NewzIntel.com

Category: US Senate

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto Unveils Plan to Reform Federal Home Loan Bank System, Increase the Supply of Homes

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto
    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) unveiled the Federal Home Loan Banks’ Mission Activities Act, her plan to reform the Federal Home Loan Banks (FHLBanks). This legislation would help ensure the FHLBanks are re-focused on their mission “to support housing finance and community development.”
    “When Congress created the Federal Home Loan Banks in 1932, the mission was simple: help families across the United States afford a home,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “However, in the more than ninety years since, the Federal Home Loan Banks have strayed from their mission. I’ve spent years pushing them to do more to support affordable housing in our communities, and I’m proud to present this next step to make them work for every American.”
    The 11 regional FHLBanks provide financing for more than 6,000 credit unions, banks, community development financial institutions, insurance companies and state housing finance agencies. These funds are meant to allow these organizations to invest more to meet the needs of their communities.
    The Federal Home Loan Banks’ Mission Activities Act would re-focus the FHLBanks on their mission requirements by:
    Requiring the FHLBank system to contribute 30 percent or a minimum of $200 million of its net earnings to its Affordable Home Program and other voluntary programs that meet community needs.
    Enabling small credit unions and community development financial institutions to pledge non-housing loans as collateral and join a Federal Home Loan Bank if they only provide small business, agricultural or community economic development loans.
    Tying FHLBanks Presidents’ compensation to how well the Banks are meeting their mission of supporting affordable housing and community development.
    Read the full bill text here.
    Throughout her time representing Nevada, Senator Cortez Masto has made reforming the Federal Home Loan Banks a cornerstone of her work. In 2021, Cortez Masto introduced the Federal Home Loan Banks’ Mission Implementation Act, which included elements of this proposal. In Congress, Senator Cortez Masto has also highlighted the fact that Nevada has been treated unfairly by the system, and she has sought additional investment in Nevada by the FHLBank of San Francisco resulting in the first-in-the nation targeted Affordable Housing Program for the state.
    Following a 2022 letter Senator Cortez Masto sent to FHFA Director Sandra Thompson, the FHFA announced a review of the Federal Home Loan Bank system. In her letter, the Senator called for a review of the FHLBanks and requested that that review consult stakeholders and outside experts to ensure the FHLBanks responsibly used their federal funding. She also asked that the review consider how FHLBanks can better support affordable housing, rural and tribal communities, income inequality, infrastructure investments, and climate resilience. In late 2023, the FHFA released a comprehensive report calling for mission-focused reform of the FHLBanks.
    Last year, Cortez Masto – alongside Senators Warren (D-Mass.), Wyden (D-Ore.), Smith (D-Minn.), Baldwin (D-Wis.), Sanders (I-Vt.) and Fetterman (D-Pa.) – sent letters to each of the 11 Federal Home Loan Banks (FHLBanks) urging them to contribute at least 20% of their net income to affordable housing and other critical community grant programs. Earlier this year, the Senator secured a $10 million investment from the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco into the Nevada Housing Division’s (NHD) single-family bond program.
    Senator Cortez Masto is the Ranking Member of the Financial Institutions and Consumer Protection Subcommittee.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: During Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, Shaheen Addresses Advocates and Educators at Building Safe Communities Conference

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen

    (Plymouth, NH) – Today, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) delivered remarks at the Building Safe Communities: The Importance of Multidisciplinary Partnerships in Addressing Domestic Violence and Empowering Survivors colloquium, sponsored by the Plymouth State University Social Work program. The visit follows the unanimous Senate passage of Shaheen’s bipartisan resolution recognizing April as National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month earlier this week. You can view photos from the event here.

    “While the Trump administration continues to freeze funding and propose plans that would eliminate the Office of Violence Against Women, the stark reality is that one in three women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime,” said Shaheen. “At the end of the day, it’s Granite Staters who will suffer if state offices and organizations who provide services don’t have the funding and support they depend on to provide help, counsel or comfort to domestic violence survivors. It’s inexcusable and I’ll continue fighting to protect these services.”

    Shaheen has long championed efforts in the Senate to boost services and programs for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. In the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 U.S. Senate Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies (CJS) Subcommittee Appropriations bill, Shaheen secured and helped advance $739.5 million, the highest funding level ever, for grants authorized by the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), including $10 million for continued implementation of her Sexual Assault Survivors’ Bill of Rights grant program.

    In 2016, Shaheen led the effort to pass the Survivors’ Bill of Rights Act, which was signed into law by President Obama. The historic legislation guaranteed rights for survivors of sexual assault in federal cases and led to 21 states adopting similar legislation, including New Hampshire. Shaheen and Grassley’s bipartisan Survivors’ Bill of Rights in the States Act was signed into law as part of the FY 2023 national defense authorization legislation, and builds on the legacy of Shaheen’s initial legislation by ensuring that all survivors, not just those in federal cases, are protected.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley to Hold Town Meeting in Lee County

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA – U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) will hold a town meeting on Tuesday, April 15, in Lee County as part of his annual 99 county meetings.

    “You can’t have representative government without dialogue between elected officials and the people we represent,” Grassley said.“I appreciate the opportunity to hold town meetings, answer questions and take comments. My annual 99 county meetings are one way I regularly keep in touch with Iowans to better represent them at the policymaking tables in Washington.”

    This is Grassley’s 45th year of holding question and answer sessions in each of Iowa’s 99 counties. Grassley has held at least one meeting in every county, every year since he was first elected to serve in the U.S. Senate. He answers questions on any subject. Iowans set the agenda.

    Grassley will be available for 15 minutes after the meeting to answer questions from local reporters. The town meeting is open to the public and media. Seating is first come, first served until the room is at capacity. Members of the media who wish to attend the meeting or media availability must RSVP. Please RSVP directly to Georgie_Hilby@grassley.senate.gov. Details for the upcoming meeting follow.

    Tuesday, April 15

    Lee County Town Meeting

    11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.

    Council Chambers

    811 Avenue E

    Fort Madison

    *Grassley will be available for 15 minutes after the meeting to answer questions from local reporters.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Q&A: First 100 Days

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    Q: What was on the front burner during the first 100 days of the 119th Congress?

    A:  Congress hit the ground running on January 3 when it opened for business. After committee assignments were adopted, I resumed the helm of the Senate Judiciary Committee and leadership position as Senate President pro tempore. The to-do list on the Senate agenda was shaped by the mandate of the November presidential election. Americans voted for border security, safer streets, lower cost of living and a stronger economy. Processing the nominees to serve on the president’s cabinet was among the top priorities of the first 100 days in Congress. The Senate has the constitutional authority of “advise and consent” in our system of checks and balances. Nominees for the federal judiciary and senior-level positions throughout the executive branch undergo a rigorous background check and vetting process to examine their credentials and qualifications to uphold the public trust. I chaired confirmation hearings for Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel, as well as other top leaders for the Department of Justice. During the previous administration, I exposed the weaponization of our government  that created a two-tiered system of justice. I’m committed to help restore public trust in our institutions of government and that includes robust oversight to hold government and wrongdoers accountable.

    The pace by which the Senate processed cabinet nominations underscores the commitment to get the election mandate in motion. In 18 days, the Senate confirmed 13 cabinet officials, reflecting support to get the president’s team in place to implement his agenda. At the top of the list was border security. Since day one of the 47th president’s second term in office, the Trump administration has kept its promise to enforce our nation’s immigration laws and restore U.S. sovereignty at our borders. Compared to the Biden administration, nationwide border encounters dropped drastically. As the president said at his joint address to Congress in March, “all we really needed was a new president.” What’s more, the first piece of legislation Congress sent to the president’s desk was the Laken Riley Act, a bipartisan bill that included Sarah’s Law, named after an Iowan killed by an illegal immigrant driving drunk. I’m also pleased the Senate approved my bipartisan bill called the HALT Fentanyl Act that would permanently schedule deadly fentanyl-related substances created by the cartels to skirt U.S. law. This bill would give law enforcement the tools it needs to keep deadly fentanyl off our streets. Republicans have swiftly delivered on our promise to restore law and order and make America’s streets safer.

    Q: What else does Congress have to show for its work in the first 100 days?

    A:  For starters, I’m glad the Senate has resumed a five-day work schedule, after a long hiatus in recent years, and continued in legislative session for 10 consecutive weeks starting in January. That’s what Iowans expect elected representatives to be doing. That’s how the schedule operated when I first came to the Senate. Many times, I urged then-Senate Majority Leader Schumer to keep the Senate in session five days a week, instead of the sleepy schedule he led during the Biden administration. That light work schedule was a disservice to the American people and contributed to year-end, massive spending packages. Congress must return to regular order and legislate 12 annual appropriations bills in their respective committees. This allows members of Congress to more closely scrutinize every line of spending and offer amendments. Americans deserve better than crisis-to-crisis legislating. As a taxpayer watchdog, I’ve continued to lead efforts to root out Pentagon mismanagement and wasteful spending across the federal government, such as tackling improper Supplemental Security Income payments, continuing my oversight of the EPA, and demanding answers about alleged fraudulent Medicare billing practices.  I also published a committee report of my investigative findings shining light on the full scope of the Obama-Biden State Department’s pervasive obstruction of FBI law enforcement efforts before, during and after the Iran Nuclear Deal negotiations. 

    In addition, the Senate Judiciary Committee has convened 15 hearings in the first 100 days. Among the policies we’ve examined include the Freedom of Information Act; children’s safety in the digital era; legislative solutions to fix universal injunctions; and, the rise in antisemitism in America. I also steered six bipartisan bills through the committee to rein in anticompetitive practices in the pharmaceutical industry to help lower drug prices. When the Senate’s not in session, I return home to Iowa every chance I get to keep in touch with my constituents. In March, I kicked off my 45th annual 99 county meetings, holding a dozen question-and-answer sessions with Iowans. Looking ahead, Congress has a full plate of unfinished business to digest in the coming months, including passing a five-year farm bill,  extending rural hospital support programs and telehealth, preventing the largest tax hike in U.S. history and funding the government through a timely and transparent process. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden Announces Town Halls in Wasco, Umatilla, Grant, Harney, Lake, Klamath and Douglas Counties

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)

    April 11, 2025

    Upcoming seven open-to-all town halls in the Columbia Gorge, Eastern and Southern Oregon will be April 23-26

    Portland – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden today announced he will hold town halls later this month in Wasco, Umatilla, Grant, Harney, Lake, Klamath and Douglas counties.

    Heading into these seven open-to-all town halls between April 23-26, Wyden has held 1,110 open-to-all town halls in keeping his promise to have at least one town hall each year in each of Oregon’s 36 counties. 

    “I promised Oregonians in every nook and cranny of our state that I would always make myself available to answer questions and hear their concerns and opinions,” Wyden said. “That in-person connection has always been essential, and it’s more crucial than ever now during these unprecedented challenges to continue those direct conversations so all parts of Oregon are heard.”

