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Category: US Senate

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cramer, Duckworth Introduce Bill to Help Families Afford Medically Necessary Diapers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – For babies and toddlers, diapers are essential for their health and well-being. However, nearly half of U.S. families with young children struggle to provide enough diapers to keep them clean, dry, and healthy, according to a report from the National Diaper Bank Network. 
    To assist low-income and middle-class families in addressing diaper needs, U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) introduced the bipartisan End Diaper Need Act. The legislation would make diapers qualified medical expenses for those who rely on them, allowing families to purchase them using their Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) or Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs).
    Further, it provides $200 million per year for fiscal years 2022 to 2025 for the Social Services Block Grant Program, to be used to provide diapers and diapering supplies for infants, toddlers, medically complex children, low-income adults, and adults with disabilities.
    “Diapers are a basic necessity for all babies and toddlers, but many families struggle to afford enough diapers for their children,” said Cramer. “Our bipartisan bill will increase access to diapers for children in need and deliver a commonsense tax policy update to ensure families can use their health savings in a way that works for them.”  
    “No parent should have to choose between paying the bills and buying something as basic as diapers that are essential to the health and well-being of their children,” said Duckworth. “After working for years to secure major funding that is supporting our nation’s diaper banks, I’m proud to have Senators Cramer and Welch on my side reintroducing this bipartisan bill so we can help end diaper need for all families.”
    The End Diaper Need Act is endorsed by National Diaper Bank Network, Aeroflow, Center for Baby and Adult Hygiene Products, Center for Law and Social Policy, Child Welfare League of America, Coalition for Human Needs, First Focus for Children, HDI Wholesale, HIPPY US, JSL, Kimberly-Clark, MomsRising, National Women’s Law Center Action Fund and ZERO TO THREE.
    Click here for bill text.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cramer Questions Air Force Leadership on ISR, Weaponization of Space

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
    ***Click here to download video. Click here for audio.***
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) held a hearing today to review the posture of the Department of the Air Force, which encompasses both the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Space Force. Members heard testimony from Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink, Chief of Staff of the Air Force General David Allvin, and Chief of Space Operations General Chance Saltzman.
    U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Chair of the SASC Airland Subcommittee, questioned the witnesses about the weaponization of space. Cramer also discussed concerns surrounding cuts to the Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) program and the Air Force’s plan for maintaining airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.
    [embedded content]
    Cramer referred to Russian President Vladimir Putin and People’s Republic of China (PRC) President Xi Jinping’s joint statement labeling President Trump’s Golden Dome plans as “deeply destabilizing,” arguing such new U.S. defenses would weaponize space.  
    He asked General Saltzman if America’s enemies have weapons in space right now.
    “Yes, Senator, they do. Over the last few years, we’ve observed, for instance, the Russians have performed some very aggressive on-orbit capabilities, in terms of plane matching, getting very close to some of our most sensitive satellites in aggressive ways,” said General Saltzman. “They’ve released what could be presumed to be kinetic kill vehicles that we’ve watched on-orbit. The PRC has demonstrated the ability to use a grappling arm to grab a satellite and pull it out of its operational orbit, [then] return it. All of these are demonstrated capabilities that could be used as anti-satellite technology.”
    Cramer also asked if the Space Force is adequately funded to meet this kind of threat in space. General Saltzman said the department is not adequately funded for the new missions he has been given in space superiority. 
    “Scale matters, right?” said Cramer. “If we have the world’s greatest weapons, but not enough of them to defeat the enemy, then we’re not adequately funded.”
    The conversation shifted toward the importance of MQ-9 Reapers to U.S. military operations worldwide. Earlier this year, Cramer led a bipartisan letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth expressing concern regarding the Air Force’s plan for maintaining airborne ISR capability. The rate of investment and divestment leaves the Combatant Commanders accepting greater risk and provides civilian policy makers with less input to make informed decisions or conduct effective missions. He led a similar letter last year to then-Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. 
    “My commitment is, we need to do more to make sure we’re not falling backwards anywhere, and that we’re projecting forward everywhere,” said Cramer. He then asked General Allvin if the department has enough MQ-9s to meet the present demand. General Allvin said they have lost several MQ-9s in combat and in operations. 
    “It is getting to the point where we need to ensure that every one of them is […] as survivable as possible, and that some of the areas where…we’re looking to improve on are putting the capability for the enhanced, proliferated LEO [low-Earth orbit] architecture, to be able to put that on the MQ-9,” stated General Allvin. “This is where I might make my pitch for more funding flexibility, because right now it’s a $17 million ask. Because that is above the [threshold for] reprogramming, we’re having to go through a longer process with us in Congress to get that approved. But the more we can have that flexibility to be able to […] accelerate the fielding of the proliferated LEO architecture on those MQ-9s, it’ll make them more survivable.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: As Senate Republicans Consider Procedural Power Grab, Markey Highlights Seriousness of the Moment

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
    Republicans attempting to change rules to overturn California EPA Clean Air Act waivers     
    Washington (May 20, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee (EPW), today released the following statement in response to Republicans’ commitment to overturn Senate procedure and decades of historical precedent. Despite the independent, non-partisan agency Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) determination that California’s Clean Air Act waivers are not rules and the Senate Parliamentarian’s confirmation that this would be an inappropriate use of the Congressional Review Act (CRA), Senate Republicans are considering a majority vote to overrule the Senate Parliamentarian.
    “At a moment when Donald Trump is actively undermining the checks and balances enshrined in our Constitution, Senate Republicans are moving ahead with a dangerous change to Senate rules while rolling back clean air regulations.  
    “It’s not enough for Republicans to promote chaos and conflict in our economy for the sake of billionaires, they now want to create chaos and conflict in Congress by intentionally trashing guardrails and decisions that protect all members. They don’t care about the rule of law, and they don’t seem to care about the rule of Congress. With this action, Senate Republicans are opening the door for future votes on the countless unlawful and unethical actions carried out by the Trump administration. There will be no putting the genie back in the bottle.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: VIDEO: Capito Questions HHS Secretary Kennedy During Appropriations Hearing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito
    [embedded content]
    Click here or on the image above to watch Senator Capito’s questions. 
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (Labor-HHS), questioned U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. during a hearing to consider the president’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget request.
    HIGHLIGHTS:
    ON THE IMPORTANCE OF PATIENT ACCESS TO CLINICAL TRIALS:
    SENATOR CAPITO: “Clinical trials are the forefront of research and innovation, and oftentimes represent that last hope of cancer patients and other patients addressing chronic disease when traditional treatments have been ineffective. These clinical trials often lead getting life-saving drugs to the market. Has HHS or any sub-agency assessed the impact of patient access to clinical trials during the reorganization?”
    SECRETARY KENNEDY: “We are not cutting any clinical trials and we’re not cutting drug development. We’re cutting administrative costs.”
    ON RURAL HEALTHCARE INITIATIVES: 
    SENATOR CAPITO: “There’s such significant healthcare challenges in rural America. A lot of it is around access. The rates of chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease are among some of the highest in rural America. HRSA programs are critical to rural health initiatives. In your budget, you announced a cut to HRSA programs. I am concerned about that because of the access issue and because the inequities that I see…where people have easier access to health care than rural America. You’ve got transportation issues, you have connectivity issues, you have generational issues of passing down different diseases. How is rural America going to be better under your reorganization?” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Capito Talks California Waiver CRA at GOP Leadership Press Conference

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito
    [embedded content]
    To watch Chairman Capito’s remarks, click here or the image above.
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, delivered remarks during the weekly Senate GOP Leadership Press Conference on the joint resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act (CRA) that she introduced to repeal California’s EV waiver that prohibit the sale of new gas-powered light-duty vehicles by 2035. 
    HIGHLIGHTS: 
    LEADERSHIP AT EPW: “As Chair of the Environment and Public Works Committee, I am the one who is leading the California waiver Congressional Review Act.”
    ON THE CALIFORNIA WAIVER: “The onerous quality of this of this rule is just beyond description, not just the penalties, forcing certain states and certain consumers to purchase a vehicle that they may not want or that they can’t find. It really eliminates what I think our country was built on, which is individual choice and making the decisions for yourselves.”
    DELAY FROM BIDEN ADMIN: “I think the one thing that’s interesting about this mandate is the Biden administration – California asked for this waiver in May of 2023. It was not granted until the very end of December of 2024. You know why? Because they know the American people reject this handily.”
    THE CONGRESSIONAL REVIEW ACT: “The Trump administration, under Administrator Zeldin’s leadership, submitted it as a rule, it is a rule submitted to [Congress], it is within the boundaries of the Congressional Review Act.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Wicker Releases Statement on New Golden Dome Announcements

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Mississippi Roger Wicker
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today released the following statement after President Donald J. Trump announced new plans and leadership for the Golden Dome missile defense system:
    “Golden Dome will help protect our homeland and our troops deployed abroad against the threat of advanced long-range missiles from China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. I applaud the President for his leadership on Golden Dome, and I am proud that Congressional Republicans will make a $25 billion down payment on Golden Dome in the defense reconciliation bill. We cannot maintain deterrence without space superiority and an improved ability to conduct air and missile defense. General Guetlein has his work cut out for him, but I am confident he is the right person for the job.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley, Klobuchar Lead Bipartisan Resolution Calling for Return of Kidnapped Ukrainian Children Prior to Any Final Peace Agreement

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    WASHINGTON – Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) led a bipartisan group of senators in introducing a resolution calling for the return of abducted Ukrainian children before any peace agreement is finalized ending the war against Ukraine. 
    The resolution condemns Russia’s abduction and forcible transfer of Ukrainian children and notes Russia’s invasion has increasingly exposed children to human trafficking and exploitation, child labor, sexual violence, hunger, injury, trauma and death. 
    “Putin’s inhumane and unprovoked attack on Ukraine started the largest war in Europe since World War II. He has kidnapped thousands of children to brainwash and Russify them in an attempt to destroy their cultural identity and heritage. The United States ought to demand these children are returned before inking a deal to end the war in Ukraine,” Grassley said. 
    “The mass kidnapping of Ukrainian children by Russia is an atrocity. We cannot accept a world where children are abducted during wartime and used as a form of hostage-taking for negotiations. These children must be returned unconditionally before any peace deal is finalized,” Klobuchar said.
    Additional cosponsors are Sens. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), John Fetterman (D-Penn.) and Rick Scott (R-Fla.).
    Organizations endorsing the resolution include: World Relief, Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (Southern Baptist Convention), Christian Life Commission & Center for Cultural Engagement (Texas Baptists) and Peace & Power Ukraine Host Gary Marx.
    The resolution follows an April letter sent by forty religious leaders to President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling for the return of the nearly 20,000 children forcibly transferred to Russia and Russian-controlled territories.
    Find text of the resolution HERE.  
    Background:
    Ukrainian authorities have received at least 19,546 confirmed reports of unlawful deportations and forced transfers of Ukrainian children to Russia, Belarus or Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory. The abductions aim to erase the children’s Ukrainian names, language and identity. As of April 16, Ukraine and its partners have only managed to return 1,274 abducted children. 
    The State Department’s 2024 Trafficking in Persons Report found Russia recruits or uses child soldiers, has a state-sponsored policy or pattern of human trafficking and is among the worst hubs for human trafficking in the world. 
    Grassley’s ongoing work to support Ukraine:
    For years, Grassley has been an outspoken critic of Russia’s threats and aggressive actions. After the invasion, Grassley immediately condemned Russia’s assault on Ukraine, calling it “inhumane” and pointing out that Putin is tragically “killing innocent people like Stalin did in the 1930s.” Grassley spoke on the Senate floor to call for victory in Ukraine noting, “Anything short of a Ukrainian victory is an invitation for future Russian aggression.” 
    After Russia began indiscriminately bombing Ukraine and murdering innocent civilians, Grassley joined his colleagues in introducing a resolution to hold Putin and his allies accountable for war crimes. This resolution passed the Senate unanimously. 
    In March, Grassley co-led a bipartisan letter calling on Secretary of State Marco Rubio to continue supporting efforts to investigate Russia’s abduction and deportation of Ukrainian children.  
    Read more about Grassley’s efforts to support Ukraine and hold Russia accountable HERE. 
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 05/20/2025 Blackburn Introduces Bill to Stop Multi-Million Dollar Birth Tourism Industry

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) introduced the Ban Birth Tourism Act to eliminate loopholes that foreign nationals exploit to become U.S. citizens. This follows President Trump’s swift action to protect the meaning and value of American citizenship.

