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Category: US Senate

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fischer on Senate Floor: Congress Must Pass the Foreign Adversary Communications Transparency Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nebraska Deb Fischer
    Today, during a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) called on her colleagues to pass her Foreign Adversary Communications Transparency (FACT) Act – approved by the Senate Commerce Committee last week – which will require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to publicly identify entities that hold FCC licenses, authorizations, or other grants of authority that are owned, wholly or partially, by foreign adversarial governments.
    In her remarks, Fischer highlights the threats the United States faces from companies with strong ties to foreign adversaries. She specifically calls out Huawei, a major global supplier of cellphone network equipment, citing its troubling and potentially dangerous access to critical communications infrastructure.
    Click the image above to watch a video of Fischer’s remarks.
    Click here to download audio 
    Click here to download video
    Following is a transcript of Fischer’s remarks as prepared for delivery:M. President,
    Last week, my bill, the Foreign Adversary Communication Transparency Act—or FACT Act— cleared the Commerce Committee unanimously. Now, it will come before us here, on the Senate floor, for a vote.
    I stand before you today because the threat our foreign adversaries pose is not a distant concern. It is real, it is relentless, and it is constantly evolving.
    We cannot afford to wait and deal with the consequences. The cost of inaction is too great.
    Congress must anticipate the threats and we must work together to curb the malign influence of foreign adversaries like Communist China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.
    For too long now, we have allowed foreign adversarial governments to secure a silent foothold in our telecommunications infrastructure.
    Take, for example, Huawei.
    Huawei, a Chinese-owned telecommunications giant, is one of the leading producers of cellphone network equipment. This equipment spans across our country and finds its home in most of our cellular devices.
    Over a decade ago, our intelligence agencies began noticing a peculiar pattern of Huawei equipment on cell towers across my home state of Nebraska, as well as nearby Colorado and Montana. That Chinese gear was clustered near sensitive military assets, including Nebraska’s Offutt Air Force Base and our nuclear missile silos.
    Then, just four years ago, U.S. intelligence officials sounded the alarm. Their investigations found that Huawei could secretly access mobile phone networks around the world through “back doors” – unbeknownst to carriers.
    And perhaps even more concerning: Huawei has had this capability for more than a decade.
    And, Huawei’s ownership is bankrolled by billions of dollars from the Chinese government.
    What government freely hands over that kind of money without expecting something in return?
    Despite being based in China and having deep connections to the Chinese Communist Party—as confirmed by the U.S. intelligence community—the company continues to refuse to acknowledge the Chinese government’s influence.
    However, in 2020, under President Trump’s administration, the Federal Communications Commission designated Huawei as a national security threat and banned the sale of its telecommunications equipment in the United States. This past December, Congress also secured the remaining funding to enable smaller, rural communications companies to rip risky Chinese-made equipment out of their networks.
    In 2022, the Justice Department charged two Chinese intelligence officers with an unsettling crime: attempting to obstruct a federal investigation into Huawei by stealing sensitive case material from a U.S. District Attorney’s office.
    Colleagues, I pose to you this question: Why would the Chinese government go to such lengths to interfere in a case involving a so-called ‘private company’ in which they have no stake? They wouldn’t.
    While recent actions to curtail Huawei equipment, and those from other high-risk Chinese firms, are steps in the right direction, they don’t go far enough.
    We must have far greater transparency about which companies holding federal communications licenses and authorizations also have influential ties to foreign adversarial governments.
    And we must look deeper at: Who has this access? And, how many more companies like Huawei are out there?
    Companies like Huawei must be stopped. We can no longer permit authoritarian regimes, like China, to infiltrate our networks and lurk in the shadows, waiting for the opportune moment to strike. It is not enough to brace ourselves for the aftermath of disaster. We must root out the threat before it has time to fester.
    The reality is that our foreign adversaries have stakes in numerous companies operating freely and legally within the United States.
    Yet, in many cases, the public remains unaware of which companies are owned – wholly or partially – by these adversaries.
    That’s why, today, I call upon the Senate to pass my FACT Act, which takes a much-needed step to strengthen our visibility into our telecommunications market to weed out that access we have seen from malicious foreign adversaries.
    Because the first step in defending our national security is understanding the threat.
    My bill directs the Federal Communications Commission to publicly identify any companies – with an FCC license or authorization – that are owned by foreign adversarial governments. Under the FACT Act, companies with foreign ties will no longer be able to operate in secrecy. And they will no longer be able to conceal their financial backers or obscure their true loyalties.
    Huawei should serve as a warning. China is on the offensive, to undermine the security of America’s communications. An attack on our networks is a direct attack on the United States, and it is not one we should tolerate.
    Thank you, M. President, I yield the floor.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: On Senate Floor, Warren Stands Up for Seniors, Fights Back Against Trump Social Security Nominee

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    May 05, 2025
    “Frank Bisignano will rubber-stamp Trump and Musk’s attack [on Social Security]…He’ll let them keep slashing services and threatening benefits. That will hurt people everywhere.”
    Video of Floor Speech (YouTube)
    Washington, D.C. — Ahead of the Senate vote to confirm Frank Bisignano as Commissioner of the Social Security Administration (SSA), U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) took to the Senate floor in opposition, warning that he will “rubber-stamp Trump and Musk’s attack” on Social Security. 
    Senator Warren defended Social Security, saying it is “more than just a retirement program — it’s insurance.” 
    “Donald Trump and Elon Musk want to rip that protection away. Two people who don’t have the slightest clue how much Social Security means to families are threatening Americans’ benefits in order to pay for giant tax cuts for billionaires,” said Senator Warren. 
    Senator Warren also read stories from concerned Social Security recipients and their families into the Congressional record. She highlighted stories of people worried they won’t be able to make rent, pay for life-saving medical treatment, or pay for groceries, due to Trump and Musk’s attacks on Social Security. 
    “Frank Bisignano has made clear he won’t stop the chaos and harm. That’s wrong — and on behalf of every single American who counts on Social Security, I’m voting no,” Warren concluded. 
    Transcript: Floor Speech Opposing the Confirmation of Frank BisignanoU.S. Senate Floor May 5, 2025
    As Prepared for Delivery
    Senator Elizabeth Warren: Donald Trump and Elon Musk are taking a chainsaw to Social Security. 
    For nearly a century, Social Security has been there for tens of millions of Americans. But Trump and Musk are threatening to tear that all down. They’re firing staff. Plotting to close down offices. Making it harder for people to get help over the phone.
    Trump’s pick to head up Social Security, Frank Bisignano, will rubber-stamp Trump and Musk’s attack. He’ll let them keep slashing services and threatening benefits. That will hurt people everywhere — from seniors who count on their monthly checks right now, to the parents of kids with a disability supported by Social Security, to every American paying into the program now for later down the line.
    And Social Security is more than just a retirement program — it’s insurance. If you’re 30 years old and get in an accident and become disabled, Social Security’s got you covered. If you have a child and something happens to you, that kid will get Social Security benefits.
    Donald Trump and Elon Musk want to rip that protection away. Two people who don’t have the slightest clue how much Social Security means to families are threatening Americans’ benefits in order to pay for giant tax cuts for billionaires.
    And since they can’t begin to imagine what that means for working people, let’s tell them.
    A few weeks ago, I posted a video explaining what Trump and Musk were doing to Social Security. The stories came flooding in. Here are just a few:
    “I’m on Social Security disability — it’s about 95% of my total income. Every month since Trump took office this year, I’ve worried about whether or not my [Social Security] payment will come as usual.”
    “I’ve had Medicare medication coverage for around 20 years, and all of [a] sudden, with Musk’s appearance, I’ve had to fight to keep it.”
    “I’ve been getting my Social Security check with zero problems for 15 years. Last night, I was so worried about me not getting a check, I stayed up to the early morning hours, to make sure it was in my account. Thanks to Trump and Musk, I worry if I will be able to pay my rent every month. Since Trump has been in office, it’s been extremely stressful.”
    “We have a son born with Down syndrome and we are now retired, depending on our Social Security for the three of us — for food, utilities, clothing, medical services, things that we worked all our lives for, only to have billionaires come in and take what little we have to live on away.”
    “I’m about to turn 65 and have had a nightmare of a time trying to even talk to a real human being at the Social Security office. It’s been just a series of dead-ends and mistakes piled atop confusion.”
    “I had cancer at 52 years old — stage 4 uterine cancer. I spent more than a year fighting cancer. I am currently 66 years old and fighting the chronic pain from the chemicals they used to treat the cancer. I rely on my Social Security to survive. What am I going to do?”
    “I’m 71 years old and work part-time as a data technician in dementia research, so my [Social Security benefits] supplement my income. I’m anxious that eventually I, too, will have my Social Security check delayed or stopped altogether.”
    “We all need Social Security to survive, as a nation. I myself have been having it drawn out of my paychecks for over 40 years but haven’t retired yet and will need it shortly. My only hope is that it is still there when I need it. We earned that right to collect this money and [will] not let a bunch of billionaires take it from us.”
    “I have worked since I was 16 years old and now I’m 71 but I still work part-time. It goes without saying that I need my [Social Security] benefits to survive and since Trump and Musk took over I don’t know from one month to the next what might happen. So scary now!”
    “I only get $25,000 yearly from Social Security, and it constitutes more than half of my income. I have a small pension from the company where I worked for 40 years. If I lose my Social Security, I’ll have to support myself and my sister [who cannot work]…I don’t have much in savings due to continuing medical expenses over the years. [We] need my Social Security to survive.”
    “I’m a [Social Security] employee and I just want to say thank you for standing up for the programs SSA runs and the beneficiaries. It is true it’s been becoming harder for people to access their benefits but also for other services such as getting their Social Security card replaced. There [are] some days where people are waiting for 8 hours just to talk to a customer service representative or they don’t even get the call back and have to call again the next day to have an issue resolved — that’s if they have the time the next day.”
    “I went to [a Social Security] office yesterday because I need[ed] to change my direct deposit for my monthly benefits. The doors were locked…all the booths were shuttered. Sign on the door said “by appointment only” and there was a number to call, which I did. The automated system put me on hold, and the recording said 15 minute wait, and after time passed, the recording said I would be helped as soon as possible, then said they were receiving higher than normal call volumes… after several rings, the recording said … leave [a] message [which I did] and someone will return your call, but that hasn’t happened yet. As I sat outside that office, another person walked up and said he heard that we have to go into the office in person to show our I.D. or lose our benefits — then realized the door was locked… Now I am very concerned that I might not get my benefits in the future…”.
    So, Trump and Musk, that is what your attack on Social Security means for Americans — more problems, and fewer people to fix them. Hours on the phone or waiting in line at an office trying to get help. All to get benefits they’ve paid into their entire working lives. That’s money they’ve earned and are owed.
    Frank Bisignano has made clear he won’t stop the chaos and harm. That’s wrong — and on behalf of every single American who counts on Social Security, I’m voting no. I encourage my colleagues to do the same.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sens. Scott, Cantwell Reintroduce Aviation Workforce Development Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott
    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) reintroduced the Aviation Workforce Development Act. This legislation amends the Internal Revenue Code to make expenses for education at FAA-certified flight andaviation maintenance programs eligible for 529 plan funds. 529 plans are valuable tools for saving for education, offering tax-free growth and allowing withdrawals for qualified expenses like tuition, room and board, and school supplies. The Aviation Workforce Development Act allows students pursuing FAA-certified flight and aviation maintenance programs to now use their 529 plan funds to cover these educational costs. As record numbers of air travelers visit South Carolina each year, this legislation will open doors for aspiring pilots and aviation maintenance technicians by ensuring they can play a vital role in the state’s aviation workforce.
    In addition to Senators Scott and Cantwell, this bill is cosponsored by U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock (R-Ga.). Representative Mike Collins (R-Ga.) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.  
    “This bill provides a commonsense solution to tackling workforce shortages in the aviation industry and offering more flexibility for parents investing in 529 accounts,” said Senator Scott. “By streamlining workforce development in aviation and expanding the use of 529 funds, it strengthens the aviation sector and provides parents greater freedom to invest in their children’s future.”
    “Families use 529 plans to save for their children’s future education. But we know that our next generation of workers need options beyond traditional four-year college degrees, such as apprenticeships, trade schools, and more,” Senator Cantwell said. “By allowing 529 plans to cover FAA-certified commercial pilot and aviation maintenance courses, this bill helps remove cost barriers for students considering a career path in Washington state’s thriving aviation industry.”
    “I’ve worked tirelessly in the Senate to secure federal investments for aviation workforce programs. The Aviation Workforce Development Act builds on my efforts to create educational pipelines that welcome Georgians from every zip code into this critical industry,” said Senator Warnock. “This is a bipartisan and bicameral bill for a reason—these are commonsense solutions to address needs throughout our aviation industry, and I’m proud to work alongside Senators Scott and Cantwell in this effort.”
    The Aviation Workforce Development Act is endorsed by Airlines for America, Air Line Pilots Association, Delta Air Lines, Aerospace Industries Association, Atlas Air Worldwide, National Air Carrier Association, NetJets Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots, Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association, Aeronautical Repair Station Association, Aviation Technician Education Council, and National Business Aviation Association.
    Background: 
    According to a recent Pilot and Technician Outlook report from Boeing, the 20-year outlook for aviation personnel includes 602,000 new pilots and 610,000 new maintenance technicians. 
    According to ATP, that nation’s largest flight school, it costs just over $96,000 a year to become a pilot with no previous experience and just over $75,000 if you start with a private pilot certificate. 
    According to BLS, the median annual wage for commercial pilots was $99,640 in 2021 and the median wage for aircraft mechanics and service technicians was $65,380.  
    Meanwhile, 529 plans generally do not include coverage of commercial pilot or aviation maintenance programs unless they are part of an “eligible educational institution.”
    Eligible institutions are colleges, universities, trade schools, or other post-secondary educational institutions that are eligible to participate in a student aid program run by ED. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Heinrich, Luján Statement on President Trump’s 2026 Budget Request

