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Category: United States of America

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia Slams Trump Tariff Chaos in House Financial Services Hearing: “The People Paying Are Our Constituents”

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (TX-29)

    WASHINGTON, DC –  During today’s House Financial Services Committee hearing on the state of the international financial system, Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia (D-TX-29) called out the Trump administration’s failure to address poverty and its reckless tariff agenda that’s threatening the U.S. and Houston economy. The hearing focused on the impact of tariffs, market instability, and deteriorating global economic relationships under Trump’s leadership. 

    In a pointed exchange with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Congresswoman Garcia called out the administration’s one-sided focus on tax cuts for the wealthy. 

    “It just strikes me that most of your testimony is about tax cuts and cutting costs. It’s always about tax cuts and it’s always about the rich. But nothing is ever said about the poor,” said Congresswoman Garcia. “As Secretary of Treasury, it’s not just about the inflation rate, it’s not just about the GDP, it’s also about making sure that we keep the poverty rate in this country low. There are people who are living in poverty who have never lived in poverty before.”

    Congresswoman Garcia also laid out the real-world consequences of Trump’s trade policies in her district.

    “I’m from Houston. I’m concerned about the tariffs on energy. We have done a lot to increase trade in Houston, construction, everything after the pandemic, and everything was growing,” added Congresswoman Garcia. “But now that the Trump tariffs have surfaced, it is threatening Houston’s economy. The petrochemical companies, the port—everybody is trying to figure out what the hell we’re going to do.”

    Though time limitations prevented Garcia from delivering her full set of questions, she submitted additional remarks for the record pressing Secretary Bessent on rising fuel and construction costs, job losses, and the administration’s failure to coordinate with key trading partners.

    “Don’t you see the problem here? The people paying are our constituents. Doesn’t matter who they voted for. Doesn’t matter if they live in red or blue districts, although I’ll add that the red districts are projected to bear the brunt of the impact,” said Congresswoman Garcia. “They will pay for these misguided tariffs, whether it is on Amazon, at the grocery stores, at the gas stations, or with their jobs. I hope you realize this soon and work with House Democrats to make sure that the U.S. economy isn’t in a recession by your next visit.” 

    Watch Congresswoman Garcia’s remarks HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia and Democratic Colleagues Walk Out of Republican Crypto Sham Hearing

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (TX-29)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (D-TX-29) and her Democratic colleagues walked out of a rare joint hearing between the House Financial Services Committee and the House Agriculture Committee, after Republicans turned it into a platform to rubber-stamp President Trump’s latest scheme to enrich himself and his family through the power of his office.

    “This wasn’t a fair hearing—it was a sham,” said Congresswoman Garcia. “While my constituents are worried about affording groceries, Donald Trump is trying to line his pockets. He is a grifter, plain and simple—and Republicans are helping him get away with it.”

    The hearing, focused on cryptocurrency regulation, was convened under the unusual authority of both committees—required to unanimously agree to hold a joint session. At the start of the hearing, Democrats requested a single common sense safeguard: a simple amendment to bar the President, Members of Congress, and other public officials from personally profiting from the sale of cryptocurrencies. Republicans flat out refused.

    This comes as a Trump business entity owns 60 percent of World Liberty Financial, a crypto startup, and is entitled to 75 percent of all revenue from coin sales. 

    “Instead of prioritizing his job as our nation’s leader, President Trump is using his position to strip financial regulators of their independence, all to line the pockets of his friends and his family, many of whom are now listed as members of the World Liberty Financial team,” added Congresswoman Garcia. “This is such a direct, obvious, in-your-face conflict of interest, that it’s outrageous there is no bipartisan outrage against this. When a company lists the President of the United States as ‘Chief Crypto Advocate’ it’s a clear signal that the President and his family are cashing in.”

    Rather than let their constituents’ voices be silenced in the Republican sham hearing, Congresswoman Garcia and her Democratic colleagues held their own session focused on the facts, the law, and the urgent need for ethical regulation of digital assets.
     

    Watch the hearing HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia Slams Trump-Republican Budget for Slashing Medicaid, SNAP, and Raising Taxes on the Most Vulnerable

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (TX-29)

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    MEDIA CONTACT:
    Joseph Guzman
    202-355-8084
    joseph.guzman@mail.house.gov

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia (D-TX-29) released the following statement in response to House passage of the harmful Republican budget bill:

    “Matthew 25 teaches us to care for the poor, feed the hungry, and tend to the sick. Republicans say they believe in those values, but their budget scam does the exact opposite.

    “The budget Republicans rammed through the House includes the largest Medicaid cuts in our nation’s history. It guts SNAP, targeting single mothers and taking food out of the mouths of children. It will kick seniors out of nursing homes. It pushes disabled children even further into the margins. And why? To hand more tax breaks to Trump’s billionaire donors.

    “The Trump-Republican budget scam is a reverse Robin Hood. It takes from the poor to give to the rich. To make matters worse, this budget would raise taxes on the lowest-income families all while handing out giveaways to those who need it least.

    “The American people are watching. They know the difference between leadership and cruelty. They will not forget Republicans chose to give billionaires tax breaks at the expense of children, mothers, seniors, and working people. I will keep fighting, and I will not back down.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: House Passes Congressman Meuser’s “Gold Shield Families Resolution” During National Police Week

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-9)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, as part of National Police Week, the House of Representatives unanimously passed H.Res. 364, the Gold Shield Families Resolution, introduced by Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09). The bipartisan resolution recognizes the families of fallen first responders as “Gold Shield Families” and calls on local communities to support nonprofit organizations that provide them with comfort, connection, and healing as they face profound loss.

    “Of all the priorities we face in Congress, none is more fundamental than ensuring public safety and protecting human life,” said Congressman Meuser. “And that responsibility rests squarely on the shoulders of our police officers, firefighters, EMTs, correction officers, and dispatchers. These are the people on the front lines of our communities, putting themselves in danger every single day to keep the rest of us safe. They are the thin gold line that holds society together.” 

    Meuser continued, “As the son of a police officer and the grandson of a firefighter, I’ve seen the risks they take and the sacrifices their families quietly endure. When the worst happens—when a life is lost in the line of duty—it’s the family that carries the burden of that sacrifice. This resolution ensures that sacrifice is acknowledged, honored, and remembered.”

    Just as we recognize the families of fallen servicemembers as “Gold Star Families,” this resolution ensures the families of fallen first responders are known and acknowledged as Gold Shield Families. It also calls on local communities to support the nonprofit organizations that serve them. These groups provide critical services—offering connection, care, and healing to families navigating life after unimaginable loss. The resolution also encourages Gold Shield Families to seek out these trusted resources as they carry forward the legacy of their loved ones.

    The resolution was inspired by Camp Freedom, a nonprofit in Carbondale, Pennsylvania, that provides outdoor healing experiences to disabled veterans, first responders, and their families, as well as to Gold Shield and Gold Star Families. The idea for the resolution was brought forward by Camp Freedom Executive Director Matt Guedes, a veteran and lifelong advocate for those who serve.

    “First responders run toward danger—and many of them do it as volunteers or on a modest income,” said Guedes. “They put their lives on the line for others, and when one of them is lost, their families are often left with nothing more than a well-meaning spaghetti dinner or a firehouse fundraiser. That’s kind, but it’s not enough. These families go home without their husband, their wife, their mother or father—and without the income or support they once had. Their grief is real, their financial strain is real, and the gap in long-term care is wide.”

    Guedes continued, “This resolution is so important because it recognizes those families and helps direct attention and resources to where they’re truly needed. Nonprofits like Camp Freedom are ready to stand in that gap—to walk with these families not just in the days after a loss, but for the months and years that follow. But recognition is the first step. With this resolution, we’re finally saying as a nation: we see your pain, we value your sacrifice, and we’re here for you.”

    To date, Camp Freedom has served more than 12,000 veterans, first responders, and servicemember families across the country. Congressman Meuser also credited Camp Freedom founder Bill Bachenberg for his vision and leadership in making that mission possible. 

    “This resolution may be just two pages long—but its message is powerful,” Meuser concluded. “It says to every Gold Shield Family: your loved one’s service mattered. Their sacrifice will not be forgotten—and neither will yours. And to every community: recognize these families, lift them up, and walk with them through their grief. Together, we can ensure their resilience is met with gratitude—and their loss is never faced alone.”

    Congressman Meuser spoke on the House floor in favor of H.Res. 364 here. 

    Text of the legislation can be found here. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Meuser Supports Passage of The One Big Beautiful Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-9)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the reconciliation package known as The One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

    Meuser said, “I believe we were elected to work with President Trump to improve our country—to improve our national security, strengthen our economy, bring fiscal sanity to our budget, deliver accountability, and lead the world toward peace. And frankly, to bring back common sense so people start trusting the government again. That’s what this Big Beautiful Bill is about.

    “It’s designed to fortify our now-secure border, responsibly grow our domestic energy supply, and create more opportunity for all Americans. It gives small businesses the kind of tax environment and certainty they need and deserve—not one where they’re slammed by massive tax increases.

    “Passing this bill will increase production so supply better meets demand, thereby reducing inflation. And with lower inflation comes lower interest rates, which leads to greater investment and more American production.

    “This Big Beautiful Bill is just the beginning. It sets the stage to Make America Great Again and deliver the America First agenda that we were elected to implement.”

    This legislation includes key Trump Administration priorities—it eliminates tax on tips and overtime, expands the Child Tax Credit, and establishes savings accounts for newborns.

    The bill also extends key provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that are vital to small businesses and manufacturers—making permanent immediate R&D expensing, 100% bonus depreciation, and permanently expands the Section 199A small business deduction to 23%. 

    On the border, this legislation strengthens existing enforcement by providing the statutory authority needed to sustain and expand current operations. It funds the completion of physical barrier, funds10,000 new ICE personnel, 5,000 new customs officers, 3,000 new Border Patrol agents, and provides $10,000 retention bonuses to Border Patrol and ICE agents. The bill ensures that effective border security resources are available to law enforcement. It also invests nearly $144 billion to modernize our military and strengthen national defense.

    The legislation also implements policies to reestablish American energy dominance by incentivizing increased domestic production. It does so by reinstating quarterly onshore oil and gas lease sales, as well as streamlines the permitting process for energy infrastructure. Further, it ends costly mandates, repeals billions in wasteful subsidies tied to ideological policies, reverses EV mandates, and restores consumer choice. 

    And despite Democrat claims, the bill, in fact, strengthens and sustains Medicaid benefits for those who truly need them. It removes ineligible recipients and illegal immigrants from the program and implements work requirements—80 hours per month through work, education, training, or community service—for able-bodied adults without dependents. It includes provisions derived from Congressman Meuser’s bill, H.R. 1533, the PIIA Reform Act, which requires CMS to verify eligibility against the Social Security Administration’s Death Master File and for states to reduce payment error rates.

    Finally, the Big Beautiful Bill delivers $1.6 trillion in mandatory savings—the largest deficit reduction in nearly 30 years. It reins in wasteful spending, while advancing pro-growth policies to put the nation on a stronger path forward.

    Congressman Meuser Spoke in favor of the legislation here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Meuser Highlights Ninth District Businesses at House Small Business Showcase

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-9)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Yesterday, Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09) participated in the House Small Business Committee’s 2nd Annual Small Business Showcase, held in the U.S. Capitol. The event brought together innovative small businesses from across the country and featured remarks from Republican leaders and Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler.

    At the invitation of Congressman Meuser, two standout businesses from Pennsylvania’s Ninth District—Masser Family of Companies and C2G Energy Solutions—were featured at the Showcase, representing the strength and diversity of the region’s small business economy.

    The Masser Family of Companies, headquartered in Sacramento, PA, is an eighth-generation, family-owned agricultural enterprise dating back to 1754. With operations spanning farming, processing, logistics, and grain storage, Masser has become the largest potato grower and distributor in Pennsylvania. Julie Masser Ballay, who serves as Chief Financial Officer and Vice President, has helped modernize and expand the company’s capabilities while maintaining its deep-rooted commitment to community and innovation. Julie previously testified before the Small Business Committee on the importance of preserving pro-growth tax policies like the R&D credit.

    C2G Energy Solutions, based in Montrose, is a leading provider of sustainable water and waste management solutions for the energy industry. Under the leadership of Co-Founders Jesse Bonnice and Adam Locke, the company develops advanced treatment technologies to upcycle industrial waste streams—converting byproducts into usable resources and minimizing environmental impact. C2G’s Shaskas Facility exemplifies this model with on-site wastewater treatment, extensive storage capabilities, and direct natural gas supply infrastructure that supports a more circular and sustainable energy economy.

    “These companies are perfect examples of what happens when you pair entrepreneurial spirit with strong community values,” said Congressman Meuser. “Masser has built an agricultural operation that honors centuries of tradition while embracing cutting-edge innovation—and they’ve done it right here in Schuylkill County. C2G is pioneering a groundbreaking process to produce rare minerals from a previously overlooked source—turning what was once considered waste into a valuable asset for the energy sector. These are the kinds of businesses that fuel our economy, strengthen our communities, and prove that rural America is not just participating in the future—we’re leading it.”

    Congressman Meuser, a member of the Small Business Committee, spoke during the Showcase and emphasized the need to pass President Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill to extend key provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

    “As someone who spent more than 20 years helping grow a small business into a larger business, I understand the challenges entrepreneurs face,” Meuser said. “Small businesses need certainty to plan, invest, and expand—and that means making the 199A small business deduction and 100% bonus depreciation permanent, restoring immediate R&D expensing, and delivering real, lasting relief that empowers Main Street to grow and compete. That’s why we must pass the Big Beautiful Bill, which extends these critical pro-growth provisions and gives small businesses the long-term stability they deserve.”

    Administrator Loeffler’s participation underscored the SBA’s renewed focus on common-sense regulation and pro-growth policies under President Trump’s leadership.

    “We’re fortunate to have an SBA Administrator who listens, leads, and understands the real needs of small businesses,” Meuser added. “Administrator Loeffler brings practical experience to the job and a clear focus on reducing burdens and expanding opportunity. She also has the ear of President Trump, whose commitment to pro-growth, pro-small business policies continue to make a real difference for Main Street America.”

    The event concluded with a reception honoring participating businesses and thanking them for their contributions to the American economy.

    A video of Congressman Meuser’s remarks can be found here. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Meuser Announces Winners of the Congressional Art Competition

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-9)

    WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09) announced the winners of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition. 

    The first-place winner’s artwork will be displayed for one year in the United States Capitol alongside winning pieces from congressional districts across the country. The second-place entry will hang in Congressman Meuser’s Washington, D.C. office, where it will be seen by visitors from Pennsylvania’s 9th District. The third-place piece will be exhibited in the Congressman’s Pottsville District office.

    2025 Congressional Art Competition Winners:

    First Place: “Untitled” (The Barn) by Arianna Yule from Schuylkill Haven Area High School, 11th Grade

    Second Place: “Untitled” (Mountain Scene) by Heidi Stone from Schuylkill Haven Area High School, 12th Grade

    Third Place: “Untitled” (Chalet) by Sarah Tiver from Schuylkill Haven Area High School, 12th Grade

    The judging process was conducted blindly—meaning students’ names and school affiliations were not shared at the time of selection. Only after the top three pieces were chosen was it revealed that all three winners attend Schuylkill Haven High School, a remarkable and unintentional outcome that speaks to the strength of the school’s art program, led by teacher Luke Ott.

    Mr. Ott is a dedicated art educator and accomplished artist based in Schuylkill County. A graduate of Blue Mountain High School in 2004, he earned a bachelor’s degree in art education from Kutztown University in 2008. Since 2009, he has been teaching art at Schuylkill Haven Area High School.

    In addition to his teaching role, Luke built a ceramic studio in his home where he devotes time to his artistic practice. His work has gained both national and international recognition, including exhibitions in the 2023 Strictly Functional Pottery National and the 2023 and 2024 International Juried Exhibition of Contemporary Fine Craft.

    Luke Ott’s commitment to both education and art making informs and strengthens his professional practices. He seeks to inspire creativity and enthusiasm in his students by exemplifying the passion he brings to his own artistic endeavors.

    “Congratulations to Arianna Yule on her first-place entry—your talent and creativity stood out among many strong submissions,” said Congressman Meuser. “It’s a tremendous opportunity to have your work displayed in the U.S. Capitol, where it will be seen by thousands over the next year. The Congressional Art Competition is a meaningful way to support and celebrate young artists, and my office always enjoys participating in this annual tradition. I also want to commend Heidi Stone and Sarah Tiver for their exceptional second- and third-place entries and thank all the students who took part this year. Special recognition goes to art teacher Luke Ott, whose impressive program at Schuylkill Haven High School continues to foster outstanding young talent.”

    The Office of Congressman Meuser hosted an art show at the Walk In Art Center in Schuylkill Haven on April 24, 2024. Sixteen students from across Pennsylvania’s Ninth District participated in the event. 

    More information about the Congressional Art Competition can be found here.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Meuser Celebrates President Trump’s Landmark Action to Keep U.S. Steel in America, Delivering 70,000 Jobs and a $14 Billion Boost to the Economy

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-9)

    Washington, D.C. – Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09) today applauded President Donald J. Trump for successfully negotiating a record investment and record job creation for Pennsylvania and America’s steel industry through a landmark partnership between the United States of America, U.S. Steel, and Nippon Steel.

    The agreement will keep U.S. Steel’s headquarters in Pittsburgh, generate at least 70,000 family-sustaining American jobs, and inject $14 billion into the U.S. economy—the largest steel-sector commitment in Pennsylvania’s history.

    Congressman Meuser’s tireless efforts included meeting repeatedly with Local 2227 Steelworkers to gather shop‑floor priorities; conducting rigorous oversight and vocal opposition when the Biden Administration attempted to block this historic investment; engaging colleagues across Capitol Hill to build bipartisan momentum; conferring directly with Nippon Steel executives to guarantee America‑First terms; coordinating personally with U.S. Steel President & CEO Dave Burritt to arrange high‑level discussions in Washington; and directly with the White House and President Trump—an America‑First blueprint the Dealmaker‑in‑Chief embraced to secure record investment and record jobs for Pennsylvania and the nation.

    “President Trump has reinvigorated American manufacturing. Today he has truly proven himself to be the Man of Steel,” said Congressman Meuser. “Keeping U.S. Steel here at home protects Pennsylvania jobs, fuels a modern manufacturing revival from Pittsburgh to the Mon Valley, and sends an unmistakable message that Made in the USA is back for good. I knew that once President Trump brought his great business acumen to the table, and saw the opportunity for our country, he would secure the best deal possible. With 70,000 new jobs on the way and billions of dollars flowing into our communities, Pennsylvania is ready to lead the steel industry once again. It’s enough to make me become a Steelers fan!”

    Congressman French Hill (AR-02) said, “The merger of Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel will greatly benefit many of our steel-producing states like Pennsylvania, Indiana, Michigan, and my home state of Arkansas. Foreign direct investment is a vote of confidence in our country, and in my view, this deal is an important win for President Trump. I thank my colleague and friend Rep. Dan Meuser for his leadership and commend his longstanding support for this important merger.”

    David B. Burritt, President and CEO, U.S. Steel said, “Congressman Meuser’s support and advocacy over the past year has been invaluable. His leadership on behalf of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is deeply appreciated by the U.S. Steel team.”

    Key Highlights of the President’s Announcement

    • U.S. Steel Headquarters to Stay in Pittsburgh – safeguarding legacy jobs and local supply chains.
    • Strategic Partnership with Nippon Steel – combining advanced technology with American innovation.
    • 70,000 New, Family-Sustaining Jobs – the largest single-investment jobs surge in Pennsylvania history.
    • $14 Billion Economic Impact – majority of spending and hiring to occur over the next 14 months.
    • Nationwide Manufacturing Revival – benefits extending from Pennsylvania to Arkansas, Minnesota, and Indiana.
    • Strengthened National Security – President Trump’s tariff policies ensure American steel remains the backbone of critical infrastructure and defense production.

    Congressman Meuser hails and will be joining the President’s plan to celebrate the milestone at a rally on Friday, May 30, at the U.S. Steel facility in Pittsburgh, calling it “a fitting tribute to the men and women whose skill and determination will forge the next chapter of American leadership.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: [VIDEO] Rep. Lee Testifies Before Rules Committee in Support of her Amendment to Stop Amodei’s Utah Land Grab That Jeopardizes Nevada’s Water Security

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03)

    Utah Land Sale Could be Used for Controversial Pipeline to Take Water Away from Nevada

    DOWNLOAD VIDEO OF TESTIMONY AND QUESTIONING HERE

    WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03) testified before the Rules Committee in support of her amendment to stop House Republicans from moving forward with Congressman Mark Amodei’s (NV-02) Trojan horse Utah land grab that jeopardizes Nevada’s and the Southwest’s water security. Amodei’s proposal is currently included in the House Republicans’ budget reconciliation bill but could be removed by House Republican leadership. 

    Lee has been working with House Republicans to have Amodei’s proposal removed in an expected “manager’s amendment” from Republican leadership.
    Parcels of land marked for sale in Amodei’s proposal line up with the public land that Utah has been targeting for its Lake Powell Pipeline. If this land is sold and the pipeline is built, it could divert 28 billion gallons of water each year from Lake Powell and the Colorado River to communities in southern Utah, away from Nevada and the other Basin states. Six of the seven Colorado River Basin states — that is, all the Basin states but Utah — have previously highlighted ‘outstanding legal and operational concerns raised by the proposed Lake Powell Pipeline project.’ 

     

    TRANSCRIPT OF REP. LEE’S REMARKS:  

    “I’m here to ask for support to my amendment to this big, bad, billionaire bill or whatever it’s called. It’s not about the nearly 100,000 Nevadans who will be left without healthcare. It’s not about the thousands of homebound seniors who will no longer receive Meals on Wheels. It’s not about the trillions that will be added to our national deficit. 

    It’s about water, something so precious and important to my home district in southern Nevada. 

    My amendment aims to stop Congressman Mark Amodei and the House Republicans from moving forward with a Trojan horse Utah land grab that jeopardizes Nevada’s water security and could very well derail sensitive and complicated negotiations about the future of the Colorado River. 

    I’m here because two weeks ago, literally in the middle of the night — seems to be a recurring theme for how Republicans legislate — Rep. Amodei advanced legislation in the Natural Resources Committee to sell off thousands of acres of federal land in Nevada and Utah. The proceeds from those sales would go to Washington to pay for billionaire tax breaks in the budget bill.  

    Mr. Amodei claims that this sell-off is necessary to lower the cost of housing. I’ve always supported releasing more federal land for housing in Nevada. In fact, I’ve introduced and passed bipartisan legislation to do exactly that.    

    My first problem is that Rep. Amodei’s proposal isn’t really about housing. The Amodei proposal doesn’t require that the land sold in Nevada be used for housing. In fact, there is very little information on how exactly this land would be used.  

    Which leads me to my second issue with the proposal. For decades, the law has ensured that proceeds from federal land sales in southern Nevada stay in Nevada.    

    Rep. Amodei’s proposal would instead send these proceeds to the federal government, and Nevada would lose billions in revenue as a result. This would mean less money to build more schools, water infrastructure, and so much more.  

    In fact, federal land sales in southern Nevada have generated about half a billion dollars to date to invest directly in southern Nevada water priorities.  

    Under Rep. Amodei’s own projection, this move could divert nearly $10 billion from Nevada. Think about it, who would then pay for things like water and parks and schools? Nevada homeowners. So, the Amodei move actually increases housing costs for Nevadans, not decreases them. 

    And let me remind you that Rep. Amodei doesn’t represent any part of Clark County, and his proposal is not supported by the county government or any member of Nevada’s federal delegation elected by the voters of Clark County.   

    I would never introduce a bill to sell off land in another congressperson’s district without consulting with them.  

    Congresswoman Titus just proposed an amendment to stop the land sales in southern Nevada, which I support. 

    I finally want to talk about the third issue with this proposal and the purpose of my amendment, which relates to Nevada’s and the southwest’s water security.   

    Arizona Congressman Greg Stanton and I have been alerted by water officials in Nevada and Arizona that the public land that Amodei wants to sell off in Utah could be used for a controversial water pipeline. The parcels of land marked for sale in his proposal coincidentally line up with the land in Utah that has been targeted for the so-called Lake Powell Pipeline.  

    This proposed pipeline has greatly concerned water managers in Nevada, Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming. These are six of the seven states that depend on the Colorado River — every one except Utah.   

    If this land is sold and the pipeline is built, this could divert 28 billion gallons of water each year from Lake Powell and the Colorado River to communities in southern Utah — away from Nevada, Arizona, and other Basin states.  

    Look, Amodei did not consult local authorities in southern Nevada, and it shows, because he clearly doesn’t understand the relationship between water and development and housing costs.  

    I support the Titus amendment, and I’m asking you to advance my amendment to repeal the Amodei land sale in Utah so we can stop this Trojan horse to steal Nevada’s water. Thank you.” 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Lee, Stanton Statement on House Republicans’ Public Land Sale Proposal Threatening NV and AZ Water Security

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03)

    Includes Utah Land Sale Which Could be Used for Controversial Pipeline to Take Water from Colorado River

    WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03) and Congressman Greg Stanton (AZ-04) released the following statement in response to Republican Congressman Mark Amodei’s (NV-02) proposed amendment to sell off public lands.  
     
    Several parcels marked for sale line up with the proposed pathway identified for the controversial Lake Powell Pipeline, a water diversion project in Utah that could derail fragile conversations concerning post-2026 operating guidelines for the Colorado River. In 2020, six of the seven Colorado River basin states warned the Department of the Interior that fast-tracking an environmental review of the pipeline could jeopardize cooperation and potentially lead to multi-year litigation. 

    “Last week, in the middle of the of night, Congressman Mark Amodei led House Republicans in advancing legislation to pay for their tax-breaks-for-billionaires bill by selling off public lands in Nevada and Utah. 

    “We’ve now been alerted by Nevada and Arizona water managers that the public land to be sold in Utah could be used to develop a long-proposed and highly controversial water pipeline from Lake Powell to Washington County, Utah.  

    “Six of the seven Colorado River Basin states — that is, all the Basin states but Utah — have previously highlighted ‘outstanding legal and operational concerns raised by the proposed Lake Powell Pipeline project.’ 

    “We are calling on Congressman Amodei and House Republicans to immediately withdraw this reckless public land sale proposal which looks to be a Trojan horse to steal Nevadans’ and Arizonans’ water.” 

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lee Urges Amodei to Withdraw Proposal to Send NV Public Land Sales Proceeds to Federal Government for Billionaire Tax Breaks Rather Than Staying in NV

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03)

    WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03) sent a letterto Congressman Mark Amodei (NV-02) urging him to immediately withdraw his reckless Clark County public land sale proposal that sends proceeds of Nevada public land sales to Washington to pay for House Republicans’ tax-breaks-for-billionaires bill.

    For decades, federal law has ensured that proceeds from land sales in southern Nevada stay in Nevada. Amodei’s proposal — which was added to Republican-led legislation last week without the consent or collaboration of the Clark County Commission or any member of Nevada’s federal delegation elected by the voters of Clark County — would instead send these proceeds to the federal government.

    Lee’s initial response to Amodei’s dead of night surprise amendment can be found here.

    “Prior to the surprise introduction of your 33-page proposal, you failed to collaborate or consult with — or even alert — any member of Nevada’s federal delegation elected by the voters of Clark County,” wrote Congresswoman Lee. “Further, you acted against the wishes — and without the consent — of Clark County itself, a fact that you acknowledged in real time under questioning by House Natural Resources Committee Democrats during the markup of your proposal last Tuesday night.”

    Lee continued, “For decades, the Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act (SNPLMA) has ensured that proceeds from the sales of federal land in Clark County stay in Nevada. Your proposal would instead send Nevada’s dollars to Washington to subsidize Republicans’ reckless spending and billionaire tax cuts.”

    Full text of the letter can be found here and below: 

    May 13, 2025

    The Honorable Mark Amodei

    United States House of Representatives

    104 Cannon House Office Building

    Washington, D.C. 20515

    Dear Congressman Amodei:

    As a member of Nevada’s congressional delegation who represents Clark County, I urge you to immediately move to strip the reckless Clark County public land sale provisions that you advanced as “pay-fors” in House Republicans’ tax-breaks-for-billionaires bill under the cover of darkness last week. 

    While I have additional concerns with your proposal in full, including how the Utah provisions you included could affect the integrity and future operations of the Colorado River System, I want to underscore the following four concerns in particular, which make the Clark County provisions completely unworkable:

    No Collaboration: Prior to the surprise introduction of your 33-page proposal, you failed to collaborate or consult with — or even alert — any member of Nevada’s federal delegation elected by the voters of Clark County. 

    No Consent: Further, you acted against the wishes — and without the consent — of Clark County itself, a fact that you acknowledged in real time under questioning by House Natural Resources Committee Democrats during the markup of your proposal last Tuesday night. A spokesperson for the Board of County Commissioners has since reaffirmed that your proposal “does not reflect the Board’s priorities to facilitate responsible future development, especially as it relates to environmental conservation, water and public infrastructure.”

    No Consistency: For decades, the Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act (SNPLMA) has ensured that proceeds from the sales of federal land in Clark County stay in Nevada. Your proposal would instead send Nevada’s dollars to Washington to subsidize Republicans’ reckless spending and billionaire tax cuts.

    No Clarity: Finally, because of the last-minute, late-night introduction of your proposal — which was apparently timed at the direction of the Republican House Natural Resources Committee chairman, presumably to prevent the proposal from receiving unwanted scrutiny in the light of day — key components of the proposal are still unclear. This includes even something as basic as precisely how many acres of public land you intend to sell off.

    Per recent reporting by E&E News:

    While Republicans had suggested the sales would amount to a few thousand acres,

    advocates and Democrats have said that in analyzing the amendment it could be 500,000 acres in total — or more.

    A spokesperson for the Natural Resources Committee said they did not have exact

    figures. An Amodei spokesperson explained, after this story originally published, that the amendment involved 449,174 acres but that actions involving 356,100 acres would not amount to a net change in federal ownership.

    I ask that you act as quickly to remove the Clark County public land sale provisions as you acted to rashly add these provisions to Republicans’ tax-breaks-for-billionaires legislation in the first place.

    The sooner that you agree to end this unfortunate — and entirely unnecessary — episode in the history of Nevada and the Nevada delegation, the better for us all.

    Sincerely,

    Susie Lee

    Member of Congress

    CC: 

    The Honorable Bruce Westerman, Chairman, House Committee on Natural Resources

    The Honorable Jared Huffman, Ranking Member, House Committee on Natural Resources

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Lee Statement on Voting Against House Republicans’ Budget Bill That Wages War Against Healthcare and Hungry Families

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03)

    WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03) released the following statement after voting against the House Republican budget reconciliation bill that takes away healthcare and nutrition assistance from working families to give tax breaks to the wealthiest Americans: 

    “House Republicans have waged war against healthcare and hungry families. 
     
    “Last night and into the early morning, they rammed a budget bill through the House that takes money away from working families, the sick, poor, and seniors, and gives it to the wealthiest Americans for tax breaks. I voted no. 
     
    “House Republicans passed the largest cuts to Medicaid in history and the most severe reduction to SNAP in decades. 
     
    “Thousands of Nevadans and millions of Americans will lose healthcare, hungry children and seniors won’t get the food they need, hospitals and nursing homes will shutdown, and trillions will be added to our national debt. 
     
    “I’m disgusted and I hope Senate Republicans see the devastation of this bill and vote against it.” 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Lee Statement on Stopping the Amodei Land Grab Proposal

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03)

    WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03) released the following statement on the Amodei land grab proposal being removed from the House Republican budget reconciliation bill: 

    “My amendment to protect Nevada’s water has been included by Republican leadership in their budget reconciliation bill, and after our pressure campaign, the Amodei land grab proposal has been removed.  

    “This is a huge win for Nevada’s and the Southwest’s water security.  

    “I’m happy that my Republican colleagues, led by Rep. Zinke, acknowledged that it would wrongfully change the way federal lands are managed. They stood their ground, and we were able to stop the unprecedented Amodei proposal.” 

    Lee worked with House Republicans to have Amodei’s proposal removed in a Republican leadership manager’s amendment.  

    Parcels of land marked for sale in Amodei’s proposal lined up with the public land that Utah has been targeting for its Lake Powell Pipeline. If this land were sold and the pipeline were built, it could divert 28 billion gallons of water each year from Lake Powell and the Colorado River to communities in southern Utah, away from Nevada and the other Basin states. 

    For decades, federal law has ensured that proceeds from land sales in southern Nevada stay in Nevada. Amodei’s proposal would have sent these proceeds to the federal government to subsidize Republicans’ reckless spending and billionaire tax cuts.  

    Amodei doesn’t represent any part of Clark County, and his proposal was not supported by the county government or any member of Nevada’s federal delegation elected by the voters of Clark County.  

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Horsford to House Speaker: End Taxes on Tips Today

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressmen Steven Horsford (NV-04)

    Bipartisan Support Proves the Only Reason to Make Policy Political is to Play Politics with It

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04) today sent a letter calling on House Speaker Mike Johnson to bring legislation eliminating taxes on tips up for a vote in the House of Representatives.

    Horsford’s call comes after the Senate passed a Republican-led proposal yesterday to end taxes on tips, and as a similar proposal in the House has been attached to a deeply partisan budget reconciliation proposal. 

    Horsford, who has led the fight to end taxes on tips in the House, urged Speaker Johnson to hold a standalone vote on the policy to remove politics from the process. 

    “There is no doubt that policy ending taxes on tips has bipartisan support – the only question is whether the House Speaker will bury that policy in a highly partisan and deeply flawed proposal,” Rep. Horsford said. “Speaker Johnson could bring legislation ending taxes on tips to the floor today and it would pass – it would become law, and millions of tipped workers across the country would keep more of their hard-earned money as a result.” 

    Congressman Horsford worked with advocates, tipped workers, and lawmakers from both parties to craft his legislation, the TIPS Act. Unlike Republican proposals to end taxes on tips, Horsford’s bill additionally ends the sub-minimum wage of $2.13 an hour that six million tipped workers across the country earn; ensures tipped workers continue contributing to Social Security; and prevents wealthy individuals from gifting their fortunes to their children tax-free by claiming the inheritance is a tip. Additionally, Horsford’s TIPS Act would provide permanent relief, whereas Republican proposals end after four years. 

    “To truly get the policy right as we eliminate taxes on tips, the House needs to consider my bill, the TIPS Act,” Horsford continued. “But we should not make the perfect the enemy of the good – Speaker Johnson has multiple options and any one of them would bring much-needed relief to tipped workers. Given the very public bipartisan support for this policy, the only reason to make this political is to play politics with it. I urge the Speaker to do the right thing, get this done, and deliver a win for the American people.” 

    Rep. Horsford’s letter to Speaker Johnson is available here. 

    More information about Rep. Horsford’s TIPS Act is available here.

    Video of Rep. Horsford testifying today in the House Rules Committee about the need for a standalone vote is available here. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Horsford on Biden Diagnosis: He Will Fight with Grit & Grace

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressmen Steven Horsford (NV-04)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04) released the following statement after news broke Sunday that former President Joe Biden was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer.

    “My thoughts are with President Biden and his entire family during this very difficult time,” Rep. Horsford said. “Through nearly 55 years of public service, the former President has shown every American what perseverance over adversity looks like. We know the grit that Joe Biden is made of, and we know he will fight this diagnosis with the grace he has brought to every challenge in his life.”

    Beginning in 2016, then-Vice President Joe Biden spearheaded a Cancer Moonshot “to eliminate cancer as we know it”. The initiative, which came one year after the loss of Biden’s son Beau to brain cancer, brought together patients, advocates, researchers, and clinicians to address cancer with the resources available across government, academia, and the private sector. President Biden’s Cancer Moonshot is credited with expanding prevention drives, developing new technologies to characterize tumors and test treatments, and redoubling efforts to understand the leading causes of childhood cancers, and much more.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Horsford & Norcross Introduce Bill Providing Healthcare to School Support Staff

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressmen Steven Horsford (NV-04)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Steven Horsford (NV-04) and Donald Norcross (NJ-01) today reintroduced the Securing Continued Healthcare for Our Operations and Logistics (SCHOOL) Professionals Act. 

    The SCHOOL Professionals Act would fix a long-standing loophole that prevents contracted school custodians, bus drivers, security guards, nurses, cafeteria workers, and other essential support staff from accessing affordable healthcare coverage. 

    The legislation comes on Clark County’s last day of school for the year.

    “School support staff are a vital part of our education system – they deserve access to affordable healthcare for their hard work,” Congressman Horsford, Co-Chair of the Congressional Labor Caucus, said. “It’s time to end outdated regulatory loopholes that allow for winners and losers among the professionals who help our children learn. The fact is they are all winners, and the SCHOOL Professionals Act will be ensure they have access to the same benefits.”

    “Our schools wouldn’t run without essential support staff, and these workers deserve access to affordable healthcare,” Congressman Norcross (NJ-01), Co-Chair of the Congressional Labor Caucus, said. “Today, I joined Congressman Horsford in introducing the SCHOOL Professionals Act to ensure that all school employees who work full-time schedules receive this essential benefit. Whether they are employed by the school district or an outside contractor, these workers are doing the same job and deserve the same rights.”

    “The Nevada State Education Association supports the Securing Continued Healthcare for Our Operations and Logistics Professionals (SCHOOL Professionals) Act because it closes a harmful loophole that denies school-based contract workers, such as bus drivers and cafeteria staff, access to the employer-sponsored health coverage they would otherwise earn through full-time service,” Nevada State Education AssociationPresident Dawn Etcheverry said. “These professionals are essential to the functioning of our schools and deserve the same health protections as their directly employed peers. This legislation restores fairness and dignity to the jobs of thousands of workers who support students every day. We urge swift passage of this important bill.”

    “For years, a bureaucratic error in the Affordable Care Act has prevented thousands of custodians, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, and nurses from accessing the same health care that their colleagues in the classroom receive,” Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien said. “Every worker involved in the education of our children should have reliable access to health care. The Teamsters are proud to support the SCHOOL Professionals Act, which would right this egregious wrong and ensure that all school workers get the care and benefits they need and deserve.”

    Currently, employees of private companies contracted by school districts are subject to a 12-month calendar for determining full-time status, unlike their counterparts directly employed by educational institutions who are evaluated on a nine-month school year basis. This discrepancy has left many contracted workers without employer-sponsored health benefits despite their full-time work schedules during the school year. 

    This legislation would align the healthcare benefit requirements for contracted employees with those of direct school employees, ensuring that all workers who support educational institutions have access to the same affordable healthcare coverage. 

    The SCHOOL Professionals Act is cosponsored by Labor Caucus Co-Chairs Congressman Mark Pocan (WI-02) and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06). It is endorsed by the Nevada State Education Association, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, the National Education Association, and the American Federation of Teachers. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Horsford Votes No as Republicans Slash Medicaid, Food & Housing Assistance

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressmen Steven Horsford (NV-04)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04) today voted against the Republican budget reconciliation bill that cuts deeply from programs working Americans rely on in order to fund tax giveaways to the billionaires and corporations. The bill, which adds nearly $4 trillion to the national debt, passed by a narrow party line margin. It now goes to the U.S. Senate where Republicans have already expressed opposition.

    “The way Congressional Republicans conduct business in the dead of night matches the way they approach policy that harms their own constituents – it’s absolutely asinine,” Rep. Horsford said. “Nevadans deserve a government that prioritizes public health, food security, community safety, education and a dignified retirement for all who earn it. Instead, Republicans just stiffed the Silver State, and every state, with a bill to pay off their billionaire campaign donors and corporate backers.” 

    Nevada will be hit particularly hard if the Republican bill becomes law. Medicaid cuts alone could impact 811,000 residents in the Silver State, which will have to either add $6.7 billion to the state budget, or kick hundreds of thousands of people off their coverage. 

    In Nevada’s 4th Congressional District alone, 241,668 people receive medical coverage through Medicaid. The latest estimates are that more than 21,000 of them will lose coverage, along with more than 5,000 who will lose the coverage they now have from the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Horsford offered an amendment to extend a tax credit to lower ACA healthcare premiums across America, including nearly 100,000 Nevadans. House Republicans rejected the amendment on a party-line vote. 

    Additionally, SNAP food assistance cuts could impact 109,000 Nevadans, including 33,000 people in the 4th Congressional District. 

    The bill adds nearly $4 trillion to the national debt to help pay for tax cuts to the ultra-wealthy: 60 percent of the tax benefits will go to the top 20 percent of households. Meanwhile, due to Trump’s blanket tariffs, households will lose $2,800. 

    “The cruelty of this bill is spelled out in staggering numbers, but it isn’t law yet,” Rep. Horsford continued. “The power in American democracy has always been with the people, and now more than ever, lawmakers need a reminder of who they work for.” 

    Rep. Horsford raised alarms early about Republican budget plans, devoting his annual address to the Nevada State Legislature on February 19, 2025 to the threat of Medicaid cuts as the Republican budget took shape.

    Over the past three months, he has worked with constituents, advocates, and lawmakers to elevate the real-world harm the cuts would inflict on Nevadans, and published an op-ed warning that Republicans were closer than ever to making the cuts a reality. 

    When the bill came up for consideration in the Ways and Means Committee that Horsford serves on, he led committee Democrats in submitting amendments that would benefit working class Americans. During the nearly 18-hour meeting that lasted through the night on May 13, 2025, Republicans voted down every single one of the 38 amendments offered. 

    Horsford continued his opposition in the House Rules Committee, testifying during a middle-of-the-night hearing about the bill’s failure to address key issues affecting Nevadans, including housing and veterans support. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Horsford Celebrates Rangel as a Trailblazer

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressmen Steven Horsford (NV-04)

    NORTH LAS VEGAS – Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04) expressed condolences today upon news that longtime lawmaker and founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus, Congressman Charles B. Rangel, passed away on May 26, 2025, at the age of 94.

    “My condolences are with Charlie Rangel’s loved ones today, and with all of the lives that he touched over his four decades of dedicated public service,” Rep. Horsford said. “Congressman Rangel was larger than life to all who knew him – he was committed to his constituents in New York, but his impact could never be contained by Congressional District lines.

    “As the first African American to serve as Chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, he was a trailblazer and a role model for me and for so many others on the committee today,” Horsford continued. “As a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus, his work has empowered millions of Black voices across the country, and gave Black lawmakers a powerful tool to express our collective voice.

    “On this Memorial Day, we say goodbye to a decorated Korean War veteran who dedicated his life to helping others,” Rep. Horsford added. “Thank you for your service, Charlie, and thank you for all the ways your impact will live on. Rest in peace, Chairman.” 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Van Drew Slams the Murphy Administration for Lawsuit Over Offshore Wind Halt

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jeff Van Drew (NJ02)

    Washington, DC –Today, Congressman Van Drew released the following statement after New Jersey joined 16 other states in filing a lawsuit against President Trump for his executive order halting offshore wind.

    “You cannot make this stuff up,” said Congressman Van Drew. “The Murphy administration already burned through billions of your tax dollars on offshore wind projects that never worked. They pushed it on us even when towns were saying no, fishermen were saying no, and the tourism industry was saying no. They looked the other way while whales washed up on our beaches. They ignored the Pentagon when it said it was a national security risk. The NJ Ratepayer Advocate said it would raise utility bills. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) said the cons outweighed the pros. They did not listen to anyone. And now, after all that, they want to throw even more taxpayer dollars at it in court. It truly is a slap in the face to every taxpayer and every family struggling to pay their energy bill.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Van Drew Releases Statement on the Passage of the Reconciliation Package through the House

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jeff Van Drew (NJ02)

    Washington, DC –Today, Congressman Van Drew discussed the passage of H.R. 1, the budget reconciliation.

    “This morning, House Republicans passed the budget reconciliation package,” said Congressman Van Drew. “I want to make it clear that in this bill there are NO cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, or Social Security for the people these programs were designed to serve. I have been deeply disturbed by the misinformation the left has been circulating surrounding this bill, so I wanted to take the opportunity to give you a breakdown of what is being said versus what is actually true.”

    Medicaid-

    FICTION: Millions of eligible Americans will lose their coverage.

    FACT: Medicaid for eligible individuals remains fully funded and protected.

    • Children, seniors, the disabled, pregnant women, and working families remain fully protected.
    • The bill ends loopholes that allow illegal immigrants to access Medicaid.
    • The bill enacts work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents—20 hours a week of work/volunteer requirements, including online courses.
    • The estimate of eligible Americans losing coverage comes from a Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projection which assumes no compliance with these work requirements over 10 years which is just not realistic.

    Medicare-

    FICTION: Medicare is being slashed by $500 billion.

    FACT: Medicare remains untouched, unharmed, and fully funded.

    • The $500 billion figure comes from a technical scoring mechanism, not from any policy that is actually in the bill. There will be no cuts.
    • House Republicans are already preparing a waiver to the mechanism so no Medicare cuts will ever take effect under this bill.

    Social Security-

    FICTION: This bill cuts Social Security benefits.

    FACT: There are no changes to eligibility, benefits, or payment schedules.

    • Not one line of the bill touches Social Security at all.
    • The bill even includes a $4,000 tax deduction for individuals over 65, offering relief to our seniors.
    • Some may be curious why ‘No Tax on Social Security’ was not included:
      • A Senate rule, the Byrd rule, prohibits non-budgetary items like Social Security changes from being included in a reconciliation bill to ensure that reconciliation legislation focuses strictly on budget-related changes.
    • In light of this, I recently introduced H.R. 904, the No Tax on Social Security Act, which would provide much-needed relief for our seniors. I will not give up on this fight to stop taxing Social Security benefits. We need to get this done.

    Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)-

    FICTION: SNAP benefits are being slashed.

    FACT: SNAP remains fully funded and intact under the legislation.

    • Vulnerable Americans, including children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities, will not see a reduction in access to SNAP benefits.
    • The reforms apply only to able-bodied adults without dependents and are aimed at increasing accountability.
    • The reforms focus solely on reducing administrative costs, not cutting benefits.
    • The legislation rebalances the cost-sharing structure between the federal government and the states to improve oversight, reduce fraud, ensure benefits go only to eligible recipients, and protect the long-term sustainability of the program.
    • States with high payment error rates exceeding 10% will now have to share in the cost of those administrative errors, ensuring that the money is not wasted and that it is actually going to the people who deserve and need it.

    “I do want to note the version the House voted on is not the final version of the bill. There will be changes as it now moves to the Senate before final passage and signature into law,” Congressman Van Drew continued. “I have been heavily involved in negotiations for the House version of this bill, and I will continue to closely monitor the bill as changes are made in the Senate to ensure there are no cuts to the programs our people rely on. I have said it before, and I will say it again: we owe it to hardworking American families to ensure these vital programs remain strong and funded.”

    Other Key Provisions of the Bill Include:

    • Locking in the 2017 Trump tax cuts to prevent a 22% tax increase on working families
    • Eliminating federal taxes on tips, overtime pay, and car loan interest
    • Repealing Biden’s Green New Deal mandates, EV rules, and environmental slush funds
    • Resuming oil and gas leasing on federal lands and streamlining energy permitting
    • Investing over $140 billion in border security—the largest investment in U.S. history
    • Completing the border wall and enabling over 1 million deportations annually
    • Hiring 10,000 new ICE personnel and expanding detention capacity to 100,000 beds
    • Modernizing national defense with nearly $144 billion in military investments
    • Achieving over $1.5 trillion in net deficit reduction—the largest in nearly 30 years

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Van Drew Stands Ready to Fight, Slams Democrats’ Latest Push for North Jersey Casinos

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jeff Van Drew (NJ02)

    Washington, DC –Today, Congressman Van Drew released the following statement upon learning that Democrat State Senators Vin Gopal and Paul Sarlo have introduced legislation and are pushing for a new referendum to expand casino gaming to Monmouth Park and Meadowlands Racetracks in North Jersey.

    “A decade ago, we were told that North Jersey casinos were inevitable and that those of us here in South Jersey should just lie down, play dead, and cut the best deal we can. Sound familiar? Needless to say, we did not listen,” said Congressman Van Drew. “The stakes were too high. We could not allow our local economy to lose up to half a billion dollars annually or, more importantly, 15,000 of our friends and neighbors to lose their jobs. So we fought like hell, and when the dust settled, the 2016 referendum to expand casino gaming outside Atlantic City was defeated by voters in all 21 counties. Make no mistake—we defeated North Jersey casinos once, and we stand ready to do so again, because South Jersey is always worth fighting for, and I will never back down when it comes to protecting our people.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Van Drew Announces Introduction of Bill to Codify President Trump’s Executive Order Lowering Drug Prices for Americans

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jeff Van Drew (NJ02)

    Washington, DC –Today, Congressman Van Drew released the following statement in support of President Trump’s executive order, signed today, which will tie what Medicare pays for prescription drugs to the lowest prices paid in other developed countries.

    “Today, President Trump took a bold step to lower prescription drug prices for Americans, and I fully support it,” said Congressman Van Drew. “For far too long, American families have been stuck paying outrageous prices for the same drugs sold at a fraction of the cost in other countries. This has to change. In fact, I will be introducing the Fair Prescription Drug Prices for Americans Act in the coming days to build on the President’s action. This bill will make it illegal for drug manufacturers to charge Medicare and privately insured Americans more than what they charge in other countries like Canada, the United Kingdom, or Japan. If they exceed that amount, they will face serious civil monetary penalties of ten times the difference in price for every single dose sold under those insurance plans. It is time to put the interests of the American people first and stop letting Big Pharma get away with price gouging.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Van Drew Condemns Lawless Actions of Congressional Members and Newark Mayor Breaking Into NJ ICE Detention Center

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jeff Van Drew (NJ02)

    Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Van Drew condemned the actions of three members of Congress and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, who, along with protesters, broke into an ICE detention center in Newark earlier today.

    “What we saw today is beyond unacceptable,” said Congressman Van Drew. “These elected officials, who swore to uphold the laws of this country, chose to break into a federal detention center, alongside protesters. For months now, I have spoken out against Mayor Baraka’s effort to block the opening of this detention center but today, we reached a breaking point. It was a direct attack on the rule of law. People in New Jersey are paying some of the highest taxes in the country, only to see that money used to fund illegal immigration as part of the state’s sanctuary policies. We are tired of it. No one is above the law. And when elected officials act as if they are, they undermine the very foundation of our democracy.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ocasio-Cortez, Kennedy, Meng Lead NY Congressional Delegation in Opposing Trump’s Cuts to The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), alongside Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-06) and Congressman Timothy Kennedy (NY-26), led several members of New York’s Democratic Congressional delegation in writing to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins to demand that the administration reverse their proposed staffing and benefits cuts to the Department of Veterans Affairs. 

    “This proposal would cut 80,000 employees – over 15% of the VA’s total workforce – who help provide health care, housing, and other services to our veterans, including more than a quarter of whom are veterans themselves. We urge you to immediately reverse course on the proposed firings and ensure that the more than 688,000 veterans in New York State receive timely care, benefits, and peace of mind,” the lawmakers wrote. “It is the federal government’s responsibility to “honor the contract,” – we must honor that commitment by providing the care, benefits, and opportunities every veteran has earned through their sacrifice.” 

    A total of 15 lawmakers signed the letter. In addition to Rep. Ocasio-Cortez, Rep. Kennedy, and Rep. Meng, the following members joined in signing: Representatives Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Daniel Goldman (NY-10), George Latimer (NY-16), John Mannion (NY-22), Gregory Meeks (NY-05), Joseph Morelle (NY-25), Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Josh Riley (NY-19), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), and Nydia Velázquez (NY-07). 

    The letter details that previous shortages and firings have already affected care quality by leading to reduced patient-provider interactions, longer waiting times, delays in benefits, and increased workloads for existing staff. The lawmakers also emphasize that staffing shortages across VA offices in New York have created a widespread atmosphere of fear and instability across the state, encouraging the Department to stand against any proposed staffing or benefits cuts. 

    The full letter is available here.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ocasio-Cortez, Velázquez Call on Secretary Kennedy to Reverse Job Cuts in San Juan Medical Products Laboratory

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) sent a letter to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to stop the reduction in force (RIF) and reorganization plans at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) impacting FDA’s San Juan Medical Products Laboratory (SJNLMP).

    The SJNLMP is one of the few FDA-owned and operated facilities specializing in pharmaceutical drug analysis. It has evaluated and led to removal of thousands of adulterated products from the market that otherwise would have exposed American consumers to unsafe products. The laboratory also plays a critical role in ensuring that the drugs and medical products that are part of HHS’ Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) remain safe and available for the nation’s armed forces and civilian populations during emergencies and conflicts.

    According to constituents, on April 1st, 2025, a RIF notice was distributed to the 20 laboratory employees and since then the laboratory has ceased operations.

    “Shutting down this laboratory is against your commitment to protect “essential services” and “frontline jobs” as doing so jeopardizes the safety of millions of Americans by weakening FDA’s ability to detect contaminated pharmaceuticals, respond to health emergencies, and safeguard national security,” wrote the lawmakers. “Additionally, this decision would eliminate over 20 highly skilled jobs in Puerto Rico.”

    “April 1 was the worst day of my life — receiving the RIF notice shattered me,” a SJNLMP employee said. “After years of dedication to public health, I felt abandoned, invisible, and heartbroken.”

    “Receiving the RIF notice felt like having the ground pulled from under us,” a SJNLMP employee said. “After years of sacrifice and commitment to public health, it was devastating to be dismissed so suddenly, without acknowledgment of our work or our worth.”

    “Receiving the RIF notice was devastating and left me feeling discarded after years of dedicated public service,” a SJNLMP employee said. “It created uncertainty, fear, and a deep sense of injustice. We were blindsided despite the critical role we played in protecting public health.”

    “When I received the RIF notice, I felt an overwhelming sense of shock and betrayal,” a SJNLMP employee said. “It was heartbreaking to see our vital work disregarded so abruptly. The uncertainty about our future was deeply unsettling.”

    HHS’ RIF plans at SJNLMP will impact various FDA initiatives. Some are the Health Fraud Program, which focuses on identifying and removing dietary supplements that are unsafe or advertised with misleading claims from the market, the Shelf-Life Extension Program, which verifies the stability of SNS drugs and medical products, an existent Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) to advance analytical methods for drug safety, and various Import and Surveillance Programs designed to monitor the safety of pharmaceutical imports. “We urge you to prioritize the health of the American people and the integrity of our pharmaceutical supply chain by ensuring that the San Juan Medical Products Laboratory remains fully staffed and operational,” wrote the lawmakers.