    “Foreign nationals have been exploiting our nation’s immigration laws for far too long, taking advantage of the system to come to the United States for the sole purpose of giving birth to obtain U.S. citizenship for their children,” said Senator Blackburn. “The Ban Birth Tourism Act would prevent foreign nationals, including those from adversaries like Communist China and Russia, from buying American citizenship for their children. As President Trump works to end birthright citizenship, we need to get this bill to his desk.”

    BACKGROUND

    • Birth tourism is a booming multi-million-dollar industry, and companies have capitalized on the allure of U.S. citizenship and cater to the trip-planning needs of pregnant foreigners.
    • These businesses commonly cater to wealthy Russian and Chinese nationals and charge foreign clients thousands of dollars for advice on how to lie to immigration officers.
    • It is estimated birth tourism results in at least 33,000 births to women on tourist visas annually.
    • Those births result in instant citizenship for the infant, who can go on to sponsor the migration of their parents to the United States 21 years later.

    THE BAN BIRTH TOURISM ACT

    • The Ban Birth Tourism Act would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act and ban birth tourism as a permissible basis for obtaining a temporary visitor visa. 

    Click here for bill text.

    RELATED

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Marshall and Warner Reintroduce Bill to Improve Seniors’ Access to Care

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) and U.S. Senator Mark Warner (D-Virginia) today reintroduced the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act – bipartisan, zero-cost legislation to improve access to care for seniors enrolled in Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. The bill focuses on streamlining the often cumbersome and time-consuming prior authorization process, ultimately allowing healthcare providers to spend more time on patient care rather than administrative burdens.
    This legislation would help physicians better serve and improve care for the 32.8 million Americans – including the over 196,000 Kansans – enrolled in an MA plan.
    “Prior authorization is the number one administrative burden facing physicians today across all specialties,” Senator Marshall said. “As a physician, I understand the frustration this arbitrary process is causing health care practices across the country and the headaches it creates for our nurses. With the bipartisan, bicameral Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act, we will streamline prior authorization and help improve patient outcomes and access to quality care.”
    “Our seniors deserve high-quality care delivered in a timely fashion. I am proud to introduce this legislation that takes commonsense steps to modernize the prior authorization process, cutting through red tape, streamlining approvals, and making sure our health care providers are focused on what really matters — supporting their patients,” Senator Warner said.
    Joining Senators Marshall and Warner are U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan (D-New Hampshire), John Fetterman (D-Pennsylvania), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota), Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana),  Shelley Moore Capito (R-West Virginia), John Hickenlooper (D-Colorado), James Lankford (R-Oklahoma), Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi), Tim Kaine (D-Virginia), Jeanne Shaheen (D-New Hampshire), Mike Rounds (R-South Dakota), Alex Padilla (D-California), Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee), Andy Kim (D-New Jersey), John Boozman (R-Arkansas), Dick Durbin (D-Illinois), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Patty Murray (D-Washington), Jerry Moran (R-Kansas), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-New York), Maria Cantwell (D-Washington), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina), Cory Booker (D-New Jersey), Tina Smith (D-Minnesota), Peter Welch (D-Vermont), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-Rhode Island), Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nevada), Tim Sheehy (R-Montana), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin), Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska), Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut), Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts), Tammy Duckworth (D-Illinois), John Hoeven (R-North Dakota), Rick Scott (R-Florida), Mark Kelly (D-Arizona), Jacky Rosen (D-Nevada), Martin Heinrich (D-New Mexico), Deb Fischer (R-Nebraska) and Chris Coons (D-Delaware).
    “Too often, seniors face unnecessarily complicated and burdensome prior authorization processes that can become a barrier to receiving care,” Senator Hassan said. “This bipartisan legislation is a commonsense way to support seniors on Medicare Advantage in accessing care, and to help health care providers focus on their patients instead of paperwork.”
    “Prior authorization places more importance on process than patients. As a doctor, I want that to change. Let’s make sure seniors are receiving timely care,” Senator Cassidy said. 
    “Too often, seniors have to wait to receive vital care because of administrative burdens like prior authorization. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act, which will streamline prior authorization and reduce unnecessary health care delays,” Senator Capito said.
    “Seniors across the Cowboy State rely on Medicare, but too often, bureaucratic red tape gets in the way of timely care,” Senator Lummis said. “I am proud to join my colleagues across the aisle to streamline the prior authorization process and put patients over paperwork.”
    “Excessive administrative burdens within the Medicare Advantage program means too many seniors receive delayed benefits, while our health care providers are overwhelmed by paperwork. The current system isn’t working well for anyone, and it’s time we take meaningful action to fix it. This commonsense legislation is a necessary step in the right direction,” Senator Hyde-Smith said.
    “Health care providers handling mountains of paperwork takes up valuable time and can unnecessarily delay older folks’ access to the crucial care they need,” Senator Kaine said. “I’m proud to champion this bipartisan legislation to modernize and streamline health care processes to ensure that Americans covered by Medicare Advantage can more swiftly access care and empower health care providers to direct more of their time to their patients.”
    “Quality, expedited medical care should always be within reach for seniors, and our providers deserve a system that helps them focus on delivering it,” Senator Boozman said. “I’m pleased to join this bipartisan effort to end the inefficient process that delays Medicare Advantage beneficiaries’ evaluations and treatments while removing an unnecessary, bureaucratic burden on clinicians.”
    “Doctors and health care providers are too often bogged down by unnecessary burdens, which can lead to delayed care and negative outcomes for patients,”Senator Cornyn said. “By streamlining the prior authorization process under Medicare Advantage, this legislation would cut red tape, improve enrollee experiences, and ensure seniors receive the timely care they deserve.”
    “Improving the prior authorization process will help seniors have quicker access to the health care they need and remove administrative hurdles for physicians,” Senator Moran said. “This legislation would make commonsense changes to better support thousands of seniors in Kansas and remove the red tape that is costing doctors and patients valuable time.”
    “Senior citizens have spent their entire lives contributing to our communities, and they deserve every resource to support their health and well-being,” Senator Gillibrand said. “The Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act will help cut through unnecessary red tape and ensure timely medical care is accessible to older Americans. Seniors should have reliable access to specialist care, mental health support, preventative services, and the treatments they need to live with dignity. I am proud to support this important legislation, and I pledge to continue fighting to expand access to quality, affordable, and timely health care for our seniors.” 
    “Seniors with Medicare Advantage plans should not have to endure unnecessary delays when seeking medical treatment, and sometimes even life-saving care,” Senator Hirono said. “This legislation will help to reduce these arbitrary waiting periods, streamlining prior authorization processes to ensure that health care providers can treat and care for their patients in an efficient manner.”
    “North Carolina seniors shouldn’t face unnecessary delays when trying to access the care they need through Medicare Advantage,” Senator Tillis said. “I’m proud to support this bipartisan, commonsense legislation that streamlines the prior authorization process, cuts red tape for providers, and ensures patients get timely access to treatment.”
    U.S. Representatives John Joyce, M.D. (R-Pennsylvania-13), Mike Kelly (R-Pennsylvania-16), Suzan DelBene (D-Washington-01), and Ami Bera, M.D. (D-California-06) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
    This legislation is supported by the Better Medicare Alliance, Humana, and 138 other health care organizations.
    “Prior authorization helps keep health care costs low and ensures seniors are getting the most appropriate care. But the process should be easier. The changes put forth in this legislation are long overdue and will help ensure seniors can get the care they need without delay,” Mary Beth Donahue, President and CEO of Better Medicare Alliance, said. “We are proud to support this bill and thank Senators Marshall and Warner, and Representatives Kelly, DelBene, Bera, and Joyce for their leadership. We look forward to continued work on this issue with Congress and the Administration.”
    “Humana’s job is to ensure our members have access to high quality, affordable healthcare.  We support efforts in the House and Senate to move the Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act forward quickly,” Jim Rechtin, Humana CEO, said. “It is a common-sense approach to making healthcare easier by modernizing the prior authorization process.”
    Background:

    Prior authorization is a tool used by health plans to reduce unnecessary care by requiring health care providers to get pre-approval for medical services. However, the current system often results in multiple faxes or phone calls by clinicians, which takes precious time away from delivering care.
    Prior authorization continues to be the number-one administrative burden identified by health care providers, and nearly three out of four Medicare Advantage enrollees are subject to unnecessary delays due to the practice.
    The bill would codify and enhance elements of the Advancing Interoperability and Improving Prior Authorization Processes (e-PA) rule that was finalized by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on January 17, 2024.
    Last Congress, the bill was supported by a super majority of members in the Senate (60) and a majority in the House (232), and was unanimously passed by the House in 2022.
    In 2018, the Office of the Inspector General at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) raised concerns after an audit revealed that Medicare Advantage plans ultimately approved 75% of requests that were originally denied.
    In 2022, the HHS Office of Inspector General released a report finding that MA plans incorrectly denied beneficiaries’ access to services even though they met Medicare coverage rules.

    The Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act would:

    Establish an electronic prior authorization process for Medicare Advantage plans, including a standardization for transactions and clinical attachments.
    Increase transparency around Medicare Advantage prior authorization requirements and their use.
    Clarify HHS’ authority to establish timeframes for e-prior authorization requests, including expedited determinations, real-time decisions for routinely approved items and services, and other prior authorization requests.
    Expand beneficiary protections to improve enrollee experiences and outcomes.
    Require HHS and other agencies to report to Congress on program integrity efforts and other ways to further improve the e-prior authorization process.
    Result in a zero cost to American taxpayers.

