NewzIntel.com

Category: US Senate

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator McConnell Advocates for Bourbon Industry During Senate Agriculture Hearing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Mitch McConnell

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – During a hearing of the Senate Agriculture Committee, U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) questioned Chris French, the Acting Associate Chief of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service, regarding the White Oak Resilience Act of 2025. Earlier this year, Senators McConnell and Mark Warner (D-VA) introduced the bill to provide greater federal resources and direct research into safeguarding our nation’s White Oak tree population. The bill requires the USDA and the Forest Service to coordinate research and conservation efforts, ensuring the White Oak a stable supply and a viable future. 

    Senator McConnell said during the hearing that “our iconic bourbon industry is critical to us. 95 percent of the bourbon in the world is made in Kentucky. The $9 billion industry supports agricultural, forestry, manufacturing, distilling, bottling, construction, and transportation jobs… just to name a few. Kentucky bourbon is synonymous with the White Oak tree, which is used to age our state’s signature spirit in wooden barrels. Unfortunately, 75 percent of the nation’s White Oak population is rated as mature, meaning that there will be a shortage of White Oaks within 30 years. Congress must act to ensure the preservation of this invaluable resource.” 

    Senator McConnell asked Mr. French about the Administration’s support of the White Oak Resilience Act. Mr. French said, the USDA Forest Service is “very supportive” of the overall intent of the McConnell/Warner bill, “especially with the loss that we are seeing [of White Oak trees] across the country.” 

    White Oak trees are vital to the environmental ecosystem, as well as several trademark American industries, like bourbon and furniture production. Considered the most important hardwood tree in the eastern United States, White Oak trees provide sustenance and shelter for a host of wildlife species across the country. 

    White Oak trees can take up to 25 years to reach full maturity, but a lack of seedlings has created an impending shortage that threatens the future of this species and the billions of dollars in economic impact they generate nationwide. The bipartisan legislation will help reverse the depletion of this iconic tree and address the threat its extinction poses to the American economy. 

    The White Oak Resilience Act has been included in the Fix Our Forests Act. The Committee is expected to markup the bill later this month. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall on Fox Business: No Tax on Overtime Is Good for Hardworking Americans

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall
    Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) today joined Kudlow on Fox Business to discuss the Overtime Wages Tax Relief Act, the bill he introduced today to cut taxes on overtime wages and deliver on one of President Donald Trump’s key promises to give tax relief to lower and middle-class American workers.
    Senator Marshall also discussed the “No Tax on Tips” proposal and the timeline for the Senate to get President Trump’s “One, Big, Beautiful” budget reconciliation bill across the finish line.
    Click HERE to watch Senator Marshall’s full interview.
    Highlights from Senator Marshall’s interview include:        
    On the Overtime Wages Tax Relief Act:
    “We have to get his One Big, Beautiful Bill across the floor, and we have to prioritize President Trump’s priorities, which includes this no tax on overtime. This is something good for hard-working Americans, those people who bring a lunch pail to work.
    “Look, we’re going to limit it to their first $10,000 for an individual, $20,000 for a couple. What that could mean is $4,000 more of take-home pay for those people out there who are working extra hard to make this economy grow.
    “I think it could be something that actually improves the growth of America. We have numerous jobs back home that we can’t fill because we don’t have enough people, at least, who are qualified to do them. This will give us a chance for them to make a little extra money and also put some money back into the economy.”
    On ensuring Americans can keep more of their hard-earned money:
    “I remember my first job. I was actually working in a sale barn, sorting heifers and steers. We would work 12-16 hours a day, and we got that overtime check. And to my surprise, the government was taking out more than they did on the other part of it, and it never made any sense to me. So, it is a big chunk of change. Again, a person may be making $80,000-$100,000 a year if they get to keep $4,000 more of their hard-earned money, then that’s a win for hard workers across the country.”
    On No Tax on Tips:
    “We’re going to get that one across the finish line… We need to keep the price tag, I think, on my overtime wages, under $100 billion over 10 years. And I’m going to guess the no tax on tips is the same place as well, but President Trump wants it. He is the person that’s signing this bill, so we get to use his priorities, and I’m looking forward to making that happen.”
    On getting President Trump’s “One, Big, Beautiful Bill” across the finish line:
    “I think the next step is for the House to give us what they can get passed. I think the big issue for them is, how much are they willing to cut on the spending. They need to probably get to $2 trillion of… savings for Americans in order for us to accomplish all of President Trump’s goals.
    “When we see that, then we can move much more quickly. We got to be prepared, though, for whatever different softballs or fastballs they throw at us. I still think our goal is to get something to the president’s desk by July the fourth.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Leads Press Conference on His Bill to Codify Trump’s Key Promise – No Tax on Overtime

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall
    Washington –U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), member of the U.S. Senate Finance Committee, today led a press conference alongside U.S. Senators Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama), Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska), and Jim Justice (R-West Virginia) to highlight their bill, the Overtime Wages Tax Relief Act. 
    This legislation thoughtfully puts pen to paper to deliver on President Donald Trump’s key campaign promise to give tax relief to American workers. Specifically, the Overtime Wages Tax Relief Act creates an income tax deduction for overtime wage earners, targeted to help lower and middle-income Americans. Senator Marshall is advocating for this legislation to be included in the FY2025 budget reconciliation package. 
    Click HERE watch Senator Marshall’s full press conference
    Highlights from the press conference include:
    What inspired Senator Marshall to introduce the legislation:
    “I was born and raised on a farm. My first job off the farm was at a sale barn outside of El Dorado, Kansas. Every Saturday, the farmers bring in their cattle. We would sell 1,000 head, 2,000, or 3,000 head on a Saturday. A 12-hour day would be a short day there. Many days my brother and I worked 24 – 36 hours at a time. But the greatest thing I looked forward to was that time and a half after eight hours.
    “And I just remember like it was yesterday – I was making $2.30 an hour, that was the standard wage there at the sale barn… that time and a half overtime really incentivized a young person who was looking forward to buying his first car. But to my surprise, that first time I got my paycheck with that overtime, I was shocked to see how much money the government was taking out of my paycheck…”
    Senator Marshall shares stories of Kansans who would benefit from this legislation:
    “I want to share the story of a couple other people here from back home. The first is Steve Hewitt, and Steve is here in his UPS uniform. He works for the Teamsters local 696, in Topeka, Kansas, obviously a UPS driver. And this is a quote from Steve, ‘Working overtime means I’m spending more time on the road and away from my family. But thanks to this bill, being able to keep more my paycheck in my pocket would be life changing – not just for me, but for blue collar workers across the nation.’
    “The other one is from Brandon Switzer – a corrections officer at the Shawnee County Department of Corrections. Teamsters, local 696 in Topeka, Kansas, again. And this is a quote from Brandon, ‘As the Chief Steward and a corrections specialist at the Shawnee County Department of Corrections, I believe being able to deduct overtime pay from taxes would allow workers to better afford day-to-day living. New legislation like this would also allow workers like me to possibly contribute more to our deferred compensation plan.’
    “The people that were constantly reaching out to me were hard working men and women saying we need someone fighting for us, someone fighting for Main Street, not just Wall Street. And I’m so proud of President Trump that he’s made this a priority, to be the President for the hard-working Americans, for people who carry a lunch pail to work.”
    On why this legislation is critical:
    “This is one of President Trump’s priorities, and it’s one of my priorities as well. You know what this would mean to a family, and I’ll turn it over to Coach Tuberville. Look, the Trump tax cuts – if we don’t make that permanent, families back home are going to get a tax increase of $2,000 a year. So, if we let this go off the books, that’s going to cost Kansas taxpayers $2,000 a year. Potentially, for a person that’s working overtime, they could save another $4,000 on taxes if this legislation is signed into law by the president. So, to me, this is like a $6,000 opportunity for hard-working folks back home. If you’re making 80, 90, or $100,000 a year back home, $6,000 is nothing to sneeze at. That will go a long way in taking care of Joe Biden’s inflation.”
    On the additional benefits of the Overtime Wages Tax Relief Act:
    “I think that we should incentivize hard work, like several of us have said, addressing work shortages. I don’t know back in your states, but all I hear is we don’t have enough employees for the jobs we have. And I see American manufacturing companies starting to really spike back home as well. And again, their big challenge is a lack of people for the jobs we have. The Tax Foundation estimates this will increase economic growth by 0.2 to 0.5% annually. So, I think it actually will help grow the economy and pay for itself in its own way.”
    On how this legislation would be paid for:
    “We should never look at any issue just in a silo. I look at this one, big, beautiful bill, and think that we need to come up with $2 trillion in savings for American taxpayers. And then I think if there’s an opportunity to take some of those savings and reward hard-working men and women that we should do that. And much like the Trump tax cuts, I really think that this will accelerate the economy and add to the GDP.”
    On government revenues and spending:
    “I still think, to me, there’s even a bigger discussion here, is when the appropriation process is starting, is America willing to go on a diet and get off this sugar high that we’ve been on the last four years. We need to reprioritize where we’re spending money. We have a spending problem, much more so than a tax revenue problem.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: King, Hyde-Smith Introduce Bill to Crack Down on Violence Against Health Care Workers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) introduced bipartisan legislation to curb violence against health care workers. The Save Healthcare Workers Act would help deter and prevent violence against health care workers by making it easier to prosecute individuals who commit violence against hospital employees.
    The legislation would establish fines and federal criminal penalties for persons convicted of assaulting hospital personnel, with increased penalties for the use of deadly or dangerous weapons or infliction of bodily harm. These penalties would provide hospital staff with the same existing protections given to flight attendants and airport workers. If passed, the Save Healthcare Workers Act would be the first federal law to protect threatened hospital employees — including those who work in states that have not enacted laws imposing penalties for harming healthcare workers.
    “Maine’s health care workers deserve respect and appreciation for the work they do to keep our communities safe and healthy — there should never be injuries in the lines of duty for those delivering care,” said Senator King. “As violence against health care workers rises, we have a duty to protect the men and women serving in hospitals and health care facilities. The bipartisan Save Healthcare Workers Act will help to combat this senseless violence and ensure it no longer goes unpunished — keeping staff safe and free from harm so they’re able to focus on patient care.”
    “I am proud that Mississippi has been leading the way by strengthening laws to protect our healthcare workers. But we know there’s still more work to do on the federal level, and this bill is a big part of that,” said Senator Hyde-Smith. “I believe the federal government can help deter violence and keep our healthcare workers safe by establishing stronger penalties for those who assault hospital employees. Our legislation will protect these workers and, importantly, the people who rely on their care.”
    “Workplace Violence continues to be pervasive across Maine hospitals, with hospitals reporting over 300 incidents each month — of which half are physical assaults,” said Sally Weiss, Vice President of the Maine Hospital Association.  “A multipronged approach is needed to address this epidemic; however, federal legislation like the Save Healthcare Workers Act would act as a deterrent and send a strong message — just as it does for the aviation industry — that the safety and wellbeing of health care workers matters.  We thank Senator King for his advocacy and support on this issue and sponsoring this legislation to provide better protection for all health care workers across the U.S..”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch, Colleagues Introduce Bicameral Resolution Demanding Public Input on Radical Upheaval at Federal Health Agencies

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)

