will ensure these patriotic whistleblowers receive the protections they deserve, rather than being treated like skunks at a picnic.”

    The bipartisan bill would provide Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) employees with whistleblower protections established by the Grassley-led Whistleblower Protection Act of 1989, and its subsequent amendments. Specifically, the FBI Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act would:

    • Protect FBI whistleblowers who appeal adverse personnel decisions, or who cooperate in whistleblower investigations;
    • Require the Grassley-authored anti-gag provision to be included in FBI nondisclosure policies, forms and agreements to inform employees of their right to report waste, fraud or abuse, including to Congress;
    • Prohibit the FBI from coercing employees to engage in political activity;
    • Clarify which whistleblower disclosures are legally protected;
    • Require the Attorney General to fully inform FBI employees of their whistleblower protection rights, including challenging retaliatory security clearance suspensions;
    • Implement the Government Accountability Office (GAO) 2024 recommendation to clarify the process for FBI whistleblowers to seek corrective action from the Merit Systems Protection Board;
    • Eliminate the requirement that whistleblowers wait a year before challenging the denial, suspension or revocation of their security clearance; and
    • Require the Director of National Intelligence to ensure agency investigations and adjudications of security clearance denials, suspensions and revocations are free from conflicts of interest.

    The FBI Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act is supported by multiple whistleblower advocacy groups, including Empower Oversight and the Government Accountability Project.

    “Senator Grassley’s bill represents the culmination of more than four decades of fighting to ensure that those who protect America’s security have the security to speak truth to power. We urge Congress to pass this legislation swiftly and finally deliver justice that’s been delayed far too long,” said Tom Devine, Legal Director of the Government Accountability Project.

    Read the bill text HERE.

    Background:

    During the 101st Congress, the Grassley-led Whistleblower Protection Act became law, requiring the Attorney General to establish whistleblower protections for FBI employees through regulatory action. However, the Department of Justice (DOJ) refused to implement whistleblower protection regulations until 1997, when then-President Bill Clinton issued a memo requiring them to do so.

    Following concerns of continued retaliation, the Grassley-led Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2012 was signed into law, directing the Attorney General to issue a report reevaluating the 1997 FBI whistleblower protection regulations. Due to the DOJ’s lack of responsiveness, Grassley commissioned the GAO to issue a report, which was published in 2015 and revealed alarming gaps in the FBI’s whistleblower regulations.

    In response to the 2015 GAO report, Grassley introduced the FBI Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2016, which subsequently became law. This legislation directed the FBI to implement modernized whistleblower protection regulations and codified certain FBI whistleblower protections. Despite Grassley’s bill and his call for the FBI to follow the law, the FBI failed to implement these regulations until 2024 – right before the GAO was set to publish a report evaluating the FBI’s implementation of Grassley’s 2016 law. Much like the 2015 report, the 2024 GAO report revealed significant failings in the FBI’s whistleblower protection regulations.

    Given the FBI’s inability over the last 35-years to effectively implement whistleblower protection regulations, as well as the Biden-Harris administration’s pervasive retaliation against whistleblowers, Grassley is now introducing legislation to cement the much-needed protections into law.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senate Democrat Blocks Five Bipartisan Local Law Enforcement Bills

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today joined Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) on the Senate floor to request unanimous passage of seven bipartisan law enforcement bills, which were passed out of the Judiciary Committee by a unanimous voice vote in May as part of Police Week.

    Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, objected to Cortez Masto and Grassley’s request to pass the bipartisan law enforcement package. Booker did not previously object to the bills in committee and today objected in an effort to force federal dollars to sanctuary cities that blatantly violate federal immigration law.

    In response to Booker’s objection, Cortez Masto requested unanimous passage of two of the Police Week bills, including the Chief Herbert D. Proffitt Act and the Improving Police CARE Act. Booker allowed these bills to pass, but blocked the five remaining Police Week bills.

    The five local law enforcement bills blocked today include:

    Video and a transcript of Grassley’s remarks regarding the Police Week bills are below.

    [embedded content]

    VIDEO 

    Law enforcement [officers] across the country put their lives on the line every day.

    We see examples of the dangers they face on the news and in our communities on a daily basis.

    This month, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reported an 830 percent increase in assaults on their officers and agents during the course of their enforcement duties.

    Agents and officers had rocks and other projectiles thrown at them causing injury to persons and property.

    These agents and officers have been doxed and had their home addresses, family member names and other personal information posted on social media for anyone to see, which has resulted in an increased number of threats and intimidation to them.

    We had the opportunity to hear firsthand from three federal law enforcement officers during a Judiciary Committee hearing on cartels last month about the ongoing risks and dangers to law enforcement.

    Special Agent in Charge, Matthew Allen, of the Los Angeles Field Office of DEA testified that his agents are oftentimes surveilled by cartel members and other bad actors.

    He further testified that he has lost several friends and fellow law enforcement officers as a result of their law enforcement duties.

    And just recently, we learned that an off-duty Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer was shot in the face in New York City during an attempted robbery by a previously deported illegal alien.

    Thankfully, the officer is expected to survive.

    According to the Fraternal Order of Police, as of June 30, 2025, 166 officers were shot in the line of duty. 21 of them were killed.

    While these numbers are lower than from the previous year, the shooting this weekend is yet another example of the threats and dangers our men and women in blue face daily, both on and off duty.

    Earlier this year, Senator Durbin and I led a resolution honoring 234 officers who made the ultimate sacrifice and are being recognized as line-of-duty deaths. It passed with over 80 cosponsors.

    We worked together across the aisle to report these seven bipartisan bills out of committee on Police Week.

    The seven bills are part of the largest Police Week Package in over 15 years.

    The package of seven bills passed the Committee with bipartisan support and unanimous vote.

    They provide a good example of the extensive problems facing our law enforcement community.

    For example, one bill deals with recruitment and retention issues to ensure our law enforcement is well staffed.

    Other bills deal with protecting law enforcement from the dangers of fentanyl and providing law enforcement with the equipment they need to serve our communities.

    Lastly, the bills provide protection to the families of first responders and provide the much-needed resources for the mental health of law enforcement.

    Simply stated, these bills strengthen our law enforcement community to help keep our citizens safe.

    It’s time to send these bills to the House and then to President Trump.

    Each helps law enforcement and first responders across our country.

    These folks are true heroes, and they deserve our strong support.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley: Exhaustive Efforts to Vet Emil Bove’s Nomination Prove He’s Fit for the Job

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – Ahead of the Senate’s vote on the nomination of Emil Bove to be United States Circuit Judge for the Third Circuit, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) released an exhaustive overview of his work to thoroughly vet Bove’s nomination in light of three whistleblower allegations made against the nominee.

    In a speech on the Senate floor, Grassley outlined how his team ran into challenges while attempting to review each whistleblower disclosure in good faith: “any assertion that I or my staff was uninterested in the evidence is false.”

    Grassley is a co-founder and co-chair of the Senate Whistleblower Protection Caucus.

    Bove’s letter to the committee regarding the most recent whistleblower allegations is HERE.

    Video and a transcript of Grassley’s floor remarks is below.

    [embedded content]

    Prepared Floor Remarks by Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa

    Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee

    “The Nomination of Emil Bove”

    Tuesday, July 29, 2025

    VIDEO

    Soon, this body will proceed to a final vote on the nomination of Emil Bove to be a judge on the Third Circuit. As I said in my statements in Committee multiple times, I support the nomination of Mr. Bove. He has a strong legal background and has served his country honorably. I believe he will be a diligent, capable, and fair jurist. My Republican colleagues on Committee agreed, and that’s why he was reported out of Committee with every Republican supporting his nomination.

    It’s no surprise to anyone who’s followed this nomination that I have serious concerns with how my Democratic colleagues have conducted themselves. The vicious rhetoric, unfair accusations and abuse directed at Mr. Bove by some on this Committee has crossed the line. I wish I could say that this posture has been limited to just this nomination, but unfortunately, it appears to be a pattern.

    Since the very beginning of this Congress, Democrats have engaged in a relentless obstruction campaign for nearly every one of President Trump’s nominees. Their playbook has included maximum procedural obstruction, unfair media attacks, repeated attempts to allege misconduct and demands for delayed consideration, records and investigations.

    This Congress alone, Democrats have sent at least 26 letters to 17 agencies or parties demanding records, delays or investigations into President Trump’s nominees just in the Judiciary Committee. Like clockwork, just before a hearing or vote, we get another breathless accusation that one of President Trump’s nominees needs to be investigated.

    I’m afraid that what we’ve seen recently on the Bove nomination has been more of the same. My Democratic colleagues have tried to weaponize my respect for whistleblowers and the whistleblowing process against me and against Mr. Bove, and I’m going to set the record straight.

    I take whistleblower complaints very seriously. During both Republican and Democratic administrations, I have spent over four decades defending patriotic whistleblowers.

    My conduct in defending whistleblowers and running bipartisan investigations stands in stark contrast to the conduct of my Democratic colleagues.

    During the first Trump administration, I defended the Ukraine whistleblower’s use of the whistleblower process—despite serious concerns about the substance of his complaint.

    When I was last Chairman, I interviewed Donald Trump Jr. and other Republicans as part of my bipartisan investigation into alleged Russian collusion—conducted through the Senate Judiciary Committee.

    But when it came to the Biden family and his Administration, despite serious allegations and overwhelming evidence of misconduct, Democrats made no effort to investigate or conduct similar interviews. In fact, they worked hard to thwart any attempt at oversight.

    These weren’t fringe claims—they involved potential crimes squarely within the Judiciary Committee’s jurisdiction.

    This administration has said Mr. Reuvini isn’t a whistleblower. I’ve publicly disagreed with that position.

    That’s the opposite posture my Democratic colleagues took with the IRS whistleblowers who blew the whistle on the Biden administration. My Democratic colleagues tried to destroy them and used the press to falsely claim they weren’t whistleblowers.

    No one can say that I don’t take whistleblower complaints seriously, or that I don’t investigate allegations in good faith. I’ve always said that my door is open to whistleblowers, and my efforts regarding the Bove nomination show this is true.

    Mr. Reuveni first made allegations against Mr. Bove the morning before his nomination hearing. The allegations broke in a New York Times story, and the paper gleefully ran the unvetted accusations without so much as giving the Justice Department or the nominee the opportunity to respond.

    The Deputy Attorney General flatly denied the allegations in a public statement, and the nominee denied them under oath both in the hearing and in response to written questions.

    Then, my Democratic colleagues received additional records from the whistleblower on July 1 and July 7 but hid them from Republicans. I didn’t receive them until July 10—the same day that Mr. Bove was scheduled for his first markup.

    The coordinated media strategy involved a New York Times exclusive about the files, and a Democratic press release containing a misleading summary of the documents—all designed to smear Mr. Bove.

    This timeline raises serious concerns, and it’s legitimate to raise them as a major problem. If my Democratic colleagues wanted to investigate allegations, they should have come to me and we could have vetted the allegations in good faith, together. They didn’t want this. They wanted to run a one-sided media campaign.

    Regardless, I still did my job and investigated.

    My staff reviewed the disclosures document-by-document and analyzed the facts. The result? Almost none of the material references Mr. Bove at all. More concerningly, the Democrat summary grossly mischaracterized the documents it purported to summarize. In short, the documents didn’t say what Democrats say they did.

    My staff also interviewed multiple people who were present for the March 14 meeting described in the whistleblower disclosure. Four separate people other than Mr. Bove who were present in the meeting told us the following:

    My staff also spoke to numerous other individuals, including many current or former Justice Department employees, who wanted to share information about the Bove nomination. All told, my staff interviewed or spoke with more than a dozen individuals who came forward to discuss the Bove nomination.

    With respect to the initial whistleblower allegations, even if you accept most of the claims as true, there’s no scandal. Government lawyers aggressively litigating and interpreting court orders isn’t misconduct—it’s what lawyers do.

    Concerningly, the Minority repeatedly recast discussion of litigation strategy as wrongdoing, even discussions that reflected the government’s official litigation positions, some of which prevailed on appeal.

    The whistleblower alleged misconduct—but ten days after the key event he describes, he signed a brief stating—without qualification—that “the Government has complied with the Court’s orders in this case.”

    If he believed the Department defied court orders, why sign a brief as an officer of the court saying it had complied?

    During the hearing, Mr. Bove firmly denied the allegations. He testified under oath: “I did not advise any Justice Department attorney to violate court orders.”

    Recent public reporting backs his account. Months before the whistleblower came forward, his former supervisor wrote in a letter that Mr. Bove advised our team that we must avoid a court order halting an upcoming operation to implement the Act at all costs. This statement confirms Mr. Bove advised his team to avoid triggering a court order, not defy one—that’s consistent with his testimony.

    That was the initial allegation, but now, on the eve of Mr. Bove’s final vote, the Democrats and their media allies have launched yet another salvo against Mr. Bove.

    On Friday, we learned from social media that two other whistleblowers allegedly have derogatory information about Mr. Bove.

    One whistleblower said that they’ve filed a complaint with the Inspector General. My staff requested the complaint and to speak with the whistleblower. Their requests were declined.

    Another group, called Justice Connection, publicly alleged that a whistleblower has evidence that Bove wasn’t truthful in his hearing, and that the whistleblower “has tried to share info with Republican senators for weeks and they haven’t responded.”

    To the extent that anyone is suggesting that I haven’t been willing to receive and consider relevant evidence—this is plainly false. I’m the Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, and I represent Republicans on this nomination. Regarding this whistleblower, my office wasn’t proactively approached.

    Indeed, since we saw these new reports on Friday, my staff proactively – and repeatedly – reached out to the whistleblower’s lawyers, asking to see the evidence that they apparently had already shared with multiple Democrats and the media.

    My staff assured them that we would review the evidence in good faith, but all weekend, my staff was stonewalled and given the runaround. Any assertion that I or my staff was uninterested in the evidence is false.

    It wasn’t until Monday morning that my staff received any information. Even then, it was bits and pieces of information created by the lawyers, not original information. My staff tried over and over to get all the information, only to be rejected.

    My staff was not shown the underlying transcript of the meeting until this morning. They were shown what was represented to be a verbatim transcript of a meeting, but we still didn’t get access to the underlying source.

    So, what did I do? I followed my usual process and asked Mr. Bove to respond to the allegations that his testimony was inconsistent with the evidence presented. And he sent me a letter doing just that. I’ll plan to make it public.

    In his letter, Mr. Bove flatly denies the allegation that he misled the Committee. He explained that he testified truthfully in response to “compound yes/no questions that sought to attribute words to me that I did not use during the February 14, 2025 video meeting.” He also responds to the attacks on his character and rejects the allegations against him.

    Viewed in light of the transcript, Bove’s responses to compound, hostile questions about specific words used a meeting that happened months before his hearing do not, to me, indicate deliberately false or misleading testimony.

    And more importantly, the substance of the meeting itself does not reflect misconduct. It reflected a sympathetic tone during a turbulent time, and appropriately characterizes the role of a Justice Department attorney. In the meeting, Mr. Bove specifically acknowledges that being a Justice Department Attorney means “Following orders from the President and from the Attorney General, unless we view them as unlawful or unethical.” He apologized to the attorneys present for the tension and told them, “I don’t want to put pressure on you.”

    This context is important.

    I’m also curious at my Democratic colleagues’ newfound interest in candor to the Committee. During the last administration, Kristen Clarke unequivocally perjured herself before the Judiciary Committee in response to written questions.

    When the information came to light after her confirmation, Democrats closed ranks and refused to join Republicans in their call to hold her accountable. Democrats likewise expressed no interest in evaluating the misleading or inconsistent testimony from numerous other Biden appointees.

    When this Committee considered the nomination of Justice Kavanaugh, I criticized the tactics the Democrats employed.

    I said:

    “The Ranking Member sat on these allegations for nearly seven weeks, only to reveal them at the eleventh hour when it appeared Judge Kavanaugh was headed towards confirmation.”

    With respect to the Bove nomination, as with other nominees this Congress, Democrats appear to have dusted off the playbook they devised against Justice Kavanaugh. They hid allegedly relevant information until a politically opportune time, and then used it as an ambush to hurt the nominee.

    As I said about the Democrats conduct during Director Patel’s nomination:

    “This is becoming a pattern, and I will not facilitate a campaign to undermine the results of the election by delaying the consideration of nominees.”

    If anyone, including my colleagues, has information regarding a nominee that they believe is relevant to their fitness for office, I expect them to share it with me in a timely and candid manner so that the allegations can be fairly vetted. My door is always open to whistleblowers, and while I may not always agree with someone else’s conclusion, I’ll always fairly consider any information brought to my office.

    My message to the three whistleblowers is this: just because I may disagree with the conclusions in a whistleblower disclosure, it doesn’t mean that I don’t support a whistleblower’s right to come forward.

    Whether I agree or disagree with a whistleblower, I’ll defend whistleblower rights.

    Reasonable minds can differ. And when I direct my staff to allocate resources away from other ongoing whistleblower projects to handle situations like Bove, their efforts ought to be respected and given good faith treatment.

    But eleventh-hour media smears by my colleagues based on information that was hidden from the Committee are unacceptable, and I won’t stand for it as a delay and obstruction tactic.

    This tactic didn’t work against Justice Kavanaugh, and it won’t work against Mr. Bove.

    I look forward to supporting Mr. Bove and urge all of my colleagues to do the same.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: What They Are Saying: Whistleblowers Laud Grassley’s Advocacy for Transparency and Accountability

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – On National Whistleblower Day, whistleblowers helped by Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) expressed their gratitude for his tireless advocacy. Grassley is the co-founder and co-chair of the Whistleblower Protection Caucus.

    In March, the Department of Treasury promoted Internal Revenue Service (IRS) whistleblowers Gary Shapley and Joseph Ziegler after Grassley urged the department to do so. In May, Grassley secured promotions, restored law enforcement credentials and backpay for three Customs and Border Protection (CBP) whistleblowers.

    This month, Grassley spearheaded a resolution marking July 30th as National Whistleblower Appreciation Day. The resolution celebrates whistleblowers who risk their careers, jobs and reputations to report waste, fraud and abuse that can cost billions each year. Grassley also introduced legislation to strengthen whistleblower protections for Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) employees and federal contractors, while calling on President Trump to ensure federal downsizing initiatives aren’t used to retaliate against whistleblowers.

    Here’s what the whistleblowers had to say about Grassley’s work:

    “We saw firsthand why Senator Grassley is known as the Patron Saint of Whistleblowers. From the very beginning, he took our concerns seriously and stood by us every step of the way. Just when it felt like all hope was lost, he found a way forward. We are deeply grateful for his unwavering support – not only for us, but for the hundreds of other whistleblowers he’s championed over the years. We will never be able to repay the senator for his unwavering commitment, but we are dedicated to carrying his example forward,” IRS whistleblowers Gary Shapley and Joe Ziegler said.

    “For 7+ years, Senator Grassley and his staff have been the singular unwavering advocate and champion for me as a federal whistleblower. When my elected Congressmen and Senators ignored and dismissed my requests for assistance, Senator Grassley was the lone voice of support. Grassley and his staff fully vetted my whistleblower allegations and engaged with the Biden administration to address the Whistleblower Retaliation. Grassley’s commitment to stay the course has led to positive and meaningful cooperation with President Trump, Secretary Noem and CBP Commissioner Scott. I can attest that Grassley is a true and honorable statesman and an unwavering man of his word. I have confidence in Grassley’s commitment to holding those accountable for their retaliation and remaining with whistleblowers until there is a proper resolution. The words ‘thank you’ are inadequate and cannot express my respect and gratitude for Senator Grassley,” Customs and Border Protection (CBP) whistleblower Mark Jones said.

    “Over seven years ago, my colleagues and I reported an orchestrated, willful obstruction of the law, which facilitated thousands of murders and sexual assaults on U.S. soil. Even after our allegations were clearly substantiated by federal agencies, Customs and Border Patrol committed clear reprisals against us, rewarding the perpetrators while our careers were ruined, and our health and reputations were irreparably harmed. Senator Grassley affected more relief for us in two years than all the other oversight and whistleblower protection entities achieved over the last seven years. One dedicated senator from Iowa did so much more to protect whistleblowers than anyone else. Thank you, Senator Grassley, for defending those whose only interest is serving the public and honoring their oath to the Constitution,” Customs and Border Protection (CBP) whistleblower Mike Taylor said.

    “I am grateful for all the time Senator Grassley and his staff have spent working on our behalf over the past seven years. They’ve helped hold the individuals accountable who retaliated against us for reporting obstruction of a law intended to keep Americans safe. We worked extensively with multiple executive branch agencies whose responsibilities include whistleblower protection, but none were willing or able to advocate on our behalf. In spite of our case being open for over seven years, the senator and his staff met with us on multiple occasions and have never stopped pushing for justice and accountability,” Customs and Border Protection (CBP) whistleblower Fred Wynn said.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: RGA Statement on Kamala Harris Not Running for Governor of California

    Source: US Republican Governors Association

    The following text contains opinion that is not, or not necessarily, that of MIL-OSI –

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Republican Governors Association (RGA) released the following statement today in response to Kamala Harris announcing she will not run for Governor of California:

    “Kamala Harris’ political career is over thanks to President Trump. Look no further than her decision to not run for governor. She would have been a disaster for California: tanking the state’s economy even further, protecting criminal illegal immigrants over law-abiding citizens, and further bringing the Democrat Party brand down with her, just like she did as Vice President,” said RGA Rapid Response Director Kollin Crompton. “Americans across the country can sigh in relief that they won’t have to see or hear from Kamala Harris any longer.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Coons, Schumer, Murray, Shaheen, Reed, Warner, Schatz, Kaine, Duckworth, Kelly, Bennet, Slotkin, Kim release joint statement to raise alarm about President Trump’s steep concessions to Beijing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons

    WASHINGTON – Today, Ranking Senate Defense Appropriator Chris Coons (D-Del.), Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Senate Appropriations Vice Chair Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Senate Armed Services Ranking Member Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Senate Intelligence Committee Vice Chairman Mark Warner (D-Va.), Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations Ranking Member Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Senate Foreign Relations Committee member Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Senate Foreign Relations Committee member Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Senate Armed Services Committee member Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Senate Intelligence Committee member Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Senate Armed Services Committee member Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), and Senate Subcommittee on National Security and International Trade and Finance Ranking Member Andy Kim (D-N.J.) released the following statement about public reporting that President Trump is pausing export controls on critical technology sold to China as part of an effort to secure a trade deal with Beijing:

    “President Trump has spent the past six months eroding our advantages over China, but recent developments make clear how willing his administration is to sacrifice American economic and technological leadership for symbolic “wins” with China in its self-inflicted trade war.

    “In just the last two days, we have seen reporting that the Trump administration has cancelled a long-planned high-level security dialogue with Taiwan and denied the president of Taiwan the ability to transit the United States—a longstanding tradition respected by administrations of both parties. These developments come right on the heels of a decision to pave the way for the sale of advanced AI chips to China and to freeze export controls on additional American technologies enabling them to now flow to China, even as Beijing tightens export controls on the United States. Independent media reports today suggest these moves are an attempt to secure trade concessions, curry favor with President Xi Jinping, and ensure President Trump gets a visit to China. The president is demonstrating to Beijing that he can be cajoled into giving up America’s core interests.

    “In the face of lackluster domestic economic forecasts and anemic interest from Beijing in achieving a real breakthrough in talks, President Trump and his economic team have ceded leverage and negotiating power to Beijing in a desperate attempt to lure President Xi to a meeting with President Trump. Even more dangerously, they risk putting American national security, technological advantage, and economic prosperity on the chopping block in order to do so.

    “President Trump is handing our primary geopolitical adversary the keys to the castle of 21st century global technological dominance. Doing so will enable Chinese leadership in artificial intelligence, infusing the Chinese military with the technological advantage it needs to continue hostile operations across the globe. He is signaling his ambivalence about standing with Taiwan, our long-term partner in the region and a powerhouse of the global economy. And he is emboldening Beijing to take aggressive actions and seek even more aggressive concessions in whatever trade negotiations may follow.

    “President Trump and this administration must reset their dangerously weak approach to China and make clear they will no longer accept symbolic wins in exchange for steep American concessions. An administration convinced it can renegotiate the world order needs to stop negotiating against itself.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Haitians in ‘despair’ following abrupt suspension of US humanitarian support

    Source: United Nations 2

    The cancellation of most US funding in January means many services to the most vulnerable people have been cut or put on hold.

    Multiple political, security and socio-economic crises have led to 5.7 million people suffering from a lack of food and have forced 1.3 million people to flee their homes.

    With a dramatic reduction in funding Haiti faces a crucial “turning point.”

    UN News spoke to OCHA’s country director, Modibo Traore, about the current situation.

    UN News: What is the current state of humanitarian funding in Haiti?

    Humanitarian funding in Haiti is going through a critical phase, marked by a growing gap between the needs and available resources. As of 1 July, only around 8 per cent of the $908 million required had been mobilized.

    This partial coverage only allows a fraction of the 3.6 million people targeted to be reached.

    © UNICEF/Maxime Le Lijour

    UN aid agencies continue to support Haitian people with humanitarian aid.

    The sectors most affected are food security, access to drinking water, primary healthcare, education and protection.

    This contraction in international support is part of a global context of multiple competing crises – Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan – but also reflects a loss of political interest in the Haitian issue.

    UN News: What conditions in Haiti have led to such significant funding needs?

    The growing humanitarian needs observed in Haiti are the result of an accumulation of structural and cyclical factors. On the socioeconomic front, multidimensional poverty affects a large part of the population.

    Haiti’s exposure to natural hazards is an aggravating factor.

    The country has experienced several major hurricanes that struck the southern region less than a week after an earthquake that severely affected the area, not to mention repeated droughts that have had a major impact on agriculture and livestock farming.

    © UNOCHA/Giles Clarke

    The downtown area of Port-au-Prince remains extremely dangerous due to gang activity.

    Since 2019, a new dimension has emerged; chronic insecurity caused by the proliferation of armed groups, particularly in the capital, Port-au-Prince, and now in the Centre and Artibonite departments.

    In 2024, the multidimensional crisis that has been shaking Haiti for years has become catastrophic.

    The level of violence and insecurity remains high, with devastating consequences for the population, including massive displacement of people who were already in vulnerable situations.

    UN News: How has the growing control of armed groups affected donor confidence?

    The rise of armed groups in Haiti and their increasing control of strategic locations, particularly major roads and ports of entry to the capital, is a major obstacle to the safe and efficient delivery of humanitarian aid.

    This dynamic has an impact on the risk perception of international donors, who now assess Haiti as a high-threat environment for intervention. Access to beneficiaries has become irregular in many areas.

    The deterioration of the security situation represents a major challenge for mobilizing and maintaining financial commitments.

    Donors have expressed concerns about operational risks, particularly regarding securing supply chains, preventing exploitation and ensuring accountability.

    The operational cost of aid has also increased.

    UN News: What is the impact of the new approach taken by the US administration?

    On 20 January, 2025, President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 14169, which imposed an immediate suspension of all new foreign funding by US federal agencies, including humanitarian programs run by USAID and multilateral partners.

    In the case of Haiti, the effects were felt through the sudden halt of approximately 80 per cent of US-funded programmes. NGO partner staff were laid off, payments were suspended, and supply chains were disrupted.

    © WFP/Theresa Piorr

    US food aid is prepared for delivery following floods in Haiti in 2022.

    Beyond the structural effects, this suspension created profound uncertainty in the Haitian humanitarian system. This situation not only weakened the continuity of essential services but also affected trust between beneficiary communities and humanitarian actors.

    UN News: To what extent is the current situation unprecedented?

    The year 2025 marks a turning point in humanitarian aid in Haiti. This crisis is not the result of a single or isolated event, but rather a series of deteriorating situations in the context of gradually waning international attention.

    The interruption of US programmes has acted as a catalyst for the crisis. USAID’s technical partners, many of whom managed community health programmes in vulnerable neighbourhoods, have ceased operations, depriving hundreds of thousands of people of vital services.

    US-co-funded health centres have closed, leaving pregnant women and children without assistance.

    The current crisis demonstrates the country’s growing isolation.

    While previous crises had prompted rapid international solidarity, the humanitarian response to the situation in 2025 has been slow and partial.

    UN News: What difficult decisions have had to be made regarding cutting aid?

    The interruption of funding has forced humanitarian organizations to make ethically complex and often painful trade-offs.

    In the area of protection, for example, safe spaces for women and girls have been drastically reduced.

    © MINUSTAH/Logan Abassi

    The long-term development of Haiti is at risk as funding decreases.

    Cash transfer programmes, widely used in urban areas since 2021, have also been suspended. These programmes enabled vulnerable households to maintain a minimum level of food security. Their suspension has led to a resurgence of coping mechanisms such as child labour, less food and children being taken out of school.

    Resilience-building activities have also been affected. Programmes combining food security, urban agriculture, and access to water—often co-financed by USAID and UN funds—have been frozen.

    This compromises not only the immediate response but also the development of medium-term solutions.

    UN News: How are Haitians being affected?

    Children are among the hardest hit. UNICEF and its partners have treated more than 4,600 children suffering from severe acute malnutrition, representing only 3.6 per cent of the 129,000 children expected to need treatment this year.

    The proportion of institutional maternal deaths has also increased from 250 to 350 per 100,000 live births between February 2022 and April 2025.

    © PAHO/WHO/David Lorens Mentor

    A survivor of rape rests at a site for internally displaced people in Port-au-Prince.

    In terms of security, the effects are equally worrying. Gender-based sexual violence (GBV) has increased in neighbourhoods controlled by armed groups.

    In short, the withdrawal of US funding has led to a multidimensional regression in the rights of women and girls in Haiti, with consequences that are likely to last for several years.

    UN News: How have people in Haiti reacted?

    Beneficiaries expressed a sense of despair at the sudden suspension of the services.

    In working-class neighbourhoods of Port-au-Prince as well as in remote rural areas, the cessation of food distributions, community healthcare, and cash transfers was experienced as a breach of the moral contract between communities and humanitarian institutions.

    Humanitarian partners communicate transparently about the reduction of support, so communities are, to some extent, aware of the financial constraints.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn Blasts Democrats for Slow-Walking Trump Nominees, Undermining American People

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

    WASHINGTON – Today on the floor, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) blasted Senate Democrats for their historic slow-walking of Pres. Trump’s nominees and for undermining the will of the American people and expressed his view that Senate Republicans will need to consider taking steps to speed up confirmations should Democrats not relent in their obstruction. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn’s remarks are below, and video can be found here.

    “[My] Democratic colleagues here in the Senate have reflexively and mindlessly opposed President Trump’s nominees.”

    “We have confirmed 107 of them, while 147 lower-level but critical nominees are still waiting to be confirmed by the Senate.”

    “These include many ambassadors to key allies around the world that the Senate Foreign Relations Committee has voted out of Committee.”

    “To date, Senate Democrats have allowed voice votes or given unanimous consent on exactly zero of President Trump’s civilian nominees.”

    “Senate Democrats’ partisan obstruction is making our country less safe. It’s making American foreign policy less effective, and it’s ceding the field to our adversaries.”

    “If our Democratic colleagues do not relent on this needless and mindless obstruction, Senate Republicans will have to consider what additional steps we need to take in order to expedite this process.”

    “Our Democratic colleagues seem unwilling to accept the fact that President Trump actually won the election, receiving a mandate from the American people.”

    “We owe it to the American people, we owe it to President Trump, we owe it to these nominees who volunteered to serve their country to vote on these nominees without further delay.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: “Absolute Blockbuster”: New GDP Report Shows Explosive Growth in Trump’s Economy

    Source: US Whitehouse

    With U.S. economic growth surging in the second quarter, President Donald J. Trump has proven the so-called “experts” wrong once again as he presides over tame inflation, blue-collar wage growth, explosive job creation, and a “Made in America” boom.

    Here’s what they’re saying about today’s GDP report:

    Economist E.J. Antoni: “This GDP report, I mean, really, is an absolute blockbuster. It completely defies expectation. It is not only a good headline number, it has good internals, as well.”

    Economist Steve Moore: “This is an amazing number … We’re seeing lots of jobs. We’re seeing tame inflation. It is really a beautiful picture … It’s hard to see anything to complain about. I’m sure Democrats will find something they don’t like.”

    Bullseye Brief author Adam Johnson: “The GDP Price Index was only 2% and the expectation was 2.2%. In other words, we have an economy growing at 3%; we have inflation at 2%. That’s the best of both words, so I’m very positive on that report.”

    Job Creators Network CEO Alfredo Ortiz: “The U.S. economy grew by an annualized 3% in the second quarter of the year—yet another data point that supports an interest rate cut by the Fed. Trump’s three-legged stool is working: balancing trade, cutting taxes, and slashing regulations are creating an economic boom.”

    Navy Federal Credit Union Chief Economist Heather Long: “The word of the summer for the economy is ‘resilient.’”

    CNN’s Wolf Blitzer: “Welcome news for the U.S. economy.”

    CNN’s Matt Egan: “GDP, the broadest measure of the U.S. economy, it did rebound in the second quarter. Three percent — that is a solid number and it also beat expectations.”

    Benzinga’s Piero Cingari: “The U.S. economy roared back robustly in the second quarter, with gross domestic product rebounding well above expectations—offering President Donald Trump a timely economic victory to celebrate.”

    CNBC’s Joe Kernen: “This three percent, with the market at new highs and, really, we haven’t seen inflation go up … none of these ‘horrible things’ have happened.”

    CNBC’s Rick Santelli: “There’s no doubt that this is some success. We’re seeing more horsepower. We’re seeing better equities. Inflation? Inflation really hasn’t changed much in the last year or so.”

    Politico: “The surge in growth is a win for an administration that’s been battling widespread perceptions that Trump’s economic agenda is causing more harm than good … But for now, the GDP — the total value of all goods and services produced in the U.S. — is expanding at a healthy clip.”

    USA TODAY columnist Nicole Russell: “Thanks to President Donald Trump’s bold policies, it appears that the United States will avoid a recession this year − one that so many liberals were predicting only months ago. Will Democrats put politics aside and applaud as the American economy shows a strength and resilience that so many of them doubted? Probably not.”

    CBS News: “The number represents a surprising turnaround from the first three months of 2025 … The new data also shows consumers increased spending since the last quarter, with a growth of 1.4%, up from 0.5% from January to March.”

    ABC News: “The U.S. economy expanded more than expected as President Donald Trump’s tariffs took hold over recent months, federal government data on Wednesday showed … The reading amounted to sturdy economic growth, suggesting the economy has continued to avert a significant tariff-induced cooldown. A boost in consumer spending helped propel the economic surge.”

    CNBC: “The U.S. economy grew at a much stronger-than-expected pace in the second quarter, powered by a turnaround in the trade balance and renewed consumer strength.”

    Bloomberg: US Economy Rebounds With 3% GDP Growth

    The Wall Street Journal: “The U.S. economy grew at a 3.0% annual rate in the second quarter, exceeding expectations … Trump’s priorities, including tariffs and deportations, haven’t had a major [negative] economic impact thus far.”

    President Donald J. Trump: “2Q GDP JUST OUT: 3%, WAY BETTER THAN EXPECTED! ‘Too Late’ MUST NOW LOWER THE RATE. No Inflation! Let people buy, and refinance, their homes!”

    Vice President JD Vance: “Trump economy keeps defying the experts. Strong growth!”

    Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent: “Real GDP grew 3% in Q2, surpassing expectations. Consumer spending is up, and inflation is cooling. This is what an America First economy looks like, and the best is yet to come.”

    Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick: “GDP just surged to 3% and the Trump Economy has officially arrived. Biden’s first quarter is behind us, and growth is already accelerating. President Trump’s tariff policies have drawn historic investments and opened up global markets for U.S. businesses. Congratulations America: 3 percent today, and we’re just getting started.”

    Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer: “Thanks to @POTUS, working families are thriving and our economy is booming”

    National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett: “There’s really strong growth, really strong income growth, we’ve got a huge reduction in government spending … Every single thing about this GDP release has shown strength.”

    Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt: “Today, GDP growth came in above market expectations, and yesterday, consumer confidence rose. Americans trust in President Trump’s America First economic agenda that continues to prove the so-called ‘experts’ wrong. President Trump has reduced America’s reliance on foreign products, boosted investment in the US, and created thousands of jobs — delivering on his promise to Make America Wealthy Again. The data is clear and there are no more excuses, now is the time for ‘too late’ Powell to cut the rates!”

    Counselor to the Secretary of the Treasury Joseph Lavorgna: “Q2 real #GDP expands 3.0%, above consensus expectations! Passage of the #OBBB and the CapEx comeback which is already underway will power a second half boom and beyond.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: LEADER JEFFRIES STATEMENT ON HISTORIC LAWSUIT AGAINST THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

    Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries released the following statement:

    Over the last several months, the Trump administration has repeatedly and unlawfully blocked Members of Congress from carrying out oversight of potential abuses in our immigration detention system. Today, Democratic Members of Congress are fighting back with a first-of-its-kind lawsuit asserting our constitutional responsibility to serve as a check-and-balance on the executive branch and its weaponization of immigration enforcement.

    Donald Trump’s Department of Homeland Security is undermining our values as a nation of immigrants and one anchored in the rule of law. ICE and DHS have repeatedly and illegally arrested and detained American citizens and lawful permanent residents without due process. These extreme tactics, like raiding churches and schools and unleashing masked ICE agents on law-abiding communities, are extreme and unacceptable. The Trump administration is determined to hide the truth from Congress and the American people. House Democrats will not be silenced or intimidated.

    This is an all-hands-on-deck effort, and I thank my colleagues for their leadership in bringing this groundbreaking lawsuit forward, including: the Congressional Hispanic Caucus led by Chair Adriano Espaillat, the Rapid Response Task Force and Litigation Working Group helmed by Assistant Democratic Leader Joe Neguse and Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Jamie Raskin, Homeland Security Committee Ranking Member Bennie Thompson, Oversight and Government Reform Committee Ranking Member Robert Garcia, a group of the Members putting themselves on the frontline of this fight including Representatives Lou Correa, Jason Crow, Veronica Escobar, Dan Goldman, Jimmy Gomez, Raul Ruiz and Norma Torres and our partners at Democracy Forward and American Oversight. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Casten, 92 House Democrats Demand Oversight Into Humanitarian Efforts in Gaza Amid Starvation Crisis

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Sean Casten (IL-06)

    July 30, 2025

    Washington, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06) led 92 House Democrats in a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio demanding an investigation into the ownership structure and operation of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a private, unqualified U.S.-linked aid organization at the center of the worsening starvation and humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

    A copy of the letter can be found here.

    GHF is a U.S.-linked aid organization with no prior experience in humanitarian aid and operates under opaque funding arrangements. GHF received a $30 million grant from the State Department, despite significant internal objections from USAID officials that the group’s funding plan failed to meet the “minimum technical or budgetary standards.” In their letter, the lawmakers criticize the organization’s lack of qualifications, noting that neither of the private firms contracted by GHF to manage distribution sites in Gaza has prior experience in humanitarian work, nor does GHF Executive Chairman Johnnie Moore, who is a close ally of President Donald Trump.

    “We have serious concerns with the operations of GHF, a newly established, private, U.S.-linked organization with no prior humanitarian experience, and the possibility that it could become the sole or primary aid provider in Gaza,” the lawmakers wrote. “…Providing secure and efficient humanitarian assistance to Palestinians is not only a moral obligation—it is also vital to Israel’s long-term security and the safe return of Israeli hostages. Enhancing aid operations is essential to stabilizing the region and achieving lasting peace.”

    In July 2025, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, a panel developed by the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization, issued a report warning that “the worst-case scenario of Famine is currently playing out in the Gaza Strip.” Netanyahu’s blockade and GHF’s dangerously mismanaged aid sites are directly contributing to the starvation crisis.

    The lawmakers also expressed concern regarding disturbing violence at GHF distribution sites, where flawed distribution methods have caused mass panic and mass casualties.

    GHF operates only four aid distribution sites in Gaza using a reckless first-come, first-served model that has resulted in deadly chaos. At least 1,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed while attempting to access aid near GHF sites, with reports describing Israeli soldiers and U.S. contractors opening fire on desperate civilians. One former contractor said he was instructed to “shoot to kill and ask questions later.”

    “Instead of using traditional aid distribution methods, based on internationally agreed-upon humanitarian principles, GHF provides food on a first-come, first-served basis,” the lawmakers continued. “As a result, when centers open, large crowds of Palestinians rush to the centers. In these situations, there appear to be few restrictions on the use of lethal force by Israeli soldiers and American contractors in the vicinity.”

    In addition to Rep. Casten, the letter was signed by Amo, Gabe; Ansari, Yassamin; Balint, Becca; Barragán, Nanette; Bera, Ami; Bonamici, Suzanne; Brownley, Julia; Brown, Shontel; Carbajal, Salud; Carson, André; Carter, Troy; Castro, Joaquin; Chu, Judy; Cleaver, Emanuel; Cohen, Steve; Courtney, Joe; Craig, Angie; Crow, Jason; Davis, Danny; Dean, Madeleine; DeGette, Diana; DeLauro, Rosa; Deluzio, Christopher; DeSaulnier, Mark; Dexter, Maxine; Dingell, Debbie; Doggett, Lloyd; Escobar, Veronica; Fields, Cleo; Foster, Bill; Foushee, Valerie; Frost, Maxwell; Garcia, Robert; Garcia, Sylvia; Green, Al; Harder, Josh; Hayes, Jahana; Houlahan, Chrissy; Hoyle, Val; Huffman, Jared; Jackson, Jonathan; Jacobs, Sara; Johnson, Henry; Kaptur, Marcy; Keating, William; Kelly, Robin; Khanna, Ro; Larsen, Rick; Larson, John; Leger Fernandez, Teresa; Lofgren, Zoe; Lynch, Stephen; Magaziner, Seth; Matsui, Doris; McBride, Sarah; McClellan, Jennifer; McCollum, Betty; McGovern, James; Moore, Gwen; Mullin, Kevin; Nadler, Jerrold; Norton, Eleanor; Ocasio-Cortez, Alexandria; Panetta, Jimmy; Pappas, Chris; Pelosi, Nancy; Pettersen, Brittany; Pingree, Chellie; Pocan, Mark; Pressley, Ayanna; Quigley, Mike; Randall, Emily; Ruiz, Raul; Salinas, Andrea; Schakowsky, Janice; Schrier, Kim; Scott, Robert; Smith, Adam; Sorensen, Eric; Stansbury, Melanie; Swalwell, Eric; Takano, Mark; Thompson, Bennie; Thompson, Mike; Tokuda, Jill; Tonko, Paul; Trahan, Lori; Underwood, Lauren; Vasquez, Gabe; Velázquez, Nydia; Watson Coleman, Bonnie; and Williams, Nikema.

    A copy of the letter can be found here. Text of the letter can be found below.

    Dear Secretary Rubio:

    As supporters of a strong U.S.-Israel relationship and advocates for humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza, we write to seek clarity on the ownership structure and operation of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).

    More than two million people in Gaza currently face “critical levels” of hunger. We welcome efforts to facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid and share the objective of ensuring that Hamas does not divert such aid. However, we have serious concerns with the operations of GHF, a newly established, private, U.S.-linked organization with no prior humanitarian experience, and the possibility that it could become the sole or primary aid provider in Gaza. We agree that delivering aid promptly and securely is crucial. However, GHF’s practices and finances require increased transparency and oversight to ensure aid reaches the intended beneficiaries effectively, safely, and in accordance with international standards.

    On June 24, 2025, the Department of State (DOS) approved a $30 million grant for GHF. Jeremy Lewin, a current DOS official and former Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) employee, reportedly moved forward with the grant’s approval despite 58 internal objections that U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) staff experts wanted GHF to resolve before approving funding, and an assessment in a memorandum from an acting USAID official that GHF’s funding plan failed to meet required “minimum technical or budgetary standards.” As lawmakers entrusted with the authority to appropriate taxpayer funds, which were undoubtedly used for GHF’s grant, we find this troubling.

    Moreover, GHF has not published a complete list of its sponsors. Registered in Delaware in February 2025, GHF also established an office in Geneva, Switzerland (which the Swiss government has since announced is to be dissolved) with the explicit intent of accommodating donors that “prefer to participate outside of the U.S. structure.” The foundation has publicly stated that it has received at least $119 million from “other government donors.” Furthermore, despite its public denial, the Israeli government has reportedly covertly contributed approximately $280 million USD to the new aid mechanism run by GHF. Full disclosure of GHF’s funding sources is imperative.

    GHF runs four aid distribution sites in Gaza. It contracts two American private firms, Safe Reach Solutions (SRS) and UG Solutions (UGS), to provide security and logistics, with some pricing models reportedly provided by Boston Consulting Group consultants, who reportedly regularly met with Israeli officials in connection with the consultants’ role in helping develop ideas for GHF’s operations. None of the groups have prior humanitarian experience, nor does GHFExecutive Chairman Johnnie Moore, a close ally of President Trump. As a result, these distribution centers appear to operate at a reduced capacity at an exorbitant cost, significantly exceeding the current operating costs of experienced humanitarian organizations.

    We are further alarmed at the widespread violence at GHF distribution centers. As of July 23, 2025, there have reportedly been at least 1,000 people killed while trying to access critical aid near GHF sites. Instead of using traditional aid distribution methods, based on internationally agreed-upon humanitarian principles, GHF provides food on a first-come, first-served basis. As a result, when centers open, large crowds of Palestinians rush to the centers. In these situations, there appear to be few restrictions on the use of lethal force by Israeli soldiers and American contractors in the vicinity. A former security contractor stated that he was instructed, “if you feel threatened, shoot – shoot to kill and ask questions later.” GHF centers offer desperately needed lifelines to those who receive aid without experiencing violence. However, the risk of violence, long wait times, and limited aid availability appear to force hundreds of thousands to choose between risking their lives or going without food.

    The operations of the GHF sites are widely criticized by experienced humanitarian organizations as being inefficient and dangerous, and violating internationally agreed-upon humanitarian principles. Notably, GHF’s inaugural Executive Director and former Marine, Jake Wood, resigned from the organization, citing that the organization no longer aligned with “humanitarian principles.”

    Providing secure and efficient humanitarian assistance to Palestinians is not only a moral obligation—it is also vital to Israel’s long-term security and the safe return of Israeli hostages. Enhancing aid operations is essential to stabilizing the region and achieving lasting peace. To address our concerns, we respectfully request responses to the following questions no later than August 14th, 2025:

    1. From which congressionally appropriated account does DOS’s $30 million grant for the GHF originate?

    2. What specific oversight mechanisms are in place to ensure that the GHF operates in accordance with U.S. and international humanitarian law and humanitarian principles of neutrality and impartiality?

    3. The DOS reportedly stated that GHF is subject to “rigorous oversight, including of GHF’s operations and finances.”

      1. What is DOS’s role in monitoring the daily operations and financial practices of GHF, and what is the reporting mechanism?

      2. Are the GHF and the private security contractors that it partners with to distribute assistance in compliance with U.S. standards (legal, regulatory, technical, budgetary, or otherwise) for humanitarian organizations?

    4. The $30 million grant to GHF was approved despite 58 internal objections that USAID staff experts wanted GHF to resolve before approving funding, and an assessment in a memorandum from an acting USAID official that GHF’s funding plan failed to meet required ‘minimum technical or budgetary standards.’ What were the details of their objections or concerns, and why were they overridden?

