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Category: United States of America

  • MIL-OSI USA: Garamendi Demands FEMA Deliver Remaining COVID-19 Payments to California Hospitals

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Garamendi – Representing California’s 3rd Congressional District

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, Representative John Garamendi (D-CA-08) led a letter, along with 24 California Democratic colleagues, urging that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reimburse the $460 million still owed to California Hospitals for emergency expenses incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    During COVID-19, hospitals expanded capacity and invested in ventilators and PPE, often at the request of state or local governments. These funds from FEMA are crucial for California’s healthcare system, where nearly half of all hospitals operate at a loss.

    In the letter, the lawmakers wrote, “Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals in California were essential in treating patients while also maintaining their core mission of delivering healthcare services to everyone in need. However, in their response to the crisis, these hospitals faced significant financial burdens as they expanded their capacity—often at the request of state or local governments. They also invested in critical resources such as ventilators, secured substantial supplies of personal protective equipment, and hired additional clinical staff to ensure they could continue providing care to their communities.”

    “However, FEMA has failed to fulfill its obligation to reimburse our healthcare systems for the care and services they delivered. Recent data shows that 260 of California’s hospitals and health systems have applied for $3.4 billion in FEMA public assistance and $2.84 billion has been obligated.1 Many of these outstanding claims date back to 2020.2 We appreciate the progress FEMA has made since November in obligating these funds and ask that the remaining funds be promptly obligated to ensure California’s hospitals can continue their vital work.”

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

    Dear Acting Administrator Hamilton,

    We respectfully request that you take immediate steps to expeditiously obligate and disburse the remaining $460 million outstanding claims for eligible expenses incurred in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic submitted by Californian hospitals and health systems.

    Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals in California were essential in treating patients while also maintaining their core mission of delivering healthcare services to everyone in need. However, in their response to the crisis, these hospitals faced significant financial burdens as they expanded their capacity—often at the request of state or local governments. They also invested in critical resources such as ventilators, secured substantial supplies of personal protective equipment, and hired additional clinical staff to ensure they could continue providing care to their communities.

    However, FEMA has failed to fulfill its obligation to reimburse our healthcare systems for the care and services they delivered. Recent data shows that 260 of California’s hospitals and health systems have applied for $3.4 billion in FEMA public assistance and $2.84 billion has been obligated.

    Many of these outstanding claims date back to 2020.2 We appreciate the progress FEMA has made since November in obligating these funds and ask that the remaining funds be promptly obligated to ensure California’s hospitals can continue their vital work.

    California’s hospitals were critical in ensuring the health and safety of our communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, the failure to deliver on the outstanding FEMA applications has left our hospitals in a precarious position. Nearly half of the state’s hospitals operate at a loss every day while providing care, and an additional 12% are only just above breaking even. Already, our communities are seeing service cuts and facility closures.

    Moreover, by 2030, our hospital and health systems will face a critical inflection point as state requirements for seismic safety will go into effect. Current budget deficits, made worse by delayed FEMA payments, will only be exacerbated by the proposed decreases in federal reimbursement for Medicare and Medicaid patients. This combination of factors could put California’s healthcare system, particularly for care providers in rural and low-income areas, on the brink of crisis.

    It is critical to act quickly to allocate the remaining $460 million in federal reimbursements for hospitals’ costs incurred in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and ensure that our healthcare systems receive the compensation they deserve. We stand ready to work with you to accomplish this.

    The letter was co-signed by the following California members: Representative Nanette Barragán, Representative Julia Brownley, Representative Salud Carbajal, Representative Judy Chu, Representative Gilbert Cisneros, Representative Lou Correa, Representative Jim Costa, Representative Laura Friedman, Representative Robert Garcia, Representative Jimmy Gomez, Representative Jared Huffman, Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Representative Ted Lieu, Representative Doris Matsui, Representative Kevin Mullin, Representative Jimmy Panetta, Representative Nancy Pelosi, Representative Raul Ruiz, Representative Linda Sánchez, Representative Mark Takano, Representative Mike Thompson, Representative Norma Torres, Representative Juan Vargas, and Representative George Whitesides.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Garamendi Demands President Trump Prioritize U.S. Leadership in Nuclear Nonproliferation

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Garamendi – Representing California’s 3rd Congressional District

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, Representative John Garamendi (D-CA-08) led a bicameral letter expressing concern about President Trump’s understanding of the important role the United States plays in nuclear weapons safety and nonproliferation. This letter was co-led by the Nuclear Weapons and Arms Control Working Group Co-Chairs, Representative Don Beyer (D-VA-08), Senator Ed Markey (D-MA), and Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), along with Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-TX-37), Representative Bill Foster (D-IL-11), Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-WA-07), Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN-05), Representative Jim McGovern (D-MA-02), and Representative Mike Thompson (D-CA-04).

    Nuclear nonproliferation refers to efforts to deter the spread of nuclear weapons. This happens via discouraging nuclear buildups by countries that already possess nuclear weapons and by working to prevent non-nuclear states from obtaining nuclear weapons.  

    A world with more nuclear weapons is a less safe world. By cutting funding for nonproliferation activities and firing professionals responsible for managing the United States nuclear weapons stockpile, the Trump administration has failed to demonstrate it appreciates this reality.

    In the letter, the lawmakers wrote, “Nonproliferation is not just about stopping the spread of nuclear weapons – it also includes securing and disposing of dangerous materials, preventing radioactive materials from falling into the wrong hands, and ensuring compliance with international nuclear agreements and export controls. This work is essential to safeguarding public safety, strengthening global oversight, and preventing nuclear accidents or terrorism.”

    “Nuclear proliferation is a significant threat to U.S. and global security. At this critical juncture, U.S. allies are reevaluating their non-nuclear status, driven in part by concerns that the U.S. may no longer be a reliable partner. A world with more nuclear weapons is one in which every minor conflict has the potential to cause mass casualties, and where terrorists will have more opportunities to attempt to seize nuclear materials and weapons in nuclear-armed countries. A steadfast U.S. commitment to global nuclear security is more crucial than ever.”

    “Underinvestment in nuclear security threatens research and workforce development programs focused on addressing national security challenges such as uranium enrichment, weaponization by foreign actors, the risks posed by artificial intelligence to nuclear security, and technical assistance to U.S. companies developing advanced nuclear reactors.”

    The letter requests the President provide answers to the following questions: 

    • You have stated clearly your intention to “de-nuclearize.” Will your administration prioritize efforts to secure arms control agreements and nuclear nonproliferation?  

    • Does your administration remain committed to the principles of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty? Will you sanction or otherwise condemn any country that withdraws from the treaty to pursue a nuclear weapons program? 

    • Will your administration prioritize preventing uranium or other nuclear material from falling into the wrong hands? Will you commit to maintaining robust investments in global tracking and accounting for nuclear material? 

    • Which specific programs will be affected by the $185 million reduction of Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation account? Please provide details on specific programs and the amounts their funding will be reduced.  

    • How will the reduction of manpower and nonproliferation funding at NNSA impact its ability to prevent nuclear accidents or threats? 

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

    Dear President Trump:

    We write to strongly urge your administration to prioritize nuclear nonproliferation, and to express concern that recent actions suggest a lack of appreciation for the vital role of U.S. leadership in these efforts.  

    Nonproliferation is not just about stopping the spread of nuclear weapons – it also includes securing and disposing of dangerous materials, preventing radioactive materials from falling into the wrong hands, and ensuring compliance with international nuclear agreements and export controls. This work is essential to safeguarding public safety, strengthening global oversight, and preventing nuclear accidents or terrorism.

    Your administration’s actions have signaled an underappreciation of critical nonproliferation work. These actions include the hasty firing of over 300 National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) employees overseeing the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile in February and the redirection of $185 million from the NNSA’s Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation account in the recent full-year Continuing Resolution to the nuclear weapons activities account.  

    Reports also suggest your administration has suspended two key programs that provide vital assistance to international nuclear inspectors, including those monitoring Iran’s nuclear program. There are vacancies at several high-profile arms control and nonproliferation posts across the administration. The potential for large reductions in the workforce at the Department of Energy, including NNSA experts responsible for maintaining a safe and secure nuclear weapons stockpile, are cause for further concern.

    Nuclear proliferation is a significant threat to U.S. and global security. At this critical juncture, U.S. allies are reevaluating their non-nuclear status, driven in part by concerns that the U.S. may no longer be a reliable partner. A world with more nuclear weapons is one in which every minor conflict has the potential to cause mass casualties, and where terrorists will have more opportunities to attempt to seize nuclear materials and weapons in nuclear-armed countries. A steadfast U.S. commitment to global nuclear security is more crucial than ever.

    The 2024 Department of Defense Report on the Nuclear Employment Strategy states that “…deterrence alone will not address strategic dangers. Arms control, risk reduction, and nuclear nonproliferation are indispensable in preserving stability, enhancing predictability, deterring aggression and escalation, reducing the consequences if deterrence fails, and mitigating the risk of nuclear arms racing and nuclear war.”

    The Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation (DNN) account at NNSA, which is being cut by $185 million, funds essential programs that protect U.S. national security. One is the Office of Global Material Security (GMS), which works globally to prevent terrorists from acquiring nuclear or radioactive materials for attacks on the U.S. GMS also collaborates with international partners to secure nuclear materials and combat trafficking. In addition, the DNN account funds the Office of International Nuclear Safeguards, which ensures that countries comply with International Atomic Energy Agency agreements and do not divert nuclear materials to weapons programs or pursue undeclared nuclear activities.

    Underinvestment in nuclear security threatens research and workforce development programs focused on addressing national security challenges such as uranium enrichment, weaponization by foreign actors, the risks posed by artificial intelligence to nuclear security, and technical assistance to U.S. companies developing advanced nuclear reactors.  

    These actions raise serious concerns about your administration’s commitment to nuclear nonproliferation. As such, we respectfully request prompt answers to the following questions:

    • You have stated clearly your intention to “de-nuclearize.” Will your administration prioritize efforts to secure arms control agreements and nuclear nonproliferation? 

