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Category: United States House of Representatives

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Gabe Vasquez Statement on the Administration’s Indian Boarding School Apology

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Gabe Vasquez’s (NM-02)

    LAS CRUCES, N.M. – On Friday, October 25, 2024, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (N.M.-02) released this statement following President Biden’s apology for the atrocities that occurred during the Indian boarding school era:

    “During the Indian boarding school era, more than 95 indigenous children died at schools across New Mexico and thousands of other children were taken from their families. Today’s formal apology on behalf of the United States government is an important step towards healing these wounds and providing acknowledgement to survivors and their families. We must continue to support our Tribal communities in their efforts to heal and recover.”

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Tenney, Stefanik Advocate for Fort Drum to Host Small Modular Reactor

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-22)

    Oswego, New York – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) and Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (NY-21) sent a letter to Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth advocating for the Army to host a small modular reactor (SMR) at Fort Drum.

    “As Mayor of the City of Watertown, I’m proud to express my support for Fort Drum’s nomination as the site for the Army’s first small modular reactor. Fort Drum is not only a cornerstone of national defense but also a vital partner to the North Country. We are grateful for the steadfast leadership of Congresswoman Claudia Tenney and Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, whose unwavering advocacy for Fort Drum and its soldiers has been instrumental in securing resources and opportunities that strengthen both the installation and our community.Establishing a secure, independent power source at Fort Drum would not only enhance military readiness but also bring lasting benefits to Watertown and the North Country by boosting energy security and economic stability, and I am pleased to support this critical initiative,” said Mayor Sarah Compo Pierce.

    “Advocate Drum stands firmly in support of Fort Drum being the initial location for the employment of an SMR as part of the Army’s Advanced Nuclear Power for Installations Plan,” said Executive Director of Advocate Drum Michael McFadden. “Energy independence is absolutely crucial to ensure Fort Drum remains the premier power projection platform for the United States military, and to enhance the combat readiness of the 10th Mountain Division.”

    In the letter, the lawmakers state, “Fort Drum stands out as an ideal location for an SMR due to the Army’s unique ownership of the utilities and infrastructure on the installation. This ownership would simplify the deployment of an SMR, making it far easier compared to other locations where the Army does not control the utilities. Additionally, Fort Drum has a skilled workforce with significant experience in on-site energy generation, thanks to years of operating its biomass facility. The installation’s power demands, and the extreme temperatures of the North Country would also offer valuable data for the SMR pilot program.”

    The lawmakers continued, “Fort Drum also enjoys robust support from its surrounding community to host the small modular reactor. This significant investment in Upstate New York will provide the Northeast’s power projection platform with independent and secure power, bolster U.S. energy security, and cement Fort Drum’s importance to the modernization efforts of the Army.”

    Read the full letter here.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Sorensen Speaks to Rock Island High School Students About Importance of Voting

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17)

    ROCK ISLAND, IL – Today, Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) joined students at Rock Island High School for a discussion on the importance of voting and getting involved in the democratic process. 

    “One of the greatest honors I have as a representative is talking with young people about making their voices heard,” said Sorensen. “Speaking with Rock Island students today shows just how important it is to invest in their futures now so they can help make our communities safer and healthier for decades to come.” 

    Speaking to Mr. Isaiah Tubbs’ government class, Sorensen discussed the impact young people can have by voting and shared his own journey from meteorologist to member of Congress. Sorensen also fielded questions from students about how Congress tackles key issues, his day-to-day responsibilities as a representative, and ways they can get involved in their community now. 

    Congressman Eric Sorensen serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. Prior to serving in Congress, Sorensen was a local meteorologist in Rockford and the Quad Cities for nearly 20 years. His district includes Illinois’ Quad Cities, Rockford, Peoria, and Bloomington-Normal.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Stansbury’s Statement on President Biden’s Historic Apology to Indigenous People

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

    ALBUQUERQUE — U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury (NM-01) released the following statement after President Joe Biden’s historic apology to Indigenous people for the federal government’s Indian Boarding School Policies:

    “Indigenous history is American history. Today, the U.S. government took a necessary and long overdue step in acknowledging an often dark and painful past with our Indigenous nations. I commend and am grateful for President Biden and Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland’s ongoing work to right the wrongs of the past and apologize for the suffering caused by American Indian boarding schools. 

    “Indigenous peoples have faced systemic violence and discrimination as a result of U.S. policies for generations—yet remain strong and resilient. President Biden’s commitment to addressing these historical injustices is a moral imperative that demands sustained action and collaboration. 

    “This apology is a critical step in reconciling with that past while continuing to bend the arc of the moral universe towards justice here in the United States.”

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Mfume, Cardin, Van Hollen React to Federal Government’s Initial $101.9 Million Settlement with Dali Owner, Operator

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

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Kweisi Mfume, Senators Ben Cardinand Chris Van Hollen (all D-Md.), released the following statement on the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) $101,980,000 settlement with the owner and operator of the Dali, the vessel that destroyed the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The settlement, according to DOJ, will cover federal costs incurred to restore access to the Port of Baltimore.

    “The catastrophic loss of the Francis Scott Key Bridge required a massive and coordinated response from all levels of government and the private sector. Those efforts removed about 50,000 tons of debris from the Patapsco River and cleared the shipping channel faster than anyone predicted. The initial settlement that the U.S. Justice Department reached for cleanup costs is an important step in holding accountable the owner and operator of the Dali, the ship that caused this disaster,” said the lawmakers. “The federal government has properly stepped up to underwrite urgent and essential needs with an expectation that the appropriate parties will be held financially responsible for their actions. Congress should now act quickly to pass the Baltimore BRIDGE Relief Act, which will ensure full federal backing of the bridge replacement costs, while the Justice Department, State of Maryland and other stakeholders keep up their work to reimburse the taxpayers to the fullest extent possible and provide justice for the families of those we lost.”

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Kamlager-Dove and HHS Secretary Becerra Host Drug Pricing Town Hall with Seniors in Culver City

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

    LOS ANGELES, CA — On Friday, Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) and U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra hosted a town hall at the Culver City Senior Center focused on the Biden Administration’s work to lower prescription drug costs—a critical issue for seniors in our community. Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove and Secretary Becerra were also joined by local Culver City officials, including Mayor Yasmine-Imani McMorrin and Councilmembers Freddy Puza and Albert Vera.

    Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove and Secretary Becerra conduct a town hall on drug pricing at the Culver City Senior Center.

    At the town hall, Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove and Secretary Becerra participated in a question-and-answer session with seniors, providing a platform for seniors to engage directly with federal officials and gain insights into the Administration’s efforts to make prescription medications more affordable.

    “All too often, exorbitant prescription drug prices force seniors to decide between their health and paying for rent or groceries—this is unacceptable,” said Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove. “In Congress, I’ve been proud to champion efforts to lower medication costs and ensure that our seniors reap all of the benefits provided to them through the Biden-Harris Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act. I want to thank Secretary Becerra and the Administration for their continued work to make healthcare more affordable for all Americans and for engaging with seniors in my community to ensure their voices are heard at the highest level of government.”

    “It was great to have a chance to talk to Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove’s constituents and the seniors here in Culver City about some of the great accomplishments that the Biden Harris administration has been able to implement, including reducing the price of prescription medication, $35 insulin, and having out-of-pocket costs capped at $2,000,” said Secretary Xavier Becerra at the event. “Now we need to make sure people are aware of this new law and the benefits available for so many millions of Americans. Additionally, now through December 7, seniors eligible for Medicare have the chance to enroll or change their plans to make sure they’re getting the plan that works best for them.”

    Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), prescription drug prices have dropped for Medicare enrollees. This legislation capped insulin costs at $35 per month for those enrolled in Medicare, made recommended vaccines free for Medicare recipients, and enabled Medicare to negotiate drug prices, among other historic actions to lower drug costs.

    Medicare enrollees will continue to see their prescription drug costs decrease as more IRA provisions—including a $2,000 cap on out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs—continue to go into effect. HHS projects that when this cap is enforced starting next year, nearly 19 million seniors and other Part D beneficiaries will save $400 per year on prescription drugs, and the 1.9 million Medicare enrollees with the highest drug costs will save an average of $2,500 per year. HHS estimates nearly 2 million Medicare Part D enrollees in California will save over $310 million in prescription drug costs in 2024 thanks to Biden-Harris Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Mfume, Team Maryland Announce More Than $38 Million for Critical Transportation & Port Infrastructure Projects in Baltimore

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

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Congressman Kweisi Mfume, Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, Governor Wes Moore (all D-Md.), and Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeldtoday announced $38,406,076 in U.S. Department of Transportation awards to rehabilitate the Dundalk Marine Terminal and the Curtis Creek Drawbridge. This investment will improve vital infrastructure at and around the Port of Baltimore, which is critical to Maryland’s economy.

    “This monumental federal investment is a transformative display of the continued unity among us in Team Maryland to deliver for all of those who have been personally affected by the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge and continue to navigate the recovery alongside us. After speaking with so many of those impacted, I was and remain inspired by their grit, fierceness, and commitment to getting through this disaster together,” said Congressman Kweisi Mfume.

    “With these grants, the federal government is recognizing that Baltimore is home to nationally significant supply chain infrastructure that is overdue for investment and improvement. We are seeing once again how the Biden-Harris Administration’s historic Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is delivering for Maryland, and we will continue to push for federal commitments to our infrastructure, including the rebuilding of the Francis Scott Key Bridge,” said Senator Cardin. 

    “Through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, we continue to deliver historic resources to upgrade everything from our transportation network to the Port of Baltimore. With these major federal investments, we are priming the Port for future growth – while sustaining the thousands of jobs it already supports – and modernizing an essential bridge for commuting and commerce. These efforts will help drive Baltimore’s economic success and create more good paying jobs for Marylanders,” said Senator Van Hollen.

    “These two projects reinforce the Moore-Miller Administration’s commitment to making Maryland more competitive by investing in our critical infrastructure, including our world-class Port of Baltimore,” said Governor Moore. “We are grateful for the partnership from the Biden-Harris Administration, the U.S. Department of Transportation and our Congressional delegation in supporting projects that will serve all Marylanders and help expand our growing economy.”

    “Together, these federal grants will support increased economic growth at the Port of Baltimore and the greater Baltimore region,” said Secretary Wiedefeld. “The funding will support critical rehabilitation efforts at the Dundalk Martine Terminal, the largest publicly owned terminal in the Port, and the Curtis Creek Drawbridge on I-695.  Thank you to our federal delegation and partners for their continued commitment in rebuilding Baltimore’s infrastructure better than before.”

    “Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Biden-Harris administration is carrying out ambitious, complex transportation projects that will shape our country’s infrastructure for generations to come,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “With this latest round of awards, dozens of major and much-needed projects – projects that are often difficult to fund through other means – are getting the long-awaited investment they need to move forward.”

    The funding was awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Infrastructure for Rebuilding America Grant Program (INFRA), which has administered historic levels of federal investments through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

    1. $30,906,076, Dundalk Marine Terminal: Awarded to the Maryland Port Administration to reconstruct Berth 11, consisting of the rehabilitation and replacement of 597 linear feet of wharf deck including pilings, substructure, storm water drainage, utilities, and installation of new mooring bollards, cleats, pneumatic fenders, flood barriers, and tidal gates.

    1. $7,500,000, Curtis Creek Drawbridge Rehabilitation: Awarded to the Maryland Transportation Authority to rehabilitate parallel drawbridges over Curtis Creek on I-695. The project will replace portions of the reinforced concrete deck, perform repairs to the exposed steel superstructure and existing catwalks, remove and replace bridge parapets, traffic lights, and low-level lights, and install new electrical service systems, drainage systems, and pavement markings.

    The Infrastructure for Rebuilding America Grant Program provides funding for multimodal freight and highway projects of national or regional significance to improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of the movement of freight and people in and across rural and urban areas. 

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Kat Cammack Responds To FDA Response On H.R. 1750 & Florida Citrus Industry

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

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Following the Food & Drug Administration’s (FDA) response regarding H.R. 1750, the Defending Domestic Orange Juice Production Act of 2023 introduced by Rep. Scott Franklin (R-FL-18), Rep. Cammack raised several important issues central to the Florida citrus industry. 

    During an Energy & Commerce Committee hearing earlier this summer, Rep. Cammack raised issues about the state of Florida citrus and the need to adjust the BRIX level in the Standard of Identity (SOI) with FDA Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods Jim Jones. During the conversation, she reinforced the importance of passing H.R. 1750, which would alleviate the burden for the industry, especially when the FDA’s been sitting on a petition that was sent to them over two years ago. 

    The FDA assured that it was working diligently to publish a proposed rule to amend the SOI due to the lack of health risks with the proposal. Congresswoman Cammack looks forward to seeing the addition of the proposed rule as part of the Fall 2024 Unified Agenda based on follow-up from the FDA. This will also provide the FDA’s projected timeframe for publication of a rule. 

    “Florida’s citrus producers who depend on this prized domestic commodity need relief now,” said Rep. Cammack. “We appreciate the FDA’s focus and look forward to finding any available path to changing the out-of-date standard as quickly as possible.”

    View Congresswoman Cammack’s remarks during the Energy & Commerce Committee on September 10, 2024 here.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Van Orden, Maloy Introduce Bill Cutting Red Tape for Remote Veterans to Access Eyeglass Fittings

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Derrick Van Orden (Wisconsin 3rd)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Representatives Derrick Van Orden (WI-03) and Celeste Maloy (UT-02) introduced the Servicemember’s Eyeglasses Efficiency Act (SEE Act). This bill would add eyeglass lens fittings to the list of medical treatments covered by the Veterans Community Care Program, increasing access to care for millions of veterans in remote areas.

    “Veterans in rural Wisconsin should not have to drive hours to Tomah, Madison, or Milwaukee for a simple eyeglass fitting,” said Rep. Van Orden. “I have made a commitment to our veterans to improve their healthcare and quality of life, and that is why I am proud to join Rep. Maloy in introducing the SEE Act. This legislation is a practical step toward ensuring veterans can access the care they deserve, without unnecessary barriers.”

    “Veterans in rural Utah have expressed frustration about having to travel hundreds of miles just to be fitted for eyeglasses. Making this basic service more accessible is a good step towards improving healthcare for our veterans,” said Rep. Maloy. “The SEE Act is a great example of how representative government should work: finding a solution to a federal problem raised by the people we represent.” 

    Reps. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (OR-05), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), and John Curtis (UT-03) are original cosponsors. 

    “I’ve heard from many Central Oregon veterans concerned with a lack of accessible health care. Supporting community care fixes this problem by allowing them to find care in their communities without traveling to a VA facility. I’m proud to cosponsor the SEE Act, which would improve eye care options for our nation’s veterans by expanding community care coverage,” said Rep. Chavez-DeRemer. 

    “Current VA guidelines do not cover veterans’ eyeglass fittings outside of a VA facility,” said Rep. Miller-Meeks. “With a quarter of veterans living in rural areas, that is a burden for millions who served our nation. The SEE Act would give veterans more flexibility and save the VA money in travel and lodging reimbursement costs.  As an Ophthalmologist and a veteran from Iowa, I am proud to join Rep. Maloy in supporting the SEE Act to give veterans enhanced access to eyecare.” 

    “Requiring veterans in Utah to travel hundreds of miles for eyeglass fittings is nonsense. I’m pleased to support legislation making healthcare just a little more accessible for our veterans, who deserve convenient and quality care after their service to our country,” said Rep. Curtis.  

    Background: 

    A quarter of U.S. vets (6.4 million) live in rural parts of the country and one third wear glasses. VA Community Care Networks (CCNs), created by the Mission Act in 2018, allow some veterans to access basic care in their communities without traveling to VA facilities. However, the Mission Act only lists “optometric services” and “vision testing” as eyecare services covered by CCNs. The VA does not consider eyeglass fittings to be covered. As a result, veterans in rural parts of Utah are forced to drive upwards of 500 miles roundtrip for eyeglass fittings at VA facilities.  

    Adding eyeglass fittings to the list of treatments covered by Community Care Networks would help veterans and save the VA money in travel and lodging reimbursement costs. 

    Read the full text of the bill here.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Dan Goldman Calls for CDC Study on Gun Violence as Adverse Childhood Experience

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

    Estimated 3 Million American Children Exposed to Gun Violence Per Year, Potentially Traumatic Impact Following Throughout Their Lives

    Read the Letter Here

    New York, NY – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) joined Congresswoman Summer Lee (PA-12) and 20 Democratic colleagues in sending a letter to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Mandy K. Cohen, MD, MPH, calling on the CDC to include gun violence as part of its Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) screening tools and prioritize research on the trauma caused by gun violence in children. An ACE is a traumatic event or set of events that occurs for a person during childhood (0-17 years) and can continue to have effects on an individual throughout their life.

    “Many clinicians and professionals across the country will screen children for ACEs as it provides them with information on the likelihood of whether that child may be experiencing toxic stress,” the Members wrote. “Experiencing toxic stress, particularly for children, can impact many things, including their physical and mental health, their brain development, and their ability to succeed and thrive later on in life. Once an ACE clinical assessment has been completed, clinicians can create individualized plans to address and mitigate the harm a child is experiencing due to the ACEs. Gun violence needs to be explicitly part of these ACE screening tools.”

    As the leading cause of death for children in the United States, gun violence will have an impact on an estimated 3 million children every year. On average, 23 children and teens are shot a day. Of those children and teens shot, 74 percent will survive but carry emotional and sometimes physical scars for the rest of their lives, while the other 26 percent, will die – often a result of gun homicide. Additionally, the firearm suicide rate among children in the U.S. increased by 57 percent over the past decade.

    “Such high rates of daily gun violence mean that American children are threatened, afraid or traumatized where they live, play, and, infamously, where they learn. This compounding trauma is something that needs to be explicitly captured and more broadly defined when it comes to screening for ACEs. The CDC needs to provide additional guidance for clinicians and professionals to be able to capture the trauma from gun violence in their respective screening mechanisms,” the Members continued.

    Read the letter here or below:

    Dear Director Cohen,

    We are writing today to urge the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to provide guidance on how to include gun violence in future Adverse Childhood Experience (ACEs) screening tools, prioritize studying gun violence as an Adverse Childhood Experience and prioritize funding, including policy evaluation research, focused on assessing the trauma caused by gun violence in our country.

    An Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) is a traumatic event or set of events that occurs for a person during childhood (0-17 years). Many clinicians and professionals across the country will screen children for ACEs as it provides them with information on the likelihood of whether that child may be experiencing toxic stress. Experiencing toxic stress, particularly for children, can impact many things, including their physical and mental health, their brain development, and their ability to succeed and thrive later on in life. Once an ACE clinical assessment has been completed, clinicians can create individualized plans to address and mitigate the harm a child is experiencing due to the ACEs. Gun violence needs to be explicitly part of these ACE screening tools.

    Far too many American children — an estimated 3 million each year — are exposed to gun violence. Gun violence is the leading cause of death among children and teens in our country. On average, 23 children and teens are shot a day. Seventeen of those youth will survive but carry emotional and sometimes physical scars for the rest of their lives; six of those youth will die. The majority of those deaths are due to gun homicide, which encompasses everything from stray bullets to domestic violence and disproportionately impacts Black and Brown youth.

    Though gun homicide accounts for the most youth deaths, firearm suicide rates are rising at an alarming rate. Over the past decade, the firearm suicide rate among children in the U.S. increased by a staggering 57%. Today, although the majority of youth suicide victims are white, the firearm suicide rate for children of color is rapidly increasing. Such high rates of daily gun violence mean that American children are threatened, afraid or traumatized where they live, play, and, infamously, where they learn. This compounding trauma is something that needs to be explicitly captured and more broadly defined when it comes to screening for ACEs. The CDC needs to provide additional guidance for clinicians and professionals to be able to capture the trauma from gun violence in their respective screening mechanisms.

    Additionally, the CDC’s ongoing research regarding ACEs serves as a robust framework for comprehensively understanding childhood trauma. ACEs wield significant influence on future experiences of violence and long-term health outcomes and opportunities throughout one’s life. Scientific and medical research on a variety of public health issues has led to policy changes that have saved lives for decades, which is why Congress has, on a bipartisan basis, appropriated funds for the CDC to study firearm injury and mortality prevention research since Fiscal Year 2020. To that end, we request that you provide an overview of the CDC’s plans to study firearm violence, specifically as it relates to studying gun violence as it relates to an ACE and assessing the overall trauma that people are experiencing today living under the constant threat of gun violence.

    We thank you for your engagement on this issue and stand ready to use this critical research to shape public policy to ensure that gun violence is neither the leading cause of death for children nor a primary cause of trauma for children.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Dan Goldman Works to Strengthen Food Supply Chains and Protect Essential Workers

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

    The ‘Grocery, Farm, and Food Worker Stabilization Act’ Would Provide Funds to Cover Disaster-Related Costs for Farm, Grocery, and Meatpacking Workers

    Read the Bill Here

    Washington, DC – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) joined Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) and Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) in introducing the ‘Grocery, Farm, and Food Worker Stabilization Act’, which would help cover disaster-related costs for essential farm, grocery, and meatpacking workers.

    “The COVID-19 Pandemic highlighted and exacerbated many ugly undercurrents in our society, including the extreme fragility of food supply chains,” Congressman Dan Goldman said. “It is imperative that we learn from those experiences and bolster food supply chain resiliency efforts. As climate change increases the strength and frequency of natural disasters across the country, we must ensure our food workers have the support they need to keep our communities fed even in the face of emergencies.”

    In 2021, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) established the Farm and Food Workers Relief (FFWR) Grant Program to help farm, grocery, and meatpacking workers with pandemic-related health and safety costs. The FFWR Grant Program distributed nearly $680 million in grant funding to meat processing, grocery store, and farm workers for expenses incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, FFWR was a one-time grant program. The ‘Grocery, Farm, and Food Worker Stabilization Act’ would make a similar grant program permanently available so that Congress can provide support to frontline workers during emergencies.

    Congressman Goldman is committed to expanding access to food assistance and supporting America’s frontline workers.

    In May 2023, the Congressman cosponsored the ‘Enhance Access to SNAP (EATS) Act’ to address the growing crisis of food insecurity among college students. The legislation would specifically remove barriers to accessing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for college students.

    In July, Goldman convened a town hall to discuss strategies for combatting food insecurity and share information about New York State’s Summer EBT program, which provides funding for eligible families to buy food at grocery stores, farmers markets, and other SNAP-authorized retailers.

    Last month, Goldman cosponsored the ‘Food Nutrition Delivery Safety Act’, which would require authorized SNAP retailers to pay delivery workers good wages, ensure SNAP groceries are delivered safely, and protect SNAP users’ online data.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Dan Goldman Works to Protect Americans from Reckless Gun Dealers

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

    Licensed Firearms Sellers Often Allowed to Continue Operating Despite Violating Federal Firearm License Law

    Lax Enforcement Has Put Guns in Hands of Domestic Abusers, Drug Traffickers, and Violent Felons

    Read the Bill Here

    Washington, DC – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) joined Congresswoman Julia Brownley (CA-26) in introducing the ‘Protecting Americans from Reckless Gun Dealers Act,’ which would require the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to publish detailed annual reports on the number of gun dealers that have violated Federal Firearm License law and the outcomes of resulting disciplinary actions.

    “For far too long, negligent firearm dealers have been flouting existing law and flooding our streets with weapons of war, endangering our communities and fueling the gun violence public health crisis,” Congressman Dan Goldman said. “Any firearm dealer who knowingly allows a gun to fall into the wrong hands must face consequences, and I’m proud to join my colleagues in ensuring the ATF holds reckless licensed gun dealers accountable for their dangerous business practices.”

    While the ATF is charged with investigating and holding gun dealers who violate federal gun laws accountable, many gun dealers who violate the law continue to sell guns without having their Federal Firearm License revoked or without facing other disciplinary actions.

    In June 2021, the Biden Administration issued guidance ordering ATF inspectors to implement a zero-tolerance policy against licensed Federal firearm dealers who willfully sell to prohibited purchasers or sell guns without conducting background checks. As a result, the ATF revoked more firearm licenses in 2022 than in any year since 2008.

    The ‘Protecting Americans from Reckless Gun Dealers Act’ would require the ATF to annually report: 

    • The number of ATF inspections completed each month.

    • The number of federal firearm licenses revoked that year, including names and locations of gun dealers whose licenses have been revoked.

    • The number of federal firearm licenses not renewed in lieu of revocation that year, including names and locations of gun dealers whose licenses have not been renewed.

    • The number of federal firearms licensee inspections resulting in a Qualifying Violation for a revocation, regardless of inspection outcome.

    • The number of Inspections with Qualifying Violations where revocation was ultimately not pursued.

    • The number of non-revocation remedial actions taken by the ATF.

    Congressman Goldman is committed to holding gun dealers and manufacturers accountable for their role in perpetuating the gun violence epidemic.

    In January, the Congressman cosponsored the ‘Federal Firearm Licensee Act,’ which would modernize and strengthen the federal requirements for anyone who facilitates gun sales, including gun shops, gun shows, and websites. The legislation would update sections in the U.S. Code directed at federal firearms licensees (FFLs) that have not been updated in 30 years.

    In 2023, Goldman cosponsored the ‘Equal Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act,’ which would ensure that victims of gun violence have their day in court, that negligent gun manufacturers are held liable when they disregard public safety, and that gun trace data can be accepted as evidence in court.

    Congressman Goldman has also cosponsored the ‘Default Proceed Sale Transparency Act’ to address the ‘Charleston Loophole,’ which allows some gun sales to be completed without a completed Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) background without a completed Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) background check.

    Congressman Goldman is a Vice Chair of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force and is Chair of the Dads Caucus Gun Violence Prevention Working Group.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Dan Goldman Leads Democratic Efforts to Put a Spotlight on Project 2025 With New Documentary Style Video Series

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

    New Documentary Video Series Details Project 2025’s Threat to Reproductive Freedom, Workers’ Rights, Environmental Protections, Public Education, and American Democracy

    Video Series Comes as Democrats Seek to Employ New Strategies to Meet the American People Where They Are, Capitalize on Strength of Social and Non-Traditional Media

    Series Features 13 Members of Congress, American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten, Planned Parenthood Vice President Karen Stone, NY League of Conservation Voters President Julie Tighe, and Accountable.US President Caroline Ciccone

    View Video on Project 2025’s Threat to Democracy Here

    View the Trailer for the Series Here

    Washington, D.C. – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) released the first full-length video in his five-part video documentary series detailing Project 2025’s threat to democracy, reproductive freedom, workers’ rights, environmental regulation, and public education. The series will feature interviews with Congressman Goldman and 12 of his House Democratic colleagues from across the country, as well as American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten, Planned Parenthood Vice President Karen Stone, NY League of Conservation Voters President Julie Tighe, and Accountable.US President Caroline Ciccone. 

    As an increasing share of Americans consume their news from non-traditional sources on Instagram, YouTube, and other social media sites, Congressman Goldman’s series marks an effort by Democrats to reach audiences where they are in a diversified media landscape. Across various social media platforms, the first two videos of the series have received over 400,000 views, signaling the potential of this new format to reach large numbers of Americans.

    “Project 2025’s shocking plan to gut checks and balances, restrict abortion access, decimate public education, pollute our air and water, and endanger American workers for the sole benefit of Republican authoritarian extremists is utterly reprehensible and incredibly dangerous,” Congressman Dan Goldman said. “This document is a detailed guide for how a second Trump administration will dismantle our democracy, and it is critical that the American people understand exactly how Trump intends to do it. I am proud to be joined by so many of my colleagues and policy leaders to expose this radical plan to reshape American society as we know it.”

    Congressional Equality Caucus Co-Chair Becca Balint said, “Project 2025 is a far-right plan by Trump allies to impose Christian nationalist values onto every American. It goes completely against our American values to promote a strong, resilient democracy; in fact this plan aims to erode our democratic institutions by gutting checks and balances and seizing power for the presidency. Project 2025 is nothing short of an anti-freedom and anti-equality agenda: it further attacks reproductive rights and disproportionately harms communities of color and our LGBTQI+ community. Project 2025 would increase gun violence rather than protect our communities. And its plan to abolish the Department of Education would hurt millions of families whose kids go to public schools, teachers who are already underpaid, and students. It’s dangerous and we must take it extremely seriously. I’m proud to be a part of this series to help Americans understand the threat it poses to our values and democratic norms.”

    Pre-K and Child Care Caucus Co-Chair Suzanne Bonamici said, “Project 2025 is a blueprint for MAGA extremists to undermine government and destroy programs and policies that support working families. It’s the product of people who held top positions in the previous administration and special interest groups that hold significant influence over the GOP’s agenda. I’m working with my colleagues to counter this extremist plan and to educate Americans about its potentially devastating effects.”

    Pro-Choice Caucus Task Force Chair Judy Chu said, “Trump and his allies’ Project 2025 is a 900 page comprehensive plan for MAGA Republicans to grab power for themselves, enrich their allies, and shatter our already fragile democracy. Project 2025 touches on every agency in the federal government and is January 6th extremism crafted into a governing ideology: fire tens of thousands of civil servants to replace them with partisan loyalists, abolish checks and balances, chip away at church-state separation, and impose a far-right agenda that rips away our freedoms and takes money out of pockets. It’s so critical for House Democrats to work together to shine a light on as many details of this plan as possible so we can equip ourselves and the American people with the information we need to fight back and make certain we put systems into place to protect us from these extreme policies.”

    Freshman Leadership Representative Jasmine Crockett said, “Let me make it plain: Project 2025 is the GOP’s attack plan against the American constitution. It doesn’t just undermine the progress made in this country forwomen, people of color, and LGBTQIA folks over the past century; it undermines the very principles of self-government that our country was founded on. If our Founding Fathers were to read Project 2025, they would have thought it was sent over by King George himself. It’s a blueprint for authoritarianism, a blueprint for monarchy, and a blueprint for a right-wing dictatorship in America that will end our democratic experiment for good. If the majority of Americans were to read and understand this plan – a plan authored by hundreds of members of former President Trump’s administration – they would reject it as un-American and dangerous. Thank you to Congressman Goldman for bringing us together to break down Project 2025 from every angle – no matter how engaged you are, you can still learn something from this series.”

    Committee on Natural Resources Vice Ranking Member Sydney Kamlager-Dove said, “Project 2025 poses a grave threat, not just to our democracy but to our planet, too. This hostile takeover of the federal government would depose dedicated public servants and install Trump loyalists and climate denialists at the EPA, enabling Republicans to slash environmental protections at the behest of Big Oil. But Project 2025 doesn’t stop at encouraging the world’s worst polluters—this agenda also seeks to discontinue air quality, clean energy, and decarbonization programs by overturning the Inflation Reduction Act, harming the health of our communities and the environment, eliminating clean energy jobs, and exacerbating the climate crisis. With Project 2025, Republicans have shown that they will continue to put polluters over people—this plan must be stopped.”

    Homeland Security Subcommittee on Counterterrorism, Intelligence and Law Enforcement Ranking Member Seth Magaziner said, “Donald Trump’s Project 2025 will hand a future Trump administration nearly unlimited power to ban abortion, take away healthcare for people with preexisting conditions, and rip away the freedoms that Americans have fought hard for. Trump’s Project 2025 is dangerous, cruel, and out-of-touch with the needs of the American people. We will not let Trump and Congressional Republicans take us back.”

    House Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism Co-Chair Kathy Manning said, “Project 2025 is simply a more detailed blueprint of Donald Trump’s extreme MAGA agenda that promises to roll back Americans’ basic rights and freedoms. Because of Donald Trump and the three extreme MAGA Justices he appointed to the Supreme Court to overturn Roe. v. Wade, one in three women of reproductive age lives in a state with a Trump abortion ban. Now, his extreme Project 2025 plans will attack reproductive freedoms even further by targeting abortion pills and contraception coverage, and threatening IVF treatments. Project 2025 would also ban the mailing of abortion medications, equipment, or materials, effectively creating a nationwide, backdoor abortion ban — without the approval of Congress.”

    Labor Caucus Co-Founder Donald Norcross said, “Project 2025 is a 920-page manifesto designed to tell every American how to live their life. If enacted into law, Project 2025 would destroy the 250-year-old system of checks and balances that make up our democracy and completely dismantle almost every labor standard that protects workers. As a union electrician and co-chair of the Labor Caucus, it pains me to see a document that would strip away worker protections and fair labor practices that working families have been fighting for decades. I’m proud to join Rep. Goldman in this video series to help explain the threat Project 2025 poses to American values, ideals, and freedoms.”

    Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government Ranking Member Stacey Plaskett said, “Project 2025 is the playbook for Donald Trump’s second term, which will ensure that the few have power over the many and that the rule of law as we know it, is gone. It is a plan to ensure that the federal government no longer acts as a check on the greed and desire for absolute power that Trump and his cohort of friends share. In every way, Project 2025 will make Americans less safe and less free. Republicans know that these ideas are not popular with the people of America and that’s why they hide from the facts, obfuscate the truth and distract the public’s attention with wild claims to vilify minorities and keep us divided. It is imperative that we all do our part to ensure that Donald Trump is not allowed to enforce the clear and present danger that the Project 2025 master plan represents to American democracy.”

    American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten said, Project 2025 is about institutionalizing Trumpism. It’s about going after educational opportunity, economic opportunity and equal opportunity. It’s about going after the legitimacy of elections. This is the stuff of demagogues and dictators, not democracies. This is not the promise of America. We can and must do better than this—for the sake of our families and the future of our republic.”

    Accountable.US President Caroline Ciccone said, “Project 2025 isn’t about serving the people; it’s about ensuring that political loyalty becomes the guiding rule. They want to replace our government’s independent watchdogs with partisan loyalists, dismantling checks and balances to consolidate power in the executive branch. With a captured Supreme Court and a weaponized Department of Justice, the next conservative administration would have all the tools they needed to drive America closer and closer to their idealized far-right dystopia, at the cost of our personal freedoms.”

    A third of all U.S adults say they regularly get their news from Facebook or YouTube, and nearly 20% report preferring to receive their news from social media. As more Americans turn to non-traditional platforms such as social media, YouTube, and online searches to stay informed Congressman Goldman is focused on ensuring that important information reaches all Americans in this rapidly transforming media landscape.

    Featured in the videos are Representatives: Congressional Equality Caucus Co-Chair Becca Balint (VT-AL), Pre-K and Child Care Caucus Co-Chair Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Pro-Choice Caucus Task Force Chair Judy Chu (CA-28), Freshman Leadership Representative Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Democratic Women’s Caucus Chair Lois Frankel (FL-22), Dads Caucus Founder and Chair Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Committee on Natural Resources Vice Ranking Member Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Homeland Security Subcommittee on Counterterrorism, Intelligence and Law Enforcement Ranking Member Seth Magaziner (RI-02), House Bipartisan Task Force forCombating Antisemitism Co-Chair Kathy Manning (NC-06), Labor Caucus Co-Founder Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government Ranking Member Stacey Plaskett (VI-AL), and Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition Co-Chair Paul Tonko (NY-20). 

    Project 2025 is a comprehensive plan for the next conservative president to swiftly enact the most anti-democratic and archconservative agenda in the history of this country. It lays the groundwork for Donald Trump to seize power, gut checks and balances, and enact a radical agenda. It touches on every department and agency within the federal government.

    The Heritage Foundation, a right-wing think tank funded by shady dark money interests, has been plotting Project 2025, an unprecedented scheme to help the next conservative president quickly enact the most radical agenda in the history of the country. The plan is laying the groundwork for a new president to seize power and enact broad changes that are deeply unpopular with the American people. This includes vastly expanding the ability of the president to purge civil servants who are not sufficiently loyal to this extreme right-wing agenda.

    • Within the first 180 days of taking office, the plan calls for attacks on reproductive rights, the rule of law, and the expansion of the cruel and inhumane immigration policies from the Trump administration. Project 2025 is a comprehensive plan that would touch every department of the federal government and fundamentally reshape the lives of the American people. The Project’s four-pronged strategy that includes:

      • A laundry list of extreme policies to be enacted across the federal government;

      • A blueprint for how to use existing authority – or expand the power of the presidency – to implement right-wing policy proposals;

      • A database of right-wing ideologues who wholeheartedly endorse this power grab and far-right policies;

      • Training for staff so they can more efficiently enact this extreme agenda.

    While Project 2025 is being run out of the Heritage Foundation, its advisors include former Trump White House aides like Stephen Miller, and more than half the groups supporting the effort have received $21.5 million in funding from Leonard Leo’s dark money network.

    Congressman Dan Goldman is a member of the Stop Project 2025 Task Force.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Dan Goldman Convenes Small Business Workshop with Pace Small Business Development Program

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

    Goldman Joined by Andrew Flamm, Director of the Pace University Small Business Development Center

    Goldman, Flamm Highlighted Resources Provides to Help Boost Small Business Owners Boost Their Businesses

    Photos from the Event Can Be Found Here

    Brooklyn, NY – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) yesterday convened a townhall workshop with Councilmember Alexa Avilés, Pace University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Director Andrew Flamm, and partnering organizations to inform small business owners of the resources available to support them in New York City. The small business workshop connected the primarily minority-owned small businesses in Sunset Park to resources available to help boost their businesses.

    The small business workshop follows Congressman Goldman’s discussions in April with small business owners, where they relayed the difficulty they experience while trying to scale and market their business in New York City.

    “With 200,000 small businesses in New York City alone, ensuring small business owners have the resources they need to grow and expand is paramount for the health of our economy and our communities,” Congressman Dan Goldman said. “I was thrilled to join Pace University’s Small Business Development Center in Sunset Park today to discuss the invaluable resources they offer to small business owners. From financial modeling to access to financial markets and business strategy discussions, Pace’s Small Business Development Center is a crucial resource for our city. Small businesses are the foundation of Sunset Park and I will continue to provide as many tools as possibly to small business owners to expand their businesses and achieve the American dream.”

    Following a presentation from Pace University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Director Andrew Flamm on resources provided by the Pace SBDC, Flamm and other local organizations held a resource fair to provide additional information and targeted resources to business owners.

    Also in attendance were the Sunset Park Business Improvement District, the Southwest Brooklyn Industrial Development Corporation, the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, and the Sunset Park Lions Club.

    Congressman Dan Goldman is committed to supporting small businesses across NY-10.

    Earlier this year, Goldman toured small businesses in New York City’s East Village to discuss the issues that they face and presented New York’s Small Businessperson of the Year, Chef Aneesa Waheed, with a Congressional Proclamation in recognition of her selection as the 2024 New York Small Businessperson of the Year by the United States Small Business Administration.

    In May, Goldman cosponsored the bipartisan ‘Employee Equity Investment Act’ (EEIA), which would incentivize employee business ownership by reducing the cost barriers that small business owners currently face when transferring ownership to their employees and empower owners to preserve family legacies and community jobs.

    Additionally, the Congressman cosponsored the ‘Child Care Small Business Insight and Improvement Act’ to increase U.S. Small Business Administration support for childcare small businesses. This bill would expand the U.S. Small Business Administration’s role in supporting for-profit childcare small businesses across the country.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Stansbury Releases Statement on Indigenous Peoples’ Day

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

    ALBUQUERQUE — U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury (NM-01) released the following statement on Indigenous Peoples’ Day:

     “We must honor and celebrate Indigenous peoples and our sovereign Tribal Nations here in New Mexico – and all across the world – today and every day, ” said Rep. Melanie Stansbury (NM-01). “New Mexico’s Tribes and Pueblos have stewarded the lands and waters of our state since time immemorial, and their cultures, traditions, and languages are woven deeply into the fabric of our heritage and ways of life. 

    “On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we recognize and celebrate the contributions Indigenous people have made in the state and across the U.S.: from the Navajo Code Talkers in World War II to Miguel Trujillo, a champion of Native voting rights, to our own Secretary Deb Haaland, who is blazing the way forward as our country’s first Indigenous Cabinet Secretary.  

    “Today is also a day to reflect on the history and resilience of our Indigenous nations, especially in the face of an often painful past. We must ensure we confront this history head-on, redoubling our commitment to building a more just and powerful world celebrating our Indigenous communities.” 

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Stansbury Joins Labor Caucus Backing Biden-Harris Administration Investigation

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

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury (NM-01) signed a letter led by Congressional Labor Caucus Co-Chairs Reps. Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Donald Norcross (D-NJ), Steven Horsford (D-NV), and Mark Pocan (D-WI) and Caucus members Reps. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Jared Golden (D-ME), Joe Courtney (D-CT), and Val Hoyle (D-OR), supporting the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to protect American workers from China’s unfair practices in the shipbuilding industry. 

    “I am deeply concerned about the ongoing unfair trade practices employed by China in the shipbuilding industry,” said Rep. Stansbury (NM-01). “These practices not only undermine our domestic shipbuilders but also threaten our national security and economic stability. Which is why I signed a letter with 70 of my colleagues urging the Biden Administration to swiftly conclude its investigation into these practices and to implement remedies that are commensurate to the harms caused by China.   

    “The shipbuilding sector is vital to our economy, providing thousands of good-paying, union jobs and supporting critical infrastructure. We must level the playing field for those competing against state-subsidized Chinese companies that do not adhere to fair trade policies and principles.   

    “The time for action is now. We must ensure that our trade policies reflect fairness and equity, protecting American jobs while promoting a robust industry.” 

    “China’s industry is insulated from market forces, utilizes state-owned enterprises to provide cheap inputs and cut yard production costs, and strengthens the People’s Liberation Army’s Navy with expansive shipbuilding, repair, and maintenance capacities. Meanwhile, U.S. shipyards have been shuttered or forced to compete for a handful of remaining contracts. While the U.S. produces fewer than 10 ocean-going vessels annually, Chinese yards churned out over a thousand,” the members wrote to President Biden.   

    “To meet the immense challenge of rebuilding U.S. maritime capabilities, we need a robust, highly-trained workforce. Tens of thousands of jobs have been lost as shipyards have closed and experienced workers have been forced out of the industrial base,” the co-chairs added. “We strongly urge you to swiftly conclude this investigation and to implement resolute measures to remedy decades of unfair and discriminatory policies by the CCP that have harmed our members and the economic and national security of the United States. The remedies must be commensurate in scope and magnitude to the large-scale harm caused to U.S. industry over the past several decades.” 

    On March 12, 2024, five labor unions filed a petition urging USTR to initiate a Section 301 investigation into the acts, policies, and practices of China relating to competition in the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors. In April, Rep. Courtney led a letter with 37 other Member of Congress in support of the petition, and USTR subsequently announced that it would accept the petition. In May, Caucus Co-Chairs Reps. Dingell and Norcross testified in support of American workers and the domestic shipbuilding industry as part of USTR’s investigation 

    A full copy of the letter can be found here.   

    The letter was signed by 70 Members of Congress, including: Reps. Brendan Boyle; Julia Brownley; Nikki Budzinski; André Carson; Troy Carter; Judy Chu; Yvette Clarke; Joe Courtney; Danny Davis; Donald Davis; Rosa DeLauro; Christopher Deluzio; Mark DeSaulnier; Debbie Dingell; Lloyd Doggett; Dwight Evans; Lois Frankel; John Garamendi; Robert Garcia; Jared Golden; Daniel Goldman; Josh Gottheimer; Steven Horsford; Val Hoyle; Jonathan Jackson; Marcy Kaptur; Ro Khanna; Daniel Kildee; Raja Krishnamoorthi; Greg Landsman; Stephen Lynch; Seth Magaziner; Grace Meng; James Moylan; Frank Mrvan; Kevin Mullin; Grace Napolitano; Donald Norcross; Eleanor Norton; Frank Pallone; Chris Pappas; Mary Peltola; Scott Peters; Mark Pocan; Katie Porter; Raul Ruiz; Patrick Ryan; Andrea Salinas; Linda Sánchez; Mary Scanlon; Janice Schakowsky; Adam Schiff; Hillary Scholten; David Scott; Robert Scott; Brad Sherman; Elissa Slotkin; Eric Sorensen; Melanie Stansbury; Haley Stevens; Thomas Suozzi; Eric Swalwell; Shri Thanedar; Dina Titus; Lori Trahan; David Trone; Maxine Waters; Susan Wild; Nikema Williams; Frederica Wilson. 

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Deluzio, Casey, Fetterman, Lee Announce $6 Million for Pittsburgh International Airport

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

    Funding will help improve the terminal building

     

    Airport Terminal Program funding comes from infrastructure law

     

    With this funding, Pittsburgh International Airport has received more than $129 million in federal funding since the start of 2021

     

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17) and Summer Lee (D-PA-12) and U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA) announced that Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) is receiving $6,000,000 in competitive grant funding to modernize and rehabilitate the terminal. This funding comes from the Airport Terminal Program (ATP), which was created by the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) to revitalize the Nation’s aging airports.

     

    “The Infrastructure Law is still at work in Western PA, this time bringing home $6 million more for the Pittsburgh International Airport terminal updates,”said Congressman Deluzio. “The airport is not only a place where people catch flights: but it’s also a workplace, employer, and economic hub. We need to make sure it works as smoothly as possible, and that we help out airport be the best it can be. I’m proud federal funding from the Infrastructure Law is a part of that effort.”

     

    “Pittsburgh International Airport is an essential connection between the region and the world, and it’s critical that the terminals are safe and can meet passenger needs. This investment from the infrastructure law will support ongoing efforts to modernize the airport by replacing floors, bulkheads, and decades-old moving walkways,” said Senator Casey. “I will always fight for investments that boost Southwestern Pennsylvania’s economy and keep the region moving.”

     

    “Pittsburgh’s airport should reflect the grit and resilience of the city it serves and this $6 million investment helps make that happen. Upgrading parts of the terminal that have been in place for over 30 years will help bring our airport back up to speed, create jobs, and ensure it serves both the community and travelers with true Pittsburgh pride,” said Senator Fetterman.

     

    “Today’s announcement of $6 million in federal funding for Pittsburgh International Airport is a big win for the people of Pittsburgh and the hardworking travelers who rely on safe, accessible, and efficient airports. This investment is about putting people first by creating good-paying jobs, ensuring smoother and safer travel experiences, and revitalizing a space that millions pass through each year. It’s also a commitment to the growth and well-being of our community, helping Pittsburgh remain a hub of opportunity and progress for all who live, work, and visit here,” said Congresswoman Lee.

     

    The funding for Pittsburgh International Airport will support the Terminal Modernization Program, which includes installing new flooring, restoring columns and bulkheads, and replacing 32-year-old moving walkways in the concourses. Since the infrastructure law was passed, millions of dollars have been allocated to PIT. In June 2024, Casey, Fetterman, Deluzio, and Lee announced $20.6 million for PIT to support their ongoing terminal improvement project. In February 2024, the Members announced $5.3 million in new infrastructure funding to fund a component of the 700,000 square foot landslide terminal construction. PIT has received a total of $129,706,728 since the start of 2021.
     

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Deluzio, Casey, Fetterman Secure $87 Million to Build New Manufacturing Facility in Southwestern Pennsylvania, Create Almost 900 Jobs

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

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17), and U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA) delivered $87,070,493 in federal funding for Mainspring Energy (MSE), a manufacturer of linear generators. With these funds, the company will build a new, state-of-the art manufacturing facility that will support new 891 jobs in Coraopolis. Funding comes from the Advanced Energy Manufacturing and Recycling Grants Program, made possible by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).  

    “I am thrilled to announce that Coraopolis’ own Mainspring Energy Inc. is receiving more than $87 million in federal dollars to boost its manufacturing of low-carbon generators and create hundreds of full-time and construction jobs in the process,” said Congressman Deluzio. “This is a powerful example of how when we make more stuff here, we can create manufacturing and construction jobs and onshore our supply chains, all while reducing greenhouse gas emissions to help us meet our climate goals. I am proud to support this project and look forward to monitoring its progress and impact on the people and economy in Pennsylvania’s 17th Congressional District.”   

    “This is a game-changing investment for Coraopolis and Southwestern Pennsylvania. With this funding, Mainstream Energy will create good-paying and high-skilled manufacturing jobs and continue Southwestern Pennsylvania’s legacy as an energy leader on the forefront of cutting-edge technology. Pennsylvania workers are the best in the world and I will keep fighting for good paying manufacturing and construction jobs across our Commonwealth,” said Senator Casey.  

    “Western Pennsylvania has always been America’s industrial backbone and the Department of Energy’s investment in Mainspring Energy carries that legacy forward. This move propels us toward a carbon-pollution-free future while keeping our economy strong, competitive, and union-built,” said Senator Fetterman. “As lifelong Pennsylvanians, Senator Casey, Congressman Deluzio, and I understand and honor our state’s proud history of hard work and innovation. We pushed for this investment because it puts Western Pennsylvania back on the map as a leader in cutting-edge manufacturing.” 

    Mainspring Energy manufactures linear generators that power hospitals, supermarkets, data centers, and more across the Nation. The new plant will expand generator production, enhance American global competitiveness, create 891 jobs in Coraopolis. Deluzio wrote a letter of support for this grant, and joined Senators Casey, and Fetterman in the push for the Accelerating Linear Generator Production for Mainspring Energy project. 

    The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)’s Advanced Energy Manufacturing and Recycling Grants program, which enables manufacturers build new or retrofit existing manufacturing and industrial facilities in communities where coal mines or coal power plants have closed. Senators Casey and Fetterman and Congressman Deluzio urged DOE secretary Jennifer Granholm to support MSE’s project in June 2024. In their letter, the Members highlighted how the new facility would increase domestic manufacturing, boost American competitiveness in the clean energy sector, generate hundreds of good-paying jobs for Pennsylvanians, and carry on the Commonwealth’s proud legacy as an energy state.   

    Mainspring Energy (MSE), in partnership with construction firm Al. Neyer, will establish a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Coraopolis to produce 1,000 linear generators annually that will provide clean and reliable power to critical institutions across the Nation including hospitals, businesses, and data centers. The plant will localize the manufacturing supply chain and enhance American global competitiveness in the clean energy sector. Additionally, the project will create 291 construction-related jobs and 600 operations jobs.  

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Keith Self Announces Major Upgrades to Melissa’s Post Office

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Keith Self (Texas 3rd)

    Congressman Keith Self applauds improvements to the Melissa Post Office campus. The recent progress constitutes a major milestone in the delayed upgrades to working conditions for postal employees.

    “The harsh work environment exposed postal workers to extreme temperatures ranging from near zero in the winter to 108 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer, with little more than plastic tents for shelter that often exacerbated the heat,” said Congressman Keith Self. “Thanks to constituent awareness, media attention, help from my staff and a quick response to my request for assistance by the Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, improvements are underway.”

    Despite difficult working conditions, Melissa’s postal workers continued striving to provide their community with reliable mail delivery. The improvements to the parking lot and facilities will be a huge relief for the employees and enhance processing of constituent mail and packages. The Postmaster General’s prompt attention to this matter was a key component to making this happen quickly.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Representatives Auchincloss, Doggett Lead Bipartisan Letter Calling on Biden Administration to Strengthen Russian Oil Sanctions and Question Exception Approval

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Jake Auchincloss (Massachusetts, 4)

    October 21, 2024

    Washington, D.C.— U.S. Representatives Jake Auchincloss (D-MA-04) and Lloyd Doggett (D-TX-37) led a bipartisan effort calling on the Biden Administration to pursue more vigorous Russian oil sanctions and questioning an exception granted to a U.S.-based company, Schlumberger (SLB), operating in Russia. Since Vladimir Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine in 2022, SLB has exported nearly $18 billion of equipment to Russia. The bipartisan group of lawmakers is questioning U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken as to why the Biden Administration has permitted SLB to aid Russia’s oil exports and fund Putin’s war economy.

    In the letter the members stated, “It is alarming that SLB, an American company, is still free to help Russia produce and export its oil to fund the war chest of an authoritarian regime. Its investment in the Russian energy sector is so harmful that Ukraine’s National Agency on Corruption Prevention justifiably added SLB to an “international sponsor of war” blacklist. We and our G7 allies can hold SLB accountable for its complicity in Russian war crimes while still preserving stability in the global oil market. We look forward to your prompt answers to our specific questions, as well as the requested documents. We strongly urge further action to effectively restrict Putin’s profits and aid in Ukraine’s defense.”

    “While Ukrainians fight and die on the front lines of freedom, a U.S. oil company is supporting the enemy,” said Rep. Auchincloss. “Oil is the lifeblood of the Russian war economy, which is why the West must stand united in tightening and enforcing oil sanctions. That begins by holding SLB and its collaborators accountable for evading allied sanctions, profiteering from pain, and fueling Putin’s ability to wage war.” 

    “My name is on the first sanctions legislation to become law shortly after the Russian invasion,” said Rep. Doggett. “Implementation of that and similar legislation by our allies has not prevented Putin from earning billions from oil exports. And unfortunately, North Korea and Iran are not the only places providing him help. By permitting his exports and permitting continued American company investments in Russia, Americans, and our European allies, are essentially funding both sides of this war. While well aware of concerns about the price of gasoline at the pump, we must stop oiling the Putin war machine to win this war, secure a just peace, and reparations.”

    Additional signers include Representatives Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL-20), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH-9), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-05), Barbara Lee (D-CA-12), Wiley Nickel (D-NC-13), Jared Huffman (D-CA-02), Dan Goldman (D-NY-10), Danny K. Davis (D-IL-07), Jim Costa (D-CA-21), Sean Casten (D-IL-06), Steve Cohen (D-TN-09), Adam B. Schiff (D-CA-30), Susan Wild (D-PA-07), Joe Wilson (R-SC-02), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (D-GA-04), Thomas R. Suozzi (D-NY-03), Brad Sherman (D-CA-32), Zoe Lofgren (D-CA-18), Nikema Williams (D-GA-05),Gerald E. Connolly (D-VA-11), Mark Pocan (D-WI-02),  Madeleine Dean (D-PA-04), Jamie Raskin (D-MD-08), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR-03), Seth Magaziner (D-RI-02), Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17), Patrick Ryan (D-NY-18), Christopher H. Smith (R-NJ-04), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ-12), Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24), Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ-07), Don Bacon (R-NE-02), Juan Vargas (D-CA-52), Jerrold Nadler (D-NY-12), Ann McLane Kuster (D-NH-02), Emanuel Cleaver II (D-MO-05), Frank Pallone Jr. (D-NJ-06), Paul D. Tonko (D-NY-20), Adriano Espaillat (D-NY-13), Ted W. Lieu (D-CA-36), John B. Larson (D-CT-01), Mike Quigley (D-IL-05), Jill Tokuda (D-HI-01), Kweisi Mfume (D-MD-07), David J. Trone (D-MD-06), Seth Moulton (D-MA-06), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), Stephen F. Lynch (D-MA-08), Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS-02) and Ro Khanna (D-CA-17).

    The letter in full can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: LaLota Hosts Leaders from Suffolk Veterans’ Community

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nick LaLota (NY-01)

    ROCKY POINT, NY – Rep. Nick LaLota (R-Suffolk County), a Navy Veteran, held a Veterans Roundtable at the Rocky Point VFW with key stakeholders and subject-matter experts to discuss the numerous issues facing Long Island’s Veteran community.

    “As a Navy veteran, I deeply appreciate everyone who joined our roundtable in Rocky Point. Hearing directly from those on the front lines of veterans’ issues is crucial in tackling the challenges our service members face every day,” said LaLota. “I am fully committed to ensuring that those who served our great country receive the care and support they’ve earned. By working closely with local leaders and advocates, we can enhance the quality of care for veterans and make sure no one who wore the uniform is left behind.”

    Background:

    The roundtable discussed the following issues:

    • Veteran mental health, including LaLota’s Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program Act;
    • Improving healthcare options for Veterans, including increasing VA access and LaLota’s Liver Fluke Cancer Study Act;
    • Housing for Veterans, including the lack of affordable housing options and the high number of homeless Veterans including LaLota’s Supporting Veteran Families in Need Act;
    • Issues at the Northport VA, including ongoing construction updates and hospital conditions, and
    • State Veterans Homes issues, including the high cost of medications and the need for more specialty care.

    The following individuals took part in LaLota’s Veterans Roundtable:

    • Suffolk County Legislature Majority Leader and Legislator Nick Caracappa, Chairman, Veterans Committee
    • Marcelle Leis, Director, Suffolk County VSA
    • Tom Ronayne, Former Director, Suffolk County VSA
    • Fred Sganga, Director, Long Island State Veterans Home
    • Francis Amalfitano, President & CEO, United Veterans Beacon House
    • Bill Hughes, Commander, Suffolk County VFW, District 11
    • Kenneth Dolan, Legislative Chair, Suffolk County American Legion
    • Mel Cohen, Vietnam Veterans of America
    • Rich Dellasso, Economic Opportunity Council of Suffolk – Veterans Affairs
    • Nancy Tappin, Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer Support Project
    • Joe Cognitore, Commander of the Rocky Point VFW Post 6249
    • Several staff members of the House Veterans Affairs Committee

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Tenney Hosts Vietnam Veteran Pinning Ceremony in Wayne County

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-22)

    Victor, New York—Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today honored 40 Vietnam veterans from the Finger Lakes Region during a Vietnam War Commemorative Pinning Ceremony at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Post in Lyons. 

    Tenney was joined at the event by New York State Senator Pam Helming, Assemblywoman Marjorie Byrnes, Assemblyman Brian Manktelow, and Assemblyman Jeff Gallahan. 

    Tenney awarded each veteran a commemorative Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin, symbolizing the nation’s heartfelt gratitude for their service. This pin, an emblem of honor, is part of a national initiative to acknowledge and thank veterans who served during the Vietnam War. In August, Tenney honored 30 Vietnam veterans at a similar ceremony in Oswego County as part of her ongoing initiative to pay tribute to the brave men and women who served during the Vietnam War and their families for their selfless sacrifice. 

    “For many Vietnam veterans, the service and the struggles they endured went unrecognized for far too long. Today, we strove to right that wrong, by showing them the respect, honor, and appreciation they have always deserved. By hosting these commemorative pining events, I hope to convey our deep appreciation for the courage and resilience of these veterans. It was an honor to present these 40 Vietnam veterans from our community with a small token of our nation’s gratitude for their selfless sacrifice. Thank you to these individuals and their families for their profound sacrifice and unwavering dedication to our great nation,” said Congresswoman Tenney.

    “For many of our Vietnam veterans, coming home meant quietly putting away memories of service. But today, as you stand together, I hope you feel the strength of connection, with fellow veterans, your families, and all of us who honor you. It’s never too late to celebrate and recognize our veterans as heroes. Our younger generations need your stories, your wisdom, and your example,” said Senator Helming. 

    “This is a great opportunity to show our Vietnam veterans the respect and appreciation that they deserve. When I think about the heroes welcome that these brave men and women didn’t receive 40 years ago, I am beyond heartbroken. I applaud Congresswoman Tenney for her actions to ensure that every Vietnam Veteran receives the recognition and support that they deserve. Today is just one of many days that we honor and recognize their bravery and heroism,” said Assemblyman Manktelow.

    “I would like to thank Congresswoman Tenney for bringing us all together to honor the brave men and women who put their lives on the line in service to our country. As a representative for New York’s Finger Lakes region, I have always been proud to recognize our Veterans and thank them for their courage and willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we all so deeply cherish. Unfortunately, many of our Vietnam Veterans did not receive the hero’s welcome home they deserved. The goal of this commemorative pinning ceremony is to give these Veterans that formal ‘welcome home’ and I could not be happier to be a part of such a special event,” Assemblyman Gallahan. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Amid Funding Shortfall, Rep. Pettersen, Local Leaders Visit Edgewater Elementary School Kitchen, Call for Robust Federal Funding for School Nutrition Programs

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brittany Pettersen (Colorado 7th District)

    Amid Funding Shortfall, Rep. Pettersen, Local Leaders Visit Edgewater Elementary School Kitchen, Call for Robust Federal Funding for School Nutrition Programs

    Edgewater, October 17, 2024

    EDGEWATER – U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) visited Edgewater Elementary School with leaders from Nourish Colorado and local school nutrition officials to tour the kitchen and advocate for increased federal support for school nutrition programs.

    As a state legislator, Pettersen sponsored the referred measure that voters passed to create the Healthy School Meals for All (HSMA) program, which provides funding to schools like Edgewater Elementary to offer free breakfast and lunch to all students in public schools. Currently, HSMA is projected to face a funding shortfall this school year. This also comes as recent federal policy proposals outlined devastating cuts to federal nutrition programs, jeopardizing children’s access to free school meals. During the visit, Pettersen discussed the School Meals Expansion Act, legislation she supports to allow more schools to provide meals to students and ensure schools can continue to provide nutritious meals to Colorado children. 

    “Having access to healthy, nutritious meals is the foundation for any child to focus on learning and to thrive in the classroom,” said Pettersen. “I’m proud to have sponsored the referred measure that voters passed to create the Healthy School Meals for All program, which has been a lifeline for families across Colorado – but we must work together across all levels of government to ensure programs like this can be successful. In Congress, I am working to support robust federal funding for school nutrition programs, so no child goes hungry in our schools.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sorensen Demands Answers from Deere & Company Regarding Layoffs

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17)

    ROCK ISLAND, IL – Today, Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) sent a letter to Deere & Company’s leadership demanding answers regarding their recently announced round of layoffs.  

    “I write to express my deep concern with the continued rounds of layoffs that have impacted more than 2,000 workers this year alone,” Sorensen wrote in the letter. “These losses hit our Quad Cities community hard. With declining sales, I recognize the challenging business climate you must operate within. However, I remain concerned that Deere & Company has not been forthcoming with your employees and the community about your plans.” 

    Read the full letter to Deere & Company CEO John C. May below. 

    John C. May  

    Chief Executive Officer  

    Deere & Company 

    One John Deere Place  

    Moline, IL 61265  

    Dear Mr. May:  

    I write to express my deep concern with the continued rounds of layoffs that have impacted more than 2,000 workers this year alone. These losses hit our Quad Cities community hard. With declining sales, I recognize the challenging business climate you must operate within. However, I remain concerned that Deere & Company has not been forthcoming with your employees and the community about your plans. 

    As a Quad Citizen, I have always been proud to share a hometown with John Deere. Every time I fly back over the corn and soybean fields of western Illinois, I look down at the landscape dotted with green John Deere tractors. On my Congressional trips around the world, I see the same. Our region feeds and fuels the world, from the men and women at Harvester Works who assemble the machines to the family farmers who drive them. This is a special place with a special way of life.   

    In my position on the House Agriculture Committee, I have done everything within my power to create favorable market conditions for our U.S. agricultural manufacturing sector, our family farmers, and our workers. I understand that times are tough with a global production slowdown, declining grain prices, and rising input costs. I know that Deere & Company must make tough decisions in a competitive market environment. At the same time, your company reported $1.3 billion in profit last quarter. As CEO, you took home $26.7 million last year, 284 times more than the average worker, and a $6 million increase over the previous year. That isn’t fair to the workers whose efforts made Deere’s profits — and your generous executive compensation package — possible.   

    I request a detailed understanding of your plans to avoid future layoffs. 

    1. What steps is Deere & Company taking to prevent future layoffs?  
    1. Understanding that the business climate demands cost-cutting measures and sacrifice, what salary and bonus adjustments does Deere & Company plan to make at the executive level?   
    1. What steps are you taking to keep jobs – both salaried and production – here in the Quad Cities?  
    1. What steps will you take to help laid off employees find new employment?  
    1. Will you commit to keeping employees and the community fully apprised of your plans moving forward? 

    I am committed to ensuring our world class workers receive the opportunities and respect they deserve. I look forward to your prompt response.  

    Congressman Eric Sorensen serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. Prior to serving in Congress, Sorensen was a local meteorologist in Rockford and the Quad Cities for nearly 20 years. His district includes Illinois’ Quad Cities, Rockford, Peoria, and Bloomington-Normal.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Feenstra Urges Iowans Impacted by Summer Floods to Apply for Relief before October 22nd Deadline

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

    HULL, IOWA – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) released the following statement urging Iowa homeowners and renters impacted by the floods from June 16th through July 23rd to apply for disaster relief through FEMA before the October 22nd deadline:

    “Tuesday October 22nd is the last day that Iowans impacted by this summer’s devastating floods can apply for disaster assistance through the federal government. Resources are available to help families and homeowners rebuild their homes and replace damaged and destroyed personal property. I encourage anyone in need of support to visit DisasterAssistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362 before the October 22nd deadline. Iowans can also go to my website at Feenstra.House.Gov and visit my Natural Disaster Resource Center for more information about recovery assistance.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ezell Presents Congressional Award Gold Medal to Petal Native

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Ezell (Mississippi 4th District)

    Today, Congressman Mike Ezell (MS-04) presented Colt Bergman with a Congressional Award Gold Medal, the highest Congressional honor for America’s youth. Bergman completed 400 hours of voluntary public service, 200 hours of personal development, 200 hours of physical fitness, and a 5-day, 4-night trip over the span of 24 months to complete the Congressional Award program.

    “The Congressional Award program is the highest honor Congress gives to young Americans, recognizing their commitment to personal development, physical fitness, and community service,” Ezell said. “Through hard work and perseverance, Colt has earned this award, proudly representing Mississippi. The Congressional Award encourages participants to set and achieve challenging goals, building valuable skills and a spirit of volunteerism. I am proud to support the program and congratulate Colt on his outstanding achievement. Together, let’s continue to support our future leaders who make a positive impact in their communities and beyond!”

    Additional background on the Congressional Award:

    The United States Congress established the Congressional Award in 1979 (Public Law 96-114) to recognize initiative, service, and achievement in young people. It began as a bipartisan effort in both the United States Senate and the House of Representatives. The original bill was sponsored by Senator Malcolm Wallop of Wyoming and Congressman James Howard of New Jersey.

    The Congressional Award provides a structure for young Americans to learn the value of service, personal development, fitness, and citizenship through character-forming experiences that shape tomorrow’s leaders and our country’s future.

    The Congressional Award program is promoted throughout America by Members of Congress who share this unique opportunity with their constituents, providing today’s youth with the tools they need to thrive as adults.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Tenney’s Office Holds District-Wide Constituent Services Day

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-22)

    Oswego, New York — Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) announced that her office will be hosting a district-wide day of constituent services, offering personalized federal casework assistance across six of the 12 counties in New York’s 24th District.

    Staff from Tenney’s office will be available to help constituents with a variety of issues related to federal agencies, including the Department of Veterans Affairs, Social Security Administration, Internal Revenue Service, and Passport Agency.

    For those interested in attending these mobile office hours or seeking more information, please contact one of Tenney’s district offices. The offices in Lockport (716-514-5130), Victor (585-869-2060), and Oswego (315-236-7088) are open Monday through Friday, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

    Mobile office hours will be available at the following times and locations on October 24, 2024:

    Orleans County
    10 AM – 12 PM
    Clarendon Town Hall
    16385 Church Street, Clarendon, New York 14429

    Livingston County
    1 PM – 3 PM
    Conesus Town Hall – 2nd Floor
    6210 South Livonia Road, Conesus, New York 14435

    Jefferson County
    9 AM – 11 AM
    Adams Town Hall
    3 S. Main Street, Adams, New York, 13605

    Wayne County
    12:30 PM – 2PM
    Town of Wolcott Town Hall
    6070 Lake Avenue, Wolcott, New York 14590

    Cayuga County
    3 PM – 4:30 PM
    Town of Cato Town Hall
    11320 Short Cut Road, Cato, New York 13033

    Seneca County
    2 PM – 4:30 PM
    Waterloo Town Hall
    66 Virginia Street, Waterloo, New York 13165

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kean Advocates for Nearly $2 Million in Funding for Readington Police

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07)

    (October 19, 2024) READINGTON TOWNSHIP, NJ – On Thursday, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) toured the Readington Township Police Department ahead of the FY25 appropriations discussion to gain insight into local law enforcement needs and priorities. Congressman Kean is advocating for $1.9 million in the FY25 appropriation process to benefit Readington Township. This funding would be used to enhance the operational capacity, efficiency, and community engagement of the department through strategic upgrades and expansion efforts. 

    “As we continue with the FY25 appropriations process, I remain committed to advocating for the $1.9 million in funding that has already passed the House Appropriations Committee,” said Congressman Kean. “This critical investment will help modernize infrastructure, upgrade technology, and expand resources, ensuring that our officers have the tools they need to effectively serve and protect the residents of Readington Township.” 

    “As mayor of Readington Township, I am deeply grateful for Congressman Tom Kean’s partnership in securing millions of dollars through the House Appropriations Committee’s community project funding grant,” said Adam Mueller, Mayor of the Readington Township. “This crucial funding will be used for the expansion and modernization of our police department, ensuring they have the resources to serve our community effectively. Congressman Kean has been a devout supporter of our first responders, and his commitment to their safety and success is truly commendable.” 

    “The Readington Township Police Department is grateful for Congressman Kean’s continued support for law enforcement, and his commitment to secure funding that ensures our police officers have the tools they need to deliver the highest quality police service to the residents of Readington Township,” said Jim Curry, Director of Public Safety for the Readington Township Police Department.  

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kamlager-Dove Joins Democratic Efforts to Put a Spotlight on Project 2025 with New Documentary Style Video Series

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

    New Documentary Video Series Details Project 2025’s Threat to Reproductive Freedom, Workers’ Rights, Environmental Protections, Public Education, and American Democracy

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) joined Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) for a five-part video documentary series detailing Project 2025’s threat to democracy, reproductive freedom, workers’ rights, environmental regulation, and public education. The series will feature interviews with Representatives Kamlager-Dove, Goldman, and 11 of their House Democratic colleagues from across the country, as well as American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten, Planned Parenthood Vice President Karen Stone, NY League of Conservation Voters President Julie Tighe, and Accountable.US President Caroline Ciccone. As Vice Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee, Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove will highlight the devastating impacts Project 2025 would have on the environment.

    Watch the Trailer for the Series Here

    “Project 2025 poses a grave threat, not just to our democracy but to our planet, too,” said Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove. “This hostile takeover of the federal government would depose dedicated public servants and install Trump loyalists and climate denialists at the EPA, enabling Republicans to slash environmental protections at the behest of Big Oil. But Project 2025 doesn’t stop at encouraging the world’s worst polluters—this agenda also seeks to discontinue air quality, clean energy, and decarbonization programs by overturning the Inflation Reduction Act, harming the health of our communities and the environment, eliminating clean energy jobs, and exacerbating the climate crisis. With Project 2025, Republicans have shown that they will continue to put polluters over people—this plan must be stopped.”

    As an increasing share of Americans consume their news from non-traditional sources on Instagram, YouTube, and other social media sites, Congressman Goldman’s series marks an effort by Democrats to reach audiences where they are in a diversified media landscape. Across various social media platforms, the first two videos of the series have received over 400,000 views, signaling the potential of this new format to reach large numbers of Americans.

    “Project 2025’s shocking plan to gut checks and balances, restrict abortion access, decimate public education, pollute our air and water, and endanger American workers for the sole benefit of Republican authoritarian extremists is utterly reprehensible and incredibly dangerous,” Congressman Dan Goldman said. “This document is a detailed guide for how a second Trump administration will dismantle our democracy, and it is critical that the American people understand exactly how Trump intends to do it. I am proud to be joined by so many of my colleagues and policy leaders to expose this radical plan to reshape American society as we know it.”

    Congressional Equality Caucus Co-Chair Becca Balint said, “Project 2025 is a far-right plan by Trump allies to impose Christian nationalist values onto every American. It goes completely against our American values to promote a strong, resilient democracy; in fact this plan aims to erode our democratic institutions by gutting checks and balances and seizing power for the presidency. Project 2025 is nothing short of an anti-freedom and anti-equality agenda: it further attacks reproductive rights and disproportionately harms communities of color and our LGBTQI+ community. Project 2025 would increase gun violence rather than protect our communities. And its plan to abolish the Department of Education would hurt millions of families whose kids go to public schools, teachers who are already underpaid, and students. It’s dangerous and we must take it extremely seriously. I’m proud to be a part of this series to help Americans understand the threat it poses to our values and democratic norms.”

    Pre-K and Child Care Caucus Co-Chair Suzanne Bonamici said, “Project 2025 is a blueprint for MAGA extremists to undermine government and destroy programs and policies that support working families. It’s the product of people who held top positions in the previous administration and special interest groups that hold significant influence over the GOP’s agenda. I’m working with my colleagues to counter this extremist plan and to educate Americans about its potentially devastating effects.”

    Pro-Choice Caucus Task Force Chair Judy Chu said, “Trump and his allies’ Project 2025 is a 900 page comprehensive plan for MAGA Republicans to grab power for themselves, enrich their allies, and shatter our already fragile democracy. Project 2025 touches on every agency in the federal government and is January 6th extremism crafted into a governing ideology: fire tens of thousands of civil servants to replace them with partisan loyalists, abolish checks and balances, chip away at church-state separation, and impose a far-right agenda that rips away our freedoms and takes money out of pockets. It’s so critical for House Democrats to work together to shine a light on as many details of this plan as possible so we can equip ourselves and the American people with the information we need to fight back and make certain we put systems into place to protect us from these extreme policies.”

    Freshman Leadership Representative Jasmine Crockett said, “Let me make it plain: Project 2025 is the GOP’s attack plan against the American constitution. It doesn’t just undermine the progress made in this country for women, people of color, and LGBTQIA folks over the past century; it undermines the very principles of self-government that our country was founded on. If our Founding Fathers were to read Project 2025, they would have thought it was sent over by King George himself. It’s a blueprint for authoritarianism, a blueprint for monarchy, and a blueprint for a right-wing dictatorship in America that will end our democratic experiment for good. If the majority of Americans were to read and understand this plan – a plan authored by hundreds of members of former President Trump’s administration – they would reject it as un-American and dangerous. Thank you to Congressman Goldman for bringing us together to break down Project 2025 from every angle – no matter how engaged you are, you can still learn something from this series.”

    Homeland Security Subcommittee on Counterterrorism, Intelligence and Law Enforcement Ranking Member Seth Magaziner said, “Donald Trump’s Project 2025 will hand a future Trump administration nearly unlimited power to ban abortion, take away healthcare for people with preexisting conditions, and rip away the freedoms that Americans have fought hard for. Trump’s Project 2025 is dangerous, cruel, and out-of-touch with the needs of the American people. We will not let Trump and Congressional Republicans take us back.”

    House Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism Co-Chair Kathy Manning said, “Project 2025 is simply a more detailed blueprint of Donald Trump’s extreme MAGA agenda that promises to roll back Americans’ basic rights and freedoms. Because of Donald Trump and the three extreme MAGA Justices he appointed to the Supreme Court to overturn Roe. v. Wade, one in three women of reproductive age lives in a state with a Trump abortion ban. Now, his extreme Project 2025 plans will attack reproductive freedoms even further by targeting abortion pills and contraception coverage, and threatening IVF treatments. Project 2025 would also ban the mailing of abortion medications, equipment, or materials, effectively creating a nationwide, backdoor abortion ban — without the approval of Congress.”

    Labor Caucus Co-Founder Donald Norcross said, “Project 2025 is a 920-page manifesto designed to tell every American how to live their life. If enacted into law, Project 2025 would destroy the 250-year-old system of checks and balances that make up our democracy and completely dismantle almost every labor standard that protects workers. As a union electrician and co-chair of the Labor Caucus, it pains me to see a document that would strip away worker protections and fair labor practices that working families have been fighting for decades. I’m proud to join Rep. Goldman in this video series to help explain the threat Project 2025 poses to American values, ideals, and freedoms.”

    Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government Ranking Member Stacey Plaskett said, “Project 2025 is the playbook for Donald Trump’s second term, which will ensure that the few have power over the many and that the rule of law as we know it, is gone. It is a plan to ensure that the federal government no longer acts as a check on the greed and desire for absolute power that Trump and his cohort of friends share. In every way, Project 2025 will make Americans less safe and less free. Republicans know that these ideas are not popular with the people of America and that’s why they hide from the facts, obfuscate the truth and distract the public’s attention with wild claims to vilify minorities and keep us divided. It is imperative that we all do our part to ensure that Donald Trump is not allowed to enforce the clear and present danger that the Project 2025 master plan represents to American democracy.”

    American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten said, Project 2025 is about institutionalizing Trumpism. It’s about going after educational opportunity, economic opportunity and equal opportunity. It’s about going after the legitimacy of elections. This is the stuff of demagogues and dictators, not democracies. This is not the promise of America. We can and must do better than this—for the sake of our families and the future of our republic.”

    Accountable.US President Caroline Ciccone said, “Project 2025 isn’t about serving the people; it’s about ensuring that political loyalty becomes the guiding rule. They want to replace our government’s independent watchdogs with partisan loyalists, dismantling checks and balances to consolidate power in the executive branch. With a captured Supreme Court and a weaponized Department of Justice, the next conservative administration would have all the tools they needed to drive America closer and closer to their idealized far-right dystopia, at the cost of our personal freedoms.”

    A third of all U.S adults say they regularly get their news from Facebook or YouTube, and nearly 20% report preferring to receive their news from social media. As more Americans turn to non-traditional platforms such as social media, YouTube, and online searches to stay informed Congressman Goldman is focused on ensuring that important information reaches all Americans in this rapidly transforming media landscape.

    In addition to Representatives Kamlager-Dove and Goldman, the following members of Congress are featured in the series: Congressional Equality Caucus Co-Chair Becca Balint (VT-AL), Pre-K and Child Care Caucus Co-Chair Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Pro-Choice Caucus Task Force Chair Judy Chu (CA-28), Freshman Leadership Representative Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Democratic Women’s Caucus Chair Lois Frankel (FL-22), Dads Caucus Founder and Chair Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Homeland Security Subcommittee on Counterterrorism, Intelligence and Law Enforcement Ranking Member Seth Magaziner (RI-02), House Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism Co-Chair Kathy Manning (NC-06), Labor Caucus Co-Founder Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government Ranking Member Stacey Plaskett (VI-AL), and Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition Co-Chair Paul Tonko (NY-20).

    Project 2025 is a comprehensive plan for the next conservative president to swiftly enact the most anti-democratic and archconservative agenda in the history of this country. It lays the groundwork for Donald Trump to seize power, gut checks and balances, and enact a radical agenda. It touches on every department and agency within the federal government.

    The Heritage Foundation, a right-wing think tank funded by shady dark money interests, has been plotting Project 2025, an unprecedented scheme to help the next conservative president quickly enact the most radical agenda in the history of the country. The plan is laying the groundwork for a new president to seize power and enact broad changes that are deeply unpopular with the American people. This includes vastly expanding the ability of the president to purge civil servants who are not sufficiently loyal to this extreme right-wing agenda.

    • Within the first 180 days of taking office, the plan calls for attacks on reproductive rights, the rule of law, and the expansion of the cruel and inhumane immigration policies from the Trump administration. Project 2025 is a comprehensive plan that would touch every department of the federal government and fundamentally reshape the lives of the American people. The Project’s four-pronged strategy that includes:
      • A laundry list of extreme policies to be enacted across the federal government;
      • A blueprint for how to use existing authority—or expand the power of the presidency—to implement right-wing policy proposals;
      • A database of right-wing ideologues who wholeheartedly endorse this power grab and far-right policies;
      • Training for staff so they can more efficiently enact this extreme agenda.

    While Project 2025 is being run out of the Heritage Foundation, its advisors include former Trump White House aides like Stephen Miller, and more than half the groups supporting the effort have received $21.5 million in funding from Leonard Leo’s dark money network.

    Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove is a member of the Stop Project 2025 Task Force.

     

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kamlager-Dove, Kim, Coons, and Tillis to Introduce Bicameral Legislation to Promote Protection of International Digital Freedom

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

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswomen Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) and Young Kim (CA-40), alongside Senators Chris Coons (DE) and Thom Tillis (NC), announced plans to introduce the bicameral Advancing Digital Freedom Act of 2024, which would equip the U.S. State Department with the authorities to elevate digital freedom as a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy and support its critical role in advancing democratic governance around the world.

    “Digital technology has both benefits and drawbacks when it comes to advancing democracy,” said Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove. “It can enable citizens to access information, share ideas, and organize while simultaneously allowing for authoritarian regimes to spread propaganda, enhance surveillance, and stifle free speech. We must ensure that digital technologies are used to strengthen democracy, not dismantle it. It is crucial for the United States to develop a comprehensive strategy to safeguard digital freedom worldwide and work with partners to implement this plan. Promoting human rights and democracy at home and abroad must remain a bipartisan issue, and I am proud to advance these priorities with a bipartisan, bicameral group of congressional colleagues.”

    “The Unholy Alliance, including the People’s Republic of China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, relies on abusive surveillance technologies to restrict access to information and the outside world and to maintain their grip on power,” said Congresswoman Young Kim, Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Indo-Pacific. “To remain a global human rights leader, the United States cannot stand idly by as these authoritarian regimes use digital technologies and platforms to suppress innocent civilians, religious minorities, and political dissenters. I am proud to join Representative Kamlager-Dove and Senators Coons and Tillis to lead this bipartisan, bicameral effort to protect the right to international digital freedom. I’ll keep fighting to ensure the United States promotes global human rights and protects freedom-loving people around the world.”

    “As a global leader of human rights, the United States must deter authoritarian and illiberal states that are using advanced technologies to threaten human rights alongside our own national security,” said Senator Coons. “Protecting digital freedom abroad is a cornerstone of American foreign policy for the modern age, and that is why we must cooperate with like-minded countries to develop and deploy emerging technology in a manner that respects democracy and rule of law. As Co-Chair of the Senate Human Rights Caucus, I’m confident that this bill will help protect digital freedoms and counter global misinformation and disinformation in partnership with our allies.”

    “With increasing cyber threats and attacks on the horizon than ever before, working with our allies to counter them is all the more important,” said Senator Tillis. “Protecting and promoting digital freedom across the globe must be a priority, which is why I look forward to introducing this bipartisan legislation to ensure the Department of State continues to prioritize this as a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy.”

    The right to freedom of expression has become a fault line between pro-democracy groups and authoritarian governments. Digital platforms, including social media, have been crucial tools for movements such as the Mahsa Amini protests in Iran or the Umbrella Movement in Hong Kong. However, autocratic governments have attempted to stifle these efforts by cracking down on digital freedom. Russia and China deploy digital tools to identify and silence dissidents, Iran routinely blocks access to thousands of websites conveying political content, and North Korea and Venezuela coordinate disinformation campaigns to undermine citizens’ access to credible information. To address such threats to digital freedom, the Advancing Digital Freedom Act would strengthen the United States’ role in leading efforts to ensure technology is used to uphold human rights, democratic values, and the rule of law.

    Specifically, the bill would:

    • Elevate digital freedom as a foremost foreign policy priority of the United States;
    • Empower the Coordinator for Digital Freedom in the State Department’s Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy to lead global efforts to protect digital freedom, counter disinformation and misinformation, and advance democratic governance in the digital space;
    • Encourage the State Department to engage with foreign governments, nongovernmental organizations, and other actors to coordinate efforts to defend digital freedom against digital authoritarianism; and
    • Require the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy to submit an annual report to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee on the state of global digital freedom, including analysis of emerging and concerning trends impacting digital freedom.                                                                                                              

    The text of the bill is available here.

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    MIL OSI USA News –