NewzIntel.com

Category: United States House of Representatives

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kamlager-Dove, Ossoff Reintroduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Notify Loved Ones When Inmates Suffer Health Complications or Pass Away in Custody

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

    Legislation will ensure families receive timely notifications should an incarcerated family member pass away or suffer health complications while in prison

    Washington, D.C. — Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) and U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) led Senator Kennedy (R-LA) and Reps. John Rutherford (FL-05), Barry Moore (AL-01), and Glenn Ivey (MD-04) in reintroducing a bipartisan bill to help notify family members in a timely and compassionate manner in the event of a death, serious illness or injury of a loved one in custody.  

    The Family Notification of Death, Injury, or Illness in Custody Act would require the U.S. Department of Justice to implement policies and procedures for family notification by issuing central guidance to the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The bill would also direct the Attorney General to develop and distribute model notification policies and procedures to state and local detention agencies.

    “In 2016, when Wakiesha Wilson tragically died while incarcerated, her family members–my constituents–were never directly informed of her passing. It took 18 days for Wakiesha to be reunited with her family, compounding their agony of experiencing the death of a loved one. No one should have to go through that pain,” said Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove. “It is shameful that our correctional facilities are not required to notify the families of incarcerated people if their loved ones are seriously ill, injured, or deceased. I’m proud to introduce this legislation to change that.”

    “Too often, the families of those incarcerated never find out about a serious illness, a life-threatening injury, or even the death of a loved one behind bars. That’s why Senator Kennedy and I are introducing this bipartisan reform legislation,” Sen. Ossoff said.  

    “Every family member deserves to be notified if their loved one has passed away, is injured, or becomes ill,” said Rep. Rutherford. “As a former sheriff, I understand the importance of notifying families about the health challenges their loved ones are facing while in custody. No parent, spouse, or child should be left in the dark. That’s why I am proud to join my colleagues in the House and Senate to introduce bipartisan legislation to ensure compassionate notification of a detainee’s health status to their family members.” 

    “Families deserve to be informed when their loved one has died, has a serious illness, or sustains an injury while in custody. In FY21 alone, the Department of Justice failed to identify at least 990 prison and arrest related deaths,” said Moore. “This legislation requiring the Department of Justice and Bureau of Prisons to implement clear procedures for notifying families if these events occur is a step toward transparency and accountability that ensures no family is left in the dark.”

    “This bipartisan bill would ensure that the Department of Justice develops policies to notify family members about the well-being of their loved ones in custody,” said Rep. Glenn Ivey. “I am proud to partner with my House and Senate colleagues in introducing this important legislation.” 

    In 2016, Los Angeles’ resident Wakiesha Wilson was found deceased inside her prison cell at the LAPD Metropolitan Detention Center. Wakiesha’s family was never directly contacted regarding her death, sending them on an agonizing journey to discover information about her whereabouts. It wasn’t until 18 days later that Wakiesha’s family was finally able to see her at the L.A. morgue. On March 28, Rep. Kamlager-Dove participated in a press conference to mark nine years since Wakiesha’s tragic death.

    “We worked hard for many years on this with BLMLA support and are encouraged to see it finally re-introduced. Wakiesha’s Law will help to ensure that no other family has to endure the agony our family did,” said Lisa and Sheila Hines, mother and aunt of Wakiesha Wilson.  

    “Across the United States, deaths in prisons and jails are an unacceptable crisis. When someone in custody dies or is seriously ill, their family has a right to know what has happened in a timely and compassionate manner. Incarcerated people’s lives matter, and they should be treated with the utmost care and respect,” said the Prison Policy Initiative.

    Click here to read the Family Notification of Death, Injury, or Illness in Custody Act. 

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Tiffany’s Wolf Delisting Bill Clears House Natural Resources Committee

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

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Tom Tiffany (WI-07) and Congresswoman Lauren Boebert’s (CO-04) legislation to delist the gray wolf from the Endangered Species List and ensure that action is not subject to judicial review passed out of the House Natural Resources Committee. The Pet and Livestock Protection Act will restore authority back to state lawmakers and state wildlife officials to control the gray wolf population. H.R. 845 will now head to the full House of Representatives for a vote.   

    “The damage to pets, livestock, and wildlife from an unmanaged wolf population can no longer be ignored. The gray wolf has exceeded federal and state recovery goals, with over 1,000 wolves now thriving in Wisconsin. It’s time to take the next step, delist them, and let the people closest to the gray wolf manage their population levels,” said Congressman Tiffany.  

    “I’m very excited to see PALPA take another step towards being signed into law, which will be a huge victory for our ranchers, farmers, and landowners in Colorado and across America,” said Congresswoman Boebert. “The science has been very clear on this topic for years: gray wolves are fully recovered and their comeback should be touted as a success story. Now it’s time we encourage states to set their own guidelines and allow ranchers, farmers, and landowners to protect their livelihoods. I look forward to voting for this bill on the House floor and ultimately getting it to President Trump for his signature.”

    “The Endangered Species Act was never meant to be a Hotel California where species check in but never leave. Congresswoman Boebert and Congressman Tiffany’s Pet and Livestock Protection Act will allow the recovered gray wolf to check out and return management to the states who know the species best. I thank Ms. Boebert and Mr. Tiffany for their work on this important issue,” said Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman.

    “Hunter Nation salutes the House Natural Resources Committee for voting the ‘Pet and Livestock Protection Act’ out of committee, and thanks Congressman Tom Tiffany and Congresswoman Lauren Boebert for their unwavering support of hunters and our hunting lifestyle,” said Keith Mark, President/Founder of Hunter Nation. “The delisting of the gray wolf is a policy change we have been fighting for since our founding. The recovery of the gray wolf is an incredible conservation success story that should be celebrated. This legislation allows each state to manage the now recovered wolf population just as they manage all other wildlife within the state. The best part of this legislation is the provision that prevents judicial review of the legislative action which will preclude anti-hunting groups from using activist judges to interfere with sound, science-based conservation.”

    In 2020, the Department of the Interior and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service delisted the gray wolf in the lower 48 United States through a process that included the best science and data available. At over 6,000 wolves at the time of delisting, the gray wolf has been the latestEndangered Species Act success story with significant population recoveries in the Rocky Mountains and western Great Lakes regions. However, despite ample scientific evidence of the gray wolf’s recovery, a California judge unilaterally relisted the gray wolf under the ESA last year. The Pet and Livestock Protection Act requires the Secretary of the Interior to reissue the 2020 Department of the Interior final rule that delisted gray wolves in the lower 48 United States.

    32 Members of Congress cosponsored Rep. Tiffany and Rep. Boebert’s legislation, including the entire Wisconsin Republican Congressional Delegation. 

    Stakeholders that support the Pet and Livestock Protection Act include: Hunter Nation, American Farm Bureau Federation, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), Public Lands Council (PLC), National Rifle Association (NRA), Safari Club International (SCI), International Order of T. Roosevelt (IOTR), Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, Mule Deer Foundation, Blacktail Deer Foundation, Colorado Farm Bureau, Colorado Wool Growers, New Mexico Cattle Growers, Minnesota Lamb & Wool Producers Association, Coalition of Arizona/New Mexico Counties, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association, Nebraska Cattlemen, and Wisconsin Bear Hunters Association   

    The full text of the Pet and Livestock Protection Act can be found here.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Garbarino, LaLota Reintroduce Bill To Improve Boating Safety In Honor of Long Islander Brianna Lieneck

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Andrew Garbarino (R-NY)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Andrew R. Garbarino (R-NY-02) and Congressman Nick LaLota (R-NY-01) reintroduced the Brianna Lieneck Boating Safety Act. The legislation directs the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) to study and submit to Congress a report on recreational vessel operator education and training in order to improve boating safety and reduce the number of boating accidents that occur due to untrained boat operators. 

    The legislation is named in honor of a young girl from Long Island who was killed in a tragic boating accident. In August 2005, a 25-foot boat driven by Steven Fleisher, an air traffic controller, collided with a boat carrying 11-year-old Brianna Lieneck and her family in the Great South Bay off the coast of Bay Shore. Brianna was killed, her parents suffered severe head and facial injuries, and her sister’s arm was nearly severed. Criminal charges of boating while intoxicated were dismissed. The driver did not have a boating license. Since then, her mother, Gina Lieneck, has advocated for mandatory licenses for all boaters.

    “Many Long Islanders spend their summers enjoying boating and other water activities, but if we don’t proactively prioritize safety that’s when tragedies, like the one that befell the Lieneck family, happen,” said Rep. Garbarino. “According to the Coast Guard, boat operators who did not receive boating safety instruction were involved in 75% of fatal recreational boating accidents in 2023. This legislation would help eliminate these incidents and keep boaters on Long Island and around the country safe through education and training programs.”

    Between 2018 and 2023, there have been 3,871 accidental boating deaths nationwide, according to data provided by the USCG. Boating deaths have remained consistent year over year, averaging between 560-760 deaths annually. USCG has determined alcohol to be a leading factor in boating deaths overall. 

    “As a Navy man, boater, and Long Islander, I understand that increasing boating education and safety training will go a long way to preventing injuries and fatalities like what happened to Brianna Lieneck,” said Rep. LaLota. “Our legislation will save lives and ensure that families can safely enjoy our waters. I am proud to join my Long Island colleague in introducing this bill to keep more Americans safe.”

    Specifically, the Brianna Lieneck Boating Safety Act would require the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to study and report to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation regarding recreational vessel operator training. The study and report shall include a review of Coast Guard Auxiliary and Power Squadron training programs, existing state boating education programs, and other hands-on training programs available to recreational vessel operators. Among other things, the legislation would also require the report to include:

    • A section laying out steps the USCG and National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) have taken to encourage States to adopt mandatory recreational vessel operator training;
    • A section outlining the minimum standards for education of recreational vessel operators;
    • A section analyzing how the Coast Guard would administer a Federal boating education, training, and testing program, and;
    • An analysis of the extent to which a Federal boating education, training, and testing program should be required for all waters of a State, including internal waters.

