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Category: US Senate

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell Says Senate Should Dump House Proposal to Force Millions Off Health Coverage & Endanger Struggling Rural Hospitals

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
    06.03.25
    Cantwell Says Senate Should Dump House Proposal to Force Millions Off Health Coverage & Endanger Struggling Rural Hospitals
    In WA, Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” would compromise health coverage for over 270k people
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), senior member of the Senate Finance Committee and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, joined Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) for a press conference at the Capitol calling on their Republican colleagues to reject the devastating cuts to Medicaid included in the budget bill that barely passed the House of Representatives last month.
    “If this bill is enacted — reversing the gains of the Affordable Care Act — it will increase our uncompensated care cost. One estimate: $42 billion alone in 2026 of uncompensated care, and $278 billion in uncompensated care increases over a 10-year window,” Sen. Cantwell said.
    “The result in declining revenue would have adverse consequences for at-risk hospitals and rural communities. We have all heard from our rural hospitals warning us about this. How is it that our Republican Senate colleagues are not listening to those rural hospitals?”
    She continued: “Do our Republican colleagues not care about delivery of health care in our rural community and the spillover effect it has to their economies? This is not scare tactics. This is a bill, if enacted, [that] will not result in savings. It will result in an increase in the uninsured. It will result in financial stresses on our system, and it will increase costs on all of us. And yes, it will cost lives.”
    Video of today’s press conference is HERE; audio is HERE; and a transcript of Sen. Cantwell’s remarks is HERE.
    Last month, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a reconciliation bill containing over $700 billion in cuts and significant changes to Medicaid, the federal program that insures many low-income adults and children, pregnant people, seniors, and people with disabilities. 
    Medicaid, known as Apple Health in Washington state, covers over 1.9 million Washingtonians. On May 2, Sen. Cantwell released a snapshot report highlighting the impact that Medicaid cuts would have on Washington state’s highly-ranked long-term care system for seniors and people with disabilities. In February, she released a snapshot report that demonstrated how cuts would harm health care access in Washington state, and she followed up with a report in March that dove into impacts on the Puget Sound region.
    Highlights of those snapshot reports include:
    In Washington state, WA-04 (Central Washington) and WA-05 (Eastern Washington) have the highest proportions of adults and total population on Medicaid (Apple Health). In District 4, 70% of children are on Medicaid.
    In the Puget Sound, children in Seattle’s blue-collar strongholds would feel the deepest pain from Medicaid cuts. More than half of children in Burien, SeaTac, Kent, Federal Way, Auburn, Renton, and Rainier Valley depend on Medicaid.
    In an exclusive new survey of 68 WA nursing homes, 67 of 68 would cut services if Medicaid were cut by 5% or more, and 65% would consider closing.
    Over the past three months, Sen. Cantwell also took a tour around the state to hear from folks who would be directly impacted by cuts to Medicare. Doctors, patients, and health care providers in Seattle, Spokane, the Tri-Cities, and Wenatchee warned that such cuts would devastate Washington state’s health care system and limit access to lifesaving care.
    On May 21, Sen. Cantwell joined Washington state health care professionals for a virtual press conference to highlight statewide alarm and opposition to proposed Medicaid cuts. That same day, 23 Republican members of the Washington state legislature sent a letter to the entire Washington state federal Congressional delegation, urging the delegation to “protect Medicaid funding for Washington State.”
    A full timeline of Sen. Cantwell’s actions to defend Medicaid from cuts is HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, Ricketts Lead Bipartisan Senate Delegation to Shangri-La Dialogue to Reaffirm U.S. Iron-Clad Commitment to Indo-Pacific Partners & Allies

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
    May 29, 2025
    [SINGAPORE] – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—who served in the Reserve Forces for 23 years and is a member of both the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC)—and U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) are leading a bipartisan Congressional Delegation to Singapore to this year’s International Institute for Strategic Studies’ Shangri-La Dialogue, which is one of Asia’s premier global international security and defense summits, to reaffirm the United States’ strong bipartisan commitment to our partners and allies in the Indo-Pacific region. Their arrival in Singapore comes immediately after Senator Duckworth completed a successful visit to Taiwan where she voiced her support for the Taiwanese people and our partnership with them. While in Singapore, the Delegation plans to meet with a number of defense and foreign affairs officials representing several of our partners in the Indo-Pacific region to discuss her efforts to increase cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including strengthening our cultural, economic and military partnerships across the region.
    “I’ve always believed that if America wants to remain a global leader, we have to show up and support our partners and allies—and that means our leadership in the Indo-Pacific must continue for the long term,” said Senator Duckworth. “The United States has long been a major Pacific power but, if we abandon our Indo-Pacific partners, we’d be leaving a vacuum that the PRC both can—and likely will—take advantage of, making it harder for America to compete with China and weakening our standing on the global stage all while giving our adversaries and competitors an easy path to overtaking us. So I’m proud to be back for this year’s Shangri-La Dialogue, where Senator Ricketts and I will be working to strengthen our relationships with several of our Indo-Pacific partners and send a strong, bipartisan message to our allies—and our competitors—that the United States is here for the long haul.”
    “Increasing aggression from Communist China continues to threaten peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific. In the Senate, I am working with my colleagues to make sure all aspects of our government are ready to respond to Beijing’s malign influence and hostilities in the region,” said Senator Ricketts. “What we’re seeing from America’s friends in the Indo-Pacific is a renewed emphasis on strengthening their defense capabilities. I’m looking forward to participating in this year’s Shangri-La Dialogue with Senator Duckworth. We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our allies and partners to deter Communist China’s aggression and counter its threats to our collective interests.”
    While in Singapore, the Duckworth-Ricketts Delegation intends to meet with Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Singapore Minister of Defence Chan Chun Sing, Republic of Korea Defense Minister for Policy Cho Chang-rae, Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, INDOPACOM Commander Admiral Samuel Paparo, Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, German Deputy Defense Minister Dr. Nils Schmid, Thailand Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Phuntham Wechayachai, Philippines Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, UK Ministry of Defense Minister of State Lord Coaker, Commander of United Nations Command (UNC) Xavier Brunson and more.
    This trip comes after Duckworth successfully led a bipartisan delegation to the Shangri-La Dialogue alongside U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) last year. Duckworth is a proven leader when it comes to strengthening our relations with Indo-Pacific nations and improving security in the region—which she has done while successfully securing significant international investments in Illinois. In the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that was signed into law, Duckworth successfully secured a modified version of her Access to Care for Overseas Military Act to improve medical readiness in the Indo-Pacific. This provision established a program to accredit foreign medical facilities to help ensure our nation’s servicemembers as well as their families have access to quality patient care throughout the Indo-Pacific region—where they often must travel long distances to receive care—both during peacetime and in the event of a conflict abroad.
    In 2023, Duckworth led an official visit to Japan and Indonesia as part of her continuing efforts to strengthen ties and reinforce support between allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region and the United States. And last summer, Duckworth led another official visit to the Indo-Pacific region again, visiting Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines to meet with government and business leaders and discuss opportunities that would increase cooperation in areas of mutual interest, such as economic investments, regional stability and national security.
    In 2022, Duckworth traveled to South Korea and Taiwan where she met with business, government and trade leaders, which helped lead to a joint venture between Illinois’s ADM and South Korea’s LG Chem, as well as a commitment from Taiwan to purchase an estimated $2.6 billion of our Illinois’s corn and soybeans. In 2021, Duckworth, Sullivan and Coons also travelled to Taiwan to announce that the United States’ would donate 750,000 COVID-19 vaccines to Taiwan as part of President Biden’s plan to provide vaccines to our global partners in need. Duckworth also successfully included a modified version of her Strengthen Taiwan’s Security Act in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to help Taiwan strengthen its military defenses. In 2019, Duckworth led a bipartisan delegation to Japan and Singapore. In 2018, Duckworth visited South Korea and Japan.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crapo Statement at Executive Session to Consider IRS Commissioner

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo

    Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) delivered the following remarks at an executive session to consider the nomination of Billy Long to be Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Commissioner.
    As prepared for delivery:
    “We meet today to consider favorably reporting the nomination of Congressman Billy Long to be Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
    “As we have done with other nominees, the meeting this morning will provide Members with the opportunity to offer remarks on Congressman Long’s nomination.  We will recess briefly following Member statements and then proceed to this morning’s nominations hearing.  We will notify Members of a time and location later today to conduct the vote on Congressman Long’s nomination. 
    “At his hearing, Congressman Long outlined his vision to transform the IRS through systems modernization, a renewed focus on efficiency and a much-needed change in IRS culture. 
    “If confirmed, I look forward to working with him to ensure the IRS focuses on helping American taxpayers to better understand and meet their tax responsibilities, and that it enforces the law with integrity and fairness to all.
    “I was encouraged to hear Congressman Long clearly commit that ‘the IRS will not, [and] should not, be politicized on my watch.’
    “I’d also like to thank Congressman Long for his time working through the Finance Committee’s rigorous nomination process, in addition to responding to a large amount of questions for the record.  At his hearing, and in his written responses, Congressman Long clearly affirmed that all of his tax consulting work was as an independent contractor for Capitol Edge Strategies.  He never performed work for White River or anyone else regarding Native American tribal tax credits.
    “With respect to the contributions to his Senate campaign, Congressman Long stated time and again that he followed Federal Election Commission (FEC) guidelines.
    “In sum, Congressman Long is uniquely suited to instill needed change at the IRS and I will vote in favor of his nomination.  I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to do the same.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: WATCH: Hickenlooper Condemns Antisemitic Attack in Boulder on Senate floor

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Colorado John Hickenlooper

    Hickenlooper: “Our Colorado community is reeling from a heinous hate crime against the Jewish community in Boulder, Colorado”

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper spoke on the Senate floor to condemn the senseless antisemitic attack that occurred in Boulder on Sunday during a peaceful march in support of Israeli hostages. He also denounced the broader rise in antisemitic violence across the United States.

    “This attack was not random. It was a deliberate hate crime against the Jewish community that was planned for months,” said Hickenlooper. “The scope of that hatred is unconscionable.” 

    “…We need to do more to protect the Jewish community in Colorado, and across the country – and make sure that they feel safe in the aftermath of this horrific attack,” he continued. 

    On Sunday, 12 Coloradans were badly injured after a suspect threw incendiary devices and Molotov cocktails into a crowd in a targeted antisemitic attack. The twelve individuals were part of a peaceful march in Boulder, called Run for Their Lives, that happens every week to call for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza.

    Immediately following reports of the attack, Hickenlooper issued public statements condemning the violence and supporting the victims.

    To download a full video of Hickenlooper’s remarks, click HERE. A full transcript of his remarks is available below:

    “Mr. President,

    “Our Colorado community is reeling from a heinous hate crime against the Jewish community in Boulder, Colorado.

    “On Sunday, 12 Coloradans were badly injured after a suspect threw Molotov cocktails and incendiary devices into a crowd specifically targeting the Jewish people there – a targeted antisemitic attack.

    “The twelve individuals were part of a peaceful march in Boulder that happens every week to call for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza.

    “The suspect has since told investigators that he planned the targeted terrorist attack for over a year – that he specifically wanted to target the Run for Their Lives group. This group that had been meeting every week lobbying for the release of hostages.   

    “The bottom line: this attack was not random. It was a deliberate hate crime against the Jewish community that was planned for months. 

    “The scope of that hatred is unconscionable.  

    “These were men and women who dedicated their time to advocating for innocent hostages who have been now held in captivity for over 600 days. Most importantly, the demonstrators were motivated by a desire for peace. And were operating in a peaceful fashion.

    “Let me repeat that – that these men and women wanted peace.  

    “Instead, they were met with horrifying and senseless violence.

    “The upswing in violence targeting the Jewish community needs to be condemned at every level.

    “And now, antisemitism, and the hate that comes with it, has taken root at home in Colorado.

    “But Colorado is not alone.

    “Our country is still mourning the recent assassination of two Israeli Embassy staff members who were shot as they exited an event at the Capital Jewish Museum just a little over a week ago. 

    “And just this past April, the Pennsylvania Governor’s mansion was firebombed as Governor Josh Shapiro and his family celebrated Passover inside.

    “And these are just a few of the recent, and most visible antisemitic attacks.

    “According to the Anti-Defamation League, antisemitic incidents have reached a record high since the October 7th, 2023 attack.

    “It is absolutely unacceptable for antisemitism to exist in our country. And yet, the Jewish community in Colorado, and the Jewish community across the United States, has to live with the daily fear of targeted terrorist attacks and escalating calls for violence against the Jewish people. 

    “We need to do more to protect the Jewish community in Colorado – and across the country – and make sure that they feel safe in the aftermath of this horrific attack.

    “Across the country, Jewish people are angry, they’re terrified. Jewish Coloradans woke up this morning feeling unsafe – unsafe to go to school, unsafe to go to work, wondering if what and if there is a path forward.

    “In 1967, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. wrote, and I quote: ‘The ultimate weakness of violence is that it is a descending spiral, begetting the very thing it seeks to destroy. Instead of diminishing evil, it multiplies it.’

    “Colorado has always been a state that embraces difference – and always will be. 

    “The answer to this violence is not to turn to the comfort of simple, or black and white answers – backing into our corners and spreading more fear and more hatred.

    “Now is the time to double-down on a commitment to unity in the face of our differences. It is the only way we can guarantee safety and peace for our Jewish community and for every community.

    “Now what does that mean in real terms? 

    “It means fully investigating this hate crime and making sure the suspect is fully prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

    “It means zero tolerance for antisemitism in Colorado’s schools, our workplaces, in our public spaces.

    “It means taking a lesson from the twelve demonstrators who were victims in Sunday’s attack. 

    “Through peaceful action they stood up [for] their beliefs, they supported one another, and helped our country take small, but meaningful steps forward.

    “They wanted to end this descending spiral of violence… The rest of us should do as well.

    “Thank you, Mr. President, I yield the floor.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner & Kaine Slam House-Passed Republican Bill to Make Tax Filing More Expensive

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner
    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) released the following statement regarding a provision in the megabill Republicans are ramming through Congress that would eliminate Direct File—a pilot program that allows Americans to file their taxes without making extra payments to tax preparation services—all so that Republicans can slash taxes for the wealthiest Americans:
    “If it were up to us, we’d be debating ways to put money back in the pockets of working Virginians. But the megabill Republicans are ramming through Congress does the opposite. Not only will it raise taxes for millions of working Americans, it will cut off a new, successful service that allows people to file their taxes directly to the IRS without having to pay a middleman’s fees. We should be strengthening programs that lower costs, not eliminating them.”
    In 2024 alone, Direct File helped 140,803 taxpayers nationwide claim more than $90 million in refunds and save an estimated $5.6 million in tax preparation fees. Sens. Warner and Kaine have long supported Direct File. Last year, they urged Governor Youngkin and the General Assembly to allow Virginians to use the program to file their future tax returns.
    Sens. Warner and Kaine have been sounding the alarm about the effects of the GOP plan on Virginia families if Republicans in Congress continue to insist on gutting vital programs in order to pay for tax breaks for the richest Americans. The senators have noted that the GOP bill would strip health insurance from more than 262,000 Virginians, cut SNAP benefits for more than 204,000 people in Virginia, raise energy costs for Virginia households, jeopardize more than 20,000 Virginia jobs, raise the deficit by $3.8 trillion, and raise taxes on minimum-wage workers while giving the richest 0.1% a $188,000 tax cut.
     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy Introduces Bill to Improve Veterans’ Access to Education Benefit Information

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) introduced the Informing VETS Act to better communicate to veterans with disabilities the education benefits available to them.
    “Veterans should never be left to wonder what education benefits they do or do not qualify for. When a soldier is finished with active duty, the least we can do is make it clear for them,” said Dr. Cassidy.
    Cassidy was joined by U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) in introducing the bill.
    Background
    A recent GAO report highlighted that the majority of veterans did not know about the Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) Program, despite knowing about the benefits available to them through the GI Bill. The Informing VETS Act requires the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to raise awareness of the VR&E program by regularly sending letters to eligible veterans discussing the educational benefits. The bill also requires the VA to provide a side-by-side comparison of benefits between the GI Bill and the VR&E programs online.
    The American Veterans have endorsed the VETS Act.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Baldwin Demands Trump Administration Reverse Course on Milwaukee Job Corps Closure

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, demanded the Trump Administration reverse course on the decision to shutter Job Corps training sites across the country, including in Milwaukee, that help young Americans get high-quality career training, are a path to good-paying jobs, and support businesses’ and labor unions’ workforce needs. Last week, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced it will begin shutting down contractor operated Job Corps centers nationwide, including in Milwaukee, where 237 students are currently enrolled and will be abruptly cut off from services, including classes, trainings, housing, and more.

    “Milwaukee Job Corps has critical relationships with employers and service providers to ensure students enter the workforce ready to succeed, including by partnering with labor unions to provide pathways to apprenticeships,” wrote Senator Baldwin in a letter to DOL Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer. “Employers in the Milwaukee area value Job Corps graduates as strong, reliable contributors in the workplace, and losing that connection will add to the challenge of filling open jobs.”

    The Milwaukee Job Corps site has served the community since 2010, and currently has 237 students. The Center assists students ages 16 through 24 in completing their education, obtaining career technical skills, and gaining employment, while also providing essential and transitional support services like housing. Since its opening, the Milwaukee Job Corps Center has awarded 1,354 high school diplomas, and 2,515 career technical completions, which indicate complete training requirements, certificates, and credentials for a trade.

    “Canceling the contract means these students will be interrupted and potentially dislocated in the middle of attaining certifications and reaching their goals,” Senator Baldwin continued. “Robbing these Wisconsinites of their path to self-sufficiency is neither efficient nor will it deliver the desired meaningful results for the students.”

    The full letter is available here and below.

    Dear Secretary Chavez-DeRemer:

    I write to urge you to reconsider your misguided decision to pause operations at Job Corps centers across the country, including in Milwaukee. I ask that you immediately reverse this decision, reinstate the contract, and ensure that the Job Corps Center in Milwaukee can return to providing quality services to its students and a talent pipeline for area employers.

    The Milwaukee Job Corps site has served the community since 2010, and currently has 237 students. The Center assists students ages 16 through 24 in completing their education, obtaining career technical skills and gaining employment, while also providing essential and transitional support services like housing. Milwaukee Job Corps has critical relationships with employers and service providers to ensure students enter the workforce ready to succeed, including by partnering with labor unions to provide pathways to apprenticeships. Employers in the Milwaukee area value Job Corps graduates as strong, reliable contributors in the workplace, and losing that connection will add to the challenge of filling open jobs.

    The sudden pause in Job Corps contracts, which serves as a functional cancellation of our investment in job training, will upend the lives of students currently participating in the program and disrupt a vital link in the workforce system in place in Milwaukee. Through Job Corps, students earn drivers’ licenses, attain GEDs, go on to join the military, go to college, and more. Canceling the contract means these students will be interrupted and potentially dislocated in the middle of attaining certifications and reaching their goals. Robbing these Wisconsinites of their path to self-sufficiency is neither efficient nor will it deliver the desired meaningful results for the students.

    I urge you to reconsider this course of action and reinstate the contract for the Jobs Corps Center in Milwaukee. Thank you for your prompt consideration of this important matter.

    Sincerely, 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Markey, Democrats Continue to Hammer Trump Administration on Illegally Gutting Agency Dedicated to Growing Minority Owned Businesses

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
    Amid Commerce Department’s stonewalling, Senators ask GAO to investigate if Trump officials violated the law or engaged in misconduct & what officials are doing with funding Congress appropriated to serve minority enterprises & create jobs
    Senators have been demanding accountability, answers, documents & DOGE details since Trump issued illegal executive order
    Washington (June 3, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, joined Senators Maria Cantwell, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Science, Manufacturing and Competitiveness, Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) to hammer the Trump Administration for its illegal dismantling of the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA). The Senators asked the GAO to investigate whether actions by Trump Commerce Department officials or others in the Administration violated congressional directives, the extent to which they undermined MBDA’s congressional mandate and whether any officials have engaged in misconduct.
    “On May 2, 2025, the White House released its recommendations on discretionary funding levels for fiscal year (FY) 2026, which expressly acknowledge that the Commerce Department under Secretary Howard Lutnick has ‘fully eliminated’ the MBDA,” the Senators wrote in a letter to the Comptroller General. “Prior to this admission, my colleagues and I repeatedly raised concerns about the Department’s efforts to dismantle the MBDA unilaterally, particularly given Secretary Lutnick’s clear testimony during his confirmation hearing stating he did not support dismantling the agency. We sent multiple letters to Secretary Lutnick and the Department seeking basic information about the current state of the MBDA. To date, the Department has failed to substantively respond to any of our requests, and it is becoming increasingly clear that Department leadership is not taking these concerns seriously.”
    The Senators have raised concerns and demanded accountability and answers from the Trump Administration since the president issued his unlawful executive order. Today’s letter follows a letter the senators wrote late last week to Keith Sonderling, Acting Under Secretary for MBDA, demanding the Trump Administration detail its compliance with a May 13 federal court injunction ordering it to stop the illegal dismantling of the agency and reinstate its personnel and grantmaking capacities. The Senators previously sent a May 1, 2025 inquiry to Sonderling and two previous letters to Sec. Lutnick in March and April on his failure to protect the agency, despite his testimony before the Committee stating he did not support dismantling it.   
    The text of the letter can be found HERE. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Markey Blasts Republican Efforts to Ban State AI Regulation for the Next Decade

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
    Says he will raise a point of order against any AI regulation moratorium in the Senate reconciliation bill
    Watch: Senator Markey’s remarks on Republicans’ effort to ban AI regulation for ten years
    Washington (June 3, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today delivered remarks on the Senate floor opposing a provision in the House-passed reconciliation bill that would prevent states from regulating artificial intelligence (AI) for the next 10 years. If the 10-year moratorium is included in the Senate reconciliation bill, Senator Markey stated that he would raise a point of order against the provision as a violation of the Senate’s Byrd Rule, which prohibits reconciliation bills from containing any provisions that do not affect the federal budget. Below is an excerpt from Senator Markey’s prepared remarks.
    “Make no mistake: we can have an AI revolution while also protecting the civil rights and liberties of everyday Americans. We can support innovation without supercharging the tracking and targeting of young people online. And we can promote competition, while safeguarding our environment. But with their blanket 10-year ban on state AI regulation, Republicans are choosing a sledgehammer over the scalpel. They are choosing Big Tech over kids, families, seniors, and disadvantaged communities across this country. We cannot allow that to happen,” said Senator Markey. “I am committed to fighting this 10-year ban with every tool at my disposal. And that starts by making it clear that this 10-year ban on state AI regulation is a policy change that has no impact on the federal budget. That means it cannot be included in a reconciliation bill. If Senate Republicans keep the House language in their reconciliation bill, I will raise a point of order against it. When my Republican colleagues are ready to have a serious conversation about AI regulation, my door is open. But this backdoor AI moratorium is not serious. It’s not responsible. And it’s not acceptable.”
    Senator Markey is the author of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Civil Rights Act, the most comprehensive AI civil rights legislation introduced in Congress. The legislation would put strict guardrails on companies’ use of algorithms for consequential decisions, ensure algorithms are tested before and after deployment, help eliminate and prevent bias, and renew Americans’ faith in the accuracy and fairness of complex algorithms.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Mullin—“The Broker”—Previews the Senate’s Role in Reconciliation on Squawk Box

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator MarkWayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma)

    ICYMI: Mullin—“The Broker”—Previews the Senate’s Role in Reconciliation on Squawk Box

    “I was on the phone with the president this weekend about making sure we’re in lockstep with the White House, and with the House, and with the Senate.”
    Washington, D.C. – On Monday, U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) joined CNBC’s Squawk Box to break down the Senate’s approach to President Trump’s ‘One, Big, Beautiful Bill.’ Note: Punchbowl News has recently credited Senator Mullin as “The Broker” helping President Trump negotiate a deal on reconciliation and ultimately deliver on the MAGA agenda.

    Sen. Mullin’s full interview can be found here.
    On the GOP Senate being lockstep with President Trump:
    “Leader Thune has made it real clear that we want to have this done by July 4th. We will deliver for what he wants to get done. There’s gonna be a lot of negotiations. I was on the phone with the president this weekend about making sure we’re in lockstep with the White House, and with the House, and with the Senate.”
    On the ‘One, Big, Beautiful Bill’ paving the way for a balanced budget:
    “I don’t really think that what we’re gonna do here in today’s bill is going to balance the budget, but it will tomorrow’s bill. Meaning that because we’re cutting deficit spending, we’re gonna bring surety back to the market. We already see numbers through the economy be extremely impressive. We see inflation down…
    “We’re gonna have GDP growth. And I feel like, I honestly do feel like we’re gonna be able to balance the budget for the first time since Clinton was in office and I think we can do it in about a year and a half.”
    Read the full story from PUNCHBOWL NEWS HERE with excerpts below:

    The Senate’s reconciliation standouts
    By Laura Weiss, Andrew Desiderio | June 2, 2025
    “The broker. The House’s thin majority is a problem for the Senate too. Keep an eye on Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), a former House member.
    Mullin often acts as an informal liaison with House Republicans. He’s also an ally of House Ways and Means Committee Chair Jason Smith (R-Mo.).”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Boston Globe: Massachusetts leads the nation in lost NSF research funding

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    May 22, 2025
    Massachusetts has lost more National Science Foundation money for science, math, and engineering research than any other state in the country, a Globe analysis of terminated grants found.
    Since the start of the Trump administration, the NSF cut 251 grants to Massachusetts institutions worth $249 million, federal data showed. That accounts for a lion’s share of the $265.4 million in NSF grants lost at 40 institutions across New England. The cuts could mean lost jobs and hundreds of research projects abruptly halted without a clear path forward.
    Until now, public attention has focused on cuts to health and medical research by the Department of Health and Human Services, the agency that encompasses the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. and is headed by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The NSF, while also part of the federal government, sits outside HHS and funds nonmedical research across a wide range of subject areas including technology and engineering.
    New England has lost about twice as much money to CDC and NIH cuts as it has to NSF cuts: about $560 million. The purge is a piece of the Trump administration’s effort to extensively reshape how federal money for research, science, and health is used.
    The new data showing the NSF cuts’ outsize toll in the state coincided with Massachusetts Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, both Democrats, sending a letter to Michael Kratsios, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy earlier this week, seeking an explanation for the “ongoing chaos and upheaval” at the agency. The senators said the NSF cuts potentially violate court orders and endanger the country’s scientific excellence.
    …
    Read the full article here.
    By:  Jason Laughlin, Neena Hagen and Nathan MetcalfSource: Boston Globe

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: HuffPost: Elizabeth Warren Probes Staffing Shortage And Backlog At Social Security

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    May 23, 2025
    Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) wants details about the Social Security Administration’s pending retirement claims and how many staff are left to sort through the growing backlog.
    In a letter to Social Security commissioner Frank Bisignano, Warren noted a recent report that claims processing has slowed 25% as a result of misguided efforts by President Donald Trump’s “Department of Government Efficiency” to root out fraud.
    “Instead of acknowledging the need for additional staffing, SSA leadership directed employees who review these claims – already overworked in the wake of DOGE’s mass reductions in force – to ‘sprint’ to increase their pace by 10 percent,” Warren wrote.
    HuffPost exclusively reported last week that an SSA official asked employees to work 10% faster to get through a backlog of more than 575,000 pending retirement claims.
    The push for faster claims processing raised questions about the agency’s decision earlier this year to get rid of thousands of its nearly 60,000 employees as part of Trump’s effort to slash the federal bureaucracy. The agency signaled in February it would shed 7,000 workers. In April, the agency said in a press release it had only gotten rid of 3,350.
    …
    Read the full article here.
    By:  Arthur DelaneySource: HuffPost
    Previous Article

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Military Times: Warren presses Hegseth about fluoridation’s impact on readiness

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    May 23, 2025
    Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., has sent a letter pressing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for answers about how potentially ending fluoride use in drinking water, as recently championed by the Trump administration’s health care chief, could undermine military readiness.
    Warren’s Thursday letter comes as Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has said he plans to direct the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to stop recommending fluoride be added to drinking water in communities nationwide. Kennedy said he’s assembling a task force of health experts to study the issue and make new recommendations. Kennedy, who has called fluoride a “dangerous neurotoxin,” has blamed the fluoridation of drinking water on health issues, including arthritis, bone breaks and thyroid disease, according to The Associated Press.
    “These attacks on the use of fluoride for dental health present a serious readiness problem,” Warren wrote in her letter, adding that Sean O’Keefe, the administration’s nominee to be deputy under secretary of defense for personnel and readiness, has said “dental health issues are often the largest cause of non-deployability within a military unit.”
    The potential reversal of the CDC’s recommendations on fluoridated water “will exacerbate these readiness concerns,” Warren wrote.
    State and local governments have the authority to add fluoride to water sources, but the CDC’s recommendation to fluoridate water is widely followed.
    …
    Read the full article here.
    By:  Karen JowersSource: Military Times
    Previous Article

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin To President Trump: The Whole World Is Watching To See If You Will Stand Firm Against Putin

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    June 02, 2025

    It’s time for Leader Thune to pass the bipartisan Russia sanctions bill and prepare another Ukraine supplemental

    WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Co-Chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, warned President Trump that Russian President Vladimir Putin has no intention to end the war in Ukraine without greater pressure. Durbin began his speech by highlighting the horrific atrocities Putin has committed over the years—starting 11 years ago when he invaded Crimea.

    “Anyone following this war can clearly see that Vladimir Putin isn’t serious about ending this bloody conflict that he started,” said Durbin. “Let’s not forget that 11 years ago, he [Putin] militarily seized Crimea and other parts of eastern Ukraine. More than three years ago Putin tried to take over Ukraine itself and install a puppet regime beholden to him.”  

    Since Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the Ukrainian people have been resilient amid the brutal Russian onslaught, as Durbin outlined in his speech.

    “With advance warning and weapons from the United States, the brave Ukrainians defied the experts. They said the Ukrainians couldn’t last two weeks defending their country against the second largest military in the world. The experts were wrong. Those Ukrainians have protected their Independence from brutality, but at great cost in lives, destruction, and territory. The costs have been staggering—thousands of individuals have lost their lives because of this Russian invasion… Why do I revisit the obvious?  Because it has been obvious for more than a decade that Vladimir Putin isn’t interested in ending the war,” said Durbin. “Obvious to everyone perhaps except our own President.” 

    During his speech, Durbin warned President Trump not to be fooled by Putin.

    Durbin continued, “President Trump promised he would end this war first day in office. Instead, Trump and his Vice President publicly humiliated Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and made embarrassing overtures to Putin. Putin’s response has been to thumb his nose at the U.S. and peace efforts. In fact, already this year civilian Ukrainian deaths from Russian attacks are higher than they were during the same period last year and assaults on civilian targets in the last two weeks alone have been relentless.”

    “I want this war to end, but it should not be a blatant giveaway to Putin or driven by any illusion about Putin’s long-term intentions to control Ukraine and weaken the NATO alliance. Nor can it come at the security expense of our Baltic and Polish allies who are also in Putin’s crosshairs. That is why Leader Thune needs to immediately put Senator Graham’s Russia sanctions bill, which I and 80 other Senators have cosponsored, on the Floor for a vote… It is also time for us to prepare another Ukraine supplemental [as] Ukraine needs the equipment and ammunition.”

    Durbin concluded, “President Trump: the whole world is watching to see if you will stand firm against Putin, especially our other adversaries. Putin is not your friend and not a friend of the United States. You do not want your legacy to be appeasement and surrender to Russia and a weakening of our transatlantic security.” 