     The schedule for the town halls is as follows:

    • Wasco County, 1 pm, Wednesday, April 23, The Dalles High School, 220 E 10th St, The Dalles
    • Umatilla County, 6 pm, Wednesday, April 23, Pendleton High School, 1800 NW Carden Ave., Pendleton
    • Grant County, 12:30 pm, Thursday, April 24, Humbolt Elementary School, 329 N. Humbolt Street, Canyon City (Parking at the elementary school is limited so overflow parking will be available at Grant Union High School — 911 S. Canyon Blvd, John Day — with shuttle buses provided to the town hall starting at 11:45 am)
    • Harney County, 6 pm, Thursday, April 24, Harney County Chamber of Commerce community room, 484 N Broadway, Burns
    • Lake County, 11 am, Friday, April 25, Lakeview High School cafeteria, 906 S 3rd St, Lakeview
    • Klamath County, 4 pm, Friday, April 25, Oregon Institute of Technology, Danny Miles Gym, 3201 Campus Dr., Klamath Falls
    • Douglas County, 3 pm, Saturday, April 26,Umpqua Community College, Jacoby Auditorium, 1140 Umpqua College Rd Roseburg

    Although these were the largest venues available for these town halls on these dates, space may still be limited. Doors will open one hour before the town hall start times for attendees. For everyone’s security, backpacks and large bags will not be allowed in the town hall.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Booker, Kim Urge Trump Administration to Investigate Fatal Shooting of New Jersey Teen in the West Bank

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Andy Kim (D-NJ) sent a letter to President Trump urging his administration to seek answers and conduct a U.S.-led investigation into the fatal shooting of Amer Rabee, a 14-year-old New Jerseyan. Two other American citizens were also injured in the incident, including 14-year-old Ayoub Ijbara and 15-year-old Abdulrahman Shihada. Ayoub Ijbara was born in New Jersey and is reported to be in critical condition.

    “As New Jersey’s Senators, we are calling for a thorough and transparent accounting of the facts and circumstances around Amer Rabee’s death and the actions of Israeli security forces. We appreciate the difficult and dynamic nature of the situation, but also underscore our expectation that such an inquiry is possible and should be pursued when an American has died. As a result, we urge your administration to conduct a timely, independent and transparent investigation into Amer Rabee’s death as well as Ayoub Ijbara and Abdulrahman Shihada’s injuries,” the Senators wrote.

    The lawmakers expressed that many of their constituents in New Jersey have connections to Turmus Ayya, a town in the West Bank with a large Palestinian American community, and have been personally impacted by this devastating event and the rise in violence in the West Bank that has occurred in recent years.   

    “We urge your administration to raise this case at the highest levels during meetings with counterparts in the Israeli government and the Palestinian Authority and press for full cooperation with a U.S.-led investigation. Furthermore, we urge the State Department to quickly dispatch embassy officials to visit the Rabee and Ijbara families and ensure that they have all support they need during this difficult time, including urgent medical support for Ayoub,” the Senators continued.

    “As we continue the work of keeping Americans safe, here at home and around the world, the U.S. must do all it can to seek answers and accountability when Americans are injured or killed,” the Senators concluded.

    To read the full text of the letter, click here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rosen, Colleagues Call on Small Business Administration to Mitigate Damage from Trump Tariffs to Small Businesses

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)

    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV), a member of the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, joined colleagues in a letter demanding that U.S. Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler take immediate action to address the impacts of Trump’s reckless tariff policies on small businesses. In Nevada, 99 percent of all businesses are small businesses, and tariffs are threatening their ability to stay afloat.
    “The situation is dire. From mom-and-pop restaurants unable to afford basic supplies like cooking oil to small manufacturers and high-tech startups struggling to afford the raw materials needed for innovation, small businesses across all sectors are facing the same crippling reality,” wrote the Senators. “As these costs rise, consumer confidence continues to plummet, and the economy stagnates. A survey by Small Business for America’s Future found that 71 percent of small businesses will need to increase prices to survive, but with consumer confidence at its lowest since the pandemic, many owners know their customers cannot afford higher prices. The tariffs, therefore, are not only increasing costs, but also are undermining the very demand from customers that small businesses rely on.”
    “Failure to act will not only jeopardize the livelihoods of small business owners but may also lead to long-term financial hardship for the 60 million workers employed by small business – especially those working paycheck to paycheck who cannot afford to be laid off or have jobs delayed or denied,” the Senators’ letter continued. “We urge you to take swift action to ameliorate the damage being inflicted on small businesses by the President’s tariff policies, combined with the chaos of cuts to federal services and investments that small businesses rely on. As a representative of millions of entrepreneurs who are on the brink of disaster and the voice of small businesses in the administration, you have an obligation to fight for their survival… America’s small businesses—and the workers they employ—are counting on you to take action before it is too late.”
    The full letter can be found HERE.
    Senator Rosen has been fighting back against President Trump’s reckless tariffs and the destructive impacts they’re having on Nevada’s economy. Earlier this week, Rosen led a letter demanding that Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and President Donald Trump immediately reverse course on the sweeping tariffs that are devastating small businesses in Nevada and across the nation. Senator Rosen also recently took to the Senate floor to oppose President Trump’s tariffs and highlight a letter she received from a small business owner in Reno outlining the devastating impact these tariffs will have on his business. Senator Rosen also helped pass a Congressional resolution to reverse President Trump’s devastating tariffs on virtually all Canadian goods that have raised prices for families and hurt Nevada’s businesses and economy. Senator Rosen also sent a letter urging the Trump Administration to reverse course on imposing tariffs on Canada and Mexico to prevent housing prices from rising even further.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner, Kaine, and Fetterman Statement on Department of Labor Announcement Pushing Back Enforcement of Silica Rule that Protects Coal Miners from Breathing in Toxic Chemicals on the Job

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and John Fetterman (D-PA) released the following statement on the decision by the Department of Labor (DOL) Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) to pause enforcement of its final rule to better protect America’s miners from health hazards related to exposure to respirable crystalline silica, or silica dust:

    “Coal miners deserve to go to work every day and come back healthy, and the recent decision by the Mine Safety and Health Administration delaying enforcement of their landmark rule to better protect miners from silica dust is an alarming abdication of responsibility. Silica dust has caused severe black lung disease in young coal miners, and as the Trump administration continues to cause chaos through their indiscriminate funding cuts and firings, it’s our miners who are being left behind. We expect the Mine Safety and Health Administration to begin enforcement of this rule no later than their August 18, 2025 deadline.”

    Last year, the senators applauded the DOL’s decision to amend current federal silica standards after spending years advocating for the updated rule to better protect miners from inhaling toxic chemicals.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner, Kaine, Colleagues Reintroduce Legislation to Establish Chesapeake National Recreation Area

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA), alongside their Maryland colleagues Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (both D-MD), renewed their efforts to create a unified Chesapeake National Recreation Area (CNRA). The CNRA Act proposes to unite a series of voluntarily contributed park areas and iconic Bay properties under the operation of the National Park Service (NPS) in order to spur more federal resources for environmental conservation, celebrate the Chesapeake’s diverse cultural and economic history, foster sustainable and equitable access to the Bay, and support responsible economic growth in the region.

    The legislation was first introduced in July 2023. An amended version of this legislation was approved in a bipartisan, unanimous vote by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee in November 2024, followed the next month by its unanimous passage on the Senate Floor. As there was insufficient time to advance the legislation in the House of Representatives before the end of the previous Congress, the senators have reintroduced the legislation to establish the CNRA in the 119th Congress.

    “The Chesapeake Bay is at the cultural heart of so many Virginia communities, and serves as an economic driver for the Commonwealth as a whole. The creation of the Chesapeake National Recreation Area will not only help to preserve the rich history of the bay, but will ensure that it can be restored and protected for years to come,” said Warner.

    “The Chesapeake Bay is deeply embedded in the history, ecology, and economy of Virginia and the entire region,” said Kaine. “Creating the Chesapeake National Recreation Area will help ensure that people can cherish the beauty of the Bay for generations to come.”

    “The Chesapeake Bay is a natural and national treasure. Creating a unified CNRA will unlock more resources for its restoration, generate more prosperity for those whose livelihoods depend on it, and spotlight its unique story – encouraging greater public access to and enjoyment of everything the Bay has to offer. We built great momentum for the CNRA over the past two years, securing unanimous bipartisan approval by a key Committee and passing it on the Floor of the U.S. Senate. We will continue to build on this progress toward our goal of making our vision for the CNRA a reality, and bringing greater national recognition to the Bay we all cherish,” said Senator Van Hollen.

    “It is past time that we officially establish the Chesapeake National Recreation Area. We know the Chesapeake Bay is the heart of Maryland but it is so much more — rich with history and wildlife, an economic driver for our state, and the home to our beloved blue crab. We must ensure the Chesapeake Bay receives the recognition and resources it needs so that we can enjoy this national treasure for years to come. Passing this legislation is a step forward,” said Senator Alsobrooks.

    The CNRA will increase responsible public access to the Chesapeake Bay and strengthen the culture of stewardship across the region. Additionally, the CNRA will highlight the stories that often go untold – those of Indigenous peoples; free and enslaved Blacks; the role the Bay played in the earliest days of the Virginia and Maryland Colonies; its importance to the region’s economy; and the story of watermen and -women who are essential to the economic success and health of the Bay region.

    The first historic sites of regional importance proposed to be in the CNRA network include the North Beach of Fort Monroe in Hampton, Virginia and the Burtis House, Whitehall, and Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse in Annapolis, Maryland. The CNRA will also utilize a collection of partnerships with states, localities, nonprofit organizations, and private entities to support public access to and restoration of nationally significant historic, cultural, or recreational Bay resources.

    This designation will not impose any additional regulations on recreation, fishing, or other business activities in Chesapeake Bay waters, and the National Park Service’s authority will not supersede state authority on these matters.

    Text of the legislation can be viewed here.

    More details about this initiative can be viewed here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Collins Announces Penobscot Nation DOI Funding Restored

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins

    Washington, D.C. – Following a meeting last month with Chief Kirk Francis of the Penobscot Nation and further consultation with the Administration, today, Senator Collins announced that her office has received notice from the Department of the Interior (DOI) that $4 million in previously paused federal funding for the Nation has resumed.

    “This funding was awarded to support the acquisition of lands in the Penobscot River watershed, returning it to the Penobscot Nation,” said Senator Collins. “Restoring access to these lands is an important step in preserving the Penobscot Nation’s cultural and environmental heritage. I am pleased the Department has reversed course and is honoring its previous commitment to the Nation.”

    The Penobscot Nation was awarded $4 million through the DOI Bureau of Indian Affairs’ Tribal Climate Resilience Program in Fiscal Year 2024 to acquire 30,000 acres of critical habitat in the Penobscot River watershed, creating an important ecological corridor and protecting culturally significant lands. This investment will help safeguard vital wetlands, streams, and habitats for species of high conservation need while promoting the Nation’s long-term role of ecological stewardship in the region.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: KTUU Highlights Sullivan Effort to Secure $25 Million Investment in Alaska Aviation Safety

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Dan Sullivan

    04.11.25

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) welcomed the announcement of a $25 million investment in Alaska aviation safety from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in an interview with Alaska’s News Source yesterday. This investment is the result of a Sullivan-authored provision in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 authorizing $25 million annually for the Don Young Alaska Aviation Safety Initiative (DYAASI) from FY 2025 through 2028. The investment includes the increase of satellite use to improve communications and weather reporting at airports throughout the state.

    Sen. Sullivan cited Alaska’s higher than average aviation accident rate—2.35 times the national average—and Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy’s commitment to Sullivan to strongly support Alaska aviation safety for laying the groundwork for the investment.

    Click here or the image above to watch Sen. Sullivan’s interview.

    Sen. Sullivan celebrates multi-million dollar investment in Alaska aviation safety

    By: John Thompson

    April 10, 2025

    ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – Sen. Dan Sullivan and the Alaska Congressional Delegation are welcoming a $25 million investment from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to improve safety in Alaska’s skies.

    The FAA will authorize $25 million annually from fiscal year 2025 through 2028 for the Don Young Alaska Aviation Safety Initiative.

    “We launched this initiative last year in the FAA reauthorization bill — I was able to get this $25 million provision authorized to bring a lot more infrastructure,” Sullivan told Alaska’s News Source. “But it’s just a down payment.

    “We need a lot more than that, and so this is the Trump administration working with us. You know, there’s been a lot of stories about the Trump administration cutting, but this is the Trump administration coming to Alaska saying, hey, we know this is a priority.”

