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Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI USA: THOMPSON, SCHWEIKERT, MATSUI, BALDERSON INTRODUCE TELEHEALTH PERMANENCE BILL

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

    Washington – Today, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04), David Schweikert (AZ-01), Doris Matsui (CA-07), and Troy Balderson (OH-12) announced the introduction of the bipartisan and bicameral CONNECT for Health Act, legislation that would expand telehealth access for millions of Americans on Medicare. 

    “Since my days in the California State Senate, I’ve been a big believer in telehealth’s ability to save money, time, and lives,” said Rep. Thompson. “Telehealth allows patients—especially those with low mobility or who otherwise can’t make it to the doctor’s office—to access the care they need when they need it. The CONNECT for Health Act will provide Americans on Medicare with the peace of mind that telehealth will be covered by their benefits. Proud to join Representatives Matsui, Schweikert, and Balderson to introduce this bill.”        

    “Digital health isn’t just a convenience, it’s a modern necessity. It’s how we make care more accessible, especially for rural and underserved communities, without blowing up the budget,” said Congressman Schweikert. “By permanently removing outdated restrictions, the CONNECT for Health Act helps Medicare keep pace with the real world. This is about using technology to improve outcomes, reduce costs, and meet patients where they are.” 

    “Telehealth is a proven tool to meet patients where they are and increase access to quality care throughout our communities,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “The expansion of telehealth services has been crucial to reaching our most vulnerable patients, older Americans, and the traditionally underserved. The CONNECT for Health Act permanently removes barriers to this critical resource and keeps it accessible for Medicare beneficiaries for years to come.”

    “Telehealth has become a core component for how we deliver high-quality care, especially in rural and underserved communities,” said Rep. Balderson. “The CONNECT for Health Act ensures Medicare keeps pace with modern medicine by removing outdated restrictions, expanding who can provide telehealth, and giving patients the flexibility to receive care from home. This legislation would be a big win for providers in rural Ohio, like our Federally Qualified Health Centers, who are the front line of care in many of the communities I represent.”

    “Permanently extending telehealth coverage will benefit patients and physicians far and wide, ushering in a new era of patient care. Medicare coverage of telehealth offers better access to health care not just for rural and other underserved communities; it also reduces travel time and serves as a vital tool for patients to receive seamless care with their existing physicians.  We deeply appreciate Representatives Thompson, Schweikert, Balderson, and Matsui for their leadership,” said American Medical Association President Bobby Mukkamala, M.D.

    The CONNECT for Health Act of 2025 would permanently expand access to telehealth services—ensuring that Medicare beneficiaries can continue to receive essential care.

    • Telehealth utilization surged in 2020 when CMS waived many statutory restrictions on telehealth to ensure continued access to health care during the public health emergency.
    • Recent reports find that older adults and individuals from underserved communities benefited the most from expanded telehealth access.
    • Since 2021, Medicare beneficiaries’ telehealth utilization has stabilized at 15 percent, while overall health care use is level, indicating that telehealth often substitutes in-person care.
    • With telehealth flexibilities set to expire in September 2025, beneficiaries will lose access to care due to statutory restrictions, including requirements that only permit beneficiaries to receive telehealth services if they are in rural areas and at certain clinical sites.
    • Permanent changes to Medicare’s coverage of telehealth services are critical in order to protect access to care and fully integrate telehealth into care delivery.

    The full bill text can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: THOMPSON JOINS SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE TO AWARD GREG LEMOND CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

    In a ceremony Wednesday, Congress awarded the highest civilian honor to world-renowned American cyclist

    Washington, D.C. – Today Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) joined the Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, former U.S. Representative Tom Graves, Stephen Whisnant, and esteemed guests to formally award cycling legend Greg LeMond with the Congressional Gold Medal. Watch Rep. Thompson’s remarks here. 

    “Greg LeMond represents the best of American sportsmanship. One of our greatest athletes, Greg is the only American man to win the Tour de France – a feat he accomplished three times. Throughout his career, Greg repeatedly exemplified the principles of healthy competition, honesty, and selflessness, putting team success ahead of his own. 

    “More than any other cyclist in our history, Greg was the epitome of the ‘Breaking Away’ culture – a young kid, on a bike, trying to do things no American had ever done.

    “In retirement, Greg has dedicated his life to serving and supporting children, veterans, medical research and other causes through his charitable work,” said Thompson. “I was honored to join the ceremony today to finally present Greg with this well-deserved recognition.” 

    “Cycling changed my life for the better and I’m a firm believer that this sport has the potential to help everyone be healthier and more active, too,” said LeMond. “I didn’t ever expect recognition when I started racing, I just really had a blast. That’s why I am truly humbled to be recognized by the U.S. Congress. I look at the list of previous medal winners and I can’t help but think that I’m in really, really good company.”

    BACKGROUND

    Greg LeMond is the only American to ever win the Tour de France. After his first win, he faced an uphill battle recovering from a near-fatal accident and later went on to win the Tour two more times. His 8-second victory over Laurent Fignon in the 1989 Tour is considered among the most thrilling moments in cycling history. Mr. LeMond was an early advocate against doping in the sport and he remains a giant in the cycling community to this day.

    In his retirement, Mr. LeMond has dedicated himself to giving back to his community. He and his wife, Kathy LeMond, support research into various childhood illnesses He is also a founding board member of 1in6, a nonprofit organization that helps men who were victims of childhood sexual abuse.

    Representative Mike Thompson, Co-Chair of the Congressional Bike Caucus, was inspired to pursue this award for Greg LeMond after reading about his incredible resiliency in Daniel De Visé’s biography, “The Comeback.” Thompson went on to lead the bipartisan effort in the U.S. House to pass the Greg LeMond Congressional Gold Medal Act.  
    The Congressional Gold Medal is one of the highest civilian awards in our nation and seeks to honor those who have performed an achievement that has an impact on American history and culture that is likely to be recognized as a major achievement in the recipient’s field for generations to come. 

    These medals are only awarded through Acts of Congress. Legislation must be introduced in both the House and Senate and those bills must be co-sponsored by two thirds of the membership of their respective chamber before being considered for a vote. 

    Greg LeMond is the first cyclist and only the tenth individual athlete to receive this prestigious medal. Others include Jackie Robinson, Roberto Clemente, Jesse Owens, Jack Nicklaus, and Arnold Palmer.

    You can click here to read Thompson’s bill honoring Mr. LeMond and outlining his long and celebrated career as a cyclist and activist. Click here to download photos from today’s ceremony and here to watch footage of the event. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. McCollum Joins Every Senate and House Democrat in Opposing the One Big Ugly Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — As the House of Representatives awaits the vote on Donald Trump’s massive budget reconciliation bill (HR1), also known as the One Big Ugly Bill, Congresswoman McCollum issued the following statement: 

    “President Trump’s big shameful reconciliation bill is back on the House floor today, and it is even uglier and meaner than when House Republicans passed it in May. The Senate-amended One Big Ugly Bill strips away healthcare from more than 173,000 Minnesotans with disabilities, seniors, children, and working parents – that’s the equivalent of every resident of Woodbury, Maplewood, Stillwater, and Roseville losing their health care. 

    “The big ugly truth is that at least 32,000 Minnesotans will go hungry without the SNAP food assistance they rely on – the equivalent of everyone in New Brighton and Arden Hills going to bed hungry every day. Donald Trump and his Republican Congressional enablers are cutting healthcare and food access for the most vulnerable Minnesotans to give permanent tax breaks to billionaires like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos. 

    “The One Big Ugly Bill is a handout for the wealthy. People who make over a million dollars a year, on average, will see a tax break of an additional $96,400 per year, or $264 per day. For those earning less than $50,000 per year, the average benefit is $0.68 per day. If that wasn’t bad enough, the Senate’s Big Ugly Bill raises the debt ceiling by $5 Trillion, 25% more than the $4 Trillion proposed in the House and hands out ridiculous tax breaks, like a $1.5 billion tax break on gun silencer purchases

    “As it was with the first vote on the Big Ugly Bill in May, I will vote NO! House Democrats just need four patriotic no votes from our Republican colleagues to kill this deadly bill. I will continue to lead with my Minnesota values and represent the voice of my community. I will always oppose any Republican efforts to cut Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, Veterans’ benefits, and nutrition assistance for Minnesota families.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: In Urumqi, a girl from Almaty successfully underwent an operation to reconstruct the Achilles tendon

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 12 (Xinhua) — A little patient from Almaty recently underwent successful Achilles tendon reconstruction surgery at the Children’s Hospital of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in Urumqi, the Xinjiang News Portal reported.

    On June 12 this year, a married couple from Almaty with their daughter came to the medical workers of this hospital. As a result of a traffic accident that happened six months ago, the girl received serious injuries to her right leg. After the tragedy, stitches were put on the wound at the local hospital. However, due to damage to the Achilles tendon, the child’s right foot gradually stopped functioning normally, and the girl could only limp.

    The reconstructive microsurgery department at this hospital developed a reconstructive surgery plan for the patient and carefully carried out a series of procedures to ensure that her foot met the requirements for surgery.

    On June 27, the head of the department, Tian Jingshun, and his colleagues performed surgery on the girl. The surgical treatment technique was autoplasty, which means using the patient’s own tissue. Under a microscope, the doctors successfully separated a piece of tendon tissue from the girl’s leg, including skin and blood vessels, and sewed it to the injured foot.

