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Category: United States House of Representatives

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Dan Goldman’s Michelle Go Act Cosponsored by Co-Chairs of Congressional Mental Health Caucus

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

    The ‘Michelle Go Act’ Would Expand Access to Psychiatric Care by Allowing Federal Medicaid to Pay for Psychiatric Beds in Certain Facilities

    Napolitano and Salinas’s Endorsements Signal Growing Momentum as Bipartisan Bill Moves Toward Passage

    Read the Bill Here

    Washington, DC – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) celebrated the endorsement of his bill, the ‘Michelle Alyssa Go Act,’ by Congressional Mental Health Caucus Co-Chairs Grace Napolitano (CA-31) and Andrea Salinas (OR-06). This legislation would increase the number of federal Medicaid-eligible in-patient psychiatric beds for individuals who are seeking treatment for both mental health and substance use disorders.

    The ‘Michelle Alyssa Go Act’ has also been endorsed by the Treatment Advocacy Center, National Alliance on Mental Illness, the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors, the National Association of Counties, the National Association for Behavioral Healthcare, Stand with Asian Americans, Asian Americans Rise, the National Association of County Behavioral Health and Developmental Disability Directors, the New York Junior League, the Schizophrenia Policy Action Network, and Vibrant Emotional Health.

    “I’m proud to receive Co-Chair Napolitano and Co-Chair Salinas’s support for the ‘Michelle Go Act,’” Congressman Dan Goldman said. “The Mental Health Caucus is one of the few remaining settings in Congress where we can still come together in a bipartisan manner to find common ground and help the American people. I look forward to continuing to work with Representatives Napolitano and Salinas to build a bipartisan coalition that will get this critical bill across the finish line in the 118th Congress.”

    Congresswoman Andrea Salinas said, “Michelle Go’s death was a horrific tragedy that underscores the need for more accessible mental health in-patient care in this country. That is why I am proud to join as a cosponsor of the Michelle Alyssa Go Act. This legislation addresses a critical gap in the mental health continuum of care by allowing Medicaid to reimburse for services provided at psychiatric or residential treatment facilities that have more than 16 beds. Doing so will help ensure that more individuals can get the long-term care they need. As Co-Chair of the Mental Health Caucus, I’m honored to support this bill and I want to thank Rep. Goldman for his leadership.

    The ‘Michelle Alyssa Go Act’ is named after a 40-year-old woman who was tragically pushed to her death in front of an oncoming subway train at a stop in Times Square. After the attack, a 61-year-old man experiencing homelessness with diagnosed Schizophrenia named Martial Simon admitted to shoving Go in front of the train. According to news reports, after showing signs of schizophrenia in his 30s, Mr. Simon spent time bouncing between hospitals, jails, and outpatient psychiatric programs without ever receiving the long-term care he needed.

    Under current federal law, Medicaid is prohibited from covering long-term stays for patients between the ages of 21 and 64 who are receiving mental health or substance abuse treatment in a facility with more than 16 beds, known as an Institution for Mental Diseases (IMD). The ‘Michelle Go Act’ would raise the threshold for a facility to be considered an IMD, from 16 in-patient psychiatric beds to 36. This would more than double the beds eligible to be funded by federal Medicaid in statute. The bill also ensures these facilities meet nationally recognized, evidence-based standards of care.

    The prohibition on Medicaid coverage, also known as the IMD exclusion, has been in effect since Medicaid was created in 1965 and has resulted in people being unable to access mental health care, as many do not have the funds to cover these services out of pocket and many institutions have downsized their capacity.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Dan Goldman Works to Protect American Workers from Wage Theft

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

    American Workers Lose at Least $50 Billion Annually to Wage Theft

    Read the Bill Here

    Washington, DC – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) today joined Representatives Seth Magaziner (RI-02), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), and Jill Tokuda (HI-02) in introducing the ‘Don’t Stand for Taking Employed American’s Livings (Don’t STEAL) Act.’ This legislation would make wage theft a federal felony, ensuring that these protections are in place for workers anywhere in the country.