    Sullivan said that one of the reasons this was pushed through is his relationship with the new Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy.

    “After the Bering Air crash, he called me, ‘Senator, what can we do?‘,” Sullivan said.

    “Since that time, he’s reached out to me two different times, ‘Hey, what more can we do?’ And then they called just two days ago, saying we saw your FAA provision on the $25 million, we’re going to appropriate for it right now.

    “And this is a down payment because they said we need to do more.”

    The FAA investment was in direct response to a 2020 National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) report that showed aviation accidents in Alaska happen at a rate 2.35 times higher than the rest of the United States. The report also showed that Alaska’s fatal accident rate was 1.34 times higher than that of the rest of the U.S.

    …

    Ultimately, Sullivan believes the stars are aligning for a bright and safe future when it comes to Alaska aviation safety.

    “All of these things come together in terms of our aviation, but getting more weather reporting and the infrastructure to do so in all of our airports [is coming with this new funding].”

    Click here to read the full article.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sullivan Recognizes Fairbanks Philanthropist Jay Ramras as “Alaskan of the Week”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Dan Sullivan

    04.11.25

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) recognized Fairbanks native Jay Ramras on the Senate floor yesterday. For decades, Jay has invested in his community through the preservation of historical landmarks and support for his fellow Alaskans, volunteering his time and resources to charitable causes, and fostering a thriving Jewish community in the Last Frontier. Jay was recognized as part of Sen. Sullivan’s series, “Alaskan of the Week.”

    Click here or the image above to watch Sen. Sullivan’s speech.

    Tribute to Jay Ramras

    Mr. President, it is Thursday here in the U.S. Senate, and it is time for a great tradition—I think one of the greatest traditions in the history of the U.S. Senate. It is called ‘‘The Alaskan of the Week’’ speech, which I try to give most Thursdays. It has been a while. For the pages, this is the highlight of the week. Even our friends in the media like this speech because it usually signals the end of the work week, but not right now. You saw the minority leader’s objection without any explanation on why on confirming the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, so we might be here for a lot longer.

    So I wanted to highlight what is going on in Alaska, as I usually do during my ‘‘Alaskan of the Week’’ speech and just give a snapshot of what is happening back home.

    It is still pretty cold, still have a fair amount of snow. Anchorage just got a bunch of snow that lasted a couple of days. The 53rd Iditarod just concluded in Nome with a stunning first-time win by Alaskan Jessie Holmes and his 10- dog sled team.

    The Iron Dog Race, that is a snow machine race, longest, toughest snow machine race in the world, was won by—that is done in kind of tandem— Robby Schachle and Bradley George, their second victory of the Iron Dog snow machine race.

    Things are starting to thaw, as I mentioned. It is beginning of the summer tourism season, right around the corner. The first cruise ship will dock in Southeast Alaska in less than 2 weeks, and thousands of tourists from all over the world will come to our great State.

    Anyone watching in the Gallery, we would love to have you. Come to Alaska.

    For many of these tourists, this is going to be the trip of a lifetime. For Alaskans, this is where we live every day. And our Alaskan of the Week does something that is very unusual: He is beloved by Alaskans and tourists—not an easy task—and this person is my friend Jay Ramras.

    Like many Alaskans, Jay is a jack-of-all-trades. He owns restaurants and beautiful hotels. He has had a successful political career. He is a prolific philanthropist. He loves history. And more importantly, he loves Alaska and especially his great hometown of Fairbanks—by the way, my wife’s hometown.

    Now, I love to talk about our Alaskan of the Week. There are so many. We have talked about hundreds over the course of many years here on the Senate floor.

    Senate floor. Jay was born in Fairbanks in 1964. His father Dan moved to Fairbanks from Brooklyn, NY, in 1948. And as Jay says: There has been a Ramras in Interior Alaska going on 80 years.

    And Jay’s entrepreneurial resume, which is legendary in Alaska, began in 1986 at the tender age of 22 years old when he started a chicken wing restaurant, expanding his business footprint to other eateries across Fairbanks and, eventually, purchasing the iconic Fairbanks landmark called Pike’s Landing.

    For anyone going to Fairbanks, you have got to stay at Pike’s Landing.

    It was this purchase that led Jay to uncovering some really incredible chapters of Alaskan history—as I said, Jay is a real history buff—and he credits this to his bachelor of arts degree in American history, but it all started with Pike’s.

    So let’s talk about Pike’s. Pike’s Landing was established after World War II when Lloyd Pike claimed land along the Chena River—the Chena River runs right through Fairbanks— under the Homestead Act.

    In 1959—by the way, the same year Alaska became the 49th State—Pike opened the original Pike’s Landing. Throughout the years, Pike’s Landing cemented itself as a landmark in the Fairbanks community.

    When Jay purchased Pike’s Landing in 2000, he found himself wondering about the history of the property and the man who established the landmark location of Pike’s. The original owner had sort of disappeared from history. So Jay asked around, collecting oral histories from Fairbanks old-timers who had seen the growth of Pike’s Landing over the decades.

    Jay found that Pike’s Landing had long faced congestion at the boat launch due to its prime location right there, as I said, on the Chena River. That was a problem Lloyd Pike solved by building a public launch to clear up some of the demand in terms of getting boats on the river.

    The original boat launch was washed away when the Chena River flooded— huge flood by the way—in 1968. But decades later, Jay found himself building another boat launch, unknowingly, right at the same spot. As he said: If I hadn’t already been born, I would have believed in reincarnation. I would have thought I had been reincarnated as Lloyd Pike because he put his boat launch right where Lloyd Pike lived. Since then, Jay has been working with Fairbanks North Star Borough Historic Preservation Commission to put Pike’s Landing on the National Register of Historic Places. I have no doubt that is going to happen. ‘‘It was so important to me that we rescue Lloyd Pike from obscurity,’’ Jay said.

    But this wasn’t the only historical figure that Jay has connected himself and the community of Fairbanks to. As Jay was in the process of building an aviation-themed extension of his hotel, he felt it needed a real airplane mounted in front to honor the lodge’s proximity to the Fairbanks International Airport. While searching, he stumbled on a refurbished Cessna 140 on Craigslist. After purchasing this plane, Jay discovered it had been owned by none other than Noel Wien.

    The Presiding Officer is a pilot. Maybe he knows who Noel Wien is. For those who don’t, Noel Wien is considered the father of Alaska aviation—the first pilot to successfully fly from Anchorage to Fairbanks in 1924. Wien went on to found Wien Airlines, a commercial airline that operated in Alaska for nearly 60 years.

    As the Presiding Officer knows, these were some intrepid pilots. That was 100 years ago he did that first flight—open-air cockpit, really cold.

    Jay’s interest in history, once again, piqued, and he dug into that period and discovered some great photographs of Noel Wien, Wien Airlines, and had a great celebration last year in July of 2024, celebrating the 100th anniversary of that historic flight in Alaska. Really, that was a historic flight for America. My wife Julie and I were there. Senator MURKOWSKI was there. Our Governor was there. By the way, the Wien family was there, including Leslie Wien Hajdukovich, my former regional director. It was a great classic Jay Ramras event. Hundreds of people came out to celebrate a huge moment in Alaska history, Alaska aviation history—I would say, American aviation history.

    In addition to preserving this incredible chapter in Fairbanks’ history, Jay has invested in Fairbanks’ future. Let me tell you about a few of his other endeavors. Each summer, Jay hosts the Yukon 800 boat race, the longest, toughest, roughest speedboat race in the world. It starts at Pike’s, up to the Chena, gets out on the mighty Yukon— huge race.

    Just as I mentioned, he just recently hosted the fourth Iditarod start at Pike’s. Normally, the Iditarod starts down in Anchorage. That is the toughest, longest, greatest race in the world, the Iditarod. It occasionally starts in Fairbanks, but it did this year at Pike’s. And as I mentioned, he regularly sponsors the Iron Dog snow machine race that, yes, is the toughest, longest, roughest snow machine race in the world.

    he world. Jay also had a successful political career, serving three terms in the Alaska House of Representatives. And he is a great philanthropist in Fairbanks—a key player in Fairbanks Food Bank and doing so many other things in terms of philanthropy.

    On top of all this, Jay says his greatest legacy, he believes, will be something he recently did—which I think is just fantastic—the creation of a new synagogue in Fairbanks, the northernmost Chabad in the United States.

    It began with a call from Rabbi Greenberg in Anchorage. He is a great friend of mine, one of the leaders of our Jewish community throughout the State. He asked Jay if he could host a young orthodox rabbi and his wife for a short visit. Of course, Jay, a very generous man, agreed. ‘‘I think it would be around a two-week summer stay.’’ Then they came again for a second visit, this time in January when it is 45 below zero in Fairbanks. It gets really cold in Fairbanks. And they still returned.

    The young couple, Rabbi Heshy Wolf and his wife Chani have now chosen to make Fairbanks their permanent home.

    Jay, generous as ever, purchased a small church with his own money. The previous congregation at the church had outgrown the place. They refurbished it, transforming it into the Fairbanks Jewish Center. The original congregation stayed on rent-free until they found a new home, a new church. Just a few weeks ago, five rabbis gathered in Fairbanks for the first time in over 120 years and hosted this new synagogue, the northernmost synagogue, I believe, in America, in Fairbanks.

    Jay, thank you. What a life of accomplishment. What a legacy, not just for Fairbanks, but for all of Alaska. For every different community—sports community, Jewish community, historical community—you have done it all. And now, Jay, you have been awarded one of the most prestigious awards anyone can achieve in their life, Alaskan of the Week.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tillis, Colleagues Reignite Effort to Improve Reporting Attacks on Law Enforcement