    The full text of the legislation can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Idaho Delegation Urges Administration to Move Small Business Regional Office to Idaho

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho James E Risch
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo and Representatives Mike Simpson and Russ Fulcher today sent a letter to Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler urging the Small Business Administration (SBA) to move the Seattle regional office from Washington to Idaho.
    “[. . .] unlike other states served by the Seattle Office, Idaho has demonstrated a strong commitment to putting American citizens first. Our state has enacted a statewide ban on sanctuary cities, and the Idaho Congressional Delegation has repeatedly worked to prevent illegal immigrants and sanctuary cities from abusing federal funding,” wrote the lawmakers. “By relocating the regional office to Idaho, the SBA would ensure its services align with President Trump’s priorities, directly benefitting law-abiding business owners.”
    In March, Administrator Loeffler announced her intention to relocate six regional offices from cities that have refused to comply with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The SBA Region 10 Office in Seattle oversees Idaho, Washington, Alaska, and Oregon.
    Read the full letter here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hagerty on the GENIUS Act: I look forward to making history with my colleagues by passing this bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Tennessee Bill Hagerty
    WASHINGTON—Today, United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN) spoke at the weekly Senate Republican Leadership Press Conference on the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins (GENIUS) Act, a historic piece of legislation that establishes a clear regulatory framework for payment stablecoins.

    *Click the photo above or here to watch*
    Full Remarks:
    Senator Hagerty: Thank you, Leader Thune. And I would like to say to everyone, I look forward to making history, hopefully this week, as we continue to make progress on the Genius Act.
    What does it do? I think it’s very important to understand this. We’re modernizing the payment system here in America. We’re going to put America at the forefront of innovation, rather than having America behind is the caboose.
    This is a dramatic new technology innovation [that] is happening here in America. I don’t want to see it pushed offshore. I want to see it happening right here.
    The implications of this are incredible in terms of protecting consumers. Today, it’s an unregulated market. What we’ll do is make certain that everyone knows that stablecoins are backed by U.S. dollars, and that those dollars are backed up by cash and short-term U.S. treasuries, the highest quality instruments, so that these instruments can be used for digital trade all over the world.
    This will ensure U.S. dollar dominance. It will advance our position as a reserve currency in the world, rather than see the retreat and decline that we might otherwise experience.
    The other thing that it will do is it will stimulate demand for United States treasuries. In fact, the projections are that by the end of this decade, stablecoin issuers here in the United States will be the number one holders of U.S. treasuries in the world. Think about that.
    I’d far prefer a benign stablecoin issuer to the CCP or other sovereign nations.
    So, I think there’s a lot to like about this bill. I appreciate the bipartisan support that we’ve received moving on to it, and I look forward, again, to making history with my colleagues later this week.
    Thank you.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sullivan Joins President Trump for Golden Dome Missile Defense Announcement

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Dan Sullivan
    05.20.25
    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), and Jim Banks (R-Ind.), all members of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), today joined President Donald Trump, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and Vice Chief of Space Operations General Michael Guetlein at the White House for an announcement about the administration’s plan for a Golden Dome missile defense system for America. Sens. Sullivan and Cramer also announced the imminent introduction of their legislation, the GOLDEN DOME Act, to reinforce President Trump’s vision of a layered, integrated missile defense system to protect the United States from the intensifying threats and growing arsenals of China and Russia. The forthcoming GOLDEN DOME Act will also complement President Trump’s “Iron Dome” executive order, signed on January 27, 2025.
    Sen. Sullivan and President Trump also emphasized the critical role Alaska plays in the nation’s missile defense system.

    Click here or the image above to watch coverage of the full event.
    “When you look at the system that [President Trump] laid out, you have the initial ground-based missile interceptors, which are made by some of the big defense companies,” said Sen. Sullivan. “But the beauty of [the President’s] vision is that it’s layered, it’s open architecture, and it goes up into space. This is going to involve some of the new defense tech companies that are very interested and can bring missile defense at a cost that is lower than we could ever have imagined. Senator Cramer and I just met with a bunch of these companies last week. Our technology sector is head and shoulders above any other country, and they’re going to be a key part of this. I think that’s what makes this announcement so exciting.”
    “Alaska is a big part of [missile defense] because the location is sort of perfect,” said President Trump. “I think that’s your first line of defense in certain instances.”
    Following the White House event, Senators Sullivan and Cramer recorded a brief video recapping the announcement and discussing their GOLDEN DOME Act.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Reverend Warnock Encourages Atlanta Business, Civic Leaders to Continue Putting Service Over Self in Remarks to Rotary Club of Atlanta

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia

    Senator Reverend Warnock Encourages Atlanta Business, Civic Leaders to Continue Putting Service Over Self in Remarks to Rotary Club of Atlanta

    Senator Reverend Warnock encouraged over 100 Georgia business and civic leaders to continue living out their motto of “service above self” in this moment of political and economic uncertainty
    The Georgia Rotarians held a luncheon at the Loudermilk Center in Atlanta, Georgia, including leaders and representatives from various non-profit and small business leaders across the Atlanta region
    Established in 1913, the Rotary Club of Atlanta has grown to be one of the most influential business and civic clubs in the world
    ICYMI from Saporta Report: U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock: ‘Uncertainty is never a friend of business’
    Watch Senator Reverend Warnock’s remarks to the Rotary Club of Atlanta HERE
    Atlanta, GA – In remarks to the Rotary Club of Atlanta yesterday, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA)encouraged over 100 Georgia business and civic leaders to continue living out their motto of “service above self” in this moment of political and economic uncertainty. 
    “As an alum of Head Start, as an alum of Upward Bound, another federal program called Trio that put a kid in housing projects on a college campus every summer so that I could know that I belonged there, as someone who’s been a beneficiary of Pell grants and low-interest student loans. I’m fighting for that kid on Cape Street, and every variation of that kid in rural communities all across our state. And so in this moral moment, I hope that we will recommit ourselves to standing in the best of the Rotarian spirit of service over self. It’s the reason why I’m deeply concerned about much of what is happening right now. I am worried about our country,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. 
    The Georgia Rotarians held a luncheon at the Loudermilk Center in Atlanta, Georgia, including leaders and representatives from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Metro Chamber, YMCA of Metro Atlanta, Ideas United, and various non-profit and small business leaders representing industries across the Atlanta region. 
    Above: Senator Reverend Warnock greeting constituents and local business and civic leaders
    After greeting constituents, the Senator was recognized by the Club’s Board Chair John Yates with a personalized poem he authored highlighting Senator Warnock’s commitment to service for all Georgians. The Senator was introduced by Program Chair and CEO of Ideas United David Roemer ahead of his keynote remarks, where the Senator discussed the detrimental effects of policy unpredictability on businesses and his concerns about tariffs impacts on Georgia small businesses and consumers. Senator Warnock encouraged business leaders to advocate for common-sense leadership and to be unafraid in using their voices to call out the danger and damage Washington politicians pose to Georgia workers and families. 
    “Like many of you, I’m very concerned about these tariffs. I haven’t met anybody yet who’s excited about it. I talked to business leaders. They are worried. I was down in my hometown of Savannah, Georgia a couple of weeks ago meeting with leaders at the port. […] And while there I was talking to leaders and farmers and small businesses, and they feel the uncertainty. One gentleman involved with beekeeping and honey paid more than $25,000 in tariffs on his last import. He’s a small business owner. He doesn’t get to just move something around and be okay for the next quarter. He could lose his business. He does not know what he is going to do. He does not want to pass that cost on to the consumer, but understandably, he does not want to eat those costs himself. We’re hearing stories like that across Metro Atlanta, where business owners and leaders are left scratching their heads because the math ain’t mathing,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. 
    “They cannot plan in this uncertain, unpredictable environment. […] And so this is such an important moment for business leaders to stand up, to raise your voices, to use your influence in the ways that you can. Now, I’m not naive. I know that when you’re running a business, you want to stay as far from politics as you can. I don’t blame you. But there comes a moment when that which is so fundamental to opportunity and possibility is at stake that we have to raise our voices. We have to use our influence in the same way to stand up and fight for tax cuts, stand up and fight for immigration policy that makes good business sense,” Senator Reverend Warnock continued. 
    Above: Senator Reverend Warnock gives remarks to the Rotary Club of Atlanta
    Additionally, Senator Warnock reflected on his new report that uplifts the success of the clean energy tax credits he helped put into law and propelled Georgia to the forefront of our nation’s clean energy economy, but which are now under threat as Washington Republicans seek to scale back these clean energy jobs and investments. 
    “According to my report, in Georgia, nearly all the new [clean energy] investments and the new jobs are in counties outside of Metro Atlanta. Nationwide analyzes show that the vast majority of projects announced following the passage of these clean energy tax credits. Over three and four projects have gone to House districts currently held by Republicans. But this is especially true in Georgia. […] This is good news for Georgia, and to undermine it does not make good sense, it’s hard to defend that. The data is clear, and so my colleagues have a decision to make about who they will fight for and what they believe in. Who will they support? But this I do know: uncertainty is never a friend of business, right? It’s hard to know where they invest. You’re not certain about what’s going to happen along the supply chain, it’s hard to know that you should continue to lean in and invest in a clean energy future in Georgia if the Congress can simply undo two years later what it decided to do two years ago, right at the moment that we’re beginning to make progress,”said Senator Reverend Warnock. 
    Above: Senator Reverend Warnock participates in a fireside chat with Program Chair and Ideas United CEO David Roemer
    Following his remarks, the Senator participated in a fireside chat conversation with David Roemer and fielded questions from members of the Rotary Club of Atlanta. Senator Warnock closed by reiterating his service to all Georgians is rooted in his mission to see America win by making sure every child has a chance, and the next kid growing up in public housing or relying on low-interest loans for an education knows that anything is possible in America. 
    “It’s our job to tell our children that in America anything is possible,” Senator Reverend Warnock said in closing. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed Statement on Former President Biden’s Cancer Diagnosis

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed
    PROVIDENCE, RI — Today, after former President Joe Biden announced he has been diagnosed with a serious form of prostate cancer, U.S. Senator Jack Reed issued the following statement:
    “I am very sad to hear about former President Biden’s cancer diagnosis.  I applaud he and former First Lady Dr. Jill Biden for being forthcoming and raising awareness about this difficult disease.
    “I am sending best wishes for health and healing to Joe, Jill, and the Biden family as they navigate his treatment and hope for the best possible outcome. 
    “Joe Biden dedicated much of his career to expanding access to health care and advancing cancer research.  This is another reminder of the importance of being able to see a doctor, getting regular checkups, and access to lifesaving screenings for people from all walks of life.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warren, Reed Press Treasury and DOJ on North Korea’s $1.5 Billion Crypto Heist

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed
    “In the wake of the Bybit hack, it is essential that the United States redouble its efforts to prevent North Korean crypto theft.”
    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ranking Member of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, and Jack Reed (D-RI), a senior member of the committee, sent a letter to Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent and Attorney General Pam Bondi requesting information on efforts to combat increasingly aggressive and frequent cyber-attacks by ransomware groups based in North Korea.
    In February, the Lazarus Group, a hacker syndicate backed by the North Korean government, stole approximately $1.5 billion in digital currency from Bybit, a popular cryptocurrency exchange. In the letter, the senators warn the attack marks a dangerous escalation in North Korea’s use of crypto theft to evade sanctions and fund its weapons programs — a direct threat to U.S. national security and global stability.
    “In the wake of this attack—the ‘largest crypto theft of all time’—we write to request information regarding your efforts to combat increasingly aggressive and frequent cyber-attacks by ransomware groups based in North Korea,” wrote the senators.
    They continued: “North Korea relies on cryptocurrency theft to subvert U.S.-led international sanctions and to undermine the security of the United States and our Indo-Pacific allies… These stolen assets have helped keep the regime afloat and supported continued investments in its nuclear and conventional weapons programs. Reports suggest there are potentially thousands of North Korean-affiliated crypto hackers around the globe.”
    The senators press the agencies on how they are responding to the evolving tactics of North Korean hackers and what tools they need to prevent future attacks. This comes as Senate Republicans attempt to advance the GENIUS Act — legislation that, as currently drafted, would dramatically expand the stablecoin market with few guardrails and inadequate national security protections. A vote on the bill could come as early as later today.
    Full text of the letter follows:
    Dear Secretary Bessent and Attorney General Bondi:
    On February 21, 2025, the Lazarus Group, a hacker syndicate backed by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea), stole approximately $1.5 billion in digital currency from Bybit, a popular cryptocurrency exchange. In the wake of this attack—the “largest crypto theft of all time”—we write to request information regarding your efforts to combat increasingly aggressive and frequent cyber-attacks by ransomware groups based in North Korea.
    North Korea relies on cryptocurrency theft to subvert U.S.-led international sanctions and to undermine the security of the United States and our Indo-Pacific allies. The Annual Threat Assessment of the U.S. Intelligence Community for 2025 states that “North Korea is funding its military development—allowing it to pose greater risks to the United States—and economic initiatives by stealing hundreds of millions of dollars per year in cryptocurrency from the United States and other victims.” Between 2017 and 2023, North Korea stole an estimated $3 billion in crypto hacks, laundering tokens through crypto mixers to effectively mask their origins before funneling the proceeds back to Pyongyang. These stolen assets have helped keep the regime afloat and supported continued investments in its nuclear and conventional weapons programs. Reports suggest there are potentially thousands of North Korean-affiliated crypto hackers around the globe.
    In recent years, North Korean hackers have shifted from simplistic crypto theft schemes to more sophisticated tactics. Typically, these attacks center around variations of social engineering schemes, designed to exploit vulnerabilities in tech and crypto companies. Hackers have increasingly found ways to infiltrate crypto firms, often faking credentials, resumes, and documents and disguising themselves as American or foreign nationals eligible for work. According to reports, “[t]hey have pretended to be Canadian IT workers, government officials and freelance Japanese blockchain developers. They will conduct video interviews to get a job, or …masquerade as potential employers.” In addition, hackers have relied on “phishing and supply chain attacks, and…infrastructure hacks which involve private key or seed phrase compromises.”
    The Bybit hack reflects a further escalation in North Korea’s ability to execute complex crypto theft schemes. In the attack, hackers pulled approximately $1.5 billion from a “cold” crypto storage wallet—a “piece of hardware…kept mostly isolated from online networks” that, prior to the attack, were “considered to be almost impervious to attacks.”10 According to experts, the attack suggests that “North Korea has either expanded its money laundering infrastructure or that underground financial networks, particularly in China, have enhanced their capacity to absorb and process illicit funds.”11 The hack is expected to have significant impacts on the crypto industry and leaves companies scrambling to bolster cybersecurity. Specifically, “staving off North Korean thefts will likely require much higher spending by crypto exchanges.”
    In the wake of the Bybit hack, it is essential that the United States redouble its efforts to prevent North Korean crypto theft. To better understand the scope of North Korea’s reliance on the theft of crypto to evade sanctions and finance its weapons programs and the steps the administration is taking to address this urgent national security concern, we ask that you respond to the following questions by June 2, 2025:
    1. Please describe the steps your agency is taking to address threats to U.S. national security posed by North Korea’s theft of cryptocurrency to earn revenue and bypass sanctions.
    2. What additional steps, if any, does your agency plan to take in the wake of the Bybit attack to bolster efforts to prevent North Korean cryptocurrency theft?
    3. What are the biggest challenges your agency faces in combatting North Korean cryptocurrency theft? What steps can Congress take to bolster and support enforcement efforts to prevent future crypto theft?
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed Scolds Kennedy & Slams Trump Admin’s Indefensible Cuts to Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Efforts

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed
    VIDEO: Kennedy falsely claims: ‘We have a team in Milwaukee.’; Reed: ‘What about the rest of the United States? This is not a problem exclusively in Milwaukee.’
    WASHINGTON, DC –  After successfully working to appropriate $51 million to protect children from lead exposure, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today confronted President Trump’s Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., about why he effectively shut down a branch of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that is responsible for monitoring childhood lead poisoning.
    Childhood lead poisoning is a preventable environmental health problem.  Lead is a neurotoxin that can impair brain development, particularly when children are exposed before the age of 6.  Lead exposure most commonly occurs through peeling or flaking lead paint or household dust containing lead, though it can also be ingested through water traveling through lead pipes, soil, or in the air near contaminated industrial facilities.  CDC estimates that approximately 500,000 children in the United States have concerning blood lead levels that could adversely impact their health.
    During today’s hearing of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies, Senator Reed criticized the Trump Administration’s costly mishandling of the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP), the flip-flopping messages, and failure to assist state health agencies and non-profits.  HHS’s short-sighted cuts are likely to lead to data blind spots when it comes to lead poisoning surveillance, making it harder for health authorities and researchers tracking childhood blood lead levels. Other state agencies and federal departments also rely on this type of data.. 
    Reed led the effort to fund the CLPPP and support childhood lead surveillance and technical capacity, provide lead poisoning prevention training to public health professionals, support childhood blood lead surveillance systems, expand public health laboratory capacity, and ensure targeted screening and case management.  But rather than helping states prevent lead poisoning, the Trump Administration fired the teams responsible for administering programs that keep children safe and healthy from lead poisoning.
    During today’s hearing, Reed asked Secretary Kennedy about shutting down the Childhood Lead Program and what effect the Trump Administration’s abrupt layoffs could have on state and local lead poisoning prevention efforts.  Mr. Kennedy seemed confused and gave conflicting answers before falsely suggesting that HHS had a team of experts in one city: Milwaukee.  Senator Reed noted that HHS has a responsibility to help protect children in all fifty states:
    SEN. REED: Mr. Secretary, I want to ask you about the CDC’s Childhood Lead Program, because we’ve heard a lot of conflicting messages about…
    SEC. KENNEDY: Childhood?
    REED: Yes, the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program.  We’ve heard a lot of conflicting messages. First, the program was eliminated as part of your restructuring of HHS and all the program staff was fired. You suggested that that was a mistake and that the program will be brought back online. Last week you told Senator Baldwin that lead poisoning among children was a very significant issue. And as Congress appropriated the money, the program would continue.
    Well, Congress has appropriated the funding. And as far as we can tell, staff has not yet been hired. And I see no statements reversing your decision to eliminate the program. So which is it?
    KENNEDY: We are continuing to fund the program. And in Milwaukee, we have a team in Milwaukee, and we’re giving laboratory support to the to the analytics in Milwaukee. And we’re working with the Health Department of Milwaukee.
    REED: Well, that’s Milwaukee. What about the rest of the country?
    KENNEDY: Well, I don’t– as I said, I have I have a a TRO now, you know, a federal TRO that does not allow me to talk about the re-org. What I can tell you is that if you appropriate the money, that we are going to spend it.
    REED: We have appropriated the money, Mr. Secretary. You indicated that you have a program in Milwaukee. What about the rest of the United States? This is not a problem exclusively in Milwaukee.
    KENNEDY: My understanding is that that program is continuing. I’m hoping to, I’m, I’m very, very happy to talk to you, Senator, after this and find out exactly what the details are.
    REED: Well, it should be a very simple answer: The program’s back up and running. We’ve hired the staff, which I don’t think you have. And that doesn’t indicate that you’re serious about getting the program running again.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner, Marshall Introduce Bill to Improve Seniors’ Access to Care

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner
    WASHINGTON –U.S. Sens. Mark Warner (D-VA) and Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) today reintroduced the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act – bipartisan, zero-cost legislation to improve access to care for seniors enrolled in Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. The bill focuses on streamlining the often cumbersome and time-consuming prior authorization process, ultimately allowing healthcare providers to spend more time on patient care rather than administrative burdens.
    This legislation would help physicians better serve and improve care for the 32.8 million Americans.
    “Our seniors deserve high-quality care delivered in a timely fashion. I am proud to introduce this legislation that takes commonsense steps to modernize the prior authorization process, cutting through red tape, streamlining approvals, and making sure our health care providers are focused on what really matters — supporting their patients,” Sen. Warner said.
    “Prior authorization is the number one administrative burden facing physicians today across all specialties,” Sen. Marshall said. “As a physician, I understand the frustration this arbitrary process is causing health care practices across the country and the headaches it creates for our nurses. With the bipartisan, bicameral Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act, we will streamline prior authorization and help improve patient outcomes and access to quality care.”
    Joining Sens. Warner and Marshall are U.S. Sens. Maggie Hassan (D-NH), John Fetterman (D-PA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), James Lankford (R-OK), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Andy Kim (D-NJ), John Boozman (R-AK), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Cornyn (R-TX), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tina Smith (D-MN), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Ted Budd (R-NC), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), John Hoeven (R-ND), Rick Scott (R-FL), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Chris Coons (D-DE).
    “Too often, seniors face unnecessarily complicated and burdensome prior authorization processes that can become a barrier to receiving care,” Sen. Hassan said. “This bipartisan legislation is a commonsense way to support seniors on Medicare Advantage in accessing care, and to help health care providers focus on their patients instead of paperwork.”
    “Prior authorization places more importance on process than patients. As a doctor, I want that to change. Let’s make sure seniors are receiving timely care,” Sen. Cassidy said. 
    “Too often, seniors have to wait to receive vital care because of administrative burdens like prior authorization. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act, which will streamline prior authorization and reduce unnecessary health care delays,” Sen. Capito said.
    “Seniors across the Cowboy State rely on Medicare, but too often, bureaucratic red tape gets in the way of timely care,” Sen. Lummis said. “I am proud to join my colleagues across the aisle to streamline the prior authorization process and put patients over paperwork.”
    “Excessive administrative burdens within the Medicare Advantage program means too many seniors receive delayed benefits, while our health care providers are overwhelmed by paperwork. The current system isn’t working well for anyone, and it’s time we take meaningful action to fix it. This commonsense legislation is a necessary step in the right direction,” Sen. Hyde-Smith said.
    “Health care providers handling mountains of paperwork takes up valuable time and can unnecessarily delay older folks’ access to the crucial care they need,” Sen. Kaine said. “I’m proud to champion this bipartisan legislation to modernize and streamline health care processes to ensure that Americans covered by Medicare Advantage can more swiftly access care and empower health care providers to direct more of their time to their patients.”
    “Quality, expedited medical care should always be within reach for seniors, and our providers deserve a system that helps them focus on delivering it,” Sen. Boozman said. “I’m pleased to join this bipartisan effort to end the inefficient process that delays Medicare Advantage beneficiaries’ evaluations and treatments while removing an unnecessary, bureaucratic burden on clinicians.”
    “Doctors and health care providers are too often bogged down by unnecessary burdens, which can lead to delayed care and negative outcomes for patients,” Sen. Cornyn said. “By streamlining the prior authorization process under Medicare Advantage, this legislation would cut red tape, improve enrollee experiences, and ensure seniors receive the timely care they deserve.
    “Improving the prior authorization process will help seniors have quicker access to the health care they need and remove administrative hurdles for physicians,” Sen. Moran said. “This legislation would make commonsense changes to better support thousands of seniors in Kansas and remove the red tape that is costing doctors and patients valuable time.”
    “Senior citizens have spent their entire lives contributing to our communities, and they deserve every resource to support their health and well-being,” Sen. Gillibrand said. “The Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act will help cut through unnecessary red tape and ensure timely medical care is accessible to older Americans. Seniors should have reliable access to specialist care, mental health support, preventative services, and the treatments they need to live with dignity. I am proud to support this important legislation, and I pledge to continue fighting to expand access to quality, affordable, and timely health care for our seniors.” 
    “Seniors with Medicare Advantage plans should not have to endure unnecessary delays when seeking medical treatment, and sometimes even life-saving care,” Sen. Hirono said. “This legislation will help to reduce these arbitrary waiting periods, streamlining prior authorization processes to ensure that health care providers can treat and care for their patients in an efficient manner.”
    “North Carolina seniors shouldn’t face unnecessary delays when trying to access the care they need through Medicare Advantage,” Sen. Tillis said. “I’m proud to support this bipartisan, commonsense legislation that streamlines the prior authorization process, cuts red tape for providers, and ensures patients get timely access to treatment.”
    U.S. Reps John Joyce, M.D. (R-PA-13), Mike Kelly (R-PA-16), Suzan DelBene (D-WA-01), and Ami Bera, M.D. (D-CA-06) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
    This legislation is supported by the Better Medicare Alliance, Humana, and 138 other health care organizations.
    “Prior authorization helps keep health care costs low and ensures seniors are getting the most appropriate care. But the process should be easier. The changes put forth in this legislation are long overdue and will help ensure seniors can get the care they need without delay,” Mary Beth Donahue, President and CEO of Better Medicare Alliance, said. “We are proud to support this bill and thank Senators Marshall and Warner, and Representatives Kelly, DelBene, Bera, and Joyce for their leadership. We look forward to continued work on this issue with Congress and the Administration.”
    “Humana’s job is to ensure our members have access to high quality, affordable healthcare.  We support efforts in the House and Senate to move the Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act forward quickly,” Jim Rechtin, Humana CEO, said. “It is a common-sense approach to making healthcare easier by modernizing the prior authorization process.”
    Background:
    Prior authorization is a tool used by health plans to reduce unnecessary care by requiring health care providers to get pre-approval for medical services. However, the current system often results in multiple faxes or phone calls by clinicians, which takes precious time away from delivering care.
    Prior authorization continues to be the number-one administrative burden identified by health care providers, and nearly three out of four Medicare Advantage enrollees are subject to unnecessary delays due to the practice.
    The bill would codify and enhance elements of the Advancing Interoperability and Improving Prior Authorization Processes (e-PA) rule that was finalized by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on January 17, 2024.
    Last Congress, the bill was supported by a super majority of members in the Senate (60) and a majority in the House (232), and was unanimously passed by the House in 2022.
    In 2018, the Office of the Inspector General at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) raised concerns after an audit revealed that Medicare Advantage plans ultimately approved 75% of requests that were originally denied.
    In 2022, the HHS Office of Inspector General released a report finding that MA plans incorrectly denied beneficiaries’ access to services even though they met Medicare coverage rules.
    The Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act would:
    Establish an electronic prior authorization process for Medicare Advantage plans, including a standardization for transactions and clinical attachments.
    Increase transparency around Medicare Advantage prior authorization requirements and their use.
    Clarify HHS’ authority to establish timeframes for e-prior authorization requests, including expedited determinations, real-time decisions for routinely approved items and services, and other prior authorization requests.
    Expand beneficiary protections to improve enrollee experiences and outcomes.
    Require HHS and other agencies to report to Congress on program integrity efforts and other ways to further improve the e-prior authorization process.
    Result in a zero cost to American taxpayers.
    The full text of the legislation can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray Responds to RFK Jr.’s Continued Lies About NIH Staffing Cuts Delaying Clinical Care

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
    READ MORE — CNN: After NIH staffing cuts, cancer patient in clinical trial worries she may lose crucial time; Washington Post: NIH scientists have a cancer breakthrough. Layoffs are delaying it.
    Senator Murray: “If RFK Jr.’s mass firings weren’t having an impact on clinical care at NIH, he would provide those details and tell us which positions he’s eliminated. He’s not—because he knows that if he did, he would be caught lying. This isn’t just about Natalie, this is about the millions of Americans like her who are already being harmed by the destruction Secretary Kennedy is causing at HHS, or will be soon.”
    ****FROM TODAY – WATCH and READ: Senator Murray’s exchange with RFK Jr.***
    ***FROM LAST WEEK –WATCH: Senator Murray rebuts Secretary Kennedy’s claims about her constituent, Natalie***
    Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA),  Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, released the following statement on U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s outburst during today’s Senate Appropriations hearing, where Secretary Kennedy repeatedly lied, dodged Senator Murray’s questions, and made a number of totally unfounded allegations, in particular relating to Senator Murray’s constituent, Natalie, who is suffering from Stage Four colorectal cancer and whose care was delayed as a direct result of the Trump administration’s staffing cuts across HHS. Senator Murray brought up Natalie’s story to Secretary Kennedy at a Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing last week; additional background on that exchange is below.
    At the appropriations hearing today, Secretary Kennedy claimed to Senator Murray: “You told me two or three days ago, four days ago that we had cut a clinical trial in your state and it turned out what you said turned out to be completely untrue and you knew it was not true because you corresponded.” This was not at all what Senator Murray suggested or what happened. At the HELP hearing on May 14th, Senator Murray laid out how Natalie’s treatment in a trial at the NIH Clinical Center had been delayed by the staffing cuts, according to her doctors at NIH, and then she asked Secretary Kennedy directly how many staff were cut from the NIH’s Clinical Center. Video and transcript of their initial exchange on May 14th is HERE. A full transcript of their exchange today is available HERE.
    “RFK Jr. is a shameless liar and a dangerous conspiracy theorist—he should have never been confirmed. As much as he lies and deflects, I’m not going to stop holding him accountable for the real harm he is inflicting on people in this country.
    “Natalie’s care has been complicated, but here’s what’s not: her NIH doctor told her twice that her care was explicitly delayed due to NIH staffing cuts—specifically, that she would have to wait eight weeks rather than four to have her cells re-infused. On the question of credibility, I will trust an NIH doctor over an anti-vaccine conspiracy theorist every day.
    “After an initial contact with RFK Jr.’s office last Wednesday, it was complete radio silence with no answers until about an hour before today’s hearing. It should not take me raising this issue with RFK Jr. face-to-face to make sure NIH is working the way it’s supposed to.
    “I still have no answer about how many NIH clinical staff have been fired. I still have no answer why Natalie was told by her NIH doctor that her care was being delayed due to staffing cuts. For weeks, my staff has been demanding answers about agency staffing cuts.
    “Meanwhile, my staff has been in constant touch over the past three weeks with dedicated career staff at NIH and FDA—the same people the Trump administration is trying to push out the door—to address Natalie’s case. But it has been no thanks to RFK Jr. or HHS political leadership.”
    “If RFK Jr.’s mass firings weren’t having an impact on clinical care at NIH, he would provide those details and tell us which positions he’s eliminated. He’s not—because he knows that if he did, he would be caught lying. This isn’t just about Natalie, this is about the millions of Americans like her who are already being harmed by the destruction Secretary Kennedy is causing at HHS, or will be soon.”
    __________________________________
    At last week’s HELP Committee hearing with Secretary Kennedy, Murray grilled Kennedy on the Trump administration’s moves to slash staff and block funding at the National Institute of Health (NIH), and laid out how is affecting one of her constituents, Natalie Phelps of Washington state: “One of my constituents, Natalie Phelps—a mom of two from Bainbridge Island in Washington state. She has been fighting aggressive Stage Four colorectal cancer for nearly five years now. Her best hope now is a clinical trial at the NIH Clinical Center. She flew out to the NIH just a few weeks ago for her first appointment, and her care team wanted her to come back in four weeks to start treatment. But because of the thoughtless, mass firing of thousands of critical employees across NIH and HHS that you have carried out, Natalie’s doctors at that clinical center have told her that they have no choice but to delay her treatment by an additional four weeks. Now, an extra four weeks may not sound like a long time but, I will tell you, for Stage Four cancer patients like Natalie, this could mean the difference between life and death.” Video of the full exchange between Senator Murray and Secretary Kennedy is available HERE.
    Later in the hearing, Secretary Kennedy asserted that Natalie was ineligible for her clinical trial and called her story a “canard,” saying: “Senator Murray had raised the issue of a constituent of hers who she said had been denied a place in a clinical trial in Washington due to the RIF. We’ve been able to run down that case. The patient was medically ineligible for that trial. It had nothing to do with the RIF. And NIH has been trying to get her into another clinical trial, but none of our clinical trials have been shut down because of the RIF. That was a canard.”
    Senator Murray returned to the hearing to respond directly to Secretary Kennedy: “Secretary Kennedy came back and said my constituent, who I spoke about earlier, [her care] was not delayed by staffing cuts. First off, she is already enrolled in that clinical trial. It’s not a question of eligibility—the issue, as I stated clearly, was the delay in care that she got. And what you stated, Secretary Kennedy, is not true.”
    “I spoke with Natalie, actually, last night. She asked her NIH doctor directly why, when she was informed of the delay, and her doctor at NIH said very plainly TWICE: her care was delayed because of staffing cuts. And Mr. Chairman, I think it’s important for the record to show, my staff has put in inquiries with HHS leadership and they’ve been unresponsive so far.And, just to make clear, this is just one case of many. But those are the facts,” Senator Murray said.
    Senator Murray has been a leading voice in Congress raising the alarm over HHS’ unilateral reorganization plan and slamming the closure of the HHS Region 10 office in Seattle and the CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Spokane Research Laboratory. Senator Murray has sent oversight letters and hosted numerous press conferences and events to lay out how the administration’s reckless gutting of HHS is risking Americans health and safety and will set our country back decades, and lifting up the voices of HHS employees who were fired for no reason and through no fault of their own.
    In particular, Senator Murray has been leading the charge against the Trump administration’s efforts to gut lifesaving research at NIH and pushed out nearly 5,000 NIH skilled scientists, grants administrators, and other employees at the agency. When the Trump administration attempted to illegally cap indirect cost rates at 15 percent, Senator Murray immediately and forcefully condemned the move, led the entire Senate Democratic caucus in a letter decrying the proposed change, and introduced amendments to Senate Republicans’ budget resolution to reverse it, which Republicans blocked. Murray has led Congressional efforts to boost biomedical research. Previously, over her years as Chair of the Labor-HHS Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator Murray secured billions of dollars in increases for biomedical research at NIH, and during her time as Chair of the HELP Committee she established the new ARPA-H research agency as part of her PREVENT Pandemics Act to advance some of the most cutting-edge research in the field. Senator Murray was also the lead Democratic negotiator of the bipartisan 21st Century Cures Act, which delivered a major federal investment to boost NIH research, among many other investments. 
    Senator Murray forcefully opposed the nomination of notorious anti-vaccine activist RFK Jr. to be Secretary of HHS, and she has long worked to combat vaccine skepticism and highlight the importance of scientific research and vaccines. Murray was also a leading voice against the nomination of Dr. Dave Weldon to lead CDC, repeatedly speaking up about her serious concerns with the nominee immediately after their meeting. In 2019, Senator Murray co-led a bipartisan hearing in the HELP Committee on vaccine hesitancy and spoke about the importance of addressing vaccine skepticism and getting people the facts they need to keep their families and communities safe and healthy. Ahead of the 2019 hearing, as multiple states were facing measles outbreaks in under-vaccinated areas, Murray sent a bipartisan letter with former HELP Committee Chair Lamar Alexander pressing Trump’s CDC Director and HHS Assistant Secretary for Health on their efforts to promote vaccination and vaccine confidence.
    Senator Murray’s opening remarks at today’s hearing, as delivered, are below:
    “Secretary Kennedy—things are not going well. It is clear what you are doing across HHS is devastating to children, families, seniors, and the millions of Americans HHS programs support.
    “You were required to send us an operating plan detailing how you’re spending funds that Congress provided for programs families rely on. You sent us what you titled the ‘Hill Version,’ which had over 530 asterisks in place of funding levels.
    “Mr. Secretary, we need the real version with actual funding levels. This committee needs to know how you are spending taxpayer dollars right now—and what programs you’re cutting and eliminating.
    “You are blocking billions in funding that Congress appropriated from going out the door, including $3 billion at NIH, and $1 billion in Head Start and $3 billion in child care funding alone.
    “And that’s on top of all of the other funding you’ve illegally ripped away: $11 billion from state and local health departments, $1 billion supporting local substance use and mental health programs, and $66 million in Title X funds for cancer screenings, birth control, and preventive care.
    “You are dismantling HHS, throwing away generations of investments in our health care system and firing critical employees. We’re talking about the people who administer Head Start, LIHEAP, and Meals on Wheels. Or entire teams working on preventing chronic disease and Alzheimer’s, tracking IVF success rates and safety, maternal health, and much more.
    “On top of all of this, you propose a budget with truly devastating cuts that would leave America sicker and weaker.
    “But you’re not waiting to see whether Congress approves that budget proposal. This administration is starting to unilaterally implement it right now—in defiance of Congress and the laws we have passed. If you aren’t already, you are sprinting down the road of illegally impounding billions in funding, through intentional action and through incompetence.
    “To my colleagues on this dais: We heard several weeks ago, what we risk by ceding American leadership on biomedical research. If we bless these staffing and funding cuts across HHS, that means deciding we are comfortable with China leading the future development of every drug, device, and vaccine. The supply chain challenges we faced during the pandemic will be the new normal. Our access to the latest treatments and cures will depend on other countries.
    “It’s time to stand up and assert Congress’ authority. This Committee has dedicated itself in a bipartisan manner over decades to make sure we are the global leader in research and development. And now all of us know this administration is setting us back where it may take decades to regain that position.
    “If we don’t, decades of scientific breakthroughs and medical discovery—and the bipartisan work to support them—risks being burned to the ground, and it will be very hard to rebuild.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Gillibrand And Schumer, Rep. Torres Statement On United States Consumer Product Safety Commission Vote To Withdraw E-Bike Safety Proposed Rulemaking

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand
    Today, United States Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Charles Schumer, along with Congressman Ritchie Torres, released the following statement on the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) decision to withdraw the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on lithium-ion batteries in micromobility devices:
    “As New Yorkers, we know firsthand how destructive faulty lithium-ion batteries can be, causing hundreds of fires, including fatalities, just last year. These unregulated products have killed and injured innocent New Yorkers, while putting our public safety officers, especially our firefighters, in harm’s way. We were pleased with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s initial decision to begin the rulemaking process that would make the lithium-ion batteries safer. However, we are dismayed at their decision to withdraw the notice of proposed rulemaking. We need the CPSC as a partner to help make critical progress in our fight to crack down on unregulated lithium-ion batteries, and we encourage them to reevaluate their dangerous and faulty decision.”
    If enacted, the NPRM would start the process to finalize federal regulations for lithium-ion batteries. Additionally, Senator Gillibrand, Senator Schumer, and Congressman Torres authored the bipartisan Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act, legislation that would establish the first federal safety standards for lithium-ion batteries used in e-bikes, e-scooters, and other micromobility devices. The House of Representatives passed this critical legislation on April 28, 2025.
    Lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly used in e-bikes, electric scooters, and other micromobility devices, are often manufactured abroad without being subject to acceptable safety standards. As a result, they commonly cause explosions and fires that lead to property damage and loss of life. In New York City alone, the New York City Fire Department reports that rechargeable lithium-ion batteries have caused more than 1,000 fires since 2019, resulting in 523 injuries, 34 deaths and damage to over 650 structures. In 2024, there were 279 e-bike and e-mobility device battery fires in NYC, a dramatic increase from the 30 that occurred in 2019.
    Last month, Gillibrand, Schumer, and Torres called on the CPSC to vote in favor of the NPRM on lithium-ion batteries as soon as possible in order to protect the lives of Americans who rely on e-bikes and e-scooters.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: May 20th, 2025 Heinrich Statement Blasting Senate Republicans’ Plans to Defy the Senate Parliamentarian & Force a Vote to Overturn California’s Clean Energy Air Act Waivers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich
    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, released the following statement after Senate Republicans announced their plans to defy the Senate parliamentarian and force a vote to overturn California’s Clean Energy Air Act Waivers:
    “If Senate Republicans force a vote on the California Clean Air Act Waivers, they set a precedent that will allow Congress to overturn nearly any agency decision nationwide. I urge my colleagues to reject this gross overreach. If they don’t, Congressional Review Act resolutions will quickly hijack the Senate floor to retroactively invalidate agency permits, adjudications, and licensing decisions – actions that were never previously considered ‘rules.’
    “We need a reliable energy permitting and approval system if we are going to meet our growing energy needs. But under Republicans’ proposal, Congress could invalidate permits for new oil and gas wells, established rights of way for transmission lines, and approvals of new LNG export terminals. That includes the Department of Energy’s recent approval of Commonwealth LNG’s application to export liquified natural gas. If not challenged immediately, a future administration could also submit Commonwealth’s authorization as a rule retroactively and halt the project years after it has begun construction.
    “By opening this door, Republicans threaten to destroy our permitting and regulatory system, leading to higher energy costs for Americans and making it impossible for new developments to come online. Indeed, nearly every major and minor project the federal government touches could be stalled, creating significant uncertainty if not complete chaos. That is not what the American people want, and it cannot be what Senate Republicans want, either.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto Grills Trump’s Nominee for IRS Commissioner about his Involvement in a Fraudulent Tax Scheme

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) grilled Billy Long, President Trump’s nominee to lead the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), about his involvement in a tax fraud scheme in which he encouraged people to claim a fake Tribal tax credit. Long repeatedly failed to provide her with clear answers.
    Long has close ties to Capital Edge and the White River Energy Corporation, which promoted Tribal tax credits that the IRS later confirmed do not exist. Long reported earning $65,000 for his work related to the scheme. Cortez Masto has repeatedly sounded the alarm about Long’s alleged participation in tax fraud. Last month, she called for a criminal investigation into this scheme, and last week, she demanded answers from the White River Energy Corporation. Long suddenly received thousands of dollars campaign donations from individuals employed by these companies shortly after he was nominated to serve as IRS Commissioner, which he used to pay off a personal loan to his campaign.
    Cortez Masto pressed Long on his admission that he was involved in the scam, saying “In response to the question ‘How many Tribal tax credit referrals did you work on for Capital Edge and White River?’ […] you responded, ‘Less than ten close friends and acquaintances to Capital Edge.’ So, you did refer Tribal tax credits to individuals, correct?”
    “I referred them to Capital Edge Strategies, yes,” Long replied.
    “Knowing that they are illegal, and the IRS has said they are illegal, how do you stand here before this committee and tell the Chairman just a few minutes ago that you have no conflict of interest?” Cortez Masto asked.
    Mr. Long did not provide a clear answer.
    “We have asked the IRS to investigate these Tribal tax credits and the scam, and the companies that were involved, and some of the companies allegedly that were involved were [White River Energy Corporation], a company that you received compensation from,” Cortez Masto said. “How can you sit here today and say there’s no conflict knowing now that there is an investigation underway with the IRS and we’re asking them to look at this scam and it may involve a company that you are affiliated with?”
    As the former top law enforcement official in Nevada, Senator Cortez Masto has been a leading voice fight fraud throughout her career. She sounded the alarm on increasing check fraud scams, which cost consumers millions of dollars each year. She introduced legislation to protect and support whistleblowers reporting wrongdoing to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and her bipartisan legislation to deter disruptive and potentially harmful phone calls and texts was signed into law in 2020.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: PASSED: Cortez Masto’s Bill to Exempt Tips from Federal Income Tax

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) celebrated the Senate passage of her bipartisan bill to exempt tipped wages from federal income tax. Thanks to the state’s world class service and hospitality industries, Nevada has the highest concentration of tipped workers in the country, and the No Tax on Tips Act will allow these workers to keep more of their hard-earned money. Cortez Masto encourages her colleagues in the House of Representatives to move forward with a clean version of this legislation, instead of attaching it to their harmful billionaire tax plan that cuts Medicaid and raises taxes on the working class.
    “I’m happy to work with anyone on legislation that’s going to improve Nevadans’ lives, and I’m pleased that my bipartisan bill to put more money in the pockets of hardworking Nevadans has passed the Senate,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “Tipped workers are the backbone of Nevada’s economy, and with prices skyrocketing, working families deserve this break. I hope the House of Representatives passes this bill that permanently ends federal taxes on tips, instead of House Republicans’ unserious version that sunsets no taxes on tips in just four years while gutting health care for the very working families they say they are standing with.”
    The bill exempts “cash tips” – cash, credit and debit card charges, and checks – from federal income tax by allowing taxpayers to claim a 100% deduction at filing for tipped wages. The updated text includes guardrails and income limits to ensure only traditionally tipped employees will benefit from No Tax on Tips. The legislation is cosponsored by Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.).
    This bill is just a piece of Senator Cortez Masto’s robust efforts to cut taxes and lower costs for hardworking Nevadans. Senator Cortez Masto helped introduce the Working Families Tax Relief Act to lower taxes for Nevada families by expanding the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit. Additionally, she supports raising the federal minimum wage and eliminating the minimum wage gap for tipped workers nationally. Nevada is one of seven states that already requires employers to pay tipped workers the full minimum wage rather than a sub-minimum wage.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: In An Appropriations Subcommittee Hearing, Durbin Presses Secretary Rubio On The U.S.’s Response To The Humanitarian Crisis In Gaza

