NewzIntel.com

Category: United States House of Representatives

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Scholten, Landsman, Tran Launch the Lowering Costs Caucus

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Hillary Scholten – Michigan

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representatives Hillary Scholten (MI-03), Greg Landsman (OH-01), and Derek Tran (CA-45) launched the Lowering Costs Caucus. The caucus is focused on bringing down everyday costs for hard working Americans and calling out policies that make life more expensive for families across the country.

    WATCH: Lowering Costs Caucus Press Conference

    “By nearly every measure, life for American families is becoming more unaffordable each day, and the American people are tired of broken promises and political posturing. Our mission is simple: to make life more affordable for the people we serve–not to protect special interests or the ultra-rich,” said Rep. Scholten. “The Lowering Costs Caucus will be laser-focused on delivering real results that ease the burden on families and highlighting the ways Americans are paying the price of the Trump Administration.”

    “I am proud to join my colleagues, Rep. Scholten and Rep. Landsman, as founding members of the Lowering Costs Caucus to find common-sense solutions that make life more affordable for our constituents,” said Representative Tran. “I hear from families across CA-45 that they struggle to afford daycare, groceries, gas, and so much more. We are starting this caucus to shine a light on these challenges and bring members together to find real solutions to lower costs for working families. ” 

    “Folks deserve to see their hard work finally pay off. The Lowering Costs Caucus will push for real fixes that can actually make life more affordable for Americans. The Trump Administration’s chaos isn’t helping,” said Congressman Landsman. “Our goal is to help lower costs and support workers, families, small businesses, and farmers.”

    The Lowering Costs Caucus will serve as a platform to unite around common-sense solutions that make life more affordable for American families. The caucus will also work to elevate stories directly from constituents to shine a light on the ways the Trump Administration and House Republicans are driving up costs and squeezing household budgets.

    President Trump promised to bring down prices on day one but instead, he has delivered reckless tariffs–hitting families with the largest middle-class tax increase in history. Meanwhile, Republicans in Congress are handing out tax breaks to billionaires while gutting critical programs like Medicaid, food assistance, and other essential services that help working families stay afloat. 

    Republicans’ budget plan not only disproportionately benefits the ultra-wealthy, but it also raises costs for Americans. With this bill, national average electricity costs are expected to increase by $113 and median home loans are predicted to jump by $600-$1240 yearly. Trump’s tariffs, if implemented, would raise prices on food, clothing, and other goods that could cost the average household an additional $4,900 a year. 

    The caucus aims to support legislation that delivers meaningful economic relief for hard-working families, prioritizing kitchen table issues over tax giveaways for the ultra-wealthy. This effort underscores the members ongoing commitment to fighting for policies that help families get ahead, not just get by.

    Reps. Scholten, Landsman, and Tran serve as Co-Chairs of the caucus. Reps. Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), and Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10) have also joined the Lowering Costs Caucus.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lawler Joins Krishnamoorthi to Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand Access to Mental Health Services for Children In Schools

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

    Washington, D.C — 6/26/25… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler joined Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08) in introducing the Connecting Students with Mental Health Services Act, bipartisan legislation with the goal of aiding schools in connecting students with the mental health services needed to succeed and thrive. Students and young people continue to face unprecedented mental health challenges inside and outside of school, with pressure and stress impacting Americans across the country. This legislation seeks to ensure all students, particularly those in underserved communities and under-resourced school districts, have access to appropriate and timely care.

    Also joining Congressman Krishnamoorthi in introducing this bipartisan bill are Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Congressman Greg Landsman (OH-01), and Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (OR-08).

    “Students across the country are facing a growing mental health crisis, and we have a responsibility to ensure they’re not navigating it alone. The Connecting Students with Mental Health Services Act will help break down barriers to care, especially for students in rural and underserved communities, by expanding access to telehealth in our schools. I’m proud to join Rep. Krishnamoorthi and our colleagues in delivering resources for our students and schools,” Congressman Lawler said.

    “Our school systems are lifelines of support when young people need mental health care and don’t know where to turn,” Congressman Krishnamoorthi said. “Currently, most American school districts are unequipped to support our children, but our Connecting Students with Mental Health Services Act will fill in the gaps and connect young people with the mental health services they need. By investing in the mental health of America’s future generations, we are setting all students up for success, regardless of their background or where they live.”

    “The youth mental health crisis is one of the defining challenges of our time, and schools cannot tackle it without real support,” Congressman Fitzpatrick said. “The Connecting Students to Mental Health Services Act delivers targeted, high-impact resources—especially for underserved communities—to ensure students get the care they need. As Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Task Force, my priority is to advance solutions like this that strengthen our system and ensure every student has a clear path to support, stability, and success.”

    “Getting students better access to mental health resources is so important,” Congressman Landsman said. “As a former teacher and the son of teachers, I’ve seen firsthand what’s happening in our classrooms – and know how much more we can do. Expanding access to care in our schools, especially through telehealth, will give our students what they need to be stronger and healthier. And when it’s easier to connect with professionals to work through what they’re facing, they’re in a much better position to succeed in school and life.”

    “As a mom of four, I know how essential providing mental health services to students is to their success. We need to make sure we are investing in America’s youth, and that starts with making sure they can succeed in the classroom,” Congresswoman Bynum said. “That’s why I’m so proud to introduce the Connecting Students with Mental Health Services Act which takes important steps towards providing this vital care to our students in rural and high-poverty areas, ensuring they have the resources they need to thrive now and for generations to come.”

    The legislation would support partnerships between public schools and community-based mental health providers by:

    • Establishing a grant program through the Department of Education to fund school-based mental health coordination initiatives;
    • Supporting the hiring and training of school mental health professionals and liaisons;
    • Helping schools create referral pathways to community providers and expand access to tele-mental health options.

    The legislation has been endorsed by leading mental health and education organizations, including the School Superintendents Association (AASA), National Association of Secondary School Principals, National Association of Elementary School Principals, and National Association of Social Workers.

    Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York’s 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.

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    Full text of the bill can be found HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lawler, Hill, Gottheimer, Kean Jr., and Moskowitz Introduce Bill to Crack Down on Countries That Wrongfully Detain Americans

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

    Washington, D.C — 6/27/25… This week, Reps. Mike Lawler (NY-17), French Hill (AR-02), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Tom Kean Jr. (NJ-07), and Jared Moskowitz (FL-23) introduced the Countering Wrongful Detention Act of 2025, which would create a designation for countries or nonstate actors that engage in the unlawful or wrongful detention of U.S. citizens and permanent residents, empowering the Secretary of State and Congress to hold them accountable.

    The bill provides congressional oversight by requiring that all state sponsors of unlawful or wrongful detention designations expire unless Congress passes a joint resolution to approve them within six months. Congress would also have the authority to terminate a designation through a joint resolution, ensuring these decisions reflect the interests of the American people and are subject to public accountability.

    This legislation further directs the Secretary of State to brief Congress on whether the following countries should be designated under this new authority:

    • China
    • Russia
    • Iran
    • Afghanistan
    • Eritrea
    • Nicaragua
    • Syria
    • Venezuela
    • Belarus

    “As a co-lead on the Countering Wrongful Detention Act, I’m proud to be joining a bipartisan group of colleagues working to protect Americans held hostage by rogue nations as political pawns. This legislation will provide the State Department with the necessary tools to exert pressure while ensuring that Congress maintains accountability. American families deserve nothing less,” said Congressman Lawler.

    “When Americans are wrongfully detained abroad, it’s not just a personal tragedy — it’s a direct attack on the United States. Those who wrongfully detain Americans must know that there will be real consequences for using U.S. citizens as political pawns. That’s why our bill gives the State Department the tools it needs to hold bad actors accountable while keeping Congress firmly engaged in the process. This bipartisan bill is a strong step toward protecting Americans by deterring and punishing them,” said Congressman Hill.

    “As the United States faces increasing threats from foreign adversaries, protecting Americans abroad must remain a top priority. I am proud to help introduce the bipartisan Countering Wrongful Detention Act alongside Congressman Hill to ensure the State Department has the tools it needs to hold bad actors accountable,” said Congressman Gottheimer. “This bipartisan bill will help bring home Americans wrongfully detained around the world and strengthen efforts to prevent future hostage taking. To those being held, and their families, our message is clear: we stand with you and we are fighting every day to bring you home.”

    “My constituent, Sarah Moriarty, lost her father, Robert Levinson, after he was taken hostage by Iran in 2007. Her family spent years wondering where he was, not knowing if he was alive or if they would ever see him again. Sadly, far too many American families have lived through that same kind of fear and heartbreak,” said Congressman Kean Jr. “Hostile regimes like Iran continue to use innocent Americans as bargaining chips, dehumanizing and mistreating them—and in some cases, even taking their lives. The Countering Wrongful Detention Act makes it clear that there will be consequences for this kind of behavior, and the United States will always go to great lengths to protect its citizens.”

    “For years, my constituent Bob Levinson was illegally, unjustly, and unacceptably held by the Iranian regime. Bad actors like these can’t detain Americans without cause and think they can get away with it. I’m helping lead the Countering Wrongful Detention Act because this bipartisan bill puts real tools in place that’ll crack down on this practice and send a strong, bipartisan signal that our government will hold accountable any state or nonstate actors who threaten Americans in this way,” said Congressman Moskowitz. 

    “Since the introduction of PPD30 ten years ago, and the Robert A. Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage Taking Accountability Act in 2019, we have seen marked improvement in how our government handles the cases of American nationals held hostage by state and nonstate actors,” said Sarah (Levinson) Moriarty, Co-Founder of R. A. Levinson & Associates and Fellow, New America Future Security Program. “This important bipartisan legislation, coming at such a critical time when Americans continue to be taken on a weekly basis as political bargaining chips, is a giant leap forward in creating tangible deterrence that stops bad actors from continuing this horrific practice. Thank you to Representatives Hill, Gottheimer, Kean Jr., Lawler, and Moskowitz for their leadership on this issue. We hope to see this legislation passed by Congress and swiftly signed into law, as we know it will help prevent so many Americans from falling victim to the suffering that my father, my family, my friends in the hostage community, and far too many others have experienced.”

    “The Foley Foundation supports the bipartisan introduction of this bill in the House of Representatives by Reps. Hill, Kean Jr, Lawler, Gottheimer, and Moskowitz to ensure hostile regimes that take American nationals for political leverage face greater and targeted consequences. We welcome oversight provisions to require public testimony or public reporting that will allow the American people to better understand the threat of international hostage-taking.” 

    The bipartisan legislation creates a new authority for the Secretary of State to formally designate countries or nonstate actors as state sponsors of unlawful or wrongful detention, creating a deterrent framework similar to the existing state sponsors of terrorism designation. Once designated, the Secretary may impose a range of penalties on those governments, including diplomatic and economic consequences.

    Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York’s 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs. 

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    Full text of the bill can be found HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Robert Garcia and Senator Elizabeth Warren Reintroduce ‘AMMO Act’ to Prevent Bulk Sales of Ammunition During Gun Violence Awareness Month

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Robert Garcia California (42nd District)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Robert Garcia (CA-42) and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) reintroduced the “Ammunition Modernization and Monitoring Oversight (AMMO) Act.” The bill would restrict bulk sales of ammunition by requiring businesses to conduct background checks on buyers and would require businesses who sell ammunition to obtain the same federal license as gun dealers. Additionally, the bill would also apply the same prohibition on straw purchases for ammunition that currently exists for firearms, restricting individuals from purchasing ammunition to then sell illegally to others and requiring data sharing on ammunition sales. The bill is also co-led by Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25). The full bill text can be found here.

     “It makes absolutely no sense that anyone in this country can walk into a business and buy as much ammunition as they want, with no background check and no questions asked,” said Congressman Robert Garcia. “We need to do everything in our power to prevent mass shootings and end our nation’s gun violence epidemic. During Gun Violence Awareness Month, I’m proud to help lead a bill that closes this loophole with a commonsense fix that will save lives and protect our communities.”

    “Our government needs to step up and limit access to ammunition if we want to stop the gun violence epidemic in this country. I’m going to keep fighting to keep our communities safe from potential mass shooters,” said Senator Elizabeth Warren

    “Far too many families endure the deep emotional and financial pain that comes with losing a loved one to gun violence. The costs are felt throughout entire communities,” said Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz. “So, I’m proud to work with Congressman Robert Garcia to introduce comprehensive legislation that would close the gaping ammunition regulation loopholes in our gun safety laws. Our constituents want safer communities, and this bill will save lives.”

    “Today, any individual can purchase unlimited rounds of ammunition in a single transaction with no questions asked, not even a background check to ensure they can legally possess firearms and ammunition. This enables people to rapidly amass tens of thousands of rounds of ammunition for trafficking and other nefarious purposes, jeopardizing public safety. By limiting ammunition transactions and requiring dealers to obtain licenses and complete background checks on ammunition sales, the AMMO Act will prevent the rapid stockpiling of ammunition and ammunition trafficking. Brady thanks Congressman Garcia for introducing this legislation to address the supply-side of gun violence.” – Mark Collins, Director of Federal Policy, Brady

    “The fact that anyone can easily purchase countless rounds of ammunition without even a background check is a recipe for mass tragedy. We applaud Rep. Garcia for introducing life-saving legislation that would make ammo dealers abide by the same rules as gun dealers, which is the very definition of common sense.” –John Feinblatt, President of Everytown for Gun Safety 

    “NICJR is thrilled to support this important legislation.” – David Muhammad, Executive Director of the National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform

    Currently, there is essentially no regulation governing the sales of ammunition. Businesses are not required to possess licenses in order to sell ammo and can sell to any buyer, in any quantity, without a background check, and with no recordkeeping or data sharing. 

    The bill prohibits bulk sales of ammunition based on the type of ammo. It specifically limits individuals to 100 rounds for .50 caliber ammo, the most deadly, potent military grade, and 1000 rounds for all other ammunition within a 5-day period.

    The AMMO Act is endorsed by Everytown for Gun Safety, Brady, Newtown Action Alliance, Orange Ribbons for Jaime, Community Justice Action Fund, National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform, Voters of Tomorrow, and Sandy Hook Promise.

    Congressman Garcia is a staunch believer in common sense gun violence prevention. He first introduced the AMMO Act alongside Senator Elizabeth Warren in the 118th Congress. Since coming to Congress, Congressman Garcia has cosponsored numerous pieces of legislation to help protect our communities from gun violence, such as the Assault Weapons Ban of 2025, the Bolstering Security Against Ghost Guns Act, and the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2025. As former Mayor of Long Beach, he spent his time in office publicly supporting gun reform at the state and local level.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Balint Joins Bonamici and Frost to Introduce Legislation to Improve Access to Care and Services for LGBTQI+ Seniors

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Becca Balint (VT-AL)

    Today Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Becca Balint (D-VT), and Maxwell Frost (D-FL) introduced legislation to improve the long-term health and care of LGBTQI+ seniors.

    Decades of marginalization and institutional barriers have left LGBTQI+ seniors with fewer sources of support, higher poverty rates, increased social isolation, and inadequate access to health care. Many of these seniors enter their golden years with the detrimental physical and emotional health effects of having lived through a lifetime of discrimination. The Ruthie and Connie LGBTQI Elder Americans Act would help overcome these barriers by decreasing isolation, improving health, and increasing access to culturally competent services and supports.

    The legislation is named for Ruthie Berman and Connie Kurtz, long-time advocates for LGBTQI+ equality. Connie fought for the rights of LGBTQI+ older adults until her death in 2018. Ruthie, her widow, continues to serve as a champion for the cause.

    “Decades of discrimination have left many LGBTQI+ seniors without the support and resources they need to stay healthy as they age,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “LGBTQI+ seniors are resilient, and they deserve to enjoy full, vibrant lives with the support they need to thrive. I’m grateful for Ruthie and Connie’s advocacy on behalf of LGBTQI+ seniors, and I’m glad to lead this legislation in their honor to provide LGBTQI+ seniors specialized access to care and services without discrimination.”

    “LGBTQI+ Americans are facing an overwhelming rise in attacks in the face of a hateful administration,” said Congresswoman Becca Balint. “And our LGBTQI+ seniors are being left behind with fewer supports, higher poverty and social isolation rates, and inaccessible health care. We owe it to our seniors to ensure they have access to the care and services they need. I’m proud to join Reps. Bonamici and Frost in uplifting the needs of LGBTQ+ seniors and celebrating the work of Ruthie Berman and Connie Kurtz.”

    “Like all Americans, our LGBTQ+ elders deserve to be able to live their golden years with the peace and security of quality, affordable care and a community that loves and respects them,” said Congressman Maxwell Frost. “In honor of the incredible work of Florida’s own Ruth and Connie, we must act as LGBTQ+ seniors face poverty and isolation to ensure they can live their lives free of discrimination.”

    The legislation is endorsed by: Congressional Equality Caucus, SAGE, Human Rights Campaign, Justice in Aging, and Advocates for Trans Equality (A4TE).

    “SAGE is honored to cosponsor the Ruthie and Connie LGBTQI Elder Americans Act, which addresses a critical need: support for the ever-growing number of LGBTQ+ Americans who are over 60,” said SAGE CEO Michael Adams. “By permanently establishing the National Resource Center on LGBTQI Aging, aging service providers will have access to a wealth of resources, information, and tools to help them create welcoming and affirming environments for LGBTQ+ participants.”

