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Category: US Senate

  • MIL-OSI USA: April 21st, 2025 Heinrich, Rounds Introduce Legislation to Expedite Use of AI Medical Devices for Medicare Patients

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), co-chairs of the Senate Artificial Intelligence Caucus, introduced the Health Tech Investment Act, legislation aimed at improving health outcomes for Medicare patients by encouraging the use of cutting-edge, artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled medical devices. The bill establishes a consistent and predictable Medicare payment pathway for these technologies, providing patients with earlier and more accurate diagnoses.

    “I’m proud to cosponsor legislation that expands Medicare coverage of new technologies and helps New Mexicans get the best, most affordable high-quality care they need when they need it,” said Heinrich.

    “Medicare patients deserve access to the life-changing care that artificial intelligence-enabled devices can offer,” said Rounds. “There is currently no clear Medicare payment system for these devices, meaning that it can take years to be approved and paid out by Medicare accurately. This legislation would create that system, improving diagnoses and encouraging the adoption of AI devices in clinical settings.”

    The use of AI in healthcare is quickly becoming the standard of care, with practitioners using algorithm-based healthcare services (ABHS) to detect and diagnose diseases sooner and advance better patient outcomes. The FDA has over 600 AI-enabled medical devices, but the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) lacks standard or consistent methods for covering and paying for these products. This inconsistency will, in the long run, impact the adoption and patient access to medically appropriate AI technologies across the country.

    The Health Tech Investment Act will assign all U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved AI-enabled medical devices to a New Technology Ambulatory Payment Classification (APC) in the Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) for a minimum of 5 years so that adequate data regarding delivery and service costs is acquired before assignment of a permanent payment code.

    Specifically, the Health Tech Investment Act:

    This legislation is endorsed by AdvaMed, Alliance for Aging Research, Brem Foundation to Defeat Breast Cancer, Focused Ultrasound Foundation, National Health Council, National Psoriasis Foundation, Patients Rising, and Right Scan Right Time.

    The text of the bill is here. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy Announces Over $21.8 Million for Hurricanes Ida, Laura Recovery

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) announced Louisiana will receive $21,879,841.94 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in reimbursement for permanent repairs and recovery efforts following Hurricanes Laura and Ida.
    “This funding supports schools, hospitals, and airport infrastructure,” said Dr. Cassidy. “These investments help our communities recover and prepare for the next storm.”
    Grant Awarded
    Recipient
    Project Description
    $11,270,163.36
    Terrebonne Parish School Board   
    This grant will provide federal funding for the replacement of damaged school property as a direct result of Hurricane Ida.
    $1,239,204.18
    Ochsner Clinic Foundation
    This grant will provide federal funding for permanent repairs to the Kenner Ochsner Medical Office Building damaged by Hurricane Ida.
    $7,071,039.26
    Calcasieu Parish School Board
    This grant will provide federal funding for permanent repairs at Barbe High School campus facilities damaged by Hurricane Laura.
    $1,020,440.82
    Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
    This grant will provide federal funding for permanent repairs to buildings damaged by Hurricane Ida.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy, Colleagues Reintroduce Bill to Expand Access to Historic Tax Credit

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) re-introduced the Historic Tax Credit Growth & Opportunity (HTC-GO) Act to foster economic growth and local renewal by expanding the Historic Tax Credit.
    “Our architectural heritage is a point of Louisiana pride that draws folks to visit our state and supports our economy. If we want to preserve it, we need the tools to do so. The Historic Tax Credit gives us those tools,” said Dr. Cassidy. 
    The HTC-GO Act:
    Creates a new 30 percent transferable credit for small and rural projects while returning the base credit to be payable in the same year the revitalized property is placed into service. The bill lowers the threshold the cost of a project must meet to be eligible by eliminating the basis-adjustment requirement, which will bring the HTC in line with other credits such as the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit.
    Further expands eligible renovation projects by decreasing the rehabilitation investment threshold from 100 percent to 50 percent of the project’s expenses. Project expenses would only have to exceed half of the project’s cost to qualify for the credit. It also amends rules for tax-exempt entities – such as health care centers, arts organizations, community services, and workforce training providers – to allow better access to the credit.
    The bill is endorsed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
    “The federal historic tax credit is one of our most powerful tools for historic preservation, economic development, and community revitalization,” said Carol Quillen, President and CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “The leadership of Senators Cassidy and Warner, with the strong support of long-time champions Senators Collins and Cantwell and Representatives LaHood and Souzzi, attests to the role the historic tax credit plays in reenergizing communities across the country. With the reintroduction of the Historic Tax Credit Growth and Opportunity Act, we take a crucial step towards empowering Americans in every state to invest in older and historic buildings, neighborhoods and commercial districts. These investments support small businesses, create housing, and generate economic opportunity as they build community connection and engagement. This time-tested community-serving incentive demonstrates how preservation efforts serve the public good. We’re grateful to our Congressional champions for their steadfast support of the federal historic tax credit and look forward to supporting this effort in upcoming tax discussions.” 
    Cassidy was joined by U.S. Senators Mark Warner (D-VA), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) in introducing the bill.
    Background
    Elimination of the basis adjustment and a return to a one-year credit will increase the value of the credit and simplify transaction structures. Under current tax law, a building owner must subtract the amount of credits received from a building’s basis (the amount a property is worth for tax purposes) and receive the credit over 5 years. Eliminating this requirement will bring more value to all HTC projects by increasing the basis of rehabilitated historic buildings for building owners, providing additional depreciation and other tax benefits, and attracting more capital from tax credit investors.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Reverend Warnock Statement on Passing of Pope Francis

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia
    In April 2024, Senator Reverend Warnock met, prayed with Pope Francis during a Papal Audience in Vatican City

    April 2024 Papal Audience in Vatican City
    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) released the following statement after the announcement of Pope Francis’ death. 
    “I’m deeply saddened by the passing of Pope Francis.”
    “As a longtime admirer of the Pope and his work to center the poor and marginalized, I was honored to meet him and pray with him last year.”
    “I join all those across the world mourning his death and celebrating his remarkable life.”
    “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants.” -Psalm 116:15

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Lieu, Carbajal Announce Transformative Legislation to Address Affordable Housing and Homelessness Crises

    US Senate News:

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

    Padilla, Lieu, Carbajal Announce Transformative Legislation to Address Affordable Housing and Homelessness Crises