    Senate Resolution Calls on Trump Administration to Reverse Course on Richardson Waiver, Mirroring 1980s Effort to Boost Transparency
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, last week joined Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Angus King (I-Maine) and 15 Senators in introducing a bicameral resolution calling on the Trump Administration to reverse course on a decision to stop seeking public input on many major changes to programs and policies overseen by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The Trump Administration’s actions break with decades of precedent that have allowed the public and health care organizations to make their voices heard. 
    “Donald Trump and Robert Kennedy Jr. are taking a wrecking ball to our health care system. Their cruel actions will destroy HHS’ capacity to deliver services that are essential to the well-being of the American people—including tearing down the long-standing tradition of giving patients a voice in decisions about their health care. If the goal is to have more efficiency, better service, and better outcomes for patients, this is a backwards way to do it,” said Senator Welch. “The Trump Administration must immediately retract this disastrous policy and prioritize people’s lives over power grabs.” 
    “Robert Kennedy promised radical transparency when he became HHS Secretary – instead he has delivered radical secrecy,” said Senator Wyden. “Rather than throw open the doors of government, RFK Jr. has shut the gates, locking out doctors, patient advocates, and everyday Americans from weighing in on the chaotic disruption of America’s health care that the Trump administration is pursuing. Trump and Kennedy should follow the example of Ronald Reagan and reverse course on this disastrous decision to plug their ears to the critical feedback of medical professionals, health care providers, and concerned citizens.” 
    “People deserve a voice in their health care because it is their lives that are impacted when decisions are made,” said Senator Markey. “But Robert Kennedy Jr. and Donald Trump are tearing into our health care system, making it harder for people to get care, and trying to do so in secret. Donald Trump is not king, and he and his administration are accountable to the people. The stakes are too high for secrecy. Trump and Kennedy must reverse course and hear from the American people who they have an obligation to serve.”    
    “Public comment periods are a key component of our First Amendment rights and demonstrate a commitment to an engaged public to wise, representative government,” said Senator King. “Recent mass layoffs and pushes to dismantle key federal health care programs add burdens and pose risks to everyday Americans; those citizens who rely on the safeguards provided by the government have the right to be heard about decisions that affect hundreds of millions of lives. Right now, we need to be focusing on making our government more transparent, not sidelining the voices of care providers, medical professionals and concerned citizens. Rule reversals like this one won’t help ‘Make America Healthy Again,’ but it will lead to harmful, avoidable consequences for our nation’s public health.” 
    In early March, HHS reversed its long-standing practice of taking public comments on everything from proposed rules, grants, loans, and contracts to the structure of the agency itself. This came into full view when Secretary Kennedy announced a mass wave of firings and closures of dozens of offices across the agency that work on matters related to supporting seniors, cancer and infectious disease research and more. 
    The resolution would express the sense of the Senate that the Trump Administration should withdraw the change in policy that would significantly reduce public notice and comment, limit public engagement on new regulations at HHS, and allow HHS to take actions that will have immediate impacts on the health care system and the people it serves without soliciting public input. The text of the resolution mirrors a bipartisan resolution that was introduced in the House in 1982, which led HHS under the Reagan Administration to reverse course on a similar action to limit public input on rulemaking at the agency. 
    Joining Senators Welch, Wyden, Markey, and King on the resolution are Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), and Mark Warner (D-Va). 
    The House of Representatives introduced a companion resolution, led by U.S. Representatives Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX-07), Gabe Amo (D-RI-01), and Mike Quigley (D-IL-05). 
    Endorsing organizations and statements of support can be found here.  
    Read and download the full text of the resolution. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth to Trump’s VA Secretary: Your Work to Rehire Veterans Crisis Line Workers You Wrongly Fired Is Not Complete

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
    May 07, 2025
    Senator criticized Sec. Collins for erroneously firing workers with Veterans Crisis Line without cause, jeopardizing the lives of Veterans who depend on it
    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – As Donald Trump and Elon Musk continue their all-out assault against the VA and the brave Veterans it serves, today combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs (SVAC)—called out VA Secretary Doug Collins for erroneously firing 24 probationary employees with the Veterans Crisis Line (VCL)—employees who help provide life-saving care and critical resources needed by Veterans in their darkest moments. While the VA may have reinstated some workers, Duckworth made it clear at today’s SVAC hearing that every position at the VCL is mission-critical and none of the fired or rehired workers should have been fired in the first place. The Senator also highlighted that the lack of transparency surrounding these VCL firings in the wake of mass layoffs underscores the urgent need for greater oversight from Congress. Duckworth’s full remarks can be found on the Senator’s YouTube.
    “While I’m relieved Secretary Collins is finally telling the truth and acknowledging that that Veteran Crisis Line employees were fired—and that this was due to his incompetence, not malicious intent—Secretary Collins himself acknowledged that as of today, he has still failed to reinstate all probationary employees, while conveniently refusing to disclose exactly how many wrongfully terminated VA civil servants are still waiting to get back to work serving our Veterans,” said Duckworth. “The firing of these mission-critical employees was shrouded in a lack of transparency that cannot be tolerated. If Secretary Collins wants to make cuts to the Veterans Crisis Line, he should report them to Congress so we can ensure these cuts won’t weaken the VCL’s mission. The lives of our Veterans in crisis depend on this lifeline—and I’ll keep pushing to defend it.”
    Duckworth has been a fierce leader and advocate for VA staff and Veteran Crisis Line (VCL) workers in the wake of the disastrous Trump-Musk layoffs at the VA. Last week, Duckworth slammed a senior official from the VA after he failed to publicly commit to rehiring VCL workers who were wrongfully fired in Trump-Musk layoffs.
    After the Trump Administration’s indiscriminate purge of Veterans and VA employees, including staff who help operate the VCL, Duckworth led her fellow Democratic colleagues in demanding answers from Trump and VA Secretary Doug Collins on exactly who was impacted—requesting a list of public answers detailing the specific job categories that were impacted, how many of those fired were Veterans and more. After the first purge at VA laid off workers with the VCL—including several Veterans—Duckworth successfully pushed the Trump Administration to reinstate these devoted public servants that work to support our Veterans in their darkest moments.
    Last month, Duckworth introduced a resolution to condemn the Trump-Musk layoffs and demand the immediate reinstatement of all Veteran federal employees illegally and indiscriminately fired since Trump took office. Ultimately, Republicans blocked the resolution.
    Pushing for this resolution came after Duckworth and U.S. Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) introduced their Protect Veteran Jobs Act last month, legislation that would reinstate the thousands of Veterans who were fired in the Trump-Musk layoffs. Duckworth and Kim subsequently introduced their legislation as an amendment to Republicans’ slush fund continuing resolution. Republicans shamefully blocked it from passing.
    In February, Duckworth also joined SVAC Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and a group of 34 Democratic Senators calling on VA Secretary Collins to immediately reinstate the more than 1,000 VA employees terminated earlier that month who serve Veterans and their families nationwide, including critical employees addressing Veteran suicide working at the Veterans Crisis Line.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEWS: Sanders Calls on CBS Owner to Stand Up for First Amendment, Not Surrender to Trump 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Vermont – Bernie Sanders
    WASHINGTON, May 7 – As President Trump continues his attempts to intimidate the media and those who are critical of him, Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today warned Paramount Global Chair Shari Redstone not to capitulate to Trump.
    Lawyers for Trump and Paramount, the parent of CBS News, have begun mediation over a lawsuit brought by Trump that accuses ’60 Minutes’ of deceptively editing an interview with Kamala Harris. Legal experts have called the suit baseless and an easy victory for CBS. But Paramount is entering the talks prepared to make a deal. It has been reported that Shari Redstone, the company’s controlling shareholder, is considering settling with Trump in return for his administration’s approval of Paramount’s $8 billion sale to Skydance.
    “This lawsuit is an attack on the United States Constitution and the First Amendment. It has absolutely no merit and it cannot stand,” Sanders and the senators wrote. “In the United States of America, presidents do not get to punish or censor the media for criticizing them. Freedom of the press is what sets us apart from tin pot dictatorships and authoritarian regimes.”
    It was also reported that Redstone asked the CEO of CBS to “delay sensitive stories about Trump” until the Skydance merger was completed. If the Skydance merger is approved, the Redstone family could gain up to $2.4 billion.
    “Rewarding Trump with tens of millions of dollars for filing this bogus lawsuit will not cause him to back down on his war against the media and a free press. It will only embolden him to shakedown, extort and silence CBS and other media outlets that have the courage to report about issues that Trump may not like,” the senators continue. “We urge you and the board of directors at Paramount to make it clear to President Trump today that Paramount will not surrender to his attack on the First Amendment.”
    Sanders and the senators conclude: “Stand up for freedom of the press and our democracy. Do not capitulate to this dangerous move to authoritarianism.”
    Read the text of the letter here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley, Ernst, Colleagues Celebrate National Small Business Week

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) joined Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee Chair Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and 80 Senate colleagues in a bipartisan resolution declaring the week of May 5th as “National Small Business Week.” The measure recognizes the entrepreneurs and innovators that promote growth and create jobs across America.  
    “We know that small businesses drive America’s innovations and economic strength. Here in Iowa, they make up 99.3 percent of all businesses, and nearly half of Iowa employees work for a small business. In marking this special week, our resolution recognizes the power of small businesses and honors the men and women who work hard to keep our communities vibrant,” Grassley said.
    “Main Street is roaring back under President Trump’s pro-growth policies that are ushering in a Golden Age,” Ernst said. “This week, we celebrate the small businesses that mean so much more than the livelihoods they support and the jobs they create. These shops embody the American spirit and shape the culture of big cities and rural communities across America. I’m proud to recognize these entrepreneurs’ tremendous contributions and will continue to fight to ensure that they have a champion in Washington.”
    Full text of the resolution can be found HERE.
    Additional cosponsors include Sens. Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Jon Husted (R-Ohio), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Angus King (I-Maine), John Kennedy (R-La.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Christopher Murphy (D-Conn.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), James Justice (R-W.Va.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Thomas Tillis (R-N.C.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Margaret Hassan (D-N.H.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), John Curtis (R-Utah), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.).  
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley, Colleagues Introduce MOMS Act to Support Mothers, Strengthen Families

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) joined Sens. Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) and Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) to introduce the More Opportunities for Moms to Succeed (MOMS) Act. The legislation would provide critical support to women during typically challenging phases of motherhood – including prenatal, postpartum and early childhood development – and bolster access to resources and assistance to help mothers and their children thrive.
    “Parenthood is a blessing, and it’s critical that women have the support they need during this crucial time. Our legislation would expand access for moms looking for resources and services in their area. I’m proud to be pro-life, pro-mother and pro-family,” Grassley said.
    Additional cosponsors include Sens. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Jim Justice (R-W.Va.) and Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.).
    Background:
    In 2023, the number of U.S. births hit the lowest rate since 1979, and the total fertility rate in America hit an all-time low. Last year, fertility and birth rates remained near record-lows, reflecting a continued trend in the United States.
    The MOMS Act would establish a website with resources for expecting and postpartum moms, as well as those with young children. The bill would also increase access to adoption agencies, pregnancy resource centers and other relevant resources available near the mother’s location. These include health and well-being services, material and legal support and financial assistance.
    The bill would improve access to pre- and postnatal resources by establishing a grant program for nonprofit entities to support, encourage and assist women in carrying their pregnancies to term and in caring for their babies after birth.
    It would also support moms in rural and medically underserved areas by helping organizations purchase necessary medical equipment and technology to support prenatal and postnatal telehealth appointments.
    This legislation is endorsed by Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, Americans United for Life, March for Life Action, the National Right to Life Committee, Students for Life Action, Concerned Women of America, the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission and the Human Coalition.
    The full text of the bill can be found HERE. 
    A section-by-section of the bill can be found HERE.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley Scrutinizes HHS Contractor for Failure to Report Human Trafficking Cases on Taxpayer-Funded Hotline