    LGBTQI+ seniors now face additional obstacles from an administration that seeks to disenfranchise them and their community. Because of these profound challenges, LGBTQI+ seniors require specialized services and support that are scarce and severely underfunded in every part of the country.

    The Ruthie and Connie LGBTQI Elder Americans Act would:

    • Include LGBTQI+ older adults among women, rural, and racial and ethnic minorities as a population with the greatest economic and social needs under OAA;
    • Permanently establish the National Resource Center on LGBTQI Aging to provide critical resources, information, and tools for aging service providers to better address the needs of LGBTQI+ seniors;
    • Require the Assistant Secretary of Aging to oversee data collection for LGBTQI+ adults, their needs, and efficacy of state aging resources to meet those needs.
    • Require the long-term care ombudsman to collect and analyze data regarding LGBTQI+ discrimination; and,
    • Prioritize grants for organizations working to improve LGBTQI+ health, long-term care, and access to culturally responsive services.

    The legislation in the House is cosponsored by Representatives Becca Balint (D-VT), Maxwell Frost (D-FL), Mike Quigley (D-IL), Jared Moskowitz (D-FL), Summer Lee (D-PA), Jared Huffman (D-CA), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Dina Titus (D-NV), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Ed Case (D-HI), Sharice Davids (D-KS), Andrea Salinas (D-OR), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA), Stephen Lynch (D-MA), Sean Casten (D-IL), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Seth Magaziner (D-RI), Andre Carson (D-IN), Hillary Scholten (D-MI), Paul Tonko (D-NY), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), Lois Frankel (D-FL), Nanette Diaz Barragan (D-CA), Henry “Hank” Johnson (D-GA), Jahana Hayes (D-CT), and Lateefah Simon (D-CA).

    A fact sheet about the legislation can be found here, and the text of the legislation can be found here.

    Bonamici also Chairs the Congressional LGBTQI+ Equality Caucus’ LGBTQI+ Aging Issues Task Force, and led the last two bipartisan updates to the Older Americans Act.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luttrell, Correa Introduce Resolution to Designate September 25th as “National Stop SuiSilence Day”

    Source:

    WASHINGTON — Congressman Morgan Luttrell (R-TX) and Congressman Lou Correa (D-CA) introduced a bipartisan resolution expressing strong support for the designation of September 25th as “National Stop SuiSilence Day.” This initiative underscores the continued need to break the silence and stigma surrounding mental health struggles in America.

    “Every single day too many of our brothers and sisters are lost to suicide,” said Congressman Luttrell. “This resolution is a call to action. It’s time we stand shoulder to shoulder as a nation and confront this crisis head-on.”

    “Every year, we lose countless of our neighbors to the suicide epidemic. And even one life lost is far too many,” Correa said. “It’s past time Congress stood together—Republicans and Democrats alike—and encourage every American to step up, speak out, and take action to take on this crisis once and for all.”

    The resolution highlights alarming statistics from the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other leading institutions. Among the findings:

    • Suicide claims over 45,000 American lives each year.
    • Veterans continue to be disproportionately affected, with 17 to 18 suicides per day—and some studies estimating up to 44 when accounting for overlooked cases.
    • Each death leaves behind an estimated 135 people profoundly impacted—families, friends, and communities forever changed.

    By designating September 25th as National Stop SuiSilence Day, during Suicide Prevention Month, this resolution calls on all Americans — from individuals and families to local communities and our government — to step up, speak out, and take action. It’s about learning the signs, breaking the silence, and ending the stigma that keeps too many of our people from getting the help they need and deserve.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tiffany Reintroduces Legislation to Protect American Sovereignty, Reject World Health Organization Pandemic Control

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Tom Tiffany (WI-07)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Rep. Tom Tiffany led 10 of his House colleagues in reintroducing the No WHO Pandemic Preparedness Treaty Without Senate Approval Act. This legislation ensures that no future president can unilaterally commit the United States to a World Health Organization (WHO) pandemic treaty without the advice and consent of a two-thirds supermajority of the Senate. The bill’s reintroduction comes after the Biden-Harris administration’s prior openness to a WHO pandemic treaty, which fueled concerns about surrendering U.S. health policy to unelected globalists. 

    “While President Trump pulled the U.S. out of the corrupt WHO, this legislation blocks future administrations from surrendering our sovereignty to globalist schemers,” said Congressman Tiffany. “The WHO’s repeated failures in pandemic response show it cannot be trusted, and congressional oversight ensures no single administration can sign our rights away to the UN.”  

    “The WHO repeatedly failed the world in its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, spreading false information about the virus at the behest of the Chinese Communist Party,” said Chairman John Moolenaar of the House Select Committee on China. “The Trump administration was right to withdraw the United States’ membership from the WHO and refuse to sign its recent pandemic treaty. This important legislation will make sure no future president can unilaterally submit our nation to the WHO’s guidance because the organization is beholden to the CCP.” 

    Background:

    The WHO’s mismanagement of the COVID-19 pandemic, including its dismissal of early warnings from Taiwan about the outbreak and its amplification of false claims from the Chinese Communist Party that there was “no clear evidence of human-to-human transmission,” have rightfully left Americans wary of this global institution. While the Trump administration did not sign the recent WHO pandemic treaty that was adopted by consensus at the 78th World Health Assembly on May 20, 2025, the Biden administration signaled they would have signed it. The legislation would provide more transparency in WHO agreements and a constitutional check on any future administration that wishes to sign away our sovereignty.  

    10 Members of Congress cosponsored Rep. Tiffany’s No WHO Pandemic Preparedness Treaty Without Senate Approval Act, including: Reps. Michael Cloud (TX-27), Eli Crane (AZ-02), Dan Crenshaw (TX-02), Paul Gosar (AZ-09), Harriet Hageman (WY-At Large), John Moolenaar (MI-02), Ralph Norman (SC-05), Pete Stauber (MN-08), Claudia Tenney (NY-24), and Tony Wied (WI-08). 

    Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI) has introduced companion legislation in the Senate. He is joined by 15 Senators, including: Senators John Barrasso (R-WY), Ted Budd (R-NC), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), John Hoeven (R-ND), James Lankford (R-OK), Mike Lee (R-UT), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Rand Paul (R-KY), James Risch (R-ID), Rick Scott (R-FL), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Tommy Tuberville (R-AL). 

    You can read the bill text here and the Breitbart exclusive here.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kean Co-leads Bipartisan Effort to End Wrongful Detention of American Citizens Abroad

    Source: US Representative Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07)

    Contact: Riley Pingree

    (June 27, 2025) WASHINGTON, D.C. — Yesterday, Representatives Tom Kean Jr. (NJ-07), French Hill (AR-02), Mike Lawler (NY-17), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), and Jared Moskowitz (FL-23) introduced the bipartisan Countering Wrongful Detention Act of 2025, legislation that creates a designation for countries or nonstate actors that wrongfully detain American citizens or permanent residents, allowing the Secretary of State and Congress to hold them accountable.

    Congressman Kean said, “My constituent, Sarah Moriarty, lost her father, Robert Levinson, after he was taken hostage by Iran in 2007. Her family spent years wondering where he was, not knowing if he was alive or if they would ever see him again. Sadly, far too many American families have lived through that same kind of fear and heartbreak. Hostile regimes like Iran continue to use innocent Americans as bargaining chips, dehumanizing and mistreating them—and in some cases, even taking their lives. The Countering Wrongful Detention Act makes it clear that there will be consequences for this kind of behavior, and the United States will always go to great lengths to protect its citizens.”

    Congressman Hill said, “When Americans are wrongfully detained abroad, it’s not just a personal tragedy — it’s a direct attack on the United States. Those who wrongfully detain Americans must know that there will be real consequences for using U.S. citizens as political pawns. That’s why our bill gives the State Department the tools it needs to hold bad actors accountable while keeping Congress firmly engaged in the process. This bipartisan bill is a strong step toward protecting Americans by deterring and punishing them.” 

    Congressman Lawler said, “As a co-lead on the Countering Wrongful Detention Act, I’m proud to be joining a bipartisan group of colleagues working to protect Americans held hostage by rogue nations as political pawns. This legislation will provide the State Department with the necessary tools to exert pressure while ensuring that Congress maintains accountability. American families deserve nothing less.”

    Congressman Gottheimer said, “As the United States faces increasing threats from foreign adversaries, protecting Americans abroad must remain a top priority. I am proud to help introduce the bipartisan Countering Wrongful Detention Act alongside Congressman Hill to ensure the State Department has the tools it needs to hold bad actors accountable. This bipartisan bill will help bring home Americans wrongfully detained around the world and strengthen efforts to prevent future hostage taking. To those being held, and their families, our message is clear: we stand with you and we are fighting every day to bring you home.”

    Congressman Moskowitz said, “For years, my constituent Bob Levinson was illegally, unjustly, and unacceptably held by the Iranian regime. Bad actors like these can’t detain Americans without cause and think they can get away with it. I’m helping lead the Countering Wrongful Detention Act because this bipartisan bill puts real tools in place that’ll crack down on this practice and send a strong, bipartisan signal that our government will hold accountable any state or nonstate actors who threaten Americans in this way.”

    Sarah (Levinson) Moriarty, Co-Founder of R. A. Levinson & Associates and Fellow, New America Future Security Program, said, “Since the introduction of PPD30 ten years ago, and the Robert A. Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage Taking Accountability Act in 2019, we have seen marked improvement in how our government handles the cases of American nationals held hostage by state and non-state actors. 

    “This important bi-partisan legislation, coming at such a critical time where Americans continue to be taken on a weekly basis as political bargaining chips, is a giant leap forward in creating tangible deterrence that stops bad actors from continuing this horrific practice. Thank you to Representatives Hill, Gottheimer, Kean, Lawler and Moskowitz for their leadership in this issue. 

     

    “We hope to see this legislation passed by Congress and swiftly signed into law, as we know it will help prevent so many Americans from falling victim to the suffering that my father, my family, my friends in the hostage community, and far too many others have experienced.”

     

    Background:

    The bipartisan legislation creates a new authority for the Secretary of State to formally designate countries or nonstate actors as state sponsors of unlawful or wrongful detention, creating a deterrent framework similar to the existing state sponsors of terrorism designation. Once designated, the Secretary may impose a range of penalties on those governments, including diplomatic and economic consequences.

    The bill provides congressional oversight by requiring that all state sponsors of unlawful or wrongful detention designations expire unless Congress passes a joint resolution to approve them within six months. Congress would also have the authority to terminate a designation through a joint resolution, ensuring these decisions reflect the interests of the American people and are subject to public accountability.

    This legislation further directs the Secretary of State to brief Congress on whether the following countries should be designated under this new authority:

    China

    Russia  

    Iran

    Afghanistan

    Eritrea

    Nicaragua

    Syria

    Venezuela

    Belarus

     

    The full text of the bill is available HERE.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Issa Bill Will Incentivize Wildfire Prevention Through Innovative Targeted Tax Relief

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-50)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) has introduced the Wildfire Infrastructure and Landowner Tax Relief Act of 2025 (WILTR Act) to provide an unprecedented and innovative ability to make wildfire mitigation and resilience attainable for homeowners who know it provides essential protection from future fires.

    “It’s not enough to say we will be ready for the fire next time. We need to back it up with real solutions that put homeowners in charge,” said Rep. Issa. “This legislation makes it more possible than ever for homeowners to adopt breakthrough innovations in wildfire defense through targeted tax relief we know will make it possible.”

    The WILTR Act contains two key provisions that will incentivize homeowners to reduce wildfire risks on their property:

    • Exclusion from Gross Income – The Act excludes hazardous fuel reduction and firefighting infrastructure improvements on personal-use property from being considered taxable income. This ensures that homeowners receiving assistance from government agencies or non-profits will not face unexpected tax bills at the end of the year.

    • Above-the-Line Deduction – The Act allows homeowners to claim an above-the-line tax deduction for out-of-pocket expenses spent on hazardous fuel mitigation, encouraging residents to invest in wildfire prevention efforts that protect their families, neighbors, and communities.

    This legislation was inspired by Rep. Issa’s constituent landowners in Escondido, CA.  

    “I am extremely grateful to Congressman Issa for introducing legislation to remove tax penalties associated with conducting wildfire mitigation on private properties throughout California. Rancho Guejito is a pristine ranch in northern San Diego County that raises cattle, grows avocados and citrus, and operates vineyards and a winery. Without appropriate management, wildfires could ravage the property and move west toward populated areas. Congressman Issa’s proposed legislation will help ensure that Rancho Guejito Corporation does not incur federal tax penalties for partnering with government agencies and non-profits to conduct wildfire mitigation that the entire community will benefit from.” –- Hank Rupp III, Rancho Guejito Corporation

    “The California Association of Realtors strongly supports the WILTR Act and thanks Congressman Issa for introducing this important legislation. By incentivizing wildfire prevention through the tax code, this bill gives property owners the tools and assistance to take responsible, proactive steps that reduce risk to their homes and communities. At a time when wildfire threats are intensifying across California, the WILTR Act is a smart, forward-looking approach that supports the very people working to protect lives and property before disaster strikes.” — Heather Ozur, President, California Association of Realtors

    “On behalf of the National Water Resources Association (NWRA), I am pleased to offer our strong support for the Wildfire Infrastructure and Landowner Tax Relief Act of2025 (WILTR Act),” said Greg Morrison, NWRA Executive Vice President. “We commend your leadership in advancing this bipartisan solution to support wildfire prevention, protect public safety, and improve land and watershed resilience. Your bill aligns squarely with NWRA’s ongoing efforts this Congress to modernize federal tax law in ways that support land stewardship, public-private partnerships, and climate resilience.”

    “The WILTR Act not only encourages proactive fuel mitigation but also aligns economic incentives with public safety and land stewardship… By supporting both prevention and recovery efforts, the WILTR Act also recognizes the essential role local agencies and landowners play in creating the wildfire-resilient communities… We thank [Congressman Issa] for your continued efforts on behalf of California’s fire-prone communities and for providing our residents with the tools they need to safeguard lives and property.” – Keith McReynolds, Chief, North County Fire Protection District 

    “I want to thank and commend Congressman Issa for authoring the ‘Wildfire Infrastructure and Landowner Tax Relief Act of 2025,’ said Robin Maxson, Chair, San Diego Country Association Planning Groups (SANDAG). “Every day our residents struggle with the cost of living and seek solutions to the risks and preventative measures that property owners and taxpayers shoulder in East County, the backcountry, and unincorporated communities due to fires. Mr. Issa’s legislation will give these taxpayers relief for their efforts to practice fire safety and readiness. As the Chair of the Association of Planning Groups – San Diego County, I support this legislation and encourage Mr. Issa and his colleagues to make it law.”

    “As fire season approaches and readiness increasingly becomes a year-round effort, many property owners and taxpayers already assume the responsibility of fire safety and readiness to protect their land. I commend Congressman Issa for his proactive approach to safety and dedication to taxpayers by introducing the WILTR Act. The WILTR Act will provide a well-earned deduction to the taxpayer and an incentive to many people in San Diego County who take proactive steps toward fuel management and reduction.” – Ed Musgrove, Councilman, San Marcos

    “I would like to thank Congressman Issa for his introduction of the WILTR Act and his continued commitment to fire readiness and to the protection of lives and property. The WILTR Act provides both tax relief and increased incentives to landowners who take preventive measures in support wildfire risk reduction, and I enthusiastically support Congressman Issa’s WILTR Act.” – Judy Fitzgerald, Councilwoman, Escondido 

    “NAHB commends Rep. Issa for introducing the Wildfire Infrastructure and Landowner Tax Relief (WILTR) Act of 2025 and is proud to offer its strong support for this important legislation. By encouraging proactive wildfire mitigation, the WILTR Act not only strengthens community resilience, but also helps preserve access to insurance in fire-prone areas, where coverage is becoming increasingly unaffordable or unavailable. This targeted approach will help keep families safe and homes protected.”— Buddy Hughes, Chairman, National Association of Home Builders

    Cosponsors: Congressman Doug LaMalfa (CA-01), Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-05), Congressman Paul Gosar (AZ-09), Congressman Dan Newhouse (WA-04).

    Industry support includes the California Association of Realtors, National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), Family Farm Alliance, and National Water Resources Association (NWRA). 

    Additional California Support:

    State Senator Brian Jones

    San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond

    North County Fire Protection District Chief Keith McReynolds

    Southwest California Legislative Council

    Councilman Ed Musgrove, San Marcos

    The bill text can be found here.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: House Appropriations Committee Approves Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David G. Valadao (California)

    WASHINGTON – The House Appropriations Committee met today to consider the Fiscal Year 2026 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act. Congressman David Valadao (CA-22), Chairman of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee, released the following statement on the bill’s passage out of full committee markup:

    “After months of hard work preparing the FY26 bill as Chairman of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee, I’m proud to see it advance out of full committee markup,” said Congressman Valadao. “This bill not only ensures Congress has the resources needed to effectively serve the American people—it also reins in unnecessary spending and refocuses our priorities to reflect our core values. Most importantly, this legislation provides the necessary funding to support Capitol Police as they work to keep Members of Congress, visitors, and staff safe. I’m grateful to Chairman Cole for his leadership and guidance throughout this process, and I look forward to building on this momentum as the bill heads to the House floor.”

    Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) said, “Our greatest duty is to our constituents—and this bill reflects that. The FY26 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act makes targeted and responsible investments to strengthen the institutions that serve Americans. It protects key functions of our democracy, supports critical oversight responsibilities, and ensures the safety and accessibility of the Capitol complex. Under Chairman Valadao’s leadership, we’ve advanced a measure that upholds core missions and safeguards taxpayer dollars. It’s a clear commitment to transparency, accountability, and putting the people first.”

    Legislative Branch Subcommittee Chairman David Valadao began the markup with remarks on the bill. Watch his full remarks here or read as prepared below:

    It is my pleasure to present the FY26 Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill and report for your consideration today. I appreciate the opportunity to work once again with Ranking Member Espaillat and the minority staff throughout the FY26 process. I’d also like to thank Chairman Cole and Ranking Member DeLauro for their continued leadership. 

    We received a record number of requests from our colleagues and the Members present today, and we had the pleasure of accommodating items from both sides of the aisle in a bipartisan manner.

    This bill provides $5 billion – a 5.3 percent decrease from the FY 2025 enacted House level. By tradition, we do not consider Senate items in the House mark, but when we take them into account, the discretionary allocation totals $6.7 billion, a $51 million decrease from the FY25 enacted CR. While we had to make a number of tough choices in this bill, we believe that as the legislative branch, it is our responsibility to lead by example and make responsible funding decreases where appropriate.

    As I mentioned in our subcommittee markup on Monday, we recognize the tragic events that recently took place in Minnesota, and I am deeply concerned and saddened by the increase in political violence in this nation.

    As appropriators we have the responsibility to provide for the safety and security for Members of Congress and the United States Capitol complex, and the bill under consideration today reflects our ongoing commitment to this duty. In 2017, the Members’ Representational Allowance was increased for the purpose of providing Member security when they are away from the Capitol complex, and this bill continues to carry that increase. It also includes increased funding for the House Sergeant at Arms and the United States Capitol Police. 

    I want to take a brief moment to highlight the funding requested by the USCP for mutual aid reimbursements. As noted in the report, the Department requested 5-year funds at the rate of $5 million per year for mutual aid. This bill provides $10 million for FY26, which is double the proposed annual amount. We intend to continue providing funds on an annual basis to ensure we are providing sufficient funding that is reflective of the growing needs at hand. 

    I would also like to thank the House Sergeant at Arms and his team for the rapid manner in which they developed a number of proposals, in consultation with Members and Leadership, regarding additional security measures. In the days ahead, we look forward to discussing these proposals with our colleagues to determine the most appropriate path forward. We plan to continue the discussion on security measures and recommend that we incorporate any needed changes when we conference with the Senate. 

    Again, I’d like to thank all Members for their thoughtful contributions to the FY26 Legislative Branch Bill and report and the staff from both the majority and the minority. 


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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Gabe Vasquez Statement on Vote on H.R. 875

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

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – On June 26, 2025, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) issued the following statement on his vote against H.R. 875, the Protect Our Communities From DUI Act.

    “I have and will continue to support effective, bipartisan ways to secure our border,” said Vasquez. “But I will not support stunts that undermine our democracy. Today, American citizens are being wrongly deported, and this bill will lead to the haphazard deportation of more legal residents and citizens, workers, and parents across this country.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: House Passes LaLota-Backed Bill Requiring Dating Apps to Warn Users of Fraud

    Source: US Representative Nick LaLota (NY-01)

    Washington, D.C. — Congressman Nick LaLota (Suffolk County, NY) released the following statement after voting to pass the bipartisan H.R. 2481 Romance Scam Prevention Act, a bill requiring dating apps to label profiles and usernames which have been banned for fraud while empowering the Federal Trade Commission and state attorney generals to enforce this requirement. 

    “Too many Americans—especially seniors and vulnerable individuals—are being targeted by online predators who exploit trust and loneliness to steal life savings. The Romance Scam Prevention Act brings common-sense safeguards that empower users and help stop these heartbreaking crimes before they start,” said Rep. LaLota. “By passing this bill, the House is sending a clear message: we will not sit by while criminals use digital platforms to defraud the innocent. I’m proud to support this bipartisan step to protect our communities and hold scammers accountable.”

    To read the full text of the resolution, click HERE. 

    Background:

    Romance scams are among the fastest-growing forms of online fraud in the United States, contributing to a record $10 billion in reported consumer fraud losses in 2023, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC Data Spotlight, Feb. 2024). While younger adults report scams more frequently, particularly through online shopping, job, and cryptocurrency frauds, older Americans suffer the steepest financial losses, with victims aged 60 and older losing an average of nearly $34,000 in romance scams (FTC, Protecting Older Consumers Report, Oct. 2023). These scams often begin on dating apps or social media, where bad actors build fake profiles, foster emotional trust, and then manipulate victims into sending money or financial information. Once these fraudsters are removed from the platform, their victims—many of whom continue communication via text or email—are rarely informed, leaving them at serious ongoing risk.

    The Romance Scam Prevention Act (H.R. 2481), introduced by Rep. David Valadao and passed unanimously by the House in June 2025 (Congress.gov – H.R. 2481), aims to close that notification gap. The bill requires online dating services to send a “fraud ban notification” to any user who exchanged messages with a person later banned for suspected fraud. The notification must include the banned user’s profile name, the last time messages were exchanged, a warning about possible identity fraud, tips for avoiding scams, and a customer service contact. The bill gives enforcement authority to the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general, and it sets a uniform federal standard that preempts inconsistent state laws (House Energy and Commerce Committee Summary). These safeguards are designed to help prevent fraud before it happens and to protect vulnerable users, especially seniors, from devastating financial and emotional harm.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene Applauds House Passage of Her Special Interest Alien Reporting Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene (GA, 14)

    Today, Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene (GA-14) issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed with bipartisan support her bill, the Special Interest Alien Reporting Act (H.R. 275), which requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to publicly disclose monthly reports on encounters with Special Interest Aliens at the border.

    “I’m proud the House has passed my Special Interest Alien Reporting Act,” said Greene.

    “The American people deserve to know when dangerous foreign nationals are crossing our border. My bill forces transparency and exposes the national security threats created by Joe Biden’s open-border policies.

    This is a huge win for America First, for public safety, and for holding the Biden administration accountable.”

    The bill requires DHS to report the number, nationality, and location of encounters with individuals classified as Special Interest Aliens—non-U.S. nationals flagged as potential national security risks due to travel patterns, country of origin, or other indicators.

    The first report under the legislation will include data from January 20, 2021, through January 19, 2025, covering the full scope of the Biden administration’s border crisis.

    All subsequent reports must be published monthly and submitted to the House and Senate Homeland Security Committees.

    On the day Joe Biden took office, the number of foreign nationals from adversarial countries such as China, Iran, and Syria encountered at the U.S. border skyrocketed. These encounters pose significant risks to national security and public safety. Thankfully, President Trump is securing our borders once again.

    The bill passed the House with the backing of House Homeland Security Committee Republicans and now awaits action in the U.S. Senate.

    Watch Congresswoman Greene’s remarks on the House Floor here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ciscomani Leads Effort to Honor Former Arizona Congressman Jim Kolbe

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Juan Ciscomani (Arizona)

    TUCSON, AZ — U.S. Congressman Juan Ciscomani reintroduced a bipartisan effort to honor former Congressman Jim Kolbe by naming a post office after him in Patagonia, AZ. 

    Reintroduction of the legislation is timed to coincide with what would have been Kolbe’s 83rd birthday on Saturday, June 28.  

    Kolbe represented southeastern Arizona for eleven terms, from 1985 to 2007, and was one of Arizona’s most respected members of Congress. Like Ciscomani, Kolbe served on the powerful House Appropriations Committee, rising to chairman of one of the committee’s twelve subcommittees. 

    “Jim Kolbe lived a life of service dedicated to not only our state but our country as a whole,” said Ciscomani. “He was a Navy veteran who represented Arizona as a true statesman, leading in foreign affairs, trade, and fiscal discipline, while staying true to his values. He continues to inspire my own service in Congress and his impactful leadership will long be remembered.” 

    Ciscomani’s legislation would rename the post office located at 100 North Taylor Lane in Patagonia, Arizona, as the Jim Kolbe Memorial Post Office. Kolbe grew up in Patagonia, attending Patagonia Elementary School and Patagonia Union High School.  

    Prior to his election to the House of Representatives, former Congressman Kolbe served in the Navy from 1967 – 1977 and the Arizona state legislature from 1977 – 1982.  

    Ciscomani is joined by Reps. Abe Hamadeh (R-AZ), David Schweikert (R-AZ), Greg Stanton (D-AZ), and Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ) in this effort. 
     

    Read the full bill text here. 
    In January 2023, Congressman Ciscomani gave his maiden floor speech honoring Kolbe following his death in December 2022. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Gabe Vasquez Statement on Vote Against H.R. 875

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

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – On June 26, 2025, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) issued the following statement on his vote against H.R. 875, the Protect Our Communities From DUI Act.

    “I have and will continue to support effective, bipartisan ways to secure our border,” said Vasquez. “But I will not support stunts that undermine our democracy. Today, American citizens are being wrongly deported, and this bill will lead to the haphazard deportation of more legal residents and citizens, workers, and parents across this country.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Feenstra Votes to Deport Illegal Immigrants Convicted of Driving while Drunk

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Randy Feenstra (IA-04)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) voted for, and the U.S. House of Representatives passed, the Jeremy and Angel Seay and Sergeant Brandon Mendoza Protect Our Communities from DUIs Act to bar illegal immigrants from entering the United States if they have committed or been convicted of a drunk driving offense and makes a DUI a deportable offense.

    “According to the Iowa Department of Public Safety, 35% of Iowa’s fatal car accidents involved an impaired driver in 2022,” said Rep. Feenstra. “It’s why I voted to deport illegal immigrants convicted of driving while drunk so that we keep our kids, law enforcement officers, and communities safe. Back in 2016, the illegal immigrant who killed 21-year-old Iowan, Sarah Root, was driving drunk, and should have never been in our country. Drunk driving is already a serious issue that claims too many lives; there is no need to exacerbate the situation.”

    In January, President Trump signed the Laken Riley Act into law, which includes Feenstra’s bill – Sarah’s Law – to detain without bail and punish illegal immigrants who harm or kill American citizens.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Mann Commends President Trump’s Effort to Secure Peace Through Strength

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Tracey Mann (Kansas, 1)

    [embedded content]

    CLICK HERE to download Rep. Mann’s remarks.

    CLICK HERE to watch Rep. Mann’s remarks on YouTube.

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Tracey Mann (KS-01) took to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to commend President Trump’s efforts in maintaining peace through strength in the Middle East. Over the weekend, President Trump and the U.S. military successfully conducted targeted strikes against Iran’s nuclear enrichment facilities while keeping the safety of Americans and U.S. troops at the forefront of the mission. President Trump successfully brokered a ceasefire between Iran and Israel in the days following the strikes.

    Rep. Mann’s Remarks as Prepared:

    Mr. Speaker, thanks to the leadership of President Trump, America and the world are safer today than we were a week ago. Iran, the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism, is no longer on the verge of obtaining a nuclear weapon and now they have agreed to a ceasefire with Israel. President Trump is fulfilling his campaign promise to make America safe again. Promises made, promises kept.

    Americans want peace through strength, and that is what President Trump is committed to. For far too long, administrations in Washington, D.C. have created red lines that were crossed without consequence, agreed to deals with Iran that the regime disregarded, and concerned themselves more with appeasement than protecting American interests. President Trump took a different approach.

    For months, President Trump has urged Iran to make a deal. He has been clear—there is no world where Iran, whose leadership chants, “Death to America, Death to Israel,” will be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon. Ever. That is not up for debate. President Trump is restoring America’s leadership

    on the world stage and fighting tirelessly to keep Americans safe both at home and abroad.

    This past week, President Trump showed that he is not willing to let America be strung along or taken advantage of. After Iran refused to accept a deal and continued to wreak havoc in the region through its proxy organizations, President Trump carried out targeted, strategic strikes to prevent the pending threat of Iran’s nuclear enrichment program. He was also clear: attacks on U.S. forces will not be tolerated, and there will be grave consequences for such action. That is what leadership looks like, and I applaud President Trump for putting America first.

    Audrey and I are grateful that our brave servicemen and women were not harmed in the strikes and continue to pray for the safety of our troops and Americans in the region. The world is safer today because of President Trump, and we pray that the Lord would continue to give him wisdom and discernment as he leads our nation and continues to work on bringing down tensions in the Middle East. God bless President Trump, God bless our troops, and God bless America.

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    For more information about Representative Mann, visit: www.mann.house.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Burlison’s Judicial Review Timeline Clarity Act Advances in Committee

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

    Provision included in broader PERMIT Act to curb delays on infrastructure projects

    Washington, D.C. — The House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure advanced the Promoting Efficient Review for Modern Infrastructure Today (PERMIT) Act, which includes the Judicial Review Timeline Clarity Act, introduced by Congressman Eric Burlison (MO-07). The bill now heads to the House floor for consideration.

    The Judicial Review Timeline Clarity Act establishes a firm 60-day deadline for filing lawsuits that challenge permits issued under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act for the discharge of dredged or fill material.

    “Frivolous lawsuits from environmental activists have derailed critical infrastructure projects,” said Rep. Burlison. “Our communities deserve better. The Judicial Review Timeline Clarity Act puts an end to this nonsense with a hard 60-day deadline to challenge permits. America’s ready to build.”

    Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Rep. Sam Graves (MO-06), praised the bill’s advancement:

    “Thanks to the reform proposed by Congressman Burlison, this bill will help eliminate frivolous lawsuits by activists who are simply trying to delay or block important infrastructure projects from moving forward.  Setting reasonable timelines for permitting reviews is not only common sense, it’s critical to allowing America to build. I commend Congressman Burlison for his continued leadership on this issue and for his work on this legislation.”

    Section 404 permits are essential for infrastructure, energy, agriculture, mining, and construction projects that require placing fill material into waters of the United States. These permits, issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, are frequently targeted by lawsuits—even after construction begins—causing delays, added costs, and uncertainty.

    The Judicial Review Timeline Clarity Act brings clarity and restores common sense to the process. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Fitzgerald Introduces the Expanding Access to Lending Options Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) introduced the Expanding Access to Lending Options Act, which would allow the National Credit Union Administration Board to increase the federal credit union loan maturity cap to 20 years, or longer if the Board allows by regulation. It also allows loan maturities for 1–4-unit principal and non-principal residences to be extended to 30 years.

    “As the cost of living continues to rise, families and small businesses need more flexible, affordable lending options,” said Congressman Scott Fitzgerald. “This bill gives credit unions the ability to offer longer-term loans, helping borrowers plan for the future and stay on top of their financial obligations without being locked into high monthly payments.”

    “Economic uncertainty makes managing finances difficult. With the introduction of legislation to provide credit unions with loan maturity flexibility, Reps. Fitzgerald, Fitzpatrick, Sherman, Meuser, Kim, Vargas, and Timmons are giving 142 million Americans much-needed financial relief,” said America’s Credit Unions President/CEO Jim Nussle. “This bill enhances credit unions’ ability to offer loans at rates and terms that fit their members’ needs. Credit unions are a safe haven for Americans trying to make ends meet and invest in their future. We thank the lawmakers for introducing this bipartisan legislation, and we urge the House to quickly advance it.”

    “Wisconsin’s cooperative not-for-profit credit unions have evolved to meet the needs of their 3.9 million members and the communities they live and work in, serving as a lifeline and trusted financial partner for over 100 years,” said Sarah Wainscott, President & CEO of The Wisconsin Credit Union League. “This bill delivers impactful regulatory evolution to increase loan maturity limits and remove red tape, allowing credit unions to better invest in what they do best – working toward the financial well-being for all. Wisconsin credit unions applaud and deeply appreciate the leadership of Congressman Fitzgerald and his colleagues for believing in credit unions and investing in policy that gives consumers greater opportunity for financial health and freedom.”

    BACKGROUND: Credit unions are generally prohibited from offering loans beyond a 15-year term, with limited exceptions. As costs rise, so does the need for larger loan limits and longer terms to make repayment more manageable. Allowing the flexibility to offer longer terms would lower monthly payments for consumers while offering greater competition for lending products, including small business, student, and agricultural loans. Any change to the loan term would not change credit unions’ member business lending cap of 12.25% of their assets for small business loans.

    SUPPORTERS: America’s Credit Unions and the Wisconsin Credit Union League.

    Read the bill text here. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Fitzgerald Introduces the Expanding Access to Lending Options Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) introduced the Expanding Access to Lending Options Act, which would allow the National Credit Union Administration Board to increase the federal credit union loan maturity cap to 20 years, or longer if the Board allows by regulation. It also allows loan maturities for 1–4-unit principal and non-principal residences to be extended to 30 years.

    “As the cost of living continues to rise, families and small businesses need more flexible, affordable lending options,” said Congressman Scott Fitzgerald. “This bill gives credit unions the ability to offer longer-term loans, helping borrowers plan for the future and stay on top of their financial obligations without being locked into high monthly payments.”

    “Economic uncertainty makes managing finances difficult. With the introduction of legislation to provide credit unions with loan maturity flexibility, Reps. Fitzgerald, Fitzpatrick, Sherman, Meuser, Kim, Vargas, and Timmons are giving 142 million Americans much-needed financial relief,” said America’s Credit Unions President/CEO Jim Nussle. “This bill enhances credit unions’ ability to offer loans at rates and terms that fit their members’ needs. Credit unions are a safe haven for Americans trying to make ends meet and invest in their future. We thank the lawmakers for introducing this bipartisan legislation, and we urge the House to quickly advance it.”

    “Wisconsin’s cooperative not-for-profit credit unions have evolved to meet the needs of their 3.9 million members and the communities they live and work in, serving as a lifeline and trusted financial partner for over 100 years,” said Sarah Wainscott, President & CEO of The Wisconsin Credit Union League. “This bill delivers impactful regulatory evolution to increase loan maturity limits and remove red tape, allowing credit unions to better invest in what they do best – working toward the financial well-being for all. Wisconsin credit unions applaud and deeply appreciate the leadership of Congressman Fitzgerald and his colleagues for believing in credit unions and investing in policy that gives consumers greater opportunity for financial health and freedom.”

    BACKGROUND: Credit unions are generally prohibited from offering loans beyond a 15-year term, with limited exceptions. As costs rise, so does the need for larger loan limits and longer terms to make repayment more manageable. Allowing the flexibility to offer longer terms would lower monthly payments for consumers while offering greater competition for lending products, including small business, student, and agricultural loans. Any change to the loan term would not change credit unions’ member business lending cap of 12.25% of their assets for small business loans.

    SUPPORTERS: America’s Credit Unions and the Wisconsin Credit Union League.

    Read the bill text here. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Fitzgerald Introduces the Expanding Access to Lending Options Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) introduced the Expanding Access to Lending Options Act, which would allow the National Credit Union Administration Board to increase the federal credit union loan maturity cap to 20 years, or longer if the Board allows by regulation. It also allows loan maturities for 1–4-unit principal and non-principal residences to be extended to 30 years.

    “As the cost of living continues to rise, families and small businesses need more flexible, affordable lending options,” said Congressman Scott Fitzgerald. “This bill gives credit unions the ability to offer longer-term loans, helping borrowers plan for the future and stay on top of their financial obligations without being locked into high monthly payments.”

    “Economic uncertainty makes managing finances difficult. With the introduction of legislation to provide credit unions with loan maturity flexibility, Reps. Fitzgerald, Fitzpatrick, Sherman, Meuser, Kim, Vargas, and Timmons are giving 142 million Americans much-needed financial relief,” said America’s Credit Unions President/CEO Jim Nussle. “This bill enhances credit unions’ ability to offer loans at rates and terms that fit their members’ needs. Credit unions are a safe haven for Americans trying to make ends meet and invest in their future. We thank the lawmakers for introducing this bipartisan legislation, and we urge the House to quickly advance it.”

    “Wisconsin’s cooperative not-for-profit credit unions have evolved to meet the needs of their 3.9 million members and the communities they live and work in, serving as a lifeline and trusted financial partner for over 100 years,” said Sarah Wainscott, President & CEO of The Wisconsin Credit Union League. “This bill delivers impactful regulatory evolution to increase loan maturity limits and remove red tape, allowing credit unions to better invest in what they do best – working toward the financial well-being for all. Wisconsin credit unions applaud and deeply appreciate the leadership of Congressman Fitzgerald and his colleagues for believing in credit unions and investing in policy that gives consumers greater opportunity for financial health and freedom.”

    BACKGROUND: Credit unions are generally prohibited from offering loans beyond a 15-year term, with limited exceptions. As costs rise, so does the need for larger loan limits and longer terms to make repayment more manageable. Allowing the flexibility to offer longer terms would lower monthly payments for consumers while offering greater competition for lending products, including small business, student, and agricultural loans. Any change to the loan term would not change credit unions’ member business lending cap of 12.25% of their assets for small business loans.

    SUPPORTERS: America’s Credit Unions and the Wisconsin Credit Union League.

    Read the bill text here. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Barry Moore introduces Define to Defeat Act of 2025

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Barry Moore

    Washington D.C. – Today, Rep. Barry Moore (AL-01) introduced the Define to Defeat Act of 2025, which would apply the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism to the enforcement of civil rights laws.

    “From the halls of our college campuses to the halls of our government, hatred toward the Jewish people has no place in America,” said Moore. “My bill ensures that federal agencies adopt a clear and consistent definition of antisemitism so we can identify it, confront it, and prosecute criminal behavior when necessary. Our judicial system needs this clarity now more than ever to properly confront the record-breaking levels of disturbing antisemitic attacks in our nation.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Barry Moore votes to support President Trump’s Rescissions Package

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Barry Moore

    Washington D.C. – Today, Rep. Barry Moore (AL-01) issued the following statement in strong support of President Donald J. Trump’s rescissions package, which would cut $9.4 billion in wasteful, unnecessary, or unspent federal funding:

    “President Trump understands what too many in Washington have forgotten: this is the people’s money. The rescissions package that House Republicans just passed is a direct strike to the bloated bureaucracy and out-of-control spending habits that we have seen in our federal government for too long,” said Moore. “My constituents sent me here to be a responsible steward of their taxpayer dollars, not to rubber-stamp wasteful projects that do not help the American people. I thank President Trump for leading the charge to restore fiscal sanity and putting America first.”

    President Trump’s rescissions package includes targeted cuts to unobligated funds from duplicative programs, NPR, PBS, and foreign aid that fails to serve America’s interests.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Barry Moore introduces bipartisan legislation to protect children online

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Barry Moore

    Washington, D.C. — Today, Rep. Barry Moore (AL-01) and Rep. Sylvia Garcia (TX-29) introduced the Strengthening Transparency and Obligations to Protect Children Suffering from Abuse and Mistreatment (STOP CSAM) Act. This legislation expands protections for child victims and witnesses in federal court proceedings to help facilitate restitution for victims of child exploitation, human trafficking, sexual assault, and violent crimes.

    This bill also empowers victims by making it easier for them to ask tech companies to remove child sexual abuse material and related imagery from their platforms and by creating an administrative penalty for the failure to comply with a removal request. It also requires big tech companies to submit annual reports describing their efforts to protect children going forward.

    “The rise of new technologies has created dangerous loopholes that predators exploit to traffic in child sexual abuse material,” said Moore. “In the last 15 years, the number of American victims has skyrocketed by over 400 percent. I’m proud to partner with Rep. Garcia on this bipartisan effort to ensure Big Tech is no longer allowed to look the other way. Our children deserve protection, and survivors deserve justice.”

    “Tech executives keep showing up to Congress, saying the right things while doing nothing as children are harmed and targeted on their platforms. If these companies are comfortable making billions as they ignore rampant child abuse, we must hold them accountable for their failure. As technology evolves, the law must evolve too. The bipartisan and bicameral STOP CSAM Act would finally give families a path to justice and make sure that children are protected,” said Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Barry Moore supports military construction and VA funding

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Barry Moore

    Washington, D.C.– Today, Rep. Barry Moore (AL-01) issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Fiscal Year 2026 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act:

    “Today, House Republicans stood up for America’s heroes – our veterans and warfighters – by passing a responsible and America-first appropriations bill that prioritizes their needs,” said Moore. “This legislation delivers key investments that will strengthen Alabama’s military infrastructure and our veteran community. It helps ensure our bases remain ready, our VA facilities remain strong, and our state continues to play a leading role in defending the nation.”

    The FY26 MILCON-VA bill provides full funding for VA medical care, benefits, and electronic health record modernization, while including strong oversight provisions to protect taxpayer dollars. The bill also invests in military construction projects vital to readiness and national security, including upgrades for Guard and Reserve facilities, housing for servicemembers and their families, and critical infrastructure supporting U.S. strategic deterrence.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Morgan McGarvey Cosponsors War Powers Resolution

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan McGarvey (Kentucky-03)

    June 26, 2025

    Today, Congressman Morgan McGarvey cosponsored a Congressional War Powers Resolution directing Donald Trump “to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran.” Congressman McGarvey said earlier this week: “On behalf of all Louisvillians, I am fighting to ensure American safety and security and that our top priority is peace and not another endless war.”

    CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD PDF

    Full text:

    Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran. 

    Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring),

    That, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution (50 U.S.C. 1544(c)), Congress directs the President to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran, other than those elements of the Armed Forces that may be necessary to defend the United States or an ally or partner of the United States from imminent attack provided that the President complies fully with the requirements of section 5(b) the War Powers Resolution (50 U.S.C. 1544(b)) with respect to any such use of the Armed Forces, unless explicitly authorized by a declaration of war or a specific congressional authorization for use of military force against Iran.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman McGarvey Sends Letter to EPA Administrator About Concerning Spike in Forever Chemicals Detected in the Ohio River

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan McGarvey (Kentucky-03)

    June 26, 2025

    Today, Congressman Morgan McGarvey sent a letter to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin raising the alarm about a sharp spike in forever chemicals detected in the Ohio River, which is downstream of notorious polluters like the Chemours Washington Works Plant.

    Data from Louisville Water shows that in November 2024, detected levels of the PFAS chemical GenX spiked dramatically, jumping from under 5 parts per trillion (ppt) to over 50 ppt. Studies have revealed that GenX consumption can have adverse effects on the liver, kidneys, immune system, offspring development, and an association with cancer.

    “Water safety impacts all Louisvillians, which is why I am deeply concerned by the significant spike in the detection of the forever chemical GenX in the Ohio River last November,” said Congressman McGarvey. “For weeks, my office has been in touch with relevant stakeholders who share my concerns which is why today, I am urging EPA Administrator Zeldin to consider the troubling health impacts that communities across the country will face in the event that Trump’s EPA takes the side of polluters.”

    CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD LETTER

    CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD GRAPH

    Full text:

    Dear Administrator Zeldin, 

    In light of your announced intention to revisit maximum contaminant levels for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and related chemicals, I am writing to express a significant concern for my district, Louisville, Kentucky, and the numerous communities that rely on the Ohio River for their drinking water. I urge you to carefully consider the concerning health impacts that these communities and others across the country will face if per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances continue to pollute our nation’s waters. 

    Further, if your review of the regulatory determinations made under the Safe Drinking Water Act does lead to reduced protections for Kentuckians with PFAS in their drinking water, I ask that you please provide your plan to prevent the continued release of PFAS pollutants into their waterways in the first place and how to hold polluters accountable for alarming spikes like the one seen in November 2024. The chart indicating this spike is included below. 

    While Louisville Water remains confident in its ability to treat the water from the Ohio River, the responsibility of preventing PFAS from entering the waterways ultimately lies with the polluters themselves. Data from Louisville Water, which provides drinking water to roughly one million customers in Jefferson, Shelby, Spencer, Bullitt, Hardin, and Nelson counties in Kentucky, shows that in November 2024, detected levels of the PFAS chemical GenX spiked dramatically, jumping from under 5 parts per trillion (ppt) to over 50 ppt. 

    Chemours, a spin-off of DuPont Chemicals, developed hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA, or GenX) as a replacement for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in various industrial and consumer applications. GenX was designed to address concerns stemming from litigation related to PFOA’s toxicity. It is used in high-performance polymers for manufacturing cabling, cookware, non-stick coatings, laptops, cell phones, and other similar applications. GenX chemicals have been found in surface water, groundwater, drinking water, rainwater, and air emissions. Studies have revealed that GenX consumption can have adverse effects on the liver, kidneys, immune system, offspring development, and an association with cancer.   

    In 2024, EPA established the first-ever national drinking water standards to protect Americans from exposure to a wide range of PFAS, including GenX. Per your May announcement, EPA now intends to rescind regulations for GenX and some other PFAS chemicals while conducting a review of the legal process in making those regulatory determinations under the Safe Drinking Water Act. As your agency conducts this review of the regulatory process, I urge you to consider the harm that rescinding GenX limits in drinking water will have on my constituents and other communities along the Ohio River downstream of notorious polluters like the Chemours Washington Works Plant.

    I appreciate your attention to this matter.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Valadao’s Bill to Provide Resources for Lifesaving Earthquake Emergency Response Passes Out of House Committee on Natural Resources

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David G. Valadao (California)

    WASHINGTON – This week, the House Committee on Natural Resources advanced H.R. 3168, the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Reauthorization Act, out of full committee markup. This bipartisan bill was introduced by Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) and Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) and would reauthorize the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program through Fiscal Year 2030—providing resources to the research, development, and implementation of lifesaving earthquake risk reduction and safety.

    “With millions of families living near active fault lines throughout California, we have a responsibility to make sure our communities are as prepared as possible for earthquakes,” said Congressman Valadao. “Reauthorizing this program means better coordination and more reliable early warning systems, and I’m grateful to Chairman Westerman and the House Committee on Natural Resources for recognizing how important this bill is to public safety in our state and across the country.”

    “H.R. 3168 renews the critical Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program through 2030,” said House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman. “The program reduces the risk to life and property from future earthquakes in the U.S. I applaud Rep. Valadao for his work and look forward to helping him usher this bill through the House.”

    Background:

    The National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP) is a program authorized in 1977. It supports activities like seismic monitoring, risk assessment, and the development of building codes and mitigation strategies. The program is managed through a partnership among four federal agencies: the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the National Science Foundation (NSF), and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The most recent reauthorization of NEHRP occurred in 2018 under the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Reauthorization Act of 2018.

    Read the full bill here.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Alford Introduces STRONG Act to Support Small Businesses with Greater Access to SBA-Backed Lending

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mark Alford (Missouri 4th District)

    Today, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04), the Chairman of the House Small Business Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Regulations, introduced the Supporting Trade and Rebuilding Opportunity for National Growth (STRONG) Act.

    The STRONG Act will give American small businesses greater access to financing to create jobs, support existing workers, and invest in their communities by increasing the maximum value threshold of SBA 7(a) and 504 loans.

    “We’re proud to introduce the STRONG Act to ensure American small businesses not only survive but thrive,” said Congressman Alford. “After four years of being crushed by inflation, supply chain bottlenecks, and overregulation under the Biden Administration, our small businesses are on the brink. Job creators and entrepreneurs desperately need support, including greater access to SBA lending, to help them make ends meet and stay in business. This critical legislation will work in concert with the One Big, Beautiful Bill and other initiatives from the Small Business Committee to finally put Main Street before Wall Street.”

    Read the text of the legislation here.

    Background:

    • The STRONG Act raises the maximum value threshold of 7(a) and 504 loans from $5,000,000 to $10,000,000.
    • The upper limit for 7(a) and 504 was last updated in 2010 and has not been adjusted for inflation since then.
    • The bill also provides an increase on the total limit of 504 loans SBA is able to issue, allowing more small businesses to access long-term, fixed-rate financing for major fixed assets.

    What are 7(a) and 504 loans?

    • SBA 7(a) loans offer flexible, government-backed financing up to $5 million for small businesses, which can be used for a wide range of purposes including working capital, equipment, or buying a business, with terms and rates negotiated between the borrower and lender.
    • 504 loans provide long-term, fixed-rate financing for small businesses to purchase major fixed assets like real estate or equipment, typically with a 50-40-10 structure (50% from a private lender, 40% from a Certified Development Company backed by the SBA, and 10% from the borrower).
    • The programs are subsidy free and are paid for by fees on SBA partnered lenders.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Kean Announces Launch of the 2025 Congressional App Challenge

    Source: US Representative Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07)

    Contact: Riley Pingree

    (June 26, 2025) LEBANON BOROUGH, N.J. – Today, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. announced the opening of the 2025 Congressional App Challenge, one of the most prestigious app competitions for middle and high school students across the country. 

    The Congressional App Challenge is designed to engage student creativity and encourage participation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education fields. This nationwide event allows middle and high school students from across the country to compete against their peers by creating and exhibiting their software application, or “app.” Students can use any programming language (such as Python, JavaScript, C++, Ruby, or block code) and any platform (including PC, web, tablet, robot, mobile).

    The submission portal is now open, and students may register and submit their apps through October 30, 2025, at 12:00 PM ET. Students can compete individually or in teams of up to four. All eligible students are encouraged to participate, regardless of prior coding experience.

    “The Congressional App Challenge is an incredible opportunity for the next generation of innovators to showcase their creativity and technical talent,” said Rep. Tom Kean, Jr. “Every year, I am inspired by the students of our district, and I look forward to seeing the innovative and impactful apps they create this year. Their work has the potential to give back to our communities, solve real-world problems, and inspire even more young people across New Jersey to pursue careers in STEM.”

    The winning app from New Jersey’s 7th District will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol and featured on the official House of Representatives website. Winning students will also be invited to the #HouseofCode Capitol Hill Reception in Washington, D.C. Runners-up will also be selected for recognition.   

    Learn more and register for the Congressional App Challenge by visiting kean.house.gov/services/congressional-app-challenge-2025.

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