    “It is absolutely unacceptable for any employer to take advantage of their employees,” Congressman Dan Goldman said. “American workers built the middle class, and the middle class built the foundation of this great nation. It is critical that Congress continue to stand alongside American workers in making sure they are simply paid for the work they do.”

    Wage theft costs American workers at least $50 billion per year – far more than the value of all robberies, burglaries, and motor vehicle thefts combined.

    While the vast majority of employers treat their workers fairly, a small number of bad actors often pay their workers less than promised, deny workers overtime, or steal tips. Wage theft disproportionately impacts low-wage workers, women and people of color. It harms local economies and reduces tax revenues.

    Current federal laws on wage theft give bad actors a slap on the wrist for stealing their employees’ wages, and don’t adequately serve as a deterrent.

    The ‘Don’t STEAL Act’ updates the penalties for wage theft violations to be commensurate with other forms of criminal theft under federal law:

    • Under this legislation, employers who willfully fail to pay their employees the wages they are owed, fail to compensate their employees for overtime work, or steal tips will face a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the severity of the crime. Under current law, employers who commit wage theft at most face a misdemeanor.

    • These changes will bring the penalties for wage theft to parity with other common forms of theft under federal law. Under current law, an employer who commits willful wage theft can be criminally fined no more than $10,000, but this bill would remove that cap and require bad actor employers to be fined in proportion to wages stolen.

    This legislation is endorsed by AFL-CIO; Center for American Progress; International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW); International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT); International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC); International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC); International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT); Laborers International Union of North American (LiUNA); North America’s Building Trades Union (NABTU); North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters (NASRCC); Operative Plasterers’ and Cement Masons’ International Association (OPCMIA); Public Citizen; Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, Transportation Workers International Association (SMART); United Association Union of Plumbers, Fitters, Welders, and Service Techs (UA); United Auto Workers (UAW); and United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW).

    Congressman Dan Goldman has worked throughout his first term to fight for the rights of all workers.

    In June of 2023, Goldman cosponsored the ‘Job Protection Act’ to expand the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to protect millions of workers who are currently unable to take time off to care for themselves or their families. Gaps in FMLA coverage lead nearly 2.6 million workers every year who need family or medical leave to not take it because they fear they will lose their jobs if they do. 

    Last September, the Congressman cosponsored the ‘No Tax Breaks for Union Busting Act.’ This legislation would classify corporate interference in worker organization campaigns as political speech under the tax code making any money spent in these efforts non-tax deductible.

    Congressman Dan Goldman is a member of the Labor Caucus and proud cosponsor of the PRO Act.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Lawler Issues Statement on Disturbing ICE Data Revealing Tens of Thousands of Illegal Immigrants with Sexual Assault And Murder Convictions Roaming U.S. Streets

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

    Congressman Lawler issued the following statement after a new report from ICE revealed that there are tens of thousands of illegal immigrants with convictions for sexual assault and homicide convictions loose on American streets. The report from ICE specifically cites sanctuary city policies as “shielding dangerous criminals, who often victimize those same communities.” Of a staggering seven million illegal immigrants not in detention as of July 2024, 425,431 were convicted criminals and 222,141 had pending criminal charges.

    “As I have said again and again, sanctuary city policies are putting Americans in danger and getting people killed,” said Congressman Lawler. “We must end the madness. That’s why I have called on New York Governor Kathy Hochul to use her emergency powers to suspend New York City’s sanctuary city laws and have spearheaded efforts in Congress to both secure our border and fix our broken immigration system.”

    “The House passed the Secure the Border Act almost a year and a half ago,” Congressman Lawler continued. “I voted for that measure and in the same month I joined Republicans and Democrats to introduce the first serious, bipartisan immigration reform proposal in over a decade – the DIGNITY Act. I’m going to keep working with colleagues in both parties to reverse the reckless policies that have led to this catastrophe. It’s time for Albany, New York City, and many of my colleagues here in Washington to wake up.”

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Barry Moore votes to hold Biden-Harris Administration accountable for failed Afghanistan withdrawal

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Barry Moore

    Washington, D.C. — Today, Rep. Barry Moore (AL-02) released a statement after voting in support of H.Res.1469, which holds key officials in the Biden-Harris Administration accountable for decision making and execution failures throughout the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan that caused the death of 13 American service members.