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) is shining a light on the Polaris Project, which has received millions in taxpayer dollars from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to solely operate HHS’s National Human Trafficking Hotline for nearly 18 years.  
    In a letter to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Grassley cites legally protected whistleblower disclosures revealing the Polaris Project failed to report several instances of human trafficking – including child sex trafficking – to law enforcement. Grassley also highlights Polaris’ potential conflict of interest, noting Polaris’ co-founder currently oversees the HHS office responsible for awarding the National Human Trafficking Hotline contract. 
    “As you are aware, Polaris has received millions in taxpayer dollars to run this hotline, and if the grant is renewed, will receive an additional $9 million in funding. It’s imperative that HHS ensure the hotline is running efficiently and effectively to protect the countless victims of human trafficking,” Grassley wrote. 
    “These alleged failures by Polaris to report instances of human trafficking are deeply concerning and, if they are accurate, changes to the operation of the NHTH must be made,” Grassley concluded. 
    Forty-one Attorneys General raised additional concerns in an April letter to Kennedy regarding the Polaris Project’s operation of the National Human Trafficking Hotline. 
    Read Grassley’s full letter HERE and below. 
    May 5, 2025 
    VIA ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION 
    The Honorable Robert F. Kennedy Jr.  Secretary  Department of Health and Human Services  
    Dear Secretary Kennedy: 
    On February 27, 2023, 36 Attorneys General (AGs), wrote to Congress expressing their concerns with the Polaris Project, which has been the sole contractor operating the National Human Trafficking Hotline (NHTH) since 2007. This letter noted that Polaris, which is funded by taxpayer dollars, “is not reporting tips of adult trafficking to state law enforcement except under the limited circumstance where the victim self-reports and affirmatively consents to the Hotline making the report.” More recently, on April 15, 2025, 41 AGs sent you a letter regarding the notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) for the grant to operate the NHTH. This letter raised multiple concerns about Polaris’s operation of the hotline. Specifically, the AGs stated that Polaris was “no longer sharing tips from concerned citizens and distressed family members with local law enforcement.” These alleged failures by Polaris to report instances of human trafficking are deeply concerning and, if they are accurate, changes to the operation of the NHTH must be made. 
    Additionally, according to reports, Katherine Chon, the co-founder of Polaris, is a “senior adviser at [the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)] and its director of the Office on Trafficking in Persons [OTIP],” the office awarding the grant. Given the importance of the NHTH, you must not allow conflicts of interest to affect the contracting process.   
    Legally protected whistleblower disclosures provided to my office appear to confirm the allegations that Polaris is not reporting instances of potential human trafficking to law enforcement.   For example, according to an internal Polaris case file, in March 2025, an anonymous “signaler” contacted the NHTH and reported a “possible [sex trafficking (ST)] situation.” Polaris staff marked “Yes” for the case referencing potential minors and deemed the “Level of Trafficking Indicators” as having “High Indicators.” The case file also noted that the estimated age range of potential victims were “15-17; 18-21; 22+,” and that the potential victim indicated to the signaler she wanted police involvement. The case file further indicates that, according to the signaler, the potential victim is afraid “[s]he’s going to be physically hurt by the pimp running this company.  She’s being forced to escort for sex and money.” It also notes that there are no existing reports to law enforcement. The signaler also disclosed that the individual accused of trafficking the victim also forces other women, potentially minors, to engage in these types of acts.   Unfortunately, according to the records obtained by my office, a member of Polaris’s staff reviewed and labeled the file “Work Not Required.” A whistleblower told my office that this means the case is closed and law enforcement has not been alerted.  
    Another legally protected whistleblower disclosure to my office shows similar concerning behavior by Polaris and its staff.  According to records provided to my office, in February 2025, a potential victim contacted the NHTH to report a “situation of [sex trafficking] involving herself and her minor sister.” According to the records, the potential victim and her minor sister were being held by two potential traffickers. Additionally, the case file notes that both of the potential victims were United States citizens and that the “Level of Trafficking Indicators” was marked as having “High Indicators.” Further, according to the records, the potential victim “[w]ishe[d] to report, not anonymously.” However, the Polaris case file noted that the potential victim stopped communicating “due to safety concerns.” The case file status is described as “unclear situation as [potential victim (PV)] stopped responding” and “Work Not Required.”  According to legally protected disclosures to my office, that means Polaris staff failed to report this potential trafficking to law enforcement and no other action was taken. 
    As you are aware, Polaris has received millions in taxpayer dollars to run this hotline, and if the grant is renewed, will receive an additional $9 million in funding.   It’s imperative that HHS ensure the hotline is running efficiently and effectively to protect the countless victims of human trafficking.  Additionally, for Congress to better understand HHS’s oversight of the hotline and the Polaris Project, please provide answers to the following by May 19, 2025: 
    Does “Work Not Required” mean that law enforcement was not informed of the information?
    What steps has HHS taken to address the complaints raised by the Attorneys General letters from 2023 and 2025?  Provide all records. 
    What specific steps has HHS taken to oversee Polaris and ensure its properly reporting tips the hotline receives?  Provide all records. 
    What steps has HHS taken to ensure the apparent conflicts of interest between Polaris and Ms. Chon do not affect the contracting process?  Has Ms. Chon been walled off from these matters?  If not, why not?  If so, provide all recusal records.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Urges AG Bondi, FBI Director Patel To Investigate Threats Against Federal Judges As They Continue To Receive Anonymous Deliveries As An Intimidation Tactic

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    May 06, 2025
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, sent a letter today to U.S. Attorney General (AG) Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel urging them to investigate the ongoing and increasing threats against federal judges. Recently, federal judges and their family members have received anonymous deliveries to their homes intended to show that those seeking to intimidate the targeted judge know the judge’s address or their family members’ addresses. The targeted individuals reportedly include Supreme Court justices, judges handling legal cases involving the Trump Administration, and the children of judges. Some of these deliveries were made using the name of Judge Esther Salas’s son, Daniel Anderl, who was murdered at the family’s home by a former litigant who posed as a deliveryman.
    Durbin wrote, “These incidents threaten not only judges and their families, but also judicial independence and the rule of law. It is imperative that the Justice Department (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigate these anonymous or pseudonymous deliveries and that those responsible be held accountable to the full extent of the law.”
    Durbin continued, “Accordingly, I request that you immediately investigate these deliveries. In the event you have already initiated investigations, I request an update on those efforts. I also ask that you provide information on any steps that DOJ or the FBI have taken to protect the judges and their families who have received anonymous or pseudonymous deliveries and to prevent further anonymous or pseudonymous deliveries and other threats.”
    In the letter, Durbin also highlighted the essential role that the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) plays in protecting the federal judiciary and urged Bondi and Patel to ensure that the size of the USMS workforce is not reduced. USMS Acting Director Mark P. Pittella reportedly sent a letter on April 15 to more than 5,000 USMS employees offering them the opportunity to resign.
    Durbin wrote, “In the midst of increasing threats of violence against judges, it is inappropriate and unacceptable to reduce the size of the agency tasked with protecting the federal judiciary and the judicial process. Accordingly, I ask you to commit to fully supporting USMS and to maintaining or increasing its current number of employees.”
    To better understand these threats and how DOJ and the FBI are responding, Durbin asked Bondi and Patel to answer several outstanding questions and provide a briefing to the Committee by May 20.
    Full text of the letter can be found here and below.
    May 6, 2025
    Dear Attorney General Bondi and Director Patel:
    I write regarding a disturbing development related to the ongoing and increasing threats to the federal judiciary. In recent months, federal judges and their relatives have received anonymous deliveries to their homes. These deliveries are threats intended to show that those seeking to intimidate the targeted judge know the judge’s address or their family members’ addresses. The targeted individuals reportedly include Supreme Court justices, judges handling legal cases involving the Administration, and the children of judges. Some of these deliveries were made using the name of Judge Esther Salas’s son, Daniel Anderl, who was murdered at the family’s home by a former litigant who posed as a deliveryman.
    These incidents threaten not only judges and their families, but also judicial independence and the rule of law. It is imperative that the Justice Department (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigate these anonymous or pseudonymous deliveries and that those responsible be held accountable to the full extent of the law.
    Accordingly, I request that you immediately investigate these deliveries. In the event you have already initiated investigations, I request an update on those efforts. I also ask that you provide information on any steps that DOJ or the FBI have taken to protect the judges and their families who have received anonymous or pseudonymous deliveries and to prevent further anonymous or pseudonymous deliveries and other threats.
    Additionally, I want to highlight the essential role that the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) plays in protecting the federal judiciary and urge you to ensure that the size of the USMS workforce is not reduced. USMS Acting Director Mark P. Pittella reportedly sent a letter on April 15 to more than 5,000 USMS employees offering them the opportunity to resign. In the midst of increasing threats of violence against judges, it is inappropriate and unacceptable to reduce the size of the agency tasked with protecting the federal judiciary and the judicial process. Accordingly, I ask you to commit to fully supporting USMS and to maintaining or increasing its current number of employees.
    Finally, pursuant to this Committee’s constitutional obligation to perform oversight over DOJ and the FBI, please respond to the following questions and provide a briefing to committee staff no later than May 20, 2025:
    How many anonymous or pseudonymous deliveries, pizza or otherwise, have been made to federal judges or their families since January 20, 2025?
    Including deliveries sent to members of their families, how many federal judges have received an anonymous or pseudonymous delivery? Please provide what level of the judiciary each affected judge serves in, along with their relevant circuit or district.
    Has an investigation been initiated for each of these deliveries? If not, why not?
    How many suspects has DOJ or the FBI identified in connection with these anonymous or pseudonymous deliveries?
    Is there any reason to suspect coordination among these suspects beyond employing similar tactics?
    Is there any indication that the addresses of the affected federal judges or their families are being found due to data broker violations of the Daniel Anderl Judicial Security and Privacy Act or similar statutory protections?
    Have delays in processing requests from affected federal judges to remove their personal information from being publicly posted online allowed any of these suspects to find the addresses of federal judges or their families?
    How many prosecutions has DOJ initiated in response to these anonymous or pseudonymous deliveries?
    What steps has DOJ or the FBI taken to taken to protect judges and their families from anonymous or pseudonymous deliveries and other threats?
    What steps has DOJ or the FBI taken to taken to prevent anonymous or pseudonymous deliveries and other threats?
    What involvement, if any, did DOJ or FBI officials have in the April 15 letter from USMS Acting Director Pittella to USMS employees in which USMS employees were offered the opportunity to resign? Please provide a copy of the April 15 letter.
    Considering the current threat environment with respect to federal judges, do you support the reduction of the size of the USMS workforce?
    Does DOJ or the FBI need any additional resources to investigate and respond to threats against judges and their family members?
    Please provide an unclassified, non-law enforcement sensitive response to all of these questions to the greatest extent possible, with any classified or law-enforcement sensitive material under separate cover.
    I look forward to your prompt attention to these important requests.
    Sincerely,
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Slams Trump Administration For Eliminating AmeriCorps Funding