    The full text of the bill can be found here.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Becca Balint Launches Monopoly Busters Caucus as Founding Member

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

    Washington, D.C – Today, Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) joined her Democratic colleagues to launch the Monopoly Busters Caucus. The Monopoly Busters Caucus will help promote a pro consumer, pro worker, and pro small business economic agenda, ensuring members have support to better communicate Democratic work to combat corporate consolidation. The caucus will work on policy like lowering prices and tackling corporate greed from corporate grocery stores, big agriculture, healthcare consolidation and more. 

    During the 2024 election cycle, over 65 percent of voters polled in seven battleground states and Ohio said they supported the government suing to break up monopolies and economically powerful companies. Another poll of voters in these states showed that 67 percent of voters think corporate power and a lack of government pushback is one of the biggest problems facing the country; 58 percent had a favorable opinion of government enforcement of antitrust laws.

    “I’m fired up to be launching the Monopoly Busters caucus because this is an issue that impacts every one of us even though it can feel abstract or distant. So, let’s boil it down: it’s about fairness and about protecting working people from the power and greed of giant corporations,” said Rep. Balint “Because we know when fair competition is stifled, we all pay the price. Rural people feel the squeeze as they see their hourly wage unable to carry them through to the next paycheck. These corporations must be held accountable. It’s obscene. ”

    The caucus will be chaired by Reps. Jayapal, Deluzio, Ryan and Craig. Rep. Balint will serve as a founding member and is a member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust. 

    The full livestreamed launch event can be seen here.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoyle, Jayapal, Khanna Demand Answers Over Unauthorized Military Strikes in Yemen by Trump Administration

    Source: US Representative Val Hoyle (OR-04)

    April 09, 2025

    For Immediate Release: April 9, 2025

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Val Hoyle (OR-04), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), and Ro Khanna (CA-17), are expressing major concerns over the lack of Congressional approval for U.S. military strikes in Yemen. 

    “The U.S. Constitution is clear: Congress holds the sole power to authorize offensive military action,” wrote the Members. “While we share concerns about maritime security in the Red Sea, we call on your Administration to immediately cease unauthorized use of military force and instead seek specific statutory authorization from Congress before involving the U.S. in an unconstitutional conflict in the Middle East, which risks endangering U.S. military personnel in the region and escalating into a regime-change war.”

    Section 2(c) of the War Powers Resolution of 1973 states that the President can only introduce U.S. forces into hostilities after a declaration of war or specific statutory authorization from Congress, or in a national emergency when the U.S. is under attack. Presently, no congressional authorization of military force exists for the recent hostilities carried out in Yemen, nor is there a declared national emergency. Senior Trump Administration officials even commented, in a non-secure Signal chat, that these strikes could have waited “a few weeks or a month,” making clear there was ample time to consult with Congress and obtain the necessary authorization before initiating these attacks.

    “Congress must have the opportunity to engage in a robust debate on the rationale for offensive force and vote on its merits before U.S. servicemembers are placed in harm’s way and additional taxpayer dollars are spent on yet another Middle East war,” continued the Members. “No president has the constitutional authority to bypass Congress on matters of war.”

    The Administration should be aware of its lack of authority in this matter, as the War Powers Resolution was used in 2019 to compel them to suspend midair refueling for Saudi airstrikes over Yemen. 

    “President Trump’s reckless strikes in Yemen are illegal, counterproductive and dangerous,” said Cavan Kharrazian, Senior Policy Advisor for Demand Progress. “We’re grateful to Representatives Jayapal, Khanna and Hoyle for once again leading the charge to reassert Congress’s war powers—just as they did during the Biden administration. What is clear: Trump must come to Congress for a debate and vote before engaging in further hostilities. This unauthorized military action is killing civilians, costing nearly $1 billion in taxpayer money, emboldening the Houthis and is threatening to create a ground war in a country already shattered by conflict and humanitarian crisis. Upholding congressional authority over matters of war is not a partisan issue; it’s a constitutional imperative and one of the most critical checks on executive power.”

    “Presidents have spent decades undermining Congress’s constitutional authority to declare or otherwise authorize wars, but with President Trump’s authoritarian approach to governance, the stakes are higher than ever,” said Jon Rainwater, Executive Director of Peace Action. “We applaud the members of Congress who signed this critical letter. Their leadership is essential in reining in this open-ended military adventure in Yemen, which is exacerbating one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. Congress must step up and reassert its oversight over the use of U.S. military before the president engages in even more reckless military adventurism abroad — or potentially even repression at home.”

    “The U.S. airstrikes on Yemen are making a humanitarian crisis worse,” said Isaac Evans-Frantz, Director of Action Corps. “Congress never authorized these attacks, and members of Congress should use their power to stop them.”

    “The U.S. bombing of Yemen contributes to the destruction of civilian infrastructure, the loss of innocent lives, and the deepening of one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises—all without congressional authorization,” said Aisha Jumaan, President, Yemen Relief and Reconstruction Foundation. “I urge Congress to support the War Powers Resolution to end any unauthorized U.S. military involvement in Yemen. It is time for the United States to support accountability, prioritize diplomacy, and play a constructive role in ending the suffering of the Yemeni people.”

    The full text of the letter can be read here. 

    The letter has been signed by Becca Balint (VT-AL), Donald S. Beyer (VA-08), Greg Casar (TX-35), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Gerald E. Connolly (VA-11), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Jonathan L. Jackson (IL-01), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson (GA-04), Jesús G. “Chuy” García (IL-04), Summer L. Lee (PA-12), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Jennifer L. McClellan (VA-04), James P. McGovern (MA-02), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Linda T. Sánchez (CA-38), Janice D. Schakowsky (IL-09), Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07), Maxine Waters (CA-43), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12).

    It is also endorsed by Action Corps, American Friends Service Committee, Antiwar.com, Baltimore Nonviolence Center, Brooklyn For Peace, Center for International Policy Advocacy, DAWN, Demand Progress, Emgage Action, Friends Committee on National Legislation, Health Advocacy International, Historians for Peace and Democracy, Just Foreign Policy, L.I. Alliance for Peaceful Alternatives, Massachusetts Peace Action, MPower Change Action Fund, National Iranian American Council, NorCal Sabeel, North Country Peace Group, Peace Action, Peace Action New York State, Peace, Justice, Sustainability, NOW!, Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, The Libertarian Institute, United for Peace and Justice, WESPAC Foundation, Inc., Western New York Peace Center, Win Without War, Yemen Relief and Reconstruction Foundation, and Yemeni Alliance Committee.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Magaziner’s Bill to Combat Transnational Repression Passes Homeland Security Committee

    Source: US Representative Seth Magaziner (RI-02)

    WASHINGTON, DC — The House Homeland Security Committee today passed U.S. Representative Seth Magaziner’s (RI-02) Strengthening State and Local Efforts to Combat Transnational Repression Act, bipartisan legislation to crack down on coercive tactics used by repressive foreign governments to silence political dissidents, activists, and journalists within the United States. 

    Rep. Magaziner, who serves as Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism, Law Enforcement, and Intelligence, sponsored the bill to train state and local law enforcement to identify and counter transnational repression by authoritarian regimes. This bill will be sent to Speaker Johnson for consideration on the House floor. 

    “Free speech is a fundamental American value, and people who come to the United States to escape repression should be able to speak out without fear,” said Rep. Seth Magaziner. “But too often, dissidents and journalists are harassed or threatened by foreign governments—even after they’ve found safety on our shores. That’s why I introduced this bipartisan bill, which just passed the full Homeland Security Committee, to ensure local law enforcement has the tools to identify and investigate transnational repression in communities across the country.”

    Rep. Magaziner’s legislation requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish a transnational repression threat training program for state, local, tribal, campus, and territorial law enforcement, including Fusion Center personnel. The specialized training will help these law enforcement officers, who are the first line of defense in our communities, counter the threat of transnational repression and protect those seeking refuge from authoritarian regimes.

    The bill advanced out of the House Homeland Security Committee as part of a bipartisan package aimed at combating transnational repression. The package includes the Countering Transnational Repression Act of 2025, sponsored by Rep. August Pfluger, R-Texas, chairman of the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence. Pfluger’s bill will establish a dedicated transnational repression working group within the Department of Homeland Security. It also includes the Law Enforcement Support and Counter Transnational Repression Act, sponsored by Rep. Gabe Evans, R-Colorado, which will establish a public service announcement campaign to address this threat.

    BACKGROUND

    A quarter of the world’s governments (48 states) around the world have reached beyond their borders to forcibly silence political dissidents – including on U.S. soil – according to data by Freedom House.The top ten perpetrators over the past ten years were the governments of Russia, Cambodia, Belarus, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Egypt, Iran, Tajikistan, Turkey, and China. And in 2023, Freedom House reported 125 incidents of physical transnational impression that included assassinations, abductions, assaults, detentions, and unlawful deportations. 

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Deluzio, Jayapal, Ryan, Craig Launch Monopoly Busters Caucus

    Source: US Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA)

    The Monopoly Busters Caucus Will Fight Corporate Power and Promote a Pro-Worker, Pro-Consumer, Pro-Small Business Agenda

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Pat Ryan (NY-18), and Angie Craig (MN-02) are today launching the Monopoly Busters Caucus, a new caucus with nine Founding Members to fight corporate power and promote a pro-worker, pro-consumer, and pro-small business economic agenda.