    • Does your administration remain committed to the principles of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty? Will you sanction or otherwise condemn any country that withdraws from the treaty to pursue a nuclear weapons program?
    •  

    • Will your administration prioritize preventing uranium or other nuclear material from falling into the wrong hands? Will you commit to maintaining robust investments in global tracking and accounting for nuclear material?

    • Which specific programs will be affected by the $185 million reduction of Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation account? Please provide details on specific programs and the amounts their funding will be reduced.  

    • How will the reduction of manpower and nonproliferation funding at NNSA impact its ability to prevent nuclear accidents or threats?  

    To ensure international security, the United States must invest in more than just weapons. We cannot afford to abandon our commitment to nuclear nonproliferation or the technical and policy programs that support it. Prioritizing nonproliferation strengthens deterrence, reduces the risks of nuclear accidents or intentional use, promotes international cooperation, and allows for the peaceful and responsible use of nuclear energy.  

    In today’s rapidly changing global environment, the United States commitment to nonproliferation is vital. Continued investment in these efforts will advance international security, stability, and cooperation. For America to lead in creating a safer world, we must reaffirm and uphold our commitment to nuclear nonproliferation.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Garamendi Statement on Trump and Republicans Pass “One Big Scam”

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Garamendi – Representing California’s 3rd Congressional District

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA-03) released the following statement after voting NO on Trump and House Republicans’ devastating budget bill:

    “Today, House Republicans—at the direction of Donald Trump—conducted the biggest theft in U.S. history. Their budget reconciliation bill is the largest transfer of wealth from the country’s most vulnerable to its richest.

    At a time when Trump Tariffs are already causing prices to rise, House Republicans are making the lives of millions of Americans more even more difficult by passing a bill that rips healthcare from nearly 14 million Americans who rely on Medicaid including 300,000 in my district. They are stealing school meals from over 18 million children to pay for another $150 billion to the Pentagon for wasteful and dangerous projects like mass deportation flights, the Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile, and boondoggles like Trump’s Golden Dome. But guess what? It doesn’t pay for itself; it would add $5 trillion dollars to the national debt.

    Franklin D. Roosevelt once said, “The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little.” This bill does the exact opposite. The Congressional Budget Office confirms the bill will raise incomes for the wealthiest 10% of Americans while slashing incomes for the poorest 10%. It also guts Medicare, SNAP, and Head Start, cutting vital lifelines from families who are already struggling.

    The fact that so many Republicans voted to actively harm their own constituents just to curry favor with Donald Trump is shameful. I’m proud to stand with my Democratic colleagues who fought tooth and nail to delay this disaster. If Democrats were in control of Congress, we would vote on raising wages and cutting costs for working Americans, not handouts to billionaire donors.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Garamendi, Thompson Demand Answers from Pentagon Over Plans to Use Travis AFB as Deportation Center

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Garamendi – Representing California’s 3rd Congressional District

    WASHINGTON, DC— This week, U.S. Representatives John Garamendi (D-CA-08) and Mike Thompson (D-CA-04) sent a joint letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth following reports that the Trump Administration is considering Travis Air Force Base as an immigration detention facility:

    “It’s outrageous and inappropriate for the Trump Administration to use Travis Air Force Base as an immigration detention facility. Converting Travis into an immigration facility would undermine its vital national security mission. Travis Air Force Base has long been known as the ‘Gateway to the Pacific’ because it plays a crucial role in our national security by providing transportation for personnel and materiel around the world, particularly in support to Ukraine.” said the Representatives.

    “Unfortunately, this is not the President’s first attempt to inappropriately utilize Travis Air Force Base, hampering its critical mission. In February we uncovered that Trump was using Travis’s military aircraft to transport undocumented individuals at three times the cost of commercial flights. Later that month, we were able to stop his attempt to send trained medical personnel to the proposed migrant detention camp in Guantanamo Bay. Now, the President wants to turn Travis into a mass deportation center. All these instances compromise our national security and are simply absurd.

    “We are deeply alarmed by Trump’s blatant abuse of presidential power and his indifference to the rule of law. His utter disregard for the Posse Comitatus Act, which explicitly prohibits using active-duty military personnel for domestic law enforcement functions, is gravely concerning.

    “We will continue Congress’s oversight role and work to ensure the American people understand the unlawful, wasteful, and dangerous path Trump is pursuing.”

    This letter is the latest in a series of actions by Rep. Garamendi and Rep. Thompson to hold the Trump Administration accountable for misusing military resources in immigration enforcement.

    In January, Rep. Garamendi’s office sent a letter demanding answers from the Department of Defense regarding the use of C-17s and C-130s from Travis Air Force Base to deport undocumented immigrants. 

    In February, Rep. Garamendi followed up with another letter pressing the Trump Administration over plans to deploy medical professionals to a proposed migrant detention facility in Guantanamo Bay. The Department of Defense recently responded to that inquiry, but Rep. Garamendi’s office found the response inadequate.

    Read the full letter here and below.

    Pete Hegseth
    Secretary of Defense
    Office of the Secretary of Defense 
    1000 Defense Pentagon 
    Washington, DC 20301 

    Dear Secretary Hegseth, 

    We are deeply frustrated and gravely concerned by recent reports regarding the proposed use of Travis Air Force Base (AFB) as a migrant detention site. In our previous correspondence, we requested detailed assessments on the impact of this plan, including its effects on military resources, infrastructure, ongoing construction projects, and overall readiness. To date, these critical details remain unclear.

    While the federal government must address immigration challenges with humane and practical solutions, utilizing a military installation for civilian law enforcement and detention operations raises significant concerns about the misuse of military resources, operational readiness, and national security. The decision to use Travis AFB as a migrant detention center would both constitute a dangerous militarization of immigration enforcement and unnecessarily degrade military readiness.

    Travis AFB plays a critical role in national security and is responsible for the global transportation of personnel and material. Whether providing aid to Ukraine or transporting personnel and equipment into the Pacific, Travis AFB must maintain its readiness to respond to global crises.

    Additionally, military personnel’s involvement in civilian detention and law enforcement contradicts established legal frameworks, including the Posse Comitatus Act, which restricts military engagement in civilian law enforcement. Assigning resources toward immigration enforcement risks blurring this crucial distinction and setting a concerning precedent for the use of military installations for purposes beyond their intended scope.

    We demand answers from the Department of Defense to the following inquiries, no later than 30 days after receipt:

    1. Has the Department assessed the potential impact on Travis AFB’s infrastructure, specifically regarding water and energy, should a detention site be established at the base?
    2. How will diverting space and resources for a detention center at Travis AFB impact ongoing or future operations?
    3. How many migrants does the Department expect to detain at Travis AFB?
    4. Does the Department plan to reassign military personnel at Travis AFB to assist in detention operations?
    5. How will the Department ensure military personnel are not performing law enforcement activities at this detention center?
    6. What authorized and appropriated funds are being diverted to build and maintain this detention center?

    We urge you to provide full transparency on how this decision will affect Travis AFB and to reconsider any action that might compromise military readiness and interfere with ongoing or future operations.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Burchett hosting town hall on April 14

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Tim Burchett (R-TN)

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

    U.S. Congressman Tim Burchett (TN-02) will host a telephone town hall on Monday, April 14 at 6:30 p.m. with special guest Congressman Chip Roy (TX-21.) 

    The discussion will focus on legislative wins and other accomplishments in the first 100 days of the 119th Congress. Rep. Burchett will also take live questions from participants. 

    Telephone town halls provide an accessible and easy way for thousands of constituents to hear directly from the Congressman and speak to him about their concerns. 

    Those who RSVP will receive a phone call on April 14 around 6:30 p.m. with an invitation to join the call. Anyone interested in participating can register at this link or visit www.burchett.house.gov. RSVP registration ends at 5 p.m on Thursday, April 10.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Burchett to Introduce Legislation to Codify President Trump’s Agenda

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Tim Burchett (R-TN)

    Rep. Burchett to Introduce Legislation to Codify President Trump’s Executive Orders

    Washington, D.C. (May 16th, 2025) — Today, U.S. Congressman Tim Burchett announced that he will be introducing legislation to codify President Trump’s Executive Orders. Since his inauguration, President Trump has slashed regulatory red tape, prioritized fiscal conservatism, and effectively closed the Southern Border. 

    “President Trump has done his part in acting on the mandate from the American people. It’s past time for Congress to take action,” said Representative Burchett.  

    “I am taking charge to ensure Congress carries out President Trump’s agenda. Thats why I’ll be introducing a series of single-issue bills to support the President and Congressional Republicans’ promise to the American people.” 

    The first series of bills will enforce DOGE cuts, slash harmful red tape, eliminate foreign influence in our schools, and unleash American energy.  

    For the latest information and breaking news on Representative Burchett’s new legislation, please visit www.burchett.house.gov and subscribe to his newsletter HERE.  

    For media inquiries please contact Will Garrett, Press Secretary for Congressman Tim Burchett (TN-02) 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Burchett Votes YES on the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Tim Burchett (R-TN)

    Washington, D.C. (May 22nd, 2025) — Today, U.S. Congressman Tim Burchett voted YES on the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” The reconciliation bill advances President Trump’s agenda by renewing the President’s tax cuts, unleashing American energy, investing in border security, all while including the largest mandatory spending cut in history. 

    “President Trump and Congress have a mandate from the American people to implement the President’s agenda into law. I am proud to stand with President Trump in his fight to take back our country.” said Congressman Burchett. 

    The legislation renews the Trump Tax Cuts and includes the President’s promises of no tax on tips, made in America auto tax breaks, and tax breaks for seniors on social security. 

    “Without these important tax cuts, a family of four in Tennessee making $67,000 would see their taxes increase by $1,300 in 2026. That is unacceptable, and I will always fight to keep more money in the pockets of hard-working Tennesseans.” 

    The bill also protects and preserves Medicaid by rooting out waste, fraud and abuse. It removes deceased individuals, closes loopholes that allow illegal aliens to receive benefits, and ensures people who rely on Medicaid will have better access to the resources that they need.  

    “Illegals, able-bodied adults choosing not to work, and people who weren’t eligible for Medicaid in the first place are going to destroy Medicaid for vulnerable and deserving Americans. This bill protects and preserves Medicaid to ensure it better serves the least amongst us.” 

    For media inquiries please contact Will Garrett, Press Secretary for Congressman Tim Burchett (TN-02)   

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: During National Police Week, Representative Escobar, Democrats Call on Republicans to Honor their Commitment to January 6th Police Officers

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16)

    Today, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) joined Representatives Eric Swalwell (CA-14), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Jason Crow (CO-6), Nancy Pelosi (CA-11), Dan Goldman (NY-10), and more for a press conference to continue their calls on Republicans to finally place the commemorative plaque honoring the U.S. Capitol police officers that protected the Capitol on January 6th.

    As part of H.R. 2471, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022, Democrats included a provision requiring the Architect of the Capitol to obtain an honorific plaque listing the names of all officers from various law enforcement agencies who responded to the violence on January 6, 2021. This provision set a deadline of March 2023 for the plaque to be displayed. 

    Despite the plaque having been finished, House Republicans have refused to hang up the plaque, nor have they offered a timetable to do so.

    In January, Congresswoman Escobar joined nearly 60 Democrats to request an update from Speaker Johnson about the status of the plaque’s placement.

    Photos of the event can be found here. Video of her remarks can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Representatives Escobar, Frost, Crow Send Letter to Noem and ICE: Members of Congress Have a Legal Right to Enter Detention Facilities and Conduct Oversight

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16)

    Following the alarming arrest of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and threats of arrest to Members of Congress due to a recent oversight visit to the Delaney Hall ICE detention facility, U.S. Representatives Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), and Jason Crow (CO-6) today sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem and ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons to condemn the recent events and urge them to issue clarifying direction to DHS personnel about the explicit legal right that a Member of Congress has to access a detention center. 

    “During a site visit by three Members of Congress – Representatives Bonnie Watson Coleman, Rob Menendez, and LaMonica McIver – Newark Mayor Ras Baraka waited outside in a fenced-in parking lot as protestors gathered on the other side of the fence,” they wrote. “He was told to leave the fenced-in part of the parking lot and, despite complying with the request, was arrested by ICE agents. Subsequently, a DHS spokesperson indicated that arrests of the attending Members of Congress are ‘on the table,’ alleging that one of them ‘body-slammed’ an ICE officer – a claim uncorroborated by witnesses or available video evidence.”

    They continued, “The Department itself has affirmed the oversight duties of Members of Congress in guidance posted by ICE dated to February 2025. Arresting Members of Congress for performing their lawful oversight duties cannot be ‘on the table’ because that action would be explicitly unlawful.”

    “We anticipate your prompt confirmation that clarifying direction has been given by May 17, 2025,” the representatives concluded.

    The full text of the letter can be read here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Escobar Votes Against Republican Budget Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16)

    Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) released the following statement after Republicans passed their budget bill in the House:  

    “It is devastating that in the wealthiest country in the world, Republicans have chosen to target the most vulnerable Americans by cutting the programs that help them — all so that the wealthiest in our nation can get massive tax cuts.

    “Communities across the country will suffer. Thousands of El Pasoans will have less money in their pockets and less access to health care and nutrition programs. 

    “Instead of helping hardworking Americans, this legislation – the centerpiece of the Trump domestic agenda – will make our country poorer, sicker and hungrier.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Escobar Advocates for the Priorities of El Paso and Fort Bliss in Armed Services Committee Hearing

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16)

    This morning, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) testified before the U.S. House Armed Services Committee during the committee’s Member Day hearing. The hearing was an opportunity for Members to highlight issues of high importance to their communities as the committee crafts the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act. The Congresswoman’s testimony highlighted concerns about the misuse of military assets along the border, the need for a new 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command headquarters building on Fort Bliss and ensuring protections for Department of Defense civilians tasked with conducting enhanced oversight of military housing. 

    Video of the Congresswoman at the hearing can be found here and her remarks as delivered can be found below:

    “Good morning, Chairman Rogers and Ranking Member Smith. I miss serving on the House Armed Services Committee so much that I’m here today to testify before you on Member Day. I want to thank you both for your leadership. I so appreciate the bipartisan process in crafting the NDAA every year, and I’m here to offer my own recommendations since I cannot do it as a member of the Armed Services Committee.

    “As you both know, I have the incredible privilege of representing Fort Bliss, and as the representative for Fort Bliss, I’d like to highlight some of the concerns that I have, which I’ve shared with you all before. So, none of this is new.

    “One of my primary concerns is regarding this administration’s unprecedented use of DoD assets for operations that traditionally fall under the jurisdiction of the Department of Homeland Security. In recent months, we have seen this Administration use military airlift to deport migrants out of Fort Bliss, an absurdly expensive operation to set up a migrant detention camp at Guantanamo Bay, and a plan to establish migrant detention camps on military installations around the country. DHS has requested these DoD support operations be provided on a non-reimbursable basis – which is egregious, as funds appropriated to DoD should be used to provide for our service members and focus on global threats, not misuse assets and resources when more cost-effective alternatives are available.

    “As we near the start of construction of a migrant detention facility on Fort Bliss, the first installation subjected to such plans thus far, I would like to iterate my opposition to this misuse of our military bases. The last time Fort Bliss was required to build and support a holding facility, it was as part of Operation Allies Welcome, when a large facility was built to hold over 10,000 Afghan refugees that the U.S. evacuated and processed in coordination with DHS. That mission alone set Fort Bliss back on readiness levels by approximately two years. I remain deeply worried that allowing migrant detention facilities onto our military bases and directing surges of troops along the border will have similar effects on our readiness at a time when we cannot afford to do so. 

    “I would also like to add that such operations also jeopardize civil military relations in communities like my hometown of El Paso, where we are so proud of Fort Bliss, our soldiers and their families. At a time when border crossings are at historic lows, constituents in my district have few answers as to why Strykers – armored fighting vehicles – are patrolling our community, carrying DHS personnel, who have patrol vehicles of their own. I think it is important to note that in President Trump’s first term, his own Secretaries of Defense opposed using the military for federal law enforcement matters, as they revered our military as an institution and understood that involvement of our armed forces in domestic political matters set a dangerous precedent, both for our military and our communities at home.

    “I have a number of other requests, but as I’m running out of time, I will make sure to submit those to you all. I also look forward to working closely with you as I serve on the Milcon/VA subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee, and would like to ensure that the work we did last Congress under the Quality of Life panel, that we fulfill that promise through our appropriations as well as through the authorization process.

    “Thank you, Mr. Chairman, Mr. Ranking Member. I yield back.”

    Below are the rest of the Congresswoman’s remarks that were submitted to the committee:

    “I’d now like to turn my attention to Fort Bliss infrastructure. Fort Bliss is home to the 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command (AAMDC) headquarters. The 32nd AAMDC is a theater level air and missile defense organization with a worldwide 72-hour deployment mission. The men and women of the 32nd AAMDC’s brigades are constantly deployed, keeping our own servicemembers, assets, and those of our allies safe all over the globe. Despite the dire importance of this command, their headquarters building is incredibly outdated, and the state of their decrepit SCIF is unacceptable. I hope to work with this Committee and the Army to ensure the 32nd AAMDC gets a new, state of the art HQ building in coming years. As you know, new military construction requires both authorization and appropriations, so I look forward to partnering on this effort through my seat on the MILCON subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee.

    “Lastly, I look forward to working with Members of this Committee to ensure that proposed civilian workforce reductions, outlined as a goal by Secretary of Defense Hegseth, do not negatively impact this Committee’s efforts to ensure robust civilian oversight of unaccompanied housing and increase the frequency of inspections. The House Armed Services Committee’s Quality of Life Panel focused heavily on improving the oversight of military housing facilities, and it would be a great disservice to our service members if Congress does not fight to protect the very DoD civilian positions we have charged with administering routine inspections of military housing.

    “Thank you again for allowing me to outline objectives for your consideration as you craft the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act. I am so grateful for all I learned in my six years serving on your committee, and I have used that experience to inform my work on the Committee on Appropriations, where I continue my advocacy for the men, women and families of Fort Bliss and our military at large. I look forward to working with you to ensure Congress protects and provides for them in FY26 and the years to come.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Escobar Votes Against Republican Billionaire Tax Cuts, Slashes to Healthcare and Nutrition Programs

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16)

    Late last night, the House Budget Committee took up the Republicans’ disastrous reconciliation bill and Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) voted no. Republicans reconvened the committee at 10pm ET to pass their bill, which had failed on Friday after several Republicans blocked it to negotiate further – and even more damaging – cuts to Medicaid. 

    “Republicans just approved a budget that will rip away healthcare, end nutrition programs, explode the national debt and be incredibly harmful to every American except those in the top 0.1%,” said Rep. Escobar. “This bill makes America sicker, poorer and hungrier so that billionaires can enjoy massive tax breaks.”

    The Penn Wharton Budget Model, a non-partisan scorekeeper released their analysis of the Republican budget bill. According to their economists, Americans who make less than $51,000 a year would see their after-tax income fall by about $700 as a result of the Republican proposal beginning next year. 

    This would devastate low-income communities such as El Paso, where 43% of El Pasoans earn less than $51,000 according to census statistics.

    But the top 0.1 percent? The Penn Wharton Budget Model shows that the top 0.1 percent would see their after-tax income increase by an average of more than $389,000 starting next year.

    With this budget, Republicans are deliberately choosing to explode the deficit, and kick 13.7 million people off their healthcare. Americans will be sicker, poorer and hungrier because Republicans have chosen to prioritize billionaire handouts.

