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Category: US Senate

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy, Van Hollen, Sanders, Kaine, Schatz File Joint Resolutions Of Disapproval On $1.6B In Arms Sales To United Arab Emirates

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    May 15, 2025

    WASHINGTON–As President Trump actively engages in the corruption of U.S. foreign policy, U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), and Tim Kaine (D-Va.), members of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) on Thursday filed joint resolutions of disapproval (JRD) that would block three arms sales to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). At the Token 2049 crypto conference in Dubai in April, MGX, an investment firm backed by the Emiratis, announced that it would use a stablecoin issued by World Liberty Financial, a crypto company directly backed by the Trump family, to facilitate a $2 billion investment in the Binance cryptocurrency exchange. Concerns have also been raised about the UAE’s arming of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), who have killed tens of thousands of people in Sudan and furthered the civil war in that country.
    The three sales include:
    Six CH-47F Block II Chinook helicopters and associated equipment, valued at $1.32 billion (see text)
    F-16 aircraft components, accessories and defense services, valued at $130 million (see text)
    Spare and repair parts to support the United Arab Emirates’ fleet of AH-64 Apache, UH-60 Black Hawk, and CH-47 Chinook aircraft, and other logistics and program support, valued at $150 million (see text)
    “The Emiratis invested $2 billion in a company run by the sons of the President of the United States and the Special Envoy to the Middle East. Now, the administration wants to sell $1.6 billion in military aircraft to the UAE. Trump’s foreign policy is really that simple – make him and his family richer in exchange for favors like arms sales and access to our most advanced computer chips. If a foreign government is participating in this kind of nuclear grade corruption by directly enriching the President and his family, we are going to force a full Senate debate on that behavior and a vote on their security relationship with the United States,” said Murphy.
    “As I’ve repeatedly said, the United States should not provide weapons to the UAE until they cease arming the murderous RSF – a paramilitary group in Sudan that has prolonged the civil war, brought on humanitarian catastrophe, and committed genocide. The U.S. should not be delivering weapons to the UAE as it aids and abets this humanitarian disaster and gross human rights violations. We must stop this corrupt Trump family crypto-for-arms deal and use our leverage to prevent more suffering in Sudan – and bring its civil war to a peaceful resolution,” said Van Hollen.
    “Everywhere I go in Virginia, I hear about how worried folks are about price hikes because of President Trump’s tariffs and the massive cuts he’s trying to implement on basic government services, including Medicaid. Meanwhile, he’s hatching secret plans with corrupt foreign governments to enrich himself with crypto deals, golf courses, and a luxury plane?” said Kaine. “I’m glad to be working with my colleagues to force votes on legislation challenging arms sales to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates to make it clear that bribing an American president is one of the fastest ways to poison your relationship with the United States. Countries around the world should take notice.”
    “Trump’s personal business ties with the UAE while pushing for U.S. arms sales is a blatant conflict of interest,” said Schatz. “This is no way for the leader of the free world to conduct foreign policy.”
    “The UAE is exploiting Trump’s greed by routing $2 billion through a cryptocurrency scheme that will bring his family tens of millions a year, all while lobbying the President for arms sales and access to sensitive technology. This is blatant corruption and we must not let it stand,” said Sanders.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murray Grills Administrator Zeldin Over Plans to Destroy EPA

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
    Murray calls out ongoing defiance of appropriations laws
    ***WATCH: Senator Murray’s remarks and questioning***
    Washington, D.C. — Today, at a Senate Appropriations Interior Subcommittee hearing on the fiscal year 2026 budget for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, blasted the Trump administration’s mass firings and proposed budget cuts at the EPA and called out Administrator Lee Zeldin for cancelling grants across the country and illegally blocking funding approved by Congress.
    In opening comments, Vice Chair Murray said:
    “Administrator Zeldin, you helm an agency that was created by a Republican president that is responsible for making sure that Americans can drink clean water, breathe clean air, and lead healthy lives.
    “It seems to me the Trump administration’s entire vision for your agency amounts to ‘burn it down.’ Now, burning down the EPA might be a great way to generate smog, but it is a terrible way to protect families’ health.
    “Look at the $25 billion in federal funding you have been illegally freezing and cancelling in my state and across the country. We’re talking about investments for things like heat pumps to reduce energy costs and pollution, wildfire preparedness to prevent smoke exposure, or infrastructure upgrades to protect drinking water from floods and earthquakes.
    “Blocking this funding is hurting communities everywhere, and it has prompted lawsuits, as well as investigations by the Government Accountability Office, and I have to say to you: it is unacceptable to hear from GAO that your agency has not been cooperating with those requests from them.
    “And now, the President’s request would slash funding for your agency by over 50 percent—taking it back to levels last seen 50 years ago, by the way. And I should note: protecting the health and well-being of the American public does not happen on its own.
    “The EPA is powered by skilled and dedicated public servants—a group you have worked to demonize for months on end.
    “Now, while you proudly gut your own agency’s workforce, you leave hard-working Americans suffering the consequences.
    “Your job is to make sure our kids have clean water when they turn on the tap, fresh air when they go outside. Your job is to make sure our rivers in Washington state are full of salmon, not toxic sludge. And your job is to follow the law and to get the funds out that Congress passed.
    “For the past two years, this Committee has passed bipartisan spending bills to invest in the EPA, and into our communities.
    “And, despite the draconian budget you have put forward, I’m going to be pushing to work with this Committee on a bipartisan agreement once again that safeguards our health and our environment.”
    [EPA STAFFING & BUDGET CUTS]
    Senator Murray began her questioning by calling out how Administrator Zeldin and Trump are firing EPA employees en masse and proposing draconian funding cuts. “Now, Administrator Zeldin, at the same time you propose cutting the EPA’s budget by 54%, and slashing staff by over 20%, and gutting many of the EPA’s core programs, you insist that, despite these cuts, the EPA can carry out the congressional directives of the bill we passed with bipartisan support through this committee—without compromising the EPA’s responsibilities. There is no way that could be true,” Senator Murray stated, continuing: “Do you understand, Administrator, that your job is to execute the bipartisan laws negotiated in this committee and in Congress, and carry them out faithfully? Not to gut the programs that Congress passes into law?”
    “Of course, we will fulfill all statutory obligations. And I would encourage you to read the announcement that we put out the morning of the President’s 100th day that has 100 environmental wins from the first 100 days of the Trump presidency. I don’t know if you’ve had an opportunity to read it yet,” responded Administrator Zeldin.
    “Well, I have had an opportunity to see your budget. And when you eliminate offices, and slash staffing, and propose cutting the budget in half of EPA—you are making certain that the government will not be able to protect the public from pollution. That is not what Congress intended,” Murray replied.
    [PROPOSED CUTS TO CATEGORICAL GRANTS TO STATES]
    Senator Murray then pressed Administrator Zeldin on how states are supposed to continue enforcement of federal environmental laws without funding the federal government has long provided, since the Trump budget request proposes massive cuts. “Now, the federal government has given states significant responsibility to implement our bedrock environmental laws, like enforcement of the Clean Water Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act. EPA provides basic funding—categorical grants—to every single state so they can carry out more than 90% of the on the groundwork that is necessary to comply with environmental laws. Your budget cuts 16 of 19 categorical grant programs, which the Environmental Council of the States—a bipartisan organization of environmental agency directors from all 50 states—says will ‘incapacitate state environmental programs.’ That’s from them, not from me. We are talking about massive cuts. $843 million for Texas, $459 million for Florida, $169 million for Louisiana. It’s hard to see as this is anything other than the EPA abandoning its responsibility to states. And I wanted to ask you, have you consulted with any of the states on this proposal to eliminate almost all the categorical grant funding?” askedSenator Murray.
    “Every aspect of this skinny budget was done deliberately as a result of a lot of conversation—a lot of thoughtful conversation,” Zeldin stated.
    “With the states?” Senator Murray followed up.
    “States are absolutely included as it relates to conversations that we take place—that conversations that take place, about our priorities,” Zeldin responded.
    “Well, I will say: my state and many of the states said this would be devastating, and states cannot shoulder this burden,” replied Senator Murray. “And I look forward to working with this committee to—as we’ve done before, in a bipartisan way—make sure that we fund these programs.”
    [TERMINATED EXTREME WEATHER PREPAREDNESS GRANT]
    Finally, Senator Murray pressed Administrator Zeldin on the mass termination of EPA grants, including one for extreme weather and wildfire preparedness in Spokane, Washington. “Finally, your agency has been cutting billions of dollars in grants indiscriminately, irrationally, across the country including in my home state of Washington. And I want to give you an example. Wildfire and extreme heat waves. They are major threats to public health for a lot of the country. A few weeks ago, the EPA terminated a grant that would have made sure community centers in Spokane had the infrastructure needed to serve as a refuge during extreme weather and wildfire emergencies. There was no explanation for that cancelation. That is a community that saw 19 people die and over 300 people hospitalized during a heat wave a few short years ago, where wildfires are a constant threat. So let me ask you, is it woke to protect people from wildfires and heat stroke?” Senator Murray fired back.
    “I don’t know if you’re going to get anyone in America to answer yes to the way you put that question out there,” Administrator Zeldin said, avoiding the question.
    “Well, is it inefficient? Is it wasteful? Why was this grant eliminated?” responded Senator Murray.
    Administrator Zeldin refused to answer: “Well, there are hundreds of grants. I would have to have that individual grant in front of me. One of the… while Congress sets an appropriated level on a particular type of grant, we need to make sure that over the course of the fiscal year, that that money is…”
    Senator Murray interjected, stating: “Well apparently, after four months, you decided that this community—Spokane—didn’t need to deal with their extreme weather and wildfire emergencies. I don’t know whether you won’t tell me whether it’s inefficient, wasteful, whatever your word is. But you need to know that you’re abandoning communities in my state across the country. And that funding was appropriated for work exactly like this. Thank you, Madam Chair.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murray Slams Sweeping Funding Freeze at DOT, Grills Duffy on Massive Staffing Cuts at FAA, Across DOT

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    ***WATCH: Senator Murray’s remarks and questioning***

    Washington, D.C. — Today, at a Senate Appropriations Transportation and Housing and Urban Development Subcommittee hearing on the fiscal year 2026 budget request for the Department of Transportation (DOT), U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, called out how this administration has illegally frozen, cancelled, and slow-walked federal funding for transportation projects across America and grilled Secretary Sean Duffy on how exactly the significant reductions in staff at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) impact the agency’s core mission of keeping Americans safe. She also pressed him to detail the significant cuts implied in President Trump’s preliminary budget request for DOT and asked when exactly the full budget will arrive.

    In opening comments, Vice Chair Murray said:

    “Secretary Duffy, let me turn to you, as you know, every day, billions of dollars in commerce and countless lives depend on your agency to keep our roads, our rails, our skies, and our ports running safely and smoothly.

    “You are responsible for getting hundreds of billions of dollars provided by Congress out the door to build thousands of infrastructure projects across our country.

    “Yet, since January 20, virtually every dollar and transportation project has been held up at some point, and you are causing a traffic jam. From freezing funding for projects, to creating new hurdles by re-evaluating grants that had already been approved, adding red tape by forcing unacceptable political demands on state and local transportation agencies, and outright actually cancelling and cutting grants.

    “This is not normal.

    “No prior transportation secretary has cut funding for previously awarded grants in this manner. It is really to me, a political and partisan approach that really actually sets a terrible precedent.

    “I know at the House appropriations hearing yesterday, you blamed the previous Administration for absolutely everything. But I just want to say this today: the last administration did not make the decision to hold up thousands of grants, had nothing to do with the new red tape that you have created, and certainly did not let go of hundreds of staff that help get those grants out the door.

    “In fact, the last administration increased the number of grants signed from 330 in its first year, to over 1,500 last year—executing more than 3,350 projects.

    “So, you can’t blame Secretary Buttigieg or President Biden—it simply does not pass muster.

    “All the while, we know you have pushed out nearly 5,000 DOT employees through firings and buyouts, and you have actually said you’ll fire thousands more.

    “We don’t need fewer people keeping trains on the tracks, making sure air bags work, or rebuilding our roads and public transit systems.

    “We actually need more of them.

    “In recent months, we’ve seen unacceptable chaos at the Newark airport, the devastating crash at DCA, and too many other close calls.

    “And while you talk about modernizing the air traffic control system, you have forced out more than 2,000 FAA employees who support those air traffic controllers: the technicians, the mechanics, the engineers, the IT specialists at the FAA who were working on modernization.

    “Which I think is a huge mistake—and you just can’t paper over it.

    “Now regarding your recent FAA proposal, I stand ready to work with Chair Collins, along with Chair Hyde-Smith and Ranking Member Gillibrand, to make sure that Congress does provide the resources FAA needs in our FY26 funding bill and across future years, in order to address the glaring issues and failures we’ve seen—and to do so without shortchanging any other priorities.”