    “Monopolies have been rigging the system, crushing competition and small businesses, and ripping off the American people for decades. And for too long, politicians in Congress have let it happen,” said Congressman Deluzio. “We’re launching the Monopoly Busters Caucus today because we think that it’s long overdue for Congress to step up to take on consolidated corporate power and to reinvigorate American capitalism with competition. It’s our duty to help take the squeeze off of America’s workers, small businesses, and consumers and pave a path back to the American Dream. It’s time to get real, patriotic competition back in our economy.”  

    Congressman Deluzio was joined at the press conference by Jon and Bob Akanowicz, independent pharmacists and constituents who own Towne Drugs in Aspinwall, PA. Jon shared his experience of the pain that Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) have brought to their business and their customers they help get their medicine. His remarks can be watched here. 

    “Something is wrong in this country when families go to the grocery store and can’t afford milk or eggs or cereal. As people struggle under the weight of inflation, corporate profits are higher than ever,” said Congresswoman Jayapal. “From rent to groceries, to health care — life in America has become unaffordable. The answer to why is simple: corporate monopolies. When we take on corporate power, we can make a meaningful difference in the everyday lives of working people across the country – and we must, the American people are counting on us.” 

    “When I talk with folks in the Hudson Valley, the number one thing I hear is frustration. Frustration that even though they’re working hard and doing everything that’s asked of them, they can’t afford to provide for their family – housing, health care, gas, groceries, utilities. It’s inherently un-American that only a select few are able to live out the American dream,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “The reason for this is clear – in every one of those industries, we’ve let monopolies drive up costs and drive down quality, all while making record breaking profits. We’re gonna fight back against these big and powerful corporations, hold the bad actors accountable, and ultimately put power back where it belongs: with the American people.” 

    “As the top Democrat on the House Agriculture Committee, I have seen firsthand how consolidation in the ag industry is squeezing our family farmers and producers – and driving up costs for consumers too,” said Congresswoman Craig. “At a time when the Administration is launching our country headfirst into a global trade war, it’s more important than ever that we uplift small and local businesses right here at home. I’m proud to be joining Representatives Jayapal, Ryan and Deluzio to fight consolidation, strengthen the middle class and lower costs for producers and consumers.”   

    Throughout the pandemic and the inflation that followed, there was consistent reporting of large corporations price-gouging consumers, something they could do thanks to near-monopoly consolidation in many industries. For instance, in the cases of beef, baby food, pasta, and soda, more than 80 percent of the market is controlled by four companies. Rigorous enforcement of our antitrust laws can fix this consolidation and ensure that our markets work for all people.  

    The Caucus’s founding Members represent a large swath of the ideological makeup of the Democratic Party, highlighting the unity around a strong economic prosperity message. Joining the co-chairs in founding the Caucus are Becca Balint (VT-AL), Greg Casar (TX-35), Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Kristen MacDonald Rivet (MI-08), Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), and Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07). 

    The full livestreamed launch event can be watched here and photos are available here. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick Passes Iran Sanctions Bill in U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Florida 20th district))

    WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL), the Ranking Member of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee, released the following statement after the House Foreign Affairs Committee voted on a bipartisan basis to advance her bill, the Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act. 

    “As a leader on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I’m working across party lines to find solutions that meet our national security needs and keep Americans safe.  The Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act will tighten sanctions on Iranian oil—a major source of revenue for the regime—and enhance the security of the United States and our regional allies, including Israel.

    “Diplomacy is strongest when backed by leverage. Given that talks on Iran’s nuclear program are developing, that leverage is needed now more than ever.” 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Obernolte Introduces the Election Results Accountability Act to Restore Public Trust in Federal Elections

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jay Obernolte (R-Hesperia)

    Washington, D.C. –This week, Congressman Jay Obernolte (CA-23) introduced the Election Results Accountability Act, legislation aimed at improving transparency and restoring trust in the democratic process by setting federal deadlines for ballot counting and the certification of election results.

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | April 9, 2025  

    Contact: Connor Chapinski, (202) 225-5861  

      

    Rep. Obernolte Introduces the Election Results Accountability Act to Restore Public Trust in Federal Elections 

    Washington, D.C. –This week, Congressman Jay Obernolte (CA-23) introduced the Election Results Accountability Act, legislation aimed at improving transparency and restoring trust in the democratic process by setting federal deadlines for ballot counting and the certification of election results. 

    The bill amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to require all states to count and publicly report no less than 90% of ballots cast in federal elections within 72 hours of polls closing. Additionally, it mandates that states complete the ballot count and certify the final results within two weeks of election day. 

    “Some states took over a month to certify the results of the 2024 elections. That length of delay erodes the public’s trust in our electoral system,” said Rep. Obernolte. “Timely certification of federal election results is not only critical for public confidence but also essential for ensuring that newly elected members can fully participate in key activities such as orientations, leadership elections, and committee assignments.” 

    “California took longer than virtually any other state in the nation to certify the results of the 2024 elections. This ridiculous delay fosters distrust and confusion about the direction of our government and responsiveness to voters,” said Rep. Kiley. “Other states manage to complete election results faster and without incident- there’s no reason California can’t get this job done in a more timely manner. Enough is enough.” 

    “Having accurate and timely results for our elections is critical to strengthening the integrity and confidence in our democracy,” said Rep. Calvert. “I am proud to cosponsor the Election Results Accountability Act and thank Rep. Obernolte for introducing this important legislation.” 

    “For years, several states – including California – have turned election day into a month of voting that has singlehandedly damaged the credibility of our democracy,” said Rep. Issa. “That’s why I’m supporting Rep. Obernolte’s bill establishing a commonsense standard giving every American voter enduring confidence in the timely counting of valid ballots and the ultimate results of our federal elections.” 

    “In California it can take weeks to certify election results, which undermines the public trust necessary for free and fair elections,” said Rep. Valadao. “Californians—and all Americans—deserve to know the results of their elections in a timely and transparent manner. I’m proud to join my colleagues to introduce this bill which will help restore some confidence in our democratic process.”

    “Establishing clear procedures for the timely and transparent certification of federal election results is long overdue,” said Rep. Fong. “Americans deserve to have confidence in the election process that defines our country, which is why I am proud to support this legislation. For us in California, this is critically important.” 

    The legislation includes commonsense exceptions for circumstances outside of a state’s control—such as natural disasters, public health emergencies, cyberattacks, or technical failures—as well as allowances for recounts and for the first-time implementation of new election procedures. 

    To enforce compliance, states that fail to meet the deadlines without qualifying exemptions may be denied federal election funds unless they submit a corrective compliance plan to the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ). The EAC and DOJ must jointly certify both the failure and the adequacy of a state’s plan before federal funding is restored. 

    The Election Results Accountability Act will apply to all federal elections held 90 days after enactment. Read the full bill here.  

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    Obernolte.house.gov  

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Valadao Leads Legislation to Restore Public Trust in the Democratic Process

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

    WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) joined Reps. Jay Obernolte (CA-23), Vince Fong (CA-20), Ken Calvert (CA-41), Kevin Kiley (CA-03), Tom McClintock (CA-05), and Darrell Issa (CA-48) to introduce the Election Results Accountability Act. This bill aims to improve transparency and restore trust in the democratic process by setting federal deadlines for ballot counting and certification of election results. 

    “In California it can take weeks to certify election results, which undermines the public trust necessary for free and fair elections,” said Congressman Valadao. “Californians—and all Americans—deserve to know the results of their elections in a timely and transparent manner. I’m proud to join my colleagues to introduce this bill which will help restore some confidence in our democratic process.”

    “Some states took over a month to certify the results of the 2024 elections. That kind of delay erodes the public’s trust in our electoral system,” said Rep. Obernolte. “Timely certification of federal election results is not only critical for public confidence but also essential for ensuring that newly elected members can fully participate in key activities like leadership elections and committee assignments.”

    “Establishing clear procedures for the timely and transparent certification of federal election results is long overdue,” said Rep. Fong. “Americans deserve to have confidence in the election process that defines our country, which is why I am proud to support this legislation. For us in California, this is critically important.” 

    “Having accurate and timely results for our elections is critical to strengthening the integrity and confidence in our democracy,” said Rep. Calvert. “I am proud to cosponsor the Election Results Accountability Act and thank Rep. Obernolte for introducing this important legislation.” 

    “California took longer than virtually any other state in the nation to certify the results of the 2024 elections. This ridiculous delay fosters distrust and confusion about the direction of our government and responsiveness to voters,” said Rep. Kiley. “Other states manage to complete election results faster and without incident- there’s no reason California can’t get this job done in a more timely manner. Enough is enough.” 

    “For years, several states – including California – have turned election day into a month of voting that has singlehandedly damaged the credibility of our democracy,” said Rep. Issa. “That’s why I’m supporting Rep. Obernolte’s bill establishing a commonsense standard giving every American voter enduring confidence in the timely counting of valid ballots and the ultimate results of our federal elections.” 

    Background:

    The Election Results Accountability Act includes common sense exceptions for circumstances outside a state’s control, such as natural disasters, public health emergencies, cyberattacks, or technical failures, as well as allowances for recounts and the first-time implementation of new election procedures. To enforce compliance, states that fail to meet the deadlines without qualifying exemptions may be denied federal election funds unless they submit a corrective compliance plan to the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ). The EAC and DOJ must jointly certify both the failure and the adequacy of a state’s plan before federal funding is restored.

    This legislation will apply to all federal elections held 90 days after enactment.

    The Election Results Accountability Act would:

    • Amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to require all states to count and publicly report no less than 90% of ballots cast in federal elections within 72 hours of polls closing.
    • Mandate that states complete the ballot count and certify final results within two weeks of election day.
    Read the full bill here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Vasquez Calls on VA Secretary to Protect Access to Abortion for American Heroes

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

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) called on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins to halt all efforts to roll back access to reproductive health services, including abortion care for veterans.

    “America’s veterans deserve our utmost respect, and it is unconscionable that they are facing barriers to reproductive healthcare,” Vasquez said. “Abortion is healthcare, period. I will not stand by as medical treatment is being stripped away from veterans who served our nation to protect these rights.”

    The letter to Secretary Collins opposes the VA’s attempt to rescind the March 2024 rule entitled “Reproductive Health Services,” which was initially put in place to ensure the VA fully upholds its obligation to promote veterans’ health and provide the comprehensive care they’ve earned. 

    This letter by Vasquez follows a long record of opposing restrictions to reproductive care for military members. As a Member of the House Armed Services Committee, he led the charge in getting restrictions on abortion removed from the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act.

    You can find the text of the letter to Secretary Collins here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Edit-obernolte.house.gov/user

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jay Obernolte (R-Hesperia)

    Washington, D.C. –This week, Congressman Jay Obernolte (CA-23) introduced the Election Results Accountability Act, legislation aimed at improving transparency and restoring trust in the democratic process by setting federal deadlines for ballot counting and the certification of election results.

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | April 9, 2025  

    Contact: Connor Chapinski, (202) 225-5861  

      

    Rep. Obernolte Introduces the Election Results Accountability Act to Restore Public Trust in Federal Elections 

    Washington, D.C. –This week, Congressman Jay Obernolte (CA-23) introduced the Election Results Accountability Act, legislation aimed at improving transparency and restoring trust in the democratic process by setting federal deadlines for ballot counting and the certification of election results. 

    The bill amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to require all states to count and publicly report no less than 90% of ballots cast in federal elections within 72 hours of polls closing. Additionally, it mandates that states complete the ballot count and certify the final results within two weeks of election day. 

    “Some states took over a month to certify the results of the 2024 elections. That length of delay erodes the public’s trust in our electoral system,” said Rep. Obernolte. “Timely certification of federal election results is not only critical for public confidence but also essential for ensuring that newly elected members can fully participate in key activities such as orientations, leadership elections, and committee assignments.” 

    “California took longer than virtually any other state in the nation to certify the results of the 2024 elections. This ridiculous delay fosters distrust and confusion about the direction of our government and responsiveness to voters,” said Rep. Kiley. “Other states manage to complete election results faster and without incident- there’s no reason California can’t get this job done in a more timely manner. Enough is enough.” 

    “Having accurate and timely results for our elections is critical to strengthening the integrity and confidence in our democracy,” said Rep. Calvert. “I am proud to cosponsor the Election Results Accountability Act and thank Rep. Obernolte for introducing this important legislation.” 

    “For years, several states – including California – have turned election day into a month of voting that has singlehandedly damaged the credibility of our democracy,” said Rep. Issa. “That’s why I’m supporting Rep. Obernolte’s bill establishing a commonsense standard giving every American voter enduring confidence in the timely counting of valid ballots and the ultimate results of our federal elections.” 

    “In California it can take weeks to certify election results, which undermines the public trust necessary for free and fair elections,” said Rep. Valadao. “Californians—and all Americans—deserve to know the results of their elections in a timely and transparent manner. I’m proud to join my colleagues to introduce this bill which will help restore some confidence in our democratic process.”

    “Establishing clear procedures for the timely and transparent certification of federal election results is long overdue,” said Rep. Fong. “Americans deserve to have confidence in the election process that defines our country, which is why I am proud to support this legislation. For us in California, this is critically important.” 

    The legislation includes commonsense exceptions for circumstances outside of a state’s control—such as natural disasters, public health emergencies, cyberattacks, or technical failures—as well as allowances for recounts and for the first-time implementation of new election procedures. 

    To enforce compliance, states that fail to meet the deadlines without qualifying exemptions may be denied federal election funds unless they submit a corrective compliance plan to the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ). The EAC and DOJ must jointly certify both the failure and the adequacy of a state’s plan before federal funding is restored. 

    The Election Results Accountability Act will apply to all federal elections held 90 days after enactment. Read the full bill here.  

     ## 

      

    Obernolte.house.gov  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Deluzio, Norcross, Hirono Introduce Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act

    Source: US Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01), and Senator Mazie K. Hirono (HI) reintroduced the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act, bicameral legislation to guarantee the right of public sector employees to organize, act concertedly, and bargain collectively in states that currently do not afford these basic protections. The lawmakers were joined by Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01) in introducing the legislation. 

    “No matter where they live, American workers in every sector should have the ability to form and join a union, or to collectively bargain to improve their workplace,” said Congressman Deluzio. “Public servants should have this right, just like other workers. Now is the time for solidarity: let’s come together and stand with hardworking Americans, defend the union way of life, and pass the bipartisan Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act.” 

    “I know the power of collective bargaining because I’ve lived it,” said Congressman Norcross, a union electrician, member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), and co-chair of the Congressional Labor Caucus. “I spent decades at the negotiating table standing up for working families—fighting for fair pay, safer jobs, and better benefits like health care and retirement. This bill ensures public-sector workers across the country have the same rights to a voice on their job and a seat at the table.”  

    “Public sector workers teach our children, protect our safety, and keep our communities moving forward—they deserve the right to organize,” said Senator Hirono. “The Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act will help ensure that millions of public sector workers across our country have the federal protections they deserve as they fight for fair wages, benefits, and improved working conditions. Private sector workers are already guaranteed the right to organize under federal law, it should be common sense that public sector workers are afforded those same rights. As President Trump works to gut our public sector workforce, this bill is crucial to protect workers’ freedom to organize and bargain collectively. I’m proud to lead this important legislation with Representative Norcross to help ensure that every public employee has their voice heard in the workplace.” 

    “Passing this legislation has never been more urgent — especially now, as federal workers face unprecedented attacks on their collective bargaining rights,” said AFSCME President Lee Saunders. “We believe, as most Americans do, that every worker deserves a union — no matter who they work for. This bill is about something fundamental: respect. Respect for the public service workers who’ve devoted their careers to serving their communities. And respect means the freedom to negotiate.” 

    “When workers stand together in a union, their jobs and lives improve. But in half of the country, the people who keep our cities and towns running are banned from collectively bargaining for a good union contract. Every day, the attacks on the fundamental freedoms of workers who keep our streets and water clean, our public transportation moving, and our children learning are increasing from the highest level of government. We need federal law to protect their rights to form a union and negotiate fair contracts that allow them to continue to do the work that is so essential to our communities. We call on every member of Congress to stand with working people and support the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act,” said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler. 

    “For years now, the rights of workers like nurses, librarians, educators, and all our essential public servants who dedicate themselves to our communities have been chipped away at, despite their dedication and selfless service to their communities,” said Claude Cummings Jr., president of the Communications Workers of America. “That’s why the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act is so vital. It protects public sector workers’ fundamental right to join together, bargain for fair pay, and stand up for decent working conditions. Congress needs to step up and pass this now and push back against efforts trying to undermine these essential rights.” 

    “As education, healthcare and public service workers, our members make a difference in the lives of others every day. But too many states don’t allow the people who do the work to have a voice,” said Randi Weingarten, President of AFT. “The Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act would change that, ensuring public servants, no matter where they reside, have a means to influence their own lives. Whether it’s higher wages, safer working conditions, or a secure retirement, the ability to organize a union and bargain collectively lifts working families, students, patients, and entire communities up. That’s why we enthusiastically support this legislation and are committed to moving it forward.”  

    The Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act would establish baseline federal protections to ensure all public service workers can join a union and negotiate workplace conditions—regardless of state law. The bill comes at a critical time, as recent federal actions have renewed attention on the collective bargaining rights of public employees, including those serving in national security-related agencies. 

    Specifically, the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act would set a minimum nationwide standard of collective bargaining rights that states must provide, including allowing public service workers to join together and have a voice on the job to improve both working conditions and the communities in which they live and work. The legislation gives public service workers the freedom to: 

    Read the full bill text here.  

    The bill is supported by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME); the Communications Workers of America (CWA); American Federation of Teachers (AFT); AFL-CIO; Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU); Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE); International Brotherhood of Teamsters; International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM); International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE); International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE); International Union of Police Associations (IUPA); International Union of Painters & Allied Trades (IUPAT); Laborer’s International Union of North America (LiUNA); National Education Association (NEA); National Nurses United; Service Employees International Union (SEIU); Transport Workers Union of America (TWU); UNITE HERE!; United Autoworkers; United Steelworkers (USW). 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Valadao’s Legislation to Combat Romance Scams Passes Out of House Committee on Energy and Commerce

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

    WASHINGTON – Today, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce advanced H.R. 2481, the Romance Scam Prevention Act, out of a full committee markup. The Romance Scam Prevention Act is a bipartisan bill introduced by Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) and Reps. Brittany Petterson (CO-07), Tom Suozzi (NY-03), and Craig Goldman (TX-12). This legislation would require dating apps and services to issue fraud ban notifications to users who have interacted with a person removed from the app for fraudulent activity.

    Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and John Hickenlooper (D-CO) introduced the companion bill in the Senate, which passed out of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on March 12, 2025.

    “Millions of Americans use online dating services to make connections, making them the perfect platform for romance scammers to target their victims,” said Congressman Valadao. “Alerting users that they have been in contact with someone who has been banned for fraud is a basic security feature that will save Americans billions, and I’m proud to lead this effort alongside my Congressional colleagues. I want to thank Chairman Brett Guthrie and the House Committee on Energy and Commerce for their attention to this critical issue.”

    Background:

    Over 60 million Americans used an online dating service in 2023, and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that romance scams resulted in victims losing over $1.1 billion. Criminals use false names and stories to lure individuals into conversation before manipulating them to give up sensitive information. When an online dating service provider becomes aware of a user committing fraudulent activity, like illegally obtaining money, the online dating service provider immediately deactivates the fraudulent user’s account. However, individuals who meet online often take their conversations to other communication platforms, so even when a fraudulent account is removed, an individual might not know they are still communicating with someone who was banned from the platform.

    If you or someone you know has seen a suspicious profile on an online dating service, please file a report with the FTC on their website.

    Read a one-pager on the bill here.

    Read the full bill here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Young Kim’s Bipartisan Uyghur Policy Act Passes Committee

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Young Kim (CA-39)

    Washington, DC – Today, the House Foreign Affairs Committee passed the Uyghur Policy Act (H.R. 2635), led by Rep. Young Kim (CA-40), Rep. Ami Bera (CA- 06), chairwoman and ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs East Asia and Pacific Subcommittee, as well as Committee Ranking Member Rep. Gregory Meeks (NY-05),  to help the United States take concrete steps to support Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities subject to unthinkable atrocities by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). 

    Watch Rep. Kim speak in support of the bill in today’s markup HERE.

    This bipartisan bill would create a comprehensive, multilateral strategy to raise international awareness of the persecution of Uyghurs at home and abroad, direct the State Department to effectively respond to human rights abuses in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, and push back on CCP efforts to silence Uyghur voices.  

    The Uyghur Policy Act would:

    • Coordinate U.S. Efforts by designating the Secretary of State to oversee Uyghur human rights-related policies and programs that preserve Uyghurs’ ethnic, religious, cultural, and linguistic identities.
    • Empower human rights advocates working on behalf of Uyghurs and minorities persecuted by the CCP.
    • Force the CCP to End Crackdowns against Uyghurs by increasing accountability to human rights organizations and developing a strategy to close detention facilities and political reeducation camps.
    • Support the Uyghur Diaspora by addressing transnational repression and creating reporting mechanisms for Uyghur victims.

    The Uyghur Policy Act passed the House in an overwhelmingly bipartisan manner in the 117th and 118th Congresses.

    “Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities in Xinjiang are victims of the CCP’s genocidal campaign and subject to silencing, detention, torture, and brainwashing simply because of their identity. By staying silent, we become complicit,” said Rep. Young Kim, Chairwoman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific. “The Uyghur Policy Act provides the U.S. with the necessary tools to defend the basic human rights and unique identities of those facing inhumane treatment. I thank my House Foreign Affairs Committee for supporting this effort, and I will relentlessly stand against the CCP’s abuses and push for freedom and human rights around the world.”

    “The PRC’s ongoing repression of Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities in Xinjiang is a moral outrage that demands a clear and coordinated international response,” said Representative Ami Bera (CA-06). “The Uyghur Policy Act sends a strong, bipartisan message that the United States stands against genocide, forced labor and transnational repression. I am proud to support this legislation, which strengthens our ability to hold the PRC accountable and reaffirms our unwavering commitment to human rights. America must continue to lead with our values — standing up for religious freedom, cultural identity and the dignity of all people.”

    “America must be vocal about human rights everywhere. This bill will help hold Beijing accountable for its genocide in Xinjiang and ensure that the United States is supporting Uyghurs and other minorities who face PRC atrocities at home and repression abroad,” said Ranking Member Meeks.

    “The Uyghur Policy Act enhances the United States’ ability to confront the CCP’s genocide in the Uyghur region and address transnational repression beyond China’s borders. It is a strategic necessity that supports Uyghurs globally while challenging the international community to uphold the values it claims to defend. We are especially moved that the bill names Dr. Gulshan Abbas, my innocent sister, whose unjust imprisonment, along with that of countless others, exemplifies the repression this legislation seeks to end.” – Rushan Abbas, Founder and Executive Director, Campaign for Uyghurs.

    “Congresswoman Young Kim’s bill is a beacon of hope for Uyghurs. Our people are suffering unbearable torments under a deliberate genocide,” said Omer Kanat, executive director of the Uyghur Human Rights Project (UHRP). “We urge the Congress to move quickly to pass the Uyghur Policy Act into law.”

    “Now more than ever it is critical to provide tools and guidance for the United States government to take effective action in coordination with allies to address this ongoing genocide. The provisions of this legislation are a powerful framework to do just that and we are thankful for Congresswoman Kim’s dedicated leadership on these issues,” said Julie Millsap, Government Relations Manager, No Business With Genocide

    “Without leadership from the United States on the Uyghur issue, and in particular on the issue of access to detention facilities and the release of prisoners, it is very difficult for the international community to make progress on a wide breadth of human rights-related concerns. We appreciate this legislation as a means of advancing efforts in support of a global rules-based order which respects the dignity of each and every person and thank Congresswoman Kim for her leadership. We encourage policymakers to move the bill through committee swiftly and hope to see it passed into law soon,” said Emily Upson, Program Coordinator, Wild Pigeon Collective

    “This vital legislation ensures that the plight of the Uyghur people remains a priority in U.S. foreign policy. As American Muslims, we cannot turn a blind eye to such grave injustice. As President of the American Muslim and Multifaith Women’s Empowerment Council, I commend Congresswoman Young Kim for her steadfast leadership in reintroducing the Uyghur Policy Act. This is a meaningful step toward accountability and justice, and we strongly urge bipartisan support for its swift passage,” said Anila Ali, President, American Muslim and Multifaith Women’s Empowerment Council.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Issa and Calvert Join Riverside Leaders: Keep Galway Downs an Olympic Venue

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

     

    Washington: Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) today joined Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) and a range of Riverside County regional leaders to encourage the Los Angeles City Council, the Los Angeles Organizing Committee for the 2028 Olympic Games, and the International Olympic Committee to extend continued support for Temecula’s Galway Downs Equestrian Center as the idea venue to host the Equestrian events during the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

    The official correspondence stated that, “In every way, this international destination for the disciplines of dressage, eventing, and jumping is the ideal location for the equine activities of the 2028 Summer Games, as it combines a SoCal tourist destination with world class state-of-the-art facilities for athletes, horses, their teams, and all spectators to experience and enjoy.”

    Galway Downs equestrian center is a premier multi-use facility spanning 242 acres, 400 permanent stalls, a 1-mile racetrack, 5/8-mile training track, 14 arenas for training and competition, 15 miles of trails, and numerous other amenities. It hosts multiple events year-round, including Hunter/Jumper, Arabian Horse and Dressage.

    The letter concludes: “Temecula, Riverside County and the region have also made the community commitment and long-term investment in Equestrian sports that will truly leave a lasting legacy that honors the Olympic Movement.”

    The letter was also signed by California State Senator Kelly Seyarto, California Assemblywoman Kate Sanchez, Riverside County Supervisor Chuck Washington, and Temecula City Council Member Matt Rahn.

    Read the letter here.

    Darrell Issa is the Representative of California’s 48th Congressional District, which encompasses the central and eastern parts of San Diego County and a portion of Riverside County, including the communities of Fallbrook, Valley Center, Ramona, Escondido, Santee, Lakeside, Poway, Temecula, Murrieta, and the mountain and desert areas of the San Diego-Imperial County line. Issa served as the Chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform from 2011-2015.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Hoyle to Join Senator Merkley for Townhalls in Curry, Coos, Douglas Counties

    Source: US Representative Val Hoyle (OR-04)

    April 08, 2025

    For Immediate Release: April 8, 2025

    WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, Representative Val Hoyle (OR-04) announced she will join U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley for townhalls in Curry, Coos, and Douglas Counties on April 15, 2025. Senator Merkley and Representative Hoyle will start the day with a townhall in Brookings, Oregon, at 10 AM, followed by North Bend, Oregon, at 2:30 PM, and end the day in Reedsport, Oregon,at 5:00 PM. Details on each townhall are below, with additional details to be sent to local media by Sen Merkley’s office ahead of each event.

    CURRY COUNTY TOWNHALL

    Location:        Southwestern Oregon Community College, Curry Campus – Lower (Sprague) Commons

                            96082 Lone Ranch Parkway, Brookings, OR 97415

    Doors Open: 

    Event Time:   10:00 AM

    COOS COUNTY TOWNHALL

    Location:        North Bend Community Center – Main Hall

                            2222 Broadway Avenue, North Bend, OR 97459

    Doors Open: 

    Event Start:   2:30 PM

    DOUGLAS COUNTY TOWNHALL

    Location:        Reedsport Community Center – Main Gym

                            451 Winchester Avenue, Reedsport, OR 97467

    Doors Open: 

    Event Start:   5:00 PM

    For more information on Senator Merkley’s townhalls please visit his website, linked here.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Barry Moore introduces Family Notification of Death in Custody Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Barry Moore

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Barry Moore (R-AL) introduced the Family Notification of Death in Custody Act alongside Reps. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), John Rutherford (FL-05), and Glenn Ivey (MD-04). Senators Jon Ossoff (D-GA) and John Kennedy (R-LA) introduced the companion bill in the United States Senate.

    This bill requires the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to implement policies and procedures to notify family members in the event of death, serious illness or serious injury while in custody. The Attorney General would also be directed to develop and distribute model notification policies and procedures to state and local detention agencies.

    “Families deserve to be informed when their loved one has died, has a serious illness, or sustains an injury while in custody. In FY21 alone, the Department of Justice failed to identify at least 990 prison and arrest related deaths,” said Moore. “This legislation requiring the Department of Justice and Bureau of Prisons to implement clear procedures for notifying families if these events occur is a step toward transparency and accountability that ensures no family is left in the dark.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Ramirez Demands Secretary Noem Resign

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

    Congresswoman Ramirez’s demand that Secretary Noem step down came after a visit to the southern border, where she saw children facing immigration processing without lawyers

    Washington, DC— Today, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) demanded Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem resign immediately, given her abuse of the Department’s power and authority to pursue a campaign of persecution, mass incarceration, and deportation. After a press conference with Congresswomen Rep. Nydia Velázquez (NY-07) and Rashida Tlaib (MI-12) and human rights advocates, Ramirez sent the letter to the Secretary, outlining the violations of rights and criminal actions Noem has allowed.

     

    “Since your appointment, you have disregarded the authority of Congress, the rule of law, the constitutional rights of residents, the courts, due process, and every check and balance that protects us from authoritarianism,” wrote Congresswoman Ramirez. “Under your supervision, DHS has irreversibly harmed Americans. You have exploited your position to weaponize enforcement to detain, deport, and violate people. Your shameful actions have also left children and women vulnerable and without counsel. You have wasted millions of taxpayer dollars to run anti-immigrant campaigns and illegally detain people in offshore prisons without due process. Your intentional criminalization of immigrants and dissenting voices against your deplorable acts threaten the foundations of our democracy.”

    During the press conference that pre-coursed the letter, Congresswoman Ramirez outlined that Americans have paid more than just the human price for Noem’s criminal actions. Taxpayers have also paid $200 million for an anti-immigrant ad campaign, $46 million to illegally detain people in off-shore prisons, and more than $300 million to militarize and end parole and due process at our borders.

    In the letter, Congresswoman Ramirez, a member of the Homeland Security Committee, explains that she has tried on multiple occasions to receive answers from Noem, but those efforts have gone unanswered. “I cannot allow you to continue to violate the rights of the people, undermine due process, and misuse our resources. You are one of the greatest threats to our national security,” continued the member. 

    For the full text of the letter, CLICK HERE

    For photos of the press conference, CLICK HERE

    For a live of the press conference, CLICK HERE

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Cory Mills Hosts Tele-Town Hall

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Cory Mills Florida (7th District)

    Washington, D.C. — Congressman Cory Mills (FL-07) held a successful telephone town hall tonight with record breaking attendance, connecting with constituents across Florida’s 7th Congressional District. The event demonstrates his commitment to open dialogue and accountability with the residents he proudly represents.

    During the town hall, Congressman Mills addressed key issues affecting the community, including local infrastructure projects, tariffs, taxes, border security, education, DOGE, and more. Participants were encouraged to ask questions and share their concerns, leading to a lively discussion on various topics important to our community.

    “I am honored to have been able to connect with my constituents. The tele-town hall tonight included over 220,000 participants. Talking directly with the individuals I represent is a top priority, you have entrusted me to represent your interests in Washington, D.C., and I am committed to doing just that,” said Congressman Mills. 

    “I look forward to continuing these conversations and finding ways to collaborate on solutions that will benefit our community. This tele-town hall was just the beginning, I am dedicated to maintaining an open line of communication with all my constituents.”

    The Congressman encouraged everyone to sign up for his newsletter at his website, www.Mills.House.Gov, and not hesitate to contact the Lake Mary and Port Orange offices with any feedback or additional questions.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Rep. Pfluger On Sunday Mornings Futures

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

    Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) joined Sunday Morning Futures on Fox News to discuss President Trump’s energy agenda and the vital role the Permian Basin will have in accomplishing it. Watch the full interview HERE, or read the conversation below.

    Jackie DeAngelis: We’re talking all morning about Trump’s economic agenda. Obviously, tariffs are on everyone’s mind, but energy is also a big part of this. He wants to unleash American energy once again. President Biden tried to suffocate the energy industry. Explain to me how that’s going to work in the Permian – deregulation is part of it, investment is part of it, and the companies are on board.

    Rep. Pfluger: Well Jackie, it’s great to be with you, and you’re absolutely right. Energy underpins everything we do, our entire economy, our national security sector – it’s the most important thing, and it’s foundational to everyday life. What we do in the Permian Basin, as you rightfully showed, is unleashing affordable, reliable energy, and that’s what we should be doing throughout the United States. I was proud to have a bill signed into law just a couple of weeks ago that cut the harmful natural gas tax that President Biden imposed, but that’s not it. That’s not all of it. What President Trump is now doing is cutting that red tape. He’s cutting the bureaucracy. He’s making it easier. You’re going to see lease sales both onshore and offshore. And most importantly, we have to get to a place of permitting reform so that energy companies are not competing with Uncle Sam. That you don’t have years of delays due to litigation or the red tape that the bureaucracy has imposed and I think that’s what you’re going to see. It’s going to enter us into a new era of energy and with the incoming AI data centers and the technology that you’re seeing, the demand for electricity is only going to increase. In some cases, people are predicting as much as double.

    Jackie DeAngelis: When you look at oil prices, there are a few bright spots in this market right now, even amidst the turmoil that we’re watching on the specific indices with stocks. Because you’re looking at oil prices that have come down, you’ve got OPEC, increasing supply, playing ball with President Trump, as he’s trying to modify the energy agenda, you bring those gas prices down, not only for consumers, but you bring them down for companies. And you’re talking about lower inflation.

    Rep. Pfluger: Well, there’s a sweet spot for the production of oil and gas because you want enough rigs to drill, you want the ability to be able to produce, and the supply to match the demand. And so, actually, I think what people are probably looking at across the United States is somewhere in the neighborhood of $65 to $85 and that really allows the predictability. Predictability is the word in this industry that people are looking for. They want a predictable future to invest in. And super high prices, over $100 or even $20, $30, $40 per barrel of oil is not good for the economy. What is good for it is a predictable barrel of oil price so we can compete around the world.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: McClellan Fights Back Against U.S. Health Agency Mass Firings

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (Virginia 4th District)

    Washington, D.C. – Amidst widespread firings at federal health agencies, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) calls out the Trump Administration and Congressional Republicans after Elon Musk’s DOGE purged thousands of personnel from the U.S. health agencies responsible for conducting lifesaving cancer research, mitigating ongoing measles outbreaks, ensuring medication safety and efficacy, and preventing and treating opioid addiction. 

    “These drastic federal workforce cuts will delay lifesaving treatments and put more demand on state and local health agencies that are simultaneously hit with federal funding cuts,” said Congresswoman McClellan. “The Trump Administration is forcing these agencies to do more with less.”

    Recent reports indicate the Virginia Department of Health has been hit particularly hard after the Trump Administration cut billions of dollars in federal funding, resulting in reductions in community health programs and layoffs statewide for community health workers, nurses and epidemiologists.

    The Trump Administration has wreaked havoc on federal health agencies, including a rash wave of layoffs last Tuesday followed by a small portion of reinstatements after Musk’s DOGE cut key personnel by “mistake.”

    Last week, Congresswoman McClellan introduced a bill to enforce a moratorium on RIFs at HHS.

    “These federal workforce cuts and ‘mistakes’ aren’t just a line item in a budget that can be deleted,” said Congresswoman McClellan. “The Trump Administration and Musk’s DOGE are destroying the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of Virginians who have dedicated their careers to developing cures for cancer and rare diseases, combating the opioid epidemic, and keeping the American people healthy. Abandoning years of tax-payer investment in research and public health programs does not foster efficiency; it puts the American people at risk.”

    Bill text for H.R. 2532 can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Hageman Applauds President Trump’s Executive Order on Coal

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Wyoming Congresswoman Harriet Hageman

    Washington, D.C. – Today, President Trump issued Reinvigorating America’s Beautiful Clean Coal Industry, a massive win for Wyoming coal. Rep. Hageman is a champion for Wyoming coal in Congress, serving as co-chair of the Coal Caucus and spearheading legislation to overturn the Buffalo RMP and increase coal leasing in the Powder River Basin. These policies and more are included in the President’s order, fulfilling his promise to unleash American energy and bolster our prosperity. 

    “Coal is the energy of the future – Wyoming understands that, and so does President Trump. This is yet another promise made and delivered from President Trump, and one which rightly recognizes that coal is key to powering the great American comeback. Decades of dystopian environmental policies manifested in the Obama and Biden presidencies, the Inflation Reduction Act, and more, all designed to shutter Wyoming and decrease the affordability and reliability of American power. I do not believe that the role of the federal government is to force despair on its people, and neither does President Trump. Today is a win for Wyoming and a win for America,” said Rep. Hageman. 

    This executive order implements policy to maximize current coal mining operations and encourage new projects for generations to come. This includes streamlining coal leasing, providing royalty rate relief, prioritizing coal exports, designating metallurgical coal as a critical mineral, and expanding categorical exclusions for coal. This executive order is on top of actions already taken by President Trump to stave off coal power plant closures and nullify harmful Biden regulations. 

    Since assuming office in 2023, Rep. Hageman has introduced legislation to terminate the Biden administration’s Buffalo RMP revision, end the federal coal moratorium, and require leasing of federal coal reserves. As a member of the Natural Resources Committee, she is also working to include coal policy derived from her bills and the President’s executive order in the budget reconciliation process. 

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    Contact: Esteban Elizondo, Communications Director 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ranking Member Stansbury Introduces Resolution of Inquiry Into DOGE’s Unsanctioned Use of Government Data, AI

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01)

    WASHINGTON—Rep Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee Committee on Delivering on Government Efficiency, led Committee Democrats in introducing   Resolution of Inquiry to investigate DOGE’s unsanctioned use of government data and artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on American privacy and national security. 

    “The American people demand to know why Elon Musk and DOGE are hacking our private and sensitive data and what they are doing with it. This includes Social Security, IRS, Treasury, and other highly sensitive data,” said Rep. Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Ranking Member of the DOGE Oversight Subcommittee. “Today, I dropped an oversight resolution demanding the Administration provide answers about what it is doing with our data and how it is using Artificial Intelligence to data mine our systems. It is our duty to fight for answers and get to the bottom of what exactly DOGE and Musk are doing with our data.” 