    Durbin condemned President Trump after he publicly attacked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office. Further parroting a Kremlin propaganda point, President Trump also falsely claimed that Ukraine started the war against Russia. In the post, President Trump claimed the U.S. was “duped” into spending billions to help Ukraine defend itself following Russia’s 2022 full-scale military invasion and that President Zelenskyy is a “dictator without elections.”

    Video of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.

    Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.

    Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations.

      

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 50 Wins in the One Big Beautiful Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Whitehouse
    Here are 50 reasons why President Donald J. Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill is the best chance in a generation to pass critical reforms for which Americans voted:
    It delivers the largest tax cut in American history. This means an extra $5,000 in Americans’ pockets with a DOUBLE-DIGIT percent DECREASE to their tax bills. Americans earning between $30,000 and $80,000 will pay around 15% less in taxes.
    It makes the Trump Tax Cuts permanent, preventing the largest tax increase ever. If the bill doesn’t pass, Americans will see the largest tax increase in history.
    It raises Americans’ take-home pay by as much as $13,300 and wages by as much as $11,600.
    It reverses the spending curse plaguing Washington, D.C. The bill delivers the largest deficit reduction in nearly 30 years, with $1.6 trillion in mandatory savings — the largest single reduction in mandatory spending in our country’s history.
    It delivers NO TAX ON TIPS and NO TAX ON OVERTIME. This makes good on two of President Trump’s cornerstone campaign promises and will benefit hardworking Americans where they need it the most — their paychecks.
    It provides historic tax cuts for seniors.
    It finishes President Trump’s border wall. As a result, 701 miles of primary wall, 900 miles of river barriers, 629 miles of secondary barriers, and 141 miles of vehicle and pedestrian barriers will be constructed.
    It boosts Border Patrol and ICE agents on the frontlines with the largest border security investment in history. This means funding to hire 10,000 new ICE personnel, 5,000 new customs officers, and 3,000 new Border Patrol agents to detain and deport at least one million illegal immigrants annually.
    It increases the child tax credit to $2,500 per family.
    It protects Medicaid for Americans who truly need it. This bill eliminates waste, fraud, and abuse by ending benefits for at least 1.4 million illegal immigrants who are gaming the system.
    It implements popular work requirements for able-bodied Americans receiving taxpayer-funded benefits. Through commonsense, Clinton-era work, volunteer, education, or training requirements, the One Big Beautiful Bill lifts Americans up to find a better quality of life through the dignity of work.
    It eliminates hundreds of billions of dollars in Green New Scam tax credits. The legislation immediately stops credits from flowing to China, saving taxpayers $500+ billion every year.
    It reverses electric vehicle mandates that let radical climate activists set the standards for American energy.
    It ends Biden’s war on American energy. The bill finally unleashes American energy dominance by opening federal lands and waters to oil, gas, coal, geothermal, and mineral leasing.
    It streamlines onerous permitting processes so America can get building again.
    It refills the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to safeguard America’s energy security.
    It repeals and rescinds every “green” corporate welfare subsidy in Democrats’ so-called “Inflation Reduction Act.”
    It stops illegal immigrants from receiving tax credits and taxes remittances sent to foreign countries.
    It supports small businesses by increasing the Section 199A deduction to 23% — promoting the growth and success of Main Street.
    It incentivizes MADE IN AMERICA. The bill rewards companies that build their products in America with lower taxes — and allows Americans who buy an American-made vehicle to fully deduct their auto loan interest.
    It creates new Trump Savings Accounts for newborns — allowing children across America to experience the miracle of compounded growth.
    It expands access to childcare for hardworking American families.
    It provides a historic increase in funding for the U.S. Coast Guard. This will help block illegal drugs and migrants from entering our country, protect our sovereignty in the Arctic, and promote our national security.
    It supports building new factories to grow domestic business operations. The bill renews 100% immediate expensing and interest deductions, increases the small business deduction, and establishes 100% immediate expensing for equipment and machinery.
    It helps American farmers, producers, and ranchers compete and sell products in foreign markets. The bill makes sure American farmers aren’t crowded out by foreign imports in liquid fuel production markets.
    It holds woke, elitist universities accountable by increasing the endowment tax on large universities.
    It protects hardworking taxpayers by canceling Biden’s illegal and unfair student loan bailouts.
    It ends taxpayer-funded sex changes. It reverses the Biden-era mandate that Medicaid cover so-called “gender transition” procedures — ending the taxpayer-funded chemical castration and mutilation of American children.
    It’s a once-in-a-generation chance to revolutionize our nation’s defense capabilities and protect the homeland against new threats by funding President Trump’s Golden Dome.
    It enhances the capacity of America’s naval fleet. The bill provides billions of dollars to revitalize America’s shipbuilding and maritime industrial base.
    It modernizes air traffic control — fulfilling President Trump’s plan to completely overhaul the systems that keep Americans flying safely and efficiently.
    It strengthens SNAP benefits. The legislation requires states to contribute a greater portion of the cost of administering benefits, thereby controlling costs, and closes the excessively broad loopholes for work requirements.
    It implements critical program integrity and cost containment provisions in Medicaid to strengthen it for future generations. These include removing deceased individuals from the program and limiting retroactive coverage from three months to one month prior to enrollment.
    It safeguards Second Amendment rights by removing tax and registration requirements for firearm silencers and eliminating silencers from the National Firearms Act.
    It provides critical disaster recovery funding to farmers, producers, and ranchers.
    It provides funding to rebuild America’s military — including $9+ billion to improve quality of life for our servicemembers, $20+ billion to bolster U.S. munitions production, and $12+ billion to modernize our nuclear arsenal.
    It expands health savings accounts to give Americans greater choice and flexibility in how they spend their money.
    It gives $10,000 bonuses annually over the next four years to Border Patrol and ICE agents on the frontlines.
    It incentivizes scholarships that empower American families and students to choose the education that best fits their needs.
    It repeals Democrats’ insane attack on the gig economy — ending the requirement that Venmo, PayPal, and other gig transactions over $600 be reported to the IRS.
    It reforms and streamlines the federal student loan program to drive down tuition costs and simplify repayment plans. This includes reasonable limits on amounts students can borrow.
    It strengthens accountability for students and taxpayers on federal student loans. The bill imposes “skin in the game” requirements to hold universities financially accountable to the government on defaulted federal student loans.
    It implements critical reforms to Pell Grants to make sure they prioritize students who truly need financial assistance while promoting completion. The legislation allows grants to be used for short-term, high-quality workforce training programs to support Americans who want to learn a trade instead of the traditional four-year colleges.
    It increases timber sales on federal lands. This means an increase in timber production and improvement to forest management — improving the resilience of timber and saving billions on future wildfire suppression costs.
    It authorizes the sale of expanded spectrum MHz to strengthen rural broadband and secure America’s technological dominance in AI and other emerging technologies.
    It creates permanent fees that illegal immigrants must pay for their applications so American taxpayers aren’t saddled with covering these costs. These fees will bring in over $77 billion to cover adjudication costs and fund immigration processes and enforcement actions.
    It protects family farmers. The bill prevents the greedy death tax from hitting two million family-owned farms who would otherwise see their exemptions cut in half and cuts taxes on farmers by over $10 billion.
    It ends abusive financing practices in Medicaid by freezing existing provider taxes and prohibiting new provider taxes. This ensures states cannot improperly increase the federal government’s cost-share of a state Medicaid program at the expense of taxpayers.
    It reins in the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. This brainchild of Sen. Elizabeth Warren has long functioned as another woke, weaponized arm of the bureaucracy — with minimal accountability or oversight — that leverages its power against certain industries and individuals disfavored by the so-called “elites.”
    It rolls back harmful Biden-era regulations that increase cost and administrative burdens with limited flexibility for states. These burdensome regulations, such as federal staffing mandates at nursing homes, lead to closures, reduced access to care, and increased costs, particularly in areas already overwhelmed by labor shortages.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst Moves to Ensure Propane Access for Iowa Farmers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, is partnering with Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) to lead a bipartisan effort that would bolster access to propane – an essential agricultural input – for farmers.
    The Growing Rural Agricultural Infrastructure Needs to Deliver Rising Yields (GRAIN DRY) Act would allow the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Storage Facility Loan Program to be used for constructing and upgrading agricultural propane storage infrastructure.
    “Propane is a critical input that producers depend on to complete essential daily farm operations like drying and storing grain, keeping livestock warm, and powering farm equipment,” said Senator Ernst. “My GRAIN DRY Act gives farmers access to tools for on-farm propane storage to provide greater certainty and flexibility during harvest and throughout the winter months.”
    “We greatly appreciate Senators Ernst and Klobuchar for introducing the GRAIN DRY Act and for championing legislation that strengthens farmers’ access to reliable and cost-effective propane storage,” said Stephen Kaminski, President and CEO of the National Propane Gas Association. “Propane continues to be an essential energy source on America’s farms—from heating homes and livestock buildings to drying grain and crops after harvest. This important bill will empower farmers to invest in additional storage through low-interest loans, helping ensure they have the fuel they need when they need it most.”
    Read the full bill here.
    Background:
    As Chair of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, Ernst is an advocate for farmers who rely on propane to heat livestock facilities and maintain the quality of stored grain. She has pointed out that rising costs and supply chain issues have made consistent access to this critical input less reliable in recent years, elevating the importance of on-farm propane storage.
    The Farm Storage Facility Loan program supports agriculture producers in building or upgrading commodity storage facilities, but propane doesn’t currently qualify, even though over 80% of grain dryers run on the energy source.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Small Business Owner Applauds Ernst Leadership in Making Trump Tax Cuts Permanent

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
    WASHINGTON – In case you missed it, Palo small business owner Jerry Akers authored an op-ed in The Gazette praising Senator Joni Ernst’s (R-Iowa) leadership in the fight to permanently extend the Trump tax cuts and avoid the largest tax hike in American history.
    As chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Ernst invited Akers to testify before Congress in April to ensure the voices of Iowa small businesses are represented as Washington debates repealing the punitive death tax, making the pass-through tax deduction permanent, and other key provisions in the Trump tax cuts.
    Read the full editorial below:
    Don’t raise taxes on small businesses
    By: Jerry Akers
    With the headache of Tax Day behind us, small business owners are looking ahead with a new worry — will the Trump tax cuts be extended, or will they be hit with the largest tax hike in our nation’s history in 2026?
    I know this firsthand as a franchise business owner of Great Clips and The Joint Chiropractic. With my wife and two daughters, I own and operate 33 Great Clips and four The Joint Chiropractic locations across Iowa, as well as Nebraska.
    In April, Sen. Joni Ernst invited me to testify before the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, which she chairs, to detail why making the Trump tax cuts permanent is so critical for small businesses and franchises like mine.
    Dating back to Benjamin Franklin’s printing press, franchising has been perhaps the most important business growth strategy in our history. It has served as a core American model over centuries for opportunity and entrepreneurism, contributing to robust job creation and providing foundational skills development for small businesses. Franchising allows entrepreneurs to go into business for themselves, but not by themselves.
    Passed in 2017, the Trump tax cuts, or the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), significantly overhauled large portions of the tax code for individuals, families, and businesses. While some of these changes for big businesses were permanent, many of the individual and small business provisions are expiring at the end of this year. The looming expiration is creating uncertainty and giving business owners pause.
    Among the key provisions at risk of expiring include several that provide important tax relief to small businesses.
    For example, the Section 199A deduction provides pass-through businesses with a 20% deduction for qualified business income, which helps level the playing field with larger businesses. Notably, more than 95% of franchised businesses are organized as pass-throughs, meaning we pay individual tax rates, not corporate ones.
    The 199A deduction has enabled me to increase investment in new equipment, technology, and facilities, driving growth and innovation, while the extra financial breathing room has allowed me to hire more employees and provide better benefits.
    Investing in new equipment is just as important as investing in employees. The bonus depreciation provision of the Trump tax cuts provides critical relief but is in danger of expiring. Bonus depreciation allows businesses to deduct a large percentage of the cost of capital investments.
    This immediate deduction significantly reduces taxable income, leading to lower tax liabilities and improved cash flow. For our businesses, this influx of cash is crucial for reinvestment, expansion, or managing operational costs.
    These deductions help level the playing field, allowing businesses like mine to compete with larger corporations, and provide valuable financial stability, especially in achieving the dream of fully passing the businesses on to my two daughters.
    But whether that transfer can happen — hopefully many years from now — may depend on whether Congress makes permanent key estate tax provisions. These provisions allow family businesses like mine to be passed down to the next generation without selling or paying even higher taxes.
    Fortunately, Sen. Ernst has led the fight in Washington to permanently repeal the punitive death tax and ensure that grieving families do not lose their livelihood.
    These are just a few provisions critical to the success of small businesses. I was also encouraged that early version of the legislation included provisions on “No Tax On Tips” and overtime, which will put more money back in the pockets of our staff.
    I thank Sen. Ernst for being a voice for Iowans and small business in Washington, and I urge Congress to make the Trump tax cuts permanent.
    Jerry Akers is a multiunit franchisee of Great Clips and The Joint Chiropractic, and serves on the board of the International Franchise Association (IFA). He lives in Palo.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: VIDEO: Capito Opening Statement at Hearing to Review Education Budget Request

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito
    [embedded content]
    Click here or on the image above to watch Chairman Capito’s opening remarks from the hearing. 
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (Labor-HHS), chaired a hearing with U.S. Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon to review sthe President’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget request.  
    Below is the opening statement of Chairman Capito as prepared for delivery: 
    “Good morning. Secretary McMahon, thank you for being here today to discuss the president’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget request and your priorities for the Department of Education. 
    “I am pleased to be joined this morning by my friend and ranking member Senator Baldwin, as well as our full committee chair, Senator Collins, and vice chair, Senator Murray. 
    “We are all committed to return the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations process to regular order and these hearings are the first step in that process. 
    “All Americans should have the opportunity to receive a high-quality education from pre-school through postsecondary education. I know that education is a key to success and a vital part of maintaining strong communities across our nation. 
    “I’ve seen it firsthand in my home state of West Virginia, where I began my professional career as a college counselor and advisor working closely with many first-generation college students. Through this role, I was able to personally see how education provides students with life-changing opportunities.
    “Secretary McMahon, you have taken charge of the Department of Education at a critical time for our nation’s students. According to the latest National Assessment of Educational Progress scores, students have still not recovered from pandemic-related school closures—national scores on math and reading are worse than pre-pandemic levels in all tested grades. And in reading, students’ scores continue to decline. A third of 8th graders are not even reading at a basic level. This is unacceptable.  
    “We know that throwing more money at the problem will not lead to a solution. These devastating declines in achievement are in spite of the almost $190 billion in COVID relief funding provided for elementary and secondary education during the pandemic. 
    “Federal education spending should, at a minimum, be focused on ensuring that America’s children can read and write at a basic level. This is critical not only for children to flourish, but also for America remain a competitive nation. 
    “That is why I strongly believe that federal education spending should support states and policies that afford kids the greatest opportunity to learn and achieve academically. Education decisions should be made by those closest to our students, those who know what they need to succeed— local schools, teachers, and, most importantly, parents.
    “Formula grant programs like Title I, IDEA, and Career and Technical Education provide the crucial flexibility that states and local communities need to best meet the needs of their students, and I look forward to continuing to support these key programs in fiscal year 2026.
    “Madam Secretary, I am pleased that your budget proposes to increase another important program, the Charter School Program. While West Virginia is fairly new to offering charter school education, we are already seeing promising results in expanded opportunities for public school students.
    “For example, the WIN Academy?at?BridgeValley Community and Technical College?is an?early college charter high school?designed to provide a free accelerated, dynamic degree program?for juniors and seniors in the?Kanawha Valley. The school was started to help local hospitals address the severe shortage in nurses and has been so successful that it has already expanded to include an advanced manufacturing track in partnership with Toyota. Students are enrolled in the college and graduate from high school ready to start their careers in high need, well-paying fields.
    “This school is meeting the intent of charter schools—using the flexibility they are granted to offer innovative learning opportunities to benefit students. With the additional funding for charter schools proposed in your budget, I know that many more students across the country would benefit from opportunities like the WIN Academy.
    “Secretary McMahon, this is also a pivotal time for our nation’s student loan borrowers. Borrowers have been forced to navigate an exceptionally confusing four years full of bad advice and unfair promises of illegal loan forgiveness from the prior administration. And as a result, one in four federal student loan borrowers are either in default or a late stage of delinquency on their loans, as of the beginning of May. And only 38% of borrowers are actually in repayment and current on their student loans. 
    “After years of confusion, the department must work to restore trust with borrowers by providing clear and consistent information about repayment. Student loan borrowers deserve that clarity in order to fulfil their obligations to repay their loans. I am grateful that under your leadership the department has begun the difficult task of getting borrowers back on the path to repayment and I look forward to continued updates on your progress. 
    “Secretary McMahon, the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations process will be challenging, but I look forward to working with you to responsibly allocate our limited taxpayers’ resources to programs that help provide the best opportunity for a high-quality education for all students. 
    “Thank you again for being here today and I look forward to your testimony.
    “Now I will turn to Senator Baldwin for her opening statement.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy, Colleagues, Advocates Call Out Trump’s Corrupt Meme Coin Dinner, Demand The Release Of Attendees’ Names And What Favors They’re Getting

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    June 03, 2025

    [embedded content]
    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Thursday led a press conference with U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and U.S. Representative Sam Liccardo (D-Calif.), Public Citizen, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), and End Citizens United to call out the blatant corruption behind President Trump’s meme coin dinner — a secretive, high-dollar event where anonymous crypto investors are buying direct access to Trump. The Members demanded full transparency: who’s attending, how much they paid, and what kind of influence they’re expecting in return for the millions of dollars they put in Trump’s meme coin. With no press, no disclosure, and crypto wallets tied to foreign actors, this dinner isn’t just unethical — it’s a national security risk. It’s pay-to-play politics on steroids, and Trump is cashing in. The dinner is scheduled for tonight at Trump National Golf Club in Sterling, Virginia.
    “We’re here today to call on the President and the people who serve him to do something really simple: release the names of the people who are going to be there,” said Murphy. “Even if you release the names, it’s still corrupt. But at least let us see who’s going to be there. At least let the American people know who has bought access to the President. Release the names. If there’s nothing wrong, if you think that this is all above board, then what are you hiding?”
    “Americans sent us to Congress to unrig the economy — not to help the President turn the White House into a crypto cash machine with private dinners for his top meme coin buyers or legislation that supercharges his stablecoin profits,” said Banking Committee Ranking Member Warren. “The GENIUS Act should be written to prohibit the president and his family from profiting—period.”
    “President Trump has put a ‘for sale’ sign on the White House lawn with his cryptocurrency schemes,” said Merkley. “Congress needs to act fast to stop the massive corruption and national security threat that is Trump selling access and influence to the highest bidders. My End Crypto Corruption Act not only cracks down on this corruption but also prevents other federal officials, like Members of Congress, from betraying our ‘We The People’ government.”
    “Donald Trump is selling access. He is selling out America, he is selling it to a foreign power, and he is putting our national security at risk. Trump is becoming beholden to foreign powers—the Emirates that provided $2 billion to World Liberty Financial, the Qataris that have provided him with a plane, and the unknown foreign actors that have invested in his meme coin operation. It’s not just about corruption—it is about corruption that endangers our national security by putting the president in a compromised position in relation to foreign powers,” said Blumenthal. “My hope is that the Trump Administration will give us the list of individuals attending tonight’s dinner as the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigation has asked them to provide.”
    “I was not invited to dine with Donald Trump today. I’m not disappointed.  But you know who should be disappointed? The 746,000 people (probably many of them Americans) who bought small amounts of that Trump coin – maybe some of them bought a little bit more – who didn’t get invited. When I introduced the MEME Act in the House it was because, to borrow from Richard Nixon, those 764,000 Americans needed to know that their president was a crook. And hopefully, we’re going to find some Republicans who have the courage and the spine to say this is corruption regardless of which party is committing it,” said Liccardo.
    “America should not be for sale. With tonight’s prize dinner, our President is using his private golf course to cater to some of the world’s richest people, instead of working on behalf of working families and our country. He claims to be ‘America first,’ but really, he’s ‘Donald Trump first.’ Between his outrageous meme coin grift, his Tesla car show on the White House lawn, the jumbo jet gift from Qatar and his numerous candlelit dinners for tech bros and foreign billionaires, this President is the definition of corruption and personal profit over regular people,” said Lisa Gilbert, co-president of Public Citizen.
    “The President’s corrupt dinner is yet another alarming example of foreign interests opening their wallets to him. By turning the American presidency into a money-making venture, Trump is inviting an unprecedented level of corruption—and putting our national security at risk. End Citizens United proudly stands with Senator Murphy and the other lawmakers who spoke out today to demand transparency and accountability,” said Justin Unga, Vice President of Public Affairs, End Citizens United.
    Earlier this month, Murphy introduced the Modern Emoluments and Malfeasance Enforcement (MEME) Act, legislation to prevent corrupt federal officials from using their position to profit off digital assets such as meme coins. Rep. Liccardo introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy champions bipartisan bill to address suicide epidemic among students

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)
    WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) today reintroduced the Improving Mental Health Access for Students Act, which would require colleges and universities to provide the contact information for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, Crisis Text Line and a campus mental health center on student identification (ID) cards. Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) is the lead Senate cosponsor of the bill. 
    “Young Americans are dealing with historic mental health challenges and often aren’t sure where they can turn for help. My Improving Mental Health Access for Students Act would add important hotline numbers to their student ID cards, making sure our young people always have the resources they need at their fingertips,” said Kennedy.
    “As someone who worked at a peer counseling center in college, I saw firsthand how many students suffer from feelings of hopelessness and depression. This bill will make mental health resources more accessible by placing critical support lines directly into students’ hands. We must ensure that young people have the resources they need to know they’re not alone and where to get help if they need it,”said Booker.
    The bill passed the Senate unanimously in the 117th and 116th Congresses.
    Reps. Lou Correa (D-Calif.) and Don Bacon (R-Neb.) introduced the bill in the House of Representatives.
    “Too many of our young people are taking their own lives, and we’ve got to push forward to address this worsening mental health crisis. Adding crucial suicide prevention information to Student IDs and college websites will ensure that at-risk students have options. I’m grateful to my colleagues for stepping up, joining together, and working across the aisle to address this growing youth suicide epidemic—to give every young person a shot at the future they deserve,” said Correa.
    “Our college students are facing unprecedented mental health challenges, and we need to ensure they have immediate access to life-saving resources. By requiring universities to include crisis hotline information on student ID cards, we’re taking a straightforward but critical step to protect our young people and show them they’re never alone during difficult times,” said Bacon.
    The Improving Mental Health Access for Students Act would:
    Require colleges and universities to provide the contact information for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 988, Crisis Text Line (Text HOME to 741741), and a campus mental health center, if applicable, on student ID cards.
    Require colleges and universities to list the information on their websites if the school does not offer physical ID cards to students.
    Background: 
    The National Institute of Mental Health deems suicide a major public health concern.
    In the U.S., suicide is the second leading cause of death in the 10- to 24-year-old age group. 
    Suicide rates for this age group increased 52.2% between 2000 and 2021. 
    In 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that four in 10 students had persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness and two in 10 seriously considered attempting suicide.
    Active Minds, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Crisis Text Line, Mental Health America and the National Alliance on Mental Illness support the bill.
    “Active Minds is thrilled to see the reintroduction of the Improving Mental Health Access for Students Act by Senators Kennedy and Booker and Representatives Correa and Bacon. This bipartisan legislation represents the power of student voices driving real policy change. For over a decade, Active Minds chapters across the country have been advocating for exactly this solution—putting life-saving mental health resources directly into students’ hands through their ID cards. This bill embodies Active Minds’ core belief that young people are not just the beneficiaries of mental health policy, but the architects of solutions that work. What started as grassroots advocacy from our student leaders has passed the Senate twice by unanimous consent—it is up to Congress now to pass it into law,” said Alison Malmon, Founder and Executive Director at Active Minds.
    “As suicide continues to be a leading cause of death among young people, far too many college students are struggling with their mental health in silence. The Improving Mental Health Access for Students Act is a simple yet powerful step toward connecting students with lifesaving resources like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. By ensuring this critical information is visible on student ID cards and school websites, we can reduce stigma, promote help-seeking, and make it easier for students to access support when they need it most. AFSP is proud to support this bipartisan legislation and urges Congress to act swiftly to pass it,” said Laurel Stine, Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Officer at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
    “Young people today are navigating a mental health crisis that can deeply affect their well-being, education, and sense of safety. We’re proud to support the Improving Mental Health Access for Students Act because every student deserves to know that help is always within reach. Adding the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, Crisis Text Line, and campus mental health resources on the back of new student ID cards is a simple, compassionate step that can make a life-changing difference in a moment of need,” said Courtney Hunter, Vice President of Public Policy at Crisis Text Line.
    “Mental Health America (MHA) applauds Representatives Correa and Bacon for their leadership in introducing the Improving Mental Health Access for Students Act, which is an important step forward in addressing the growing mental health needs of college students. Roughly one in five people taking an online mental health screen on MHA’s website are college-aged, and they have expressed a need for resources and tools to manage their mental health. This bill ensures that students have quick access to potentially life-saving information for crisis and suicide help,” said Mary Giliberti, Chief Public Policy Officer at Mental Health America.
    Full text of the Improving Mental Health Access for Students Act is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Risch Names June Small Businesses of the Month during Support Local Gems Initiative

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho James E Risch

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch, senior member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, announced today the selection of seven businesses from across the state as Idaho Small Businesses of the Month for June 2025. The recognition is part of Senator Risch’s sixth annual Support Local Gems initiative.

    “Small businesses are the lifeblood of Idaho. I’m proud to recognize Bond & Bevel, Cloverleaf Creamery, Thor’s Chocolate, Bluetick Coffee, Amazing Glaze, Redman & Company Insurance, and Hawktech Arms for their dedication to their communities. These local gems exemplify Idaho’s entrepreneurial spirit, and I look forward to their continued growth and success,” said Risch.

    This week, Senator Risch announced the launch of his Support Local Gems initiative to encourage Idahoans to support small businesses on Friday, June 6, 2025.

    As part of the effort, Senator Risch selected seven small Idaho businesses to recognize in June that reflect our shared Idaho values of hard work, entrepreneurship, and commitment to the community. Each business will be recognized for its contributions to the Gem State in the Congressional Record of the U.S. Senate.

    • Amazing Glaze: Dean and Katie Giesbrecht opened Amazing Glaze after purchasing Double Shot Donuts in Pocatello. Their well-loved potato donuts have grown the shop to three locations across the Gem State.

    • Bluetick Coffee: Julie Kinskie started Bluetick Coffee after moving to Idaho County in 2021. Her successful coffee stands highlight the Riggins community by serving only locally sourced foods like baked goods and beef sticks.

    • Bond & Bevel: Heath and Krista Albers launched Bond & Bevel in March 2020 and opened their doors to the Caldwell community in 2022. This leather goods store has become a popular spot for local residents to purchase quality handmade products, gather, and enjoy a cup of coffee.

    • Cloverleaf Creamery: Bill and Donna Stolzfus started Cloverleaf Creamery in 2007 with the help of their children. The creamery and farm market, managed by Olivia and Eric Butterworth, are staples in the Magic Valley, known for their delicious ice cream, yogurt, and milk.

    • Hawktech Arms: Dan and Jami Hawkins started HawkTech Arms in 1999. Today, they are a leading store for local firearms enthusiasts and competitive shooters.

    • Redman & Company Insurance: The Redman family has been providing insurance options to North Idaho residents since 1992. This second-generation family-run agency has become an integral part of Coeur d’Alene through its insurance services and community involvement.

    • Thor’s Chocolate: Christian and Brittney Becker opened Thor’s Chocolate in 2023. The Idaho Falls-based chocolate company has quickly gained attention from the community for their European-style chocolates and treats.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND: WE MUST DEFEND FINGER LAKES NATIONAL FOREST FROM INCREASED LOGGING; FOLLOWING TRUMP ORDERING LARGE SWATHS OF NATIONAL FORESTS BE CUT DOWN FOR TIMBER, SENATORS DEMAND U.S. FOREST…

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer
    Trump Released Executive Order For U.S. Forest Service To Develop Plan To Increase Timber Production By 25% Across National Forests, Like Finger Lakes National Forest, Prompting Major Concern From Local Communities & Environmentalists, Which Treasure Open Space And Wilderness, Depend On Outdoors As Driver For Tourism Economy
    Schumer Has Long History Of Pushing To Preserve & Protect Finger Lakes National Forest – NY’s Only National Forest; Senator Previously Sponsored Legislation To Protect Forest From Gas Drilling And Pushed To Stop Logging
    Schumer, Gillibrand: We Must Protect Finger Lakes National Forest – A Crown Jewel of The Finger Lakes Region – From Unwarranted & Unwanted Logging
    After the Trump administration released an executive order for the U.S. Forest Service to achieve a 25% increase in timber production in national forests, like the Finger Lakes National Forest, prompting outcry from local activists, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today called on the U.S. Forest Service to protect Finger Lakes National Forest (FLNF) from increased timber logging and to restore FLNF to its full staffing level to protect this Upstate treasure. The Finger Lakes National Forest is New York’s only national forest, and the senators said protecting trees is vital to protecting the surrounding Finger Lakes, precious open space, biodiversity, and the vibrant recreation and tourism economy.
    “We must protect the Finger Lakes from Trump’s attempts to turn our National Forests into timber. The Finger Lakes National Forest is a crown jewel of the region, and a magnet for families and tourists alike to experience the vast nature and beauty of Upstate NY. But Trump’s recent executive order could callously cut down huge chunks of this forest, threatening the Finger Lakes. This unwanted and unwarranted policy would endanger the Finger Lakes National Forest and our thriving outdoor recreation economy,” said Senator Schumer. “Trump’s ill-conceived executive order to cut down large swathes of our nation’s forest could be devastating, even the Once-ler in the Lorax would scoff at it. We cannot let our forest be ripped away from our kids, and the tens of thousands who visit the Finger Lakes every year.  That’s why I’m standing up to Trump’s plans and demanding the U.S. Forest Service not increase logging in the Finger Lakes National Forest. I’ve long been a proud supporter of the Finger Lakes National Forest, protecting it from gas drilling and high-volume logging for years. Now, we need to protect Upstate New York’s forest health to preserve the area’s natural beauty so the community and visitors can enjoy this space for generations to come.”
    “The Finger Lakes National Forest is an Upstate treasure, and the Trump administration’s plan to increase logging in the area would be catastrophic for the environment and devastating for the thousands of New Yorkers who flock to the area to hike, hunt, and fish,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I am urging the Trump administration to listen to the concerns of the local community and pause any plans for additional commercial logging.”
    In a letter to the U.S. Forest Service chief, Schumer and Gillibrand explained that Trump’s executive order could hurt the Finger Lakes National Forest habitat and lead to water-quality issues due to increased runoff into Seneca and Cayuga lakes and increased wildfire risks. The Senators also urged the administration to reverse recent cuts of the dedicated staff and rangers who are vital for the forest’s stewardship, visitor services, and forest health.  The reduced number of staff jeopardizes regular maintenance of the forest, including replanting native trees in the section of forest lost to invasive Emerald Ash Borer infestations. Citing a report from the U.S. Forest Service on FLNF and Green Mountain, the senators described how the Finger Lakes National Forest supports over $174 million in annual revenue from recreational activities which would be threatened with increased logging. The senators said preventing logging is vital to protecting the surrounding lakes, biodiversity, and the vibrant recreation economy, from hikers to sportsmen, to fishermen, and more. They also emphasized that is necessary to ensure New Yorkers and all Americans can access the forest today and for generations to come.
    Yvonne Taylor, Co-Founder and Vice President, Seneca Lake Guardian said, “Senators Schumer and Gillibrands’ leadership to protect the Finger Lakes National Forest affirms what so many of us in the region know in our hearts: that this forest is not a timber commodity that can be bought. It is a sacred public treasure that fuels our economy, safeguards our environment, and belongs to future generations. We urge the Forest Service to heed their call, retain the dedicated staff that defend the forest, and protect this irreplaceable landscape.”
    Schumer has a long history of pushing for the preservation and protection of the Finger Lakes National Forest, dating back to 2001 when he co-sponsored legislation to protect the Finger Lakes National Forest from gas drilling and exploration. In subsequent years, Schumer has pushed for moratoriums on logging within the forest.
    Schumer and Gillibrand’s letter to Chief of the Forest Service Tom Schultz can be found HERE or below:
    Dear Forest Service Chief Schultz:
    We write to strongly oppose increased logging and staff reductions at the Finger Lakes National Forest (FLNF) following recent executive actions and budget decisions. It is imperative to the ecological health of this ecosystem and the Finger Lakes vital tourism industry you ensure that additional FLNF trees will not be unnecessarily cut down, subject to commercial logging, and you immediately reverse recent staff cuts that threaten the ongoing health of the Forest.  The Administration must respect the unique ecological, economic, and recreational value of this treasured public resource and the Upstate NY communities it sustains.
    The Finger Lakes National Forest is more than a beautiful landscape – it is a living asset for the region, supporting tourism, recreation, and a healthy environment, while also serving as a source of pride for generations of Upstate New Yorkers. According to a report from the U.S. Forest Service, the Finger Lakes National Forest supports over $174 million in annual revenue from recreational activities. The natural beauty and economic benefits this landscape provides far outweighs any potential profits from future timber sales and the Forest Service must take every step to ensure the sustainable management of the Forest. Because the Forest Service already supports logging on up to 800 acres of FLNF land specifically for forest health, it is unclear why additional logging in the FLNF is necessary or productive, and local communities are justifiably concerned this could threaten the economic and environmental health of the region.
    We are alarmed by new reports of significant staff reductions at the FLNF, leaving just a handful of rangers to oversee more than 16,000 acres. The cuts of the dedicated staff and rangers who are vital for the forest’s stewardship, visitor services, and forest health are wrong and seriously undermine the FLNF’s ecological integrity and it’s enjoyment by the public.  The reduced number of staff will jeopardize regular maintenance of the forest, including replanting native trees in the section of forest lost to invasive Emerald Ash Borer infestations. Without full staffing, the Forest health could be compromised, jeopardizing the countless jobs and economic benefits it supports in the surrounding communities.
    Many in the Finger Lakes region – residents, environmental groups, small businesses, and local governments – have raised their voices out of concern for the future of the Forest. The community deserves immediate answers on what the U.S. Forest Service’s future plans are for the Finger Lakes and we urge the U.S. Forest Service and USDA to immediately:
    Restore Fiscal Year 2024 staffing levels across Finger Lakes National Forest operations and invest in the jobs needed for forest stewardship, restoration, and public safety.
    Remove the Finger Lakes National Forest from any consideration for increased logging.
    Engage directly with local communities, conservation organizations, and forestry professionals before taking any action affecting the FLNF.
    Ensure that any prior commitments to replanting and habitat restoration, especially following previous clear-cutting for ash borer mitigation, are fully funded and completed.
    Publish a justification detailing the increased acreage that would be logged beyond current activities supporting forest health, describing whether the administration intends to clear cut or sustainably thin areas of the Forest, which areas are too sensitive for logging activities, which areas would be avoided due to recreational activities, how threatened and endangered species would be protected or avoided when logging, and the necessary staff increases to complete these actions.
    Publish the Forest Service’s plan for public engagement, including input from New York forestry experts regarding any potential plans to log the FLNF.
    The Finger Lakes National Forest is a unique ecological and economic asset. Any changes to its management or staffing should strengthen – not weaken – its role as a model for conservation, recreation, and sustainable rural development.
    We look forward to your prompt response on this timely concern and stand ready to work with you and the community to protect the Finger Lakes National Forest.
    Thank you for your attention to this matter.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Graham Statement on Visit to Germany

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Lindsey Graham

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today released this statement following his visit to Berlin, Germany.

    “I had a very productive visit to Berlin, Germany. I met with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The purpose of the visit was to inform our allies in the European Union about the status of the bipartisan Russia sanctions bill that has 82 cosponsors in the U.S. Senate. The bill is designed to incentivize China to push Russia to the peace table — the secondary sanctions and tariffs will come down heavy on those who are propping up Putin’s war machine by buying cheap Russian oil and other products.

    “I was incredibly pleased with the meeting with President von der Leyen where she indicated a new set of sanctions was being drafted by the European Commission, focusing on those countries who prop up Putin’s war machine, as well as the Russian energy sector. It was her belief that Russia is playing games when it comes to peace and the only way the change the game for Russia is to increase the consequences of this war for Putin. I agree. She supported lowering the Russian oil price cap, which will hit Putin in the wallet and she believed there was strong support in Europe for that proposal.

    “Additionally, I met with Foreign Minister Wadephul and Chancellor Merz, and expressed my appreciation for their commitment to increase defense spending which will make NATO more lethal and create more deterrence at a time of great upheaval in Europe. Germany has a very capable military, and this additional investment will only continue that trend.

    “The President of the European Commission and the German government expressed appreciation to President Trump for earnestly and sincerely trying to end this war. It is obvious to all that President Trump has gone the extra mile trying to bring the parties together but it’s also clear that Putin is resisting efforts for peace and is in fact preparing for more war.

    “During my meetings with German officials, I was informed that they see a build-up in weapons by Russia, a point that was also echoed in Ukraine and France. Putin is being disingenuous as President Trump works toward peace. Putin is building up his forces and weaponry to engage in more war, with a summer or early fall offensive in the making.

    “Time is of the essence to act decisively. The combination of Europe lowering the Russian oil price cap along with enacting additional sanctions focusing on those who would prop up Putin will greatly enhance the efforts of the United States.

    “This is the last best chance to avoid an expansion of this war and deter aggression throughout the globe. If we can end the Russia-Ukraine war honorably and in a way that prevents future wars, then the world will become more stable.

    “However, if Putin is perceived to be rewarded for his aggression, and Ukraine is abandoned by its allies, it will encourage other bad actors throughout the globe and the consequences will be dire and long-lasting.

    “I appreciate Germany’s leadership regarding brokering peace and their steadfast resolve when it comes to supporting Ukraine. Germany is a valuable ally, and the upcoming meeting between Chancellor Merz and President Trump will be one of the most important meetings between any U.S. president and any German chancellor in our shared history. Godspeed to both.

    “Finally, recent media reports indicating the hour-long meeting in Istanbul between Russia and Ukraine resulted in the same old unrealistic, maximalist demands by Russia, telling us all we need to know about Putin’s desire to end the war. This was also confirmed to me by those participating in the talks.

    “It is time to act.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bloomberg: Senators Revive Bill to Break Big Tech’s Grip on Pentagon Deals

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    May 15, 2025

    A bipartisan pair of senators is reviving a bill to break the grip that tech giants like Amazon.com Inc., Microsoft Corp. and Alphabet Inc.’s Google have on the Pentagon’s cloud computing and artificial intelligence contracts.

    The Protecting AI and Cloud Competition in Defense Act is set to be reintroduced on Thursday by Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Republican Eric Schmitt of Missouri, according to people familiar with the matter. A version of the bill is also being introduced for the first time in the House, said the people, who spoke on condition of anonymity as the information is not public.

    The goal of the legislation is to increase competition for billions of dollars worth of AI and cloud contracts currently dominated by Big Tech firms. If passed, the Department of Defense would be required to hold a competitive bidding process for deals worth $50 million or more. The bill would also direct the agency to “mitigate barriers” that make it harder for startups and nontraditional contractors to compete.

    The planned legislation reflects a new balancing act for lawmakers. While many in Washington have expressed greater urgency to bolster US technological competitiveness and deploy more AI across the federal government, there are also longstanding concerns on both sides of the aisle about further entrenching the dominance of Silicon Valley’s largest companies.

    “It’s a mistake to let Silicon Valley monopolize our AI and cloud computing tools because it doesn’t just stifle innovation, it increases costs and threatens our national security,” Warren said in statement.

    …

    Read the full article here.

    By:  Jackie Davalos
    Source: Bloomberg

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bloomberg Tax: Warren Seeks Details From Donors to IRS Pick’s Dormant Campaign

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    May 15, 2025

    Senate Finance Committee Democrats say donors to IRS commissioner pick Billy Long’s hibernating campaign fund could have been illegally influencing the former House lawmaker.

    “This brazen attempt to curry favor with Mr. Long is not only unethical—it may also be illegal,” the lawmakers led by Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) wrote in one of the letters seen by Bloomberg Tax that were sent Thursday. The letters suggest that the circumstances of the donations raise questions over whether they constitute a violation of federal anti-bribery laws.

    Also at issue is the timing and size of the donations that were made to Long, who could soon lead the tax collection agency. Democrats asked donors why they gave, whether their donations were solicited, and whether they had matters currently pending in front of the IRS.

    Long, a former Republican House member from Missouri who has a confirmation hearing with the panel May 20, hasn’t been on any ballot for several years but saw nearly $137,000 flow into his dormant campaign committee for a Senate seat in the first quarter of this year. He also used the funds to repay a $130,000 personal loan. Donors to his campaign included people associated with firms that promoted so-called sovereign tribal tax credits that the Treasury Department and IRS say don’t exist.

    Warren signed the letters along with Finance ranking member Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and member Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.). The Democrats’ letter is the latest in a string of demands from Democrats pressing Long about his dealings with White River Energy Corp., which has been selling the credits to wealthy investors through a network of promoters.

    …

    Read the full article here.

    By:  Chris Cioffi
    Source: Bloomberg Tax

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEW: Trump Continues to Block At Least $425 Billion Dollars in Funding Owed to American People 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
    Murray, DeLauro release updated tally of federal funds Trump is freezing—hurting communities across the country  
    ***VIEW UPDATED TRACKER HERE***
    Washington, D.C. — Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, released updated information detailing how President Trump is freezing at least $425 billion in federal funding that Congress has promised to communities across the country.
    The updated tracker, which Senator Murray and Congresswoman DeLauro first made public in April, chronicles how President Trump and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russ Vought are brazenly violating federal laws and choking off critical investments that families, businesses, and local governments across America depend on.
    This update comes as Trump and Vought seek to ask Congress to rescind a small fraction of the funding they have been illegally blocking, and as Vought vowed over the weekend to continue illegally impounding funding. 
    In a statement, Senator Murray and Congresswoman DeLauro said: 
    “President Trump continues to block hundreds of billions of dollars that have been signed into law, and it is families, farmers, small businesses, and communities in every part of the country who are suffering the consequences. 
    “While he works to kick millions off their health care and pad his own pockets with new tax breaks for billionaires, President Trump is choking off funding to lower the cost of living for families, create good jobs, and keep our communities safe. 
    “This administration’s unprecedented assault on our nation’s spending laws is costing the American people dearly. Students have seen critical support ripped away, disaster survivors are waiting on funds to be unfrozen, and cancer patients are seeing their best hope for treatment thrown into a shredder. Communities have suddenly lost resources to protect people from disease, tackle violent crime, and address the substance use crisis. And all across America, people are losing their jobs as President Trump freezes and cancels investments in energy projects, cutting-edge scientific research, community service, and so much else. 
    “We are going to continue shining a light on how President Trump’s sweeping, illegal funding freeze is hurting working people everywhere.” 
    As the updated tracker details, President Trump has—through a variety of different means—frozen, cancelled, clawed back, illegally impounded, and slow-walked federal funding for all manner of key priorities. Among much else, this includes investments in:  
    Critical research into Alzheimer’s disease, women’s health, cancer, diabetes, and much more, throwing research already conducted into the shredder and setting back treatments and cures.
    Mental health services and support for students across the country. 
    Public safety, including COPS grants, Office of Violence Against Women grants, and programs to help victims of crime.  
    Relief for states and communities responding to and recovering from natural disasters.  
    Cutting-edge scientific research, which advances breakthrough innovation and boost economic development. 
    Farmers and local agriculture businesses, making it more expensive for hardworking people to run their farms and cutting off research they count on.  
    School lunches and food for child care institutions at the detriment of the farmers who rely on these local markets.   
    Head Start, with unacceptable funding lags leading to program closures and costly uncertainty for providers and parents alike.  
    Critical investments in transportation projects—for roads and bridges, airports, public transit, ports, and more—and energy projects across the country that are creating new, good jobs and lowering families’ monthly energy bills.  
    Our national security and efforts to prevent and end global conflicts.   
    Essential health services like birth control and cancer screenings for over 800,000 patients—and resources to protect people from public health threats.
    Since the tracker was last updated, a small number of funds have begun flowing, but new funds have been frozen or cancelled, as well. The upshot remains: the president is blocking over $425 billion in enacted funding.
    About the Tracker 
    The tracker offers a snapshot-in-time look at the vast array of federal funding that should be going out the door, but that President Trump—in an unprecedented scheme—is holding up or actively fighting in court to block.   
    The tracker is not comprehensive or exhaustive—but it catalogs a wide range of investments that this administration is choking off, in many cases illegally. Compiled by the Democratic staffs of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees, the tracker details the minimum amount of federal funding the Committees believe the administration is currently freezing, cancelling, or fighting in court to block. It does not detail tens of billions of dollars in funding that President Trump has previously frozen but finally allowed to flow—and it cannot measure the incredible cost of President Trump’s illegal funding freezes to American families, businesses, and communities. Additionally, it does not capture the wide range of funding at serious risk of not going out the door because of President Trump’s unprecedented mass firings or the full range of fiscal year 2025 funding that has yet to be awarded or disbursed, but that should be flowing. 
    In some instances, there are programs and priorities listed in the tracker that courts have ordered the Trump administration to release—rebuking President Trump’s unprecedented assault on our spending laws. Funding for those programs is listed because the Trump administration is actively fighting in court to block it; any relief provided by the courts at this stage is only temporary; and because this administration has over the last several months—whether through intentional defiance or sheer incompetence—repeatedly failed to get funding to its intended recipients even when ordered by a court to do so.
    In addition to flagrantly violating our nation’s spending laws, President Trump and Russ Vought are also taking every step they can to hide what they are doing from the American people. Despite repeatedly vowing to have the “most transparent administration in history,” President Trump has led an administration that has systematically obscured its spending actions and the actions of DOGE, failed to provide responses to oversight requests from Congress, refused to answer basic questions from the press, taken down a key website that OMB is required to publicly post spending decisions on in clear defiance of the law, and failed to submit detailed plans to the Appropriations Committees showing how this administration is spending fiscal year 2025 funding, as required by law. The unprecedented lack of transparency and responsiveness makes tracking what funding is being blocked all the more difficult, and it remains the Trump administration’s responsibility to not only begin to follow our spending laws but to explain its actions to date.  
    The updated database, which captures funding held up as of June 3, can be found on the Senate and House Appropriations Committees’ websites.  
    An earlier version of the tracker, which captures funding held up as of April 29, is available HERE. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: MYTHBUSTER: The One Big Beautiful Bill Isn’t “Bad” for Families — It’s the Opposite

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Whitehouse
    HOAX: The One Big Beautiful Bill is “bad for our families.”
    FACT: Democrats have totally lost the plot — opposing middle class tax cuts, an expanded child tax credit, border security, and more.
    They’re opposing the largest tax cut in history, which will put an extra $5,000 in their pockets with a double-digit percent decrease to their tax bills. In fact, Americans earning between $30,000 and $80,000 will pay around 15% less in taxes.
    They’re opposing NO TAX ON TIPS for the millions of Americans who work in the service industry and NO TAX ON OVERTIME for law enforcement, nurses, and more.
    They’re opposing historic tax cuts for senior citizens.
    They’re opposing a boost to the child tax credit.
    They’re opposing new savings accounts for newborns and the chance for children across America to experience the miracle of compounded growth.
    They’re opposing expanded access to childcare for hardworking American families.
    They’re opposing historic border security to keep their communities safe.
    They’re opposing expanded health savings accounts that give Americans greater choice and flexibility in how they spend their money.
    They’re opposing scholarships that empower Americans to choose the education that best fits the needs of their families.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Collins Announces Release of TRIO Upward Bound Grants for Maine

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins

    Department of Education’s action follows letter sent last week by Senators Collins and Shaheen calling for the immediate release of funding to current recipients.

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that the Department of Education has released the TRIO Upward Bound grants—which fund programs preparing high school students from disadvantaged backgrounds for college—to current grant recipients in Maine. This action from the Department follows a letter sent last week by Senators Collins and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) to Secretary Linda McMahon urging the immediate release of this funding after reports that multiple Upward Bound programs had yet to receive the funding they’d been promised for the coming program year.

    “I am pleased that Secretary McMahon responded quickly to our request and that Upward Bound students in Maine will continue to have access to this lifechanging program,” said Senator Collins. “TRIO has made an incredible difference in the opportunities provided for many low-income and first-generation students seeking higher education. As Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue to work to ensure this program is protected for Maine families and students across America.”

    The following Upward Bound programs received funding, which will support over 180 Maine students:

    • Bowdoin College Upward Bound – $549,957
      • Currently serving students at:
        • Carrabec High School
        • Lawrence High School
        • Madison High School
        • Mt. Abram High School
        • Skowhegan High School
        • Spruce Mountain High School
        • Waterville High School
    • The University of Maine at Farmington Upward Bound – $437,584
      • Currently serving students at:
        • Gardiner Area High School
        • Lewiston High School
        • Lisbon High School
        • Medomak Valley High School
        • Wiscasset Middle High School

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEW STUDY: Trump’s ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ Will Cause Over 51,000 Additional Americans to Die Each Year

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Vermont – Bernie Sanders

    WASHINGTON, June 3 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, issued the following statement in response to new calculations from Yale University and the University of Pennsylvania finding that more than 51,000 additional Americans will die each year if Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill” is signed into law. 

    “Let’s be clear. The Republican reconciliation bill which makes massive cuts to Medicaid in order to pay for huge tax breaks for billionaires is not just bad public policy. It is not just immoral. It is a death sentence for struggling Americans,” Sanders said. “If this bill becomes law, more than 51,000 Americans will die unnecessarily each and every year. That’s not Bernie Sanders talking. That is precisely what experts at Yale and the University of Pennsylvania have found. In other words, when you throw 13.7 million Americans off the health care they have as the CBO has estimated, when you increase the cost of prescription drugs for low-income seniors, and when you make nursing homes throughout America less safe, not only will some of the most vulnerable people throughout our country suffer, but tens of thousands will die. We cannot allow that to happen.” 

    Sanders was responding to projections on the mortality implications of the Republican reconciliation bill he received in a letter today from the Yale School of Public Health and the Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics at the University of Pennsylvania. The letter estimates that if the Republican reconciliation bill is signed into law, over 51,000 people will die annually. 

    The estimate from Yale and the University of Pennsylvania is based on the annual impact of four policies included in the Republican reconciliation bill:

    • 11,300 more Americans will die as a result of working people losing health coverage from Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act (ACA);
    • 18,200 more Americans will die as a result of low-income seniors losing subsidies that reduce their prescription drug costs;
    • 13,000 more Americans will die as a result of the elimination of safe staffing requirements in nursing homes; and
    • 8,811 more Americans will die as a result of the failure to extend tax credits for ACA coverage.

    Sanders concluded: “In the wealthiest country in the world, we should be guaranteeing health care to all as a human right, not taking health care away from millions of seniors and working families to pay for tax breaks for billionaires. As the Ranking Member of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, I will be doing everything that I can to see that this disastrous bill is defeated.” 

    Read the letter from Yale and the University of Pennsylvania here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla Statement Blasting Trump Budget Cuts to Election Security

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)
    While continuing 2020 election denial and conspiracy theories, Trump guts state and local election assistance and cybersecurity funding
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration and California’s former Secretary of State, issued the following statement criticizing the Trump Administration’s budget request that proposes a devastating 40 percent cut to the Election Assistance Commission and the complete elimination of all of its Election Security Grants funding to support state election administration as well as a dangerous 18 percent cut to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the complete elimination of its $40 million Election Security Program. The CISA cuts undermine state and local governments’ ability to fight back against election-related cyber threats and attempted mis- and disinformation. The Trump Administration’s budget also proposes a harmful 14 percent cut to the Federal Election Commission that regulates federal election campaign spending.
    “In today’s threat environment, foreign actors are constantly looking for opportunities to interfere in our elections, and state and local elections offices need cybersecurity funding and support more than ever. It is reckless for President Trump to seek to eliminate federal election assistance while continuing to spread the ‘Big Lie,’ falsely claiming he won the 2020 election, including in the State of California, where he lost three times. Instead of promoting conspiracy theories and relitigating his election losses, the Trump Administration should work with Congress on a bipartisan basis to ensure the 2026 and 2028 elections are readily accessible to all eligible voters and secure from attacks and interference.”

    MIL OSI USA News –