    [FAA WORKERS PUSHED OUT]

    Senator Murray began her questioning by noting that modernizing the air traffic control system is critical—but that Secretary Duffy has pushed out thousands of critical support staff necessary for that work, stating: “On aviation safety, you have proposed to modernize the air traffic control system. This committee has jurisdiction over the FAA’s Facilities and Equipment funding, but your proposal was not included in the President’s FY26 budget. We need the actual dollars and cents plan. So let me ask you: how many of the over 2,000 FAA employees that have been pushed out over the last few months will be needed to be brought back in order to modernize the system?”

    Secretary Duffy replied that he did not believe any of those lost employees would need to be brought back on, stating in part: “I don’t think any of them will need to be brought back.”

    Senator Murray pushed back, noting that: “What we have seen is really critical employees to the mission, are now gone. As I said, technicians and mechanics. You can have all air traffic controllers there, but if they don’t have the support staff, we can’t know that they’re doing the job.”

    Secretary Duffy replied that he didn’t believe the over 2,000 FAA staff pushed out were a concern, stating: “I would say that we don’t have a support staff issue with FAA. We don’t have enough controllers for the skies that we have in America. So, that is the issue that I’m addressing.”

    Senator Murray then noted: “Since you became Secretary, air traffic controllers have twice received ‘Fork in the Road’ emails encouraging them to resign, which you have, I know sent mistakenly, but it is—”

    “But none of them have taken it, they can’t take it because they’re not included,” demurred Secretary Duffy.

    Senator Murray continued, “Well, they received the email. You’re an employee. You got the same email. And I just think it’s really callous to suggest to controllers, these emails saying your work is not valued. So, do you know who sent those emails to our air traffic controllers?”

    Secretary Duffy dodged.

    “I just asked: who?” pressed Senator Murray.

    “I don’t know. I don’t know. No, I don’t know how they would have gotten those emails,” replied Secretary Duffy.

    Senator Murray continued asking, “You don’t know who sent it? Nobody’s been fired for sending those emails?”

    Secretary Duffy responded, in part: “That they would have had the wrong email for an air traffic controller versus someone else in the FAA? No, I’m not going to fire someone over that.”

    Senator Murray continued, noting that essential oversight of Boeing must continue: “You and I have also talked about the importance of the FAA’s oversight of Boeing, and I know you visited there in March. I am going to be tracking carefully to make sure the more than 50 new staff needed to support Boeing oversight are hired and you have backfilled any employees.”

    [PROPOSED BUDGET CUTS]

    Senator Murray went on to ask Secretary Duffy about the preliminary budget request for DOT, which fails to detail large cuts that it proposes, stating: “The skinny budget that you sent to us proposes about a $3 billion increase to specific DOT programs—but overall, your topline only increases $1.5 billion. So, you spell out about $300 million in cuts directly, you leave one billion dollars in cuts that this budget implies that are not there. So, we need the details of that in order for us to do that. Do you know when we will get that?”

    Secretary Duffy replied, “I don’t have an exact date for the exact budget, but I look forward to getting it to you as quickly as possible. Obviously, we work with OMB on the whole—”

    “You do realize the discrepancy in the numbers, that we need to see where it is,” pushed back Senator Murray.

    “It’ll all match up when we give you the complete details,” said Secretary Duffy.

    Senator Murray continued to inquire, “And do you know when that will be too?”

    Secretary Duffy said again he had no details, “I don’t have a date from OMB yet, when that’s going to be completed.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville Joins 51 Republicans in Calling for Dismantlement of Iran’s Nuclear Program

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and 50 Republican colleagues in sending a letter to President Trump regarding the administration’s ongoing negotiations with Iran. The letter calls on the Trump administration to secure a deal that results in the full dismantlement of the Iranian nuclear program, including permanently ending the regime’s capacity to enrich uranium.
    Sen. Tuberville has spoken numerous times in support of President Trump’s policy approach toward Iran.
    “We write to express our strong support for your efforts to secure a deal with Iran that dismantles its nuclear program, and to reinforce the explicit warnings that you and officials in your administration have issued that the regime must permanently give up any capacity for enrichment,” wrote the Senators.
    “We cannot afford another agreement that enables Iran to play for time, as the JCPOA did. The Iranian regime should know that the administration has Congressional backing to ensure their ability to enrich uranium is permanently eliminated. As always we stand ready to provide you and your administration whatever resources you need to advance American national security interests,” the Senators continued.
    Joining Sens. Tuberville and Ricketts are Sens. Jim Banks (R-IN), John Barrasso (R-WY), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), John Boozman (R-AR), Katie Britt (R-AL), Ted Budd (R-NC), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Shelly Moore Capito (R-WV), Susan Collins (R-ME), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mike Crapo (R-ID), John Cornyn (R-TX), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Ted Cruz (R-TX), John Curtis (R-UT), Steve Daines (R-MT), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Josh Hawley (R-MO), John Hoeven (R-ND), Jon Husted (R-OH), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Jim Justice (R-WV), John Kennedy (R-LA), James Lankford (R-OK), Mike Lee (R-UT), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Dave McCormick (R-PA), Ashley Moody (R-FL), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Bernie Moreno (R-OH), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Jim Risch (R-ID), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Rick Scott (R-FL), Tim Scott (R-SC), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Thom Tillis (R-NC), John Thune (R-SD), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Todd Young (R-IN) in signing the letter.
    Read the full letter below or here. 
    “Dear Mr. Trump:
    We write to express our strong support for your efforts to secure a deal with Iran that dismantles its nuclear program, and to reinforce the explicit warnings that you and officials in your administration have issued that the regime must permanently give up any capacity for enrichment.
    During your first term you withdrew the United States from the deeply broken Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and imposed maximum pressure on the regime. As you said then, a fatal flaw of the deal was that it ‘allowed Iran to continue enriching uranium and, over time, reach the brink of a nuclear breakout.’  The JCPOA allowed Iran to sell oil, provided waivers allowing third countries to help Iran build out its nuclear program, and included the termination of United Nations sanctions on the regime. Despite critics claiming your withdrawal from the deal would allow Iran to advance its nuclear ambitions, the Iranian regime remained deterred from making substantial nuclear progress throughout your term because of your maximum pressure campaign.
    Tragically, the Biden administration systematically undid that pressure, functionally re-implementing the nuclear deal. They immediately rescinded your decision to reimpose U.N. sanctions, allowed Iran to sell oil at JCPOA-levels, and even re-issued waivers allowing Iran to build out its nuclear program. As you predicted, those policies indeed allowed Iran to reach the brink of nuclear breakout, which is where they are today. The Biden administration made those concessions without any reciprocal concessions from Iran, and Iran even ceased providing international inspectors access to significant parts of its nuclear program in the early days of the Biden administration.
    The scope and breadth of Iran’s nuclear buildout have made it impossible to verify any new deal that allows Iran to continue enriching uranium. In its most recent report, published on February 26, the International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed that because of Iran’s activities over the last four years, ‘the Agency has lost continuity of knowledge in relation to the production and current inventory of centrifuges, rotors and bellows, heavy water and UOC, which it will not be possible to restore.’
    You and your administration have therefore correctly drawn a redline against any deal that allows Iran to retain any enrichment capability. Your National Security Presidential Memorandum on Iran stated that “Iran’s nuclear program, including its enrichment- and reprocessing-related capabilities and nuclear-capable missiles, poses an existential danger to the United States and the entire civilized world,” and you recently said that only ‘full dismantlement’ of those capabilities would be acceptable. Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff has made it clear in that context of negotiation that for any final arrangement to work, “Iran must stop and eliminate its nuclear enrichment and weaponization program.” 
    We cannot afford another agreement that enables Iran to play for time, as the JCPOA did. The Iranian regime should know that the administration has Congressional backing to ensure their ability to enrich uranium is permanently eliminated. 
    As always we stand ready to provide you and your administration whatever resources you need to advance American national security interests.
    Sincerely,”
    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: May 14th, 2025 Heinrich Votes Against Advancing Nominees for the Interior Solicitor and Energy Assistant Secretary of Energy for Electricity

    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, voted no against William Doffermyre’s nomination to be the Department of the Interior (DOI) Solicitor and Catherine Jereza’s nomination to be the Department of Energy Assistant Secretary for Electricity.

    Last week, Heinrich pressed Doffermyre on the Interior Department’s failure to unfreeze federal funding that was passed into law and adhere to court rulings. Heinrich also questioned Doffermyre on his views on permitting reform and complying with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

    Referring to his no vote on Mr. Doffermyre, Heinrich said, “I have been particularly troubled by the Acting Solicitor’s decision to summarily revoke all of the legal opinions issued by the previous Solicitor, including one issued in response to a federal court decision.”

    “Similarly, I take strong exception to the Department’s decision to stop work on the Empire Wind Project, and its intention to shorten environmental reviews to an unrealistic 90 days,” continued Heinrich. “I did not get a sense from Mr. Doffermyre that he shared my concerns and would correct these matters if confirmed.”

    On his no vote on Ms. Jereza, Heinrich said, “I am also unable to vote for Ms. Jereza because of her role in withholding funds for life-sustaining solar and battery energy projects at community healthcare centers in Puerto Rico in her current job as senior advisor to the Under Secretary for Infrastructure.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Calls On Trump White House To Honor Blue Slip Rule For U.S. Attorneys During Senate Judiciary Committee Executive Business Meeting

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    May 15, 2025

    During his remarks, Durbin also questioned the legal status of Ms. Pirro’s appointment to be Interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia

    WASHINGTON – During today’s Senate Judiciary Committee executive business meeting,

    U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, called on the White House to work in good faith with Senators from both sides of the aisle to find U.S. Attorney candidates who will have home state support. Durbin cautioned that while this has been the case for filling some vacancies, not all Democratic Senators have been afforded the same opportunity to consult with the Trump White House.

    Durbin also noted that because of then-Senator J.D. Vance holding U.S. Attorney nominations during the Biden Administration, there is now a new precedent for roll call votes on the Floor for confirming U.S. Attorney nominees. For decades, the Senate confirmed U.S. Attorneys by voice vote or unanimous consent after they had been considered in the Judiciary Committee. That precedent changed during the Biden Administration when a Senate Republican refused to allow the Senate to confirm nearly a dozen Justice Department nominees by voice vote—the typical practice. During the first Trump Administration, all 85 of President Trump’s U.S. Attorney nominees moved through the Judiciary Committee and were confirmed by the Senate by unanimous consent.

    Finally, Durbin called out President Trump’s appointment of yet another Interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Jeanine Pirro. In 2007, on a bipartisan basis, Congress passed legislation requiring that after an Interim U.S. Attorney had served for 120 days, the district court would fill the position until a permanent U.S. Attorney could be confirmed by the Senate. Durbin argued that President Trump’s appointment of Ms. Pirro is contrary to Congressional intent and undermines the Senate’s constitutional advice and consent role.

    Key Quotes:

    “A blue slip gives the Senators from the state where the appointment is being made the option of approving or disapproving. We are an integral part of that decision process. I think that is important, and we have to work hard to make sure it continues.”

    “I’m sorry to say that the White House is reaching out to individual Senators in a capacity that is not consistent with the blue slip. But if we are going to hold fast to that as a principle, I urge the White House to work on a bipartisan basis to help.”

    “I also want to say that I understand that Jeanine Pirro was sworn in yesterday to serve as Interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia.”

    “For the record, [during] President Trump’s first term, over 80 U.S. Attorneys were appointed. No roll call votes in this Committee. No roll call votes on the Floor. They all went by voice vote.”

    “That world has changed because of the insistence of one Republican Senator…We are now required to take roll calls on each U.S. Attorney… because of former Senator and now Vice President Vance, [there is] a requirement [that] they also get a roll call vote on the floor.”

    “Now with this particular one, Jeanine Pirro, I’m concerned that this [her appointment] is not consistent with what we are trying to do. We wanted to give a President an option of an Interim U.S. Attorney while we, at the Senate level, deliberate, advise, and consent on a permanent appointment. That has been changed dramatically.”

    “Instead of 120 days, we now have a daisy chain situation where Ed Martin was [in office for] almost 120 days. He stepped aside. Jeanine Pirro comes in for her 120 days. I think that is a violation of what we were trying to achieve to give interim authority. Instead, what we have now is the possibility of repeated appointments over and over again for these interim positions.”

    “It means we, in the Senate, are giving up our constitutional authority and responsibility. That is a mistake.”

    Video of Durbin’s opening statement is available here.

    Audio of Durbin’s opening statement is available here.

    Footage of Durbin’s opening statement is available here for TV Stations.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Meets With Illinois NPR As Trump Administration Threatens Public Media

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    May 15, 2025

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today met with leadership from National Public Radio (NPR) stations across Illinois to discuss the importance of continuing to fund the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), NPR, and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) after President Trump issued an executive order seeking to prohibit these programs from receiving any federal funds. 

    “As a democracy, we should pride ourselves on having freedom of the press.  Yet, the Trump Administration continues to threaten journalists and news outlets, including our public media,” said Durbin.  “NPR and PBS provide unbiased, informative news to Illinoisans, especially those who live in rural areas.  We cannot let the Trump Administration bulldoze the press, which holds our government accountable.  I will continue to fight for and protect funding and support for public media in Illinois.”