    A Resolution of Inquiry (ROI) would require the Administration to provide documents, communications, and factual information. Once introduced, the committee to which the ROI is referred has 14 legislative days to act on and report the resolution to the House or it will become privileged on the House floor. This action is necessary because the Administration has failed to provide clear information on how DOGE has risked the security of federal information systems, including through the use of AI. Instead, the Administration has deliberately kept DOGE’s actions shrouded in secrecy. 

    The resolution would require the Administration to provide documents, communications, and information regarding:  

    • How data and AI are being used by DOGE at federal agencies; 
    • The federal data and sources of federal data that may have been fed into any AI system; including details of whether any of this information contained sensitive data of American citizens; 
    • Any concerns raised by federal employees that the use of AI violates the Privacy Act or the security of Americans’ personal information; 
    • Any concerns raised by federal employees that the use of AI violated the Advancing American AI Act by failing to publicly disclose current and planned AI use cases; and
    • Lists of federal expenditures, programs, or personnel identified by AI for freezes or cuts.

    On March 12, 2025, Committee Democrats sent letters to 24 federal agencies requesting documentation that any potential use of AI at their agencies complies with federal laws, protects Americans’ sensitive and private data, and does not financially benefit Elon Musk. 

    Click here to read the Resolution of Inquiry. 

    Click here to read the one-pager explaining why this Resolution of Inquiry is necessary and how it works.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Stansbury, Heinrich, Luján, Leger Fernández, Reintroduce Legislation to Permanently Protect Pecos Watershed from Mining in Northern New Mexico

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01)

    WASHINGTON D.C. — Rep. Melanie Stansbury (NM-01) joined Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03) as they reintroduced their Pecos Watershed Protection Act after the Trump administration confirmed to Source New Mexico that it will reverse the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service’s decision to protect the Upper Pecos Watershed from new mining operations.

    The Pecos Watershed Protection Act would permanently withdraw all federally managed minerals in the watershed from development — preventing the leasing, patent, or sale of all publicly owned minerals.

    “The Trump administration’s decision to reverse the community-driven Pecos Watershed withdrawal is disturbing and insulting, especially after they canceled the only public meeting on the proposal. This is a rural community that overwhelmingly supports protecting the Pecos River. The Trump administration just blatantly disregarded that, and the value of the Pecos River with it,” Stansbury, Heinrich, Luján, and Leger Fernández said. 

    “The Trump administration won’t have the last word: We will continue to push for permanent protection of the watershed through our Pecos Watershed Protection Act. New Mexicans deserve clean water free from harmful mining pollution. The Trump administration does not stand with the people of New Mexico, but we always will,” the lawmakers stated. 

    Background: 

    The Pecos Watershed Protection Act has been introduced every Congress since 2020 to protect portions of the Pecos Watershed in northern New Mexico from new mining claims.  

    In 1991, a toxic waste spill from a closed mine in the Upper Pecos Watershed caused more than 11 miles of fish kill in the river and resulted in decades and millions of dollars to clean up the mine. For years, there has been a community-led effort to protect the area from future mining claims to avoid similar threats and pollution. 

    In December 2024, Stansbury, Heinrich, Luján, Leger Fernández, and U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) sent a letter to the U.S. Forest Service strongly urging the completion of the initial steps of the mineral withdrawal process in the Upper Pecos Watershed. Completion of these initial steps was key to begin safeguarding the lands, waters, and way of life in the Pecos from the dangers of future mining claims for two years.  

    In response to their letter, President Biden’s BLM and Forest Service initiated a process to propose a 20-year withdrawal to help secure the region’s water and air quality, cultural resources, critical fish and wildlife habitat, and recreational opportunities.

    The withdrawal, for lands in San Miguel and Santa Fe counties, encompassed multiple Pecos River tributaries, including Dalton Canyon, Macho Canyon, Wild Horse Creek, Indian Creek, and Doctor Creek. 

    On December 16, 2024, the BLM and Forest Service initiated a 90-day public comment period to gather input on the proposal. During the comment period, the two agencies were scheduled to host a public meeting for the proposed Upper Pecos River Watershed Protection Area withdrawal on February 26, 2025.

    This public meeting was cancelled by the Trump Administration on February 19, 2025, with no further explanation. Local supporters speculated the action was in response to Secretary Burgum’s Order No. 3418, which requires agency reviews of all protected public lands. Despite the cancellation, the administration has received hundreds of public comments in support of the administrative mineral withdrawal.  

    On April 7, 2025, reporting from Source New Mexico revealed the Trump administration plans to reverse the BLM and the Forest Service’s decision to protect the Upper Pecos Watershed from new mining operations.  

    Protection of the Upper Pecos Watershed has garnered widespread support from local leaders, farmers, business owners, acequia parciantes, Tribes, and recreationists alike. 

    The Village of Pecos, Santa Fe County, and San Miguel County have passed resolutions in support of the legislation.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Stansbury Joins All House Democrats Defending Federal Workers’ Collective Bargaining Rights

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Melanie Stansbury (NM-01) joined Labor Caucus Co-Chairs Reps. Mark Pocan (WI-02), Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Steven Horsford (NV-04) and Debbie Dingell (MI-06), alongside Vice-Chairs Reps. Glenn Ivey (MD-04) and Stephen Lynch (MA-08) to call on President Trump to rescind his executive order stripping collective bargaining rights from over 1 million federal employees.  

    The lawmakers highlighted the illegality of the order and called on the President to restore the collective bargaining rights that federal employees are statutorily entitled to. 

    A full copy of the letter can be found here. The letter was signed by every single House Democrat. 

    “Collective bargaining is the strongest tool that workers have available to create a fair workplace,” wrote the lawmakers. “This action strips away those hard-earned rights – which have been upheld by presidents from both parties for decades – from federal workers who keep our country running, including nurses who care for veterans, inspectors who keep our food safe to eat, teachers who educate our children, and so many more.” 

    “Furthermore, this EO not only undermines the principles of fair labor practices but also threatens the efficiency and effectiveness of the federal government, jeopardizing the delivery of critical services to the American people,” continued the lawmakers. “The freedom to join a union and collectively bargain is central to achieving the American dream for millions of American workers. This action is the single most anti-worker and anti-union presidential action since Ronald Reagan fired striking air traffic controllers in 1981, and it must be reversed immediately.”  

    “We urge you to immediately rescind this harmful, unlawful EO and to reaffirm the rights of federal workers to unionize and collectively bargain. The American people deserve a federal workforce that is protected, respected, and empowered to carry out its duties effectively,” concluded the lawmakers. 

    While Congress granted the President narrow authorities to exclude some agencies from collective bargaining, those exclusions can only be made if that agency has a primary function in intelligence, counterintelligence, investigative, or national security work, and only if the statute cannot be applied “in a manner consistent with national security requirements and considerations.” However, this Administration has made clear that the EO’s exclusions are not based on national security concerns, but instead as retaliation for labor unions defending their members’ rights and making it easier to fire federal employees. 

    The Congressional Labor Caucus is composed of more than 120 Members of Congress working to protect and advance workers’ rights. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Stansbury: Imposing Tariffs Will Hurt Americans

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representative Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), issued the following statement after President Trump imposed more tariffs on the American people:

    “Once again, Donald Trump and his administration are using hard-working Americans as props in their trade war with other countries. Imposing tariffs will hurt Americans, full stop.

    “Trump’s handling of tariffs is not only reckless but shortsighted as it will hurt American farmers and manufacturers, crash markets, drive up prices, and undercut investments that keep jobs in America.

    “Coupled with reckless cuts to vital federal programs and the social safety net, Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans are putting the economy and American lives at risk. We must continue to push back on all fronts.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: New Mexico Delegation Continues Fight to Protect Federal Workers

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01)

    WASHINGTON D.C. — The New Mexico Congressional Delegation continues its fight to protect federal workers in the state by demanding transparency from the Trump Administration regarding the illegal purging of federal workers. 

    Read the full letter here. 

    Rep. Melanie Stansbury (NM-01) led a letter to Charles Ezell, the Acting Director of the Office of Personnel Management that was signed by Senators Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), and Reps. Teresa Leger Fernandez(NM-03) and Gabe Vasquez (NM-02).  

    “We write in strong opposition to the Trump Administration’s ongoing efforts to purge nonpartisan civil servants from the federal workforce. Our state is home to around 30,000 federal employees who are critical to managing and protecting the health, safety, and economic prosperity of New Mexico. These indiscriminate cuts threaten the effective functioning of critical federal services and will harm our states’ residents,” the members wrote. “The Administration’s executive overreach could cripple federal agencies, including in critical areas of disaster preparedness, public health, public safety, and national security.” 

    The delegation requests the administration provide detailed and complete information regarding federal employees in New Mexico that have been terminated, placed on leave, transferred, or been subject to a reduction in force (RIF). An answer from the administration is requested by April 14th, 2025.  

    The text of the letter is below:  

    Dear Acting Director Ezell, 

    We write in strong opposition to the Trump Administration’s ongoing efforts to purgenonpartisan civil servants from the federal workforce. Our state is home to around 30,000 federal employees who are critical to managing and protecting the health, safety, and economic prosperity of New Mexico. These indiscriminate cuts threaten the effective functioning of critical federal services and will harm our states’ residents. We request that you provide detailed and complete information regarding federal employees in New Mexico that have been terminated, placed on leave, transferred, or been subject to a reduction in force (RIF). 

    On January 28, 2025, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) sent an email to more than 2 million federal employees with the subject line “The Fork in the Road.” The email outlined a “deferred resignation” offer for federal employees with a deadline for response of February 6, 2025. However, this deadline was eventually extended by court order.  

    The Administration then attempted to expand its purge by terminating en masseprobationary status employees, because these employees have fewer legal protections. On January 20, 2025, OPM issued a memorandum titled, “Guidance on Probationary Periods, Administrative Leave and Details,” which required agencies to identify and submit to OPM a list of employees within their probationary periods. According to public reporting, your agency directed federal agencies to prioritize terminations of individuals in their probationary period. 

    On February 11, 2025, President Trump, joined by unelected billionaire Elon Musk, 

    issued a sweeping Executive Order titled “Implementing the President’s “Department of Government Efficiency” Workforce Optimization Initiative,” which directed all agency heads to “initiate large-scale reductions in force.” Shortly thereafter, federal agencies across the government began imposing “widespread layoffs” of thousands of probationary employees. Another Executive Order sent out on March 14th, further reiterates the Administration’s desire to unlawfully withdraw congressionally mandated funding in an attempt to eliminate federal jobs. Agencies were required to submit the 2nd phase of their RIF plans to OPM signaling that more job cuts are being planned for the future. This comes as U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California granted a Preliminary Injunction broadening a temporary restraining order against the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and its Acting Director, Charles Ezell, finding the termination of probationary federal employees illegal because OPM had no authority to order it. The Administration’s executive overreach could cripple federal agencies, including in critical areas of disaster preparedness, public health, public safety, and national security. 

    Given the significant impacts of the Administration’s purge on our state, we request that you provide the following information by April 14, 2025: 

    1. The number of federal employees in New Mexico since January 20, 2025, that have been terminated, placed on administrated leave, taken early retirement, or been subject to a RIF broken down by agency, county, congressional district, GS level, and average length of federal service; 

    2. The number of veterans who held positions with the federal government in New Mexico since January 20, 2025, that have been terminated, placed on administrated leave, taken early retirement, or been subject to a RIF broken down by agency, county, congressional district, GS level, and average length of federal service; 

    3. The number of federal employees in New Mexico that have accepted the Administration’s “deferred resignation” offer broken down by agency, county, congressional district, GS level, and average length of federal service; 

    4. A detailed plan explaining how OPM will work with agencies and our state government to ensure that RIFs do not result in delays or disruptions to programs and benefits, including but not limited to Medicare, Social Security, and Medicaid, on which our constituents rely; and 

    5. Can you commit to providing a recurring update every week that highlights the impacts of federal personnel cuts to New Mexico? 

    6. How will New Mexico continue to access crucial services that our state relies on if they are impacted due to the personnel cuts in the federal government? 

    If you have any questions regarding this request, please contact any of our officesdirectly. Thank you for your prompt response to this matter. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Feenstra, LaHood Introduce Legislation to Build More Affordable Housing in Rural Communities and Nationwide

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

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Reps. Randy Feenstra (R-IA) and Darin LaHood (R-IL) – alongside more than 100 original cosponsors in the U.S. House of Representatives – introduced the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act, which would support the financing and development of affordable housing in rural communities and nationwide.

    “In rural Iowa, access to affordable housing is critical for young families looking to plant their roots, local businesses attracting employees, and the long-term growth of our economy. However, with housing costs consistently increasing and construction projects being more difficult to finance in rural areas, we need to enact smart and cost-effective strategies to expand the housing supply and bring down prices,” said Rep. Feenstra. “I’m glad to work with my Ways and Means Committee colleague, Rep. Darin LaHood, to introduce the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act to expand and improve incentives in the tax code to build more housing. This commonsense policy will pay dividends for affordable housing in rural Iowa and help our families find housing options that fit their budgets.”

    “As I travel throughout Illinois’ 16th Congressional District, I frequently hear how the shortage of affordable housing impacts our communities throughout central and northwestern Illinois,” said Rep. LaHood. “To address this growing crisis across the country, Congress must strengthen tools to drive investment into affordable workforce housing and expand housing options for hardworking families nationwide. I am proud to reintroduce the bipartisan Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act alongside Representatives DelBene, Tenney, Beyer, Feenstra, and Panetta to strengthen our communities and support economic development.” 

    Since its creation, the Housing Credit has built or restored more than 3.5 million affordable housing units, nearly 90% of all federally funded affordable housing during that time. Roughly 8 million American households have benefited from the credit, and the economic activity that it generated has supported 5.5 million jobs and generated more than $617 billion in wages.

    The Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act will support the financing of nearly two million new affordable homes across the country by:

    • Increasing the number of credits allocated to each state by 50 percent for the next two years and making the temporary 12.5 percent increase secured in 2018 permanent. These credits have already helped build more than 59,000 additional affordable housing units nationwide.
    • Increasing the number of affordable housing projects that can be built using private activity bonds. This provision stabilizes financing for workforce housing projects built using private activity bonds by decreasing the amount of private activity needed to secure Housing Credit funding. As a result, projects would have to carry less debt, and more projects would be eligible to receive funding.
    • Improving the Housing Credit program to serve at-risk and underserved communities, including veterans, victims of domestic violence, and rural Americans.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Salinas, Mann Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Address Addiction Crisis, Support Individuals in Recovery

    Source: US Representative Andrea Salinas (OR-06)

    Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representatives Andrea Salinas (OR-06) and Tracey Mann (KS-01) reintroduced the bipartisan, bicameral Providing Empathetic and Effective Recovery (PEER) Support Act, legislation that would expand access to peer-to-peer support services for those struggling with mental health and substance use disorders. U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and Jim Banks (R-Ind.) are leading a companion bill in the Senate. The PEER Support Act was first introduced by Reps. Salinas and Mann during the 118th Congress.

    “The road to recovery is long and difficult, and at times very lonely. That is why peer support specialists are so important. These are trained experts who have been through recovery themselves, enabling them to build authentic connections with individuals who are suffering from addiction or behavioral health disorders,” said Rep. Salinas. “The bipartisan PEER Support Act breaks down barriers to entry in the profession, allowing more people to pursue this critical work and utilize their own lived experiences to help others.”

    “Addressing mental health and substance abuse across the country is crucial to revitalizing communities and restoring families,” said Rep. Mann. “Peer-to-peer support enables those with shared experiences to work towards recovery. Educating additional peer support specialists will meet an increased need in our communities and offer more lifesaving resources for individuals seeking recovery.”

    Research shows that peer-to-peer support services can significantly decrease rates of substance abuse and reduce re-hospitalization for individuals with mental illnesses. Peer support specialists are qualified experts with lived experience of mental illness or substance use who are trained to help others with their recovery. However, while peer support specialists have become an important part of treatment and recovery teams, peer support specialists face significant barriers to entering or staying in the profession. The PEER Support Act would help break down those barriers and make it easier for people to become qualified peer support specialists.

    Specifically, the PEER Support Act would:

    • Instruct the Department of Health and Human Services, in partnership with the Department of Justice, to research states’ criminal background screening processes that may pose barriers to the certification or practice of peer support specialists, and to provide evidence-based recommendations for overcoming those barriers.
    • Codify the Office of Recovery in the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to:
    • Provide leadership in the identification of new and emerging issues related to recovery support services;
    • Research and publish best practice recommendations to States and entities that employ peer specialists for training, certification, and supervision of peer support specialists;
    • Support ongoing professional development of peer support specialists;
    • Issue recommendations on the creation of career pathways for peer support specialists.
    • Direct the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to revise the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system to create a distinct classification for peer support specialists to ensure accurate data reporting on the peer support specialist profession.

    In addition to Reps. Salinas and Mann, the legislation is endorsed by the following organizations: American Association for Psychoanalysis in Clinical Social Work, American Association on Health and Disability (AAHD), American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), American Mental Health Counselors Association, American Psychological Association Services (APA Services), Anxiety & Depression Association of America, Ballad Health, Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC), Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD), Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, Face and Voices of Recovery, Fountain House, International Society for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurses, Lakeshore Foundation, Mental Health America (MHA), Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance (MMHLA), NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), National Association for Peer Supporters (NAPS), National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors (NASMHPD), National Council for Mental Wellbeing, National Federation of Families, Overdose Prevention Initiative, Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health, Psychotherapy Action Network, RI International, SMART Recovery, and Trust for America’s Health (TFAH).

    “Fifty-two million adults in the U.S.—or 1 in 5 adults—have a mental health condition, and we lack the workforce to help provide much-needed services. The Bipartisan Policy Center has recommended policies advancing peer support specialists and boosting recovery services, and we believe the reintroduction of the PEER Support Act is a critical step toward addressing the shortage of behavioral health workers in this country,” said Michele Stockwell, President of Bipartisan Policy Center Action.

    “There is a growing demand for mental health and substance use care across the country, yet we face a severe shortage of mental health providers,” said Hannah Wesolowski, Chief Advocacy Officer for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). “Peer support specialists play a vital role in bridging this gap and supporting people with behavioral health conditions, but we need to reduce barriers that will make peer services more widely available. Representative Salinas’ PEER Support Act takes meaningful steps to lower these barriers by providing essential training, education, and professional resources to strengthen and sustain the peer support workforce. NAMI is proud to endorse this critical legislation.”

    “Mental Health America (MHA) applauds Congresswoman Andrea Salinas and Congressman Tracey Mann for introducing the PEER Support Act, bipartisan, bicameral legislation that would recognize and elevate the importance of peer support services in promoting mental health and recovery,” said Mary Giliberti, Chief Public Policy Officer for Mental Health America (MHA).  “As our nation grapples with challenges to accessing mental health and substance use care this bill would invest in peer specialists, a critical arm of the behavioral health workforce. MHA urges Congress to enact this bill into law as part of our nation’s effort to combat the ongoing substance use and mental health crises.” 

    “The PEER Support Act recognizes the significant tie between mental health and substance use disorders by expanding peer-to-peer support services. These evidence-based services are a crucial component in our overall overdose response. We commend Representatives Salinas and Mann, and Senators Kaine and Banks for leading on this issue and advancing policies that prevent overdose deaths and promote recovery,” said Libby Jones, Associate Vice President for the Overdose Prevention Initiative at Global Health Advocacy Incubator.

    To read the full text of this legislation, click here. 

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