    For a full copy of the letter, click here. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ocasio-Cortez, Lee, Durbin, Graham Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Combat Non-Consensual, Sexually Explicit Deepfake Imagery 

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY)

    Washington, D.C. – Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14) alongside Representative Laurel Lee (FL-15), Senator Richard J. Durbin (D-IL) and Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), reintroduced the Disrupt Explicit Forged Images and Non-Consensual Edits Act (DEFIANCE Act), bipartisan legislation that would grant survivors the right to take civil action against individuals who knowingly produce, distribute, solicit and receive or possess with the intent to distribute nonconsensual sexually-explicit digital forgeries, building on progress made by the passage of the TAKE IT DOWN Act signed into law earlier this week.

    “We are reintroducing the DEFIANCE Act to grant survivors and victims of nonconsensual deepfake pornography the legal right to pursue justice,” said Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. “I am proud to lead this legislation with Representative Lee, and Senators Durbin and Graham to provide victims with the federal protections they deserve.”

    “I am proud to co-lead the bipartisan DEFIANCE Act, which gives victims a civil right of action when predators attempt to use exploitative AI-generated intimate images—so-called deepfakes—to intimidate, shame, or harm them,” said Representative Laurel Lee. We’ve seen stories across the country of women and girls as young as 12 years old victimized by this new and growing form of sexual violence. The time for action is now. This legislation will complement the TAKE IT DOWN Act, which was recently signed into law. Together, they both create both accountability and recourse. I am grateful for my colleagues’ work on these issues, and look forward to moving this bill through Committee.”

    “Sexually-explicit ‘deepfake’ content is often used to exploit and harass women and girls, and no one should have their privacy and autonomy violated by someone else generating explicit AI-generated content of them,” said Senator Durbin. “Although the imagery may be fake, the harm to the victims is very real. Victims have lost their jobs, their reputations, and many have suffered from life-altering depression or anxiety. By introducing the DEFIANCE Act, we’re giving power back to the victims; cracking down on the production, receipt, distribution, and possession of ‘deepfake’ images; and holding those responsible for the images accountable.”

    Last summer, the Senate unanimously passed the DEFIANCE Act of 2024 to give survivors of digital abuse and exploitation the tools they need to seek justice.

    The full bill text is available here. 

    The DEFIANCE Act is led by U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), and U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Angus King (I-ME), Mike Lee (R-UT), Martin Heinrich (D-NV), and Peter Welch (D-VT), In the House, the legislation is co-sponsored by Representatives by Kat Cammack (FL-03), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Debbie Dingell (MI-12), Mike Lawler (NY-17), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Nancy Mace (SC-06), Max Miller (OH-07), Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), Jamie Raskin (MD-8), and Jeff Van Drew (NJ-02).

    The legislation is endorsed by the National Women’s Law Center, National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE), Raven, Public Citizen, Sexual Violence Prevention Association, Democratic Women’s Caucus, UltraViolet, Joyful Heart Foundation, My Image My Choice, Reclaim Coalition, SIECUS: Sex Ed for Social Change, American Association of University Women (AAUW), End Rape on Campus, Foundation Ra, Explain the Asterisk, Protect America’s Daughters, Sexual Assault Response Coalition (SARC), Students Against Sexual Assault, What Were You Wearing, Rooting Movements, Recognize Violence, Change Culture (RVCC), and Street Grace.

    “As a survivor of deepfake pornography, I know the trauma of having your body and identity manipulated and weaponized. It is a violation that leaves you feeling powerless. The DEFIANCE Act changes that. It empowers victims to seek justice through a civil right of action, finally giving us a path to hold perpetrators accountable. With the number of deepfakes doubling every six months—and over 98% of them being pornographic—we are in a crisis. This bipartisan bill addresses the creation, distribution, and solicitation of nonconsensual deepfake pornography. It’s not just necessary—it’s urgent. Survivors deserve justice. Congress must act swiftly to pass the DEFIANCE Act and take a meaningful stand against digital sexual violence.” – Omny Miranda Martone, Founder & CEO of the Sexual Violence Prevention Association (SVPA)

    “Survivors of image-based sexual abuse deserve a clear path to civil justice,” said Stefan Turkheimer, VP of Public Policy at RAINN, the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization. “The DEFIANCE Act is the right solution — and now is the right time to build on the growing momentum to ensure survivors have real power to hold offenders accountable, including the ability to pursue civil remedies against those who use AI to create and spread sexually explicit images meant to cause harm.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ocasio-Cortez Statement on Worsening Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY)

    Washington, DC – Today, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14) released a statement following reports of the Israeli government blocking humanitarian assistance from entering Gaza.

    “Israel’s blockade of food and humanitarian assistance to Gaza is in violation of international law. Another 14,000 babies face severe malnutrition if the Israeli government does not reverse course. The United States can prevent this atrocity. We must pressure the Israeli government to open up more routes for humanitarian aid and finally uphold the law by stopping further weapons transfers to Israel.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ocasio-Cortez, Malliotakis Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Support for New Parents and Infants

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY)

    Washington, D.C. – Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14) and Representative Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) introduced legislation that would reauthorize the Healthy Start program, which provides critical funding for community-based efforts that improve maternal and child health.  

    “Healthy Start serves countless families across the nation. In my district, The Bronx Healthy Start Partnership provides essential public health services to ensure that all babies and new parents can receive medical and non-medical support that improves their health outcomes,” said Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. “This bipartisan bill would ensure that Healthy Start programs across the country can continue to fill in where traditional health care falls short, working to eliminate major health disparities that leave the most vulnerable communities wounded.” 

    “Over the past two years, this program has delivered more than $2 million to my district to support women, infants, and families in low-income communities,” said Representative Nicole Malliotakis. “Our bipartisan legislation will continue the authorization of the Healthy Start program, which aims to improve health outcomes for new mothers and reduce infant mortality rates and other adverse perinatal outcomes nationwide.”

    The full bill text is available here. The legislation will go through the Energy and Commerce Committee, where Representative Ocasio-Cortez now serves. 

    The Healthy Start program invests in communities across the country to improve health outcomes before, during, and after pregnancy. The Bronx Healthy Start Partnership provides case management, educational activities, and other support services to more than 475 families in the Bronx community each year. 

    Local Healthy Start projects are community-driven and tailored to the specific needs of each community to help reduce disparities in infant mortality and maternal health outcomes, so that all new parents and their babies can be healthy. These projects work to enroll pregnant women, other women of reproductive age, new parents, children from birth to 18 months, and fathers/partners. This bill would authorize $145 million in critical funding for each fiscal year from 2026 through 2030.

    Healthy Start program funding goes to communities experiencing high rates of adverse health outcomes, including infant mortality rates that are at least 1.5 times the U.S. national average, or high rates of preterm birth, low birth weight, and maternal illness. 

     

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hern applauds passage of CR to clear the runway for President Trump’s Agenda

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Kevin Hern (OK-01)

    Hern applauds passage of CR to clear the runway for President Trump’s Agenda

    Washington, March 11, 2025

    WASHINGTON, DC – Republican Policy Committee Chair Kevin Hern (OK-01) released the following statement after voting in support of a continuing resolution to fund the government through the end of the fiscal year. 

    “Today, House Republicans ensured President Trump’s agenda continues without disruption, while Democrats voted to shut the government down for no reason,” said Chairman Hern. “I am committed to the work my constituents elected me to do and the mandate they gave President Trump on Election Day. Passing this CR gives the President room to pass his agenda through Congress. I will continue to fight for his priorities to be implemented every step of the way.”

    The full bill text can be found here.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Trump budget plan is a win for America

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Kevin Hern (OK-01)

    Trump budget plan is a win for America

    Republican Policy Committee Chairman Kevin Hern (OK-01) released the following statement in support of President Trump’s budget proposal for FY 2026.

    “President Trump continues to follow through on the America First Agenda with a budget proposal that makes good on the promises he made to the American people,” said Chairman Hern. “The President’s plan will increase border security funding, unleash American energy production, and protect the American Dream for future generations. It’s a win for America. Thank you, President Trump!”

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    MIL OSI USA News –