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    May 20, 2025
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today participated in a Subcommittee hearing entitled “A Review of the President’s Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Request for the U.S. Department of State.” During the hearing, Durbin questioned Secretary of State Marco Rubio about the humanitarian crisis happening in Gaza and whether the response from the State Department has been adequate. According to UN estimates, 14,000 babies in Gaza could die in the next 48 hours if aid does not reach Gaza.
    “Three countries—France, United Kingdom, and Canada—made a statement, which I would like to summarize. You probably know it already. They said the resumption of aid into Gaza by Israel [is] ‘wholly inadequate.’ The United Kingdom paused free-trade talks with Israel and sanctioned Israeli settlers. And in the joint message by these three countries, allies of the United States, [they said] ‘If Israel does not cease the renewed military offensive and lift restrictions on humanitarian aid, we will take further, concrete action in response.’ Are we on the wrong side of history in watching this unfold and not responding as these three countries have?” Durbin asked.
    Secretary Rubio responded, “We are not prepared to respond the way these countries have.” He also continued to state that there is “an immediate, acute challenge of food and aid not reaching people and existing distribution systems that could get them there. So, we continue to work.” Secretary Rubio also continued to say that there should be a shared goal of defeating Hamas and ensuring the Palestinian people receive the aid they desperately need.
    “I agree with you. I think what you just said should be our policy. But I do not think we should use these people—these Palestinians, particularly these children—as just a casualty of war. This is a designed attack by Israel into Gaza. This is a designed decision by Israel not to provide humanitarian aid, food, medicine, [and] water. We provide quite a bit of money to Israel for its own defense and other purposes. Shouldn’t we be more forthcoming to speak out about this humanitarian crisis?” Durbin asked.
    Durbin concluded, “What are we waiting for? The children are dying.”
    Today, Durbin joined Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) in cosponsoring a resolution calling 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 express grave concern about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, including the imminent starvation of tens of thousands of children.
    Video of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here.
    Audio of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here.
    Footage of Durbin’s question in Committee is available here for TV stations.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Questions Witnesses In Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing On Defending Against Drones

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    May 20, 2025
    Today’s hearing highlighted the growing use of drones and how Congress can strike the right balance in response
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today questioned witnesses during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing entitled “Defending Against Drones: Setting Safeguards for Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems Authorities.” Today’s hearing highlighted the growing use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, and how Congress can strike the right balance in response. It also examined the existing statutory authorities that enable the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to track, disable, seize, and even shoot down drones. Finally, the hearing also provided an opportunity to consider how to provide sufficient authorities to law enforcement while also safeguarding the national airspace and important privacy rights and civil liberties—including ensuring that actions to counter drones respect First and Fourth Amendment rights and Fifth Amendment due process.
    Durbin began by asking Professor Laura Donohue, Professor of Law at Georgetown University; Director of Georgetown’s Center on National Security and the Law; and Director of the Center on Privacy and Technology, about the balance of protecting privacy and civil liberties, as well as our security, when it comes to the use of UAS.
    According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), there are more than one million drones registered in the United States for commercial and recreational purposes. While most are harmless, UAS can pose serious safety risks when flown near airports, other critical infrastructure, or near mass gatherings like sporting events, parades, or concerts. Drones can also be used by malicious actors including criminals, cartels, terrorist groups, and foreign adversaries.
    “If I were sitting in Wrigley Field… and I saw a drone overhead, I would want to be sure it was a safe and friendly drone. I don’t know that when I’m sitting there. Somebody has to find out or at least ask the question. With over one million drones in our country today… it raises a question of who is going to monitor that activity to make sure these are safe… [and] don’t endanger anyone. At the same time, those drones could be gathering information… and there is a privacy angle there too. Who is protecting the privacy of the people that they are gathering information on?”Durbin said. “How do you balance this?”
    Professor Donohue responded, “As a matter of large scale, outdoor events, most states have regulations and law in place that prohibit the use of drones over large scale events” and noted that many have carveouts that don’t allow others to fly drones over private property without the consent of the property owner themselves. She also noted that the way to balance civil liberties concerns is to make sure there are restrictions.
    Durbin continued by asking Professor Donohue, “Let’s talk about the practical world: you have air traffic controllers monitoring commercial aircraft… but in terms of monitoring actual drone activity to the point of knowing whether it is complying with the state law and if it is not, what to do about it, what’s the answer there? How is it enforced?”
    Professor Donohue responded that both states and the FAA play a role. Currently, DOJ and DHS are also authorized to conduct counter drone operations to protect certain covered facilities and assets related to their missions. However, existing authorities do not sufficiently cover airports, critical infrastructure, or events that federal authorities do not have the capacity or resources to protect. The way to balance these authorities with civil liberties, Professor Donohue noted, is to make sure that there are appropriate restrictions on these authorities.
    Durbin concluded by asking, “Professor Donohue, if counter drone authorities are not drafted carefully, could they permit government authorities to intercept data or communications in violation of the Fourth Amendment?”
    Professor Donohue simply responded, “Yes.”
    Video of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here.
    Audio of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here.
    Footage of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here for TV Stations.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy champions bill to block taxpayer funding of medical schools that indoctrinate students with DEI ideology

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)
    WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Budget Committee, today reintroduced the Embracing anti-Discrimination, Unbiased Curricula and Advancing Truth in Education (EDUCATE) Act, which would block federal funding for medical schools and accrediting institutions that force students to affirm ideological beliefs and prioritize diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). 
    “Medical schools should be in the business of training our future doctors to save lives—not indoctrinating students with anti-American DEI ideology. The EDUCATE Act would make sure the government isn’t wasting your money on woke struggle sessions and blatant discrimination in medical schools,” said Kennedy.
    Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) joined Kennedy in reintroducing the bill in the Senate.
    “For too long the radical Left has used our education system to advance their woke DEI agenda rather than advancing scientific achievement. This has now injected itself into medical schools across the nation putting the lives of countless Americans in danger all to appease the woke mob. I am proud to be leading this legislation to once again put merit above social justice quotas,” said Schmitt.
    Rep. Greg Murphy (R-N.C.) reintroduced the bill in the House of Representatives.
    “American medical schools are the best in the world and should remain free from discrimination, politicization, and acceptance of anything other than excellence. The EDUCATE Act bans race-based mandates at medical schools, protects the First Amendment and civil rights of students, and promotes objective, science-based medicine. Excluding individuals based on appearance or beliefs in the name of diversity is wrong and debases the integrity of the profession. Doctors must be taught to treat patients with the highest quality of care regardless of who they are. This includes dealing with other medical professionals who may not look like they do. I have dedicated my life to serving others as a physician and will not stand for discrimination in our nation’s institutions of medicine,” said Murphy. 
    Kennedy and Murphy also authored this op-ed in the Washington Examiner urging Congress to pass their EDUCATE Act.
    The EDUCATE Act would block federal funding from medical schools that:
    Direct, compel or incentivize students, faculty or staff to affirm or adopt certain ideological tenets.
    Take any action that would deprive a student of educational opportunities or otherwise adversely affect his or her status as a student on the basis of race or ethnicity.
    Require a course of instruction that directs or compels students, faculty or staff to state, pledge, recite, affirm or adopt certain ideological tenets. 
    Maintain a DEI or equivalent office within the medical school.
    Require or incentivize an individual to complete a diversity statement that affirms or capitulates to DEI as a condition of the person’s being admitted to or employed by a school.
    Do No Harm, America First Policy Institute, Eagle Forum, Heritage Action and CPAC support the EDUCATE Act.
    “Do No Harm applauds Congressman Murphy and Senator Kennedy for their relentless work to end harmful DEI practices and to restore integrity to American medical schools. For too long, accrediting bodies and medical colleges have prioritized identity politics over merit and expertise—putting patients’ health at serious risk. President Trump’s Administration has taken critical steps to dismantle these political activists’ grip on medical education, even causing some accreditors and schools to suspend their discriminatory practices. But the EDUCATE Act could enshrine the President’s actions into law, thereby eradicating DEI programs from medical education permanently,” said Dr. Stanley Goldfarb, founder and Board Chairman of Do No Harm. 
    “Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives are an offshoot of Critical Race Theory—designed to promote race-stereotyping, race-exclusion, and indoctrination into divisive far-left ideologies. When publicly funded universities and medical schools teach students to make snap judgments about each other and our broader society based on skin color, they are conditioning them to reject foundational American commitments, including equal treatment and opportunity for all, administrative impartiality, and due process. Congressman Murphy’s bill is an essential first step toward restoring academic excellence and truth-seeking as the focal points of medical education so that tomorrow’s health professionals are prepared to provide exceptional care to every patient, regardless of their race or sex,” said Dr. Michael Shires, Ph.D., Vice Chair of Education Opportunity at the America First Policy Institute. 
    “DEI has invaded US medical schools like a virus in recent years—harming these institutions and the public as well. Senator Kennedy’s EDUCATE Act is the cure. We urge the Senate to move this bill forward,” said Kris Ullman, President of the Eagle Forum.
    Full text of the EDUCATE Act is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: House passes Kennedy resolution to undo cumbersome Biden-era bank merger rule

