NewzIntel.com

Category: US Senate

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senate Intel Vice Chairman on Trump Administration Attempt to Politicize Intelligence

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner
    WASHINGTON – Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Vice Chairman Mark R. Warner (D-VA) released the following statement:
    “The recent revelations that Joe Kent, DNI Gabbard’s chief of staff and the nominee to lead the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), sought to alter an intelligence assessment to align with false political narratives pushed by Donald Trump are deeply disturbing, disqualifying, and frankly, dangerous. This was a blatant attempt to politicize national security to appease a president who has repeatedly shown contempt for facts and for the intelligence professionals sworn to defend this country.
    “For years, the Director of National Intelligence has railed against so-called ‘deep state’ manipulation of intelligence. Now we learn that her closest aide, and Trump’s hand-picked nominee to one of the most sensitive roles in government, was actively pushing to distort intelligence because it contradicted a preferred political narrative.
    “This is unacceptable. The Senate should immediately halt consideration of Mr. Kent’s nomination to lead NCTC, and the Senate Intelligence Committee has an obligation to conduct rigorous oversight to determine whether Kent or other Trump officials have attempted to politically interfere with other assessments.
    “When intelligence is manipulated to fit a political agenda, our security is at risk. Our ability to prevent terrorist attacks, counter adversaries, and make sound decisions is only as good as the accuracy and integrity of the intelligence that informs it. Our intelligence agencies must be permitted to speak truth to power, not twist the truth to serve power.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville Introduces Tuskegee President to Senate HELP Committee, Discusses Cost versus Benefits of Higher Education

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)
    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) spoke with Dr. Andrew Gillen, Dr. Michael Lindsay, Dr. Mark Brown, Mr. Mike Pierce, and Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart during a Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing on the state of higher education. During the hearing, Sen. Tuberville discussed the reasons for the skyrocket of prices in higher education institutions during recent years. 
    Sen. Tuberville also introduced Dr. Mark Brown, President of Tuskegee University in Tuskegee, Alabama, to the Committee.
    Read Sen. Tuberville’s remarks below or watch on YouTube or Rumble. 
    Sen. Tuberville’s introduction of Dr. Brown can be found below or on YouTube or Rumble.

    INTRODUCTION OF DR. MARK BROWN:
    TUBERVILLE: “It’s my pleasure to introduce our second witness, Dr. Mark A. Brown. As a matter of fact, he’s about 20 miles from where I live, as we speak, in Auburn, Alabama. Dr. Brown is the president of Tuskegee University, home of the Tuskegee Airmen, who we’re very proud of. It’s a Historically Black College in Alabama. He is the first alumnus in Tuskegee’s 143-year-history to lead the university. A retired Air Force Major General, Dr. Brown brings unmatched experience in education leadership, federal student aid policy, and HBCU advancement. We are thankful to have you here today to hear your perspective, Dr. Brown. “
    ON THE COST OF HIGHER EDUCATION:
    TUBERVILLE: “Gentlemen, thanks for being here. I’m passionate about this. I spent [40] years in education—more than anybody in this room probably, maybe other than Dr. Graham, although you spent a little time in the military. I’ve been in high schools all across this country, almost in all 50 states. We’ve gone backwards. [We’re here] today to talk about higher education. I spent 30 years in that and have done a lot of great things for a lot of kids, men and women, rich and poor. It’s got to be merit based, folks. If we don’t merit base this thing, we will not survive as an educational system. This country gives you an opportunity.
    I was in a situation where athletics was merit-based. I didn’t care who you were. I had to win games. I recruited kids that had good grades, would go to class, and could play football. And if they couldn’t do those three things and work at it, I didn’t recruit them. It’s got to be the same thing in college in terms of getting a good education. I know of a school that has a happiness degree. That [isn’t] gonna get it. I’m for paying everybody’s way through college, but not for a degree where when they get out, they can’t get a job at Walmart. We need degrees that kids can prosper [with], raise a family, and have a great life in this country. So, I’d like to ask each one of you just one question, starting over with Dr. Gillen.
    Dr. Gillen, what factors do you see that have caused massive skyrocketing costs at our universities across the country?”
    GILLEN: “So, I would argue that the main driver of higher college cost is what’s called the Bowen Revenue Theory of Cost. When you look at higher education, […] the idea here is not that, you know, higher faculty salaries or increases in institutional aid are driving higher spending. It’s that when more revenue is available, colleges will spend as much as they can. And it makes sense, these are all mission driven institutions, right? If you give each of these schools a million more dollars, they’ll find a good way to spend it. The problem is if you keep doing that, eventually those good ways to spend it aren’t so convincing anymore. But when we have these mission driven institutions, the more money they have, the more money they’re going to spend.”
    TUBERVILLE: “Dr. Lindsay?”
    LINDSAY: “I think the opportunity that is before is, as you say, to bring accountability and outcomes. And I think we have to be very intentional about the kind of formation that’s occurring on our campuses. I’m really proud of the fact that we have something called the Good Work Initiative, which is basically trying to transform on campus employment opportunities where students are paid a little bit more than minimum wage to give them a little bit more spending money, but we also pair it with professional development and vocational discernment exercises to help them. So, that when they graduate, they actually have that kind of professional experience. It’s a pilot [program]. We’ve had good success with it. We’re allowing the opportunity for more students to take on more leadership roles, giving them good things for their resumes, but also buttressing their opportunities when they graduate.”
    TUBERVILLE: “Dr. Brown?”
    BROWN: “Senator, I’ll use a real example. I went to my Board of Trustees for this upcoming year and said that I would like to freeze tuition for two years at our school. They approved the freezing of the tuition, but when I looked at the cost of insurance—which is a subcomponent of that tuition—we had to go up. So, the real cost to the customer—the family—was more.
    The same is true of the cost of dining, the cost of food that goes into a dining hall contract, and the cost of the utilities it takes to run the campus. My campus is much like any other business. Those costs, we would not be able to absorb, and so our cost went up because costs in the economy went up. It was not that we would spend more because we had more. Those costs were real, and we had to realize those as a school [that] operates just like a business in that sense.”
    LOWERY-HART: “Thank you for the question. I would say in the community college sector, there hasn’t been a massive skyrocket rising in prices. At Austin Community College, we haven’t raised tuition in 12 years. I think we’ve raised it once in 15 [years]. We’re the sector of higher education that lives within our means, because our students are so price-sensitive. And I think there could be a lot to learn from how community colleges effectively manage their budgets.”
    TUBERVILLE: “I agree with you on that. I’ve been in a lot of community colleges. You do a good job, by the way. And I think more kids need to go to community colleges.
    Mr. Pierce?”
    PIERCE: “I think it’s my turn to talk about for-profit colleges, which seems to be missing from my colleague’s responses to your question. We have watched the proprietary sector raise costs far in excess of other sectors of the higher education system. And we’ve also watched some of the largest participants in the for-profit college market turn into private non-profit colleges or enter into deals with public colleges. I think we’re not at a place where we were a decade ago talking about the proprietary sector. We should be looking at the backroom deals that some of the largest colleges in the country are cutting with these private companies and how these deals are driving the increase in costs that are being pushed on our most vulnerable students.”
    TUBERVILLE: “Good. Thank you.
    Thank you, Mr. Chairman.”
    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hickenlooper, Moran, Booker, Mullin Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Increase Funding for Down Syndrome Research

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Hickenlooper – Colorado
    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper, Jerry Moran, Cory Booker, and Markwayne Mullin introduced the bipartisan, bicameral DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act to boost funding for Down syndrome research. Specifically, the legislation would authorize the INCLUDE (Investigation of Co-Occurring Conditions Across the Lifespan to Understand Down syndrome) Project at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and increase funding for Down syndrome research for the next five years. 
    “Hundreds of thousands of Americans live with Down syndrome, and yet its research has been underfunded for decades,” said Hickenlooper. “This bill is named for my friend DeOndra Dixon, who lived a full, vibrant life and wanted the same for all people living with Down syndrome. We are determined to get this bill across the finish line for her, and for every American who will benefit from research on many different health conditions.”  
    “Research, supported by the NIH, has helped improve and extend the lives of individuals with Down syndrome, but there is still more to learn,” said Moran. “This legislation will invest in scientific studies on Down syndrome to help members of the Down syndrome community and their families find answers and solutions for the health challenges they face.”
    “Every year, around 6,000 babies are born in the United States with Down syndrome, and while the life expectancy for people with Down syndrome has increased drastically over the years, many are still at an increased risk for certain medical conditions,” said Booker. “This bipartisan legislation would reauthorize critical funding for research, increase the number of clinical trials for individuals with Down syndrome, and ultimately help improve the quality of life for people with Down syndrome and their families.”
    “People with Down syndrome are a gift from God, and I’m glad to be working in a bipartisan way to support federal Down syndrome research,”said Mullin. “We know that people with Down syndrome are at an increased risk of developing certain medical conditions, like heart defects and Alzheimer’s disease, so it’s critical we do everything we can to better health care outcomes and improve quality of life.”
    The INCLUDE Project was launched in June 2018 to further research on health and quality-of-life needs for individuals with Down syndrome. The project investigates conditions that affect individuals with Down syndrome and the general population, such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, autism, cataracts, celiac disease, congenital heart disease, and diabetes. 
    The legislation is named after DeOndra Dixon, the Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s Ambassador and Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Awardee,  who died at the age of 36 in 2020. 
    The House version of the bill is led by representative Diana DeGette and cosponsored by representatives Richard Hudson, Rosa DeLauro, Tom Cole, Pete Stauber, and Eleanor Holmes Norton.
    “GLOBAL, our self-advocates and families, and our researchers and medical professionals, celebrate Senate reintroduction of the DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act which is a necessary next step to ensuring continued and growing federal investments at the NIH to advance Down syndrome research that will elongate life and improve health outcomes for our children and adults with Down syndrome” said Michelle Sie Whitten, President and CEO of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation. “I am deeply grateful for the efforts of our dear friends and champions Senators Hickenlooper and Moran along with Senators Booker and Mullin who have reintroduced this important legislation today.  Our hearts are full knowing this legislation will be an enduring legacy celebrating the life and advocacy of our beloved Ambassador DeOndra Dixon.”
    Full text of the legislation available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senate Passes Durbin’s Bipartisan Resolution Honoring The Four American Service Members Who Died In Lithuania