    Housing for All Act would invest in proven solutions to address affordable housing shortages and provide historic level of federal funding for existing programs and innovative solutions to keep people housed and reduce homelessness
    CALIFORNIA — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Representatives Ted Lieu (D-Calif.-36) and Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.-24) announced the reintroduction of the Housing for All Act, a comprehensive approach to address the homelessness and affordable housing crises in California and across the nation. The legislation would invest in proven solutions to address affordable housing shortages and provide a historic level of federal funding for both existing programs to reduce homelessness and innovative, locally developed solutions to help vulnerable populations experiencing homelessness.
    As the Trump Administration undermines and defunds critical housing services across the country — including illegal staff cuts at the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and potential closures of nearly two-thirds of HUD field offices nationwide — investments to boost the affordable housing stock and reduce homelessness are essential. The investments in the Housing for All Act would build on the creative solutions that cities and states across California have successfully developed to help combat the housing and homelessness crises.
    “Housing is a basic human right, not a privilege. As the Trump Administration callously cuts essential housing programs and resources that Americans across the country depend on, our Housing for All Act is a blueprint for building upon locally developed solutions and providing necessary federal investments to finally treat the homelessness and affordable housing crises with the seriousness they deserve,” said Senator Padilla. “For far too long, the lack of affordable housing has hurt Americans nationwide and disproportionately harmed low-income communities and communities of color. Community leaders across California know that we have the tools to end homelessness and lower the cost of housing for Americans, but we need significant federal investments to scale up creative and effective housing solutions. I won’t stop this fight until every person has a place to call home.”
    “Housing and homelessness are two significant crises we face today,” said Representative Lieu. “There is not enough affordable housing in California and across this country. Everyday Americans can work more than one job, and it’s still not enough to afford safe and stable housing. This is unacceptable. It’s time we finally invest in the proven, community-driven solutions that combat homelessness and create more affordable housing. I’m pleased to partner with Senator Padilla and Congressman Carbajal to introduce legislation that meets the urgency of this moment and helps get more people into homes.”
    “Homes have been too expensive for far too long,” said Representative Carbajal. “While we have the tools to address this crisis, the challenge has always been scale. The Housing For All Act will make historic investments in programs addressing housing and homelessness–including my Safe Parking legislation–to ensure every American has a roof over their head.”
    The lack of affordable housing access and the population of individuals experiencing homelessness are growing crises impacting Americans nationwide, disproportionately hurting communities of color and low-income communities. In the United States, over 770,000 individuals and families experience homelessness annually, and significantly more Americans face housing insecurity. According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition’s recent Out of Reach 2024 Report, no state or county exists where a person working 40 hours a week and earning the state or local minimum wage can afford to rent a modest two-bedroom apartment. In fact, the average minimum wage earner would need to work 113 hours per week — nearly three full-time jobs — to afford a two-bedroom rental home.
    The Housing for All Act would take an all-hands-on-deck approach to combat these crises, including investments from the federal government in housing solutions. Specifically, the bill would:
    Address the affordable housing shortage by investing in the National Housing Trust Fund, the HOME Investment Partnerships program, the Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program, and the Section 811 Supportive Housing for People with Disabilities;
    Address the homelessness crisis by investing in Housing Choice Vouchers, Project-Based Rental Assistance, the emergency solutions grant program (which helps with street outreach, rapid re-housing assistance, emergency shelter, and homelessness prevention), and Continuums of Care;
    Support innovative, locally developed approaches to these crises by investing in hotel and motel conversions to permanent supportive housing with supportive services, the Eviction Protection Grant Program to support experienced legal service providers in providing legal assistance to low-income tenants at risk of or subject to eviction, mobile crisis intervention teams to help those with medical or psychological needs get the care that they need, programs that offer a safe place to park overnight and facilitate access to rehousing services and essential services, library programs that support people experiencing homelessness, inclusive transit-oriented development and infill development, and improved coordination of culturally competent, trauma-informed behavioral health and homelessness services.
    Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) are cosponsoring the bill in the Senate.
    Representatives Yassamin Ansari (D-Ariz.-03), Nanette Barragán (D-Calif.-44), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.-20), Cleo Fields (D-La.-06), Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.-34), Hank Johnson (D-Ga.-04), Seth Magaziner (D-R.I.-02), LaMonica Mclver (D-N.J.-10), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.-AL), Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.-19), Delia Ramirez (D-Ill.-03), Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.-09), Lateefah Simon (D-Calif.-12), and Shri Thanedar (D-Mich.-13) are cosponsoring the bill in the House.
    The Housing for All Act of 2025 has been endorsed by organizations and stakeholders including the National Alliance to End Homelessness; National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC); LeadingAge; National Rural Housing Coalition; UnidosUS; US Conference of Mayors; Corporation for Supportive Housing; Covenant House; Liberation in a Generation; American Library Association; Self-Help Enterprises; California Housing Partnership; California League of Cities; California State Association of Counties; County Welfare Directors Association of California; Center for Law and Social Policy; California Business, Consumer Services and Housing (BCSH) Agency; and more.
    “At a time when more households than ever are struggling to make ends meet, and the number of people experiencing homelessness has reached record levels, we must keep up the fight for the resources needed to ensure everyone has a safe, stable, affordable, and accessible place to call home,” said NLIHC Interim President and CEO Renee Willis. “I applaud Senator Padilla for his leadership on the ‘Housing for All Act,’ which would provide bold, long-term solutions required to address the nation’s affordable housing and homelessness crisis at its root.” 
    “Senator Padilla’s Housing for All Act recognizes the extraordinary work performed by local homelessness systems and would provide them with robust resources, including significant new investments in the Continuum of Care and Emergency Solutions Grants programs as well as Housing Choice Vouchers and Project-Based Rental Assistance,” said Steve Berg, Chief Policy Officer at the National Alliance to End Homelessness. “In addition to providing resources, Senator Padilla’s legislation would promote innovative policies like using motels and hotels for permanent supportive housing and specific efforts to help house the growing numbers of individuals and families experiencing vehicular homelessness. In introducing the Housing for All Act, the Senator is meeting the moment–and his legislation should inspire policymakers in the legislative and executive branches.”
    “The Housing for All Act is a common sense, critically needed response to our country’s shortage of affordable homes—particularly for low-income older adults,” said Katie Smith Sloan, President & CEO, LeadingAge, the Association of Nonprofit Providers of Aging Services. “Our nonprofit members have years-long waiting lists—which means that many low-income older adults die before receiving relief in the form of an available, federally assisted house. The programs and policies supported by Senator Padilla’s bill will reverse course on record levels of housing unaffordability: for example, its authorization of $2.5 billion for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly program would build new, service-connected affordable homes for older adults with average annual incomes below $17,000 a year. For these older adults, the private market alone has not, cannot, and will not solve the affordable housing shortage. As Senator Padilla makes clear, public resources are critically needed. LeadingAge enthusiastically supports the Housing for All Act.”
    “The California Housing Partnership enthusiastically supports Senator Padilla’s Housing for All Act providing expanded federal resources to counteract the acute shortage of affordable homes, which in California has been pushing families and individuals into overcrowded situations and risking homelessness amidst the pandemic,” said Matt Schwartz, President and CEO of the California Housing Partnership.
    “Now is the time to strengthen the commitment to programs that are successful in preventing and reducing homelessness as well as increase collaboration between federal, state, county, and city governments,” said Jeff Griffiths, Inyo County Supervisor and California State Association of Counties (CSAC) President. “Senator Padilla’s Housing for All Act would accomplish these goals. CSAC and California’s counties strongly support this legislation, and are grateful for his leadership.”
    “The County Welfare Directors Association of California (CWDA) is proud to once again stand in support of Senator Padilla’s Housing For All legislation,” said Carlos Marquez III, CWDA Executive Director. “Every day, California’s 58 county human services agencies work to stabilize and rapidly rehouse older adults, former foster youth, families experiencing poverty, and others at high risk of homelessness, but our efforts are limited by a lack of investment in affordable housing and in evidence-based strategies that get people off the street. Senator Padilla’s Housing For All legislation will enable counties to scale what works and provide immediate solutions to our housing crisis.”
    “Cal Cities is proud to support the Housing for All Act, which would provide critical funding to connect our unhoused residents to services and keep Californians in their homes,” said League of California Cities Executive Director and CEO Carolyn Coleman. “We all know there’s more work to be done to address the housing and homelessness crisis in our state and that every level of government has a role to play in finding a meaningful path forward. Senator Padilla’s bill will strengthen the partnership between all levels of government by investing in the diversity of solutions that cities throughout the state are carrying out to support vulnerable residents.”
    “We’re grateful for Senator Padilla’s leadership in advancing legislation that would provide comprehensive resources to address the housing and homelessness challenges facing California and across the country,” said Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency Secretary Tomiquia Moss. “California has made significant investments, but we know real, sustained progress will require every level of government working together.”
    Senator Padilla believes everyone deserves access to affordable and safe housing and recognizes the need to drastically increase the affordable housing stock to address the homelessness crisis facing California and the country. Last week, Padilla introduced the bipartisan Housing Unhoused Disabled Veterans Act to ensure veterans experiencing homelessness and receiving disability payments maintain access to crucial housing support. In the aftermath of the Los Angeles fires, Padilla introduced the bipartisan Disaster Housing Reform for American Families Act to expedite, expand, and improve temporary housing available to victims of disasters like wildfires and storms.
    Padilla has fought against the Trump Administration’s proposals to cut HUD staff and field offices who help provide crucial housing services. Padilla and U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-Mo.-05) recently led more than 100 Democrats in the Senate and House in condemning staffing cuts and potential closures of HUD field offices across the country. Earlier this year, Senator Padilla sounded the alarm that these wide-ranging cuts would hamper HUD’s ability to support vulnerable communities and address the housing and homelessness crises.
    A one-pager on the bill is available here. 
    A section-by-section summary of the bill is available here.
    Full text of the bill is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Honoring the Memory of His Holiness Pope Francis

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    class=”has-text-align-center”>By the President of the United States of America
    A Proclamation
    As a mark of respect for the memory of His Holiness Pope Francis, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, on the day of interment.  I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-first day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.  
                                   DONALD J. TRUMP

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Democrats Continue Apology Tour for Deported Illegal Immigrant Gang Member

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    The past week has shown Americans everything they need to know about Democrats’ priorities.
    Today, four more Democrats — Rep. Robert Garcia of California, Rep. Maxwell Frost of Florida, Rep. Yassamin Ansari of Arizona, and Rep. Maxine Dexter of Oregon — are in El Salvador, picking up their party’s mantle of prioritizing a deported illegal immigrant MS-13 gang member over the Americans they represent.
    Why hasn’t Rep. Dexter spoken about these illegal immigrants putting her region at risk?
    Alvaro Flores-Barboza, a 24-year-old citizen of Venezuela, escaped from an ICE processing facility before he was arrested in Portland, Oregon. He has convictions for assault, reckless driving, and felony use of a weapon.
    Juan Jose-Sebastian, a 26-year-old citizen of Guatemala, was arrested in West Palm Beach, Florida. He is wanted for 2017 rape and sexual assault charges in Washington County, Oregon. He was arrested in Florida in 2024 for driving without a license — but was released onto the streets because the Biden Administration refused to take custody of him and Oregon officials refused to extradite him.
    Why hasn’t Rep. Ansari spoken about these illegal immigrants putting her region at risk?
    Bonifacio Renteria-Cruz, a 48-year-old citizen of Mexico, was arrested in Phoenix, Arizona. He has ties to the Sinaloa Cartel and has convictions for aggravated assault and weapons charges. He also has an active arrest warrant for homicide in Mexico.
    Jose Escobar-Robles, a citizen of Mexico, was arrested in Phoenix, Arizona. He is believed to be illegally funneling money to Mexico to benefit violent cartels engaged in drug smuggling and human trafficking.
    Luis Garcia-Sanchez, a citizen of Mexico, was arrested in Phoenix, Arizona. He is connected to the notorious 18th Street Gang and has been wanted for felony narcotics charges dating back to 1987.
    Edgar Guadalupe Jimenez-Aguilar, an illegal immigrant, was arrested in Phoenix, Arizona. He was wanted on charges of conspiracy to transport illegal aliens and possession with intent to distribute heroin.
    Why hasn’t Rep. Frost spoken about these illegal immigrants putting his region at risk?
    Franklin Jose Jimenez-Bracho, a member of the Tren de Aragua gang, was arrested near Orlando, Florida. He was wanted for human trafficking and smuggling.
    Juan Andres Borolo Moreno Romero, a 25-year-old citizen of Venezuela, was arrested by ICE in Orlando, Florida. He is a known member of the brutal Tren de Aragua gang.
    Paula Hernandez Lazaro, a citizen of Mexico, was arrested near Orlando, Florida. She crashed into a patrol car and another vehicle, sending a police officer to the hospital.
    Five illegal immigrant members of the brutal Tren de Aragua gang were arrested after a string of liquor store thefts and robberies in Polk County, Florida. The five have lengthy criminal histories, including “immigration violations, thefts, robbery, drug possession, resisting arrest, fraudulent use of and possession of personal identification, false reports to law enforcement, robbery with a firearm, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, domestic violence (listed as armed and dangerous), and driver’s license offenses.”
    Why hasn’t Rep. Garcia spoken about these illegal immigrants putting his region at risk?
    Mario Edgardo Garcia Aquino, a 43-year-old citizen of El Salvador, arrested in Los Angeles. He is charged with first-degree murder in the brutal slaying of a 13-year-old soccer player in Los Angeles, who was found discarded on the side of the road, and with the sexual assault of another young teenager in 2022.
    Noe Diaz De Leon, a citizen of Mexico, arrested by ICE Los Angeles. He has convictions for attempted murder of a peace officer, burglary, and possession of a controlled substance.
    Boxiao Song, a citizen of China, arrested by ICE Los Angeles. He is a convicted child sex offender.
    Seung Hun Baik, a 39-year-old citizen of South Korea, arrested by ICE Los Angeles. He is wanted in his home country for an aggravated offense involving psychotropic drugs.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell Hears From Healthcare Providers in Wenatchee: Medicaid Cuts Would be Devastating

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell

    04.21.25

    Cantwell Hears From Healthcare Providers in Wenatchee: Medicaid Cuts Would be Devastating

    Cantwell continues tour of WA to fight back against proposed Medicaid cuts; Cantwell reports highlight impacts to WA State health care if GOP cuts Medicaid to pay for lower taxes for the ultra-wealthy

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), senior member of the Senate Finance Committee and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, heard from health care providers in the Wenatchee Valley about the dangers of cuts to Medicaid being considered by Republican lawmakers.

    At an April 17 roundtable hosted by U.S. Representative Kim Schrier (D, WA-08) and joined by Sen. Cantwell, health care providers warned that such cuts would devastate the region’s health care system and limit access to lifesaving care. 

    Cutting Medicaid, Sen. Cantwell said, “affects the programs, then affects the hospital, then it affects the workforce, then you end up with shortages, then you end up with deserts. Then you end up with, ‘Who wants to have a business there?’ It keeps cascading,” Sen. Cantwell said. “This is a crazy idea. This is not a sledge hammer — this is like a ticking time bomb that’s blowing up the foundation of the system. And we have to take your stories and go back [to D.C.] and convince these people that it’s not even worth thinking about.”