    “The Biden-Harris Administration’s botched Afghanistan withdrawal betrayed our service members and our citizens who were trapped there for days on end, but three years later they still refuse to take accountability,” said Moore. “The American people deserve a Commander in Chief who owns up to their mistakes and gives our service members the respect they deserve.”

    Click here to learn more.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Barry Moore votes to sanction senior CCP leaders

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Barry Moore

    Washington, D.C. — Today, Rep. Barry Moore (AL-02) released a statement after voting in support of the Stop CCP Act, sponsored by Rep. McClain (R-MI). This legislation would require sanctions on all past and future members of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)’s National Congress and their immediate family members. The sanctions would last until the CCP ends its theft of American intellectual property, ends its genocide of Uyghur Muslims, ends its incursions into Taiwan and stops its human rights abuses in Hong Kong. 

    “The CCP has already proven they are willing to commit any human rights violation necessary to become the world’s number one superpower,” said Moore. “Sanctioning the most trusted members of President Xi’s inner circle condemns these atrocities and holds the CCP accountable.”

    Click here to learn more.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Barry Moore opposes three-month CR that continues Biden-Harris’ out-of-control spending

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Barry Moore

    Washington, D.C. — Today, Rep. Barry Moore (AL-02) released a statement after voting against a continuing resolution that funds the woke, weaponized and wasteful spending of the Biden-Harris Administration until December 20th.

    Moore previously supported a six-month continuing resolution that included the SAVE Act, but failed to pass. This legislation would have amended the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to require proof of United States citizenship to register an individual to vote in elections for Federal office. Moore is a co-sponsor of this legislation.

    Since the beginning of the Biden-Harris Administration, more than eight million illegal aliens have entered our country. In many states, these illegals are eligible for driver’s licenses and other benefits, providing ample opportunities to register to vote in federal elections. The SAVE Act passed the House in July, but Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer refuses to consider it in the Senate.

    “This continuing resolution does not contain a single conservative win for American families or cut a single penny of the Biden-Harris Administration’s out-of-control spending,” said Moore. “It’s past time conservatives held bureaucrats’ feet to the fire, and I refuse to ride shotgun while the Uniparty drives our country off a cliff.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hurricane Helene update from Congressman Edwards

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11)

    Dear Friend,

    Yesterday morning around 8:30 a.m., Hurricane Helene hit our beautiful mountains with a ferocity unmatched by any storm in our district’s history. We have witnessed 1,000-year flooding, and with more rain expected this afternoon, we are not out of the woods.

    But I have been encouraged by the number of neighbors I’ve seen helping neighbors, and I know our community will persist. Mountain folk are resilient. We will make it through this, together.

    To keep you informed, I am committed to sending you a daily update on the steps being taken to respond and recover from Hurricane Helene. Today is update number one, with more information to follow in the coming days. Please make sure to read it through and share it with your friends and family.

    Food and water

    • Far and wide, the biggest need of every county in NC-11 is access to food and potable water.
    • A total of 37 water systems are on a system-wide boil water advisory across North Carolina, with 31 systems awaiting results to hopefully allow for the water to be turned back on.
    • Potable water and meals are actively en route from central North Carolina to Western North Carolina.
      • Air operations for food and water deliveries begin this afternoon in areas without roadway access.

    Power and Gas

    • Power outages are widespread but accessibility for repairs is limited.
      • Currently, there is no established timeline for restorations.
    • More than 700,000 North Carolinians lost power due to the storm.
      • Power for 281,000 of the initial 700,000 has been restored, but Western North Carolina faces a unique challenge due to the high number of road closures throughout the district.
    • Duke Energy warns that Western North Carolinians should be prepared for potential multi-day outages, though energy providers are doing everything they can to restore power quickly.
    • Duke Energy has 11,000 workers working quickly and safely on repairs, including additional crews from 19 states and Canada.
    • Fuel planning is ongoing for both rescue operations and communications resources.
      • Fuel contracts have been activated.
        • A fuel contract provides a steady fuel reserve during an emergency.
    • For local governments in need of fuel for their vehicles
      • Ensure your Emergency Operation Center has submitted the request for gasoline with North Carolina Emergency Management to have your request processed and gasoline delivered.
        • Gasoline can also be delivered via air if road access is limited.