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    May 06, 2025
    In his remarks, Durbin emphasized the impact of eliminating the funding for AmeriCorps programs that help provide health care, education for children, and support after natural disasters
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today delivered a speech on the Senate floor admonishing the Trump Administration’s decision to cruelly eliminate funding forAmeriCorps, a widely-supported program that has strengthened American communities for more than three decades.
    “From rebuilding homes, to providing rural health care, tutoring kids after school, cleaning up after natural disasters, AmeriCorps supports our most under-resourced communities.  My Republican colleagues represent communities that benefit from AmeriCorps, whose members serve in their states.  For decades, AmeriCorps has had bipartisan support, which it deserves,” Durbin said.
    “But last week, unfortunately, the Trump Administration pulled the rug out from under these community organizations by eliminating their funding,” Durbin said.
    Durbin continued on, speaking about the direct impact that eliminating AmeriCorps funding has had on Illinois, including the Lessie Bates Davis Neighborhood House in East St. Louis, Illinois, which Durbinvisited last month.
    “Organizations like Lessie Bates Davis Neighborhood House in East St. Louis, Illinois, my hometown, provides meals to members of all ages of the East St. Louis community.  They were left scrambling after the President’s announcement eliminating AmeriCorps [funding],” Durbin said.  “The East St. Louis community is located in a food desert, which means members like Ayshia, who takes care of her grandfather, have come to rely on the center’s food pantry for healthy options.”
    “Last month, eight dedicated AmeriCorps members worked in the center’s café to offer a safe place for the community to eat a hot meal.  Today, because of Trump’s cuts, the tables are empty,”Durbin said.
    “Camille, who is Lessie Bates Davis’ Program Director for AmeriCorps, shared that she has 120 days to close out the program.  After that, even she will be left without a job,” Durbin continued.
    Durbin also pointed to the Boys and Girls Club in Livingston, Illinois, where a constituent has said that, despite being unpaid because of the funding cuts, he will continue to serve his community.
    “Take Lukas, an AmeriCorps volunteer who has worked at the Boys and Girls Club in Livingston, Illinois, providing students with a safe place to learn and to play after school.  He won’t get paid because of the Trump cuts, but he plans to continue to volunteer unpaid,” Durbin said.
    Durbin concluded his remarks by calling on his Republican colleagues to stand up for AmeriCorps, a program that has enriched the communities they represent.
    “I urge my Republican colleagues to fight against this Administration’s senseless attempts to eliminate such small amounts of funding that have such incredible, positive impact in their communities as well as my own.  Don’t sit by in silence,” Durbin concluded.
    Video of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.
    Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.
    Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cramer Leads MOMS Act to Support Culture of Life, Empower Women and Families

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Pro-life members of Congress like U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) have long recognized the importance of providing strong support for pregnant mothers. To honor moms across the country ahead of Mother’s Day, Cramer joined U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-AL) and Eric Schmitt (R-MO) in introducing their More Opportunities for Moms to Succeed (MOMS) Act. The bill provides resources and support for women in the earliest stages of motherhood, including prenatal, postpartum, and early childhood.
    Notably, the MOMS Act includes Cramer’s Unborn Child Support Act which supports expectant mothers and their unborn children by giving them the option to receive child support from the father during pregnancy. It also authorizes the creation of Pregnancy.gov, a federal clearinghouse with information about adoption agencies, pregnancy resource centers, and a national list of federal funding opportunities for non-profits and healthcare entities. The MOMS Act establishes a grant program to support women in carrying their pregnancies to term and care for their newborn babies. It also creates a grant program to expand access to pre- and post-natal telehealth appointments in rural and medically underserved areas. 
    Cramer is a strong supporter of life, co-chairing the Congressional Coalition on Adoption. Earlier this year, he received an A+ rating from Susan B. Anthony List for voting “consistently to defend the lives of the unborn and infants.”  
    “Supporting moms throughout motherhood is essential to fostering a culture of life, and we want moms empowered and supported,” said Cramer. “The MOMS Act will help provide them with the resources they need in the early stages of motherhood, and help them gain access to the child support payments they may need.”
    “The Republican Party is the party of life, the party of parents, and the party of families,” said Britt. “At the heart of the MOMS Act is building a comprehensive culture of life to give moms, children, and families the support system they need to thrive and live their American Dream. As a mom myself, I don’t have to wonder what other moms are facing – I’m living it. I know firsthand that there is no greater blessing in life than our children and I also understand the types of challenges that women face during their pregnancy journeys and while raising their kids. I’m proud to support women throughout these seasons of motherhood, and the MOMS Act is part of my continued commitment to fight on their behalf.”
    “Being pro-life and pro-family means valuing not only the life of the child but doing everything we can to support moms throughout pregnancy and beyond,” said Schmitt. “I’m glad to introduce this bill to help ensure moms have the resources they need and help set families on the path to achieving the American dream.”
    Cosponsors of the MOMS Act include U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Ted Budd (R-NC), John Cornyn (R-TX), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Steve Daines (R-MT), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Jim Justice (R-WV), James Lankford (R-OK), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Dave McCormick (R-PA), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Jim Risch (R-ID), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), and Roger Wicker (R-MS).
    Bill text can be found here, and a section-by-section of the bill can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hickenlooper, Western Senators Applaud Progress, Senate Hearing on Their Bipartisan Wildfire Resilience Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Colorado John Hickenlooper
    Hickenlooper’s Fix Our Forests Act will help reduce wildfire risk for Colorado communities and speed up mitigation projects while maintaining environmental safeguards and encouraging local involvement
    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper, John Curtis, Alex Padilla, and Tim Sheehy applauded the continued progress of their bipartisan Fix Our Forests Act, which received a hearing this afternoon in the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. The bipartisan legislation works to combat the increase of catastrophic wildfires across Colorado and the United States by improving forest management, supporting fire-safe communities, and streamlining approvals for projects that protect communities and ecosystems from extreme wildfires.
    A one-pager can be found here, and a section-by-section can be found here.
    “The wildfire crisis is here – and climate change is making it worse,” Hickenlooper said. “Our bipartisan bill matches the urgency to protect our communities and the environment. We’re glad the committee is moving fast – this crisis won’t wait.”
    “Utah and the American West are on the front lines of raging wildfires—and the longer we wait, the more acres will burn, and the more families will be impacted,” said Curtis. “I’m encouraged to see our Fix Our Forests Act receive a hearing in the Senate Agriculture Committee today. Our legislation reflects months of consensus-building, and I’m confident that spirit will continue as the bill is considered by the Committee and, later, by the full Senate.”
    “The status quo around wildfires isn’t working. To protect our communities from these disasters, we have to work together across the aisle to reassess how we prevent and mitigate wildfires,” said Padilla. “Our Fix Our Forests Act represents important bipartisan progress, not just in reducing wildfire risk in and around our national forests, but in protecting urban areas and our efforts to slash climate emissions. I am glad to see the bill continue to move through the Senate and will keep fighting to advance forward-thinking, practical solutions to the wildfire crisis because if we can help prevent even one more community from the devastation California has experienced, it’ll be worth it.”
    “As we work to create more good-paying jobs and support those on the frontlines protecting communities from catastrophic wildfire, better stewarding our forests is something we can all agree on, regardless of party. The Fix Our Forests Act is a bipartisan, commonsense solution that helps secure a stronger economy, more resilient, healthy forests, and safer communities,” said Sheehy.
    The comprehensive bill reflects months of bipartisan negotiations to find consensus on how to accelerate forest management projects, promote safe and responsible prescribed fire treatments, expand public input in assessments of wildfire resilience needs, and enhance collaboration between federal agencies, states, tribes, and stakeholders.
    Earlier this month, the senators announced growing support from state and local government officials, community leaders, and industry stakeholders for the Senate version of the Fix Our Forests Act.
    The West has long been prone to wildfires, but climate change, prolonged drought, and the buildup of dry fuels have increasingly intensified these fires and extended fire seasons. Wildfires today are more catastrophic – growing larger, spreading faster, and burning more land than ever before.
    Colorado has seen four of the five largest fires in our state history since 2018. The 2021 Marshall fire was Colorado’s most destructive on record, burning over 1,000 homes. The Cameron Peak and East Troublesome fires in 2020 together burned over 400,000 acres, the two largest fires in the state’s history. Nationwide, total acres burned rose from 2.7 million in 2023 to nearly 9 million in 2024, a 231% increase.
    Forest health challenges are also increasing in frequency and severity due to climate stressors like drought and fire, and biological threats like invasive species – all of which the West is particularly vulnerable to. From 2001 to 2019, total forest area declined by 2.3%, while interior forest area decreased by up to 9.5%. The Intermountain region had the largest area losses, and the Pacific Southwest had the highest annual loss rates.
    More information on today’s hearing is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Cut Taxes on Overtime, Deliver on Key Trump Campaign Promise

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville
    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) and U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS) introduced the Overtime Wages Tax Relief Act, which would provide much needed relief for overtime wage workers. This bill would create a tax deduction for overtime wages up to $10,000 for individuals and $20,000 for married couples—targeting middle-income Americans. The Wall Street Journal first reported on the bill’s introduction. 
    “President Trump campaigned and won on a promise to cut taxes for millions of Americans working overtime—and we are delivering on that promise,” said Sen. Tuberville. “Thousands of Alabamians put in way more than 40 hours a week in order to save for retirement, put their kids through college, and keep the trains running. They should not be punished with higher taxes for working longer hours. Alabama was the first state to pass overtime tax exemptions, and I am hopeful that the federal government will follow suit. I’m proud to join Senators Marshall, Ricketts, and Justice in helping deliver on this critical piece of President Trump’s agenda, which will put American workers first.”
    “President Trump promised relief for millions of hardworking Americans, and we’re proud to help deliver on that with the Overtime Wages Tax Relief Act,” said Sen. Marshall. “Our legislation ensures Kansans keep more of their hard-earned wages and codifies a key pillar of President Trump’s pro-worker agenda as we work to pass our ‘One Big Beautiful Bill.’ It’s time to put American workers first again, and I’m proud to work with Senators Tuberville, Ricketts, and Justice to ensure we do just that.”  
    Joining Sens. Tuberville and Marshall in introducing the legislation are Sens. Jim Justice (R-WV) and Pete Ricketts (R-NE).
    Read full text of the legislation here.
    BACKGROUND:
    Specifically, the Overtime Wages Tax Relief Act would:
    Introduce a tax deduction for overtime wages – up to $10,000 for individuals and $20,000 for married couples,
    Include phase-out eligibility based on income:
    The deduction begins to phase out when income reaches $100,000 for individuals or $200,000 for married couples,
    The deduction is reduced by $50 for every $1,000 in income above the threshold, similar to the Child Tax Credit,

    Define overtime to include a wide range of workers such as law enforcement officers, nurses, trade workers, factory employees, and other eligible professions, and
    Require employers to report overtime earnings to ensure transparency and accuracy in claiming the deduction.
    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: Tuberville, VA Secretary Doug Collins Discuss Streamlining Processes to Improve Outcomes for Veterans

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville
    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined a Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC) hearing with President Trump’s Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA), Doug Collins. Sen. Tuberville and Secretary Collins discussed the importance of the VA improving its processes to ensure veterans get the best possible care.
    Read excerpts from the hearing below or watch on YouTube or Rumble.