    Video of the Congresswoman’s reaction after the vote can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Houlahan, Pfluger Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Protect Military Installations from Unauthorized Drones

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA)

    Washington, D.C. — Today, Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) and Representative August Pfluger (R-TX) introduced the Comprehensive Operations for Unmanned-System Neutralization and Threat Elimination Response (COUNTER) Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to enhance airspace security at military bases. A companion bill was also introduced today in the Senate by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Senator Tom Cotton (R-AK).
    “In recent years, there has been a disturbing increase in threats posed to U.S. military bases by unmanned aircraft systems, including from systems controlled by foreign adversaries. Despite this, our armed forces continue to tell us that they lack the authority to protect the skies over some of our most sensitive military installations,” said Rep. Houlahan. “Today’s introduction of the bipartisan COUNTER Act marks the next step towards delivering the expanded authorities our military needs to address the threats of unmanned aircraft systems and keep these facilities safe.”“Unauthorized drone activity near and over U.S. military installations has become a persistent and growing national security concern. In the past year alone, there were more than 350 drone detections at 100 different military installations,” said Rep. Pfluger. “This is why I am proud to help lead the bipartisan COUNTER Act, which gives our armed forces the clear authority they need to take down hostile drones and defend our most sensitive installations. As a fighter pilot with hundreds of hours in combat experience, I know firsthand how critical airspace security is — and how urgent this action has become.”“Leaving American military facilities vulnerable to drone incursions puts our service members, the general public, and our national security at risk. Our bill will expand the Department of Defense’s authority to neutralize unauthorized drones,” said Senator Cotton. “As commercial drones become more commonplace, we must ensure that they are not being used to share sensitive information with our adversaries, to conduct attacks against our service members, or otherwise pose a threat to our national security. This legislation will enable DoD to more effectively mitigate threats from drones and allow for better interagency cooperation to keep Americans safe. I am proud to be introducing this important piece of bipartisan legislation, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to get it passed,” said Senator Gillibrand. Full text of the legislation can be found here.The COUNTER Act would:

    Expand the definition of a “covered facility” as it is in current law, enabling more bases to apply for approval to detect, track, and, if necessary, neutralize drones.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Houlahan Announces Bipartisan Legislation Supporting Public Servants at Roundtable of Law Enforcement, First Responders

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) hosted a roundtable discussion with local law enforcement officers and first responders focused on recruitment, retention, and public service. At the event, Rep. Houlahan announced the reintroduction of her Public Service Student Loan Payment Completion Fairness Act to make a long-overdue modernization to the PSLF Program and simplify the loan forgiveness process for public servants. This legislation, co-led by Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), was endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police.  

    At present, the law requires applicants to be employed in a public service job at the time of student loan forgiveness. That means public servants who have dutifully completed their 120 payments and spent 10 years in public service may become ineligible for forgiveness if they change employers. Houlahan and Fitzpatrick’s legislation would simplify the process, improve applicant success rate, and incent more Americans to become public servants by removing the provision requiring individuals to be employed in public service at the time of forgiveness.  

    “When Pennsylvanians and Americans dedicate a decade or more of their lives to serving our communities, they deserve our support to cut through bureaucratic delays and receive the student loan forgiveness we have promised,” said Representative Houlahan. “Our community, Commonwealth, and country are made stronger because of dedicated public servants, and as a former AmeriCorps teacher, I’m proud to introduce this commonsense reform to help our nation’s teachers, law enforcement officers, first responders, nurses, and others.”  

    “Those who choose public service—whether in a classroom, a squad car, or a hospital ward—do so out of a sense of duty, not personal gain. They sacrifice, they serve, and many take on student debt to do it. Our bill ensures they’re not denied loan forgiveness because of a technicality. If we want to recruit and retain the best in public service, we must show service is respected, and commitments made will be commitments kept,” said Representative Fitzpatrick. 

    In a letter written to Representatives Houlahan and Fitzpatrick, National President of the Fraternal Order of Police Patrick Yoes endorsed the bill, adding, “An officer’s route for advancement is highly dependent on education, which can be a large hurdle for entry level officers who may not be able to afford higher education. Correcting the statute in this way would enable our nation’s public servants, who serve and protect their communities, to receive a better education and, in turn, will help them to be better law enforcement officers, first responders, and teachers.” 

    Reps. Houlahan and Fitzpatrick hope their bipartisan, commonsense legislation will improve applicant success. Data from the Department of Education demonstrates how the many ancillary requirements of the PSLF program significantly impede the applicant success rate. Out of the 442,277 individuals who met employment certification and Direct Loan requirements and submitted program forms through September 2021, 98% did not immediately qualify because they did not meet other PSLF requirements, such as the onerous provision addressed in this legislation.  

    Read bill text here. 

    Houlahan is an Air Force veteran, engineer, entrepreneur, educator, and nonprofit leader. She is serving her fourth consecutive term representing the people of Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses Chester County and southern Berks County. Houlahan is the first female veteran to be named as Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee’s Military Personnel Subcommittee and a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. Houlahan is also chair of the Economic Growth and Cost of Living Task Force on the New Democrat Coalition. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Apply Now to be a Green and Gold Fellow

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA)

    The Office of U.S. Representative Chrissy Houlahan, PA-06 is seeking a customer service oriented, high performing individual to serve as a Green and Gold fellow/Constituent Advocate in our satellite office in Reading, Pennsylvania.A Green and Gold fellow is a veteran or Gold Star Family member. To qualify, veterans must meet all the following requirements: Veterans must be Honorably discharged, released from active duty within the last six years, pay grades at or below E-5, O-3, or W-2. Veterans promoted to the pay grades of E-6, O-4, or W-3 within 6-months of separation from active duty are eligible, granted they meet ALL other eligibility requirements. Veterans who are in receipt of a 20-year or Temporary Early Retirement Authorization (TERA) retirement are not eligible for the program. Interested veterans should go to https://www.usajobs.gov/ and search “Green & Gold Congressional Aide Program” for more information and how to apply. Gold Star applicants must be the spouse, parent, sibling, child or step-child of a service member who died in the line of duty, or died from a service-connected disability within four years of separation from the service. The fellowship is a two-year, full-time, paid position with an annual salary range of $55,000-$67,000.As a Constituent Advocate for an award-winning congressional district office, you will be a liaison between constituents and federal government agencies. You will respond to constituent requests for assistance – from individuals, businesses, and nonprofits – and resolve casework issues through inquiries, facilitation, and problem solving. You will represent the Congresswoman in meetings and at events in the district while building and maintaining productive, supportive working relationships with local government, business groups, non-profit, and other stakeholder groups within our community of PA-06. Constituent Advocates also identify local problems that can be solved by federal action and are knowledgeable of the impact of proposed and enacted federal legislation on stakeholders in our community.The right candidate will serve as a critical part of a close-knit team. Applicants should have an enthusiastic interest in public service, superior attention to detail, and motivation to serve our community. Excellent written and oral communication skills are essential as well as the ability to manage multiple tasks, deadlines, and work well under pressure. Spanish language skills are a plus. Job responsibilities include outreach to relevant stakeholder groups in our community and successful candidates must have their own reliable transportation. Optimistic demeanor and a good sense of humor are a must. Connections to Pennsylvania and the 6th district are advantageous.Our office hours are 9:00am – 5:00 pm Monday through Friday. Our staff in Reading works in-person Wednesday through Friday and works remotely or conducts outreach meetingson Mondays and Tuesdays. Additionally, you must be able to attend work duties on some evenings and weekends for events as needed.THIS OFFICE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: Women and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply. The office is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, national origin, disability, military status, age, marital status, or parental status.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: New Dems Host Care Economy Roundtable in Wilmington, DE on Third Stop of “New Dems on the Road” Tour

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA)

    Wilmington, DE – Today, the New Democrat Coalition made the third stop on its New Dems on the Road Tour, an initiative spearheaded by Vice Chair for Policy Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) to get New Dem Members out of DC to hear from American workers, businesses, industry experts, nongovernmental organizations and local leaders about how to improve policy in Washington. 
    New Dem Care Economy Task Force Chair Sarah McBride (DE-AL) hosted House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-05) and Economic Growth & Cost of Living Working Group Chair Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06) in her district for a care economy roundtable discussion with medical professionals, advocates, non-profit leaders, labor representatives, and care providers.
    Attendees talked through some of the biggest challenges facing the care economy, and discussed strategies for building the bipartisan support needed to advance nationwide Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) reforms and expand access to high-quality and affordable childcare and elder care.
    “Every family, in every zip code, deserves access to affordable child care, elder care, and paid leave—and today’s conversation made clear that the need is urgent, the solutions are real, and the time to act is now,” said Task Force Chair Sarah McBride. “These investments don’t just support families—they strengthen our economy and stabilize our communities. As Chair of the New Dem Care Economy Task Force, I’m committed to working with my colleagues in Congress to build on Delaware’s leadership and advance comprehensive, nationwide policies that uplift caregivers and working families. I’m grateful to Whip Clark and Rep. Houlahan for joining me for this important conversation.”
    “America runs on child care — it enables kids to thrive, parents to work, and our economy to grow. But the reality is that too many families struggle to find and afford care. We can solve this crisis by investing in our child care system, providing paid family leave, and putting the needs of working families ahead of the billionaire class,” said Democratic Whip Katherine Clark. “I am grateful for the opportunity to join Reps. McBride and Houlahan for this important community conversation. House Democrats stand together in the fight to lower the costs for families and ensure everyone has the resources they need to get ahead.”
    “I am thrilled to join my friend Rep. McBride in discussing a topic near and dear to me and so many Americans: access to child care and paid leave,” said Working Group Chair Chrissy Houlahan. “Neighboring Delaware has led the charge in innovative solutions, and I hope Pennsylvania follows soon. Thanks to New Dems for highlighting the importance of the care economy and bringing us together to find solutions for working families here and across the country.”
    Full list of roundtable attendees:

    Democratic Whip Katherine Clark
    Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06)
    Rep. Sarah McBride (DE-AL)
    Delaware Lt. Governor Kyle Evans Gay
    First Lady of Delaware Lauren Meyer
    Pennsylvania State Senator Maria Collett (12th District)
    Jan White, Small Business Owner, New Castle County Chamber of Commerce 

    Chris Otto, Executive Director, Delaware Nurses Association
    Joe Diagle, CEO, Mallard Financial Partners, Inc.
    Shawn Colleran, Vice President, Delaware Association of Letter Carriers
    Dr. Margaret Chou, Obstetrician, Nemours & ChristianaCare
    Liz Richards, Executive Director, Delaware Cares                
    Dr. Melanie Thomas Price, CEO, A Leap of Faith Child Development Center, Inc
    Kirsten Olson, CEO, Children & Families First
    Dr. Dannae Orisomolade, Early Childhood Academic Initiatives Officer, Delaware State University
    Julie Bieber, Director of Operations, Kingswood Community Center
    Jamie Schneider, Owner, Educational Enrichment Center DE
    Alisa Morkides, Owner, Brew Haha
    Dab O’Brien, Children’s First PA