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)
    WASHINGTON – The U.S. House of Representatives today passed Sen. John Kennedy’s (R-La.) joint resolution of disapproval under Congressional Review Act (CRA) procedures to block an Office of Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) rule that delays the bank merger approval process by adding more red tape that could lead to consumer uncertainty. It now moves to the president’s desk for signing.
    “When the Biden administration decided to tinker with bank merger rules for no good reason, they threw a gut punch to small community banks just trying to offer their customers a good service. I’m grateful to the U.S. House of Representatives for doing the right thing, and I look forward to President Trump signing my resolution to undo this cumbersome regulation,” said Kennedy.
    Rep. Andy Barr (R-Ky.), chairman of the Financial Institutions Subcommittee on the House Financial Services Committee, introduced the companion resolution in the House of Representatives.
    “Bank mergers create competition and efficiency in the banking system. By eliminating this rule, we will remove unnecessary guardrails on the bank merger process that make smaller and medium-sized banks less competitive. This is another win for President Trump, who is making our economy stronger by cutting government red-tape and unleashing the free market,” said Barr.
    The Biden administration’s rule, which went into effect on Jan. 1, 2025, amended the Bank Merger Act of 1960 to make it harder for the OCC to approve healthy bank mergers quickly. Kennedy’s resolution would reverse the Biden administration’s misguided rule so that banks can stay in business and serve hardworking Americans.
    Background:
    Historically, the OCC assumed that a potential merger passed muster if the agency took no action on a merger application within 15 days. The burden of showing that a merger would harm business and consumers fell on the OCC and bank regulators.
    The Biden administration’s rule shifted the burden of proof to individual banks, making it harder for banks—particularly community banks—to fulfill their obligations by making smart, strategic mergers. 
    In Feb. 2025, Kennedy introduced his resolution to undo the Biden administration’s rule.
    On May 8, 2025, the Senate passed Kennedy’s resolution of disapproval. Sens. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) were cosponsors.
    The American Bankers Association (ABA) supports Kennedy’s resolution.
    “We applaud today’s House passage of the Congressional Review Act resolution nullifying the OCC’s flawed bank merger rule, and we thank Rep. Andy Barr for leading this effort. This action, along with the companion resolution led by Sen. John Kennedy and passed by the Senate, will provide regulators with the opportunity to reenvision the framework governing bank mergers so that it more effectively promotes competition while allowing banks to better serve their customers. We look forward to President Trump signing this important resolution into law,” said Rob Nichols, President and CEO of the ABA.
    Text of the resolution is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: VIDEO: Senator Rosen Blasts Secretary Rubio for Complicity in Trump Administration’s Disastrous Foreign Policies

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
    Watch the full exchange HERE.
    WASHINGTON, DC – During a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) blasted Secretary of State Marco Rubio for his complicity in the Trump Administration’s disastrous approach to U.S. foreign policy. Under Secretary Rubio’s leadership, the Administration has slashed development and humanitarian programs critical to our national security, including programs that then-Senator Rubio supported. In her line of questioning, Senator Rosen pressed Secretary Rubio about plans to eliminate the State Department’s Office of Global Women’s Issues, the Office of the Security Coordinator in Israel, and international vaccines through Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.
    Below is an excerpt from Senator Rosen’s introduction:
    Senator Rosen: Secretary Rubio, I’m going to embrace my Jewish mother instincts for a moment.
    As a mother, a senator, and a fellow human being, I can tell you that I’m not even mad anymore about your complicity in this Administration’s destruction of U.S. global leadership. I’m simply disappointed. 
    And I wonder if you’re proud of yourself in this moment when you go home to your family because I have always found you, Senator Rubio, to be a bipartisan pragmatic partner, a true believer that the U.S. is stronger when we lead with diplomacy and development. You have a strong record on this. 
    But I don’t recognize Secretary Rubio. A stalwart supporter of Israel, you have watched this Administration abandon Saudi normalization with Israel in order to pursue business deals. You were once a fierce critic of Vladimir Putin but you sat idly by as the President berated the elected leader of Ukraine for not capitulating to Russia. And worst of all, you’ve kneecapped foreign assistance, including programs that you previously championed and made America less safe, less strong, less prosperous in doing so. 
    I know you know this in your heart and I can’t make this point any better than you did yourself in 2019 when you said “Anybody who tells you that we can slash foreign aid and that will bring us to balance is lying to you.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: BREAKING: In Senate, Rosen Passes Her Bipartisan Bill to Eliminate Taxes on Tips, Helping Deliver Tax Breaks for Nevada Workers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
    Senator Rosen Asked For And Received Unanimous Consent To Pass Her Bill To Eliminate Federal Income Tax On Tips
    Watch Senator Rosen’s remarks on the Senate floor HERE.
    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) took to the Senate floor to ask for unanimous consent to pass her bipartisan No Tax on Tips Act, which would exempt American workers’ tipped wages from federal income tax. Senator Rosen successfully passed the bipartisan legislation after receiving no objections on the Senate floor. The bill now heads to the U.S. House of Representatives to be considered.
    Nevada has the highest concentration of tipped workers in the nation, and the bipartisan No Tax on Tips Act would allow workers to keep their tips without paying federal income tax on them. This legislation also includes guardrails to ensure that it benefits Nevadans who need it most, and not CEOs and wealthy individuals. 
    Below are excerpts from Senator Rosen’s remarks:
    “No tax on tips” was one of President Trump’s key promises to the American people, which he unveiled in my state of Nevada. 
    And, I am not afraid to embrace a good idea, wherever it comes from.
    So I agreed we need to get this done. It’s not a time for politics, it’s a time for progress for hard-working Americans.
    This bipartisan bill is a good idea. It has support from Democrats and Republicans, so we should pass it, well, as soon as possible, without any poison pills.
    The problem is that House Republicans have included a version of the No Tax on Tips Act in their bigger budget bill, a bill that cuts Medicaid, SNAP, and other programs families rely on to give more tax breaks for billionaires and the ultra-wealthy. 
    We shouldn’t be forcing working families to choose between keeping their health care or keeping their tips, which is why we want this bipartisan bill on its own – on its own – not part of a harmful, extreme budget bill.
    If we are serious about providing service employees with financial relief, let’s do it now, let’s do it today!
    The American people, they get sick and tired of Washington games.
    Let’s pass this bill without playing politics or taking away health care and food assistance from families who need it most.
    Let’s pass it by itself.
    And so that’s why I’m calling on the Senate to pass the bipartisan No Tax on Tips Act right here, right now, as a standalone bill.
    We’re going to cut taxes for real hard-working Americans, for Nevadans, for everyone – not just for billionaires. 
    We’re going to cut taxes on service workers’ tips without cutting Medicaid or SNAP. 
    And let’s get this done with strong guardrails so CEOs and the ultra-wealthy don’t exploit loopholes meant to help working people. And let’s pass it today.
    Nevadans sent me here to fight for them – and I’m going to keep working to lower costs, raise wages, and make sure the people who power our economy, our working families, can keep more of what they earn.
    And through this bipartisan bill, it shows that I am not going to allow Washington gridlock and partisanship to block a bill without a fight. That’s why we’re going to pass it today.
    I’m taking matters into my own hands with the support of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass our bipartisan No Tax on Tips Act by unanimous consent.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner, Kaine, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Combat Doge’s Unsafe Retention of Personal Information

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner (D-VA), a member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, Tim Kaine (D-VA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), and Peter Welch (D-VT) introduced the Defending Our Government’s Electronic data: Bolstering Responsible Oversight & Safeguards (DOGE BROS) Act, legislation to hold Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) accountable for their continued efforts to improperly access, and retain, individuals’ personally identifiable information (PII) including names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, Social Security numbers, and other financial information.
    “As unvetted and unqualified DOGE employees continue to recklessly access the sensitive personal information of millions of Americans, it’s important that we take steps to better protect this data,” Warner said. “For too long, our privacy laws have sat outdated, barely serving as a deterrent for improper handling or potential release of information. This legislation would enforce that privacy must be a priority when handling the data of the American public.”
    “Elon Musk and his ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ are wreaking havoc across the government and gaining access to Americans’ sensitive information without proper authorization, which poses significant privacy and national security concerns,” Kaine said. “That’s why I’m introducing this bill to increase the penalties for violating privacy laws and help safeguard Americans’ personal information.”
    “Elon Musk and his DOGE cronies have been illegally ransacking federal agencies to gain access to troves of Americans’ sensitive personal data – from Social Security numbers to medical records to bank account information. Strengthening penalties for the theft of this data will help further deter these illegal abuses and keep Americans’ private information safe,” Van Hollen said.
    “The American people do not want Elon Musk knowing their Social Security numbers and sifting through their financial information. Musk and his team of wildly unqualified DOGE employees have gone too far – and we are sick of it. The Senate needs to prove we care more about those we serve than Elon Musk. Let’s immediately pass this legislation to protect the data and privacy of the American people,” Alsobrooks said.
    “From day one, Elon Musk’s DOGE has taken a wrecking ball to the federal government and critical services for the American people, all while carelessly pursuing their sensitive personal data,” Luján said. “Congress must do more to protect that information and keep it out of the wrong hands. That’s why I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing legislation to strengthen our privacy laws and put Americans’ privacy first.”
    “Elon Musk’s so-called ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ and his DOGE agents are wreaking havoc on the federal government and the programs millions of Americans rely on. There’s no reason DOGE should gain access to Vermonters’ personal information, and I’m working with my colleagues to hold DOGE accountable and protect peoples’ privacy and data,” Welch said. 
    The United States has existing laws that are designed to protect personal information held by the government. However, the penalties established in these various laws have not been properly adjusted or increased to account for inflation, making them far less impactful today. The DOGE BROS Act would increase five penalties for violation of federal privacy laws to better protect the sensitive information that DOGE is accessing in their reckless purge of the federal government. Specifically, the DOGE BROS Act would increase the following existing penalties for the unauthorized release of the following information:
    Individually Identifiable Information Contained Within Any Agency Record 
    Code Section: 5 U.S.C. §552a(i)(i, ii, iii)
    Current Penalty: up to $5,000
    Proposed Penalty: up to $30,000

    Information from Any Department or Agency of the United States Obtained Using a Computer Without Authorization
    Code Section: 18 U.S.C. 1030(a)(2)(B)
    Current Penalty: up to $250,000
    Proposed Penalty: up to $750,000

    Social Security and Medicare Data
    Code Sections: 42 U.S.C. §1306
    Current Penalty: up to $10,000
    Proposed Penalty: up to $25,000

    Tax Return Information
    Code Section: 26 U.S.C. §7213
    Current Penalty: up to $5,000
    Proposed Penalty: up to $25,000

    Census Data
    Code Section: 13 U.S.C. §214
    Current Penalty: up to $5,000
    Proposed Penalty: up to $25,000

    Copy of the bill text is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: WATCH: Baldwin Hits RFK, Jr. on Devastating Cuts to Clinical Trials, Cancer and Alzheimer’s Research at Senate Hearing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) questioned Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. at a Senate hearing on why his agency has dramatically stopped research for lifesaving cures and clinical trials for cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, ALS, and more. Last week, a report found the Trump Administration has effectively cut nearly $3 billion in National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding in the first three months of 2025, which Mr. Kennedy oversees.
    The hearing was in front of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health, and Human Services, where Senator Baldwin serves as Ranking Member. A recent report found that Trump officials effectively cut $2.7 billion in NIH funding in the first three months of 2025 – including a 31 percent cut to cancer research through March, compared to the same timeframe last year. Those cuts have resulted in 3,288 fewer disease studies and research projects being funded compared to last year. Senator Baldwin led a forum earlier this year to spotlight how cuts are impacting researchers and Americans in clinical trials.
    Last week, Senator Baldwin pressed Secretary Kennedy on how staffing cuts at HHS has slowed Milwaukee’s response to a lead crisis in schools and how frozen funding for Wisconsin Head Starts threatened critical care for families.
    A recording of Senator Baldwin’s questions is available here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –