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Category: Trump

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth Leads Delegation of Illinois Members of Congress in Calling on IRS to Fix Erroneous Late Payment Notices

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
    June 27, 2025
    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) led Illinois’s Congressional Democrats in demanding answers from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on why Illinoisans are receiving notices of late payment in error after filing—and paying—their taxes on time. Following  reporting earlier this month revealing that Illinoisans were receiving late payment notices and penalties from the IRS even though they had already filed and paid their taxes, and were then unable to get answers or responses from the IRS about those notices and penalties, the lawmakers wrote to IRS Commissioner William Long to learn how many Illinoisans have been affected and how IRS staffing cuts have impacted the agency’s ability to properly function.
    “Over the last few weeks, we have heard from a number of Illinoisans that they are receiving late notices from your agency, despite previous confirmations of submission and payment,” the lawmakers wrote. “To make matters worse, the late notices also include penalties and fines, which further heightens the urgency for taxpayers to resolve the issue. Not only is it unacceptable that the IRS has failed to process tax payments in a timely manner—the failure to prevent erroneous late notices from being sent is incredibly damaging to taxpayers’ trust in the IRS.”
    Since Donald Trump’s return to office, reckless and damaging DOGE cuts caused the IRS to fire more than 7,000 probationary employees and let over 20,000 employees leave through multiple deferred resignation programs.
    In their letter, the lawmakers are requesting the following information from IRS:
    How many Illinois taxpayers received a notice of late payment? How many in the country?
    Of those taxpayers, how many has the IRS determined received those notices in error?
    How is the IRS communicating to the taxpayers who received a notice in error?
    How is the IRS communicating to the taxpayers who received a proper notice of late payment, but is not aware that they committed an error?
    Will the IRS be waiving any fines, fees or interest as a result of the agency’s confusion?
    How many IRS employees were processing Illinois tax payments during the previous two years’ tax seasons? How many IRS employees are processing Illinois tax payments during the current tax season? 
    Have all IRS employees who accepted the deferred resignation offer now left the agency? Has this contributed in any way to the delayed processing of tax payments?
    Can you confirm that of the 8,500 IT employees that the IRS had at the start of the 2025 fiscal year, more than 2,000 IT employees have separated from the IRS?
    What is the IRS’ plan to ensure that these mistakes do not happen in the future?
    In addition to Duckworth, this letter is signed by U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Representatives Jonathan Jackson (D-IL-01), Robin Kelly (D-IL-02), Delia Ramirez (D-IL-03), Jesús “Chuy” García (D-IL-04), Mike Quigley (D-IL-05), Sean Casten (D-IL-06), Danny Davis (D-IL-07), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-08), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09), Brad Schneider (D-IL-10), Bill Foster (D-IL-11), Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13), Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14) and Eric Sorensen (D-IL-17).
    Full letter text is available below and on the Senator’s website.
    Dear Mr. Long:
    We write on behalf of our constituents with extreme concern about the tax payment processing delays that are causing confusion and panic throughout Illinois.
    Over the last few weeks, we have heard from a number of Illinoisans that they are receiving late notices from your agency, despite previous confirmations of submission and payment. To make matters worse, the late notices also include penalties and fines, which further heightens the urgency for taxpayers to resolve the issue.
    Not only is it unacceptable that the IRS has failed to process tax payments in a timely manner—the failure to prevent erroneous late notices from being sent is incredibly damaging to taxpayers’ trust in the IRS. This trust is increasingly important as an increasing number of criminals now attempt to impersonate the IRS to scam vulnerable taxpayers out of their hard-earned money. By sending out incorrect notices, your agency has endangered years of effort to establish confidence in IRS communications.
    We believe that your failure to process tax returns and erroneous sending of late notices is a crisis that must be addressed quickly. However, thus far, the IRS’ communications on the topic have been less than inspiring. On the day of your confirmation, June 12, 2025, the IRS finally officially acknowledged that “there is a delay in processing some electronic payments, and that some taxpayers are receiving IRS notices indicating a balance due even though payments were made timely.”
    While we are glad the IRS has finally acknowledged an issue, the agency’s recent statements to local news media are unclear and confusing. In the IRS’ statement, the agency advised our constituents that, “If a taxpayer has checked their online account and does not see the payment processed by July 15th, they may call the number on their notice.”2 However, this does not make clear how our constituents could understand whether the late notice that they received was issued in error or not.
    We also want to understand what the root causes of this failure are and how it is possible that the IRS has mismanaged its most basic duty. We know that earlier this year, the IRS fired more than 7,000 probationary employees and let over 20,000 employees leave through multiple deferred resignation programs. We also know that Acting Chief Information Officer Kaschit Pandya told staff in an email earlier this month that the agency needs to “reset and reassess” in part because more than 2,000 IT employees have separated from the IRS since January.3 Undoubtedly, these drastic changes contributed to an environment where the remaining staff was forced to pick up the slack of tens of thousands of employees, without any real plan. The indefinite hiring freeze also ensures that the IRS is unable to hire the staff necessary to fulfill the agency’s basic mission.  We hope that the failures of this tax season cause you to reconsider the detrimental actions currently being taken in the form of additional reductions in force and forced attrition. We also look forward to a comprehensive plan to address this issue moving forward.
    To assist as we attempt to help our constituents, please provide responses to the following questions no later than July 3, 2025.
    1. How many Illinois taxpayers received a notice of late payment? How many in the entire country?
    2. Of those taxpayers, how many has the IRS determined received those notices in error?
    3. How is the IRS communicating to the taxpayers who received a notice in error?
    4. How is the IRS communicating to the taxpayers who received a proper notice of late payment, but is not aware that they committed an error?
    5. Will the IRS be waiving any fines, fees or interest as a result of the agency’s confusion?
    6. How many IRS employees were processing Illinois tax payments during the previous two years’ tax seasons? How many IRS employees are processing Illinois tax payments during the current tax season?
    7. Have all IRS employees who accepted the deferred resignation offer now left the agency? Has this contributed in any way to the delayed processing of tax payments?
    8. Can you confirm that of the 8,500 IT employees that the IRS had at the start of the 2025 fiscal year, more than 2,000 IT employees have separated from the IRS?
    9. What is the IRS’ plan to ensure that these mistakes do not happen in the future?
    Thank you in advance for your consideration of this request. If you have any questions about this congressional inquiry, please contact our staff.
    Sincerely,
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Jim Costa Statement on Supreme Court Birthright Citizen Decision

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

    WASHINGTON – Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) released the following statement after the  Supreme Court’s decision to scale back national injunctions related to President Trump’s birthright citizenship order. 
    “The Supreme Court’s decision to limit birthright citizenship undermines what our Constitution clearly promises. A baby born in California could be a citizen, while in other states they may not. That’s creating two standards of justice depending upon which state you live in. I’m deeply concerned that this decision makes it harder for all Americans to defend their constitutional rights.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Jim Costa Statement on Supreme Court Birthright Citizen Decision

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

    WASHINGTON – Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) released the following statement after the  Supreme Court’s decision to scale back national injunctions related to President Trump’s birthright citizenship order. 
    “The Supreme Court’s decision to limit birthright citizenship undermines what our Constitution clearly promises. A baby born in California could be a citizen, while in other states they may not. That’s creating two standards of justice depending upon which state you live in. I’m deeply concerned that this decision makes it harder for all Americans to defend their constitutional rights.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: McClellan Statement on Supreme Court Decision on Birthright Citizenship

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (Virginia 4th District)

    Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) issued the following statement today after the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Trump v. Casa, Inc.:

    “The 14th Amendment guarantees citizenship to every person born in the United States. President Trump cannot rewrite this bedrock provision by executive fiat. In today’s ruling, SCOTUS entirely ignores its fundamental responsibility as a check and balance on a tyrannical executive branch that seeks to trample the constitutional rights of every person in this country.

    “The Court’s decision makes a mockery of the ideal of ‘liberty and justice for all’ by protecting only the constitutional rights of those who have the wherewithal to sue the government.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Statement from U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez on Supreme Court Ruling Endangering Birthright Citizenship

    Source: US Representative Gabe Vasquez’s (NM-02)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) issued the following statement in response to the Supreme Court’s ruling on nationwide injunctions, which could help pave the way for the Trump administration to erode birthright citizenship in the U.S.: 

    “Today, the Supreme Court failed in their basic duty to uphold our Constitution. The 14th Amendment guarantees that anyone born on U.S. soil is a citizen, period. That promise has been a cornerstone of our democracy for more than 150 years, and this decision opens the door for extreme politicians to rewrite our country’s most sacred documents to fit their political agendas.

    I’ll continue to stand against this dangerous push and fight to ensure every child born in this country is recognized as American, no matter their background, zip code, or family story.”

    Vasquez is a cosponsor of the Born in the USA Act to protect birthright citizenship. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Statement from U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez on Supreme Court Ruling Endangering Birthright Citizenship

    Source: US Representative Gabe Vasquez’s (NM-02)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) issued the following statement in response to the Supreme Court’s ruling on nationwide injunctions, which could help pave the way for the Trump administration to erode birthright citizenship in the U.S.: 

    “Today, the Supreme Court failed in their basic duty to uphold our Constitution. The 14th Amendment guarantees that anyone born on U.S. soil is a citizen, period. That promise has been a cornerstone of our democracy for more than 150 years, and this decision opens the door for extreme politicians to rewrite our country’s most sacred documents to fit their political agendas.