    Wenatchee marked the fourth stop in Sen. Cantwell’s tour around the state to hear from folks who would be directly impacted by cuts to Medicare. Last month, Sen. Cantwell heard from voices across Washington state about the dangers of President Trump and the GOP’s proposed cuts to Medicaid. Doctors, patients, and health care providers in Seattle, Spokane, and the Tri-Cities warned that such cuts would devastate Washington state’s health care system and limit access to lifesaving care.

    WATCH:

    FOX 13 Seattle: WA health leaders join Sen. Cantwell against proposed Medicaid cuts

    KREM 2 Spokane: Spokane doctors, patients speak at Medicaid roundtable hosted by Sen. Cantwell

    KAPP 35 Tri-Cities: MARIA CANTWELL: How proposed cuts to Medicaid could impact South Central Washington

    In February, Sen. Cantwell released a snapshot report highlighting the impact that slashing Medicaid to fund tax cuts for corporations and the ultra-wealthy would have on Washington state’s health care system — especially in Central and Eastern Washington. In March, Sen. Cantwell released a second snapshot report highlighting impacts on the Seattle-area health care delivery system.

    READ MORE:

    The Seattle Times: Cuts to Medicaid would hurt WA’s children, poor

    The Spokesman Review: Medicaid could be on chopping block after Northwest Republicans help pass House budget measure

    The Tri-City Herald: Newhouse backs House GOP budget plan that could lead to cuts for Tri-Cities Medicaid users

    Medicaid is the federal program that insures many low-income adults and children, pregnant people, seniors, and people with disabilities. Washington state’s Medicaid program, Apple Health, ensures that eligible Washingtonians can afford to seek health care and see providers when they need to. The program also ensures that hospitals — which are required to treat everyone, regardless of their ability to pay — receive reimbursements for the significant number of low-income people they serve. Over 1.9 million Washingtonians are enrolled in Apple Health.

    The House of Representatives has passed a budget resolution that would necessitate $880 billion in cuts from the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over Medicaid. Supporters of the bill claim that the text includes no mention of Medicaid — however, the extent of the cuts required by the legislation would mean that the committee has essentially no other options other than to hack away at Medicaid.

    Video of yesterday’s roundtable in Wenatchee is HERE; photos are HERE; and a transcript of Sen. Cantwell’s opening and closing remarks are HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell Statement on the Passing of Pope Francis

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell

    04.21.25

    Cantwell Statement on the Passing of Pope Francis

    EDMONDS, WA – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) released the following statement on the passing of Pope Francis:

    “Today, I join with the millions of other Americans mourning the death of Pope Francis. I admired this Pope for his devotion, dedication to inclusivity, and unwavering care for the most vulnerable among us.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Boozman, Lankford Advocate for Greater Health Care Access for Rural Americans

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas – John Boozman

    WASHINGTON––U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and James Lankford (R-OK) introduced the Physician Led and Rural Access to Quality Care Act to re-empower physician-owned hospitals (POHs) to expand and deliver high-quality care to Medicare and Medicaid patients in rural communities. 

    Currently, POHs are prohibited from expanding and creating new hospitals. While they represent less than five percent of the 5,700 hospitals nationwide, POHs have a successful track record of providing individualized and innovative quality care, and they meet a growing demand for health care services, especially in rural areas. Seventy-three percent of POHs with a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) overall hospital quality star rating earned three or more stars in the program; 26 percent of them have earned five stars.

    “Millions of Americans need the access to health care that physician-owned hospitals can provide,” said Boozman. “These institutions also serve as important economic pillars in less populated communities. Removing arbitrary limits that can help expand medical care in rural Arkansas and beyond is an important step to ensuring reliable, quality health systems operate in more communities.”

    “Oklahomans and rural communities across the country need more quality health care options,” said Lankford. “This bill lifts the outdated restrictions that have blocked physician-owned hospitals from growing or opening where they’re needed most. Local physicians should be empowered to deliver high-quality, patient-focused care in rural Oklahoma.”

    The legislation is cosponsored by Senators Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Thom Tillis (R-NC), John Cornyn (R-TX), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), John Barrasso (R-WY) and Ted Budd (R-NC).

    The legislation is endorsed by the American Medical Association (AMA), Physician-Led Healthcare for America (PHA) and the American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS). 

     “Across the country, patients in rural communities are struggling to access essential medical care as more rural hospitals are forced to close due to the immense financial strain associated with declining reimbursements and rising medical costs,” said AMA President Bruce A. Scott, M.D. “By allowing physicians to invest in and revitalize these hospitals, this legislation has the power to preserve and expand access to critical health care services in the communities that need them most. Physician-led hospitals are known to deliver high-quality, cost-effective care. This is a commonsense solution to a worsening problem. The AMA strongly supports this legislation and urges Congress to pass it as a vital step toward improving health care access for rural patients.”

    “The daily headlines are impossible to ignore,” said PHA President-elect Carlos Cardenas, M.D. “Healthcare costs are skyrocketing, rural hospitals are shuttering at alarming rates, and quality and patient satisfaction continue to decline. The status quo is failing us. It’s time to revitalize our healthcare system with a proven solution: physician-led hospitals.” 

     “When physicians lead hospitals, patients win,” said AAOS Advocacy Council Chair Dr. Adam Bruggeman, M.D. “Physician-led hospitals are a powerful solution to the consolidation plaguing our healthcare system. By lifting outdated restrictions on physician ownership, we can drive down costs, improve quality, and expand access to care, especially in underserved rural areas. It’s past time to empower physicians to build healthcare institutions that prioritize patients over profits.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hickenlooper, Colorado Democrats Call to Protect Head Start Amid Child Care Crisis

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Hickenlooper – Colorado
    Head Start supports 11,600+ Colorado kids, ensuring they are set up for lifelong success
    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper and the Colorado Democratic delegation wrote a letter urging President Trump to fully fund Head Start in the upcoming budget. The letter follows alarming reports that the Trump administration is considering a proposal to eliminate funding for the program.
    “Colorado families face a child care crisis: child care is neither affordable nor accessible, and most families face a lengthy enrollment waitlist,” wrote the lawmakers. “The elimination of Head Start funding would further imperil an already fragile state of affairs – particularly for rural communities, where local child care facilities are often oversubscribed or nonexistent. Head Start facilities often serve as the only affordable option.”
    In Colorado alone, more than 11,600 children rely on Head Start services every year, and the program supports over 5,000 jobs. Head Start provides child care, early education, nutrition, and health services to children in low-income households, while also offering parents opportunities for employment and education.
    Full text of the letter can be found HERE and below:
    Dear President Trump:
    We write to express our concerns with any proposal that cuts or eliminates Head Start and Early Head Start (Head Start), and we request that the President’s Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Budget Request includes sufficient funding to support these vital programs.
    From the inception of Head Start 60 years ago, every Administration, including yours, has supported and recognized this program’s foundational role in solidifying life’s earliest years. Head Start benefits more than 40 million children across the United States each year, offering child care, health, and nutrition services to children, as well as employment and educational support to parents. Presidents have endorsed Head Start because it prepares children for success in school and beyond, helps families achieve greater stability and self-sufficiency, supports working parents, and boosts local economies.
    Given more than half a century of unwavering support for Head Start, we write to share our deep concerns with the USA Today article citing that your Administration is considering a budget proposal that would eliminate funding for Head Start. In Colorado alone, this proposal would
    impact the well-being of more than 11,600 children, 5,000 jobs, and thousands of families, some of whom live in rural areas that lack access to early care and education programs.
    Colorado families face a child care crisis: child care is neither affordable nor accessible, and most families face a lengthy enrollment waitlist. The elimination of Head Start funding would further imperil an already fragile state of affairs – particularly for rural communities, where local child care facilities are often oversubscribed or nonexistent. Head Start facilities often serve as the only affordable option. Since the 1990s, the cost of child care has more than tripled, outpacing wages, the cost of groceries, and even housing. Reducing critical funding for Head Start would reverse decades of bipartisan investment in children amidst a cost-of-living crisis, compounding potential harm for working families.
    As you continue your work developing the FY26 Budget Request, we urge you to keep in mind the well-being of children and families who depend on Head Start. Again, we stress our deep concerns with reports that the Administration intends to eliminate Head Start funding and urge you to include robust funding for these essential programs in the FY26 Budget Request.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hickenlooper, Coons, Cornyn, Young Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Improve Mapping, Safe Extraction of Critical Minerals

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Hickenlooper – Colorado
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper, Chris Coons, John Cornyn, and Todd Young introduced the bipartisan Finding Opportunities for Resource Exploration (Finding ORE) Act to strengthen U.S. mineral security and reduce strategic vulnerabilities. The bill leverages the U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) mapping of critical mineral reserves to help responsibly develop global mineral resources around the world.
    “We can’t solve climate change or strengthen national security without harnessing the power of critical minerals,” said Hickenlooper. “Better and more accurate maps will help us and our allies safely and ethically explore untapped critical mineral deposits.”
    “From the technology that powers the cell phones in our pockets to the systems that keep us safe, Americans depend on critical minerals for our economic strength and national security,” said Coons. “The Finding ORE Act makes sure that our nation will have access to the essential materials we need to keep innovating, growing our economy, and deterring our enemies. I’m grateful for the bipartisan and industry support this bill has received and look forward to pushing for its enactment.”
    “Access to a reliable supply chain of critical minerals is essential to meet our nation’s defense, manufacturing, and energy needs,” said Cornyn. “By shoring up alliances with trusted allies and promoting geological mapping of critical mineral reserves, this legislation would ensure America has the resources needed to keep up with global demand and bolster both our mineral security and national security in the years ahead.”
    “Many countries are unmapped or reliant on outdated geological surveys. Our bill would create opportunities for collaboration between the United States and these countries to update geological mapping with the goal of locating critical mineral deposits. These partnerships would be mutually beneficial and provide the United States access to more critical minerals, reducing our dependence on China,” said Young.
    The Finding ORE Act would authorize the Director of USGS to enter into memoranda of understanding (MOU) with foreign partner countries related to mapping of critical minerals. The bill identifies four objectives for these MOU:
    Committing USGS to assist the partner country with a range of critical mineral mapping activities
    Committing the partner country to offer a right of first refusal to private companies based in the United States or an allied country in the further development of mapped critical minerals
    Facilitating investment in the development of critical minerals in the partner country, including by leveraging financing from the U.S. Development Finance Corporation and Export-Import Bank
    Ensuring that mapping data created through partnership with USGS is not disclosed to governmental or private entities in non-allied countries
    The bill requires USGS to collaborate with both the State Department and the private sector in identifying which countries to prioritize for negotiation of an MOU and would involve the State Department in the negotiation and implementation process.
    “Colorado School of Mines commends Senators Coons, Young, Hickenlooper, and Cornyn and Reps. Wittman and Castor for their bipartisan efforts to leverage U.S. expertise in mineral mapping to support safe, secure, and responsible mineral supply chains,” said Dr. John Bradford, Vice President for Global Initiatives at Colorado School of Mines. “When called upon to contribute, institutions with strong partnerships with USGS, like Colorado School of Mines, seek to support America’s government and industry partners to advance the technology, knowledge, and workforce required to responsibly identify, assess, and produce mineral resources in the U.S. and around the world.”
    “The United States has too often watched from the sidelines as our adversaries explored, invested in, and secured the world’s most promising mineral deposits,” said Abigail Hunter, Executive Director of SAFE’s Center for Critical Minerals Strategy. “This bill changes that. It positions the United States—our geological experts and industry—to help identify and potentially develop the next generation of great deposits. It ensures we show up in resource-rich nations, rather than leaving them to deepen their ties with China.”
    “The American Critical Minerals Association welcomes the bipartisan, bicameral introduction of the Finding ORE Act by Senators Coons, Young, Hickenlooper, and Cornyn and Representatives Wittman and Castor,” said Sarah Venuto, Executive Director of ACMA. “Expanding our knowledge base of global minerals resources and growing partnerships with our allies will ensure the United States is a leading force in resourcing critical minerals in a responsible way. ACMA looks forward to working with Senator Coons and his colleagues to advance the Finding ORE Act.”
    “BPC Action applauds the bipartisan introduction of the Finding ORE Act. The bill will strengthen U.S. supply chain security by enhancing coordination with allies on critical mineral development, helping secure new critical minerals sources free from adversary control,” said Michele Stockwell, president of Bipartisan Policy Center Action (BPC Action).
    “Terra AI celebrates this forward-thinking, bi-partisan critical minerals exploration legislation introduced by Senators Coons, Young, Hickenlooper, and Cornyn and Reps. Wittman and Castor,” said John Mern, CEO of Terra AI. “The Finding ORE Act would empower America’s agencies and private firms to explore and claim the next major deposits of critical minerals which will supply our industries for decades to come; supporting manufacturing, aerospace, energy, and artificial intelligence. We support this act’s unique approach to winning the critical minerals race by leveraging America and Her Allies’ relative advantages — strong diplomatic relations, world-leading technology, and entrepreneurial spirit. This act is the essential early stage first step to establishing US global mineral dominance and winning this generational opportunity. As a mineral exploration AI company, we see huge value in collaboration between the private sector and our nation’s diplomatic, geologic and financial agencies abroad. It is a winning playbook, and we look forward to seeing more legislation in this area.”
    A companion bill is led by Representatives Rob Wittman and Kathy Castor in the U.S. House of Representatives.
    In the 119th Congress, Hickenlooper has led and co-sponsored multiple other critical minerals related legislation, including:
    The bipartisan STRATEGIC Minerals Act to foster critical minerals trade with our international allies, led by Senator Young.
    His bipartisan Unearth Innovation Act to establish a DOE program for sustainable critical mineral research innovation and recycling.
    His bipartisan Critical Materials Future Act to establish a pilot program for the Department of Energy to financially support domestic critical material processing projects.
    The bipartisan Critical Minerals Security Act to help secure U.S. critical mineral supply chains and counter China’s dominance in the industry.
    A one-pager on the bill is available HERE.
    The full text of the bill is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Shaheen Statement on Secretary Hegseth

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen

    Published: 04.21.2025

    (Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a top member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement in response to recent reports around Secretary Hegseth’s sharing of operational plans:
    “It is beyond belief that anyone in Secretary Hegseth’s position – or in a significantly more junior role, for that matter – would think that sharing sensitive operational details in an unsecured messaging app, and with family members, is remotely acceptable. If this new report is correct, this is the second time that Secretary Hegseth has endangered American service members during combat operations. These allegations are troubling on their own, but are particularly disturbing given the abrupt exodus of senior officials at the Pentagon and the new public warnings about Secretary Hegseth’s poor leadership by one of his own former top aides.
    “Secretary Hegseth should own up to his actions and accept the consequences for potentially putting our service members in harm’s way due to his negligence. But we must not forget that ultimate responsibility here lies with President Trump for selecting a former weekend TV host, without any experience successfully leading a large and complex organization, to run our government’s biggest department and make life and death decisions for our military and country.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven, Rounds Introduce Legislation to Empower Farmers and Strengthen Rural Economies

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven
    04.21.25
    BISMARCK, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven (R-N.D.) recently joined Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) in introducing two pieces of agriculture legislation to expand markets for meat and poultry products and prevent against federal government overreach. The bills include:
    The New Markets for State Inspected Meat and Poultry Act, legislation to allow meat and poultry products inspected by state Meat and Poultry Inspection (MPI) programs to be sold across state lines. Currently, meat and poultry products inspected by state programs are limited to markets within the state, even though inspection at a state facility meets or exceeds federal inspection standards. This legislation is cosponsored by Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) and Senators Angus King (I-Maine), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.).
    The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Wetland Compliance and Appeals Reform Act, legislation to reform the NRCS within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The NRCS Wetland Compliance and Appeals Reform Act would safeguard farmers, ranchers and landowners from bureaucratic overreach by the NRCS and empower producers to continue to protect their land as they see fit. This bill is also cosponsored by Senator Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.).
    “Strengthening rural America starts with empowering the people who feed it,” said Hoeven. “These commonsense reforms support our farmers and ranchers, open up new markets, and cut unnecessary red tape—boosting local economies, creating opportunity, and delivering real benefits for North Dakota and the entire country.”
                                         

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth: Our Troops’ Lives Are Endangered Every Day Pete Hegseth Remains in His Job

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
    April 20, 2025
    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – 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 Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC)—issued the following statement after new reporting revealed that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth leaked highly-sensitive attack details in yet another unclassified Signal chat, this time to his wife and brother, putting the lives of our men and women in uniform at greater risk:
    “How many times does Pete Hegseth need to leak classified intelligence before Donald Trump and Republicans understand that he isn’t only a f*cking liar, he is a threat to our national security? 
    “Every day he stays in his job is another day our troops’ lives are endangered by his singular stupidity.
    “He must resign in disgrace.”
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Coons statement on the passing of Pope Francis

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons
    WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) issued the following statement on the passing of Pope Francis:
    “Pope Francis has been an inspiring faith leader whose transformative papacy has shown the Spirit of Christ through his humility, his open-hearted engagement with the world, his tireless advocacy for peace, and his focus on the poor and the marginalized. I had the blessing of meeting the Holy Father twice, and was inspired by his teachings. I was struck by both his words and his actions when he visited the United States to address Congress in 2015. He called on us to overcome our partisan political differences to work together in service of the poor and the planet, and while in the U.S., he spent time meeting with migrants, the homeless, and the imprisoned to show us how to live out Christ’s teachings. 
    “Pope Francis often reminded us that “we are all in the same boat”—that no one can thrive and live well without the support of others. His ministry was infused with mercy, grace, and love, and particularly in times of strife he reminded us that through acts of unrestricted kindness, we can overcome any storm, any moment of challenge, together. 
    “The church and the world will miss his welcoming leadership and his engagement on questions of justice, climate change, migration, income inequality, and reconciliation. I join with many around the world in gratitude for his ministry and in praying for his eternal rest.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Coons, Blunt Rochester seeking applications for U.S. Attorney, U.S. Marshal for the District of Delaware

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons
    WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Senators Chris Coons and Lisa Blunt Rochester (both D-Del.) are seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) for consideration for the positions of: (1) U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, and (2) U.S. Marshal for the District of Delaware. The objective of the EOIs is to create a slate of qualified candidates for each position that the senators can recommend to President Trump. The president will then formally nominate an individual for each position, and those nominations will be sent to the Senate for its advice and consent.
    The EOI should include: 1) a statement of interest, 2) a detailed curriculum vitae, and 3) the names of three references, two of which must be professional references. Application materials for the U.S. Attorney position can be submitted here. Application materials for the U.S. Marshal position can be submitted here.   
    Questions regarding the U.S. Attorney position can be directed to DE_USAO@coons.senate.gov and/orDE_USAO@bluntrochester.senate.gov. Questions regarding the U.S. Marshal position can be directed to DE_USMS@coons.senate.gov and/or DE_USMS@bluntrochester.senate.gov.
    All application materials must be received by 11:59 p.m. EST on Friday, May 9, 2025.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: McConnell Statement on the Passing of Pope Francis

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Mitch McConnell
    LOUISVILLE, KY – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) released the following statement today regarding the passing of his holiness, Pope Francis:
    “Elaine and I join people of faith around the world in mourning the passing of his holiness, Pope Francis. From the beginning of his papacy, the Holy Father invited Christians from every walk of life to more fully embrace the call to care for the vulnerable, including the unborn and the poorest among us. He reminded us by word and deed that we are all called to lives of faithful service. Now, as the shepherd of more than a billion Roman Catholics reaps his eternal reward, we give thanks for a life of witness to the truth: Our hearts are restless until they rest in God.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warren Statement on the Death of Pope Francis

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    April 21, 2025

    Washington, D.C. – Following the Vatican’s announcement of the death of Pope Francis, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) released the following statement: 

    “Pope Francis was a force for good. He will be remembered for his empathy for the most vulnerable among us, his advocacy for action on climate change, and his leadership to make the Church a welcoming place for all — which made so many people feel seen. My heart is with people across the world today mourning his loss.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ricketts Announces Upcoming Town Halls Across Nebraska

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)

    April 18, 2025

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) announced three upcoming town hall events next week across Nebraska. Senator Ricketts will give an update on his work in Washington, D.C. Then, he will answer questions directly from Nebraskans.
    The town hall events are open to the public, but Nebraskans attending are encouraged to RSVP to Events@ricketts.senate.gov. All times below are local.
    Thursday, April 24th, 2025
    Kearney Town Hall
    Younes Conference Center South
    Crystal Ballroom
    416 Talmadge Street
    Kearney, NE 68845
    11-12pm CT
    Friday, April 25th, 2025
    Valentine Town Hall
    Valentine Sale Barn
    126 N. Government Street
    Valentine NE 69201
    10-11am CT
     Scottsbluff Town Hall
     UNL Panhandle Research Extension and Education Center
     4502 Avenue I
     Scottsbluff, NE 69361
     2-3pm MT

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cramer, Rounds Introduce Bill to Expand Interstate Sales of State-Inspected Meat, Poultry

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)

    GRAND FORKS, N.D. – Meat and poultry products inspected by state programs are limited to markets within their particular state, even when inspection at a state facility meets or exceeds federal inspection standards.

    U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) joined U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD) in introducing the New Markets for State-Inspected Meat and Poultry Act to allow meat and poultry products inspected by state Meat and Poultry Inspection (MPI) programs to be sold across state lines.

    This bill does not eliminate or phase out the Cooperative Interstate Shipment (CIS) program and does not explicitly allow for products inspected by state MPI programs to be exported. The CIS program supports the “expansion of business opportunities for state-inspected meat and poultry establishments,” and helps North Dakota access additional markets in neighboring states. The New Markets for State-Inspected Meat and Poultry Act builds on this success by opening even more options without repealing the program.

    Cramer and his colleagues previously led this legislation in earlier sessions of Congress. Following meatpacking plant shutdowns and supply chain shortages for meat products in 2020, the group wrote an op-ed advocating for the bill’s passage with COVID-19 relief packages.

    “Despite meat and poultry products passing rigorous inspection standards across the nation, high-quality, state-inspected meats cannot be sold across state lines,” said Cramer. “This puts our producers and consumers at a disadvantage. Our bill removes this unnecessary barrier by expanding market opportunities for North Dakota ranchers and provides out-of-state consumers with more choices at the grocery store.”

    “South Dakota is home to a robust and diverse agriculture industry. Despite not serving on the Senate Agriculture Committee, I continue to work on addressing issues that impact our farm and ranch operations in South Dakota,” said Rounds. “This includes updating safety net programs to make certain producers are receiving fair coverage for their products, allowing state-inspected meat and poultry products to be sold across state lines and reforming the Natural Resources Conservation Service to protect landowners from unnecessary government overreach. I’m looking forward to working with Chairman Boozman and the Senate Agriculture Committee to get these priorities included in the Farm Bill and across the finish line. I will continue to work to support farmers and ranchers in South Dakota and across the country.”

    This legislation is cosponsored by Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) and U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME), John Barrasso (R-WY), Steve Daines (R-MT), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), John Hoeven (R-ND), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and Tina Smith (D-MN). 

    Click here for bill text. Click here for one-page summary.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hickenlooper, Bennet, Neguse Call on USPS to Ensure Reliable Mail Delivery in Western Slope Communities, Prevent DOGE Interference

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Colorado John Hickenlooper

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet and Congressman Joe Neguse wrote a letter to Acting Postmaster General Doug Tulino urging him to ensure on-time and reliable mail delivery in rural and mountain communities along the Western Slope, upon reports the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) entered into an agreement with the Department of Government Efficiency (“DOGE”). 

    In their letter, the Colorado lawmakers highlighted how the implementation of DOGE’s “wrecking ball”approach to cutting government could erode the USPS universal service mission to provide the nation and Colorado communities with reliable, affordable, universal mail service. They also called to attention the continuous impacts of staffing shortages, pushing back on further cuts to the workforce.

    “Coloradans need reliable mail service to vote in elections, conduct business, pay their bills, receive medications, and stay in touch with loved ones,” wrote the lawmakers. “While we appreciate the need for USPS to continue to improve efficiency and address the many challenges facing the agency, it cannot come at the expense of Colorado’s rural small businesses, seniors, and families.”

    Full text of the letter is available HERE and below:

    Dear Acting Postmaster General Tulino:

    We write to request that you maintain your agency’s commitment to reliable and consistent mail service for rural and mountain communities in Colorado, as directed by the agency’s universal service mandate. Following your agency’s announcement that the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) entered into an agreement with the General Service Administration and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), we urge you to consider how any proposed changes could exacerbate mail delivery issues in Colorado’s Western Slope communities prior to any agreement to undertake such actions.

    As you are well aware, many rural and mountain communities on Colorado’s Western Slope have consistently faced challenges receiving on-time and reliable mail delivery despite the efforts of hardworking front-line USPS employees. We are concerned that these problems will only be exacerbated by the recently-announced partnership with DOGE, which so far has demonstrated a haphazard and irresponsible approach to change other federal agencies in the name of efficiency. DOGE’s efforts across numerous federal agencies across the nation have only led to increased chaos, uncertainty, and inefficiencies. While we understand your interest to proactively engage with DOGE to address inefficiencies within USPS, we have considerable concerns that there will, instead, be further mail delivery disruptions for our constituents.

     We are also deeply concerned by President Trump and DOGE’s suggestion to privatize USPS or move it under the Department of Commerce. Privatizing the agency or reducing its independence is contrary to its universal service mission. Staffing shortages, space limitations, and lack of home delivery service have already made USPS mail delivery difficult and unreliable for communities across the Western Slope. Any further staffing cuts in particular would be untenable on Colorado’s Western Slope where staff levels are already so low that Post Offices face unexpected closures and delayed mail. Therefore, we urgently request that you do not take any actions under any agreement with DOGE that would further reduce the reliability of mail delivery for rural and mountain communities on Colorado’s Western Slope.

    Coloradans need reliable mail service to vote in elections, conduct business, pay their bills, receive medications, and stay in touch with loved ones. While we appreciate the need for USPS to continue to improve efficiency and address the many challenges facing the agency, it cannot come at the expense of Colorado’s rural small businesses, seniors, and families.

     We urge you to ensure that any changes within USPS would not result in slower mail delivery for our Western Slope communities and erode the agency’s universal service mission, and we request advance notification and briefing of any proposed changes.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hickenlooper, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Senate Resolution Recognizing April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Colorado John Hickenlooper

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper, John Cornyn, Lisa Blunt Rochester, Marsha Blackburn, and Maggie Hassan introduced a bipartisan Senate resolution designating April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

    “Elected representatives and leaders in the communities of the United States must be ever vigilant and proactive in support of evidence-based means to prevent child abuse and neglect, and to support families,” the resolution stated.

    In introducing this resolution, the senators outlined that:

    1. Child abuse and neglect and child sexual abuse are preventable, and that a healthy and prosperous society depends on strong families and communities
    2. Greater awareness and education around child abuse prevention is  essential
    3. Efforts to help survivors of childhood sexual abuse heal and get justice warrant support

    This resolution is endorsed by more than 20 national and state organizations, including Prevent Child Abuse America, Buckner International, Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Now, Children At Risk, Children’s Trust Fund Alliance, Dallas CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), Family Compass, First3Years, Healthy Families America, Illuminate Colorado, National Association of Counsel for Children, Tennessee Voices, TexProtects, The Kempe Foundation, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, United Ways of Texas, and Zero to Three. 

    Full text of the resolution is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lankford Releases Statement on the Passing of Pope Francis

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Oklahoma James Lankford

    OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today released the following statement after the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis:

    “Today, Oklahoma joins over a billion Catholics mourning the loss of Pope Francis,” said Lankford. “For twelve years, he led the Catholic Church, embodying Jesus’ call to Matthew—’Follow me’—a command he often reflected on throughout his pontificate. I remember when he addressed Congress in 2015 and spoke about the need for empathy and the importance of working in the best interests of all people. May he rest in peace with the Lord.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Scott Statement on the Death of Pope Francis

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott

    WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) issued the following statement on the passing of Pope Francis:

    “Today, I join the world in mourning the death of Pope Francis. His fervent commitment to the faith and vision for the Catholic church was a source of inspiration for millions around the world. May we honor his memory by striving for hope and unity in our communities.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ricketts Statement on the Death of Pope Francis

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)

    April 21, 2025

    OMAHA, NE – Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) issued the following statement on the death of Pope Francis:
    “Pope Francis will be remembered as a servant of Christ and the Church. His life of humility and devotion to mercy will continue to inspire Catholics worldwide.”

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Markey, Warren, Pressley Demand State Department Release Memo, Documents Related to Öztürk Arrest

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
    State Dept memo reportedly reveals contradictions in Trump Administration’s rationale for revocation of Öztürk’s visa, detention
    Text of Letter (PDF)
    Boston (April 18, 2025) – After a recent report indicated that an internal State Department memo concluded that the key premise underlying Tufts graduate student Rümeysa Öztürk’s arrest and detention was false, U.S. Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Representative Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.), pressed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to immediately release the memo and any other relevant documentation.
    “Ms. Öztürk’s case demands transparency. The circumstances of her arrest and detention raise serious concerns about civil liberties, academic freedom, and free speech, as well as the Trump administration’s truthfulness. Congress, universities, legal experts, and other members of the public have a strong and compelling interest in the matter,” wrote the lawmakers.
    On March 25th, plainclothes U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents apprehended Rümeysa Öztürk outside her home in Somerville, Massachusetts. Ms. Öztürk, a Tufts University graduate student, was informed that her student visa had been revoked. She was taken into custody and transferred to an immigration detention facility in Louisiana, where she has now been held for three weeks.
    Publicly, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has claimed that Ms. Öztürk “engaged in activities in support of Hamas” and recommended revoking her visa under a provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act that permits the deportation of noncitizens who pose “potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences for the United States.” The State Department has suggested that Öztürk’s visa was revoked on foreign-policy grounds because of alleged participation in activities linked to terrorism.
    Reporting from the Washington Post revealed that, days before Öztürk’s arrest, an internal State Department memorandum concluded that the Trump administration lacked “any evidence showing that she engaged in antisemitic activities or made public statements supporting a terrorist organization.” The memo appears to contradict the federal government’s publicly stated rationale for revoking Ms. Öztürk’s visa — and has not been made available to members of Congress or the American public.
    The lawmakers requested a copy of the memo, along with any other documentation regarding the basis for Öztürk’s visa revocation and arrest, no later than April 30, 2025.
    Sens. Markey and Warren, along with Rep. Pressley, have pushed for answers and action since Öztürk’s March arrest. Last month, they led over 30 lawmakers in writing to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Acting Director for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Todd Lyons, demanding information about Öztürk’s arrest and detention as well as similar incidents across the country. The lawmakers also sounded the alarm on Öztürk’s medical neglect in DHS custody and renewed urgent calls for her release.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn Statement on Democrats Undermining Pres. Trump’s Border Security Efforts

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn
    AUSTIN – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement on Senate Democrats’ latest actions to undermine President Trump’s border security efforts:
    “Joe Biden and ‘Border Czar’ Kamala Harris are singlehandedly responsible for the worst border crisis in history. Senator Van Hollen’s sham trip to El Salvador to meet with an alleged MS-13 gang member and man who conceded to entering our country illegally is the latest in a long string of political stunts by Democrats, who are trying to undermine President Trump at every turn.
    “The Left has become the party who laugh in the face of law and order and pander to the most progressive wing of their base. They have time and again prioritized politics over the safety and security of Americans. It is utterly divorced from reality.
    “Thankfully, with President Trump at the helm, we will right this ship and secure our border, restore the rule of law, and make America safe again.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn Supports Abbott’s Request for Additional Federal Disaster Relief Assistance for South Texas

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn
    AUSTIN – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) today sent a letter to President Donald J. Trump urging the swift deployment of additional federal disaster relief resources to South Texas in response to Governor Greg Abbott’s request following severe flooding in Cameron, Willacy, Starr, and Hidalgo counties:
    The Senator wrote: “I understand that the State of Texas, through the Office of the Governor, has formally requested an emergency disaster declaration due to severe weather that has affected several counties in South Texas.”
    “The Governor and local officials have determined that the severity and scale of the storm exceed the response capabilities of both state and local governments.”
    “I appreciate your attention to this matter and urge you to provide all available resources from the federal government.”
    Full text of the letter is available here and below.
    April 18, 2025
    President Donald J. Trump
    The White House
    1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
    Washington, D.C. 20500
    Mr. President:
    I understand that the State of Texas, through the Office of the Governor, has formally requested an emergency disaster declaration due to severe weather that has affected several counties in South Texas. Governor Abbott has already declared a state disaster for Cameron, Willacy, Starr, and Hidalgo counties. Major storm conditions, including heavy rain and flooding, have impacted homes and businesses and continue to pose a threat to the health and safety of Texans.
    The Governor and local officials have determined that the severity and scale of the storm exceed the response capabilities of both state and local governments. As a result, additional federal assistance is essential to protect lives, property, and public health. The prolonged displacement caused by damaged homes, businesses, and essential infrastructure adds to the challenges faced by affected Texans.
    I appreciate your attention to this matter and urge you to provide all available resources from the federal government. I am ready to work with FEMA and other relevant agencies to ensure a swift evaluation and deployment of the necessary resources for a complete recovery.
    Thank you for your prompt attention to this issue.
    Sincerely, 
    Senator John Cornyn
    United States Senator

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gen. Guetlein, SDA Director Tournear to Visit Grand Forks Air Force Base, Cavalier Space Force Station

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)

    ***Click here to download audio.***

    BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) announced Space Development Agency (SDA) Director Derek Tournear and General Michael Guetlein, Vice Chief of Space Operations for the United States Space Force, will join him in visiting the University of North Dakota (UND), Grand Forks Air Force Base, and Cavalier Space Force Station.

    “The buildup of ground-based capabilities at Grand Forks Air Force Base and the warfighting support offered by Cavalier Space Force Station are critical to our national security and security around the world,” said Cramer. “The University of North Dakota’s ability to educate students and prepare them for these rewarding jobs in the military, and to support our military, are really another competitive advantage our state has when it comes to attracting cutting-edge defense projects. Dr. Tournear and General Guetlein’s firsthand look at these evolving assets, and staying up with them, really keeps our capabilities in focus.”

    “The greater Grand Forks community has been extremely welcoming to Team SDA as we prepare for operations of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture and strengthen our relationships in the region,” said SDA Director Derek Tournear. “The SDA Operations Center-North has been completed and will be fully operational in time to support the operations of our first Tranche 1 satellites that will launch later this summer. Additionally, our new Technology Acceleration Center is progressing. Once complete it will serve as a satellite support facility to onboard future tranches and as an operating location for future advanced satellite capabilities.” 

    “We are thrilled for this opportunity to strengthen our relationships with the U.S. Space Force and the Space Development Agency,” said UND President Andy Armacost. “As a University, one of our missions is to support these tremendous organizations by producing a highly educated workforce and creating innovations through research that enhance their missions.  We want to thank Senator Cramer for making it possible for Director Tournear and General Guetlein to tour our campus and to see first-hand what the University of North Dakota has to offer.”

    The group will host a media availability on Monday, April 21 at 4:15 p.m. CT in the Robin Hall Atrium, 4275 University Ave, Grand Forks, ND 58202.

    MIL OSI USA News –