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  • MIL-OSI USA: Wasserman Schultz, Soto Demand Answers on Trump’s Venezuela TPS Reversal, Secret Talks with Maduro Regime

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23)

    “Given Venezuela’s increased instability, repression, and lack of safety, and within all applicable rules and regulations, we demand more information on why the Department has made this decision,” the Members said in the letter. “The only justification that has been offered by the Administration is the false claim that all Venezuelans are ‘dirt bags’, ‘violent criminals’, or the ‘worst of the worst’.”

    Washington D.C. – Today, U.S. Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) and Darren Soto (FL-9) led several Democratic colleagues in a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem denouncing the Department of Homeland Security’s decision to abandon the extension of the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Venezuela established under the Biden Administration earlier this month. The letter was signed by Florida Reps. Kathy Castor (FL-14), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Lois Frankel (FL-22), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), and Frederica Wilson (FL-24), as well as senior Congressional Hispanic Caucus Reps. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Lou Correa (CA-46), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), and Linda Sanchez (CA-38).

    “Given Venezuela’s increased instability, repression, and lack of safety, and within all applicable rules and regulations, we demand more information on why the Department has made this decision,” the Members said in the letter. “The only justification that has been offered by the Administration is the false claim that all Venezuelans are ‘dirt bags’, ‘violent criminals’, or the ‘worst of the worst’.”

    Several outlets have reported that the Administration is considering an agreement to preserve sanctions loopholes, which allow companies like Chevron and the Maduro regime to jointly profit from the sale of Venezuelan oil, in exchange for allowing the mass deportation of Venezuelan TPS recipients in the U.S.

    The Members criticized the Trump Administration for negotiating a “corrupt bargain with Maduro,” citing secret meetings between Trump-appointed Special Envoy Ric Grenell and the Maduro regime and demanding a briefing on the matter.

    “Returning Venezuelan immigrants to a dictatorship that engages in torture, extrajudicial murder, and systematic abuse of human rights would be a death sentence for many of our friends and neighbors,” stated the Members. “This is particularly irresponsible after the Administration unilaterally cut off all funding in support of democracy, civil society, and humanitarian purposes for Venezuelans.”

    Read the entire letter here.

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    Wasserman Schultz y Soto exigen respuestas sobre la revocación del TPS de Venezuela por parte de Trump y las conversaciones secretas con el régimen de Maduro

    Washington D.C. – Hoy, los representantes estadounidenses Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) y Darren Soto (FL-9) encabezaron una carta de varios colegas demócratas dirigida al Secretario de Estado, Marco Rubio, y a la Secretaria de Seguridad Nacional, Kristi Noem, denunciando la decisión del Departamento de Seguridad Nacional de abandonar la extensión de la designación del Estatus de Protección Temporal (TPS) para Venezuela establecida bajo la Administración Biden a principios de este mes. La carta fue firmada por los representantes de Florida Kathy Castor (FL-14), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Lois Frankel (FL-22), Maxwell Frost (FL-10) y Frederica Wilson (FL-24), así como los representantes de alto rango del Caucus Hispano del Congreso: Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Verónica Escobar (TX-16), Lou Correa (CA-46), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), y Linda Sanchez (CA-38).

    “Dada la creciente inestabilidad, represión y falta de seguridad en Venezuela, y dentro de todas las reglas y regulaciones aplicables, exigimos más información sobre por qué el Departamento ha tomado esta decisión”, dijeron los Miembros en la carta. “La única justificación que ha ofrecido la Administración es la falsa afirmación de que todos los venezolanos son ‘bolsas de basura’, ‘criminales violentos’ o ‘lo peor de lo peor’.”

    Varios medios han informado que la Administración está considerando un acuerdo para preservar las lagunas en las sanciones, que permiten a empresas como Chevron y el régimen de Maduro beneficiarse conjuntamente de la venta de petróleo venezolano, a cambio de permitir la deportación masiva de venezolanos beneficiarios del TPS en Estados Unidos.

    Los Miembros criticaron a la Administración Trump por negociar un “acuerdo corrupto con Maduro,” citando las reuniones secretas entre el diplomata Ric Grenell, asignado por Trump y el régimen de Maduro, exigiendo una sesión informativa sobre el asunto.

    “Devolver a los inmigrantes venezolanos a una dictadura que se dedica a la tortura, el asesinato extrajudicial y el abuso sistemático de los derechos humanos sería una sentencia de muerte para muchos de nuestros amigos y vecinos”, afirmaron los Miembros. “Esto es particularmente irresponsable después de que la Administración cortó unilateralmente todos los fondos en apoyo de la democracia, la sociedad civil y los fines humanitarios para los venezolanos.”

    Lea la carta completa aquí.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaptur, Murray Demand Answers on Trump Administration Freezing Energy Department Investments to Lower Americans’ Energy Costs

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09)

    Washington, DC — Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Senate Appropriations Committee Vice Chair and Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development Ranking Member wrote a letter to the Acting Secretary of the Department of Energy demanding answers about the Trump administration withholding critical investments to lower energy costs for American families and businesses, spur innovation, and strengthen our energy security. 

    In the letter, Kaptur and Murray state: “We write expressing deep concerns regarding the Department of Energy’s recent unlawful actions to halt programs that are imperative to the Department’s mission of ensuring America’s security and prosperity by addressing the nation’s energy, environmental, and nuclear challenges through transformative science and technology solutions.”

    “The Department’s actions to halt these programs will immediately contribute to rising energy costs for families and businesses, and they are a dereliction of the Department’s responsibility to carry out duly enacted spending laws,” Murray and Kaptur continued.  

    Kaptur and Murray note that President Trump’s executive order illegally freezing Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funding is creating unacceptable chaos, confusion, and harm. 

    In particular, they note that the order and a variety of other actions the administration has taken will hurt American families and businesses: “Stopping these programs is taking money from the pockets of Americans. For example, the Home Energy Rebates programs, funded by the IRA, has been putting money directly back in the hands of American households. The rebates help consumers save money on select home improvement projects that can lower energy bills by providing up to $14,000 per household in rebates. It is estimated that these programs will save households up to $1 billion per year on energy bills and support over 50,000 U.S. jobs. The President’s attempt to freeze the Home Energy Rebates Program means these costs will fall back on American consumers..” 

    Kaptur and Murray press the Department for answers about what funding it is currently freezing and other actions it is taking to halt critical programs, and concluded: “We hope you will work with us—not against us—to lower energy costs and help create good-paying jobs, but we demand that you follow the law as intended.” 

    A timeline of President Trump’s actions to freeze critical federal funding is available HERE. Fact sheets detailing how presidents lack power to unilaterally override spending laws and deny enacted funding to communities through impoundment can be found HERE and HERE.

    Full text of the letter is available HERE and below:

    January 31, 2025

     

     

    Ingrid C. Kolb

    Acting Secretary

    U.S. Department of Energy

    1000 Independence Ave., SW

    Washington, DC 20585

    Acting Secretary Kolb:

    We write expressing deep concerns regarding the Department of Energy’s (DOE) recent unlawful actions to halt programs that are imperative to the Department’s mission of ensuring America’s security and prosperity by addressing the nation’s energy, environmental, and nuclear challenges through transformative science and technology solutions. The Department’s actions to halt these programs will immediately contribute to rising energy costs for families and businesses, and they are a dereliction of the Department’s responsibility to carry out duly enacted spending laws.

    President Trump’s January 20, 2025, Executive Order 14154 seems to direct all agencies to immediately pause the disbursement of any funds appropriated through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) or the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The President’s Executive Order has abruptly frozen funding for an extremely broad array of investments in American communities, causing widespread chaos and confusion for American businesses and communities and threatening to raise energy costs for American families. The Trump administration’s memo freezing vast swaths of federal funds, its failed attempt to clarify the scope of the memo, and its subsequent rescission of the memo have created mass chaos and added to the confusion about what investments are currently being blocked. Today, our understanding is that much of the Departmental funding is still frozen. Moreover, the attached Department of Energy’s Secretarial Order on January 20, 2025, and the attached follow-up January 27, 2025, memorandum, paused all personnel actions; procurement announcements and actions; funding actions; release of reports, studies, congressional correspondence, and public announcements; Federal Register notices; and actions under the National Environmental Policy Act. Together, these actions halt a vast array of the Department’s essential programs—programs American families and businesses are counting on. 

    These actions will devastate programs that reduce energy consumption and increase affordability. Your administration will be raising energy costs for families and businesses and threatening to kill thousands of jobs. Continuing to freeze these investments—or permanently blocking them—will unravel critical progress the Department has made and cost American households and businesses dearly. Since 1980, energy efficiency technologies and improvements—made possible by programs like those currently halted by this administration—have saved Americans approximately $800 billion in energy costs. 

    Stopping these programs is taking money from the pockets of Americans. For example, the Home Energy Rebates programs, funded by the IRA, has been putting money directly back in the hands of American households. The rebates help consumers save money on select home improvement projects that can lower energy bills by providing up to $14,000 per household in rebates. It is estimated that these programs will save households up to $1 billion per year on energy bills and support over 50,000 U.S. jobs. The President’s attempt to freeze the Home Energy Rebates Program means these costs will fall back on American consumers. 

    In addition to raising energy costs for American families, the President’s Executive Order is illegal. The President may not unilaterally decide to ignore the laws passed by Congress and stop funding for programs just because he disagrees with their goals. The Government Accountability Office, the Department of Justice Office of Legal Counsel (including in an opinion written by future Chief Justice of the Supreme Court William H. Rehnquist), and the Supreme Court of the United States have all disavowed the notion of some “inherent Presidential power to impound,” as some in the Administration, as well as pending Administration nominees, have tried to argue without legal or textual basis.

    Not only does the Constitution vest the power of the purse with Congress and provide no power to the President to impound funds, but there have been several bedrock fiscal statutes enacted to protect Congress’ constitutional power of the purse and prevent unlawful executive overreach, including the Antideficiency Act and the Impoundment Control Act of 1974 (ICA). The ICA prohibits any action or inaction that precludes Federal funds from being obligated or spent, either temporarily or permanently, without following the strictly circumscribed requirements of that law. 

    Given the importance of these programs, the unlawful actions ordered by this Administration, and the dubious actions that have been undertaken by the Department, we request additional information about the Department’s implementation of Executive Order 14154, the referenced Secretarial Order, and other related actions.

     

    Regarding Executive Order 14154, please provide answers to the following questions:

    Regarding the Secretarial Order dated January 20, 2025, please provide answers to the following questions:

    • Is ongoing work for operations at the National Labs, facilities, and other DOE sites permitted at this time or are these facilities under review as well? If so, how long will this review last? Will these labs, facilities, and sites be notified of the scope of the review?
    • Please provide a list of obligations already incurred by DOE for which the Secretarial Order now prohibits liquidating legal liabilities already incurred by the Federal government.
    • Will DOE reimburse non-Federal recipients for invoices submitted for work already performed that predates the Secretarial Order? What about for ongoing or halted work that has not yet been invoiced? If reimbursements will not be provided in either case, please provide the legal justification for failing to meet the obligations of contracts with non-Federal recipients.
    • What is the status and scope of the reviews of studies, reports, and announcements?
    • What is the guidance on processing internal and external reprogramming actions?
    • What is the status of reviewing routine reauthorizations of existing contracts and cooperative agreements?

    Additionally, please provide answers to the following questions:

    • Have any federal employees been terminated since January 20, 2025? If so, how many and in which organizations?
    • Have any federal employees been furloughed since January 20, 2025? If so, how many and in which organizations?
    • Have any federal employees been put on administrative leave since January 20, 2025? If so, how many and in which organizations?
    • Have any federal employees received notices of future required administrative leave, furloughs, or reductions in force since January 20, 2025? If so, how many and in which organizations?

    We ask for your response to our questions no later than February 7, 2025.

    Finally, we want to remind you of your oversight obligations under appropriations law.  Members of Congress of both parties have worked together to craft provisions instituting common-sense transparency and accountability measures. All executive branch agencies must proactively alert the Appropriations and other appropriate House and Senate Committees when apportionments are not made in required time periods, are approved only with conditions, or may hinder the prudent obligation of apportionments or the execution of a program, project, or activity. Agencies are also required to report all violations of the ICA to Congress. Finally, agencies may not prohibit or prevent any federal employee from having direct communication with any Member, committee, or subcommittee of Congress. All federal employees must be free to communicate directly with Congress, whether Congress has requested that communication or not.

    We hope you will work with us—not against us—to lower energy costs and help create good-paying jobs, but we demand that you follow the law as intended.

    Sincerely,

    Marcy Kaptur

    Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development House Committee on Appropriations

    Patty Murray

    Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development Senate Committee on Appropriations

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Houlahan, Sherrill, Goodlander Call on Secretary Hegseth to Support Service Women

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

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, the Department of Defense rescinded a policy that allows service members to be reimbursed for travel and transportation to receive the reproductive care they need. Representative Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), alongside her fellow democratic women veterans in the House of Representatives, Representatives Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) and Maggie Goodlander (NH-2), shared the following statement:  

    “As women who have served this country and know firsthand the hardships that military families face, Secretary Hegseth’s decision to strip critical protections away from service members will have devastating consequences. Reproductive health care, including fertility and abortion care, is essential to ensuring that everyone can make informed and timely decisions about their health and well-being. We are asking that these women not be stopped from accessing care based on the duty station to which they are assigned and that they maintain the ability to travel for critical health care that allows them to decide when and if they have a family.

    Supporting the health of our service members is not just a moral responsibility — it is critical to protecting our readiness and national security. Service members face unique barriers to care. Many are stationed in states where abortion is banned or completely out of reach. The Department’s decision is plainly cruel and discriminatory, and it could mean service members or loved ones may be forced to carry a pregnancy against their will or give up on their plans to have a family while serving.

    As veterans, we fought and stood for the freedoms of every person in this country. Now, we must fight to protect members of our military — including their right to access the health care they need when and where they need it. We call on Secretary Hegseth, who said repeatedly in his confirmation hearings how much he respects America’s female warriors, to prove it.”

    Background:

    Under the cloak of darkness, the Department of Defense (DoD) rescinded a critical policy that allows service members to be reimbursed for travel and transportation to receive reproductive care they need but cannot access through military healthcare currently available.

    Federal law now prohibits the DoD from providing abortion services at military treatment facilities and from covering an abortion under TRICARE, except in cases of rape, incest, or to save the pregnant mother’s life. In addition, TRICARE does not cover certain assisted reproductive services, including intrauterine insemination. To access these services, servicewomen must travel.

    Under the new policy, that travel is not reimbursed, effectively punishing or penalizing our servicewomen who are based where we have stationed them. Servicemen and women do not choose where they are stationed.

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Miller, Colleagues Re-introduce Legislation to Support Local Communities and Incentivize Charitable Giving

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV)

    Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) joined Congressman Blake Moore (R-UT) and three other House colleagues in reintroducing the bipartisan Charitable Act to encourage Americans to donate to charitable causes and support local communities. 

    “People donate to charities out of the kindness of their hearts, the last thing they should have to worry about is paying taxes on their generous contributions. I am joining my colleagues in introducing the Charitable Act which will ensure that individuals, no matter their income, can receive a charitable deduction and in turn will continue donating to organizations, churches, or other good causes to help those within their communities or across the country,” said Congresswoman Miller. 
     
    “Supporting local communities and giving to charities is integral to enhancing the lives of all Americans and the causes they care most about. The Charitable Act will enable more Americans to give back by empowering all individuals regardless of their income to contribute by helping charities, nonprofits, and religious organizations provide vital services that go far beyond the government’s reach. Generosity and service are defining characteristics of Utahns across the Beehive State, and I am honored to introduce legislation that will help more people contribute to the causes closest to their hearts,” said Congressman Moore.

    Click here for bill text 
     
    Background:

    • The Charitable Act extends and expands the expired charitable deduction for those who do not itemize on their tax returns, ensuring that every American who donates or tithes is able to benefit from both the standard deduction and the charitable deduction. Specifically, this legislation would raise the previous $300/$600 cap on the non-itemizer deduction to 1/3 of the standard deduction, equal to roughly $4,500 for individuals, $9,000 for joint filers. 
    • This provision was first included in the CARES Act, which was signed into law by President Trump. The policy resulted in 90 million tax returns utilizing the deduction, and households making between $30,000 and $100,000 saw the largest increase in charitable giving. Charitable organizations received $30 billion in increased donations as a result. 
    • Senator James Lankford (R-OK) introduced the companion legislation in the Senate.
    • This bill is supported by numerous organizations including National Council of Nonprofits (25,000 member organizations), Charitable Giving Coalition (175 member organizations), the Nonprofit Alliance, Faith & Giving Coalition, Leadership 18, Independent Sector, YMCA, Council on Foundations, American Endowment Foundation, Philanthropy Southwest, Christian Alliance for Orphans, Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, United Philanthropy Forum, National Association of Charitable Gift Planners, Association of Art Museum Directors, ECFA, Association of Fundraising Professionals, Council for Advancement and Support of Education, Americans for the Arts, American Heart Association, Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits, Delaware Alliance for Nonprofit Advancement, Maryland Nonprofits, Boys and Girls Club of America, March of Dimes, and Habitat for Humanity.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NH Delegation, Community Organizations, and Granite Staters Speak Out About Devastating Impact of Trump’s Cut to Federal Grants and Loans

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

    The New Hampshire delegation joined Manchester School District Superintendent Jennifer Chmiel, Strafford County Community Action Partnership CEO Betsey Andrews Parker, Amoskeag Health CEO Kris McCracken, Professional Firefighters of NH and other New Hampshire organizations for a virtual event to outline the ways that President Trump’s halt of nearly all federal grants and loans is impacting New Hampshire families and communities. 

    You can watch the full press conference here.

    “The actions taken by the Trump Administration to freeze federal funds will have a devastating impact on communities across New Hampshire and will significantly hurt our state’s ability to address housing concerns, fight addiction, preserve public safety, and make sure that Granite Staters have what they need. These federal funds are more than just lines on a spreadsheet in Washington D.C. This is about people here in New Hampshire and the ability of our communities to come together to help those in need and build a stronger future for us all. This fight is not over, and my message to Granite Staters is that we will do all that we can to protect these resources and ensure that our communities remain healthy, strong, and safe,” said Congressman Pappas. 

    “We’ve got millions of people across the country, and thousands in New Hampshire, who have no idea if they’re going to be able to get the services that they’re depending on because the White House has been so confused about what they’ve done and they haven’t been able to issue any clear answers,” said Senator Shaheen. “We need to see the President repeal these executive orders because what he has done is not going to help people lower their food prices, pay their rents, get the child care that they need or the health care that they need for their families.” 

    “President Trump’s illegal cut of federal funds includes grants for police officers, firefighters, our efforts to crackdown on fentanyl, special education programs, small business loans, community health centers, homeless shelters for veterans…virtually every aspect of American life. The White House keeps sowing chaos and confusion about the status of this funding. But make no mistake. People’s safety, their jobs, their health, our fire and police departments…shouldn’t hang in the balance subject to the confused wordings and impulsive whims of the next tweet or memo,” said Senator Maggie Hassan.

    “This week I’ve traveled across the Second District — from the North Country to Nashua and from Keene to Concord. I’ve talked to our workers, teachers, police officers, firefighters, health care providers, small businesses, mayors, and town managers. The through line of every conversation has been an intense concern about the wide-ranging and devastating impacts that losing the federal funding promised to New Hampshire will have on our way of life,” said Representative Maggie Goodlander. “Real people right here in New Hampshire are paying the price for President Trump’s lawless, chaotic efforts to cut off federal funding. That is unacceptable. I will never stop fighting with every possible tool to deliver for New Hampshire.” 

    “Our priorities have not changed.  We will continue to provide services to our clients and support our team until we are directed otherwise.  We will adapt to the changing landscape so clients that depend on our agency for services such as childcare, fuel assistance, transportation, and food can continue to access these resources. We greatly appreciate the support of the New Hampshire delegation during this challenging time.” said Betsey Andrews Parker, CEO Community Action Partnership of Strafford County. 

    “The Portsmouth Police Department depends on federal grants to fund programs impacting local, seacoast, and statewide communities. Locally, federal grant funds are utilized for bulletproof vests for officers and enforcement patrols on our roadways, which include speed, distracted driving, DUI, and pedestrian/bike enforcement. With the help of federal dollars, we offer victim witness advocate services, staff training, and law enforcement equipment such as body-worn cameras and investigative equipment… the loss of these funds would reduce staff, significantly impact investigations into internet-based sexual crimes against children that have skyrocketed and continue to climb, and impact services for victims of crime, roadway safety, and the safety of our officers,” said Mark Newport, Chief of Police, Portsmouth Police Department in a letter. 

    “Uncertainty makes development difficult. While we work in a field rife with uncertainty, we know we can rely on our funding sources to be steady, when we have the funding we can move forward. It upsets our ability to commit to community projects when we cannot know whether or not the funding we have been awarded to build housing will actually be available to us when the time comes to call on those funds. In a relatively high-risk development environment, in a critical need area for our communities, we need the federal funds to be stable. Being left without promised funds on a project could easily mean the financial collapse of the project, a loss of years worth of time and effort. Depending on the projects size, it could have a major impact on our ability to operate,” said Harrison Kanzler, Executive Director, AHEAD Inc. 

    “As NH’s only center for independent living, serving thousands of individuals living with a disability, the consequences of EO-M-25-13, would have caused thousands of Granite Staters living with a disability to be left without critical services.  These services are in place to provide and assist with daily needs, including transportation, personal care, education, and workforce training.  The very services provided by GSIL and funded by federal grants, such as benefits counseling, workforce readiness, and transition services are an integral part in the promotion of living independently,” said Deborah Ritcey, MPA/HA, President & Chief Executive Officer, Granite State Independent Living (GSIL).

    “As a private non-profit community development corporation that is focused on providing affordable housing for granite staters, we have worked with numerous federal programs over the past thirty years, and the one thing we need to keep doing our work is consistency and reliability.  So when we are faced with distractions that cause chaos and confusion throughout our sector, it makes the difficult work of building affordable housing even that much more challenging,” said Robert Tourigny, Executive Director, NeighborWorks Southern New Hampshire.

     “While we were relieved that the Administration intended to exclude rental assistance from the spending freeze, funding that we rely on to provide self-sufficiency services to working families, build new affordable housing, and reduce our energy costs were all targeted. On behalf of the nearly 930 senior, disabled and working families we serve, we are grateful to all of the individuals, organizations and elected officials across the country for their advocacy,” said Joshua Meehan, Executive Director, Keene Housing.

    “Federal funding is a lifeline for Community Health Centers, which deliver comprehensive primary care, mental and behavioral health, dental, and other essential primary care services to over 330,000 patients across New Hampshire and Vermont. With the uncertainty around the status of health centers’ federal grant funding, we are extremely concerned about the ability of their patients to access the services they need,” said Tess Kuenning, President & CEO of Bi-State Primary Care Association.

    “Ammonoosuc Community Health Services is a federally qualified health center that integrated primary preventive services in the rural White Mountains of Northern New Hampshire to nearly 10,000 patients a year, across five strategically located care delivery sites. In fact, we serve 1 out of every 3 residents within our service area.  Our patients receive care that is nationally recognized.  Our outcomes for patient with depression or diabetes exceeds national healthy people goals since 2009, top two FQHC for colorectal cancer screening (2018), top 16 FQHC in overall cancer screening (2023).  All accomplished in a financially responsible manner where our annual financial audit has always been free of any concerns and 95% of our patients recommend us to friends, family and neighbors who need care. All in all we govern ACHS in a responsible and predictable manner.  As an FQHC we provide services to everyone, regardless of social and economic status. The President’s unprecedented and unannounced freeze on nearly all federal funding meant an immediate freeze on nearly $180,000 in monthly drawdown payments and catapulted my staff into 24 hours of uncertainty and chaos while we tried to get clarification from the administration. Clarification that never came. This type of governing is categorically not a responsible way to govern, has real world impacts, and wasteful in diverting critical resources away from our core mission of providing outstanding health care services to those in our community who need it most. As the CEO and steward of ACHS, The People’s Health Center, I take responsible governance seriously and I expect those elected by the people to take their responsibility seriously as well,” said Ed Shanshala, CEO, ACHS.

    On Monday, the Trump administration’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB) announced a sweeping executive order pausing almost all forms of federal assistance to states, nonprofits, non-governmental organizations and more. The full list that agencies were directed to review encompasses over 2,600 assistance programs, including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP), Women, Infants and Children (WIC), community health centers, the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), transportation and highway funding, energy assistance programs, water infrastructure funding, State Opioid Targeted Response grants, GI Bill, veteran compensation for service connected disabilities, Section 8 housing vouchers, school breakfast and lunch, Title I education grants, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Head Start.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NH Delegation Urges Trump to Halt Planned Tariffs on Canada and Mexico, Citing Likelihood of Increasing Energy and Food Prices for Families in the Middle of Winter

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

    The New Hampshire delegation is sending a letter to President Donald Trump urging him not to impose 25 percent tariffs on Canada, the Granite State’s largest trading partner, and Mexico. Sweeping tariffs would dramatically increase costs for families in New Hampshire and around the nation. Home heating oil is New Hampshire’s largest import from Canada, and these tariffs are estimated to drive up energy prices for families in the middle of winter. It would also increase costs for essential items like groceries, housing, cars, and more. Click here to read the full letter.

    In part, the delegation wrote: “During your campaign, you promised to ‘bring down the price of everything.’ Despite that promise, sweeping tariffs would be a tax on Americans that raises the cost of everything from cars and gas to housing and groceries. Tariff costs would be passed on to our consumers and businesses through higher costs for goods and services.”

    They continued: “For the more than 350,000 households in New Hampshire who rely on heating oil, propane and wood to keep their homes warm and comfortable, adding these costs would be particularly cruel in the middle of a winter that has seen recent temperatures reach 20 below zero. Home heating oil is New Hampshire’s largest import from Canada, not because we don’t produce enough in the United States, but because it makes logistical and economic sense. The National Energy & Fuels Institute (NEFI), which represents wholesale and retail liquid heating fuel distributors throughout the Northeast, estimates that tariffs could increase heating costs by at least $375 per winter for a home in New Hampshire.”

    They concluded: “These taxes would raise families’ grocery bills, too. The type of broad tariffs you’ve proposed could raise food costs by $200 per year for the average household. That’s because the U.S. imports 38 percent of our fresh vegetables, 60 percent of our fresh fruit, and more than 99 percent of our coffee. This is the last thing families need when they’re already struggling with record high prices for eggs or coffee […] We urge you to focus on bringing down prices and reconsider the wisdom of placing sweeping tariffs on imports that would raise prices for our constituents.”

    After the November election, a multitude of business leaders verified that, if the President placed sweeping tariffs as promised, they’d be forced to raise prices on consumers. The CEO of Best Buy said, “the vast majority of that tariff will probably be passed on to the consumer as a price increase.” The CFO of Walmart said, “there will probably be cases where prices will go up for consumers.” The CEO of Columbia Sportswear said, “we’re set to raise prices” and “it’s going to be very, very difficult to keep products affordable.” The CEO of AutoZone said, “if we get tariffs, we will pass those tariff costs back to the consumer.” The President of a Texas-based Lipow Oil Associates said, “The prices at the pump are going to go up.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Danny K. Davis, Westside Black Elected Officials, and Community Leaders Denounce Donald Trump’s Economic Policies That Harm Black Communities

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Danny K Davis (7th District of Illinois)

    Chicago, IL – [Date] – Congressman Danny K. Davis (IL-07), joined by Westside Black Elected Officials and community leaders, held a press conference today to condemn Donald Trump’s economic policies and financial decisions, which have disproportionately harmed African Americans and working-class families. The speakers emphasized the devastating impact of Trump’s administration, which prioritized corporate interests over everyday people, cutting vital programs and services that communities rely on.

    “Donald Trump’s financial policies have gutted funding for minority-owned businesses, weakened housing protections, cut safety net programs, and widened the racial wealth gap,” said Congressman Danny K. Davis. “We are here today to say loud and clear: We will not stand by while our communities are under attack. We are not going back!”

    Trump’s administration has proposed and implemented policies that:

    • Eliminate funding for minority-owned businesses, limiting opportunities for Black entrepreneurs to create jobs and build wealth.
    • Community Health Centers: Critical federal funding supporting over 30 million low-income patients is frozen, creating chaos for those relying on essential healthcare services.
    • Rollback housing protections, leading to increased evictions and foreclosures in Black communities.
    • Slash social safety net programs, including food assistance and healthcare subsidies, putting a heavier burden on low-income families.
    • Push tax policies that favor the wealthy, further widening the racial wealth gap.

    Speakers at the press conference included Ald. Emma Mitts, Chairperson of Westside Black Elected Officials, who decried the attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion:

    “As Chairperson of the Contracts Oversight and Equity Committee for the City of Chicago, I hear firsthand how diversity, equity, and inclusion programs are being erased. These policies have helped ensure economic opportunity for Black communities. Now, we are being told to go backward. Well, we refuse.”

    State Rep. La Shawn K. Ford underscored the impact on education and public institutions:

    “Trump’s cuts to Pell Grants and affirmative action programs will devastate public universities. Black and minority students will struggle to access higher education, and diversity programs will be dismantled. This will impact not just Black students, but all students.”

    Cook County Commissioner Tara Stamps emphasized the privatization of essential services:

    “This is about oligarchy—the wealthy few taking from the many. Public hospitals, public education, and social services are being privatized, making access to healthcare and education harder for those who need it most.”

    President of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Kari Steele linked these economic cuts to climate change and infrastructure:

    “Infrastructure funding is critical, but under Trump’s leadership, we saw key environmental and infrastructure investments neglected. We are moving forward, not backward, and we need leaders who prioritize clean water, climate resilience, and public health.”

    Community Leader Jackie Reed called out Trump’s divisive leadership:

    “A nation divided cannot stand. And that’s exactly what Trump has done—divided families, communities, and the nation. We cannot allow his policies to strip our communities of resources and dignity.”

    Community Leader Donald Dew echoed the urgency of action:

    “Martin Luther King Jr. spoke of the fierce urgency of now. That urgency is here. Trump’s policies are a direct threat to the most vulnerable—people with disabilities, mental health needs, veterans, and children. If we do not act now, our communities will suffer.”

    Dr. Elizabeth Lockhart focused on the attack on veterans:

    “Trump’s policies have hurt veterans—those who put their lives on the line for this country. Their healthcare, benefits, and resources are being stripped away. How can we call ourselves a great nation if we abandon those who served?”

    Community Leader Stephen Robinson issued a stark warning:

    “Donald Trump has put everyone on the menu. If you think you are exempt, you are wrong. Black, brown, white—his policies hurt all working people. We must unite to fight back.”

    Former Senator Rickey Hendon closed with a call for accountability:

    “We must stand up and demand leadership that works for the people. The facts are clear—Trump’s policies favor the rich and leave the rest of us struggling. We will not go back.”

    Congressman Davis and community leaders urged immediate action to ensure economic justice and accountability.

    “Elections have consequences,” Congressman Davis concluded. “If we want an economy that works for everyone—not just billionaires—we must organize, mobilize, and vote.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Scanlon, Boyle, Evans, Dean, and Houlahan Pressure Philadelphia and Coatesville VA Medical Centers for Answers on Hiring Freeze

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon(PA-5)

    Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05) was joined today by Representatives Brendan Boyle (PA-02), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), and Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06) on a letter to Directors Flaherty-Oxler and Harkins of the Philadelphia and Coatesville Veterans Administration medical centers, respectively, to ascertain the impact of the Trump Administration’s Hiring Freeze on regional VA medical center operations. 

    The members seek information to ensure that the White House decision to freeze federal hiring does not prevent the VA from meeting the mandates of the recently passed PACT Act (which expanded access to care for service members exposed to toxic substances) or otherwise providing necessary veterans’ services. On January 23, 2025, the Trump Administration clarified that some VA positions are exempt from the hiring freeze, but concerns remain.

    The members have requested a response by February 13, 2025.

    Find the full text of the letter here and below.

    Ms. Karen Flaherty-Oxler

    Director, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center

    3900 Woodland Avenue

    Philadelphia, PA 19104

    Ms. Jennifer Harkins

    Director, Coatesville VA Medical Center

    1400 Black Horse Hill Road

    Coatesville, PA 19320

    Dear Director Flaherty-Oxler and Director Harkins:

    We are writing to learn how President Trump’s recent hiring freeze on federal employees is impacting the Philadelphia and Coatesville VA Medical Centers and our community of veterans in Southeastern Pennsylvania. We would greatly appreciate your response to the following questions by February 13, 2024. 

    1. Are the Philadelphia and Coatesville VA Medical Centers affected, or likely to be affected, by the hiring freeze?
    2. On January 23, 2025, the VA released a memo on hiring freeze guidance, which included a list of positions exempt from the freeze. Are any positions that the Philadelphia and Coatesville VA Medical Centers were planning to fill excluded from that list? If so, what positions are the Philadelphia and Coatesville VA Medical Centers now unable to fill? Please also describe how many positions are affected.
    3. The VA memo on hiring freeze guidance implements a new “request for exemption” requirement to hire positions subject to the freeze. Do the Philadelphia and Coatesville VA Medical Centers intend to submit requests for exemption for every position that they are no longer able to hire? How will this new requirement make it easier or harder for the Philadelphia and Coatesville VA Medical Centers to fill positions? 
    4. Do the Philadelphia and Coatesville VA Medical Centers have contingency plans to address critical staffing shortages during the hiring freeze? Are there long-term plans being considered to mitigate the impact of the hiring freeze?  
    5. Do you expect that this hiring freeze will affect the Philadelphia and Coatesville VA Medical Centers’ ability to provide direct VA care for eligible veterans? 

    Thank you for your continued service to our nation and the veterans of Southeastern Pennsylvania. We look forward to your timely response.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Escobar Reintroduces Legislation to Rename Post Office After Segundo Barrio Hero

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

    Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) reintroduced her bill to rename the United States Postal Service office located at 4400 E. Paisano Dr. after Enedina “Nina” Sánchez Cordero, a founder of Centro De Salud Familiar La Fe. 

    “Mrs. Sánchez Cordero’s achievements embody the very spirit of our frontera community — an unwavering commitment to warmth, compassion, and care for those most in need. Her legacy stands tall as a beacon of hope, embracing her beloved Segundo Barrio,” said Congresswoman Escobar. “At the heart of her impact lies Centro De Salud Familiar La Fe, an invaluable asset that continues to uplift and heal its community today. I’m proud to reintroduce legislation that honors her contributions to El Paso for generations to come.”

    “Mi Madre – Enedina “Nina” Sánchez Cordero – was our family’s greatest source of love, strength, and courage,” said Melissa Sánchez, daughter of Enedina “Nina” Sánchez Cordero. “Aside from her own children, my mother had one purpose in life: to protect and uplift her beloved Segundo Barrio and its families.  Her legacy lives on through the organization she helped found, Centro De Salud Familiar La Fe, and the lives she touched with her activism.  My family and I are deeply grateful to Congresswoman Veronica Escobar for fighting to ensure that Nina Sánchez Cordero’s legacy is honored through the renaming of the Paisano Street Post Office.  Our children and future generations need to know about the woman, the hero, who helped save their community.”

    “Nina Sánchez Cordero is a revolutionary figure in Segundo Barrio’s history. This institution of health care, of social justice, and community advocacy would not be here if it had not been for her. Countless lives changed for the better because of Nina — including my own.  She took our community’s youth, kids like me, under her wing. She mentored us and gave us a bit of her strength so we could walk a better path, one that led us to become the next generation of teachers, health-care workers, social workers, and activist leaders. Renaming the Paisano Street Post Office after one of our own, a woman of great courage and spirit, is the right thing to do,” said Salvador Balcorta MSSW, Chief Executive Officer, Centro De Salud Familiar La Fe.

    This bipartisan bill is cosponsored by Representatives Henry Cuellar (TX-28), Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Sylvester Turner (TX-18), Marc Veasey (TX-33), Al Green (TX-09), and Keith Self (TX-03). 

    Full text can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sherrill, Houlahan, Goodlander Call on Secretary Hegseth to Support Service Women

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, the Department of Defense rescinded a policy that allows service members to be reimbursed for travel and transportation to receive the reproductive care they need. Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11), alongside her fellow democratic women veterans in the House of Representatives, Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06) and Maggie Goodlander (NH-2), shared the following statement:

    “As women who have served this country and know firsthand the hardships that military families face, Secretary Hegseth’s decision to strip critical protections away from service members will have devastating consequences. Reproductive health care, including fertility and abortion care, is essential to ensuring that everyone can make informed and timely decisions about their health and well-being. We are asking that these women not be stopped from accessing care based on the duty station to which they are assigned and that they maintain the ability to travel for critical health care that allows them to decide when and if they have a family.

    Supporting the health of our service members is not just a moral responsibility — it is critical to protecting our readiness and national security. Service members face unique barriers to care. Many are stationed in states where abortion is banned or completely out of reach. The Department’s decision is plainly cruel and discriminatory, and it could mean service members or loved ones may be forced to carry a pregnancy against their will or give up on their plans to have a family while serving.

    As veterans, we fought and stood for the freedoms of every person in this country. Now, we must fight to protect members of our military — including their right to access the health care they need when and where they need it. We call on Secretary Hegseth, who said repeatedly in his confirmation hearings how much he respects America’s female warriors, to prove it.”

    Background:

    Under the cloak of darkness, the Department of Defense (DoD) rescinded a critical policy that allows service members to be reimbursed for travel and transportation to receive reproductive care they need but cannot access through military healthcare currently available.

    Federal law now prohibits the DoD from providing abortion services at military treatment facilities and from covering an abortion under TRICARE, except in cases of rape, incest, or to save the mother’s life. In addition, TRICARE does not cover certain assisted reproductive services, including intrauterine insemination. To access these services, servicewomen must travel.

    Under the new policy, that travel is not reimbursed, effectively punishing or penalizing our servicewomen who are based where we have stationed them. Servicemen and women do not choose where they are stationed.

    Representative Sherrill continues to lead in the fight for women’s health in Congress. She  stood up for servicewomen and military families against Senator Tommy Tuberville’s efforts to overturn the Department of Defense’s abortion travel policy. Additionally, she successfully  secured an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2025 NDAA to codify access to year-long supplies of contraceptives to service members. Sherrill has introduced legislation to promote education about women’s heart health, and has co-led a bill to ensure women can access a full year’s supply of contraceptives, rather than just three months at a time. Finally, she is leading efforts to end “judge shopping,” a tactic used by anti-abortion advocates to gain favorable outcomes.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DelBene, Moore, McCaul, Matsui, Moolenaar, and Krishnamoorthi Reintroduce Legislation to Bolster American Semiconductor R&D

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (1st District of Washington)

    Today, Representatives Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Blake Moore (UT-01), Michael McCaul (TX-10), Doris Matsui (CA-07), John Moolenaar (MI-02), and Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08) introduced the Semiconductor Technology Advancement and Research (STAR) Act, legislation that would establish an investment tax credit for semiconductor design expenses to support and advance the United States’ semiconductor research and development initiatives.  

    Semiconductor design is a research and development activity that works to improve how chips process information and enable increasingly complex modern technologies. The STAR Act would allow for a 25% tax credit for semiconductor design research and development expenditures and extends the 48D manufacturing tax credit for the next 10 years. Semiconductors are key to maintaining America’s technological leadership, playing a vital role across industries like defense, health care, energy, agriculture, and transportation. As countries around the world continue to out-invest the United States in semiconductor research and development, the STAR Act will ensure semiconductor intellectual property is developed and secured in the United States. 

    “Semiconductors are critical to our economy, powering everything from cars to cellphones. Congress made great strides with the passage of the Chips & Science Act, but we need to continue investing in domestic chip production to ensure that America remains a global leader in this critical economic and national security technology,” said DelBene. “The bipartisan legislation we’re introducing today will support further semiconductor research and workforce development, strengthen our economic security, reduce reliance on foreign supply chains, all while creating good-paying jobs in our communities.” 

    “Semiconductors are the linchpin to the technologies of the future in countless sectors, from health care to defense to energy, and they are critical to U.S. national security and global competitiveness,” said Moore. “I thank my colleagues for their partnership in reintroducing the STAR Act, and I look forward to the investment incentives this bill will bring to enhance U.S. leadership in chip design and maintain a secure value chain for these innovations.” 

    “U.S. production of semiconductor chips is an economic and national security imperative, which is why I authored the CHIPS for America Act — to decrease our reliance on other countries for these critical assets,” said McCaul. “I am proud to co-sponsor the bipartisan STAR Act to build on that success, further bolstering our national security and bringing high-paying jobs to our communities. The chip revolution is the greatest technological advancement since the Manhattan Project, and I look forward to cementing the United States as the global leader in semiconductor research and design.” 

    “As we roll out the transformative investments of the CHIPS Act, we have a unique opportunity to lay the groundwork for generational leadership in semiconductor innovation and job creation,” said Matsui. “We must continue to build upon the investments that the CHIPS Act jumpstarted and continue to ensure that the U.S. leads the entire supply chain for semiconductor technologies, from design through manufacturing, for generations to come. This legislation will supercharge high-wage jobs in semiconductor design which are vital for the California economy. In tandem with CHIPS Act investments, these tools will continue to secure American’s position as the global pacesetter for innovation.” 

    “This bipartisan legislation cuts taxes, protect jobs, and levels the playing field for American chipmakers,” said Moolenaar. “The STAR Act fuels innovation, ensuring America stays ahead of the curve. We’re proud to empower US chipmakers to outpace Chinese competitors that steal American intellectual property and benefit from massive state subsidies.” 

    “At a time when semiconductors increasingly drive the future of technology, the United States must strengthen its domestic semiconductor industry, including our development and research capacity,” said Krishnamoorthi. “Our bipartisan legislation meets this need by providing incentives for investments in domestic semiconductor R&D to help ensure continued American leadership in chip design that will safeguard our national and economic security.” 

    DelBene, Moore, McCaul, Matsui, Moolenaar, and Krishnamoorthi are also joined by Representatives Vern Buchanan (FL-16), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Claudia Tenney (NY-24), Joe Morelle (NY-25), André Carson (IN-07), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Sewell (AL-07), and Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) in reintroducing this bill. 

    A copy of the bill can be found here.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Dan Meuser Cosponsors Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act

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

    Washington, D.C. — This week, Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09) cosponsored H.R. 38, the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act. This bipartisan legislation would provide nationwide reciprocity for concealed carry license holders and for residents of Constitutional Carry states.

    “Law-abiding gun owners should not be penalized for simply crossing state lines,” said Congressman Meuser. “Our Constitutional rights don’t end at a state border, and the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act ensures that responsible gun owners can exercise their Second Amendment freedoms no matter where they travel. This bipartisan, commonsense legislation eliminates the confusing patchwork of state laws that often turn law-abiding citizens into unwitting criminals. With 49 states allowing nonresident carry and 29 states adopting permitless or Constitutional Carry, it’s time for Congress to act. I urge my colleagues to pass this critical bill to protect law-abiding citizens and uphold our fundamental right to self-defense.”

    The act is supported by major pro-Second Amendment organizations, including the NRA Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA), Gun Owners of America (GOA), the U.S. Concealed Carry Association (USCCA), and the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF).

    Tex of the legislation can be found here.

    Background:

    • The Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act allows people with state-issued concealed carry licenses or permits to conceal a handgun in any other state. It also allows residents of Constitutional Carry states to carry in other states.
    • In December 2017, the bill was passed by the House with bipartisan support, yet it was not taken up in the Senate. President Donald Trump has committed to signing national concealed carry reciprocity legislation into law.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Roy reintroduces bill to designate drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Chip Roy (R-TX)

    WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Chip Roy (TX-21) reintroduced the Drug Cartel Terrorist Designation Act, which would direct the State Department to designate Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs).

    The bill would direct the Secretary of State to designate the Gulf Cartel, the Cartel Del Noreste, the Cartel de Sinaloa, and the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion as FTOs and codify President Trump’s Executive Order into law. 

    An FTO designation would provide the federal government with more authorities to combat these cartels, including additional investigative and intelligence resources, the ability to apply stiffer penalties on FTO affiliates, revoking visas of FTO members in the U.S., and freezing FTO assets in U.S. financial institutions.

    Congressman Roy said the following about the bill: “The cartels have spent the last four years exploiting our border to profit off of misery, fear, and death. Now that their open-borders cash flow is about to dry up, they have resorted to planting live explosives on the Texas border and shooting at Border Patrol agents in broad daylight. They are terrorists, and we need to treat them like it. 

    That’s why I started pushing the Trump administration for FTO designations during my first few months in Congress back in 2019. President Trump’s day-one order to designate them as FTOs and give U.S. authorities more tools to take them down was the right move, but Congress needs to ensure it can’t be undone by a future administration. Equally as important, my bill affirms that foreign nationals cannot use an FTO designation as grounds for asylum.  Let’s take this bill up, put it on President Trump’s desk, and take these terrorist criminals down once and for all.”

    Congressman Roy is proud to be joined by Reps. Ryan Zinke (MT-1), Andy Biggs (AZ-5), Michael Cloud (TX-27), Clay Higgins (LA-3), Pat Fallon (TX-4), Josh Brecheen (OK-2), Paul Gosar (AZ-9), Jodey Arrington (TX-19), Andy Ogles (TN-5), Randy Weber (TX-14), Byron Donalds (FL-19), Beth Van Duyne (TX-24), Keith Self (TX-3), and Roger Williams (TX-25) in introducing this legislation. 

    Comments from supporting organizations:

    Texas Public Policy Foundation

    “It is all too easy for one president to the next to completely dismantle our national security efforts. We applaud all members of Congress seeking to immediately codify the excellent executive orders President Trump signed to strengthen border security and protect American communities. With this legislation enacted, it will not be so easy for any incoming president to undo such important work.”

    -Greg Sindlear

    America First Policy Institute

    “America First Policy Institute proudly supports Congressional border security efforts to address an imminent threat to the homeland – transnational criminal organizations. Securing the homeland for the American people should be the top priority for Congress, and this effort is an important first step to empowering law enforcement efforts and holding TCOs accountable.” 

    -Chad Wolf, Executive Director, Chief Strategy Officer and Chair for the Center for Homeland Security and Immigration 

    The full text of the legislation is available here. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Bennie G. Thompson Honors Innovative Minds in the 2024 Congressional App Challenge

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Bennie G Thompson (D-MS)

    Washington, D.C. – Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02) proudly announces the 2024 Congressional App Challenge winners for Mississippi’s 2nd Congressional District.  Two brilliant minds, Summer Boatman and Bryson Flowers, students at Grenada High School, clinched first place with their groundbreaking digital application creation, “FITTERFLY.”  The app is designed to promote a healthy lifestyle for teenagers while incorporating familiar elements of social media (user profiles, badges, activity streams, etc.) to keep users engaged.  To view the 2024 winners, including FITTERFLY, click here.

    “At a very young age, we’ve had a passion for fitness, and through the app, we hope to inspire others.  We are both in NJROTC [Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps], and we understand fitness and the importance of a healthy lifestyle… There is a lack of physical engagement and education with teens, and we want to make a change.  We use multiple fitness apps ourselves and wanted to make an app that combines our favorite features into one,” said Summer and Bryson.

    Congressman Thompson expressed his pride in hosting the annual Congressional App Challenge, urging students to pursue STEM careers.   “I commend the outstanding efforts of Summer and Bryson, and all participating students.  I look forward to a greater influx of innovative applicants in the future.” 

    2025 Congressional App Challenge

    The Congressional App Challenge, a revered national event, beckons middle and high school students keen on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) to conceptualize and design applications for computers, tablets, or phones. The call for submissions for the 2025 Congressional App Challenge in Mississippi’s 2nd Congressional District will open in May 2025.  For more information and to participate, visit the Congressional App Challenge website.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: National Capital Region Delegation Asks DOD To Conduct “Safety Review On The Future Of Military Helicopter Training” In Area, With Pause On Current Flights

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)

    U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (D-VA), Gerry Connolly (D-VA), Glenn Ivey (D-MD), Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA), Jamie Raskin (D-MD), Steny Hoyer (D-MD), April McClain Delaney (D-MD), Sarah Elfreth (D-MD), Eugene Vindman (D-VA), Bobby Scott (D-VA), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA), and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) wrote to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Acting Secretary of the Army Mark Averill urging an extended halt to Army helicopter training flights in the airspace around Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, and a safety review on the future of military helicopter training in the area. Their letter came two days after the fatal mid-air collision above the airport.

    They wrote:

    “In the wake of Wednesday’s crash at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (“National”), we write to request a continued operational pause or redirection of training for the Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter unit with the 12th Aviation Battalion at Fort Belvoir away from National, and to request a safety review on the future of military helicopter training near National.

    “We are deeply concerned about this tragic collision and its broader ramifications for the National Capital Region’s airspace. We have long warned that this airspace, and particularly the area immediately surrounding National, is overcrowded and above recommended capacity.

    “As the causes of this collision are yet unknown, we request that you continue the current operational pause or to divert this unit away from National until the NTSB’s preliminary report is released.

    “Furthermore, following the release of NTSB’s preliminary report, we request that the Army review strategies in accordance with any forthcoming findings of the NTSB preliminary report to permanently relocate such helicopter training out of the National Capital Region’s airspace, or, at a minimum, redirect helicopter trainings away from National, with exemptions for exigent circumstances called for by a national security imperative.”

    Complete text of the letter follows below, and a signed copy is available here.

    –

    Dear Secretary Hegseth and Acting Secretary Averill:

    In the wake of Wednesday’s crash at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (“National”), we write to request a continued operational pause or redirection of training for the Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter unit with the 12th Aviation Battalion at Fort Belvoir away from National, and to request a safety review on the future of military helicopter training near National. 

    We are deeply concerned about this tragic collision and its broader ramifications for the National Capital Region’s airspace. We have long warned that this airspace, and particularly the area immediately surrounding National, is overcrowded and above recommended capacity. National’s runway 1/19 is the busiest runway in the country, and National typically sees 800 daily aircraft takeoffs and landings, with an above average number of missed approaches and early turnouts. This is compounded by regional helicopter travel and a restricted airspace over our nation’s capital—just the day before Wednesday’s collision, another airplane was reportedly forced to abort a landing at National due to a near miss with a helicopter. Each of these factors further constrains the National Capital Region’s airspace, making local air travel increasingly challenging.

    We appreciate your swift leadership in immediately grounding the battalion involved in this tragic event for 48 hours. We also thank you for your collaboration thus far with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) on its forthcoming investigation and report. As the causes of this collision are yet unknown, we request that you continue the current operational pause or to divert this unit away from National until the NTSB’s preliminary report is released. 

    Furthermore, following the release of NTSB’s preliminary report, we request that the Army review strategies in accordance with any forthcoming findings of the NTSB preliminary report to permanently relocate such helicopter training out of the National Capital Region’s airspace, or, at a minimum, redirect helicopter trainings away from National, with exemptions for exigent circumstances called for by a national security imperative. Secretary of the Army-designate Daniel Driscoll told Senators during his nomination hearing regarding this incident, “I think we might need to look at where is an appropriate time to take training risk, and it may not be near an airport like Reagan.” Situating helicopter trainings beside the busiest runway in the country is an inappropriate risk when much of America has significantly clearer airspaces that could provide the same benefits to such training with much lower risk. We absolutely cannot risk further loss of life, both civilian and military, for entirely preventable reasons.

    Thank you for your consideration of this request. We look forward to your swift response and to working for the best interests of our armed forces and the National Capital Region.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoyer, National Capital Region Delegation Ask DOD To Conduct “Safety Review On The Future Of Military Helicopter Training” In Area, With Pause On Current Flights

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

    WASHINGTON, DC –  Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) and Reps. Don Beyer (VA-08), Gerry Connolly (VA-11), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), Eugene Vindman (VA-07), Bobby Scott (VA-03), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), and Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) wrote to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Acting Secretary of the Army Mark Averill urging an extended halt to Army helicopter training flights in the airspace around Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, and a safety review on the future of military helicopter training in the area. Their letter came two days after the fatal mid-air collision above the airport.

    They wrote:

    “In the wake of Wednesday’s crash at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (“National”), we write to request a continued operational pause or redirection of training for the Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter unit with the 12th Aviation Battalion at Fort Belvoir away from National, and to request a safety review on the future of military helicopter training near National.

    “We are deeply concerned about this tragic collision and its broader ramifications for the National Capital Region’s airspace. We have long warned that this airspace, and particularly the area immediately surrounding National, is overcrowded and above recommended capacity.

    “As the causes of this collision are yet unknown, we request that you continue the current operational pause or to divert this unit away from National until the NTSB’s preliminary report is released.

    “Furthermore, following the release of NTSB’s preliminary report, we request that the Army review strategies in accordance with any forthcoming findings of the NTSB preliminary report to permanently relocate such helicopter training out of the National Capital Region’s airspace, or, at a minimum, redirect helicopter trainings away from National, with exemptions for exigent circumstances called for by a national security imperative.”

    Complete text of the letter follows below, and a signed copy is available here.

    Dear Secretary Hegseth and Acting Secretary Averill:

    In the wake of Wednesday’s crash at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (“National”), we write to request a continued operational pause or redirection of training for the Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter unit with the 12th Aviation Battalion at Fort Belvoir away from National, and to request a safety review on the future of military helicopter training near National. 

    We are deeply concerned about this tragic collision and its broader ramifications for the National Capital Region’s airspace. We have long warned that this airspace, and particularly the area immediately surrounding National, is overcrowded and above recommended capacity. National’s runway 1/19 is the busiest runway in the country, and National typically sees 800 daily aircraft takeoffs and landings, with an above average number of missed approaches and early turnouts. This is compounded by regional helicopter travel and a restricted airspace over our nation’s capital—just the day before Wednesday’s collision, another airplane was reportedly forced to abort a landing at National due to a near miss with a helicopter. Each of these factors further constrains the National Capital Region’s airspace, making local air travel increasingly challenging.

    We appreciate your swift leadership in immediately grounding the battalion involved in this tragic event for 48 hours. We also thank you for your collaboration thus far with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) on its forthcoming investigation and report. As the causes of this collision are yet unknown, we request that you continue the current operational pause or to divert this unit away from National until the NTSB’s preliminary report is released. 

    Furthermore, following the release of NTSB’s preliminary report, we request that the Army review strategies in accordance with any forthcoming findings of the NTSB preliminary report to permanently relocate such helicopter training out of the National Capital Region’s airspace, or, at a minimum, redirect helicopter trainings away from National, with exemptions for exigent circumstances called for by a national security imperative. Secretary of the Army-designate Daniel Driscoll told Senators during his nomination hearing regarding this incident, “I think we might need to look at where is an appropriate time to take training risk, and it may not be near an airport like Reagan.” Situating helicopter trainings beside the busiest runway in the country is an inappropriate risk when much of America has significantly clearer airspaces that could provide the same benefits to such training with much lower risk. We absolutely cannot risk further loss of life, both civilian and military, for entirely preventable reasons.

    Thank you for your consideration of this request. We look forward to your swift response and to working for the best interests of our armed forces and the National Capital Region.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Gwen Moore Statement on Billionaire Elon Musk Takeover of Executive Branch

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04)

    Congresswoman Gwen Moore Statement on Billionaire Elon Musk Takeover of Executive Branch

    Washington, January 31, 2025

    Congresswoman Gwen Moore Statement on Billionaire Elon Musk Takeover of Executive Branch

    In addition to trying to purge two million government workers and pushing for trillions in devastating cuts through his DOGE scheme, billionaire Elon Musk has expanded his power grab. He and his allies are now seeking access to sensitive information that is used to distribute Social Security and Medicare benefits, federal salaries, and tax refunds. In response, Congresswoman Moore released the following statement:

    “The Elon Musk takeover of the executive branch is already causing chaos, confusion, and putting Americans’ sensitive information at risk, including their Social Security numbers and banking information. In his latest power grab, Musk sought access to payment systems that are used to distribute Social Security and Medicare benefits and tax refunds. Elon Musk has no business accessing Americans’ most sensitive information. We should all be asking why he wants it.

    Billionaire Elon Musk’s power grab continues to come at the expense of the American people. Democrats will fight back any way we can.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Velázquez Hosts Immigration Strategy Roundtables in Brooklyn and Queens

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nydia M Velázquez (D-NY)

    NEW YORK- Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) brought together local service providers, advocates, and policymakers for an urgent discussion on the impact of recent Trump administrations immigration policies. The conversation focused on how local leaders and non-profits can support immigrant communities in the face of the administration’s aggressive deportation tactics and expanded interior enforcement efforts.
     
    Held at Wyckoff Heights Medical Center in Brooklyn and CUNY School of Law in Long Island City, the roundtables featured national immigration experts and local organizations who shared their perspectives on the real-life consequences of these policies. Attendees explored strategies to protect immigrant communities, ensuring they have access to legal resources and critical support during this challenging time.
     
    “In the wake of the Trump administration’s unprecedented immigration actions, it’s vital that New Yorkers stand up to protect our immigrant communities,” said Congresswoman Velázquez. “Today’s roundtable shows that our community is united in defending our neighbors and ensuring immigrants know their rights. New Yorkers are strong, resilient, and ready to defend the rights and dignity of all who call our city home.”
     
    “In just a few days, President Trump has unleashed a blizzard of executive actions which have put immigrant communities in fear and threatened to take away legal status from thousands of New Yorkers,” said Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, Senior Fellow at the American Immigration Council. “This roundtable was an important opportunity for local leaders to come together and figure out what has happened already, what is yet to come, and what all of this means for the communities they support.”
     
    “CUNY School of Law was honored to host this critical conversation during such a pivotal moment for immigration policy,” said Sudha Setty, Dean of CUNY School of Law. “Our students and faculty bring both lived experience and advocacy perspectives to our classrooms and clinics, where we work toward both immediate and systemic change. Through collaboration with community organizations and those gathered today, we remain committed to expanding access to justice.”
     
    “As we see families too scared to go to school and jobs, punitive enforcement that ensnares American citizens, and reductive policies including the unconstitutional effort to end birthright citizenship, it is more important than ever to organize to protect New Yorkers’ rights,”  said Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris. “I applaud Congresswoman Velázquez for uniting our community for this essential conversation, because New Yorkers will stand together in the fight to keep families together.”
     
    State Senator Kristen Gonzalez said, “Thank you so much to Congresswoman Velasquez for organizing this group of community leaders, advocates and experts to identify ways to respond to this Administration’s attacks on our immigrant communities. All new Yorkers deserve to live safe, stable, and dignified lives without fear. We are ready to collaborate and equip our neighbors, friends and loved ones with the knowledge and resources they need in the event of an ICE raid at their workplace, places of worship, schools, or homes.”
     
    “In the wake of harmful and xenophobic Presidential policies, we need to protect our neighbors who live in our sanctuary city. The immigration roundtable at CUNY Law highlighted plans and strategies to provide legal assistance and other critical aid to vulnerable communities being targeted,” said Council Member Julie Won. “Thank you to Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez for your leadership and for hosting this important conversation.”
     

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DelBene, LaHood, Dunn, And Schrier Introduce Legislation to Preserve Patient Access to Accountable Care

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (1st District of Washington)

    Today, Representatives Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Darin LaHood (IL-16), Neal Dunn (FL-02), and Kim Schrier (WA-08) introduced the Preserving Patient Access to Accountable Care Act. This bipartisan legislation would continue incentives that enable Medicare providers to participate in value-based health programs, which are designed to improve the quality of care for seniors while lowering costs.

    Specifically, this bill would extend incentive payments for qualifying participants (QPs) in advanced alternative payment models (APMs) at 3.53% through payment year 2027 and freeze the scheduled increase in qualifying thresholds.

    “Our health care system needs to move from volume to value to deliver better care at a better price. Health care providers and hospitals participating in Alternative Payment Models are leading this change, but the federal government needs to keep in place the right incentives to continue this shift,” said DelBene. “The Preserving Patient Access to Accountable Care Act will help pay providers and health systems for the quality of care they deliver instead of the amount.”

    “Alternative Payment Model incentive payments are essential to ensuring that Americans have the highest quality of care possible,” said LaHood. “I am proud to champion and be joined by my colleagues in introducing the Preserving Access to Accountable Care Act to ensure that physicians and other healthcare providers are able to deliver high-quality, well-coordinated, and cost-effective comprehensive care. By continuing the incentives and maintaining the current qualifying thresholds, this will help sustain and grow participation in value-based payment models.”

    “Alternative Payment Models ensure that patients receive the best possible care while rewarding providers for delivering high quality care at an affordable price,” said Dunn. “Congress must encourage this commonsense approach to healthcare, which will keep costs low while improving patient outcomes.”

    “Alternative Payment Model incentive payments are an effort to make our health care system more efficient by rewarding providers for transitioning to value-based care models that don’t compensate based on numbers of visits or procedures, but based on patient outcomes,” said Schrier, M.D. “Value-based care is one way to ensure high quality, efficient care for seniors. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan legislation, which will extend APM incentive payments and thereby offer a range of practices to improve care for Medicare recipients.”

    “Advanced APM incentives have enabled clinicians to reinvest in patient care and better manage the health of their populations,” said National Association of ACOs Incoming CEO Emily Brower. “This progress is evident in the continued growth of APMs, with over 50% of traditional Medicare beneficiaries now receiving care through an accountable care organization. This legislation plays a vital role in driving the ongoing shift toward value-based care”

    “Passage of the Preserving Patient Access to Accountable Care Act is critical for AMGA members to continue providing a high level of care to their patients,” said AMGA President and CEO Jerry Penso, MD, MBA. “This legislation ensures that AMGA members can continue to participate in value-based care and get rewarded for providing outstanding care to their patients. AMGA members support this legislation and thank Rep. LaHood for introducing this important bill.”

    “The advanced alternative payment model incentive has increased adoption of accountable care across the country,” said Accountable for Health CEO Mara McDermott. “We appreciate the bipartisan commitment to this policy that accelerates the transformation of health care delivery to improve care for patients and lower costs.”

    A copy of the bill can be found here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, Nine Colleagues, Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Preserve and Protect Medicare for Physicians and Patients

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)

    WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) joined with nine of his Democratic and Republican colleagues in reintroducing the bipartisan Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act, legislation which would support physicians and protect access to care for those receiving Medicare benefits. With staff and operating costs continuing to climb, declining reimbursement rates could lead to layoffs, reduced services, and permanent closures of care facilities, especially in underserved and rural areas.

    On January 1, 2025, Medicare reimbursement cut of 2.83 percent went into effect despite a physician shortage in America. and that Medicare reimbursement for physician services have declined 33 percent from 2001 to 2025, according to the American Medical Association. With the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) estimating a projected 3.6 percent increase in practice cost expenses this year alone, physicians could see a total 6.43 percent cut unless Congress takes action.

    Joining Congressman Krishnamoorthi are Reps. Greg Murphy (R-NC), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), John Joyce (R-OH), Raul Ruiz (D-CA), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Kim Schrier (D-WA), Claudia Tenney (R-NY), Ami Bera (D-CA), and Carol Miller (R-WV).

    “America’s seniors deserve timely access to the best quality of care from physicians in their own communities, but Medicare reimbursement cuts gravely endanger that access,” Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi said. “Our bipartisan legislation would not only prevent those dangerous cuts but also ensure that seniors continue to have access to the high-quality medical care they deserve.”

    “Physicians in America are facing unprecedented financial viability challenges due to continued Medicare cuts. Access to affordable and quality health care for millions of seniors is in severe jeopardy,” Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D., said. “Doctors see Medicare patients out of compassion, not for financial gain. The cost of caring for a Medicare patient far outpaces the reimbursement that physicians receive for seeing them. On top of that, the expense of providing care continues to rise due to medical inflation. This inflation, coupled with declining reimbursement rates, creates enormous financial pressures on physicians, forcing many to retire early, stop accepting new Medicare patients, or sell out to larger, consolidated hospital systems, private equity, or even insurance companies. The future of private practice medicine, the most cost-efficient and personalized care, is in dire straits. This bipartisan legislation prevents further cuts, provides a modest inflationary adjustment to help ease the cost of care, and ensures Medicare remains viable for both doctors and patients.”

    “Medicare payments to physicians in California’s 19th Congressional District and around the country have not reflected economic realities and rising costs of healthcare,” Congressman Jimmy Panetta said. “The Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act would ensure that providers are not penalized by harmful cuts while adjusting reimbursements for inflation.  By passing this bipartisan legislation, we will protect seniors’ access to quality care and support the providers who make it possible.”

    “Throughout the country, we have seen more consolidation and less access within our health care system,” Congressman John Joyce, M.D., said. “Now, after yet another cut to the physician fee schedule, more physicians will be forced to limit the number of Medicare patients they see, or in some cases, shutter their doors. This will result in a lack of access to care for many Medicare beneficiaries. While the price to administer high-quality care has continued to rise over the last twenty years, the Medicare reimbursement rate for physicians has continued to drop. I’m proud to be part of a bipartisan solution to ensure that patients, especially those in rural and underserved areas, can continue to receive the care they need and want from the physicians they know and trust.”

    “Medicare is essential to ensuring seniors have access to care, especially in rural and under resourced communities,” Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D., said. “Rising costs and administrative burdens make it clear that Medicare reimbursement policies must reflect the true costs of providing care. I’m proud to support the Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act which will help make sure seniors have access to the care they deserve.”

    “Access to quality healthcare is something every senior deserves, but declining Medicare reimbursement is putting that access at risk,” Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D., said. “The bipartisan Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act is crucial to reversing the damaging trend of cuts that threaten our healthcare providers, especially in underserved communities. We must act now to prevent further early retirement, burnout, and consolidation in our system, ensuring that every Medicare beneficiary receives the care they need and deserve.”

    “Over the past 22 years, adjusting for inflation, physicians have essentially taken a 26% pay cut from Medicare,” Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D., said. “Their reimbursement has been flat or declining, while overhead costs have increased by about 47%: rent, labor, equipment, and insurance. I cannot think of another profession whose compensation has dropped by 26% over 2 decades. Physicians have been holding their breath, year after year, hoping that Congress will act to avert these devastating decreases in reimbursement. Without adequate reimbursement, solo and small practice physicians—most often in rural or underserved areas—are already closing their doors. It’s up to Congress to ensure that physicians are fairly compensated and can continue to practice, so that all Medicare patients have access to high-quality, affordable care, and I am proud to co-sponsor legislation that will achieve just that.”

    “Preventing the impending Medicare reimbursement cuts to physicians is critical to ensuring seniors have access to the high-quality care they deserve,” Congresswoman Claudia Tenney said. “Financial stability for providers isn’t just a matter of fairness—it’s essential for protecting access to care, particularly in rural and underserved areas like western New York where physician shortages have been a persistent challenge. The rising cost of delivering care, coupled with increasing administrative burdens, makes it clear that Medicare payment policies must evolve to reflect the true costs faced by physicians.” 

    “Having an outdated Medicare reimbursement rate for physicians makes it harder for healthcare professionals to provide high-quality care, putting patients at risk,” Congressman Ami Bera, M.D., said. “Physicians, unlike the rest of the players in health care, have never received an inflationary update and consistently received cuts. This bill ensures a more stable Medicare payment system, allowing providers to focus on delivering care rather than worrying about losing their practice. With this bipartisan effort, we are working toward a system that supports both doctors and patients.”

    “Seniors in West Virginia and across the country should not lose access to their local health care because of reimbursement cuts,” Congresswoman Carol Miller said. “The bipartisan Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act would increase funding for services that are necessary for Medicare patients. Physicians should have the resources they need to treat their patients and everyone, regardless of where they live, should have access to quality medical care.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Ami Bera Denounces Trump Administration’s Purge of FBI Officials

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Ami Bera (D-CA)

    Today, U.S. Representative Ami Bera (CA-06), Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, released a statement denouncing the Trump administration’s purge of high-ranking FBI officials: 

    “I am deeply concerned by the abrupt and arbitrary dismissal of several top FBI officials—career civil servants with decades of experience protecting our nation from crime, cyber threats and terrorism. These individuals were not political appointees but seasoned professionals tasked with overseeing critical national security and criminal investigations.

    “Sweeping purges like this, without clear justification, risk undermining the FBI’s ability to protect the American people. The sudden removal of senior leaders disrupts ongoing operations, weakens institutional knowledge and leaves the American public more vulnerable to threats from criminals and terrorists who seek to harm our nation.

    “The American people deserve an FBI that is strong, independent and led by experienced professionals. The Trump administration must provide transparency regarding these dismissals and prioritize national security over political retribution.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Connolly Statement on Elon Musk’s Hostile Takeover of OPM

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Gerry Connolly (D-Va)

    Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-VA), the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, released the following statement:

    “Elon Musk’s hostile takeover of the Office of Personnel Management, sanctioned by Donald Trump, is putting Americans in danger. Since Trump handed Musk the keys to our government, it’s been reported that Musk has set up private servers that risk a cybersecurity nightmare, sent out unsanctioned and untrustworthy resignation offers, and locked career officials out of agency systems. And that’s just in the past few days. The actions of Co-Presidents Musk and Trump will have disastrous consequences not just for the civil servants whose lives they are upending, but for the American people who will suffer as a result.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Schakowsky Statement Celebrating Black History Month

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (9th District of Illinois)

    EVANSTON – Today, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) issued the following statement commemorating Black History Month:

    “This February, we celebrate Black History Month and honor the work of the Black leaders, pioneers, trailblazers, and heroes who broke down barriers and helped propel our nation forward. It is leaders like Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., and my dear friend John Lewis, who took a stand and fought for a cause greater than themselves. It was their ‘good trouble,’ along with many others, that paved the way for future generations to have a better life. This month, and every month, let us celebrate their triumphs, advancements, and innovations. Black history is American history, period.”

    “As we reflect on the great strides we have made, we recognize there is still a lot of work left to do. Just this week, as the nation mourned the victims of the devastating midair collision in Washington, D.C., President Trump held a press conference to falsely blame diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives for the cause of this incident. Not only are Trump’s claims untrue, but they also speak to his desire to divide us as a country. We must never let hate win. Dr. King famously said, ‘Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love will do that.’

    “I am proud to represent my hometown of Evanston, Illinois, the first jurisdiction to pass a reparations resolution to help dismantle the systems of oppression that remain from slavery, and the 9th Congressional District, one of the most diverse districts in the nation. Our diversity is truly one of our greatest strengths. 

    “This Black History Month let’s all embrace this diversity and reflect on how we can work to make the world a better place. As the famed poet and activist Amanda Gorman once said, ‘For there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we are brave enough to be it.’”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Trump Launches Trade War That Will Raise Prices, Hurt Jobs

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (1st District of Washington)

    Trump Launches Trade War That Will Raise Prices, Hurt Jobs

    Bellevue, WA, February 1, 2025

    Today, Representatives Suzan DelBene (WA-01) and Don Beyer (VA-08) released the following statement after President Trump imposed sweeping tariffs on some of our largest trading partners.

    “President Trump just started a trade war that will raise prices on American families and invite retaliation against American businesses, workers, and farmers. This is a tax on everyday goods that will hit the pocketbooks of middle-class families at the grocery store, the gas station, and the pharmacy counter. Trump says this is a negotiating tactic, but everyday Americans and small businesses will suffer while he and his billionaire friends are insulated from the economic pain this will cause.

    “This is a blatant abuse of executive power. No president should unilaterally be able to put in place these broad-based tariffs that will have far-reaching economic impacts in communities across the country – Red, Blue, and everything in between. Congress must reassert its authority by reining in this egregious misuse of the law.”

    Background

    • Today, Trump put 25% tariffs on all goods from Canada and Mexico, with a 10% tariff on Canadian oil exports. He also placed a 10% tariff on Chinese goods.
    • These tariffs are similar to the ones Trump proposed on the campaign trail and are estimated to directly raise prices on consumer goods by $2,600 to $4,000 a year for the average American family.
    • The Wall Street Journal Editorial Board called Trump’s tariffs, “The Dumbest Trade War in History.”
    • Sen. Rand Paul posted today, “Taxing trade will mean less trade and higher prices.”
    • In January, DelBene and Beyer reintroduced legislation that would prevent the President of the United States from imposing import tariffs under the guise of a national emergency without Congressional approval.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Gregory W. Meeks Statement on Black History Month

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)

    QUEENS, NY – Today, Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05) released the following statement on Black History Month: 

    “It is critical that we continue recognizing the profound contributions that African Americans have made to our country. We honor all of those trailblazers who persevered through the horrors of slavery and the Jim Crow era to pave the way for major achievements in every segment of this country including science, engineering, mathematics, entertainment, technology, culture, public service, business, the military and much more. Black innovation, entrepreneurship, resilience, and perseverance are woven into the very fabric of this nation. We continue to make remarkable strides in breaking barriers by entering fields such as artificial intelligence where our accomplishments reshape the tech landscape. This Black History Month, we must choose to educate and challenge narratives that perpetuate the marginalization of African Americans. Although we have made so much progress, we cannot neglect the work that lies ahead to deliver on the promise of our great nation for all Americans.  

    “While the Trump Administration wrongly pursues an anti-DEI agenda that ignores our country’s past of historical, systematic exclusion of African Americans, we as Americans must remember that diversity is the foundation of our country. It strengthens democracy by embracing unique perspectives that serve our society. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are American values that must not be dismantled. 

    “After all, Black history is American history.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Trump’s Reckless Trade War Will Hurt American Families, Businesses, and Workers

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04)

    Trump’s Reckless Trade War Will Hurt American Families, Businesses, and Workers

    While noticeably going softer on China, Trump’s tariffs hurt key allies and top trading partners Mexico and Canada

    “Donald Trump has plunged our country into a dangerous trade war and the American people will bear the cost. Thanks to Trump, American businesses will be saddled with higher costs, which could lead to higher prices on goods Americans need. Prices will likely go up the grocery store, as people still feel squeezed at the checkout counter. The price of homes is expected to increase, as materials used to build homes become more expensive, which comes as homeownership remains unaffordable to many. 

    For millions of Americans still grappling with inflation, Trump’s tariffs will be a gut punch. History should inform us that another trade war could cause devastation again. The last time Trump picked a trade fight, Wisconsin dairy farms suffered the brunt, contributing to record-level family farm bankruptcies and billions in bailouts. Trump resorted to costly bailouts to cover for his failures and have left farmers weaker in the long term.  

    In his second term, Trump continues to use tariffs as a political scheme, this time against our top allies and trading partners. Tariffs can help American industries and support our workers if they are used deliberately and carefully, but Trump’s across the board tariffs are neither. As our allies impose retaliatory tariffs, the damage will get worse. Donald Trump hasn’t even been in office for a month, and he is already breaking his promise to lower the cost of living.”  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Appointments – IHC welcomes new Chief Executive Andrew Crisp

    Source: IHC

    IHC welcomed its new IHC Group Chief Executive Andrew Crisp at a pōwhiri in Wellington on Monday morning.

    More than 200 people gathered to welcome Andrew Crisp, who joins IHC from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.

    “I was fortunate to meet with some people with intellectual disabilities before I started and I heard their request for me to step up for people with intellectual disabilities and for IHC,” Andrew says. “I will answer that call.”

    Andrew joins the IHC Group at a key moment amid changes in disability funding, opportunities in social and community housing, a continued need to advocate for people’s rights and an ongoing determination for people with intellectual disabilities to have their say.

    He says he has three key initial priorities. “I want to listen, first and foremost, to learn and understand the whakapapa of the organisation, I want to connect inside and outside the organisation to gather a range of perspectives and I want to work with everyone to prioritise the resources on things that will have the most positive impact on the people we support.”

    IDEA Services Board Chair, and IHC New Zealand Board Member Suzanne Win formally welcomed Andrew emphasising the importance of the new role in the lives of many thousands of people looking to him to lead and make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

    She reminded everyone that just three people have held this esteemed role and have each made an impact for people with intellectual disabilities – which is our mission and calling.

    “Last year IHC turned 75 and in the early years much change occurred as people with intellectual disabilities moved out of institutions and into communities,” said Suzanne. “There have been battles for equity in every policy area since – education, health, housing, employment, rights and more. It’s great to reflect on achievements, but only as we acknowledge how much more needs to be done.

    “We are proud to be a rights-based organisation. People have the right to good health care and education, a good home, equitable access to services and participation, autonomy and social connection.”

    Suzanne said that the organisation is excited to welcome a new champion to our sector and there are many challenges laid at his feet.

    “This is more than a job,” said Suzanne. “It is history and future thinking, advocacy and consistent quality delivery, disability and housing, community connection and individual support. Much expectation and hope is resting on your shoulders,” she said.

    “But you are not on your own. You join a team of thousands.

    “Some of us are vocal and some of us are quiet,” she said. “Sometimes we’re excited, sometimes we’re angry, sometimes we’re worn out and sometimes we’re energised – but we’re all unwaveringly and doggedly committed to our mission and we’re proud to be here.”

    Andrew already has visits to services and the wider organisation booked in the diary including to Waikato and Canterbury and he’ll be starting by visiting services and staff in Lower Hutt later this week.

    About IHC New Zealand

    IHC New Zealand advocates for the rights, inclusion and welfare of all people with intellectual disabilities and supports them to live satisfying lives in the community. IHC provides advocacy, volunteering, events, membership associations and fundraising. It is part of the IHC Group, which also includes IDEA Services, Choices NZ and Accessible Properties

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Pōwhiri at Te Whare Rūnanga, Waitangi 2025

    Source: New Zealand Governor General

    Mai i te kore, ki te pō,

    ki te ao marama,

    ko te ara o te tika,

    ko te ara o te pono tēnā

    e kōkiri mō te whakatipuranga

    ō āpōpō.

    He aha tēnā o ngā oāti

    e whakapono atu nei e tatou,

    e te iwi.

    Hākoa te kaupapa e pikau atu nei,

    me kawe i roto i te aroha, i te ture,

    me te whakapono.

    Maranga mai e te iwi

    E ngā hapu mano tini

    Ma te atua tatou te iwi e arāhī!

    Kei āku nui

    Kei āku rahi

    Tena koutou

    Tena koutou

    Tena tatou katoa

    Tau ana!

    [From the nothingness, to the night, to the world of light, of understanding

    We seek the pathway that is right

    We seek the pathway of truth

    In the faith that the legacy we leave is for the now and the future generations.

    Whatever the kaupapa at hand, we must, seek the truth, with compassion, and with conviction and with belief.

    Arise e te iwi

    Arise e ngā hapu

    May we be guided by the creator

    To the assembled multitudes

    Greetings to one and all.]

    Few places in Aotearoa New Zealand can match the complex legacy of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. As a wāhine Māori with whakapapa to the people of this place – and as the 37th person to serve as Governor or Governor-General – I am deeply connected and committed to this whenua and te pito o te whenua – and it is my privilege to speak here, on this, our nation’s marae.

    When James Busby constructed his house here in 1833, these grounds were an isolated outpost of British influence. Two years later, he joined my tupuna here at the signing of He Whakaputanga – and in 1840, it became the place where two peoples – of very different world views – committed themselves to a new kind of relationship in Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

    By 1932, these grounds – like the Treaty itself – were neglected and largely ignored by the powers that be. When Lord Bledisloe was brought here, and heard the history, he resolved to buy the property and gift it to the nation, so that it could become a place of pilgrimage for all New Zealanders.

    To enable both signatories to be represented on these grounds, Sir Āpirana Ngata led the construction of Te Whare Runanga – to complement the Treaty House and represent the iwi Māori of Aotearoa.

    This taumata was to be where the signatories of Te Tiriti could meet in dialogue. It has continued to play a role in growing our relationship.

    The 1940 Waitangi centenary commemorations have gifted us an iconic image of Sir Āpirana Ngata, leading a vigorous haka in celebration of the opening of Te Whare Runanga. It so perfectly captures his passion to revive pride in Māoritanga. His efforts, along with that of countless others, have borne fruit in the 21st century with the revival of te reo Māori, celebration of waiata and kapa haka with Te Matatini, and te Ao Māori reflected in film, literature, music, and performance.

    In 1835, our tipuna who signed He Whakaputanga wanted to consolidate their ability to be successful producers, entrepreneurs and traders. A century later, Sir Apirana Ngata was also driven to develop a stronger economic base for iwi Māori, with his vision of wellbeing and prosperity in all facets of life.

    As guardians of these grounds, the Waitangi National Trust Board has helped generations of New Zealanders to better understand the impact of our history, most recently in the two magnificent museums on this site. The new exhibition at The Museum of Waitangi Te Kongahu – He Kura Toi Tangata, which marks 50 years since the Waitangi Tribunal was established, reminds us of the histories uncovered during the Tribunal’s enquiries, the impact of its work, and its many achievements.

    So many of us will have vivid memories of times spent here. We feel the wairua of those who have stood and spoken and are no longer with us – and in time, we too will become part of the story of the Treaty Grounds.

    Whatungarongaro te tangata, toitū te whenua.

    Our mokopuna will continue the work of our tupuna and I am confident they will be better placed than my generation to take up the mantle of responsibility. They are hopefully better informed by history, they understand the need to care for the planet, and they are more used to living with complex identities in the 21st century.

    Let us therefore reflect on our journey in this beautiful country at Waitangi, and our part in its ongoing legacy.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: A ground-breaking day at Newland Park

    Source: Australian Executive Government Ministers

    The much-anticipated Regional Skate and Play Precinct at Newland Park has officially broken ground, marking a major milestone in a game-changing project for the Alice Springs community. 

    Member for Lingiari Marion Scrymgour was joined by Northern Territory Government Minister for Logistics and Infrastructure Bill Yan MLA, Alice Springs Mayor Matt Paterson, and representatives from MPH Construction to kick off the project with a sod-turning ceremony today. The sod-turn officially started construction on the development. 

    The precinct will include a regional level skate park that has been designed with thorough community consultation, as well playground equipment, green spaces and ample shading. 

    It will also include a pump track, 3×3 basketball court, dog park and expanded car parking to enhance opportunities for recreation and social connection. 

    The state-of-the-art facility is a joint project between three levels of government, with a $4 million commitment from the Australian Government under its Priority Community Infrastructure Program, $1.8 million from the Northern Territory Government and $2.8 million from Alice Springs Town Council. 

    Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King: 

    “This project is a fantastic example of the incredible benefits that can be delivered for communities when all three levels of government work together. 

    “Our joint funding will see the existing parkland get a much-needed upgrade and a range of brand-new amenities, to provide a bigger community and play hub for residents, community groups and visitors to Alice Springs to enjoy.” 

    Quotes attributable to Northern Territory Government Minister for Logistics and Infrastructure Bill Yan:

    “Our CLP government is proud to back the development of Newland Park as part of our $27 million infrastructure plan to make Alice Springs an even better place to live. 

    “This plan is all about delivering better sporting facilities that support the well-being of our community, especially for our kids. We can’t wait to see the skate park finished and watch the Alice Springs community enjoy the benefits it’ll bring.” 

    Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Lingiari Marion Scrymgour: 

    “This project will deliver a modern skate and play park for people to enjoy. I am excited about the benefits these upgraded facilities will provide local residents and visitors to Alice Springs. It will also be good for local businesses. 

    “Additionally, construction on the project will provide critical local employment opportunities by supporting 31 jobs.” 

    Quotes attributable to Mayor of Alice Springs Town Council Matt Paterson: 

    “With the ribbon just cut on the new Adventure Park, it’s fantastic to turn our attention to another project that will be a gamechanger for families in Alice Springs. 

    “This is such an important investment in our community’s future and we can’t wait to see this come to life. The Regional Skate and Play Precinct is something that will benefit young people for generations to come and it’s exciting to begin work so quickly to have this project completed in 2025. 

    “I’d like to thank the Australian Government and the Northern Territory Government for their significant contributions to this project. This shows how the community can benefit when all three levels of government work together.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: City calls for interest in Disability Inclusion Reference Committee

    Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2

    The City of Greater Bendigo is calling for expressions of interest from members of the community who live with disability, care for someone who does, or who work with people living with disabilities to join its Disability Inclusion Reference Committee (DIRC).

    City Manager Community Partnerships Andie West said the City established the DIRC in 2016 to provide advice to Council that supports greater social inclusion of people with disability.

    “The DIRC acts as a central point for City staff and Councillors when advice is sought on matters relating to the needs and requirements of people living with disability,” Ms West said.

    “The Committee assists the City to consider all types of access and inclusion when developing policies and strategies and undertaking projects, so it is an important role.

    “Committee members will be appointed for a two-year term and meetings will be held every two months.

    “Some preparation and reading will be required prior to meetings and at times Committee members may be required to visit sites within Greater Bendigo to provide consultation and advice on City projects or major developments.

    “We are looking for people with lived experience, unpaid carers of people who live with disability, representatives from local disability-specific agencies, and representatives from local organisations or networks that have influence on social inclusion for people living with disability to join the Committee.”

    Applications from people with diverse cultural backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people of all ages and abilities, as well as past and outgoing members of the Committee are welcomed.

    Applications close Friday April 4, 2025.

    For more information, please contact Jessica Currie via phone or email:

    [email protected]

    1300 002 642

    MIL OSI News –