    A week after the operation, it was observed that the sutured tendon had become viable, and the blood vessels and nerve tissues were functioning normally. It is expected that the girl will be able to conduct foot rehabilitation training in a month, and will return to normal walking in about three months, Tian Jingshun said.

    Let us recall that this is the third case of admission of a foreign minor patient to the reconstructive microsurgery department of this hospital this year. Over the past few years, the hospital has admitted a total of more than 500 patients from Central Asian countries.

    “China is a leader in the field of microsurgery. My colleagues and I are trying to meet the medical treatment needs of as many patients as possible from both Xinjiang and neighboring Central Asian countries,” said Tian Jingshun. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI— Hagerty joins Varney & Co. on Fox Business to Discuss Iran Threat, Crypto Regulation Reform

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Tennessee Bill Hagerty

    NASHVILLE, TN—Today, United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and former U.S. Ambassador to Japan, joined Varney & Co. on Fox Business to discuss the national security implications of Iran’s nuclear ambitions, as well as his legislative push to create a clear regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies and digital assets.

    *Click the photo above or here to watch*

    Partial Transcript

    Hagerty on the threat posed by Iran’s nuclear program: “One thing to keep in mind is the intent of the Iranian regime. If you go back to the agreement President [Barack] Obama signed, they promised under the JCPOA not to continue their enrichment program. The Israelis uncovered the fact that they violated that agreement, and they’ve continued to do it. Why in the world would they build deep underground facilities if they weren’t trying to hide something? They’ve clearly had the intent to weaponize nuclear material. They’ve been enriching it. We’ve known that. This absolute obliteration, which has been widely documented, has taken out these facilities. Is it possible that some material could still remain? Yes, that is a possibility. That’s what the Israeli intelligence is reporting right now. But it’s obvious this regime has intent, and certainly if they have the intent, they’d like to have the ability to weaponize it. What’s happened is that the weaponization capability has been completely destroyed. It takes months, if not years, to rebuild even parts of these facilities. At minimum, what has happened is we’ve bought multi-year protection from what the Iranians could do.”

    Hagerty on concerns about Iran using nuclear material in a terrorist attack: “In a hypothetical sense, there is the potential to create something like a dirty bomb. That’s not close to the type of weaponization they were geared toward, but again, the Iranian regime has been put on notice. President [Donald] Trump was very deliberate and very clear: They violated his timeline, they violated his red line, and they suffered the consequences. The most important thing to keep Iran in check is the resolve of America and Israel. We demonstrated that clearly the time has come now for Iran to come to the table and for us to put this completely to an end.”

    Hagerty on his cryptocurrency legislation and the need for regulatory clarity: “The problem is longstanding. Over the last four years of the Biden administration, they utilized a tool called Regulation by Enforcement. Rather than creating a legal framework for cryptocurrencies, for the technology, for the stable coin bill, the Genius Act that I just got passed out of the Senate and should come out of the House of Representatives next week, the [Securities and Exchange Commission], the [Commodity Futures Trading Commission], and all the regulatory bodies kept this industry guessing. The bad outcome of that is that if you guess wrong, you will be incarcerated. You’ll wind up being persecuted, and you’ll wind up having enforcement action launched against you that could be very expensive. The net result of that is that we pushed innovation overseas, pushing it offshore because developers did not know what the liability might be here. No one knew how to register or properly adhere to the laws because the laws weren’t made clear. Our aim right now is to make a clear regulatory framework available here in the United States so developers can thrive here and so innovation can happen here. That’s exactly what I want to see with my stablecoin legislation, The Genius Act, that will take our payment system into the 21st century. It will have an enormous economic impact on America and create greater demand for U.S. Treasury securities, because every stablecoin has to be backed up 1-1, dollar for dollar, by the U.S. Security.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: THOMPSON RELEASES STATEMENT ON PASSAGE OF REPUBLICANS’ BIG, UGLY BILL: “BAD DEAL FOR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE”

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

    BILL SET TO RIP HEALTH CARE FROM 17 MILLION PEOPLE, FOOD ASSISTANCE FROM 11 MILLION PEOPLE

    Washington – Today, Ranking Member of the Ways & Means Subcommittee on Tax, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04), released the following statement on House Republicans’ passage of H.R.1:

    “Congressional Republicans’ big, ugly bill is a bad deal for the American people. 

    “In one bill, my Republican colleagues have managed to rip health care away from 17 million people, take food away from 11 million people, gut my green energy investments responsible for our manufacturing boom, and drive up our national debt by a whopping $5 trillion dollars. All of this just to give tax breaks to their billionaire donors who don’t need the help. 

    “In our district, 22,000 of our friends, family members, and neighbors stand to lose health care coverage. Another 14,000 could go hungry. Twenty-eight rural hospitals in California and one in four nursing homes across our state will close. This isn’t just bad policy — it’s cruelty. 

    “We have a responsibility as members of Congress to work for everyone, not just the well-off and well connected. This bill will saddle our future generations with debilitating debt in order to give handouts to people who don’t need the help. Every hardworking American, regardless of party stripe, ought to be outraged. And my colleagues on the other side of the aisle ought to be ashamed.” 

    H.R. 1 passed the House of Representatives 218-214. Every House Democrat voted “No.” 

    Watch and download Rep. Thompson’s speech on the House floor here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Robert Aderholt’s Statement on Supreme Court Ruling Upholding Tennessee’s Child Protection Law

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04)

    Washington, D.C. – Congressman Robert Aderholt, Chairman of the House Values Action Committee, issued the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court in United States v. Skrmetti upheld Tennessee’s law protecting minors from irreversible and life-altering medical treatments:

    “I applaud the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold Tennessee’s law safeguarding our most vulnerable, our children, from irreversible and unnecessary medical treatments that carry dangerous risks,” said Congressman Aderholt. “This ruling reaffirms that protecting the health and well-being of minors is not just a state’s right, but a moral imperative. We will continue to fight to ensure that states can protect children from harmful medical practices and uphold the values that define our nation.”

    After the previous administration challenged the law in federal court, the Supreme Court’s ruling confirms that states have the authority to act in the best interest of children and safeguard them from high-risk and irreversible interventions. This is a victory for America’s children and parental rights. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: VAT Chairman Aderholt Applauds Supreme Court Ruling in Mahmoud v. Taylor

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04)

    Congressman Robert Aderholt, Chairman of the House Values Action Team, released the following statement today after the Supreme Court ruled favorably in Mahmoud v. Taylor, confirming that parents have the right to make decisions about the education of their children concerning family life and human sexuality:

    “I applaud the Supreme Court for upholding the fundamental rights of parents,” said Rep. Robert Aderholt (AL-04). “Children are not wards of the state, and families, not government officials, should decide how curriculum related to human sexuality is introduced to their children. This is a clear victory for the rights of families and parents.”

    In Mahmoud v. Taylor, a group of religiously diverse Maryland parents challenged a public-school district’s refusal to provide any opt-out option for their children from classroom activities that included explicit sexual material and ideological viewpoint advocacy about sexuality and gender.

    “The Court’s decision in Mahmoud v. Taylor reaffirms that respecting parental rights is not only lawful, but essential to preserving both parental rights and religious freedom,” said Aderholt.

    The parents who brought the suit were simply advocating for an opt out option in the classroom, which is a very common practice; they did not ask for specific books to be excluded from the curriculum.  

    Congressman Aderholt was proud to lead an amicus brief in this case along with Senator Bill Cassidy and 60 Members of the House of Representatives and 17 Senators emphasizing that federal law does not compel the use of this curriculum and that Congress has long supported strengthened parental rights.

    “For years, parents have sounded the alarm about obscene and inappropriate content invading our schools, and today, they were heard,” said House VAT Co-Chair, Rep. Mary Miller (IL-15). “The Supreme Court has delivered a historic win for families, affirming parental rights, safeguarding religious freedom, and pushing back against the Left’s radical gender ideology targeting our children.”

    “Today’s Supreme Court decision is a huge victory for parental rights nationwide. Parents should always have the primary role in guiding their children’s upbringing, and in no world should a school be allowed to hide critical information about their child’s learning from them. Today’s ruling ensures that public schools can no longer impose controversial gender ideology curriculum on children without parental knowledge or consent. As a father of three school-aged daughters, I deeply care about what my children are taught outside of our home, and this decision offers parents across the country greater peace of mind and control over their children’s education,” said Rep. August Pfluger (TX-11).

    Rep. Brian Babin, D.D.S (TX-36) added, “No government, no school board, and no activist agenda has the right to come between a parent and their child. Today, the Supreme Court affirmed what our Constitution and our Creator make clear: children belong to families, not the state. Forcing children into radical gender ideology without parental knowledge or consent is not education, it’s indoctrination.”

    “Today’s decision affirms the fundamental truth that parents, not the government, have the right to determine the best educational curriculum for their children,” said Rep. Daniel Webster (FL-11). “Moms and Dads should not be intimidated or silenced when advocating for their children and religious convictions, and I applaud the court protecting parents’ rights and religious freedoms. I have and will continue to stand with students and parents.”

    Rep. Rick W. Allen (GA-12) added, “This decision from SCOTUS is a major win for parental rights and religious freedom in our country. No elementary-aged child should be subject to woke gender ideology curriculum without parental input or consent, especially in a taxpayer-funded school system. Parents know their children best and should be the primary decision makers when it comes to their child’s education.”