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Carolina Thom Tillis
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to enhance information-gathering on attacks targeting law enforcement. The Improving Law Enforcement Officer Safety and Wellness Through Data Act would help fill identified gaps in reporting requirements for ambush-attacks against law enforcement officers by increasing our understanding of these crimes and how they arise. 
    “Attacks on our law enforcement officers are abhorrent and we must get a clear picture on when they occur,” said Senator Tillis. “I’m proud to co-introduce this bipartisan legislation so we can improve reporting and continue supporting the men and women in blue to prevent these disgusting acts.” 
    Background:
    In 2023, law enforcement agencies reported over 79,000 police officers were assaulted and 60 were feloniously killed. While the government collects basic information on these attacks, including when the attack occurred and the types of weapons used, more information is needed to help prepare for, identify and prevent anti-police activity. 
     The Improving Law Enforcement Officer Safety and Wellness Through Data Act would:  
    Increase the categories of information that can be voluntarily reported regarding anti-police attacks, including the intention and coordination of perpetrators;
    Direct the Justice Department to explore adding escalatory aggression to its reports;
    Shed light on the mental health and stress-related impacts of aggressive activity or trauma on law enforcement; and 
    Explore the availability and extent to which mental health resources for officers are used. 
    Full text of the legislation is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: As Trump’s Trade War Bludgeons US Economy, Duckworth, Durbin, Democratic Senators Slam Administration for Defunding Network of Centers That Boost American Manufacturing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
    April 11, 2025
    As Trump’s Trade War Bludgeons US Economy, Duckworth, Durbin, Democratic Senators Slam Administration for Defunding Network of Centers That Boost American Manufacturing
    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) joined U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and 11 of their Senate Democratic colleagues in a letter to Trump’s Commerce Secretary, Howard Lutnick, demanding answers regarding the Administration’s decision to cancel funding for 10 National Institute of Standards and Technology Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Centers across the country. The action came on April 1, one day before Trump announced sweeping tariffs on imports which tanked the stock market and raised warnings from experts of a recession.  
    “Small manufacturers rely on MEP Centers for essential support in adopting the latest advanced technologies, updating their cybersecurity, navigating supply chain challenges, and accessing workforce training—resources that are often out of reach for small businesses without this dedicated assistance,” the Senators wrote. “These centers drive innovation, boost productivity, and create high-quality jobs, strengthening both local economies and America’s global competitiveness. Without this critical federal support, MEP Centers—especially those with the fewest resources, and those serving rural and underserved communities—will be at the greatest risk of closure.
    The economic impact of these centers has been substantial. A report by Summit Consulting and the Upjohn Institute found that the MEP program generated a substantial economic and financial return ratio of more than 17:1 for the $175 million funding invested by the federal government in FY2023. The study also determined that MEP Center projects contributed to an overall increase of nearly 309,000 jobs nationwide.
    Since 1988, the MEP has worked to strengthen and empower U.S. manufacturing through a nationwide network of MEP Centers. The MEP National Network is comprised of 51 MEP Centers located in all 50 states and Puerto Rico and over 1,450 trusted advisors and experts at more than 430 MEP service locations that provide any U.S. manufacturer with access to resources they need to succeed. In Illinois, the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) leads a variety of initiatives to grow manufacturing, including supporting the development of quantum technologies in our state. IMEC has created and retained more than 7,000 jobs and assisted nearly 3,000 companies.
    Joining Duckworth, Durbin, Cantwell and Baldwin in sending the letter was Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Chris Coons (D-DE) and Gary Peters (D-MI).
    Full text of the letter is available on Senator Duckworth’s website and below:
    April 8, 2025
    Dear Secretary Lutnick,
    We write to express our deep concern regarding the Department of Commerce’s recent decision to cancel future funding for ten National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Centers in Delaware, Hawaii, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, and Wyoming. This decision has raised widespread concern across the entire national network of MEP Centers, prompting fears about whether these initial cancellations are the first step in a broader effort to dismantle the program and eliminate federal funding for all 51 centers, with centers in Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, New York, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin expected to be notified about their status shortly. Given the MEP program’s long-standing, bipartisan support in strengthening small and medium-sized American manufacturers, we share these concerns and urge you to provide clarity and certainty on your plans for the future of the MEP program.
    According to the National Association of Manufacturers, 93% of manufacturers have fewer than 100 employees, while 75% have fewer than 20 employees. Small manufacturers rely on MEP Centers for essential support in adopting the latest advanced technologies, updating their cybersecurity, navigating supply chain challenges, and accessing workforce training—resources that are often out of reach for small businesses without this dedicated assistance. These centers drive innovation, boost productivity, and create high-quality jobs, strengthening both local economies and America’s global competitiveness. Without this critical federal support, MEP Centers—especially those with the fewest resources, and those serving rural and underserved communities—will be at the greatest risk of closure.
    Dismantling this program would not only disrupt benefits for small businesses but also undermine decades of federal investment in domestic manufacturing resilience, which Congress prioritized in the MEP program in the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988. Congress also reauthorized the MEP program in the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022. NIST was provided $175 million in Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 to fund the MEP Centers. In FY2024 alone, the MEP National Network resulted in $2.6 billion in cost savings, $15 billion in new and retained sales, $5 billion in new client investments, and over 108,000 jobs created or retained. Additionally, a report by Summit Consulting and the Upjohn Institute found that the MEP program generated a substantial economic and financial return ratio of more than 17:1 for the $175 million funding invested by the federal government in FY2023. The study also determined that MEP Center projects contributed to an overall increase of nearly 309,000 jobs across the United States.
    Given these benefits and the funding in the FY 2025 Continuing Resolution, we request a full explanation of the rationale behind this funding decision and ask that you promptly reconsider. Additionally, we urge the Department of Commerce to provide Congress with an impact assessment detailing how this decision will affect manufacturers in the affected states and regions. This action has caused tremendous uncertainty for all MEP Centers and the thousands of American manufacturing companies and their workers. Therefore, to better understand your plans for renewals across other states in the future, we request a briefing on the way ahead for the overall MEP program prior to making any final non-renewal decisions by April 30, 2025. 
    Eliminating federal support for MEP Centers would hamper American small and medium-sized manufacturers. We urge you to take immediate action to protect the MEP program and the manufacturers that rely on it. We look forward to your response no later than April 30, 2025, and are ready to work with you to find solutions that maintain and enhance the MEP program’s ability to serve America’s manufacturing sector.
    Sincerely,
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, Murkowski, Houlahan, Bacon Renew Bipartisan, Bicameral Push to Give Public Health Crisis Responders Essential Leave Benefits Enjoyed by All Other Uniformed Services

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
    April 11, 2025
    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC)—U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and U.S. Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-06) and Don Bacon (R-NE-02) reintroduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation that would help expand leave benefits for the millions of devoted health professionals serving in the U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) Commissioned Corps. Despite being responsible for leading our nation’s emergency response to dangerous public health crises, PHS officers are still the only federal entity—civilian or uniformed—without access to essential leave benefits, including extended parental leave, emergency leave, court appearance leave and rest and recuperation leave. The lawmakers’ Uniformed Services Leave Parity Act would rectify this issue by ensuring PHS officers have access to the same authorized leave that is available to members of the Armed Services.
    “When disease or disaster threatens our public safety, PHS officers are on the front lines helping keep the American people healthy and out of harm’s way—there’s no reason they shouldn’t have the same leave benefits that officers of the Army, Navy or any of our other uniformed services do,” said Duckworth. “Our bipartisan legislation would help right this wrong and ensure these devoted health professionals have equal access to the benefits they deserve.”
    “The United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps shows up when the nation needs them most, from natural disasters to public health emergencies. Despite their work to mitigate the health impacts of the most intense crises, these everyday heroes don’t have access to critical leave benefits,” said Senator Murkowski. “This legislation rectifies this oversight, and gives Public Health Service officers leave benefits on par with their peers across other uniformed services.”
    “It is past time that all our servicemembers, including our U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps, have equal access to paid parental leave,” said Houlahan. “This gap in our law has put our highly qualified public health officers at a disadvantage at a time when their role on the front lines of public health prevention has never been more important. I am proud to reintroduce this bipartisan and bicameral legislation to right this wrong, and I will continue fighting until these honorable officers, and all Americans in fact, have access to paid leave.”
    “Our Public Health Service officers serve alongside other uniformed service members during national emergencies, yet they don’t receive the same basic leave benefits,” said Rep. Bacon. “I’m honored to co-lead the bipartisan Uniformed Services Leave Parity Act to ensure these dedicated healthcare professionals, who are vital to protecting American public health, are granted the same essential leave benefits as their uniformed service counterparts.”
    When it comes to leave benefits, the inequity that persists between PHS and the other uniformed services undermines PHS’s ability to recruit and retain qualified professionals that help our nation tackle public health crises like natural disasters, COVID-19 or Ebola. Not only does this inequity compromise the wellbeing of PHS officers, but it also ultimately threatens our nation’s public health emergency preparedness.
    The Uniformed Services Leave Parity Act is endorsed by the Commissioned Officers Association, Military Officers Association of America and Reserved Officers Association.
    Full text of the legislation can be found on the Senator’s website.
    Duckworth has long been a leader in pushing for better benefits and support for members of the armed and uniformed services. Last week, she renewed her push to ensure IVF treatment costs are covered on servicemembers’ and military families’ health care plans. Last December, Duckworth helped pass the bipartisan Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that gave servicemembers a pay raise and included a Duckworth-led provision to improve access to high-quality medical care for servicemembers and their families in the Indo-Pacific region, among other wins for military families. Duckworth also successfully passed a provision in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) make sure each service is paying its Guard and Reserve members the same monthly incentive pay for maintaining critical skills and taking on hazardous duty as those in the active component. Since this defense bill was signed into law, Duckworth has also pushed to hold DoD accountable for implementing her pay parity provision.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, Durbin Join Introduction of Legislation to Increase Value of Tax Credits that Help Working Class Americans

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
    April 11, 2025
    The American Family Act and the Tax Cut for Workers Act would expand the Child Tax Credit and the Earned Income Tax Credit to give Americans much-needed financial relief 
    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) joined their Senate colleagues to introduce two bills, the American Family Act and the Tax Cut for Workers Act, aimed at expanding tax credits for American families. 
    “When Democrats expanded the Child Tax Credit in the American Rescue Plan, we lifted millions of children out of poverty with the stroke of a pen, bringing child poverty rates to the lowest recorded levels in our history,” Duckworth said. “As costs continue to rise, middle-class families are the ones that need relief, not billionaires like Elon Musk and the corporations shipping jobs overseas. I’m proud to join my colleagues in this push to put money back in the pockets of Americans.”
    “As costs have risen, wages haven’t kept up. And now Republicans want to give tax cuts to billionaires. What we need to do instead is give workers and families more tools to help make ends meet,” said Durbin. “The American Family Act and the Tax Cut for Workers Act would put money back into the pockets of hardworking Americans so they can afford to put food on the table, keep their lights on, and access high-quality child care.”
    The American Family Act, led by U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) and cosponsored by Duckworth and Durbin, would permanently expand the Child Tax Credit (CTC) for middle-class and low-income families, one of the most effective tools to reduce poverty and put money back in the pockets of working families.  The 2021 expansion of the CTC in the American Rescue Plan Act, based on the American Family Act, led to a historic reduction in poverty in the United States, particularly for children. Research showed that child poverty fell immediately and substantially to 5.2 percent, its lowest level on record.
    Specifically, the American Family Act would:
    Increase the value of the CTC from the current level of $2,000 per child to $6,360 for newborns, $4,320 for children ages one through six, and $3,600 for children age six through 17;
    End the longstanding, discriminatory policy that reduces the value of the CTC for low-income families, ensuring that the families of 17 million low-income children left out of the CTC under current law will receive the same credit as families in the middle class;
    Provide for monthly delivery of the credit so families have access to the credit as bills arrive; and
    Index the CTC for inflation to preserve the value of the credit moving forward.
    The Tax Cut for Workers Act, led by U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and cosponsored by Duckworth and Durbin, would cut taxes for working class American without children, who currently receive a much smaller Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) than workers with children.  The bill would also extend eligibility for the tax cut to workers under the age of 25 and over the age of 64.
    The text of the American Family Act is available HERE and a summary of the bill is available HERE.
    The text of the Tax Cut for Workers Act is available HERE.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Military Mission for Sealing the Southern Border of the United States and Repelling Invasions

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    NATIONAL SECURITY PRESIDENTIAL MEMORANDUM/NSPM-4
    MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE               THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR               THE SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE               THE SECRETARY OF HOMELAND SECURITY
    SUBJECT:      Military Mission for Sealing the Southern Border of the United States and Repelling Invasions
    As the Chief Executive and Commander in Chief, the United States Constitution empowers me to direct the various elements of the executive branch to protect our homeland and ensure the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the United States in the manner I deem most efficient and effective, consistent with applicable law.  Our southern border is under attack from a variety of threats.  The complexity of the current situation requires that our military take a more direct role in securing our southern border than in the recent past.  Through Executive Order 14167 of January 20, 2025 (Clarifying the Military’s Role in Protecting the Territorial Integrity of the United States), I assigned the Armed Forces of the United States the military missions of repelling the invasion and sealing the United States southern border from unlawful entry to maintain the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security of the United States.  This memorandum provides additional guidance on securing the southern border to the heads of certain executive departments. 
    Section 1.  Policy. (a) to accomplish the military missions described in Executive Order 14167, and to ensure the safety and security of the military and other Federal personnel in areas of military operations within Federal lands along the southern border, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall take all appropriate actions:
    (i)    to provide for the use and jurisdiction by the Department of Defense over such Federal lands, including the Roosevelt Reservation and excluding Federal Indian Reservations, that are reasonably necessary to enable military activities directed in this memorandum, including border-barrier construction and emplacement of detection and monitoring equipment; and
    (ii)   to provide for transfer and acceptance of jurisdiction over such Federal lands in accordance with applicable law to enable military activities directed in this memorandum to occur on a military installation under the jurisdiction of the Department of Defense and for the designation of such Federal lands as National Defense Areas by the Secretary of Defense.
    (b)  The Secretary of the Interior shall allow the Secretary of Defense to use those portions of the Roosevelt Reservation not yet transferred or withdrawn under this memorandum. In accordance with Proclamation 10886 of January 20, 2025 (Declaring a National Emergency at the Southern Border of the United States), 43 U.S.C. 155 is hereby invoked and the Secretary of the Interior may make withdrawals, reservations, and restrictions of public lands to provide for the utilization of public lands by the Department of Defense to address the emergency at the southern border, without regard to any limitation on withdrawals otherwise applicable under the terms of the Engle Act, 43 U.S.C. 155-158.
    (c)  The Secretary of Defense may determine those military activities that are reasonably necessary and appropriate to accomplish the mission assigned in Executive Order 14167 and that are necessary to protect and maintain the security of military installations, consistent with section 2672 of title 10, United States Code, and the longstanding authority of a military installation commander to exclude persons from a military installation, as recognized in section 21 of the Internal Security Act of 1950 (50 U.S.C. 797) and 18 U.S.C. 1382.
    (d)  In carrying out activities under this memorandum, members of the Armed Forces will follow rules for the use of force prescribed by the Secretary of Defense.
    Sec. 2.  Phased Implementation. The Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the Secretary of Homeland Security will initially implement this memorandum on a limited sector of Federal lands designated by the Secretary of Defense.  Within 45 days of the date of this memorandum, the Secretary of Defense shall assess this initial phase.  At any time, the Secretary of Defense may extend activities under this memorandum to additional Federal lands along the southern border in coordination with the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Assistant to the President and Homeland Security Advisor, and other executive departments and agencies as appropriate.
    Sec. 3.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this memorandum shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
    (i)    the authority of the Secretary of Defense to authorize and request that State Governors order members of the National Guard under authority of title 32 of the United States Code to conduct Department of Defense activities, including as appropriate to support law enforcement activities under the responsibility of the Attorney General or the Secretary of Homeland Security, if requested by such official;
    (ii)   the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or
    (iii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
    (b)  This memorandum shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
    (c)  This memorandum is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
                                   DONALD J. TRUMP

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner, Kaine, Fetterman on DOL Announcement Pushing Back Enforcement of Silica Rule that Protects Coal Miners from Breathing in Toxic Chemicals

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and John Fetterman (D-PA) released the following statement on the decision by the Department of Labor (DOL) Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) to pause enforcement of its final rule to better protect America’s miners from health hazards related to exposure to respirable crystalline silica, or silica dust:

    “Coal miners deserve to go to work every day and come back healthy, and the recent decision by the Mine Safety and Health Administration delaying enforcement of their landmark rule to better protect miners from silica dust is an alarming abdication of responsibility. Silica dust has caused severe black lung disease in young coal miners, and as the Trump administration continues to cause chaos through their indiscriminate funding cuts and firings, it’s our miners who are being left behind. We expect the Mine Safety and Health Administration to begin enforcement of this rule no later than their August 18, 2025 deadline.”

    Last year, the senators applauded the DOL’s decision to amend current federal silica standards after spending years advocating for the updated rule to better protect miners from inhaling toxic chemicals.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Peters Joins WXYZ Detroit’s Spotlight on the News to Highlight Key Accomplishments and Share Priorities for the 119th Congress

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters
    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters joined WXYZ Detroit’s Spotlight on the News to discuss some of his key accomplishments during his time in the Senate and share his priorities for the remainder of the 119th Congress.  
    Below are highlights from Peters’ conversation with WXYZ’s Chuck Stokes:  
    Peters on his efforts to support our veterans, including by passing the Fairness for Veterans Act: “These are individuals that served their country with honor and distinction, and then, because of the PTSD they got as a result of that service, were denied coverage because it wasn’t diagnosed. We owe a debt to our veterans, and that law is making a concrete difference. It’s nice when you can pass legislation that touches people in a meaningful way, and who better than our veterans who have given so much.” 
    Peters on the importance of bipartisanship: “I’m very concerned about the hyperpartisanship we have in our country and in Congress right now. We’ve got to get back to working together to understand there are differences that we have, but there’s a lot that we have in common, and we have a lot of tough problems to solve. We’ve got to come together to do it. I’ve been able to demonstrate it all these years, and I look forward to continuing to do that in the nearly two years I have left.” 
    Peters also discussed some of his priorities for the remainder of the 119th Congress, including efforts to:  
    Protect Our Great Lakes and being named Co-Chair of the Great Lakes Task Force: “Continuing to do work for protecting the Great Lakes, which is always a passion of mine… I’ll use that position to strengthen and make sure that the Great Lakes continue to be healthy and vibrant for future generations.” 
    Strengthening Our Economy and National Security Amid Rapid Technological Advances: “Our economy, our national security will be changing rapidly with emerging technologies, from artificial intelligence to synthetic biology, you can go down the list. We need to really be thinking deeply about these fundamental changes that are going to alter just about everything that we do and in our society in dramatic ways. I plan to focus a great deal on that over the next two years.” 

    To watch Peters’ full conversation on Spotlight on the News, click here.
    In 2025, Peters was named Co-Chair of the Great Lakes Task Force in the 119th Congress. Founded in 1987, the Task Force is a bipartisan working group that advocates for the protection of the Great Lakes. As Co-Chair, Peters will convene meetings between Great Lakes senators and staff to coordinate legislative initiatives, funding priorities, and oversight efforts to address the most important issues facing the Great Lakes. 
    In 2016, his Fairness for Veterans Act was signed into law to help veterans who may have been erroneously given less than honorable discharge from the military due to behavior resulting from mental health traumas, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). In 2017, Peters was recognized as Legislator of the Year by the Vietnam Veterans of America for his work authoring and enacting the Fairness for Veterans Act.     
    Peters was recently rated the most effective U.S. Senator for the third time in a row by the nonpartisan Center for Effective Lawmaking, which released its biannual effectiveness ratings for the 118th Congress (2023-2024). Peters was also rated the most effective Senator by the Center in the 116th (2019-2020) and 117th (2021-2022) Congresses. In the 118th Congress, Peters earned the highest effectiveness score for a U.S. Senator ever recorded in the fifty years since the Center for Effective Lawmaking began tracking this data. He also becomes the first Senator in more than four decades to be named most effective three times in a row. Peters achieved this recognition by authoring 15 standalone bills that were passed and signed into law. He also authored 10 additional bills that were passed into law as part of larger legislative packages. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cramer, Scott Introduce Bill to Expand Access to Credit

    US Senate News:

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

    ***Click here for audio***

    BISMARCK, N.D.  – Credit scores compiled from loan and payment data are a common indicator of overall consumer financial health. Credit data is typically sourced from car, home, and student loans as well as credit cards and other lines of credit. While most Americans have a variety of data streams, about 26 million Americans are “credit invisible” and lack credit records or repayment history. These scores are essential to securing further lines of credit and impact a consumer’s ability to access financial products like car loans or mortgages.

    U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), a member of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs (Banking) Committee, joined Chairman Tim Scott (R-SC) in introducing the Credit Access and Inclusion Act to include additional payments to be factored into credit history. This bill allows credit bureaus to collect payments data for services not traditionally factored into credit reporting, such as rent, internet, phone, electricity, and utility payments. Factoring these payments into credit reporting would expand credit histories and generate credit scores for consumers who were previously “unscoreable.” If enacted, people who pay their bills on time in cash will generate a credit score reflective of their fiscal responsibility.  

    “Millions of Americans pay their utilities, their rent, and their phone bill and other things on time every month, but the narrow scope of credit reporting today doesn’t include these payments, so it doesn’t get calculated into their credit score,” said Cramer. “Our bill is really a simple fix to expand the credit reporting that will then allow these responsible Americans to build credit.”

    “It’s simple, if you pay your bills on time, your credit score should reflect that. This commonsense bill will reward hardworking Americans who manage their finances responsibly, expanding access to credit to help them purchase a home, finance their education, or pursue their dreams,” said Chairman Scott.

    Senate Banking Committee cosponsors include U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-SD), Katie Britt (R-AL), and Bernie Moreno (R-OH).

    Click here for bill text.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell, Colleagues Demand Reversal of Chaotic and Destructive Tariffs that Could Devastate U.S. Small Businesses

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell

    04.11.25

    Cantwell, Colleagues Demand Reversal of Chaotic and Destructive Tariffs that Could Devastate U.S. Small Businesses

    In letter to Commerce Secretary Lutnick, Senators say Trump’s 10% tariff on all nations will “upend the global trade system that small businesses rely on to bring their goods to market”; Last Thursday, Cantwell introduced a bipartisan bill that would reassert Congress’ role in setting & overseeing U.S. trade policy

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, 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, joined 12 of her Senate colleagues in a letter demanding that Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and President Donald Trump immediately reverse course on the sweeping tariffs that are devastating small businesses across the nation.  Cantwell previously chaired the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.

    The senators emphasized how these new taxes on imported goods are raising prices for hardworking Americans and creating additional challenges for small businesses at a time when high costs are already making it difficult for them to operate.

    Sen. Cantwell recently introduced the bipartisan Trade Review Act of 2025, which would reassert Congress’ role in setting and overseeing U.S. trade policy. It has gained the endorsement of national small business groups like the Main Street Alliance and Small Business Majority.

    “Most small businesses operate on razor thin margins, so any increase in costs could be devastating for both day-to-day operations and business’ long-term success,” wrote the senators. “Now is the time to invest in our small businesses to ensure they have the resources necessary to navigate today’s high-cost environment. Across-the-board tariffs will have the opposite effect, squeezing small firms that lack the capital and resources to mitigate the worst effects of President Trump’s new trade barriers.”

    “From hospitality to retail to manufacturing, President Trump’s sweeping tariffs have the potential to upend decades of economic interdependence that allowed our nation’s small businesses to thrive. They must be reconsidered. To that end, we respectfully ask that you work with the President to reverse course on the 10 percent tariffs on all countries,” they continued.

    Washington state is home to 644,868 small businesses, which together employ more than 1.4 million people, accounting for 49% of all of the state’s workers.

    In addition to Sen. Cantwell, the letter was signed by Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Peter Welch (D-VT), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Mark Warner (D-VA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Patty Murray (D-WA), and Gary Peters (D-MI).

    A link to the letter is HERE.

    On April 3, Sen. Cantwell introduced a bipartisan bill to reaffirm Congress’ key role in setting and approving U.S. trade policy, and reestablish limits on the president’s ability to impose unilateral tariffs.

    READ MORE: The Wall Street Journal: Senators Move to Rein In Trump’s Power on Tariffs

    HEAR MORE: NPR: Sen. Maria Cantwell says there is bipartisan support to rein in Trump’s tariffs

    WATCH MORE: Forbes: ‘I Don’t Know What You Think’: Maria Cantwell Laces Into US Trade Rep Over Trump’s Tariffs

    The bill has since picked up 12 additional cosponsors – an equal mix of Republicans and Democrats – and been endorsed by multiple major U.S. business organizations, including the National Retail Federation, which is the largest retail trade association in the world.

    In addition, a bipartisan group in the House of Representatives has introduced a companion version of Sen. Cantwell’s legislation, which also is cosponsored by equal numbers of Republicans and Democrats.

