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Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI USA: Norton Releases Statement from Oversight Committee Markup of Anti-D.C. Immigration Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (District of Columbia)

    The House Committee on Oversight and Accountability marked up and passed the bill yesterday.

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) released her statement from yesterday’s House Oversight and Accountability Committee markup of a bill that would nullify locally-enacted D.C. laws, policies and practices regarding D.C. exchanging information about the citizenship and immigration status of individuals, and would require D.C. to comply with requests by the Department of Homeland Security regarding immigration detainers.

    “Consistent with federal law, D.C., like states, cities and counties across the country, has passed laws to support and protect the safety of all its residents, regardless of immigration status,” Norton said. “In passing such laws, D.C. followed its values and the evidence on the benefits of such laws for the entire city.

    “H.R. 2056 contains an exception for victims of and witness to crimes. This exception is a fig leaf.  If enacted, this bill will deter immigrants from seeking assistance from or cooperating with the D.C. government, including its police department.”

    The bill passed out of committee. 

    Norton’s full markup statement follows, as prepared for delivery.

    Statement of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton

    Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

    Markup of H.R. 2056, the District of Columbia Federal Immigration Compliance Act

    March 25, 2025

    I strongly oppose this undemocratic, anti-immigrant bill, which would nullify duly enacted laws, policies and practices of the District of Columbia.  Before I address the details of this bill, I want to discuss democracy, and the lack of democracy in D.C.

    The Revolutionary War was fought to give consent to the governed and to end taxation without representation.  Yet, the more than 700,000 D.C. residents are denied voting representation in Congress and full local self-government, even though D.C. pays more federal taxes per capita than any state and more total federal taxes than 19 states.

    Last Congress, Republicans introduced more than 100 bills and amendments to repeal or block D.C. laws and policies.  This Congress, Republicans have already introduced 17 such bills and amendments.  Two weeks ago, Congress passed a bill, drafted by Republicans, that cut more than $1 billion from the D.C. local budget, which consists entirely of locally raised revenue.

    Although Congress has plenary authority over D.C., legislating on D.C. local matters is a choice.  In 1953, the Supreme Court held that “there is no constitutional barrier to the delegation by Congress to the District of Columbia of full legislative power.”

    D.C. has a local legislature.  The members are elected by D.C. residents.  If D.C. residents do not like how the members vote, they can vote them out of office.  That is called democracy.

    The voting members of Congress are elected by residents of states.  If D.C. residents do not like how the members vote on D.C. local matters, they cannot vote them out of office.  That is the antithesis of democracy.

    Congress has the authority to grant D.C. residents full democratic rights.  It simply needs to pass my Washington, D.C. Admission Act, which would make the residential and commercial areas of D.C. a state.

    The merits of D.C. local laws and H.R. 2056 are irrelevant, since there is never justification for Congress interfering in D.C. local matters, but I will briefly discuss them.  Consistent with federal law, D.C., like states, cities and counties across the country, has passed laws to support and protect the safety of all its residents, regardless of immigration status.  In passing such laws, D.C. followed its values and the evidence on the benefits of such laws for the entire city.

    H.R. 2056 contains an exception for victims of and witness to crimes.  This exception is a fig leaf.  If enacted, this bill will deter immigrants from seeking assistance from or cooperating with the D.C. government, including the police department.

    I urge members to vote NO on this bill.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Norton Highlights CBO Score on D.C. Budget Fix Bill and Calls on Speaker Johnson to Bring the Bill to the Floor for a House Vote

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (District of Columbia)

    The CBO analysis showed the bill would have no impact on the federal budget because D.C.’s budget consists of locally-raised funds.

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today highlighted the Congressional Budget Office’s (CBO) score on a Senate-passed bill to fix the D.C. budget issue caused by the recent continuing resolution (CR). As expected, the CBO found that the bill would have no effect on the federal budget. The CBO released its analysis yesterday. 

     “For any who had remaining doubts, the CBO score definitively shows that it would cost the federal government nothing to enact the Senate-passed bill to fix an issue in the CR aimed at constraining D.C.’s ability to spend its own local funds for the rest of the fiscal year,” Norton said. “The treatment of D.C. in the CR is a radical departure from decades of congressional practice and could have devastating consequences for the District. I’m calling on Speaker Johnson to bring the bill to the House floor for a vote at the earliest opportunity.”

    The House-passed CR omitted a longstanding provision that would allow D.C. to continue spending under its local fiscal year 2025 budget.

    The following table is sourced from the CBO. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Norton Releases Statement on President Trump’s Anti-Home Rule D.C. Executive Order

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (District of Columbia)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) released a statement tonight after President Trump signed an anti-D.C. home rule executive order (EO) establishing a task force to combat crime by surging law enforcement officers in public areas, increasing immigration enforcement, changing D.C. pre-trial detention policies, expediting concealed carry licenses, and working on fare enforcement on the Metro system. The EO also created a program to allegedly “beautify” D.C. by restoring federal buildings, monuments and roadways, removing graffiti, and ensuring cleanliness of public spaces and parks. Additionally, the EO directed the National Park Service to clear homeless encampments and graffiti on federal lands.

    “President Trump’s thoroughly anti-home rule EO is insulting to the 700,000 D.C. residents who live in close proximity to a federal government, which continues to deny them the same rights afforded to other Americans. The task force created by the EO would not include a single D.C. official to represent the interests of the people who reside within the District,” Norton said. “The Revolutionary War was fought to give consent to the governed and to end taxation without representation. President Trump’s rhetoric runs counter to this history. D.C.’s population is larger than that of two states. D.C. pays more federal taxes per capita than any state and pays more federal taxes than 21 states. D.C.’s gross domestic product is larger than that of 15 states. D.C. residents have fought and died in all this nation’s wars. We deserve statehood.

    “The ‘Fact Sheet’ about the EO currently on the White House’s website states that crime in D.C. is ‘near historic highs.’ This simply isn’t true. It is contradicted by the Department of Justice, which noted on January 3 that violent crime was down 35% in 2024 and overall violent crime in D.C. is at a 30-year low.

    “Like states, cities, and counties across the country, D.C. has passed laws to support and protect the safety of all its residents, regardless of immigration status. In passing these laws, D.C. followed its values and was convinced of the benefits for the entire city. Anyone watching can see plainly that the immigration provisions in the EO were motivated by President Trump’s longstanding antipathy for immigrants, not concern about law and order in the nation’s capital.

    “Finally, the recently enacted CR omitted a longstanding provision to allow D.C. to continue spending under its local fiscal year 2025 budget, and instead forces the District to revert to spending at fiscal year 2024 levels for the remainder of the year. The CR will result in projected cuts of approximately $1 billion in its own locally raised funds through the end of September, which will force dramatic reductions in essential services the city provides, including those related to public safety. House Republicans did this intentionally and had time to correct the issue. If Republicans are concerned about public safety in the nation’s capital, they should not have passed a CR that cut D.C.’s funding, including for public safety purposes, halfway through the fiscal year.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Democratic Physicians Announce Launch of Congressional Doctors Caucus

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raul Ruiz (36th District of California)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. –– Today, all six Democratic physicians serving in the U.S. House of Representatives formally announced the launch of the Congressional Doctors Caucus.

    The caucus is dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of Americans, advancing pragmatic health care policy and providing fellow Members with insights on critical health issues.

    Members of the caucus include:

    • Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06) – Internal Medicine
    • Herb Conaway Jr., M.D. (NJ-03) – Internal Medicine
    • Maxine Dexter, M.D. (OR-03) – Pulmonary & Critical Care 
    • Kelly Morrison, M.D. (MN-03) – Obstetrics & Gynecology
    • Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-25) – Emergency Medicine 
    • Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) – Pediatrics

    “I am excited to launch the Doctors Caucus that will fight for quality, affordable health care for American families,” said Representative Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-25). “As doctors we understand the pain and suffering that people endure for not having access to care. We will work to ensure that every American has the health care they need.”

    “As physicians, we bring firsthand experience with the challenges facing patients and providers every day,” said Representative Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06). “This caucus will harness our collective expertise to advance practical, evidence-based solutions that lower costs, expand access and strengthen care delivery. I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure every American has access to quality, affordable care.”

    “Medicine is not just a profession; it is a calling—a lifelong commitment to alleviating suffering, saving lives, and advocating for those who cannot advocate for themselves,” said Representative Herb Conaway Jr., M.D. (NJ-03). “By launching the Doctors Caucus, we are continuing that commitment. I’m proud to join my fellow Democratic doctors in creating this caucus, where we will fight for patients and providers. Considering the present political landscape, it is more important than ever that we stand together.”

    “At a time when Republicans are attacking science, slashing health care, and putting politics over patients, Democratic physicians must be organized to fight back,” said Congresswoman Maxine Dexter, M.D. (OR-03) “The Congressional Doctors Caucus will be vigilant and active to do all we can to ensure healthcare policy is patient-centered and science-based. We will push back against dangerous misinformation and stand up for every American’s right to have meaningful access to high-quality, affordable health care.” 

    “We are seeing health care, evidence-based science, and lifesaving research come under attack more than ever before by the Trump-Vance Administration and their Republican majority in Congress. As doctors, we will always stand up for the health and well-being of all Americans,” said Representative Kelly Morrison, M.D. (MN-03). “I am proud to join this group of Democratic doctors to fight every day to protect and expand access to the lifesaving care that Americans need and deserve.”

    “As Republicans in Congress slash Medicaid, condone the questioning of proven safety and efficacy of vaccinations, and endanger our public health by knee-capping key agencies and medical research, I’m proud to join my fellow Democratic Doctors in creating this Doc Caucus,” said Representative Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08). “Together, we will stand up for patients, providers, innovation, science, and common-sense improvements that enhance health care and bring down costs.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Jackson Introduced a Bill to Reform the Biden Administration’s Woke Dietary Guidelines

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ronny Jackson (TX-13)

    WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Ronny Jackson (TX-13) introduced the Dietary Guidelines Reform Act of 2025 to end the Biden administration’s flawed dietary guidelines and allow the Trump administration to develop new guidelines that improve the health of all Americans using evidence-based nutritional information. The Biden administration weaponized the federal government to promote radical environmental policies and attack conventional protein sources, like beef, pork, poultry, and egg products in order to promote beans, peas, and lentils as a “better, safer source of protein.” Senator Roger Marshall (KS) is leading companion legislation in the Senate.

    “The Biden administration has weaponized the dietary guidelines to push a partisan agenda instead of sound nutritional science,” said Rep. Ronny Jackson. “My bill will ensure these dietary guidelines are based on transparent, evidence-based research—not political ideologies—so Americans can trust they are getting real, science-backed recommendations that support their health and well-being.”

    “Despite decades of Dietary Guidelines for Americans, our citizens have only become sicker and more obese, while taxpayer dollars continue to fund this chaotic and broken process,” said Senator Marshall. “The Dietary Guidelines Reform Act brings much-needed transparency and scientific integrity to the dietary guidelines process, restores public trust, and aims for healthier outcomes by ensuring the recommendations truly serve the American people.”

    The bill text can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Dan Goldman Leads Demand for Pam Bondi to Appoint a Special Counsel to Investigate Signal Breach Involving Senior Trump Appointees

    Source: US Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10)

    18 Senior Trump Administration Officials, Including Cabinet Members, Were Using Open-Source Commercial Messaging App Signal to Discuss Confidential War Plans, Jeopardizing National Security 

     

    Letter Argues Trump Appointees’ Episode of Incompetence is in Violation of the Espionage Act  

     

    Members Demand Appointment of Independent Special Counsel to Investigate and Bring Potential Charges as Demanded by Law 

      

    Read the Letter Here  

    Washington, DC – Congressmen Dan Goldman (NY-10) led 5 of his colleagues in sending a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi demanding she appoints an independent special counsel to investigate the security breach involving senior Trump officials sharing classified military plans on an unsecured messaging app. 

    Under the Espionage Act, the unauthorized disclosure of national defense information is subject to penalties, including fines or imprisonment. Specifically, the statute criminalizes the transmission of classified information to unauthorized individuals. Additionally, the Federal Records Act prohibits the removal, alteration, or destruction of records documenting federal agency activities, a regulation Mr. Waltz seemingly violated by setting all messages to automatically delete after a specified period. At this juncture, it remains unclear whether former President Trump or senior members of his administration are broadly utilizing Signal chats to circumvent both the Federal Records Act and the Freedom of Information Act. 

    “This egregious breach of security protocol – from an Administration whose leader was criminally charged with violating laws related to classified materials and who once called for a political opponent to be jailed for possessing classified materials on a private email server – is unacceptable and demands an immediate and independent investigation. This security breach may run afoul of multiple laws, including those requiring the proper protection of classified information and requiring that all official communications be preserved,” the members said. 

    Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, was inadvertently added to a Signal chat titled “Houthi PC Small Group” by National Security Advisor Michael Waltz on March 13th. Signal, an unsecured messaging platform, is susceptible to surveillance by foreign adversaries, including China, Russia, and Iran. The chat contained 18 other senior officials from the Trump Administration, including Vice President Vance, Secretary of Defense Hegseth, Director of National Intelligence Gabbard, and CIA Director Ratcliffe. 

    Given the potential violations of the law and AG Bondi’s position in the Administration, the members demand the appointment of an independent special counsel to avoid conflicts of interest.  

    “As Attorney General, it is your responsibility to uphold criminal laws that protect the security of our nation and its military. It is also your duty, as you acknowledged during your Senate confirmation hearing, to enforce these laws impartially, including by avoiding the appearance of conflicts of interest. We trust that you will act swiftly and decisively by appointing a special counsel to investigate this breach and, if warranted, prosecute anyone who knowingly and willfully violated our criminal laws, putting at risk the safety and security of our most sensitive secrets and our servicemen and women. Thank you for your attention to this critical matter,” the members concluded. 

    Read the letter here or below: 

    Dear Attorney General Bondi, 

    We write to express our shock and disgust at the recent alarming report about the most senior officials in the Trump administration sharing classified military operations plans with a reporter on an open-source, commercial messaging app, as detailed in The Atlantic article, “The Trump Administration Accidentally Texted Me Its War Plans.” This remarkably careless and dangerous episode calls into question the integrity of our national security procedures and the security of our most sensitive military and intelligence information. Given the gravity of this error and the need for independent review, we believe that your appointment of a special counsel to investigate the conduct of these senior administration officials in this case is both urgent and necessary. 

    According to Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, National Security Advisor Michael Waltz added Goldberg to a Signal chat entitled “Houthi PC small group,” which included a principals committee of 18 of the most senior members of the Administration – including Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and CIA Director John Ratcliffe, among others. On this group chain that included a journalist, Secretary Hegseth included a detailed tick-tock from Central Command of a highly classified planned military strike in Yemen. Signal is an unsecure messaging app likely targeted by surveillance from adversaries such as China, Russia, and Iran; indeed, we are lucky that the Houthis did not receive the detailed plans with sufficient time to prepare a counterattack, jeopardizing the security of our servicemen and women. 

    Notwithstanding Secretary Hegseth’s prototypical denial of the clear facts by attacking Mr. Goldberg, the Trump Administration has confirmed the authenticity of the text chain. This egregious breach of security protocol – from an Administration whose leader was criminally charged with violating laws related to classified materials and who once called for a political opponent to be jailed for possessing classified materials on a private email server – is unacceptable and demands an immediate and independent investigation. This security breach may run afoul of multiple laws, including those requiring the proper protection of classified information and requiring that all official communications be preserved. 

    Under 18 U.S.C. § 798 of the Espionage Act, unauthorized disclosure of national defense information can be punished by a fine or imprisonment. Specifically, the statute criminalizes any of the following uses of classified information: communicating the information or making it “available” to unauthorized persons; publishing the information in any manner; or using the information in any other manner that goes against U.S. interests or benefits a foreign entity. To successfully prosecute an individual under 18 U.S.C. 798, the government must prove the following elements of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt: (1) the information in question is classified; (2) the disclosure was unauthorized; and (3) knowledge and intent of the disclosure – unless it is an act of reckless negligence. As the first two elements are undoubtedly met, an investigation is necessary to determine whether there is evidence that reckless negligence occurred. 

    Separately, the Federal Records Act (44 U.S.C. § 31) requires federal agencies to maintain records documenting their activities, ensuring safe storage and efficient retrieval, and disposing of records according to agency schedules. In the event that records have been unlawfully removed, destroyed, or altered, Section 3106 mandates that federal agency heads notify the Archivist of the United States and initiate action with the Attorney General to recover unlawfully removed records, or the Archivist will do so if the agency head fails to act. In this case, Mr. Waltz set the messages to be deleted after one or four weeks. An investigation is required to determine if there were any protocols set in place to preserve these records, and whether other such Signal chats are being used to circumvent the Federal Records Act and possibly the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). 

    Further, the Department of Defense (DOD) has an express prohibition on the use of Signal as a means of transmitting non-public DOD information unless previously authorized. As the head of the Department, Secretary Hegseth’s adherence to DOD’s own regulations is, of course, essential as an example to those who serve under him. Moreover, an investigation is needed to determine whether other classified information or materials have been shared on Signal by the Secretary of Defense or other members of DOD. 

    Given the fact that those included in the Signal group include the Vice President, other cabinet officials, and the most senior officials in the White House, it is self-evident that you, as a similarly-situated politically appointed cabinet official, cannot conduct an investigation without the appearance of a conflict of interest. Under 28 CFR § 600.1, the Attorney General is required to appoint a special counsel when she determines that criminal investigation of a matter is warranted and that investigation by a United States Attorney’s Office or litigating Division of the Department of Justice (DOJ) would present a conflict of interest; and it is in the public interest to appoint an outside Special Counsel. Here, this standard is easily met. 

    As Attorney General, it is your duty to enforce criminal laws designed to protect our nation’s and our military’s security. It is also your duty, as you acknowledged at your Senate confirmation hearing, to impartially enforce our criminal laws, including by avoiding the appearance of conflicts of interest. We trust that you will take swift and decisive action by appointing a special counsel to investigate this breach and, if appropriate, charge anyone who knowingly and willfully violated our criminal laws, jeopardizing the safety and security of our most closely held secrets and our servicemen and women. Thank you for your attention to this critical issue. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia Statement on the Passing of Congressman and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner

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

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (D-TX-29) issued the following statement following the passing of Congressman Sylvester Turner (D-TX-18): 

    “I am devastated to hear of the passing of my dear friend and colleague, Congressman Sylvester Turner. He was a trailblazer, a dedicated public servant, and a true champion for the people of Houston.  

    “He was a native son of Houston, born and raised in Acres Home, in the same year as the Brown vs. Board of Education decision, to a soft-spoken father and a mother who picked cotton. He never forgot where he came from, which fueled his commitment to change the world. I saw this first hand from the moment I met him in the 1980s and supported him throughout his political career.

    “For 27 years, my friend was a fixture in the Texas House of Representatives, a man of strong moral character who always led by example. While serving together in the Texas Legislature, I witnessed how he worked relentlessly to deliver for his constituents. As Mayor of Houston, he channeled a fearlessness and grit that allowed him to guide our city through an unprecedented seven federally declared natural disasters, including Hurricane Harvey and the COVID-19 pandemic. He leaves a lasting legacy of uplifting neighborhoods that were often overlooked. We are all better for his work to create a fairer, more equitable Houston.  

    “When he decided to bring his service to Washington, he brought with him the hopes and needs of the historic 18th Congressional District of Texas. He was my partner in good trouble, always ready to fight fiercely for those who needed him the most. My heart is with his family and all who knew and loved him. Houston has lost a giant, but his impact will never fade. If there is one thing he loved more than the City of Houston, it was his daughter Ashley and his grandchildren. God has gained a good man in his kingdom, from Acres Home to the Promised Land. Rest in peace, my dear friend.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Salinas, Balint, Smith Demand RFK Jr. Rescind Harmful Comments on Mental Illness, Anti-Depression Medications

    Source: US Representative Andrea Salinas (OR-06)

    Lawmakers’ demand comes after the HHS Secretary directed the agency to assess the “threat” posed by SSRIs

    Washington, DC – On March 20, 2025, U.S. Representatives Andrea Salinas (OR-06) and Becca Balint (VT-AL), along with U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN), led 23 of their colleagues in a bicameral letter demanding that U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. rescind his past statements that further stigmatize mental health treatment. His comments include misinformation such as falsely linking Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) to school shootings and stating that SSRIs are more addictive than heroin. Both claims have zero scientific evidence behind them and perpetuate harmful stereotypes. SSRIs such as Prozac, Zoloft, and Lexapro are some of the leading treatments for depression and anxiety and are used by nearly 32 million Americans each year.

    “Secretary Kennedy’s false statements about certain mental health medications aren’t just unhelpful, they’re dangerous,” said Rep. Salinas. “The stigma around seeking help is bad enough as it is, and we can’t afford more misinformation – much less coming from our federal government. Secretary Kennedy needs to retract these comments, stick to the science, and stop spreading his untrue and unqualified opinions about how to treat mental illness and addiction.”

    “Tens of millions of Americans struggle with mental health challenges. Prescription medication has long been one of the tools that medical providers use to treat illness. Mental health is no different,” said Rep. Balint. “To mischaracterize these medications as a “threat” is deeply dangerous and inflammatory. The Department of Health and Human Services should be a trusted source on all health issues – including mental health, especially as we face a growing mental health crisis in this country. I’m deeply disturbed that Secretary Kennedy continues to make reckless comments that could affect the health of millions of Americans. Medications for disorders such as depression, schizophrenia, and substance use can change lives. We should be able to work toward bipartisan mental health solutions rather than tearing down our fellow Americans.”   

    Secretary Kennedy has a long history of pushing harmful stereotypes around mental and behavioral health issues. 

    1. Most recently, he directed the Department of Health and Human Services to assess the “threat posed by the prescription of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, [and] stimulants.” While the focus of this portion of the Commission is making children healthy, the characterization that these medications pose a “threat” will have far-reaching implications for Americans of all ages seeking and accessing mental health treatment and only serves to further stigmatize mental illness.
       
    2. He has implied a link between antidepressants and school shootings and pushed for the issue to be researched, even though a comprehensive analysis of FBI data from 2000-2017 found that the majority of school shooters were not previously treated with psychotropic medications, and of those who were, no direct or causal association was found.
       
    3. He falsely stated that SSRIs are addictive, saying at time they are more difficult to wean off of than heroin. Mental health professionals have widely denounced that characterization, including Keith Humphreys, a Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford, characterized antidepressants and heroin as existing in “different universes” in terms of addiction risk. Of course, like any medication, the usage and stoppage of SSRIs should be a decision made between a patient and their provider with continued monitoring and consultation.

    Click here or see below to read the full text of the letter.

    March 20, 2025

    Honorable Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Secretary
    U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
    200 Independence Ave. SW
    Washington, D.C. 20201

    Dear Secretary Kennedy,

    We write to express our deep concerns regarding the Make America Healthy Again Commission’s troubling characterization of mental and behavioral health medication and your recent comments promoting disproven and outright false theories about these important treatments. These statements further stigmatize the mental and behavioral health challenges that one in five Americans live with, and can have a chilling effect on Americans seeking scientifically sound, medically necessary, and appropriate care.

    The Make America Healthy Again Commission, established by Executive Order 14212 on February 13, 2025 and which met for the first time on March 11, 2025, is directed to assess the “threat posed by the prescription of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, [and] stimulants.” While the focus of this portion of the Commission is making children healthy, the characterization that these medications pose a “threat” will have far reaching implications for Americans of all ages seeking and accessing mental health treatment. In other recent statements, you have doubled down on your belief in the link between school shooters and psychotropic drugs and in comments during your Senate confirmation hearing to the Department of Health and Human Services, you compared Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) to heroin.

    Taken together, this paints a troubling picture of your views on mental illness and treatment among children and adults. As Secretary of Health and Human Services, overseeing our nation’s health care system, you are in a position of great power to impact mental health interventions and treatments available to Americans. It is imperative that you follow the well-established and widely accepted scientific and medical consensus about the causes and treatments for mental and behavioral health issues.

    Mental illness is common in the United States and across the world. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) estimates that nearly 60 million U.S. adults live with a mental illness. In 2022, nineteen percent of adults who received mental health treatment received prescription medication from their provider. Thirteen percent of U.S. adults received counseling, and twenty three percent of adults received counseling and medication.

    An estimated 49.5 percent of adolescents have had a mental health disorder at some point in their lives, with the most common mental health disorders in adolescence relating to anxiety, depression, attention deficit-hyperactivity, and eating. From 2018 to 2019, the last year for which comprehensive data is available, the CDC reports that 43 percent of children between the ages of 3 and 17 took medication for an emotional, concentrational, or behavioral condition. Youth mental health needs have only increased in the past five years. Given the prevalence of mental illness among youth and adults in the United States, your accusations and inflammatory comments are deeply troubling.

    You have called for research into the possibility of a link between antidepressants and school shootings. In 2019, research analyzing FBI data on ‘educational shootings’ from 2000-2017 found that the majority of school shooters were not previously treated with psychotropic medications. Of those who were, no direct or causal association was found. Additionally, experts at the Columbia Center of Prevention and Evaluation in collaboration with experts from the New York State Psychiatric Institute compiled the world’s largest catalog of reported mass murder (more than three deaths) from 1900-2019. Their research concluded that the vast majority of mass shootings and mass murder are committed by people without mental illness, and certainly not psychotic illness. In fact, in the rare case that someone with a severe mental illness (SMI) commits a mass murder, they are less likely to use firearms.

    In addition to your harmful comment attempting to link psychotropic medications to mass shootings, you also said that SSRIs are addictive. To be precise, you stated during your confirmation hearing, “I know people, including members of my family, who’ve had a much worse time getting off of SSRIs than people have getting off of heroin.” In contrast, Keith Humphreys, a Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford, characterized antidepressants and heroin as existing in “different universes” in terms of addiction risk. Of course, like any medication, the usage and stoppage of SSRIs should be a decision made between a patient and their provider with continued monitoring and consultation. 

    These inflammatory statements do nothing to improve public health and safety or help increase access to care for those with mental health issues or with a mental illness. By falsely equating psychotropic drugs with school shootings and falsely comparing SSRIs to heroin, you are reinforcing harmful stereotypes and perpetuating negative stigma aimed at those with a mental health issue or mental illness, and your words are especially impactful as Secretary of Health and Human Services. 

    Fear of judgment and discrimination can cause those living with a mental health condition or illness to delay or avoid care, which will only increase suffering and may lead to deteriorating conditions and increasing symptoms. Negative stereotypes about medication may deter people from exploring treatment options that could help them.

    A mental health illness is exactly as the name says, an illness. Similar to a physical health condition or illness, sometimes medication is necessary for treatment. For individuals with mental illness, it is no different. In addition to therapy, medications may be necessary and appropriate. For individuals living with moderate or severe depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, or other conditions, medication can alleviate symptoms so they can function normally and have improved quality of life.

    We urge you to retract your harmful and false comments on mental illness and the usage of SSRIs. The American people want to see the federal government address the burden of mental and behavioral health challenges, for which there is much more bipartisan work to be done. But it is imperative that in doing so, we follow research and best practice guidance, and that harmful stereotypes and stigma are not reinforced.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia Leads More than 110 Colleagues in Condemning House Republican Conference Leadership for Xenophobic Attack on Congressman Adriano Espaillat

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

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (D-TX-29) led more than 110 of her colleagues in introducing a resolution condemning House Republican Conference leadership for allowing the spread of false and xenophobic rhetoric targeting Congressman Adriano Espaillat (D-NY-13), Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, following his Spanish-language response last week to President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress. Joining Congresswoman Garcia in leading this resolution are Representatives Darren Soto (D-FL-09), Rob Menendez (D-NJ-08), Norma Torres (D-CA-35), Joaquin Castro (D-TX-20), Andrea Salinas (D-OR-06), Gilbert Cisneros Jr. (D-CA-31), Jesús “Chuy” García (D-IL-04), Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX-34), Linda Sánchez (D-CA-38), Yvette Clarke (D-NY-09), Greg Casar (D-TX-35), Grace Meng (D-NY-06), Daniel Goldman (D-NY-10), and Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24).

    On March 5, 2025, the official X page for the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) falsely referred to Congressman Espaillat as an “illegal immigrant,” questioning Espaillat’s immigration status and patriotism—despite his lawful citizenship, election to Congress, and years of dedicated service to the American people. 

    “This outright xenophobic and reprehensible attack is not just an insult to Congressman Espaillat, but to every immigrant who has followed the law, earned their citizenship, and dedicated themselves to serving this country,” said Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia. “This demeaning anti-immigrant rhetoric has no place in the halls of Congress, and those in Republican leadership who have stood back and allowed this disgraceful statement to stand need to be held accountable.” 

    “It is disgraceful that House Republican leadership allows false and xenophobic attacks against Congressman Espaillat to go unchecked,” said Congressman Darren Soto. “He is a U.S. citizen who has dedicated years of service to the American people, and questioning the legitimacy of a duly elected member of Congress based on lies is dangerous and unacceptable. With this resolution, we make clear: xenophobia has no place in our democracy.”

    “The Trump Administration and Republicans have gone to great lengths to vilify, harass, and lie about hard-working immigrants since they took power,” said Congressman Rob Menendez. “I’m proud to stand alongside my friend and colleague Congressman Espaillat as he leads the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and will continue to partner with him to uplift the voices of immigrants, whose stories are rooted in dignity and respect for our friends and neighbors.”

    “Attacking Congressman Adriano Espaillat with false and xenophobic rhetoric is unacceptable. Congressman Espaillat has dedicated his life to serving this country and the American people. We will not stand by and allow hatred and division to flourish in our political discourse,” said Congresswoman Norma Torres. “This behavior has no place in Congress or our society. We must stand united against these attacks and uphold the values of respect and inclusivity.”

    “Republicans have sunk to the lowest level, using blatant racism meant to dehumanize all immigrants, no matter their status. My colleague, CHC Chair Adriano Espaillat is a proud U.S. citizen and strong advocate for the immigrant and Latino community,” said Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García. “It’s disgusting to see Republicans fueled by such hate, particularly toward Latino and Black immigrants.”

    “Congressman Espaillat has dedicated his life serving the people of New York,” said Congresswoman Linda Sánchez. “Republicans know you must be a citizen to be elected to Congress. Calling one of their own colleagues an ‘illegal immigrant’ shows they don’t care about ‘decorum’ and that even if you work hard, follow the law, and devote your life to public service, they’ll still try to dehumanize you with hateful rhetoric. Deleting the post isn’t enough – Republican leadership must apologize.” 

    “Congressman Espaillat is a good friend and a proud American citizen who serves his community in New York, and Hispanic and Latino Americans nationwide, tirelessly,” said Congressman Vicente Gonzalez. “He is a true example of a public servant. The NRCC’s inability to take fault and apologize isn’t surprising. Unfortunately, their vile racism is their usual behavior.”

    “This is an insult to the millions of immigrants who have followed the law and earned their citizenship,” said Congresswoman Grace Meng. “Congressman Espaillat has dedicated his life to serving the American people. This hateful, anti-immigrant rhetoric has no place in our country let alone the halls of Congress.” 

    Following mounting criticism from Democrats and some Republicans, the NRCC quietly deleted the tweet roughly 48 hours after the post went up without any public apology, making clear that the House Republican Conference leadership does not denounce the post itself and are only trying to contain the public fallout.  

    The resolution formally condemns House Speaker Mike Johnson, Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Majority Whip Tom Emmer, House Republican Chair Lisa McClain, Republican Policy Committee Chairman Kevin Hern, House Republican Conference Vice Chair Blake Moore, Deputy Whip Guy Reschenthaler, and National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Richard Hudson for allowing the House Republican Conference’s political arm to make a false statement and call into question the citizenship of Congressman Espaillat. 

    This attack came just days after Republican leaders claimed they wanted to ensure decorum and elevate the discourse in Congress. Instead, they have chosen to sow division and question the very legitimacy of a sitting Member of Congress. It’s hypocrisy at its worst. 

    In addition to Congresswoman Garcia and her co-leads, the resolution has been cosponsored by Reps. Pete Aguilar (D-CA-33), Ted Lieu (D-CA-36), Suzan DelBene (D-WA-01), Shri Thanedar (D-MI-13), Gabe Vasquez (D-NM-02), Ritchie Torres (D-NY-15), Paul Tonko (D-NY-20), Delia C. Ramirez (D-IL-03), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ-12), Timothy Kennedy (D-NY-26), Al Green (D-TX-09), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY-14), Nydia Velázquez (D-NY-07), Becca Balint (D-VT-At-Large), Veronica Escobar (D-TX-16), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson (D-GA-04), LaMonica McIver (D-NJ-10), Robert Garcia (D-CA-42), Robin Kelly (D-IL-02), Juan Vargas (D-CA-52), Jasmine Crockett (D-TX-30), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC-At-Large), J. Luis Correa (D-CA-46), Nanette Barragán (D-CA-44), Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14), Nikema Williams (D-GA-05), Raul Ruiz (D-CA-25), Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ-07), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-12), Betty McCollum (D-MN-04), André Carson (D-IN-07), Jim Costa (D-CA-21), Pablo José Hernández (D-PR-At-Large), Jim McGovern (D-MA-02), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-08), Luz Rivas (D-CA-29), Lloyd Doggett (D-TX-37), Lori Trahan (D-MA-03), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA-07), Hillary Scholten (D-MI-03), Bennie Thompson (D-MS-02), Madeleine Dean (D-PA-04), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09), George Latimer (D-NY-16), Tom Suozzi (D-NY-03), Chellie Pingree (D-ME-01), Jimmy Gomez (D-CA-34), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA-05), Jared Moskowitz (D-FL-23), Frederica Wilson (D-FL-24), Danny K. Davis (D-IL-07), Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO-05), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA-04), Maxwell Frost (D-FL-10), Nellie Pou (D-NJ-09), Judy Chu (D-CA-28), Emily Randall (D-WA-06), Dwight Evans (D-PA-03), Mark Pocan (D-WI-02), Frank Pallone (D-NJ-06), John Larson (D-CT-01), Haley Stevens (D-MI-11), Summer Lee (D-PA-12), Maxine Waters (D-CA-43), Glenn Ivey (D-MD-04), Sam Liccardo (D-CA-16), Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-NM-03), Jared Huffman (D-CA-02), Joyce Beatty (D-OH-03), Dina Titus (D-NV-01), Sean Casten (D-IL-06), Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28), Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ-03), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL-25), Val Hoyle (D-OR-04), Eugene Vindman (D-VA-07), Maxine Dexter (D-OR-03), Ro Khanna (D-CA-17), Gerry Connolly (D-VA-11), Jill Tokuda (D-HI-02), Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12), Ilhan Omar (D-MN-05), Ami Bera (D-CA-06), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL-20), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA-37), Greg Stanton (D-AZ-04), Don Beyer (D-VA-08), Josh Riley (D-NY-19), Derek Tran (D-CA-45), Brittany Pettersen (D-CO-07), Kelly Morrison (D-MN-03), Laura Friedman (D-CA-30), Diana DeGette (D-CO-01), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA-07), Jerrold Nadler (D-NY-12), and Mike Thompson (D-CA-04).

    CLICK HERE for the resolution text.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia Joins Colleagues to Reintroduce Bicameral Resolution Affirming Support for the Equal Rights Amendment

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

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (D-TX-29) was proud to join Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (D-MA-07) and Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), along with Congresswomen Madeleine Dean (D-PA-04), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA-37), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA-04), and Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI), in reintroducing their bicameral resolution to overcome a significant obstacle to the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). This resolution would remove an arbitrary deadline set by Congress in 1972, affirming the ERA as the 28th Amendment of the Constitution of the United States, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex.

    “When I was 27, I represented my state at the National Women’s Conference in Houston—and I still have the ERA pin I wore that day. I’ve kept it all these years because the fight isn’t over. Two years ago, I went to Seneca Falls and met with the next generation of activists. Let me tell you—they are just as committed, just as fearless, as I was back then. And like me, they’re still waiting for this country to guarantee women the same constitutional protections as men,” said Congresswoman Garcia. “Those fighting against the ERA are the same ones who fear powerful women—the ones who pay us less, promote us less, and try to silence us. It’s long overdue to make the ERA the 28th Amendment of the Constitution. I stand today for justice, for fairness, and for future generations of women and girls who deserve fairness, justice, and equality of opportunities.”

    “For centuries, women – particularly women of color and LGBTQ+ folks – have been treated as less than – less deserving of pay, less protected by law, less free to show up as our authentic selves in a world that constantly pushes us down,” said Congresswoman Pressley. “By enshrining the ERA into law, we are taking the necessary step to center our most vulnerable and marginalized communities, close the gender wage gap, combat sex discrimination, reduce gender-based violence, ensure freedom over our bodies, and more. The time is now to affirm gender equality once and for all.”

    “The state of Alaska ratified the ERA and amended the State Constitution in 1972, and that is a legacy I am proud to continue advocating for at the federal level,” said Senator Murkowski. “It is past time for the equal rights of women to be guaranteed in the United States Constitution, and I will continue to advocate for the passage of this resolution until that is achieved.”

    “I am proud that Hawaii was the first state to ratify the ERA, but we must finally amend the Constitution to ensure that the next generation of women are guaranteed equal rights,” said Senator Hirono. “With the reintroduction of this resolution, we reaffirm our commitment to fighting for equal opportunity and equal rights for all. It has been over a century-long fight to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment, and we won’t stop until gender equity is enshrined in the Constitution.”

    “Women throughout history have fought tirelessly against sexism and inequality, refusing to accept a world that denied them their full rights. Their courage paved the way for progress—but the fight is far from over. We are grateful for the leadership of Senator Lisa Murkowski, Senator Mazie Hirono, and Rep. Ayanna Pressley in reintroducing this important resolution, recognizing the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment. This Women’s History Month we renew our commitment to the pursuit of true gender equality. The women who came before us didn’t give up, neither will we,” said Zakiya Thomas, President & CEO, ERA Coalition.

    “The Equal Rights Amendment is a short yet powerful declaration — ‘Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex,’” said Congresswoman Dean. “Words matter—and we must be explicit in our Constitution to ensure that equality is a reality for every person in our nation. I’m grateful for Congresswoman Pressley’s leadership in this century-long fight and in the enduring legacy of Congresswoman Shirley Chislom and others before us. We must expand the mission of the 19th Amendment and fulfill the promise of the ERA.”

    “There is no deadline for equal rights,” said Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove. “The United States Congress and the required number of states have ratified the Equal Rights Amendment, which is over 100 years in the making. An arbitrary deadline will not stop progress on equal rights. Now is the time for Congress to pass this resolution to ensure that we enshrine equal protections for our mothers, sisters, daughters, and grandmothers who have championed this cause.”

    “Generations of women, especially women of color, have relentlessly fought for equal rights in a system that has long denied them fairness under the law — and that fight is far from over,” said Congresswoman McClellan. “I led the fight in Virginia to make our Commonwealth the final state needed to ratify the ERA, taking a stand on the right side of history. Now, we must finish the job by enshrining gender equality in the Constitution once and for all.”

    The Equal Rights Amendment was first introduced 100 years ago to codify gender equality. Since 1923, the constitutional amendment was introduced in every session of Congress until it passed in 1972 in both the House and Senate. Congress then placed an arbitrary seven-year deadline on the ratification process before extending the deadline to 1982, but only 35 ratified the ERA before the arbitrary deadline.  However, with the recent ratifications of the ERA by Nevada in 2017, Illinois in 2018 and Virginia in 2020, the 38 states needed for certification of the ERA to be become the 28th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution has now been reached.

    Ratifying the ERA, which states, “Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State on account of sex”, would affirm women’s equality in our Constitution, enshrining the principle of women’s equality and an explicit prohibition against sex discrimination in the nation’s foundational document.

    As the 28th Amendment, the ERA would serve as a new tool—for Congress, for federal agencies, and in the courts—to advance equality in the fields of workforce and pay, pregnancy discrimination, sexual harassment and violence, reproductive autonomy, and protections for LGBTQ+ individuals. Enshrining this protection in our Constitution also ensures enduring protections for all Americans across the country.

    It would also signal to the courts that they should apply a more rigorous level of review to laws and government policies that discriminate on the basis of sex, making it more likely for them to be struck down.

    Congresswoman Garcia has been a co-lead on this resolution since she first entered Congress in 2019.

    Text of the resolution is available here.

    See the Congresswoman’s tweet here.

    On Equal Pay Day, I joined my colleagues in reintroducing a resolution to remove the arbitrary deadline on the Equal Rights Amendment. The fight for constitutional gender equality has gone on long enough. It’s time to make the ERA the 28th Amendment. ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/r8R80EXLBI

    — Rep. Sylvia Garcia (@RepSylviaGarcia) March 25, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Van Drew Slams Disturbing State Mandate Requiring Hospitals to Ask Parents About Newborn’s Sexuality and Gender Identity

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

    Congressman Van Drew Slams Disturbing State Mandate Requiring Hospitals to Ask Parents About Newborn’s Sexuality and Gender Identity

    Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Van Drew is demanding an immediate end to a state mandate that requires New Jersey hospitals to ask parents their newborn baby’s sexual orientation and gender identity just hours after birth.

    “This mandate is beyond outrageous,” said Congressman Van Drew. “We are talking about newborns who are just minutes old, and already, the state government is trying to push its radical narrative on them. Parents should be focused on bonding with their newborn, not filling out completely unnecessary forms about their baby’s gender and sexual orientation. I remember when my children were born, what a beautiful time it was being by my wife’s side, and if they had handed me this form, I would have laughed in their faces. It is inappropriate and wrong on every level. Instead of focusing on real issues, like improving healthcare or supporting struggling families, New Jersey is wasting time and resources on a policy that makes no sense. I will be introducing legislation to make sure that states that allow policies like this will face consequences. We need to get back to common sense. Let parents raise their children without the state inserting itself into every part of their lives. This has gone too far.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Advances Rep. Burlison’s Paycheck Protection Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Eric Burlison (R-Missouri 7th District)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Yesterday, the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform reported favorably H.R. 2174, the Paycheck Protection Act, to ensure federal employees control their own money by ending automatic paycheck deductions for union dues, fees, and political contributions.

    “The government takes money from federal workers’ paychecks for union dues, even if the workers disagree with how the money’s used, and the taxpayers are on the hook for the administrative costs,” said Rep. Burlison. “If someone wants to pay union dues, they can do so directly.”

    The bill amends Title 5 and Title 39 of the U.S. Code to prohibit federal agencies and the U.S. Postal Service from deducting labor union dues, fees, or political contributions from employees’ wages. Instead, federal workers would make those payments voluntarily.

    Key Provisions:  

    • Restores worker choice – Employees decide how they contribute to unions.
    • Ends taxpayer-funded union collection services – The government should not process union dues.
    • Promotes transparency – Workers have more control over their earnings.

    “This is about protecting paychecks and ensuring that every dollar a worker earns is their decision to spend—not a decision made for them,” Burlison added.

    The bill now moves to the House floor for consideration.

    Co-Sponsors: Representatives Mary Miller, Nancy Mace

    Group Support: Institute for the American Worker, Heritage Action for America, American for Tax Reform, Americas for Prosperity, Freedom Foundation, Mackinac Center for Public Policy 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Van Drew Holds Tele-town Hall

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

    Washington, DC – Today Congressman Van Drew released a tele-town hall, where he answered questions submitted from thousands of constituents across South Jersey. He addressed a wide variety of topics such as his vow to protect Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security, the impact of the Trump tariffs, cuts from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), key government funding bills, the rising cost of electricity, and more. 

    To listen to the tele-town hall, click here. To listen to past tele-town halls, click here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Nick Langworthy Hosts Press Conference on Key Aviation Safety Legislation; Launches Aviation Safety Caucus for 119th Congress

    Source: US Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) introduced the bipartisan Safer Skies Act, aimed at closing critical security loopholes in airport security. The bill, co-led by Congressman Jack Bergman (R-MI) and Marc Veasey (D-TX), seeks to enhance safety standards for certain air operators that currently operate without the rigorous screening requirements of commercial airlines.

    “Due to the reforms following the September 11th attacks, Americans have come to expect a high level of safety and security when they board a plane on American soil,” said Congressman Langworthy. “As the chair of the Aviation Safety Caucus, I’ve worked closely with partners and experts in the federal government and aviation industry to identify existing security gaps and maintain our high safety standards. The Safer Skies Act will close a loophole that has allowed certain operators, like ticketed charter flights, to bypass the rigorous screening requirements that ensure the safety of all passengers. It is vital for protecting our skies and the lives of passengers and crew alike.”

    Watch the press conference here

    List of caucus members here 

    Specifically, the Safer Skies Act would:

    • Require the TSA to update its security screening requirements for Part 135 and Part 380 operators that offer individual seats in advance, provide publicly available schedules, and operate passenger seat configurations of more than nine seats.
    • Ensure that these operators are held to the same security standards as any other scheduled commercial airline.

     

    “Worldwide, the United States sets the security standard. The Safer Skies Act closes a glaring loophole in our screening process. I’m proud to lead this legislation which is a step in the right direction and will keep the flying public and crews safe,”said co-chair Rep. Jack Bergman.

    “As Americans, we expect the same high level of safety and security every time we board a plane—whether we’re flying into a major hub or a small-town airport. But loopholes and the exploitation of existing regulations threaten the integrity of the system that has made U.S. commercial aviation the safest in the world. The Safer Skies Act is a bipartisan, common-sense piece of legislation that closes these gaps, ensuring that every passenger, on every flight, can travel with confidence in the security of our skies,”said co-chair Rep. Marc Veasey.

    “The Safer Skies Act will close a dangerous loophole in FAA regulations that could lead to catastrophe in the sky. I am committed to ensuring that a tragedy like 9/11 never happens again in this country. I thank Rep. Langworthy for his leadership on this issue and look forward to making this bill a reality,”said Rep.Don Bacon.

    Cosponsors of the Safer Skies Act include co-lead Rep. Jack Bergman (R-MI), co-lead Rep. Marc Veasey (D-TX), Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE), Rep. Stephanie Bice (R-OK), Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Rep. Robert Bresnahan (R-PA), Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN), Rep. Jake Ellzey (R-TX), Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-NY), Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-FL), Rep. Craig Goldman (R-TX), Rep. Dan Goldman (D-NY), Rep. Thomas Kean (R-NJ), Rep. Nick LaLota (R-NY), Rep. Michael Lawler (R-NY), Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), Rep. Rob Menendez (D-NJ), Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Rep. Chris Pappas (D-NH), Rep. Mike Quigley (D-IL), Rep. Hillary Scholten (D-MI), Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA), Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Rep. Shri Thanedar (D-MI), Rep. Michael Turner (R-OH), Rep. David Valadao (R-CA), Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ), Rep. Randy Weber (R-TX), Rep. Rob Wittman (R-VA), Rep. Don Davis (D-NC), and Rep. Tracey Mann (R-KS).

    This legislation has also received support from the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), Allied Pilots Association (APA), American Airlines, Association of Flight Attendants (AFA), Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA), National Air Carrier Association (NACA), NetJets Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots (NJASAP), Southwest Airlines, Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA), and Transport Workers Union (TWU).

     

    “Gaming the system to get a competitive leg up by putting all of us at risk can’t fly! We applaud Representative Langworthy for taking action to stop outrageous attempts to skirt safety and security requirements that were put in place following September 11th. Never again,” stated Sara Nelson, President of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, representing 55,000 Flight Attendants at 20 airlines. “The irony should be lost on no one that those attempting to game the system are creating an aviation model grounded in the idea that if you have money the rules don’t apply to you. This is about crew and passenger safety and the security of the entire country.”

     

    “APFA thanks Representative Langworthy (R-NY-23), Representative Veasey (D-TX-33), and Representative Bergman (R-MI-01) for introducing legislation that protects the security of our skies and the American people. The Safer Skies Act ensures that all passenger flights, no matter what Part they operate under, are subject to the same TSA security standards. On September 11th, 2001, we lost our colleagues and our passengers in the worst terrorist attack on American soil in the history of our country. As an industry and as a nation, we banded together and vowed ‘Never Again’. This is why it is critical to close this security loophole that is jeopardizing aviation safety,” saidJulie Hedrick, National President of the Association of Professional Flight Attendants.

     

    “Allowing Part 135/Part 380 operators to take advantage of less strict security protocols introduces risk into our aviation system, and we are grateful for Representatives Langworthy and Veasey for their leadership on this issue. Passengers deserve the same high level of aviation security regardless of their departure point and destination,”said Capt. Jason Ambrosi, ALPA president. “By addressing the security threats created by the loophole, we close a dangerous precedent that would spark a race to the bottom and wholly undermine aviation security. The Safer Skies Act is one important step toward what our industry needs at this critical moment in history.” 

     

    “The Allied Pilots Association strongly supports the Safer Skies Act of 2025, and we thank Representatives Langworthy, Bergman, and Veasey for their leadership in addressing this critical loophole in U.S. charter flight regulatory guidance. As airline pilots, we witnessed the destruction on September 11, 2001, and we never want a repeat of that horrific day in our nation’s history. We are concerned that our collective memory of that tragic event is way too short—as evidenced by some charter operations losing focus on security in favor of profits. The Safer Skies Act addresses this security gap, and brings our security priorities back in focus by enforcing a single security standard for air travel. The American public deserves confidence in their safety and security while traveling. This Bill is a great first step in addressing this loophole and restoring confidence in our aviation sector,” said First Officer Nick Silva, President, Allied Pilots Association.

     

    “Aviation security is not optional – it’s essential. The Safer Skies Act ensures that all flights operate under the same rigorous safety standards, closing security loopholes and protecting passengers, crews, and the integrity of our airspace. SWAPA strongly supports this commonsense legislation,”said Captain Jody Reven, President, Southwest Airlines Pilots Association. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Van Drew Releases Statement on the Passage of the Continuing Resolution to Keep the Government Open

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

    Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Van Drew issued the following statement regarding the passage of the Continuing Resolution (CR), H.R. 1968, which ensures that the federal government remains operational by continuing current spending levels until September.

    “Tonight, I voted in favor of the Continuing Resolution because it is a vital step in keeping our government open and maintaining essential services for the American people,” said Congressman Van Drew. “This bill simply extends current funding levels through September, preventing a government shutdown and providing time needed for President Trump and Congress to continue advancing their agenda to put Americans first. Right now, there is misinformation circulating around this resolution, and I will not stand by as false narratives spread. The CR includes no cuts to Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid. In fact, this bill ensures that these critical programs can continue uninterrupted and fully funded. 

    “When it is time to vote on a full budget in September, I will not support any proposal that includes cuts to these programs, unless they target waste, fraud, and abuse. By passing this CR today, we are making sure the essential functions of the government stay funded, and that the government remains accountable to the American people.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Representatives Goldman, Matsui, and Amodei Urge FCC to Preserve Funding for Public Broadcasting

    Source: US Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10)

    Trump and Musk Threatening to Slash Funding for Public Broadcasting Services, Opened FCC Investigation into NPR and PBS   

      

    Public Programming is Critical for Low-Income and Rural Communities  

      

    Read the Letter Here 

    Washington, DC – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) and Mark Amodei (NV-02), Co-Chairs of the bipartisan Public Broadcasting Caucus, alongside Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, Doris Matsui (CA-07), led 16 of their colleagues in sending a letter to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr expressing their support for public broadcasting amidst the Trump Administration’s calls to defund National Public Radio (NPR) and Public Broadcasting Service (PBS).  

    On January 29th, Chairman Carr sent a letter to the heads of both NPR and PBS informing them that he was launching a probe into both of their underwriting practices. In that letter he stated that “I do not see a reason why Congress should continue sending taxpayer dollars to NPR and PBS given the changes in the media marketplace.” However, the letter presented no evidence of wrongdoing or deviation from their longstanding sponsorship disclosure practices. Since then, follow-up letters have been sent to 13 public radio stations. 

    “We respectfully disagree that Congress should stop funding NPR and PBS. Without federal support for public broadcasting, many localities would struggle to receive timely, reliable local news and educational content, particularly remote or rural communities that commercial newsrooms are less likely to invest in. […] Additionally, public media plays an essential role in providing lifesaving information, including emergency alerts, in times of crisis,” the Members wrote.  

    During catastrophic events like Hurricanes Helene and Milton, as well as various California wildfires, public media was a critical resource to get out essential public safety coverage. Public media has also been crucial for children and families, averaging 16 million monthly users and more than 350 million monthly streams across digital platforms on their educational content. 

    The members also highlighted how such funding preserves local communities’ access to vital public safety alerts, trusted news, and educational information. In states such as Alaska, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Texas, rural public radio stations are often the only consistent news source in the area. 

    We must ensure that Americans continue to have access to important public broadcasting programs and services. This includes preserving public broadcast stations’ federal funding and their longstanding, legitimate underwriting practices,” the Members concluded.  

    Read the Letter Here or Below  

    Dear Chairman Carr,  

    We write to express our support for public broadcasting and its vital role in delivering quality educational and informational programs to local communities across the country. As members of the bipartisan Public Broadcasting Caucus (“Caucus”), we see firsthand the valuable services that public broadcasting provides for our districts and across the nation. These range from public safety information to local news, children’s educational content, and in-depth workforce training courses.   

    In January, you wrote to the presidents and chief executives of National Public Radio (“NPR”) and Public Broadcasting Service (“PBS”), signaling that you have asked the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau to open an investigation regarding underwriting practices at PBS, NPR, and their broadcast member stations. You also wrote that you personally “do not see a reason why Congress should continue sending taxpayer dollars to NPR and PBS given the changes in the media marketplace.”  

    We respectfully disagree that Congress should stop funding NPR and PBS. Since its founding almost 25 years ago, our Caucus reflects the longstanding bipartisan nature of public support for federal funding of public broadcasting. Today, this mission remains as critical as ever. More than half of U.S. counties have little to no locally based source of local news, and over 200 counties are news deserts.  

    The vast majority of federal funding for public radio and television goes directly to individual stations, with Community Service Grants accounting for at least 25 percent of revenue for 120 rural stations (almost half of all rural grantees) and at least 50 percent for 33 rural stations. Stations are able to build on this federal investment to raise non-federal funds to help sustain their local broadcasting services, representing a return of over $3.70 for every appropriated dollar for rural stations and about $7 when also accounting for nonrural stations.   

    Without federal support for public broadcasting, many localities would struggle to receive timely, reliable local news and educational content, particularly remote or rural communities that commercial newsrooms are less likely to invest in. In states such as Alaska, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Texas, rural public radio stations are often the only weekly or daily news source in their communities. Even in places with other daily or weekly news sources, those outlets may not be directing resources toward original or locally based stories, leaving it to public stations to fill the gap.   

    Additionally, public media plays an essential role in providing lifesaving information, including emergency alerts, in times of crisis. During Hurricanes Helene and Milton, even as many other news sources lost power and internet, Blue Ridge Public Radio remained online in the Asheville, North Carolina area and delivered hourly local updates and statements from public officials to the over 500,000 people impacted by power outages in the region. In Florida, a network of 14 public media stations across the state began coverage of Hurricane Helene a week before its major landfall, granting residents direct access to real-time weather alerts and updates across all platforms and apps. Similarly, during the 2017 Northern California Wildfires, local public radio outlets combined office space to streamline information released by public officials and maximize their ability to get essential public safety coverage across the region.  

    Public broadcasting networks also support educational content that parents nationwide rely on to help their children learn, averaging 16 million monthly users and more than 350 million monthly streams across digital platforms. This is particularly true for low-income families, as PBS stations reach more children from those households than any of the children’s cable television networks in one year. In 2025, PBS Kids was named the most educational media brand, with 63 percent of respondents voting for PBS Kids compared to other television or online platforms. Local stations like PBS Reno offer a “Curiosity Classroom” service that provides free STEM, literacy-based workshops, specifically designed for Pre-K through fourth grade classrooms, to communities in northern Nevada and northeastern California. It is little wonder that 90 percent of the parents surveyed said PBS Kids helps prepare children for success in school, and 82 percent of voters, including 72 percent of President Trump’s voters, value PBS for its children’s programming and educational tools.  

    We must ensure that Americans continue to have access to important public broadcasting programs and services. This includes preserving public broadcast stations’ federal funding and their longstanding, legitimate underwriting practices. In 1981, Congress specifically amended our public broadcasting rules to relax prior restrictions upon public broadcasters’ fundraising activities, to ensure that public media could better leverage nongovernment funding as an exchange for reducing federal funding. It is critical that the FCC does not chill legitimate underwriting practices that are compliant with its underwriting rules. Our public media must able to remain financially viable to provide critical news and educational information to their communities.   

    We appreciate your attention to this important issue and request a briefing by April 4, 2025 on how the FCC plans to ensure that any investigation does not undercut public media’s role in providing important services to their local communities.  

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NADLER, MURRAY, SCOTT, STANSBURY, AND LEGER FERNÁNDEZ CONDEMN UNLAWFUL DISMISSAL OF EEOC COMMISSIONERS, DEMAND IMMEDIATE REINSTATEMENT

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jerrold Nadler (10th District of New York)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representative Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Committee on Education & Workforce Ranking Member Bobby Scott (D-VA), Representative Melanie Stansbury (D-NM), and Democratic Women’s Caucus Chair Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM) led 236 colleagues in a letter to President Donald Trump in response to his unprecedented and unlawful dismissal of Equal Opportunity Employment Commission (EEOC) Commissioners Charlotte Burrows and Jocelyn Samuels.

    “We write to express our outrage at your unprecedented dismissal of Commissioners Charlotte Burrows and Jocelyn Samuels of the bipartisan U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission,” the Members wrote. “This unlawful abuse of presidential power undermines the EEOC’s historic independence, harms U.S. workers, and unduly politicizes the Commission’s work. It also impedes the Commission’s ability to fully carry out its critical mission on behalf of the American people. We urge you to swiftly reinstate Commissioners Burrows and Samuels.”

    The EEOC was established in 1964 with strong bipartisan support to serve as an independent, multi-member body tasked with preventing and addressing employment discrimination. It is the primary federal law enforcement agency responsible for ensuring that workers are protected against discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, and genetic information. Workers rely on the EEOC to be a fair and independent body—not one subject to the shifting political whims of the executive branch.

    Both Commissioner Burrows and Commissioner Samuels had been confirmed by bipartisan votes of the Senate prior to the start of their terms, with Commissioner Burrows’ term not set to expire until July 2028 and Commissioner Samuels term not set to expire until July 2026.

    The Members highlighted the massive return on investment the EEOC delivers for the American people, stating, “From 2014-2024, the EEOC recovered $5.6 billion for workers who were discriminated against under these laws, significantly more than the agency’s appropriations during that time period. For FY 2024, the EEOC secured a record $700 million for workers who experienced discrimination. The EEOC’s role in enforcing these protections is essential to ensuring that all workers have a fair chance to obtain employment, provide for their families, and contribute to our economy.”

    The Members made clear the illegal firing by President Trump is an intrusion into Congress’ constitutional authority, stating, “The Administration’s firing of Commissioner Burrows and Commissioner Samuels is unprecedented and an intrusion into Congress’ Article I constitutional authority. The appointment of EEOC Commissioners is governed by statute and is designed to ensure the agency’s independence from the executive.  The President appoints Commissioners and the Senate confirms them. That is the beginning and end of the executive’s role in determining who can sit on the Commission and for how long. The law not only expressly requires the Commission to be bipartisan, but it also sets out five-year terms, a design that ensures that Commissioners’ terms run between presidential terms, another purposeful action by Congress to ensure the Commission’s independence.”

    “Longstanding Supreme Court precedent also confirms that multi-member independent commissions such as the EEOC enjoy protection from “coercive influence” of the executive. In Humphrey’s Executor v. United States, 295 U.S. 602 (1935), the Supreme Court made clear that members of independent commissions like the EEOC cannot be removed at will by the President. Prior Presidents have agreed; no Commissioner of the EEOC has ever been removed prior to the expiration of their term in the Commission’s 60-year history.”

    “Workers deserve to earn a living free from discrimination and feel confident that when they are harmed, they can count on an independent EEOC, not a politicized body, to protect their rights,” the Members concluded. “We urge you to reinstate Commissioner Burrows and Commissioner Samuels, and we look forward to your urgent response.”

    The full letter can be read here.

    The letter was also signed by: In addition to Representative Nadler, Senator Murray, Ranking Member Scott, Representative Stansbury, and Democratic Women’s Caucus Chair Fernández the letter is signed by Rep. Alma Adams, Rep. Pete Aguilar, Sen. Angela D. Alsobrooks, Rep. Gabe Amo, Rep. Yassamin Ansari, Sen. Tammy Baldwin, Rep. Becca Balint, Rep. Nanette Barragán, Rep. Joyce Beatty, Rep. Wesley Bell, Sen. Michael Bennet, Rep. Ami Bera, Rep. Donald Beyer, Rep. Sanford Bishop, Sen. Richard Blumenthal, Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester, Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, Sen. Cory Booker, Rep. Shontel Brown, Rep. Julia Brownley, Rep. Nikki Budzinski, Rep. Janelle Bynum, Sen. Maria Cantwell, Rep. Salud Carbajal, Rep. André Carson, Rep. Troy Carter, Rep. Greg Casar, Rep. Ed Case, Rep. Sean Casten, Rep. Kathy Castor, Rep. Joaquin Castro, Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, Rep. Judy Chu, Rep. Gilbert Cisneros, Rep. Katherine Clark, Rep. Yvette Clarke, Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, Rep. James E. Clyburn, Rep. Steve Cohen, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, Rep. Herbert Conaway, Rep. Gerald Connolly, Sen. Christopher Coons, Rep. J. Correa, Rep. Jim Costa, Rep. Joe Courtney, Rep. Angie Craig, Rep. Jasmine Crockett, Rep. Jason Crow, Rep. Danny Davis, Rep. Madeleine Dean, Rep. Diana DeGette, Rep. Rosa DeLauro, Rep. Suzan DelBene, Rep. Christopher Deluzio, Rep. Maxine Dexter, Rep. Debbie Dingell, Rep. Lloyd Doggett, Sen. Tammy Duckworth, Sen. Richard Durbin, Rep. Sarah Elfreth, Rep. Veronica Escobar, Rep. Adriano Espaillat, Rep. Dwight Evans, Rep. Cleo Fields, Rep. Shomari Figures, Rep. Lizzie Fletcher, Rep. Bill Foster, Rep. Valerie Foushee, Rep. Lois Frankel, Rep. Laura Friedman, Rep. Maxwell Frost, Rep. Ruben Gallego, Rep. John Garamendi, Rep. Jesús García, Rep. Robert Garcia, Rep. Sylvia Garcia, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, Rep. Daniel Goldman, Rep. Jimmy Gomez, Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, Rep. Maggie Goodlander, Rep. Josh Gottheimer, Rep. Al Green, Sen. Maggie Hassan, Rep. Jahana Hayes, Sen. Martin Heinrich, Sen. John W. Hickenlooper, Rep. James Himes, Sen. Mazie Hirono, Rep. Steven Horsford, Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, Rep. Steny Hoyer, Rep. Val Hoyle, Rep. Jared Huffman, Rep. Glenn Ivey, Rep. Jonathan Jackson, Rep. Sara Jacobs, Rep. Pramila Jayapal, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, Rep. Henry Johnson, Rep. Julie Johnson, Sen. Timothy Kaine, Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Rep. Marcy Kaptur, Rep. William Keating, Sen. Mark Kelly, Rep. Robin Kelly, Rep. Timothy Kennedy, Rep. Ro Khanna, Rep. Andy Kim, Sen. Angus King, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, Rep. Greg Landsman, Rep. John Larson, Rep. George Latimer, Rep. Summer Lee, Rep. Susie Lee, Rep. Mike Levin, Rep. Ted Lieu, Rep. Zoe Lofgren, Sen. Ben Ray Luján, Rep. Stephen Lynch, Rep. Seth Magaziner, Rep. John Mannion, Sen. Edward J. Markey, Rep. Doris Matsui, Rep. Lucy McBath, Rep. Sarah McBride, Rep. Jennifer McClellan, Rep. Betty McCollum, Rep. Morgan McGarvey, Rep. James McGovern, Rep. LaMonica McIver, Rep. Gregory Meeks, Sen. Robert Menendez, Rep. Grace Meng, Sen. Jeff Merkley, Rep. Kweisi Mfume, Rep. Dave Min, Rep. Gwen Moore, Rep. Joseph Morelle, Rep. Kelly Morrison, Rep. Jared Moskowitz, Rep. Seth Moulton, Rep. Frank Mrvan, Rep. Kevin Mullin, Rep. Richard Neal, Rep. Joe Neguse, Rep. Donald Norcross, Rep. Eleanor Norton, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rep. Johnny Olszewski, Rep. Ilhan Omar, Sen. Alex Padilla, Rep. Jimmy Panetta, Rep. Nancy Pelosi, Sen. Gary Peters, Rep. Scott Peters, Rep. Brittany Pettersen, Rep. Chellie Pingree, Rep. Mark Pocan, Rep. Nellie Pou, Rep. Ayanna Pressley, Rep. Mike Quigley, Rep. Delia Ramirez, Rep. Emily Randall, Rep. Jamie Raskin, Sen. Jack Reed, Rep. Luz Rivas, Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet, Rep. Jacklyn Rosen, Rep. Deborah Ross, Rep. Raul Ruiz, Rep. Patrick Ryan, Rep. Andrea Salinas, Sen. Bernard Sanders, Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, Rep. Janice Schakowsky, Sen. Brian Schatz, Rep. Adam B. Schiff, Rep. Bradley Schneider, Rep. Hillary Scholten, Rep. Kim Schrier, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Sen. Charles Schumer, Rep. David Scott, Rep. Terri Sewell, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, Rep. Brad Sherman, Rep. Mikie Sherrill, Rep. Lateefah Simon, Rep. Elissa Slotkin, Rep. Adam Smith, Sen. Tina Smith, Rep. Eric Sorensen, Rep. Darren Soto, Rep. Greg Stanton, Rep. Haley Stevens, Rep. Marilyn Strickland, Rep. Suhas Subramanyam, Rep. Thomas Suozzi, Rep. Eric Swalwell, Rep. Emilia Sykes, Rep. Linda Sánchez, Rep. Mark Takano, Rep. Shri Thanedar, Rep. Bennie Thompson, Rep. Mike Thompson, Rep. Dina Titus, Rep. Rashida Tlaib, Rep. Jill Tokuda, Rep. Paul Tonko, Rep. Norma Torres, Rep. Ritchie Torres, Rep. Lori Trahan, Rep. Derek Tran, Rep. Lauren Underwood, Rep. Juan Vargas, Rep. Marc Veasey, Rep. Nydia Velázquez, Rep. Eugene Vindman, Sen. Mark R. Warner, Sen. Raphael G. Warnock, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Rep. Maxine Waters, Rep. Peter Welch, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, Rep. George Whitesides, Rep. Nikema Williams, Rep. Frederica Wilson, and Sen. Ron Wyden.

    The letter is endorsed by: A Better Balance, American Civil Liberties Union, the Human Rights Campaign, the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, National Employment Law Project, National Partnership for Women & Families, and the National Women’s Law Center.

    WHAT THEY ARE SAYING:  

    “Since its establishment 60 years ago as part of the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964, the EEOC has protected the rights of workers to earn a living free from discrimination. President Trump’s illegal and unprecedented dismissal of Commissioners Charlotte Burrows and Jocelyn Samuels critically impairs the EEOC’s ability to ensure that individuals aren’t denied jobs and opportunities because of who they are.  We condemn the administration’s flagrant politicization of an independent, nonpartisan civil rights agency and join members of Congress calling for the reinstatement of the commissioners without delay,” said Mike Zamore, National Director of Policy and Government Affairs of the American Civil Liberties Union.

    “People rely on the EEOC to be an independent, fair body that will protect their right to be free from discrimination in their workplace,” said Gaylynn Burroughs, Vice President for Education and Workplace Justice at the National Women’s Law Center. “President Trump’s removal of EEOC Commissioners Burrows and Samuels is just another extension of his authoritarian power grab that will ultimately harm workers. His actions are a clear abuse of power intended to bend the Commission to his will, but the Commission works for all working people, not for President Trump. The EEOC was born out of the civil rights movement to help ensure equal employment opportunity for all workers. We will continue to fight to preserve the integrity of the Commission, for equal opportunity, and for the right of all workers to be free from discrimination.”

    “We condemn the administration’s unlawful attempt to fire sitting EEOC commissioners. This reckless decision is already having devastating consequences for workers waiting for the agency to take legal action against employers engaged in discrimination and severe ramifications for the agency’s ability to function effectively and enforce labor and civil rights protections,” said Jocelyn C. Frye, President of the National Partnership for Women & Families. “Workers who are depending on the EEOC to do its job should not have to endure discrimination because of political stunts intended to undermine civil rights enforcement. By making it virtually impossible for the Commission to take important actions, because it lacks a quorum, the administration is effectively circumventing robust enforcement of statutory anti-discrimination protections that workers depend on every day. President Trump must reinstate the commissioners he fired to rectify this situation. We commend Congressman Jerry Nadler and Senator Patty Murray, and all the members of Congress who join us in this fight, for standing up to safeguard the rights and the freedoms of all workers so that they are treated fairly in workplaces that are free of discrimination.”

    “The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s role in ensuring equitable workplaces and enforcing our nation’s laws against discrimination is vital. It is an outrage that the Trump Administration has gutted the agency by illegally firing key EEOC Commissioners who have tirelessly championed robust enforcement of important workplace laws like the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Title VII of the Civil Right Act. This is an overstep of the President’s authority that will hamstring the agency’s ability to carry out its mission. We thank Congressman Nadler, Senator Murray, Ranking Member Scott, Congresswoman Stansbury, and Congresswoman Leger Fernández for their leadership in defending the EEOC,” said Inimai Chettiar, President of A Better Balance. 

    “President Trump’s removal of Commissioners Burrows and Samuels was an outrageous attack on civil rights and the rule of law – one of many actions taken by the president in pursuit of his goal to further entrench inequality and occupational segregation. The EEOC’s independence and bipartisan structure was established by Congress in the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and is essential to its mission to promote equal opportunity in the workplace. This lawlessness and disregard for our Constitution cannot stand,” said Josh Boxerman, Government Affairs Manager, National Employment Law Project.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: On Equal Pay Day, Kamlager-Dove, Pressley, Murkowski, Colleagues Reintroduce Bicameral Resolution Affirming Support for the Equal Rights Amendment

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager California (37th District)

    With the 38-State Threshold for Ratification Met, Resolution Takes Critical Step Toward Enshrining Gender Equality in Constitution

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today on Equal Pay Day, Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) joined Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and Congresswomen Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), and Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) in reintroducing their bicameral resolution to overcome a significant obstacle to the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). This resolution would remove an arbitrary deadline set by Congress in 1972, affirming the ERA as the 28th Amendment of the Constitution of the United States, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex.

    “There is no deadline for equal rights,” said Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove. “The United States Congress and the required number of states have ratified the Equal Rights Amendment, which is over 100 years in the making. An arbitrary deadline will not stop progress on equal rights. Now is the time for Congress to pass this resolution to ensure that we enshrine equal protections for our mothers, sisters, daughters, and grandmothers who have championed this cause.”

    “For centuries, women – particularly women of color and LGBTQ+ folks – have been treated as less than – less deserving of pay, less protected by law, less free to show up as our authentic selves in a world that constantly pushes us down,” said Rep. Pressley. “By enshrining the ERA into law, we are taking the necessary step to center our most vulnerable and marginalized communities, close the gender wage gap, combat sex discrimination, reduce gender-based violence, ensure freedom over our bodies, and more. The time is now to affirm gender equality once and for all.”

    “The state of Alaska ratified the ERA and amended the State Constitution in 1972, and that is a legacy I am proud to continue advocating for at the federal level,” said Senator Murkowski. “It is past time for the equal rights of women to be guaranteed in the United States Constitution, and I will continue to advocate for the passage of this resolution until that is achieved.”

    “I am proud that Hawaii was the first state to ratify the ERA, but we must finally amend the Constitution to ensure that the next generation of women are guaranteed equal rights,” said Senator Hirono. “With the reintroduction of this resolution, we reaffirm our commitment to fighting for equal opportunity and equal rights for all. It has been over a century-long fight to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment, and we won’t stop until gender equity is enshrined in the Constitution.”

    “Women throughout history have fought tirelessly against sexism and inequality, refusing to accept a world that denied them their full rights. Their courage paved the way for progress—but the fight is far from over. We are grateful for the leadership of Senator Lisa Murkowski, Senator Mazie Hirono, and Rep. Ayanna Pressley in reintroducing this important resolution, recognizing the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment. This Women’s History Month we renew our commitment to the pursuit of true gender equality. The women who came before us didn’t give up, neither will we,” said Zakiya Thomas, President & CEO, ERA Coalition.

    “The Equal Rights Amendment is a short yet powerful declaration — ‘Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex,’” Congresswoman Dean said. “Words matter—and we must be explicit in our Constitution to ensure that equality is a reality for every person in our nation. I’m grateful for Congresswoman Pressley’s leadership in this century-long fight and in the enduring legacy of Congresswoman Shirley Chislom and others before us. We must expand the mission of the 19th Amendment and fulfill the promise of the ERA.”

    “When I was 27, I represented my state at the National Women’s Conference in Houston—and I still have the ERA pin I wore that day. I’ve kept it all these years because the fight isn’t over. Two years ago, I went to Seneca Falls and met with the next generation of activists. Let me tell you—they are just as committed, just as fearless, as I was back then. And like me, they’re still waiting for this country to guarantee women the same constitutional protections as men,” said Congresswoman Garcia. “Those fighting against the ERA are the same ones who fear powerful women—the ones who pay us less, promote us less, and try to silence us. It’s long overdue to make the ERA the 28th Amendment of the Constitution. I stand today for justice, for fairness, and for future generations of women and girls who deserve fairness, justice, and equality of opportunities.”

    “Generations of women, especially women of color, have relentlessly fought for equal rights in a system that has long denied them fairness under the law — and that fight is far from over,” said Rep. McClellan. “I led the fight in Virginia to make our Commonwealth the final state needed to ratify the ERA, taking a stand on the right side of history. Now, we must finish the job by enshrining gender equality in the Constitution once and for all.”

    The Equal Rights Amendment was first introduced 100 years ago to codify gender equality. Since 1923, the constitutional amendment was introduced in every session of Congress until it passed in 1972 in both the House and Senate. Congress then placed an arbitrary seven-year deadline on the ratification process before extending the deadline to 1982, but only 35 ratified the ERA before the arbitrary deadline.  However, with the recent ratifications of the ERA by Nevada in 2017, Illinois in 2018 and Virginia in 2020, the 38 states needed for certification of the ERA to be become the 28th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution has now been reached.

    Ratifying the ERA, which states, “Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State on account of sex”, would affirm women’s equality in our Constitution, enshrining the principle of women’s equality and an explicit prohibition against sex discrimination in the nation’s foundational document.

    As the 28th Amendment, the ERA would serve as a new tool—for Congress, for federal agencies, and in the courts—to advance equality in the fields of workforce and pay, pregnancy discrimination, sexual harassment and violence, reproductive autonomy, and protections for LGBTQ+ individuals. Enshrining this protection in our Constitution also ensures enduring protections for all Americans across the country.

    It would also signal to the courts that they should apply a more rigorous level of review to laws and government policies that discriminate on the basis of sex, making it more likely for them to be struck down.

    Text of the resolution is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Nadler on Trump Administration Attacking First Amendment Rights of Students

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jerrold Nadler (10th District of New York)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Jerry Nadler (NY-12) issued the following statement: 

    “I am appalled by the Trump Administration’s repeated pattern of targeting students for exercising their fundamental First Amendment rights—targeting them for deportation on that basis. Once again, it is a Columbia student, this time Yunseo Chung, a legal permanent resident, who is being targeted to silence dissent and suppress free speech. Another student, Momodou Taal, who is enrolled at Cornell, has similarly been ordered to surrender to ICE. Regardless of any opinions on the content of the speech these students have exercised, their arrest is not a matter of genuine national security concerns, but rather a direct assault on the very freedoms that define our country.

    “Yunseo, who has lived in this country since she was seven years old, is being targeted not for any legitimate criminal wrongdoing, but for her participation in a protest. No matter how anyone, including the President of the United States, feels about their speech, these actions are protected by the Constitution. Yet, the Trump administration has deployed immigration officials to detain and deport her solely for her political views. This is an abuse of power that mirrors the darkest chapters of our history, in which dissidents were persecuted for speaking out against the government.

    “Let’s be clear: there is no credible legal justification for this. It is a transparent attempt to punish those whose exercise of free speech is contrary to the administration’s foreign policy agenda, and part of Trump’s greater attempt to control higher education in America, similar to his effort to strong-arm universities like Columbia to fall in line with the MAGA agenda—or face financial ruin.

    “Deporting Yunseo will do nothing to make Jewish students safer on campus. Fully funding the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR)—the office charged with fighting antisemitism on college campuses—would make Jewish students safer. However, in his reckless attempt to close the Department of Education, Trump has shuttered the OCR’s New York office and six others, crippling the only enforcement mechanism available to Jewish students. Arresting students and chilling their free speech is no solution to the problem of the Trump administration’s making.

    “I stand strongly in support of everyone’s right to free speech as protected in the Constitution. We cannot fall in line with Trump’s suppression of free speech.”

     

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Clyde Slams Sen. Warnock for Recklessly Spreading Lies About GA SSA Office Closures

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Andrew S. Clyde (R-GA)

    Rep. Clyde Slams Sen. Warnock for Recklessly Spreading Lies About GA SSA Office Closures

    Washington, March 26, 2025

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09) released the following statement after the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) confirmed that the Social Security Administration (SSA) is not closing any field sites in Georgia.

    “Senator Warnock has peddled lies and fearmongered Georgia seniors long enough,” said Clyde. “Instead of proceeding with caution and confirming a shred of validity to his claims, Senator Warnock recklessly ran with potential lease savings identified by DOGE in order to score cheap political points. The Left’s obsession with vilifying President Trump, Elon Musk, and DOGE is out of control. Scaring Americans — in this case, seniors — to distort the Administration’s work to expose and eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse is irresponsible and reeks of desperation.”

    “Given DOGE’s recent confirmation that the Social Security Administration is not closing field sites in the Peach State, I urge Senator Warnock to abandon his deceitful crusade and apologize to Georgia seniors. Anything less would continue to be utterly irresponsible,” Clyde added.

    Background

    On February 28th, Senator Warnock erroneously claimed that the Trump Administration announced closures of five Social Security Administration offices throughout Georgia, including the Gainesville SSA Office in Rep. Clyde’s Northeast Georgia District.

    Despite the fact that the Gainesville SSA Office is open and operating, Sen. Warnock has continued pushing the lie that it is closed. Just last week, the Senator posted on social media that “DOGE closed 5 social security offices in GA a couple weeks ago.”

    The Department of Government Efficiency recently refuted Senator Warnock’s baseless claims: “This post is inaccurate. @SocialSecurity is not closing any field sites in Georgia or elsewhere. The confusion likely arises from the closure of 5 permanent remote hearing sites (PRSs)—single rooms within field sites used for hearings. Since most hearings are now virtual, these PRSs are unnecessary. Field sites remain open, and Social Security has no plans to close any public-facing sites nationwide.”

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: March 26, 2025 Rep. Mullin Reacts to President Trump’s Unlawful Attempt to Restrict Voting Rights Today, Rep. Kevin Mullin, Co-Chair of the Taskforce on Strengthening Democracy, released the following statement in response to President Trump’s executive order that makes it harder for Americans to vote: “President Trump just signed a dangerous executive order that would… Read More

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Kevin Mullin California (15th District)

    Today, Rep. Kevin Mullin, Co-Chair of the Taskforce on Strengthening Democracy, released the following statement in response to President Trump’s executive order that makes it harder for Americans to vote:

    “President Trump just signed a dangerous executive order that would block millions of Americans from voting in future elections and would particularly affect our military members, their families, and married women. This illegal voter suppression tactic is another costly and reckless attempt to undermine free and fair democratic processes while leaving hard-working Americans footing the bill. Make no mistake, Trump’s action is an unlawful attempt to maintain unfettered power so he can continue strangling our democracy. The President wants to spend over $3 billion in taxpayer money on unnecessary voting restrictions, while handing over Americans’ personal information to an unelected billionaire, Elon Musk.

    Trump’s order also infringes on the authority of states and localities to administer their elections. At its core, this order is an unnecessary and unlawful political maneuver designed to hand Trump’s extreme Republican party electoral victories for decades to come. Trump’s actions are distracting us from other threats to election integrity from overseas adversaries—threats he has consistently ignored or dismissed.

    We cannot stand by idly while Trump threatens to delay elections and disenfranchise voters. I am outraged at this blatant and unlawful assault on our democracy, and confident that it will be struck down in court.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Amo Elevates Rhode Island’s Blue Economy in First Hearing as Ranking Member

    Source: US Congressman Gabe Amo (Rhode Island 1st District)

    Science, Space, and Technology Subcommittee on Environment held its first hearing of 119th Congress on the Blue Economy

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Environment Gabe Amo (RI-01) delivered remarks in the first Subcommittee on Environment hearing of the year. In the hearing titled To the Depths, and Beyond: Examining Blue Economy Technologies, Congressman Amo highlighted Rhode Island’s success in growing the Blue Economy while calling out President Trump’s systematic disinvestment in science and economic development.

    “Thanks to investments in the Blue Economy, my home state — the Ocean State — is home to thriving blue industries such as commercial fishing, tourism, defense production and shipbuilding, as well as marine manufacturing, offshore wind, and oceanic research. Estimates show that the Blue Economy employs more than 36,000 workers in Rhode Island and contributes over $5 billion to our gross domestic product every year,” said Ranking Member Amo. “I hope my colleagues on the other side of the aisle will join me in pushing against the Trump administration’s attacks on science and the Blue Economy.”

    WATCH CONGRESSMAN AMO’S OPENING REMARKS HERE

    BACKGROUND

    Congressman Gabe Amo serves as the Ranking Member for the Subcommittee on Environment on the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. This subcommittee has jurisdiction over research at the Environmental Protection Agency, environmental standards, and climate change research and development, as well as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which administers the National Weather Service. Congressman Amo has advocated for Rhode Island’s Blue Economy through a district-wide tour of stakeholders — from marine manufacturing companies to offshore wind training programs to leading experts in ocean research and academia.

     

    REMARKS AS DELIVERED

    Thank you, Chair Franklin, for today’s hearing on the Blue Economy. And thank you to our witnesses for agreeing to share your perspectives.

    Since the days of Roger Williams and the Gaspee Affair, the ocean has been central to Rhode Island’s identity. But water isn’t just a key to our past — it’s critical to our future.

    Thanks to investments in the Blue Economy, my home state — the Ocean State — is home to thriving blue industries such as commercial fishing, tourism, defense production and shipbuilding, as well as marine manufacturing, offshore wind, and oceanic research. Leveraging our state’s natural strengths has ushered in a new age of prosperity for workers, small businesses, and research institutions.

    Estimates show that the Blue Economy employs more than 36,000 workers in Rhode Island and contributes over $5 billion to our gross domestic product every year. Across the country, there are approximately 2 million workers supporting the Blue Economy who contribute about $373 billion to our nation’s GDP.

    To find out more, I embarked on a multi-day, multi-stop tour of Rhode Island’s First Congressional District’s Blue Economy in October. I learned about leaders training union workers pursuing careers in offshore wind. I engaged with researchers and higher education leaders working to deepen our understanding of the ocean. I saw how cutting-edge manufacturing companies are growing their footprints and investing in our communities.

    Tools like artificial intelligence and robotics are revolutionizing ocean-based industries and driving growth in the Blue Economy. Rhode Island has companies utilizing cutting-edge aquatic data collected through underwater drones that is increasing our national defense capabilities.

    We must continue to invest in the Blue Economy. It supports innovation, our workforce, and our resiliency efforts. It’s about protecting our global innovation leadership. We need public, private, and nonprofit stakeholders rowing in the same direction.

    I hope there are shared values in our committee about leveraging our ocean to advance scientific research, spur economic development, and defend our national security. But I am, at this moment, not certain those priorities are shared by the leadership at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue at the White House. Time and time again, we have seen President Trump and his billionaire supporters, stand in the way. They have systematically undermined and jeopardized our progress in an area where we should continue to have great leadership. Take, for example, the whiplash firing and rehiring of staff, the cancelling of contracts, and the freezing of grants across our government — including at NOAA and the National Science Foundation and countless other key areas.

    Can anyone really claim that chaos and confusion supports economic development? I think the answer is clear.

    Hacking and slashing away at our federal agencies slows scientific progress that is urgently needed, threatens economic stability, undermines disaster preparedness, and can hinder national security. My state has welcomed NOAA with open arms. It will turbocharge ocean research innovation and initiatives that will grow our Blue Economy.

    Innovation has always — always — been a collaborative effort between government, academia, non-profits and private industry. Collaboration between government and academia has driven foundational “moonshot” innovations. Private-public partnerships have turned breakthroughs into real-world applications and scaled them rapidly. However, Trump and DOGE and the actions of the last several weeks have worked overtime to turn back the clock. Crippling federal support for research at universities and the private sector are dimming the prospects for future scientific discovery. It is cutting off pathways and opportunities that lead to careers in science and innovation.

    The actions of President Trump have driven universities to lay off staff, issue new guidance for graduate students, and push away the very expertise that we urgently need now to continue our advances in the Blue Economy. Researchers are left scrambling. Organizations are being forced into crisis mode and students are dissuaded from pursuing careers in STEM.

    These funding cuts are threatening America’s already tenuous global leadership in ocean research and innovation. Elon Musk is opening the door to competitors around the world, and adversaries like China, who are already catching up to our investments in research and development.

    So I end with this. What does it mean when the United States, a nation struggling to stay at the forefront of science, is unilaterally disarming and letting our strongest scientific tools wither on the vine?

    Look, I hope we can find a bipartisan consensus to push back against these decisions. Because if not, there will come a point where recovery may no longer be possible.

    With that, I yield.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lawler and Colleagues Urge FEMA to Lift Pause on Nonprofit Security Grant Funding

    Source: US Congressman Mike Lawler (R, NY-17)

    Washington, D.C. – 3/24/2025… This week, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) joined Reps. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Gabe Amo (RI-01), Michael McCaul (TX-10), Jared Moskowitz (FL-23), and Max Miller (OH-07) to lead a group of 78 other colleagues in a letter urging the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) to reverse its decision to pause the drawdown of federal grant funding that includes the vital Nonprofit Security Grant Program. 

    The Nonprofit Security Grant Program provides critical funding to nonprofits at high risk of a terrorist attack, specifically faith-based institutions, and houses of worship, to enhance their physical security and provide access to training to protect communities from the growing threat of hate and violence.

    “The Administration has made clear its goal to protect Americans from terrorist threats both foreign and domestic, as well as to respond to the rise in hate crimes. Supporting the NSGP is critical to fulfilling that goal. The program has long enjoyed bipartisan support, with lawmakers across the political spectrum recognizing that protecting places of worship and community institutions is not a partisan issue,” wrote the lawmakers.

    “At a time when hate and violence against faith-based communities across this country are at historic levels, the NSGP has provided life-saving funding to protect faith-based communities and institutions,” the lawmakers wrote to FEMA Acting Administrator Cameron Hamilton. “From bollards to prevent vehicular attacks, reinforced doors to keep intruders out, CCTV cameras to monitor threats, and emergency alert systems that allow rapid response, the NSGP has ensured faith-based institutions are equipped with vital tools to prevent loss of life in the case of an attack. It is critical that those institutions that have already been awarded an NSGP grant are allocated the expected funding.”

    “The Nonprofit Security Grant Program is a lifeline for vulnerable institutions, and ensuring the swift and efficient disbursement of these funds is essential to safeguarding communities in the face of growing threats,” said Lauren Wolman, Anti-Defamation League (ADL)’s Director of Federal Policy and Strategy. “We thank Representatives Gottheimer and Lawler for leading this bipartisan effort to ensure that as the Administration enhances oversight of FEMA grants, they remain acutely aware of the unprecedented levels of antisemitism and heightened security needs of at-risk communities.”

    Other Members who signed the letter include: Gabe Amo (RI-01), Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Jake Auchincloss (MA-04), Don Bacon (NE-02), Becca Balint (VT-At large), Wesley Bell (MO-01), Shontel Brown (OH-11), Janelle Bynum (OR-05), André Carson (IN-07), Sean Casten (IL-06), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Lou Correa (CA-46), Donald Davis (NC-01), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Diana DeGette (CO-01), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Lois Frankel (FL-22), Laura Friedman (CA-30), Andrew Garbarino (NY-02), Laura Gillen (NY-04), Daniel Goldman (NY-10), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Julie Johnson (TX-32), Timothy Kennedy (NY-26), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Jennifer Kiggans (VA-02), Greg Landsman (OH-01), John Larson (CT-01), Susie Lee (NV-03), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Seth Magaziner (RI-02), Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Betty McCollum (MN-04), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Grace Meng (NY-6), Joseph Morelle (NY-25),  Seth Moulton (MA-06), Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Joe Neguse (CO-02), Eleanor Norton Holmes (DC-At large), Frank Pallone (NJ-06), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Chris Pappas (NH-01), Scott Peters (CA-50), Nellie Pou (NJ-09), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Deborah Ross (NC-02), Pat Ryan (NY-18), Brad Schneider (IL-10), Bobby Scott (VA-03), Terri Sewell (AL-07), Brad Sherman (CA-32), Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11), Greg Stanton (AZ-04), Haley Stevens (MI-11), Tom Suozzi (NY-03), Eric Swalwell (CA-14), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Mike Thompson (CA-04), Dina Titus (NV-01), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Lauren Underwood (IL-14), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23), George Whitesides (CA-27), Nikema Williams (GA-5), Frederica Wilson (FL-24).

    Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York’s 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties.

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    The full letter can be found HERE. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lawler Hosts Record-Breaking Tele-Town Hall, Reaffirms Town Hall Committment

    Source: US Congressman Mike Lawler (R, NY-17)

    Pearl River – 3/22/2025… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) acknowledged the success of his tele-town hall this week, which attracted over 4,000 participants from New York’s 17th Congressional District, with hundreds of questions submitted by constituents. The event, lasting over an hour, allowed Lawler to directly address Hudson Valley residents’ concerns on critical issues like government funding, economic stability, and local priorities.

    “I’m deeply grateful for the incredible turnout and the engagement of over 4,000 attendees who asked hundreds of questions,” Congressman Lawler stated. “I’ve never shied away from tough questions, and I never will. During my first term, I attended over 1,200 events, hosted more than 50 town halls and mobile office hours, spending hundreds of hours answering constituents. That’s the kind of accessibility the Hudson Valley deserves.”  

    Lawler also re-announced his commitment to another four in-person town halls, one in each county of his district. Dates and times will be shared 1-2 weeks prior to each event, ensuring constituents have ample notice to participate. This follows his March 11 announcement of the 2025 town hall schedule, as detailed on his website.  

    Rockland – April 

    Westchester – May 

    Putnam – June

    Dutchess – June

    “These town halls are a vital opportunity to connect face-to-face, and I’m eager to continue these conversations in person,” concluded Congressman Lawler.

    Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York’s 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Mike Lawler Responds To Governor Hochul’s MTA Funding Request

    Source: US Congressman Mike Lawler (R, NY-17)

    Rep. Mike Lawler Responds To Governor Hochul’s MTA Funding Request

    Washington, D.C. , March 25, 2025

    Washington, D.C. – 3/25/2025… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) issued the following statement in response to Governor Kathy Hochul’s letter urging increased federal funding for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). 

    “The MTA’s management is an absolute train wreck; they lose billions of dollars every year and are the worst-run authority in America. They carry more debt than 80% of the states in the country,” said Congressman Lawler (NY-17). “A full forensic audit is urgently needed and the entire management team — starting with Janno Lieber — should be fired.”

    “Until this occurs, the federal government shouldn’t bail out the MTA from Kathy Hochul’s incompetence,” Congressman Lawler (NY-17) concluded.

    Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York’s 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pfluger Leads CTI Markup For Terror Threats, Transnational Repression Legislation

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11)

    Today, Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11), Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security’s Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence, led the subcommittee’s first markup of the 119th Congress to consider legislation to enhance the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) coordination with all levels of law enforcement to bolster our national security and combat evolving threats from our adversaries.

    Ten pieces of legislation were considered today, of which two were Chairman Pfluger’s – the Countering Transnational Repression Act and the Generative AI Terrorism Risk Assessment Act.

     

    WATCH THE MARKUP IN ITS ENTIRETY HERE

    WATCH CHAIRMAN PFLUGER HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE MARKUP BELOW:

    Chairman Pfluger’s opening remarks HERE

    Chairman Pfluger’s remarks on his Countering Transnational Repression Act HERE

    Chairman Pfluger’s remarks on his Generative AI Terrorism Risk Assessment Act HERE

    Chairman Pfluger’s closing remarks HERE

    Background:

    Ahead of this markup, Chairman Pfluger held a CTI hearing titled, “The Digital Battlefield: How Terrorists Use Online Networks for Recruitment and Radicalization“ to learn about how America can simultaneously protect First Amendment rights while taking proactive measures to prevent future terrorist attacks.

    Earlier this month, Chairman Pfluger introduced the Countering Transnational Repression Act of 2025 which would create a dedicated transnational repression office in DHS to ensure the federal government takes steps to recognize, assess, and counter threats from foreign authoritarian regimes or agents of foreign governments against American citizens or lawful permanent residents. Read Chairman Pfluger’s op-ed in the Washington Times here.

    Chairman Pfluger also introduced the “Generative AI Terrorism Risk Assessment Act” earlier this month, which would require the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to conduct annual assessments on terrorist threats to the U.S. posed by terrorist organizations like ISIS and Al Qaeda, utilizing generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) applications for terroristic activity. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Pfluger is “Keeping The Lights On”

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11)

    Today, Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11), a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, questioned witnesses during the Energy Subcommittee Hearing titled, “‘Keeping The Lights On’ Examining The State Of Regional Grid Reliability.”

    The witnesses included:

    ·     Pablo Vegas, President & Chief Executive Officer, Electric Reliability Council of Texas, Inc., (ERCOT)

    ·     Gordon van Welie, President & Chief Executive Officer, ISO New England (ISO-NE)

    ·     Richard J. Dewey, President & Chief Executive Officer, New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) 

    ·     Manu Asthana, President & Chief Executive Officer, PJM Interconnection, LLC

    ·     Jennifer Curran, Senior Vice President for Planning and Operations, Midcontinent ISO (MISO)

    ·     Lanny Nickell, Chief Operating Officer, Southwest Power Pool

    ·     Elliot Mainzer, President & Chief Executive Officer, California Independent System Operator (CAISO)

    Watch the hearing in its entirety HERE.

    During the hearing, ERCOT’s President and CEO, Mr. Vegas, confirmed to Rep. Pfluger that there is a pressing need to invest in long-duration, dispatchable resources to support the Texas grid reliably.

    Watch Rep. Pfluger’s full line of questioning HERE, or read the highlights below.

    Rep. Pfluger: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I want to state that I believe in the best of the above, not all of the above, and I think that differs from state to state. In West Texas, we have no access to hydropower, unfortunately, as they do in the Pacific Northwest, but if you have access to affordable, reliable sources, then we should use those. Mr. Vegas, I think we need to do a math problem here. So, sorry for math in public. But let’s talk about what the current demand is in Texas for what ERCOT is serving. What are we seeing annually? 

    Mr. Vegas: The current demand peak in the summer is around 80,000 – 85,000 and in the winter, about 80,000. 

    Rep. Pfluger: Okay, and in the next three or four years, with added industrialization, added population data centers, what do we think that is going to grow to in Texas?

    Mr. Vegas: We’re now forecasting that by 2030 we expect around 150,000 megawatts. So that’s an additional 65,000 megawatts over where we are today.

    Rep. Pfluger: Almost double?

    Mr. Vegas: Almost double.

    Rep. Pfluger: In three to four years? This is incredible. So what I want to get to is, when you look at the balance, you’re balancing price, you’re balancing reliability, you’re balancing all these different things. What are the best sources that you are looking for today at 85,000 and in three years, at 150,000 plus?

    Mr. Vegas: We’re getting to a point on the Texas grid where you can start to see that the peak demand is exceeding the dispatchable generation that we have available on the grid. So it’s important, as we look forward, to meet the demands of this growth, to grow the supply in a balanced way. The balanced resource mix brings, I think, the best portfolio for consumers. It brings cost combinations that vary and give the optimal price, and it also brings characteristics around reliability and resilience that are important. So as we look forward, we need to make sure we keep up with firm dispatchable generation, in addition to the strong growth that we continue to see on renewables.

    Rep. Pfluger: Firm dispatchable generation. So I just looked it up on your website, ercot.com, and right now in my hometown, it’s 78 degrees, and we’ve got a little bit of wind, which is serving 18% of the grid, 45% solar. But talk to us about when it’s hot or when it’s cold, and how reliable on those days where you have 100 degrees plus, which we have about 90 plus days in the summer in Texas of 100 degrees or more, or when it’s cold, how reliable are those sources?

    Mr. Vegas: Yeah, as I said earlier, over the course of a year, the actual delivered energy on the Texas grid, 65% of it comes from our thermal fleet, which is our coal, our natural gas, and our nuclear. They are the backbone of reliability. They complement what we’re getting from the renewable mix as well. And right now we need all of the supply that’s there. It’s clear that we need it all. We’re seeing 63% right now coming from renewables, but when the wind isn’t blowing, and when it’s nighttime, and in the summer when it’s hot, you still need a lot of energy to support that air conditioning load and that requires long duration, dispatchable resources to do that. 

    Rep. Pfluger: When government dictates policy that doesn’t allow you to have the right capacity, the right mixture – what does that do to affordability, reliability, and at the end, what does it do to our national security?

    Mr. Vegas: It is absolutely detrimental to affordability and to reliability, and it risks our energy security. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Ramirez Statement on Trump’s Attack on American Elections

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

    Washington, DC — Today, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Co-chair of the Congressional Taskforce on Strengthening Democracy, released the following statement on Trump’s sweeping executive action to undermine elections and disenfranchise millions of Americans. The Executive Action requires documented proof of citizenship to register to vote in federal elections and demands that all ballots be received by Election Day. 

    “Our elections are secure. Trump’s most recent Executive Order is an assault on our democracy. It is an unnecessary and unlawful executive overreach that disrupts how Americans vote, attempts to bring an independent agency under presidential control, and disenfranchises thousands of voters. A man with no integrity – who refused to accept the 2020 election results – has no credibility to comment on election integrity.   

    Bottom line: no matter how secure our elections are, Trump and Republicans will still claim elections are rigged to suppress the votes of women, Black, Brown, veterans, Indigenous, and working-class Americans. Because for them, it’s not about election integrity; it’s about rigging the system to consolidate power and undermine the power of the people. If they succeed and only certain people vote and only certain votes are counted, America will no longer be able to claim free and fair elections and a healthy democracy. 

    The Trump Administration is operating by the authoritarian playbook. History has shown us where their path – unchallenged – leads. We must be clear: Trump is attempting to end free and fair elections in our nation. We must be courageous, proceed with the moral clarity of those who came before us, like the late Congressman John R. Lewis, and stand against his actions.”

    Background:

    About 1 in 10 adult U.S. citizens don’t have ready access to documents that prove their citizenship, such as a birth certificate or passport.  Despite claims of mass voting by noncitizens, the available data has shown consistently that it is incredibly rare and rapidly identified. The American Immigration Council analyzed the Heritage data and only found 10 cases involving undocumented immigrants since the 1980s. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Burlison Welcomes Former U.S. Air Force Officer David Grusch as Special Advisor

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Eric Burlison (R-Missouri 7th District)

    Washington, D.C. – Congressman Eric Burlison (R-MO-07) is pleased to announce David Grusch, a decorated former U.S. Air Force officer and senior civilian intelligence official, as a Special Advisor. Grusch, recognized for his previous sworn testimony before House Oversight & Accountability Committee about the federal government’s Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP) activities, will contribute his expertise to Rep. Burlison’s efforts to promote transparency regarding UAP and other matters on the Task Force on the Declassification of Federal Secrets. 

    “The American people deserve answers about UAPs,” said Rep. Burlison. “David Grusch has risked his career to expose critical information. His expertise will be vital as we work to uncover the truth and hold the government accountable.”   

    Grusch served 14 years in the Air Force, reaching the rank of Major, with a combat tour of duty in Afghanistan supporting counter-illicit finance, drug, and arms-trafficking operations with Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) and ISAF. He later worked as a senior intelligence officer at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) and National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), and from 2019-2021 officially represented the NRO on the UAP Task Force. In 2022 while at NGA, Mr. Grusch filed a federal whistleblower complaint with the Intelligence Community Inspector General (ICIG) which was found “credible and urgent” for reporting to the Congressional intelligence committees. In 2023, he testified before Congress, alleging that elements of the U.S. government had thwarted Congressional oversight, withheld information from proper Executive Branch officials and illegally concealed programs tied to the recovery and reverse engineering of craft of unknown, non-human origin. 

    “I’m both immensely humbled and deeply honored to join Congressman Burlison and his amazing team of professionals in pushing for government transparency,” said Grusch. “The public is rightfully demanding to know the truth and it is my true privilege for me to serve the people of this country once again. I will use all my expertise to support Rep. Burlison and help the US Congress restore full oversight while enabling the Legislative Branch’s ability to investigate and hold those accountable who have broken the law and lied not only to our Congress, but also to the Executive Office of the President, Director of National Intelligence, and Department of Justice.” 

    Rep. Burlison, a strong advocate for government transparency, underscores his commitment to government accountability and transparency on the UAP topic with this appointment. 

    VIDEO: NewsNation’s Blake Burman Discusses David Grusch Hire With Rep. Burlison

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Gabe Vasquez Champions Bicameral Push Urging President Trump to Reinstate Executive Order Supporting Tribal Self-Determination

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

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) joined a bicameral coalition of 52 Members of Congress in a letter to President Trump urging him to reinstate Biden-era Executive Order 14112, titled “Reforming Federal Funding and Support for Tribal Nations to Better Embrace Our Trust Responsibilities and Promote the Next Era of Tribal Self-Determination.”

    President Trump’s decision to revoke the Self-Determination executive order reversed a significant policy designed to empower Tribal Nations by improving their access to federal funding and reducing bureaucratic hurdles. Signed in 2023, the executive order aimed to reduce government interference on Tribal funding, and to make sure federal agencies meet their legal obligations for tribes.

    “The federal government has a responsibility to support Tribal Nations, and should not create unnecessary obstacles that make it harder for them to access the resources they need,” said Vasquez. “This executive order was critical in ensuring that Tribes in New Mexico and across the country could navigate federal funding processes more effectively. Its revocation creates even more instability and uncertainty for Tribal communities that are already facing funding and staffing cuts under this administration.”

    The Self-Determination executive order  had tangible positive impacts, including facilitating federal support for tribal emergency response efforts and funding critical infrastructure projects such as fisheries management and broadband connectivity. It also established the Tribal Access to Capital Clearinghouse, a centralized hub for Native businesses to navigate federal funding opportunities. Its revocation creates uncertainty for Tribal Nations, potentially reinstating restrictive barriers to funding and creating instability in federally supported tribal programs.

    The letter also demands an explanation of why the executive order was rescinded. The lawmakers stressed that “Tribal Nations have a legal, government-to-government relationship with the United States” and that their inherent sovereignty is recognized in the U.S. Constitution, treaties, and federal law. They also emphasized that Tribal Nations should not be included in any efforts to target diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, stating, “Tribal Nations have legal status as a political, not racial class, and the United States has a trust responsibility to them.”

    The letter pointed to key provisions of the rescinded executive order that aligned with the administration’s stated goals, including increasing “accessibility, flexibility, and utility of Federal funding and programs for Tribal Nations, while increasing the transparency, and efficiency of Federal funding processes,” said the Members. The lawmakers warned that removing these provisions will exacerbate challenges that already hinder Tribal Nations’ ability to meet their communities’ needs.

    “Too often, federal funding processes impose unnecessary barriers for Tribal Nations, including restrictive limitations and burdensome reporting requirements,” they wrote. “Without the coordination and efficiency processes established under the Tribal Self-Determination EO, these challenges will only grow, creating uncertainty and instability that directly undermines tribal self-determination.”

    Vasquez and his colleagues are calling on the administration to immediately reinstate Executive Order 14112 and engage in meaningful consultation with Tribal Nations moving forward.

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    MIL OSI USA News –