    Roads

    • North Carolina Department of Transportation has issued a “DO NOT DRIVE” message for Western North Carolina.
      • Unless it is an emergency, please do not try to travel.
    • Roughly 400 roads are closed in Western North Carolina, with the majority being in Henderson (50), Buncombe (25) and Jackson (21) counties.
    • 73 of these are primary routes including I-40, I-26, U.S. 74 at I-40 in Asheville, and dozens of U.S. and N.C. routes.
    • Most of the current closures are due to high water where the roadway is impassable or flooded, land/rockslides, downed power lines, pipe failures, and fallen trees.
    • More than 1,500 employees from across the state have deployed to Western North Carolina to address road closures related to the storm.
      • Crews are actively working to clear trees and rock/landslide debris throughout Western North Carolina to reestablish accessibility, including clearing efforts along the I-40 and I-26 corridors.

    Asheville Regional Airport

    • Asheville Regional Airport closed mid-day on Friday, September 27 due to flooding.
    • The airport is expected to reopen by mid-day today, Saturday, September 28.

    Cell Service

    • Western North Carolina has seen severe cell service outages due to the severe weather.
      • Madison County is worst affected, with less than 8 percent capacity available through Verizon.
    • Service providers have deployed Compact Rapid Deployables throughout Western North Carolina, including to Hendersonville, Lake Junaluska, and Waynesville, with more en route.
      • Compact Rapid Deployables are a transportable cell tower and internet access point, that can generate wired internet and wi-fi coverage anytime and anywhere.
    • Service providers have deployed SatCOLTs throughout Western North Carolina, including to Asheville and Hendersonville, with more en route.
      • SatCOLT stands for “Satellite Cells on Light Trucks” and are vehicles with mobile cell sites that connect via satellite and do not rely on commercial power supply.

    North Carolina National Guard

    • 410 North Carolina National Guard soldiers and airmen have been deployed to provide support to Western North Carolina so far.
      • This includes the deployment of 146 vehicles and 12 aircraft.
    • The Asheville National Guard armory has relocated to East Flat Rock due to lost power so they may continue operations and providing support to Western North Carolina.

    Shelters

    For those unable to evacuate to a safe location or in need of a place to go, the following shelters are currently open and available as of September 28:

    • Buncombe
      • A-B Technical Community College
        • 340 Victoria Rd, Asheville, NC 28801
      • First Baptist Church Swannanoa
        • 503 Park Street, Swannanoa, NC 28778
      • WNC Agricultural Center
        • 1301 Fanning Bridge Rd, Fletcher, NC 28732
    • Haywood
      • Haywood County Government Armory
        • 285 Armory Drive, Clyde, NC 28781
    • Henderson
      • Henderson County Recreation Center
        • 708 S. Grove St, Hendersonville, NC 28792
    •  Jackson
      • Cashiers Recreation Center
        • 355 Frank Allen Rd, Cashiers, NC 28717
      • Jackson County Department of Aging
        • 100 County Services Park, Sylva, NC 28779
    • McDowell
      • First Baptist Church of Old Fort
        • 203 E Main St, Old Fort, NC 28762
      • Glenwood Baptist Church
        • 1550 Old US 221 South, Marion, NC 28752
    •  Polk
      • Polk County High School
        • 1681 NC 108 Highway East, Columbus, NC 28722
    • Transylvania
      • Pisgah Forest Baptist Church
        • 494 Hendersonville Hwy, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
    • Yancey
      • South Toe Elementary School
        • 139 South Toe School Rd, Burnsville, NC 28714
      • West Yancey Volunteer Fire Department
        • 6557 US Hwy 19, Burnsville, NC 28714

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Stansbury Introduces Legislation to Give Land Back to Pueblo

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

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01) introduced the San Felipe Pueblo Land into Trust bill, 37 years after the land was designated as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern back in 1987.  

    First introduced by then-Congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grisham in the 115th Congress, again by then-Congresswoman Deb Haaland in the 116th Congress, and now co-sponsored by Representative Teresa Leger Fernandez (N.M.-03) in the 118th, this bill would direct the Secretary of the Interior to convey the area currently known as the Ball Ranch Area of Critical Environmental Concern in New Mexico, into trust for the benefit of San Felipe Pueblo. 

    “Indigenous peoples have been stewards of the land since time immemorial,” said Rep. Stansbury (NM-01). “But time and time again, they have been forced from their homes and the land that holds sacred meaning to them. For the people of San Felipe Pueblo, the area currently known as Ball Ranch holds a deep cultural and religious significance because of the many irreplaceable cultural resources found there. That’s why I’ve introduced this legislation: because Indigenous people deserve to keep and protect the land they’ve lived on for thousands of years free from pollution and destruction.” 

    “This legislation is the culmination of more than a decade of work, spanning several Congresses, to transfer this land into trust,” said San Felipe Pueblo Governor Anthony Ortiz. “It is a recognition that, working with the BLM, the Pueblo of San Felipe is the best possible steward of this land. This is our aboriginal homeland, surrounded by the Pueblo, and is sacred to all area Pueblos. The Pueblo of San Felipe is very grateful to Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury who is leading this effort here in Washington. She and her staff have gone above and beyond to make this bill a reality and she has demonstrated her strong commitment to Tribal Sovereignty and respect for the federal government to government relationship.” 

    “This bill highlights the importance of everyone working together to make this dream a reality,” said Rep. Leger Fernandez (NM-03). “We must return the land to those for whom it is sacred and who will dedicate themselves to protect it. We will not give up until San Felipe Pueblo gets their land returned.”

    Read the bill here. 

    Watch a video of the press conference here. 

    Other statements of support: 

    “I am proud to support Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury’s bill, which protects our public lands and recognizes the critical need for land to be returned to tribal communities like San Felipe Pueblo,” said Sandoval County Commissioner Joshua Jones. The Pueblo have deep cultural, historical, and spiritual ties to this land, and ensuring they have the resources to preserve their heritage is essential for justice and sustainability. This legislation would allow the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to facilitate land transfers that respect tribal sovereignty while promoting environmental stewardship. By supporting this bill, we can help San Felipe Pueblo reclaim land that is rightfully theirs, ensuring their community can thrive both economically and culturally. I urge the BLM to prioritize these land transfers and recognize the significance of this legislation for tribal nations.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Stansbury Fights Back Against Fentanyl

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

    WASHINGTON D.C. —Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01) introduced the Stop the Opioid Pill Presser and Fentanyl Act (STOPP Fentanyl Act) to commercially disrupt global criminal networks and suppliers of illicit drugs like fentanyl.

    “The devastating impact of the fentanyl crisis is deeply personal for me. Sadly, like millions of Americans, this epidemic has touched my life with the death of a close friend,” said Rep. Melanie Stansbury (NM-01). “Drug traffickers and suppliers adapt quickly, and so should we. Our focus must remain on criminals who pour fentanyl into our streets through tablets and counterfeit pills. Regulating pill presses stops this process at the start – another step in protecting Americans.”

    Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) has identified the need to deny illicit synthetic drug producers’ access to pill presses, die molds, encapsulating machines, and other counterfeit pill manufacturing materials.

    Tablets and counterfeit pills containing fentanyl have become more common, and people who consume them may not know that they include fentanyl or other dangerous substances.

    Congresswoman Stansbury’s legislation targets the production of these fake pills by requiring those who manufacture or distribute pill tableting or encapsulating machines and their critical parts to “serialize” their machinery, keep records of all relevant transactions, and report those transactions to the Attorney General by creating a national registry to track the movement of these pill tableting or encapsulating machines and their critical parts in the stream of commerce.

    Those who violate the serialization, record-keeping, reporting, or registry requirements will be subject to penalties.

    Original co-sponsors include: Assistant Leader Joe Neguse (CO-02), Ranking Member Raul Grijalva (AZ-07), Rep. Annie Kuster (NH-02), Rep. Steven Horsford (NV-04), Rep. Chris Pappas (NH-01), Rep. Angie Craig (MN-02), Rep. Wiley Nickel (NC-13), Rep. Andrea Salinas (OR-06), and Rep. Brittany Petterson (Co-07). 

    “Too many in Southern Arizona have been impacted by the scourge of fentanyl. This legislation will help with the regulation of pill presses and make it harder for fentanyl traffickers to push illegal drugs on American streets,” said Rep. Raul Grijalva (AZ-01). “I’m proud to support this common-sense safety legislation.”

    “Illicit, counterfeit pills containing fentanyl continue to pose a deadly threat to our communities. I have had countless conversations with law enforcement about the growing threat as well as heard from families who share heartbreaking stories about the toll these counterfeit pills are taking on their loved ones,” said Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01). “This legislation would put common sense regulations in place to monitor pill press machines, stop them from getting into the hands of bad actors, and combat deadly pills from being put onto our streets. I want to thank Congresswoman Stansbury for introducing this important bill, and I remain committed to working across the aisle to do all we can to keep our communities safe, support the work of law enforcement, and bring traffickers and operators of illegal pill press operations to justice.”

    “I’m proud to cosponsor the Stop Opioid Pill Press Act, a critical step in cracking down on the manufacturing of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl,” said Rep. Wiley Nickel (NC-13). “I’ll continue to raise awareness about this deadly epidemic and will keep up the fight to secure our southern border and stop the flow of these dangerous drugs into our communities.”

    “Regulating pill presses and disrupting the production of counterfeit pills will help stem the flow of dangerous synthetic substances like fentanyl, ultimately preventing overdoses and saving lives,” said Rep. Brittany Pettersen (CO-07). “Addressing this public health crisis has been my top priority in Congress, and this legislation marks an important step towards holding cartels accountable.”

    A copy of the bill text, videos, and photos from the press event can be found here.

    Facts about fake prescription pills laced with fentanyl:  

    • The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) seized more than 80 million fentanyl-laced fake pills and nearly 12,000 pounds of fentanyl powder in 2023.  
    • Those seizures are equivalent to more than 390 million lethal doses of fentanyl. 
    • Laboratory testing indicates 7 out of every 10 pills seized by DEA contain a lethal dose of fentanyl. 
    • The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) found fentanyl seizures more than quadrupled between 2017 and 2023.  
    • Almost half the fentanyl seized in 2023 were in fake pill form. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Williams and Bonamici Introduce Legislation to Aid AI Development

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brandon Williams (NY-22)

    “This is the kind of technology that will define the coming eras of human history. To ensure prosperity at home and maintain America’s scientific advantage abroad, we must innovate. We must utilize every resource available to develop newer, stronger, safer tech which, in turn, will spur advances in national security, energy-efficiency, manufacturing, and more,” said Congressman Williams.

     

    WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Brandon Williams (NY-22) and Suzanne Bonamici (OR-1) introduced the Department of Energy Artificial Intelligence Act of 2024, a bill providing updated guidance for the Department of Energy’s (DOE) activities in developing advanced artificial intelligence (AI) systems to carry out missions pertaining to national security, energy-efficiency, and scientific discovery.

    The DOE AI Act of 2024 amends the National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Act of 2020 by updating the section directing a Department of Energy artificial intelligence research program. This bill codifies multiple activities and objectives for DOE’s AI research and development activities, including:

    “This is the kind of technology that will define the coming eras of human history. To ensure prosperity at home and maintain America’s scientific advantage abroad, we must innovate. We must utilize every resource available to develop newer, stronger, safer tech which, in turn, will spur advances in national security, energy-efficiency, manufacturing, and more,” said Congressman Williams.

    “Artificial intelligence is evolving rapidly and the government must be equipped to respond to new developments and stay on the cutting edge,” said Congresswoman Bonamici.

    “I’m introducing the bipartisan DOE AI Act with Rep. Williams to position the Department of Energy to develop high-performance platforms, responsibly cultivate training data, and improve energy efficiency to support safe AI innovation.”

    The full bill is available here.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Williams Statement on Hezbollah’s Attack on Tel Aviv

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brandon Williams (NY-22)

    Williams Statement on Hezbollah’s Attack on Tel Aviv

    Washington, September 25, 2024

    “David’s Sling has intercepted a ballistic missile over Tel-Aviv, saving countless lives. This escalation is unprecedented, even for Hezbollah’s terrorists. The range and precision of missiles such as these give them the potential to cause great destruction. I am relieved to see that this failed attack resulted in no casualties. We must continue to reaffirm our commitment to our strongest ally in the Middle East—I stand with Israel.”

    WASHINGTON — Congressman Brandon Williams (NY-22) issued the following statement upon confirmation that Hezbollah launched a ballistic missile which was intercepted over Tel Aviv, Israel’s second-most populous city:

    “David’s Sling has intercepted a ballistic missile over Tel-Aviv, saving countless lives. This escalation is unprecedented, even for Hezbollah’s terrorists. The range and precision of missiles such as these give them the potential to cause great destruction. I am relieved to see that this failed attack resulted in no casualties. We must continue to reaffirm our commitment to our strongest ally in the Middle East—I stand with Israel.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Williams on Tragic Death of Oswego Deputy

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brandon Williams (NY-22)

    Williams on Tragic Death of Oswego Deputy

    Volney, NY, September 25, 2024

    “I’m devastated to learn of the passing of Cailee Campbell. She was one of our best and bravest—tragically killed this morning in the line of duty. She was taken from us far too soon. My prayers are with her family, Sheriff Hilton, and all of her fellow officers.”

    VOLNEY — Upon hearing of the tragic death of Oswego County Sheriff’s Deputy Cailee Campbell, Congressman Brandon Williams (NY-22) said the following:

    “I’m devastated to learn of the passing of Cailee Campbell. She was one of our best and bravest—tragically killed this morning in the line of duty. She was taken from us far too soon. My prayers are with her family, Sheriff Hilton, and all of her fellow officers.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Young Kim Recognizes MST Awareness Day

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

    Washington, DC – This week, U.S. Representative Young Kim (CA-40) joined Reps. Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Don Bacon (NE-02), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), and Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) to introduce a bipartisan resolution (H.Res. 1510) recognizing September 25 as military sexual trauma (MST) Awareness Day. 

    On Wednesday, U.S. Representative Young Kim joined Reps. Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Julia Brownley (CA-26), and Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) at a Servicewomen and Women Veterans Caucus event recognizing Military Sexual Trauma (MST) Awareness Day and this bipartisan resolution.

    1 in 3 women and 1 in 50 men experience MST during service as a member, whether active duty, Reserve, or National Guard. 

    This bipartisan resolution reaffirms Congress’s commitment to supporting MST survivors and encourages the Departments of Defense and of Veterans Affairs to expand MST-related services. 

    “Our service members are heroes who put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms we hold dear. We must do more to support those who have unfortunately faced military sexual trauma during their time in service,” said Rep. Young Kim. “I am proud to help introduce this resolution to shine light on military sexual trauma survivors as we work on bipartisan solutions to expand access to services, uplift survivors, and eradicate MST once and for all.” 

    “Sexual assault has no place in our armed forces. The burden of fear — of assault, harassment, or exploitation — should never be a part of military service. We must work together to create an atmosphere where all service members can serve without this dread,” said Rep. Houlahan. “As a veteran who served in the military in the 1990s, I experienced firsthand the unique challenges many servicewomen face. I care deeply about this issue because everyone who puts on a uniform deserves to serve in a safe, respectful, and supportive environment. Bringing awareness is important, but this is the first step. We still have lots of work left to do.”    

    In July, Rep. Kim introduced the Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act (H.R. 8879), a bipartisan bill with Rep. Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) to improve the standards and quality of training for contracted disability compensation examiners handling MST claims so that MST veterans filing a claim are not retraumatized during the medical disability examination process.

    Read the resolution HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –