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Category: United States House of Representatives

  • MIL-OSI USA: Following Months of Persistence, Deluzio, Tarentum Borough Successfully Push Norfolk Southern Railroad to Fix Deteriorating Road

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17)

    TARENTUM, PA – Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) celebrated the long-awaited road maintenance work by Norfolk Southern Railroad at a railroad crossing in Tarentum Borough.  

    “Folks rely on these crossings to get where they need to go safely, and it shouldn’t take an act of Congress to get big railroads to fulfill their responsibilities in our communities,” said Rep. Deluzio. “The good folks of Tarentum should have strong infrastructure they can depend on. I’m glad I was able to help push the railroad to do the right thing here, and I thank them for answering our call to repair this crossing. I’ll never stop working to hold big railroads accountable in our community.”   

    Located at the railroad crossing of Lock and Corbet Streets, the road beneath the tracks was severely deteriorated. However, because the roadway is owned by Norfolk Southern and not the Borough, Tarentum was unable to make the repairs themselves. The Borough requested the railroad do the needed maintenance work on their road back in April 2024, but it was only following Congressman Deluzio’s advocacy directly to the railroad that Norfolk Southern finally took action and scheduled the maintenance to fix the road.  

    The repair work will help smooth traffic flow and improve safety of the vehicle crossings over the railroad tracks. The repairs occurred last week. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Stansbury Fights to Bring More Healthcare Providers to Indian Country

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

    ALBUQUERQUE — U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury (NM-01) introduced the IHS Provider Expansion Act, which establishes an Office of Graduate Medical Education Programs within the Indian Health Service (IHS). This legislation would expand the existing IHS Residency Program, building from the Shiprock-University of New Mexico (SUNM) Family Medicine Residency which is the first in the nation. 

    “Access to healthcare should not be determined by history or geography,” said Rep. Melanie Stansbury (NM-01). “The IHS Provider Expansion Act is a vital step towards ensuring that Native and Indigenous communities can access healthcare and grow the number of medical professionals serving Native communities. By investing in medical education within the Indian Health Service, we can help expand healthcare and bridge the gap in healthcare disparities that have persisted for far too long.”

    In New Mexico, which is home to 23 Tribal Nations and a population that is nearly 12% Native, access to healthcare services is a pressing issue. Currently, IHS provides services in 37 states to about 2.2 million out of 3.7 million Indigenous people in the country. 

    This bill is projected to directly impact millions of people across the country served by the IHS to improve access to healthcare and medical professionals who understand the unique health challenges faced by Tribal communities. 

    By expanding access through IHS, this bill will also help to address the significant deficit of rural primary healthcare providers across the country. Recent data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services shows rural areas across the country face a significant deficit in primary care providers, with more than 80 million Americans living in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs).  

     By expanding graduate medical education opportunities through IHS, we can expect an increase in the number of physicians willing to practice in these underserved regions. 

     Key Provisions of the Legislation: 

    • Establishment of the Office: The Secretary of Health makes permanent the Office of Graduate Medical Education Programs to oversee residency and fellowship initiatives within the IHS. 
    • Creating a Pipeline: The Office will facilitate opportunities for future healthcare professionals, paraprofessionals, and other health-related workers to engage in residency and fellowship programs. 
    • Oversight of Residency Programs: The Office will oversee existing residency and fellowship programs at IHS facilities and support the creation of additional programs aimed at recruiting and retaining healthcare professionals. 
    • Coordination with Academic Institutions: The Office will work in collaboration with academic institutions to strengthen educational ties and enhance training opportunities. 
    • Interagency Working Group: An interagency working group, involving various federal agencies, will assist in the implementation and sustainability of the Office, ensuring ongoing support and resources. 

    Read the bill here. 

    View the press conference here.   

    Other statements of support: 

    “Investing in healthcare for Indian Country means supporting the professionals who provide it. This legislation will help address critical clinical shortages by creating a pipeline of well-trained, culturally competent providers for our tribal communities. We know long-standing vacancies have a negative effect on patient access, quality of care, and employee morale,” said Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03). “By establishing an Office of Graduate Medical Education through IHS, we are taking steps to bridge the gap in care and make sure Native communities have the medical support they deserve.” 

    “With Tribal communities in Arizona and across the country facing a critical shortage of health care professionals, it’s vital that we pass theIHS Provider Expansion Act,”said Congressman Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ). “This legislation will address health care worker recruitment and retention challenges at IHS facilities and establish a much-needed pipeline of health care professionals. I’m proud to support fully funding IHS and providing the resources, personnel, and training required to serve Indian Country’s health care needs.”

    “Tribal communities across the country face unacceptable barriers to accessing quality health care—a crisis that is exacerbated by chronic understaffing at the Indian Health Service. As Ranking Member of the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee that oversees IHS, I’ve heard firsthand how provider shortages lead to delayed care for patients and expensive travel contracts,” said Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine). “By establishing an Office of Graduate Medical Education at IHS that focuses on a dedicated pipeline to recruit and train talented physicians in tribal health systems, this legislation will help build a robust, sustainable workforce tailored to the unique needs of Native communities. I’m proud to be an original cosponsor. Together, we can tear down barriers to quality, culturally-competent care in tribal health systems from Maine to New Mexico and beyond.”

     “The University of New Mexico Health Sciences is very supportive of this legislation that seeks to increase the number of physicians who work caring for Native American populations by supporting residency and fellowship training in Indian Health Service facilities,” said Dan Waldman, MD Vice Chair of Education Department of Family & Community Medicine University of New Mexico.  “The proposed Office of Graduate Medical Education within the Indian Health Service would provide much-needed federal programmatic infrastructure and help create partnerships with academic institutions such as UNM.  Where physicians train has an important impact on where they choose to work after they complete their training, and it can also impact their cultural knowledge of the populations they will ultimately work with.  UNM also recognizes the potential value of expanding “grow your own” professional pipelines, including new opportunities for our local Indigenous medical residents and fellows to remain closer to home.  Attracting, educating, and retaining New Mexico’s health professional talent remains a top priority for UNM Health Sciences educational administration.”

    “First Nations Community HealthSource supports Representative Stansbury’s Indian Health Service (IHS) Provider Expansion Act,” said First Nations Community HealthSource CEO Linda Stone. “First Nations Community HealthSource is New Mexico’s Urban Indian Health Center in Albuquerque. Its mission is to provide a comprehensive healthcare delivery system that addresses the physical, social, emotional, and spiritual needs of urban Indigenous people and other underserved populations in Albuquerque and the surrounding areas. First Nations Community HealthSource faces significant shortages of healthcare professionals, a national and state-wide challenge. The IHS Provider Expansion Act will help alleviate these shortages and improve access to essential healthcare services in American Indian communities.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Mfume, Cardin, Van Hollen Announce $5 Million to Boost Morgan State University’s Research Capabilities

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Congressman Kweisi Mfume, Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (all D-Md.) announced $5 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Education for Morgan State University (MSU) to strengthen its research capacity to better serve its students, faculty, the Baltimore community, and the nation.

    Morgan State, a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in Baltimore City, is currently classified as a “high research activity status” (R2) university by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education; this funding will support the University’s efforts to achieve the Carnegie classification of “very high research activity status,” (R1), by 2030. An R1 classification would provide more opportunities for MSU students and faculty to conduct even more transformative and impactful research. Among the 146 R1-designated colleges and universities in the U.S., none are HBCUs.

    “This announcement for Baltimore’s Morgan State University will further enhance the research capabilities of one of our country’s leading Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). The funding will bolster Morgan in its efforts to attain the prestigious R1 research status – a needed designation to induce additional federal and state investment and empower the school’s student body, faculty, and researchers,” said Congressman Kweisi Mfume. “I will always work in the Congress to uplift our nation’s HBCUs that represent a beacon for Black excellence and promise,” he concluded. 

    “Morgan State not only provides a quality education to thousands of students, it also serves as a hub for cutting-edge innovation. With this $5 million in federal funding – along with support from the HBCU RISE Program – we are furthering Morgan State’s goal of becoming one of the first HBCUs to achieve R1 status while diversifying the pipeline of leaders working to solve our most pressing challenges,” said Senator Van Hollen, who introduced legislation and then worked to pass the language to create the HBCU RISE program as a provision of the FY23 national defense bill in order to spur greater research investment in R2 HBCUs such as Morgan State to help them achieve R1 status while strengthening our national defense research.

    “Morgan State has become a central part of our engine of economic growth despite decades of underfunding. The university is leading research that strengthens key industries like technology and health care and prepares students to compete in a global economy,” said Senator Cardin. “This funding will support new and existing programs that will help Morgan State reach new heights and reinforces our commitment to investing in Maryland’s HBCUs.”

    “This generous $5 million federal investment is a crucial accelerator on Morgan’s journey to becoming a nationally recognized very high research (R1) university. It represents a significant step forward for our students, faculty, and community, enabling new opportunities for transformative research that addresses real-world challenges,” said David K. Wilson, president of Morgan State University. “Morgan is one of the nation’s fastest-rising universities, and our elected leaders have been instrumental in that ascension. We are deeply grateful to Senator Van Hollen, Senator Cardin, and Congressman Mfume for their steadfast support in empowering Morgan as a national leader in inclusive innovation and knowledge creation.”

    The grant was awarded through the HBCU, Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCU), and Minority Serving Institutions (MSI) Research and Development Infrastructure Grant Program, which the lawmakers funded at $50 million in fiscal year 2024. With this $5 million investment, MSU will boost its research expenditures in science, engineering, and other fields, recruit new full-time postdoctoral researchers, and increase its research and development capacity. The funds will also help enhance faculty professional development, prepare students for research and teaching assistant roles, and attract doctoral students to new programs and increase doctoral conferrals in STEM and social sciences fields.

    MSU will prioritize efforts to increase diversity among faculty, students, and research topics, ensuring equitable access to research opportunities. Further, the University will actively collaborate with industry, government agencies, and other research institutions to expand research opportunities, leverage resources, and advance solutions to real-world challenges.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressional Report Finds UCLA Failed to Protect Jewish Students

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Michelle Steel (CA-48)

    Report finds that UCLA allowed the creation of a hostile environment for Jewish students, in violation of Civil Rights Act

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Michelle Steel released the following statement on the Education and Workforce Committee’s new report finding rampant antisemitism on America’s college campuses, including at UCLA. The full report can be found here.

    “Our findings are a stunning indictment of UCLA and other universities’ failure to protect the civil rights of Jewish students. As a member of the House Education and Workforce Committee responsible for this report, I have worked to hold UCLA’s leadership, as well as the leaders of other universities, accountable for their failure to stand up to pro-Hamas mobs and take antisemitism concerns seriously. The consequences of such inaction have been severe, as Jewish students faced harassment and campus safety was put at risk. All students on our campuses deserve a safe learning environment free of discrimination, and I will continue to press UCLA for answers.”

    The report issued the below findings related to UCLA’s actions, especially related to a violent outbreak stemming from demonstrations on April 30, 2024.

    • UCLA allowed the creation of a hostile environment for Jewish students, in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.
    • UCLA leadership could have ended the antisemitic encampment within minutes of its formation but chose to “hold off” instead, failing to act before the encampment reached a critical mass.
    • UCLA was aware of the formation of antisemitic checkpoints but failed to remove them or protect Jewish students, in violation of the University’s Title VI obligations.
    • UCLA’s failure to enforce policy and the law led to the violent conditions of the April 30 protest and required hundreds of law enforcement officers to disband the encampment.
    • UCLA failed to issue any suspensions or probations against students for conduct related to antisemitic protests, disruptions, and harassment.       
    • Of the 96 students arrested at the encampment, 92 signed resolution agreements that let them off the hook without consequences.
    • No UCLA students were disciplined for blocking Jewish students from accessing public areas of UCLA’s campus.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Deluzio Announces $50,000 in Federal Funding for Harmar Police Department Cruiser

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17)

    HARMAR TOWNSHIP, PA – Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) joined local law enforcement to celebrate the $50,000 that he secured for a new cruiser and dash camera system for the Harmar Township Police Department. He also toured to see the new cruiser.

    “To best protect and serve the people of Harmar Township, the Police Department needs reliable, high-quality vehicles and equipment,” said CongressmanDeluzio. “I’m proud to bring home $50,000 in federal funding to build up the fleet of police vehicles here in Harmar Township, so that they have the tools to keep our community safe.” 

    The award announced today funds the Township’s purchase of a new police cruiser. Because of the several major highways that pass through Harmar Township, the area has a large number of visitors. The new police cruiser, as well as the updated camera system, will help the Police Department better collect and record evidence, as well as maintain public trust in law enforcement.  

    This federal investment comes from Community Project Funding that Congressman Deluzio secured in the government funding package, with fifteen projects totaling more than $15 million for Pennsylvania’s 17th Congressional District. Three of those projects, including this one for Harmar Township, specifically focus on police departments, bringing a total of more than $1.26 million in funds for cops in the region. Photos from the event are available here.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Deluzio, Scanlon, Dean Urge White House to Boost Competition, Lower Costs By Fighting Monopolies

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Pennsylvania Congressmembers Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), and Madeleine Dean (PA-04) sent a letter to President Joe Biden commending the Biden-Harris Administration’s historic work to rein in price gouging corporations. In the letter, they also urge the administration to expand on their efforts to increase competition across the American economy and thus reduce costs for hardworking American families.

    The letter highlights the fact that under the leadership of appointees like Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan and Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter, the Biden-Harris Administration has won victory after victory in their battle to lower costs for American families. From banning non-compete clauses in employment contracts, preventing companies from closing anti-competitive mergers, or prosecuting price-fixing executives and corporations, leaders at the FTC, DOJ, and CFPB have done more to fight corporate power than any administration in more than seventy years.

    However, as the Representatives note in the letter, there is still more work to do. They write in the letter, “We ask that you continue this critical and necessary work to hold accountable corporations that use their massive size and financial resources to take advantage of consumers and small businesses by price gouging on everything from groceries to gas to prescriptions, all to pad their bottom lines and enrich their shareholders.”

    The full letter is available here.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ciscomani, Hinson Host Roundtable on the Fentanyl Epidemic

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

    TUCSON, AZ – U.S. Representatives Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06) and Ashley Hinson (IA-02) hosted a roundtable with those impacted by the fentanyl epidemic to hear their stories and discuss how Congress can continue to work to make a lasting impact combating this crisis.  

    “In my district, and across the United States, fentanyl has infiltrated our communities, affecting people from all walks of life,” said Ciscomani. “Too many lives have been forever changed and countless families have had to endure the pain of losing a loved one. Amid the ongoing border crisis, the amount of fentanyl entering our country has spiked to record levels. The stakes could not be clearer, Congress must come together to secure the border, implement stronger prevention efforts, and expand access to care and resources for those battling addiction. I am grateful to Rep. Hinson for joining this roundtable with me and sharing her perspective from Iowa.” 

    “Deadly fentanyl is pouring in through the Southern Border because of Kamala Harris’ open border policies,” said Hinson. “Congressman Ciscomani is doing incredible work to combat the scourge of fentanyl in Arizona and across the country, and I’m grateful he included me in this crucial conversation as we continue working to secure the border, combat the drug cartels, and save American lives.” 

    Background 

    • Ciscomani co-introduced the Combating Cartels on Social Media Act (H.R. 2393) to crack down on cartels using social media and online platforms to recruit Americans for smuggling operations along the southern border.   
    • Ciscomani introduced the End the Border Catastrophe Act (H.R. 3602) to address the border crisis by:  

      • Restarting construction of the border wall   

      • Hiring new Border Patrol agents   

      • Reinstating Remain in Mexico and ending catch-and-release   

      • Streamlining the asylum process and raising the credible fear standard   

      • Ending abuse of parole   

      • Reimbursing states for local law enforcement activities related to the border.  

      • Providing grants for border states to construct and repair border barriers.  

    • In September 2024, Ciscomani delivered a speech on the floor of the House of Representatives about the impact of the fentanyl epidemic and the need to hold drug cartels and traffickers accountable.   
    • In May 2024, Ciscomani hosted a field hearing with the House Judiciary Committee in Sahuarita, Arizona to hear from parents and individuals impacted by the fentanyl epidemic.  

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Representative Lawler Issues Statement on House Education and Workforce Committee’s Damning Report on Campus Antisemitism

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Lawler (R, NY-17)

    Representative Lawler Issues Statement on House Education and Workforce Committee’s Damning Report on Campus Antisemitism

    Washington, DC, November 1, 2024

    Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) issued the following statement in response to a damning new report by the House Committee on Education and the Workforce detailing the extant of campus antisemitism on college campuses and how administrators have enabled the abusers.

    “Yesterday’s report from the House Committee on Education and the Workforce shows that campus antisemitism is even worse than many thought,” said Congressman Lawler. “College administrators have an obligation to ensure the safety of the students at their universities. Unfortunately, through a long list of actions and inactions, these campus leaders have shown more sympathy to the antisemitic Hamas sympathizers than to the Jewish students being terrorized by them. This is exactly why I introduced the Antisemitism Awareness Act and why this common sense bipartisan bill is so necessary.”

    “The Antisemitism Awareness Act will provide the tools we need to do what colleges have failed to do– ensure the safety of every student,” Congressman Lawler concluded. “It’s outrageous this bill has stalled in the Senate for five months after passing the House of Representatives in an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote. Shame on the college administrators who fail to stand up to evil, and shame on Senator Schumer for stonewalling the Antisemitism Awareness Act.” 

    Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of the 118th Congress and represents New York’s 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Dan Goldman Pushes the Department of Justice to Ensure Election Workers are Safe Ahead of November Elections

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10)

    More Than One-Third of Election Workers Have Experienced Threats, Harassment, Abuse

    Read the Letter Here

    Washington, DC – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) joined Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) and 59 of his Democratic colleagues in sending a letter to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland and Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco urging the Department of Justice (DOJ) to take additional steps to protect election officials, workers, and volunteers in their workers as they carry out their duties during the 2024 election.

    “According to recent surveys, more than one in three election officials have experienced threats, harassment, or abuse, and more than half who received threats were threatened in person. Additional research has tied this pervasive hostility to concerning levels of turnover among election workers, leading to increased strain on the expertise of those responsible for facilitating our elections,” the Members wrote.

    In 2021, the Department of Justice acknowledged that its response to threats on election officials following the 2020 election was ‘inadequate’. While the Department’s Elections Threats Task Force demonstrates a strong commitment to election workers well-being, its plans to combat harassment of election workers on and after election day, remain unclear.

    “With our concerns about threats increasing on and around Election Day itself, we request more information about the Department and the Election Threats Task Force’s rapid response plans to ensure election workers are able to safely, effectively, and securely carry out the 2024 election,” the Members concluded.

    Read the letter here or below:

    Dear Attorney General Garland and Deputy Attorney General Monaco:

    We write to express our support of the Department of Justice’s Elections Threats Task Force amidst the severe and concerning attacks levied against election workers around the United States, and to call on the Department to take additional steps to protect election officials, workers, and volunteers: the people responsible for ensuring the success of our democracy.

    According to recent surveys, more than one in three election officials have experienced threats, harassment, or abuse, and more than half who received threats were threatened in person. Additional research has tied this pervasive hostility to concerning levels of turnover among election workers, leading to increased strain on the expertise of those responsible for facilitating our elections. This turnover is more acute in the most competitive states, where election officials have been particularly targeted for harassment, and where the perception of effective and efficient election administration is particularly important given the scrutiny their results will likely receive.

    We are concerned that the attacks on election workers will continue and increase as we approach the 2024 elections, and we are especially concerned about threats, harassment, and violence in the immediate run-up to Election Day, on Election Day, and throughout the counting, reporting, and certification process. In 2021, the Department acknowledged that their response to threats on election officials post-2020 election was “inadequate,” and we are grateful for the focus the Department has placed on ensuring a stronger response this election cycle.

    With our concerns about threats increasing on and around Election Day itself, we request more information about the Department and the Election Threats Task Force’s rapid response plans to ensure election workers are able to safely, effectively, and securely carry out the 2024 election. We kindly request answers to the following questions:

    1. What is the Department’s plan to ensure threats against election workers are addressed promptly?

    2. How will the Department coordinate with federal and local law enforcement to determine the validity of a threat and ensure the safety of election workers?

    1. What outreach has already occurred to law enforcement to ensure awareness of the proper forums to report threats against election workers and how to receive support from the Department?

    2. What outreach has already occurred to local elections officials to ensure they have the resources and capabilities needed to identify and report serious threats?

    3. How will the Department coordinate with local governments and local election administrators to ensure real-time information sharing regarding the safety of election workers?

    1. What outreach has already occurred to local governments and election administrators to ensure awareness of the proper forums to report threats against election workers and how to receive support from the Department?

    2. What precautions are being taken to ensure any public-facing updates do not unnecessarily expose local officials’ private information?

    3. Does the Department have any dedicated personnel devoted entirely to outreach to election officials in critical periods like this? If not, what personnel is responsible for this outreach?

    4. What resources, if any, has the Department developed, either on its own or in concert with partners such as CISA or the EAC, to provide security information to election workers?

    1. If so, what outreach has been done to increase awareness of these resources?

    2. If not, are there plans for developing new resources or updating older ones? Are there plans to engage stakeholders in the development of those resources?

    5. What financial authorities, if any, has the Department utilized to build local capacity to protect election workers and respond to threats to election workers? 

    1. If financial authorities have been used, how?

    6. What additional Congressional support would aid the Department in protecting election workers?

    Thank you and the Department for your commitment to keeping the backbone of our democracy safe, and taking steps to ensure that officials are able to carry out free, fair, efficient, safe, and secure elections that enable all of our constituents to have their voices heard. We look forward to continuing to partner with you in defense of our democracy.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Dan Goldman Requests Information on Bank of America Decision to Reverse Ban on Financing Assault-Weapons Manufacturers

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10)

    Following Legislation Passed in Texas and Florida, Bank of America Backtracked Implementation of Landmark Financing Ban

    Read the Letter Here

    Washington, DC – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) joined Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06) and 50 of his Democratic colleagues in sending a letter to Bank of America CEO and Chair of the Board Brian Moynihan requesting information regarding Bank of America’s decision to reverse their ban on financing assault-style gun manufacturers, who design weapons frequently used by perpetrators of mass shootings.

    “We write with disappointment regarding the recent news that Bank of America has reversed its ban on financing assault-style gun manufacturers in response to pressure from Republican-led states, such as Florida and Texas. When the second-largest bank in the country backtracks on gun violence prevention, it sends a message to the entire industry: it’s permissible for other financial institutions to put short-term politics over the protection of American lives,” the Members wrote.

    In 2018, following the Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School mass shooting, Bank of America announced it would no longer finance military-style firearms for civilian use. Bank of America described the financing of these gunmakers as “contrary to our values, operating principles and Code of Conduct.”

    However, in 2021, Texas passed a law restricting companies that discriminate against firearms entities from doing business with the state. In January 2024, Florida passed an anti-ESG law which required banks that accept state or local funds to verify they don’t “politically discriminate.”

    In response, Bank of America weakened its policy, stating that financing military-style firearms would be subject to an “enhanced due-diligence process,” directly contradicting their 2018 proposal. The members contend that this policy change unnecessarily puts lives at risk.

    “The strong positions by Bank of America in 2018 likely saved lives. Your retreat in recent years strikes us as situational ethics. Perhaps you fear the political risk of alienating certain politicians. We would suggest that pales in comparison to the fear felt by a classroom full of kids looking down the barrel of an assault rifle. The least you could do is show a fraction of the courage that too many children are asked to show in a country awash in these weapons of war,” the Members continued.

    The members concluded asking the following questions regarding Bank of America’s policy change:

    1. “Since 2018, what steps has Bank of America taken to reverse its prior policies and decisions that were intended to reduce gun violence?

    2. Please explain why Bank of America now deems it appropriate to finance assault-style gun manufacturers.

    3. Please detail how Bank of America implemented the enhanced due diligence standard and review process for clients and transactions involving the manufacture of military-style firearms for civilian use, including:

      1. What “specialized industry knowledge” did the internal subject matter experts (SMEs) possess that contributed to the development of this policy?

        1. What are their professional backgrounds?

      2. Please provide specifics about the “clear process” for review with senior executive checkpoints, escalation routines, and risk management considerations, including how Bank of America will assess the reputational and litigation risk associated with specific, potential clients.

      3. What factors would cause Bank of America to decide to provide financing or underwriting to a manufacturer of military-style firearms for civilian use?

    4. Since this enhanced due diligence process was put in place, what, if any, financing or underwriting has Bank of America provided to firearm manufacturers, including those specified below?

      1. Sturm Ruger & Company (RGR)

      2. Smith and Wesson (SWBI)

      3. Axon (AXON:US)

      4. Sportsman’s Warehouse Holdings (SPWH)

      5. Big Five Sporting Goods Corporation (BGFV)”

    Read the letter here or below:

    Dear Mr. Moynihan,

    We write with disappointment regarding the recent news that Bank of America has reversed its ban on financing assault-style gun manufacturers in response to pressure from Republican-led states, such as Florida and Texas. When the second-largest bank in the country backtracks on gun violence prevention, it sends a message to the entire industry: it’s permissible for other financial institutions to put short-term politics over the protection of American lives.

    In 2018, following the Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School mass shooting, Bank of America announced that it would no longer finance military-style firearms for civilian use. In an interview that April, Vice Chair Anne Finucane stated that Bank of America wants to contribute in “any way we can” to reduce mass shootings. Specifically, Ms. Finucane said: “It’s our intention not to finance these military-style firearms forcivilian use” on a “go forward basis.” At Bank of America’s annual shareholder meeting that same month, one conservative activist said the bank was “willfully giving up money.” You responded to shareholders that the policy change was prompted in part because more than 150 Bank of America employees “directly lost a relative in the shootings in the last couple [of] years.”

    Remington, Vista Outdoor, and Sturm, Ruger & Co. were three of your clients affected by this policy change in 2018. Remington made the Bushmaster assault weapon that was used in the 2012 mass shooting that killed 26 children and educators at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. Remington had been a client of Bank of America since at least 2012 until the bank cut ties—but only after contributing $43 million to a lending package that helped Remington exit bankruptcy in 2018. Vista Outdoor sold rifles and shotguns, including AR-15-style weapons, until 2019, when Bank of America helped finance Vista’s acquisition of another sporting goods company in 2016. Lastly, Sturm Ruger makes the AR-556 pistol, which resembles an AR-15-style rifle but has been designed to circumvent existing gun laws. This weapon was used in the 2021 mass shooting that killed ten people at a King Soopers supermarket store in Boulder, Colorado. In 2013, Bank of America extended a $25 million line of credit to Sturm Ruger. Between 2012 and 2018, Bank of America issued $273.6 million in bonds and loans to these firearm companies. To be clear, none of these guns are designed for hunting or for self-defense. They are designed to kill large numbers of people as quickly as possible.

    In 2019, Bank of America described the financing of these gunmakers as “contrary to our values, operating principles and Code of Conduct” in its Environmental and Social Risk Policy Framework. In 2022, Bank of America reiterated that it “will not currently finance the manufacture of military-style firearms for non-law enforcement, non-military use.” Then in November 2023, Bank of America assured members of Congress that its “lines of business continue to follow this policy.”

    However, in December 2023, Bank of America weakened its firearms lending policy in its updated policy framework, stating that financing military-style firearms would be subject to an “enhanced due diligence process” and review by the Senior-level Risk Committee. This directly contradicts Vice Chair Finucane’s 2018 statement that “going forward we will not finance the manufacture of these firearms.”

    Recent reports suggest that this policy change was prompted by anti-ESG laws in states like Florida and Texas. In 2021, Texas passed a law restricting companies that “discriminate” against firearms entities from doing business with the state. Specifically, it requires that government contracts include a written verification that the company does not and will not “have a practice, policy, guidance, or directive that discriminates against a firearm entity or firearm trade association.”18 In October 2023, shortly before Bank of America changed its policy, the Texas Attorney General issued an advisory urging government entities to closely review these written verifications and consider other “red flags,” citing Bank of America’s approach towards certain firearm entities. More recently, in January 2024, Florida announced that it will begin enforcing violations of an anti- ESG law passed last year, which requires banks that accept state or local funds to verify that they don’t “politically discriminate.” In particular, these requirements prohibit banks from denying services on the basis of enumerated factors, including a company’s “engagement in the lawful manufacture, distribution, sale, purchase, or use of firearms or ammunition.” In May 2024, Florida enacted a law, effective July 1, 2024, that provides for a customer complaint process for alleged violations of these requirements and expands the scope to include non-Florida chartered banks.

    The strong positions by Bank of America in 2018 likely saved lives. Your retreat in recent years strikes us as situational ethics. Perhaps you fear the political risk of alienating certain politicians. We would suggest that pales in comparison to the fear felt by a classroom full of kids looking down the barrel of an assault rifle. The least you could do is show a fraction of the courage that too many children are asked to show in a country awash in these weapons of war.

    To that end, we seek clarification on this policy change and ask that you answer the following questions by August 8, 2024:

    1. Since 2018, what steps has Bank of America taken to reverse its prior policies and decisions that were intended to reduce gun violence?

    2. Please explain why Bank of America now deems it appropriate to finance assault-style gun manufacturers.

    3. Please detail how Bank of America implemented the enhanced due diligence standard and review process for clients and transactions involving the manufacture of military-style firearms for civilian use, including:

      1. What “specialized industry knowledge” did the internal subject matter experts (SMEs) possess that contributed to the development of this policy?

        1. What are their professional backgrounds?

      2. Please provide specifics about the “clear process” for review with senior executive checkpoints, escalation routines, and risk management considerations, including how Bank of America will assess the reputational and litigation risk associated with specific, potential clients.

      3. What factors would cause Bank of America to decide to provide financing or underwriting to a manufacturer of military-style firearms for civilian use?

    4. Since this enhanced due diligence process was put in place, what, if any, financing or underwriting has Bank of America provided to firearm manufacturers, including those specified below?

      1. Sturm Ruger & Company (RGR)

      2. Smith and Wesson (SWBI)

      3. Axon (AXON:US)

      4. Sportsman’s Warehouse Holdings (SPWH)

      5. Big Five Sporting Goods Corporation (BGFV)”

    We look forward to your prompt response either in writing or via a briefing and the opportunity to continue to work together to stem the tragedies caused by gun violence and make our communities safer. Thank you foryour attention to this matter.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Kim, Nickel Lead Bipartisan Bill to Protect Consumers from Credit Card Repair Scams

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

    Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representatives Young Kim (CA-40) and Wiley Nickel (NC-13) introduced the Ending Scam Credit Repair Act (ESCRA) to combat fraudulent practices in the credit repair industry. The bill targets credit repair organizations (CROs) that exploit consumers by charging high fees without delivering on promises to improve credit scores. By strengthening CROs regulations, the bill will ensure transparency and accountability in the industry.

    The bipartisan Ending Scam Credit Repair Act empowers consumers by ensuring that CROs only receive payment after delivering documented improvements to credit reports, while increasing civil penalties for violations.

    “Credit scores can be the key to unlocking the American dream. Fraudulent CROs should not get away with scamming hardworking Americans seeking to improve their scores,” said Congresswoman Young Kim. “The Ending Scam Credit Repair Act creates accountability and transparency for consumers and hikes penalties for scammers. I’m thrilled to introduce the bipartisan Ending Scam Credit Repair Act and will continue to work on commonsense solutions to protect the American dream.”

    “Too many hard-working Americans have been scammed by bad actors in the credit repair industry,” said Congressman Wiley Nickel. “Our bill puts a stop to these deceptive practices by banning upfront fees, improving dispute transparency, and requiring state registration. Consumers deserve real results, not empty promises and financial loss.”

    “Financial-services companies and consumer advocacy groups are grateful for congressional action on behalf of consumers, having seen first-hand the real harm credit repair organizations cause consumers, often charging hundreds of dollars a month, but yielding few if any positive results,” said Bill Himpler, President and CEO, American Financial Services Association (AFSA).

    “Paying for credit repair is almost always a waste of money,” said Andrew Pizor, senior attorney, National Consumer Law Center (NCLC). “The amendment from Representatives Nickel and Kim will help ensure consumers are not prey to credit repair scams and that they don’t get charged unless they get the results they are paying for.”

    Edward Boltz, Legislative Chair of the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys (NACBA), whose members represent people in and after bankruptcy, agreed that the “Ending Credit Repair Scams Act” will stop credit repair jamming schemes which mislead consumers by holding themselves out as “lawyers,” but “will also now make it clear that honest attorneys can provide advice and assistance to those who need real help with credit report errors.”

    Read the full bill text HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Duarte Introduces the Border Security and Immigration Reform Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative John Duarte California (13th District)

    Congressman Duarte Introduces the Border Security and Immigration Reform Act

    Livingston, CA -, October 30, 2024

    Livingston, CA –This week, Congressman John Duarte (CA-13) announced the introduction of the Border Security and Immigration Reform Act. Joined by local elected officials, community members, and advocates, the event underscored the urgent need for comprehensive immigration reform and strengthened border security. The bill is the result of over two years of collaboration with Valley leaders from both parties, immigration roundtables, and town halls throughout the district. Congressman John Duarte announced his “1,000 Mayors”campaign to gain nationwide support and feedback from local elected officials

    “Families, workers, and communities throughout the Valley want real immigration solutions, not political grandstanding,” said Rep. Duarte. “This bill protects our immigrant communities and brings them out of the shadows, protects our communities against drug trafficking, and improves our Valley economy. I’m proud to work with my Democrat and Republican friends and local leaders to fix our immigration and border system.”

    To watch the full press conference,click here.

    Press Conference Speakers and Attendees:

    • Maria Pacheco, Kerman Mayor
    • Jose Moran, Livingston Mayor
    • Mike Clauzel, Patterson Mayor, Mike Clauzel’s wife Efigenia Clauzel
    • Javier Lopez, Ceres Mayor
    • Amy Bublak, Turlock Mayor
    • Paul Lanez, Los Banos Mayor
    • Mike Nelson, Atwater Mayor
    • Cece Gallegos, Madera Mayor Pro-Tem
    • Gurpal Samra, Livingston Mayor Pro-Tem
    • Lloyd Pariera, Merced County Supervisor
    • San Joaquin County Farm Bureau, President Les Strojan
    • Madera County Farm Bureau,Christina Beckstead
    • Rodrigo Espinosa, Merced County Supervisor

    Data on Immigration:

    • Ninety-six percent of Republicans and 80% of Democrats polled want stronger border security.
    • Seventy percent of Americans support legal pathways for high-skilled immigrants and international students.
    • The agricultural industry faces critical labor shortages, affecting the Valley’s economy and local farmers.
    • Most Americans support a path to legal status for eligible undocumented immigrants.

    Key Provisions of the Bill:

    • Enhanced Border Security: The bill allocates new resources and technology to complete the southern border wall and expand the Customs and Border Protection force, addressing drug trafficking and unauthorized entry. Note: This provision includes bill text from the Secure the Border Act of 2023 (H.R. 2).
    • Temporary Protected Status (TPS): Eligible individuals—including a permanent fix for Dreamers and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, long-term Valley residents, and those with U.S. citizen spouses or children—can obtain TPS for five years while the government works to secure the border. Note: This bill builds on the Dignity Act, which Congressman Duarte has cosponsored since 2023.
    • Transition to Legal Status: TPS holders will transition to permanent status after five years, if the secure border is secured.
    • Agricultural Workforce Support: Establishes a “blue card” system to protect undocumented agriculture workers and allow them to return to the U.S. if they travel back to their country of origin.
    • To read more about the Border Security and Immigration Reform Act, click here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Duarte Stands with the Sikh Community by Cosponsoring Resolution Recognizing the 1984 Sikh Genocide

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative John Duarte California (13th District)

    Congressman Duarte Stands with the Sikh Community by Cosponsoring Resolution Recognizing the 1984 Sikh Genocide

    Turlock, CA – , November 1, 2024

    Turlock, CA – On Friday, Congressman John Duarte (CA-13) cosponsored Congressman David Valadao’s (CA-22) House Resolution 1544: Expressing support for the recognition and commemoration of the Sikh Genocide of 1984 to stand with the Sikh community. This resolution acknowledges the horrific events of June 1984, when the Indian Army stormed the Golden Temple in Amritsar, leading to widespread loss of life and destruction, targeting Sikh religious sites and members of the Sikh community. This attack marked the beginning of decades of systemic violence and repression, with countless Sikhs suffering assaults, discrimination, and assassinations.

    “Our Sikh friends and neighbors have long endured unimaginable hardships,” said Rep. Duarte. “I am proud to support Rep. Valadao’s recognition of the Sikh Genocide. By acknowledging these atrocities, we can stand with the Sikh community in their calls for justice, healing, and remembrance.”

    The Sikh Genocide Resolution will commemorate the state-sponsored violence inflicted on Sikh communities in 1984, which affected cities and regions across India. The resolution urges accountability for all involved and rejects any attempt to deny or downplay the genocide. This resolution marks an important step for justice and healing within the Sikh community.

    Background:

    • Sikhism is the world’s fifth-largest religion, with over 25 million followers globally, including over 500,000 in the United States. Sikhs have contributed to American society for over 120 years across agriculture, industry, technology, medicine, and the arts sectors. 
    • In 1984, an estimated 30,000 Sikhs were killed during targeted violence, with widespread destruction of Sikh homes, businesses, and gurdwaras.
    • The resolution highlights that thousands of Sikh families continue to suffer from the trauma inflicted during the genocide and the ongoing denial of justice for the atrocities committed 
    • Canada alleges violence and assassination attempts on Canadian Sikh leaders and Canadian citizens.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Strong Introduces Legislation to Expedite Deportation of Non-Citizen Voters

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Dale Strong (Alabama)

    WASHINGTON— Today, Representative Dale W. Strong (R-AL) introduced the Deport Illegal Voters Act to expedite the removal of aliens convicted of voting illegally.  

    Specifically, the legislation adds unlawful voting to the defined list of aggravated felonies under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and provides for the expedited deportation of convicted individuals. 

    “Anyone who is not an American citizen and casts a ballot in this election should be first in line to be deported. We must secure our elections and ensure participation in our elections is reserved for American citizens and American citizens only,” said Congressman Dale W. Strong.  

    Under the Biden-Harris Administration, we have seen record numbers of border crossings and illegal immigration into the United States. Additionally, there have been numerous cases of voter registration forms issued to non-citizens and numerous cases of non-citizen voting across the country, including Alabama. In September, the Department of Justice charged a Guatemalan national residing in Alabama with fraudulently using a U.S. identity to vote in multiple elections including the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections. This week, charges were filed against a Chinese national who cast a vote in the 2024 Presidential election in Michigan.  

    Interference in our elections undermines the rights of American citizens and sets a dangerous precedent that could further erode the trust and credibility of our electoral system. The integrity of our election system must be safeguarded to ensure only eligible and lawful voters are permitted to participate. 

    “People should stop and think twice before interfering in our elections. The Deport Illegal Voters Act sets a consequence fitting for those committing a federal offense,” said Strong.  

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hageman Applauds Lawsuit to Stop Mandatory EID

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

    Washington, DC – Today Congresswoman Harriet Hageman applauded the complaint filed by the New Civil Liberties Alliance (NCLA) against the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to stop the implementation of a rule mandating EID eartags for cattle and bison being transported across state lines. The lawsuit argues that USDA does not have the authority to mandate EID eartags or to enforce such a rule, and that USDA failed to properly account for the rule’s impact on small producers, despite being required to do so by federal law.  

    Representative Hageman stated, “USDA simply does not have the authority to mandate the use of EID eartags. This is an unreasonably expensive unfunded mandate that will lead to the elimination of small producers, vertical integration of our livestock and meat supply, put herds and ranches at risk through invasive Freedom of Information Act requests, and imposes an unbearable cost burden on all but the largest corporate producers. I applaud NCLA and the food freedom movement for challenging this unlawful regulation.”

    Background: 

    Rep. Hageman is leading the Congressional effort to support America’s ranchers and block this rule, and has: 

    • Filed an amendment to the FY24 and FY25 USDA spending bills to block federal funds from supporting the rule’s implementation.
    • Argued before the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs prior to the implementation of the final rule. 
    • Written three op-eds describing the threats and consequences of such a mandate and countless radio and television interviews with networks across the country.
    • Most recently, Rep. Hageman introduced a joint resolution pursuant to the Congressional Review Act which would rescind this awful mandatory EID rule. The resolution has been jointly sponsored in the Senate by Cynthia Lummis. 

    ###

    Contact: Chris Berardi, Sr. Advisor/Communications Director

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Magaziner and Rep. Bennie Thompson Urge Federal Agencies to Take Action to Prevent Election Violence

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Seth Magaziner (RI-02)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Seth Magaziner (RI-02), Ranking Member for the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Counterterrorism, Intelligence and Law Enforcement, is partnering with Ranking Member for the Homeland Security Committee Bennie Thompson (MS-02) to lead 13 Members of Congress in raising concerns to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) about the potential for violence surrounding the 2024 election.

    “With the 2024 election coming up in a matter of days, we must take steps to ensure that the U.S. government is prepared to thwart violent attacks on the democratic process like that which occurred on January 6, 2021,” said Rep. Seth Magaziner (RI-02), Ranking Member for the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Counterterrorism, Intelligence and Law Enforcement. “Ranking Member Thompson and I are outlining a series of actions we believe the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice should take to ensure a safe and secure election and peaceful transfer of power.”

    The Members of Congress outline important objectives that include, but are not limited to:

    • Ensuring that Federal agencies are aligned and attentive to the needs of election officials, and provide any requested assistance to state and local election officials.
    • Protecting state and local election offices from cyber attacks and providing them with services to defend election infrastructure.
    • Bolstering DHS’s efforts to raise awareness of the physical security services available to state and local officials through federal resources to protect election officials and infrastructure. 
    • Combating foreign influence campaigns by Russia and other malign actors, and combating election misinformation on social media platforms that seek to undermine the legitimacy of the election and trust in the American government.

    Donald Trump and his allies have been laying the groundwork to question the legitimacy of the 2024 election results, and have been spreading dangerous conspiracy theories about the vote counting process at the state and local levels. Trump has repeated lies of widespread voter fraud and suggested that the only way he can lose to Vice President Harris is if Democrats cheat. This is particularly concerning in light of a recent poll by the Associated Press that found two-thirds of Republicans polled trust Donald Trump and his campaign for accurate information about election results, but only 51 percent of Republicans polled would trust the government’s certification of election results.

    Trump has also declined to pledge to respect the outcome of the 2024 election and refused to publicly say that he would back a peaceful transfer of power. In 2020, Trump refused to acknowledge his election loss, spread lies about extensive voter fraud and incited a violent mob to attack the Capitol in an effort to overturn the results of a fair and secure election.

    Foreign malign influence operations also pose a threat to the 2024 election. The Justice Department recently disrupted a covert Russian government-sponsored foreign malign influence operation, which in part used AI-generated content and social media influencers, to spread disinformation about the 2024 election, sow discord and influence voters.

    Furthermore, threats against election officials have intensified. Nearly one in three election workers have reported being harassed, abused or threatened because of their job as a result of Trump’s rhetoric. This has caused high levels of turnover among election workers over concerns for their safety and the safety of their families, leading to increased strain on those responsible for facilitating our elections. 

    This letter builds upon Rep. Magaziner’s efforts to ensure a fair and secure election in 2024. This week, he joined his colleagues in urging the DOJ Election Threats Task Force to take stronger action in coordination with local law enforcement to protect election workers on and around Election Day.

    Rep. Magaziner also hosted a “Protecting our Democracy” roundtable with Rep. Thompson to bring attention to concerted efforts to question the legitimacy of the 2024 election results.

    Full text of the letter is below. A PDF copy of the letter is available HERE.

    Dear Secretary Mayorkas and Attorney General Garland:

    We understand that both the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Justice (DoJ) have undertaken significant efforts to support the safe, secure administration of elections this November. We write to document those activities and to learn about any additional actions you will undertake between now and January 20, 2025, to ensure a peaceful transfer of power.

    Four years ago, State and local election officials across the country administered the most secure elections in history under exceptionally challenging circumstances. Nevertheless, confusion about voting and tabulation procedures, a politically polarized public, and a nationwide pandemic created a breeding ground for misinformation and conspiracy theories to flourish. As a result, a violent mob bent on preventing the peaceful transfer of power attempted to interrupt the certification of election results on January 6, 2021. Although the insurrection was ultimately unsuccessful, its legacy endures, notably though the targeting and harassment of election officials, baseless allegations that voter fraud will result in an illegitimate election result, and suggestions by public officials that they may not accept the election outcome.

    We applaud the efforts your agencies have already undertaken to support the safe, secure administration of elections, and encourage ongoing engagement with appropriate partners at the State and local levels in the weeks and months ahead.

    Coordination with State and Local Partners

    Election officials on the ground are the individuals who best understand the challenges of administering elections in today’s environment. It is important that Federal programs designed to secure elections are aligned to the needs of State and local election officials.

    • Attorney General Garland and Secretary Mayorkas, what processes are in place to receive feedback from election stakeholders to ensure your Departments are meeting the needs of election officials? How have your Departments incorporated stakeholder feedback into election security policies and programs? Please provide specific examples.
    • Attorney General Garland and Secretary Mayorkas, have resource constraints in any way limited the ability of your Departments to provide assistance requested by State and local election officials? If so, how?

    Last year, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) announced it would establish dedicated election security advisors in each of the agency’s ten regions.

    • Secretary Mayorkas, how do election security advisors complement the work of existing cybersecurity and protective security advisors? Please provide details about the priorities of election security advisors and describe the specific activities they have undertaken to help state and local election officials prepare for the 2024 election.

    Election Cybersecurity

    CISA offers a range of no-cost cybersecurity services to election offices across the country, including cyber hygiene scans and risk and vulnerability assessments.

    • Secretary Mayorkas, please describe the services that DHS offers directly to State and local election officials and the efforts DHS has undertaken to promote these services. To what degree have State and local election offices adopted the services DHS offers? 
    • Secretary Mayorkas, DHS, through CISA, supports the Center for Internet Security, which houses Election Infrastructure Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EI-ISAC). The EI-ISAC provides State and local election officials with a range of additional services to defend election infrastructure from cyber attacks. Please describe the election security- related activities DHS funding supports at the EI-ISAC.
    • Secretary Mayorkas, how is the Department working with State and local election officials to ensure resilience in the event of a cyber incident on or near election day?

    As the Sector Risk Management Agency for the Election Infrastructure Subsector, DHS, through CISA, is responsible for engaging with a range of stakeholders involved in the administration of elections, including election technology and equipment vendors.

    • Secretary Mayorkas, please describe how the Department has worked with election technology and equipment vendors to improve security.

    Physical Security

    Recent swatting incidents and white powder mailings targeting election officials, along with disturbingly frequent social media threats, have highlighted the physical security threats facing election officials. Ensuring State and local officials are aware of the services available to them and have access to the resources necessary to improve their security will be critical to protecting election officials and infrastructure before, during, and after the election.

    • Secretary Mayorkas, please describe the physical security services DHS offers directly to State and local election officials and how DHS is increasing awareness of Federal resources available to protect the physical security of election infrastructure and officials. To what degree have State and local election officials utilized the physical security services DHS offers?
    • Attorney General Garland and Secretary Mayorkas, how are DOJ and DHS ensuring that they have relevant expertise on staff to support physical security services and outreach?
    • A security threat in one jurisdiction may suggest a heightened risk of similar situations in other jurisdictions. Attorney General Garland and Secretary Mayorkas, how are you ensuring that timely and actionable threat information based on recent incidents is shared with election officials nationally as threats emerge?
    • In the absence of Federal funding dedicated to improving the physical security of elections, State and local jurisdictions may struggle to implement security recommendations. Secretary Mayorkas, how is DHS supporting State and local election officials’ efforts to implement recommendations provided by CISA’s security assessments? How does CISA assist election officials in prioritizing cost-effective solutions to issues identified by the assessments?

    The January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol demonstrated that election security risks do not end on Election Day. We are particularly concerned that similar violence could take place during the counting and certification of election results this cycle.

    • Attorney General Garland and Secretary Mayorkas, with a heightened risk of violence in the post-election period, what plans are in place to support election officials in the aftermath of the November election? What specific resources will be deployed following the election to support State and local election officials should threats develop?

    Mis- and Disinformation

    Public reporting indicates that foreign adversaries continue efforts to influence U.S. elections, and election misinformation has the potential to undermine the public’s confidence in election results and could fuel election-related violence. It is our understanding that the Federal government has modified its approach to combatting misinformation compared to the previous presidential election.

    • Attorney General Garland and Secretary Mayorkas, what are your current policies regarding engagements with social media companies on the threats posed by election- related misinformation? Please describe current activities related to combatting foreign influence and election misinformation.

    A recent poll by Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research and USAFact found that two-thirds of Republicans polled trust Donald Trump and his campaign for accurate information about election results, but only 51 percent of Republicans polled would trust the government’s certification of election results. Donald Trump has already begun to suggest the election will be rigged against him.

    • Attorney General Garland and Secretary Mayorkas, how will your Departments work to build confidence in the election outcome in the event a candidate, without evidence, attempts to call into question the legitimacy of the election outcome?

    Recent indictments by DOJ allege that Russian intelligence used American media influencers to unwittingly promote Russia’s foreign influence campaigns.

    • Attorney General Garland, does DOJ have policies in place to alert Americans who may be unwittingly amplifying illegal foreign influence campaigns?

    Many Republican officials have publicly claimed that non-citizens are voting in large numbers and could impact the outcome of the November election. The Texas Attorney General recently announced he was investigating whether organizations were purposefully registering non-citizens to vote, despite there being no indication that it is happening.

    • Attorney General Garland and Secretary Mayorkas, is there any evidence that non-citizens vote in large numbers in the United States? Is there any evidence that organizations are deliberately registering non-citizens to vote?

    Mis- and disinformation can lead to voter suppression. The Secretary of State of Alabama, for example, recently deactivated the registration of more than 3,000 people, including some naturalized citizens who must now update their records before they can vote. Some of them have expressed reluctance to register to vote again.

    • Attorney General Garland and Secretary Mayorkas, how are your Departments countering mis- and disinformation that may disproportionately affect naturalized citizens or target communities of color?

    Rapid advances in AI technological development have the potential to shift how foreign and domestic actors seek to shape public opinion and Federal efforts to secure elections must reflect the latest technological landscape.

    • Attorney General Garland and Secretary Mayorkas, what is your current assessment of the impact of AI-generated content in foreign influence campaigns and how are your Departments increasing awareness regarding the threat of AI-generated content in disinformation efforts?

    By and large, the most reliable sources of accurate election information are the official communications and websites of State and local election officials responsible for administering elections. The Federal government’s greater media visibility can play an important role in directing Americans to reliable sources of information and amplifying the voices of state and local officials.

    • Secretary Mayorkas, how is DHS amplifying efforts by State and local election officials to promote accurate election information and to respond to false rumors about the integrity, security, or accuracy of election systems and results? What are CISA’s plans to increase such communications closer to Election Day and following the election?

    Thank you for your attention to this letter. We look forward to your response and to continuing to work with you to ensure a safe, secure election next month.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kamlager-Dove Secures $1.8 Million for the City of LA to Improve Permanent Supportive Housing in Downtown LA

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

    LOS ANGELES, CA — Today, Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) presented a $1,840,000 check to Mayor Karen Bass and the City of Los Angeles for improvements to The Prentice permanent supportive housing site in Downtown Los Angeles. The project is one of 15 community projects that Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove secured a total of $12.4 million for through Fiscal Year 2024 government funding legislation, of which $6.4 million will go toward addressing housing insecurity in Los Angeles. You can watch the full press conference here.

    This project will renovate The Prentice’s 40+ units of permanent supportive housing to create a safer and healthier environment for residents, many of whom have previously experienced homelessness. The funding secured by Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove will support capital improvements to the site, including: replacing light and plumbing fixtures, the existing roof, and all doors; ensuring all entryways meet accessibility requirements; repainting interior walls; renovating the storefront; upgrading the security system; and remodeling the community kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.

    “Building more affordable and public housing alone is not enough to solve the housing crisis—we must also improve our existing housing stock to ensure safe and comfortable living conditions for all residents,” said Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove. “This project is a continuation of our work to strengthen our current supportive housing supply and provide real, lasting housing security for our most vulnerable community members. Bringing federal housing resources, including this funding, back to the 37th District has been one of my greatest honors in Congress—I will continue working with the City to secure additional federal resources and ensure that all Angelenos have a safe place to call home.”

    “Thank you, Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove for leading this effort and locking arms with us to deliver for some of our most vulnerable Angelenos,” said Mayor Karen Bass. “The only way we can be successful in solving homelessness is by working with all levels of government and implementing a comprehensive approach that keeps people housed in a safe and healthy environment. Together, we will continue to break the status quo and confront this crisis in a way that shows sustained results.”

    ABOUT THE PRENTICE:
    The Prentice, built in 1914, is a three-story, 46-unit building with 44 Single Room Occupancy permanent supportive housing units and two staff units. Each dwelling is equipped with a wall-hung sink and mini fridge and comes fully furnished with a bed frame, mattress, table, chairs, nightstand, and a dresser. The building has shared bathrooms and showers, a community kitchen, community lounge, dining room, laundry facilities, and a small center courtyard.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Salazar Urges Speaker Johnson to Prioritize Funding for Physician Training

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar’s (FL-27)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Rep. María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) joined fourteen of her colleagues in a letter to Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) urging him to prioritize multi-year funding for teaching health centers across America. These centers and the physicians they train are a critical component of Miami and Florida’s healthcare system.

    Last year, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the bipartisan Lower Costs, More Transparency Act (H.R. 5378), legislation that included a reauthorization of the Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education (THCGME) program through Fiscal Year 2030. The THCGME program supports the training of future physicians in community settings, providing greater access to primary care, dental care, and behavioral health services. A multi-year reauthorization will provide adequate resources for future physicians, ensuring these programs have the certainty to continue while still helping those with limited financial resources gain access to critical care.

    “As you consider possible legislation for later this session, we urge you to include in any broader legislative package a multi-year reauthorization for the Teaching Health Centers Graduate Medical Education (THCGME) program,” wrote the legislators. “Teaching health centers are a vital response to the primary care physician shortage, placing doctors in rural and underserved communities where they are needed most.”

     The letter has the support of the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC), the American Association of Teaching Health Centers (AATHC), and the Florida Association of Community Health Centers (FACHC). Rep. Salazar was joined in the letter by Reps. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), Zach Nunn (R-IA), Marcus Molinaro (R-NY), Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ), David Valadao (R-CA), Young Kim (R-CA), Mike Lawler (R-NY), Andrew Garbarino (R-NY), Brandon Williams (R-NY), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), Laurel Lee (R-FL), Erin Houchin (R-IN), Dan Meuser (R-PA), and Michael Guest (R-MS).

    “We are grateful for Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar’s dedication to the Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education program. Her and her colleagues’ advocacy for a long-term extension and increased funding reflects their commitment to resolving the primary care workforce shortage across America. Their support will ensure we can train and retain the next generation of providers to improve the well-being of our nation,” said Joe Dunn, Chief Policy Officer of the National Association of Community Health Centers. 

    “The American Association of Teaching Health Centers is extremely grateful to Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar for her leadership in coordinating such an important expression of Congressional support for the Teaching Health Centers Graduate Medical Education program and to her 13 colleagues who also signed this letter to the Speaker of the House. The letter demonstrates that in medically underserved and rural communities across the nation, the residency programs our members operate are making a significant and positive impact by training the next generation of providers, whom history has shown will typically remain in such communities and reduce the physician and dentist shortage. This program has enjoyed sustained bipartisan support and in 2023, both the House and Senate took initial steps to extend it and provide a robust funding increase. As Congresswoman Salazar and her 14 colleagues indicate in the letter, it’s time for Congress to finish its work on the THCGME reauthorization and provide much-needed certainty to the organizations operating these programs across the country,” said Cristine Serrano, Executive Director of the American Association of Teaching Health Centers.

    “The Teaching Health Centers Graduate Medical Education (THCGME) program not only cultivates skilled healthcare professionals but also reinforces the vital connection between education and community health, ensuring that quality care reaches those who need it most. Representative Salazar’s commitment to increasing funding for the THCGME program demonstrates a powerful dedication to enhancing healthcare access and ensuring that future generations of physicians are trained in community-focused environments. Supporting her efforts is essential for strengthening our healthcare system and meeting the needs of underserved populations,” said Jonathan Chapman, President and CEO of the Florida Association of Community Health Centers (FACHC).

    Congresswoman Salazar has been a leader in Congress in ensuring community health centers and other important health institutions in Miami have access to adequate funding.

    Click here to read the full text of the letter.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Ramirez Statement on Rise of Hateful Rhetoric and Violent Crimes in Illinois

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

    Chicago, IL — Today, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) released the following statement:

    “Words have meaning and consequences. For more than a year, we have seen a rise in bigotry and hateful rhetoric in the media, from elected officials, and on the campaign trail by politicians. Dehumanization fuels violence and makes us all less safe. 

    From the hate crime against an Orthodox Jewish man in the West Ridge neighborhood to despicable comments about Puerto Rico, antisemitic words from school board appointees, and an Islamophobic post amplified and celebrated by a sitting Illinois legislator, our families are grappling with the painful impacts that hateful statements and actions have on our communities.  

    I have said repeatedly that our collective safety and security are interconnected. It’s why I introduced the Wadee Resolution that calls out Islamophobia, Antisemitism, and all forms of bigotry and hate. It’s also why I believe those of us in public service must lead by example, affirm our shared humanity and be held accountable. I am committed to building an Illinois where all our neighbors can live and worship as their full, authentic selves and where we appreciate that our multiracial, multi-faith communities only make us stronger.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hageman Cosponsors Resolution Condemning Biden “Garbage” Comments

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

    Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Harriet Hageman cosponsored a House Resolution condemning President Biden’s remarks referring to President Trump’s supporters as ‘‘garbage’’.

    Representative Hageman stated, “Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are no longer hiding their disdain for more than half the country. Sadly, these are not “just words” – they reflect their contempt for the citizens of this country, while confirming that their willingness to pursue incredibly harmful policies over the last 4 years is due to their dislike for millions of Americans. Examples of their harmful policies are legion, but include weaponizing the government to silence those with differing views from sharing their voice on social media, attending church services, or speaking out during school board meetings; erasing America’s borders to import well over 12,000,000 illegals, and providing them with money, housing, food and other services that our very own citizens cannot afford; and unleashing a crime wave in our cities. When name calling doesn’t suffice, Biden and Harris are forcing Americans to the unemployment line by overregulating industries such as mining, oil & gas production, and ranching out of business.” 

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    Contact: Chris Berardi, Sr. Advisor/Communications Director

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Cammack Joins Florida Colleagues In Urging USDA To Expedite Aid For Hurting Florida Agricultural Producers

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Kat Cammack (R-FL-03)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Kat Cammack joined Congressman Scott Franklin (R-FL-18), and Senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott, in a letter from the entire Florida delegation writing Secretary Vilsack to strongly urge the USDA take immediate action to provide disaster assistance for Florida agricultural producers affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

    “Back-to-back hurricanes have dealt a devastating blow to Florida’s agricultural producers, many of whom are still recovering from the disastrous 2022 season,” said Congressman Franklin. “After four major storms in two years, our farmers and ranchers desperately need help now. One-size-fits-all federal disaster programs consistently fail our state’s agricultural sector, creating onerous application processes and delaying critical aid. After Hurricane Irma in 2017, when USDA administered appropriated funds to Florida through a block grant, the state quickly got help into the hands of our producers.  Putting Florida in the driver’s seat made all the difference. Forgoing a federal program in favor of a state solution is a critical, but simple fix.”

    “The devastation from Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton has hit Florida’s farmers hard, and the impacts are rippling through our state. These back-to-back storms wiped out crops, destroyed infrastructure, and put countless livelihoods in jeopardy. The U.S. Department of Agriculture must act swiftly to deliver the critical aid our agricultural producers need to rebuild and recover. Florida can’t do this alone, and our farmers deserve nothing less than our full support,” said Senator Rubio (R-FL).

    “I’m grateful to Congressman Franklin, Senators Rubio and Scott, and the Florida delegation for working together to provide support for our agricultural communities after the two devastating hurricanes this fall,” said Congresswoman Cammack. “When Hurricane Helene made landfall in the Big Bend region, my colleagues to the south were quick to jump in and support our efforts as the recovery process began, and I’ll be here to do the same with Hurricane Milton in South and Central Florida. Agriculture is one of our state’s top industries and largest exports, and without it and all of the amazing people who work to feed, clothe, and fuel our state, we’d simply never be the same. I look forward to seeing this effort across the finish line and ensuring our producers have everything they need to recover and come back stronger.”

    Specifically, in the letter Rep. Franklin and the Florida delegation:

    1. Emphasize the necessity for the USDA to utilize block grants to distribute aid to Florida and other specialty-crop states, where high volume of disaster program applications overwhelm local Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices and delay assistance for producers;
    2. Demand USDA enhance current FSA operations and improve staffing issues;
    3. Urge the USDA to provide a budgetary request to House and Senate Appropriations Committees to ensure Congress can appropriate adequate funding for disaster response;
    4. Discuss crop insurance reforms to help specialty crop producers recover in tandem with disaster aid; and
    5. Reasserts Congress’ desire to collaborate with USDA to ensure proper support for Florida agriculture.

    Hurricane Milton made landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast just 13 days after Helene and brought high winds, flooding and damage across the entire state. Milton’s path impacted some of Florida’s most productive agricultural areas for fruits, vegetables, dairy, cattle, citrus and other specialty crops. According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), the preliminary estimate of total crop and infrastructure losses ranges from $1.5 to $2.5 billion.

    Congress appropriates relief and disaster funds for the USDA to disburse relief. Currently, it is USDA’s practice to stand up new, unique programs after disasters. These programs are administered by FSA, the USDA subagency charged with helping agricultural producers apply for aid and other USDA assistance programs.

    This practice not only makes the disaster relief process arduous, but also delays delivery of critical assistance for the producers who feed our state and nation. FSA offices across Florida are still having trouble facilitating disaster assistance programs after 2022 Hurricanes Ian and Nicole, which were not in the form of a block grant.

    In contrast, block grants administered by the state expedite disbursement, free up personnel at FSA to efficiently carry out routine programs and provide needed flexibility for states. 

    After Hurricane Irma, Congress appropriated relief to help Florida agriculture and USDA delivered that aid through a block grant to the state. The State of Florida was successful in getting that aid without delay.

    You can read the text of the letter here.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Langworthy Leads Twin Package of Bipartisan Bills to Improve Health Care Standards and Access for America’s Seniors

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Recently, Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) introduced two bipartisan bills focused on improving health outcomes and transparency in long-term care settings. H.R. 10072, the Long-Term Care Transparency Act, and H.R. 10071, the Evidence-Informed Health Promotion Act, aim to address critical gaps in senior care and public health programs across the United States.

    The Long-Term Care Transparency Act, co-led by Rep. Lloyd Smucker (R-PA), will ensure that Congress has access to crucial information about the quality and safety of care in long-term care facilities like nursing homes. Right now, state ombudsman programs gather a lot of data on issues in these facilities, from health and safety concerns to residents’ rights — however, it isn’t readily available at the national level. By requiring the Administration on Aging to compile and report this data to Congress, the bill helps improve oversight and highlight problem areas, ultimately leading to higher standards and better care for seniors. Cosponsors of this legislation include Reps. Claudia Tenney (NY-24), Mike Lawler (NY-17), and Don Davis (NC-01).

    “We need to bring transparency and congressional oversight to long-term care facilities to ensure that seniors receive the quality care they deserve,” said Congressman Langworthy. “This legislation is a commonsense solution to ensure data is shared with lawmakers, allowing Congress to fully address problem areas and shape policies that prioritize seniors’ health, safety, and dignity.”

    The Long-Term Care Transparency Act is supported by organizations, including the National Council on Aging, the Elder Justice Coalition, and the National Association of State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Programs.

    Bob Blancato, National Coordinator for the Elder Justice Coalition, said, “The bi-partisan 3000-member Elder Justice Coalition fully supports the Long Term Care Transparency Act of 2024. We commend Rep Langworthy for his leadership in sponsoring the bill. It is both appropriate and overdue for the state’s long-term care ombudsman program to be better supported. Calling for better data collection will certainly help the cause.” 

    Read the full text of the bill here.

     

    The second piece of legislation, the Evidence-Informed Health Promotion Act, co-led by Rep. Erin Houchin (IN-09), seeks to make health promotion and disease prevention programs more accessible, especially for seniors in rural areas, through new federal funding opportunities for Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs).

    AAAs are public or private nonprofit agencies designated by a state to address the needs and concerns of all older persons at the regional and local levels. Currently, the strict “evidence-based” requirements tied to federal funding under the Older Americans Actmake it challenging for these agencies to implement or adapt health programs that fit local needs. This bill would expand options for these agencies by allowing funds to support “evidence-informed” programs, which are still based on established research but are more adaptable and cost-effective.

    By opening up funding to evidence-informed programs, this bill would enable rural AAAs to provide a broader range of health and wellness services, including chronic disease management programs, fall prevention initiatives to reduce injury risks, and social connection programs that address the health impacts of isolation. With this flexibility, AAAs would be better equipped to deliver programs that help seniors stay healthy, active, and connected within their communities. 

    “Every senior deserves access to programs that help them stay healthy and connected, no matter where they live,” said Congressman Langworthy. “This bill gives our rural and underserved communities the resources to deliver effective, high-quality health services that meet their unique needs. Expanding funding options for evidence-informed programs is a practical step that will make a real difference in helping more older Americans receive support from their communities.”

    This legislation is supported by outside groups, including the National Council on Aging and USAging. 

    Sandy Markwood, CEO of USAging, said, “USAging is pleased to endorse the Evidence-Informed Health Promotion Act, which would update the Older Americans Act Title III D’s health promotion and disease prevention programs to better meet the needs of older adults nationwide. The bill provides Area Agencies on Aging the flexibility they need to reach more older adults with emerging interventions as well as proven evidence-based programs focused on fall prevention, chronic disease self-management, mental health and other issues that promote healthy aging. We thank Congressman Langworthy for his leadership in introducing this bill and hope it will be included in the forthcoming reauthorization of the Older Americans Act.”

    Read the full text of the bill here.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Laurel Lee Urges USDA to Expedite Aid for Hurting Florida Agriculture Producers

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Laurel Lee – Florida (15th District)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Laurel Lee (FL-15) joined Senators Marco Rubio, Rick Scott, Congressman Scott Franklin (FL-18), and the entire Florida delegation in writing Secretary Vilsack to strongly urge the USDA to take immediate action to provide disaster assistance for Florida agricultural producers affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. 

    “Agriculture is such an important part of Florida’s 15th District, and after Hurricanes Helene and Milton, our farmers and producers need our support,” said Congresswoman Laurel Lee. “I am urging the USDA to quickly take action and deliver aid to our agriculture producers in Florida who were affected by these disasters so they can get back to feeding America.”

    “The devastation from Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton has hit Florida’s farmers hard, and the impacts are rippling through our state. These back-to-back storms wiped out crops, destroyed infrastructure, and put countless livelihoods in jeopardy. The U.S. Department of Agriculture must act swiftly to deliver the critical aid our agricultural producers need to rebuild and recover. Florida can’t do this alone, and our farmers deserve nothing less than our full support,” said Senator Rubio (R-FL).

    “Back-to-back hurricanes have dealt a devastating blow to Florida’s agricultural producers, many of whom are still recovering from the disastrous 2022 season. After four major storms in two years, our farmers and ranchers desperately need help now. One-size-fits-all federal disaster programs consistently fail our state’s agricultural sector, creating onerous application processes and delaying critical aid. After Hurricane Irma in 2017, when USDA administered appropriated funds to Florida through a block grant, the state quickly got help into the hands of our producers. Putting Florida in the driver’s seat made all the difference. Forgoing a federal program in favor of a state solution is a critical, but simple fix,” said Congressman Franklin.

    Specifically, in the letter, the Florida delegation:

    • Emphasize the necessity for the USDA to utilize block grants to distribute aid to Florida and other specialty-crop states, where high volume of disaster program applications overwhelm local Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices and delay assistance for producers;
    • Demand USDA enhance current FSA operations and improve staffing issues;
    • Urge the USDA to provide a budgetary request to House and Senate Appropriations Committees to ensure Congress can appropriate adequate funding for disaster response;
    • Discuss crop insurance reforms to help specialty crop producers recover in tandem with disaster aid; and
    • Reasserts Congress’ desire to collaborate with USDA to ensure proper support for Florida agriculture.

    Hurricane Milton made landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast just 13 days after Helene and brought high winds, flooding and damage across the entire state. Milton’s path impacted some of Florida’s most productive agricultural areas for fruits, vegetables, dairy, cattle, citrus and other specialty crops. According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), the preliminary estimate of total crop and infrastructure losses ranges from $1.5 to $2.5 billion.

    Congress appropriates relief and disaster funds for the USDA to disburse relief. Currently, it is USDA’s practice to stand up new, unique programs after disasters. These programs are administered by FSA, the USDA subagency charged with helping agricultural producers apply for aid and other USDA assistance programs.

    This practice not only makes the disaster relief process arduous, but also delays delivery of critical assistance for the producers who feed our state and nation. FSA offices across Florida are still having trouble facilitating disaster assistance programs after 2022 Hurricanes Ian and Nicole, which were not in the form of a block grant.

    In contrast, block grants administered by the state expedite disbursement, free up personnel at FSA to efficiently carry out routine programs and provide needed flexibility for states. After Hurricane Irma, Congress appropriated relief to help Florida agriculture and USDA delivered that aid through a block grant to the state. The State of Florida was successful in getting that aid without delay.

    Cosigners include: Rep. Kat Cammack (R-FL-03); Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL-13); Rep. Neal Dunn (R-FL-02); Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL-21); Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL-12); Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL-26); Rep. Laurel Lee (R-FL-15); Rep. Michael Waltz (R-FL-06); Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL-27); Rep. Daniel Webster (R-FL-11); Rep. Aaron Bean (R-FL-04); Rep. Bill Posey (R-FL-08); Rep. John Rutherford (R-FL-05); Rep. Darren Soto (D-FL-09); Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL-19); Rep. Cory Mills (R-FL-7); Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-FL-23); Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL-25); Rep. Greg Steube (R-FL-17); Rep. Lois Frankel (D-FL- 22); Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-FL-28); Rep. Federica Wilson (D-FL-24); Rep. Sheila Cherfilus- McCormick (D-FL-20); Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL-16); Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL-01); Rep. Kathy Castor (D-FL-14)

    You can read the text of the letter here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Laurel Lee Announces Winner of 2024 Congressional App Challenge

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Laurel Lee – Florida (15th District)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Laurel Lee (R-FL) announced Eeshan Sakamuri as the winner of the 2024 Congressional App Challenge for Florida’s 15th District for his app, VeteranCare. Sakamuri, a student at Middleton High School, was inspired to create VeteranCare to fulfill a need he noticed within our local veteran population. VeteranCare serves as a centralized hub for our nation’s veterans to find information on benefits, resources, and community support.

    “Congratulations to Eeshan Sakamuri for winning this year’s Congressional App Challenge for Florida’s 15th District,” said Congresswoman Laurel Lee. “VeteranCare stands to be a tremendous resource for our nation’s heroes all over the country. I was quite impressed by the talent, knowledge, and creativity of each of the students who submitted their apps. This competition is a wonderful way for students to get involved and to inspire the next generation of trailblazers in the STEM, coding, and computer science fields.”

    Advik Aditya from Middleton High School, earned second place for their app, HurricaneHub. HurricaneHub will provide communities with a unified resource hub to keep residents informed, prepared, and connected in the event of a hurricane.

    Ryan Sumiantoro and Alyssa Hayman from Steinbrenner High School earned third place for their app, SkyBoard. This app provides insights and resources for student’s college readiness as well as personal and professional development tools.

    The Congressional App Challenge was created in 2015 by Congress to promote and highlight Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education, and to encourage students to learn coding and computer science skills. The nationwide competition is designed to have students compete against their peers to create an application or “app” for mobile, tablet, or computer devices. Learn more about the Congressional App Challenge here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Manning, Members of NC Democratic Delegation Call on the USPS to take Extraordinary Measures to Process Absentee Ballots

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Kathy Manning (NC-06)

    Greensboro, NC – Today, Representatives Kathy Manning (NC-06), Deborah Ross (NC-02), Alma Adams (NC-12), and Wiley Nickel (NC-13) sent a letter to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, calling on the United States Postal Service (USPS) to take extraordinary measures to ensure North Carolinians’ absentee ballots reach county boards of elections without delay.

    The Members wrote, “Although North Carolina previously counted all ballots postmarked by Election Day, this year, officials only will count the ballots county boards of elections have received by 7:30 PM on Election Day. Given the record number of voters who will vote by mail in the 2024 election and the Postal Service’s critical role in defending election integrity, we request that USPS make public on a daily basis certain key factors regarding election mail processing, as outlined in the September Extraordinary Measures Memo, beginning this week and continuing through November 5th.” 

    The Members expressed concerns and requested detailed information on USPS operations to process election mail efficiently, ensuring the timely and complete delivery of all absentee ballots. 

    Read the full letter here.  

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Dan Goldman Pushes Coverage for Life-Saving Breast Cancer Screenings in All Health Insurance Plans

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10)

    ‘Find it Early Act’ Would Require Insurance Providers to Cover Breast Cancer Detection Screenings at No Cost to Patients

     

    99 Percent of Women Who Receive Early Breast Cancer Diagnosis Survive

     

    Read the Bill Here

    Washington, DC – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) joined Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) in introducing the bipartisan ‘Find it Early Act,’ which would ensure all health insurance plans cover screening and diagnostic breast imaging, including mammograms, ultrasounds, MRI’s, molecular imaging, and other technologies, with no cost-sharing.

    “For the over 250,000 American women diagnosed with breast cancer each year, new breast cancer detection technology can mean the difference between life or death,” Congressman Dan Goldman said. “The earlier a cancer is detected, the easier it is to beat. No one should be forced to pay out-of-pocket for these lifesaving screenings. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I am proud to join this bipartisan effort to improve access and coverage for breast cancer preventative care to save lives and reduce overall medical costs.”

    When women’s breast density, family history, or other factors require doctors to take additional breast cancer screens, the majority of women are forced to shoulder those costs out of pocket, potentially costing them over $1000. As a result, many women cannot afford screenings and choose to delay or forego additional tests, which can lead to later-stage diagnoses. The ‘Find It Early Act’ would ensure all health insurance plans cover screening, diagnostic mammograms, breast ultrasounds, and MRIs with no out-of-pocket costs. 

    Congressman Goldman is committed to expanding health care access in America.

    In May 2024, Goldman introduced the ‘Michelle Alyssa Go Act,’ which would expand access to psychiatric care by increasing the number of federal Medicaid-eligible in-patient psychiatric beds for individuals seeking treatment for mental health and substance use disorders. The legislation would additionally ensure the facilities ordering these beds meet nationally recognized, evidence-based standards of care.
    Additionally, Goldman cosponsored the ‘Reentry Act’ to empower states to restore access to health care for incarcerated individuals 30 days before their release. Restarting Medicaid benefits 30 days pre-release eases the ability of states to provide effective addiction treatment and services, allows for smoother transitions to community care, and reduces the risk of overdose deaths post-release.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: McClellan Leads 20 Members to Safeguard DEI Initiatives in FY25 NDAA

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

    Washington D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) led a group of 20 Members in sending a letter to Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Reed, Ranking Member Wicker and House Armed Services Chairman Rogers and Ranking Member Smith. The lawmakers urged Armed Services leadership to reject any provisions that undermine diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives at the Department of Defense (DoD) in the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (FY25 NDAA). 

    “One of the key strengths of the United States and its military is diversity. Diversity of race, ethnicity, background, gender, economic background, and sexual orientation contribute to new ideas, new perspectives, and new ways of thinking that allow for more robust decision-making, better planning for contingencies, and the development of well-thought-out and analyzed strategies that will be key to maintaining our military advantage in an age of increased great-power competition,” wrote the lawmakers. “This is only achieved by actively working to recruit a diverse military and ensuring that we have systems in place to support our servicemembers. DoD’s DEI initiatives are the most concrete action to accomplish that work and create a culture where all servicemembers feel welcome, free from harassment, and supported to be the best warfighters possible.” 

    The annual NDAA authorizes funding for the Department of Defense (DoD) and all Armed Forces operations for the upcoming fiscal year. McClellan addressed the numerous provisions that significantly undercut DoD’s efforts to recruit and retain a diverse and representative military including:

    • The complete elimination of the Office of Diversity Equity and Inclusion at DoD; 
    • Language that would institute a hiring freeze for DEI work at DoD; 
    • The elimination of the Chief Diversity Equity and Inclusion Officer role at DoD; 
    • Prohibitions on the creation of DEI offices at service academies; and 
    • The implementation of severe pay cuts for DoD employees who work on DEI issues. 

    A 2021 study by Blue Star Families found that nearly one in three servicemembers of color experienced at least one incident of harassment or racial profiling on base. Additionally, communities that experience discrimination are much less likely to encourage young individuals to join the military. The DoD has taken significant steps to address these issues through the implementation of DEI initiatives. 

    In Congress, McClellan helped introduce the Equal and Uniform Treatment in the Military (EQUITY) Act, legislation to prohibit discrimination in the armed forces, and opposed extreme Republicans’ efforts to dismantle Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives during Floor debate of the FY25 NDAA. 

    McClellan’s letter was signed by Reps. André Carson, Marc Veasey, Jasmine Crockett, Marilyn Strickland, Alma S. Adams, Jonathan L. Jackson, Joyce Beatty, Jill Tokuda, Troy Carter, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Barbara Lee, Gerald E. Connolly, Terri A. Sewell, Maxwell Alejandro Frost, Rashida Tlaib, Emanuel Cleaver II, Gwen S. Moore, Shontel M. Brown, Steven Horsford, and Robert Garcia. 

    Read the full letter here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hageman Files Amicus Brief in Support of Fourth Amendment Rights

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

    Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Harriet Hageman, joined by Senators Cynthia Lummis, R-WY, Rand Paul, R-KY, and Ron Wyden, D-OR, and Representatives Dan Bishop, R-NC, Thomas Massie, R-KY, and Nikema Williams, D-GA, filed an amicus brief in the case of Martin v United States, a Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) challenge against the U.S. due to a wrongful raid conducted by the FBI. 

    Representative Hageman stated, “When the government infringes upon a citizen’s Constitutional rights there must be methods of redress for those who were wronged. The FBI clearly violated the Fourth Amendment rights of Ms. Martin and her family, and it is critically important that they have legal redress. Congress has provided Americans with an avenue to protect their individual natural, including those and victims of wrongful federal law enforcement raids. Courts have no right to ignore those protections in order to arbitrarily grant immunity to the FBI, and in doing so in this case the appellate judges have blatantly subverted the laws enacted by Congress. The FBI must be held accountable for the physical and emotional damages it inflicted by wrongfully raiding Curtrina Martin’s home.”

    Background: 

    • In 2017, as part of an anti-gang operation, FBI agents executed a warrant for a specific gang member, raiding the wrong home of Curtrina Martin. Martin, her child, and boyfriend were awoken when agents detonated a flash grenade and ripped the door off its hinges. Her boyfriend was handcuffed, and Martin held at gunpoint. After the FBI noticed it was at the wrong address, the agents ended the raid without explanation. 
    • Congress enacted the FTCA in 1946 to allow U.S. persons to sue the federal government for torts, including harms that result in legal liability, committed by persons acting on behalf of the government. Congress expanded this accountability measure in the 1970s to address federal law enforcement actions in response to a series of wrongful drug raids on innocent persons.  
    • Ms. Martin filed for redress against the United States under the FTCA, alleging violation of Fourth Amendment rights. The 11th circuit dismissed her claims on a faulty application of the Constitution’s Supremacy Clause. If allowed to stand, this decision would effectively gut the FTCA, and the accountability it provides, for not just Curtrina Martin, but all Americans, and would deal a serious blow to the separation of powers that underpins our Constitutional republic. 

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    Contact: Chris Berardi, Sr. Advisor/Communications Director

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kamlager-Dove Secures $500k for Youth Anti-Recidivism Initiative in South LA

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

    LOS ANGELES, CA — Today, Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) presented a $500,000 check to Brotherhood Crusade for its Trauma-Informed Anti-Recidivism Initiative. This project is one of fifteen that Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove secured a total of $12.4 million for through Fiscal Year 2024 government funding legislation.

    The Trauma-Informed Anti-Recidivism Initiative will engage system-impacted youth ages 12-24 in a two-stage program to facilitate successful reentry into society and reduce recidivism rates. The first stage involves a ten-step, evidence-based curriculum to curb high risk behaviors. The second stage equips participants with the tools they need to become their best selves through 12 months of mentorship and workforce development training. All aspects of the initiative are tailored to address the specific needs of system-impacted youth in South Los Angeles.

    “Everyone deserves a second chance—especially young people. But more than that, our system-impacted youth must be supported as they reenter society and start a new chapter in their lives,” said Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove. “Through its Trauma-Informed Anti-Recidivism Initiative, Brotherhood Crusade is doing the work to ensure that system-impacted youth not only get back on their feet but reach their full potential. This program is an investment in our youth and our community that will help us build a brighter, more prosperous future for South Los Angeles.”

    “We are forever thankful to Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove for her support of the Brotherhood Crusade’s Trauma-Informed Anti-Recidivism Initiative. Every day, we are working intentionally to help keep youth from re-offending in our communities by offering engaging, impactful, and culturally supportive programs. The $500,000 grant will assist in continuing and growing our transformative, evidenced and research-based programs that has resulted in the significant drop of recidivism rates for youth participating in our programs,” said Charisse Bremond Weaver, President and CEO of the Brotherhood Crusade. “We are humbled and appreciative of the confidence that Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove has in our 56-year institution that serves youth and families every day in South Los Angeles.”

     

    ABOUT BROTHERHOOD CRUSADE:

    The Los Angeles Brotherhood Crusade is a grassroots 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing human and social services to more than 100,000 South Los Angeles residents annually. Brotherhood Crusade’s mission is to help individuals overcome the barriers that deter their pursuit of success in life and facilitate opportunities for a better quality of life. Brotherhood Crusade believes that South Los Angeles can be a safe, thriving, culturally relevant and inclusive community that provides all residents equitable access to human and social services and continually improves their quality of life. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CONGRESSMAN PAT RYAN, GOVERNOR KATHY HOCHUL, AND MAYOR YVONNE FLOWERS ANNOUNCE LANDMARK FUNDING TO TACKLE CITY’S LEAD PIPE CRISIS

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Pat Ryan (New York 18th)

    Congressman Pat Ryan, Governor Kathy Hochul, and Mayor Yvonne Flowers Announce Landmark Funding to Tackle City’s Lead Pipe Crisis

    Lead pipes can leach the toxin into drinking water, exposing families to the extreme health hazard; Nearly $12M will help Poughkeepsie remove the toxic pipes from the city’s drinking water infrastructure

    Announcement builds on Ryan’s record of fighting for clean water for Hudson Valley families and his commitment to eliminating sources of lead exposure from NY-18 communities

    POUGHKEEPSIE, NY  –  Today, Congressman Pat Ryan, Governor Kathy Hochul, and Mayor Yvonne Flowers announced $11,869,472 in funding to tackle Poughkeepsie’s lead pipe crisis and remove the toxic service lines from the city’s drinking water system. The funding from New York State will help the city identify the locations of lead service lines, inventory the extent of the city’s lead pipe crisis, and fund the beginning of lead pipe removal projects. Congressman Ryan has fought for federal resources to help Poughkeepsie address its lead pipe crisis, including bringing Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) leadership to the city last year. 

    “Freedom means every American has the right to breathe clean air and drink clean water, and that’s why I’m pushing relentlessly to remove every last toxic lead pipe from the Hudson Valley,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “Today’s funding is a huge step towards ensuring that parents in Poughkeepsie never have to worry if the water coming out of the faucet is safe for their kids. I’m proud to work alongside Governor Hochul and Mayor Flowers in this fight – we will not rest until our communities are free from toxic lead pipes for good.”

    “When it comes to New York’s water infrastructure, we’re getting the lead out,” Governor Hochul said. “We’re continuing to give municipalities the resources and support they need to replace lead water pipes and protect public drinking water.”

    “I thank Governor Hochul and Congressman Ryan for their tremendous efforts on this critically important public health issue,” said City of Poughkeepsie Mayor Yvonne Flowers. “The city recognizes it cannot complete this work without strong state and federal partners. We need their financial resources to address the significant costs it will take to replace thousands of lead pipes throughout our city to reduce our residents’ risk of lead poisoning. The city intends to methodically move forward with the allotted money and will continue to aggressively seek more funds.”

    There is no safe blood lead level for children. The corrosion of aging and outdated lead water pipes can cause toxic lead to leach into the drinking water supply, which is linked to significant adverse health effects including permanent neurological damage and impaired cognitive abilities, especially in children, as well as fertility and renal issues in adults.

    Today’s announcement comes only weeks after the Biden-Harris Administration announced that all lead pipes in drinking water systems across the country must be removed within the next ten years. Ryan applauded the announcement as a major step towards his goal of removing all lead pipes in Hudson Valley communities. The Biden Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) will deliver $15 billion towards these efforts.

    The $11,869,472 announced today comes from state funding designated to help cover the costs of lead service line replacement projects that received financing through the federal BIL but whose costs were not fully covered by BIL grants. This funding comes in addition to the funding already allocated through the BIL and the State’s Water Infrastructure grant program. This unprecedented move takes the fiscal pressure off communities, allowing them to replace more lead service lines without incurring additional costs. The State’s comprehensive approach continues to provide communities with the resources they need to improve their water infrastructure. Last year, the City of Poughkeepsie was deemed eligible to receive $3.2 million in BIL funding to identify and inventory the locations of lead service lines and begin replacement projects. 

    Ryan has built a record of fighting for clean water for Hudson Valley families and has prioritized removing sources of toxic lead exposure from Hudson Valley communities. Ryan has especially targeted his efforts to addressing the City of Poughkeepsie’s lead pipe crisis and delivering the federal resources needed to eliminate all lead pipes from the city’s drinking water system. On August 1, 2023, Ryan brought EPA leadership to Poughkeepsie to assist the city in securing resources for lead pipe removal projects. Ryan had pressed the EPA to commit to visiting the city in a July 13, 2023 House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee hearing and for it to work closely with the city to usher in the federal resources needed to protect Poughkeepsie families from lead exposures. On July 14, 2023, Ryan also announced his plan to remove all lead pipes in Poughkeepsie. Ryan and his team have worked closely with the city and the EPA to provide technical guidance in helping the city apply for federal funds for lead service line replacements, resulting in the city announcing in April of 2024 that it was eligible for millions in federal funding and assistance for projects.

    Ryan has been at the forefront of combatting the lead contamination crisis in the Hudson Valley, immediately sounding the alarm when the Wall Street Journal reported that major telecommunications companies are allowing a network of decrepit, lead-sheathed aerial cables to shed the toxin into the environment, including at a playground in Wappingers Falls. He has repeatedly demanded that multi-billion dollar telecommunications companies Verizon and AT&T take responsibility and pay for the cleanup of their cables. Earlier this year, Ryan brought together local officials and community advocates to call on the corporations to publicly disclose the locations of the cables after Hudson Valley families reported finding them discarded across the region.

    Ryan has amassed a record of taking on big corporations that pollute Hudson Valley water, air, and soil. He spoke at the Save the River Rally, demanding that Holtec halt its plan to dump radioactive waste into the River and introduced legislation banning additional barges, carrying toxic materials like asphalt, from anchoring on the Hudson. Earlier this year, the bill was passed in the House of Representatives with overwhelming bipartisan support. Last fall, Ryan organized a coalition of local government officials, community leaders, and organizations to temporarily halt the Coast Guard’s plan to begin allowing barges to anchor on the Hudson River.

    Congressman Ryan has also spearheaded efforts to combat PFAS “forever chemical” pollution, including introducing the landmark PFAS Action Act and cosponsoring the Department of Defense PFAS Discharge Prevention Act.  The EPA has recently implemented many of the components of the PFAS Action Act, including issuing a national standard for PFAS in drinking water. Ryan has made repeated calls for the Department of Defense (DoD) to hasten its cleanup of PFAS pollution at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh.

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    MIL OSI USA News –