    Background
    Through New Dems on the Road, New Dem Members will hold conversations across the country to hear from the American people, with each meeting organized under the policy goals of one of the Coalition’s nine Working Groups. New Dems will meet with local leaders, stakeholders, small business owners, industry experts, and more to hear about the cost of President Trump’s chaos and what New Dems can do to fight back and make progress on the issues that really matter to the American people.
    The first New Dems on the Road event was held on April 23rd in Phoenix, AZ, where New Dem Immigration and Border Security Working Group Members Reps. Greg Stanton (AZ-04) and Lou Correa (CA-46) held an immigration roundtable discussion with industry and union representatives, members of the Arizona business community, and DACA recipients.
    The second New Dems on the Road event was held on May 9th in Metro East, IL, where Vice Chair Nikki Budzinski hosted Environment, Climate, & Clean Energy Working Group Chair Scott Peters (CA-50) and Rep. Wesley Bell (MO-01) for a clean energy roundtable discussion with business owners, industry and union representatives, academic researchers, and utility service providers.
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    The New Democrat Coalition is comprised of 115 center-left House Democrats committed to breaking through gridlock to deliver results for Americans. Please click here to update your subscription preferences. 
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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Houlahan, Smith, Takano, Jacobs, Sorensen Introduce Bill to Affirm Transgender Service Members’ Rights

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (D-Penn.), Ranking Member of the Military Personnel Subcommittee; Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee; Mark Takano (D-Calif.), Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus (CEC); Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.), Vice Chair of the CEC; and Eric Sorensen (D-Ill.), Co-Chair of the CEC introduced the Fit To Serve Act today, which affirms the rights of transgender people to serve in the United States Armed Forces by prohibiting discrimination on the basis of gender identity, including a diagnosis or potential diagnosis of gender dysphoria.
    The bill was filed in response to Executive Order 14183 issued by President Trump on January 27, 2025which effectively bans transgender people from serving in the United States military. On February 20, the Department of Defense (DoD) issued guidance to implement President Trump’s military transgender ban, which resulted in the filing of legal challenges. On March 27, a federal judge issued a nationwide preliminary injunction blocking the DoD from enforcing the ban. On May 6, the Supreme Court stayed the injunction, allowing the Trump Administration to enforce the ban as the lawsuit proceeds.
    “Any person who is willing to put their life on the line to protect and defend the United States of America deserves our honor and respect—full stop,” said Rep. Houlahan. “The Trump Administration’s hateful and discriminatory attack on transgender service members, who serve effectively in positions across our Armed Forces, is reprehensible and will undoubtedly weaken our national security. I’m proud to stand with my colleagues to introduce The Fit to Serve Act, which will put an end to the President’s culture wars against our transgender service members.”“As I have said repeatedly, thousands of transgender service members have served openly with honor and distinction in combat zones and carrying out high-stakes missions for nearly a decade. They are held to the exact same rigorous standards as every other Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Marine, Guardian, or Coast Guardsman. Banning them simply because they are transgender will not strengthen our military—it will weaken it. Enforcing this bigoted policy for the sake of cruelty and to score partisan points is antithetical to what the United States of America and our Armed Forces stand and fight for,” said Rep. Smith. “Transgender service members have put their lives on the line in defense of our freedom—we in Congress must now fight for their ability to serve and their fundamental right to exist.”
    “Every person that steps up to serve our nation in uniform should be treated with the utmost respect, yet the Trump-Vance Administration has continuously attacked our nation’s transgender service members for daring to serve openly. These service members have continuously shown they are fit, qualified, and willing to serve, but Trump still wants to kick them out—purely for political purposes,” said Rep. Takano. “I believe strongly that Trump’s transgender military ban is unconstitutional and will ultimately fail in the courts, but as a co-equal branch of government, Congress has a duty to protect those who protect us. I’m proud to join Ranking Member Smith in introducing this bill to ensure long-lasting, explicit protections for our transgender service members.” 
    “Our transgender service members just want to do their jobs – and we should let them. They’re equally qualified as all other service members and have proven their talent, expertise, and experience are invaluable. But by kicking out thousands of transgender service members from our military, Donald Trump is prioritizing discrimination over our national security. That’s why I’m proud to stand with those who’ve already sacrificed so much for us and to co-lead the Fit To Serve Act,” said Rep. Jacobs.
    “Our country should be supporting anyone willing to answer the call to serve our country, protect our freedoms, and defend our national security,” said Rep. Sorensen. “Ending gender-identity discrimination makes our military stronger and helps fill our ranks with qualified service members who deserve to serve with dignity.”
    On May 8, DoD set a June 6 deadline for transgender Active Component service members and a July 7 deadline for transgender Reserve Component service members to self-identify for voluntary separations. The military is expected to then initiate involuntary separation procedures for transgender service members once the voluntary self-identification eligibility window concludes.
    The Fit to Serve Act seeks to thwart these efforts by affirming the rights of transgender people to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces by:

    Prohibiting the denial of accession, reenlistment, or continuation of service on the basis of gender identity, including a diagnosis or potential diagnosis of gender dysphoria;

    Prohibiting the involuntary separation of a service member on the basis of gender identity, including a diagnosis or potential diagnosis of gender dysphoria; and

    Ensuring access to medically necessary health care coverage for service members.

    A copy of the bill text can be found here.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: U.S. Rep. John Rose Releases Statement on 100th Day of Trump Administration

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Rose (TN-06)

    WASHINGTON, DC—U.S. Representative John Rose (TN-06) released the following statement on Tuesday, which marked the 100th day of the Trump Administration:

    “We’ve seen what true leadership looks like over the last 100 days. Our borders are secure. Manufacturing jobs are on the rise. Waste, fraud, and abuse are being exposed and slashed,” Rep. Rose said. “President Trump is doing what 77 million Americans – including the vast majority of Tennesseans – elected him to do last November. I couldn’t be more pleased with his progress so far.”

     

     

    U.S. Representative John Rose is currently serving his fourth term representing Tennessee’s Sixth Congressional District and resides on his family farm in Lancaster with his wife, Chelsea, and their two sons, Guy and Sam. The Sixth District includes Cannon, Clay, Cumberland, DeKalb, Fentress, Jackson, Macon, Overton, Pickett, Putnam, Smith, Sumner, Trousdale, Van Buren, and White counties as well as portions of Davidson, Scott, Warren, and Wilson counties. Representative Rose is an eighth-generation farmer, small business owner, and attorney.

     

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Rose Reintroduces Black Vulture Bill to Provide Regulatory Relief to Farmers

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Rose (TN-06)

    WASHINGTON, DC—U.S. Representative John Rose (R-TN), a member of the House Committee on Agriculture, eighth generation farmer, and former Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture reintroduced H.R. 2462, the Black Vulture Relief Act. The bipartisan legislation is being co-led by Rep. Darren Soto (D-FL), who serves on the Committee on Natural Resources. 

    The legislation will allow livestock producers and their employees to take black vultures without a permit if they believe the vulture will cause death or injury to their livestock. It is currently illegal to take black vultures without a sub-permit from the authorizing state agency, encasing the issue in bureaucratic red tape and limiting producers’ ability to combat these predators.

    Rep. Rose released the following statement: 

    “I am proud to reintroduce this important bill. Black vultures are a nuisance to livestock farmers and ranchers, and they pose a deadly threat to young calves and other animals,” Rep. Rose said. “I’ve heard from many Tennessee farmers who say the permitting process is too cumbersome, time-consuming, and costly. This bill is a commonsense measure.”

    Rep. Soto released this statement: 

    “Our farmers and ranchers are facing many obstacles as they work to care for their livestock,” Rep. Soto said. “By allowing them to take black vultures without a permit before they harm their livestock, we are improving the likelihood of their success.”

    Background:

    In 1916, the United States and Canada entered into a treaty aimed at protecting birds that migrate between the two countries, which led to the enactment of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in 1918 to implement the treaty in the U.S. The law makes it illegal to take nearly 1,100 species of migratory birds, including black vultures, without a permit. 

    The bill is supported by the American Farm Bureau Federation, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, American Sheep Industry Association, Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation, Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association, Florida Farm Bureau Federation, and Florida Cattlemen’s Association. 

     

    Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation President Eric Mayberry: 

    “We appreciate Congressman Rose’s efforts to help cattle producers more effectively protect their herds and, ultimately, their livelihoods. This legislation takes a crucial step in alleviating the burden farmers face with growing black vulture populations and depredation of livestock across Tennessee.” 

    President Gary Dering, President of the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association: 

    “Black Vultures continue to attack newborn livestock, causing significant losses for Tennessee livestock producers. We appreciate Congressman Rose’s efforts to address the issue on behalf of cattle producers across the country.”

    Steve Clements, American Sheep Industry Association Board Member and South Dakota sheep producer: 

    “ASI encourages support for this legislation as vultures are a growing predator of lambs in America, and farmers and ranchers have few options today to address these losses. Predator losses of sheep and the associated management costs are the second-largest expense of many sheep operations in America.”

    American Farm Bureau Federation Vice President of Public Policy Sam Kieffer: 

    “America’s farmers and ranchers know all too well the impact black vultures can have on livestock, particularly when they attack young or vulnerable animals. Farmers and ranchers take seriously their responsibility to keep their livestock safe, and additionally, this is a financial burden for our members. The Black Vulture Relief Act will help farmers and ranchers protect their animals while responsibly managing migratory birds, including black vultures. We’re grateful to Rep. Rose for his commitment to addressing this challenge.”

    National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Director of Government Affairs Garrett Edmonds:

    “Cattle producers across the South and Midwest face the emotional and financial strain of livestock deaths due to overabundant black vultures. At a time when the U.S. cattle herd is at the lowest number since 1951, producers cannot afford to have vultures killing newborn calves. My family’s cattle operation faces the burden of black vultures daily, with them roosting on nearby service towers overlooking surrounding pastures.