    The bill restores Congress’ authority and responsibility over tariffs as outlined in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution by placing the following limits on the president’s power to impose tariffs:

    • To enact a new tariff, the president must notify Congress of the imposition of (or increase in) the tariff within 48 hours.
      • The Congressional notification must include an explanation of the president’s reasoning for imposing or raising the tariff, and
      • Provide analysis of potential impact on American businesses and consumers.
    • Within 60 days, Congress must pass a joint resolution of approval on the new tariff, otherwise all new tariffs on imports expire after that deadline.
    • Under the bill, Congress has the ability to end tariffs at any time by passing a resolution of disapproval.
    • Anti-dumping and countervailing duties are excluded.

    The full bill text is available HERE.

    For the past three months, President Trump has been sowing economic chaos across the country with unpredictable and ever-changing tariff announcements. His back-and-forth announcements and actions, which have whipsawed American businesses and consumers, as well as close neighbors and allies, include:

    • On January 31 — citing punishment for failing to crack down on fentanyl trafficking — the Trump administration announced plans to impose a 25% tax on many goods imported into the U.S. from Canada and Mexico and a 10% tax on goods imported from China, then abruptly postponed those tariffs.
    • In February, he doubled down, announcing an additional 25% tax on all steel and aluminum imports.
    • At 12:01 a.m. ET on March 4, President Trump’s long-promised 25% tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada and 10% tariff increase on goods from China took effect, causing stock prices in the United States to plummet.
    • Then, on March 5, he announced that automobiles from Canada and Mexico would be exempt from his tariffs for one month.
    • The morning of March 6, he announced that he would suspend the tariffs for some products from Mexico. Then, later that same afternoon, he announced he was suspending most new tariffs on products from both Mexico and Canada until April 2.
    • On March 11, Trump threatened to double tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum – increasing them to 50% – before reversing himself later the same day.
    • On March 13, he threatened 200% tariffs on alcoholic products from the European Union, including all wine and Champagne.
    • On March 27, he announced plans to impose a 25% tax on all imported sedans, SUVs, crossovers, minivans, cargo vans, and light trucks, as well as some auto parts, beginning on April 2.
    • On March 29, President Trump said, “I couldn’t care less,” if automakers raise the price of cars in response to his tariffs.
    • On April 2, he announced a “National Economic Emergency,” and signed an executive order declaring a 10% minimum baseline tariff on all countries as well as additional tariffs on nearly 60 countries.
    • On April 7, he threatened to impose an additional 50% tariff on China.
    • On April 9, he announced a rollback of his April 2 tariffs down to the 10% baseline across the board, with the exception of China, which he increased to 125%.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy announces $5.7 million for generators in Vermilion, St. Helena, St. John the Baptist Parishes

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)

    MADISONVILLE, La. – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced $5,658,060 in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grants for generators in Vermilion, St. Helena and St. John the Baptist Parishes.

    “Louisianians work hard to make their communities more resilient and prepare for the next storm. This $5.7 million will make sure Vermilion, St. Helena and St. John the Baptist Parishes are equipped with back-up power to better withstand severe weather,” said Kennedy.

    The FEMA aid will fund the following:

    • $2,330,986 to Vermilion Parish for the installation of five permanent natural gas generators.
    • $1,725,750 to St. John the Baptist Parish for the installation of two permanent industrial generators.
    • $1,315,800 to St. Helena Parish for the installation of 11 permanent industrial generators.
    • $116,549 to Vermilion Parish for management costs associated with generator purchase and installation.
    • $95,875 to St. John the Baptist Parish for management costs associated with generator purchase and installation.
    • $73,100 to St. Helena Parish for management costs associated with generator purchase and installation.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Coons, Capito introduce Safe SHORES Act to reauthorize Recovery Housing Program

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) introduced legislation to help individuals in recovery from a substance use disorder (SUD) access stable housing. 

    The Safe and Secure Housing for Opioid Recovery and Enduring Stability (Safe SHORES) Act of 2025 would reauthorize the Recovery Housing Program (RHP), first enacted as part of the SUPPORT Act of 2018. The RHP provides funding to states to acquire, build, or rehabilitate transitional housing for those in recovery from substance abuse. The program has successfully grown our national recovery housing network and empowered more Americans to reclaim their lives through supportive services. The RHP’s authorization expired in 2023. The Safe SHORES Act was originally introduced last year. 

    “For Americans traveling the road of recovery, safe and secure housing can be the difference between success and relapse,” said Senator Coons. “The Safe SHORES Act will strengthen a crucial program in the fight against the opioid epidemic and ensure that more Americans recovering from addiction can focus on recovery instead of where they’ll sleep tonight. I’m proud to work on this bill with Senator Capito. It will save lives and protect families across the country.”

    “Access to safe and secure housing is crucial for those on the path to recovery, and we’ve seen this firsthand in West Virginia. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing the Safe SHORES Act, which will give state recovery housing programs the resources they need to continue their life-saving work,” said Senator Capito.

    The Safe SHORES Act of 2025 will extend, expand, and improve the RHP to serve more Americans. Specifically, the bill would:

    • Increase authorized funding to at least $50 million per year
    • Give states and grantees increased flexibility to distribute funds as they need and allow grantees to cover last mile costs
    • Encourage states to award grants to facilities that participate in best practices that meet state standards of accreditation, have robust workforce development and emotional support programs, and encourage assistance to grantees navigating complex local zoning and administrative requirements
    • Require the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to produce an annual performance report outlining the distribution of RHP awards and project developments

    Passing Safe SHORES will help the United States continue to address the worst drug epidemic in its history. In 2022, more than 76% of the nearly 108,000 drug overdose deaths involved opioids. In Delaware, more than 500 individuals died from an accidental overdose and more than 140,000 Delaware adults are living with a substance use disorder.

    The legislation is endorsed by the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers, National Alliance for Recovery Residences, National Rural Health Association, and the Bipartisan Policy Center Action. 

    “The opioid crisis has hit hard in rural communities across the nation,” said Alan Morgan, CEO, the National Rural Health Association. “The Recovery Housing Program offers welcome relief for these communities and allows them the capacity to provide safety and sanctuary for individuals on their journey to recovery. The National Rural Health Association commends Senators Coons and Capito for championing the reauthorization of this critical program through legislation in the Safe SHORES Act.”

    “The Safe SHORES Act of 2024 is essential for our community here in Delaware,” said Domenica Personti, CEO, Impact Life. “By providing critical support to recovery housing facilities, this bill will help us address the opioid epidemic head-on and ensure that individuals in recovery have the resources they need to rebuild their lives.”

    “People in recovery from SUD have a difficult enough time without having to navigate roadblocks to one of their most basic needs, housing,” said Don Keister, President and Founder, atTAcK addiction.

    Senator Coons is a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

    A one-pager on the bill is available here.

    The text of the bill is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Coons, Risch introduce bipartisan, bicameral bill to counter states that wrongfully detain Americans abroad

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Jim Risch (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today introduced the Countering Wrongful Detention Act, which would create new tools for the U.S. government to deter states from wrongfully detaining Americans abroad and support wrongful detainees upon their return home. The bill would create a U.S. State Department designation entitled the “State Sponsor of Unlawful or Wrongful Detention” to hold foreign governments accountable for wrongfully detaining Americans abroad; enhance awareness of travel advisories for Americans traveling to high-risk countries; and establish an advisory council on wrongful detention made up of survivors, family members, and experts to make policy recommendations to the executive branch.

    “I will always fight for American hostages and wrongful detainees—securing their release and making their re-entry as easy as possible for them and their families,” said Senator Coons. “As we continue to fight to return Americans who are unjustly held overseas, we must also protect Americans from being taken by our adversaries in the first place to be used as political leverage. I’m proud to reintroduce the Countering Wrongful Detention Act with my friend Senator Risch to build on our legislative success last year fighting hostage diplomacy, and I’ll keep working until this entire bill becomes law.”

    “President Trump is working to restore America as a leader on the world stage and ensure we are respected around the globe. The Countering Wrongful Detention Act will add firepower to his efforts by hitting countries that wrongfully detain American citizens with strong repercussions, including the potential of sanctions,” said Chairman Risch. “We stand with those Americans who were and are wrongfully detained, and we will work to ensure that they are freed and that no other American has to endure this injustice again.”

    Background:

    The Countering Wrongful Detention Act seeks to deter and prevent wrongful detention of Americans overseas by:

    • Creating the State Sponsor of Unlawful or Wrongful Detention designation for countries or entities who engage in this abhorrent practice, which would allow the secretary of State to impose a range of penalties on states that wrongfully detain Americans
    • Requiring airlines operating in the United States to disclose travel advisory information to consumers traveling to high-risk countries, particularly countries that the Department of State has issued indicators concerning risks of wrongful detention, kidnapping, or hostage taking

    The act would also refine existing processes and provide additional resources to hostages and wrongful detainees and their families by:

    • Establishing an Advisory Council on Hostage Taking and Unlawful or Wrongful Detention

    Senator Coons is also Co-Chair of the Senate Human Rights Caucus. He has worked tirelessly to advance legislation to help American hostages and their families, including:

    The full text of the bill is available here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden Co-Sponsors Bills Aimed at Protecting Communities from Gun Violence

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)

    April 11, 2025

    Legislation would save lives while safeguarding Americans’ constitutional right to own firearms

    Washington D.C.—U.S. Senator Ron Wyden today announced he is co-sponsoring two bills that would protect schools and communities from mass gun violence while underscoring Americans’ constitutional right to own firearms for legitimate self-defense, hunting, and sporting purposes.

    “The Second Amendment’s  right to bear arms doesn’t preclude common-sense gun laws regulating high capacity assault weapons designed solely for mass casualties and warfare,” Wyden said. “Our children, our families, our communities deserve action and I won’t sit idly by while needless gun violence continues to terrorize students and shatter American lives. Our kids deserve a life free from fear of gun violence—we all do.”  

    The Gas-Operated Semi-Automatic Firearms Exclusion (GOSAFE) Act would regulate gas-operated semi-automatic firearms while underscoring the vital importance of Americans’ access to shotguns, rifles, and handguns.

    The bipartisan Banning Unlawful Machinegun Parts (BUMP) Act seeks to prohibit the sale of bump stocks and other devices or modifications that allow semi-automatic firearms to increase their rate of fire and effectively operate as fully automatic weapons. 

    In addition to Wyden, the GOSAFE Act was co-led by U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Angus King (I-Maine), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz), and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), and co-sponsored 

    by U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii).

    The BUMP Act, co-led by U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev), was co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Angus King (I-Maine), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), in addition to Wyden.

    Text of the GOSAFE Act is here.

    Text of the BUMP Act is here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden, Salinas, Pingree, Tokuda Lead Colleagues in Slamming Trump Administration for Censoring Agricultural Research Crucial to Rural Communities

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)

    April 11, 2025

    Leaked Agricultural Research Service memo contains a sweeping list of banned words, including “climate,” “affordable housing,” and “safe drinking water.”

    Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and U.S. Representatives Andrea Salinas, D-Ore., Chellie Pingree, D-Maine, and Jill Tokuda, D-Hawai’i, warned the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that Donald Trump’s politically motivated list of banned words – including “climate,” “affordable housing,” and “safe drinking water” — in research agreements being considered for federal funding would harm rural communities facing wildfires, drought, food insecurity, among other environmental agricultural challenges.

    In the letter to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, the lawmakers emphasized, “The exclusion of these terms from consideration for funding opportunities demonstrates an intentional effort to hinder, distort, and improperly steer federal scientific work in the name of political expediency, and the American people deserve far better than that.”

    The USDA has operated more than 600 research projects with a $1.7 billion budget. Banning terms like “runoff” or “soil pollution” from playing a role in funding these agricultural and environmental projects would stall opportunities to advance the agency’s core mission to carry out scientific work that bolsters lives, careers, and the overall wellbeing of communities across rural America. As Oregon’s climate changes, farmers are being exposed to emerging pest and disease threats, which could wipe out entire crops or even threaten human health. Climate change is a scientifically established threat to agricultural productivity, food security, and rural economies.