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)
    Heinrich and Luján: “Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s budget will further tank the economy and throw working families under the bus. As New Mexico’s senators, we’ll fight back”
    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) released the following statement onPresident Trump’s Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Preliminary Budget Request, which proposes slashing critical investments that benefit New Mexico families to fund massive tax cuts for billionaires like Elon Musk:
    “Donald Trump’s budget doesn’t put New Mexico families first — it jeopardizes Medicaid and slashes nutrition programs and services hardworking people rely on, all to fund massive tax handouts to Trump, Elon Musk, and their billionaire donors.
    “This proposal would drive up the cost of health care, groceries, housing, and utilities; gut public school and pre-K funding; defund cancer research; weaken law enforcement’s ability to fight drug trafficking; and strip resources from wildland firefighters, farmers, Tribes, and rural communities. It also threatens our public lands — paving the way for Republicans’ massive sell-off. 
    “Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s budget will further tank the economy and throw working families under the bus. As New Mexico’s senators, we’ll fight back — to protect Medicaid and Social Security, defend every dollar we’ve secured for our communities, and keep putting New Mexico families first.”
    Among all of his proposed cuts, President Trump’s Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Preliminary Budget Request:
    HEALTH:
    Slashes funding for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) by $33 billion (-26%).
    Slashes funding for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) by $674 million. CMS helps ensure over 100 million Americans have access to affordable, high-quality health insurance by overseeing Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and Affordable Care Act marketplaces.
    Cuts funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) by $18 billion or more than 40% — decimating funding for lifesaving medical treatments and cures.
    Decimates funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by cutting $3.6 billion — hollowing out the agency’s ability to save lives and protect Americans from health threats.
    Guts funding for substance use prevention and treatment and mental health services by $1 billion (roughly –15%) and eliminates the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration — the agency with expertise in tackling the substance use and mental health crises.
    Eliminates the Title X program, which helps nearly 3 million patients get preventative care, birth control, cancer screenings, and more in every state.
    EDUCATION:
    Guts funding for the U.S. Department of Education by $12 billion (-15%).
    Eliminates all funding for Preschool Development Grants, which help states strengthen their early childhood education system and get parents the child care and pre-K they need.
    Eliminates and cuts dozens of elementary and secondary education programs (the vast majority of which are not specified), underscoring that President Trump’s vision for returning education to the states means state and local taxpayers will pay more to support students and educators at their local schools as a result of major cuts in federal funding.
    Eliminates several higher education programs, including TRIO, GEAR UP, Federal Work Study, Child Care Access Means Parents in Schools (CCAMPIS), and more, which help Americans pursue a postsecondary education and further their careers.
    Slashes funding for the U.S. Department of Labor by $4.6 billion (-35%).
    Proposes to “Make America Skilled Again” by cutting workforce training programs that help Americans develop skills and secure good-paying jobs by roughly a third. 
    Eliminates Job Corps and the Senior Community Service Employment Program.
    Eliminates AmeriCorps, which enables over 200,000 Americans to help serve communities across the country, including by responding to natural disasters, supporting veterans, fighting the opioid epidemic, helping older Americans age with dignity, and working in our schools, educating and supporting students.
    HOUSING:
    Eviscerates the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) with a 43.6% cut.
    Slashes HUD rental assistance programs by 42.8% while foisting responsibility over those programs onto state and local governments. Over 10 million Americans rely on HUD rental assistance, the vast majority of whom are seniors, people with disabilities, and children. This will rip the roofs off Americans’ heads and put even more families at risk of homelessness.
    Eliminates or cuts federal programs most targeted to build more affordable housing and address this country’s housing supply shortage, including in Tribal country. 
    Eliminates the Community Development Block Grant that cities and towns across the country use to improve the quality of life for their citizens every day.
    PUBLIC SAFETY:
    Slashes the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) budget by at least $3.7 billion (-10%).
    Guts funding for grants to help keep communities safe by over $1 billion (-26%).
    Cuts funding for Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) salaries and expenses by $545 million (-5%), endangering Americans’ safety.
    Cuts funding for Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) salaries and expenses by $212 million (-7%), weakening the agency’s capacity to crack down on drug trafficking. Also proposes shuttering major DEA offices in countries around the world, noting that those countries “are equipped to counter drug trafficking on their own.”
    Cuts funding for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) salaries and expenses by $468 million (-29%) as part of the administration’s ongoing attempt to dismantle the agency in charge of enforcing our country’s gun laws.
    Cuts $1.386 billion (-22%) from the U.S. Forest Service, gutting grant funding for state and Tribal wildfire risk reduction, volunteer fire departments, and much more. The proposal would cut at least 2,000 National Forest System staff positions, which will severely harm the administration’s stated goals of improving forest management.
    Cuts funding for International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement account by $1.3 billion (-91%) which helps prevent human trafficking, stop drug trafficking, and much more, with direct implications for American communities.
    Proposes a reckless $209 million cut for NOAA’s weather satellites, which play a critical role in ensuring Americans have accurate weather forecasting and will result in a gap in observations when the current satellites retire early in the next decade.
    NUTRITION:
    Eliminates the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, which provides food assistance to low-income individuals 60 years of age and older to supplement diets and addressing potential nutrient deficiencies. The preliminary budget request does not mention any of the other 16 Nutrition Programs, including WIC, The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), and the National School Lunch Program.
    PUBLIC LANDS:
    Cuts $900 million (- 30%) from National Park Service operations, abandoning national parks the administration says should now be transferred to the states, while providing no funding for states to manage massive new obligations that such a dramatic move would entail. This would incentivize states to sell off public lands to the highest bidder, threatening valued open space and areas of natural and historical value to local communities.
    AGRICULTURE:
    Guts funding for agricultural research, which is critical to ensuring American agriculture is competitive with the rest of the world and provides key resources to help farmers and ranchers prepare and adapt in an uncertain environment. Zeroes out foreign food aid that supports American farmers and is a lifeline for people living in extreme poverty across the world.
    TRIBES:
    Slashes $911 million (-24%) for core Tribal programs that uphold the federal government’s legally-obligated and court-ordered trust and treaty responsibilities to Tribal nations. 
    Decimates core Tribal programs, including road maintenance, housing, and programs for children and families. 
    Nearly eliminates funding for construction of Tribal schools, which are already too often dilapidated, and cuts Tribal law enforcement funding by 20%.
    RURAL COMMUNITIES:
    Slashes investments in core Rural Development programs by $721 million, including investments in safe drinking water, affordable housing, and resources to bolster the rural economy.
    Cuts funding for the U.S. Department of Commerce by $1.9 billion (-18%). Outright eliminates the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), which helps economically distressed communities across America get ahead.
    Eliminates all Community Services Block Grant funding ($770 million) for community-based anti-poverty programs that help individuals and families access services to alleviate the causes of poverty.
    Eliminates funding to 27 states by zeroing out funding for 6 of 7 regional commissions, which provide grants in economically distressed communities for disaster mitigation, opioid crisis support programming, workforce training, and much more. This includes eliminating the Southwest Border Regional Commission (SBRC).
    The Southwest Border Regional Commission (SBRC) is one of eight authorized federal regional commissions and authorities, which are congressionally-chartered, federal-state partnerships created to promote economic development in their respective regions. Congress first authorized the establishment of the SBRC in 2008 to promote economic development in the southern border regions of New Mexico, Arizona, California, and Texas.
    Last year, Heinrich secured an expansion of the SBRC’s jurisdiction to include the following counties in New Mexico: Bernalillo, Cibola, Curry, De Baca, Guadalupe, Roosevelt, Torrance, Lea, and Valencia. These are in addition to Catron, Grant, Hidalgo, Luna, Sierra, Socorro, Lincoln, Otero, Eddy, Doña Ana, and Chaves Counties in New Mexico, which are already included within the SBRC’s jurisdiction.
    In 2023, Heinrich led the introduction of the Southwest Border Regional Commission Reauthorization Act, legislation to reauthorize and fully fund the Southwest Border Regional Commission (SBRC). The bill was cosponsored by U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), and former-U.S. Senators Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.), and Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.).
    INFRASTRUCTURE:
    Cuts funding for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation by $600 million (-34%), gutting investments in key restoration projects.
    Cuts funding for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers by $2 billion (-23%), slashing funding used to maintain our nation’s ports and harbors.
    Cuts funding for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) non-disaster grants that help communities prepare for disasters, support efforts to prevent violence and terrorism, prepare emergency responders, and more.
    Eliminates funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, ending support for more than 1,500 local public television and radio stations. 
    Eliminates funding for the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the support provided to libraries and museums throughout the United States.
    Cuts funding for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by more than half by abandoning state and Tribal programs that build and maintain drinking water and sewer systems, starving states of longstanding federal funding provided to pay for states’ work enforcing federal laws, and decimating funding for cleaning up toxic Superfund sites. The request would also effectively eliminate research funding used to better understand the impacts on human health from polluted air and water and from toxic chemicals. 
    ENERGY:
    Slashes funding for the Department of Energy overall by $4.7 billion (-9.4%).
    Guts funding for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy programs by $2.572 billion (-74%) and proposes to rescind $15.25 billion from Infrastructure Law energy programs, which will raise energy costs for American consumers by halting vital innovation and energy projects.
    Eliminates the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which helps 6 million American households heat and cool their homes.
    ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT:
    Slashes funding for the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Entrepreneurial Development Programs by $167 million, proposing the elimination of nearly all programs, including programs that support veterans as they work to start and grow a small business.
    Eliminates $291 million in funding for all current Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) financial assistance awards, which help leverage private capital to support the development of child care centers, housing, health care facilities, and small businesses. Since 2010, CDFIs have financed over 1.3 million businesses and 557,000 affordable homes.
    Completely eliminates the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities, which provide funding for every state and every congressional district for cultural economic development and the creative economy.
    Guts funding for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) by $1.5 billion, which would eliminate all manner of programs that create good jobs, help local economies, and support ocean research, health, and coastal resilience.
    More than halves funding for the National Science Foundation (NSF) with a $5.2 billion (-57%) cut. Cuts funding for the Department of Energy’s Office of Science by $1.148 billion (-14%). Together, these proposed cuts would decimate America’s edge in essential scientific research that would otherwise drive future economic growth.
    FOREIGN ASSISTANCE:
    Guts funding for the U.S. Department of State and America’s international security, economic, and humanitarian assistance programs by $31.2 billion (-48%).
    Cuts funding for lifesaving and other humanitarian assistance by $4.7 billion (-54%), which will lead to preventable deaths and suffering across the globe, and threaten Americans’ safety and well-being by undercutting our efforts to stop disease outbreaks and prevent conflict. A cut of this magnitude will also lead to more migration of people fleeing poverty, conflict, and natural disasters.
    Slashes economic growth and development funding across multiple agencies and accounts by $6 billion (67%) and proposes the final dissolution of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
    Guts funding for global health initiatives by $6.2 billion (-62%).
    Reneges on our treaty dues for the United Nations (U.N.), U.N. Peacekeeping operations, and a majority of other international organizations.
    SPACE EXPLORATION:
    Cuts National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) funding by $6 billion (-24%), the largest single-year cut to NASA in U.S. history, which would mark an incredible retreat for American leadership and ambition in space. Terminates the Artemis Campaign to establish a human presence on the Moon after the Artemis III mission. Slashes funding for the Science Mission Directorate by $3.43 billion (-47%), which would cancel numerous current and planned missions to better understand our universe, solar system, and Earth.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Capito Celebrates National Small Business Week