    Photos of the meeting are available here.

    Through the government funding bill passed earlier this year, CPB will receive $535 million in advanced appropriations for Fiscal Year (FY) 2027. However, the Trump Administration has rescinded all funding that goes directly to NPR and PBS, including funding appropriated for FY 2025, FY 2026, and FY 2027. NPR and PBS provide educational programming for young children, unbiased and local news, especially in rural communities, and lifesaving emergency alerts during natural disasters.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: May 9th, 2025 Heinrich Questions Trump Nominee on the Interior Department’s Failure to Unfreeze Federal Funding & Adhere to Court Rulings, Complying with the Law, and Permitting Reform

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    VIDEO: Heinrich Questions Interior Department Nominee for Solicitor William Doffermyre

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, questioned the U.S. Department of the Interior Solicitor nominee, William Doffermyre, on the Interior Department’s failure to unfreeze federal funding that was passed into law and adhere to court rulings. Heinrich additionally questioned Doffermyre on his views regarding permitting reform and complying with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

    During his opening remarks at an ENR hearing to consider Doffermyre, Heinrich stressed that the Interior Department Solicitor does not make the law but enact law. Heinrich also highlighted that a Senior Advisor to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Greg Zerzan, used his authority to suspend the legal opinions of the prior Interior Solicitor. Heinrich stressed that while departmental policies change from one administration to another, the laws do not. Heinrich also expressed his concerns that Zerzan had reinstated an earlier’ Solicitor’s opinion, which was vacated by a Federal District Court. Heinrich then directed his questions to Mr. Doffermyre on his nomination to serve as the Solicitor for the U.S. Department of the Interior.

    Watch a video of Heinrich’s line of questioning here.

    Heinrich opened his questions by discussing the disbursement of obligated funds, “Mr. Doffermyre, the Office of the Solicitor is responsible for making sure that the Department follows the law. However, right now, the Department continues to violate court orders with respect to frozen funds, and at some point, the excuse that these funds are quote “under review” begins to not hold water. If confirmed, will you ensure that appropriated funds are obligated and disbursed in a timely manner, in accordance with the law and in accordance with the Impoundment Control Act?”

    Doffermyre answered, “Thank you, Senator Heinrich. I have not started working at the Department of Interior yet, so I’m not familiar with what appropriated funds have or have not been spent. But as the Solicitor, my job will be to review the facts and review the law and provide my clear advice on what the law requires, and the Impoundment Control Act and other legal requirements say that you know, Congress controls the purse strings. And I will analyze them and give the advice that if the law requires that funds be obligated and spent, then the funds will be obligated and spent.”

    Heinrich then turned his line of questioning to highlight the Interior Department’s recent actions overruling decisions of a federal judge, “Last month, a Senior Advisor to the Secretary exercising the power of the Solicitor outside of the Vacancies Reform Act reinstated a legal opinion that had been vacated by a Federal District Court. The District Court vacated the prior solicitor’s opinion because the solicitor had misinterpreted the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Notably, the Justice Department did not press an appeal to that court’s decision. Yet the Senior Advisor’s opinion purports to reinstate the vacated opinion in 93 of the nation’s 94 judicial districts. So I’m curious, do you believe that a Solicitor, or even an Advisor exercising the Solicitor’s authority can overrule the decision of a federal district judge?”

    Doffermyre replied, “Thank you, Senator Heinrich. the short answer is, No. I do not believe that the Solicitor can overrule a Federal District Judge. M-Opinions, what you’re referring to, is something that I’ve learned a little about. And I look forward to learning a lot more about. But they’re the highest-level legal interpretation by the Solicitor, and they are binding. Those opinions are binding on the Department of Interior. My past, as you heard, in addition to Easter Bunny and Hannah Raft guide and other things, I was a litigator for 12 years. I’ve since gone on to the private sector, but when I first learned about M-Opinions, and took, you know, turn through a few of them, I thought, wow, this is really going to hurt them. Back to my, my litigation days, they are very long, reasoned opinions. They look a lot like court opinions, and I look forward to exercising some of those skills that I learned in order to analyze the law and the facts and provide them opinions that are that are sound and, and durable, and will stand up in court.”

    Heinrich then turned to permitting reform and the necessity of meeting legal requirements throughout the process, “I want to go back for just a minute to something that the Chairman asked you about, which is complying with NEPA, with both environmental impact statements and environmental assessments in these 14 to 28 day timelines. And if you can do that and meet all the requirements of the law, I’m all for it. I think what you’ve seen in this Committee has been a bipartisan commitment to permitting reform, to getting to yes or no faster for projects. However, if you get to the end of 28 days and, and you haven’t been able to meet all the legal requirements for an EIS (Environmental Impact Statement), if at that point you publish an EIS that does not meet those requirements, it creates litigation risk. That’s the opposite of shovels in the ground. So, talk to me about how you’re going to balance that. If you can get to a high-quality legal product that does not create litigation risks for the proponents in 28 days? I’m all for that, but if you haven’t checked all those boxes, at the end of 28 days, are you going to continue forward and make sure that those products actually will withstand, legal challenge?”

    Doffermyre answered, “Thank you. That’s a great question, and I do want to first say thank you very much to you and the members of this committee for the work that you’ve done on permitting reform. The Fiscal Responsibility Act, with the time limits for NEPA, as well as the work for the permitting reform bill that didn’t quite pass last year were both very, very welcome is to the industry, when it comes to…”

    Heinrich interjected to speak to his colleagues, “We could still pass that law, I would just mention to all of my colleagues. I think that would be a good idea.”

    Doffermyre continued, “But the short answer to your question is, well, I don’t know if there’s a short answer. What I will say is, it would do no good and would be counterproductive to publish a final EIS and a record of decision that did not, you know, entail the necessary hard look at what’s required by the statute. You know, you can get a permanent 28 days, but if two years’ worth of litigation results in a remand, that’s going to require six months of a new analysis that’s not doing anyone good, that’s not getting shots in the ground. So, we are completely aligned on that Senator Heinrich. Thank you.”

    Heinrich wrapped his questions, “Thank you, I appreciate it.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: King: “Siloing Innovation” Harms American Security, Entrepreneurialism

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), in a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), spoke with Dr. William Greenwalt, the former Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Industrial Policy, on the wide-ranging benefits of the United States’ collaboration with allies to bolster American defense modernization. During the exchange, Senator King noted that by retreating from our European, Japanese and Australian allies, we are “squandering that asset and siloing innovation.” Dr. Greenwalt agreed with Senator King, saying that cooperation with our allies is critical to the future of innovation and shared national security.
    “Dr. Greenwalt, I was struck by what you said in your opening statement. One of our asymmetric or I think our principal asymmetric advantage in terms of national security is our allies, and yet we put them through this long, arduous process. And there should be, I think you suggested a, I don’t know whether you call it an exemption or a bobtail process or something, so that we’re not, so that we can have greater cooperation with our allies. Is that? Is that a fair interpretation of what you said,” questioned Senator King.
    “Yes, I won’t even call it an easy pass lane,” said Dr. Greenwalt.
    “Well, I think that’s and the other piece of this, and as I travel and meet with security people in other countries, we’re missing an innovation multiplier by not working with our allies. Countries like Japan and Australia, Europe, Germany, UK, all have brilliant scientists who are working on a lot of innovative areas. And instead of having innovation be siloed by country, it’s always occurred to me that it would be much more, as I say, a multiplier, if we could work more closely and have better cooperation with the countries that are aligned with us? Is that a fair observation,” asked Senator King.
    “I think that’s a fair observation. We’re a country of 340 million, our allies together, the EU, NATO, Japan, Korea, kick us up over to over a trillion. We were close to the Chinese population,” responded Dr. Greenwalt.
    “And we’re squandering that asset by siloing innovation,” replied Senator King.
    “The number of scientists, engineers working together would be critical in the future, and unfortunately, right now, we’re all stove pipe working on these things separately,” said Dr. Greenwalt.
    “Well, I do want to, I have a visual aid in terms of the process. I’m not going to burden the committee, Mr. Chairman, by submitting it for the record, but this is the foreign military sales manual, 642 pages. I mean this to me this summarizes, in many ways, the problem of the of the process itself, which has impeded our ability to work with, again, with our allies,” finished Senator King.
    A member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (SSCI), Senator King is recognized as an authoritative voice on national security and foreign policy issues who has also been named a “fiscal hero” by government watchdogs for responsible spending. Last year, Senator King urged the DoD to take advantage of private sector technologies or risk losing access to innovative defense technologies. In previous SASC hearings, he has encouraged the DoD to adopt smart spending practices when it comes to developing defense technologies, and has emphasized that “new technologies win wars.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy, Marshall Introduce Bill to Support Families of Victims Killed by Illegal Immigrants

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Roger Marshall (R-KS) introduced the Justice for Angel Families Act to allow federal funds to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and funeral costs for families whose loved one has been killed by an illegal immigrant. The bill would also codify the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) Office at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), originally established by President Trump in 2017 and reopened last month by the Trump Administration after the Biden Administration shuttered it. The VOICE Office provides critical services like grief counseling and case follow-ups for victims’ families. This bill would ensure the VOICE Office can never be shut down again.
    “Angel families deserve the same compensation as do angel victims. Perpetrators of crime should compensate the Angel family since the Angel victim can no longer be compensated,”said Dr. Cassidy.
    “President Trump is righting the catastrophic wrongs of the Biden-Harris Administration by restoring law and order, securing our borders, and putting an end to the lawlessness that plagued our nation for too long,”said Senator Marshall. “But for countless Angel Families, the damage is permanent – their loved ones were taken from them because of disastrous open-border policies. I urge my colleagues to join Congressman Nehls and me in delivering justice and ensuring these families receive the resources and support they deserve by passing the Justice for Angel Families Act.”
    The legislation is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Ted Budd (R-NC) and Kevin Cramer (R-ND).
    “Under the Biden administration’s watch our country faced record levels of illegal immigration that resulted in innocent American lives lost,”said Senator Budd. “Our nation’s Angel Families have faced unimaginable tragedies because of Joe Biden’s senseless open-border policies. Now, we must stand with them – giving them the support and justice they deserve.”
    “Families of victims murdered by illegal immigrants are forced to face unimaginable grief,”said Senator Cramer. “This bicameral bill supports Angel Families by ensuring they have the help and resources they need.”
    U.S. Representative Troy Nehls (R-TX-22) introduced a companion version of this bill in the U.S. House of Representatives.
    “President Trump and his administration are restoring law and order and standing up for American citizens,” said Representative Nehls. “Millions of illegal aliens flooded our country during the Biden Administration, and many of them took the lives of Americans, such as Jocelyn Nungaray, Laken Riley, and Rachel Morin. By codifying the VOICE Office, which was reopened last month by Secretary Noem, no future president can close the office again, ensuring that families that fall victim to illegal alien crimes are supported, not left behind.”
    The legislation is also supported by Advocates for Victims of Illegal Alien Crime, NumbersUSA, and National Immigration Center for Enforcement (NICE).
    “As a nation, we spend hundreds of billions of dollars supporting illegal aliens who have no right to be in our country. Yet the victims of crimes committed by illegal aliens are left to fend for themselves at the worst times in their lives,”said Don Rosenberg, President and Treasurer of Advocates for Victims of Illegal Alien Crime. “Financial compensation will never replace the loss of a loved one, but the “Justice for Angel Families Act” will at least reduce the financial burden faced by those families who have been betrayed by the failure of some in our government to uphold the rule of law.”
    “It’s a shame that our past open border policies have made it necessary and needed to pass legislation to aid Angel families who suffered loss at the hands of illegal immigrants,”said Michael Hough, Director of Federal Government Relations at NumbersUSA. “This legislation will rightfully help those families who have lost their loved ones.”
    “To support angel families – American citizens permanently separated from loved ones due to illegal alien crime – President Trump relaunched the Victims of Immigrant Crime Engagement (VOICE) office,”said RJ Hauman, President of the National Immigration Center for Enforcement (NICE). “Now fully operational again, VOICE is assisting thousands of angel families, connecting them to vital services like grief counseling, tracking their cases, and ensuring criminal aliens responsible for their suffering are arrested, detained, and removed. This stands in stark contrast to the previous administration, which dismantled VOICE, opened our borders, and neglected angel families while policies led to more tragic losses. With Republicans now leading Congress, angel families are no longer ignored. Congressman Nehls and Senator Marshall are championing the Justice for Angel Families Act, reaffirming that their highest duty is to American citizens. This bill honors angel families, ensures their loved ones’ deaths were not in vain, and strengthens our nation’s safety and security. NICE urges everyone to support the Justice for Angel Families Act and calls on Congress to pass it after ICE receives critical resources via reconciliation.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hickenlooper, Colleagues Call on Trump Admin to Reverse Illegal Firings of Consumer Product Safety Commissioners