    The lawmakers continued, “The American people deserve transparency and integrity from federal research agencies, not political interference and outright censorship. The farmers and ranchers who rely on sound science to navigate environmental and economic challenges should not have their livelihoods undercut by unscientific, bureaucratic gatekeeping. Critical research proposals to reduce pollution, increase irrigation efficiency, or address emerging pest and disease threats should not be denied solely because they used a word that Donald Trump does not like.”

    Joining Wyden, the letter is cosigned in the Senate by Senators Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., Mazie Hirono, D-Hawai’i, Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., Peter Welch, D-Vt., Tina Smith, D-Minn., Cory Booker, D-N.J., and Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.

    Joining Salinas, Pingree, and Tokuda, the letter is cosigned in the House by Representatives Janelle Bynum, D-Ore., Ed Case, D-Hawai’i, Emanuel Cleaver, D-Mo., Angie Craig, D-Minn., Jim Costa, D-Calif., Shomari Figures, D-Ala., Valerie Foushee, D-N.C., Jared Huffman, D-Calif., Jonathan Jackson, D-Ill., Betty McCollum, D-Minn., Eleanor Norton, D-D.C., Jimmy Panetta, D-Calif., Terri Sewell, D-Ala., Shri Thanedar, D-Mich., Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., and Maxine Waters, D-Calif.

    Wyden demands immediate answers clarifying the implications of this politically motivated censorship to the following questions no later than April 18, 2025:

    1. Has the USDA conducted any review to determine whether this policy violates federal transparency laws, scientific integrity policies, or anti-discrimination statutes? If so, please share the documentation. If not, please explain why a review has not been done.
    2. The USDA has confirmed the existence of the ARS memo that has been publicly reported. Please provide any other lists of key words that the USDA is using to evaluate federal agreements, contracts, grants, loans, and other programs.
    3. For each list provided under question 2, please explain the purpose of each list, including any relevant laws, regulations, Executive Orders, or memoranda that the USDA is seeking to comply with.
    4. What safeguards have you put in place to ensure that these restrictions do not lead to biased or politically motivated decision-making at the expense of merit, scientific integrity, and public welfare?
    5. Have these restrictions resulted in the rejection of agreements that would have directly benefited farmers, food supply security, or rural economies? If so, what processes does the USDA have in place to allow for the appeal of decisions and evaluations made based off key word lists for federal agreements, contracts, grants, loans, or other programs? Provide an itemized list of all agreements under all impacted programs that were rejected because they included one or more of these banned terms, as outlined in the directive, as well as a full justification for each rejection.
    1. In the case of the ARS banned word list, if an ongoing research agreement is focused on biofuels, for example, the ARS website lists 29 research projects containing the word biofuel.[3] Will funding for these projects be revoked? Will ongoing research be halted? Will USDA require projects to rephrase their contracts? If a project cannot be rephrased without using a banned word, will the contract be terminated?
    2. What are the consequences for researchers or other agency employees who identify serious risks related to any of these banned terms, such as, for example, the expanded range of certain pests and diseases due to changing climate conditions, or nitrate contamination in the drinking water supply from fertilizer runoff?
      1. Will research proposals and agreements to address these critical issues – and others that include banned terms – be considered under this policy?
      2. If so, through what process are they getting around the banned terms list, and how is that decided? If not, how do you justify such negligence?
      3. Are career scientists, policy experts, and agency staff being pressured to remove or avoid these terms in their work? If not, explain how USDA plans to enforce these restrictions. If so, how does that not constitute political coercion?
    3. Does the USDA deny that climate change, pollution, and the accessibility of federal funding impact the safety and security of the American food supply? If so, provide your justification. If not, then why are these issues being censored?
    4. Will you release all internal communications regarding the creation, justification, and enforcement of this policy to ensure full transparency? If so, when? If not, why?

    This year, Wyden led colleagues in demanding a halt to the Environmental Protection Agency’s attempt to roll back decades of scientific findings on greenhouse gases. In February, Wyden called on the U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins to reverse harmful firings at the USDA that have harmed Oregon farmers and families.

    The text of the letter is here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Paul, Hassan, Lee, and Hickenlooper Reintroduce Bill to Lower Prescription Drug Prices by Streamlining Generic Drug Approvals

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Rand Paul

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

    April 11th, 2025

     Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Rand Paul (R-KY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Mike Lee (R-UT), and John Hickenlooper (D-CO) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to streamline the approval process for generic drugs, which will help expedite generic entrance in the market and lower prescription drug prices for patients. Last Congress, this legislation advanced from the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee with a bipartisan 19-2 vote.

    “No one should have to play a complicated guessing game with the FDA simply to bring a safe, effective, and affordable drug to market. The Increasing Transparency in Generic Drug Applications Act will help low-cost generics get to American consumers faster,” said Dr. Paul.

    “Skyrocketing prescription drug prices are forcing too many Granite Staters to choose between their health and their financial security. This commonsense, bipartisan legislation will help address a critical obstacle in the generic drug approval process that keeps affordable alternatives off pharmacy shelves. By requiring more transparency from the FDA and streamlining the drug approval process, this bill will help deliver lower-cost medications to Americans faster,” said Senator Hassan.

    “Generic drugs have made the prescription drug market much more competitive, offering cheaper alternatives to their brand name counterparts. Streamlining the generic drug approval process by eliminating the pointless guessing game manufacturers are forced to play would eliminate red tape and bring down costs for American families,” said Senator Lee. 

    “More generic drugs means lower health care costs for Americans. Unnecessary and unclear FDA approval processes delay them from reaching the shelves. Our bill speeds up the process to help Americans save more,” said Senator Hickenlooper.

    Currently, the FDA requires certain generic drug manufacturers to demonstrate that they have the same active and inactive ingredients in the same concentration as the reference brand-name drug. However, when a generic drug contains the wrong amount of inactive ingredient, the FDA cannot disclose the exact error, forcing manufacturers to engage in an often lengthy guessing game to reach the right balance.

    This legislation would require the FDA to identify the specific differences more clearly between the generic and brand-name drug, thereby streamlining the approval process, helping more generics reach the market more quickly, and lowering prescription drug prices overall. 

    You can read it HERE.

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin, Duckworth Lead Illinois Democratic Delegation In Message To Secretary Kennedy: The Dismantling Of HHS Does Nothing To ‘Make America Healthy Again’

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    April 11, 2025

    In a letter to the HHS Secretary, the lawmakers pushed back against the destruction of HHS and its impact on the state

    SPRINGFIELD – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today led the Illinois Democratic Delegation in sending a letter to U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Robert F. Kennedy Jr. expressing frustration and concern that HHS has slashed critical federal funding for the state’s public health programs and infrastructure.

    “We write to express our real concern about the Department and Health and Human Services’ (HHS) actions to terminate federal funds for state and local health departments, fire critical public health staff, dismantle health agencies, and close regional offices, including the HHS Region 5 office in Chicago, Illinois.  Your decision puts the health and well-being of our people at risk, and will do nothing to ‘Make America Healthy Again,’” the lawmakers wrote.

    Last month, it was reported that HHS would terminate $11.4 billion in federal funding for state and local health departments, including more than $125 million in funding for the Illinois Department of Public Health.  Lawmakers were also told that Illinois would lose access to an additional $324 million in anticipated federal funding that was already allocated to protect Illinois residents from infectious diseases.  Further, Illinois could lose up to $28 million in Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) grants for mental health and substance use disorder treatment.

    In an effort to combat the Trump Administration’s destructive funding rescissions, a 24-state coalition, which included Illinois, filed a lawsuit against HHS for the rollback of public health funding.  Earlier this month, a federal court barred HHS from terminating these funds for a 14-day period.

    “The state’s [Illinois’] efforts to prepare for future public health emergencies—which could include the worsening avian flu situation, measles outbreaks, and other respiratory illness challenges—will be severely hampered if HHS rescinds this essential federal funding.  Now that a federal court has blocked HHS from terminating these funds, we urge you to abandon these ill-conceived and dangerous plans,” the lawmakers continued their letter.

    In addition to ripping away billions in promised federal funding, Secretary Kennedy has overseen the destruction of HHS’ workforce and infrastructure, putting thousands of dedicated career civil servants out of a job while gutting critical federal agencies.  Since President Trump’s inauguration, 10,000 HHS employees have left the agency or been fired.  A couple weeks ago, HHS announced that an additional 10,000 public health workers will be fired, including 3,500 from the Food and Drug Administration, 2,400 workers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1,200 workers from the National Institutes of Health, and 300 workers from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. 

    “A reduction in force of this magnitude threatens the ability of HHS to ensure the safety of our nation’s foods, drugs, and medical devices; to inspect and regulate nursing homes; to develop breakthrough cures and treatments for patients with cancer, ALS, and heart disease; and to respond quickly when a public health crisis emerges,” the lawmakers wrote.

    The lawmakers continued their letter, emphasizing that closing regional health offices and shutting out states from federal resources does nothing to support the health and safety of Americans.

    “Finally, it was reported that HHS would dismantle and consolidate several health agencies under an ‘Administration for a Healthier America,’ and close several regional offices, including the HHS Region 5 office in Chicago.  HHS Region 5 has been an essential partner in implementing and coordinating federal resources and initiatives.  It has worked with state, local, and tribal governments in Illinois to address a range of public health concerns, including infectious disease outbreaks, mental and behavioral health needs, food recalls, and more,” the lawmakers wrote.  “Eliminating this office or consolidating it into another regional office risks reducing access to agency personnel and HHS resources for Illinois.”

    The lawmakers concluded their letter by reminding Secretary Kennedy of his responsibility to improve public health, not destruct the institution that ensures Americans have the resources to stay healthy.

    “It is one thing to undertake efforts to address waste, fraud, and abuse in government.  It is quite another to cite these reasonable goals as an excuse to instead decimate our nation’s public health infrastructure.  HHS has provided no details on its plans or any explanation of how these steps will improve HHS’ ability to carry out its mission to enhance the health and well-being of all Americans.  The complete lack of transparency on these critical decisions supports the logical conclusion that these decisions were made for political purposes without considering their real-world impact,” the lawmakers wrote.

    “As HHS Secretary, you are tasked with the serious responsibility of protecting our nation’s health and you have the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of millions of Americans.   Do not neglect this responsibility, and do not waste this opportunity,” the lawmaker concluded their letter.

    A copy of the letter is available here and below:

    April 11, 2025

    Dear Secretary Kennedy,

                We write to express our real concern about the Department and Health and Human Services’ (HHS) actions to terminate federal funds for state and local health departments, fire critical public health staff, dismantle health agencies, and close regional offices, including the HHS Region 5 office in Chicago, Illinois.  Your decision puts the health and well-being of people at risk, and will do nothing to “Make America Healthy Again.”

    In March, it was reported that HHS would be terminating $11.4 billion in federal funding for state and local health departments, including more than $125 million for Illinois.  We also have been informed that Illinois will not be able to access an additional $324 million in anticipated federal funding for future work to prevent and address infectious disease.  The Illinois Department of Public Health has leveraged these federal funds to improve its technologies and laboratories, support the public health workforce, and strengthen local health departments.  However, the state’s efforts to prepare for future public health emergencies—which could include the worsening avian flu situation, measles outbreaks, and other respiratory illness challenges—will be severely hampered if HHS rescinds this essential federal funding.  Now that a federal court has blocked HHS from terminating these funds, we urge you to abandon these ill-conceived and dangerous plans. 

    It also was announced that an additional 10,000 public health workers will be fired from HHS, including 3,500 from the Food and Drug Administration, 2,400 workers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1,200 workers from the National Institutes of Health, and 300 workers from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.  This is on top of the reported 10,000 HHS employees who have already left the agency since January 20, including probationary employees who were fired earlier this year, many of whom were not rehired, despite two court rulings ordering their reinstatement.  A reduction in force of this magnitude threatens the ability of HHS to ensure the safety of our nation’s foods, drugs, and medical devices; to inspect and regulate nursing homes; to develop breakthrough cures and treatments for patients with cancer, ALS, and heart disease; and to respond quickly when a public health crisis emerges.

    Finally, it was reported that HHS would dismantle and consolidate several health agencies under an “Administration for a Healthier America,” and close several regional offices, including the HHS Region 5 office in Chicago.  HHS Region 5 has been an essential partner in implementing and coordinating federal resources and initiatives.  It has worked with state, local, and tribal governments in Illinois to address a range of public health concerns, including infectious disease outbreaks, mental and behavioral health needs, food recalls, and more.  Eliminating this office or consolidating it into another regional office risks reducing access to agency personnel and HHS resources for Illinois.

    It is one thing to undertake efforts to address waste, fraud, and abuse in government.  It is quite another to cite these reasonable goals as an excuse to instead decimate our nation’s public health infrastructure.  HHS has provided no details on its plans or any explanation of how these steps will improve HHS’ ability to carry out its mission to enhance the health and well-being of all Americans.  The complete lack of transparency on these critical decisions supports the logical conclusion that these decisions were made for political purposes without considering their real-world impact.  

    As HHS Secretary, you are tasked with the serious responsibility of protecting our nation’s health and you have the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of millions of Americans.   Do not neglect this responsibility, and do not waste this opportunity. 

    Thank you for your attention to this matter.  We look forward to your timely response.

    Sincerely,

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin, Hirono, Warren, Lead Colleagues In Urging DOJ To Reverse Decisions Greenlighting Cryptocurrency-Based Crime

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    April 11, 2025

    Senators: “These are grave mistakes that will support sanctions evasion, drug trafficking, scams, and child sexual exploitation.”

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, along with U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a senior member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ranking Member of the Senate Banking Committee led six Senators in urging Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche to reverse the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) recent decisions to effectively terminate the Department’s cryptocurrency investigations and prosecutions. The memo, sent to staff earlier this week, also stated that DOJ will disband its National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team (NCET), which was established to investigate and prosecute criminal misuse of cryptocurrencies and digital assets. In their letter, the Senators also raise concerns about the potential connections between DOJ’s actions and the cryptocurrency ventures of President Trump and his family.

    “We write in response to your April 7, 2025 memo announcing your decision to give a free pass to cryptocurrency money launderers and to disband the DOJ’s National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team (“NCET”),” the Senators wrote. “These are grave mistakes that will support sanctions evasion, drug trafficking, scams, and child sexual exploitation.”

    Specifically, the DOJ memo announced that the Department would no longer be enforcing a number of federal laws against entities that handle digital assets, including mixing and tumbling services. Mixers are often used to launder stolen cryptocurrency and used by drug traffickers, those who trade child sexual abuse material, and even North Korea, which uses mixers to evade sanctions and fund weapons of mass destruction.

    “It makes no sense for DOJ to announce a hands-off approach to tools that are being used to support such terrible crimes,” wrote the lawmakers.

    “Drug traffickers, terrorists, fraudsters, and adversaries will exploit this vulnerability on a large scale,” the Senators continued. “Further increasing the risks posed by bad actors is your decision to disband NCET, which has coordinated a Department-wide effort to prosecute illicit activity involving cryptocurrency.”

    Since its creation in 2021, NCET has worked with U.S. Attorneys’ offices to prosecute illicit activity involving cryptocurrency, including prosecuting cases involving hundreds of millions worth of digital assets.Despite this proven record of success, Blanche’s memo stated that the disbandment of NCET will allow the DOJ to “focus on other priorities, such as immigration and procurement frauds.”

    The Senators also warned about the proliferation of cryptocurrency scams and fraud. In 2023 alone, the Federal Bureau of Investigation estimated that $5.6 billion were lost to cryptocurrency fraud—an increase of 45 percent from 2022.

    “You claim in your memo that DOJ will continue to prosecute those who use cryptocurrencies to perpetrate crimes. But allowing the entities that enable these crimes—such as cryptocurrency kiosk operators—to operate outside the federal regulatory framework without fear of prosecution will only result in more Americans being exploited,” wrote the Senators.

    “Your decisions give rise to concerns that President Trump’s interest in selling his cryptocurrency may be the reason for easing law enforcement scrutiny,” the Senators concluded. “We urge you to reconsider these decisions.”

    In addition to Senators Hirono, Warren, and Durbin, this letter was also signed by Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Chris Coons (D-DE), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT).

    The full text of the letter is available here and below.

    Dear Deputy Attorney General Blanche:

    We write in response to your April 7, 2025 memo announcing your decision to give a free pass to cryptocurrency money launderers and to disband the Department of Justice’s (DOJ’s) National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team (“NCET”). These are grave mistakes that will support sanctions evasion, drug trafficking, scams, and child sexual exploitation.

    Your memo announces that pursuant to Executive Order 14178, DOJ will generally “no longer target . . . virtual currency exchanges [and] mixing and tumbling services . . . for the acts of their end users or unwitting violations of regulations.” As you know, a cryptocurrency mixer (or tumbler) is a service that blends the cryptocurrencies of many users together to obfuscate the origins and owners of the funds. “[M]ixers are . . . ‘go-to tools for cybercriminals’ seeking to launder stolen cryptocurrency.” Nearly a quarter of the funds sent to mixers in 2022 were tied to money laundering efforts.” Mixers are a favorite tool of North Korea—which uses them to launder the illicit proceeds of its state-sponsored cybercrime and then uses the proceeds to fund its weapons programs—and of sanctioned Russian oligarchs, who already benefit from DOJ disbanding TaskForce KleptoCapture. Mixers are also a favorite tool of drug traffickers and those who trade child sexual abuse material. It makes no sense for DOJ to announce a hands-off approach to tools that are being used to support such terrible crimes.

    Similarly nonsensical is your announcement that DOJ will no longer prosecute a host of crimes involving digital assets, including violations of the Bank Secrecy Act. Congress imposed anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) obligations on a wide range of domestic and foreign entities to combat fraud, drug trafficking, and terrorism, among other crimes. By abdicating DOJ’s responsibility to enforce federal criminal law when violations involve digital assets, you are suggesting that virtual currency exchanges, mixers, and other entities dealing in digital assets need not fulfill their AML/CFT obligations, creating a systemic vulnerability in the digital assets sector. Drug traffickers, terrorists, fraudsters, and adversaries will exploit this vulnerability on a large scale.

    Cryptocurrency-related fraud has exploded in recent years. The Federal Bureau of Investigation estimated losses associated with cryptocurrency fraud at $5.6 billion in 2023 alone—an increase of 45 percent from 2022. You claim in your memo that DOJ will continue to prosecute those who use cryptocurrencies to perpetrate crimes. But allowing the entities that enable these crimes—such as cryptocurrency kiosk operators—to operate outside the federal regulatory framework without fear of prosecution will only result in more Americans being exploited.

    Further increasing the risks posed by bad actors is your decision to disband NCET, which has coordinated a Department-wide effort to prosecute illicit activity involving cryptocurrency. DOJ formed NCET in 2021 “to tackle complex investigations and prosecutions of criminal misuses of cryptocurrency, particularly crimes committed by virtual currency exchanges, mixing and tumbling services, and money laundering infrastructure actors.” NCET combined the expertise and resources of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery and Computer Crimes and Intellectual Property Sections with Assistant U.S. Attorneys from around the country. Since its formation, NCET has worked with U.S. Attorneys’ offices to:

    • secure the conviction of the operator of a cryptocurrency exchange that laundered over $9 billion in proceeds from hacking, ransomware attacks, identity theft schemes, and narcotics distribution rings;
    • obtain a guilty plea from a man who processed more than $700 million worth of illicit funds in support of online drug trafficking;
    • secure the conviction of a man who operated a $110 million manipulative trading scheme on a cryptocurrency exchange;
    • seize over $112 million in funds linked to cryptocurrency investment schemes; and
    • seize nearly $9 million in cryptocurrency that resulted from the exploitation of over 70 victims through romance scams and cryptocurrency confidence schemes, among many other cases.

    Further, NCET operates as a critical resource for state and local law enforcement who often lack the technical knowledge and skill to investigate cryptocurrency related crimes.  Disbanding NCET will make the work of these state and local law enforcement agents that much harder.

    Why would you dismantle a team that is such an important player in fighting cryptocurrency-based crime? Your decisions give rise to concerns that President Trump’s interest in selling his cryptocurrency may be the reason for easing law enforcement scrutiny.

    We urge you to reconsider these decisions. In addition, we request a staff-level briefing no later than May 1, 2025, providing detailed information on the rationale behind these decisions and their anticipated impacts on the Department’s ability to enforce the law and protect Americans from cryptocurrency-based crimes.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Markey and Wicker Announce Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Long-Term Weather Forecasting

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
    Bill Text (PDF) | One Pager
    Washington (April 11, 2025) – Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), today announced legislation to improve subseasonal-to-seasonal (S2S) weather forecasting efforts at the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) through investments in advanced approaches to S2S weather forecasting. S2S forecasting refers to timescales of two weeks to three months and three months to two years, respectively. The Forecasting Optimization for Robust Earth Climate Analysis and Subseasonal-to-Seasonal Tracking (FORECAST) Act of 2025 would authorize federal funding to support research, demonstration, and application of cutting-edge data management and weather modeling technologies to improve the reliability of S2S forecasts. The legislation is co-sponsored by Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.).
    “The recent devastating tornadoes, torrential rains, and flooding in the central United States demonstrate the urgent need for improved forecasts to support our farmers, mariners, utility workers, city planners, and communities,” said Senator Markey. “In pursuit of a 21st-century weather enterprise that brings predictability to disaster planning, NOAA requires robust subseasonal-to-seasonal forecasting capabilities. The FORECAST Act will provide NOAA with the direction and resources needed to fully realize an S2S forecasting architecture that is cutting-edge, reliable, and maintainable, ensuring the short- and long-term safety of communities in the face of severe weather.”
    “As Mississippians live through this year’s tornado season, it is hard to think of a timelier bill,” said Senator Wicker. “We must keep improving weather forecasting, and I will continue supporting congressional efforts to make predictions as early and accurate as possible.”
    “Long-term forecasts on storms like atmospheric rivers are critical for preparing communities for growing water challenges and flooding in the West,” said Senator Padilla. “This investment in the next generation of our weather workforce will strengthen our long-term forecasting capabilities and keep the public informed beyond traditional two-week weather forecasts in the face of the climate crisis.”
    “As communities experience more extreme weather, we need to invest in forecasting technology and workforce development to make sure we’re prepared for these events,” said Senator Rosen. “That’s why I’m helping to introduce this bipartisan bill to build the next generation of researchers and engineers who will improve and operate forecasting and weather modeling technology. I’ll keep pushing for commonsense solutions that allow us to better adapt to climate change and become more resilient.”
    The FORECAST Act also directs NOAA to continue its record of successful cross-sectoral collaboration with leading universities and scientific organizations to make the most of the latest advances in S2S forecasting efforts. The bill also directs NOAA to leverage emerging technologies, like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and unmanned systems, and creates a new workforce development program to develop the next generation of professionals in the weather enterprise.
    This legislation is endorsed by Woodwell Climate Center and the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR).
    Senators Markey and Padilla previously introduced the FORECAST Act in July 2024.

    MIL OSI USA News –