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito

    WASHINGTON, D.C.  – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) signed on to a resolution led by U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship Chairman Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Ranking Member Ed Markey (D-Mass.) declaring this week as “National Small Business Week” to recognize the innovators and job creators who power America’s economy.

    “In West Virginia, small businesses are an essential part of our economy, making up more than 98% of the businesses in our state and employing nearly half of our workforce. During National Small Business Week, I am proud to join my colleagues in recognizing and celebrating the critical contributions small businesses, like the female-owned Dolly’s Diner in Princeton I visited recently, make in West Virginia and across our country,” Senator Capito said.

    There are more than 34.7 million small businesses in America, accounting for more than 99.9% of all businesses and employing 45.9% of American workers, or about 59 million people.

    Click here to read the resolution. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI from USA TODAY: Meet 5 Republicans in Congress who defined Trump’s first 100 days: Markwayne Mullin: “The Connector”

    US Senate News:

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

    ICYMI from USA TODAY: Meet 5 Republicans in Congress who defined Trump’s first 100 days: Markwayne Mullin: “The Connector”

    “It’s only roughly 100 yards to the other side of the Capitol, but a lot of times we’re not talking like we should…”

    Washington, D.C. – ICYMI, USA TODAY published the following piece crediting U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) as one of the five GOP lawmakers “who defined Trump’s first 100days.” The story highlights Mullin as “The Connector” with “a reputation for getting into the mix” in facilitating communications between his House and Senate GOP colleagues to “pass GOP priorities… as quick as they can.”

    Additionally, USA TODAY reported on the senator’s relationship with President Trump, saying, “Mullin is also one of Trump’s closest allies in the Senate. He enjoys a strong relationship with the president, fostered through his personal connection and his public profile of defending Trump’s policies while attacking detractors.”

    Read the full story from USA TODAY HERE with excerpts below:

    Meet 5 Republicans in Congress who defined Trump’s first 100 days

    By Riley Beggin | May 5, 2025

    Markwayne Mullin: The Connector

    Sen. Markwayne Mullin has a reputation for getting into the mix. 

    The 47-year-old Oklahoman is a former mixed martial arts fighter who tried to help Capitol police barricade the House doors during the attack on the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021; sought to rescue U.S. citizens from Afghanistan in an unauthorized helicopter mission as American troops pulled out of the country in 2021; and attempted to fight Teamsters President Sean O’Brien during a committee hearing in 2023.

    Since Republicans took the House, Senate and White House, Mullin has taken on a new role as an informal liaison between the bodies as they seek to pass GOP priorities in the as quick as they can.

    Mullin served five terms in the House before being elected to the Senate in 2022. He’s kept his finger on the pulse of the House GOP conference throughout the beginning of this year, attending their meetings and checking in with House Speaker Johnson. 

    “It’s only roughly 100 yards to the other side of the Capitol, but a lot of times we’re not talking like we should,” Mullin said in a brief interview with USA TODAY. “A lot of times, when we’re talking about things, it’s a misunderstanding. And when you can at least get that out of the way and just deal with the issue itself, then you’re able to get to a positive spot.”

    Mullin is also one of Trump’s closest allies in the Senate. He enjoys a strong relationship with the president, fostered through his personal connection and his public profile of defending Trump’s policies while attacking detractors.

    As Senate Republicans sought to keep their conference together on some of Trump’s more controversial Cabinet nominees, Mullin played a role in helping “open doors” for meetings between Hegseth and other senators. He was an advocate for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during his confirmation hearings and continued to support Hegseth as he came under fire for his use of Signal to communicate intelligence information. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy in the Washington Times: Congress must help Trump admin hold IMF accountable

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)
    WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Banking Committee, penned this op-ed in the Washington Times arguing that Congress must step up to help the Trump administration hold the International Monetary Fund (IMF) accountable for its dangerous lending practices.
    Key excerpts of the op-ed are below:
    “Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recently argued that the United States must play a bigger role in global multinational organizations such as the International Monetary Fund, not a smaller role. He’s right, and Congress needs to join in this effort.
    “For several years, the IMF has acted more like a social justice fan club than a financial institution. It has strayed far from its original mission of promoting global monetary cooperation and economic stability by focusing on gender issues and climate change.
    “However, the problems at the IMF extend well beyond a failure to adhere to its mission. By making irresponsible lending decisions, the IMF has actively facilitated global instability by doling out billions of dollars to countries that promote terrorism and genocide.”
    . . .
    “Given that the U.S. is the IMF’s single largest financial contributor, this allocation was essentially a handout funded by American taxpayers to many countries that hate us. China received a roughly $38.3 billion dividend, Russia collected $16.2 billion, and Iran raked in $4.5 billion.”
    . . .
    “I introduced the No Dollars for Dictators Act to require congressional approval before a single penny’s worth of funding from the IMF goes to perpetrators of genocide or state sponsors of terrorism. Congress cannot sit on the sidelines while American tax dollars pour into the pockets of terrorists and dictators.
    “The Biden administration showed the world what chaos can unfold when the U.S. fails to put its interests first. The Trump administration is right to remind the IMF and organizations like it that America’s interests will not take a back seat to the whims of activists.”
    Read Kennedy’s full op-ed here.  Full text of the No Dollars for Dictators Act of 2025 is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Coons statement on UD President Assanis

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons
    WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) issued the following statement after University of Delaware President Dennis Assanis announced he would step down as president effective June 30th:
    “President Dennis Assanis is a scientific leader himself, a patent holder and innovator, and a transformational leader for the University of Delaware. Since 2016, he has brought a focus to the university on steady investment and improvement in the quality of campus research facilities, on the competitiveness of student admissions, on the quality of research—both federally and privately funded—and on the general future of the University of Delaware.
    “Dennis and his beloved wife Eleni have been a constant presence not just on UD’s campus, but throughout Delaware. As someone whose aspirations and vision for the future of the University of Delaware and its role in our state have been to constantly press for more, for greater, for better, his particular focus on the STAR campus and NIIMBL—the National Institute for Innovation in the Manufacturing of Biopharmaceuticals—and in collaborative research has elevated UD dramatically and has resulted in lasting and positive change for the better. 
    “My entire family and I express our deep gratitude to President Assanis for his tireless, energetic, effective, and innovative leadership of the University of Delaware. He has been one of the most important presidents in the history of the university, and I wish him well in his next chapter.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto, Smith, Rounds Push Bipartisan Legislation to Increase Access to Affordable Housing in Rural Communities

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) joined Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) on bipartisan legislation to improve federal rural housing programs and strengthen the supply of affordable housing in rural America. The Rural Housing Service Reform Act would represent the most significant Rural Housing Service reforms in decades. 
    “Working families in Silver State should have access to secure, affordable housing no matter where they live,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “This bipartisan legislation would provide vital resources to improve access to affordable housing in our rural communities, from Elko to Ely.”
    The Rural Housing Service expands housing opportunities by offering loans, grants, and rental assistance to rural communities across the country. Rural parts of the country saw only a 1.7% increase in the number of housing units between 2010 and 2020, with almost half of states seeing a decrease in the number of rural units. At the same time, homelessness in rural counties is currently increasing.
    The Rural Housing Service Reform Act would improve and build upon a number of U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) rural housing programs. Specifically, the bill would:
    Fix a longstanding problem for properties, known as Sec. 515 properties, that were financed by the USDA decades ago and now have maturing mortgages, by making it easier for non-profits to acquire those properties and by decoupling rental assistance so that assistance doesn’t disappear when those mortgages mature;
    Make permanent a USDA pilot program to make mortgage loans available in Native communities by partnering with local Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI), lenders designed to provide financing and support to underserved communities;  
    Bring the USDA’s outdated way of measuring incomes in line with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s practices;
    Modernize the USDA’s foreclosure process to cut red tape, better protect homeowners, and ensure USDA-owned properties stay affordable;
    Update the rules for the home repair loan program to make it less burdensome to get smaller loans;
    Require USDA to speed up their loan approval process;
    And make much-needed investments in IT so that USDA can process loans more quickly and with less staff time wasted on paperwork or manual data entry.
    This legislation has been endorsed by the National Rural Housing Coalition, Local Initiatives Support Corporation, Housing Assistance Council, Enterprise Community Partners, Mortgage Bankers Association, Council of State Community Development Agencies, Habitat for Humanity International, National Housing Law Project, AARP, Council for Affordable and Rural Housing, Bipartisan Policy Center Action, and the National Association of Counties.
    Supportive statements from endorsing organizations can be found here. The full text of the bill can be accessed here. 
    Senator Cortez Masto is a champion for Nevada’s rural communities, working across the aisle to deliver for families. She ensured rural Nevada communities have better access to federal funds and services through the Rural Partners Network. In the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, she secured funding for rural schools and over $460 million for broadband. She also made sure the law included her legislation to help rural counties with internet access at local schools and streamline federal broadband funding to improve internet access for rural areas. She’s also introduced legislation to provide funds for homeowners to disaster-proof their houses, including by fireproofing, which is particularly important in rural and remote communities. Recently, she reintroduced the HOME and PRICE Acts to increase the supply of and access to affordable housing. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Tuberville Discusses Space, Defense Budget with additional DoD Nominees

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) spoke with Daniel Zimmerman, Justin Overbaugh, and Matthew Lohmeier, President Trump’s nominees to be the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security, and Under Secretary of the Air Force, respectively.
    Excerpts from Senator Tuberville’s conversation with the nominees can be found below, and the full conversation can be found on YouTube or Rumble.
    ON CENTCOM TARGETING HOUTHIS AS FTO
    TUBERVILLE: “Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, gentlemen, for [your] willingness to serve. Mr. Zimmerman, since March 15th, CENTCOM forces have conducted a sustained campaign targeting the Houthi terrorist organization in Yemen to restore freedom of navigation and American deterrence. As of April 27th, CENTCOM has struck over 800 targets. These targets have killed hundreds of Houthi fighters and numerous Houthi leaders, including senior Houthi missile and UAV officials. Mr. Zimmerman, in your assessment, have U.S. operations against the Houthis been a success?”
    ZIMMERMAN: “Senator, I support the administration’s forcible approach toward the Houthis beginning in the early days of the administration with the Executive Order that called for the elimination of the threat of the Houthis with allies and designated them as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. I don’t think I have access to the classified information that I would like to have to make an assessment about the efficacy of these strikes, but I support what the administration is trying to do.”
    ON MSIC IN HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA
    TUBERVILLE: “Thank you. Mr. Overbaugh, one of the organizations you will help oversee if you are confirmed is the Missile and Space Intelligence Center—we call MSIC—which is a component of DIA and located in my state [in] Huntsville, Alabama. MSIC provides a world-class analysis on the performance of foreign weapons systems, which is critical to ensuring our warfighters dominate the battlefield against our adversaries. Mr. Overbaugh, are you familiar with MSIC and MSIC’s analysis, and if so, can you talk a little bit about how important this mission is?”
    OVERBAUGH: “Senator, I am familiar with MSIC and particularly their role in feeding quality intelligence into other entities like DIA to ensure that we have an accurate threat picture. I think even more important is the potential for MSIC to play a key role to ensure we understand the key adversarial threat as it relates to ensuring that our Golden Dome is as effective as it possibly can be.”
    TUBERVILLE: “Have you had the opportunity to visit MSIC headquarters in Huntsville?”
    OVERBAUGH: “Huntsville, yes. MSIC, no.”
    TUBERVILLE: “Thank you. Hopefully you get to soon. Thank you.”
    ON SUPPORTING FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY AT DOD
    TUBERVILLE: “Mr. Lohmeier, you have an absolutely outstanding unique career path as a military officer. Thank you for your service. You’ve got a breadth of experience in both Air Force and Space Force, which is very uncommon, but none of those experiences are with managing large budgets. Why should you be trusted now with such a heavy responsibility at a time when we are taking [fiscal] responsibility more seriously—thank goodness—than ever before, and while there is a growing demand from the American people that we have a clean audit of the defense department?”
    LOHMEIER: “Thanks, Senator. I’m glad that I get to readdress this. While it’s true that I don’t personally have extensive experience with a large budget in a large organization or acquisition experience, I have sound judgment. I’ve demonstrated it throughout my life. I’m a fast learner. Secretary Meink, if he’s confirmed, has demonstrated that you can pass 16 or 17 clean audits at the National Reconnaissance Office. He’ll be a phenomenal leader to work with on this problem in the Department of the Air Force. What I can say is that we’ve got exceptional professionals who’ve been trying administration after administration to solve our problems—our budget problems, our acquisition problems in the Department of the Air Force—and many of them have had extensive acquisition and budgeting experience, but that doesn’t mean you’re able to solve the problems well. And so, if confirmed, what I can commit to this committee and to the American people is that I’m interested in making data-driven decisions. I’m interested in exercising keen judgement and discernments about these budget decisions, and coming to the right decisions that I believe the American people would be grateful for and trust—and doing that in concert with Secretary Meink and in support of the President’s priorities and in support of the Secretary of Defense’s priorities.”
    TUBERVILLE: “Thank you, and your knowledge will be very important moving into space. You have a lot of experience in that area. We look forward to working with you in that area because as we know, it is going to be a much, much more important part of our military in the very near future. Thank you, gentlemen. Look forward to confirming 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: Luján, Murkowski Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation to Combat Maternal and Infant Mortality Crisis

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)

    Bipartisan Senators Lead Effort to Combat Infant and Maternal Mortality Across the United States

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) reintroduced the Midwives for Maximizing Optimal Maternity Services (MOMS) Act, bipartisan legislation that addresses the maternal and infant mortality crisis by increasing the number of trained midwives in the United States. The bipartisan legislation would increase funding for midwifery education and increase diversity in the maternity care workforce by recruiting students from minority or disadvantaged backgrounds.

    According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, maternal and infant mortality is higher for Black, Native American, and Hispanic communities than their white counterparts. Integrations of midwifery into maternal health care has been linked to healthy births for moms and babies.

    “For decades, midwives have long been an essential part of New Mexico’s health care system – safely delivering children, caring for families, and improving maternal health outcomes,” said Senator Luján. “I’m proud to once again partner with Senator Murkowski to reintroduce bipartisan legislation that delivers critical funding for midwifery education to boost the maternity care workforce and increase diversity. As the maternal and infant mortality crisis continue to impact communities across our country, this legislation is an important step to address this disparity and keep families healthy.”

    “Access to quality maternal care is critical to the health and well-being of mothers and their babies. In Alaska, workforce shortages and geography present significant challenges to expecting mothers living in rural communities,” said Senator Murkowski. “I’m proud to again join the reintroduction of the Midwives for MOMS Act, which would address gaps in maternal health care by expanding opportunities for midwifery training and education. This legislation provides support for this essential workforce in Alaska and across the country to improve maternal health and perinatal care.”

    Specifically, the Midwives for Maximizing Optimal Maternity Services (MOMS) Act would:

    • Authorize $15 million in grants to educate midwives who are trained in accredited midwifery programs that do not sit in schools or nursing and are eligible to sit for national certification exams;
    • Authorize $20 million in grants to educate nurse midwives who graduate from accredited nurse-midwifery programs and are eligible to sit for a national certification exam; and
    • Prioritize midwifery programs that demonstrate a focus on increasing racial and ethnic minority representation in midwifery education to address the significant lack of diversity in the maternity care workforce.

    The bill is supported by the American College of Nurse Midwives (ACNM), the National Association of Certified Professional Midwives (NACPM), and the American Association of Birth Centers (AABC).   

    In addition to Senators Luján and Murkowski, the legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.).

