NewzIntel.com

Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fairbanks man pleads guilty to distributing fentanyl resulting in a fatal overdose

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    The defendant is one of over 60 charged in large-scale drug trafficking ring targeting Alaska.

    ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A Fairbanks man pleaded guilty today to distributing fentanyl to a local man resulting in his death.

    According to court documents, beginning in May 2022 and continuing to July 2022, Edward Ginnis, 39, agreed with co-conspirators to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances in the Fairbanks area. Specifically, Ginnis would distribute controlled substances to a co-conspirator, who then would sell the substances to others.

    Sometime before June 26, 2022, pursuant to this conspiracy, Ginnis supplied controlled substances for redistribution to a co-defendant. The controlled substances looked like heroin but contained fentanyl. On June 26, 2022, a Fairbanks man purchased some of the fentanyl originating from Ginnis. The man used the fentanyl and died of an overdose.

    On July 14, 2022, Ginnis was arrested in Fairbanks in possession of fentanyl that he intended to distribute to others in furtherance of the drug trafficking conspiracy.

    Ginnis is scheduled to be sentenced on July 8, 2025, and faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 20 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting U.S. Attorney William Narus of the District of Oregon made the announcement.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska has been recused from this case with the exception of certain personnel. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven D. Clymer from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York has been appointed as Special Attorney to the United States Attorney General to assist with this and other recused cases.  He reports to and acts under the direction of the Deputy Attorney General, or his delegee, or Acting U.S. Attorney Narus in these cases. Special Attorney Clymer supervises personnel from the District of Alaska who have been exempted from the recusal.

    The Drug Enforcement Administration and Alaska State Troopers investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alana Weber, Stephan Collins and Chris Schroeder from the District of Alaska are prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall and Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Expand Telehealth Access

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) joined U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi), Mark Warner (D-Virginia), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi) Peter Welch (D-Vermont), John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), and 53 of his Senate colleagues in introducing the Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies (CONNECT) for Health Act. 
    This legislation would expand coverage of telehealth services through Medicare, improve health outcomes, and make it easier for patients to connect with their doctors. Current flexibilities are set to expire on September 30, 2025, unless Congress extends them.
    “Telehealth is an essential part of our health care system – especially for those who live in rural America,” said Senator Marshall. “The CONNECT for Health Act is a critical step to ensure Medicare beneficiaries in all areas of the country – including Kansas – can connect with their doctors regardless of where they live. I’m glad to work with my colleagues to expand health care access for all Americans.”
    “While telehealth use has rapidly increased in recent years, our laws have not kept up,” said Senator Schatz. “Telehealth is helping people get the care they need, and it’s here to stay. Our comprehensive bill makes it easier for more people to see their doctors no matter where they live.”
    “We live in a digital world, and our health services should reflect that. In the past decade, telehealth has made medical care more accessible for patients across the state and country,” said Senator Wicker. “It is time to make telehealth coverage permanent for Medicare recipients so that more Americans, especially those in rural Mississippi, have access to health care.”
    “Telehealth services have proven to be a safe and effective form of medical care. Through the expansion of telehealth services in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, more patients have received quality, affordable care,” said Senator Warner. “I’m glad to introduce legislation that will make permanent some of these services and ensure Virginians continue to access affordable health care when they need it, and where they need it.” 
    “Even before the pandemic, Mississippi recognized the vital role of telehealth. Across America, rural communities, the elderly, and those with mobility challenges have long struggled to access traditional healthcare,” said Senator Hyde-Smith. “This legislation is essential to delivering affordable, accessible, and quality care that Americans deserve, and I’m proud to continue this years-long effort to expand telehealth services.”
    “The COVID-19 pandemic proved that telehealth not only works, but is essential,” said Senator Welch. “Rural and underserved areas in Vermont and across the country desperately need solutions to address the widening gap in health care access, and increasing telehealth services must be part of the answer. This bipartisan bill takes commonsense steps to help bridge that gap and make sure that our policies adapt to the capabilities of our technology.”
    “Telehealth is a critical for rural states like Wyoming,” said Senator Barrasso. “It has given folks access to specialized care no matter where they live. This important bipartisan bill will make it easier for Medicare patients, especially those in remote areas, to continue to have access to the health care they need.”
    Joining Senators Marshall, Schatz, Wicker, Warner, Hyde-Smith, Welch, and Barrasso are Senators Alex Padilla (D-California), John Thune (R-South Dakota), Tina Smith (D-Minnesota), James Lankford (R-Oklahoma), Maria Cantwell (D-Washington), Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama), John Hickenlooper (D-Colorado), Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), John Fetterman (D-Pennsylvania), Shelley Moore Capito (R-West Virginia), Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming), Tim Kaine (D-Virginia), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), Jeanne Shaheen (D-New Hampshire), Katie Britt (R-Alabama), Ruben Gallego (D-Arizona), Jerry Moran (R-Kansas), Ben Ray Lujan (D-New Mexico), Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana), Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut), Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina), Angus King (I-Maine), Jim Justice (R-West Virginia), Chris Coons (D-Delaware), Eric Schmitt (R-Missouri), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-Rhode Island), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Jacky Rosen (D-Nevada), John Hoeven (R-North Dakota), Cory Booker (D-New Jersey), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Tammy Duckworth (D-Illinois), Mike Rounds (R-South Dakota), Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont), Mark Kelly (D-Arizona), Deb Fischer (R-Nebraska), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-New York), Todd Young (R-Indiana), Martin Heinrich (D-New Mexico), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Gary Peters (D-Michigan), Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska), Adam Schiff (D-California), Markwayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma), Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts), Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Chris Van Hollen (D-Maryland), Steve Daines (R-Montana), Raphael Warnock (D-Georgia), and John Boozman (R-Arkansas).
    Companion legislation has been introduced in the U.S. House by Representatives Mike Thompson (D- California-4), Doris Matsui (D-California-7), David Schweikert (R-Arizona-1), and Troy Balderson (R-Ohio-12).
    The CONNECT for Health Act was first introduced in 2016 and is considered the most comprehensive legislation on telehealth in Congress. Since 2016, several provisions of the bill have been enacted into law or adopted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, including provisions to remove restrictions on telehealth services for mental health, stroke care, and home dialysis.
    This legislation has the support of more than 150 organizations including the American Medical Association, AARP, American Hospital Association, National Association of Community Health Centers, National Association of Rural Health Clinics, and American Telemedicine Association.
    The CONNECT for Health Act would:

    Permanently remove all geographic restrictions on telehealth services and expand originating sites to the location of the patient, including homes;
    Permanently allow health centers and rural health clinics to provide telehealth services;
    Allow more eligible health care professionals to utilize telehealth services;
    Remove unnecessary in-person visit requirements for telemental health services;
    Allow for the waiver of telehealth restrictions during public health emergencies; and
    Require more published data to learn more about how telehealth is being used, its impacts on quality of care, and how it can be improved to support patients and health care providers.

    The full text of the bill is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Pens Op-Ed in The Daily Signal: Dr. Oz Will Save Medicare, Strengthen Medicaid, Secure a Healthier America

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) penned an op-ed in The Daily Signal in support of President Donald Trump’s nominee for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Dr. Mehmet Oz.

    You may click HERE.
    Highlights from Senator Marshall’s op-ed include:  
    “Medicaid and Medicare are on a path that should concern all Americans, but with the right leadership, we can turn their trajectory around.
    On its current course, Medicare, the government-run health insurance program for seniors, will fall off a financial cliff in as little as a decade – maybe even sooner. Meanwhile, Medicaid, the program that pays for health care for the poor, now covers more people than Medicare, placing an enormous strain on both state and federal budgets. 
    As a nation, we face a chronic disease epidemic, and along with it, a crisis of unsustainable rising costs, high demand, and worsening patient outcomes. Over the past five years, Medicaid spending has surged by some 50% – another unsustainable trend that diverts funds from schools, roads, bridges, and high-speed internet.
    Together, Medicare and Medicaid will each spend roughly a trillion dollars this year. That’s why we urgently need a Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services administrator who can rescue Medicare and fortify Medicaid.
    As both programs fall under the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, we need a leader with a fresh perspective – one who prioritizes patient care while ensuring financial stability. This role demands someone who has experienced these programs at the grassroots level, where patients, doctors, and hospitals intersect. 
    This person must be an exceptional communicator, capable of managing a $2 trillion budget and transforming an organization of 6,000 employees who oversee the health needs of 140 million Americans. This budget accounts for nearly a quarter of federal spending in a system that already overspends by $2 trillion annually. 
    Above all, we need someone who can help us in our mission to Make America Healthy Again.
    Thankfully, we have just the person for the job: Dr. Mehmet Oz.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Incident: Maurice Road, Penrose

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Police are responding to a collision between a train and vehicle on Maurice Road in Penrose.

    The incident occurred near the intersection with Station Road at around 2pm.

    Emergency services are responding to the scene.

    Police are advising motorists to avoid the area.

    Further information will be released as this is available.

    ENDS

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Coast Guard commissions Coast Guard Cutter John Witherspoon (WPC 1158) in Kodiak, Alaska

    Source: United States Coast Guard

    KODIAK, Alaska — The Coast Guard commissioned its newest cutter, Coast Guard Cutter John Witherspoon (WPC 1158) for official entry into its service fleet during a ceremony held in Kodiak, Thursday. The ceremony was presided over by Rear Adm. Megan Dean, commander of the Seventeenth Coast Guard District. Members of the Witherspoon family were also in attendance, including the cutter’s sponsor, Regina Nash, the daughter of John Witherspoon. The Witherspoon is the 58th Fast Response Cutter (FRC) in the service and the first of three FRCs scheduled to be homeported at Coast Guard Base Kodiak. The crew of the Witherspoon will primarily serve in and around the Aleutian Islands, Bering Sea, Gulf of Alaska, and North Pacific Ocean. The cutter is designed for missions such as search and rescue; fishery patrols; drug and migrant interdiction; national defense; and ports, waterways, and coastal security. The namesake for the cutter, Capt. John G. Witherspoon, enlisted in the Coast Guard in 1963 and commissioned as an ensign in 1971. During his career, Witherspoon rose to the rank of captain and served as the commanding officer on Coast Guard Cutters Mallow (WLB 396), Valiant (WMEC 621), and Dependable (WMEC 626). During his tenure, Witherspoon became the first African American to command a medium endurance cutter and the first African American officer to command both afloat and ashore units. He earned both the Coast Guard Meritorious Service Medal and two Coast Guard Commendation Medals during his career. In honor of his dedication to mentorship amongst Coast Guard personnel, the Coast Guard established the Captain John G. Witherspoon Inspirational Leadership Award, which is given to one active duty officer and one reserve officer each year who demonstrate Witherspoon’s qualities of honor, respect, and devotion to duty. The Coast Guard has ordered a total of 65 FRCs to replace the 1980s-era Island-class 110-foot patrol boats. The FRCs feature advanced command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance equipment; over-the-horizon cutter boat deployment to reach vessels of interest; and improved habitability and seakeeping. The commissioning ceremony is a traditional milestone in the life of a cutter that marks its entry into active service and represents the cutter’s readiness to conduct Coast Guard operations.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-Evening Report: It’s not easy being a street tree, but this heroic eucalypt withstands everything we throw at it

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gregory Moore, Senior Research Associate, School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences, The University of Melbourne

    alybaba/Shutterstock

    Street trees usually grow in appalling soils, have little space for their roots, are rarely watered and often get aggressively trimmed by road authorities or utility companies.

    If they do get established, many street trees suffer damage from vehicles, have to live in wind tunnels or are forced to grow in the permanent shade of large buildings.

    But despite everything we throw at them, many street trees don’t just survive, they thrive. So let’s meet one of these heroic species: the yellow gum, (Eucalyptus leucoxylon).

    Pretty but tough

    Yellow gum is widely planted across southeastern and eastern Australia as a street tree. In some suburbs and towns, it is so common that people think it is a native tree (in fact it is from South Australia, Victoria or southwest New South Wales).

    It is not to be confused with yellow box (Eucalyptus melliodora), a different eucalypt altogether.

    Yellow gum has been widely planted because it meets many of the demands we place on urban trees.

    It grows well in different soils and climates, and has very attractive red, white or pink flowers.

    It’s called yellow gum in Victoria and parts of NSW, but is often known as blue gum in SA.

    The common names can be confusing, but yellow gum refers to its pale yellow wood and bark patches, while blue gum refers to its leaves.

    Many specimens develop dense, low, spreading canopies, which offer lovely shade and help cool our cities down.

    And importantly, it doesn’t grow too big. It is typically a medium to small woodland tree, usually between 13 and 16 metres high (but it can grow higher in the wild).

    Yellow gum has an attractive smooth trunk with yellow, blue-grey or cream patches.
    alybaba/Shutterstock

    Different bird and insect species feed on the trees some feeding on flowers and fruits and others on the foliage.

    Natural populations of yellow gum occur in coastal and inland SA, in the southwest corner of NSW and in the western half of Victoria from the Murray River to the coast.

    There are several subspecies, too, and debate rages in botanical and horticultural circles about whether some of them deserve to be recognised as their own species.

    Yellow gum is also tolerant of wind and salt spray, and can withstand waterlogged soils. They stood up to the millennium drought conditions well.

    Many arborists think the yellow gum has the potential to do well in many parts of Australia as the climate changes. Research has shown, for example, that some individual yellow gum trees regulate their water use better (when compared to other individuals in the species, and when compared to other eucalypts).

    Like many eucalypts, yellow gum possesses lots of dormant buds and a lignotuber (a swelling at the base of the trunk containing dormant buds and carbohydrate). This means it copes well with pruning and will respond especially well to targeted formative pruning when young.

    This can help reduce the risk of problems such as what’s known as “co-dominant stems” (when two main stems grow from a single point of origin, instead of one tall, straight trunk) and rubbing or crossing branches.

    Not everyone’s favourite

    Not everybody likes the yellow gum, and for some good reasons.

    Some yellow gums are multi-stemmed, while others have twisted and curving trunks; some have both. These are not the characteristics many local governments want in street trees; many want to see straight trunks and dense canopies.

    Yellow gums often produce a lovely dense canopy.
    Gregory Moore

    These problems can be so annoying that some council arborists no longer recommend planting yellow gums.

    But these issues are due to poor tree selection and propagation. In the past, yellow gum seed was not carefully sourced from the best trees with the most suitable characteristics, and so inferior specimens have prospered.

    With the right investment of time and money into tree selection, these problems can be overcome.

    Ticking most of the boxes

    All in all, yellow gum can be a very fine and useful urban tree.

    The species grows well and if superior stock is used, the trees develop with straight and attractive trunks and wide, dense canopies.

    They are typically medium-sized trees, do well in tough street conditions or in smaller domestic front and back yards.

    They tick most, if not all, of the boxes for a good urban street tree.

    Gregory Moore does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. It’s not easy being a street tree, but this heroic eucalypt withstands everything we throw at it – https://theconversation.com/its-not-easy-being-a-street-tree-but-this-heroic-eucalypt-withstands-everything-we-throw-at-it-246040

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Africa – Applications Open for the 7th Annual GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Competition – Africa’s Youth Agrifood Entrepreneurs Invited to Drive Food Systems Transformation with a US$160,000 Prize Pool

    SOURCE: 2025 GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Competition

    Africa’s high entrepreneurship rates further underscore the continent as a potential global leader in youth-driven enterprise, innovation, and job creation

    JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, April 3, 2025 – The 2025 GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize launches its seventh annual competition today in search for Africa’s most promising young co-founders and founders across Africa who have launched businesses across Africa’s agrifood value chain “from seed to fork”. Judges will be looking for innovative, scalable, and impact-driven agripreneurs (aged 18 to 35) who have built tech-savvy, sustainable businesses tackling food security, job creation, and equitable economic growth. Applications are open from 3 April to 10 June 2025. https://GoGettaz.Africa

    In September 2025, GoGettaz finalists will pitch their businesses live on stage in Dakar, Senegal during the annual Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF) taking place 31 August to 5 September 2025. Two grand prizes of US$50,000 each will be awarded to the most outstanding male and female-led agribusinesses. An additional US$60,000 in Impact Awards will recognize businesses excelling in key areas such as technology, innovation, nutrition, food security, improving rural livelihoods, climate resilience, gender equity, natural resource conservation, and job creation.

    The GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Competition is an integral part of the Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF), the world’s premier forum for African agriculture and food systems, bringing together stakeholders to take practical action and share lessons that will empower Africa’s young leaders for food systems transformation.

    With the 2025 AFSF theme “Africa’s Youth: Leading Collaboration, Innovation and Implementation of Agri-Food Systems Transformation,” the GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize competition is set to empower youth entrepreneurs from across West, Northern, Southern, Central, and Eastern Africa who looking to showcase, grow, and scale, their agrifood businesses.

    As Africa faces mounting challenges of lack of infrastructure, access to finance, job creation, and food insecurity, its youth are stepping up as powerful agents of transformation. From the bustling trade hubs of West Africa to the agricultural heartlands of Southern Africa, young innovators are developing solutions that not only tackle immediate crises but also pave the way for a sustainable future. The GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Competition serves as a platform for these change-makers, offering mentorship, exposure, networking, and resources to enhance their impact across Africa’s diverse regions.

    “I am continually amazed by the ingenuity and determination of the young entrepreneurs we meet through the GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Competition each year,” said Svein Tore Holsether, President and Chief Executive Officer of Yara International and GoGettaz co-founder. “Their ability to leverage technology and innovative business models showcases the immense potential of the agrifood sector and the pivotal role of entrepreneurship in sustainable development. As we launch the 2025 campaign, we are inspired by the opportunity to empower and support young entrepreneurs who are enhancing job creation, uplifting communities, and nourishing Africa’s growing population.”

    With Africa set to represent one-quarter of the global population and one-third of the world’s youth by 2050, according to United Nations projections, the continent’s youth, over 70% who are younger than 30 years of age, hold immense potential. Africa’s high entrepreneurship rates further underscore the continent as a potential global leader in youth-driven enterprise, innovation, and job creation.

    “Africa’s youth are brimming with creative energy and ideas to solve myriad problems with innovative solutions,” remarked GoGettaz co-founder Strive Masiyiwa, Founder and Chairman of Econet Group who also served as Chair of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa for several years.

    “They aren’t waiting around for the perfect conditions; they are seizing the moment and embracing technology to revolutionize the agrifood industry across the continent,” he noted. “They are launching remarkable ventures, but to ensure they can grow and scale, our youth need the right support, access to capital, skills, and enabling environments to grow their young businesses into multimillion-dollar pan-African and global agribusinesses.”

    “Our amazing young entrepreneurs deserve both recognition and support, which is why GoGettaz exists.” he said.

    Since its inception in 2019, the GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Competition has spotlighted diverse young entrepreneurs building innovative agribusinesses from traditional farming operations to high-tech AI-driven ventures. The 2025 competition is open to all African agripreneur-led businesses with headquarters on the African continent. Applications will be accepted in English and French.

    “The 2025 GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Competition is a rallying point for Africa’s brightest young minds to pioneer transformative solutions and drive meaningful change.” said Amath Pathe Sene, Managing Director of the Africa Food Systems Forum.

    “As Africa leads the charge in innovating for resilience, I am eager to see the groundbreaking climate-smart solutions that emerge from the 2025 contestants. The 2024 winners set a high standard by using innovative techniques aimed at preserving nutritional value using renewable energy and natural fibers to produce eco-friendly sanitary pads, improving health and hygiene. With food security under threat, exacerbated by climate change, Africa’s agripreneurs are rising to the challenge, transforming agricultural practices, and spearheading sustainable technologies.” he said.

    Beyond the prize money, top finalists will gain access to mentorship, training, introduction to investors, and other opportunities for collaboration.

    How to Apply

    GoGettaz invites young African agripreneurs across the continent to join the GoGettaz vibrant community and participate in the 2025 GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Competition. Eligible applicants must :

    Be 35 or younger at the time of submission.
    Be a citizen of an African Union member country.
    Serve as a founder or co-founder of a legally registered venture operating in Africa (ventures must be registered by 10 June 2025).

    Application Process :

    Join the GoGettaz Community: Follow @ GoGettazAfrica on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube to connect with peers and industry leaders. Share your journey using hashtags #GrowEntrepreneurs and #TransformFood.
    Visit the GoGettaz Website: Access resources, eligibility details, terms and conditions, and updates at https://GoGettaz.Africa.
    Submit Your Entry: Complete the online competition application on the website. You can save and revisit your application to ensure quality. https://GoGettaz.Africa
    Meet the Deadline: Applications must be submitted by 10 June 2025 to be considered for the US$160,000 prize pool and a chance to pitch LIVE at the AFSF Summit in Dakar, Senegal in September.

    For additional details, to apply, or to learn how you can contribute to driving sustainable food systems transformation in Africa, visit https://GoGettaz.Africa. Stay engaged by connecting with @ GoGettazAfrica on social media.

    Application Deadline: 10 June 2025

    Website: https://GoGettaz.Africa

    GoGettaz Co-Founders:

    Yara International: https://www.Yara.com
    Econet: https://www.EconetAfrica.com

    GoGettaz Partners:

    Africa Food Systems Forum: https://AGRF.org
    Alliance for a Green Revolution Africa: https://AGRA.org
    Mastercard Foundation: https://www.MasterCardFDN.org
    Southern African Confederation of Agricultural Unions: http://www.SACAU.org
    SNV Netherlands Development Organisation: https://www.SNV.org

    About GoGettaz:
    GoGettaz is a youth-centric initiative at the heart of the Africa Food Systems Forum, empowering young Africans from across the continent aged 18-35 to drive innovation and transformation in the agrifood sector. Through its annual GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Competition, GoGettaz Community Platform, and Leadership Programs, young agripreneurs can connect to a vibrant ecosystem, learn new skills, and grow both themselves and their businesses.

    Join the movement to grow entrepreneurs, revolutionize African agriculture, and transform African food systems!

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Dr. Rand Paul Reintroduces Bill to Shield Americans from the High Costs of Tariffs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Rand Paul

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

    April 3rd, 2025

     Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343

     

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) reintroduced the No Taxation Without Representation Act, legislation aimed at protecting American families and businesses from the skyrocketing costs of tariffs imposed by executive action. The bill reasserts Congress’s constitutional authority over taxation and serves as a check on presidential overreach that threatens the economic wellbeing of every American.

    “The rallying cry of ‘no taxation without representation’ sparked a revolution—and it’s just as relevant today,” said Dr. Paul. “Unchecked executive actions enacting tariffs tax our citizens, threaten our economy, raise prices for everyday goods, and erode the system of checks and balances that our founders so carefully crafted.”

    About the No Taxation Without Representation Act:

    Dr. Paul’s legislation reins in the executive branch’s abuse of tariff authority by requiring Congressional approval before any new import taxes can be imposed. The bill aims to strengthen our system of checks and balances by requiring Congressional consent for any tariffs that significantly impact American businesses and consumers. By restoring the role of Congress in the taxation process, the bill ensures greater accountability, transparency, and long-term economic stability.

    Key Provisions:

     Congress Must Approve:

     The President may only impose new import taxes (tariffs) if:

    • The President submits a formal justification to Congress; and
    • Congress passes legislation approving the proposed tax.

     Applicable Laws:

    This requirement would apply to tariffs enacted under:

    • The Tariff Act of 1930
    • The Trade Expansion Act of 1962
    • The Trading with the Enemy Act
    • The International Emergency Economic Powers Act
    • Laws enacted to implement trade agreements involving the U. S.
    • Any other U.S. customs and trade laws and trade agreements.

     Embargoes Exempt:

    The No Taxation Without Representation Act doesn’t affect situations where the U.S. embargoes all goods or certain types of goods from a specific country from entering the country.

     No Taxation Without Representation Act is a critical step toward restoring transparency, reining in executive abuse, and shielding Americans from the hidden tax of tariffs.

    You can read the entire bill HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Education – Whitireia and WelTec celebrate over 1,000 students in April graduation ceremonies

    Source: Whitireia and WelTec

    On Wednesday 2 April Whitireia and WelTec proudly celebrated the achievements of graduating ākonga (students) from the School of Health and Wellbeing, Pacific Health, Social Practice, and Te Wānanga Māori at a ceremony held at Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua.
    This special occasion marked the first of two graduation ceremonies in April, where over 1,000 ākonga will take their next steps equipped with the skills and knowledge to make a lasting impact in their communities.
    The heartfelt whakapōtaetanga (graduation) ceremony attended by distinguished guests, including Dr Te Taku Parai (Ngāti Toa Rangatira), Porirua City Council Mayor Anita Baker, and Chief Nursing Officer at the Ministry of Health Lorraine Hetaraka, is a significant milestone for graduates, their whānau and friends.
    Lorraine Hetaraka (Tapuika, Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāiterangi, Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāti Kahu) delivered an inspiring keynote address. With her extensive background in nursing leadership and commitment to improving health outcomes for Māori and high-needs populations, Ms Hetaraka shared valuable insights with the graduates.
    Congratulating the graduands, Ms Hetaraka shared her excitement for the future and the role they will play in it, stating “I am so proud to be here to honour our graduating students. The commitment, dedication and sometimes sacrifices you have all made to be able to graduate is a testament to the hard work you have done to become our future workforce. Future leaders and innovators who will no doubt positively contribute to the overall wellbeing of New Zealanders. Our future heroes are amongst you.”
    Wendy Haywood, Bachelor of Nursing graduate, represented the ākonga body as speaker. Offering a perspective on the journey and aspirations of the graduating class and emphasising the importance of the support received by graduands from whānau, friends, tutors and support staff.
    Mrs Haywood said, “we built strong bonds, we studied together, shared our hopes and our fears, offered each other a hug or tissue as needed. We leave not as individuals but as friends and colleagues. Yet we must remember that no one succeeds without the help of others, and we need to thank those that have supported us and those who are with us today. Thank you, our rocks, our cheerleaders. You have believed in us even when we have doubted ourselves. Your sacrifices, love and encouragement have brought us to this moment.”
    This graduation highlights the commitment Whitireia and WelTec has to producing skilled professionals in health, wellness and social practice. The diverse range of qualifications awarded, from diplomas to postgraduate degrees, underscores their comprehensive approach to education in these critical fields.
    Whitireia and WelTec Executive Director Mark Oldershaw spoke to the gathered cohort about the hard work and commitment it takes to reach this milestone. “Gaining skills and knowledge can be a truly life changing experience. Seeing our graduates excited and ready for the future reflects what is possible for everyone. We know your next steps will bring credit to yourself, to your families, and to the communities in which you live and work.”
    The ceremony not only celebrated academic achievements it also emphasised the importance of culturally responsive and community-focused healthcare and social services. As these graduates enter their respective fields, they are poised to make significant contributions to the health and wellbeing of communities across New Zealand.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Death in Northland, Wellington being treated as homicide

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Attributable to Detective Inspector Nick Pritchard:

    Following a post-mortem examination, Police can confirm the death of a man in Northland, Wellington is being treated as a homicide, and we are appealing to the public for information.

    The deceased is 65-year-old Simon Bird, who lived at the Albemarle Road property where his body was found on Tuesday morning.

    Mr Bird had not been heard from for several days, prompting a concerned friend to carry out a welfare check – leading to the discovery of his body.

    We have established Mr Bird was last seen alive on Thursday 27 March, however we are continuing to piece together his last movements and the events that led to his death.

    A scene examination is ongoing at the property and is expected to continue for the next couple of days. A silver Honda Odyssey (pictured) has been recovered from the address by Police and will be forensically examined.

    Police are going to have an ongoing presence in the Northland community over the coming days. I urge anyone with information that could help our investigation to contact us as soon as possible.

    We also want to speak to anybody who knew Mr Bird, as well as those who saw him, or his vehicle in the last week. This includes any CCTV or dashcam footage you may have of him or his vehicle.

    As part of the investigation, we also want to hear from anybody in the Northland area who has noticed suspicious activity or movements in and around Mr Bird’s address on Albemarle Road.

    What might seem like an insignificant detail to you, could be a missing piece of the jigsaw puzzle for us.

    If you have any information that could assist Police, please contact us at 105, using reference number 250401/4530 and/or referencing Operation North. You can also provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hawley, Kim Demand Answers from Major Companies after Backlog, Soaring Prices Hamper Fire Department Readiness

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo)

    Today, U.S. Senators Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and Andy Kim (D-N.J.), the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Subcommittee on Disaster Management, directed a letter to the CEOs of three major companies – REV Group, Oshkosh Corp., and Rosenbauer America – demanding answers for the rampant issues because of massive consolidation in the fire truck market. The Senators’ letter raises questions after fire departments nationwide, including those in Missouri, reported increased costs and long backlogs for fire equipment.

    “A recent article in the New York Times outlines massive consolidation in the United States’ fire truck market. According to the report, your companies—Rev Group, Oshkosh, and Rosenbauer—command an estimated 70-80% market share. This consolidated market power appears to have resulted in anti-competitive practices that have thinned fire station fleets, increased overall costs for departments, and degraded fire response readiness,” wrote the Senators.

    The Senators continued, “The Times report reveals that fire stations across the country are experiencing soaring costs and significant delays because of your companies’ practices. By one account, ladder truck prices have nearly doubled in a few short years to $2.3 million. Fire truck deliveries have been delayed for years at a time with little to no transparency provided to local fire stations. These problems have created considerable disruption for fire stations, both large and small. Firefighters in Missouri have reported … on the exorbitant prices for fire trucks in recent years, with no discernible improvements in technology.”

    The Senators are demanding answers about the reportedly huge backlogs maintained by the companies. 

    “Prioritizing financial gains over fulfilling purchase orders for emergency equipment is unacceptable. This is particularly true when rising costs and delays in delivery can reduce readiness for fire stations and put American lives at risk,” they wrote.

    The Senators are requesting the following information by April 16, 2025:

    1. An itemization of all delayed deliveries of fire trucks and related equipment.
    2. A comprehensive explanation outlining the reasons for these delayed deliveries.
    3. A full accounting of prices charged for fire trucks and related equipment, including the change in prices over time.
    4. A complete list of complaints your firms have received from fire departments seeking remediation.

    Read the full letter here or below.

    April 3, 2025

    Mark Skonieczny
    President and CEO
    REV Group, Inc
    245 South Executive Drive, Suite 100
    Brookfield, WI 53005

    John Pfeifer
    President and CEO
    Oshkosh Corporation
    1917 Four Wheel Drive
    Oshkosh, WI 54902

    Rob Kreikemeier
    Chairman and CEO
    Rosenbauer America
    100 Third Street, PO Box 57
    Lyons, SD 57041

    Dear Executives:

    A recent article in the New York Times outlines massive consolidation in the United States’ fire truck market.According to the report, your companies—Rev Group, Oshkosh, and Rosenbauer—command an estimated 70-80% market share. This consolidated market power appears to have resulted in anti-competitive practices that have thinned fire station fleets, increased overall costs for departments, and degraded fire response readiness.

    The Times report reveals that fire stations across the country are experiencing soaring costs and significant delays because of your companies’ practices. By one account, ladder truck prices have nearly doubled in a few short years to $2.3 million. Fire truck deliveries have been delayed for years at a time with little to no transparency provided to local fire stations. These problems have created considerable disruption for fire stations, both large and small. Firefighters in Missouri have reported to Senator Hawley on the exorbitant prices for fire trucks in recent years, with no discernible improvements in technology. The fire chief of Camden, New Jersey said to Times reporters that these problems are “creating greater risk for the public and firefighters.”

    In the case of Rev Group and Oshkosh, these delays appear to be partly due to the multi-billion-dollar backlogs held by your companies. Concerningly, they also appear to be intentionally left unattended. For example, Rev Group holds a $4 billion backlog on purchase orders. Instead of expeditiously addressing this backlog, its Chief Executive Officer stated that the backlog provides his company a competitive advantage, citing a “rare level of demand certainty and production planning visibility” while also claiming a “seven-year high” in profit margins.Oshkosh similarly quadrupled its backlog from 2019 to 2023, reporting $4 billion in orders that have been placed but never fulfilled.

    Prioritizing financial gains over fulfilling purchase orders for emergency equipment is unacceptable. This is particularly true when rising costs and delays in delivery can reduce readiness for fire stations and put American lives at risk.

    Please provide the following information by no later than April 16, 2025:

    1. An itemization of all delayed deliveries of fire trucks and related equipment.
    2. A comprehensive explanation outlining the reasons for these delayed deliveries.
    3. A full accounting of prices charged for fire trucks and related equipment, including the change in prices over time.
    4. A complete list of complaints your firms have received from fire departments seeking remediation.

    We look forward to your response.

    Sincerely,
    Josh Hawley
    United States Senator 

    Andy Kim
    United States Senator 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Colleagues Sound Alarm on Reports of DOGE “Hit List” of Key Energy Projects, Demand Department of Energy Follow the Law

    US Senate News:

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

    Padilla, Colleagues Sound Alarm on Reports of DOGE “Hit List” of Key Energy Projects, Demand Department of Energy Follow the Law

    Senators: “Dissolving contracts, cancelling grants and loans, and reneging on loan guarantees without any intention to execute the laws is not only illegal, but is harmful to the public and energy consumers”

    California’s ARCHES Hydrogen Hub among projects on list of potential cuts

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and 26 other Democratic Senators demanded that U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Christopher Wright uphold his commitment to honor existing legal agreements and deliver funds passed into law by Congress. The letter comes on the heels of recent reports that the Department of Energy is creating a “hit list” of awards, contracts, and projects — many of which have already began construction — it is considering canceling. These cuts would break existing agreements while leading to significant job losses and a reduction in growth of new energy resources. 

    The Trump Administration’s proposed cuts include hydrogen hub projects funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, including California’s Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (ARCHES) hydrogen hub for which Senator Padilla secured up to $1.2 billion. Reportedly, the hubs under threat are all in Democratic-leaning states like California, while hydrogen hubs in Republican-leaning states would maintain funding.

    This hit list is a stark reversal from Secretary Wright’s confirmation hearing, where he said legal agreements should be honored and that he would follow the law. The Senators expressed serious concerns about the reports and reasserted Congress’ authority over the programs they fund.

    “Indiscriminately canceling program funding and executed contracts, and refusing to execute on the funding directives Congress enacted, neither honors existing agreements nor is consistent with the spending laws that have appropriated funding for specific purposes,” wrote the Senators.

    “Dissolving contracts, cancelling grants and loans, and reneging on loan guarantees without any intention to execute the laws is not only illegal, but is harmful to the public and energy consumers. Your indiscriminate cancellations of spending will increase energy prices, make our grid less secure, and stop energy innovation,” continued the Senators. “If the Department has a policy disagreement and does not want to spend money on programs Congress has funded, the lawful response is to ask Congress to rescind that funding. The decision ultimately rests with Congress, not with the President, the Department of Energy, or the Department of Government Efficiency.”

    The Senators concluded by demanding a detailed list and briefing that identifies which grants, loans, or loan guarantees Secretary Wright believes should be rescinded and why.

    The letter was led by Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Vice Chair of the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations, and Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. In addition to Senator Padilla, the letter was also signed by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

    Yesterday, Senator Padilla questioned President Trump’s nominee for Deputy Secretary of Energy on the hit list, highlighting the importance of the Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs program to “jumpstart” the national hydrogen economy and urging him to protect vital funding for ARCHES.

    Full text of the letter is available here and below:

    Dear Mr. Secretary:

    We are deeply troubled by recent news reports that the Department of Energy (Department) is creating a “hit list of clean energy projects” to “wipe out” for being inconsistent with the President’s priorities. This list reportedly includes hydrogen hubs and carbon capture, critical mineral, and battery storage projects that have already received grant and loan funding from the Inflation Reduction Act, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and annual appropriations bills.

    You assured us during your confirmation hearing that you believe that legal agreements should be honored (including managing the financial commitments you have inherited) and that you will follow the law. Indiscriminately canceling program funding and executed contracts, and refusing to execute on the funding directives Congress enacted, neither honors existing agreements nor is consistent with the spending laws that have appropriated funding for specific purposes.

    Our Constitution gives Congress the power of the purse and exclusive power to appropriate funds. Once a law is properly enacted, the Constitution requires the President to “take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed.” The President cannot substitute his policy preferences for requirements in law, and that includes refusing to spend funds Congress requires the President to spend.

    In this instance, where Congress has authorized and appropriated funds for programs that support clean energy projects, the Department must faithfully execute the law and expend the funds for the purposes provided. For example, programs authorized that have received federal appropriations under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law have requirements on timing of expended funds, purposes, and contractual expectations. An internal Office of Management and Budget guidance document cannot hide the Department’s obligation to follow the enacted law.

    Dissolving contracts, cancelling grants and loans, and reneging on loan guarantees without any intention to execute the laws is not only illegal, but is harmful to the public and energy consumers. Your indiscriminate cancellations of spending will increase energy prices, make our grid less secure, and stop energy innovation. If the Department has a policy disagreement and does not want to spend money on programs Congress has funded, the lawful response is to ask Congress to rescind that funding. The decision ultimately rests with Congress, not with the President, the Department of Energy, or the Department of Government Efficiency. Please provide us a detailed list and briefing that identifies which grants, loans, or loan guarantees you believe should be rescinded and why you think they should be rescinded.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: ‘Macao-Madrid’ cargo charter route launched in Macao

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Ethiopian Airlines’ freighter B777F (Flight ET3483) is greeted with a water salute when departing from Macao International Airport in Macao, south China, April 3, 2025. It marks the official launch of the “Macao-Madrid” cargo charter route. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MACAO, April 3 — Ethiopian Airlines’ freighter B777F (Flight ET3483) departed from Macao International Airport on Thursday morning, marking the official launch of the “Macao-Madrid” cargo charter route.

    According to the schedule, the new cargo route will initially operate twice a week.

    The airline told the press that the main exports include e-commerce items such as toys, small appliances, furniture, electronics, auto parts, apparel, and cosmetics.

    The new route was projected to bring over 20,000 tons of cross-border cargo throughput to Macao annually.

    The representative of Macao International Airport expressed hope that the new route will create greater opportunities for trade and economic exchanges among the Greater Bay Area, Europe, and South America.

    Ethiopian Airlines has launched cargo routes in Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong. Its country director for China, Aman Wole Gurmu, expressed excitement about the new route, noting its potential to strengthen collaboration with e-commerce supply chains in the Greater Bay Area.

    Ethiopian Airlines’ freighter B777F (Flight ET3483) is pictured at Macao International Airport in Macao, south China, April 3, 2025. It marks the official launch of the “Macao-Madrid” cargo charter route. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Food cuts and an earthquake bring double the devastation for children in Thai refugee camps – Save the Children

    Source: Save the Children

    Food cuts this month and an earthquake that has devastated Myanmar and parts of Thailand will exacerbate living conditions for more than 110,000 refugees living along the Thai-Myanmar border and could force some children out of school, Save the Children said.
    Due to budget shortfalls, The Border Consortium (TBC), a government and non-government organisation funded provider of food assistance for refugees living on the border, has said it will have to reduce food support this month, affecting more than 80% of families in nine camps. [1]
    The situation inside the camps was already dire, with schools saying limited funding was leaving them unable to pay some teachers or repair school structures [2] ahead of the new academic year starting next month.
    Now, parents struggling to put food on the table are being forced to make impossible choices, with many considering pulling their children out of school to help earn money or support the family’s basic needs.
    With school fees now falling more heavily on parents, many families can no longer contribute towards school running costs, deepening the financial crisis for schools and risking the collapse of basic education services inside the camps.
    “Even if you are not educated, everyone has to eat,” said Saw Paw, the parent of one refugee student. “Livelihood comes first now.”
    Many teachers in the camps are refugees themselves and some have had to seek work outside the camps to support their families.
    Thant Zin-, a teacher who lives inside the camps, said: “I can’t buy a sack of rice with the total amount my family receives through the food card support system. I have children, and to ensure they have food every day, I may have to give them porridge instead of rice a few days a week.”
    Guillaume Rachou, Executive Director, Save the Children (Thailand) Foundation said:
    “Save the Children, along with local partners, is assessing the safety of school structures following the 28 March earthquake including in 58 schools inside the refugee camps along the Thai-Myanmar border.
    “We must ensure schools, teachers and students in the camps are prepared to respond to natural hazards and mitigate their impact.”
    The death toll from the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar has risen to more than 2,000 with nearly 4,000 injured, according to the country’s state television channel MRTV, although these numbers are likely to rise as rescue efforts continue. In Thailand, at least 20 people have died and several buildings across the capital Bangkok have been deemed unsafe.
    Save the Children supports 28,000 children living across nine camps along the Thai-Myanmar border. It is also responding to the mental health and well-being of Thai and Burmese teachers and their families across Thailand following the earthquake.
    The child rights organisation is calling on donors to ensure children in these refugee camps are not forgotten in earthquake response and recovery efforts. Urgent humanitarian aid-including food, education, infrastructure, and psychosocial support-is critical to their recovery.
    Save the Children has worked in Thailand since 1979 and works to support children who are most impacted by discrimination and inequality through programmes on education, child protection, livelihood and child rights governance.
    About Save the Children NZ:
    Save the Children works in 120 countries across the world. The organisation responds to emergencies and works with children and their communities to ensure they survive, learn and are protected.
    Save the Children NZ currently supports international programmes in Fiji, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Laos, Nepal, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. Areas of work include child protection, education and literacy, disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation, and alleviating child poverty.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Local News – Lower Hutt lands once-in-a-generation deal for city centre

    Source: Hutt City Council

    Lower Hutt Mayor Campbell Barry says securing funding and signing final agreements for the transformational Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi project is a once-in-a-generation deal for the city.
    “We’ve pushed hard to get this over the line, and today, we can say with confidence: funding is secured, agreements are signed, and we are ready to go.”
    Barry said today is more than just a milestone for the project formerly known as RiverLink.
    “It’s the result of years of behind-the-scenes grind, tireless advocacy, and collaboration across local government, central government, iwi, and our community,” Barry says.
    “I’m proud that we have landed a once in a generation deal for Lower Hutt and our City Centre.”
    The signing of these agreements represents one of the most significant infrastructure commitments in Lower Hutt’s history. It will also be the largest infrastructure project in the Wellington region since Transmission Gully.
    Landing this deal has been a top priority for Hutt City Council and the mayor. Working collaboratively with various Governments across the political spectrum has secured it for the future.
    Today provides certainty for both the City Link Bridge and the relocation of Melling train station.
    The new City Link Bridge will provide a vital link between the city centre and key transport routes, including the new Melling train station. It also unlocks the potential for business and urban development.
    Designed for pedestrians and cyclists, it will link seamlessly with public transport and active travel networks, opening up easier, safer, and more sustainable ways for people to move around Lower Hutt. It focuses on the future resilience and prosperity of our city.
    It also lays the foundation for urban revitalisation – enabling both commercial activity and public spaces along Te Awa Kairangi Hutt River corridor, providing economic development opportunities in the City Centre.
    “Lower Hutt is open for opportunity. Come and talk to us” Barry says.
    The new Melling Station will be relocated outside of the flood zone, providing a safer and more reliable service for the city’s growing population.
    Together, the bridge and station will support long-term growth, climate resilience, and a more accessible, future-ready city.
    Construction is expected to start later this year.
    The approximate overall $1.5 billion investment is funded through a partnership between central, regional, and local government.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Amidst Trump Attacks on Education, Sen. Markey and Rep. Hayes Announce Bill of Rights for Paraprofessionals and Education Support Staff

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
    Resolution Text (PDF)
    Washington (April 3, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, and Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) today announced the reintroduction of the Paraprofessionals and Education Support Staff Bill of Rights, a resolution calling for dignified wages, benefits, and working conditions for paraeducators, classroom assistants, bus drivers, custodial workers, and other essential school staff who far too often work for low wages, few benefits, and without job security. The resolution is cosponsored by Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.).
    “Paraprofessionals and education support staff are the backbone of our education system. They deserve higher pay, better benefits, and improved working conditions. But instead of working to make that happen, we are forced to fight the Trump administration’s slashing of public education.” said Senator Markey. “Setting our sights higher for paraprofessionals and education workers is part of the fight, and the Paraprofessionals and Education Support Staff Bill of Rights will move us forward in guaranteeing these workers are treated with the dignity, respect, and recognition they have long deserved.” 
    “Paraprofessionals and support staff are an invaluable part of student learning. And yet, they struggle to make ends meet,” said Congresswoman Hayes. “The Paraprofessionals and Education Support Staff Resolution highlights the urgent need to improve wages, increase access to benefits, and formally recognize the efforts of these dedicated workers. This legislation strives to attract and help retain support staff which are critical in our schools.”
    The Paraprofessionals and Education Support Staff Bill of Rights resolution calls for paraprofessionals and education support staff to have:
    Livable, competitive wages, and access to benefits, including health care and paid leave;
    The supplies, resources, and training they need to do their jobs;
    Meaningful voice in workplace policies and the right to negotiate for better working conditions;
    The dignity of safe, healthy, and adequate staffed workplaces and
    Year-round job security and opportunities for growth.
    The resolution is endorsed by National Education Association (NEA), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Service Employees International Union (SEIU), American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Autism Society of America, Citizens for Public Schools, Council of Administrators of Special Education, Inc., Education Leaders of Color, First Focus on Children, Milwaukee Teachers’ Education Association, National Rural Education Association (NREA), Network for Public Education, and the Arc of the United States.
    “We applaud Senator Markey for standing with the paraprofessionals and education support professionals who are the heart of our classrooms, and yet are struggling to make ends meet and often working two to three jobs to support themselves. ESPs play critically important roles in our public schools in Massachusetts and nationwide, providing instruction and care to students with disabilities, assisting in early education classes, driving busses, preparing meals and so much more, and they need and deserve to be able to care for themselves and their families. Beyond being good for the ESPs themselves, schools need to be able to recruit and retain qualified and support staff. This is why, in Massachusetts and beyond, ESPs need a living wage, affordable health insurance and paid family and medical leave once and for all,” said Max Page, President of the Massachusetts Teachers Association and Deb McCarthy, Vice President of the Massachusetts Teachers Association.
    “Paraprofessionals and education support staff are on the frontlines of helping students learn, ensuring their safety, and keeping our schools and colleges running. But too often, their salaries and benefits are far lower than other educators’, forcing them to work second and third jobs that make it harder for them to forge sustainable careers. The Paraprofessional and Education Support Staff Bill of Rights makes sure those who cook and clean in schools, drive our students, and work in front offices and classrooms are treated with dignity and respect, with fairer pay, better benefits, improved workplace safety and access to training. I am grateful for the leadership of Sen. Edward Markey and Rep. Jahana Hayes and thank them for taking action on this front,” said Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers.
    “Education support professionals play a critical role in strengthening our schools and communities, dedicating themselves to ensuring students are safe, healthy, and ready to learn every day, while also helping to create positive, supportive learning environments. Unfortunately, they often don’t receive the compensation, benefits, or recognition they truly deserve. Their contributions are critical to the success of our students, especially now, as the Trump Administration targets public education,” said Becky Pringle, President of the National Education Association. “Passing the Paraprofessional and Education Support Staff Bill of Rights would show that Congress recognizes and values the essential contributions these dedicated workers make both inside and outside the classroom. We want to thank Senator Markey and Representative Hayes for their leadership in introducing this important legislation and urge Congress to act quickly in passing it. This will send a clear message to our Education Support Professionals that, as a nation, we respect and appreciate all they do for our students.”
    “School support staff are the people who greet students at the start of each day, serve meals, support kids with disabilities, and keep classrooms clean and safe. They’ve been underpaid, overworked, and overlooked for too long. Now, Trump and his billionaire allies are trying to dismantle the Department of Education and weaken the very schools these workers hold together. Passing this resolution is an important way to show school support staff the respect they’ve earned—with real pay, real protections, and the dignity every worker deserves,” said Heather Conroy, Executive Vice President of the Service Employees International Union.
    “Paraprofessionals and school staff play an invaluable role in our classrooms and are at the heart of our public school — helping students learn, grow, and meet their basic needs,” said American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts President Jessica Tang. “Outside of the classroom, they’re important members of the community, many have kids and grandkids in the schools and live in the communities they serve. For far too long, paraprofessionals have been forced to work multiple jobs, or rely on public assistance, just to make ends meet. One job should be enough. It’s time our paraprofessionals receive the fair wages, benefits, and respect that reflects the important work they do every day,” said Jessica Tang, President of American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts.
    Senator Markey is fighting back against the Trump administration’s attacks on education and standing up for students, educators, and their families. On March 20, Senator Markey slammed Trump’s Executive Order to dismantle the Department of Education. On March 11, Senator Markey delivered remarks on the Senate Floor to spotlight Trump’s plan to gut the Department. On February 27, Senator Markey introduced the No Cuts to Public Schools Act, which would prevent any cuts to federal education formula funding during the Trump administration. On February 10, Senator Markey held a press conference in Boston with Massachusetts educators and teachers’ unions on Trump’s vow to dismantle the Department, and the impact on Massachusetts students, educators, and communities.
    On February 6, 2025, Senator Markey, members of the Massachusetts congressional delegation, along with the Massachusetts Teachers Association, American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts, Massachusetts Association of School Committees, and Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents, released a joint statement after President Trump vowed to dismantle the Department of Education.
    In January 2024, Senator Markey introduced the Preparing and Retaining All (PARA) Educators Act, legislation that would establish a grant program to help schools recruit, train, and retain paraeducators by funding pipeline and credentialing programs, high-quality professional development, and higher wages. In September 2023, Senator Markey introduced the Green New Deal for Public Schools Act, legislation that would invest $1.6 trillion over the next decade in public and Bureau of Indian Education schools to upgrade every public school building in the country; reduce hazardous pollution; give schools the resources to hire hundreds of thousands of educators, paraprofessionals, and counselors; invest in schools serving low-income students; and fully fund education for students with disabilities. Senator Markey first introduced the Paraprofessional and Education Support Staff Bill of Rights in November 2023.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Markey, Hirono, Colleagues Reintroduce Legislation to Guarantee Legal Representation for Unaccompanied Children in Immigration Proceedings

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
    Washington (April 3, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) today joined Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii), and 25 of their colleagues in introducing The Fair Day in Court for Kids Act of 2025, legislation to provide unaccompanied children with legal representation for their court when they appear in proceedings before an immigration judge. This comes after the Trump Administration’s recent termination of a contract that provides legal services for approximately 26,000 unaccompanied children who appear in immigrant court.
    “As the Trump administration continues to generate distress with its immigration actions — including the recent cancellation of a vital contract that provides legal services to unaccompanied migrant children — we must ensure that we protect the safety, welfare, and legal rights of vulnerable minors,” said Senator Markey. “The Fair Day in Court for Kids Act of 2025 would provide unaccompanied children with the critical legal representation they need, ensuring that kids do not have to go to court alone.”
    “Children cannot represent themselves in Court—it’s that simple,” said Senator Hirono. “Legal representation helps ensure unaccompanied minors in our court system get the fair hearing they’re entitled to, and is critical to the function of immigration court proceedings. As the Trump Administration continues its war on immigrants, The Fair Day in Court for Kids Act will safeguard legal representation for unaccompanied children, helping to protect them from heightened risk of mistreatment, exploitation, and trafficking.”
    Nearly half of all unaccompanied children represent themselves during legal proceedings and it is extremely difficult for children to successfully navigate the U.S. immigration system without an attorney—unrepresented children appear alone in immigration court to face a judge and an adversarial government attorney seeking their removal from the United States. Many of these children, potentially as young as 3-years old, are unable to speak English and unable to understand our complicated legal system. Immigration judges are nearly 100 times less likely to grant relief to unaccompanied children without counsel compared to those with counsel. The federal government previously provided legal representation to some unaccompanied minors in accordance with the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008, which created special protections for children who arrive in the U.S. without a parent or a legal guardian. Now, the Trump Administration is working to terminate those services completely.
    “Alongside Senator Hirono, we are leading an effort to ensure that children are treated fairly and humanely with access to legal representation,” said Senator Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.).
    “The Trump Administration’s breathtakingly cruel decision to strip tens of thousands of tiny children of access to a lawyer shows exactly why this legislation is so important,” said Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.). “The right to legal counsel is a central tenet of our justice system. Yet unaccompanied immigrant children as young as 3 and 4 years old are expected to navigate the cold complexities of our legal system with no one to help them through the process. The consequences of sending these children back to the countries they are fleeing can be literally life-and-death and presents grave human-trafficking risks. We have a moral obligation to ensure that that decision is made with due process, including access to an attorney.”
    “Abandoning immigrant children to navigate a complicated legal system alone with their future on the line is beneath who we are as Americans,” said Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.). “I’m proud to cosponsor the Fair Day in Court for Kids Act, which would address this shocking policy in our legal system by giving children the representation they need and ensuring they have a fair day in court.”
    “The idea that small children could represent themselves in a court of law is ridiculous,” said Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.). “The immigration court system is complicated and confusing, and we shouldn’t expect any minor to navigate it on their own. This commonsense bill would fix a glaring flaw in our immigration system.”
    “It is deeply, cruelly unfair that so many unaccompanied children—including some who don’t speak English or are too young to understand what a judge is asking them—are forced to represent themselves in immigration court without a lawyer,” said Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.). “Having attorney representation can make the difference between safely remaining in the United States or being deported back to the same dangerous conditions they fled in the first place. This commonsense bill would help right this wrong and provide these children the legal representation they need to effectively navigate our complex immigration system.”
    “Time and time again, children, as young as three years old, enter the U.S. immigration court system without an attorney present. And now, the Trump Administration is trying to force these children to face an immigration judge alone. Not only do attorneys help these children navigate a complicated system, but they also play a critical role in preventing and stopping trafficking, abuse, and neglect,” said Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.). “That is why I am signing on to the Fair Day in Court for Kids Act, which would ensure that no child has to navigate our complex legal process without representation.”
    “President Trump’s inhumane immigration policies are putting kids in danger by forcing unaccompanied children to represent themselves in court,” said Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.). “It’s unimaginably cruel, and we must fight to ensure every child has a fair chance to accurately present their case for legal protection in our country.”
    “For unaccompanied children caught up in our immigration courts, navigating our complex immigration system alone is virtually impossible. The numbers speak for themselves: unaccompanied children without counsel are almost 100 times less likely to receive protection from deportation,” said Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.). “The Trump Administration’s decision to stop funding legal representation for these children is needlessly cruel and severely misguided. At the very least, these children deserve legal representation to help ensure their voices are heard.”
    “Children shouldn’t be forced to navigate the immigration system alone—especially when their future is on the line,” said Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii). “This legislation ensures that unaccompanied kids have legal representation and due process rights, no matter where they come from.”
    “Forcing toddlers to represent themselves in immigration court does not make us safer, yet that’s exactly what’s happening because of this Administration,” said Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.). “Children should worry about growing up and going to school, not about facing a prosecutor and judge alone. This bill would provide some much-needed support for children caught up in our broken immigration system, and make sure their rights are respected and protected.”
    “It’s unacceptable to force unaccompanied children to navigate immigration court by themselves – yet that’s the frightening reality that far too many face. This legislation will help prevent this unjust practice, and ensure they have a lawyer when they come before a court,” said Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.).
    “Forcing toddlers to navigate their immigration hearing without a lawyer is cruel and violates their due process rights,” said Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.). “This bill will provide them with the necessary protections to ensure they are treated with dignity and have a fair shot in court.”
    “There is one word to describe what the Trump Administration is doing to unaccompanied migrant children—cruel,” said Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.). “These children can’t be expected to navigate our complex immigration system and should never be forced to face off against seasoned government attorneys alone, but that’s what President Trump is doing. In response to the administration’s actions, Congress must reaffirm America’s commitment to due process and ensure all unaccompanied children are afforded legal counsel. Justice demands it.”
    “No kid should ever have to represent themself in court – period,” said Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). “It should go without saying that courts are meant to be navigated by the attorneys who understand America’s complex legal system. The Trump administration’s decision to gut legal representation for unaccompanied kids is not only immoral but also blatantly illegal. Forcing unaccompanied babies, toddlers, and youth to go without representation will leave kids vulnerable to exploitation, abuse, and trafficking. Congress must ensure children have real legal counsel and protect them from harm.”
    Specifically, the Fair Day in Court for Kids Act:
    Requires that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) provide counsel to noncitizen unaccompanied children appearing before the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or a state court, unless the child has obtained counsel at their own expense;
    Extends the government’s duty to ensure counsel for unaccompanied children to the end of the immigration proceedings, even if the child turns 18 during proceedings;
    Ensures that children are informed of their right to representation within 72 hours and creates infrastructure to identify, recruit, and train pro bono lawyers to provide representation;
    Allows unaccompanied children to reopen their case if HHS fails to provide counsel;
    Requires the government and stakeholders to create guidelines and duties for counsel representing unaccompanied children, largely based on American Bar Association recommendations;
    Clarifies that the government may, at its choosing, also provide counsel to other individuals in immigration court;
    Requires noncitizens, and their attorneys, to receive a complete copy of the noncitizen’s immigration file at least 10 days before the removal proceedings;
    Guarantees access to counsel for all noncitizens detained in DHS facilities; and
    Requires a report on children’s access to counsel.
    Last month, after the Trump Administration issued the first stop work order in February, Senator Hirono and Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) led 30 of their colleagues in sending a letter to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, demanding that the Trump Administration continue legal services for unaccompanied children caught up in the immigration system as required by law.
    The bill is cosponsored by Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR). 
    The Fair Day in Court for Kids Act is endorsed by Kids in Need of Defense (KIND); Acacia Center for Justice; Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights; and National Center for Youth Law.
    The full text of the legislation is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Crash at Tea Tree Plaza Interchange

    Source: New South Wales – News

    Police advise that the bus interchange at Tea Tree Plaza is currently closed due to a single vehicle crash involving a bus.

    There are no updates on injuries, but police advise no passengers were on the bus at the time.

    The O-Bahn will be affected for transport from Tea Tree Plaza.

    Please allow for extra time in your journey.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Baird Votes to Keep Government Funded, Advance America First Agenda

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Baird (R-IN-04)

     Today, Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) released the following statement regarding the vote on H.R. 1968, the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act of 2025:

    “While this bill is not perfect, I voted for this Continuing Resolution (CR) because it freezes spending levels, prevents a costly shutdown, and ensures critical programs and services such as Medicare, Social Security, and Veterans’ benefits can continue without disruption. This CR provides Congress and President Trump with a path to focus on delivering real results for Hoosier families, including historic tax cuts, securing our borders, and rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse in our federal agencies. House Democrats are playing absurd political games and voted to shut down the government to thwart the President’s successful America First agenda. House Republicans are unlocking the ability to make lasting changes to Washington, D.C. so that the government works for the American people, not the other way around.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Golden speaks out against shuttering of agency supporting Maine libraries, museums

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02)

    WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) today joined more than 100 lawmakers urging President Donald Trump to restore the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the support for Maine museums and libraries that it provides. 

    “From early literacy programs and STEM education initiatives to high-speed internet access and job training resources, funding for the IMLS enables libraries and museums to provide critical services to millions of Americans,” Golden and the lawmakers wrote in a letter to the President. “The loss of this funding would be particularly devastating for rural, tribal, and other underserved communities that rely heavily on these institutions for access to learning resources, workforce development, and technological infrastructure.”

    President Trump named IMLS as one of seven agencies slated to be dismantled in a March 14 executive order. On Monday, the president put the agency’s entire staff on administrative leave.According to the American Federation of Government Employees union, “without staff to administer the programs, it is likely that most [IMLS] grants will be terminated.”

    The IMLS provides more than $1.8 million in discretionary and nondiscretionary funding to Maine organizations focused on education and workforce development, including the Maine State Library, Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries, Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine, and Maine Maritime Academy. It is the only federal agency dedicated to supporting library and museum services.

    “IMLS grants are an integral part of our services to rural Mainers. Specifically, they help smaller communities have access to information and resources that they otherwise would not have access to. I support Congressman Golden’s efforts to fight for these resources,” said Maine State Librarian Lori Fisher.

    Congress established the IMLS in 1996 to consolidate the operations of multiple government agencies into a single, streamlined office. Its most recent reauthorization came in 2018 during the first Trump administration.

    The letter can be found here, and is included below in full:

    +++

    April 2, 2025

    The Honorable Donald J. Trump
    President
    The White House
    1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW
    Washington, D.C. 20500

    Dear President Trump,

    We write to express our deep concern over the proposed elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the devastating impact such cuts would have on communities throughout the country. 

    The IMLS is the only federal agency dedicated to supporting America’s museums and libraries. Operating in all 50 states and U.S. territories, it plays a vital role in strengthening these institutions which serve as essential educational, cultural, and economic pillars in our communities. From early literacy programs and STEM education initiatives to high-speed internet access and job training resources, funding for the IMLS enables libraries and museums to provide critical services to millions of Americans. The loss of this funding would be particularly devastating for rural, tribal, and other underserved communities that rely heavily on these institutions for access to learning resources, workforce development, and technological infrastructure.

    Beyond their valuable contributions to education and social development, museums and libraries also serve as significant economic drivers. The American Alliance of Museums reports that museums alone contribute more than $50 billion to the U.S. economy each year and support over 726,000 jobs. Museums have immense power to draw tourism and foot traffic to other local businesses and revitalize communities. For every $1 that museums and other nonprofit cultural organizations receive in government funding, they return more than $5 in tax revenue. They also have broad public support, with 96% of Americans wanting to maintain or increase federal funding for museums. Libraries similarly generate economic returns through workforce training

    programs, small business support, and research services. Nearly all of the approximately 17,000 public libraries across the nation offer Wi-Fi access at no charge, and in 2019, Americans accessed the Internet using library computers close to 224 million times. This includes millions of students who lack adequate broadband access at home and rely on libraries to complete their homework. Despite this, IMLS funding accounts for a mere 0.0046% of the federal budget, an incredibly modest investment relative to the immense benefits these institutions provide.

    Eliminating the IMLS would not only jeopardize these essential services but also dismiss the everyday needs of millions of Americans who rely on libraries and museums for learning, job opportunities, and community engagement. We urge the Administration to reconsider this decision and recognize the far-reaching impact of IMLS funding. Maintaining and strengthening federal support for museums and libraries is not just an investment in cultural preservation, it is an investment in education, innovation, and economic growth.

    Thank you for your attention to this important matter. We look forward to working with you to ensure that America’s libraries and museums continue to thrive and serve the public.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Davids Works to Cut Waste Through Improper Medicaid Payments for Deceased Beneficiaries

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3)

    Today, Representative Sharice Davids announced her support for bipartisan legislation to stop improper Medicaid payments for deceased individuals that had gone unnoticed. A recent Office of Inspector General (OIG) report of just 14 states found more than $249 million in improper payments. Davids continues to support strengthening and expanding Medicaid, but also prioritizes the responsible use of taxpayer dollars. 

    According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the Medicaid improper payment rate was just 5 percent in 2023, marking an 3.5 percent decrease from the previous year. Of those improper payments, 79 percent were due to insufficient documentation, which typically involved situations where a state or provider missed an administrative step.

    “Kansans work hard and deserve to see their tax dollars used wisely,” said Davids. “While I strongly support expanding Medicaid to ensure more people have access to affordable health care, it’s also important to eliminate wasteful spending where possible — and do so responsibly. It’s unacceptable for these funds to be improperly paid out instead of going to those who truly need them. This bipartisan bill is a common-sense solution to improve oversight, reduce waste, and ensure accountability in government spending — without the extreme and reckless cuts that undermine critical programs.”

    The Leveraging Integrity and Verification of Eligibility for (LIVE) Beneficiaries Act, which Davids voted to pass last year, would require states to check the Social Security Administration’s Death Master File database on a quarterly basis and verify that Medicaid patients are not deceased and still properly enrolled in the program. Should there be discrepancies, state Medicaid programs would be required to disenroll deceased beneficiaries to prevent Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) from improperly billing for those who are no longer living. 

    The federal audit found that over $249 million in Medicaid payments were improperly made to MCOs on behalf of deceased individuals in 14 states — the cause cited as “various reasons.” In this audit, OIG recommends that CMS improve its oversight by developing a system to match Medicaid enrollment data with the Social Security Administration’s death records to identify states that may be making improper payments.

    Last month, Davids held a press conference to push back against President Trump and U.S. House Republicans’ proposed Medicaid cuts to fund tax giveaways for billionaires and big corporations. These cuts would have severe consequences for Kansans, threatening the well-being of children, seniors, people with disabilities, and working families. Davids firmly believes that the bill announced today offers a responsible approach to eliminating fraud — without resorting to reckless, politically-driven actions that harm hardworking Kansans.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Davids Statement on Trump’s Reckless Tariffs that Will Raise Prices

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3)

    Today, Representative Sharice Davids issued the following statement in response to President Trump’s newly enacted tariffs, which impact a range of industries and foreign markets:

    “I agree that America must stay competitive globally, but Kansans are already feeling the squeeze — and now they’ll have to foot the bill for President Trump’s reckless tariffs. His trade policies are driving up grocery costs, forcing Kansas businesses to close, and cutting off markets for our farmers. Instead of supporting hardworking folks, he continues to push policies — including cuts to Social Security and Medicare — that benefit big corporations and his billionaire friends. That’s unacceptable. I’m focused on pursuing smart trade agreements that strengthen American industries without putting jobs and small businesses at risk.”

    Background:

    Today, President Donald Trump announced tariffs of at least 10 percent on practically all goods coming into the United States, plus higher rates on certain countries. Experts say President Trump’s tariff policy could raise prices for an array of products ranging from groceries to gas, the latter rising by as much as 70 cents per gallon. Overall, it’s estimated these tariffs could cost families between $2,000 and $3,400 per year and impact seven percent of Kansas’ workforce. The right-leaning Tax Foundation found previous tariffs enacted during President Trump’s first term were paid for by U.S. consumers and businesses.

    Davids previously wrote an essay in Newsweek criticizing President Donald Trump’s recent executive orders, arguing that they will hurt hardworking Kansans and favor corporations. She reinforced these concerns during a U.S. House Agriculture Committee hearing, where she highlighted the trade disruptions Kansas agricultural producers could face due to these tariffs — a concern echoed by Kansas Farm Bureau President Joe Newland.

    Beyond tariffs, Davids has been pushing back against the President’s harmful policies — fighting against the firing of federal workers, cuts to Social Security and Medicaid, rising egg prices, the dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education, and rollbacks to tax credits that help Kansans lower their utility bills. At the same time, she has worked across the aisle to get things done. Partnering with her Republican colleagues, Davids is helping to cut wasteful spending in federal programs, modernize USPS delivery in Olathe, and lower child care costs. She has also already passed two bipartisan bills to support small businesses — a rare achievement for a Democrat in Washington right now.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Kansan Highlights Trump’s Threat to KanCare in New KC Star Essay

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3)

    Today, in a Kansas City Star essay, a health care policy expert and Prairie Village mother shines a light on the dangerous cuts to Medicaid, known as KanCare in Kansas, being pushed by President Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress — and the work Representative Sharice Davids is doing to stop them.

    Today’s piece highlights that, despite President Trump’s promises to protect Medicaid, nonpartisan experts confirm his and U.S. House Republicans’ budget would make cuts to the program. Their plan risks the health care of over 350,000 Kansans — including children, seniors, and people with disabilities — all while funding tax giveaways for billionaires and large corporations.

    Davids is a strong advocate for protecting and expanding Medicaid, fighting against recent extreme budget cuts to the program. She is working to expand Medicaid to cover 150,000 more Kansans, strengthen rural hospitals, and boost the state’s economy. She also supports extending postpartum Medicaid coverage to 12 months to improve maternal health and is pushing for bipartisan solutions that lower costs without jeopardizing care.

    Read the full essay here or below:

    “As a parent, lifelong Kansan, and longtime health care policy analyst, I’ve seen firsthand how essential Medicaid is to families across our state. Medicaid — known as KanCare in Kansas — provides health care to more than 350,000 of our neighbors, from children to older adults. But now, KanCare is under direct threat from President Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress, and the consequences for Kansas families could be devastating.

    “Despite repeated promises that they wouldn’t cut Medicaid, Trump and Republicans are pushing forward with plans to do just that. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office has confirmed that their budget proposal can’t be achieved without slashing Medicaid and Medicare benefits. This is heartbreaking and terrifying.

    “Cuts to Medicaid would directly harm children, who represent the vast majority of Medicaid recipients in our state. They would also directly impact older Kansas and our friends and neighbors with intellectual and developmental disabilities, traumatic brain injuries and severe mental illness. These are people who depend on Medicaid for health care services and support to help them live independently.

    “Worse, our KanCare benefits would be cut in order to fund Trump’s tax giveaways for billionaires and large corporations. Republicans need these cuts to meet their budget goals, but cutting Medicaid would put thousands of Kansans at risk of losing their health insurance.

    “This isn’t just a Washington issue — it’s a Kansas problem. In communities where I’ve lived here, I’ve seen firsthand how vital KanCare is to families. Children like those I worked with at Children’s Mercy Hospital need KanCare for everything from well-child visits to allergy tests. I heard directly from families about their struggles with food insecurity, housing instability and chronic health conditions. Without KanCare, they would face the impossible decision of choosing between food and necessary medical care. 

    “KanCare isn’t just vital for health — it’s a smart financial investment. During President George W. Bush’s administration, I had the opportunity to work with the federal Office of Inspector General’s Kansas City office. Through that experience and later working as a health policy analyst in Topeka, I saw how KanCare reduces costs and produces better outcomes by providing home and community-based services instead of forcing people to pay more for care at a hospital or nursing home.

    “Slashing KanCare would also lead to hospital closures, particularly for small rural hospitals, such as the one in which my husband was born. The closing of rural hospitals and safety net clinics across our state would further strain our health care system, forcing many Kansans to travel farther for essential care. The real waste would be the health and well-being of our community.

    “That’s why we need leaders like Rep. Sharice Davids, who is fighting to protect KanCare and ensure Kansas families aren’t left behind as Trump and Republicans push extreme cuts. But Davids can’t do this alone.

    “I’ve been calling our U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall and demanding they stand with us — not with Trump’s plan that puts tax breaks for the ultrawealthy over the health of our friends, family and communities. I invite you to do the same. It’s time for all congressional Republicans to stop siding with special interests and start listening to Kansans who rely on KanCare for their health and well-being.

    “We can’t afford to let reckless decisions in Washington harm Kansas families. I’m committed to fighting to ensure KanCare remains a program that supports every Kansan. The stakes are too high, and the time to act is now.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Trahan Reintroduces Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Improve Access to Diagnostic Services at Home

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03), a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Health Subcommittee, was joined by
    Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne (R-TX-24), Congressman Brad Schneider (D-IL-10) and Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA-01) in reintroducing the Portable Ultrasound Reimbursement Equity (PURE) Act, a bill that aims to provide Medicare beneficiaries with more flexibility for care through an update to Medicare reimbursement for portable diagnostic services to include ultrasound procedures. The lawmakers were joined by Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and John Cornyn (R-TX) in introducing the bicameral legislation. 
    “When patients need lifesaving ultrasound services but can’t reach a hospital, they’re often left without other options. The Portable Ultrasound Reimbursement Equity Act closes that gap by enabling portable ultrasounds to reach patients directly at their bedsides, allowing for rapid diagnosis of serious conditions like blood clots, heart failure, and abdominal disease,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “This bipartisan, bicameral legislation leverages cutting-edge portable ultrasound technology to make health care more accessible and affordable for those in our communities who need it most.”
    The legislation aims to recognize portable ultrasound procedures and provide the same transportation reimbursement that Medicare currently allows for portable x-ray services. Advances in technology have made portable ultrasound machines more compact and lightweight with improved imaging capabilities. This has led to an increased demand for these high-quality imaging services to be administered at the bedside enabling the rapid diagnosis of patients for a range of acute and chronic conditions, including blood clots, heart failure, or abdominal disease. Yet, outdated Medicare policy has not kept pace to allow providers of portable diagnostic services to receive reimbursement for ultrasound procedures.
     “Our bill offers an important step to modernize our health care system and ensure seniors receive the high-quality care they deserve,” said Congresswoman Van Duyne. “The Portable Ultrasound Reimbursement Equity Act (PURE Act) will expand access to lifesaving portable ultrasound services and remove the burdensome red tape facing North Texas medical providers, allowing them to provide better, more flexible care. By recognizing portable ultrasounds under Medicare’s reimbursement structure, we will improve care for vulnerable populations and prevent unnecessary hospital visits, lowering costs for patients and taxpayers.”
    “Our seniors need access to timely and medically appropriate services, regardless of where they reside,” said Congressman Schneider. “I am proud to help introduce the PURE Act to promote greater access to diagnostic services for individuals who require an ultrasound at home and help reduce unnecessary, avoidable hospitalizations.”
    “I am proud to support the Portable Ultrasound Reimbursement Equity Act of 2024, which ensures that seniors, especially those in rural areas, have access to critical healthcare services like ultrasound technology,” said Congresswoman Miller-Meeks. “This bill levels the playing field for Medicare patients and increases access to x-ray, ultrasound, and EKG screenings to make sure beneficiaries get the at-home care they need, no matter where they live. I thank Rep. Van Duyne for her leadership.”
    “Portable ultrasounds play a critical role in diagnosing potentially life-threatening conditions,” said Senator Cornyn. “By ensuring providers can be reimbursed for the transportation and set up of these exams, our legislation will help Medicare beneficiaries receive more efficient and effective care.”
    “APDA applauds Sen. Cornyn, Sen. Hassan, Rep. Van Duyne, Rep. Schneider, Rep. Miller-Meeks and Rep. Trahan for their bipartisan leadership to improve and expand access to portable ultrasound exams while lowering the cost of care for patients. The PURE Act will help ensure our members can continue to meet the growing demand across the country for portable diagnostic services to allow seniors and our most vulnerable to receive the treatment they need in the comfort of their own homes.” said Tamara Schwartz, President of the American Portable Diagnostics Association (APDA). 
    Since joining the House Energy and Commerce Committee in 2021, Trahan has consistently championed legislation that expands access to health care for working families. In February, she reintroduced the Accelerating Kids’ Access to Care Act, bipartisan legislation that will break down barriers for children with complex medical conditions to make it easier for families to access out-of-state care. In 2024, she introduced the Bolstering Research and Innovation Now (BRAIN) Act, bipartisan legislation to strengthen research and treatment development for brain tumors and to improve the accessibility of brain tumor health care. Also in 2024, Trahan introduced the Reinforcing Essential Health Systems for Communities Act, legislation that would establish an “essential health system” designation in federal law, creating opportunity for more federal funding and support to flow to safety net hospitals that traditionally support more uninsured and low-income patients.
    Click HERE for a copy of the legislation.
    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Trahan Rips Republican Bill to Disenfranchise 69 Million Women

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03), a member of House Democratic Leadership, spoke on the House floor in opposition to H.R. 22, the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, legislation that requires voters to provide a birth certificate, naturalization papers, or passport matching their current name to vote in a federal election. The legislation provides no alternative pathway for women who changed their name after marriage to prove their citizenship so they can cast their ballot.
    “House Republicans are forcing a vote this week on the so-called SAVE Act – a bill that does nothing to stop inflation from driving up grocery prices, nothing to end Donald Trump’s trade war that is pummeling the stock market, and nothing to protect Americans’ retirements,” Congresswoman Trahan said. “Instead, this is a messaging bill, sloppily written and dangerously flawed, designed to create confusion and chaos in our electoral system rather than strengthen it.”
    CLICK HERE or the image below to view Trahan’s speech. A transcript is embedded below.

    H.R. 22 requires that all Americans prove their citizenship status by providing an original copy of their birth certificate, naturalization papers, or passport matching their current name in person to register to vote or update their voter registration information. There are as many as 69 million American women who have taken their spouse’s name after marriage and do not have a birth certificate matching their legal name. Additionally, half of all Americans do not possess a passport.
    H.R. 22 provides no alternative option for these women to register to vote or amend their voter registration.
    “This isn’t just bureaucratic nonsense. It is an outrageous attack on the rights of women across our country,” Congresswoman Trahan continued. “And the worst part, Madam Speaker, is that Republicans have known that this was an issue with this bill for years, and they’ve done nothing to fix it. They either don’t care that millions of American women will be stripped of their right to vote, or that has been their goal all along.”
    ——————————————–

    Congresswoman Lori Trahan
    Remarks As Delivered
    Floor Speech on H.R. 22, The SAVE Act
    April 1, 2025
    Madam Speaker, we are witnessing yet another shameful attack on the fundamental rights of millions of Americans. House Republicans are forcing a vote this week on the so-called SAVE Act – a bill that does nothing to stop inflation from driving up grocery prices, nothing to end Donald Trump’s trade war that is pummeling the stock market, and nothing to protect Americans’ retirements.
    Instead, this is a messaging bill, sloppily written and dangerously flawed, designed to create confusion and chaos in our electoral system rather than strengthen it. The SAVE Act claims to prevent non-citizens from voting in federal elections. And at first glance, that may seem logical if not for the fact that it is already illegal and has been for decades. Non-citizens caught voting in federal elections already face deportation and even jail time.
    Time and again, when pressed for evidence of widespread non-citizen voting, Republicans have failed to produce a single credible example. The reason? Because the problem they claim to be solving simply doesn’t exist.
    So why are we here today? Why are we debating a bill that addresses a non-existent problem while hardworking American families are struggling with rising costs and economic insecurity?
    Because Republicans in Congress, they don’t have real solutions. Rather than addressing the issues that matter – like lowering grocery costs and helping families get ahead – they are prioritizing a bill that disenfranchises millions of American women. Roughly 69 million women – about 25% of eligible voters in our country – have IDs that do not match their birth certificates, usually because they changed their name once they got married. Under this bill, if they don’t have a passport – and half of Americans don’t – they wouldn’t be able to register to vote.
    Think about that. Tens of millions of women, the backbone of our families and our communities, stripped of their right to vote simply because they got married.
    Imagine a woman who has voted in every election since she turned 18, who pays her taxes, who contributes to her community. One day, she learns that because her name changed when she got married, she is suddenly unable to register to vote in her state. No amount of documentation – no social security card, no marriage license, no previous voter registration – will satisfy the requirements of this bill unless she possesses an updated passport or a birth certificate that matches her current name.
    This isn’t just bureaucratic nonsense. It is an outrageous attack on the rights of women across our country. And the worst part, Madam Speaker, is that Republicans have known that this was an issue with this bill for years, and they’ve done nothing to fix it. They either don’t care that millions of American women will be stripped of their right to vote, or that has been their goal all along.
    Either way, this is going to create chaos in every state in America, and it’s going to make it harder for Americans to participate in their democracy. And it appears to be the latest in a long series of tactics – like polling place closures and gerrymandering – designed to silence voters that Republican politicians don’t think they can win.
    That’s not how democracy works. You don’t get to silence millions of Americans just because they might not like your policies. You represent them too.
    So, I urge my colleagues to reject this dangerous legislation and protect the rights of every eligible voter in the country. Because our democracy is strongest when every voice is heard and every vote is counted. Thank you, I yield back.
    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Trahan, Cassidy, Ossoff Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation to Restore Americans’ Control Over Their Own Data

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03), a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade Subcommittee, partnered with Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and John Ossoff (D-GA) to reintroduce the Data Elimination and Limiting Extensive Tracking and Exchange (DELETE) Act. The bipartisan, bicameral legislation would establish a system through which individuals could request that all data brokers delete any personal data collected by the company and a prohibition on future collection.
    “Americans should be the ones in control of our own personal data – not shady online middlemen who harvest our most sensitive information and auction it off to the highest bidder,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “The DELETE Act puts power back where it belongs: in the hands of consumers. By giving individuals a simple, effective way to wipe their data from data brokers’ databases and block future collection, this bill takes a critical step toward protecting our privacy and reining in an industry that monetizes our data without our consent.”
    “Privacy should be expected and protected online,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This bill gives Americans a solution to ensure their personal data is not tracked, collected, bought or sold by data brokers.”
    “Data brokers are buying, collecting, and reselling vast amounts of personal information about all of us without our consent. This bipartisan bill is about returning control of our personal data to us, the American people,” said Senator Ossoff.
    The DELETE Act would direct the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to create an online dashboard for Americans to submit a one-time data deletion request that would be sent to all data brokers registered. Under current law, individuals must request removal from each individual data broker to ensure their privacy is protected. This legislation would also create a ‘do not track list’ to protect taxpayers from future data collection. The DELETE Act is supported by Public Knowledge.
    Since her appointment to the Energy and Commerce Committee, Trahan has spearheaded efforts to protect Americans’ most sensitive data, strengthen privacy rights, and protect consumers from corporate abuses. This March, she announced an effort to reform the Privacy Act of 1974, a 51-year-old law regulating how the federal government collects, maintains, utilizes, and disseminates Americans’ personally identifiable information. Also in March, she reintroduced the bipartisan Terms-of-service Labeling, Design and Readability (TLDR) Act, legislation requiring that online companies make their terms-of-service contracts more accessible, transparent, and understandable for consumers. In Energy and Commerce committee meetings and hearings, Trahan has consistently exposed and condemned exploitative business practices that violate Americans’ online privacy. 
    Supported by a strong track record, Trahan has earned a reputation of challenging the practices of data brokers. In 2022, she first introduced the DELETE Act to rein in data brokers’ shady behaviors. Following the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, she wrote to top data brokers questioning their handling of women’s health and reproductive data in light of the decision. Trahan blasted the companies after their responses failed to adequately address concerns about how this data could be used to target women seeking reproductive care, including issues raised by Massachusetts leaders.
    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pressley, Chu, Repro. Caucus, Dem. Women’s Caucus Press RFK Jr. to Unfreeze Title X Funding, Restore Access to Critical Reproductive Care

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

    Members express outrage at Trump administration claims that Title X is frozen because it is DEI, stating “A federal program’s ability to provide care to people from historically marginalized and underserved communities does not make it wrong or illegal”

    Text of Letter (PDF)

    WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswomen Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) and Diana DeGette, Co-Chairs of the Reproductive Freedom Caucus, along with Democratic Women’s Caucus (DWC) Reproductive Health Care Task Force Chair & Liaison Judy Chu (CA-28), DWC Chair Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03), Reproductive Freedom Caucus Vice Chair & Whip Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), author of the Expanding Access to Family Planning Act Rep. Sharice Davids (KS-03), and Democratic Women’s Caucus Chief Whip Nikema Williams (GA-05), sent a letter signed by 162 Members urging Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to restore all appropriated funding for Title X providers and coordinate an urgent meeting on the matter. The Trump administration’s attack on Title X is yet another attack on women and reproductive health care. 

    Title X, the nation’s only federal program dedicated to family planning, allows low-income, uninsured, or underinsured individuals to receive critical health care from a diverse network of providers. Title X health centers served 2.8 million people in FY 2023, administering high-quality family planning and sexual health care, including cancer screenings, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, contraceptive services and supplies, pregnancy testing, and other essential health care services. In the letter, the Members ask Sec. Kennedy to immediately unfreeze funds for federal programs: 

    “We urge you to restore all appropriated funding for Title X providers and instead invest fully in the program which has helped people access essential health care for almost 50 years. On behalf of our 2.8 million constituents and women across the country who depend on Title X’s services, we also request a prompt reply to coordinate a meeting on this matter. We look forward to introducing you to the providers, community leaders, and patients from our districts who understand better than anyone else the importance of this program. We hope your agency will not be so reckless as to upend nearly half a century of bipartisan achievement and place Title X on the DOGE chopping block without hearing firsthand the consequences of that action.”

    The Members also expressed their outrage at reports that the funding is frozen due to claims that it might support “diversity, equity, and inclusion.” The Members explained:

    “This is another way of saying that this program is used to help people of color access care. Nearly half of the people served each year by Title X are people of color, the vast majority are people with low-incomes and most Title X users are women. A federal program’s ability to provide care to people from historically marginalized and underserved communities does not make it wrong or illegal. To suggest otherwise implies that HHS would determine who is worthy of taxpayer dollars based on the color of their skin. Congress created Title X to address the needs of underserved populations across our country, regardless of background, and it has demonstrated success in doing so for 50 years.”

    The full letter can be accessed here.

    In addition to letter leads Judy Chu, Diana DeGette, Ayanna Pressley, Teresa Leger Fernández, Lizzie Fletcher, Sharice Davids, and Nikema Williams, the letter was signed by: Gwen S. Moore, Chrissy Houlahan, Delia C. Ramirez, Frederica S. Wilson, Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Gerald E. Connolly, Dwight Evans, LaMonica McIver, Lori Trahan, Danny K. Davis, Eugene Simon Vindman, Nydia M. Velázquez, Brad Sherman, Rashida Tlaib, Darren Soto, Joyce Beatty, Seth Moulton, Marc A. Veasey, Jerrold Nadler, Madeleine Dean, Laura Friedman, John B. Larson, Juan Vargas, Nanette Diaz Barragán, Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, Becca Balint, Stephen F. Lynch, Betty McCollum, Lloyd Doggett, Jennifer L. McClellan, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Mikie Sherrill, Rick Larsen, Derek T. Tran, Greg Stanton, Jimmy Panetta, Paul D. Tonko, Jill Tokuda, Dave Min, Terri A. Sewell, Jake Auchincloss, Jared Huffman, James P. McGovern, Mary Gay Scanlon, Mark DeSaulnier, Dina Titus, Bonnie Watson Coleman, Scott H. Peters, Doris Matsui, Emanuel Cleaver, Suzanne Bonamici, Grace Meng, Lucy McBath, Emilia Strong Sykes, Jim Himes, Joseph D. Morelle, Chellie Pingree, Josh Gottheimer, Veronica Escobar, Jasmine Crockett, Kathy Castor, Zoe Lofgren, Mike Quigley, Jan Schakowsky, Kevin Mullin, Greg Landsman, Marilyn Strickland, Pramila Jayapal, Ted W. Lieu, Robert J. Menendez, Jim Costa, Ilhan Omar, Timothy M. Kennedy, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Robin L. Kelly, Sara Jacobs, Ritchie Torres, Bennie G. Thompson, Gilbert Ray Cisneros, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Adriano Espaillat, Sarah McBride, Luz M. Rivas, Ami Bera, Seth Magaziner, Andrea Salinas, Lois Frankel, Melanie Stansbury, Mike Thompson, Julia Brownley, Summer L. Lee, Deborah K. Ross, Nikki Budzinski, Lateefah Simon, Julie Johnson, Kelly Morrison, Lauren Underwood, Yassamin Ansari, Mark Takano, Chris Pappas, Shri Thanedar, Mark Pocan, Maxine Dexter, Donald Norcross, Hillary J. Scholten, Ro Khanna, Sarah Elfreth, Jahana Hayes, André Carson, Jimmy Gomez, Raul Ruiz, Angie Craig, Norma J. Torres, Gregory W. Meeks, Val Hoyle, Maggie Goodlander, Salud Carbajal, Sylvia R. Garcia, George Latimer, Gabe Amo, Kristen McDonald Rivet, Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Shontel M. Brown, Suhas Subramanyam, Katherine M. Clark, Nancy Pelosi, Johnny Olszewski, Alma S. Adams, William R. Keating, Donald S. Beyer Jr., Ed Case, Glenn Ivey, Suzan K. DelBene, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Dan Goldman, Joaquin Castro, Sean Casten, Brittany Pettersen, Debbie Dingell, Chris Deluzio, Wesley Bell, Mike Levin, Bill Foster, Pete Aguilar, Bradley Scott Schneider, Greg Casar, Valerie P. Foushee, Al Green, Kim Schrier, Maxwell Alejandro Frost, John Garamendi, Joe Courtney, Steve Cohen, Troy A. Carter, and Robert C. “Bobby” Scott.

    Yesterday, Congresswoman Pressley rallied with Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA), colleagues, and advocates outside the U.S. Supreme Court during oral arguments in Medina v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, which could allow states to block Medicaid patients from accessing routine care at Planned Parenthood health centers.

    Rep. Pressley has also spoken out against Republican attempts to gut Medicaid and delivered an impassioned speech slamming Republicans’ cruel and callous budget resolution that would slash Medicaid and other critical government services to pay for trillions of dollars in tax giveaways for Donald Trump’s billionaire donors.

    In her personal capacity throughout her time in Congress, Rep. Pressley has fought persistently to protect fundamental reproductive and sexual healthcare rights. 

    • On the anniversary of the Dobbs decision, Rep. Pressley introduced the Abortion Justice Act, sweeping, intersectional legislation to address access to abortion care and put forth a comprehensive vision of a just America where abortion care is readily available—without stigma, shame or systemic barriers—for all who seek it, regardless of zip code, immigration status, income, or background.
    • Rep. Pressley is a lead co-sponsor of the Women’s Health Protection Act (WHPA), bicameral federal legislation to guarantee equal access to abortion care, everywhere. 
    • Rep. Pressley is also a lead co-sponsor of the EACH Act, bold legislation to repeal the Hyde Amendment and help guarantee abortion coverage—regardless of how a patient gets their health insurance.
    • Shortly before the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade, Rep. Pressley led a group of her Black women colleagues in writing to President Biden urging him to declare a public health emergency amid the unprecedented threats to abortion rights nationwide. 
    • Rep. Pressley condemned the Supreme Court’s leaked draft opinion to overturn Roe v. Wade., and implored the Senate to protect abortion rights and slammed the white supremacist roots of anti-abortion efforts.
    • In October 2024, Rep. Pressley issued a statement on Josseli Barnica, who died on Sept. 3, 2021 after being denied emergency abortion care in Texas as she suffered a miscarriage.
    • In September 2024, in a House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee Hearing, Rep. Pressley highlighted the harmful and deadly impact of abortion bans in America to date, and outlined in detail the shameful circumstances under which Amber Nicole Thurman died after being denied necessary abortion care in Georgia.
    • In June 2024, Rep. Pressley issued a statement on the Supreme Court’s ruling in Idaho v. United States; Moyle v. United States – the case about whether emergency abortion care is included under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA). 
    • In May 2024, Rep. Pressley issued a statement on a Louisiana bill that would classify medication abortion drugs mifepristone and misoprostol as controlled substances. 
    • In April 2024, at a House Oversight Committee hearing, Rep. Pressley played “Fact or Fiction” with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Robert Califf to emphasize the safety and efficacy of medication abortion drug mifepristone.
    • In August 2023, Rep. Pressley issued a statement on the Fifth Circuit Court decision in Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine v. FDA.
    • In July 2023, Rep. Pressley, alongside Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Rep. Cori Bush (MO-01), and Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), reintroduced the Reproductive Health Care Accessibility Act, legislation to help people with disabilities—who face discrimination and extra barriers when seeking care—get better access to reproductive healthcare and the informed care they need to control their own reproductive lives.
    • In July 2023, Rep. Pressley applauded the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) approval of over-the-counter birth control.
    • In May 2023, Rep. Pressley applauded the FDA Advisory Committee’s unanimous, 17-0 vote to recommend the approval of the first-ever application for over-the-counter birth control. She and Senator Murray also held a press conference applauding the decision and urging the FDA to approval over-the-counter birth control without delay.
    • In May 2023, Rep. Pressley, along with Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14) and Ami Bera, MD (CA-06) and Senators Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), reintroduced their bicameral Affordability is Access Act to ensure that once the FDA determines an over-the-counter birth control option to be safe, insurers fully cover over-the-counter birth control without any fees or out-of-pocket costs.
    • In April 2023, Rep. Pressley issued a statement condemning the Texas court ruling on mifepristone, and discussed the Texas case in a recent floor speech in which she affirmed medication abortion as routine medical care and access to mifepristone as essential. She later joined Governor Maura Healey, Senator Elizabth Warren (D-MA), and local leaders in announcing action to protect Mifepristone in Massachusetts.
    • In March 2023, Rep. Pressley, along with Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Reps. Schakowsky, Lee, DeGette, Torres and Strickland, reintroduced the Abortion is Healthcare Everywhere Act harmful and discriminatory Helms Amendment and expand abortion access globally.
    • In March 2023, Rep. Pressley and Senator Hirono led their colleagues in reintroducing a bicameral congressional resolution honoring abortion providers and clinic staff. 
    • In March 2023, Rep. Pressley delivered a speech in which she discussed the pending court case in Texas, which aims to restrict access to medication abortion across the entire nation. In her remarks, Rep. Pressley affirmed medication abortion as routine medical care, and accessibility to the abortion pill mifepristone as essential.
    • In September 2021, Rep. Pressley issued a statement condemning the Supreme Court’s inaction on SB-8, Texas’ restrictive abortion law. Later that month, she participated in a House Oversight Committee hearing to examine the threat posed by abortion bans and underscored the urgency of the Senate passing the Women’s Health Protection Act. 
    • In April 2021, Rep. Pressley, along with Congresswomen Barbara Lee (CA-13), Diana DeGette (CO-01) and Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), led a group of 131 Democratic members in reintroducing the Equal Access to Abortion Coverage in Health Insurance Act or the EACH Act, which would repeal the Hyde Amendment and ensure that all people, regardless of income, insurance or zip code, can make personal reproductive healthcare decisions without interference from politicians. She re-Introduced the legislation In January 2023.
    • Rep. Pressley has led calls in Congress for the FDA to remove medically unnecessary restrictions on the medication abortion drug mifepristone, and applauded the FDA’s action in January 2023 to allow retail pharmacies to dispense abortion medication pills.
    • As Chair of the Pro-Choice Caucus’s Abortion Rights and Access Task Force, Congresswoman Pressley has led the fight to repeal the Hyde Amendments from annual Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies appropriations bills and in July 2020 published a Medium post on the importance of doing so. She applauded the removal of the Hyde Amendment in President Biden’s FY2022 budget.
    • In May 2020, she led more than 155 Members of Congress in calling on House Democratic leadership to ensure that any future COVID-19 relief packages rejected Republican efforts to use the public health crisis to diminish abortion access.
    • In August 2021, Rep. Pressley, Oversight Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney, and Pro-Choice Caucus Co-Chairs Reps. Diana DeGette and Barbara Lee led more than 70 of their House Democratic colleagues in introducing a resolution in support of equitable, science-based policies governing access to medication abortion care. 
    • In January 2023, Rep. Pressley introduced a resolution to condemn all forms of political violence in the U.S., regardless of its target or intent. That same day, she delivered a powerful speech on the House floor slamming Republicans’ harmful, misleading anti-abortion resolution.
    • In September 2022, Rep. Pressley hosted U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra at the Codman Square Health Center in Dorchester for a convening on their work to address the Black maternal health crisis and the criminalization of abortion care in states across the nation following the harmful U.S. Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health. 
    • In May 2019, she led more than 100 colleagues in introducing H.Con.Res.40, a resolution reaffirming the House of Representative’s support for Roe v. Wade.
    • In June 2019, Rep. Pressley introduced H.R. 3296, the Affordability is Access Act, to make oral contraception available without a prescription. 
    • In September 2016, as a member of the Boston City Council, Pressley championed a resolution calling on Congress and President Obama to repeal the Hyde Amendment and reinstate insurance coverage for abortion services.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Representative Haley Stevens (D-MI) Statement on Continuing Resolution

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11)

    “Today, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle wrote a blank check to Elon Musk to further defund Congressional priorities, while cutting housing assistance, failing to fully fund nutrition programs for seniors, and reneging on additional money for American veterans exposed to toxic fumes while serving our country.

    I could not in good conscience vote for a one-year funding proposal that leaves communities out and does not fulfill the funding promises from last year’s bipartisan deal.

    Michigan cannot afford Elon Musk’s shutdown and a funding proposal without the guardrails to keep him from taking his chainsaw to the agencies delivering the services Americans rely on, like SNAP and Medicaid.

    I would happily vote for bipartisan appropriations legislation that expands access to housing, provides veterans exposed to burn pits care, and fully funds the CHIPS and Science Act.

    My colleagues on the other side of the aisle, however, refused to reach across, so I will leave this mess to them.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto, Van Hollen Reintroduce Bicameral Legislation to Fully Fund Special Education

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto
    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) joined Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) in reintroducing bicameral legislation to ensure Congress fulfills its commitment to fund the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA). IDEA was passed 50 years ago, but it has never received the funding it is owed, so the IDEA Full Funding Act would put Congress on a fiscally responsible path to fully fund the program. While fully funding IDEA has been a decades-long fight, it is all the more important now that President Trump has vowed to dismantle the Department of Education, putting special education across the country at risk.
    “Across Nevada, I have heard from the parents of children with disabilities, and all they want is for their children to have the same opportunities as any other child,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “The government has already committed to fund the IDEA program, yet it has consistently failed to do so. This legislation fulfills the government’s promise and provides essential funding for schools across the Silver State.”
    Under IDEA, the federal government committed to pay 40 percent of the average per pupil expenditure for special education; however, that pledge has never been met. According to the Congressional Research Service, current funding is at less than 12 percent, and the IDEA shortfall in the 2024-2025 school year nationwide was $38.66 billion. The IDEA Full Funding Act would require regular, mandatory increases in IDEA spending to finally meet our obligation to America’s children and schools.
    This legislation is supported by a broad and diverse group of over 50 national organizations, including The School Superintendent Association (AASA), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), American Occupational Therapy Association, Assistive Technology Industry Association, Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO), Autism Society of America, Center for Learner Equity, Council for Exceptional Children, Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities, National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), National Center for Learning Disabilities, National Down Syndrome Congress, National Education Association, and The Arc of the United States.
    The full text of the legislation can be found here.
    Senator Cortez Masto has delivered critical support to students and schools across Nevada. Cortez Masto’s legislation to increase the number of mental health professionals in schools was included in the bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which was signed into law. In addition, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law included three of Cortez Masto’s bipartisan bills to boost transportation safety for students, expand internet access for both rural and urban schools, and update old school infrastructure. The Senator has also championed bipartisan Reaching English Learners Act to create a competitive grant program to fund partnerships between institutions of higher education and high-need school districts to provide training for new English-language teachers.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murkowski, Kaine Introduce Legislation to Bolster Commercial Fishing Industry

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Lisa Murkowski
    04.03.25
    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Tim Kaine (D-VA), introduced legislation vital to the fishing industry, the economy, and the food supply chain. The Save Our Seafood (SOS) Act would exempt fish processors from the H-2B visa caps in order to help the seafood industry meet workforce demands.
    “Alaska’s seafood industry is a delicate chain – and when processors don’t have the workforce to meet demand, the whole industry can fall apart,” said Senator Murkowski. “Coastal communities, family-owned fishing boats, and Alaskans who work in the industry need to know that they have fully-functioning operations where they can deliver their catch. Through this legislation, I’m working to ensure that the industry has a dependable workforce that can process and deliver the highest-quality seafood in the world.”
    “The seafood industry is a critical part of Virginia’s economy, especially in Hampton Roads and on the Eastern Shore,” said Senator Kaine. “I often hear from Virginia’s seafood processors about how hard it is to find seasonal workers, so I’m glad to introduce this bipartisan legislation with my colleagues to make it easier for these businesses to hire the workers they need.” 
    “Virginia’s seafood industry relies on seasonal, H2-B workers to help meet demand during peak season,” said Senator Warner. “Without this workforce, many of Virginia’s seafood processors would simply have to close up shop. I’m glad to introduce this legislation that will help Virginia’s businesses by ensuring they have the labor needed to keep their operations up and running.”
    “When you think Louisiana, you think seafood,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Creating jobs in this industry is good for our economy and state.”
    “Maryland’s seafood businesses – most of which are small and family-owned – not only process the iconic blue crabs that our state is known for, they are also a key economic driver for our state and the region. While I push every year to ensure the Administration makes the maximum number of H-2B visas available for the seafood industry, the uncertainty our small businesses face threatens their success and ultimately their ability to keep running. This legislation provides a permanent, tailored fix for the H-2B program to better position Maryland’s seafood businesses to consistently meet their seasonal workforce needs while also supporting American jobs. This long-term legislative solution – along with our ongoing fight to protect the workers in this industry – are critical to the enduring success of Maryland’s cherished seafood businesses,” said Senator Van Hollen.
    “There’s nothing more Maryland than crabs,” said Senator Alsobrooks. “Making sure we have the workforce we need so everyone can continue enjoying this Maryland staple is what this bipartisan bill is all about.”
    “PSPA strongly supports this legislation and appreciates the leadership of Senator Murkowski on this issue,” said Julie Decker, President of the Pacific Seafood Processors Association. “Alaska produces nearly 60 percent of all U.S. seafood. In order to do this, Alaska seafood processors need a workforce in our highly remote coastal communities, enabling fishermen to keep doing what they do best – providing nutritious food for Americans and the world. This legislation would help ensure enough workers will be available to support Alaska’s seafood sector.”
    “We sincerely thank Senator Murkowski for her tireless leadership in addressing the critical workforce challenges facing the Alaska seafood industry,” said Kasey Simon, President of United Work and Travel. “By securing cap-exempt status for seafood workers in the H2B program, this legislation not only provides much-needed stability for America’s wild-harvest seafood industry but also strengthens the entire H2B ecosystem – ensuring that seasonal employers across multiple sectors have access to the labor they need. This is a commonsense solution that benefits businesses, workers, and coastal communities alike.”
    “I proudly support Senator Murkowski’s efforts to secure cap-exempt status for seafood production workers in the H2B program,” said Brian Gannon, Vice President of Government Relations and Global Partnerships at LaborMex. “LaborMex consistently supports legislation that strengthens America’s growers, harvesters, and fishers – those who are essential to US food production and food security. The men and women who fish our seas play a critical role ensuring that high-quality seafood reaches American tables. By addressing the workforce needs of this industry, this legislation bolsters economic resilience, safeguards US fisheries, and reinforces the long-term stability of America’s food supply.”
    “The ongoing uncertainty surrounding H-2B visa caps is one of the most significant challenges we face,” said Ben Bale, Chief Financial Officer of Ocean Companies. “Making the H-2B program cap-exempt would eliminate this uncertainty, enabling us to plan production more effectively, support the local fishing industry, and enhance economic stability for our business, our employees, the community, and the guest workers who depend on these opportunities.”
    “The Chesapeake Bay Seafood Industries Association applauds the reintroduction of the Save Our Seafood Act. Since 1989 Maryland Seafood Processors have used and depended on the H-2B non-agricultural seasonal visa work program to staff these traditional seasonal jobs. These hardworking people who come to Maryland every season under this very important program support thousands of jobs of American citizens and small seafood businesses around Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay that also support seafood processors. Due to the scarcity of H-2B visas, Maryland has lost more than 40 of its seafood processing companies, located mostly in rural areas around the Bay, since the 90s – and now we have less than a dozen left. Maryland Watermen continue to demonstrate year after year the need, no matter the economic climate, for these seasonal workers. All of Maryland Seafood is extremely grateful that Senators Murkowski, Van Hollen, and their colleagues are reintroducing this bill to provide a permanent solution that will enable our seafood processors to meet their staffing needs every year and save our vital seafood industry,” said Jack Brooks, President of the Chesapeake Bay Seafood Industries Association.
    Background
    H-2B visas allow domestic employers to temporarily hire nonimmigrants to perform nonagricultural labor or services if they cannot fill these jobs with American workers. Employers must first obtain certification from the Department of Labor and then complete an application process through the Department of Homeland Security to obtain these visas.
    The program is crucial to the survival of the seafood industry, particularly now when it has been under attack by Russian over harvesting and price gouging. When fish are harvested, processors are at the back of the line for visas and rely on “supplemental” visas being issued, which are discretionary. If there is not sufficient processing capacity, fishermen have nowhere to deliver their catch, and do not get paid, which is devastating to small, family-owned fishing operations, and the communities they live in.  The supply chain also suffers when this healthy food source is prevented from hitting the market.
    This legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Dr. Bill Cassidy (R-LA), John Kennedy (R-LA), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Mark Warner (D-VA).

    MIL OSI USA News –