    Being in the middle of Spring calving season back home, these predators target the newborns – the weakest animals who cannot defend themselves. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act has been overwhelmingly successful but makes it extremely difficult for producers to properly protect their cattle herds from these predators. It is time to recognize that success and give producers more flexibility in managing black vulture populations. NCBA appreciates Congressmen Rose and Soto for introducing this commonsense bill to properly manage an exploding population of predators.”

    Florida Farm Bureau Federation President Jeb S. Smith released this statement: 

    “The Florida Farm Bureau Federation strongly supports the reintroduction of the Black Vulture Relief Act, which provides much-needed relief for livestock producers struggling with black vulture predation. Florida’s farmers and ranchers are committed to responsible stewardship of our natural resources, but the increasing black vulture population has caused significant economic losses, particularly for cattle producers.

    Under current regulations, the federal permitting process is slow and burdensome, often leaving livestock owners without timely options to protect their animals. This legislation takes a common-sense approach by allowing producers to take necessary action to prevent livestock losses while maintaining proper reporting and oversight.

    Florida Farm Bureau appreciates the leadership of both Congressman John Rose of Tennessee and Florida’s own Congressman Darren Soto, working to address this issue and urges swift passage of this bill to ensure our farmers and ranchers have the tools they need to protect their livelihoods.”

    Bill cosponsors include:Rep. Mark Alford (R-MO), Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY), Rep. Stephanie Bice (R-OK), Rep. Mike Bost (R-IL), Rep. Lance Gooden (R-TX), Rep. Garret Graves (R-MO), Rep. Kevin Hern (R-OK), Rep. Mark Messmer (R-IN), Rep. Dan Meuser (R-PA), Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA), Rep. David Rouzer (R-NC), Rep. Michael Rulli (R-OH), Rep. Jason Smith (R-MO);

    Additional Background:

    According to a report compiled by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, black vulture populations have been increasing in the U.S. from 1996 to 2015 by an average of 4.77% per year. Although they are native to the eastern and southeastern portions of the U.S., they have been expanding their range northward and westward over the past several decades. Black vultures are not only scavengers but will sometimes devour live prey, including newborn calves, lambs, goat kids, and piglets. They will also attack/injure female adults during or after birth, when they are more vulnerable to attacks, to the point where farmers are left with no other choice than euthanasia.

    Read the full text of the bill here.

    U.S. Representative John Rose is currently serving his fourth term representing Tennessee’s Sixth Congressional District and resides on his family farm in Lancaster with his wife, Chelsea, and their two sons, Guy and Sam. The Sixth District includes Cannon, Clay, Cumberland, DeKalb, Fentress, Jackson, Macon, Overton, Pickett, Putnam, Smith, Sumner, Trousdale, Van Buren, and White counties as well as portions of Davidson, Scott, Warren, and Wilson counties. Representative Rose is an eighth-generation farmer, small business owner, and attorney.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Rose Continues Push for Homebuyer Privacy Protection

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Rose (TN-06)

    WASHINGTON, DC—On Thursday, U.S. Representative John Rose (R-TN) reintroduced H.R. 2808, the “Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act”. The legislation, which is being co-led by Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY), would dramatically reduce the number of unwanted calls and messages potential homeowners across the country experience during the homebuying process. 

    Credit bureaus are typically notified when a consumer applies for financing,. That information (which is commonly referred to as a trigger lead) is then often sold by the credit bureaus to data brokers (including other lenders) without the consumer’s knowledge or approval. Consumers are then often bombarded with hundreds of unwanted solicitations. 

    The “Homebuyers Privacy Protect Act” would amend the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) to prohibit a consumer reporting agency from furnishing a trigger lead unless an individual chooses to opt-in while also preserving the use of trigger leads in appropriately limited circumstances. 

    Rep. Rose released the following statement: 

    “The Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act strikes the right balance in my view,” Rep. Rose said. “It protects potential homebuyers from unsolicited, predatory, sales tactics while preserving fair competition. Once signed into law, it will make a big difference for those Tennesseans who are attempting to buy a home. 

    Rep. Torres released this statement: 

    “The Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act will serve as a crucial and transformative step in safeguarding American consumers from unwanted and invasive credit solicitations,” Rep. Torres said. Too often, homebuyers find themselves bombarded with unsolicited offers beginning the moment they apply for a mortgage that persist indefinitely. This bill will ensure that consumers maintain greater control over their personal financial information, preventing predatory practices and strengthening data privacy. I am proud to join Congressman Rose in reintroducing this bipartisan legislation, which will provide much-needed protections for American homebuyers.”

    Rep. Rose and Torres were joined in sponsoring the bill by Reps. Gabe Amo (D-RI-01), Mark E. Amodei (R-NV-02), Jack Bergman (R-MI-01), Stephanie Bice (R-OK-05), Julia Brownley (D-CA-26), Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO-05), Cleo Fields (D-LA-06), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), Scott Franklin (R-FL-18), Andrew R. Garbarino (R-NY-02), Michael Guest (R-MS-03), Dusty Johnson (R-SD-AL), Trent Kelly (R-MS-01), David Kustoff (R-TN-08), Frank D. Lucas (R-OK-03), John Moolenaar (R-MI-02), Joe Neguse (D-CO-02), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC-AL), Zach Nunn (R-IA-03), Andy Ogles (R-TN-05), Brittany Pettersen (D-CO-07), Adrian Smith (R-NE-03), Bryan Steil (R-WI-01), Tom Suozzi (D-NY-03), William Timmons (R-SC-04), Rob Wittman (R-VA-01)

    The legislation also has overwhelming bicameral support. In fact, a Senate version of Rep. Rose’s legislation, introduced by Sens. Bill Hagerty (R-TN) and Jack Reed (D-RI), passed just last December. Sens. Hagerty and Reed also reintroduced their bill on Thursday. 

    Senator Hagerty released this statement: 

    “Unsolicited phone calls caused by trigger leads have become an intolerable nuisance to many Tennesseans,” said Senator Hagerty. “I’m pleased to join this bipartisan, bicameral legislation that will protect Americans’ data and help reduce endless spam calls.”

    Senator Reed released this statement: 

    “Buying a home is already a complex and stressful process. Consumers should not get needlessly ‘spammed’ with unsolicited, predatory offers just because they take a necessary step in the homebuying process. This bill would halt abusive trigger leads,” said Senator Reed. “The Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act will put consumers back in the driver’s seat and help cut down on the spam. It will help reduce predatory practices and provide much needed relief from unwanted industry calls, texts, and emails.”

    The ”Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act” is supported by a broad coalition of financial trades and consumer groups, including the Independent Community Bankers of America, Mortgage Bankers Association, National Association of Mortgage Brokers, American Bankers Association, and the Broker Action Coalition. 

    “The National Association of Mortgage Brokers (NAMB) would like to thank Congressmen John Rose and Ritchie Torres for reintroducing trigger leads legislation. We believe this bill is tailored to give consumers more control over the information they receive as part of the homebuying process and eliminates trigger lead abuses while preserving their use in appropriately limited circumstances. As President of NAMB, I will always support any legislation that ensures the protection and privacy of homebuyers, and I applaud Congress for leading this effort,” said Jim Nabors, NAMB President.

    “The Broker Action Coalition (BAC) applauds Congressmen John Rose and Ritchie Torres, as well as Senators Hagerty and Reed, for reintroducing this vital legislation to improve data privacy standards. Consumers should have complete control over their financial data, and the Homebuyers Privacy Act is a huge step in the right direction.” said Brendan McKay, Chief Advocacy Officer & Co-Founder of the Broker Action Coalition.

    U.S. Representative John Rose is currently serving his fourth term representing Tennessee’s Sixth Congressional District and resides on his family farm in Lancaster with his wife, Chelsea, and their two sons, Guy and Sam. The Sixth District includes Cannon, Clay, Cumberland, DeKalb, Fentress, Jackson, Macon, Overton, Pickett, Putnam, Smith, Sumner, Trousdale, Van Buren, and White counties as well as portions of Davidson, Scott, Warren, and Wilson counties. Representative Rose is an eighth-generation farmer, small business owner, and attorney.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Rose Views Covenant School Shooting Documents, Credits Trump Admin for Restoring Transparency in Government

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Rose (TN-06)

    WASHINGTON, DC—On Thursday, U.S. Representative John Rose (TN-06) was granted access to more than 2,000 pages of documents relating to the Covenant School shooting that took place March 27, 2023 when three children and three adults were murdered in a planned and calculated attack. The access follows a multi-year call for transparency by Rep. Rose, which began with a 2023 letter sent weeks after the attack to then-FBI Director Christopher Wray and Metropolitan Nashville Police (MNPD) Chief John Drake, calling for the documents to be released.

    Rep. Rose stated in the letter, “More than four weeks have passed since the heinous shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville, yet countless mothers and fathers I represent are still awaiting answers.” He argued in the letter that “transparency is essential for those still grieving” and that “discussions of changing state or federal policy are futile without having an accurate account of the shooter’s state of mind, motives, preparation, and planning.”

    The Biden FBI responded to the letter five months later, referring Rep. Rose to the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD). MNPD never responded or fulfilled the request. After years of effort, the Trump Administration and FBI Director Kash Patel approved Rep. Rose’s request and allowed him to view the documents.
    Rep. Rose released a video statement after viewing the documents. You can view it here. 

    The verbatim reads:

    I was just granted access to many documents relating to the Covenant School shooting tragedy investigation by the FBI. 

     

    What I saw would disturb anyone, especially a parent. The documents are a painful reminder of the devastation that victims, including their families and friends, endure every day. Their lives are no doubt forever changed.

     

    Today, as difficult as it was to view this material, it was also important for transparency in government. We must never accept the kind of censorship we saw surrounding this shooter. In no other mass tragedy do we see every piece of evidence shielded from the public.

     

    While we certainly don’t want to enable copycat attempts or glorify mass killers, we also need the full scope of facts in situations such as this to prevent them in the future. 

     

    Like many of you, I have long suspected some of this information was shielded from public view because this shooter considered herself to be transgender.  