    5. What makes GHF more qualified than other humanitarian organizations with years of experience and the operational expertise needed to handle such a complex situation?

      1. What makes the newly appointed Executive Chairman, Rev. Johnnie Moore Jr., a man with no prior humanitarian experience, but a close relationship with President Trump, the right person to lead GHF?

    6. What steps is the U.S. government taking to address concerns about militarization at GHF’s aid sites, particularly regarding the involvement of U.S. private contractors and Israeli security forces?

    7. Is there a formal agreement or memo of understanding between the U.S. and GHF that outlines the foundation’s operational guidelines, transparency, and accountability measures? If so, please provide a copy or summary of these terms.

    8. Was the DOS involved in the decision-making processes that led to the establishment of only four aid distribution centers in Gaza to date? If so, please provide details of that communication.

    9. GHF refuses to publish its sources of funding, including the $119 million it received from “other government donors.” What is the complete and most current list of GHF’s donors?

    10. What are the details of the contracts between GHF, its contractors, Safe Reach Solutions (SRS), UGSolutions (UGS), and its aid providers?

      1. What does GHF pay per diem for security and logistics to SRS and UGS?

      2. Where does GHF source its aid packages from? How much does it pay for them?

    11. Has the U.S. conducted any oversight or reviews of GHF’s operations in light of recent criticisms related to overcrowding, militarization, and security concerns? If so, what were the findings?

    12. The Trump Administration is reportedly considering an additional $500 million grant to GHF using USAID funds. According to U.S. law, all NGO recipients of USAID grants are subject to a responsibility determination that certifies the NGO’s “necessary management competence…and that the applicant will practice mutually agreed upon methods of accountability for funds and other assets provided by USAID.”

      1. Will this funding be approved?

      2.  If so, what account will this funding come from?

    13. What steps will be taken to conduct the required “responsibility determination” certifying GHF’s competence and accountability?

    14. What specific benefits has GHF’s aid distribution model or operations provided for U.S. and Israeli interests that the U.S. government assesses may justify some of the apparent drawbacks of the GHF model and operations?

    15. Looking ahead, what information can the Administration share about the likely roles and potential roles of GHF and other humanitarian assistance providers in Gaza, respectively, under various scenarios (ceasefire, intensified conflict, post-conflict transition)? 

      1. What are the sources of this information?

      2. What factors will the Administration use to determine whether and how to provide U.S. support to GHF and/or other providers, while actively monitoring their compliance with applicable legal and other standards?

    16. How, if at all, will GHF coordinate with other humanitarian organizations already working in Gaza? Will GHF work within the already established coordinating mechanisms, and if so, how does it plan to do so?

    Thank you for your attention to this critical matter.

    Sincerely,

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Mike Levin, Health Leaders & Patients Expose Devastating Medicaid Cuts That Threaten Access to Health Care

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Levin (CA-49)

    July 29, 2025

    Rep. Levin, health leaders & patients discuss impacts of devastating Medicaid cuts

    View full press conference here

    Vista, CA — On the eve of the 60th anniversary of Medicaid becoming law, Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49), health leaders, and patients condemned deep Medicaid and health care cuts enacted under the Republican budget law that threaten access to health care services for millions of Americans. The Republican budget will harm seniors, low-income families, and California’s health care system.

    President Trump signed into law the Republican budget, also called the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, on July 4th. The law makes the largest cuts to Medicaid in the program’s history and puts hospitals, emergency care, and Medicaid coverage at risk for nearly 15 million people, including two million people in California. The state expects billions in projected revenue losses?for health care providers, which is expected to reduce access to care. 

    “Medicaid has given millions of Americans access to care for six decades, but today, that promise is being broken,” said Rep. Levin. “This reckless law is a disaster for public health that will force millions of people off their insurance, raise premiums, and shut down hospitals and clinics. These cuts aren’t just numbers on a page, they’re real people who will lose access to life saving care and we can’t allow that to happen.” 

    The Republican budget law will:

    • Cut $1 trillion to Medicaid; 
    • Kick 15 million Americans off their health care coverage; 
    • Defund Planned Parenthood and impact over 1 million women;  
    • Increase premiums and copays for families nationwide; 
    • Impose paperwork requirements that could lock people out of coverage;  
    • Cut billions from hospital and clinics.  

    “This law rips health care away from families so billionaires can get tax breaks. We won’t stand for it, and I will continue fighting to protect Medicaid to ensure every American gets the care they deserve,” said Rep. Levin.

    Local health professionals on the ground described how the law puts critical services and patients at serious risk.   

    “At Gary and Mary West PACE, over 90% of the older adults we serve rely on Medicaid to access critical services that keep them health and independent in their homes,” said West PACE Community Engagement Director, Mary Jurgensen. “Across California, PACE programs serve nearly 22,000 seniors annually, each one counting on coordinated care, meals, therapy, and transportation that Medicaid funds support. The proposed Medicaid cuts in HR 1 threaten our ability to deliver these essential services and will place people at risk of losing access to life-sustaining care.” 

    Health leaders noted that in California, premiums are expected to soar. For those insured under Covered California, insurers are already seeking rate increases over 20%. Data from the House Budget Committee shows that more than 2 million people across California could lose health insurance, including children and seniors.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Secretary Hoskins Highlights Ongoing Election Integrity Efforts

    Source: US State of Missouri

     

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    July 30, 2025

    Secretary Hoskins Highlights Ongoing Election Integrity Efforts

    JEFFERSON CITY, MO — Secretary of State Denny Hoskins today announced the latest developments in Missouri’s ongoing commitment to ensuring accurate, secure, and transparent voter rolls, reinforcing the state’s position as a national leader in election integrity.

    “Free and fair elections begin with clean voter rolls,” said Secretary Hoskins. “That’s why Missouri conducts regular, extensive voter registration list maintenance—and we’re strengthening those efforts with powerful new tools and partnerships. I thank President Trump and his administration for taking leadership on allowing real, common sense resources for local election authorities to make strides in election integrity.”

    In 2025 alone, as of the release, Missouri’s local election authorities removed more than 195,000 outdated or ineligible voter registrations. These removals include over 4,000 individuals with felony convictions and over 43,000 confirmed deceased registrations. Please note, list maintenance is ongoing.

    Thanks to new access to federal databases—including the Department of Homeland Security’s Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program and Social Security Administration records—Missouri is now better equipped than ever to identify noncitizens and deceased individuals on the voter rolls.

    Additionally, the Secretary of State’s Office is partnering with the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Bureau of Investigations to investigate any non-citizens who have voted in Missouri. 

    The Secretary of State’s Office is also exploring memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with bordering and economically connected states to share data and enhance the accuracy of voter lists across state lines. These partnerships aim to provide additional safeguards against double registrations and unlawful voting.

    “These are not just numbers—they represent real accountability,” Hoskins said. “Behind each removal is a commitment to voter confidence, election integrity, and the rule of law. And none of it would be possible without the dedicated work of our local election authorities. Their efforts are essential to protecting our elections, and we thank them for their continued service to the people of Missouri.”

     

    About the Missouri Secretary of State’s Office

    The Missouri Secretary of State’s Office serves as a central hub for key state functions that promote transparency, security, and opportunity for all Missourians. The Office oversees the administration of fair and secure elections, registers and supports businesses, maintains and preserves state records through the State Archives, and ensures public access to government rulemaking via the Administrative Rules Division.

    Additionally, the Office protects investors through the Securities Division, supports libraries and literacy programs across the state, and administers the Safe at Home address confidentiality program for survivors of abuse and assault. With a commitment to service, accountability, and civic engagement, the Secretary of State’s Office works every day to strengthen Missouri’s government and communities.

     

    About Secretary of State Denny Hoskins

    Denny Hoskins, CPA, was elected Missouri’s 41st Secretary of State in November 2024. With a strong background in business and public service, he is committed to improving government efficiency, transparency, and supporting Missouri families. Hoskins previously served as a legislator in both the state Senate and House. He and his wife, Michelle, reside in Warrensburg and have five adult children.

     

    For more information, please contact Rachael Dunn, Director of Communications, via email at [email protected].

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Throws Support Behind Case Challenging Trump Administration’s Illegal Tariffs

    Source: US State of California

    Wednesday, July 30, 2025

    Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

    Continues fighting on all fronts for businesses and consumers 

    OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today filed an amicus brief in Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump, a lawsuit challenging the tariffs President Trump imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). In April, Attorney General Bonta and Governor Newsom filed a lawsuit challenging President Trump’s unlawful use of power to levy tariffs via over a dozen executive orders under IEEPA. In the brief filed today in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, Attorney General Bonta and Governor Newsom argue that the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia was correct in holding that the Trump Administration’s interpretation of its authority under IEEPA is incorrect, that IEEPA’s language does not provide the authority to impose tariffs, and that President Trump’s IEEPA tariffs are unlawful (and that, much like California’s own case, the plaintiffs’ case was properly filed in district court, not the Court of International Trade). The brief urges the Court of Appeals to affirm the District Court’s decision.

    “As the country braces for continuous chaos from President Trump’s illegal tariffs, standing united to fight for American consumers and businesses is more important than ever,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Today, I urge the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia to affirm the District Court’s decision that President Trump’s chaotic tariffs are unlawful — not one word in the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, the Trump Administration’s vehicle for these tariffs, authorizes tariffs. These illegal tariffs will affect everything from the cost of essential household items like food and toilet paper to the cost of housing. The tariff chaos is a man-made crisis, and California families and industries will pay the price.”

    The case in question involves two family-owned educational-toy companies challenging the Trump Administration’s tariffs under IEEPA. In May, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia denied the Trump Administration’s motion to transfer the case to the Court of International Trade and instead retained jurisdiction, held that IEEPA does not authorize tariffs and that the Trump Administration’s IEEPA tariffs were unlawful, and granted the plaintiffs’ motion for an injunction. In the brief, Attorney General Bonta agrees and argues that the Court of Appeals should affirm the District Court’s well-reasoned decision. 

    Attorney General Bonta is committed to challenging the illegal tariffs that threaten California jobs, businesses, and consumers and has held roundtables in San Francisco and Los Angeles to learn about the impact of tariffs on California industry.

    On April 16, Attorney General Bonta and Governor Newsom filed a lawsuit challenging President Trump’s unlawful use of IEEPA to impose tariffs without the consent of Congress. In May, California filed a motion for a preliminary injunction with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California to stop the Trump Administration’s illegal tariffs while litigation in its case proceeds and filed an amicus brief in the Court of International Trade in Oregon v. Trump, another case also challenging President Trump’s illegal imposition of tariffs. In June, a judge granted California’s request for dismissal to allow the state to appeal its case challenging the Trump Administration’s illegal tariffs after the Administration asked that the case be transferred to the Court of International Trade — a motion that California opposed. The dismissal kept the case in California and allowed California to appeal to the Ninth Circuit. California’s case remains ongoing.

    A copy of the amicus brief can be found here.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner Joins Legislative Effort to Publicly Release Epstein Files

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) today joined his colleagues in introducing the Epstein Files Transparency Act, legislation directing the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to publicly release all files relating to the investigation of Jeffrey Epstein and his associates. 

    “President Trump promised transparency and accountability, but what we got instead was more secrecy and flimsy excuses,” said Sen. Warner. “The American people deserve to know the full truth about Jeffrey Epstein and the individuals who enabled his horrifying crimes.”

    The Epstein Files Transparency Act will require the Attorney General to release all relevant Department of Justice documents and records relating to Jeffrey Epstein. This bill directs the Department of Justice, including the FBI and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, to release materials related to:

    • Investigations and prosecutions of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell;
    • Flight logs, travel records, and other transportation data;
    • Individuals and entities connected to Epstein’s activities and immunity deals;
    • Internal DOJ communications and decisions not to prosecute;
    • Records surrounding Epstein’s detention and death.