    TUBERVILLE: “Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Secretary Collins, for being here. And thanks to the veterans that are here today, and I want to pass on the thanks from the 400,000 veterans in the state of Alabama. They have, for the first time, in just two months, have seen progress at a lot of the VAs in my state. We’ve seen a record number of disability claims processed, employees finally returned into work, and an end of the DEI programs like treatment for ‘gender dysphoria.’ You know, the days of business [as usual] as we all are noticing and hearing today are over. And finally, our veterans are being put first.
    And let’s talk about the budget a little bit, Mr. Secretary. Over the last ten years, the VA’s budget has more than doubled and the number of employees that the VA [employs] has increased more than 100,000, but the number of veterans in our country is declining and the VA enrollment has [not] changed. The VA has become a bloated bureaucracy. I think most of us will agree with that. Secretary Collins, why has the VA budget become so bloated over the last ten years if the veteran population has remained stagnant?”
    COLLINS: “Senator, I appreciate the question because there’s also one other number that we’re leaving out there as well—that veteran population actually enrolled in the VA has stayed steady at 9.1 million. And again, we can try and talk about numbers all we want here, but it’s been 9.1 million steady for the last, you know, ten years we look at this. So, we’re also losing veterans as a total population. We’re also not gaining in the enrollment of the VA. What we tend to forget, and some people say, ‘well, we’ve had an increase in different programs’—we have, but we also lose about 400,000 veterans a year to death, you know, natural causes. So, I mean, it’s a priority of function. 
    So, what we’re looking at here is there’s been programs that have been increased, there’s been a mandatory spending increase, and there’s been the things that we look at. I think what we’re actually looking at here though is there’s been a decision that we want to—that it’s easier to just put money and people toward issues without looking at, is there any cost or is there any real world aspect of that? Is there a return on investment? I think that as you talk to veterans and I go out and talk to the veterans, one of the things that we’re having is that those amount of numbers in people aren’t equating into how we can actually function.
    I mean, I appreciate the Ranking Member’s service. I appreciate it—we just disagree on this that when we have doctors and nurses [and] other clinicians who are not actually, you know, being clinicians and not reading, you know, charts or doing anything else. They’re actually, you know, formulating policy or doing administrative work. When I have, you know, these many folks that need to be more in the clinics, then we’re not helping the veteran. That’s just something that’s not happening. When you’re taking time to process disability claims that went up, then also not having the proper, you know, computer, the AI technology to help us and do that, but also putting out the issues that are slowing up. 
    And then also we get in our own way. Because we’re such a bureaucratic organization, we have rules over rules over rules. I had a gentleman tell me just the other day—and this is, again, I’ve seen this before from my own daughter. He actually said that—he was a double amputee. He actually said, ‘I have to go to the VA if I need a new wheelchair, I have to go to my primary care, a PT, and an OT before I can get a seating clinic appointment.’ Explain to me why we’re having to go through that kind of mess to get straight to a seating clinic in which we know where they need to be to start with.”
    TUBERVILLE: “Thank you. I often hear a lot about the large amounts of paperwork and the administrative burden VA doctors are forced to navigate when seeing patients. This leads to VA doctors seeing less patients per day. Where do you see the opportunity to reduce all these administrative processes?”
    COLLINS: “I think there’s plenty of opportunities there. And again, this has nothing to do with employees, has nothing to do with money. Simply, are we doing it most efficiently in the process? I’ve made a statement to every hospital that I go to, every clinic that I go to, every veteran benefit office that I go to. Just say this, tell me […] if you have ten sheets of paper to get a veteran the services that they need or ten sheets of paper to do the next thing, can you do it with five? I mean, I’ll show you an example—to apply for benefits in our VBA, there’s a sheet on there […] that has a full listing of the veteran as far as just basic information about their military service. And this for older veterans could be a problem actually to go back and remember dates. If the veteran served, then we could use that with their name, their Social Security number […] or their ID number, using their DD214, we can gain all the records that we need to confirm that they’re a part. But yet, we’re making them go through this process of filling out a form that many of our veterans who may or may not have computer capabilities are having trouble with, so it makes it difficult.”
    TUBERVILLE: “I hear from my some of the supervisors in the VAs, and they say we use two coding systems, one hospital coding system that is very, very effective. And the other one is from the WHO, which is a useless piece of crap. This comes from them. Why do we use both of those?”
    COLLINS: “That’s something I’m looking at now, again, to try and streamline the issues that we have in our system so that we, again, it is interesting a lot of times we end up talking about processes and plans here and not talking about actual care and actually what the veteran experiences when they go in. Most of the veterans, I will tell you a lot of times they actually—when they get through the labyrinth and stuff to get there, they are happy with the service that they get. They’re glad that they’re getting the service and they appreciate that. […] But when we actually put restrictions on our employees and put restrictions on veterans getting in, it just makes it all the worst. Thank you.”
    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: Tuberville, Grassley Push to Strengthen the Abused Immigration Parole Program

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville
    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley in cosponsoring the Immigration Parole Reform Act to restore integrity to immigration parole.
    Sen. Tuberville cosponsored this legislation in the 118th Congress.
    “The Biden administration made a habit of using dangerous loopholes to let more illegal immigrants into the country,” said Sen.Tuberville. “Giving parole to hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants is an abuse of power—President Trump is putting an end to this. I am proud to join this legislation that clarifies executive parole authority and will prevent future administrations from enabling an endless flow of dangerous criminals into our country.”
    “The Obama and Biden administrations badly abused immigration parole, which was intended to be a temporary and highly discretionary means to enter our country. Under President Trump, parole will no longer be used as a loophole for illegal immigration. However, Congress must also act to prevent any future exploitation. My legislation would clarify the parole statute and ensure all future administrations are bound to Congress’ original intent,” said Sen. Grassley.
    Sens. Tuberville and Grassley are joined by Sens. Katie Britt (R-AL), Ted Budd (R-NC), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Josh Hawley (R-MO), James Lankford (R-OK), Mike Lee (R-UT), Bernie Moreno (R-OH), and Tim Sheehy (R-MT) in cosponsoring the bill.
    Read full text of the legislation here. 
    BACKGROUND:
    Immigration parole, established by Congress in 1952, allows the executive branch to temporarily grant individuals entry into the United States on a limited, case-by-case basis for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit. 
    The Obama and Biden administrations abused this authority to bypass congressionally-established immigration pathways and admit entire categories of people. The previous administration exploited this authority to indiscriminately release an estimated 1.5 million immigrants into the U.S. On January 21, 2025, the Trump administration issued a directive restoring the immigration parole program back to Congress’ original intent.
    Specifically, the Immigration Parole Reform Act would:
    Ensure parole is granted on a case-by-case basis and not used to admit entire classes of people,
    Clearly define what qualifies as an “urgent humanitarian reason” or “significant public benefit” for purposes of granting parole,
    Guarantee parole is not used to adjust permanent resident status, or to obtain any other immigration benefit, and
    Place limits on the time period of an initial grant of parole and allow only one extension.
    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: Booker Sends Urgent Letter to Transportation Secretary Duffy, Pushes for “All Necessary Steps” to Address Issues at Newark Airport, Including Directing Additional Staff and Resources to Restore Regular Operations

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker
    NEWARK, N.J. – This afternoon, Senator Cory Booker sent a letter to United States Department of Transportation Secretary (USDOT) Sean Duffy regarding the ongoing operational challenges at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), including widespread flight delays and cancellations, reportedly outdated air traffic control systems, and chronic staffing shortages.
    Booker wrote: “Given the serious consequences for our nation’s aviation system, it is critical that the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) take all necessary steps to identify and address the underlying causes of the ongoing flight disruptions. I appreciate that the USDOT has already responded to this ongoing situation by identifying the importance of technology upgrades across the entire air traffic control system, and I am committed to supporting these efforts in Congress. 
    “However, I ask that you also immediately direct additional staff and resources in order to restore regular operations at EWR in the days ahead. This is of particular importance as the busy summer travel season approaches, which will put further pressure on EWR and the region’s airspace. Specifically, I request that you take additional steps to address the staffing shortages at the Philadelphia Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) facility, which have contributed significantly to the repeated suspension and interruption of flight operations at EWR.”  
    Booker concludes: “These issues, along with the termination of thousands of employees that directly support the FAA’s day-to-day operations, are putting an additional strain on the FAA and our aviation system at a time when public safety has come under well-deserved scrutiny after recent accidents. Given the gravity of the problems impacting operations at EWR and the major inconveniences this has caused for people traveling through New Jersey, I am requesting a briefing to discuss the problems you’ve identified within the USDOT and the steps you are taking to alleviate these burdens.”
    A full copy of the May 6 letter can be found here and below:
    Dear Secretary Duffy:
    I write to express our serious concerns over the ongoing flight delays and cancellations at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) that have stranded travelers, disrupted Americans’ lives, and negatively impacted our national economy over the past week. As you know, EWR is one of the busiest airports in the country and operates within the third busiest airspace—a major shutdown of service at EWR has an immediate ripple effect throughout the nation’s entire aviation system. 
    Given the serious consequences for our nation’s aviation system, it is critical that the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) take all necessary steps to identify and address the underlying causes of the ongoing flight disruptions. I appreciate that the USDOT has already responded to this ongoing situation by identifying the importance of technology upgrades across the entire air traffic control system, and I am committed to supporting these efforts in Congress. 
    However, I ask that you also immediately direct additional staff and resources in order to restore regular operations at EWR in the days ahead. This is of particular importance as the busy summer travel season approaches, which will put further pressure on EWR and the region’s airspace. Specifically, I request that you take additional steps to address the staffing shortages at the Philadelphia Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) facility, which have contributed significantly to the repeated suspension and interruption of flight operations at EWR.  
    These issues, along with the termination of thousands of employees that directly support the FAA’s day-to-day operations, are putting an additional strain on the FAA and our aviation system at a time when public safety has come under well-deserved scrutiny after recent accidents. Given the gravity of the problems impacting operations at EWR and the major inconveniences this has caused for people traveling through New Jersey, I am are requesting a briefing to discuss the problems you’ve identified within the USDOT and the steps you are taking to alleviate these burdens.  
    I thank you in advance for your attention to Newark Liberty International Airport’s urgent needs to improve air traffic control staffing levels and invest in updated technologies that will keep our passengers and aviation workers safe. I look forward to working with you to make these improvements and ensure safety and reliability for the traveling public. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaine Statement on President Trump’s Threats to Use Military Force in Mexico and Greenland

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the lead Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee’s Western Hemisphere subcommittee, released the following statement regarding President Donald Trump’s statements threatening to use U.S. military force to violate Mexican sovereignty and invade a NATO ally:
    “Throughout my travels in Virginia, I’m hearing about the need to stabilize our economy and lower prices—not start new wars right across our southern border in Mexico, or with our NATO ally Denmark. Using U.S. military personnel in this manner would be a waste of taxpayer money and military resources at a time when we should be focusing on how to best counter real adversaries like China, Russia and Iran, and on serious law enforcement initiatives to tackle the threats posed by cartels.
    “The Constitution gives Congress the authority to declare wars and to authorize the use of military force; there is no authorization for military action within Mexican or Danish territory. Should Trump order unauthorized military action in Mexico or Greenland, I will immediately file legislation to force a vote to stop it. If we’re going to order our young men and women in uniform to risk their lives in conflict, we owe it to them to have a robust debate and vote.”
    For years, Kaine has been the leading voice in Congress raising concerns over Presidents’ efforts to expand the use of military force without congressional authorization. In September of 2017, Kaine wrote a piece in TIME warning of the consequences if Trump pulled out of the nuclear deal with Iran. In July of 2018, Kaine wrote a piece in The Atlantic warning that President Trump was blundering toward war with Iran. In 2020, Kaine’s bipartisan war powers resolution seeking to avoid a needless war with Iran passed both houses of Congress with bipartisan majorities. Kaine’s bipartisan legislation to repeal the 1991 and 2002 Authorizations of Military Force and formally end the Gulf and Iraq Wars was passed by the Senate in 2023.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hawley Calls on Labor Department to Investigate Tyson Foods After Whistleblower Comes Forward

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo)
    Today, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) sent a letter to Department of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, urging her to investigate Tyson Foods in light of new whistleblower allegations of illegal child labor practices at the company. His letter notifying Secretary Chavez-DeRemer of the whistleblower comes after she previously promised in her confirmation hearing that she would crack down on companies exploiting children.
    In the letter, Senator Hawley wrote, “As Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Crime, I have been contacted by a whistleblower who alleges that Tyson Foods used child workers at one of its processing plants—in likely violation of federal child labor law. I have opened an investigation in my Subcommittee. Given your role in enforcing federal labor law, I urge you to fully investigate these troubling allegations immediately.”
    He continued, “The whistleblower, a former Tyson Foods employee who oversaw plant safety, alleges that they personally witnessed underage workers and also received multiple reports from hourly Tyson employees about child workers in the plant. According to the allegations, these child workers were employed by a third-party entity contracted by Tyson for work in the plant.”
    Senator Hawley concluded, “In your confirmation hearing, you testified: ‘Child labor should not be accepted by anybody in America. The Department of Labor has the enforcement capability to double down if [companies] are knowingly breaking the law and exploiting children in their factories.’ I agree. We cannot allow children to continue to be exploited in the name of corporate profits. I therefore urge you to investigate all allegations regarding Tyson’s illicit child labor practices, including these new whistleblower allegations.”
    Senator Hawley has been a staunch advocate against child exploitation, from launching his full-scale investigation into Tyson Foods to introducing bipartisan legislation to bar federal contracts from going to companies with histories of child labor abuses.
    Read his full letter here or below. 
    The Honorable Lori Chavez-DeRemerSecretaryU.S. Department of Labor200 Constitution Ave NWWashington, DC 20210
    Secretary Chavez-DeRemer,
    As Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Crime, I have been contacted by a whistleblower who alleges that Tyson Foods used child workers at one of its processing plants—in likely violation of federal child labor law. I have opened an investigation in my Subcommittee. Given your role in enforcing federal labor law, I urge you to fully investigate these troubling allegations immediately.
    The whistleblower, a former Tyson Foods employee who oversaw plant safety, alleges that they personally witnessed underage workers and also received multiple reports from hourly Tyson employees about child workers in the plant. According to the allegations, these child workers were employed by a third-party entity contracted by Tyson for work in the plant.
    After reporting concerns to company superiors about child workers employed at the plant, the whistleblower was subjected to retaliation and a “toxic work environment.” Due to the toxic work environment, the whistleblower quit. Tyson is now pursuing legal action against them related to their departure from the company.
    This is outrageous. As you know, the New York Times has published a series of investigative reports detailing the experiences of children working in poultry processing plants, including Tyson’s. The reports document, among other things, how Tyson purposely uses subcontractors to avoid punishment for illegally employing children. As a result, Tyson has successfully avoided all liability and culpability for its clear violations of child labor laws.
    In your confirmation hearing, you testified: “Child labor should not be accepted by anybody in America. The Department of Labor has the enforcement capability to double down if [companies] are knowingly breaking the law and exploiting children in their factories.” I agree. We cannot allow children to continue to be exploited in the name of corporate profits. I therefore urge you to investigate all allegations regarding Tyson’s illicit child labor practices, including these new whistleblower allegations.
    Please keep my Subcommittee updated on the status of your investigation.
    Sincerely, 
    Josh HawleyUnited States Senator

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville Speaks with DOD Nominees on Bolstering Cyber Capabilities and Reducing Bureaucracy at DOD

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville
    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) spoke with Mr. Anthony Tata, President Trump’s nominee to be Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, and Ms. Katherine Sutton, President Trump’s nominee to be Assistant Secretary of Defense for Cyber Policy during their Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) nomination hearing. During their conversation, Sen. Tuberville asked about the funding levels for cyber operations and how the Department of Defense plans to decrease top-heavy bloat within the agency.
    Read Sen. Tuberville’s remarks below or watch on YouTube or Rumble.

    TUBERVILLE: “Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thanks to both of you for your willingness to serve. 
    Ms. Sutton, the President released the topline of his FY26 budget last week. We look forward to learning all the details of the proposal weeks ahead. We do know that this year’s budget request for cyber operations was $14.5 billion—up one billion from the previous year.
    Given the rapid involvement of the landscape in cyber, do you believe this funding level is sufficient to meet our security needs?”
    SUTTON: “Senator, I share your concern with making sure we are balancing the resources available with the growing threat—as you indicated. One of the primary responsibilities, if confirmed in this role, is to review the budget and to certify that to ensure it’s necessary. One of the things that is particularly unique about the cyber domain is that many of the capabilities are a software capability. And so, investments in this domain can have a very immediate response into providing options for the President and Secretary [of Defense] and [I] look forward to having the opportunity to highlight where we can better integrate this and perhaps shore up additional resources as needed.”
    TUBERVILLE: “What role will cyber play in the future of possibly the Golden Dome?”
    SUTTON: “Senator, in my current role, I’ve not been involved in the specifics of that discussion, but I think that what we see with all of our weapon systems is the importance of building in cyber security from the beginning to make sure that as we put these capabilities out, that we’re able to defend them and that they’re secure against what will be […] an attack surface that our adversaries will definitely look to exploit.”
    TUBERVILLE: “Thank you.
    Mr. Tata, I reviewed your record: public service, combat veteran, […] Lieutenant Secretary of Transportation, leading tens of thousands of military members in civil service, conducting complex missions. Anything you hadn’t done? My goodness.”
    TATA: “Senator, I appreciate that comment.”
    TUBERVILLE: “Thank you for your service. But instead of exploring the experience, my colleagues seem to be focused on some things that you said in the past, and I find this interesting given the last four years where a lot of the Democratic Party continued to call conservatives, ‘Nazis,’ ‘Fascists,’ [and] ‘threats to the democracy.’ You know, it goes both ways here. You know, the previous administration fully weaponized our justice system […] to attack and punish their political opposition, [they had] grandmothers thrown into prison for peaceful protests. It just goes on and on. Out of curiosity, Mr. Tata, have you labeled people you disagreed with Nazis?”
    TATA: “Senator, I have not.”
    TUBERVILLE: “Thank you. Have you ever weaponized your previous offices to punish your political opponent?” 
    TATA: “Senator, I have not.”
    TUBERVILLE: “I didn’t think so.
    Yesterday, Secretary Hegseth announced […] a two-phased approach to reducing our top-level military. Phase one is a 20% reduction of active Four-Star Generals and Flag Officers as well as a 20% [reduction] from the National Guard Bureau […]. Phase two will be an additional 10% [reduction]—the Undersecretary of Personnel and Readiness will be leading this initiative. I’m interested in your thoughts on this announcement.”
    TATA: “Senator, anytime that we’re talking about tooth-to-tail ratio, I think it’s a good conversation. The Secretary’s comment about the number of generals when we were in World War II versus the number we have today, I think, is a stark reminder that perhaps we’ve become a little bit of a bureaucracy. And so, he talked about a methodical and measured way of going about finding the for-structure realignment that would allow for the reductions he’s talking about.”
    TUBERVILLE: “Thank you. Can we expect a complementary effort to reduce the real bloat at OSD and Joint Staff, which have increased by two to five times respectively over the last 25 years, while our total force numbers have decreased?”
    TATA: “Senator, if confirmed, I would work with you and the rest of this committee on optimizing the workforce and the military.”
    TUBERVILLE: “Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.”
    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cramer Questions VA Secretary Collins on Veteran Access to Care

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
    ***Click here to download video. Click here for audio.***
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Doug Collins testified before the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC) today about the future of the VA. The department is tasked with providing and delivering the health care and benefits earned by millions of veterans of the United States Armed Forces.
    [embedded content]
    U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) started his questioning by emphasizing how there is a health care labor shortage everywhere, which can be addressed in part through VA and rural provider partnerships.  There are 36 Critical Access Hospitals serving communities across North Dakota. However, only five of these communities have a VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinics.
    “North Dakota is in this rectangular spot in the middle of North American continent that’s about 350 miles across and about 200 miles up and down, there are 36 critical access hospitals in rural communities,” said Cramer. He also gave an example of the long-distance travel required for veterans’ health care in many rural states by referring to the experience of residents of Fortuna, North Dakota, who must travel from “Fortuna, North Dakota to Fargo, North Dakota, where the only VA Hospital is 412 miles [away] and takes roughly six hours and 19 minutes if you don’t stop to go to the bathroom.”
    Cramer explained North Dakota’s 36 critical access hospitals often have available beds space capacity to serve additional patients, which could help alleviate backlogs at VA facilities. There is an abundance of community infrastructure not being utilized. Cramer said there must be a way to better utilize existing infrastructure, save money, and create opportunity for veterans and struggling hospitals in rural America.
    “I don’t disagree with you at all,” said Collins. “I think it’s just a matter of using all the resources that we have.”
    Regarding workforce needs and the agency’s plan to review existing functions, Cramer noted there were 52,000 new positions added at the VA between 2021 and 2024. He asked Collins if this has substantially improved health care offerings for veterans.
    “Yeah, I don’t think so,” said Collins. “Ten years ago, if told you that in 2025 you’re going to have a budget of almost $400 billion and you’re going to have a workforce of 470,000 you would have thrown a party. Everything would have been great because that would have been the answer to everything. Well, we’re 10 years later, and we’re still experiencing the same thing.”
    “I think everybody on this committee wants to have an honest discussion about how to do better for our veterans and that kind of real data can help us, because we have plenty of data there to tell us where we’ve been okay, where we haven’t been so good, and where we’ve been awful or great,” concluded Cramer.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: In First Hearing as Ranking Member of Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture and FDA, Shaheen Co-Leads Review of Trump’s Agriculture Budget Request, Presses Secretary Rollins on How Administration Chaos has Hurt Farmers and Rural Communities

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen
    **Shaheen underscored how the unnecessary funding freeze and trade war imposed by the administration have caused uncertainty for America’s farmers and producers**
    (Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies (Ag-FDA), today co-led her first hearing as the top Democrat on the subcommittee. In her questioning of Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, Shaheen highlighted how President Trump has sown chaos that has hurt farmers, producers and rural parts of the country and underscored how the President’s budget for Fiscal Year 2026 falls woefully short of what is needed to adequately support rural communities. Click here to watch the Senator’s opening remarks and here to watch her questions. 
    “The proposed budget toplines released last Friday fall well short of the President’s purported commitments to farmers and rural communities. I don’t believe we support farmers by gutting research that will boost yields and improve crop quality. And I don’t believe we put rural America on a path to thrive by slashing core rural development programs—from housing to water and waste infrastructure to energy assistance. And when grocery prices are too high, we don’t help families put food on the table by undercutting vital nutrition programs. Yet, that’s exactly what this skinny budget would do,” said Ranking Member Shaheen. “I hope that we will have the chance to move forward with bipartisan appropriations with a serious non-defense discretionary number that reflects the urgent needs that are facing families and communities in the Granite State and across the country – because there are plenty of places where we can work together to ensure that these programs deliver for producers and rural America.” 
    During the hearing, Shaheen raised a letter she and U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) sent to Secretary Rollins in March that emphasized the need to get critical disaster relief assistance to growers in New Hampshire and across the country, underscoring the importance of ensuring funding goes to small farms in states like New Hampshire that sorely need the assistance. 
    Shaheen pressed Secretary Rollins on the elimination of the Food for Peace and McGovern-Dole Food for Education programs in the FY26 budget request, which feed hungry people globally with U.S. farm commodities.   
    In March, Shaheen held two separate roundtable discussions with New Hampshire farmers and agricultural producers from across the state to discuss the impacts farms experienced as a result of President Trump’s freeze on tens of billions of dollars of federal funding at USDA. Farmers told Senator Shaheen that the uncertainty over whether or not crucial programs they rely on will be funded interrupts their ability to do their jobs. Later that month, Shaheen joined her Senate colleagues in pressing USDA to explain the reported cancellation of previously approved funding for The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) for food banks and other emergency food providers. 
    Shaheen has long fought to support farmers in New Hampshire, including by successfully helping to secure disaster supplemental funding for farmers impacted by crop losses in 2023. Shaheen also has a strong record of working to improve crop insurance policies to support farmers in New Hampshire and leads legislation to reform the federal government’s crop insurance program. Senator Shaheen has supported more than 230 New Hampshire small businesses who have received over $25 million to lower energy bills and cut costs through USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program. She has consistently fought for increased funding and improved support for rural development programs, including rural water programs. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murray Calls Out VA for Stonewalling Congress, Grills VA Secretary Collins on How Trump Administration Mass Firings are Increasing Wait Times for Veterans, Further Jeopardizing EHR Rollout & VA Research

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
    ICYMI: After Trump Admin Refuses to Allow VA to Host Discussion on Women Veterans’ Health Care, Senator Murray Meets with Women Veterans and Advocates In Seattle
    *** VIDEO of Senator Murray’s Exchange with VA Secretary HERE***
    Washington, D.C. — Today, at a Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee oversight hearing with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former Chair of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, pressed Secretary Collins on how the Trump administration’s mass firing of VA employes is hurting veterans’ ability to get the health care they need—from jeopardizing VA research, to creating new risks around the deployment of the Electronic Health Record (EHR) system to additional VA Medical Centers, which the Trump administration is insisting on moving ahead with despite persistent and unresolved issues at the sites where it is currently deployed. Murray also pressed Secretary Collins on new policies the Trump administration recently rolled out that severely limit Congressional engagement with veterans and VA for no legitimate reason.
    “Secretary Collins, thank you for being here. Thank you for taking the time to talk with me yesterday morning about the new policies that you now have related to Congressional engagement,” Senator Murray began. “For all of my colleagues: this new policy will limit our ability to interact with veterans on a VA campus, as it did when I was denied the ability to host a veteran and provider roundtable at the Seattle VA. I’ll note, I have done that many times over my 30 years in the Senate. My staff was told it was a new policy which had not been put into writing at the time that I got denied. And I just want to reiterate my request, Mr. Secretary, that you share that newly written policy with every single member of Congress.”
    “Senator, as you and I talked yesterday, this had been an unwritten policy for years that had been applied differently. I went back and checked it had been applied differently,” said Secretary Collins.
    “I’ve never been denied before, I don’t know anybody else who has. This is a new policy, and I think it’s important that you have it in writing to every single member, so we all know that,” Senator Murray emphasized.
    “It will be,” Secretary Collins affirmed.
    “I’d also note that in our conversation yesterday, as well as in your responses to nearly all of the oversight letters I’ve seen, you are relying on this very broad explanation to everything that…‘everything you do is to ensure veterans receive the care and services they deserve.’ I want to take this opportunity, Mr. Secretary, to remind you the people on this dais, both sides, have the same purpose. Many of us have been doing this for decades. And oversight is both constitutionally required, and it is critical for all of us to do our jobs,” Senator Murray continued. “With that in mind, I would ask you to rescind the memo from your Chief of Staff, which allows him to personally sign off on any proposed or planned engagement with any one of the 535 Members of Congress, which really just stonewalls legitimate questions that we have.”
    Secretary Collins responded, “Senator, that was a memo that was, that’s a mischaracterization of that memo. It simply was coordinating between OM and our legislative affairs office to make sure that our OM staff, who actually deal with the budget side, which you do, and our legislative affairs, were on the same page. Just as you wouldn’t want to in your staff talking to the same group and basically not being on the same page.”
    Senator Murray pressed, “I have the letter, and it directly says that every request we have, has to go through your Chief of Staff. From our staff who want questions, from any of us who do, everything has to be rerouted up to the top. That is going to take forever. That denies us the ability for us to get the information we need.”
    “We’ll make sure that all, you know—legislative inquiries, the stuff that you need—you’re getting the oversight. I agree with you. I served in Congress as well. Oversight is important. But also getting you good information is important as well,” Secretary Collins dodged.
    “I appreciate that. So, is that letter no longer in place, no longer applies?” Senator Murray inquired.
    Secretary Collins continued, “That letter is…to streamline information so we can get you, actually, information quicker.”
    “Streamlined all the way to the top, so our questions are never answered. That’s how we all read it,” pressed Senator Murray.
    Secretary Collins doubled down, “No, that is not the way the letter is written. So, that is not the way the interpretation is.”  
    “I would ask you to go back and look. Because again, we have oversight responsibility. We all take that very seriously…We need those responses, we don’t need weeks and months to go through some—all the way to the top and one guy sitting there deciding whether or not we get the information,” continued Senator Murray.
    “Well, there is no weeks and months. And that’s, you know, the unfortunate part of the VA has been a bureaucracy issue. This is what we’re trying to actually streamline to get you information,” Secretary Collins replied.
    Senator Murray made it clear, “I mean this: I’d like you to go back and look at that letter and remind yourselves we all need the information.”
    Senator Murray continued by asking Secretary Collins about the how VA’s plan to fire more than 80,000 employees will affect the planned deployment of the Electronic Health Record (EHR) system to new sites, which VA is moving forward with despite serious and persistent issues with the system at the sites where it is currently deployed, which include two VA Medical Centers in Washington state—Joseph M. Wainwright in Walla Walla and Mann-Grandstaff in Spokane.
    Senator Murray asked, “As you know, fixing EHR and getting it right for our veterans is about patient safety. During your hearing, I expressed my concerns about VA moving forward with deploying the new system at four additional new sites when it’s still experiencing very serious issues at places in my state—Spokane and Walla Walla. And you said that when it comes to EHR, you were going to ‘listen to our clinicians’ and ‘listen to our hospitals.’ Weeks later, VA announced plans to look at firing a staggering 80,000 employees this year. I want to know did you ask these VA clinicians and hospitals about how those cuts would affect future EHR deployments?”
    “The issue of employment and EHR deployments are separate,” responded Secretary Collins. “We’re not looking—again, I can’t emphasize this enough, none of the reorganization that we’re looking at deals with frontline workers or frontline employees—”
    “That was not my question,” pressed Senator Murray.
    “So yes, we’ve included Dr. Evans, who runs our program, he’s been working the program for well over a decade,” replied Secretary Collins.
    Senator Murray continued her questioning: “I’ve been very vocal, you know this, about VA’s troubling decision not to renew the terms of researchers who are working on absolutely critical projects and clinical trials for our veterans. There are planned trials that have not started, there are ongoing trials that have been stopped, and there are trials that have fallen apart due to staff layoffs. Yes or no, would you agree that clinical trials stopping would have an impact on the care for our veterans?”
    “I think clinical trials are very important,” said Secretary Collins. “And the good thing about it is, when we looked at it, there were trials that were coming due that, just as they always do. I put a 90-day stop on that so we can examine and make sure that everything’s going good.”
    “I understand, there’s a pause on this new policy. Has a decision been made about what happens when that pause stops?” pressed Senator Murray.
    “We’re currently in the process of examining that,” replied Secretary Collins.
    “So, clinical trials that are out there have no idea, they’ve got to wait 90 days and pray?” asked Senator Murray.
    “At this point in time, like I said, some of those were actually stopped at the end, and…we’re actually keeping some in line so that they can continue, if need be,” Secretary Collins said.
    Senator Murray was the first woman to join the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee and the first woman to chair the Committee—as the daughter of a World War II veteran, supporting veterans and their families has always been an important priority for her. Senator Murray has been a leading voice in the Senate speaking out forcefully against President Trump and Elon Musk’s mass firing of VA employees and VA researchers across the country and Elon Musk and DOGE’s infiltration of the VA, including accessing veterans’ sensitive personal information.
    Last week at a hearing on veterans’ mental health, Senator Murray pressed administration officials on the importance of transparency and communication with Congress and how the Trump administration’s mass firings might undermine care for veterans who have dealt with sexual trauma. In February, Murray grilled Trump’s then-nominee for VA Deputy Secretary, Dr. Paul Lawrence, on the mass firings of VA employees and VA researchers. After pressing Doug Collins on EHR and protecting women’s access to VA health care, including lifesaving abortion care, at his nomination hearing, Senator Murray voted against Doug Collins’s nomination to be VA Secretary in early February, sounding the alarm over Elon Musk and DOGE’s activities at the VA and making clear that the Trump administration’s lawlessness is putting our national security and our veterans at risk.
    Last month, Senator Murray released a report on how Trump’s mass firings at VA are already hurting veterans’ services and health care in Washington state and across the country. Senator Murray and her colleagues have demanded that VA swiftly reverse moves to cut VA researchers, and have sent multiple letters pressing Secretary Collins to sever Elon Musk and DOGE’s access to any VA or other government system with information about veterans, and protect veterans, their families, and VA staff from unprecedented access to sensitive information.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crapo Supports Bisignano to be SSA Commissioner

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo

    Washington, D.C.–Today, the U.S. Senate confirmed Frank Bisignano to be Commissioner of the Social Security Administration (SSA) by a vote of 53-47.  Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) issued the following statement on Mr. Bisignano’s confirmation:
    “Mr. Bisignano understands the importance of improving customer service at the Social Security Administration, including by bringing down wait times, ensuring that individuals can interact with the SSA in the way they prefer and improving the SSA’s payment accuracy.  I am confident Mr. Bisignano has the experience and vision to succeed in this mission, and look forward to working with him as Commissioner.”
    Chairman Crapo recently delivered remarks on the Senate Floor urging his colleagues to support Mr. Bisignano’s nomination.  Read the remarks here and watch them here.   