    Full text of the legislation is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Booker, Schiff, Whitehouse Fight Proposed Defanging of Endangered Species Act, Demand Answers on Potential Gutting of Landmark Environmental Law

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Adam Schiff (D-CA), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) raised the alarm on the Trump administration’s proposed rule that would defang the Endangered Species Act (ESA) by changing a key definition in the regulation. 
    The Trump administration is proposing to change the scope of “harm” covered by the landmark legislation, circumventing congressional intent and reversing 30 years of Supreme Court precedent. 
    “By amputating this critical part of Endangered Species Act rules that has been on the books for more than 40 years, the administration would permit the widespread degradation and elimination of habitat for species that Congress enacted the Endangered Species Act to protect,” the Senators wrote.  
    In their letter to the U.S. Departments of the Interior and Commerce, the Senators also demand answers about the potential of outside influence pushing a deregulatory agenda that could devastate environmental protection efforts across the United States. Their letter also expresses concern about the ability for these departments to enforce the ESA in any capacity amid ongoing efforts to gut federal environmental agencies.                                                                                                                 
    “Combined with efforts by the administration and DOGE to expel expert personnel from federal agencies like FWS and the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration – which houses NMFS – and starve these agencies of resources, the proposed rule raises the question of how FWS and NMFS will be able to enforce the Endangered Species Act at all,” the Senators wrote. 
    The full letter can be found here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Wicker Leads SASC Hearing on Senior Department of Defense Nominations

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Mississippi Roger Wicker
    Watch Video Here
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today led a hearing examining the qualifications of three senior Department of Defense nominees. During his opening remarks, Chairman Wicker underscored the extensive experience of each nominee and the significant responsibilities each of their respective role’s entail.
    Read Senator Wicker’s hearing opening statement as delivered.
    I welcome all of our witnesses and their families, and I thank them for being here this morning. As I have said many times, we face an axis of aggressors that deepen their cooperation every day. A new cooperative engagement between our enemies strengthens every day. We need qualified people who are willing to step up and serve during these dangerous times.
    Matthew Lohmeier has served our country as an active-duty officer in the Air Force and Space Force. Based on his experience in uniform, he has been an outspoken proponent of eliminating the divisive DEI agenda that was a hallmark of Department of Defense in the earlier administration. Fortunately, President Trump and Secretary Hegseth have done much toward removing DEI at DOD. Mr. Lohmeier’s nomination for Undersecretary of the Air Force presents an opportunity to evaluate closely the kind of leadership we need in the Air Force and Space Force at this pivotal moment.  This role requires a steady, unifying presence, and needs someone who can work across the department to advance readiness, morale, and mission focus.  I look forward to hearing how Mr. Lohmeier intends to be that needed presence.
    Mr. Justin Overbaugh has been nominated to be the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security.  In this role, he would serve as the principal assistant to the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security overseeing the intelligence, counterintelligence, security, and law enforcement functions of the DoD.  Mr. Overbaugh’s deep experience as an Army officer in the fields of intelligence and special operations make him ideal for a candidate of this position. I look forward to hearing his priorities for ensuring our defense intelligence enterprise is best postured to provide timely and accurate intelligence to our warfighters, safeguard DOD’s sensitive information from our adversaries, and inform our acquisitions and investments.
    Mr. Daniel Zimmerman has been nominated to be the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs.  In this role, he would serve as the principal advisor to the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy and the lead policy advisor all matters related to Europe, NATO and Russia.  Mr. Zimmerman will have responsibility for managing the NATO alliance and countering Russian aggression and malign activities.  His background as an intelligence officer and his experience working in Congress make him an ideal candidate for this position.  I look forward to hearing his priorities and how he plans to revitalize the NATO alliance and develop initiatives to counter Russian aggression.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Amid Coast Guard Recruitment Challenges, Peters Calls for Increased Funding for Great Lakes Workforce

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters
    Published: 05.05.2025

    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) called on the Trump Administration to prioritize funding for U.S. Coast Guard recruitment and retention. In a letter to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and U.S. Coast Guard Acting Commandant Admiral Kevin Lunday, Peters and a group of his colleagues outlined how critical Coast Guard operations have been disrupted as a result of personnel shortages and underscored that further investment is needed to support ongoing recruitment and retention efforts for the Great Lakes region to address these shortages.
    “The Coast Guard plays a critical role in the safety and security of vessels on the Great Lakes. Historically, numerous small boat stations and aids to navigation teams across the Great Lakes have been staffed to full capacity during heightened boating seasons to respond directly to search and rescue and law enforcement missions,” wrote the lawmakers. “The Coast Guard should seek to return to such a posture by requesting Congress provide prioritized and dedicated recruiting and retention funding that would support additional recruiting personnel and offices to improve recruiter-to-recruit ratios and expand the Service’s recruiting footprint…. Enhanced funding is also urgently needed to enable the Coast Guard to accelerate exigent efforts to efficiently hire new talent and strengthen its workforce to fill current operational gaps emerging this year.”
    The Coast Guard is facing a shortfall of 3,000 personnel, which has already disrupted critical operations like search and rescue. In 2024, staffing shortages forced widespread operational cutbacks, including in 29 Great Lakes units. While recruitment efforts showed progress in 2024, the lawmakers expressed how further investment is key to sustaining and supporting growing recruitment and retention efforts for the Coast Guard, especially on the Great Lakes ahead of the busy summer season.  
    The full text of the letter can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: In Bipartisan Push, Welch and Hawley Introduce Major Legislation to Lower Prescription Drug Prices 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) today introduced the Fair Prescription Drug Prices for Americans Act, bipartisan legislation to lower drug prices for Americans. The Senators’ bill would offer relief for millions of patients by prohibiting pharmaceutical companies from selling drugs in the United States at higher prices than an international average, ending the practice of forcing Americans to pay the world’s highest prices for medications.  
    “No one should ever be forced to choose between paying for the prescriptions they need or putting food on the table. But Big Pharma’s price gouging has made that a reality for many Americans, forcing them to pay four or five times more for the same lifesaving medications as folks in other countries—it’s unacceptable,” said Senator Welch. “In his first term, President Trump pursued a most-favored nation policy to level the playing field for American patients. This bipartisan bill offers his administration a template to work with Congress to make that goal a reality. We have an obligation to ensure folks in Vermont, Missouri, and across the country get the best possible price for their prescription drugs.” 
    “For too long, Americans have subsidized prescription drug costs for foreigners while paying outrageous prices for their own medications,” said Senator Hawley. “President Trump previously advanced major reforms to ensure that American patients pay the same prices as consumers abroad. This bipartisan legislation would continue that work to end a drug market that favors Big Pharma, make prescriptions affordable again, and empower Americans to get the care they need.” 
    The Fair Prescription Drug Prices for Americans Act would correct decades of policies that benefited pharmaceutical companies but left American patients holding the bag. While other developed nations pay reasonable prices for prescription drugs, Americans pay substantially higher prices for the same medications. In his first term, President Trump pursued “international price index” and “most favored nation” policies on drugs covered by Medicare to end these practices.  
    The bill would also impose stiff civil monetary penalties on pharmaceutical companies that violate this rule. Specifically, the penalty would equal ten times the difference between the U.S. list price and the average price of the drug sold in Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Italy, and the United Kingdom. Penalties would be calculated and charged for each unit of drug or biological product sold at an inflated price. 
    Read and download the full text of the Fair Prescription Drug Prices for Americans Act. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ricketts, Kim Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Evaluate National Security Impacts of Federal Purchasing Standards

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and Andy Kim (D-NJ) introduced the bipartisan Safe and Smart Federal Purchasing Act. This bill evaluates the national security implications of current federal purchasing standards.
    “Federal procurement processes should be efficient, but they shouldn’t risk our national security,” said Ricketts. “Our bipartisan bill will review current processes and make necessary suggestions to keep Americans safe from threats, like Communist China. The House unanimously passed legislation earlier this year. We should do the same here in the Senate.”
    “As people look out to an ever evolving and uncertain world, they should be able to trust their government is putting our nation’s security and Americans’ safety at the forefront of federal operations and standards,” said Senator Kim. “This legislation would help ensure we are living up to that responsibility as federal agencies go about the federal procurement process.”
    The Safe and Smart Federal Purchasing Act requires the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to evaluate the procurement process of federal agencies to determine whether the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) source selection process creates any national security risks. The Director of OMB must then report the results of this evaluation to appropriate congressional committees within 180 days of the legislation’s enactment.
    BACKGROUND
    LPTA provisions of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) are a source selection process that allows federal agencies to select the lowest evaluated price that meets minimum performance requirements. LPTA criteria are not always appropriate for agencies seeking complex or technically innovative services. The criteria can result in agencies sacrificing long term value for short term savings. This bill ensures that LPTA will not be used in a manner that results in agencies cutting corners or jeopardizing national security.
    The Safe and Smart Federal Purchasing Act passed the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously (417-0) on March 3rd, 2025. Last Congress, it passed the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability with a vote of 43-0, passed the U.S. House of Representatives with a vote of 397-0, and passed the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs with a vote of 10-0.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FAA Implements Recruitment and Retention Incentives in Line with Hoeven’s ATC Workforce Development Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven
    05.02.25
    Senator Advancing Legislation to Strengthen Enhanced AT-CTI Program at UND, Address ATC Staffing Shortages
    WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) implemented new recruitment and retention programs for air traffic controllers (ATC) consistent with the provisions in Hoeven’s ATC Workforce Development Act of 2025. Hoeven introduced the bill with Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) to help address ATC staffing shortages, improve working conditions and ensure safe transportation within U.S. airspace. Specifically, the FAA, in coordination with the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), established the following limited-time incentives:
    $5,000 award for academy graduates who successfully complete the initial qualification training.
    $5,000 award for new hires who successfully complete the initial qualification training.
    $10,000 award for academy graduates who are assigned to one of 13 hard-to-staff air traffic facilities.
    A 20 percent lump sum payment for certified professional controllers eligible to retire but under the mandatory retirement age (56) for each year they continue to work.
    “Our nation needs more qualified air traffic controllers to ensure safe and efficient air travel, and we appreciate the FAA for following the blueprint we laid out in our legislation when creating these new incentives,” said Hoeven. “I appreciate Secretary Duffy and Acting Administrator Rocheleau taking this first step, but more needs to be done to get students moving into the ATC workforce. To this end, our legislation would strengthen the Enhanced AT-CTI program, like the one at UND, while supporting a more efficient certification process. That means graduates can start working sooner and fulfill this critical aviation safety need.”
    In addition to the recruitment and retention incentives, Hoeven’s legislation would:
    Expand the ATC workforce training pipeline by codifying and strengthening the Enhanced Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) program.
    The bill authorizes $20 million per year for grants to AT-CTI schools to invest in curriculum, high-fidelity simulators, faculty and classroom supplies.
    The legislation also removes disincentives that discourage retired air traffic controllers from working as instructors at AT-CTI schools.
    Hoeven worked to advance UND’s selection as an Enhanced AT-CTI program, under which graduates are immediately eligible for hire by the FAA and to begin localized training at an air traffic facility. Currently, four schools, including UND have been selected for the Enhanced AT-CTI program.

    Authorize the procurement and placement of Tower Simulator Systems at ATC facilities nationwide, supporting more efficient certification of ATC trainees.
    Support the development of mental health services equipped to address the particular stressors faced by the ATC workforce.
    The ATC Workforce Development Act is supported by the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), Air Traffic Control Association (ATCA), Airlines for America (A4A), Regional Airline Association (RAA), American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), U.S. Contract Towers Association and the Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven, Cramer: Brad Thykeson & Tom Campbell Appointed to Serve in Key USDA Positions

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven
    05.02.25
    Senators Recommended Thykeson as FSA State Executive Director, Campbell as Rural Development State Director
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer today announced the Trump administration appointed Brad Thykeson and Tom Campbell to key leadership positions at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) state offices in North Dakota:
    Brad Thykeson will serve as the next North Dakota State Executive Director of the Farm Service Administration (FSA).
    Tom Campbell will serve as the next North Dakota State Director for Rural Development (RD).
    Brad Thykeson – Farm Service Agency State Executive Director
    The senators supported reinstating Brad Thykeson to serve as the North Dakota FSA Executive Director. Thykeson is a life-long farmer, who served in the same position during President Trump’s first term. During his previous tenure leading the agency, Thykeson implemented FSA programs and oversaw policies providing producers with assistance in times of market uncertainty and natural disasters.
    “Brad Thykeson has a proven track record at FSA, having helped ensure farmers could navigate challenges new and old,” said Hoeven and Cramer. “Between an increased cost of production, efforts to secure better trade deals and an ongoing recovery from wildfires and harsh weather, our farmers need someone at the head of the state FSA office who knows our ag economy. Brad is the right person for the job, and we appreciate the administration for heeding our call to reinstate him to this critical position.”
    Tom Campbell – North Dakota State Director for Rural Development
    In recommending him to lead the USDA’s rural development efforts in North Dakota, Hoeven and Cramer cited Campbell’s experience as a lifelong farmer as well as his extensive public service. Campbell is the co-founder of Campbell Farms, a multi-locational potato production farm and served in the North Dakota State Senate from 2013 to 2018.
    “The RD State Director position calls for a person ready to serve the community on day one. Time and again, Tom has answered the call to be a public servant. From his service in the North Dakota Senate to a variety of leadership roles with both local and national agricultural groups, Tom has worked to help fellow producers manage agricultural policy. This long history of building relationships with producers in the state and advocating for policies that benefit farmers, ranchers and rural communities will serve him well in the state director position,” said the senators.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, Kelly and Fellow Congressional Veterans Demand Accountability for Mishandling of Classified Information by Trump Administration

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
    May 02, 2025
    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of both the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and U.S. Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC)—joined fellow Veteran and SASC member Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and a group of Veteran colleagues in Congress in calling out President Trump and demanding accountability for the reckless mishandling of classified military information by senior administration officials. In the letter, the lawmakers called out Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, former National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and CIA Director John Ratcliffe, specifically. The lawmakers warn that these actions put American servicemembers’ lives at risk and undermined the integrity of U.S. national security operations.
    “This was a major security breach. There are appropriate and secure places and platforms that all officials are required to use to discuss sensitive and classified information without exposing it to adversaries. Signal is not the correct or DoD and IC sanctioned platform to discuss these matters. Longstanding DoD and IC policy has prohibited the use of unsecured devices and commercial apps for discussing sensitive information,” the lawmakers said.
    As former servicemembers, Duckworth, Kelly and their colleagues emphasized the risk of this classified information landing in the wrong hands: “Had this information been released to the public, and more critically accessed by our adversaries, it could have had catastrophic consequences and resulted in American service members being wounded, captured, or killed, and mission failure. This is not an abstract or hypothetical scenario. In 2000, a Sailor on the USS Cole sent an email to his wife outlining the USS Cole’s port call schedule. This communication was intercepted and allowed the Al Qaeda terrorists in the region to orchestrate an attack on the USS Cole. This resulted in 17 Sailors killed and 39 injured and was a direct result of poor operational security.”
    They continued: “To highlight Secretary Hegseth’s negligence and wanton disregard for the basic safeguarding of controlled information, even more reporting came out that indicated Secretary Hegseth had an internet connection that bypassed the Pentagon’s security protocol set up in his office to use the Signal messaging application on his personal computer. This unsecured internet line can expose users to hacking and malign surveillance.”
    For this reason, the group of Veterans call on President Trump to fire Hegseth: “We expect our service members to put their lives on the line, and if necessary, die for this country, and the Secretary of Defense is flippantly incurring additional risk onto their mission, with no real justification other than expediency and because it’s easier to send a text than it is to do the right thing. We implore you to fire Mr. Hegseth on the grounds that his reckless handling of classified information put the men and women serving our nation at risk and displayed a terrible judgement that will erode confidence among service members.”
    In addition to Duckworth and Kelly, the letter was co-signed by U.S. Representatives Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24), Ted Lieu (D-CA-36), Bobby Scott (D-VA-03), Jason Crow (D-CO-06) and Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-06).
    The full text of the letter is available on Senator Duckworth’s website.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, Durbin Join Colleagues in Reintroduction of Historic Equality Act to Ban Discrimination Against LGBTQ+ Americans

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
    May 01, 2025
    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) joined U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Congressional Equality Caucus Chair Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA-39) for the bicameral reintroduction of the Equality Act in an effort to push back against escalated attacks from the Trump Administration, MAGA Republicans, and state legislatures on the rights and freedoms of LGBTQ+ Americans nationwide.
    “It is absolutely unacceptable that someone can be fired from their job, evicted from their home and experience discrimination just because of who they are or who they love,” said Duckworth.  “As Trump continues his dangerous anti-LGBTQ+ attacks and we see a growing wave of legislation targeting the LGBTQ+ community across the country, we must protect their rights at the federal level. I’m proud to join Senator Durbin and my colleagues in re-introducing the Equality Act to finally enshrine critical civil rights protections for LGBTQ+ Americans in federal law.”
    “No one should be treated as less than equal because of who they love or who they are. While we’ve taken big steps in the fight for equality for the LGBTQ+ community, Republican-led state legislatures and the Trump Administration are relentlessly attacking the rights and humanity of LGBTQ+ Americans. We must act,” said Durbin. “I’m joining my colleagues in introducing the Equality Act to ensure that LGBTQ+ Americans are fully and explicitly protected under our nation’s civil rights laws.” 
    In states across the country, over 850 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been filed so far this year—the most in U.S. history. The Equality Act is historic, comprehensive legislation to enshrine civil rights protections for our LGBTQ+ friends and neighbors in federal law.
    The Equality Act amends landmark federal anti-discrimination laws to explicitly add sexual orientation and gender identity to longstanding bans on discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, jury service, access to credit, federal funding, and more. It would also add protections against sex discrimination in parts of anti-discrimination laws where these protections had not been included previously, such as public accommodations and federal funding.
    Despite major advances in equality for LGBTQ+ Americans in recent years, including codifying federal protections for same-sex and interracial marriages, the majority of states still do not have explicit LGBTQ+ non-discrimination protection laws. The Equality Act would finally enshrine protections into federal law under all areas of potential discrimination, protecting the rights and freedoms of all LGBTQ+ Americans for generations to come.
    The Equality Act is supported by 47 U.S. Senators and 214 U.S. Representatives. A full list of the over 600 organizations endorsing the Equality Act can be found on Senator Duckworth’s website.
    Full text of the Equality Act as introduced in the Senate and as introduced in the House can also be found on Senator Duckworth’s website as well as a summary of the bill.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth Warns That Under Secretary of the Air Force Nominee Would Erode Combat Effectiveness If Confirmed

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
    May 02, 2025
    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services (SASC)—exposed how President Trump’s nominee to be Under Secretary of the Air Force Matthew Lohmeier is unfit to do the job, pointing out that he violated his professional ethics as a military officer by choosing to skirt good order and discipline in order to speak out publicly against lawful orders that he personally didn’t agree with. Drawing from her own military experience, Duckworth warned that confirming Mr. Lohmeier would send troubling signals to our servicemembers that insubordination for personal views is acceptable, eroding combat effectiveness. Duckworth’s full remarks at yesterday’s SASC hearing can be found on the Senator’s YouTube.
    “The lethality of our military depends on our servicemembers maintaining good order and discipline—sometimes even when it goes against their own personal opinions,” said Duckworth. “I fought in a war I did not support on the orders of a President I didn’t vote for—but all honorable servicemembers know that circumventing commanders on the battlefield in real time could lead to life-or-death mistakes. By defying the sanctity of military discipline as a commander, Mr. Lohmeier signaled to those under his command that it is okay to do the same—something that would dangerously undermine our military’s lethality and readiness. That is not someone who is fit to serve as a leader for the Air Force and Space Force.”
    Ultimately, Mr. Lohmeier’s willingness to neglect good order and discipline is what led to his termination from command in the Space Force.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ranking Members Markey, Velázquez Introduce Bicameral Legislation to Make Small Business Innovation Programs Permanent Ahead of September Expiration

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    Bill Text (PDF) | One-Pager 

    Washington (May 1, 2025) – Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship Ranking Member Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) today introduced the SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act of 2025, which would make permanent and expand the Small Business Innovation Research Program and the Small Business Technology Transfer Program (SBIR/STTR). House Committee on Small Business Ranking Member Nydia Velázquez (NY-07) is introducing companion legislation in the House.

    For over 40 years, the SBIR and STTR programs have delivered more than $70 billion in research and development (R&D) funding to over 30,000 small businesses nationwide, ushering in technological breakthroughs that have benefited everyday Americans across the country and strengthened our national security. The SBIR and STTR programs are set to expire on September 30, 2025, if they are not reauthorized by Congress.

    “Thanks in part to the SBIR/STTR programs, America has experienced a ‘golden age of innovation’ over the last forty years. And now, as Trump’s reckless tariffs threaten to decimate our most effective innovators–our small businesses–and the Administration slashes research dollars to institutions, it is even more urgent that we make the SBIR and STTR programs permanent,” said Ranking Member Markey. “These programs work because they prioritize merit and promote competition, and I am committed to ensuring that they retain their initial intent of fostering innovation in truly small businesses. I thank Ranking Member Velázquez for her partnership in promoting innovation through small businesses and providing certainty for these programs for decades to come.”

    “For over 40 years, SBIR and STTR have helped America’s small businesses lead the way in cutting-edge research and innovation,” said Ranking Member Velázquez. “At a time when the Trump administration is working to dismantle vital public programs, it is more important than ever to protect what works. This bill gives these programs the long-term support they need by providing stable funding, expanding access, and strengthening safeguards against foreign threats. I am proud to work with Ranking Member Markey to secure the future of these programs.”

    Specifically, the SBIR and STTR Reauthorization Act of 2025 would:

    • Make permanent the SBIR and STTR programs. Permanently authorizing the SBIR and STTR programs would give both small businesses and government agencies the stability needed to continue their collaboration to spur innovation.
    • Maintain competitiveness of SBIR and STTR programs. The legislation maintains the program’s 40-year long practice of facilitating merit-based competition to determine which innovative small businesses receive awards. This legislation would place no caps or limits on small businesses or the number of awards they can receive to ensure unbridled innovation for America.
    • Increase research funding for small businesses and partnering research institutions. Agencies, over the course of 7 years, would be required to allocate at least 7 percent of their extramural R&D budgets to SBIR and 1 percent to STTR—up from 3.2 percent and 0.45 percent, respectively. 
    • Strengthen commercialization efforts. Agencies often fail to identify SBIR/STTR-funded technologies that demonstrate a solution to their needs, fueling a belief that many technologies simply do not showcase commercialization potential. Requiring agencies to designate a Technology Commercialization Official and undergo acquisition training would result in a greater number of SBIR/STTR technologies being commercialized by the federal government. 
    • Maintain bipartisan foreign due diligence efforts. The legislation extends the bipartisan due diligence program until 2030.   
    • Dismantle barriers to broaden participation. The time and resources required to develop an SBIR/STTR proposal can be a significant barrier to entry for many small businesses, particularly those who have limited resources. By reauthorizing the Federal and State Technology Partnership (FAST) Program and allowing agencies to use a portion of their SBIR/STTR funding to assist businesses in developing competitive proposals, the bill would help diversify the applicant pool and bring in new participants, including those from states that have historically received fewer awards. The bill also allows agencies to use a portion of their SBIR and STTR funding to establish internship and fellowship opportunities to spur innovation with a targeted effort to reach women and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. 

    Massachusetts has the highest per-capita award rate of any state and is the second largest recipient of SBIR/STTR awards in the country, receiving more than 24,000 SBIR awards totaling $8.3 billion, and 2,000 STTR awards totaling over $720 million.

    “The Small Business Technology Council (SBTC) is pleased to offer its endorsement to the bicameral SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act of 2025. The SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act of 2025 will build on the successes of the programs, while maintaining what has made them successful in the first place. We particularly appreciate the SBIR/STTR programs being made permanent, a long-overdue step for programs that have proven their worth for over 40 years in the case of SBIR. Small businesses thrive on certainty and making these programs permanent sends a powerful message to small businesses that the government will continue to be a reliable partner and customer for them. SBTC also supports increasing the SBIR and STTR allocations, for the first time since 2011. These programs continue to provide an enormous return on the taxpayer investment, and deserve to a larger investment of Federal R&D expenditures,” said Jere Glover, Executive Director of Small Business Technology Council.

    “The New England Innovation Alliance, a coalition of small, disruptive innovation businesses located in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, strongly supports The SBIR and STTR Reauthorization Act of 2025 introduced by Senator Edward Markey, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, and Representative Nydia Velázquez, Ranking Member of the House Small Business Committee,” said the New England Innovation Alliance. “The SBIR and STTR Reauthorization Act of 2025 would maintain the competitive, merit-based fundamentals of the programs to ensure the best technology is developed to keep America as the world leader. The measure appropriately recognizes that there should be no arbitrary award caps, submission limits, or forced graduation from programs.”

    “Startups in medical technology face a daunting timeline of development, FDA clearance, and coverage determination. The CMS process alone can take more than five years. As a result, the industry has seen private investment move to other sectors with quicker returns. SBIR grants fill a critical gap in early-stage capital for healthcare innovation, a key growth driver for the Commonwealth. MassMEDIC deeply appreciates Sen. Markey’s leadership, collaboration, and commitment to building upon the success of the SBIR program and enthusiastically endorses his SBIR and STTR Reauthorization Act of 2025,” said Brian Johnson, President of MassMEDIC.

    “VentureWell supports the strategic emphasis on entrepreneurial support in the SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act of 2025, particularly the expansion of the I-Corps program. By recognizing that SBIR and STTR funding is essential—but not alone sufficient—for bridging the ‘valley of death’ between research and commercialization, this legislation rightly positions the federal government as a proactive partner in cultivating top-tier innovators and ensuring their work produces the maximum return on America’s investment in science,” said Phil Weilerstein, President and CEO of VentureWell.

    The legislation is also endorsed by the National Small Business Association (NSBA).

    Ranking Member Markey has been a longtime champion of the SBIR and STTR programs. In 2011, during his time serving in the House of Representatives, Ranking Member Markey played an integral role in SBIR and STTR’s reauthorization efforts. This reauthorization effort was the last time the program’s budget was increased significantly. Ranking Member Markey also introduced a reauthorization bill to improve the programs in 2019 and advocated on behalf of SBIR and STTR small businesses to the Trump administration during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    In March 2025, Ranking Member Markey attended a Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee hearing titled, “Golden Age of American Innovation: Reforming SBIR-STTR for the 21st Century,” where his witness highlighted the success of the SBIR/STTR programs.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Markey, Ernst Celebrate American Spirit of Entrepreneurship During National Small Business Week

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    Washington (May 5, 2025) – U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship Ranking Member Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Chair Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) led 81 of their colleagues in declaring this week as “National Small Business Week” to recognize the innovators and job creators who power our economy.

    “This National Small Business Week, we celebrate the contributions of small businesses that create jobs, drive our local economies, and make up the fabric of our communities,” said Senator Markey. “By supporting local businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs, we make our communities and our country stronger. I’m committed to ensuring that our nation’s 34 million small businesses and the 722,500 small businesses in Massachusetts receive the tools and resources they need to compete and thrive.”

    “Small businesses are the lifeblood of Iowa’s economy, making up more than 99% of all businesses,” said Senator Ernst. “These shops mean so much more than the livelihoods they support and the jobs they create, they embody the American spirit and shape the culture of big cities and rural communities across America. These innovators drive our nation forward every day, I’m proud to recognize their tremendous contributions.”

    There are more than 34.7 million small businesses in America, accounting for more than 99.9% of all businesses and employing 45.9% of American workers, or about 59 million people.

    Click here to read the resolution.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rosen Helps Introduce Equality Act to Ban Discrimination Against LGBTQ+ Americans

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) helped introduce the Equality Act to ban discrimination against LGBTQ+ Americans. This legislation would amend landmark federal anti-discrimination laws to explicitly add sexual orientation and gender identity to long-standing bans on discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, jury service, access to credit, federal funding, and more. It would also add protections against sex discrimination in parts of anti-discrimination laws where these protections had not been included previously, such as public accommodations and federal funding.
    “No one should ever be discriminated against for who they are or who they love,” said Senator Rosen. “It’s heartbreaking that, after years of progress, extreme Republicans are attacking and discriminating against the LGBTQ+ community and attempting to roll back the clock. That’s why I’m proud to help introduce this landmark legislation to make sure every person, regardless of who they are or who they love, is treated fairly with dignity and respect.”
    Senator Rosen has been a strong supporter of the LGBTQ+ community, working to fight discrimination and bigotry. In late 2022, Senator Rosen helped pass the historic, bipartisan Respect for Marriage Act, which requires states to recognize all marriages legally performed in other states, including same-sex marriages, and provides expanded legal protections at the federal level for marriage equality.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaine, Colleagues Demand DOJ Reverse Cancellation of Hundreds of Public Safety Grants

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) and 28 of his Senate colleagues wrote to the Department of Justice (DOJ) urging U.S. Attorney General (AG) Pam Bondi and Deputy Assistant AG Maureen Henneberg to reverse the abrupt cancellation of hundreds of public safety grants that serve crime victims and improve public safety in communities across the nation. In the letter, the senators demanded that the DOJ provide reasoning and background information regarding the decision to cancel the grants and called for the immediate restoration of the funding.
    “On April 22, the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Office of Justice Programs (OJP) notified hundreds of grant recipients across the country, without warning, that their funding had been terminated, effective immediately. Many of these grants are authorized by Congress and support programs that have enhanced public safety in communities rural and urban, affluent and poor, Democratic and Republican. While this Administration continues to market itself as the administration of law and order and public safety, DOJ has decided to defund programs that prosecutors, police and sheriff’s departments, judges, mental health service providers,  academics, and more depend on to advance the Department’s longstanding ‘core mission of keeping Americans safe and vigorously enforcing the law,’” the senators wrote. 
    The senators continued, “Based on public reporting, outreach from grantees, and a DOJ Justice Management Division  (JMD) spreadsheet (Encl. 1), it appears that the Department defunded at least 365 public safety grants on April 22, 2025. A review of this information reveals that these grants provide support for victims of crime and resources for communities to ensure public safety.”
    “The magnitude of these defunding measures, Congress’ role in authorizing and appropriating grant funds, and the negative impacts that the sudden termination of funding will have on public safety in communities across the country, requires the immediate review of the processes and decisions that led to the cancellation of these critical grants,” the senators wrote.
    In addition to calling for the restoration of all canceled grants, the senators posed the following questions:
    A DOJ JMD spreadsheet (Encl. 1) lists 365 grants that were terminated on April  22.
    Does this spreadsheet represent the entire universe of grants that were  terminated?  
    Are there grants that were terminated that are not reflected on the list? If so, provide the information in every column for these grants.

    Which grants that were terminated on April 22 have since been restored? For each grant restored, please provide the reason for its restoration.  
    How were the grants that were terminated chosen? What were the factors  considered in making the determination to terminate? Where the affected grantees were state or local jurisdictions, did the political party of state or local officials in those jurisdictions influence the determination to terminate? 
    Were there entire categories of grants that were terminated? If so, provide the  categories.  
    What is the legal basis for terminating grant funds that are statutorily required? 
    Has DOJ reallocated the funds it rescinded on April 22? Provide any specific programs or purposes to which these funds will be reallocated. 
    Will DOJ terminate any more grants, from any of its funding components, that have been obligated or are in cycle? If so, provide the grant-making component and the grants that will be terminated or are under consideration to be terminated.  
    Was former Tesla employee turned-DOGE staffer Tarak Makecha solely responsible for selecting which grants to terminate? Provide the names of all individuals within DOJ who reviewed or approved the cancellation of the grants.  
    Did any White House officials review the grants to be terminated or otherwise have any involvement in the decision to terminate the grants? Provide their names.
    The letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Chris Coons (D-DE), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Peter Welch (D-VT), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Rev. Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Patty Murray (D-WA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Gary Peters (D-MI), and Chris Murphy (D-CT). 
    Full text of the letter can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hawley Op-Ed: FDA Commissioner Can’t Ignore Damning New Data on Dangers of Mifepristone

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo)
    Today, U.S Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) published an opinion piece outlining why Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Marty Makary must reinstate safety regulations surrounding the chemical abortion drug mifepristone. The op-ed comes after a bombshell report revealed the dangers of mifepristone, including that 1 in 10 women who take the pill suffer an “adverse health event,” including sepsis, hemorrhaging or an emergency room visit. 
    Read the full op-ed here or below. 
    FDA Commissioner Can’t Ignore Damning New Data On The Dangers Of Mifepristone
    U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) | May 5, 2025
    U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Marty Makary recently told a D.C. confab that he has “no plans to take action” on mifepristone, the chemical abortion drug responsible for more than 70 percent of abortions in the United States. 
    That’s a decidedly different answer than the one he gave me under oath. During his confirmation hearing, Dr. Makary pledged “to review the totality of data” with respect to mifepristone. He also said that if “the data suggests something or tells us that there’s a real signal, we can’t promise we’re not going to act on that data.”
    Well, the new data is here. And it’s sending a signal that can’t be missed: Mifepristone is not safe. 
    Last Monday, the Ethics and Public Policy Center published a massive, in-depth report examining more than 865,000 cases of prescribed mifepristone abortions between 2017 and 2023. The data comes from insurance claims records and constitutes the largest study on mifepristone ever undertaken. 
    The results? Nearly 11 percent of women who use the drug to induce an abortion suffer an “adverse health event” — as in a major, potentially life-threatening medical disaster. We’re talking about things like sepsis, infection, and hemorrhaging, the kind of things that land you in an ER. The kind of things that could lead to death. And the data reveals this happens to more than 1 in 10 women taking mifepristone. 
    Those are astounding, jaw-dropping numbers, and they have been largely hidden from the public. The rate of serious health events revealed by the EPPC study is some 22 times greater than the numbers reported on the FDA-approved drug label. The FDA’s official numbers, by the way, rely on clinical trials more than four decades old.  All of which means this: It’s time for the Trump administration to put back in place the safety regulations on mifepristone without delay. 
    The federal government once acknowledged the serious risks of this dangerous drug. When mifepristone was first approved, the government imposed a host of safety measures. Those included prescription by physician only, a requirement that physicians dispense the drug, mandatory follow-up physician visits, reporting of adverse events, and even a “black box” warning alerting women to the drug’s many dangers. And all this was done by the Clinton administration. 
    But soon Democrats, joined by Big Pharma, launched a campaign to roll back the safeguards. President Obama reduced the number of required in-person visits and removed the physician-prescription requirement. Then, in an attempt to mask the drug’s true risks, his administration ended the mandatory adverse-event reporting, meaning doctors no longer had to admit when the drug sent their patients to the hospital.
    When Joe Biden came to office, the abortion lobby kicked into high gear. The Biden administration eliminated in-person checkups entirely and even did away with the long-standing mandate that physicians dispense the drug in person. Why make these changes? Simple. So mifepristone could be sent through the mail.  Now a nationwide network of leftist “health groups” prescribes the drug via video chat, and liberal activists mail it — often free of charge — into every state in the nation, including those states that restrict abortion. As a consequence, there are more abortions now than when Roe was still law: about 1,038,090 abortions in 2024 alone. Abortion activists bragthat by eliminating mifepristone safeguards, they have “revolutionized abortion access in the U.S.” in a manner pro-lifers “will likely not be able to stop.”
    Except we can stop this abortion-on-demand bonanza. At the very least, the Trump administration can, and should, reinstate the full complement of mifepristone safety regulations immediately. Only doctors should be able to prescribe the drug, and only after a real-life, in-person visit. Only doctors should be able to dispense and administer it, and only in a clinical setting. And there should be mandatory safety checkups afterward. For its part, Congress should make all of these rules permanent by writing them into law. 
    The new data speaks for itself: Mifepristone is a remarkably dangerous drug that threatens the lives of both baby and mother. Those who have pretended otherwise have lied to us. Now is the time to set the record straight and protect the lives of millions of Americans. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: In Bipartisan Push, Hawley & Welch Introduce Major Legislation to Lower Prescription Drug Prices

    US Senate News:

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

    Monday, May 05, 2025

    Today U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) introduced legislation to lower the cost of drug prices for Americans. The Fair Prescription Drug Prices for Americans Act would offer relief for millions of patients while ensuring Americans are no longer financing lower drug costs for foreigners.
    This legislation would correct decades of policies that benefited pharmaceutical companies but left American patients holding the bag. While other developed nations pay reasonable prices for prescription drugs, Americans pay substantially higher prices for the same medications. In his first term, President Trump pursued “international price index” and “most favored nation” policies on drugs covered by Medicare to end these practices.
    “For too long, Americans have subsidized prescription drug costs for foreigners while paying outrageous prices for their own medications,” Senator Hawley said.“President Trump previously advanced major reforms to ensure that American patients pay the same prices as consumers abroad. This bipartisan legislation would continue that work to end a drug market that favors Big Pharma, make prescriptions affordable again, and empower Americans to get the care they need.”
    “No one should ever be forced to choose between paying for the prescriptions they need or putting food on the table. But Big Pharma’s price gouging has made that a reality for many Americans, forcing them to pay four or five times more for the same lifesaving medications as folks in other countries—it’s unacceptable,” said Senator Welch. “In his first term, President Trump pursued a most-favored nation policy to level the playing field for American patients. I’m glad to partner with Senator Hawley on this bipartisan bill that offers the administration a template to work with Congress to make that goal a reality. We have an obligation to ensure folks in Vermont, Missouri, and across the country get the best possible price for their prescription drugs.”
    The Fair Prescription Drug Prices for Americans Act would:
    Prohibit pharmaceutical companies from selling drugs in the United States at higher prices than the international average, ending the practice of forcing Americans to pay the world’s highest prices for medications
    Impose stiff civil monetary penalties on pharmaceutical companies that violate this rule. Specifically:
    The penalty would equal 10 times the difference between the U.S. list price and the average price of the drug sold in Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Italy, and the United Kingdom.
    Penalties would be calculated and charged for each unit of drug or biological product sold at an inflated price.

    Click here for full text of the bill.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst, Markey Celebrate American Spirit of Entrepreneurship During National Small Business Week

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)

    Published: May 5, 2025

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship Chair Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Ranking Member Ed Markey (D-Mass.) led 81 of their colleagues in declaring this week as “National Small Business Week” to recognize the innovators and job creators who power our economy.
    “Small businesses are the lifeblood of Iowa’s economy, making up more than 99% of all businesses,” said Ernst. “These shops mean so much more than the livelihoods they support and the jobs they create, they embody the American spirit and shape the culture of big cities and rural communities across America. These innovators drive our nation forward every day, I’m proud to recognize their tremendous contributions.”
    “This National Small Business Week, we celebrate the contributions of small businesses that create jobs, drive our local economies, and make up the fabric of our communities,” said Markey. “By supporting local businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs, we make our communities and our country stronger. I’m committed to ensuring that our nation’s 34 million small businesses and the 722,500 small businesses in Massachusetts receive the tools and resources they need to compete and thrive.”
    There are more than 34.7 million small businesses in America, accounting for more than 99.9% of all businesses and employing 45.9% of American workers, or about 59 million people.
    Click here to read the resolution.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell, Murray Call on President Trump to Secure Release of Joseph St. Clair

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell

    05.05.25

    Cantwell, Murray Call on President Trump to Secure Release of Joseph St. Clair

    St. Clair, a Washingtonian and military vet, is being wrongfully detained in Venezuela

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Patty Murray (D-WA) sent a letter asking President Donald Trump to secure the release of Joseph St. Clair, a Washingtonian who is being wrongfully detained in Venezuela.

    “[St. Clair] is a decorated U.S Air Force veteran who served four tours in Afghanistan and suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Each day he is held, it prolongs his suffering, and the suffering of his friends and family,” the Senators write. “We must have decisive action by the U.S. Government to secure his release along with other Americans being wrongfully detained by Venezuela.”

    Both senators met with members of St. Clair’s family this week.

    The full text of the letter is HERE and below.

    Mr. President:

    We are writing to urge your personal involvement in pressing for the release of Joseph St. Clair, who is being wrongfully detained in Venezuela. He is a decorated U.S Air Force veteran who served four tours in Afghanistan and suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Each day he is held, it prolongs his suffering, and the suffering of his friends and family.

    We must have decisive action by the U.S. Government to secure his release along with other Americans being wrongfully detained by Venezuela.

    Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell Statement Ahead of Nat’l Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell

    05.05.25

    Cantwell Statement Ahead of Nat’l Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People

    According to the Washington State Patrol, there are currently 112 unsolved cases of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) a senior member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, released the following statement ahead of Monday, May 5th, the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People (MMIWP).

    “May 5th is a day we remember the victims of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People crisis and recognize the suffering of families and Native communities,” said Sen. Cantwell. “We must stand together, continue to demand justice, and work together to get more law enforcement resources on the ground to help tribes protect their people from violence.”

    Sen. Cantwell has been a vocal advocate and leader in championing legislation to help end the MMIWP crisis. In 2020, Sen. Cantwell’s Savanna’s Act was signed into law to help federal, state, and tribal law enforcement agencies better respond to cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women and people by improving coordination among all levels of law enforcement, increasing data collection and information sharing, and providing tribal governments with vital resources.

    In May 2023, Sen. Cantwell held a press conference in Seattle with representatives from the Seattle Indian Health Board, tribal leaders, Indigenous community organizations, MMIWP advocates and loved ones of Indigenous persons who have gone missing. At the press conference, Sen. Cantwell announced she sent a letter to the Biden Administration urging them to prioritize funding to assist Tribes and organizations working to combat the MMIWP crisis. Video from that presser is available HERE, photos HERE, and a transcript HERE.

    Following Sen. Cantwell’s urging, in June 2023 the U.S. Department of Justice announced the creation of the Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Regional Outreach Program, which dedicated five Assistant U.S. Attorneys and five coordinators to the task of resolving the cases of missing and murdered indigenous people. This included dedicated personnel based in Eastern Washington.

    In July 2023, Sen. Cantwell introduced the Parity for Tribal Law Enforcement Act to help tribal police departments hire and retain tribal law enforcement officers by providing access to federal retirement, pension, death, and injury benefits on par with law enforcement officers from non-tribal jurisdictions. In May 2024, the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs held a hearing on Sen. Cantwell’s bill, which included testimony from Chris Sutter, Chief of Police of the Tulalip Tribal Police Department, and officials from the Department of the Interior and the National Congress of American Indians in support of the legislation. The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs favorably reported Sen. Cantwell’s bill to the full Senate in September 2024.

    In October 2024, Sen. Cantwell announced $6.9 million in federal funding for state and municipal law enforcement agencies, tribal justice departments and programs, and medical examiner offices to help prosecute violence against women and children cases, among other things.

    Sen. Cantwell has also helped secure public safety funding specifically for tribal communities. In the 2013 and 2022 reauthorizations of the Violence Against Women Act, Sen. Cantwell fought to include strong tribal policies including: allowing tribes to continue to have jurisdiction over dating violence and domestic violence crimes and violations of tribal protection orders, restoring tribal jurisdiction over violent and dangerous crimes such as child and sexual abuse, sex trafficking and stalking, and providing tribes with more resources to improve and build public safety programs within their communities.

    In 2019, Sen. Cantwell co-sponsored the Securing Urgent Resources Vital to Indian Victim Empowerment (SURVIVE) Act to provide a substantial increase in resources for tribal crime victim assistance programs.

    MIL OSI USA News –