    “Today parents all over the U.S. received a Supreme Court huge victory,” said Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-03). “This ruling ensures parents will be notified of any gender and sexuality-related instruction and given the opportunity to opt-out. When Montgomery County, Maryland made the choice to instruct preschoolers on ‘LGBTQ+ inclusivity’ without notifying parents and guardians, they decided to supersede the will of these parents and guardians. To have these kinds of choices stripped from the parents is an absurd overreach by the state, and I was glad to see our Supreme Court agreed with me.”

    “It should be common sense that parents have a right to protect their children from being indoctrinated by curriculum that violates their religious convictions,” said Rep. Gary Palmer (AL-06). “Parents know what is best for their children. I’m glad that the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the parents trying to protect their children from being indoctrinated by controversial gender ideology curriculum.”

    “I am pleased with the Supreme Court’s decision to let parents make important decisions about what their children are exposed to in public schools, especially when it involves an ideology that violates their family’s religious beliefs. Public school instruction should stick to reading, writing, and arithmetic. Parents know best how to raise their children,” said Rep. Mark Messmer (IN-08).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: VAT Chairman Aderholt Applauds Supreme Court Ruling in Mahmoud v. Taylor

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04)

    Congressman Robert Aderholt, Chairman of the House Values Action Team, released the following statement today after the Supreme Court ruled favorably in Mahmoud v. Taylor, confirming that parents have the right to make decisions about the education of their children concerning family life and human sexuality:

    “I applaud the Supreme Court for upholding the fundamental rights of parents,” said Rep. Robert Aderholt (AL-04). “Children are not wards of the state, and families, not government officials, should decide how curriculum related to human sexuality is introduced to their children. This is a clear victory for the rights of families and parents.”

    In Mahmoud v. Taylor, a group of religiously diverse Maryland parents challenged a public-school district’s refusal to provide any opt-out option for their children from classroom activities that included explicit sexual material and ideological viewpoint advocacy about sexuality and gender.

    “The Court’s decision in Mahmoud v. Taylor reaffirms that respecting parental rights is not only lawful, but essential to preserving both parental rights and religious freedom,” said Aderholt.

    The parents who brought the suit were simply advocating for an opt out option in the classroom, which is a very common practice; they did not ask for specific books to be excluded from the curriculum.  

    Congressman Aderholt was proud to lead an amicus brief in this case along with Senator Bill Cassidy and 60 Members of the House of Representatives and 17 Senators emphasizing that federal law does not compel the use of this curriculum and that Congress has long supported strengthened parental rights.

    “For years, parents have sounded the alarm about obscene and inappropriate content invading our schools, and today, they were heard,” said House VAT Co-Chair, Rep. Mary Miller (IL-15). “The Supreme Court has delivered a historic win for families, affirming parental rights, safeguarding religious freedom, and pushing back against the Left’s radical gender ideology targeting our children.”

    “Today’s Supreme Court decision is a huge victory for parental rights nationwide. Parents should always have the primary role in guiding their children’s upbringing, and in no world should a school be allowed to hide critical information about their child’s learning from them. Today’s ruling ensures that public schools can no longer impose controversial gender ideology curriculum on children without parental knowledge or consent. As a father of three school-aged daughters, I deeply care about what my children are taught outside of our home, and this decision offers parents across the country greater peace of mind and control over their children’s education,” said Rep. August Pfluger (TX-11).

    Rep. Brian Babin, D.D.S (TX-36) added, “No government, no school board, and no activist agenda has the right to come between a parent and their child. Today, the Supreme Court affirmed what our Constitution and our Creator make clear: children belong to families, not the state. Forcing children into radical gender ideology without parental knowledge or consent is not education, it’s indoctrination.”

    “Today’s decision affirms the fundamental truth that parents, not the government, have the right to determine the best educational curriculum for their children,” said Rep. Daniel Webster (FL-11). “Moms and Dads should not be intimidated or silenced when advocating for their children and religious convictions, and I applaud the court protecting parents’ rights and religious freedoms. I have and will continue to stand with students and parents.”

    Rep. Rick W. Allen (GA-12) added, “This decision from SCOTUS is a major win for parental rights and religious freedom in our country. No elementary-aged child should be subject to woke gender ideology curriculum without parental input or consent, especially in a taxpayer-funded school system. Parents know their children best and should be the primary decision makers when it comes to their child’s education.”

    “Today parents all over the U.S. received a Supreme Court huge victory,” said Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-03). “This ruling ensures parents will be notified of any gender and sexuality-related instruction and given the opportunity to opt-out. When Montgomery County, Maryland made the choice to instruct preschoolers on ‘LGBTQ+ inclusivity’ without notifying parents and guardians, they decided to supersede the will of these parents and guardians. To have these kinds of choices stripped from the parents is an absurd overreach by the state, and I was glad to see our Supreme Court agreed with me.”

    “It should be common sense that parents have a right to protect their children from being indoctrinated by curriculum that violates their religious convictions,” said Rep. Gary Palmer (AL-06). “Parents know what is best for their children. I’m glad that the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the parents trying to protect their children from being indoctrinated by controversial gender ideology curriculum.”

    “I am pleased with the Supreme Court’s decision to let parents make important decisions about what their children are exposed to in public schools, especially when it involves an ideology that violates their family’s religious beliefs. Public school instruction should stick to reading, writing, and arithmetic. Parents know best how to raise their children,” said Rep. Mark Messmer (IN-08).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Underwood Introduces Prioritizing Rural Hospitals Act to Strengthen Health Care in Rural America

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14)

    WASHINGTON – Representative Lauren Underwood introduced the Prioritizing Rural Hospitals Act, bipartisan legislation co-led by Rep. Tracey Mann (R-KS). The Prioritizing Rural Hospitals Act would address the pressing health care disparities that rural communities face by prioritizing funding for rural health care facilities applying for Rural Development funding through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

    “Republicans just passed the largest cut to health care in American history, and now hundreds of rural health care facilities are projected to close. We must act immediately to address the significant challenges that people in our rural communities are facing in accessing quality health care,” said Congresswoman Underwood. “The Prioritizing Rural Hospitals Act is a crucial step towards addressing these disparities, providing essential resources to improve health care infrastructure, and support the dedicated professionals who serve these areas.”

    Nearly 1 in 5 Americans live in rural areas and they face significant health care disparities compared to Americans living in urban areas. The shortage of physicians, longer wait times, and need to travel long distances to access medical care are just a few of the challenges rural residents endure.

    This bill will provide much-needed support to these communities by prioritizing funding for health facilities and ensuring USDA resources can be used to renovate, remodel, and equip closed facilities.

    Rural hospital closures result in inadequate preventive health care for rural residents, increasing the need for emergency treatments that are becoming increasingly unavailable. By prioritizing funding and resources for rural health care facilities, the Prioritizing Rural Hospitals Act will help ensure that residents in rural areas receive the essential care they need.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Underwood Secures More Than $1.6 Million in Federal Funding for Affordable Housing, Environmental Cleanup, and Research

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14)

    WASHINGTON — This week, Representative Lauren Underwood announced a new round of federal funding she has secured for affordable housing, environmental cleanup, and research in the 14th District.

    As a member of the Appropriations Committee, Underwood has made securing federal resources for northern Illinois a top priority. The following funds will support programs in the 14th District with federal resources:

    The Neighbor Project, Aurora, Illinois – $57,000

    The Neighbor Project will receive $57,000 in federal funding from NeighborWorks America through the NeighborWorks Flexible Impact Grant program.

    This grant will support efforts to lower housing costs, expand housing supply, spark economic opportunity, revitalize neighborhoods, and strengthen communities across Illinois’s 14th Congressional District. NeighborWorks America, a public nonprofit established by Congress in 1978, provides financial and technical support to nearly 250 local and regional partner organizations nationwide.

    Rep. Underwood helped secure this funding through her work on the Appropriations Committee.

    City of Ottawa, Ottawa, Illinois – $1,243,270

    The City of Ottawa will receive $1,243,270 in federal funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Brownfields Cleanup Grant Program.

    The grant will fund the cleanup of the former Beer Depot site at 429 W. Lafayette Street, which was previously used for oil and coal distribution from 1891 until the 1970s. The site, vacant since the 1970s and contaminated with semi-volatile organic compounds, metals, and pesticides, will be remediated to support community revitalization and economic redevelopment.

    Rep. Underwood helped secure this funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and her work on the Appropriations Committee.

    A Cubed Design LLC, Aurora, Illinois – $305,000

    A Cubed Design LLC has been awarded federal funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) through a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I grant to develop an affordable, durable, and user-repairable refreshable braille display.

    This project aims to address the high cost and limited accessibility of current refreshable braille technology, which hinders braille literacy and digital access for blind and low-vision individuals. The innovation has strong commercial potential in a rapidly growing market and is expected to benefit thousands of users within three years of launch, expanding access to education, employment, and digital tools for the blind and low-vision community.

    Rep. Underwood helped secure this funding through her work on the Appropriations Committee.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: RELEASE: Harder Demands Release of Frozen Education Funding for San Joaquin County Ahead of New School Year

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Josh Harder (CA-10)

    $18 million for hiring teachers, STEM education, and after-school programs locked up

    Clock running out with first day of school just weeks away

    STOCKTON – Today, in response to unacceptable education funding freezes just weeks away from the first day of school, Rep. Josh Harder (CA-09) demanded the immediate release of these funds to ensure Valley students heading into the new school year aren’t affected. More than $18 million in federal funding promised to San Joaquin County is currently locked up.

    Here’s what’s on Washington’s chopping block:

    • Funding for homework assistance and after-school clubs.
    • Investments in STEM education and digital learning services.
    • Hiring and training more teachers — one local school district has a 100+ shortage.

    “Make no mistake — this is an attack on our kids and their futures, and I’m furious that Washington is trying to pull the rug out from under our schools just weeks away from the first day of school,” said Rep. Harder. “Working families deserve to know that their tax dollars are going to invest in our schools, not sit locked up in the hands of politicians. I’m calling on Washington to immediately reverse this mindless decision before it’s too late.”

    In his letter, Harder urged Washington to:

    • Immediately release the $18 million promised to San Joaquin County.
    • Restore funding for hiring teachers and providing education programs.
    • Prioritizekids’ education and career futures.

    Read the full letter here.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: MEGABILL: Harder Condemns Largest Health Care Cut in American History

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Josh Harder (CA-10)

    Rips health care away from nearly 50,000 San Joaquin County residents, lays off 3,000 health care workers 

    Finances trillions in handouts for billionaires like Elon Musk

    WASHINGTON – Today, following the U.S. House of Representatives’ passage of the largest health care cut in American history, Rep. Josh Harder (CA-09), who voted no, released the following statement condemning the bill:

    “I’m heartbroken for our community. This bill is cruel beyond words. It rips health care away from 50,000 people in San Joaquin County, shutters clinics, lays off thousands of health care workers, and sends premiums through the roof – all so billionaires like Elon Musk can get another handout. 

    “Thousands of working families will lose access to in-home care for aging parents. They’ll be forced to skip doctor’s appointments for their kids. They won’t be able to afford an emergency room visit if there’s an accident. This isn’t just politics, this is life and death.

    “Our families were already stretched thin – now they’re being kicked off their health care so the rich can get even richer. I’m heartbroken. I’m furious. I voted no, and I’ll do everything in my power to fight back against this heartless betrayal.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: WORLD DRUG DAY: Harder Announces Bipartisan Bills to Crack Down on Deadly Fentanyl

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Josh Harder (CA-10)

    New report: U.S. drug overdose deaths on the rise again

    Nearly 200,000 fentanyl pills seized in the Valley since September, enough to kill 26 million people

    WASHINGTON – Today, on the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Rep. Josh Harder (CA-09) announced two bipartisan bills to crack down on fentanyl drug dealers and expand overdose training for first responders. The Disrupt Fentanyl Pill Production Act, led with Rep. Dan Crenshaw (TX-02), helps local law enforcement track down drug dealers manufacturing counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl, and the Safer Response Act, led with Rep. Mike Lawler (NY-17), funds a grant training program to expand overdose training to local first responders.

    Valley communities are on the front lines of the drug epidemic:

    “This is about stopping criminals who are poisoning our families,” said Rep. Harder. “Fentanyl is flooding into our communities and we have to do something about it. These bipartisan bills give law enforcement the tools they need to crack down on traffickers and make sure more people are trained to save lives when every second counts. This is life or death – we need to pass these bills.”

    Stopping drug dealers with the Disrupt Fentanyl Pill Production Act:

    • Tracking down dealers by requiring traceable serial numbers on all machines used to mass-produce counterfeit pills.
    • Tougher penalties for dealers caught with pill press machines.
    • Better coordination between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.

    “For the safety of our communities, it’s imperative that we give law enforcement the ability to trace these illicit pill presses moving across borders. This legislation will allow officers to better understand the criminal supply chain,” said Rep. Crenshaw. “Serializing pill presses will also give them better tools to effectively catch and prosecute cartels who use this equipment to disguise deadly drugs and exploit our children for profit.”

    Preventing overdose deaths with the Safer Response Act:

    • New training for local first responders to address and reverse overdoses.
    • Outreach coordination teams to bridge gaps between public and private medical and emergency response partnerships.

    “Over 80,000 lives were lost last year to overdoses and opioids like fentanyl continue to proliferate in our communities,” said Rep. Lawler. “I’m proud to co-lead the reintroduction of the Safer Response Act with Congressman Josh Harder to equip our first responders with the training and tools necessary to fight the opioid epidemic and save lives.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Neguse and Rep. Ocasio-Cortez Introduce Legislation to Impose Lifetime Ban on Members of Congress from Lobbying

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

    Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Joe Neguse (CO-02) and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14) introduced the Close the Revolving Door Act of 2025, legislation that would impose a lifetime ban on former Members of Congress from becoming lobbyists. The legislation also strengthens lobbying transparency laws, including significantly increasing penalties for violations of the Lobbying Disclosure Act. Reps. Neguse and Ocasio-Cortez have previously partnered on efforts to enact legislation to prohibit Members of Congress from trading stocks.

    “The American people deserve far better from their government and elected leaders — and that includes an end to the corruption that has become pervasive in Washington D.C. It is why I’ve led an effort for years to ban stock trading by Members of Congress, and why I’m proud to join my colleague Rep. Ocasio-Cortez in introducing the Revolving Door Act — common-sense legislation that would ban former Members of Congress from becoming lobbyists after they leave elected office. We must clean up government for future generations and ensure our government is serving the American people, not special interests, which is exactly what our legislation is designed to do,” said Congressman Joe Neguse. 

    “The revolving door of public service to lobbying is a major reason why everyday Americans struggle to trust our institutions. It erodes the faith and integrity of our lawmaking and cuts against the principle that our service here puts Americans first ahead of our own careers and ambitions. Lobbying by members of Congress should be banned, and I am happy to support Rep. Neguse’s bill,” said Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

    The Close the Revolving Door Act of 2025 would: 

    • Impose a lifetime ban on former Members of Congress from engaging in any lobbying activities aimed at influencing Congress after they leave office;
    • Prohibit senior congressional staff from lobbying Congress for six years following their departure from service; 
    • Require the Clerk of the House and the Secretary of the Senate to create and maintain a public database website called lobbyists.gov;
    • Create a six-year restriction on hiring lobbyists or foreign agents into congressional offices if they had substantial prior lobbying contact with the office in question; 
    • Increase civil penalties for violations of the Lobbying Disclosure Act from $200,000 to $500,000.

    Read the bill text HERE. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Representatives Neguse and Crank Lead Bipartisan Effort to Bolster Colorado’s Aerial Firefighting Capabilities

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

     

    In a letter to Dr. Troy E. Meink, Secretary of the Air Force, the lawmakers requested upgrades to the aircraft currently stationed at the 302nd Airlift Wing. 

    Lafayette, CO — As Colorado braces for peak wildfire season, Congressmen Joe Neguse (CO-02) and Jeff Crank (CO-05) teamed up in a bipartisan effort to strengthen the state’s aerial firefighting capabilities. More specifically, the lawmakers penned a letter to the Secretary of the Air Force requesting eight upgraded C-130J aircrafts for the 302nd Airlift Wing (AW) at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs. 

    C-130Js are fitted with a firefighting unit that can assist in the rapid deployment of thousands of gallons of water or fire retardant. This makes them uniquely capable of suppressing flames and curbing the spread of wildfires over large ranges. 

    “Colorado, and states across the West, have experienced devastating wildfires in recent years and continue to face increased drought conditions and wildfire risk. It is in our nation’s best interest to ensure our communities are well-equipped to respond when disaster strikes. Without adequate tools, including the C-130Js, our country is at a disadvantage to manage these wildfires–threatening the safety of our communities. It is with that in mind that we urge the Department of Air Force to upgrade the 302nd AW with eight C-130Js,” wrote Representatives Neguse and Crank 

    Read their full letter HERE and below. 

    Congressman Neguse, founder and Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Wildfire Caucus, has prioritized efforts to coordinate better wildfire preparedness, response, and recovery nationwide. Recently, he teamed up with a coalition of Western lawmakers to introduce a number of policy proposals that would implement a holistic approach to combating the wildfire crisis.

    July 1, 2025

    The Honorable Troy E. Meink

    Secretary of the Air Force

    Department of the Air Force

    1670 Air Force Pentagon

    Washington, D.C. 20330-1670

    Dear Secretary Meink:

    We write to request your consideration and assistance with upgrading and designating eight C-130Js to the Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) 302nd Airlift Wing (AW) at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The 302nd AW has been among the only aerial firefighting AFRC Wings since 1993, including one of the four wings using the U.S. Forest Service Modular Airborne Firefighting Systems, and is responsible for operating an aeromedical evacuation mission. It is imperative that the U.S. Air Force equip the 302nd AW with eight upgraded C-130Js in order to carry out their tactical airlift and airdrop mission and aerial firefighting mission.

    The 302nd AW is on track to be the only remaining Department of Defense aerial firefighting wing still equipped with older C-130Hs. As wildfires continue to impact communities across the nation, maintaining an upgraded air fleet for the 302nd AW is imperative. Full capabilities for the AW and the 1,400 Reserve Citizen Airmen serving at Peterson Space Force Base are among our biggest assets to aerial firefighting and national security.

    Colorado, and states across the West, have experienced devastating wildfires in recent years and continue to face increased drought conditions and wildfire risk. It is in our nation’s best interest to ensure our communities are well-equipped to respond when disaster strikes. Without adequate tools, including the C-130Js, our country is at a disadvantage to manage these wildfires–threatening the safety of our communities. It is with that in mind that we urge the Department of Air Force to upgrade the 302nd AW with eight C-130Js.

    We appreciate your prompt attention to this matter, and we look forward to continuing to work together to maintain the necessary infrastructure and capabilities to respond adequately to the nation’s security needs, including wildfires.