    Importantly, the legislation includes strong protections for victims’ privacy and national security, while explicitly prohibiting redactions based on reputational harm or political sensitivity. A copy of the legislation is available here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner and Colleagues Release Joint Statement to Raise Alarm about President Trump’s Steep Concessions to Beijing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner

    WASHINGTON – Today, Senate Intelligence Committee Vice Chairman Mark Warner (D-Va.), Ranking Senate Defense Appropriator Chris Coons (D-Del.), Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Senate Appropriations Vice Chair Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Senate Armed Services Ranking Member Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations Ranking Member Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Senate Foreign Relations Committee member Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Senate Foreign Relations Committee member Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Senate Armed Services Committee member Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Senate Intelligence Committee member Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Senate Armed Services Committee member Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), and Senate Subcommittee on National Security and International Trade and Finance Ranking Member Andy Kim (D-N.J.) released the following statement about public reporting that President Trump is pausing export controls on critical technology sold to China as part of an effort to secure a trade deal with Beijing: 

    “President Trump has spent the past six months eroding our advantages over China, but recent developments make clear how willing his administration is to sacrifice American economic and technological leadership for symbolic “wins” with China in its self-inflicted trade war. 

    “In just the last two days, we have seen reporting that the Trump administration has cancelled a long-planned high-level security dialogue with Taiwan and denied the president of Taiwan the ability to transit the United States—a longstanding tradition respected by administrations of both parties. These developments come right on the heels of a decision to pave the way for the sale of advanced AI chips to China and to freeze export controls on additional American technologies enabling them to now flow to China, even as Beijing tightens export controls on the United States. Independent media reports today suggest these moves are an attempt to secure trade concessions, curry favor with President Xi Jinping, and ensure President Trump gets a visit to China. The president is demonstrating to Beijing that he can be cajoled into giving up America’s core interests.

    “In the face of lackluster domestic economic forecasts and anemic interest from Beijing in achieving a real breakthrough in talks, President Trump and his economic team have ceded leverage and negotiating power to Beijing in a desperate attempt to lure President Xi to a meeting with President Trump. Even more dangerously, they risk putting American national security, technological advantage, and economic prosperity on the chopping block in order to do so. 

    “President Trump is handing our primary geopolitical adversary the keys to the castle of 21st century global technological dominance. Doing so will enable Chinese leadership in artificial intelligence, infusing the Chinese military with the technological advantage it needs to continue hostile operations across the globe. He is signaling his ambivalence about standing with Taiwan, our long-term partner in the region and a powerhouse of the global economy. And he is emboldening Beijing to take aggressive actions and seek even more aggressive concessions in whatever trade negotiations may follow.

    “President Trump and this administration must reset their dangerously weak approach to China and make clear they will no longer accept symbolic wins in exchange for steep American concessions. An administration convinced it can renegotiate the world order needs to stop negotiating against itself.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: On Anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid, Warner and Kaine Introduce Bill to Repeal Health Care Provisions in Republican “Big Ugly Bill”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner

    WASHINGTON – Today, on the 60th anniversary of the Medicare and Medicaid programs, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, (both D-VA) introduced legislation to repeal the health care provisions in President Donald Trump and Republicans’ ‘Big, Ugly Bill’ and permanently extend the Affordable Care Act’s enhanced tax credits, which expire at the end of the year. The law, which Warner and Kaine strongly opposed, will result in more than 15 million people losing their health insurance under Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act and many rural hospitals losing federal funding from Medicaid, putting them at risk of closure. 

    “In the 60 years since President Johnson signed the law that established Medicare and Medicaid, millions of Americans have been able to access the health care they need. Sadly, instead of strengthening these programs, President Trump and Republicans’ ‘Big, Ugly Bill’ will do the opposite and kick people off their health insurance under Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act,” said the senators. “We will all be better off if more people can access health insurance, and that’s why we’re proud to join our colleagues in introducing legislation to repeal the health care changes in the disastrous Republican law and extend the Affordable Care Act’s enhanced tax credits so Virginians can continue to access care.”

    The Republican law makes massive cuts to health care, nutrition assistance, and other critical programs that Virginians rely on in order to cut taxes for the ultra-wealthy. While the bill was being considered in the Senate, Warner and Kaine introduced a series of amendments in an attempt to improve the legislation, but Republicans blocked them.

    78,000 Virginians will lose access to some benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and Virginia will be required to contribute an estimated $263 million annually in state cost-share for benefits, which have always been fully federally funded. The law jeopardizes clean energy jobs in Virginia by phasing out clean energy and energy efficiency tax credits and incentives that were passed in the Inflation Reduction Act. The law gives the top 0.1% a $250,000 tax cut and makes it harder for students to access student loans. The legislation also includes $85 million to move the Space Shuttle Discovery from the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia to Houston, Texas; the full cost to move the space shuttle is estimated to be $300-$400 million.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: WATCH: On Medicaid Day of Action, Rep. Jim Costa Sounds the Alarm on Deep Cuts to Valley Clinics and Hospitals

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

    FRESNO, Calif. – On Medicaid Day of Action, Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) and healthcare leaders from United Health Centers of the San Joaquin Valley warned of the devastating impacts the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill” will have on clinics, hospitals, and patients in the Central Valley.

    Earlier this month, Donald Trump and House Republicans enacted the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” more like the “One Big Ugly Bill.” Costa voted against the law, which slashes more than $1 trillion from Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Medicare, and the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the largest healthcare cuts in U.S. history. As a result, 17 million Americans are expected to lose Medicaid coverage, including 247,384 people across the San Joaquin Valley.Medicaid cuts will devastate the United Health Centers of the San Joaquin Valley, where nearly 60% of the 180,000 patients served across 37 clinics in Fresno, Kings, and Tulare counties rely on Medicaid (Medi-Cal). Losing this funding means fewer doctors, longer wait times, emergency rooms (ERs) overwhelmed, and could lead to potential closures.
    Key Excerpts from Congressman Costa’s Remarks:“Medicaid payments to hospitals will be reduced by $665 billion. On average, rural hospitals are estimated to lose 21¢ out of every dollar they receive from Medicaid funding. So even if you’re not on Medicaid (Medi-Cal) and you have your own separate insurance, you’re going to see the impacts because these healthcare facilities need to figure out how to continue providing their full services with less funding. This could result in a reduction of staff, longer emergency room delays, and wait times,”said Congressman Costa.“I can tell you we’re already trying to do a lot with not enough. Almost seventy percent of our patients here are on Medicaid (Medi-Cal). If this safety net is weakened, the things that many of us take advantage of every day, simple things such as prenatal care, cancer screenings, pediatric visits, and lifesaving medications. Those things can go away for many of our patients,”said Justin Preas, CEO of the UnitedHealth Centers of the San Joaquin Valley.  “Often, we see in the [San Joaquin] Valley, kids with asthma exacerbations. Medicaid is what helps families afford these inhalers and medications that keep kids out of the hospital, threatened with cuts to Medicaid (Medi-Cal). If Medicaid (Medi-Cal) funding is cut, we will see a rise in preventable ER visits, untreated chronic disease, a rise in preventable cancers through early detection programs, and overall worse outcomes in our patients and in the community. These are real clinical consequences with long-term effects. As a physician, I can’t stand by while access to care is being threatened, and I know my colleagues across the state feel the same,”said Dr. Sharareh Shabafrooz, Associate Medical Director.Watch Congressman Costa’s full remarks HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Acting Chairman Pham Lauds Presidential Working Group Recommendations to Usher in Golden Age of Crypto in the U.S.

    Source: US Commodity Futures Trading Commission

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — The President’s Working Group on Digital Asset Markets today released a multi-agency report on recommendations to strengthen American leadership in digital financial technology. The report included input from multiple federal agencies, including the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.
    “Under President Trump’s leadership, the federal government is outlining a long-overdue roadmap to embrace cutting-edge technology that will revolutionize financial services, empower entrepreneurs, and once again cement American dominance as the cradle of innovation.
    “I want to thank President Trump for taking decisive action to prioritize digital assets and write a new chapter in American ingenuity and global competitiveness. I also want to thank Special Advisor on AI and Crypto David Sacks, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Attorney General Pam Bondi, Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Paul Atkins, Working Group Executive Director Bo Hines, all the members of the President’s working group, their staffs and all who worked so diligently to make this possible. I particularly want to thank Meghan Tente, Brigitte Weyls and Harry Jung from the CFTC.
    “This report represents a unified approach under the Trump Administration to usher in a golden age of crypto, and the CFTC stands ready to fulfill our mission to promote responsible innovation, safeguard our markets and ensure they remain the envy of the world.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: On the 60th Anniversary of the Creation of Medicaid and Medicare, Luján, Leader Schumer, and Senate Democrats Introduce Legislation to Reverse Devastating Health Care Cuts in Republicans’ Budget Betrayal 

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Senator for New Mexico Ben Ray Luján

    WATCH HERE: Senator Luján Delivers Floor Speech on Effort to Reverse Devastating Health Care Cuts in Republicans’ Budget Betrayal

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), along with Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Ranking Member of the Finance Committee, U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Ranking Member of the Budget Committee, U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), led their Senate Democratic colleagues in introducing the Protecting Health Care And Lowering Costs Act.

    This legislation would reverse all of the health care cuts in the “Big, Ugly Betrayal,” including those to Medicaid, and would permanently extend the ACA premium tax credits. After Republicans passed legislation earlier this month that would kick nearly 15 million people off their health insurance and totals more than one trillion dollars in health care cuts, Senate Democrats are fighting back and pushing to reverse these devastating cuts and extend tax credits to make health care affordable.

    Today marks 60 years since Medicaid and Medicare was created on a bipartisan basis as a promise to the American people that we would stick by the poorest and most disadvantaged among us and take care of the elderly who paid into a system their whole lives. Democrats will be crisscrossing the country to make sure that the American people know it is Congressional Republicans who are reneging on that promise, ripping away health care from millions so they can give tax cuts to billionaires.

    “Sixty years after Medicare and Medicaid opened the door to health care for millions, Congressional Republicans slammed it shut with their Budget Betrayal – ripping coverage from 15 million Americans, including over 100,000 New Mexicans,” said Senator Luján. “Their cuts target children, families, and seniors who depend on Medicaid to survive, and could force rural clinics and hospitals to close their doors. While Republicans gut health care, Senate Democrats are fighting to restore it and protect the people we represent.”

    “For many, the “Big, Ugly Betrayal” is quite literally a matter of life and death. Too many will now have to make the heartbreaking decision between financial ruin and going without care. Already the effects of this bill are being felt. Already hospitals and health care systems are in jeopardy because of this legislation that passed just mere weeks ago,” said Leader Schumer. “Let’s be crystal clear: to pay for tax cuts for billionaires, millions of people are going to lose their health care. That’s the Republicans agenda right there. Well not on our watch. Democrats are fighting this tooth and nail. And today we are proud to introduction legislation which would reverse these devastating cuts and permanently extend the ACA premium tax credits. It is not too late for the Republicans to reverse course and save healthcare for millions.”

    “Trump and Republicans in Congress have been actively misleading the American public. Americans were never told that this flawed bill will punch a hole in a lot more than Medicaid,” said Senator Wyden, Ranking Member of the Finance Committee. “There is simply no way to cut more than $1 trillion from the health care system without taking a deep toll on Americans of all stripes from coast to coast. The more Americans hear about this bill, the less they like it. It’s time to scrap Trumpcare and put America back on a path to affordable health care.”

    “If Affordable Care Act enhanced premium tax credits expire at the end of the year, 20 million Americans will see their health care costs skyrocket at a time when they’re already struggling with increased prices. That pain will be felt almost immediately,” said Senator Shaheen. “That’s on top of the unprecedented health care cuts to Medicaid that were passed in the ‘Big Beautiful Betrayal’. We need to take action now to permanently extend those tax credits so that people know they can count on them.”

    “Congressional Republicans betrayed hardworking families earlier this month when they chose to stand with billionaires by gutting Medicaid and kicking more than 15 million people off their health insurance,” said Senator Merkley, Ranking Member of the Senate Budget Committee. “Republicans have the opportunity to right this wrong by supporting our bill that will reverse these devastating cuts and prevent health care costs from skyrocketing across the country. On this 60th Anniversary of the enactment of Medicaid and Medicare, Democrats are fighting for an economy where families thrive and billionaires finally pay their fair share.”

    The entire Democratic caucus has signed on to co-sponsor the legislation.

    The legislation has been endorsed by American Civil Liberties Union, AFL-CIO. American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), AFT: Education, Healthcare, Public Services, All* Above All , Alliance for Retired Americans, American Association on Health and Disability, American Heart Association, American Nurses Association, Autistic Self Advocacy Network, ACLU, Can’t Wait Coalition, Care in Action, Caring Across Generations, Center for American Progress, Center for Medicare Advocacy, CEO Commission for Disability Employment, Children’s Hospital Association, Communication Workers of America, Community Catalyst, Disability Policy Consortium, Disability Rights and Defense Fund, Diverse Elders Coalition (DEC), FamiliesUSA, First Focus for Children, Guttmacher Institute, Health Care for America Now, Ibis Reproductive Health, Justice in Aging, Kids Can’t Wait, Lakeshore Foundation, Little Lobbysists, MoveOn.org, National Abortion Federation, National Alliance for Caregiving, National Alliance for Direct Service Professionals, National Alliance on Mental Illness, National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum, National Council of Jewish Women, National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare (NCPSSM), National Disability Rights Network, National Domestic Workers Alliance, National Hispanic Council on Aging, National Health Law Program (NHeLP), National Immigration Law Center, National Partnership for Women & Families, National Women’s Law Center, Physicians for Reproductive Health, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Protect Our Care, Public Citizens, SEIU, Social Security Works, The Arc of the United States, UNIDOS US, United Mine Workers of America, Vizient, Inc., Well Spouse Association, Healthcare Association of New York and Texas Kids Can’t Wait.

    The full text of the legislation can be seen here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tonko Demands DHS Restore Funding for UAlbany Mesonet Weather Detection Program

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Paul Tonko (Capital Region New York)

    ALBANY, NY — Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20), along with Representatives John Mannion (NY-22) and Joe Morelle (NY-25) today sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem urging the Trump Administration reverse its decision to terminate funding for the Exploiting Mesonet for Emergency Preparedness and Response to Weather Extremes (EMPOWER) project.

    In 2023, the DHS awarded the University at Albany $3 million for this grant project to improve emergency management and deliver accurate, real-time forecasting for severe weather. But, earlier this month, that funding was abruptly terminated.

    “Developed in partnership between DHS’s Science and Technology Directorate and the University at Albany, EMPOWER is exactly the kind of forward-looking, science-based emergency management program our nation needs as extreme weather, and natural disasters grow more frequent, intense, and deadly,” the lawmakers write.

    The letter continues, “At the core of EMPOWER’s success is the New York State Mesonet, a state-of-the-art network of 127 weather stations that supplements National Weather Service observations. This is a moment that demands leadership and bold investment in resilience. In just the past few weeks, catastrophic flooding in Texas and record-setting heat across the country have underscored the urgency of strengthening our preparedness. Cutting off funding for a proven emergency response program amid an escalating climate crisis is not just short-sighted, it is dangerous.

    “The stakes are simply too high to abandon tools and technologies that can help save lives.”

    For years, Tonko has worked to strengthen and support the nation’s weather preparedness. Last Congress, he introduced the bipartisan National Mesonet Authorization Act alongside Representative Stephanie Bice (R-OK), legislation that would increase the overall coverage and accuracy of our current National Mesonet program.

    Earlier this month, UAlbany sent a letter inviting DHS Secretary Noem to visit the campus and tour their facilities to lean more about how the university’s essential research supports DHS’s work and mission. UAlbany also sent a letter to the New York congressional delegation requesting support from members in helping to reinstate a $3 million DHS research grant.

    The full letter to DHS Secretary Noem can be found HERE or below:

    Dear Secretary Noem,

    We write to express our strong objection to the Department of Homeland Security’s decision to terminate funding for the Exploiting Mesonets for Emergency Preparedness and Response to Weather Extremes (EMPOWER) project. This action not only undermines years of progress in public safety and emergency preparedness, but it also puts lives at risk. We ask you to reverse this decision and reinstate the $3 million grant supporting this initiative without delay.

    Developed in partnership between DHS’s Science and Technology Directorate and the University at Albany, EMPOWER is exactly the kind of forward-looking, science-based emergency management program our nation needs as extreme weather, and natural disasters grow more frequent, intense, and deadly. It provides emergency managers and first responders with real[1]time, localized data to improve decision-making and response times, giving communities a better chance to prepare for and withstand extreme weather events.

    At the core of EMPOWER’s success is the New York State Mesonet, a state-of-the-art network of 127 weather stations that supplements National Weather Service observations. The Mesonet fills gaps in our national monitoring infrastructure and provides the high-resolution, real-time data that emergency response systems increasingly depend on.

    This is a moment that demands leadership and bold investment in resilience. In just the past few weeks, catastrophic flooding in Texas and record-setting heat across the country have underscored the urgency of strengthening our preparedness. Cutting off funding for a proven emergency response program amid an escalating climate crisis is not just short-sighted, it is dangerous.

    For a modest federal investment, EMPOWER is delivering high-impact results. This administration has emphasized the importance of supporting state and local partners in disaster preparedness EMPOWER embodies that collaboration, demonstrating how strategic partnerships between federal science agencies, academia, and state governments can produce innovative, life-saving solutions.

    We urge you to reinstate full funding for the EMPOWER initiative and ensure that the University at Albany and its partners can continue advancing this critical work. The stakes are simply too high to abandon tools and technologies that can help save lives.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto, Colleagues Call for Expansion of Humanitarian Aid in Gaza and Resumption of Efforts to Secure a Ceasefire

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) joined a broad group of 39 senators, led by U.S. Senators Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), in expressing unified alarm about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, calling for the large-scale expansion of humanitarian aid, and urging the Trump administration to resume diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire agreement, bring the hostages home, and end the war.

    “The acute humanitarian crisis in Gaza is […] unsustainable and worsens by the day,” wrote the senators. “Hunger and malnutrition are widespread, and, alarmingly, deaths due to starvation, especially among children, are increasing. The ‘Gaza Humanitarian Foundation’ has failed to address the deepening humanitarian crisis and contributed to an unacceptable and mounting civilian death toll around the organization’s sites. To prevent the situation from getting even worse, we urge you to advocate for a large-scale expansion of humanitarian assistance.”

    The letter, sent to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, emphasizes that a diplomatic pathway exists to end the war, bring home Israeli hostages, ensure Hamas can no longer pose a serious military threat to Israel, and achieve a resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

    The senators also affirmed their opposition to the permanent forced displacement of the Palestinian people, which would be contrary to international humanitarian law and a sustainable and lasting peace.

    “We ask that the Administration make this clear as it seeks an end to the war,” the senators concluded. “We stand in strong support of diplomatic efforts to return all hostages, end the fighting in Gaza, and bring humanitarian relief for the safety and prosperity of the Israeli and the Palestinian people.”

    The full text of the letter can be found here.

    Senator Cortez Masto has consistently supported Israel’s right to defend itself and has strongly advocated for a two-state solution to end the decades of violence in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict. Following Hamas’s terrorist attack on October 7th, 2023, she called on President Biden to do everything in his power to bring home the hostages and deliver vital humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians. She also urged the Biden administration to crack down on the financing of international terrorist organizations, including Iran’s state sponsorship of terrorism.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: New Hampshire Congressional Delegation Marks 60th Anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Maggie Hassan

    (Washington, DC) – U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), alongside U.S. Representatives Chris Pappas (NH-01) and Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), released the following statement marking the 60th anniversary of the establishment of Medicare and Medicaid:

    “On this momentous 60th year of Medicare and Medicaid, we should be recognizing the success of these two programs in helping Granite Staters access and afford life-saving health care. Instead, families, older adults, people living with disabilities and health care providers across New Hampshire are bracing for disaster as the largest cuts to health care in American history take effect.

    “Under Congressional Republicans’ and President Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Betrayal’ tens of thousands of Granite Staters are going to have their health care ripped away, thousands more are going to face higher costs and too many rural hospitals and nursing homes are going to be forced to close their doors. All to help fund deficit-exploding tax giveaways for the wealthiest Americans.

    “We need to do everything possible to defend against these attacks on the health and economic security of our constituents. And instead of raising costs for families, Congressional Republicans should be working to lower costs for families. That includes fighting to preserve Medicare and Medicaid to ensure that 60 years from now, these programs are still helping Granite Staters access necessary and often life-saving care.”

    Under the “Big Beautiful Betrayal” that was recently signed into law by President Trump, health care costs are expected to skyrocket while more than 15 million Americans are expected to lose health care coverage—including approximately 46,000 Granite Staters—due to cuts to Medicare and Medicaid.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Baldwin Calls for Large-Scale Increase of Humanitarian Aid in Gaza and Diplomatic Efforts to End the War

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) joined 43 of her Senate colleagues to express unified alarm about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, call for the large-scale expansion of humanitarian aid, and urge the Trump Administration to resume diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire agreement and end the war.

    “The acute humanitarian crisis in Gaza is also unsustainable and worsens by the day. Hunger and malnutrition are widespread, and, alarmingly, deaths due to starvation, especially among children, are increasing,” the Senators wrote in a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff. “The ‘Gaza Humanitarian Foundation’ has failed to address the deepening humanitarian crisis and contributed to an unacceptable and mounting civilian death toll around the organization’s sites. To prevent the situation from getting even worse, we urge you to advocate for a large-scale expansion of humanitarian assistance.”

    The letter underscores the remaining viable pathway that would end the war, bring home Israeli hostages, ensure Hamas can no longer pose a serious military threat to Israel, and achieve a diplomatic resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

    The Senators also affirm their opposition to the permanent forced displacement of the Palestinian people, which would be contrary to international humanitarian law and a sustainable and lasting peace.

    “We ask that the Administration make this clear as it seeks an end to the war,” the Senators wrote. “We stand in strong support of diplomatic efforts to return all hostages, end the fighting in Gaza, and bring humanitarian relief for the safety and prosperity of the Israeli and the Palestinian people.”

    The letter was led by U.S. Senators Adam Schiff (D-CA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and Jacky Rosen (D-NV), and co-signed by 39 other Senators in addition to Senator Baldwin.

    The full text of the letter can be found here and below.

    Dear Secretary Rubio and Special Envoy Witkoff:

    With recent efforts to secure a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas being unsuccessful, the situation in Gaza remains perilous. Efforts to secure an agreement are as critical and urgent as ever and we urge the resumption of good-faith talks as quickly as possible. While we appreciate that additional aid is beginning to enter Gaza, the humanitarian situation remains dire. Yet there still remains a viable pathway to end this war, bring home Israeli hostages, and achieve a diplomatic resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

    The Israeli hostages, held in Gaza by Hamas since their brutal attack on Israel on October 7th, have suffered far too long, as have their families. It is imperative that those still living be brought home as soon as possible, before more perish as the war drags on. And it is essential that the remains of those presumed killed – including Americans Omer Neutra and Itay Chen – be reunited with their loved ones. After many months of despair, it is long past time to bring all of the hostages home.

    The acute humanitarian crisis in Gaza is also unsustainable and worsens by the day. Hunger and malnutrition are widespread, and, alarmingly, deaths due to starvation, especially among children, are increasing. The “Gaza Humanitarian Foundation” has failed to address the deepening humanitarian crisis and contributed to an unacceptable and mounting civilian death toll around the organization’s sites. To prevent the situation from getting even worse, we urge you to advocate for a large-scale expansion of humanitarian assistance and services throughout the Gaza Strip, including through the use of experienced multilateral bodies and NGOs that can get life-saving aid directly to those in need and prevent diversion.

    Beyond a negotiated ceasefire, a permanent end to this war will also require an end to Hamas rule in Gaza and ensuring that Hamas can no longer pose a serious military threat to Israel. We reaffirm our strong support for continued U.S.-led diplomacy with Israel, Palestinian leaders, and other partners in the Middle East in pursuit of the long-term goal of a negotiated two-state solution with Israelis and Palestinians living side by side in lasting peace, security, dignity, and mutual recognition.

    Finally, we write to underscore our strong opposition to the permanent forced displacement of the Palestinian people. This would be antithetical to international humanitarian law, to a sustainable end to this war that prioritizes the long-term safety and security of Israelis and Palestinians alike, to achieving a lasting peace in the Middle East, and expanding the Abraham Accords. We ask that the Administration make this clear as it seeks an end to the war.

    We stand in strong support of diplomatic efforts to return all hostages, end the fighting in Gaza, and bring humanitarian relief for the safety and prosperity of the Israeli and the Palestinian people.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy champions resolution encouraging NATO members to meet their five percent defense spending commitments

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)

    WASHINGTON – Senator John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today introduced a resolution urging North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member countries to fulfill their commitments to spend five percent of their GDP on defense. He emphasizes the importance of sincerity in fulfilling these obligations, noting that some countries, such as Spain, have refused to meet the five percent commitment, demanding a carveout. Spain struggled to even meet their two percent defense spending target. All NATO members must take this commitment seriously to strengthen our collective security. 

    “NATO is one of the greatest defensive alliances in all of human history. My resolution commends our allies for their commitment to allocate five percent of their GDP to our shared defense and strongly encourages them to fulfill their promises in good faith. If we want to deter our adversaries, we need real investments in our defense, not bridges that have little, if anything, to do with national security,” said Kennedy.

    Sens. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Ted Budd (R-N.C.) and Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) cosponsored the bill.

    “Now more than ever, the New Axis of Evil is threatening the security of free nations, and every NATO member country needs to spend their fair share to keep our adversaries from accomplishing their goals. Our resolution urges all NATO members to fulfill their obligation to spend 5% of GDP on defense and address the security risks we are facing,” said Blackburn.

    “It’s past time for NATO members to pony up. It’s not the job of the American taxpayers to pay to defend the entire world. Thank God for President Trump who is finally standing up for American taxpayers and fighting to put America First,” said Tuberville.

    “NATO members agree: Deterrence is more important now than at any time in recent memory. The axis of aggressors is watching, hoping the West underestimates its threats. I am grateful for the Hague Summit Declaration’s spending commitment, and I will continue pressing member nations to follow through on their word. The free world can achieve peace through collective strength,” said Wicker.

    “Conflicts in Europe and the Middle East and tensions in the Indo-Pacific threaten our global stability and security. It’s critical for NATO nations to honor their commitments on national defense, ensuring military readiness within the NATO alliance,” said Cornyn.

    Kennedy also penned an op-ed in Newsweek, arguing that Congress needs to hold NATO member countries to their five percent defense spending commitments.

    Background:

    • The Trump Administration secured a historic win by encouraging NATO member countries to move toward spending 5 percent of their GDP on collective defense. 
    • However, the Hague Summit Declaration allows countries to evade their commitments in two ways: (1) by not specifying that all allies must meet the five percent requirement, and (2) by permitting 1.5 percent of the total to include spending that is only loosely related to defense.  
    • Spain has recently said that it will not be meeting the five-percent commitment. Italy has said it may include a bridge to Sicily as part of its non-traditional defense total.

    The resolution:

    • Congratulates President Trump and NATO leadership on this historic agreement.
    • Strongly urges NATO leadership to compel its members to adhere to the five percent commitment.
    • Calls on NATO allies to ensure their non-traditional defense expenditures are legitimate defense spending.

    The full text of the resolution is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Delivers Opening Statement At Spotlight Forum Examining Trump Administration’s Voter Suppression Efforts

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    July 30, 2025

    Today’s spotlight forum comes after Durbin and Padilla led all Senate Democrats in reintroducing the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today delivered an opening statement at his and U.S. Senator Alex Padilla’s (D-CA) spotlight forum entitled “Protecting the Future of American Democracy: Fighting a Surge in Voter Suppression.” Today’s spotlight forum examined the recent surge in voter suppression by Republican state legislatures and the Trump Administration, ranging from attempts to purge voter rolls to the push to invalidate the results of the 2024 North Carolina State Supreme Court election through targeted disenfranchisement of voters after they had cast their ballots.

     

    Today’s spotlight forum comes after Durbin and U.S. Senator Reverand Raphael Warnock (D-GA) led all Senate Democrats in reintroducing the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, legislation that would update and restore critical safeguards of the original Voting Rights Act.

     

    Key quotes:

    “We are here today because the sacred right to vote in America is under attack. Republican elected officials—and now federal institutions under the Trump Administration—are attempting to further restrict access to the ballot under the false banner of ‘election integrity.’ Most disturbingly, some of these efforts are being carried out or enabled by the very government entities charged with protecting that right.”

    “This betrayal is deliberate. It is strategic. It is eroding the foundation of our democracy. Let me be clear. There is no longer a functioning federal entity actively safeguarding your right to vote.”

    “The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, once the proud defender of voting access for communities of color, military service members, rural voters, and people with disabilities, has turned inward. Under a reimagined mission, aligned with MAGA politics and driven by the lies of widespread voter fraud, the Division’s Voting Section has completely abdicated its role in confronting the real and rising tide of disenfranchisement.”

    “Look at North Carolina, where there was an aggressive, though thankfully unsuccessful, attempt to discard valid ballots and overturn an election after Justice Allison Riggs—now a member of the state’s highest court and a witness here today— finally won her seat.”

    “Look at our federal agencies. The Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security are making demands for voter rolls from multiple states to initiate voter roll purges. These efforts, made under the guise of combating fraud, will disproportionately endanger voters of color, low-income communities, and active-duty military personnel.”

    “What we are witnessing today is not a series of isolated misjudgments. This is a coordinated effort—emboldened by the myth of the stolen 2020 election—to restrict access to the polls through redistricting, voter roll purges, and legislative barriers.”

    “We must treat this effort to erode our democracy with the urgency it demands. Yesterday, I joined Senators Warnock, Schumer, Blumenthal, Booker, [and Padilla], in reintroducing the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. This legislation would restore and strengthen preclearance protections gutted by the Supreme Court in 2013 and reestablish meaningful federal oversight of voting laws in jurisdictions with a history of discrimination.”

    “The last time the Voting Rights Act was reauthorized, the Senate unanimously passed the legislation… This year marks the sixtieth anniversary of the passage of the original Voting Rights Act, and 20 years since its last reauthorization—and unfortunately, the bipartisan support we once saw for protecting the most fundamental of our rights has disappeared.”

    “Have we forgotten Selma? Have we forgotten that people bled on the bridge and others lost their lives so that all Americans could have the freedom to cast their ballot without intimidation and baseless, discriminatory restrictions?”

    “We must act—not just to protect the future, but to honor the legacy of those who fought to secure the ballot. History is watching, and it will not be kind to silence.”

    Video of Durbin’s opening statement is available here.

    Audio of Durbin’s opening statement is available here.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Questions Judicial Nominees During Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    July 30, 2025

    Durbin’s questions provided the nominees a chance to clarify their controversial positions and past remarks before the Committee

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today questioned witnesses during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on the nominations of Joshua Dale Dunlap, nominated to be a United States Circuit Judge for the First Circuit; Eric Chunyee Tung, nominated to be a United States Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit; William Walter Mercer, nominated to be a United States District Judge for the District of Montana; and Stephen Chad Meredith, nominated to be a United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Kentucky.

     

    Durbin first asked Mr. Tung to clarify his commentary on gender roles and LGBTQ+ rights. Just months ago, in remarks for a Federalist Society event, Mr. Tung defended originalism and wrote, “Whether there’s a constitutional right to abortion, same-sex marriage, sodomy, pornography, transgender procedures — the answer for the originalist is simple: No.”

     

    “You seem to be questioning landmark Supreme Court decisions like Lawrence v. Texas and Obergefell [v. Hodges.] Let me ask you point blank: do you believe there’s a constitutional right formarriage for same-sex couples?” Durbin asked.

    Mr. Tung responded only that if confirmed as a circuit judge, he would “be bound” by the precedent in the Supreme Court’s ruling.

     

    “What do you believe now [in regard to gender roles?]” Durbin asked.

     

    Mr. Tung dodged the question by stating that he could not comment on “live issues” as a judicial nominee.”

     

    Durbin responded, “See that is where we run into problems. When we get down to basic values and positions, we know what he [wrote] years ago. I asked him what he believes today, and he tells me he can’t tell me the answer because he is possibly going to be on the bench. So, it’s very difficult to really understand where you stand on this situation.”

     

    Durbin then asked Mr. Dunlap about minors’ abortion rights. In March 2015, Mr. Dunlap submitted written testimony to the Maine Legislature in support of a bill that would have made it more difficult forminors and incapacitated people to access abortions. The bill he supported sought to change Maine law which does not require minors to obtain the consent of a parent or guardian before having an abortion.

     

    “Should a minor who is sexually assaulted or a victim of incest be forced to give birth if her parents do not consent to her having an abortion? Durbin asked.

    Mr. Dunlap would not directly answer but claimed that his own views would not be relevant if he is confirmed to the bench and that he would “faithfully” abide by binding precedent.

     

    “Let me ask you: are you saying what you said [in] March 2015 is the same position you hold today or a different one?” Durbin asked.

     

    Mr. Dunlap again said his personal views are not applicable if confirmed as a judge.

     

    What about Obergefell? Durbin asked.

    Mr. Dunlap responded, “that would be binding precedent should I be confirmed.”

     

    Durbin then asked Mr. Tung about his affiliation with Mike Davis, the president of the right-wing Article III Project. According to public reporting, Mr. Davis has played a key role in advising President Trump on judicial nominations during his second term.

     

    “Is he [Mike Davis] your friend?” Durbin asked.

     

    To which Mr. Tung replied that they are friends.

     

    “Have you had any conversations regarding your nomination before President Trump announced it on July 2? Durbin asked.

     

    “Just simply that it happened, Senator,” Mr. Tung responded.

     

    Durbin then asked about Mr. Davis’s overtly racist remarks. In an October 2023 social media post, Mr. Davis wrote “[t]he violent Black underclass is a danger to America” and “[t]hese monsters will kill.”

     

    “Do you condemn this offensive statement by Mr. Davis?” Durbin asked.

     

    Mr. Tung refused to fully condemn the statement and instead said only that Mr. Davis’s comments “are not necessarily my views.”

     

    Video of Durbin’s first round of questions in Committee is available here.

    Audio of Durbin’s first round of questions in Committee is available here.

    Footage of Durbin’s first round of questions in Committee is available here for TV Stations.

     

    During the second round of questions, Durbin asked Mr. Mercer about his views of January 6 defendants.

     

    “What is your reaction to the full and unconditional pardon of the January 6 defendants by President Trump?” Durbin asked.

    Mr. Mercer refused to answer the question and instead said the judiciary has no involvement with the pardon power.

    Durbin then asked Mr. Meredith about his anti-choice record. Beginning in 2017, Mr. Meredith defended Kentucky law that required doctors to present certain information to patients before performing an abortion procedure. As part of his defense of that law, he stated, “not every patient understands the consequences of an abortion procedure.”

     

    “Do you believe that female patients are less likely or less able to understand medical advice than male patients? Durbin asked.

    Mr. Meredith asked Durbin to clarify.

     

    “Well, you said not every patient understands the consequences and we know we’re talking about primarily of women of childbearing status. You went onto say there are a ‘number of patients who don’t understand the nature of the fetus [within them].’ Do you believe that female patients are less likely to understand this?” Durbin asked.

     

    Mr. Meredith claimed that he was summarizing the evidence in the record for the court.

     

    “If you want to clarify what you said in light of what I quoted, please do so. At this point, I think there really is serious question as to what you’re trying to say,” Durbin responded.

     

    Video of Durbin’s second round of questions in Committee is available here.

    Audio of Durbin’s second round of questions in Committee is available here.

    Footage of Durbin’s second round of questions in Committee is available here for TV Stations.

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    MIL OSI USA News –