     

    After having read through the evidence, I remain convinced that there is no good justification for keeping most of the evidence from the public square. No reasonable person would object to certain redactions, just as no reasonable person who believes in the First Amendment would condone the widespread censorship we saw from the Biden FBI and frankly Metro Nashville Police. Weeks after this tragedy, I sent two letters calling on then-FBI Director Christopher Wray and Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake to release the documents or provide a written reason as to why not and a timeline on when it would be released.

     

    At the time, there were a lot of discussions surrounding state and federal gun policy. I argued those discussions were premature without first knowing what happened. Countless Tennesseans still want to know about the mental state of the shooter and many other factors that contributed to this tragedy. The report from Metro Nashville, released about a month ago, calls the killer sane. I just read through about 2,000 pages of reasons why that is false.

     

    Less than 100 days after being confirmed by the U.S. Senate, FBI Director Kash Patel is well on his way to fulfilling his goal of restoring confidence in the bureau. As our nation’s top law enforcement agency, trust and transparency are essential. I want to thank him for his leadership on behalf of each and every Tennessee family I represent and beyond.

     

    And I want to thank President Trump for following through on his promise to end woke policies in government and restore trust in our institutions. 

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  • MIL-OSI USA: STATEMENT FROM CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Morelle (NY-25)

    (Washington, D.C.)—Today, Congressman Joe Morelle—Lead Democrat on the Committee on House Administration—issued the below statement following the announcement of formal charges filed against Representative LaMonica McIver (D, NJ-10):

    “The charges against Rep. LaMonica McIver are a direct attack on Congress’s duty to conduct oversight of the Trump administration.

    “I stand with my colleague—and with every Member fighting to serve the American people without fear. These politically motived charges need to be dropped.”

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  • MIL-OSI USA: CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE CELEBRATES NATIONAL DAY OF LIGHT

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Morelle (NY-25)

    Introduces resolution to reaffirm America’s commitment to continued investment in science and innovation in the fields of Optics and Photonics

    (Rochester, N.Y.)—Today, Congressman Joe Morelle—Founder and Co-Chair of the bipartisan, bicameral Congressional Optics and Photonics Caucus—introduced a resolution officially marking May 16 as National Day of Light in the United States.

    “I founded the Congressional Optics and Photonics Caucus nearly four years ago because I believe light-based technologies hold limitless potential—especially for communities like mine in Rochester, New York,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “At a time when science and evidence-based research are under threat, it’s more important than ever that we invest in emerging technologies to drive innovation, improve lives, and secure America’s leadership on the global stage.”

    International Day of Light is celebrated every year on May 16 and is designed to serve as an appreciation of light and the role it plays in science, culture and art, education, and sustainable development, and in fields as diverse as medicine, communications, and energy. Congressman Morelle’s resolution would extend this celebration to the United States as well as create our own recognition: the National Day of Light.

    This year, we also celebrate the 40th anniversary of chirped-pulse amplification (CPA), a Nobel Prize winning technique developed at the University of Rochester by Gérard Mourou, a former engineer and senior scientist at the University’s Laboratory for Laser Energetics, and Donna Strickland ’89 (PhD). CPA creates ultrashort, high-power laser pulses, and this technology has helped pave the way for numerous applications in science, engineering, and medicine. Congressman Morelle has been a vocal supporter of this technology, and he believes it has been a critical piece of securing our country’s leadership in light-based technologies.

    Congressman Morelle is also a long-standing leader in advancing investments in science and light-based technology research. From his leadership on the NY SMART-I Corridor Regional Technology Hub application to his ongoing work to secure funding for science-based initiatives as Vice Ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee, he is always advancing discovery and innovation on regional, national, and global scales.

    Read the full text of the resolution here.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE HONORS LOCAL MEMBERS OF JEWISH COMMUNITY DURING JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Morelle (NY-25)

    (Rochester, N.Y.)—Today, Congressman Joe Morelle partnered with leaders in the Jewish community to recognize the outstanding contributions of local Jewish Americans during Jewish American Heritage Month. Congressman Morelle recognized honorees with official statements he submitted to the Congressional Record celebrating their achievements and profound impact on the lives of others.

    “As we celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month, I’m proud to honor these remarkable individuals, and the many ways Jewish Americans continue to shape our communities and our country,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “Here in Rochester and across the nation, Jewish leaders, neighbors, and changemakers are making a difference every day—lifting others up, standing strong in the face of adversity, and enriching our shared culture. This month is a time to celebrate those contributions and these selfless individuals’ strength, compassion, and service that continue to inspire us all.”

    Congressman Morelle presented 3 honorees with official statements to the Congressional Record highlighting their achievements and contributions to our community. Today’s honorees are:

    Nathan Robfogel

    Monica Gurell

    Rabbi Alan Katz

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  • MIL-OSI USA: STATEMENT FROM CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE CONDEMNING HOUSE GOP BILL FOR DRACONIAN CUTS THAT PRIORITIZE BILLIONAIRES OVER WORKING FAMILIES

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Morelle (NY-25)

    (Rochester, N.Y.)—Today, Congressman Joe Morelle released the following statement after House Republicans passed a devastating reconciliation package slashing healthcare, food assistance, and other essential federal programs:

    “President Trump and House Republicans passed a budget proposal that slashes Medicaid, Medicare, and nutrition assistance programs by over a trillion dollars and will eliminate health insurance coverage for 13 million Americans.

    “The bill also saddles American taxpayers with $5 trillion in new debt.

    “All to pay for the largest tax cut for millionaires and billionaires in our nation’s history.

    “This is cruel, irresponsible, and un-American. I will do everything I can to fight to stop it.”

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  • MIL-OSI USA: HEAT Team Applauds President Trump’s Bold Actions to Unleash Reliable American Baseload Power

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Troy Balderson (R-OH)

    HEAT Team Applauds President Trump’s Bold Actions to Unleash Reliable American Baseload Power

    Washington, April 8, 2025

    WASHINGTON D.C. – The House Energy Action Team (HEAT) applauds President Trump’s executive actions to revitalize American coal production and secure our energy future. HEAT Chairman Troy Balderson (OH-12), Vice-Chair Randy Weber (TX-14), and Article One Chair Harriet Hageman (WY-AL) released the following statement immediately following President Trump’s signing ceremony at the White House:

    “While Biden’s war on coal pushed our power grid to the breaking point, President Trump is taking decisive action to prevent blackouts and secure America’s energy future. Today’s executive orders slash job-killing regulations, supercharge coal leasing on federal lands, and designate metallurgical coal as the critical national resource it truly is. By unleashing American coal production, we’re not just keeping the lights on—we’re fueling a manufacturing renaissance that will create thousands of jobs in energy communities devastated by the previous administration’s reckless policies.”

    Background: The RSC’s House Energy Action Team (HEAT) is comprised of 75 members who are committed to working alongside the Trump administration to advance critical energy initiatives and ensure American energy dominance for generations to come. The task force educates members on energy policy that empowers domestic energy producers, utilizes an all-of-the-above energy strategy, and puts America back on the path to energy dominance on the world stage.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Balderson, Kelly Reintroduce Bill to Prevent Prescription Opioid Abuse

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Troy Balderson (R-OH)

    Balderson, Kelly Reintroduce Bill to Prevent Prescription Opioid Abuse

    Washington, March 27, 2025

    WASHINGTON D.C. – Congressman Troy Balderson (OH-12) and Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-2) reintroduced the Remote Opioid Monitoring Act today to empower health care providers and combat opioid abuse. This legislation directs the federal government to study the benefits and effectiveness of remote monitoring technology, which would help health care providers track patients prescribed opioids and ensure their well-being.

    “The opioid epidemic has devastated communities and families in Ohio and across the country,” said Balderson. “To combat this crisis, we must allow doctors to intervene early and prevent prescription abuse and misuse from the outset. This legislation empowers health care professionals to oversee their patients’ treatment and monitor how they respond to prescribed medication.”

    “We need to better understand how to leverage current technologies to combat our country’s tragic opioid epidemic,” said Kelly. “I’m proud to lead this legislation, which will bring us closer to overcoming the challenges of substance use faced by so many Americans. With better research and understanding through remote monitoring, we can ensure prescription opioids are used safely.”

    In 2023, opioids claimed the lives of 105,007 Americans, including 4,452 Ohioans who died from an unintentional opioid overdose. For many Americans, their first exposure to opioids comes from a prescription from their physician. Some patients develop an addiction, whether through proper use or misuse.

    Improving prescription monitoring has been identified by experts as a key component in the fight against the opioid epidemic. Detecting troubling signs during a prescription regimen allows health care providers to intervene early.

    The Remote Opioid Monitoring Act would require the Comptroller General of the United States to study the remote monitoring of patients prescribed opioids. The study would assess the efficacy of remote monitoring programs, examine their prevalence, and provide recommendations for improving existing federal health care programs.

    This legislation passed the House last Congress by a vote of 386-37 when it was included as part of the Support for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act, which focused on equipping communities to combat substance abuse.

    Full text of the Remote Opioid Monitoring Act can be found HERE.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Balderson, Dunn, Murphy Reintroduce Bill to Expand Telehealth Access for Seniors

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Troy Balderson (R-OH)

    WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. Reps. Troy Balderson (OH-12), Neal Dunn, M.D., (FL-2), and Greg Murphy, M.D., (NC-3) reintroduced the Expanding Remote Monitoring Access Act, legislation that would ease restrictions on health care providers and allow more seniors to benefit from remote monitoring services. The remote monitoring program has shown to reduce long-term health care costs, improve health outcomes, and increase options for seniors. 

    Remote monitoring devices and technology enable health care providers to observe and treat patients from the comfort of their own homes. With remote monitoring, providers are able to catch adverse health events earlier and keep their patients out of the hospital. 

    “Improving access to quality health care for seniors must be a top priority,” said Balderson. “Remote monitoring is a powerful tool for health care providers to look after a patient’s well-being—especially for patients in rural Ohio, where health care options can be limited. That’s why I’m proud to reintroduce the Expanding Remote Monitoring Access Act, which will help reduce costs and deliver better care where it’s needed most.”

    “Remote monitoring is an effective digital technology that helps patients and their doctors to better manage one’s health, particularly for chronic conditions,” said Rep. Greg Murphy, M.D. “Expanding access to this technology will improve health outcomes for patients, reduce hospital readmissions, and extend physicians’ ability to take on a greater caseload. I’m grateful for my colleague Rep. Troy Balderson’s leadership on this issue and I’m proud to support this legislation.” 

    “OhioHealth aims to keep care local for all of our patients, across our growing footprint,” said Jeff Kasler, a spokesperson for OhioHealth. “Remote patient monitoring is one tool that proves especially valuable for our seniors and rural patients. We support Congressman Balderson’s foresight and leadership in fostering access to care via remote patient monitoring for some of our most vulnerable patients.” 

    “I commend Rep. Balderson for furthering Medicare coverage of this important methodology of care and studying its benefits,” said Dr. Arick Forrest, President of OSU Physicians at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and Vice Dean of Clinical Affairs at the College of Medicine. “The future of improved health care lies in leveraging technology. The ability to consistently monitor a patient’s condition at home leads to improved outcomes. Remote patient monitoring (RPM) has evolved to integrate with electronic medical records for enhanced surveillance by health care providers. These RPM devices have the most impact on managing chronic conditions, which account for 80% of health care spending. This will be foundational for value-based care, leading to improved disease control, fewer complications, and lower costs by avoiding emergency room utilization and hospitalization. We have demonstrated improved management of patients with hypertension, diabetes, heart failure, and high-risk pregnancies.” 

    “We know that for many people, the best place to receive the care they need is in their own homes,” said Peter J. Pronovost, M.D., Ph.D., F.C.C.M., Chief Quality & Clinical Transformation Officer at University Hospital. “This is particularly true for seniors and those who might struggle with getting to a hospital. Prior to remote patient monitoring, patients needed to be in the hospital to be safely monitored.  Remote patient monitoring changed this paradigm. Remote patient monitoring is now an integral part of our care-delivery model. Now is not the time to go back.” “Our analysis during Covid demonstrated the use of remote monitoring reduced hospitalization by 87%, mortality by 77% and cost the average patient $11,500 less than admission,” Pronovost continued. “Most importantly, patients loved it because they slept in their own bed, ate their own food, wore their own clothes and were surrounded by the love of their loved ones.” 

    “The use of care management services continues to be a great opportunity for Rural Health Clinics in providing care to rural patients outside of the traditional office visit,” said Sarah Hohman, Director of Government Affairs for the National Association of Rural Health Clinics. “We thank Representative Balderson and Representative Porter for their leadership on these issues – ensuring that the full potential of RPM/RTM services can be experienced by RHCs and the patients they serve.” 

    “Now more than ever, clinicians are leveraging digital health technologies to empower individuals living with chronic conditions,” said Kevin Harper, Vice President & Head of Government Affairs at Teladoc Health. “We are pleased to support legislation from Representatives Balderson and Porter that would ensure Medicare beneficiaries can access critical remote monitoring technologies and better address the chronic disease crisis in the U.S.” 

    “The ATA and ATA Action commend Congressman Balderson and Congresswoman Porter for their leadership in introducing this important legislation,” said Kyle Zebley, Senior Vice President of Public Policy at the American Telemedicine Association and Executive Director at ATA Action. “Increasing access to both remote physiologic monitoring and remote therapeutic monitoring devices covered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services allows for greater choices for clinically appropriate care for Medicare beneficiaries. We proudly endorse this legislation and urge other advocates of telehealth to do the same.” “Virtual care and remote monitoring are key to creating a more convenient, efficient, and modern health care delivery system,” said Brett Meeks, Executive Director of the Health Innovation Alliance. “The Expanding Remote Monitoring Access Act will allow for the expanded use of current and future technologies, leading to better patient outcomes at reduced costs.” 

    BACKGROUND: 

    Providers currently bill Medicare if they monitor a patient for at least 16 days within a 30-day period. During the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE), the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) lowered the duration required to bill for remote monitoring services to only two days of data collection. 

    In addition to implementing the two-day CMS billing threshold for two years, the legislation would require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to submit a report to Congress within one year, analyzing a proper long-term CMS billing threshold and providing a savings estimate from earlier interventions and fewer days of hospitalizations. The report provides flexibility to the HHS Secretary to recommend multiple billing thresholds and any new remote monitoring code durations. It also requires the Secretary to consult with providers, patient groups, technology and device manufacturers, and others to understand the remote monitoring experience from all perspectives. 

    These services have shown to be an effective alternative to in-person clinical observation for acute and chronic medical conditions. In 2018, the Department of Veterans Affairs found that patients with chronic conditions, such as hypertension or diabetes, who were enrolled in remote monitoring programs saw a 53 percent decrease in bed days and a 33 percent reduction in hospital admissions. Furthermore, a 2022 JAMA analysis of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who received pulmonary rehabilitation resulted in a net cost savings per patient of $5,721.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Balderson Unveils Legislation to Prioritize Grid Reliability for Federal Regulators

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Troy Balderson (R-OH)

    LANCASTER, OH – Today, Congressman Balderson announced the introduction of the Reliable Power Act, legislation designed to protect America’s electric grid by ensuring that federal agencies consider the impact of their regulations on grid reliability before finalizing new rules. Representatives Randy Weber (TX-14) and Julie Fedorchak (ND-At Large) joined as original co-sponsors.

    Balderson unveiled the bill at an energy roundtable in Lancaster, Ohio, where he led a discussion on Ohio’s growing power needs, the challenges facing the electric grid, and his work as Chairman of the House Energy Action Team (HEAT). The roundtable included a panel of energy experts and industry leaders from across the Buckeye State.

    “When bureaucrats focus too much on churning out new rules and regulations—and ignore the real-world impacts of their mandates—our grid’s reliability is put at risk,” said Balderson. “Under the Biden Administration, federal agencies worked around the clock to push through extreme Green New Deal policies, throwing our grid into a reliability crisis. The Reliable Power Act sets clear accountability and coordination standards to ensure that federal regulations support, rather than threaten, the strength and dependability of our power system.

    “I pplaud the outstanding work President Trump, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin have done to advance our vision of American energy dominance,” Balderson continued. “Ohioans can’t afford to see this progress undone by far-left bureaucrats down the road. This legislation will help keep the lights on and ensure energy remains affordable for Ohio families.”

    The Reliable Power Act builds on the groundwork laid by the GRID Act, introduced in the previous Congress by former Congressman Jeff Duncan, by clarifying responsibilities, streamlining agency coordination, and reinforcing the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) central role in upholding electric reliability.

    Key provisions of the Reliable Power Act include:

    • Agency Coordination: Amends the Federal Power Act to require coordination between FERC and any Federal agency seeking to finalize a regulation that may affect electric generation necessary for the reliable operation of the bulk-power system, commonly known as the electric grid.
    • Annual Assessments: The bill requires the electric reliability organization (ERO) to conduct annual long-term assessments of the reliability of the bulk power system. If the ERO determines that the bulk power system does not have sufficient generation to maintain reliability, FERC would review, comment, and recommend changes to the proposed regulations.
    • Federal Accountability for Reliability: The legislation ensures that no final rule can move forward if it would cause a substantial negative impact on grid reliability.

    Balderson leads discussion at energy roundtable in Lancaster, Ohio.

    Balderson is also leading the GRID Power Act, a bill that would enable grid operators to expedite consideration of power generation projects that improve the reliability of the electric grid. These projects must currently wait up to five years in the interconnection queue before federal assessments and impact studies can even begin.

    Full text of the legislation can be found HERE.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Balderson, Pfluger Reintroduce Legislation to Protect American Energy Investments from Woke Mandates

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Troy Balderson (R-OH)

    WASHINGTON D.C. – Congressman Troy Balderson (OH-12), Chairman of the House Energy Action Team (HEAT), and August Pfluger (TX-11), Chairman of the Republican Study Committee (RSC), reintroduced legislation to nullify a Biden-era final interagency guidance from the Federal Reserve, Comptroller of the Currency, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation titled, Principles for Climate-Related Financial Risk Management for Large Financial Institutions. 

    This guidance encourages banks and other financial institutions to manage “climate-related financial risks” associated with their investments and loans, potentially serving as a backdoor to restrict funding and resources for the American energy industry. This includes Ohio’s growing oil and gas sector, which supports more than 351,000 jobs and contributes $55 billion to the state’s economy.

    The vague language in this guidance could allow for potential punitive actions against banks doing business with the oil and gas industry, effectively pressuring financial institutions to support environmental, social, and governance (ESG) policies over sound financial decisions. 

    “This Biden-era guidance was nothing more than a back-door effort to push a woke ESG agenda,” said Balderson. “Under this framework, federal regulators could target banks who want to work with, and invest in, industries crucial to Ohio. This puts climate activism ahead of sound investment strategies, costing everyday Americans.” 

    “I’m pleased to join the RSC’s HEAT Chair Troy Balderson in introducing this bill to end the Biden administration’s radical ‘climate’ guidance,” said RSC Chairman Pfluger. “The previous administration weaponized the government to wage a politically-driven attack on American energy through ‘net-zero’ and ‘environmental, social, and governance’ mandates.  Since President Trump returned to office, financial institutions and markets have retreated from a woke ESG agenda, and this bill will help ensure that investments can flow to energy projects that power our homes, businesses, and economy without radical bureaucrats picking winners and losers.”

    Electric grid experts have warned that one of the largest threats to our nation’s energy security is misguided federal and state policies. Federal climate rules, such as the Clean Power Plan 2.0, would force the United States’ most reliable power plants to shut down, even as electricity demand grows at historic levels. With this new ESG guidance, banks could face regulatory backlash for providing regular financial services to the oil and gas industry–further imperiling American energy security.

    In September, Balderson joined his House colleagues in passing H.R. 4790, the Prioritizing Economic Growth Over Woke Policies Act, which cuts back on the Biden-Harris Administration’s burdensome ESG policies for American businesses and enhances Congressional oversight of federal financial regulatory agencies.

    Balderson’s bill nullifies the final interagency guidance and prevents the Federal Reserve, Comptroller of the Currency, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation from issuing any substantially similar guidance in the future.

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