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Hickenlooper – Colorado
    The administration fired three of the five commissioners who help protect consumers from harmful products
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper, along with four of his Senate colleagues, called on the Trump administration to reverse the illegal firings of Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) officials who help protect Americans from potentially harmful products.
    “This move compromises the ability of the federal government to apply data-driven product safety rules to protect Americans nationwide, away from political influence,” wrote the senators. “We urge you to immediately reverse this order and allow the three Democratic CPSC Commissioners to continue their work to protect consumers, especially children and families, from hazardous products.”
    Congress created the CPSC to help regulate the manufacture and sale of products, ranging from children’s toys to fireworks, to protect the public from dangerous products that could lead to injury or death. Last year, the CPSC helped recall 153 million consumer products to protect kids and families from defective and harmful products.
    On May 8th, the Trump administration announced its intention to fire the CPSC’s three Democratic Commissioners, Commissioner Hoehn-Saric, Commissioner Trumka, and Commissioner Boyle, without cause. The commission is made up of five commissioners appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.
    Hickenlooper currently serves the Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety and Data Security.
    Full text of the letter is available HERE and below.
    Dear President Trump:
    We write to express serious concern regarding your intention to fire the three Democratic Commissioners from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). This move compromises the ability of the federal government to apply data-driven product safety rules to protect Americans nationwide, away from political influence. We urge you to immediately reverse this order and allow the three Democratic CPSC Commissioners to continue their work to protect consumers, especially children and families, from hazardous products.
    Congress established the CPSC in the Consumer Product Safety Act as an independent regulatory commission composed of five bipartisan Commissioners, appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. Since 1972, the CPSC has regulated the manufacture and sale of products ranging from children’s toys to fireworks, working to protect the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death. In fiscal year 2024 alone, the CPSC negotiated and implemented the recall of 153 million consumer product units and conducted more than 4,100 in-depth investigations to remove defective and potentially harmful products from shelves. For over 50 years, the CPSC’s bipartisan commissioners have carried out this critical work to ensure that Americans can feel confident about the safety and reliability of the products they use every day.
    As at other independent agencies, CPSC Commissioners are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate to staggered, seven-year terms. The Consumer Product Safety Act establishes that the President may remove Commissioners only “for neglect of duty or malfeasance in office but for no other cause.” Further, the Act is explicit about the legal requirement for bipartisanship on the CPSC, mandating that “not more than three of the Commissioners shall be affiliated with the same political party.” These provisions exist to limit the Commissioners’ exposure to political influence, allowing them to focus entirely on their job of protecting American consumers.
    Despite these clear, congressionally-mandated protections, late on Thursday May 8, you announced your intention to fire the CPSC’s three Democratic Commissioners, Commissioner Hoehn-Saric, Commissioner Trumka, and Commissioner Boyle, without cause. This action degrades the ability of CPSC to establish robust product safety protections and casts doubt on its capacity to pursue recalls and investigations without being influenced by the politics of the day.
    More than ninety years ago, the Supreme Court ruled that Congress has the authority to create bipartisan, multi-member commissions to serve the public without undue political influence. More recently, in 2020, the Court refused to rule that the President has the power to remove members of bipartisan commissions at-will. As you know, the President can lawfully exercise influence over the Commission by nominating new members and appointing the Chair. This illegal order to terminate three CPSC Commissioners without cause stands in opposition to clear legislative guidelines and nearly a century of Supreme Court precedent. It must be reversed.
    Commissioners Hoehn-Saric, Trumka, and Boyle must be allowed to continue their work at the CPSC and carry out its vital mission to protect American consumers.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cotton, Gillibrand Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Protect Military Installations from Unauthorized Drones

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas Tom Cotton

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    Contact: Caroline Tabler or Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353
    May 15, 2025

    Cotton, Gillibrand Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Protect Military Installations from Unauthorized Drones

    Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-New York) today introduced the Comprehensive Operations for Unmanned-System Neutralization and Threat Elimination Response (COUNTER) Act, bipartisan legislation to enhance airspace security at military installations. 

    Senators Jim Banks (R-Indiana), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee), Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut), John Boozman (R-Arkansas), Katie Britt (R-Alabama), Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), Shelley Moore Capito (R-West Virginia), Susan Collins (R-Maine), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), John Hoeven (R-North Dakota), Jim Justice (R-West Virginia), Mark Kelly (D-Arizona), James Lankford (R-Oklahoma), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming), Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky), Jim Moran (R-Kansas), Markwayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma), Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska), Jacky Rosen (D-Nevada), Rick Scott (R-Florida), Eric Schmitt (R-Missouri), Jeanne Shaheen (D-New Hampshire), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina), and Todd Young (R-Indiana) are co-sponsoring this legislation. Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (Pennsylvania-06) and August Pfluger (Texas-11) are introducing companion legislation in the House.

    “Leaving American military facilities vulnerable to drone incursions puts our service members, the general public, and our national security at risk. Our bill will expand the Department of Defense’s authority to neutralize unauthorized drones,” said Senator Cotton. 

    “As commercial drones become more commonplace, we must ensure that they are not being used to share sensitive information with our adversaries, to conduct attacks against our service members, or otherwise pose a threat to our national security. This legislation will enable DoD to more effectively mitigate threats from drones and allow for better interagency cooperation to keep Americans safe. I am proud to be introducing this important piece of bipartisan legislation, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to get it passed,” said Senator Gillibrand. 

    “In recent years, there has been a disturbing increase in threats posed to U.S. military bases by unmanned aircraft systems, including from systems controlled by foreign adversaries. Despite this, our armed forces continue to tell us that they lack the authority to protect the skies over some of our most sensitive military installations,” said Rep. Houlahan. “Today’s introduction of the bipartisan COUNTER Act marks the next step towards delivering the expanded authorities our military needs to address the threats of unmanned aircraft systems and keep these facilities safe.”

    “Unauthorized drone activity near and over U.S. military installations has become a persistent and growing national security concern. In the past year alone, there were more than 350 drone detections at 100 different military installations,” said Rep. Pfluger. “This is why I am proud to help lead the bipartisan COUNTER Act, which gives our armed forces the clear authority they need to take down hostile drones and defend our most sensitive installations. As a fighter pilot with hundreds of hours in combat experience, I know firsthand how critical airspace security is — and how urgent this action has become.”

    Full text of the legislation may be found here.

    The COUNTER Act would:

    • Expand the definition of a “covered facility” as it is in current law, enabling more bases to apply for approval to detect, track, and, if necessary, neutralize drones.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: McConnell’s Bill to Support Families of Retired Fallen Law Enforcement Officers Approved by Senate Judiciary Committee

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Mitch McConnell
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee approved the Chief Herbert D. Proffitt Act, which would ensure the families of retired law enforcement officers who were killed or disabled as a result of their service are not unjustly denied benefits. Senator McConnell introduced the bipartisan bill earlier this year with Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV). Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Ranking Member Dick Durbin (D-IL) have also cosponsored the legislation. The legislation must now be approved by the full Senate. 
    The bill is named after Chief Herbert D. Proffitt, a Korean war veteran and law enforcement officer of 55 years who retired in 2009 as Chief of the Tompkinsville, Kentucky Police Department. On August 28, 2012, Chief Proffitt was tragically shot and killed in his driveway by an individual he had arrested a decade earlier. Although his murder was a direct retaliation for his service in uniform, his family was denied benefits under the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits program because he had retired from his more than a half-century of service. 
    The Chief Herbert D. Proffitt Act would amend the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program eligibility criteria for retired law enforcement officers who have died or become permanently disabled due to a targeted attack directly resulting from their service, and retroactively apply the updated eligibility for claims starting on January 1, 2012. 
    “This week we observe National Police Week and remember law enforcement officers who have fallen in the line of duty and honor those across the country who courageously serve our communities,” said Senator McConnell. “The loss of Chief Herbert D. Proffitt is a tragic reminder of the risk that follows our finest every day of their lives. This legislation plugs an important hole, ensuring the Proffitt family – and others like them – are supported and assured that the service and sacrifice of their loved ones are never forgotten. On behalf of all Kentuckians, I’m grateful for our police officers and their steadfast dedication to keeping us safe. I also appreciate Chairman Grassley’s collaboration on this vital legislation.” 
    “On behalf of Chief Proffitt’s family and members of the Law Enforcement community, we appreciate Senator McConnell’s introduction of this important piece of legislation. This bill will include Line of Duty Death (LODD) benefits for retired members of Law Enforcements that have been murdered because of their prior Law Enforcement actions. Passage of the Chief Herbert D. Proffitt Act of 2025 will give some comfort to Chief Proffitt’s family while providing security to Law Enforcement families,” said Berl Perdue, Jr., President of the Kentucky Fraternal Order of Police. 
    “The Tompkinsville Police Department is grateful to Senator McConnell for his work to support and honor our law enforcement families. Thirteen years later, we still mourn the loss of Chief Herbert “Sprocket” Proffitt, a devoted father and leader in Tompkinsville who dedicated his life to keeping our community safe. We are proud to see his legacy honored today with this important legislation,” said Kerry L. Denton, Chief of Police, City of Tompkinsville. 
    The legislation is endorsed by the Kentucky Fraternal Order of Police, the Kentucky Narcotic Officers Association, the Kentucky Sheriffs’ Association, and the Kentucky Association of Chiefs of Police. The measure was introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressmen Andy Barr (R-KY) and Dan Goldman (D-NY). 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEWS: Sanders, Murray, Baldwin, Scott, DeLauro Decry Trump Administration’s Illegal Firings, Cuts at AmeriCorps

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Vermont – Bernie Sanders
    WASHINGTON, May 15 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, alongside Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies on the Senate Appropriations Committee, Rep. Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-Va.), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Education and Workforce, and Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, today sent a letter to the Interim Agency Head of AmeriCorps calling for the immediate reversal of layoffs and grant terminations that have debilitated the agency’s core functions and run counter to its longstanding, bipartisan support in Congress.
    “While a recent court order instituted a 14 day temporary restraining order on staff reductions at AmeriCorps, the damage of firing staff and eliminating $400 million in grants has already been felt across the country,” wrote Sanders, Murray, Baldwin, Scott and DeLauro. “The grant terminations and potential issues awarding fiscal year 2025 grant funding will have a catastrophic impact on the ability of AmeriCorps members to carry out work in communities all over the country — responding to natural disasters, serving as classroom teachers, providing tutoring services, and helping build housing in rural communities.”
    Late last month, President Trump and Elon Musk’s DOGE illegally terminated over a thousand AmeriCorps grants to states, nonprofits, and faith-based organizations across the country – totaling nearly $400 million, or roughly 41% of the agency’s grant funding. Grantees were not given statutorily required notices before these grants were terminated. The cuts are already seriously impacting communities where AmeriCorps projects were ongoing as well as their selfless members and volunteers.
    Last year, nearly 200,000 AmeriCorps volunteers prepared today’s students for tomorrow’s jobs, connected veterans to services, fought the opioid epidemic, helped seniors live independently, rebuilt communities after disasters and led conservation efforts nationwide.
    “We urge the swift reversal of the termination of NCCC members’ service terms so that they can get back to helping communities,” concluded the lawmakers. “These illegal grant terminations attempt to supersede congressional intent at the expense of communities in need of crucial services. More than 1,000 programs will be forced to close and over 32,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers will be released from their service terms early… Further, by laying off nearly the entire agency staff, AmeriCorps is violating the law.”
    Read the full letter here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Denounces Republicans’ Proposed Cuts to Health CareTax Credits

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    Access to health care at risk for Vermonters as Republicans advance legislation that will gut the Affordable Care Act
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today urged Congressional Republicans to abandon their disastrous proposed budget plan which would limit Affordable Care Act (ACA) Premium Tax Credits. These credits help low- and moderate-income Vermonters access health coverage.  
    In 2024, nearly 27,000 Vermonters received ACA Premium Tax Credits to pay for plans provided through the Affordable Care Act marketplace. Without Congressional action, these tax credits will expire on December 31, 2025, resulting in rate increases and pushing affordable health care out of reach for thousands of Vermonters. 
    “We need to do everything possible to remove barriers that prevent Vermonters from accessing affordable health coverage, but that’s the opposite of what Republicans have proposed in their disastrous budget blueprint. These Republican cuts would slash Medicaid and Affordable Care Act Premium Tax Credits, making it incredibly challenging to access affordable health care and devastating our state’s already strained health care system,” said Senator Welch. “We should be extending these tax credits—not getting rid of them them.” 
    This week, the Green Mountain Care Board (GMCB) of Vermont received the 2026 individual and small group health insurance premium rate filings from BlueCross and BlueShield of Vermont and MVP Health Plan. The average rate increases being requested can be found here.  
    Final decisions are expected to be issued in August.
    Vermonters are encouraged to attend GMCB’s Public Comment Forum on Thursday, July 24, to share their perspectives on how these cuts would impact their ability to access health care. Additional information on these events will be posted to the GMCB website. 
    Senator Welch has championed bipartisan initiatives to protect Medicaid and lower prescription drug prices for Vermonters. Today, he joined Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Vt.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) and Protect Our Care for an event slamming House Republicans for advancing a budget that will hike health care costs, close rural hospitals, and threaten access to care for millions of seniors, children, and people living with disabilities. 
    Earlier this week, Senator Welch joined Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and Senator Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) for a press conference condemning the Republican budget and cuts to Medicaid. 
    Additionally, Republicans are raising premiums and out-of-pocket costs for tens of millions of people who buy coverage on their own.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rosen, Young, Stevens, Hill Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Resolution Demanding Safe Release of Hostages Still Held by Hamas

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Todd Young (R-IN), and Representatives Haley Stevens (D-MI-11) and French Hill (R-AR-02) led a group of Senate and House colleagues in a bicameral, bipartisan resolution celebrating the release of Israeli-American Edan Alexander, demanding that Hamas release all remaining 58 hostages, and calling on the White House to take all possible steps to make this a reality. This resolution is co-sponsored by Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Susan Collins (R-ME), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Andy Kim (D-NJ), and Chris Coons (D-DE).
    “The remaining Israeli hostages have been inhumanely held by Hamas for almost 600 days,” said Senator Rosen. “While I’m overjoyed about Edan’s release, we cannot stop pushing until Hamas releases every single remaining hostage. I’m introducing this bipartisan, bicameral resolution to show that we are united and urge the White House to continue its leadership on this issue.”
    “As part of its terrorist attacks on Israel, Hamas took innocent Americans and Israelis hostage. Since that day, we have grieved the lives of those murdered in captivity by Hamas, gladly welcomed home those who have been freed, and continued to demand the safe release of the remaining hostages,” said Senator Young. “I’m glad to join this bipartisan resolution that reaffirms the United States will not give up until all hostages are free.”
    “I am relieved and grateful that after 583 days in captivity, my constituent Edan Alexander was finally able to come home to his family,” said Senator Booker. “Hamas must immediately release every other remaining hostage, living or dead, so families can be reunited with their loved ones or finally lay to rest those they have lost. I remain committed to working with my colleagues in Congress to end this war, bring the hostages home, get humanitarian aid to innocent Palestinian civilians in Gaza, and start the work of achieving a lasting peace in the region that ensures the security, freedom, and prosperity of Israelis and Palestinians through a two-state solution.”
    “The release of Israeli hostages such as Abigail Edan and Edan Alexander is a great relief, but we must not forget the many innocent people still held captive by Hamas,” said Senator Collins. “This bipartisan resolution reaffirms the Senate’s demand for the immediate release of all remaining hostages. We stand with our ally Israel and the families of those still being held, and we will continue pressing for the safe return of every hostage.”
    “Every day that hostages stay in captivity, and that families are denied closure, is a day too long,” said Leader Schumer. “Since October 7th, I have fought for the safe and timely return of all hostages brutally kidnapped by Hamas,” said Leader Schumer. “Now, we are nearly at Day 600 of this vicious captivity. But for the families of the hostages—including those of American hostages Omer Neutra, Itay Chen, Judi Weinstein and Gad Haggai– it has felt like nothing short of an eternity. We cannot stop the fight. We cannot abandon these precious souls. President Trump, the administration, and all parties at the table must use this momentum, do all they can, and finally, finally negotiate a deal to bring all hostages home.” 
    “For over a year and half, Hamas has forced their hostages to live in horrific, unspeakable conditions, without medical care or sufficient food, leaving their families scared and wondering if they will ever see their loved ones again. While we are thrilled with the recent release of Edan Alexander, Hamas’ terror continues on for the remaining hostages and throughout the world,” said Rep. Haley Stevens, Co-Chair of the Congressional Hostage Task Force. “I’m honored to be leading this resolution with a strong group of bipartisan legislators from both chambers, and look forward to once again passing this resolution with unanimous support.”
    “Hamas’s brutal, premeditated attack on Israel and its ongoing captivity of innocent civilians must be condemned in the strongest possible terms. This bipartisan, bicameral resolution reflects our unwavering commitment to securing the freedom of all hostages, standing with their families, and honoring the victims of Hamas’s atrocities,” said Rep. French Hill, Co-Chair of the Congressional Hostage Task Force. “As Co-Chair of the Hostage Task Force, I am proud to co-lead this effort and stand alongside my colleagues in the House and Senate in sending a clear and united message: America will never relent in the pursuit of justice and accountability for those who harm our citizens.”
    The full text of the resolution can be found HERE.
    Senator Rosen has been a leader in the fight to support Israel and ensure the remaining hostages are freed by Hamas. Following the October 7 terrorist attack on Israel, Senator Rosen traveled to Israel as part of a bipartisan Congressional delegation and met with the families of the innocent people who were taken hostage. Since then, she has repeatedly called on Hamas to release the hostages.  Senator Rosen also sent a bipartisan letter calling on President Biden to leverage the U.S. relationship with Qatar to secure the immediate release of the remaining hostages held in Gaza by Hamas.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Graham Statement On NATO Informal Foreign Ministers Meeting

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Lindsey Graham
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement after joining Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the NATO Informal Foreign Ministers Meeting in Antalya, Turkey.
    “I was pleased to join Secretary of State Rubio and his team at the side events for an informal meeting of the NATO foreign ministers. Secretary Rubio and his team did a masterful job expressing President Trump’s foreign policy goals that seek to bring about unity with our NATO allies on several major fronts.
    “Turkey was an excellent host and is an invaluable ally that is helping to bring stability to the region, particularly with Syria.
    “These are my takeaways from the meeting.”
    On Syria:
    “President Trump’s groundbreaking meeting with President Ahmed al-Sharaa of Syria has created a tremendous opportunity to change the trajectory of Syria for the better.
    “President Trump has decided to waive sanctions on Syria, which could provide much-needed economic and humanitarian relief to a suffering population. I will be working closely with President Trump, Secretary Rubio and their teams to follow up on sanctions relief, and hopefully eventually rescinding Syria’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism under U.S. law.
    “I am clear-eyed about the challenges that lie ahead. They include Israel’s legitimate security concerns, the integration of minority groups, like the Kurds, into a cohesive Syria, and a continued commitment to fight ISIS and other radical groups.
    “Today, I met with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani. I found his and President al-Sharaa’s statements encouraging.
    “A new Syria that rejects radicalism and is willing to live in the region as a peaceful, productive partner aligned with the United States would truly be a gamechanger. I sense that history is in the making in all the right ways, however time will tell.”
    On Russia:
    “President Trump has earnestly sought to end the horrific war between Russia and Ukraine, and I share that desire. However, to achieve that goal, you must have willing partners. Ukraine has agreed to a ceasefire. Ukraine’s President came to Turkey – as suggested by President Trump – to talk peace with Putin. Putin, on the other hand, has decided not to attend and instead sent a low-level delegation to continue the same old storyline. I consider this decision inconsistent with wanting peace and an affront to those trying to make peace.
    “I expect a very strong bipartisan statement of disappointment regarding Russia’s decision in Istanbul.
    “Putin’s Russia is playing games and this needs to stop. I have over 70 cosponsors for sanctions against Russia if they continue the course they are on. This legislation also puts tariffs on countries that buy Russian oil, gas and other products. When it comes to Russia’s games, enough is enough.”
    On China:
    “China is one of the biggest purchasers of Russian oil and gas. They are propping up Putin’s war machine.
    “President Trump wants to reset our relationship with China and I agree. However, the world needs to understand that without China buying cheap Russian oil, Putin’s war machine would come to a grinding halt. To all those who buy cheap Russian oil and gas, the days where you do so with impunity are quickly coming to an end.
    “It is now time for the U.S. Senate to move strongly because Putin is giving us no other choice.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Joins Colleagues to Introduce Legislation to Reinstate Fairness and Due Process in Health Care

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall
    Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) joined U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts) and U.S. Representatives Raul Ruiz, M.D. (D-California-25) and John Joyce, M.D. (R-Pennsylvania-13) to introduce the Physician and Patient Safety Act, legislation that would restore due process rights for physicians.
    Federal law has not been updated to reflect changes in the medical industry, and due process rights are not guaranteed to physicians who are contracted but not directly employed by hospitals. This bill would address this oversight and ensure due process rights for physicians who are employed by third-party contractors or physician staffing companies. By keeping integrity front and center, this legislation ensures physicians are able to uphold their commitment to practice medicine ethically and put their patients’ health first.
    “Due process rights allow physicians to confidently advocate for their patients without the concern of facing termination,” said Senator Marshall. “Over time, these protections have gradually diminished across various departments, posing risks to patient safety. The Physician and Patient Safety Act aims to address this issue by closing loopholes and enabling all physicians to uphold the integrity of the health care system.”
    “The evidence is clear – when private equity comes into health care, quality of care goes down,” said Senator Warren. “Doctors shouldn’t have to worry that sounding the alarm on patient safety will cost them their jobs. Doctors take an oath to protect patients, not corporate profits. We need to shield them from corporate greed so that they can provide the best care possible and keep patients safe.”
    Congressmen Ruiz and Joyce introduced the House companion bill.
    “As an emergency medicine physician, I’ve always made the safety and well-being of our communities my top priority,” said Congressman Ruiz. “That same dedication drives my work in Congress, where I’m committed to bipartisan, commonsense solutions. That’s why I introduced the Physician and Patient Safety Act—because no doctor should ever have to choose between doing what’s right for their patients and keeping their job. By extending due process protections to all physicians, this bill safeguards the integrity of our health care system and ensures that doctors can focus on what matters most: delivering high-quality, compassionate care to every patient they serve.”
    “American physicians should not face losing their jobs just for advocating on their patients’ behalf,” said Congressman Joyce, M.D. “The Physician and Patient Safety Act will alleviate this issue by providing all physicians with the same due process rights. This legislation will ensure that all physicians can uphold their oath to ‘First do no harm’ without the threat of losing their jobs, protecting patients and physicians alike.”
    The Physician and Patient Safety Act is supported by the American Academy of Emergency Medicine, The Kansas Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians, the American College of Emergency Physicians, the American College of Surgeons, the American Society of Anesthesiologists, and Free2Care.
    “The American Academy of Emergency Medicine is proud to support Senators Marshall and Warren and Representatives Ruiz and Joyce in their introduction of legislation to ensure emergency physicians and all physicians have medical staff due process rights,” said Robert Frolichstein, MD FAAEM FCCM, President of the American Academy of Emergency Medicine. “There is no greater policy imperative for patient safety and quality care than enacting this due process legislation, which is a driving force of our organization’s mission statement.”
    “The Kansas Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians strongly supports the Physician and Patient Safety Act,” said Howard Chang, MD, Immediate Past President, Kansas Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians. “Physicians cannot care for patients without a guarantee of due process. Emergency physicians serve on the front lines of our health care system, often working under intense pressure and making critical decisions that directly affect patient lives. It is essential that they be able to advocate for patient safety, raise concerns about clinical operations, and exercise their professional judgment without fear of unjust or abrupt termination. The absence of due process protections puts both physicians and patients at risk—undermining trust, morale, and the overall quality of care.”
    “Growing threats to physician autonomy are one of the most significant stressors facing emergency physicians today, and a lack of due process protections is a significant part of the problem,” said Alison J. Haddock, MD, FACEP, President of ACEP. “These essential protections ensure fairness and allow emergency physicians to fully advocate for our patients without fear of retaliation or termination. The bipartisan ‘Physician and Patient Safety Act’ is an essential, commonsense effort that guarantees due process and ensures that emergency physicians have the same rights on the job as other physicians in the hospital. ACEP thanks Senators Marshall and Warren and Representatives Ruiz and Joyce for their continued leadership on this critical legislation.”
    The full text of the legislation can be found HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Offers Tips for Safe and Efficient Summer Travel

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall
    Washington – As the summer travel season approaches, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) today released the following statement to remind Kansans of the services his office offers to ensure individuals and families have safe and flawless travel experiences.
    “As Kansans prepare for summer vacations or work trips abroad, it is important they take the necessary steps to ensure they have the proper documents and know how to connect with the State Department in case of an emergency,” said Senator Marshall. “My office stands ready to help anyone who needs additional assistance with a passport or other travel-related documents.”
    Click HERE to request assistance from the Senator’s staff for passports, U.S. State Department documents, or other assistance with a federal agency. Since coming to office in 2017, the Senator’s office has assisted more than 760 Kansans obtain their passports for upcoming travel.
    The U.S. State Department offers the following tips:
    Make sure your passport is ready for travel. Many countries require at least six months’ validity remaining in order to enter. Check your expiration date before you book.
    Visit travel.state.gov/destination to look up the State Department’s guidance for your destination, including local laws, passport validity requirements, the Travel Advisory level, and details about specific risks to U.S. citizens.
    Sign up for the State Department’s free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at step.state.gov to receive messages from the U.S. embassy, including alerts about any safety or security issues that arise while you’re traveling.
    All Americans – whether flying domestically or internationally – must also have a Real ID. Kansans can click HERE to learn more about a Kansas-issued Real ID.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Scott, Grassley, Durbin, and Colleagues Unanimously Pass Resolution Recognizing National Police Week

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott
    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) joined Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Ranking Member Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and 79 bipartisan senators welcomed the Senate’s unanimous passage of their resolution designating May 11 through 17 as National Police Week. The National Police Week resolution reiterates the Senate’s unwavering support for law enforcement officers across the United States. 
    “Every day, law enforcement officers encounter the most dangerous elements of society,”said Senator Scott. “Their dedication to the safety of their communities often comes at great personal sacrifice. We must be unwavering in our support of those who wear the badge.”
    “Law enforcement officers in Iowa and across the nation work tirelessly to protect and serve our communities. This week, and every week, we should give our thanks to the brave men and women in blue, who have sacrificed so much to ensure our safety,” Senator Grassley said. “As always, I’m proud to back the blue and will continue my efforts in Congress to protect and support our courageous officers.” 
    “Every day, our country’s law enforcement officers put their lives at risk to keep us safe. Officers and their families make great sacrifices in the name of service, including the tragic cases of those who have lost their lives in the line of duty. We’re grateful for their heroism, and we must make sure that officers serving with dignity and integrity have the support and resources they need to do their jobs,” Senator Durbin said. 
    Grassley and Durbin are joined by Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Angus King (I-Maine), Ashley Moody (R-Fla.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Christopher Coons (D-Del.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Thomas Tillis (R-N.C.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Margaret Hassan (D-N.H.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Jon Husted (R-Ohio), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and John Boozman (R-Ark.).
    Read the full resolution HERE. 
    Background: 
    Every year, for more than six decades, Congress has passed a resolution in honor of law enforcement officers. During National Police Week, Americans pay special tribute to the service and sacrifice of courageous officers and their families, especially our nation’s fallen heroes.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER REVEALS: TUCKED AWAY IN TRUMP’S TAX BILL IS SECTION TO RIP AWAY $100+ MILLION GRANT FROM BUFFALO FOR BAILEY AVENUE TRANSFORMATION; SCHUMER SAYS ‘HELL NO!’ TO TAKING $$ FROM BUFFALO TO PAY FOR…

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer
    Under-The-Radar Section Of Trump’s New Bill With Tax Breaks For Billionaires & Corporations, Being Rushed By House Republicans Right Now, Includes Section To Claw Back Funding From Grant Program That Provided Whopping $100+ Million To Buffalo’s Bailey Avenue To Overhaul One Of Cities Busiest Bus Routes, Improve Safety, Reduce Traffic, And Build New More Walkable, Bikeable Streets
    Senator Says Funding, Which Comes From Inflation Reduction Act He Championed, Was Set To Be Game Changer For Buffalo, But Now Trump Wants To Rip That All Away To Pay For His Tax Cuts For Billionaires, And Schumer Is Demanding Western NY House Republicans Block This Bill From Advancing
    Schumer: Trump Wants His Billionaire Tax Breaks Paid For With Money For Worthy Projects Like Buffalo’s Bailey Avenue Overhaul? Hell No! Every Western NY Republican Should Demand This Be Reversed Now
    As House Republicans rush to try to pass Trump’s devastating plan to give tax breaks to billionaires and corporations while slashing programs like Medicaid & SNAP, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today revealed that tucked away in an under-the-radar provision in the transportation section of the bill is a proposal to claw back grants from the Neighborhood Access and Equity program, which would include the $100+ million award for Buffalo’s Bailey Avenue transformation project. Schumer said this is outrageous and is demanding Western NY House Republicans join him and stand up to Trump and block this plan from going forward.
    “If Trump and House Republicans thought they could quietly rip away over $100 million in funding for Buffalo’s transportation, they are in for a rude awakening. This project creates jobs, increases traffic flow and safety and boosts the local economy; it makes zero sense to defund it. Right now, Trump and House Republicans want their tax breaks for billionaires & corporations paid for by stealing money out of Buffalo’s pockets meant to fix Bailey Avenue. I say hell no, and everyone in Western NY should be outraged at this backwards proposal,” said Senator Schumer. “Bailey Avenue is the spine of the East Side and one of Buffalo’s busiest corridors. Everyone in Buffalo knows how badly it needs to be upgraded to improve safety and fix traffic. Instead of trying to bring back Bailey Avenue, House Republicans are proposing to throw up a giant and unwelcome roadblock. The community was thrilled and I was so proud to deliver this funding for Buffalo last year, and now House Republicans are pulling the rug out from Western NY.”
    Schumer added, “Trump would rather billionaires get more money in their bank account than safer streets in Buffalo. We need Western NY’s House Republicans to join us and stand up and block this plan to claw back these grants is reversed. Billionaire tax breaks should not be paid for on the backs of Buffalonians.”
    “Bailey Avenue is one of Buffalo’s busiest main roads, spanning the length of the city from north to south, and it is in dire need of improvement,” said Congressman Kennedy. “During my time in the New York State Senate, I secured $3 million to fund the planning process for Bailey Bus Rapid Transit, and that helped unlock more than $100 million in federal funds. I refuse to stand by idly and watch this transformational investment be ripped away from our community to pay for tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy. This money was rightfully awarded, and we will hold the administration to account.”
    “This funding matters beyond just a bus line. This project is not just about convenience, but it’s about ensuring that everyone, regardless of income or background, has fair access to the jobs, education, healthcare, and resources that transit can unlock. This project amplifies the voice of the community to bring to the forefront the development needs of the surrounding neighborhood. This project is paramount in fostering inclusive growth and community well-being on the East Side. We thank Senator Schumer for his unprecedented efforts and commitment to the East Side. Enough is enough,” said Essence Sweat, Executive Director, East Buffalo Development Corp.
    Earlier this month, the House Republican-led Transportation and Infrastructure Committee passed their section of the tax plan, which included repealing billions for projects through the Neighborhood Access and Equity program created in the historic Inflation Reduction Act Schumer led to passage in the Senate. If this bill were to pass as written, it would claw back nearly the entire grant for Buffalo, imperiling the future of the project which was expecting this substantial federal investment that Buffalo competed for and was awarded.
    Last year, Schumer delivered over $100 million in federal funding through this program to modernize Bailey Avenue with new safer streets for all commuters, increasing walkability and bike ability, while also improving traffic flow along the corridor by establishing a new low-no emission Bus Rapid Transit line with dedicated bus lanes.
    The Bailey Avenue Bus Rapid Transit project is intended to help overhaul one of the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority’s (NFTA) busiest bus routes, with new modern safer streets and better transportation infrastructure to help reconnect communities and businesses along the corridor. Bailey Avenue has some of the NFTA’s strongest ridership with 2,600+ riders every weekday, but it is in desperate need of upgrades to its bus stop infrastructure, road striping, pedestrian crosswalks and road safety features. According to an NFTA study, in the past 5 years on Bailey Avenue there have been over 2,500 collisions. While the community has long expressed a strong desire for increased affordable transportation along Bailey Avenue, without robust federal funding the project likely could not have happened.
    The $100+ million grant that House Republicans put on the chopping block would support the design and construction of a Bus Rapid Transit line and fund the safety improvements along the entire 7.5 mile length of Bailey Avenue from Main Street to South Park. This funding will help to improve and modernize bus service on Bailey Avenue to include features such as dedicated bus lanes, transit signal priority, increased pedestrian and bike safety features, as well as an estimated thirteen stations to provide more comfortable waiting areas to transit riders and facilitate connections to east-west bus routes and other transportation modes.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Finance Committee Advances HHS Nominations

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo

    Washington, D.C.–The U.S. Senate Finance Committee today advanced the nominations of James O’Neill to be Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) by a vote of 14-13 and Gary Andres to be an Assistant Secretary of HHS by a vote of 19-8.  Following the vote, Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) issued the statement below:
    “Each of the nominees advanced by the Committee today will bring vital experience to HHS.  Having previously served at HHS, Mr. O’Neill understands the multifaceted nature of the Department and can effectively navigate ways to make our health care system more proactive.  As a veteran of Capitol Hill, Mr. Andres understands how to implement a successful legislative agenda and will be a valuable asset as we seek input on legislation and updates on departmental actions.  I look forward to working with each of them once confirmed by the full Senate.”
    Executive session information can be found here.
    Read Chairman Crapo’s full statement at the nomination hearing here, and his statement at the executive session here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crapo Statement at Executive Session to Consider HHS Nominations

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo

    Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) delivered the following remarks at an executive session to consider the nominations of James O’Neill to be Deputy Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Gary Andres to be an Assistant Secretary of HHS.
    As prepared for delivery:
    “We meet today to consider favorably reporting the nominations of Jim O’Neill, who is nominated to serve as Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and Gary Andres, who is nominated to serve as the Assistant Secretary for Legislation at HHS.
    “The meeting this morning will provide members with the opportunity to make remarks on the nominees.  We will notify members of a time and location later today to conduct the vote. 
    “During his hearing, Mr. O’Neill discussed his plan to work closely with Secretary Kennedy to improve America’s health care system.  Given his previous service at the Department and depth of management experience in the private sector, he is uniquely qualified to enact positive change at HHS.  If confirmed as Deputy Secretary, Mr. O’Neill will have the opportunity to implement reforms in each division of the Department. 
    “As a veteran of Capitol Hill, Mr. Andres knows how to implement a successful legislative agenda and will be a valuable partner to Congress at HHS.  I was also encouraged to hear Mr. Andres’ commitment to prioritizing timeliness in responding to questions from members. 
    “I will be voting in favor of both nominations and I encourage all of my colleagues on the Committee to do the same.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 05/15/2025 Blackburn, Coons Introduce Bill to Protect United States from CCP Intellectual Property Theft

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.) introduced the Countering Chinese Espionage Reporting Act, which would ensure that we know the full extent of the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) efforts to counter threats to U.S. national security posed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP):
    “We know the Chinese Communist Party has operated secret surveillance centers across the United States, setting up shop to threaten our communities and our national security,” said Senator Blackburn. “We cannot allow this to continue, and the Countering Chinese Espionage Reporting Act is an important step to ensure America’s national security, economy, and intellectual property are protected.” 
    “We know the Chinese Communist Party is intent on stealing American companies’ intellectual property, government secrets, and military strategy,” said Senator Coons. “What we don’t know enough about is how they’re doing it, how often, and what more we can do to stop it. The bipartisan Countering Chinese Espionage Reporting Act is a critical step to getting the information we need to keep American families and American companies safe from China’s agents.”
    BACKGROUND 
    In October 2023, the intelligence chiefs of the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada came together to send a warning about China’s most sustained scaled and sophisticated theft of intellectual property and expertise in human history.
    In February 2023, the U.S. Air Force shot down a Chinese spy balloon that traveled through American airspace for several days – an apparent act of Chinese provocation.
    In April 2023, DOJ arrested two individuals in connection with opening and operating an illegal overseas Chinese police station.
    It was also revealed the CCP has secretly been operating seven “service centers” across America, raising questions about China’s surveillance efforts in the U.S.
    According to the Commission on the Theft of American Intellectual Property, the CCP has stolen enough IP to cost the United States an estimated $225 billion to $600 billion every year.
    The federal government must do everything in its power to counter the CCP’s threats to our national security and our economy.
     THE COUNTERING CHINESE ESPIONAGE REPORTING ACT 
    The Countering Chinese Espionage Reporting Act directs the U.S. Attorney General, in coordination with other relevant government agencies, to prepare an annual report on the DOJ’s efforts to counter these threats from China.
    Specifically, the DOJ’s report must include a description of its efforts to counter Chinese national security threats and espionage in the U.S., including:
    The theft of American IP and research;
    Threats from non-traditional collectors, such as researchers in labs, at universities, and at defense industrial base facilities; and
    An accounting of DOJ resources dedicated to combating CCP national security threats.
    RELATED 
    Click here for bill text.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hawley, Shaheen Introduce Legislation to End Taxpayer-Funded Pharma Ads

    US Senate News:

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

    Thursday, May 15, 2025

    Today, U.S. Senators Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) introduced the No Handouts for Drug Advertisements Act, which would end federal subsidies for pharmaceutical company advertising. Current law allows pharmaceutical companies to claim business deductions on direct-to-consumer advertising, subsidizing their publicity at taxpayers’ expense. Direct-to-consumer advertising contributes to increased healthcare costs and encourages patients to request specific brand-name drugs that may be substantially more expensive than more effective alternatives, including lifestyle changes. The Senators’ legislation would close this loophole. “For too long, Big Pharma has used our tax dollars to fund ads that push their products directly on patients. That needs to end,” Senator Hawley said. “HHS Secretary RFK, Jr. has made it clear that he wants to ban prescription drug commercials, and I’m proud to introduce legislation to do just that. Making America Healthy Again starts by ending handouts to these corporations and empowering consumers to make the health decision that is truly in their best interest.”
    “It’s flat-out wrong that drug companies receive huge tax breaks for running ads directly to consumers, especially as taxpayers in my state pay more and more for life-saving drugs,” said Senator Shaheen. “It’s well past time for Congress to step in to end these tax breaks, lower costs for everyday Americans and hold pharmaceutical companies accountable. My bipartisan bill with Senator Hawley offers a practical solution to do just that.” The No Handouts for Drug Advertisements Act would:
    Amend the Internal Revenue Code to disallow tax deductions for expenses related to direct-to-consumer advertising of both prescription drugs and compounded medications.
    Define “direct-to-consumer advertising” as advertisements primarily targeted to the general public through television, radio, direct mail, billboards, internet, social media, and other digital platforms.
    Read the full bill text here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warren, Schmitt Renew Bipartisan Fight for More Competition in Pentagon’s AI and Cloud Contracting

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    May 15, 2025

    Bicameral bill aligns with new White House guidelines on AI contracting for government agencies

    Text of Bill (PDF) | Text of One-Pager (PDF)

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) reintroduced the bipartisan, bicameral Protecting AI and Cloud Competition in Defense Act to ensure that the Department of Defense (DoD)’s contracting for artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing tools prioritizes resiliency and competition. The bill reins in Big Tech monopolies and prevents them from cutting out competitors in the AI and cloud computing markets.

    Representatives Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.), Pat Fallon (R-Texas), and Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.) introduced the bill in the House of Representatives. 

    The reintroduction comes as the White House has released new guidelines on AI procurement that encourage federal agencies to avoid vendor lock-in and to ensure that government data is protected and not used to train commercial AI models. 

    The AI and cloud computing industries are highly concentrated, and a few Silicon Valley companies control the markets the DoD relies on for cloud infrastructure, foundation models, and data infrastructure. DoD has already awarded $9 billion in contracts to Google, Oracle, Microsoft, and Amazon to build its cloud computing network, and requested an additional $1.8 billion for AI programs for Fiscal Year 2025. The Protecting AI and Cloud Competition in Defense Act would ensure that DoD’s new contracts protect competition in the AI and cloud computing markets, instead of giving an unfair advantage to a few big players. The bill also encourages DoD to consider cloud computing services from multiple providers so the agency isn’t locked in by a single tech company.

    Specifically, the bill would: 

    • Require DoD — when contracting with AI and cloud computing companies that make $50 million or more with DoD annually — to hold a competitive award process, ensure that the government maintains exclusive rights to access and use of all government data, mitigate barriers to entry faced by small businesses and nontraditional contractors, and consider multi-cloud technology unless doing so is infeasible or presents a danger to national security. 
    • Require DoD’s Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO) to ensure that government data provided for the purpose of development and operation of AI products to DoD will not be disclosed or used without DoD authorization, and such government data, if stored on vendor systems, has appropriate protections.
    • Require DoD to publish a report every four years on competition, innovation, barriers to entry, and market power concentration in the AI sector, with recommendations for legislative and administrative action.

    Senators Warren and Schmitt first introduced the Protecting AI and Cloud Competition in Defense Act in December 2024. 

    “It’s a mistake to let Silicon Valley monopolize our AI and cloud computing tools because it doesn’t just stifle innovation, it increases costs and threatens our national security,” said Senator Warren. “Our bill will make sure the military can access cutting-edge tools and will keep our markets strong and our information secure.”

    “The Department of Defense’s procurement system must encourage competition instead of allowing a select group of companies to dominate the awards process. We must move away from policies that create risk concentration, and stifle innovation to instead adopt policies that create opportunities for emerging A.I. defense companies. I am proud to be leading this bill that promotes this smart policy, as well as encourage innovation so the U.S. can continue to lead A.I.,” said Senator Eric Schmitt.

    “Competition always pushes the limits of creativity, innovation, and excellence – whether in AI or any other field. That’s why the Department of Defense needs to prioritize competition in its AI and cloud computing contracts to ensure we deploy the best technologies to protect and strengthen our national security. I’m proud to help lead this bicameral legislation that will make our country safer, stronger, and more competitive on the global stage,” said Congresswoman Sara Jacobs. 

    “The Department of Defense needs to shape up its federal tech procurement process to protect data and public money from the failures of concentrated power and a lack of competition,” said Congressman Chris Deluzio. “Policies like the Protecting AI and Cloud Competition in Defense Act will promote real competition in the defense technology sector to help keep our military strong, fortified, and ready for anything.”

    “By relying on free market principles, the Department of Defense can help ensure competition and innovation when it comes to the bidding process for government AI and cloud contracts,” said Congressman Pat Fallon. “It’s our duty to ensure the DOD is picking the winners now and, in the future, to keep ahead of our competitors. Due to the varied cyber threats facing our nation today, we must also ensure that AI and cloud related data is secure when it is held exclusively by the federal government. For these reasons, the Protecting AI and Cloud Competition in Defense Act is the next step forward Congress must take in the interest of US national security.”

    The Protecting AI and Cloud Competition in Defense Act is endorsed by Economic Securities Project Action and the Open Markets Institute.

    Senator Warren has been a leader in the fight to rein in Big Tech and boost competition in the tech and defense sectors: 

    • In May 2025, Secretary of the Army, Daniel P. Driscoll announced that the Army will ensure right-to-repair provisions are included in future Army contracts, after pressure from Senator Warren. 
    • In April 2025, Senator Elizabeth Warren secured a commitment from Mr. Michael Cadenazzi, nominee to be the next Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy, to support AI competition and innovation in defense contracting.
    • In April 2025, Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) wrote to cloud service providers Google and Microsoft with concerns that their respective partnerships with AI developers Anthropic and OpenAI may violate antitrust laws, leading to fewer choices and higher prices for businesses and consumers using AI tools.
    • In January 2025, at a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee, a Palantir Executive agreed with Senator Elizabeth Warren that legal loopholes should not enable companies to  price-gouge the military.
    • In September 2024, Senator Warren wrote to Assistant Attorney General of the Antitrust Division at the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) Jonathan Kanter in support of the DOJ’s ongoing probe into Nvidia’s potentially anticompetitive behavior.
    • In February 2024, Senator Warren delivered the keynote address at RemedyFest, where she called out Big Tech for their anti-competitive tactics that have led to market consolidation and record profits.
    • In January 2024, at a hearing of the Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, Senator Warren questioned Emily Kilcrease, Senior Fellow and Director of the Energy, Economics, and Security Program at the Center for a New American Security, on the national security risks posed by digital trade rules that allow tech companies to collect, sell, and store Americans’ data wherever is cheapest, including China.
    • In December 2023, Senators Warren, Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), along with U.S. Representatives Mary Gay Scanlon (D-Pa.), Hank Johnson (D-Ga.), Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.), Lori Trahan (D-Mass.), and Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.), sent a letter to President Biden, urging him to continue to reject any trade or policy proposals from Big Tech that would deem the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) to be discriminatory or an illegal trade barrier, in order to protect the administration’s shared pro-competition priorities with its European allies. 
    • In November 2023, Senator Warren and U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.), led 10 lawmakers in a letter to President Joe Biden, commending his administration’s actions countering Big Tech’s influence in trade negotiations, and asking him to replace “digital trade” provisions lobbied for by Big Tech in Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) negotiations with new language to ensure regulatory agencies and Congress are able to counter Big Tech abuses and develop a new model for digital rules in trade agreements that promotes competition and protects workers, consumers, and small businesses. 
    • In July 2023, Senators Warren and Graham introduced the Bipartisan Digital Consumer Protection Commission Act which would  rein in Big Tech by establishing a new commission to regulate online platforms. The commission would have concurrent jurisdiction with FTC and DOJ, and would be responsible for enforcing the new statutory provisions in the bill and implementing rules to promote competition, protect privacy, protect consumers, and strengthen our national security.
    • In May 2023, Senator Warren released a 22-page investigative report: Big Tech’s Big Con: Rigging Digital Trade Rules to Block Antitrust Regulation. The investigation, based on a review of previously undisclosed emails, reveals that Big Tech is using its revolving door hires to gain backdoor access to key United States Trade Representative and Commerce Department officials, undermining the Biden Administration’s promises to end rigged trade deals and protect workers, consumers, and the environment. 
    • In October 2022, Senator Warren and Representative Jayapal sent a letter to Secretary Raimondo underscoring the dangers of Big Tech’s digital trade agenda, following up on a letter the lawmakers sent to Secretary Raimondo in July 2022 requesting additional information about the revolving door between Commerce and Big Tech and its potential impact on global digital trade rules.
    • In July 2022, Senator Warren and Representative Jayapal sent a letter to Secretary Raimondo raising questions about the revolving door between the Department of Commerce and Big Tech companies, and its potential impact on global digital trade rules.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Mullin, Oklahoma Delegation Sit-Down Interview: “Oklahoma Punches Above Its Weight in Congress”

    US Senate News:

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

    ICYMI: Mullin, Oklahoma Delegation Sit-Down Interview: “Oklahoma Punches Above Its Weight in Congress”

    “We find ourselves with a really good opportunity to make some big differences for the country right now. I think we can all say this, we feel privileged to be here right now.”
    Washington, D.C. – On Wednesday, Oklahoma’s News 9 released a 40-minute roundtable interview featuring U.S. Senators Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), James Lankford (R-OK), and U.S. Representatives Stephanie Bice (R-OK), Frank Lucas (R-OK), Tom Cole (R-OK), Kevin Hern (R-OK), and Josh Brecheen (R-OK) for a special congressional delegation sit-down discussion with long-time Washington Bureau Chief, Alex Cameron.
    During the wide-ranging conversation, the members gave an inside look as to how Oklahoma’s seven-member Republican delegation is working with the Trump administration and leveraging their committee assignments to deliver big wins for the Sooner State. Highlights below.

    Sen. Mullin and the Oklahoma congressional delegation’s interview can be found here.
    On how the Oklahoma delegation punches above their weight:
    “I have no title, and I think James [Sen. Lankford] said it right, you see a problem and you go fix it. For me, I’m a Junior Senator. I don’t have seniority over here. So, what I have to do is, if youwant to get something accomplished, you have to build a coalition to do that. What’s interesting about our delegation is we all punch way above our weight. We all have separate issues, we trust each other, we allow that individual to take the leading position on that. 
    “I don’t care if it’s from Tom [Rep. Cole] on approps [House Committee on Appropriations] or Frank [Rep. Lucas] on ag [House Committee on Agriculture] issues, James being with financial services [Senate Committee on Financial Services] or budget [Senate Committee on the Budget] or you have Stephanie [Rep. Bice] and we have the ability to work together now on armed services [Senate Committee on Armed Services and House Committee on Armed Services] and on approps too, and you have Kevin [Rep. Hern] and you have Josh [Rep. Brecheen] who are all leading in different aspects in the House. What we have to do is build a coalition. What I learned when I went to the Senate real quick is that both chambers worry about the other chamber and most of the time when I’m arguing with my wife, it’s a misunderstanding.”
    On how the senator’s role benefits the Sooner State:
    “The role that I play between the White House, between the Senate, and between the House is breaking down that miscommunication and just bringing the facts to the table.
    “Instead of worrying about what someone’s going to do, build a coalition to figure out how we can accomplish what our common goal is and deliver for the American people. That’s simply having a conversation and putting the right people on the telephone, putting the right people in the room, and having a clear vision on what we’re trying to accomplish.
    “Fortunately, because I served so long in the House and I have those relationships and have been able to maintain those relationships, and have been able to build relationships in the Senate, and obviously have an outstanding relationship with the president, who I call a friend, we find ourselves with a really good opportunity to make some big differences for the country right now. I think we can all say this, we feel privileged to be here right now.”
    On his support for President Trump’s tariff strategy:
    “I have a saying; you’re never going to change anything you’re willing to tolerate. We’ve tolerated it [Unfair trade deals] so long. We’ve known it was wrong. We’ve known we’ve had to do something and finally we’re doing it. It is uncomfortable, but at what point was we going to fix it? At what point was it coming to head where it was going to force us to fix it? There is countries who’ve gotten extremely wealthy by taking trillions of dollars outside of the United States’ economy just turn it back around and sell it to us…
    “A scalpel doesn’t work, nor can you simply take tariffs one country at a time…
    “People have been taking advantage of us way too long, and President Trump is finally fixing it. It’s uncomfortable, but we had to right the ship at some point. This is the time to do it.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley Introduces AI Whistleblower Protection Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) introduced the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Whistleblower Protection Act to provide explicit whistleblower protections to those developing and deploying AI. Currently, AI companies’ restrictive severance and nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) create a chilling effect on current and former employees looking to make whistleblower disclosures to the federal government, including Congress.  
    The legislation merges existing AI and whistleblower protection laws to shield the communications of current and former AI employees who make disclosures. The bill would also provide relief for AI whistleblowers who suffer retaliation, including reinstatement, back pay and compensation for damages incurred, where applicable.
    “Transparency brings accountability. Today, too many people working in AI feel they’re unable to speak up when they see something wrong. Whistleblowers are one of the best ways to ensure Congress keeps pace as the AI industry rapidly develops. We need to act to make these protections crystal clear. I’m proud to introduce this legislation to increase accountability and protect AI whistleblowers,” Grassley said.
    Additional co-sponsors include Sens. Chris Coons (D-Del.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i). Reps. Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.) and Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) are introducing companion legislation in the House of Representatives.  
    “AI is rapidly evolving in ways that have the potential to radically reshape our society and transform our world for the better and for the worse,” Coons said. “I have long been concerned with how much more tech companies know about the risks and harms of their products compared with regulators, independent researchers, and the public. The AI Whistleblower Protection Act is a critical tool among others that Congress must enact to ensure that we can get the best out of AI while also learning when it poses a substantial danger to public safety.”
    “As AI continues to develop at breakneck speed, we need to know about the risks that come with it,” Schatz said. “This bill protects whistleblowers from employer retaliation in the event that they report on significant dangers, security failures, or breaches of the law.”
    “Protecting whistleblowers who report AI security vulnerabilities isn’t just about workplace fairness—it’s a matter of national security,” Obernolte said. “As artificial intelligence becomes more powerful and more deeply embedded in our infrastructure, we must ensure that those who identify potential threats can speak up without fear of retaliation. This bill will help safeguard the American people from emerging technological risks and protect the integrity of our AI systems.”
    The legislation is endorsed by the National Whistleblower Center, Government Accountability Project, Center for AI Policy, The Anti-Fraud Coalition, Encode and Americans for Responsible Innovation.
    “The introduction of the [AI Whistleblower Protection Act] answers the call for AI industry employee whistleblower protections that will serve to protect the public, marking a turning point in guaranteeing transparency and accountability over AI companies,” said Stephen Kohn, Co-Founder and Chairman of the Board of the National Whistleblower Center. “National Whistleblower Center extends its sincere appreciation to [Senator Grassley], and [his] fellow sponsors and cosponsors, for championing this bill and taking a stand for all AI employees.”
    “In a time when AI technologies are advancing faster than many institutions can keep up, it’s absolutely vital that the federal government has access to accurate, truthful information about the dangers AI poses to public health and public safety,” said Jason Green-Lowe, Executive Director of the Center for AI Policy. “Senator’s Grassley’s strong and effective whistleblower protection bill will honor the brave individuals who step up to report genuine dangers and make it possible for them to do the right thing without giving up their careers. The Center for AI Policy firmly endorses this important and well-drafted bill and urges Congress to advance it without delay.”
    “Sen. Grassley’s bill offers crucial protection for AI whistleblowers,” said Jacklyn DeMar, President & CEO of The Anti-Fraud Coalition. “Sector-based whistleblower protections are desperately needed to allow insiders within the AI industry to best protect investors and ensure proper safety protocols are implemented. Given the rapid development and adoption of AI throughout our society, insiders working within the industry need to be properly protected when they blow the whistle.”
    “As AI systems grow more powerful and autonomous, we must shield those who sound the alarm about emerging risks. The engineers and researchers closest to these systems are the first to spot dangerous vulnerabilities or safety gaps,” said Sunny Gandhi, Vice President of Political Affairs at Encode AI. “The AI Whistleblower Protection Act creates a vital safety valve for our AI ecosystem, ensuring that legitimate national security concerns reach regulators before they spiral into preventable harm.”
    “Ensuring transparency and accountability in the rapidly evolving field of AI is a public interest and national security imperative,” said Brad Carson, President of Americans for Responsible Innovation. “Employees in the industry have firsthand knowledge of practices that may jeopardize public safety and our national security. The AI Whistleblower Protection Act ensures they aren’t silenced by a fear of retaliation.”
    Full text of the legislation is available HERE.
    Background:Last year, Grassley sent a letter to OpenAI CEO Sam Altman raising concerns about the alleged use of illegally restrictive NDAs, as well as the company’s employment, severance and non-disparagement agreements.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley Announces Staff Traveling Office Hours in 12 Iowa Counties

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley’s (R-Iowa) staff will hold traveling office hours in 12 counties from May 22 to May 23. Iowans seeking assistance with a federal agency or wishing to share their views may stop by during the scheduled hours listed below.
    NOTE: Senator Grassley will not be in attendance. He will be represented by his regional directors: Noah Schrad of Des Moines and Jacob Bossman of Sioux City.
    “For 45 years, I’ve made it a point to hold meetings in every county, every year. I can’t meet face-to-face with all three million Iowans, so in addition to mail and telephone communication, my staff holds traveling office hours to ensure my constituents’ concerns are heard and their problems are addressed,” said Grassley. “I encourage Iowans needing assistance to stop by during these upcoming traveling office hours to meet with my staff, or contact one of my offices.”
    The schedule is as follows:
    Thursday, May 22
    Woodbury County
    9 – 10 a.m.
    Little Courthouse
    105 N 2nd Street
    Anthon
    Regional Director Jacob Bossman
    Ida County
    10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
    Lohff-Schumann Community Center
    301 Lohff-Schumann Drive
    Holstein
    Regional Director Jacob Bossman
    Adair County
    11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
    Greenfield Public Library – Study Room
    202 S 1st Street
    Greenfield
    Regional Director Noah Schrad
    Cherokee County12 – 1 p.m.
    Cherokee Chamber of Commerce
    201 W Main Street
    Cherokee
    Regional Director Jacob Bossman
    Guthrie County
    2 – 3 p.m.
    Panora Public Library – Meeting Room
    102 N 1st Street
    Panora
    Regional Director Noah Schrad
    O’Brien County
    2:30 –3:30 p.m.
    Paullina Community Building – Laue Room
    127 S Main Street
    Paullina
    Regional Director Jacob Bossman
    Friday, May 23
    Osceola County
    9:45 – 10:45 a.m.Ashton State Bank – Basement Community Room317 3rd Street
    Ashton
    Regional Director Jacob Bossman
    Story County
    11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
    Nevada Public Library – Study Room 2
    631 K Avenue
    Nevada
    Regional Director Noah Schrad
    Lyon County
    11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
    Inwood Community Center
    103 S Main Street
    Inwood
    Regional Director Jacob Bossman
    Sioux County
    2:15 – 3:15 p.m.
    Hawarden Public Library
    803 10th Street
    Hawarden
    Regional Director Jacob Bossman
    Marshall County
    2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
    Marshalltown Public Library – Community Meeting Room
    105 W Boone Street
    Marshalltown
    Regional Director Noah Schrad
    Plymouth County
    3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
    Akron City Hall
    220 Reed Street
    Akron
    Regional Director Jacob Bossman
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Merkley, Wyden, Bonamici Demand Reinstatement of Critical Disaster Mitigation Program for Oregon

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)
    May 15, 2025
    Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden—along with U.S. Representative Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01)—joined over 80 of their Senate and House colleagues in a bipartisan effort to demand that Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem reinstate the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program within the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This essential program supports local efforts to protect and harden communities in Oregon and nationwide from natural disasters.
    “BRIC funds are spurring communities across the country to strengthen their resilience to extreme weather, and forgoing these critical investments will only make it harder and more expensive for communities to recover from the next storm,” Merkley, Wyden, Bonamici, and the lawmakers wrote.
    The BRIC program provides grants for hazard mitigation planning and projects that reduce risks posed by natural hazards to communities, Tribal Nations, and territories requesting assistance. The lawmakers’ bipartisan letter emphasizes the urgent need to continue investing in pre-disaster mitigation and community resilience and calls on the Administration to work with Congress to improve the program’s accessibility and efficiency.
    “The BRIC program was established by Congress in the 2018 Disaster Recovery Reform Act and signed into law by President Trump with bipartisan support. In the years since, this program has catalyzed community investments in resilient infrastructure, saving federal funds by investing in community preparedness before a disaster strikes,” they continued. “According to research, one dollar invested in disaster mitigation can save up to $18 in response and recovery expenditures.”
    Previously, Merkley led his Democratic colleagues in the Oregon delegation to denounce the cancellation of awards under the BRIC program. These grants are critical to ensure that Oregon’s communities—especially in frontier, rural, and coastal regions of the state—can withstand the increasing threat of natural disasters.
    “We urge the Administration to take swift action to reinstate the BRIC program, and to work with Congress to identify and implement reforms to strengthen our nation’s resilience for decades to come,” the lawmakers concluded.
    This latest letter was led by U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), as well as U.S. Representatives Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.-11), Sylvia Garcia (D-Texas-29), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.-01).
    In addition to Merkley, Wyden, and Bonamici, the letter was also signed by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Representatives Alma Adams (D-N.C.-12), Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.-33), Donald Beyer (D-Va.-08), Rob Bresnahan (R-Pa.-08), Nikki Budzinski (D-Ill.-13), Greg Casar (D-Texas-35), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.-20), Judy Chu (D-Calif.-33), Angie Craig (D-Minn.-02), Sharice Davids (D-Kan.-03), Donald Davis (D-N.C.-01), Sarah Elfreth (D-Md.-03), Lois Frankel (D-Fla.-22), Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.-10), Chuy García (D-Ill.-04), Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.-07), Hank Johnson (D-Ga.-04), Bill Keating (D-Mass.-09), Ro Khanna (D-Calif.-17), Jen Kiggans (R-Va.-02), Kimberlyn King-Hinds (R-Northern Marina Islands), Stephen Lynch (D-Mass.-08), Doris Matsui (D-Calif.-07), Sarah McBride (D-Del.-01), Jennifer McClellan (D-Va.-04), Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-Mich.-08), Morgan McGarvey (D-Ky.-03), Dave Min (D-Calif-47), Blake Moore (R-Utah-01), James Moylan (R-Va.-09), Kevin Mullin (D-Calif.-15), Richard Neal (D-Mass.-01), Dan Newhouse (R-Wash-04), Chris Pappas (D-N.H.-01), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-Wash.-03), Scott Peters (D-Calif.-50), Chellie Pingree (D-Maine-01), Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.-07), Mike Quigley (D-Ill.05), Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen (R-American Samoa), John Rutherford (R-Fla.-05), Linda Sánchez (R-Calif.-38), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-Pa.-05), Kim Schrier (D-Wash.-08), Terri Sewell (D-Ala.-07), Thomas Suozzi (D-N.Y.-03), Jill Tokuda (D-Hawaii-02), Norma Torres (D-Calif-35), David Valadao (R-Calif-22), Nydia Velázquez (D-N.Y.-07), Eugene Simon Vindman (D-Va.-07), Frederica Wilson (D-Fla.-24), and Robert Wittman (R-Va.-01).
    The full letter is available by clicking here and follows below:
    Dear Secretary Noem and Acting Administrator Richardson,
    We are writing to urge the Administration to reinstate the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities Grant (BRIC) program within the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). BRIC funds are spurring communities across the country to strengthen their resilience to extreme weather, and forgoing these critical investments will only make it harder and more expensive for communities to recover from the next storm. We acknowledge that the BRIC program, like all grant funding programs, has room for improvement, and we urge you to couple the reinstatement of the program with an opportunity for Congress and FEMA to improve the application review and funding distribution process to more effectively reduce the costs disasters pose to our communities, economies, and livelihoods.
    The BRIC program was established by Congress in the 2018 Disaster Recovery Reform Act and signed into law by President Trump with bipartisan support. In the years since, this program has catalyzed community investments in resilient infrastructure, saving federal funds by investing in community preparedness before a disaster strikes.
    According to research, one dollar invested in disaster mitigation can save up to $18 in response and recovery expenditures. BRIC funds are making communities safer in the next storm through projects like upgrading and protecting wastewater and drinking water plants after the facilities suffered repeated flooding, or bridge upgrades and road drainage improvements to improve driver safety. Because of its benefits, the demand for BRIC grants continues to increase, and our states and communities benefit from the reliability of the funding cycles.
    The BRIC program also plays an essential role in helping Tribal Nations and rural communities strengthen their defenses against natural disasters and safeguard critical infrastructure. Through BRIC, Tribes and rural communities can access dedicated funding to strengthen community resilience by investing in hazard mitigation projects—such as flood protection, fire prevention, and infrastructure hardening—that are otherwise difficult to finance in rural or remote settings. Importantly, FEMA supports Tribal sovereignty by allowing Tribes to apply directly for funding, reserving a dedicated Tribal set-aside, and providing direct technical assistance—ensuring Tribes can lead their own planning and mitigation efforts. These investments not only strengthen community resilience but also honor the federal trust responsibility to support the safety, self-determination, and well-being of Tribal Nations.
    At the same time, we acknowledge that the BRIC program should be evaluated for opportunities to increase efficiency and reduce the complexities for recipients to access the critical resources. The benefits of the program should not be concentrated in or limited to jurisdictions with dedicated offices and the staff necessary to navigate the grant application requirements. Additionally, the program should be updated with a strategic approach that empowers states and local governments to address degraded and vulnerable infrastructure based on their localized priorities and understanding of risk.
    We urge the Administration to take swift action to reinstate the BRIC program, and to work with Congress to identify and implement reforms to strengthen our nation’s resilience for decades to come.

    MIL OSI USA News –