    Sincerely,

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Crow Statement on Senate Passage of Budget Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06)

    WASHINGTON — Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06) issued the following statement after Senate Republicans passed President Trump’s budget bill. The bill now heads to the U.S. House of Representatives:

    In a statement, Congressman Crow said:

    “In all my time in Congress, this is one of the worst bills I’ve ever seen. 

    “The bill is a massive wealth transfer from the working class to the rich. It would kick millions off their health care, take away food assistance for millions, and add trillions to the national deficit.

    “I cannot support this Republican bill that takes health care and food assistance from working people to give tax cuts to the wealthiest Americans. This bill is bad for Colorado and America.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Crow Statement on Final Passage of Trump’s Budget Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06)

    WASHINGTON — Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06) issued the following statement after House Republicans passed President Trump’s budget bill. The bill now heads to the President’s desk:

    In a statement, Congressman Crow said:

    “In all my time in Congress, President Trump’s budget bill is the worst I’ve ever seen. It shamefully is one of the largest transfers of wealth from the working class to the rich in history. 

    “With his signature, President Trump will kick millions of Americans off of their health care and take away food assistance from the working class. Republicans are taking from working people in order to give massive tax breaks to the rich. Their bill is also fiscally reckless and irresponsible, adding trillions to the national debt.

    “Republicans pretend they’re for the working class, but with one bill, Donald Trump and Republicans just made life more difficult for many hardworking Americans who were already struggling to get by—all to give their billionaire friends a tax cut. 

    “It’s an awful bill that will hurt Colorado and our country. I voted NO.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Crow Leads Bipartisan Bill to Help Servicemembers Suffering from Traumatic Brain Injury

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06)

    WASHINGTON – Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO-06), a former Army Ranger, has introduced the Support Modern Approaches in Recovery Technology for Traumatic Brain Injury (SMART for TBI) Act, bipartisan legislation that would improve care for active-duty servicemembers suffering from traumatic brain injury (TBI) by identifying ways that digital technology can be used to better deliver care.

    Due to the rigors of military training and combat, servicemembers are particularly vulnerable to traumatic brain injury. TBI affects brain function, and if left untreated, people have a higher risk of experiencing mental health or substance use problems, as well as an increased risk of suicide. Between 2000 and 2019, more than 400,000 American servicemembers were diagnosed with at least one TBI – and more than 185,000 veterans have been diagnosed with TBI through the VA system. 

    Congressman Crow’s Support Modern Approaches in Recovery Technology for Traumatic Brain Injury (SMART for TBI) Act would require the establishment of a working group to identify ways digital technology can treat our active-duty servicemembers with TBI. Congressman Jeff Crank (R-CO-05) joined Congressman Crow in introducing this bipartisan legislation.

    “As a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, caring for our servicemembers is personal to me,” said Congressman Crow. “That’s why I’m introducing a bipartisan bill to identify new ways to treat traumatic brain injury & deliver world-class care for our servicemembers.”

    “I am proud to cosponsor the SMART for TBI. We owe it to our service men and women, along with our veterans, to advance Traumatic Brain Injury treatments. Using Artificial Intelligence and digital health technologies, we can improve outcomes for servicemembers and veterans in training and operational environments,” said Congressman Jeff Crank.

    “Conducting innovative medical research into traumatic brain injuries is crucial for active duty warfighters, veterans, and first responder communities,” noted Vik Bebarta, MD, interim chair of Emergency Medicine and the director of the Center for Combat and Battlefield Research at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus.  “We are grateful for Congressman Crow and Congressman Crank’s leadership by introducing SMART TBI Act,  ensuring Colorado remains the leader in digital health innovation and TBI treatment.”

    As an Iraq and Afghanistan veteran, ensuring America’s military servicemembers and their families get the appropriate care and resources is a top priority for Congressman Crow. In the 118th Congress, he introduced the Veteran’s Sentinel Act, bipartisan legislation to respond to suicide by US veterans at Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) facilities by improving the accuracy of data collection and enhancing congressional oversight. Previously, he introduced the Justice Involved Veterans Support Act and supported the PACT Act, which expands health care to millions of servicemembers exposed to toxic chemicals.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pappas Leads Amendments to Protect Granite Staters’ Access to Health Care and Food Assistance

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

    Pappas’s amendments would strike provisions that will imperil Granite Staters’ access to Medicaid and food assistance, as well as pass increased costs onto the state if the bill passes.

    Today Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) filed two amendments to the Senate-passed Republican reconciliation bill to protect Granite Staters’ access to Medicaid and food assistance and prevent Congress from passing the burden of cuts to these programs onto the state.

    “This bill is a betrayal of working families, and it is also a betrayal of states like New Hampshire that will be forced to shoulder the burden of increased costs being passed on to them by Congress – all in the name of another tax break for the wealthiest Americans and the biggest corporations,” said Congressman Chris Pappas. “Just yesterday I met with providers who shared how these Medicaid provisions in particular will rip health care coverage away from more Granite Staters, strain resources at our clinics and hospitals, and destabilize our state’s health care system. Families struggling to make ends meet deserve better than to have their access to care and healthy nutrition ripped away. While I continue fighting to stop this bill, these amendments would protect access to health care and food assistance for families nationwide, and I urge my colleagues on the Rules Committee to support them.”

    Pappas’s first amendment would strike new limitations that will severely restrict the amount of funding states can direct toward Medicaid, which creates significant budget gaps for Medicaid and kicks people off their health insurance. This amendment would help providers keep their doors open and protect Granite Staters’ access to care.

    Pappas’s second amendment would strike from the bill provisions that create cost-sharing requirements for states for SNAP, requiring states to cover a portion of SNAP benefits and potentially cut benefits. This amendment would protect Granite Staters’ access to school meals and food assistance and prevent increased costs from being passed on to the state by Congress.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pappas, Goodlander Raise Alarm Over President Trump’s Proposed Cuts to Critical Drug Interdiction Efforts

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

    The Trump Administration’s proposed budget for FY2026 would cut HIDTA funding by $102 million, a cut greater than one-third of the program’s entire budget from FY2025.

    Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) led a group of eight of his colleagues, including Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), in calling on House leadership to fully fund the High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program following the news that the Trump Administration’s proposed budget for FY2026 would cut HIDTA funding by $102 million, a cut greater than one-third of the program’s entire budget from FY2025.

    There are 33 HIDTAs throughout the country, serving all 50 states. The program provides essential coordination assistance to federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies in critical drug-trafficking regions to reduce drug trafficking. Hillsborough and Rockingham counties in New Hampshire are both part of the New England HIDTA (NEHIDTA).

    In the letter, the members wrote, “These partnerships represent the best of interagency coordination to respond to the most serious drug threats to the region… without full funding, HIDTAs will be unable to complete their mission.”

    In 2024 the HIDTA program seized 4.1 million pounds of fentanyl and other drugs and disrupted or dismantled 3,209 drug trafficking or money laundering organizations, stopping traffickers from making an estimated $17.7 billion in illicit profits. For every dollar invested in the HIDTA program, taxpayers receive a $68.07 return on investment, showing that HIDTA is not only a critically important component of America’s drug interdiction efforts but also an effective and efficient use of funding.

    They also highlighted the concerns of local communities and law enforcement, writing, “Local partners have also raised their concerns. The Administration’s request to cut HIDTA funding by $102 million dollars has also received 67 letters of opposition and counting from police departments, sheriffs’ associations, police chiefs’ associations, associations of narcotics enforcers, and non-profits. We urge you to heed our collective call and ensure that HIDTAs receive the full funding and structural support needed to protect our communities.”

    Read the full letter here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pappas Continues to Stand Against Largest Health Care Cut in American History

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

    Legislation takes health care away from 17 million Americans, cuts off food assistance for millions of families, triggers nearly $500 billion in cuts to Medicare, and adds at least $3.5 trillion to the debt.

    Today Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) released the following statement before once again voting against Republicans’ reconciliation bill:

    “I am appalled that despite the immense outcry from our constituents, Republicans are choosing to move forward with this betrayal of American families. One senior in Manchester, Dan, wrote to my office to share how SNAP ensures he can put food on the table for his family, as his fixed income cannot keep up with the cost of his rent. This legislation wouldn’t only put food assistance for his family at risk; it would put Medicare coverage for seniors like him at risk because of how drastically this scheme raises our national debt.”

    “People’s health, their dignity, and their independence and ability to make ends meet are on the line. Sending this bill to the President’s desk would leave millions of Americans without access to affordable health care and unable to put food on the table, all for the sake of tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans. I remain a no on this bill and urge my Republican colleagues to listen to the voices of their constituents and join me in voting down this cruel scheme.”

    The latest available figures indicate this legislation would:

    • Leave 17 million Americans uninsured, including at least 46,388 Granite Staters. The bill cuts more than $1 trillion from Medicaid, Medicare, and the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Combined with the expiring tax credits and the Trump Administration’s sabotage of ACA Marketplaces, the bill leaves a whopping 17 million more Americans uninsured.
    • Trigger $500 billion in cuts to Medicare.Because the bill adds trillions of dollars to the deficit, it triggers a process known as Medicare sequestration, which requires hundreds of billions in automatic payment cuts to Medicare providers and threatens patient access to care.
    • Increase monthly out-of-pocket costs for families and leave more Americans with overwhelming medical debt. The bill increases co-pays for people on Medicaid who make as little as $1,300 a month, forcing them to choose between health care and other basic needs, and cuts retroactive Medicaid coverage, leaving low-income Americans with overwhelming medical debt in times of crisis and hospitals and nursing homes with more uncompensated care. The bill also fails to extend ACA enhanced premium tax credits, which expire at the end of 2025, spiking health insurance premiums for millions of families. 
    • Defund Planned Parenthood, leaving more than 1.1 million women without access to needed care like cancer screenings and birth control. The bill bans Planned Parenthood health centers nationwide from participating in the Medicaid program, which helps people with lower incomes obtain basic reproductive health care such as birth control, cancer screenings, and STI testing and treatment. Without this coverage, patients will lose access to essential care.
    • Kick millions of Americans off SNAP, leaving them unable to put food on the table. Nearly 77,000 Granite Staters enrolled in SNAP would have their benefits put at risk of being cut.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: After Passage of Republicans’ Megabill, NH Delegation Highlights Disastrous Impacts for Granite Staters

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

    Today Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01), alongside Senator Jeanne Shaheen (NH), Senator Maggie Hassan (NH), and Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), held a press conference at Waypoint to highlight the harmful impacts of Republicans’ disastrous budget megabill on New Hampshire. Photos from today’s event can be found here.

    The bill will take health care and food assistance away from millions while also ending tax credits that help folks save on their utility bills, all to give tax breaks to billionaires and corporations. More than 46,000 Granite Staters will lose their health care coverage through Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act and thousands are at risk of losing food assistance. It will also raise household energy and health care bills for everyone while adding trillions to the debt, in order to give the top .1% of people an extra $300,000 a year on average.

    “President Trump and Republicans’ so-called ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ is a betrayal of working families. Hurriedly forced through Congress in the dead of night, this bill rips health care coverage away from millions of Americans, kills programs that are lowering energy costs, and leaves families unable to put food on their table for their children, all to give tax cuts to the ultra-wealthy,” said Congressman Pappas. “This administration and Republicans in Congress have ignored the needs of working families by enacting this cruel bill and starting a trade war that will increase costs. I will continue to stand with New Hampshire families and fight to protect access to health care, defend food assistance, and lower costs.” 

    “At a time when Americans are feeling squeezed by the cost of living thanks to President Trump’s chaotic trade war, we should be doing everything we can to make life more affordable for families,” said Senator Shaheen. “Instead, Republicans passed a ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ that is going to take health care and food assistance away from Granite Staters to give trillions of dollars to corporations and the wealthiest, exploding the deficit in the process. There’s nothing beautiful about making life more expensive for families in order to give more money to billionaires. That’s why we’re going to continue to remind our Republican colleagues every day what their votes mean for the middle class.”

    “Despite bipartisan opposition, Republicans in Congress pushed through an unpopular budget bill that will have devastating impacts on New Hampshire,” said Senator Hassan. “I appreciated hearing directly from leaders at Waypoint about how this bill will affect the ability of Granite Staters to access health care and the ability of providers to deliver care. I know that I, along with Senator Shaheen and Representatives Pappas and Goodlander, will continue to push back against this devastating bill and I encourage Granite Staters to continue to speak out as well about the ways in which this bill harms their communities.”

    “Hardworking families across New Hampshire will pay the price and bear the burdens of the GOP’s big and truly brutal budget bill. The bill adds trillions of dollars to America’s already sky-high debt and rips healthcare away from millions of Americans by making the biggest cuts to healthcare in American history. It kills good-paying jobs and will jack up healthcare costs, energy costs, education costs, and more,” said Congresswoman Goodlander. “At a moment when the cost crisis is standing between hardworking Americans and the American dream, I was a hard no on this bill. I’ll never stop working to prevent its worst provisions from going into effect.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: New Guidance Launched to ensure protecting World Heritage during the Renewable Energy Transition

    Source: United Nations

    UNESCO has launched the Guidance on Wind and Solar Energy Projects in a World Heritage Context, which is the updated and extended version of an existing online Guidance which was focusing first on wind energy. The new edition continues to offer practical tools and provides advice to align renewable energy development with the protection of World Heritage properties, thus supporting States Parties in their endeavour to combat climate change.

    The online Guidance compiles relevant information both for World Heritage stakeholders and renewable energy project proponents in a user-friendly platform, with emphasis on stakeholder collaboration, intersectoral dialogue, as well as comprehensive impact assessments, and, it aims to foster informed, proactive decision-making. Its ultimate goal is to demonstrate that the majority of wind and solar energy projects are feasible even in a World Heritage context, if planning and implementation is carried out in a way that it ensures the protection and preservation of the Outstanding Universal Value of World Heritage sites.

    Developed with the support of Wallonia (Belgium), the Netherlands, and Switzerland, and co-published with the Advisory Bodies of the World Heritage Committee, the Guidance provides a critical tool to help ensure renewable energy growth does not come at the cost of our shared cultural and natural heritage.

    Explore the Guidance Here

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Lofgren and Barragán Lead Democrats’ Response to Rep. Kim’s Distorted, Partisan Resolution Regarding Trump’s Authoritarian Response to the LA Protests

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representatives Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Chair of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation, and Nanette Barragán (CA-44) led Democrats in introducing a resolution to condemn Donald Trump’s deployment of the National Guard and Marines during the LA protests, while reaffirming support for state and local law enforcement and the people’s First Amendment right to peacefully protest. This resolution provides a fact-based response to Representative Young Kim’s distorted, partisan, and misleading resolution that House Republican leadership will have the House vote on later this week. 

    Rather than working on a bipartisan basis to condemn violence, defend the peaceful expression of First Amendment rights, and thank members of law enforcement, Rep. Kim’s resolution instead falsely claims that violence was widespread across LA and that California’s leadership has “prioritized protecting illegal immigrants and violent individuals over United States citizens” among other highly partisan claims. 

    In contrast, the Barragán-Lofgren resolution accurately notes that violence in LA was limited and under control by local and state law enforcement. When communities exercised their First Amendment right to assemble and protest U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, President Trump wrongfully deployed the National Guard and active-duty members of the U.S. Marine Corps in violation of the Posse Comitatus Act and without the consent of California Governor Gavin Newsom or local officials. Democrats’ resolution commends the state and local law enforcement officers who have worked to protect public safety and maintain peace, supports Americans’ right to protest peacefully, condemns acts of violence, and supports the military servicemembers in the Marines and National Guard while objecting to their current deployment to Los Angeles County. 

    “Rep. Kim’s resolution regarding the L.A. protests is not just misguided, inaccurate, and disingenuous: it’s dangerous,” said Rep. Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Chair of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation. “President Trump’s deployment of Marines and the National Guard in response to largely peaceful protests was unprecedented and wrong. Trump’s refusal to coordinate with state and local officials in deploying active-duty troops also put both protestors and state and local law enforcement officers at risk. House Republicans should be conducting vigorous oversight of the shocking deployment of servicemembers – a blatant attempt to take over states’ law enforcement responsibility – not reflexively jumping to providing justification for Trump to send troops into other communities or defending his dangerous attempt to squash constitutionally-protected dissent.”

    “Our communities have been terrorized by Donald Trump and Stephen Miller’s indiscriminate mass deportation ICE operations — in response, people spoke up and protested to express their fear, anger, and anxiety,” said Rep. Nanette Barragán. “State and local law enforcement had the situation under control and the Trump Administration intentionally escalated the situation when they deployed troops into Los Angeles. Our resolution makes clear that we will not stand by while the federal government tries to intimidate Californians into silence through a show of military force. We must protect the right to protest, condemn violence, and reject authoritarian tactics that have no place in America.”

    “Communities throughout California have been upended by ICE raids where masked ICE agents are using excessive force to go after people without probable cause. People want safer communities, not to see elementary school students and sick people at hospitals deported without due process. Instead of deescalating violence, Trump has fomented it. By deploying Marines and the National Guard against protestors in LA, Trump exacerbated a situation that local officials had under control. The resolution introduced by Rep. Kim does not accurately state the facts of the situation and instead falsely lays blame on Californians for Trump’s escalatory actions. By introducing a resolution with the correct facts, Democrats are standing up for Californians, including our law enforcement officials, who have been repeatedly demonized by partisan hacks looking to score cheap political points,” said Rep. Lieu. 

    “There was only one reason Trump deployed the National Guard and Marines in Los Angeles: to launch his pathetic, made-for-TV reality show to justify his authoritarian crackdowns and cruel ICE raids,” said Rep. Kamalger-Dove. “But Angelenos know our city is not on fire.  We see right through the reality TV president’s theatrics that are meant to distract from this Administration’s tanking of our economy, devastating cuts to Medicaid, and the brutality and inhumanity of its mass deportations. If you pan away from the set, you won’t see Trump’s toy soldiers or violence, but real people hurting from his policies. Let’s focus the camera back on that.”

    “The Trump Administration is using our military service members as political pawns to create a false narrative of uncontrolled violence, trample on legal precedent, and perpetuate fear and hate in our communities,” said Rep. Cisneros. “Last week, I led a letter with over 34 of my colleagues demanding that the President withdraw troops from L.A. and allow our local officials and law enforcement to do their jobs.  I’m proud to join California Democrats in demanding answers from the Administration.”

    “As a proud born-and-raised Angeleno, Los Angeles will always be home. The Republican resolution we are voting on this week is a distorted and inaccurate attack on Los Angeles and our great state,” said Congresswoman Luz Rivas. “I thank Representatives Barragan and Lofgren for leading our California colleagues in introducing this resolution that reaffirms our support for peaceful protest and condemns President Trump’s mobilization of the National Guard and Marines on American soil. The President’s unprovoked and politically-motivated escalation of our military sowed more chaos and harm across our communities. My California House Democratic Caucus colleagues will continue to support the Constitutional right to peacefully protest the Trump Administration’s heartless immigration agenda while also swiftly condemning any acts of violence. Our Republican colleagues – especially our California Republican colleagues – need to do the same.”

    “Trump’s deployment of Marines to Los Angeles was a dangerous overreach that bypassed both state and local authority. We all condemn violence. Californians have a right to protest peacefully — and the Governor’s office assured me that local law enforcement had the capacity to get the situation under control,” said Congresswoman Laura Friedman (CA-30). “The Republican resolution isn’t about safety — it’s political theater aimed at stripping Americans of their rights. Instead of targeting violent criminals, Trump is going after hardworking community members and using military force to intimidate dissent. Our resolution makes clear: we won’t let fear or federal overreach silence Californians exercising their constitutional rights.”

    “This week, Republicans are forcing a vote on a partisan resolution to legitimize Trump’s unacceptable attacks on our community in Los Angeles and to excuse his warrantless mass ICE raids, his takeover of our National Guard, and his deployment of U.S. Marines on the streets of Southern California. This is just wrong. I’m proud to instead join my California Democratic colleagues in introducing this resolution to stand up to Trump’s attacks on California, defend our constitutional rights to due process and free expression, and thank the state and local law enforcement officers who have worked to protect public safety and prosecute those committing acts of violence and vandalism,” said Rep. Chu.

    The resolution is cosponsored by: Reps. Aguilar, Bera, Brownley, Bynum, Carbajal, T. Carter, Chu, Cisneros, Correa, Costa, Dean, DelBene, DeSaulnier, Doggett, Espaillat, Friedman, Garamendi, R. Garcia, S. Garcia, J. Gomez, Gray, J. Hayes, Huffman, Ivey, Jacobs, Hank Johnson, Kamlager-Dove, T. Kennedy, Khanna, Landsman, Larsen, Latimer, Leger Fernandez, Levin, Liccardo, Lieu, Lofgren, Matsui, McCollum, Min, Morelle, Mullin, Panetta, Pelosi, Peters, Pettersen, Rivas, Ross, Ruiz, Salinas, L. Sanchez, Sherman, Simon, Swalwell, Takano, Thanedar, Thompson, N. Torres, Tran, Vargas, Waters, Whitesides. 

    The text of the resolution can be found HERE. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Khanna, Progressive Caucus Demand Congress Reclaim Its Power: Pass the Iran War Powers Resolution Now

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Rep Ro Khanna (CA-17)

    Washington, D.C. — On Wednesday, June 25th, Representative Ro Khanna and  members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus joined anti-war civil society leaders to call on Congress to pass Rep. Khanna’s bipartisan War Powers Resolution to prohibit United States Armed Forces from unauthorized hostilities in Iran.  

    There are currently 73 members signed onto the resolution. The text can be found here. 

    Following the press conference, Rep. Khanna delivered a floor speech calling for the U.S. to “invest in good jobs at home, not billions in more missiles that we cannot afford.”

    “Americans do not want another costly and disastrous war in the Middle East. They want peace abroad and good-paying jobs at home,” said Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17). “I am standing with my Progressive Caucus colleagues today to say no to more endless wars and to urge Congress to pass my bipartisan War Powers Resolution to reassert that any military action against Iran must be authorized by Congress.”

    “Donald Trump cannot drag America into another endless foreign war. The House should vote this week on a War Powers Resolution,” said Progressive Caucus Chair Greg Casar (TX-35).

    “Donald Trump said he was going to be the president of peace that got America out of foreign wars. He then unconstitutionally struck Iran without Congressional approval, even though Iran posed no imminent threat to the United States,” said Chair Emerita Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07). “This is not our war to fight. Congress must vote on our War Powers Resolution to preserve our authority and stop’s President Trump’s illegal acts.” 

    “Trump claims to be ‘pro-peace’, yet he’s dragging us into another destructive, unpopular, and expensive forever war without Congressional approval,” said Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04). “The War Powers Act exists exactly for situations like these—to prevent Presidents from pursuing reckless, ego-driven military actions. Only Congress can authorize war—and frankly, in this case, we shouldn’t.”

    “President Trump sending U.S. troops to bomb Iran without the consent of Congress is a blatant violation of our Constitution,” said Rep. Rashida Tlaib (MI-12). “The American people do not want another forever war. We have seen where decades of endless war in the Middle East gets us—all based on the lie of ‘weapons of mass destruction.’ We are not falling for it again.” 

    “The American people do not want to be dragged into yet another war. As Members of Congress, it’s our job to make their voices heard—and our constitutional obligation to debate and vote on going to war,” said Rep. Jim McGovern (MA-02). I pray that the ceasefire between Israel and Iran holds. U.S. military involvement should never have happened absent Congressional approval. That’s why I support the War Powers Resolution led by Representatives Massie and Khanna and why I encourage all of my colleagues in Congress to do the same.”

    “Time and again, Trump has exercised executive overreach—from mass firings to deporting citizens, and most recently, to dropping bombs on Iran without congressional authorization,” said Rep. Summer Lee (PA-12).“This resolution is about reining in a wannabe dictator who continues to bypass Congress and risk the lives of the American people who are tired of sending their babies and spouses abroad into endless war. I am proud to be a co-sponsor and oppose this descent into fascism.”  

    “If you want to send our children to war, you better come to Congress first,” said Rep. Val Hoyle (OR-04). “The Constitution is clear—that’s our call, not the President’s. I represent a working-class district, and no one back home is asking for another war. They’re asking for us to lower costs on rent, groceries, and healthcare—not to be used as cannon fodder in someone else’s fight. I will keep fighting for them.”

    “Four days later, we haven’t received a Congressional briefing scheduled on the president’s decision to unilaterally engage in an act of war. The facts about the impacts of the strike and Iran’s remaining nuclear capability are unclear. This is unacceptable,” said Rep. Debbie Dingell (MI-06). “Congress has a constitutional role in our national security and we need the facts. We all want stability in the Middle East. We must work toward peace, not get drawn into another extended war.”

    “It has only been a dozen years since nearly 100 Republican colleagues demanded that President Obama seek Congressional approval for his proposed attack against Syria,” said Rep. Lloyd Doggett (TX-37). “Today, it appears most have ignored their own warning about the constitutional duty to consult and receive approval from Congress before engaging in an act of war. With the evidence coming forth that Trump misled the world on his claims of a ‘spectacular success,’ all that’s been obliterated is the credibility of Republicans who are displaying contradictions as big as the President’s. Our democracy is endangered more and more by the contradictions of both Trump and his enablers.”

    “President Trump’s attack on Iran without authorization from Congress was illegal, threatens to destabilize the entire region, and makes Americans less safe. I stand with my CPC colleagues in supporting this resolution to reinforce the constitutionally-mandated separation of powers, and urging the President to return to a strategy of diplomacy that was successful under President Obama in preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon,” said Rep. Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10).

    “Regardless of our political party, we should all be clear that the power to declare war does not belong in the hands of the President. When unaccountable, extremist leaders seek to profit from endless wars and human suffering, we as Congressmembers have the obligation to affirm the Constitution and exert oversight,” said Congresswoman Delia Ramirez (IL-03). “It’s why I joined my colleagues to cosponsor the War Powers Resolution.”

    “President Trump’s unilateral and unauthorized decision to conduct military strikes against Iran shows how he continues to put his own ego above the safety of our country. The Constitution gives Congress the sole power to declare war. Trump’s reckless strike violates the clear intent of our Founders, that Congress, not a king-like executive, should decide when our nation goes to war. I’m proud to stand with my colleagues to reassert the constitutional power of Congress,” said Rep. John Garamendi (CA-08). 

    “Donald Trump created this mess when he walked away from the Iran deal, and now he’s trying to bomb his way out of it. It didn’t work – we know we don’t have inspectors that can access Iran’s nuclear sites or information about where crucial stockpiles are,” said Sara Haghdoosti, Executive Director of Win Without War. “We are so grateful to Ro Khanna and all the members who have supported his resolution to ensure that Donald Trump cannot take such reckless action that puts so many lives at risk again. We thank them for showing what it means to take a pledge to the Constitution of the United States and not to a wannabe king. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Supporting our Servicemembers and Bolstering Military Infrastructure

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04)

    Americans work hard to earn a living, and it is Congress’ duty to safeguard those resources through setting guidelines for spending, taxes, and planning each fiscal year’s federal budget. Throughout appropriations season, the twelve subcommittees on the House Appropriations Committee hold hearings to examine the budget requests and needs for federal spending in the upcoming fiscal year. Once these subcommittees pass their own crafted legislation, it heads to the House Floor for a vote. This week, the House voted for and passed the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act (MilCon-VA), 2026. 

    House Republicans are committed to introducing and voting on numerous pieces of legislation throughout the year to support our service members. The MilCon-VA appropriations bill is no different. This vital piece of legislation supports our veterans, active-duty members, and their families to provide them with the resources and support they need, while also bolstering our national security and readiness capabilities at military facilities at home and abroad.

    Our military heroes stand sentinel at freedom’s gate – sacrificing the comfort of their own homes, time with their family, and even their lives to protect our homeland. The men and women who boldly embraced the call of duty, knowingly heading straight toward conflict instead of shying away from it, are always deserving of our thanks and gratitude. Even now, thousands of active-duty service members are deployed across the globe. Regardless of their circumstances, these service men and women stay the course, remain steadfast, and do their duty to serve their country – no matter the cost. Providing them with the funds they need for better resources and support is a small way for Congress to pay its thanks for their service.

    Providing our armed services with resources to develop and modernize integral military infrastructure and readiness is vital to ensure that our nation can proudly boast the most powerful military in the world. This piece of legislation prioritizes robust funding for infrastructure upgrades, rids obsolete infrastructure currently draining taxpayer dollars, and bolsters infrastructure necessary to support our nation’s advanced weapons systems. Funding will also be provided to enhance the quality of life for our military members currently serving, through planning and designing military housing that addresses barrack deficiencies.

    It is well-known that those who return from the battlefield or retire from active military duties are still paying a weighty price for their service. This is why House Republicans have voted to fully fund veterans’ medical care, benefits, and toxic exposures-related needs for the upcoming fiscal year. Post traumatic stress and substance abuse disorders are common among those who have served in particularly devastating tours of duty and as a result, are in great need for social and emotional support networks within their communities. 

    Affordable housing and a lack of employment opportunities directly impact our veterans’ ability to acquire viable housing, leading to a concerning increase in the national military homelessness crisis. Veterans are faced with countless obstacles in their transition from military life to civilian life, and Congress must do its due diligence to ensure that not a single veteran has to worry about where they will lay their head at night or where they will get their next meal. It is a great honor to vote for a piece of legislation which addresses these very concerns by providing funds for the Bridging Rental Assistance for Veteran Empowerment program, an innovative effort to end veteran homelessness.

    Our military heroes are proud to serve our country, and we must be proud to support them in return. Their bravery and unwavering commitment to our country reflect the highest values of service, and while we may not ever be able to thank them fully for what they have done, we can certainly remain committed to crafting legislation that provides them with the care and service they rightfully deserve.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: The Hope of the American Spirit

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04)

    There are no words to express the deep and sincere grief that our nation has endured over the last week. Homes uprooted and washed away, property damaged beyond repair, and hearts broken by the grief of the loss of a child or loved one. In the aftermath of the natural disaster which occurred in the Texas Hill Country last week, countless families and communities have experienced a tremendous and unimaginable loss that will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark, and my prayers are most certainly with everyone involved.

    In the shadow of loss and devastation, however, the American spirit remains steadfast. In every chapter of our nation’s darkest moments, there has never been a second of hesitation by our fellow countrymen to provide help. This week the nation has watched as neighbors in Texas have lent a helping hand to clean up homes and provide meals. Surrounding communities and states have dispatched their own volunteers to travel to impacted areas to fill in the gaps. And first responders have run straight toward danger, braving relentless and unforgiving waters to ensure every life can be accounted for and brought home. 

    This week, our own Arkansas National Guard was dispatched, sending twenty-two of our finest guardsmen and women to provide aid in the flood recovery efforts in Texas. Even a week after the tragedy, many families are still holding on to hope that their lost loved ones will be found. Our Arkansas National Guard is proud to answer the call of duty and utilize every resource at their disposal to help bring some relief and hope to these families. In addition to search and rescue efforts, these guardsmen will be utilizing their Black Hawks to transport cargo and passengers. Additionally, they will provide medical assistance during search and rescue efforts by reserving one Black Hawk crew for that role specifically. 

    It’s likely that there is hardly an Arkansan keeping up with the news out of Texas who hasn’t been reminded of the devastating loss our own community experienced fifteen years ago when surging floods swept through the Albert Pike campgrounds on the Little Missouri River. Twenty lives were lost in this tragedy – all folks looking to enjoy some time away in the outdoors, and all who are certainly remembered and missed every day. 

    This week, there has undoubtedly been time to reflect on each life lost – the campers who never went home, the families eagerly anticipating a river trip to celebrate the Fourth of July, and the brave individuals who went into harm’s way to save the lives of others, in turn losing their own. There has also been time to reflect on the resiliency of the American spirit – the neighbors and friends who have dropped everything to volunteer their time and energy to searching and supporting those around them, and moments of sincere gratitude for the first responders who have risked their own safety to be a beacon of hope for the rescued and their families. 

    As this week of solemn reflection ends, may we remember that in the darkness of devastation, we desperately need each other and rely on each other for hope. President Reagan once said, “The spirit of neighbor helping neighbor flows like a deep and mighty river through the history of our Nation. We are proud of our strong and uniquely American tradition of voluntarism. Compassion, vision, and a fundamental sense of decency are the hallmarks of our national character and are reflected in the charitable works of our citizens.” There is certainly no doubt that we have seen this character reflected in every helping hand, phone call, message of encouragement, or donation given by friends, neighbors, and strangers from across the country and around the world. While my heart breaks for everyone impacted by the devastating flooding, it is encouraged by the stories of heroism and hospitality that make me proud to be an Arkansan and an American.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Golden statement on passage of GOP’s partisan reconciliation bill

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

    So-called ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ hurts the working poor and undermines America’s future to pay for tax cuts for the rich

    WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) released the following statement after the House GOP gave final passage to H.R. 1, their reconciliation budget bill, in a party-line 218-214 vote.  

    Golden voted against the bill. 

    “This year, we had a real opportunity to pass a budget that put the middle class first. The reality of slim majorities in both chambers of Congress should have created an incentive to work across the aisle. The parties could have worked together to extend middle-class tax cuts without giveaways to corporations and the wealthy. We could have built on the success of $35 insulin and Medicare drug price negotiations to make health care more affordable. We could have reduced the deficit — something both parties agree should be a priority.

    “Instead, from the very beginning, this GOP majority has used a broken, partisan process where the only choices put on the floor seemed to be ‘bad’ or ‘worse.’ 

    “As a result, we have a law that will take health care away from tens of thousands of Mainers, close rural hospitals across the country, and blow up the national debt — all to pay for tax cuts that mostly benefit those at the top. While I am proud to join the entire Maine delegation in voting against this bill, the truth is Mainers will suffer because of this partisan, harmful budget.” 

    Background on H.R. 1, the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill Act”:

    • Lost Coverage, Increased Health Care Costs: The bill cuts Medicaid by $930 billion, and eliminates tax credits that help individuals afford insurance on the ACA marketplace (coverME.gov in Maine). Estimates on the impact on coverage rates vary, but Maine DHHS says as many as 31,000 Mainers will lose MaineCare coverage in the first year. Mainers who buy insurance plans on the marketplace will see premiums rise by $1,280 on average, and tens of thousands are expected to lose coverage in the face of those steep premium increases.
    • Rural Hospitals to Close: Medicaid cuts and other provisions that target support for rural health care will put the squeeze on hospitals in places like Maine, many of which are already facing a budget crisis. One study found that two hospitals in ME-02 — one in Ellsworth and another in Presque Isle — are among the more than 300 rural hospitals nationwide most at risk of closure because of the cuts.
    • A System Rigged for the Top: The bill extends the lopsided tax cuts from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, among other tax provisions.That includes nearly $1 trillion in tax cuts for the top 1 percent, while cuts for health care and food assistance mean the bottom 20 percent will see their after-tax income decrease.
    • Exploding National Debt: The bill will add up to $3.9 trillion to the debt through Fiscal Year 2034. In 10 years, the bill could see the national debt climb to 130 percent of GDP — a new record high. Payments on the debt are already the third-highest line item in the federal budget, behind only Medicare and Social Security.
    • A Precedent for Dishonest Accounting: The bill uses an accounting trick known as the “current policy baseline” to artificially reduce the legislation’s cost in Congress’ accounting of revenues and expenditures. This never-before used gimmick sets a dangerous precedent by which majority parties can enact costly agendas without a fair and honest accounting of the price. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Craig Votes Against Republicans’ Disastrous Budget Bill That Takes Food and Health Care from Minnesotans and Betrays the Middle Class

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Angie Craig (MN-02)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig voted against the Republicans’ catastrophic budget bill that will add trillions to the national debt, take food and health care from hundreds of thousands of Minnesotans and betray the middle class – in order to pay for tax breaks for billionaires.

    As ranking member of the House Committee on Agriculture, Rep. Craig testified before the House Rules Committee for five hours on Tuesday about the negative impacts of the bill on Minnesotans.

    Following her “no” vote on the House floor, Rep. Craig released the following statement:

    “Today, Republicans showed us once again that they are the party of billionaires and wealthy corporations – not everyday Americans. Instead of working to lower costs and reduce the national debt, which they promised to do, my Republican colleagues passed a budget bill that balloons the deficit and takes food and health care from hundreds of thousands of hard-working Minnesotans – all to line the pockets of the ultra-rich. 

    “Taking basic needs away from Minnesota’s kids, seniors, veterans, single mothers and people with disabilities is not an option. So, while the Trump Administration and Republicans in Congress chip away at Minnesotans’ access to critical programs like Medicaid and SNAP, I will keep working with state and local officials to ensure that every Minnesotan is able to get the care they need and put food on the table.”

    The Republicans’ budget cuts nearly $200 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), threatening to impact critical food assistance from 42 million Americans, and cuts $930 billion from Medicaid, which could result in over 173,000 Minnesotans losing access to health care. The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office estimates that the Republicans’ budget bill will increase the deficit by $3.5 trillion over 10 years – or $4 trillion including interest. Shifting the burden of SNAP costs onto states put Minnesota’s counties in the position to raise property taxes to make up for the millions of dollars of an unfunded mandate from the federal government. 

    The bill passed the House with 218 Republican votes and not a single Democratic vote.

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