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Schatz, Tillis Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Commemorating World Press Freedom Day

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Hawaii Brian Schatz
    WASHINGTON – Following World Press Freedom Day on May 3, U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) this week introduced a bipartisan resolution recognizing growing threats to freedom of the press around the world and reaffirming the vital role of independent journalism in promoting democracy, human rights, and good governance.
    “A free press is a cornerstone of any healthy democracy – and it’s vital that we protect and defend it, at home and abroad,” said Senator Schatz, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “The growing attacks on independent journalism are alarming, particularly given the many crises and conflicts happening globally. People rely on journalists to understand what’s happening in their own communities and make sense of the world. In turn, journalists go to extraordinary lengths, often at great personal risk, to report the truth. Unfortunately, we continue to see journalists lose their lives, be thrown in jail, or be threatened with lawsuits just for doing their jobs. Suppressing press freedom and targeting journalists is the oldest trick in the authoritarian playbook. Anyone who believes in democracy and freedom ought to be unreserved and unequivocal in our support for the free press.”
    “Freedom of the press is one of the foundational principles of democratic governance,” said Senator Tillis. “As threats to journalists grow worldwide, the U.S. must stand with those who ensure that freedom of expression is protected as a universal right.”
    Press freedom has faced a staggering global decline in recent years, and Senator Schatz has led bipartisan efforts to promote press freedom and protect journalists worldwide.
    A copy of the bill text is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Baldwin Introduces Bill to Give Tax Break to Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) joined Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) in introducing the Tax Relief for New Businesses Act, legislation to provide a tax break to entrepreneurs looking to start a small business and reduce barriers for startups. The bill would increase the startup tax deduction from $5,000 to $50,000, and allow businesses to write off more expenses to compensate for the increasing cost of starting a business. Currently, small business owners can only deduct up to $5,000 in startup costs in the first year, yet a recent survey found that they spend an average of $40,000 to get their businesses off the ground.
    “Small businesses and the Wisconsinites behind them are the backbones of our local communities and our economy. For too many entrepreneurs, starting a business is too expensive and out of reach, and it’s our job to break down the barriers in their way so more Americans can pursue their dreams,” said Senator Baldwin. “Our tax code should incentivize entrepreneurs and support small businesses – not rig the system for the biggest corporations, like Republicans are trying to do. Our legislation is a commonsense step that will unlock opportunities for Wisconsin’s next generation of small businesses and help ensure they can grow, innovate, and shape the future of the Badger state.”
    “If the US Senate passes this legislation it would help provide capital to reinvest in small business staff and get them to a stable, profitable bottom line much quicker. This would encourage existing and expanding businesses to invest and grow by improving cash flow in the early years of starting and growing the businesses. As a small business owner I strongly endorse this effort,” said TJ Semanchin, owner of Wonderstate Coffee in Viroqua, WI.
    “Repeated research has demonstrated that new businesses – ‘startups’ – are a critical driver of economic growth, job creation, and opportunity expansion,” said John Dearie, President of the Center for American Entrepreneurship. “But launching a new business costs money. And because startup costs are incurred long before the first dollar of revenue, those costs can be a major obstacle to new business formation. That’s why the Tax Relief for New Businesses Act is so important. The legislation is powerfully pro-entrepreneurship, pro-growth, and pro-job creation. CAE thanks Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) for their leadership and looks forward to working with them to ensure swift passage of the legislation.”
    “Starting a business is a vote of confidence in the future,” said Richard Trent, Executive Director of Main Street Alliance. “Men and women all across the country start businesses that help our communities thrive. Small businesses are connected to their communities, sponsoring little league teams, providing employment and creating a robust culture and economy. But one of the most difficult parts of starting a business is having the capital to do so. A lack of generational wealth, unfair lending practices and discrimination make this difficult for too many. The Tax Relief for New Businesses Act is a huge step in the right direction to level the playing field and jump start Main Streets all across America.”
    In addition to Senators Baldwin, Rosen, and Shaheen, the Tax Relief for New Businesses Act is also co-sponsored by Senators Chris Coons (D-DE), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Martin Heinrich (D-NM).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lummis Votes to Confirm New SSA Commissioner, Pushes for Solutions for Wyoming SSA Offices

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wyoming Cynthia Lummis

    May 6, 2025

    Washington, D.C. — Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) released the following statement after voting to confirm President Trump’s nominee for Commissioner of the Social Security Administration (SSA). 
    “I’m pleased that the U.S. Senate has finally confirmed Frank Bisignano, President Trump’s choice to head the Social Security Administration,” said Lummis. “I’ve had the chance to sit down with Commissioner Bisignano and discuss the understaffing impacting all six Social Security offices in Wyoming, as well as the closure of the Cody office. I look forward to working with Commissioner Bisignano on implementing the reforms that SSA badly needs, while ensuring that Wyoming’s SSA offices are accessible, properly staffed, and responsive to our residents’ needs.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fischer to Agriculture Secretary: Nebraska Right Fit to Relocate Parts of U.S. Department of Agriculture

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nebraska Deb Fischer
    Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, questioned Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins on her plans relocate parts of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), like the Agricultural Research Service (ARS). During the hearing, Fischer advocated for Nebraska to be considered, given the proximity to land grant institutions, lower cost of living, and a strong existing relationship with the USDA’s ARS facilities in the state.Fischer also raised concerns about the need to address overregulation to reduce the high maintenance costs of USDA’s ARS facilities, and whether the USDA would ensure that improvements made to these facilities are affordable.In addition, Fischer emphasized the importance of preserving the customer service experience at the Farm Service Agency (FSA), highlighting the value of in-person interactions with clients.

    Click the image above to watch a video of Fischer’s questioning
    Click here to download audio
    Click here to download video
    Fischer Questions Rollins:Fischer: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Secretary Rollins, it is so good to see you here today. Thank you. I share your desire to realign and reprioritize resources across USDA, to put our ranchers and our farmers first. This is especially important for USDA’s Agricultural Research Service to ensure that we are funding innovative and high impact research that benefits our farmers and ranchers. I’ve been working to secure funding for an ARS facility that’s focused on innovative precision agriculture research that is co-located at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and I look forward to continuing to work with you on that facility to ensure we can have high impact, high priority research taking place there. You have also talked about having more USDA’s workforce located closer to the people that they serve. And while no official announcements have been made, I think this would be a great step, and I know Nebraska would be a great location to relocate parts of USDA, like the Ag Research Service, giving our proximity to a number of strong land grant institutions, lower cost of living, and strong existing relationship with the agency at the facilities I mentioned beforehand. Can you talk about your plans for relocating parts of USDA to the heartland, and how do you anticipate relocation efforts could save taxpayer dollars and create greater efficiencies for the agency itself?
    Rollins: We are very close. I’ll say, in the coming weeks, you will hear a lot more about these plans. And I have really, I’m so grateful because I’ve gotten a lot of feedback from you and from others about potential locations around the country. What I’m most excited about in this realignment, though, is exactly how you outlined it, Senator, that we have to move. This is a customer service oriented agency, and why do we have so many people in Washington, DC? And then you bring the forest part into that, and then the nutrition into that, and it just doesn’t make as much sense. It would also be cheaper for the taxpayer, and the customer service agent will be closer to the people that they serve. So we are very in the weeds on that today, and an announcement is forthcoming.
    Fischer: I appreciated your comments to Senator Moran about the FSA and keeping those local offices open. I am very well aware in rural communities across my state how important it is that, that farmers have that in person access. And while we may be using technology in many areas, there’s still, I think, at this point in time, needs to be that face-to-face contact.Rollins: I agree.
    Fischer: So thank you for that as well. In Nebraska, we are also so proud of the work that’s being done at USDA’s Meat Animal research center at Clay Center, that is a strong relationship that the Center has with our livestock producers in the state. Last month, both Nebraska Cattlemen and Nebraska Pork Producers talked to me about how they valued the research that’s being done there. The President’s budget does call for cuts to ARS funding, but I think it’s also important for us to make sure that the dollars that we do spend on research and facilities gets stretched as far as it can. Due to over regulation, you’ve touched on that in some of your answers, a lot of burdensome contracting requirements out there. Simple maintenance and upkeep costs end up costing sometimes three to four times more than they should. And this is especially true for unique research centers like USMARC at Clay Center, who operate. They are working farms. They are working ranches. They handle livestock on a daily basis. So would you agree that research done in collaboration with the livestock industry at USMARC’s working farm and ranch is important? And would your team work with mine to ensure that the improvements that we make to ARS facilities don’t end up dramatically costing more than it would for the private sector to operate those?
    Rollins: I will, Senator, and I appreciate that and the great research that happens in Nebraska. A quick note on ARS, while we are decreasing the budget, it’s 2.1 billion currently under the President’s budget. From Friday, it goes down to 1.9 billion. That’s about a seven and a half percent decrease. And that’s really focused on just some facilities that are way behind on repair and just out of date and not meeting the mark, obviously not yours in Nebraska. So that is, that is a very targeted decrease in funding that shouldn’t affect, we remain highly, highly focused on the priorities of ARS and ensuring those are funded.
    Fischer: You know, I hope you can also look at that over regulation that we have with contracting that I mentioned. Because a lot of times just those really simple maintenance, it does end up costing more and more and more. Where if we can, you know, you always hear about government regulation and how burdensome it is, and there’s some good examples that we need to get rid of those good examples and make sure that we’re dealing with common sense and in the real world to meet those lower costs that should be available.
    Rollins: And the most important thing you can do is send us, have your team send us those examples, and we’ll, we’ll get on it right away.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: During National Small Business Month, Cortez Masto, Moran Introduce Legislation to Promote New Business Creation by Cutting Red Tape

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto
    Washington, D.C. – During National Small Business Month, U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) introduced the Supporting NEW BUSINESSES Act, which would promote the creation of new businesses in communities across the country. This legislation would require the Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide annual awards to state and local governments that implement innovative solutions to reduce red tape, eliminate redundancies, consolidate resources, or otherwise streamline the process of new business formation. Every year, one award would be given to a small, medium, and large-sized community.
    “When communities figure out smart ways to help people start new businesses, we should recognize them for their work and learn from their successes,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “Instead of trying to re-invent the wheel, this bill will help the federal government find what’s already working and help people create new small businesses in communities across the nation.”
    Read the full bill here.
    Senator Cortez Masto is a champion for Nevada’s small businesses. Last month, the Senator stood with small businesses in Southern and Northern Nevada to highlight the devastating impacts the chaos of the Trump Administration’s tariffs have had on the cost of operating small businesses and on the American economy itself. In the American Rescue Plan, Senator Cortez Masto secured $3 billion in funding to assist states with their economic recovery and their vital tourism industries, including Nevada. She also delivered resources to the state’s businesses and secured flexibility for the gaming industry.

    MIL OSI USA News –