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    May 21, 2025
    The resolution recognizes the soldiers’ service and sacrifice to our nation and NATO allies
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Co-Chair of the Senate Baltic Freedom Caucus, today commended the unanimous Senate passage of his bipartisan resolution honoring the four American soldiers—including one Illinoisan—who were stationed in Lithuania and tragically died in March while on a mission to recover a vehicle immobilized during a training exercise. The soldiers include Staff Sergeant Jose Dueñez Jr. from Joliet, Illinois; Staff Sergeant Edvin F. Franco; Staff Sergeant Troy S. Knutson-Collins; and Private First-Class Dante D. Taitano—all part of the 1st Armored Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division.
    “Last night, the Senate honored the brave American service members, including Staff Sergeant Jose Dueñez Jr. from Joliet, Illinois, who tragically died during a mission in Lithuania earlier this year.  It was a mission fraught with extreme danger and challenges, and this resolution reminds us of the daily service and sacrifice of our military members,” Durbin said.  “The resolution also expresses our gratitude to our Lithuanian ally—who dropped everything and faced great odds to help us recover their bodies and bring these fallen soldiers home—a reminder of the common defense underlying our alliance.”
    On April 3, thousands of Lithuanians took to the streets in Vilnius—including the Lithuanian President—to pay their respects to our fallen American soldiers. The resolution also reaffirms the importance of the NATO alliance and the need to support our Baltic allies.
    Durbin spoke about the four American soldiers and his resolution on the Senate floor last month.
    Text of the resolution can be found here.
    Joining Durbin in sponsoring the resolution are U.S. Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Chris Coons (D-DE), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), and Alex Padilla (D-CA).
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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Delivers Opening Statement During Senate Judiciary Committee Nominations Hearing On Four Executive. Branch Nominees

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    May 21, 2025
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today delivered an opening statement during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on the nominations of Joseph Edlow, to be Director of United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS); Elliot Gaiser, to be Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Legal Counsel (OLC); John Squires, to be Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO); and Stanley Woodward, to be Associate Attorney General. Durbin’s opening statement focused on whether the nominees’ allegiance is to the President or to the rule of law.
    Key Quotes:
    “Earlier this year, I asked Justice Department nominees a simple question: may a public official defy a court order? Shockingly, the nominees, including the future Solicitor General John Sauer, refused to give an unequivocal answer. Just days ago, Mr. Sauer repeated this egregious error before the Supreme Court. During arguments in the case challenging the President’s illegal birthright citizenship executive order, Justice Barrett, …a Trump nominee, asked Mr. Sauer if the Administration would follow circuit court rulings. Mr. Sauer responded that the federal government’s policy is to ‘generally respect circuit precedent but not necessarily in every case.’ As our colleague Senator Kennedy said earlier this year, ‘don’t ever, ever, take the position that you’re not going to follow the order of a federal court. Ever.’”
    “Mr. Gaiser has been nominated to lead the Office of Legal Counsel, which provides legal advice to the President and all executive branch agencies. I want to hear whether he believes that the policy of the federal government [should be] to ignore court rulings that don’t suit the President’s whims.”
    “Beyond unlawfully attempting to end birthright citizenship, which is enshrined in the Constitution, the Administration has made it harder for legal immigrants to apply for citizenship and naturalize. This Administration has made it harder for Dreamers, who want to do the right thing. Now these were kids who were brought to the United States by their parents… They want to apply for programs like DACA so that they can receive work permits and continue to contribute to the American economy. I am disappointed to hear that Mr. Edlow, nominated to lead USCIS, opposes DACA, when even President Trump claims that he doesn’t want to deport Dreamers. Despite his personal opinions, I want to hear how Mr. Edlow will ensure that USCIS will promptly process DACA applications of eligible Dreamers.”
    “In the name of carrying out Trump’s mass deportation agenda, Attorney General Bondi has made DOJ a shell of itself. Thousands of federal law enforcement agents have been diverted from preventing drug trafficking and violent crime to deporting immigrants who pose no threat to our safety. Mr. Woodward, nominated to be the number three official at the Justice Department, would oversee Justice Department grantmaking, the Civil Rights Division, and many other components that are now under attack.”
    “The Justice Department, at the direction of DOGE, took their chainsaw to hundreds of millions of dollars in federal grants to support public safety and our police. Programs supporting violence reduction, victims’ services, child protection, and substance use and mental health treatment have been gutted… For nearly 70 years, under Republican and Democratic Administrations alike, the Civil Rights Division protected the civil and constitutional rights of all Americans. Once known as the ‘crown jewel’ of the Justice Department, it has now been reduced to litigating a narrow set of cases aligned with the MAGA agenda. This is anathema to how this Division has operated historically.”
    “I want to hear from Mr. Woodward whether the Justice Department will continue to capitulate or if he will help restore the Justice Department to its intended function—to protect the safety and rights of all Americans.”
    Video of Durbin’s opening statement is available here.
    Audio of Durbin’s opening statement is available here.
    Footage of Durbin’s opening statement is available here for TV Stations.
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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Joins Newsmax to Discuss the President’s ‘One, Big Beautiful Bill,’ The SALT Deduction, and the Golden Dome Defense System

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) joined Shaun Kraisman and Emma Rechenberg on Newsmax this morning to discuss the status of President Donald Trump’s ‘One Big, Beautiful Bill,’ what’s next for the reconciliation process regarding State and Local Tax (SALT) Deduction, and the ‘Golden Dome’ defense system announced by the President and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth yesterday.

    You may click HERE or above to watch Senator Marshall’s full interview on Newsmax
    Highlights from the interview include:
    On President Trump helping close out the negotiations: 
    Senator Marshall: “I thought about this this weekend during a baseball game. If the House, if this was a baseball game, the House is going into the seventh inning, and we’re going to have to bring our closer in sooner than expected. So, we’re going to bring in Donald Trump. And you think of all the great closers in the history of baseball, you’ve got Goose Gossage who had a fastball. So, we’ll bring him in the eighth inning, and then the ninth inning President Trump will be like Mario Rivera, who has his cutter.
    “So, look, if it wasn’t for President Trump, this doesn’t happen, but I do believe in Speaker Johnson, President Trump, they’ll get it across the finish line. Send it over here and we’ll make the bill even better.”
    On the SALT Deduction negotiations:
    Senator Marshall: “If you think about where the big divisions are on this bill, it’s the SALT tax… You have some Republicans from districts that are blue, and they want this SALT tax to go up. And by the way, it’s going to cost $1 trillion dollars over the next 10 years, and you have conservative Republicans like myself who say the biggest issue in the country right now is our national debt. And there’s so many other things we could do with that trillion dollars rather than spending it, you know, giving these people from blue states a big tax break as well.
    “So, President Trump is trying to find that sweet spot. This bill is not perfect. This is not the bill that a conservative Republican like myself would write, but we’re getting there. This is the first step towards a balanced budget. We need to deliver on the President’s promises.”
    On the Golden Dome Defense System:
    Senator Marshall: “Well, obviously this would give us a big advantage. If we could shoot down all the Chinese nuclear warheads and their warp speed missiles that they have as well, this would just put our military at a big, big advantage. But to me this is a defensive weapon, as far as United States has been concerned.
    “Look, we don’t want to rule the world. We just want to make sure our families are safe and secure. I think this will be a great investment. $175 billion is what the President’s going to spend on this probably. Think about this, we spent $200 billion in Ukraine and I don’t know what that did for the safety of American citizens.
    “I think that you know, this takes me back to my boyhood when they announced… going to the moon. And this is something that Americans can rally around together, that we can cheer for together. We don’t have the technology to complete this yet. It looks next to impossible. I would put this way ahead of any purpose of going to Mars for America right now. So, I think this is a good investment. It’s going to make Americans safer – that’s what President Trump promised us. He said he’s going to make our family safer and more secure. So, I’m behind it, I’m excited about the technology, and there will be so many other benefits from this technology going forward as we develop this.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gillibrand Announces Bipartisan Legislation That Would Make Childbirth Free For Families With Private Insurance

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand

    Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand held a virtual press conference to discuss her Supporting Healthy Moms and Babies Act, bipartisan legislation that would require insurance companies to fully cover the costs associated with childbirth, including labor and delivery and prenatal, neonatal, perinatal, and postpartum care. Even with insurance, childbirth can cost families thousands of dollars, and expenses are even greater for women who have additional health complications during pregnancy, a high-deductible health plan, or gaps in their coverage. As a result, new mothers are twice as likely as other young women to have medical debt. 

    The Supporting Healthy Moms and Babies Act would require that costs associated with birth be categorized as essential health benefits (EHB) and would remove the relevant services from insurance cost-sharing.

    Senators Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Josh Hawley (R-MO) cosponsor this legislation. 

    “The costs associated with having a baby can be astronomical, and we should be doing everything we can to lower them,” said Senator Gillibrand. “The fear of an enormous bill leads some women to delay seeking prenatal or postpartum care, or to avoid it entirely, which creates worse outcomes for both women and their babies. That is unacceptable. I am proud to be introducing this bipartisan legislation to require insurance companies to fully cover care throughout pregnancy and a year postpartum. I look forward to working with my colleagues across the aisle to get this bill passed.” 

    The Supporting Healthy Moms and Babies Act would eliminate cost-sharing for a variety of services, including:

    • Ultrasounds
    • Delivery services, including anesthesiology, fetal monitoring, consultations with specialists, and services relating to postpartum health
    • Comprehensive postpartum care for physical and mental health conditions caused or exacerbated by pregnancy, such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and postpartum depression and anxiety
    • Mental health care and treatment for substance use disorder related to new parenthood for adoptive parents
    • Care for miscarriages

    The bill is expected to cause only a minor increase of $30 annually per enrollee in average premiums. Any rise in premiums due to covering out-of-pocket pregnancy costs will be likely less than annual inflation in premiums.

    The Supporting Healthy Moms and Babies Act is supported by medical providers and pro-family advocates, including the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, American Medical Association, American Hospital Association, American Society for Reproductive Medicine, Association of Women’s Health, Obstetrics and Neonatal Nurses, Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs, Catholic Health Association, March of Dimes, American Principles Project, Concerned Women for America, and the Jesuit Conference Office of Justice and Ecology.

    The full text of the legislation is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hawley, Schmitt Urge Trump to Approve Missouri Emergency Declaration & Unlock Disaster Funding Immediately

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo)
    Earlier this morning, U.S. Senators Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) penned a letter to President Donald Trump, urging him to swiftly approve Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe’s May 19 emergency disaster declaration in light of recent devastating storms.
    “If approved, this declaration would immediately unlock critical funding to support state and local efforts to remove debris and take emergency protective measures,” the Senators wrote.
    “After touring the devastated neighborhoods, we can personally attest to the scale of the damage and the clear need for the governor’s request to unlock this first step of federal assistance to support first responder efforts,” they explained.
    This emergency designation would unlock resources for immediate needs such as debris removal while the damage is assessed for a more widespread disaster declaration. Senator Hawley spent Monday on the ground in St. Louis, Missouri, meeting with victims and surveying the damage inflicted by Friday’s tornadoes, and has set up a portal on his website to help constituents with insurance claims. 
    Read the full letter here or below.
    May 21, 2025
    The Honorable Donald J. TrumpPresident of the United StatesThe White House1600 Pennsylvania AvenueWashington, DC 20500
    Dear President Trump,
    We write to support Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe’s May 19 request for an emergency disaster declaration, pursuant to the Stafford Act, following devastating tornadoes and storms in the St. Louis region. If approved, this declaration would immediately unlock critical funding to support state and local efforts to remove debris and take emergency protective measures.
    As you may know, on May 16, 2025, severe storms and tornadoes struck the St. Louis region and areas of southeast Missouri, claiming at least seven lives and causing widespread damage and destruction. Preliminary damage assessments are slated to begin tomorrow in preparation for the Governor’s request for a major disaster declaration. Importantly, Governor Kehoe’s emergency declaration request would expedite funding to the State of Missouri in the interim and provide important reinforcement for recovery efforts currently underway.
    After touring the devastated neighborhoods, we can personally attest to the scale of the damage and the clear need for the governor’s request to unlock this first step of federal assistance to support first responder efforts. We respectfully urge your immediate consideration and approval of this emergency declaration request.
    Sincerely,
    Josh Hawley                                                                                                     United States Senator
    Eric S. Schmitt                                                        United States Senator

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hawley, Durbin Reintroduce Bill Combatting Online Child Sexual Abuse Material 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo)

    Wednesday, May 21, 2025

    Today, U.S. Senators Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) reintroduced the STOP CSAM Act. The legislation will crack down on the proliferation of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) online by allowing victims to sue companies that host it. Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) have cosponsored the bill.
    The Senators announced the legislation’s reintroduction in February ahead of their joint hearing highlighting witnesses impacted by CSAM, including survivors, advocates, and law enforcement experts. They originally introduced the legislation last Congress and garnered the votes to unanimously advance it through the Senate Judiciary Committee. 
    “Every day that Congress fails to protect kids online is another day that online predators can victimize children and steal their innocence—and social media companies are totally complicit,” said Senator Hawley. “To stop them, Congress must give parents and victims the right to sue these companies, and my bipartisan legislation would empower them to do just that.”
    “In the real world, child safety is a top priority. But in the virtual world, criminals and bullies don’t need to pick a lock or wait outside the playground to cause harm. They can harass, intimidate, addict, or sexually exploit our kids without leaving home,” said Senator Durbin. “Big Tech has woefully failed to police itself, and the American people are demanding that Congress intervene. We made significant headway last year to address Big Tech’s failure to protect our kids online and it’s time to build on that progress. I’m glad to partner with Senator Hawley to reintroduce our bill supporting victims of child sexual exploitation and increasing accountability for tech companies.”
    Senator Hawley has been a leading proponent of holding Big Tech accountable and protecting kids online. Last year, he questioned Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg about the rampant child exploitation on his social media platforms, prompting him to stand up and apologize to the families of victims in the room.
    Senator Hawley also introduced legislation to allow any private citizen to sue Big Tech platforms for hosting CSAM. After striking a deal with Senator Durbin to advance the CSAM legislation, the bipartisan bill was eventually blocked on the Senate floor.
    Read the full bill text here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla Hosts Bipartisan Mental Health Caucus Roundtable With Professional Athletes

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    Padilla Hosts Bipartisan Mental Health Caucus Roundtable With Professional Athletes

    WATCH: Padilla joins athletes to share stories and reduce stigma surrounding mental healthWASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), co-founder of the bipartisan Senate Mental Health Caucus, and Members of the Senate and Congressional bipartisan mental health caucuses commemorated Mental Health Awareness Month by hosting a roundtable in the Capitol with professional athletes focusing on the growing mental health crisis and overcoming the harmful associated stigma. U.S. Representative Andrea Salinas (D-Ore.-06), co-chair of the Congressional Bipartisan Mental Health Caucus, also joined the roundtable.
    According to the National Institute of Mental Health, more than 1 in 5 American adults experience a mental illness each year. However, less than half of individuals in crisis actually receive mental health services. While many challenges prevent people from seeking help, one of the biggest hurdles is the historic stigma associated with mental health, tragically causing many individuals to be ashamed or embarrassed to get the help they need for themselves or their loved ones. The roundtable aimed to tear down this stigma and reinforce the message that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. Reducing stigma and talking about mental health are the most important ways to open doors to lifesaving care for those who need it most.
    The roundtable featured remarks from Senate and House mental health caucus co-chairs and NFL, NBA, MLS, and NWSL players.
    “It’s one thing to build the strength to deal with a mental illness — particularly in high-pressure environments like professional sports — and it’s another to use that strength to help others by publicly sharing your story,” said Senator Padilla. “By bringing voices to the table from outside the political realm this Mental Health Awareness Month, I hope more people suffering in silence can see these stories and the athletes they look up to, and we can start to break down the stigma surrounding mental health. Regardless of political affiliation, we can all agree that we need more investments in mental health care — not less — and I will keep advocating for the services and resources that we know can save lives.”
    “I know from personal experience what it’s like to watch someone struggle with their mental health and feel helpless. That is why discussions like these are so important, and I’m grateful to the athletes who shared their stories and perspectives on how to connect more people with care,” said Representative Salinas. “It takes a lot of courage to open up about your personal mental health journey. My hope is that by having honest conversations like this one, we will finally break the stigma and encourage more Americans to seek help if they need it.”
    Senator Padilla is a leading advocate for expanding mental health care access, especially for underserved communities. In 2023, Padilla launched the bipartisan Senate Mental Health Caucus to serve as a forum for Senators to collaborate on and promote bipartisan legislation and solutions, hold events to raise awareness of critical mental health issues, and destigmatize mental health. Earlier this month, Padilla condemned the Trump Administration’s proposed dissolution of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) as part of the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) restructuring plan and the White House Office of Management and Budget’s HHS budget proposal. Earlier this year, Padilla led 12 Democratic Senators in warning HHS Secretary Kennedy that additional staffing cuts at SAMHSA would have disastrous ramifications for millions of Americans struggling with mental and behavioral health challenges. Padilla applauded the Federal Communications Commission for making critical improvements to the 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by adopting the main provisions of his Local 9-8-8 Response Act of 2023. 
    Additionally, Padilla introduced bipartisan legislation earlier this year to combat the growing youth mental health crisis in America through early intervention and prevention services. Last year, Padilla passed a Senate resolution to raise the alarm about the mental health care crisis American children face and highlight the urgent need to increase our investment in mental health care for children and adolescents. Padilla previously introduced a trio of bills to address the unique mental health needs of military children, Latinos, and farm workers.
    Video of Senator Padilla’s opening remarks at today’s roundtable is available here, and his closing remarks are available here. Footage of his remarks can be downloaded here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Schiff Condemn Trump Administration’s Student Visa Revocations

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla, Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.) blasted the Trump Administration’s recent harmful revocations of international student visas, including on ideological grounds, underscoring the lack of due process regarding these revocations and the chilling effect of these actions in suppressing freedom of thought and expression. In their letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem, the Senators condemn the revocation of hundreds of California student visas and Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) termination of several hundred California students’ Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) records.
    The Senators called on the State Department to immediately stop their “Catch and Revoke” AI-powered initiative, an effort to monitor millions of social media accounts of student visa holders and green card holders to gather evidence of alleged terrorist sympathies. The technology is reportedly being used to monitor international students’ speech through SEVIS and other publicly available resources, leading to the revocation of student visas or green cards for students exercising peaceful expression, without due process. This step to surveil international students’ activity is an unprecedented leap toward stifling students’ First Amendment rights and their freedom of speech. The Senators pushed for restoring revoked visas and full transparency.
    While the Department of Justice has reversed the termination of students’ SEVIS records, the student visa revocations under Catch and Revoke remain ongoing and are instilling fear and uncertainty among international students at colleges and universities in California and across the country.
    “These visa revocations and record terminations constitute unprecedented and unconstitutional attacks on freedom of thought and expression that impact international and U.S. citizen students alike at our nation’s colleges and universities,” wrote the Senators. “While we welcome the news that the Administration has taken steps to rectify the SEVIS record terminations, these actions taken all together still call into question our nation’s bedrock commitment to freedom of expression. We urge the State Department and DHS to suspend the ‘Catch and Revoke’ initiative, which continues to cause uncertainty, erode due process, and chill free speech and expression among students.”
    “The actions taken as part of the ‘Catch and Revoke’ initiative suggest a troubling pattern of misusing immigration enforcement to suppress dissent, intimidate politically active students, and chill Constitutionally protected expression,” continued the Senators. “Without transparency or independent oversight, the risk of abuse continues to grow. In fact, USCIS is now openly targeting speech by noncitizens with other immigration statuses, not just students.”
    The Senators detailed a series of other alarming incidents targeting international students, as ICE has detained students on university campuses, at ports of entry, and in their own homes, often without notice or time to contact an attorney. Many of these cruel arrests were based on limited information within these students’ visa applications and violate the right to due process.
    “Reports indicate that ICE has arrested students based on vague or previously disclosed information in their visa applications — such as social media posts, protest participation, or lawful political associations — as justification for their detention,” added the Senators. “If true, these practices represent not just an overreach of immigration authority but a violation of students’ First Amendment rights. These processes do not appear to be conducted with consideration for students’ due process and require immediate remediation.”
    Padilla and Schiff highlighted the immense contributions international students make to colleges and universities in California and nationwide. California’s more than 140,000 international students contribute roughly $6.4 billion to the U.S. economy and support about 55,114 jobs. These students also strengthen and help the United States secure its global leadership in science, technology, and research; protect U.S. national security interests; and promote innovation.
    The Senators emphasized the critical role California’s higher education system plays in powering the U.S. economy and warned that the attacks on the state’s international students jeopardize the country’s economic future.
    “California’s higher education system is the largest in the nation and considered one of the best in the world, driving global economic mobility—and fueling California’s growth into the fourth largest economy in the world,” wrote the Senators. “These institutions serve as beacons of opportunity and economic potential that transform the lives of hundreds of thousands of students in providing a better life for themselves, their families, and future generations. However, this Administration’s attacks on institutions of higher education and international students, who add immense value to our universities, puts our nation’s economic future at risk.”
    Last month, Senators Padilla and Schiff joined 34 Democrats in pressing the Trump Administration to reconsider recent decisions to revoke student visas. In 2021, Padilla led a group of 23 Senators in calling on the State Department to address the backlog of visas for international students. Padilla also chaired a hearing entitled “Strengthening our Workforce and Economy through Higher Education and Immigration” in 2022, highlighting the challenges undocumented students and international students face in seeking higher education and obtaining jobs in the United States.
    Full text of the letter is available here and below:
    Dear Secretary Rubio and Secretary Noem:
    We write to express our increasing concern about actions targeting international students by the State Department and by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Starting earlier this year, the State Department began revoking hundreds of student visas including on apparent ideological grounds, revoking roughly a hundred visas in California alone. These revocations have been conducted by the State Department through its AI-enabled “Catch and Revoke” initiative, instructing affected students to leave the country voluntarily or risk facing deportation proceedings. At the same time, ICE began terminating Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) records for thousands of students—leaving them uncertain about their ability to continue their studies. This includes at least two hundred students in California.
    These visa revocations and record terminations constitute unprecedented and unconstitutional attacks on freedom of thought and expression that impact international and U.S. citizen students alike at our nation’s colleges and universities. While we welcome the news that the Administration has taken steps to rectify the SEVIS record terminations, these actions taken all together still call into question our nation’s bedrock commitment to freedom of expression. We urge the State Department and DHS to suspend the “Catch and Revoke” initiative, which continues to cause uncertainty, erode due process, and chill free speech and expression among students.
    Colleges and universities across the U.S. have long benefitted from the enrollment and participation of international students, who contribute immensely to academic, scientific, and cultural life at schools all around the country. This should not be a partisan issue—there are over 1.1 million international students all over the country, across many states, and the District of Columbia. California enrolls more than 140,850 international students who contribute approximately $6.4 billion to our economy, supporting around 55,114 jobs. Nationally, over 1.12 million international students contribute roughly $43.8 billion to the U.S. economy and support over 370,000 jobs. They also strengthen our national security by fostering global partnerships, cross-cultural understanding, and long-term diplomatic ties with future world leaders educated in the U.S. By attracting top talent from around the globe, we bolster our workforce, drive innovation, and better position ourselves to maintain our competitive edge in science, technology, and research.
    In addition to the State Department visa revocations, multiple alarming incidents have surfaced in recent months involving international students detained by immigration enforcement at university campuses, ports of entry, and even in their homes. In a significant departure from normal practice, these students were, in many cases, not provided prior notice and given no time to contact an attorney, leaving many with few options to defend their nonimmigrant status and their ability to continue studying in the United States. Reports indicate that ICE has arrested students based on vague or previously disclosed information in their visa applications—such as social media posts, protest participation, or lawful political associations—as justification for their detention. If true, these practices represent not just an overreach of immigration authority but a violation of students’ First Amendment rights. These processes do not appear to be conducted with consideration for students’ due process and require immediate remediation.
    The actions taken as part of the “Catch and Revoke” initiative suggest a troubling pattern of misusing immigration enforcement to suppress dissent, intimidate politically active students, and chill Constitutionally protected expression. Without transparency or independent oversight, the risk of abuse continues to grow. In fact, USCIS is now openly targeting speech by noncitizens with other immigration statuses, not just students.
    California’s higher education system is the largest in the nation and considered one of the best in the world, driving global economic mobility—and fueling California’s growth into the fourth largest economy in the world. These institutions serve as beacons of opportunity and economic potential that transform the lives of hundreds of thousands of students in providing a better life for themselves, their families, and future generations. However, this Administration’s attacks on institutions of higher education and international students, who add immense value to our universities, puts our nation’s economic future at risk.
    We urge your agencies to take immediate corrective action by suspending the Catch and Revoke initiative, restoring revoked visas, and providing full transparency to ensure that our immigration system is not misused to police speech at our colleges and universities and maintain beneficial international exchange at universities. We look forward to your prompt response.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch, Shaheen Lead 20 Colleagues in Call to Protect ENERGY STAR 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch, Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, this week joined Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) in leading 20 of their colleagues urging the Trump Administration to immediately reverse course on its plan to illegally and unilaterally terminate the ENERGY STAR program. In their letter, the Senators highlight the cost-saving benefits of the program, which is projected to save the average American household $450 on utility bills each year simply by choosing ENERGY STAR certified products.  
    Since 1992, ENERGY STAR has reduced energy costs for American families and businesses by $500 billion, including $42 billion worth of savings in 2020 alone. For every federal dollar spent on ENERGY STAR, Americans have enjoyed $350 in savings. 
    “For over three decades, the ENERGY STAR program has lowered Americans’ energy bills by informing consumers about energy efficient products. The program has enjoyed bipartisan support since its creation under authority of Section 103 of the Clean Air Act, most recently receiving $35.7 million in fiscal year 2025 appropriations,” wrote the Senators. “Reporting has indicated, however, that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plans to eliminate ENERGY STAR without Congressional approval. Not only is the program protected under federal statute and thus illegal for the Administration to terminate unilaterally, but this decision also lacks basic economic sense. We write to urge you to immediately reverse course.” 
    The Senators continued: “ENERGY STAR is the epitome of an effective public-private partnership. As the program’s administrators, EPA and the Department of Energy set qualifying energy efficiency standards for products. EPA also protects the integrity of the ENERGY STAR brand, ensuring it remains well-known, trusted, and indicative of a quality product. Appliance manufacturers then voluntarily display the ENERGY STAR label, notifying consumers that a product will reduce their energy consumption and lower utility bills. The program strengthens consumer choice by sharing critical product information.” 
    “Eliminating the ENERGY STAR program will not only raise energy costs for American families and businesses, but also inflict far-reaching economic harms, threatening industry jobs and the reliability of the grid at a time of growing demand. We again urge you to immediately reconsider eliminating this popular and effective Congressionally authorized program,” the Senators concluded. 
    Administered by the EPA and Department of Energy, ENERGY STAR is a voluntary, market-based program that has saved consumers billions of dollars annually. The ENERGY STAR program has cumulatively reduced four billion metric tons of harmful emissions and currently supports more than 790,000 American jobs manufacturing and installing ENERGY STAR products.  
    ENERGY STAR is strongly supported by a wide array of manufacturers, homebuilders, housing organizations, building owners, small businesses, and other organizations. In April, the U.S. Real Estate Industry sent a letter to the Trump Administration expressing its strong support for the ENERGY STAR program. Additionally, the U.S. Green Buildings Council partnered with the Alliance to Save Energy in leading over 1,000 organizations in urging the Trump Administration to protect the program and maintain full funding and staffing levels. 
    In addition to Senators Welch and Shaheen, the letter was signed by Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Angus King (I-Maine), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.). 
    Read and download the full letter. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Joins Colleagues in Introducing Resolution Reaffirming U.S.-Canada Partnership 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch today joined Senators Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) and Angus King (I-Maine) in introducing a resolution to recognize the U.S.-Canada partnership and its shared interests in economic, energy and critical minerals, and national security. The United States and Canada share three oceans and the world’s longest border. About 400,000 people and more than $2.5 billion worth of goods and services move across the U.S.-Canada border each day. 
    Canada is the largest trading partner for 34 U.S. states, including Vermont. In 2024 alone, trade with Canada accounted for 35% of Vermont’s exports, 67% of imports, and 56% of its total trade. One in four businesses in Vermont relies on trade with Canada and sells more goods to Canada than the next six largest foreign markets combined. In 2023, Vermont exported $150 million just in food and agricultural products to Canada. 
    “Canada is Vermont’s biggest trading partner and one of our most important allies—but first and foremost, they’re our friend. That friendship is based on centuries of trust and mutual respect, and the success of our northern neighbors directly impacts the success of hardworking families, businesses, farms, and manufacturers here in the United States. This administration is challenging that relationship,” said Senator Welch. “Attacks on Canada—whether through rhetoric or reckless trade policy—are eroding the bond between our two countries. Staying rooted in the values that have defined our relationship over time–respect, trust, and friendship–are vital to strengthening our alliance now and in the future.” 
    “Representing a Northern border state, I recognize the importance of the unique partnership between the United States and Canada,” said Senator Cramer. “Not only are our neighbors to the north crucial economic and national security partners, but they are literally our closest ally. This resolution celebrates our closeness and is a testament to the enduring strength, friendship, and importance of the U.S.-Canada alliance across the country and the globe.” 
    “The United States and Canada have always been closely tied; we share our economies, cultures, military interests and more. In fact, in Maine, even our next door neighbor lives right across the border,” said Senator King. “I continue to be proud of the work we have achieved under the American-Canadian Economy and Security (ACES) Caucus alongside my Senate Co-Chair Kevin Cramer, but know that the current situation presents many unfortunate challenges. While I am excited to reintroduce this resolution to reaffirm our two nations’ commitment to one another, we must acknowledge the close ties between our countries to resolve and mitigate any potential disruptions to our intertwined interests. As close trade partners and allies, I look forward to strengthening this close alliance to tackle these shared challenges and seize new opportunities.” 
    Among other provisions, the resolution recognizes the relationship between the United States and Canada is critical to promoting peace, expanding global economic opportunity, and being prepared to respond to unforeseen events. It also reaffirms the bilateral and international alliance between the two countries, which allows both countries to face common threats together and uphold common values, including democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. 
    Additionally, the resolution emphasizes the shared defense and security commitments between the two nations, including the modernization of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), joint border security initiatives, and cooperation in combating transnational threats such as illegal migration and fentanyl trafficking. 
    In addition to Senators Welch, Cramer, and King, the resolution is supported by Sens. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Lisa Murkowski (R-Ark.), and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.). A similar resolution was introduced in the House by U.S. Representative Mark Amodei (R-NV-02). 
    Read and download the full text of the resolution. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Coons, Barrasso introduce bipartisan bill to expand access to mental health services for seniors

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) introduced the Expanding Seniors Access to Mental Health Services Act. The bill would improve Medicare beneficiaries’ access to licensed clinical social workers. By providing these mental health professionals with the opportunity to participate in the Medicare program when delivering services in skilled nursing facilities, this bill expands the number of mental health providers available to Delaware’s seniors.  
    “Increasing access to clinical social workers improves seniors’ mental health and gives them hope no matter where they live,” said Senator Coons. “Unfortunately, outdated Medicare rules prevent too many older Americans from receiving support from social workers in skilled nursing facilities. The bipartisan Expanding Seniors Access to Mental Health Services Act fixes these rules and expands Medicare coverage to allow social workers to provide the best care to seniors when they need it most.”
    “As a doctor, I know how vital it is for seniors to have access to mental health services,” said Senator Barrasso. “In particular, for those living in rural communities, finding a mental health provider is challenging. This is why I am proud to support bipartisan solutions that help more patients get the care they need.”
    “On behalf of the National Association of Social Workers?–?Delaware Chapter, we thank Senator?Chris?Coons for championing the bipartisan Expanding Seniors Access to Mental Health Services Act,” said Molly?J.?Arbogast, Executive Director of NASW Delaware. “Delaware’s social workers are eager to meet our neighbors where they are, whether that is in a skilled-nursing facility, a community clinic, or their own living rooms, but outdated Medicare rules keep too many people waiting. This bill cuts red tape, recognizes the full value of clinical social work, and gives older adults and people with disabilities quicker access to the evidence-based care they deserve.”
    “We strongly support the Expanding Seniors Access to Mental Health Services Act and applaud Senators Coons and Barrasso for prioritizing nursing home residents’ mental health through expanded Medicare coverage of these essential services in long term and post-acute care settings. This bill also helps short-term patients at skilled nursing facilities maintain trusted relationships with their preferred clinical social workers—promoting continuity of care as well as safer, more successful transitions back to the community. Enabling seniors to access these services is a vital step in addressing the growing mental and behavioral health needs of older adults,” said Cheryl Heiks, Executive Director of Delaware Health Care Facilities Association.
    “On behalf of the National Association of Social Workers—Wyoming Chapter, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Senator John Barrasso for his leadership on the bipartisan Expanding Seniors Access to Mental Health Services Act,” said Nathan Stahley, Executive Director of NASW Wyoming. “Modernizing outdated Medicare regulations is essential to expanding access to mental health services for individuals in Wyoming and across the country. This vital legislation cuts through unnecessary red tape, elevates the role of clinical social workers, and ensures that older adults and people with disabilities can receive the timely, evidence-based care they need and deserve.”
    “The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) applauds Senators John Barrasso and Chris Coons for introducing the bipartisan Expanding Seniors Access to Mental Health Services Act. Passage of this legislation is critical to the health and well-being of Medicare beneficiaries, for our nation and the social work profession,” said NASW CEO Anthony Estreet, PhD, MBA, LCSW-C. “It will help Medicare beneficiaries access desperately needed, high-quality mental health services clinical social workers are authorized to perform under state law, and it will remove a significant barrier to mental health care provided by independent clinical social workers to older adults and people with disabilities in skilled nursing facilities.”
    The Expanding Seniors Access to Mental Health Services Act ensures clinical social workers can provide psychosocial services to patients in nursing homes, and the full range of Health and Behavior Assessment and Intervention (HBAI) services within their scope of practice.
    The text of the bill is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Coons statement on President Biden’s cancer diagnosis

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons
    WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) issued the following statement in response to news that President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with prostate cancer:
    “Annie and I are praying for Joe and Jill as they confront this diagnosis. Over his decades of public service, Joe comforted so many of us in tough times and contributed so much to fighting cancer. Now we need to support and encourage him. Joe Biden has always been a fighter, and I know that won’t change as he confronts this disease head-on. Joe’s faith and family have brought him through tough challenges before and will again. Our prayers are with him and his family as he begins treatment.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Coons, Cornyn welcome new members to the bipartisan Law Enforcement Caucus

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas), co-chairs of the bipartisan Senate Law Enforcement Caucus, celebrated the caucus’ new members for the 119th Congress during National Police Week, which started on May 11 and ended May 17.
    Senator Coons and Cornyn welcome U.S. Senators Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), and Dave McCormick (R-Pa.).
    Senator Coons launched the Senate Law Enforcement Caucus over a decade ago with former Senator Roy Blunt (R-Mo.). Since then, the caucus has held briefings on policing issues like recruitment and retention, emerging threats such as generative AI’s impact on children, and best practices shared by law enforcement officials working on the ground.
    The caucus is more committed than ever to supporting law enforcement, protecting families, and strengthening communities across the country.
    A full member list can be found on the Senate Law Enforcement website and below:
    U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Budd Meets with Prime Minister Masrour Barzani of the Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ted Budd (R-North Carolina)
    Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.) met with Prime Minister Masrour Barzani of the Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government today. They discussed recent energy agreements between the Kurdistan Regional Government and United States energy companies, as well as ways to strengthen security cooperation between the United States and the Iraqi Kurdistan Region.
    Following the meeting, Senator Budd released the following statement of support:
     “I’d like to thank Prime Minister Masrour Barzani for his hospitality when I met with him in Erbil last year. Today, I was glad to host the Prime Minister in my office to discuss United States commercial investments in the Iraqi Kurdistan region and ongoing security cooperation. The gas field development deals announced this week will strengthen shared bonds between the American and Kurdish people, but also result in much needed energy independence for Iraq.
    “In the meeting, I also received updates on security cooperation between the Department of Defense and Kurdish Peshmerga forces. Following our discussion, I am increasingly concerned by reported delays in the delivery of U.S. provided defense equipment to the Peshmerga,” said Senator Budd.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst on Revitalizing Manufacturing in the Heartland

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
    WASHINGTON – Today, Chair Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) welcomed Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Kelly Loeffler to a U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship hearing to continue their “Made in America” initiative fueling the great American manufacturing comeback.
    Watch Chair Ernst’s remarks here.
    Ernst’s full remarks:
    “We are here today to discuss how the Small Business Administration (SBA) can expand and support investment in our nation’s small manufacturers.
    “Last week, the Committee examined how the Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) program could help channel more private capital into American manufacturing.
    “To better understand the urgency of this situation, we need to take a closer look at the numbers. And let me tell you folks, this is staggering. 
    “Over the past 40 years, we did not simply lose manufacturing jobs. We witnessed the steady erosion of our industrial sector to China’s delight and advantage. 
    “Over the last 25 years in Iowa alone, we have lost nearly one in six manufacturing jobs. American manufacturing employment has fared even worse over the last forty years, falling by 28 percent and reaching depths we haven’t seen since 1946.
    “Only 3.7 percent of Americans are employed in manufacturing today – half the share we had forty years ago, and barely a third of our peak in the late ‘60s.
    “To put that in perspective, there are nearly twice as many people working in state and local governments than on the factory floor.
    “This is not simply an economic decline – it is a hollowing out.
    “The steady loss of skills, infrastructure, and investment in manufacturing undermines our ability to innovate and scale new technologies, leaving our homeland weakened and vulnerable.
    “The reason for this is not a mystery: government policies that encouraged offshoring production without regard for the long-term damage done to our domestic productive capacity.
    “Today, the consequences are visible in every corner of America.
    “Shuttered plants, decaying factories, and empty parking lots stand as monuments to the multi-generational disintegration of hard-earned knowledge, talent, and tradition that once formed the bedrock of our nation.    
    “But here is the good news: we have a President and SBA Administrator who understand what is at stake.
    “They recognize the size and complexity of the work needed to revitalize American manufacturing and are committed to rebuilding our industrial strength, from the ground up.
    “As we discussed during last week’s hearing, the SBIC program will continue to play its vital role in expanding our productive capacity by facilitating private investment and through federal partnerships like that between the SBA and the Department of Defense’s newly established Office of Strategic Capital – something I championed in the annual defense bill.
    “But that is only the beginning; we must do more.
    “Today, we welcome Administrator Loeffler to discuss the SBA’s ‘Made in America Manufacturing Initiative’ and the efforts underway to support the small businesses that make up 98 percent of our nation’s manufacturing base.
    “Part of that effort involves the Made in America Manufacturing Finance Act, which I was proud to introduce last month alongside Senator Coons.
    “This bipartisan legislation would double the SBA-backed loan limit from $5 million to $10 million for small manufacturers who need that capital to modernize, grow, and train the next generation of American workers.
    “That investment will have a meaningful impact across the entire supply chain. Because the smallest startups to the largest firms all rely on small manufacturers to get the job done.  
    “Revitalizing our industrial base and reclaiming our ability to make things in America starts with small businesses. We must ensure that cutting edge innovation and high-speed, high-quality production happens right here, at home – not overseas. 
    “If we are serious about competing with and beating China, creating good-paying jobs, and restoring economic resilience, we must empower our small manufacturers to lead the way.
    “This bipartisan legislation takes a bold step in that direction. 
    “I am grateful that we’re joined today by Administrator Loeffler, and I look forward to hearing from her how Congress can better equip the SBA to invest in the industrial revitalization of America.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst Keeps Up Pressure for Sioux City Airfield Upgrades

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
    WASHINGTON – During a Senate Committee on Armed Services hearing, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), secured a key commitment from the Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force, General David Allvin, to upgrade the runway used by the Iowa National Guard’s 185th Air Refueling Wing in Sioux City.
    Ernst, who served in the Iowa National Guard, pointed out the critical role the unit plays in defending the homeland and the Air Force’s previous commitments to it. Following her questioning, Allvin noted that design work progress is removing obstacles to be able to finish the runway upgrades.
    Click here for her full line of questioning.
    “Let me talk to you about Sioux City, those units there, and how proud we are of those units that have occupied this airfield,” Ernst said.
    She reminded the committee that the airfield is named after Colonel Bud Day, a Sioux City native who was awarded the Medal of Honor and Air Force Cross.
    Background:
    Ernst is dedicated to supporting servicemembers and their families in Iowa. For years, she has pushed the Air Force to honor its promises to Siouxlanders. Earlier this month, Ernst reaffirmed her resolve to continue fighting.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cotton Introduces Bill to Make Food Inspection Safe and More Efficient

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas Tom Cotton

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    Contact: Caroline Tabler or Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353
    May 21, 2025

    Cotton Introduces Bill to Make Food Inspection Safe and More Efficient

    Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today introduced the Study And Framework for Efficiency in Food Oversight and Organizational Design (SAFE FOOD) Act, legislation that would direct the Department of Agriculture to conduct a study on the consolidation of federal agencies that have a primary role in ensuring food safety into a single agency.

    “Current food safety oversight is spread across multiple federal, state, and local agencies which decreases efficacy, creates gaps, and slows response times to potential public health risks. My bill is a commonsense step to expanding government efficiency and enhancing public health protection by unifying our food safety agencies,” said Senator Cotton.

     Full text of the bill may be found here.

    The SAFE FOOD Act would:

    • Direct the USDA to conduct a study on the consolidation of federal food safety agencies into a single agency.
    • Restructure the federal food safety system to enhance public health protections through a more unified and efficient system.
    • Provide Congress necessary recommendations to improve American food safety.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Mullin Tells Hannity: “Trump is putting a cast together that is going to Make America Great Again.”

    US Senate News:

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

    ICYMI: Mullin Tells Hannity: “Trump is putting a cast together that is going to Make America Great Again.”

    “The good thing is we got a leader in President Trump that has truly put a cabinet in place that not only can deliver what the American people want, they can also defend themselves along the way.”

    Washington, D.C. – On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) joined Fox News’s Sean Hannity on Hannity to discuss the Trump administration’s efforts to slash government waste, fraud, and abuse, and the recent liberal tirades against Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, in congressional hearings. Highlights below.

    Sen. Mullin’s full interview can be found here.

    On how department secretaries are cutting absurd amounts of government spending:

    “The State Department’s budget has doubled in the last four years. Literally, it was $41 billion it’s nearly $82 billion today. And is the country and the world safer because we invested in DEI [Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion]? Because $73 million through that budget went directly to DEI stuff. And so, if you’re going to really try to defend what you spent your money on, you can’t…

    “That’s why they were upset, because Marco Rubio and JFK [sic] are trying to truly cut spending, and that’s what—or RFK I’m sorry—they’re truly trying to cut spending, and they are going to do it. You just talk about HHS, where Bobby’s trying to actually cut spending too, their budget is $1.67 trillion. Now that is more than the sixth largest country in the world. That’s bigger than their entire budget $1.67 trillion and what have we got? An increase in the last four years by 38% and we are no closer to solving any chronic diseases than we were four years ago, and this is what they’re pushing back on.”

    On how Democrats are losing their minds at the idea of cutting waste, fraud, and abuse:

    “The Democrats are truly losing their ever-loving mind over it and saying that we’re making children sicker, and that we’re killing children around the world because we’re cutting DEI funding. It’s indefensible by the Democrats and I’m glad to see RFK and Marco go right back at them and put them in their place.”

    On the all-star team of cabinet officials President Trump has built:

    “The good thing is we got a leader in President Trump that has truly put a cabinet in place that not only can deliver what the American people want, they can also defend themselves along the way. And this is why President Trump said he’s putting a cast together that is going to Make America Great Again.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Hassan Slams GOP’s $490 Billion Medicare Cut in Tax Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Maggie Hassan
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Subcommittee on Health, responded to a new analysis from the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office finding that the plan put forward by President Trump and Congressional Republicans to give corporate special interests and billionaires a tax break increases the deficit by $2.3 trillion, which will trigger a $490 billion automatic cut to Medicare over the next 10 years.
    “Seniors pay into Medicare their entire life, based on the promise that it will provide them with health care when they retire. It is absolutely ridiculous that Republicans want to take hundreds of billions of dollars away from Medicare in order to provide more tax giveaways to corporate special interests and billionaires,” said Senator Hassan, Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Subcommittee on Health. “At a time when we should be working to make health care more affordable, Congressional Republicans instead continue to push ahead with this partisan tax giveaway paid for by exploding the deficit and cutting Medicare, Medicaid, and Affordable Care Act, which will only increase health care costs for millions of Americans across the country.” 
    The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office analysis finds that because the Congressional Republican plan increases the deficit by $2.3 trillion, it will trigger automatic cuts of $490 billion to Medicare. More than 60 million American seniors are enrolled in Medicare. An additional recent non-partisan analysis of the Republican tax plan finds that the legislation will also result in 13.7 million Americans losing their health insurance by 2034 because of proposed cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner, Kaine & Bennet Secure DoD Fixes to Broken Military Moving System

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Michael Bennet (D-CO) issued the statement below after the Department of Defense (DoD) announced immediate modifications to the military’s broken moving system, which handles servicemember relocations. These modifications follow close advocacy by the senators, who have pushed for months to address the delays, poor communication, and repeated issues under the Global Household Goods Contract.
    “Military members and their families sacrifice so much in service to our country, including every time they relocate and integrate into a new community. After pushing for months, we’re pleased to see the Department of Defense move to address ongoing challenges with the contract tasked with moving household goods for military members and families in the process of relocating.
    “As these policy changes are implemented, we will continue to work with the Department of Defense and TRANSCOM to ensure that servicemembers and military families who are already well into the relocation process are not left in the lurch. Additionally, as these shifts put more pressure on federal employees to adapt to this change, we will continue to push for adequate federal staffing levels and against Trump’s senseless hiring freeze, which continues to prevent critical positions from being filled across government.”
    In February, Sen. Warner requested a briefing from USTRANSCOM and sounded the alarm about missed household goods pickups, delivery issues, and communication difficulties with HomeSafe Alliance, the contractor responsible for the moves. Earlier this month, the lawmakers raised their concerns, reiterating the ongoing delays and confusion being faced by military families, and requesting additional information from TRANSCOM on its plan to address these issues.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Graham-Blumenthal Hard-Hitting Russia Sanctions Bill Has Over 80 Cosponsors

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Lindsey Graham
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut) today made this joint statement after their legislation to impose primary and secondary sanctions against Russia and actors supporting Russia’s aggression in Ukraine reached 81 cosponsors in the U.S. Senate.
    These sanctions would be imposed if Russia refuses to engage in good faith negotiations for a lasting peace with Ukraine or initiates another effort, including military invasion, that undermines the sovereignty of Ukraine after peace is negotiated. The legislation also imposes a 500 percent tariff on imported goods from countries that buy Russian oil, gas, uranium and other products.
    “As Secretary Rubio indicated yesterday to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, Russia has agreed to provide its term sheet for a ceasefire in the next few days. Its contents will speak volumes as to whether or not Russia is serious about peace. We suspect it will be more of the same.
    “If it is more of the same, Russia can expect decisive action from the United States Senate. To that end, we are beyond pleased that we now have 81 cosponsors for legislation to sanction Russia for its barbaric invasion of Ukraine. Our legislation will isolate Russia – putting it on a trade island by imposing stiff tariffs on other countries that support these atrocities. One of the main priorities of our legislation is to hold China accountable for propping up Putin’s war machine by buying cheap Russian oil from the shadow fleet. Without China’s economic support, Putin’s war machine would come to a grinding halt.
    “While we yearn for peace, it is increasingly clear to us – and a supermajority of the Senate – that Putin is playing games. The United States Senate stands ready to act if these games continue.”
    Background on the Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025 is available HERE.
    Bill text is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: MEDIA ADVISORY: Sanders to Call on Republicans to Support Trump, Lower Prescription Drug Prices

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Vermont – Bernie Sanders
    WASHINGTON, May 21 – After President Trump issued a vague executive order claiming to slash drug costs by linking them to international prices, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), today announced he would ask for unanimous consent on the Senate floor to pass legislation that would actually do just that by ensuring Americans pay no more than people in other countries for the exact same prescription drug, forcing anyone who opposes actually lowering drug prices to rise in opposition.
    On May 5, 2025, President Trump issued an executive order entitled “Delivering Most-Favored-Nation Prescription Drug Pricing to American Patients.” In that order, he proposes a “a rulemaking plan to impose most-favored-nation pricing” but does not cite specific legislative authority. As a result, the executive order will be blocked by the courts. Congressional action is needed.
    The Prescription Drug Price Relief Act will put an end to the greed of the pharmaceutical industry and help save lives by lowering drug prices. This legislation would ensure Americans do not pay more for prescription drugs than the median price paid in Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Japan.
    Details:
    What: Sen. Sanders floor speech calling for unanimous consent to pass legislation to make sure Americans pay no more than people in other countries for prescription drugs
    When: Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. ET
    Where: Senate floor. His remarks will also be livestreamed on Sanders’ social media.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ricketts Leads Beef Month Resolution

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) introduced a resolution to designate May 2025 as Beef Month in America. Ricketts is a longtime champion — and enjoyer — of Nebraska beef. Senators Deb Fischer (R-NE), Roger Marshall (R-KS), and John Cornyn (R-TX) co-led this resolution.
    “Nebraska is the beef state. Last year, we led the nation with over $2 billion in beef exports. We lead the nation in commercial cattle slaughter, with 6.8 million head. We have the top three beef-producing counties in the nation,” said Ricketts. “Nebraska’s ranchers feed the world. Cattle and beef production delivers billions of dollars to our economy every year. This month, we honor hard-working cattlewomen and men.”
    “Nebraska is the beef state – and we’re proud of it,” said Senator Fischer. ”I want to thank Senator Ricketts for leading this resolution to officially designate May as National Beef Month and recognize the important role Nebraska’s ranchers play in raising cattle and producing high quality beef.”
    “Thanks to the work of America’s cattle producers, nothing compares to our nation’s beef,” Senator Marshall said. “From gate to plate, beef plays a crucial role in our economy and our diets. As the third-largest red meat-producing state in the nation, hundreds of Kansas communities are built on the cattle industry, and I’m proud to partner with Senators Ricketts and Fischer to recognize May as National Beef Month.” 
    “Texas ranchers are the backbone of America’s beef supply, and their hard work is often done in dark hours and without thanks. I’m proud to join Senator Ricketts and my colleagues on a resolution to recognize May as National Beef Month,” said Sen. Cornyn.
    “As the number one beef exporting state in the nation, Nebraska is home to thousands of hardworking beef cattle producers who are proud to provide consumers with the safest, highest-quality, and most delicious beef in the world,” said Nebraska Cattlemen President Dick Pierce. “We thank Senator Ricketts for recognizing the importance of nutritious American beef to our nation.”
    “We want to thank Nebraska Senator Pete Ricketts for introducing a Senate Resolution recognizing May 2025 as National Beef Month and proudly join in celebrating the vital role beef plays in Nebraska’s economy, culture, and rural communities,” said Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation President Mark McHargue. ”Nebraska leads the nation in commercial red meat production and ranks first in cattle on feed, with the beef industry contributing over $12 billion annually to our state’s economy. Nebraska’s cattle producers are committed to producing high-quality beef that feeds families across the country and around the world. This resolution honors their hard work and reinforces the importance of our state’s #1 industry, beef production.”
    The text of the resolution can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed & Whitehouse Pay Tribute to the Late RI Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed

    WATCH: RI’s U.S. Senators remember the life and legacy of Donny Ruggerio

    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse took to the floor of the U.S. Senate last night to pay tribute to the life and legacy of the late Dominick J. Ruggerio, the legendary former Rhode Island Senate President who passed away last month at the age of 76.

    A distinguished public servant and a champion for working people and the State of Rhode Island, Donny Ruggerio was the longest-serving legislator in the state when he passed away.  An influential community leader for decades, he served as a state legislator for nearly 44 years, representing District 4, which includes parts of North Providence and Providence.

    A transcript of the floor statements follows:

    Remembering Dominick J. Ruggerio

    Mr. REED: Thank you, Mr. President.  Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to Rhode Island’s Senate President Dominick Ruggerio of North Providence, RI, who passed away on April 21, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. As the longest serving member of the Rhode Island State Senate, Donny was affectionately known as the “Dean” of the Senate.

    I first met Donny as a young man when we both attended La Salle Academy in Providence, Rhode Island. We played high school football together, and indeed he was a remarkable gentleman then, both on and off the field.

    One of the things we discovered is that–Donny was about 6 feet 2 inches. He was a wide receiver. He would be running down the field, looking at the goal line with nothing in front of him, catch the ball, and then he would trip over me. I was a defensive halfback. So we got to know each other pretty well.

    He was one of the nicest gentlemen you could ever meet. He was especially kind and reached out to the younger players on the team, you know, encouraging us and also acting as sort of a custodian in making sure we got a chance and we weren’t mistreated. Throughout his entire life, Donny carried that spirit to raise others up and provide opportunities for all.

    Then I later had the privilege of serving with him in the Rhode Island State Senate from 1985 to 1990. Once again, he paved the way for me with his advice and assistance. Indeed, his quiet commitment to the people of Rhode Island had always been an inspiration to me and, frankly, to anyone who ever met him.

    Donny was a strong advocate for organized labor and joined the Laborers’ International Union of North America as a field representative and organizer, eventually becoming administrator of the New England Laborers’ Labor-Management Cooperation Trust.

    Donny started his public service long before we linked up again in the State Senate. He began working for the late Lieutenant Governor Thomas DiLuglio and then the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority. His career continued in public service in the 1980s, when he was elected as Representative of House District 5 in Providence, Rhode Island. Four years later, he succeeded his father-in-law, Majority Leader Rocco Quattrocchi, to Rhode Island Senate District No. 4, beginning his 40-year tenure in the Rhode Island State Senate.

    In that role in the Senate, Donny served as Vice Chairman of the Senate Labor Committee, Senate majority Whip, Deputy Majority Leader, and Majority Leader. In 2017, he was honored by his colleagues with his election to the Office of Senate President. The hallmark of Donny’s leadership style was to have an open-door policy which encouraged colleagues and constituents and elected officials to become engaged. He devoted his life to improving our community, to strengthening public health and public safety, and to creating new opportunities for all Rhode Islanders to thrive. He made significant strides toward improving the lives of working Rhode Islanders, and he is credited with spearheading efforts to preserve pensions and raise the minimum wage.

    In the face of recent, incredible, and ultimately insurmountable health challenges, Donny valiantly sought reelection last November in his beloved community and was returned by his Senate colleagues to his post of Senate President after he won reelection. He led the Senate with tenacity and unwavering dedication.

    Throughout his decades of public service to his constituents in North Providence and Providence and to the entire State of Rhode Island, he was strongly committed to fulfilling his responsibilities, obligations, and tasks with a sense of accountability, decency, and honor. He led his life with purpose and served the people of Rhode Island extremely well.

    Donny leaves behind a devoted family, and I express my heartfelt condolences to the Ruggerio family: his children Charles Ruggerio and his wife Jillian and Amanda Fallon and her husband William; his grandchildren Ava Ruggerio, Mia Ruggerio, Natalie Fallon, and Jameson Fallon; his sister Lisa Aceto and brother-in-law James Aceto; and his nieces and nephews.

    I will miss Donny’s friendship, his unwavering advocacy for our State and the people who make it a special place. Rhode Island is much better today because of Senate President Ruggerio’s leadership and dedication. He inspired us all and will continue to do so.

    I yield the floor to my colleague from Rhode Island, Senator Whitehouse.

    The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Rhode Island.

    Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Mr. President, I join my senior Senator today to honor our friend Dominick Ruggerio, who was both president and the dean of the Rhode Island Senate.

    President Ruggerio, who passed away last month, was affectionately known as “Donny.” He leaves behind his children Amanda and Charles and four beloved grandchildren.

    Donny was a graduate of two great Rhode Island institutions–La Salle Academy and Providence College. At La Salle, Senator Reed was his schoolmate and teammate on the football team.

    After finishing college, Donny served as a policy aide for former Lieutenant Governor Tom DiLuglio, who was a Rhode Island classic in his own right. Donny went on to spend many years with Laborers’ Local Union 271, serving in multiple leadership roles.

    Donny’s career in public service continued when he was elected to the Rhode Island House of Representatives, in 1981, where he stayed for a few years until making the jump to the Rhode Island Senate, in 1984, where then-State Senator Jack Reed was again his teammate in the State Senate.

    The Senate was Donny’s home. For over four decades, he was the champion for the residents of District 4, which includes parts of North Providence and Providence. After holding several leadership positions in the Senate, he was elected by his peers to serve as Rhode Island’s Senate President in 2017. His legacy at the statehouse will be defined by his decades of forceful advocacy for working people and his practical, highly effective style of legislating.

    He never forgot his background as a laborer and never stopped working to create opportunities for working men and women. To that end, he fought for a higher minimum wage and for specific projects that would create union, family-supporting jobs. He also led the charge to eliminate lead pipes, making our tap water safer to drink for Rhode Islanders.

    Among his many accomplishments was his work to address the State’s opioid crisis. He created a fund to support statewide opioid treatment, recovery, prevention, and education programs and shaped a law to ensure that filling a prescription for lifesaving anti-overdose medication would not create a barrier for Rhode Islanders getting life insurance.

    I am grateful, in particular, for Donny’s leadership on climate. He sponsored legislation that put Rhode Island on a path to 100 percent renewable energy by 2033. When that legislation was signed into law, it was the most aggressive statewide energy standard anywhere in the country.

    Donny was beloved by his lifelong North Providence community, and he was always a pleasure to work with. In a profession that is not always gentlemanly, he was always a gentleman. He took pride in the senate being a place where people had, as he would say, always been able to disagree without being disagreeable.

    So I thank Senate President Ruggerio for his dedicated and successful service to our State. I offer my condolences to his family. We will miss him.

    I yield the floor.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Schatz Presses Secretary Rubio On Foreign Assistance Cuts, Impacts On People, Partners Around The World

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Hawaii Brian Schatz

    WASHINGTON – At two separate Senate hearings today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), questioned Secretary of State Marco Rubio, pressing him on his role in foreign assistance decisions and securing a commitment that Rubio and other foreign assistance officials come back before Congress and work together to write and pass a bipartisan funding bill that protects foreign aid and maintains U.S influence and leadership around the world.

    At the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations hearing, Schatz, the lead Democrat on the panel, said, “Fighting HIV/AIDS, helping partners defend themselves, responding to disasters, that is not ‘woke’ or ‘leftist’ or ‘radical.’ It is a foundation of American foreign policy. And they are all under threat. Any time we’ve asked for clarity about what the Trump administration is doing, we’ve gotten very little.” Schatz continued, “In order to put USAID under the State Department and better align it, we need a statute. In order to reform all of these programs, we need an SFOPS bill… If we can get to writing a bill, the country will be better for it.”

    At the Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, Schatz underscored the human consequences of the administration’s cuts to foreign aid, saying, “Mothers who have fled Boko Haram in Nigeria are watching their babies starve. Children in South Sudan are dying of cholera. Families are dying because they have been cut off from their HIV medication – there are 103 deaths an hour. And so we can talk about the reorganization of the State Department, but this becomes quickly not an abstraction, not a normal public policy tug and pull, because the way that this has been done, set aside our disagreement over whether it’s been done lawfully, has been done in a rather catastrophic fashion.”

    Video of the Foreign Relations Committee exchange is available here. Video of Schatz’s opening statement and questioning at the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Boozman Encourages Reforming and Strengthening Food Security, Fulbright Programs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas – John Boozman

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) pushed for the U.S. State Department to reform, but continue to support and implement, initiatives that help address global food security and promote cultural exchanges, including the Fulbright Program.

    During a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs hearing to review the president’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget request for the U.S. Department of State, Boozman questioned Secretary of State Marco Rubio about his vision for how it will coordinate with other agencies in reforming but continuing certain foreign assistance. 

    “I know you’ve been very supportive of the American farmer, as has the president,” Boozman, Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, said.

    “We do foreign aid across other agencies. In the case of food aid, we’ve done a lot of reform and a lot of change over the last few months. But I think the intent is to find a way we can leverage what USDA is already doing to enhance how we provide food assistance around the world in a way that benefits the American farmer but also fulfills our desire to provide assistance where needed and where it furthers our national interests,” Rubio said.

    Boozman has championed the Fulbright Program, America’s flagship educational exchange program created by former Arkansas Senator J. William Fulbright in 1946, and recounted the effective diplomatic pathway it creates for participants.

    “Forty-four Fulbright alumni have served as heads of state and government. Eighty-nine foreign governments contribute over $90 million annually. It seems like every time you’re in a foreign country and visiting with the cabinet members, half of them are Fulbright scholars and they’re very, very proud,” Boozman said.

    Boozman urged Rubio to work collaboratively on a solution that strengthens the program while addressing modern challenges. 

    “I think that’s most certainly going to be a part of our process. We understand that and will work very closely with you on those priorities. I do think what we want to do is share the same goal. We’re going to be engaged with you in this appropriations process,” Rubio said.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 45 Senators Join Welch’s Senate Resolution Calling for End to Siege on Gaza – Republicans Block Passage  

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    Israel is still blocking aid as the UN warns 14,000 babies will die without urgent humanitarian assistance 
    WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and 45 colleagues were blocked by Republicans when Senator Welch requested unanimous consent to pass his resolution calling for the delivery of lifesaving food and humanitarian aid for starving children in Gaza.  
    After an 11-week blockade by the Israeli government, 93 trucks entered Gaza yesterday but according to the UN, no aid has been distributed. An estimated 600 trucks of food, baby food, and medical supplies are needed, and the UN warned yesterday that 14,000 babies will die in the next 48 hours without aid.  
    “It’s not right for aid to be withheld as an instrument of war. And, regrettably, that appears to have been a decision that has been made by the Israeli government. It’s not right, it’s not necessary, it’s not helpful, it’s extraordinarily harmful to innocent children, to innocent mothers. My hope is that this Senate would pass a resolution making it very clear about our concern about the well-being of innocent Palestinians in Gaza. That food that innocent hat those Palestinians in Gaza need is right on the other side of the border. It’s there. All it needs is to be transported from where it is into Gaza and then distributed,” said Senator Welch. “We’ve got to feed those people. The food is there. We all want those innocent people to survive and avoid famine. Let us do every single thing we can to persuade the Israeli Netanyahu government to get that food in to people who desperately need it.” 
    Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) objected, saying: “Look, this is this is despicable. This is horrible. This is criminal. It’s beyond human understanding how human beings could treat other human beings the same way, especially when you relate it to them as they are in Palestine. I agree that this needs to stop, but the first thing that needs to be said is that this is the fault of Hamas and it is not our fault.”  
    Watch the exchange here:  
    The resolution called on the Trump Administration to use all diplomatic tools at its disposal to bring an end to the blockade of food and lifesaving humanitarian aid to address the needs of civilians in Gaza. In the resolution, Senators expressed grave concern about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, including the imminent starvation of tens of thousands of children. 
    Read S.Res.224 here. 
    The resolution was led by Senator Welch and sponsored by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.); Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.); Michael Bennet (D-Colo.); Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.); Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.); Cory Booker (D-N.J.); Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.); Chris Coons (D-Del.); Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.); Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.); Dick Durbin (D-Ill.); Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.); Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.); Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.); Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.); John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.); Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii); Tim Kaine (D-Va.); Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.); Andy Kim (D-N.J.); Angus King (I-Maine); Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.); Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.); Ed Markey (D-Mass.); Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.); Chris Murphy (D-Conn.); Patty Murray (D-Wash.); Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.); Alex Padilla (D-Calif.); Gary Peters (D-Mich.); Jack Reed (D-R.I.); Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.); Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.); Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii); Adam Schiff (D-Calif.); Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.); Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.); Tina Smith (D-Minn.); Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.); Mark Warner (D-Va.); Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.); Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.); Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.); and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) 

    MIL OSI USA News –