    I’ll continue to stand against this dangerous push and fight to ensure every child born in this country is recognized as American, no matter their background, zip code, or family story.”

    Vasquez is a cosponsor of the Born in the USA Act to protect birthright citizenship. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Mfume, Maryland Delegation Urges President Trump to Approve Disaster Declaration for Allegany, Garrett Counties Following Destructive Floods

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Maryland Congressional Delegation – U.S. Congressman Kweisi Mfume, Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and U.S. Representatives April McClain Delaney, Steny Hoyer, Andy Harris, Jamie Raskin, Glenn Ivey, Sarah Elfreth, and Johnny Olszewski (all Md.) – urged President Donald Trump to exercise his authority under the Stafford Act to approve the State of Maryland’s request for a presidential disaster declaration in response to damage from the flash flooding that occurred in Allegany and Garrett Counties on May 13, 2025. The flash floods drove water levels at the North Branch of the Potomac River and two creeks in Western Maryland to rise rapidly, leading to extensive damage in the communities of Midland, Lonaconing, Barton, and Westernport.

    Governor Wes Moore has requested a major disaster declaration for Public Assistance for Allegany and Garrett Counties and the availability of the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) for all jurisdictions in Maryland. A federal disaster declaration would unlock Public Assistance funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help reimburse emergency response efforts during and after the floods as well as necessary repairs to damaged public infrastructure and facilities. Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funds would support efforts to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from future flooding and other similar natural disasters.

    “We are writing as the Maryland Congressional Delegation to express our strong support for and urge your favorable consideration of Maryland Governor Wes Moore’s request for the declaration of a major disaster for the State of Maryland as a result of the impacts from flash flooding on May 13, 2025,” Team Maryland began. “Given the tremendous impact that this flooding has had on state and local resources in Maryland, we respectfully request that you expeditiously approve the provision of supplementary federal assistance, pursuant to the Stafford Act.

    The lawmakers noted the severe extent of the flooding, writing, “Emergency Service personnel responded from 24 agencies in nine counties across three states to carry out recovery efforts. By boat, EMS units successfully evacuated 200 students and personnel who had been trapped at Westernport Elementary School and provided shelter until they could be picked up by family members. Students from two other schools in Georges Creek were evacuated by EMS units in vehicles to Mountain Ridge High School in Frostburg until they could be picked up by family members. Twelve students remained sheltered at Mountain Ridge overnight into Wednesday morning.” 

    They went on to note the costs of recovery will be significant, stating, “Recovery efforts will include debris removal and permanent work to repair infrastructure damaged by flooding. Allegany and Garrett Counties bore the brunt of the storm, with an estimated $15,831,417 in damages in those two counties as a result.”

    “We agree with Governor Moore that supplementary federal assistance is necessary and warranted under the Stafford Act. Therefore, we urge you to expeditiously review and approve the State of Maryland’s request for a major disaster declaration for the flooding of May 13, 2025,” they concluded.

    The full text of the letter is available here and below.

    Dear Mr. President:

    We are writing as the Maryland Congressional Delegation to express our strong support for and urge your favorable consideration of Maryland Governor Wes Moore’s request for the declaration of a major disaster for the State of Maryland as a result of the impacts from flash flooding on May 13, 2025. Given the tremendous impact that this flooding has had on state and local resources in Maryland, we respectfully request that you expeditiously approve the provision of supplementary federal assistance, pursuant to the Stafford Act.

    On May 13, 2025, heavy rains began in the morning hours with more than five inches of rainfall causing the water level in Georges Creek to rise more than six feet by mid-afternoon to reach Major Flood Stage of 12 feet. In Cumberland, Wills Creek rose eight feet and the North Branch of the Potomac River rose nearly 15 feet after 3:00 p.m. and crossed into Major Flood Stage just before midnight. Flash flooding heavily impacted significant portions of Garrett and Allegany Counties in Maryland and, in particular, the communities of Midland, Lonaconing, Barton, and Westernport sustained extensive damage to roads, water and sewer infrastructure, utilities, and property. On May 15, Governor Moore declared a state of emergency in response to the historic flooding.  

    Emergency Service personnel responded from 24 agencies in nine counties across three states to carry out recovery efforts. By boat, EMS units successfully evacuated 200 students and personnel who had been trapped at Westernport Elementary School and provided shelter until they could be picked up by family members. Students from two other schools in Georges Creek were evacuated by EMS units in vehicles to Mountain Ridge High School in Frostburg until they could be picked up by family members. Twelve students remained sheltered at Mountain Ridge overnight into Wednesday morning. 

    Recovery efforts will include debris removal and permanent work to repair infrastructure damaged by flooding. Allegany and Garrett Counties bore the brunt of the storm, with an estimated $15,831,417 in damages in those two counties as a result.  

    Individual Assistance Joint Preliminary Damage Assessments conducted in both Allegany and Garrett Counties found numerous destroyed and damaged structures, including public facilities, schools, public libraries, businesses, and homes. These assessments support the need for the requested declaration and assistance.

    We agree with Governor Moore that supplementary federal assistance is necessary and warranted under the Stafford Act. Therefore, we urge you to expeditiously review and approve the State of Maryland’s request for a major disaster declaration for the flooding of May 13, 2025. Thank you for your timely consideration of this request, and we look forward to your response. 

    Sincerely,

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Kweisi Mfume Statement on Oversight and Government Reform Ranking Member Vacancy

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07) issued the following statement regarding his candidacy for the Oversight and Government Reform Ranking Member vacancy:

    “The preservation of the institution and the success of the Democratic Caucus are paramount to me. With an insurmountable task ahead and for the unity of our Party, I will not seek the position of Ranking Member on the Oversight and Government Reform Committee. Steve Lynch and Robert Garcia are friends who I have the utmost respect for, either of which will lead our Party well as we move forward to blunt the Trump administration and to fight for justice and civil rights for all Americans,” said Congressman Kweisi Mfume. 

    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ranking Member Mfume’s Opening Remarks at Subcommittee Hearing on the Trump Administration’s Politicization of the U.S. Postal Service

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. —Below is Rep. Kweisi Mfume’s opening statement, as prepared for delivery, at today’s Subcommittee on Government Operations hearing on President Trump’s efforts to undermine the independence of the Postal Service and the failure of Trump-appointed Former Postmaster General’s “Delivering for America Plan.”

    Click here to watch the video.

    Opening Statement 
    Ranking Member Kweisi Mfume
    Subcommittee on Government Operations
    “The Route Forward for the U.S. Postal Service: A View from Stakeholders”

    June 24, 2025

    Thank you, Chairman Sessions, for calling a hearing on this important topic.  I appreciate your interest in bringing us together for a thoughtful conversation about how the Postal Service can chart a better path forward under new leadership.

    The Postal Service has an immense duty dating back to its creation—it powers communities and businesses, it keeps Americans healthy, it reinforces democracy, and it bridges geographical, economic, and cultural divides.  Importantly, its universal service obligation ensures equitable access to prompt, reliable and efficient mail services—whether you live in a rural Maryland county or my constituents in the City of Baltimore and Baltimore County.

    With Mr. David Steiner starting his tenure next month as the 76th Postmaster General, this is our first hearing on the Postal Service since the departure of former Postmaster General Louis DeJoy.  I hope Mr. Steiner heeds our calls to protect the service that millions of Americans rely on to send and receive critical items—from financial statements and mail-in ballots to life-saving medicines and personal letters.

    In doing so, he must defend against any threats to the Service’s independence and ensure the Postal Service remains a public good—which will not be easy under this Administration.  Donald Trump has repeatedly questioned its independence and wrongly suggested privatization or merging it with the Commerce Department, despite the Postal Service being a self-supporting, independent agency.

    To be clear: unilateral restructuring efforts would not only be illegal, but could jeopardize the delivery of critical items, especially in rural communities and hard-to-reach areas where the Postal Service serves as a lifeline.

    Let us be reminded that our nation’s first Postmaster General, Benjamin Franklin, advocated for the security and privacy of the mail—not privatization.  A commitment to security and privacy that our former Postmaster General upheld after refusing to allow DOGE officials, that have no experience with the Postal Service, broad access to the Postal Service’s data systems.

    I urge the incoming Postmaster General to continue blocking any efforts to compromise the Postal Service’s data in order to maintain the historical status as one of the most trusted American institutions. Because for American families and businesses to continue to trust the USPS with their precious mail, they require certain assurances.

    Americans deserve a true universal service—with reliable and efficient delivery times, affordable pricing, and low risk of theft.

    Sadly, letter carriers are being robbed at gunpoint or chased by criminals with bats and no concern for the life or safety of these patriotic men and women.  These criminals are desperately trying to obtain arrow keys, which are master keys, to steal mail in bulk—from low- and high-income communities alike.

    The former Postmaster General, Louis DeJoy, proposed a seven rate hikes of postage that would mark a 41.8percent increase in the price of First-Class Mail Forever stamps since 2021—all while the Postal Service continues to serve the American public well below its 95% on time delivery standard.  

    That’s asking Americans to pay higher prices for worse service.  Slower delivery times and concerning rates of mail theft and fraud do nothing to attract and retain the Postal Service’s customer base.

    The Postal Service must be efficient, reliable, and stable to ensure its long-term survival.  Now that we’re more than four years into the Delivering for America plan, it’s clear that the incoming Postmaster General, the Board of Governors, and Congress must be brave enough to protect this vital institution without compromising good service.

    In the past, I supported the Inflation Reduction Act’s $3 billion in funds to replenish and modernize its vehicle fleet and invest in electric infrastructure.

    Yet, instead of building on this progress to deploy safer and current vehicles, Senate Republicans are supporting a $1 billion rescission in these funds, costing the Postal Service a total of $1.5 billion—despite the American people already paying for a modern fleet replacement. 

    The rescission would not only be environmentally irresponsible, but also immensely wasteful.

    Let us also recognize the incredible work the postal workforce continues to do for the American people.

    The Postal Service’s workforce delivered ballots during the last election cycle reliably and efficiently, and employees weathered the storm of high volume during the holiday season.

    The positive relationship between the Postal Service and Inspector General, Tammy Hull, has been crucial in identifying and resolving areas of waste and improving efficiency and identifying cost savings for the Postal Service.

    There have also been notable efforts to renovate facilities in dire need of repair, expansion, and relocation.

    Collectively, I think we can all agree that there must be a better way to address the frustrations of our constituents, of fellow Members, and of critical partners, and to build back Americans’ trust in the Postal Service.

    As we partner to remedy those frustrations, let’s also make clear that the Postal Service is not for sale, not to be sidelined, and not be weakened.

    It is a pillar of American life, and we owe it to the American people to protect and improve it.

    I look forward to this discussion on how we can all work together to put this essential institution on firmer ground.

    I yield back.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ranking Member Mfume’s Opening Remarks at Subcommittee Hearing on the Trump Administration’s Politicization of the U.S. Postal Service

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. —Below is Rep. Kweisi Mfume’s opening statement, as prepared for delivery, at today’s Subcommittee on Government Operations hearing on President Trump’s efforts to undermine the independence of the Postal Service and the failure of Trump-appointed Former Postmaster General’s “Delivering for America Plan.”

    Click here to watch the video.

    Opening Statement 
    Ranking Member Kweisi Mfume
    Subcommittee on Government Operations
    “The Route Forward for the U.S. Postal Service: A View from Stakeholders”

    June 24, 2025

    Thank you, Chairman Sessions, for calling a hearing on this important topic.  I appreciate your interest in bringing us together for a thoughtful conversation about how the Postal Service can chart a better path forward under new leadership.

    The Postal Service has an immense duty dating back to its creation—it powers communities and businesses, it keeps Americans healthy, it reinforces democracy, and it bridges geographical, economic, and cultural divides.  Importantly, its universal service obligation ensures equitable access to prompt, reliable and efficient mail services—whether you live in a rural Maryland county or my constituents in the City of Baltimore and Baltimore County.

    With Mr. David Steiner starting his tenure next month as the 76th Postmaster General, this is our first hearing on the Postal Service since the departure of former Postmaster General Louis DeJoy.  I hope Mr. Steiner heeds our calls to protect the service that millions of Americans rely on to send and receive critical items—from financial statements and mail-in ballots to life-saving medicines and personal letters.

    In doing so, he must defend against any threats to the Service’s independence and ensure the Postal Service remains a public good—which will not be easy under this Administration.  Donald Trump has repeatedly questioned its independence and wrongly suggested privatization or merging it with the Commerce Department, despite the Postal Service being a self-supporting, independent agency.

    To be clear: unilateral restructuring efforts would not only be illegal, but could jeopardize the delivery of critical items, especially in rural communities and hard-to-reach areas where the Postal Service serves as a lifeline.

    Let us be reminded that our nation’s first Postmaster General, Benjamin Franklin, advocated for the security and privacy of the mail—not privatization.  A commitment to security and privacy that our former Postmaster General upheld after refusing to allow DOGE officials, that have no experience with the Postal Service, broad access to the Postal Service’s data systems.

    I urge the incoming Postmaster General to continue blocking any efforts to compromise the Postal Service’s data in order to maintain the historical status as one of the most trusted American institutions. Because for American families and businesses to continue to trust the USPS with their precious mail, they require certain assurances.

    Americans deserve a true universal service—with reliable and efficient delivery times, affordable pricing, and low risk of theft.

    Sadly, letter carriers are being robbed at gunpoint or chased by criminals with bats and no concern for the life or safety of these patriotic men and women.  These criminals are desperately trying to obtain arrow keys, which are master keys, to steal mail in bulk—from low- and high-income communities alike.

    The former Postmaster General, Louis DeJoy, proposed a seven rate hikes of postage that would mark a 41.8percent increase in the price of First-Class Mail Forever stamps since 2021—all while the Postal Service continues to serve the American public well below its 95% on time delivery standard.  

    That’s asking Americans to pay higher prices for worse service.  Slower delivery times and concerning rates of mail theft and fraud do nothing to attract and retain the Postal Service’s customer base.

    The Postal Service must be efficient, reliable, and stable to ensure its long-term survival.  Now that we’re more than four years into the Delivering for America plan, it’s clear that the incoming Postmaster General, the Board of Governors, and Congress must be brave enough to protect this vital institution without compromising good service.

    In the past, I supported the Inflation Reduction Act’s $3 billion in funds to replenish and modernize its vehicle fleet and invest in electric infrastructure.

    Yet, instead of building on this progress to deploy safer and current vehicles, Senate Republicans are supporting a $1 billion rescission in these funds, costing the Postal Service a total of $1.5 billion—despite the American people already paying for a modern fleet replacement. 

    The rescission would not only be environmentally irresponsible, but also immensely wasteful.

    Let us also recognize the incredible work the postal workforce continues to do for the American people.

    The Postal Service’s workforce delivered ballots during the last election cycle reliably and efficiently, and employees weathered the storm of high volume during the holiday season.

    The positive relationship between the Postal Service and Inspector General, Tammy Hull, has been crucial in identifying and resolving areas of waste and improving efficiency and identifying cost savings for the Postal Service.

    There have also been notable efforts to renovate facilities in dire need of repair, expansion, and relocation.

    Collectively, I think we can all agree that there must be a better way to address the frustrations of our constituents, of fellow Members, and of critical partners, and to build back Americans’ trust in the Postal Service.

    As we partner to remedy those frustrations, let’s also make clear that the Postal Service is not for sale, not to be sidelined, and not be weakened.

    It is a pillar of American life, and we owe it to the American people to protect and improve it.

    I look forward to this discussion on how we can all work together to put this essential institution on firmer ground.

    I yield back.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: The Tiffany Telegram: June 27, 2025

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Tom Tiffany (WI-07)

    Dear Friend,

    A lot has been happening in Washington these past few weeks, and I will update you on all of it in this edition of the Tiffany Telegram.

    But first, I ask you to join me in praying for the two Milwaukee police officers who were shot in the line of duty last night. We need the power of prayer to uplift them and their families as they recover from their injuries. You can read more about the incident here. 

    Since our last Telegram, President Trump authorized a successful airstrike in Iran, eliminating key components of their nuclear weapons capability. Iran’s rulers have been vowing “Death to America” for decades, and peace cannot coexist with a nuclear-armed Iran.

    These types of actions fall squarely under the President’s powers as commander-in-chief. But in typical D.C. fashion, Democrats immediately filed articles of impeachment against President Trump. These are the same people who stayed silent when Presidents Biden, Obama, and Clinton used military force in similar situations.

    We saw this same double standard during President Trump’s first term. When they couldn’t defeat him at the ballot box, and their bogus lawfare campaign failed, they turned to political stunts. Thankfully, a bipartisan majority – including 128 House Democrats – joined Republicans in rejecting the latest impeachment proposal.

    President Trump has made it clear that he is not seeking a “regime change” in Iran, and I agree. No reasonable person wants to see American servicemen and women pulled into another endless ground war in the Middle East. What we need is peace through strength. If there is one president who can achieve that, it’s Donald Trump, just as he proved through the Abraham Accords in his first term.

    We also have problems here at home that require urgent attention. A report this week revealed that over the past four years, the Biden administration released more than 700 illegal Iranian nationals into our country.

    And those are just the ones we know about.

    Many more may have entered undetected across our wide-open southern border. Thankfully, the Trump administration took action this week by arresting over 100 of them this week. One of them even had ties to Iran-backed Hezbollah and was living less than 30 minutes from the Seventh District, in St. Paul. You can read more about that here. 

    We must put America first, and that means removing people who never should be here to begin with. The House-passed reconciliation bill takes major steps toward securing our border, and I will keep you updated as the Senate works through it this weekend. 

    As we approach Independence Day, I hope you enjoy time with your family and loved ones but also take a moment to honor the heroes who have made this freedom possible. Thanks again for starting off your weekend with us! We will be back in two weeks with more.

    Sincerely,
    Tom Tiffany
    Member of Congress

    Click here or on the video above to watch me discuss Democrats cheapening impeachment on Meg Ellefson’s Show.

     WHO’s in charge of U.S. pandemic policy?

    That’s a question many Americans were asking during the last administration, when former President Biden bent over backwards to funnel hundreds of millions of dollars to the scandal-plagued World Health Organization (WHO) while quietly working behind the scenes to negotiate a controversial “pandemic accord.” Telegram readers will recall that I responded by drafting a bill to put the brakes on this dangerous effort by classifying it as a treaty, and requiring any such “agreement” to be presented to the Senate for ratification, where it would require a two-thirds supermajority vote. While I wasn’t able to get my legislation enacted into law last Congress, it did clear the House. The good news is that President Trump is back in the Oval Office, and has moved quickly to withdraw the U.S. from the WHO. The bad news, however, is that a future president more friendly to shady organizations like the United Nations and WHO may try to pick up where the Biden administration left off. That’s why this week I reintroduced the No WHO Pandemic Preparedness Treat Without Senate Approval Act. I’m hopeful that in the coming weeks and months, I can work with the Senate sponsor, Sen. Ron Johnson, and President Trump to get this bill across the finish line to protect American sovereignty today – and well into the future. You can read more about the effort here.

    Protect our streets, deport criminal illegal aliens

    After being trapped for four years with a president who allowed and encouraged millions of illegal aliens to flood the United States with little to no vetting, American citizens were forced to pay the price of an open border – sometimes even with their lives. In 2023, Jorge Sanchez, who was in the U.S. illegally, was convicted of a DUI. But instead of being deported, he was released back onto the streets. Then, just a year later, Sanchez was driving drunk again when he struck and killed Wisconsin father Steven Nasholm. This tragedy didn’t have to happen. That’s why yesterday, House Republicans passed the Protect Our Communities from DUIs Act. This bill will deport any illegal alien convicted of driving under the influence, and prevents any future president from skirting their deportation, as we saw with the Biden-Harris administration. Sadly, 160 Democrats opposed the measure. You can see how lawmakers voted on the bill here.

     

    Putting American veterans first

    Our veterans have made the ultimate sacrifice to this great nation, and honoring those men and women is crucial. That is why this week, the House passed legislation to protect our service members and veterans. This legislation ensures that veterans’ healthcare and benefits are fully funded, including critical support for mental health and President Trump’s Bridging Rental Assistance for Veteran Empowerment (BRAVE) program to combat homelessness. It defends constitutional rights by preventing the VA from sharing veteran information without a judge’s consent and blocks federal funding for DEI, gender procedures, and illegal alien services at VA facilities. You can read more about the package here, and see how lawmakers voted on it here. 

    Join me and Congressman Scott Fitzgerald in celebrating 50 years of a Wisconsin favorite – happy anniversary, Miller Lite!

    Committee Update

    Judiciary

    The devastation caused by illegal migration 

    On Thursday, during a Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee hearing, I questioned witnesses on the effects of mass illegal migration on the American people. As we know, the impacts have been widespread and often tragic. During the Biden administration, we saw stories ranging from Laken Riley in Georgia, Jocelyn Nungaray in Texas, and two children in our very own Seventh District where destructive open borders policies shattered American families, terrorized American communities, and killed innocent Americans. And it doesn’t stop there. The tidal wave of illegal immigration flooding American neighborhoods has also reduced job opportunities and lowered wages, especially for blue-collar workers. We’ve also seen more than 250,000 Americans killed by fentanyl almost solely sourced from Communist China and smuggled in through the open southern border by Mexican cartels. That’s why it was deeply troubling to hear one witness blame victims who are unintentionally poisoned, rather than targeting those pumping this deadly drug into our communities. Strengthening border security and interior enforcement is a critical step to turning the tide, and I let the witness know that. You can watch our exchange here.

    Natural Resources

    Fixing our forests with modern tech 

    Yesterday, we had an exciting hearing in the Federal Lands Subcommittee on advancing innovative technologies to improve forest management and prevent wildfires. The private sector has developed some compelling technology in this space, and now we just need federal agencies to use it. Despite spending an average of $2.5 billion per year on wildfires, this crisis is only getting worse. That’s because instead of investing in proactive prevention, we’re spending all that money on reactive suppression. A lot of fires can be prevented with stronger federal integration with the private sector, proactive forest management, and faster responses enabled by modern technology. Whether it’s drones that fly through thick smoke and high winds, AI models that predict fire behavior in real-time, or remote sensors and camera networks that detect ignitions before they become infernos, each of these technologies plays a complementary role in confronting the wildfire crisis. With all the technology we have at our disposal, there is no excuse for the situation to remain the same. It is also timely that this week, the USDA repealed the Clinton-era roadless rule that has prevented the proper management of nearly 59 million acres of Forest Service land. This Congress and this administration will continue to enact commonsense reforms for how we manage our public lands, so that we have safer communities and a healthier environment. You can watch my questions from the hearing here.

    District Update 

    Photo of the week

    I might be biased, but Wisconsin has some of the best wildlife. This week’s photo of the week features a white-tailed deer beneath a tree in full bloom. If you have a favorite photo of Wisconsin that you’d like to share, email it to comms.tiffany@gmail.com with your name and location. You could be featured in the next Telegram.

    “Nature’s duo” – Submitted by Wayne near Park Falls

    Resources  

    Vacation is meant to be relaxing, so don’t let renewing or applying for your passport stress you out. The current processing time is 4 to 6 weeks, so we recommend getting this done as soon as possible. For more information, click here.

    FEMA is accepting applications for the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program. For more information on the program, click here. Additionally, the Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) are available in Wisconsin due to economic losses caused by excessive moisture. Click here to see if you are eligible to apply. 

    If a friend forwarded you this newsletter, and you would like to receive it in the future, you can subscribe here for weekly updates and connect with me on X, Facebook, and Instagram. 

    As always, you are welcome to visit my website or to contact my offices in Washington, DC or Wisconsin, which remain open for service, if you have any questions or need assistance. 

    Good News from Wisconsin’s 7th District and Congress

    State Champs

    Congratulations to all the athletes in the Seventh District who took home state championship titles this spring sports season. Keep up the hard work! 

     ACSA Young Snowmobiler of The Year

    Derek Andres of Conrath was named the 2025 American Council of Snowmobile Association Young Snowmobiler of the Year. Congratulations!  

    100th Birthday

    Plymouth resident and World War II veteran Walter Gorlewski is turning 100 years old this weekend. Happy birthday and thank you for your service! 

    Condemning the LA riots

    This week, the House passed bipartisan legislation condemning the violent riots in LA and expressing gratitude to law enforcement officers.

    Ending Birthright Citizenship

    Today, the Supreme Court ruled that rogue district courts cannot block President Trump’s order to end birthright citizenship and restore the 14th Amendment to its original intent.

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Graham Statement on SCOTUS Decision in Trump v. Casa

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Lindsey Graham
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6-3 in Trump v. Casa that universal injections put forth by lower federal courts exceed the authority granted to them by Congress.
    “Today’s Supreme Court decision in Trump v. Casa is a judicial game-changing opinion where they reject the proposition that a single federal district court judge can enjoin policy for the entire country.
    “Recently, liberals have been going to friendly federal judges to enjoin President Trump’s executive actions, as well as congressional legislation the left doesn’t like.
    “The Court rejected the concept that a single judge can shut the whole country down. It was a very well-reasoned opinion written by Justice Barrett. I applaud the Court’s decision.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla Statement on Supreme Court Ruling on Nationwide Injunctions

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, issued the following statement after the Supreme Court upended decades of precedent and curtailed federal courts’ power to issue injunctions:
    “The Supreme Court’s ruling today undermines equal justice under the law. The Court’s decision means that constitutional protections now depend on which state you live in or whether you can afford to file a lawsuit.
    “Today’s decision emboldens President Trump’s unconstitutional attack on birthright citizenship, designed to stoke fear and persecute immigrant communities. It also fails every American who looks to the Court to serve as a check to ensure that the executive branch follows the law. The Supreme Court is supposed to serve as a safeguard against presidential overreach, not incentivize it.
    “We must heed Justice Jackson’s warning that today’s decision will ‘permit the Executive to violate the Constitution with respect to anyone who has not yet sued.’”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: In Letter, Senator Murray Demands Secretary Kennedy Reverse Reported Hiring of Anti-Vaccine Activist Lyn Redwood to CDC

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
    ICYMI: Senator Murray Calls on White House to Reverse Reported Hiring of Anti-Vax Conspiracy Theorist Lyn Redwood to CDC
    ICYMI: Murray Calls for Kennedy to Reinstate Fired ACIP Members or Delay Meeting Until New Members Appropriately Vetted; Calls Out Elevation of Conspiracy Theorist like Redwood
    Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, sent aletterto Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. calling on him to reverse the reported hiring of notorious anti-vaccine extremist Lyn Redwood—the former longtime president of RFK Jr.’s anti-vaccine advocacy group, Children’s Health Defense—to help oversee vaccine safety at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This letter follows Senator Murray’s questioning of CDC Director nominee, Dr. Susan Monarez, where she raised the alarm over RFK Jr.’s move to bring in Lyn Redwood at CDC. Ms. Redwood gave a presentation on thimerosal in vaccines at the ACIP meeting this week—furthering RFK Jr.’s debunked claims that the preservative used in vaccines causes autism. 
    “I write today to express strong disapproval of your reported decision to appoint Lyn Redwood, an anti-vaccine conspiracy theorist, to oversee vaccine safety at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Ms. Redwood poses a serious danger to our nation’s public health, and I am calling on you to immediately reverse this hiring decision,” Senator Murray wrote.
    “I am deeply concerned about Ms. Redwood’s anti-science background as the past president of Children’s Health Defense, the organization you founded, which spreads vaccine misinformation and aims to instill fear in families about vaccinating their children,” Senator Murray continued, noting Ms. Redwood’s long history of spreading blatantly incorrect information about vaccines. “Your former organization, which Ms. Redwood most recently led, has pushed false conspiracy theories about vaccine safety and contributed to a dangerous rise in vaccine-preventable disease. The organization has also criticized the CDC Immunization Safety Office by spewing false rhetoric that the agency was being deceptive when debunking any potential link between thimerosal and autism spectrum disorder and other neurodevelopmental disorders.”
    Senator Murray also addressed Ms. Redwood’s recent presentation to the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), writing: “I understand Ms. Redwood also presented to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) yesterday, after you provided her with a platform to promote the debunked claim that the vaccine preservative thimerosal causes autism. This claim has been disproven by CDC and with decades of research proving that there is no link between vaccines and autism. She also cited a study that does not exist in her original presentation that was posted to the CDC website. After her presentation and despite the absence of any scientific evidence that thimerosal is linked to autism, ACIP voted against recommending certain flu vaccines that contain thimerosal, which if adopted, will put lives at risk.”
    “Ms. Redwood’s views on vaccines are extremely dangerous, and despite her claims having no basis, elevating her to work at our country’s lead public health agency will further increase vaccine hesitancy, causing fewer people to get vaccinated, and causing parents to be fearful about vaccinating their children against deadly diseases, such as measles, whooping cough, influenza, and more,” Senator Murray concluded. “Hiring someone to lead vaccine safety at CDC who has shown such disregard for basic scientific evidence in their decision-making is an extremely dangerous move and will cause unnecessary deaths. I call on you to reverse this reported hiring decision and ensure no additional anti-vaccine conspiracy theorists, like Ms. Redwood, are employed at CDC or anywhere in the Department.”
    Senator Murray forcefully opposed the nomination of notorious anti-vaccine activist RFK Jr. to be Secretary of HHS, and she has long worked to combat vaccine skepticism and highlight the importance of scientific research and vaccines. Murray was also a leading voice against the nomination of Dr. Dave Weldon to lead CDC, repeatedly speaking up about her serious concerns with the nominee immediately after their meeting. In 2019, Senator Murray co-led a bipartisan hearing in the HELP Committee on vaccine hesitancy and spoke about the importance of addressing vaccine skepticism and getting people the facts they need to keep their families and communities safe and healthy. Ahead of the 2019 hearing, as multiple states were facing measles outbreaks in under-vaccinated areas, Murray sent a bipartisan letter with former HELP Committee Chair Lamar Alexander pressing Trump’s CDC Director and HHS Assistant Secretary for Health on their efforts to promote vaccination and vaccine confidence.
    Senator Murray has been a leading voice in Congress against RFK Jr.’s dismantling of HHS and attacks on America’s public health infrastructure, raising the alarm over HHS’ unilateral reorganization plan and slamming the closure of the HHS Region 10 office in Seattle and the CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Spokane Research Laboratory. Senator Murray has sent oversight letters and hosted numerous press conferences and events to lay out how the administration’s reckless gutting of HHS is risking Americans’ health and safety and will set our country back decades, and lifting up the voices of HHS employees who were fired for no reason and through no fault of their own.
    The full letter is available HERE and below:
    The Honorable Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
    Secretary
    U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
    200 Independence Avenue SW
    Washington, DC 20201
    Dear Secretary Kennedy:
    I write today to express strong disapproval of your reported decision to appoint Lyn Redwood, an anti-vaccine conspiracy theorist, to oversee vaccine safety at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Ms. Redwood poses a serious danger to our nation’s public health, and I am calling on you to immediately reverse this hiring decision.
    I am deeply concerned about Ms. Redwood’s anti-science background as the past president of Children’s Health Defense, the organization you founded, which spreads vaccine misinformation and aims to instill fear in families about vaccinating their children. Your former organization, which Ms. Redwood most recently led, has pushed false conspiracy theories about vaccine safety and contributed to a dangerous rise in vaccine-preventable disease. The organization has also criticized the CDC Immunization Safety Office by spewing false rhetoric that the agency was being deceptive when debunking any potential link between thimerosal and autism spectrum disorder and other neurodevelopmental disorders.
    I understand Ms. Redwood also presented to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) yesterday, after you provided her with a platform to promote the debunked claim that the vaccine preservative thimerosal causes autism. This claim has been disproven by CDC and with decades of research proving that there is no link between vaccines and autism. She also cited a study that does not exist in her original presentation that was posted to the CDC website. After her presentation and despite the absence of any scientific evidence that thimerosal is linked to autism, ACIP voted against recommending certain flu vaccines that contain thimerosal, which if adopted, will put lives at risk. 
    Ms. Redwood’s views on vaccines are extremely dangerous, and despite her claims having no basis, elevating her to work at our country’s lead public health agency will further increase vaccine hesitancy, causing fewer people to get vaccinated, and causing parents to be fearful about vaccinating their children against deadly diseases, such as measles, whooping cough, influenza, and more. 
    Hiring someone to lead vaccine safety at CDC who has shown such disregard for basic scientific evidence in their decision-making is an extremely dangerous move and will cause unnecessary deaths. I call on you to reverse this reported hiring decision and ensure no additional anti-vaccine conspiracy theorists, like Ms. Redwood, are employed at CDC or anywhere in the Department. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Energy Department Withdraws from Biden-Era Columbia River System Memorandum of Understanding

    Source: US Department of Energy

    WASHINGTON— U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright today announced that the Department of Energy in coordination with the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), the Departments of Commerce and the Interior and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, has officially withdrawn from the Columbia River System Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Today’s action follows President Trump’s Memorandum directing the federal government to halt the Biden Administration’s radical Columbia River basin policy and will ensure Americans living in the Pacific Northwest can continue to rely on affordable hydropower from the Lower Snake River dams to help meet their growing power needs.

    “The Pacific Northwest deserves energy security, not energy scarcity. Dams in the Columbia River Basin have provided affordable and reliable electricity to millions of American families and businesses for decades,” said Energy Secretary Chris Wright. “Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, American taxpayer dollars will not be spent dismantling critical infrastructure, reducing our energy-generating capacity or on radical nonsense policies that dramatically raise prices on the American people. This Administration will continue to protect America’s critical energy infrastructure and ensure reliable, affordable power for all Americans.”

    BACKGROUND:

    On June 10, 2025, President Trump signed the Presidential Memorandum, Stopping Radical Environmentalism to Generate Power for the Columbia River Basin, revoking the prior Presidential Memorandum, Restoring Healthy and Abundant Salmon, Steelhead, and Other Native Fish Populations in the Columbia River Basin, part of the radical green energy agenda calling for “equitable treatment for fish.”

    The Biden-era MOU required the federal government to spend over $1 billion and comply with 36 pages of costly, onerous commitments aimed at replacing services provided by the Lower Snake River Dams and advancing the possibility of breaching them. Breaching the dams would have doubled the region’s risk of power shortages, driven wholesale electricity rates up by as much as 50%, and cost as much as $31.3 billion to replace.

    The plan would have devastated regional agriculture by reducing water supply to farmers, eliminated several shipping channels, raised transportation costs, and destroyed recreational opportunities across the Columbia River Basin.

    The four dams on the Lower Snake River provide over 3,000 megawatts of secure, reliable and affordable hydroelectric generating capacity— enough generation to power 2.5 million American homes. The Trump administration is committed to protecting this critical infrastructure with lower energy costs, critical shipping channels, and vital water supply for local farmers.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Mast Exposes Boston University’s Phony USAID Stats

    Source: US House Committee on Foreign Affairs

    Media Contact 202-226-8467

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – This Week, House Foreign Affairs Chairman Brian Mast wrote a letter to Boston University President Melissa Gilliam raising concerns over the “Impact Counter,” a dashboard promoted by the university that makes false and misleading claims about the impacts of restructuring at the U.S. Agency for International Development.  

    In his letter, Chairman Mast exposes a series of falsehoods conveyed by the dashboard and used to spread dangerous hysteria about deaths caused by the USAID restructuring.  

    “I am deeply concerned that Boston University is serving as a platform for the weaponization of academia, where federally funded professors are spreading disinformation about the ongoing reorganization of USAID and its consequences,” Chairman Mast wrote. “Brooke Nichols, an Associate Professor at BU, is at the heart of this dangerous hysteria through her creation of the ‘Impact Counter,’ a dashboard of numbers that claim the restructuring of USAID has killed hundreds of thousands of people.” 

    As Chairman Mast notes, the dashboard has been used as ammunition to attack President Trump as his administration carries out a foreign policy agenda that puts America first and promotes U.S. interests abroad. 

    “Unfortunately, hidden behind Dr. Nichols’ claim is an erroneous set of assumptions based on inaccurate information,” Chairman Mast wrote. “This platform has become no better than a Russian bot farm or CCP propaganda. Boston University is creating a breeding ground for far-left activists to exploit academia for political gain which undermines the legitimacy of these institutions.” 

    Read the full letter here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Mast Exposes Boston University’s Phony USAID Stats

    Source: US House Committee on Foreign Affairs

    Media Contact 202-226-8467

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – This Week, House Foreign Affairs Chairman Brian Mast wrote a letter to Boston University President Melissa Gilliam raising concerns over the “Impact Counter,” a dashboard promoted by the university that makes false and misleading claims about the impacts of restructuring at the U.S. Agency for International Development.  

    In his letter, Chairman Mast exposes a series of falsehoods conveyed by the dashboard and used to spread dangerous hysteria about deaths caused by the USAID restructuring.  

    “I am deeply concerned that Boston University is serving as a platform for the weaponization of academia, where federally funded professors are spreading disinformation about the ongoing reorganization of USAID and its consequences,” Chairman Mast wrote. “Brooke Nichols, an Associate Professor at BU, is at the heart of this dangerous hysteria through her creation of the ‘Impact Counter,’ a dashboard of numbers that claim the restructuring of USAID has killed hundreds of thousands of people.” 

    As Chairman Mast notes, the dashboard has been used as ammunition to attack President Trump as his administration carries out a foreign policy agenda that puts America first and promotes U.S. interests abroad. 

    “Unfortunately, hidden behind Dr. Nichols’ claim is an erroneous set of assumptions based on inaccurate information,” Chairman Mast wrote. “This platform has become no better than a Russian bot farm or CCP propaganda. Boston University is creating a breeding ground for far-left activists to exploit academia for political gain which undermines the legitimacy of these institutions.” 

    Read the full letter here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Mast Exposes Boston University’s Phony USAID Stats

    Source: US House Committee on Foreign Affairs

    Media Contact 202-226-8467

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – This Week, House Foreign Affairs Chairman Brian Mast wrote a letter to Boston University President Melissa Gilliam raising concerns over the “Impact Counter,” a dashboard promoted by the university that makes false and misleading claims about the impacts of restructuring at the U.S. Agency for International Development.  

    In his letter, Chairman Mast exposes a series of falsehoods conveyed by the dashboard and used to spread dangerous hysteria about deaths caused by the USAID restructuring.  

    “I am deeply concerned that Boston University is serving as a platform for the weaponization of academia, where federally funded professors are spreading disinformation about the ongoing reorganization of USAID and its consequences,” Chairman Mast wrote. “Brooke Nichols, an Associate Professor at BU, is at the heart of this dangerous hysteria through her creation of the ‘Impact Counter,’ a dashboard of numbers that claim the restructuring of USAID has killed hundreds of thousands of people.” 

    As Chairman Mast notes, the dashboard has been used as ammunition to attack President Trump as his administration carries out a foreign policy agenda that puts America first and promotes U.S. interests abroad. 

    “Unfortunately, hidden behind Dr. Nichols’ claim is an erroneous set of assumptions based on inaccurate information,” Chairman Mast wrote. “This platform has become no better than a Russian bot farm or CCP propaganda. Boston University is creating a breeding ground for far-left activists to exploit academia for political gain which undermines the legitimacy of these institutions.” 

    Read the full letter here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Pettersen Votes Against GOP Legislation Justifying Trump Immigration Raids, Weaponization of Law Enforcement

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brittany Pettersen (Colorado 7th District)

    Rep. Pettersen Votes Against GOP Legislation Justifying Trump Immigration Raids, Weaponization of Law Enforcement

    Vote follows Los Angeles ICE protests

    Washington, June 27, 2025

    Today, U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) voted against Republican-backed legislation – H.Res. 516 – that spreads falsehoods about the immigration protests in Los Angeles, California, and legitimizes Trump’s ICE raids and deployment of the military to communities across the country. 

    “Let’s be clear: every American has the right to peacefully take to the streets and speak out against the horrific actions of this administration,” said Pettersen. “This resolution is just Republicans giving Trump a green light to weaponize law enforcement and target immigrant communities. He deployed the military on civilians for doing exactly what we should all be doing right now: raising our voices against this brazen lawlessness.”

    Pettersen supports legislation introduced by Representative Nanette Barragán (CA-44) and Representative Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) that:

    • Recognizes the right to peacefully protest;
    • Condemns any acts of violence by agitators; 
    • Opposes the deployment of federal military against civilians without legal justification; 
    • Commends local law enforcement for their work to ensure public safety and protect peaceful protest.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Ramirez Statement on SCOTUS Decision to Limit National Injunctions, Enabling Trump’s Plan to End Constitutional Birthright Citizenship

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Delia Ramirez – Illinois (3rd District)

    Washington, DC— Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), proud daughter of Guatemalan immigrants and citizen by birthright, released the following statement after the Supreme Court limited the power of lower courts, allowing the Trump administration to temporarily implement its proposal to end birthright citizenship. The legal case against Trump’s plan has not been heard by the Supreme Court:

    “I agree, Judge Sotomayor, no right is safe under the new regime, not even the ones clearly guaranteed under our Constitution. For more than 100 years, the 14th Amendment has reaffirmed that all people born in the U.S. are U.S. citizens, with equal rights under the law.  It has been and is the law of the land, consistently upheld by courts and scholars across the political spectrum. But in limiting nationwide injunctions, Trump’s loyalists have decided to – once again – put him above the rule of law, our Constitution, and the principles of our nation. 

    Let’s be clear: While Trump is posing the question of who the “right” people are to be an American, Birthright Citizenship is still a right affirmed in our Constitution. Today’s decision does not end birthright citizenship; it creates a two-tier system for those born in states that uphold and defend the Constitution versus those born in states willing to undermine the Constitution to bow before Trump’s regime. Some Americans– sons and daughters of immigrants– will be born with citizenship, and other Americans will be born without the rights that constitutionally belong to them by birthright. The decision is not only deplorable, it is dangerous and confusing. It will result in chaos and violence, subjecting newborns and their families to the terror of ICE. 

    At the same time, the Supreme Court has weakened the Judicial Branch’s ability to serve as a co-equal branch of government. It rolls back the court’s ability to protect our communities from the Trump Administration’s attacks. Without the checks and balances ensured in the Constitution, an unaccountable executive branch is nothing less than an authoritarian government.

    As a birthright citizen myself who swore an oath to the Constitution — not to Trump — I believe in and fight for a land of freedom, checks and balances, and equality for all. To live into that promise, we must stand against white nationalism and the authoritarianism threatening our country and its people. As we continue to support litigation against Trump’s plan to end birthright citizenship, NOW is the moment for members of both parties to uphold their oath. Let’s pass my Born in the USA Act to stop Trump from moving forward with his white supremacist plan, uphold the Constitution, and fight against a regime threatening the very soul of our nation.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Ramirez Statement on SCOTUS Decision to Limit National Injunctions, Enabling Trump’s Plan to End Constitutional Birthright Citizenship

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Delia Ramirez – Illinois (3rd District)

    Washington, DC— Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), proud daughter of Guatemalan immigrants and citizen by birthright, released the following statement after the Supreme Court limited the power of lower courts, allowing the Trump administration to temporarily implement its proposal to end birthright citizenship. The legal case against Trump’s plan has not been heard by the Supreme Court:

    “I agree, Judge Sotomayor, no right is safe under the new regime, not even the ones clearly guaranteed under our Constitution. For more than 100 years, the 14th Amendment has reaffirmed that all people born in the U.S. are U.S. citizens, with equal rights under the law.  It has been and is the law of the land, consistently upheld by courts and scholars across the political spectrum. But in limiting nationwide injunctions, Trump’s loyalists have decided to – once again – put him above the rule of law, our Constitution, and the principles of our nation. 

    Let’s be clear: While Trump is posing the question of who the “right” people are to be an American, Birthright Citizenship is still a right affirmed in our Constitution. Today’s decision does not end birthright citizenship; it creates a two-tier system for those born in states that uphold and defend the Constitution versus those born in states willing to undermine the Constitution to bow before Trump’s regime. Some Americans– sons and daughters of immigrants– will be born with citizenship, and other Americans will be born without the rights that constitutionally belong to them by birthright. The decision is not only deplorable, it is dangerous and confusing. It will result in chaos and violence, subjecting newborns and their families to the terror of ICE. 

    At the same time, the Supreme Court has weakened the Judicial Branch’s ability to serve as a co-equal branch of government. It rolls back the court’s ability to protect our communities from the Trump Administration’s attacks. Without the checks and balances ensured in the Constitution, an unaccountable executive branch is nothing less than an authoritarian government.

    As a birthright citizen myself who swore an oath to the Constitution — not to Trump — I believe in and fight for a land of freedom, checks and balances, and equality for all. To live into that promise, we must stand against white nationalism and the authoritarianism threatening our country and its people. As we continue to support litigation against Trump’s plan to end birthright citizenship, NOW is the moment for members of both parties to uphold their oath. Let’s pass my Born in the USA Act to stop Trump from moving forward with his white supremacist plan, uphold the Constitution, and fight against a regime threatening the very soul of our nation.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom statement on nationwide injunctions

    Source: US State of California 2

    Jun 27, 2025

    Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom issued the following statement today after the U.S. Supreme Court announced its ruling on Trump v. CASA, Trump v. Washington, and Trump v. New Jersey:

    In a challenge to the Trump Administration’s blatantly unconstitutional birthright citizenship executive order, the Supreme Court declined to decide whether a nationwide injunction is necessary and appropriate in the lawsuits brought by the States. While the executive order is still temporarily blocked from going into effect, this decision is deeply disappointing. However, California remains hopeful that the lower courts will ensure blatant federal overreach doesn’t go unchecked.

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Recent news

    Jun 26, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:Kira Younger, of Fair Oaks, has been appointed Chief Financial Officer and Director of the Finance and Accounting Division at the California Department of Social Services. Younger has…

    Jun 26, 2025

    News What you need to know: La Passeggiata on Lindsey Street in Stockton is the latest site to be transformed from excess, underutilized state land into affordable housing under Governor Newsom’s executive order. STOCKTON — Today, state leaders broke ground on a new…

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Markey Statement on Supreme Court Birthright Citizenship Ruling: “None of Us Are Safe”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    Washington (June 27, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) released the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Trump v. Casa, Inc. that district court judges lack the authority to grant nationwide injunctions.

    “This ruling is what happens when the Supreme Court is packed with right-wing extremists who are not only unwilling to stand up to Donald Trump, but are happy to bend over backwards for him,” said Senator Markey. “Since retaking office, Donald Trump has issued unconstitutional policy after unconstitutional policy, and it has been the federal district courts that have been doing the job of upholding our Constitution and holding Trump to account, especially the judges on the Massachusetts federal district court. Today’s ruling in the birthright citizenship case preventing a federal district court judge from protecting individuals all across the country undermines our democracy. With decisions like this, it is becoming clearer every day that none of us are safe from this administration’s attacks. We must continue to stand up, speak out, and fight the Trump administration’s authoritarian march.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman García’s Statement on Supreme Court Decision on Nationwide Injunctions and Birthright Citizenship

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Jesús Chuy García (IL-04)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) issued the following statement on the Supreme Court’s decision in Trump v. CASA, Inc., which guts federal courts’ ability to issue nationwide injunctions and enables lawlessness by the Executive Branch: 

    “I represent a district where one out of every three people is an immigrant. Today, the Supreme Court betrayed them, millions of others, and the rule of law itself. By gutting the ability of federal courts to strike down illegal policies—like Trump’s Executive Order to ban birthright citizenship—nationwide, the right-wing justices have further opened the floodgates of presidential lawlessness. Unless this Executive Order is stopped by a class action lawsuit within 30 days, Trump will begin to deny citizenship to children born in the United States—a right that is explicitly enshrined in the Constitution. He will continue to succeed in his mission of creating a permanent underclass of immigrants, violating their rights, exploiting and criminalizing their existence, and denying them access to basic services like health care, housing, and food benefits.

    “From now on, any President will be able to violate any person’s rights unless that person can hire a lawyer, be part of a complicated class action lawsuit process, or live in a state that is willing to protect their rights. This absurd and lawless regime is incompatible with democracy and justice, and Congress must act to clarify the role of federal courts in blocking illegal policies nationwide. I will continue to fight for my community and for a government that upholds the rights of all people instead of a chosen few.”

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DHS and DOJ Announce Streamlined Process for Fining Illegal Aliens

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: DHS and DOJ Announce Streamlined Process for Fining Illegal Aliens

    he Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a new joint federal rule with the Department of Justice (DOJ) that will make it easier and more efficient to fine illegal aliens

    The current process requires giving illegal aliens 30 days’ notice of the intent to fine them before a fine is issued

    This new rule will eliminate the 30-day notice period, authorize DHS immigration officers to send fines to illegal aliens by regular mail, and shorten the process that applies if illegal aliens contest their fines

    “The law doesn’t enforce itself; there must be consequences for breaking it

    ” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin

    “President Trump and Secretary Noem are standing up for law and order and making our government more effective and efficient at enforcing the American people’s immigration laws

    Financial penalties like these are just one more reason why illegal aliens should use CBP Home to self-deport now before it’s too late

    ”
    The new process will be applied to:

    Aliens who enter the United States illegally
    Aliens who ignore removal orders or delay their removal
    Aliens who do not honor agreements to comply with judges’ voluntary departure orders

    Fines include:

    $100 to $500 per unlawful entry or attempted entry
    $1,992 to $9,970 for failure to honor a voluntary departure order
    Up to $998 per day for willfully failing to comply with a removal order

    Fines such as these were never issued by DHS prior to President Trump’s first term in office

    However, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) stopped issuing them when President Biden took office

    Shortly after President Trump returned to office, ICE started issuing failure-to-depart fines again as of June 13, 2025, nearly 10,000 fine notices have been issued by ICE
    Aliens who self-deport through the CBP Home App will receive forgiveness of any civil fines or penalties for failing to depart the United States

    All illegal aliens are encouraged to start their CBP Home self-deportation process immediately

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DHS and DOJ Announce Streamlined Process for Fining Illegal Aliens

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: DHS and DOJ Announce Streamlined Process for Fining Illegal Aliens

    he Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a new joint federal rule with the Department of Justice (DOJ) that will make it easier and more efficient to fine illegal aliens

    The current process requires giving illegal aliens 30 days’ notice of the intent to fine them before a fine is issued

    This new rule will eliminate the 30-day notice period, authorize DHS immigration officers to send fines to illegal aliens by regular mail, and shorten the process that applies if illegal aliens contest their fines

    “The law doesn’t enforce itself; there must be consequences for breaking it

    ” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin

    “President Trump and Secretary Noem are standing up for law and order and making our government more effective and efficient at enforcing the American people’s immigration laws

    Financial penalties like these are just one more reason why illegal aliens should use CBP Home to self-deport now before it’s too late

    ”
    The new process will be applied to:

    Aliens who enter the United States illegally
    Aliens who ignore removal orders or delay their removal
    Aliens who do not honor agreements to comply with judges’ voluntary departure orders

    Fines include:

    $100 to $500 per unlawful entry or attempted entry
    $1,992 to $9,970 for failure to honor a voluntary departure order
    Up to $998 per day for willfully failing to comply with a removal order

    Fines such as these were never issued by DHS prior to President Trump’s first term in office

    However, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) stopped issuing them when President Biden took office

    Shortly after President Trump returned to office, ICE started issuing failure-to-depart fines again as of June 13, 2025, nearly 10,000 fine notices have been issued by ICE
    Aliens who self-deport through the CBP Home App will receive forgiveness of any civil fines or penalties for failing to depart the United States

    All illegal aliens are encouraged to start their CBP Home self-deportation process immediately

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DHS Awards $94 Million in Grants to Help Protect 512 Jewish Faith-Based Organizations from Targeted Violence and Terrorism

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: DHS Awards $94 Million in Grants to Help Protect 512 Jewish Faith-Based Organizations from Targeted Violence and Terrorism

    lass=”text-align-center”>Following the terror attack in Boulder, CO and the murder of two Israeli Embassy staffers, DHS is working to counter the concern rise in antisemitic violence and terrorism
    WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Homeland Security announced it is awarding $94,416,838 to over 512 Jewish faith-based organizations across the United States through its National Security Supplemental (NSGP-NSS)

    This money, part of the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, will be used to help these organizations harden their defenses against attacks

    This allocation comes after a terrorist attacked demonstrators with a flamethrower and Molotov cocktails at an event in support of hostages in Gaza, and after two Israeli Embassy staffers were murdered in Washington, DC, by a terrorist who shouted, “Free Palestine

    ” In 2024, the ADL said it recorded a record high of 9,354 antisemitic incidents in the U

    S

    , marking a 344% increase over the past five years

      
    “DHS is working to put a stop to the deeply disturbing rise in antisemitic attacks across the United States,” said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin

    “That this money is necessary at all is tragic

    Antisemitic violence has no place in this country

    However, under President Trump and Secretary Noem’s leadership, we are going to do everything in our power to make sure that Jewish people in the United States can live free of the threat of violence and terrorism

    ”
    The program, operated through FEMA, will help protect Jewish faith-based institutions from further attacks, and was advocated for by over 40 plus Jewish organizations

    The funding was appropriated by Congress in response to a surge in antisemitic threats linked to the Israel Hamas war

    All faith-based institutions were eligible to apply for grant funding to help defend themselves from threats including houses of worship, educational facilities, medical facilities, community centers and other faith-based institutions

    More grant disbursements will follow from the NSGP

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Shaheen Introduces Legislation to Boost Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency Investments in Rural Communities

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen

    (Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) introduced the Energy Circuit Riders Act to help ensure communities in rural America can take advantage of cost savings from energy efficiency and clean energy projects. Shaheen’s bill would establish a new grant program within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development to help eligible entities hire local, on-the-ground experts that travel to rural communities and provide assistance on projects that can help save energy, cut costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

    “Granite State communities are facing sky-high electricity prices and investing in energy efficiency and clean energy is an important tool for bringing these costs down,” said Senator Shaheen. “Energy Circuit Riders will help small towns and rural communities make improvements to become more energy efficient, reduce emissions and lower their energy bills.”

    The Energy Circuit Riders Shaheen’s bill supports would work with local governments in rural areas to provide assistance, such as energy planning, energy audits, grant writing, identifying federal, state, local and utility-based energy incentives and more. The legislation is modeled after a successful Energy Circuit Rider program in New Hampshire run by Clean Energy NH, a nonprofit based in Concord, New Hampshire.

    “Rural communities often face the highest energy costs and the fewest resources to do something about it. The Energy Circuit Riders Act gives local governments access to practical, technology-neutral technical assistance—helping them cut energy waste, lower bills, and make smarter investments with taxpayer dollars. This is about common-sense support for towns that want to do more with less.” said Sam Evans Brown, Executive Director of Clean Energy New Hampshire.

    Shaheen’s legislation is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Peter Welch (D-VT) and Ron Wyden (D-OR). The legislation is also endorsed by the National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO) and American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE).

    Shaheen leads legislative action in the U.S. Senate to support energy efficiency projects and initiatives. Last month, Shaheen pushed back on the Trump administration’s plans to scrap the Energy Star Program, which helps Americans save on energy costs.

    Shaheen was a lead negotiator of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provided an approximately $6 billion investment in energy efficiency, including funding for residential, municipal, industrial and federal entities to implement efficiency upgrades based upon her longstanding bipartisan legislation with former U.S. Senator Rob Portman.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Outlines Harmful Judiciary Committee Provisions Included In Republicans’ Reconciliation Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    June 27, 2025

    In speech on Senate floor, Durbin also spoke against Senator Cruz’s provision that would leave the U.S. AI industry an unregulated wild west

    WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, spoke about some of the harmful Judiciary provisions included in Republicans’ so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which aims to slash Medicaid and Medicare coverage for hardworking Americans in order to pay for significant tax breaks forbillionaires. According to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, 16 million Americans will lose their health insurance under Republicans’ reconciliation bill.

    Durbin began by highlighting several harmful Judiciary provisions Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats have successfully challenged and removed from the Republicans’ legislation.

    “One example: the Republicans included a provision that would have limited the ability of individuals to challenge the Trump Administration’s executive actions by potentially putting them on the hook for millions of dollars when they try to defend their constitutional rights and go to court. Fortunately, the Senate Parliamentarian stuck this provision,” Durbin said. “Now I’m proud of what we accomplished in eliminating some harmful provisions, but there is a lot of problems with the ‘Big Beautiful Bill.’ The more we learn about this bill, the worse it looks. Perhaps that is why there is a hurry to get this done before the Fourth of July and people can take a close look at the details. And I cannot stand idly by as my Senate Republican colleagues try to steamroll this bill through Congress because the President wants to do something before the Fourth of July.”

    Durbin then outlined Republicans’ wish-list of policy changes included in the reconciliation package to help carry out mass deportations of immigrants who have lived in our country for years and pose no threat to our safety.

    “These policies of mass deportation of immigrants are cruel and mean. And they go beyond any question of public safety. This bill would impose exorbitant fees that would make it impossible forvulnerable immigrants to access humanitarian relief in the United States,” Durbin said. “This includes a $1,000 fee on asylum and a $5,000 bond for parents seeking to be reunited with their child. The fees also place barriers on due process—a $900 dollar fee for an appeal in immigration court. These fees are not just unconscionable—they are unfair.”

    Durbin then discussed how the Republican bill prohibits using grant funds for community violence intervention and prevention programs, which are proven, evidence-informed strategies to reduce violence.

    “We have a gun violence epidemic in America. Currently guns are the number one cause of death for American children and teens. Let me repeat that. In America, guns are the number one cause of death for American children and teens. Not auto accidents, not cancer. Guns. We need to support and strengthen community violence intervention and prevention programs. I’ve seen them. And I’ve seen them work in the City of Chicago and all around my state of Illinois to stop violent incidents before they happen. And we need to connect people with treatment and tools that decrease the risk of future violence,” Durbin said. “Instead of supporting valuable public safety measures, the Republicans’ ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ removes taxes and regulations on certain rifles, shotguns, and gun silencers. This is just what we need in America, isn’t it? Cheaper guns. Combatting this epidemic takes ingenuity and funding—not the reversal of lifesaving gun violence prevention policies. But Republicans’ reckless reconciliation bill will jeopardize the progress that’s been made in our communities.”

    Durbin then spoke against Senator Ted Cruz’s (R-TX) provision that would leave the U.S. artificial intelligence (AI) industry an unregulated wild west. The provision would give states the choice between regulating AI or accepting federal funding under the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program. This means states would have to choose between freezing all regulations on AI for the next decade or giving up specific federal funding. In addition to preventing new state regulations, it would make many of the laws already passed by states unenforceable regarding issues such as political deepfakes, face recognition, and algorithmic discrimination.

    “We are currently living with the results of our failure to regulate Big Tech when it came to social media. Let’s not make the same mistake when it comes to AI,” said Durbin. “This provision by Senator Cruz will allow Big Tech and bad actors to prey on the lack of regulations in the AI space and develop deceptive, biased, and potentially dangerous tools that hurt ordinary Americans and diminish trust in technology… I promise to support any amendment that will remove the AI pause provision from this bill. And I hope my Republican colleagues will do the same.

    Durbin concluded, “So now is the real test for my Senate Republican colleagues. Will they stand with President Trump and provide tax breaks for millionaires and billionaires? Or will they stand with their hardworking constituents and reject this betrayal? What’s more important, a tax break for Elon Musk or the health insurance of 16 million in America? What’s more important, a tax break for the wealthiest people in America or your rural hospital? I think people know that when it comes to the quality of life, the hospital is more important and health insurance is critical. I hope for the sake of our country, four Republican Senators will have the courage to step up and choose their constituents over special interest groups.”

    Video of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.

    Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.

    Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Issues Consumer Alert on Notario Fraud, Obtaining Immigration Legal Help, Locating Detained People

    Source: US State of California

    If you need help with immigration relief or if your loved one has been detained, be careful who you hire

    OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today issued guidance to help California’s immigrant communities avoid immigration scams by those seeking to take advantage of fear and uncertainty resulting from President Trump’s cruel mass detention and deportation campaign. The alert released today provides tools for people looking to hire free or low-cost legal help and for those looking to locate loved ones who are detained. 

    “Families across the country are experiencing fear and uncertainly as a result of President Trump’s inhumane immigration agenda — and scammers are paying attention. Immigration scams, including notario fraud, prey on the hopes of safety and stability of our immigrant communities,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Before hiring someone claiming to offer help with immigration matters or assistance locating a detained loved one, I urge people to familiarize themselves with existing resources that are often available at little or no cost and learn how to check that the individual is qualified to provide immigration help.”

    What is Notario Fraud?

    Only lawyers, accredited representatives, and recognized organizations can give you legal advice or represent you in immigration court. Immigration consultants – who may call themselves immigration experts, notarios, notaries public, or paralegals – cannot do so. 

    In many Spanish-speaking nations, “notarios” are powerful attorneys with special legal credentials. In the United States, however, notary publics are people authorized by state governments to witness the signing of important documents and are not necessarily authorized to provide legal services. A notario público is not authorized to provide people with any legal services related to immigration.

    How to Locate Detained Loved Ones

    Try to find your loved one’s Alien Registration number (A-Number), which is on their immigration documents. If someone has not previously had contact with immigration authorities or has not applied for an immigration benefit, they will not have an A number but will be assigned one if detained. To find someone in detention, search locator.ice.gov  by their A-Number or by their full name and country of birth. Once you identify the detention center, go to ice.gov/detention-facilities  for location, visiting, and other information. Using the A-Number, you can look up immigration court hearing information at acis.eoir.justice.gov. For more information, please visit nilc.org/resources.

    Protect Yourself from Immigration Scams

    If you need help applying for immigration relief, be careful who you hire. Watch out for immigration scams that can cost you thousands of dollars and/or harm your immigration status. Here are some tips and resources to help:  

    • Confirm that anyone helping you with your case is licensed or accredited. Only lawyers, accredited representatives, and recognized organizations can give you legal advice or represent you in immigration court. Some immigration consultants may fraudulently call themselves immigration lawyers. If someone claims they are licensed in California or another state and can practice immigration law, confirm they are licensed and in good standing in that particular state by visiting americanbar.org/groups/legal_services/flh-home/flh-lawyer-licensing. If someone claims to be an accredited representative or recognized organization, visit justice.gov/eoir/recognition-accreditation-roster-reports to confirm that information.
    • Go to a legitimate legal aid organization for free legal help. Many nonprofit organizations provide free immigration help to low-income individuals, such as those found through the resources below. To find a legal aid organization near you, go to lawhelpca.org. 
    • Keep your original documents in a safe place. Don’t give your original documents to anyone unless you see proof that the government requires the original document. Make sure you have a trusted emergency contact who can access these documents. Keep copies of all immigration-related documents, including copies of documents filed with the government and communications with the government, in a safe place.
    • Do not give money or personal information to anyone who calls, texts, or emails you claiming that there is a problem with your immigration matter. No federal or state agency, including USCIS, will ever ask for your personal information or payment over the phone, by email, or text. Be skeptical of social media or other ads promising new or quick immigration help.

    Access Free and Low-Cost Legal Assistance 

    Visit Law Help CA or Immigration Law Help to find immigration assistance near you.

    Find free immigration help through the U.S. Department of Justice’s list of no cost legal service providers and list of accredited representatives.

    If You are the Victim of an Immigration Scam

    Report it to the California Department of Justice at oag.ca.gov/report. You can also contact your local District Attorney or county department of consumer affairs.

    You can get help from a legitimate legal aid organization at lawhelpca.org.

    For more do’s and don’ts, see the full “Protecting Yourself from Immigration Scams” consumer alert here. The alert is available in Spanish here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –