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Category: US Senate

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ricketts Calls on Xi Jinping, CCP to Allow TikTok Sale: “We Need to Keep the Pressure On”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday on the Senate floor, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) called on the Chinese Communist Party to allow ByteDance to sell TikTok to American owners. Ricketts made the comments while objecting to a unanimous consent request from U.S. Senator Edward Markey (D-MA) to extend the deadline for a potential sale.
    “ByteDance was given 270 days to make a deal,” said Ricketts. “The Communist dictator Xi Jinping clearly did not want it. They tried to lobby us. They avoided getting a deal done. President Trump came into office. They are still avoiding getting a deal done.”
    “The law is very clear. TikTok needs to be sold to an American owner to continue operation,” closed Ricketts. “Not some half-baked plan, as my colleague from Arkansas was describing, where the Chinese Communist Party would still have influence on the TikTok algorithm, still have the ability to push their propaganda to the American people. That cannot happen. We need to make sure that the Chinese Communist Party cannot do that in our country again. We won’t allow other TV or radio stations to have that much access. Why on earth are we doing it for the Chinese Communist Party? It is absolutely ludicrous. We need to keep the pressure on. We need to make sure that TikTok is sold.”
    [embedded content]
    Watch the video HERE
    TRANSCRIPT:
    Senator Ricketts: “Mr. President, reserving the right to object.
    “I echo my colleague from Arkansas comments with regard to TikTok.
    “Let’s recall that in Communist China, there really isn’t such a thing as a private company, as much as ByteDance might want to say it is.
    “Chinese Communist law is very clear that companies in China have to do what they’re told to do by the Chinese Communist Party.
    “And that’s one of the reasons TikTok is so dangerous.
    “TikTok, as has been covered by my colleague from Massachusetts, reaches 170 million people.
    “52% of those people say that they regularly get their news from TikTok.
    “As I’ve risen on this floor in the past, I’ve discussed specific cases where the Chinese Communists have been pushing their propaganda through TikTok.
    “Now let’s also bear in mind that we would not allow any American TV news station, even newspaper, to be able to own as much of the American marketplace as TikTok has today.
    “170 million people.
    “Current law says that you can only own 39%, for example, of the TV marketplace across the country.
    “That would roughly equate to about 50 million households in the United States – far above what we’re seeing here with what TikTok has access to.
    “So if we’re not going to allow Americans to be able to have such broad access to our population, why on earth would we allow the Chinese Communist Party to do it?
    “And by the way, the way, the Chinese Communist Party has no First Amendment rights in this country.
    “ByteDance was given 270 days to make a deal.
    “The Communist dictator Xi Jinping clearly did not want it.
    “They tried to lobby us. They avoided getting a deal done.
    “President Trump came into office.
    “They are still avoiding getting a deal done.
    “The people who are taking on the liability here are the companies that are facilitating this.
    “I urge those companies to reconsider.
    “You should think carefully about what you’re doing.
    “The law is very clear.
    “TikTok needs to be sold to an American owner to continue operation.
    “Not some half-baked plan, as my colleague from Arkansas was describing, where the Chinese Communist Party would still have influence on the TikTok algorithm, still have the ability to push their propaganda to the American people.
    “That cannot happen.
    “We need to make sure that the Chinese Communist Party cannot do that in our country again.
    “We won’t allow other TV or radio stations to have that much access.
    “Why on earth are we doing it for the Chinese Communist Party?
    “It is absolutely ludicrous.
    “We need to keep the pressure on.
    “We need to make sure that TikTok is sold.
    “I echo my colleague’s comments with regard to any sort of future Chinese ownership that would allow them to be able to continue to do this.
    “We need to make sure that this is no longer going to threaten our young people.
    “And therefore, Mr. President, I object.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy, Booker reintroduce bipartisan bill to combat animal fighting and trafficking

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)
    WASHINGTON – Sens. John Kennedy (R-La.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) today reintroduced the Fighting Inhumane Gambling and High-Risk Animal Trafficking (FIGHT) Act to enhance national animal fighting laws by providing more tools to law enforcement and citizens to curtail cockfighting and dogfighting.
    “Those engaging in dog and cock fights are abusive, organized and dangerous—and their heinous behavior must be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. It’s illegal to abuse God’s creatures for sport, and this bill would give law enforcement crucial tools to end this cruel practice,” said Kennedy.
    “Animal fighting is cruel, illegal, and unacceptable. It’s time we take stronger action to stop these heinous abuses against animals and protect them from being exploited for entertainment and profit. This bill will tighten enforcement to put a stop to illegal animal fighting,” said Booker.
    Despite being criminalized, cockfighting and dogfighting are still common across the country. Cockfights can become hubs of violence because of the illegal activity that often accompanies them. 
    Cockfighting may also pose a danger to public health during the ongoing avian influenza outbreak, as people who handle bloodied birds risk becoming infected by them.
    The FIGHT Act would amend Section 26 of the Animal Welfare Act to strengthen and enhance enforcement against animal fighting. This bill would:
    Ban simulcasting and gambling on animal fights in the U.S., no matter where the broadcast signals for dogfights and cockfights originate.
    Halt shipments of mature roosters (chickens only) shipped through U.S. mail. This legislation does not address shipments of baby chicks, which are used in accepted agricultural operations. Shipping dogs through the mail is already illegal.
    Creates a citizen suit provision allowing private right of action against illegal animal fighters and ease the resource burden on federal agencies.
    Enhances forfeiture provisions to include real property used in the commission of an animal fighting crime.
    The full bill text of the FIGHT Act is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven Statement After Honoring NDSU Bison at White House, U.S. Capitol

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven
    04.09.25
    Click for here for photo and media resources.
    WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven issued the following statement after honoring the 10-time NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) National Champion North Dakota State University (NDSU) Bison at the White House and U.S. Capitol. Prior to the Bison’s visit to the White House with President Trump, Senator Hoeven and Senator Kevin Cramer hosted a luncheon on Capitol Hill for the Bison, followed by a tour of the U.S. Capitol.
    “The NDSU Bison had a tremendous season, winning their 10th FCS championship, but not only that, they are great student athletes who represent our state well every day,” said Hoeven. “When I asked President Trump about bringing the Bison to the White House, he agreed quickly and later even put together a nice video with me doing horns up. We appreciate President Trump honoring their achievements at the White House, and had a wonderful time hosting them at the U.S. Capitol today. The players, coaches and staff are truly deserving of these honors and we look forward to all of their future successes.”
    After the Bison won their 10th FCS National Championship earlier this year, Senators Hoeven and Cramer spoke with President Trump to arrange an invitation for the Bison to the White House, and the delegation announced the visit to the White House last month.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crapo Statement at Nominations Hearing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo
    Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) delivered the following remarks at a hearing to consider the nominations of William Kimmitt to serve as Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade and Kenneth Kies to serve as the Assistant Treasury Secretary for Tax Policy.
    As prepared for delivery:
    “This meeting will come to order.  Thank you to our nominees, Mr. Kimmitt and Mr. Kies, for being here today.  Congratulations on your nominations and thank you both for your willingness to serve.
    “Today, we will first hear from William Kimmitt, who is nominated to serve as Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade.
    “If confirmed, Mr. Kimmitt will oversee the Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration—or ITA.  Importantly, the ITA promotes market access and redresses unfair trade practices.  Both functions are critical to American prosperity.
    “In terms of market access, American farmers and manufacturers win when they have a chance to compete.  ITA helps to facilitate those opportunities. 
    “Our manufacturing and agricultural industries are second to none and we need to make sure they have opportunities to fairly compete at home and abroad.   
    “Mr. Kimmitt, given your background, I am confident that you will make important contributions to trade.  I look forward to working with you, if confirmed.
    “Moving to the other nominee before us today, Kenneth Kies, who is nominated to serve as the Assistant Secretary for Tax Policy at the Treasury Department.
    “The Assistant Secretary for Tax Policy is the senior advisor to the Secretary of the Treasury for analyzing, developing and implementing federal tax policies and programs.  Mr. Kies, if confirmed, will be a vital partner in Congress’ efforts to enact pro-growth tax policy and ensure it is properly implemented.
    “My Republican colleagues and I are committed to preventing a $4 trillion-plus tax hike on American families and businesses, and to delivering additional tax relief for middle-class workers and families who have struggled to keep up due to historic inflation over the last four years. 
    “We are also committed to making permanent the proven tax policy of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA).  Making this tax policy permanent will provide the certainty that businesses need to make long-term investments that drive growth, and will also provide the stability that families need as they save and plan for the future.
    “Fear-mongering and mischaracterization aside, the generational reforms we made in 2017 strengthened investment, boosted economic growth, increased take-home pay and reduced poverty.
    “The TCJA made the tax code more progressive, helped all Americans keep more of their hard-earned money, and fostered a growing economy that powered median household income to an all-time high. 
    “Permanently extending and building upon our current tax framework is the best way to restore economic prosperity and opportunity for working families.
    “Mr. Kies’ wealth of experience in the world of tax policy makes him eminently qualified to assist us in this effort.  
    “Mr. Kies spent a total of 47 years as a tax attorney.  His experience covers every aspect of the Internal Revenue Code and, since 1981, he has been involved in every significant piece of federal tax legislation.  He also has a first-hand understanding of the legislative process, having served as Chief Tax Counsel on the House Ways and Means Committee and as Chief of Staff on the Joint Committee on Taxation.
    “Mr. Kies, if confirmed, I look forward to working with you to deliver on President Trump’s economic agenda.
    “Thank you again, Mr. Kimmitt and Mr. Kies, for your time today.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Moran Questions Nominees for NASA Administrator, FCC Commissioner

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas – Jerry Moran
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation – yesterday questioned Jared Isaacman, the nominee for NASA Administrator, and Olivia Trusty, the nominee to be Commissioner for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), during a hearing to review their nominations.
    Sen. Moran questioned Ms. Trusty on spectrum policy, the implementation of the 5G Fund and her vision for the FCC.
    “Ms. Trusty, I’m pleased by your nomination; I have great faith in you,” said Sen. Moran. “It’s been my disappointment over time to watch the FCC become much more partisan and incapable of reaching decisions. I would encourage you to use every effort to find solutions to these problems and bring the commission together to serve the American people.”
    Sen. Moran questioned Mr. Isaacman on NASA’s plans for the Space Launch System (SLS), parts of which are manufactured in Kansas, and highlighted the Cosmosphere and its importance to Kansas.
    “Do you believe the current Artemis architecture featuring the SLS rocket or Orion spacecraft is the best or fastest way to beat China to the Moon,” asked Sen. Moran.
    “Senator, this is the current plan, and I do believe it is the best and fastest way to get there,” answered Mr. Isaacman.
    Click HERE to watch Sen. Moran’s Questions

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Budd Introduces Bill to Ban Retail Storefronts Owned by Foreign Adversaries from U.S. Military Bases

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ted Budd (R-North Carolina)
    Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, introduced the Military Installation Retail Security Act to prohibit the Department of Defense (DoD) from authorizing, renewing, or extending long-term retail agreements with companies owned or controlled by adversarial nations on U.S. military bases. The legislation also requires the review of all retail stores on military bases nationwide to determine if there are foreign ties to China, Russia, Iran, or North Korea.
    Senators Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) and Rick Scott (R-Fla.) joined Senator Budd in introducing the bill. Congressman Pat Harrigan (R-N.C.-10) introduced the companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
    “Our military readiness depends upon security and surveillance. Adversarial nations have no place owning and operating businesses on U.S. military bases, all the while gaining personal identification information of American citizens, just to turn a profit. That is why I am proud to introduce the Military Installation Retail Security Act, to close this loophole by taking targeted action to prevent malign actors from embedding themselves within our military communities where they can threaten our national security and exploit personal data,” said Senator Budd.
    “We shouldn’t be allowing Chinese-affiliated companies in the United States, let alone on our military bases. This bill will ensure our adversaries can’t exploit our military,” said Senator Cotton.
    “Allowing companies controlled by our biggest foreign adversaries – like Communist China, Russia, and North Korea – to operate on U.S. military bases is a completely unacceptable threat to our national security that risks an enemy gaining sensitive personal and military data. The Military Installation Retail Security Act will close the loopholes that allow these bad actors to gain footholds within our military communities, ensuring that our military bases remain secure, and that foreign enemies aren’t profiting off our service members and their families. This should be common sense, and I urge my colleagues to support its quick passage,” said Senator Scott.
    “My team uncovered that GNC is fully owned by the Chinese Communist Party and operating more than 80 stores on U.S. military bases. That’s not just a problem; it’s a direct threat to our national security. We moved quickly to get a solution on the table and introduced the Military Installation Retail Security Act in the House. I’m glad to have Senator Budd step in to help drive this forward and make sure CCP-owned companies have zero place inside America’s military infrastructure,” said Congressman Harrigan.
    Read the full bill text HERE.
    Background
    Retail stores on U.S. military bases gain direct and prolonged access to our nation’s servicemembers and their families while operating in a sensitive base environment, which creates serious risks for surveillance. This gives companies, owned by foreign adversaries, unprecedented access to personally identifiable information such as names, payment methods, and purchase history. 
    GNC—which started as a small, family-owned health-food store in Pittsburgh in 1935—was bought by the Chinese state-owned Harbin Pharmaceutical Group after the supplement retailer filed for bankruptcy in 2020. Currently, this Chinese-owned company operates over 80 locations on U.S. military bases.
    On base at North Carolina’s Fort Bragg, GNC operates several storefronts serving 53,700 troops, who make up nearly 10 percent of the U.S. Army alone.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Oregon Delegation Urges Reversal of Cuts, Planned Layoffs at Social Security That Hurt State’s Seniors

    US Senate News:

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

    April 10, 2025

    Letter from Wyden, Merkley, Bonamici, Hoyle, Salinas, Bynum, Dexter Cites Disastrous Decisions in Social Security field offices in Warrenton, La Grande and The Dalles

    Washington, D.C. –U.S. Senator Ron Wyden today led his Democratic colleagues in the Oregon delegation – Senator Jeff Merkley and U.S. Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Janelle Bynum (OR-05) and Maxine Dexter (OR-03) – in urging the Social Security Administration to reverse its severe layoffs and threats of worse to come for services to the state’s seniors and people with disabilities.

    In their letter to the Social Security Administration’s Acting Commissioner Leland Dudek, the Oregon lawmakers cited agency data showing staff in the Warrenton and La Grande field offices declined by at least 25 percent as a result of agency decisions to reduce its workforce. They also noted the field office in The Dalles has experienced a substantial drop in workers.

    “These three rural field offices already faced staffing shortages before these cuts, with just twenty combined employees serving more than 232,000 Oregonians in ten counties and parts of Washington and Idaho,” the lawmakers wrote, noting how nearly every American interacts with the agency at pivotal moments in their lives.

    “Access to in-person services is especially important for each of those moments, especially for people who have difficulty speaking by phone, who lack reliable internet access, and who have difficulty understanding program rules,” they wrote. “Any disruption in service, especially interruption of benefit payments, can be financially devastating for families. For many of these Oregonians, field offices are often their only channel of service. These field offices are located in predominantly rural areas, with the nearest field office more than 50 miles away from many users.”

    “Additionally, more than 400,000 Oregonians lack internet access at home because the state’s size and rugged terrain make it costly and difficult to build broadband infrastructure,” the lawmakers continued.  “Without in-person services, if those Oregonians have difficulty using a phone they are 100 percent cut off from their benefits.”

    Nearly 1 million Oregonians collect Social Security benefits, and the lawmakers’ letter noted that the agency’s reckless actions have already inflicted a devastating toll on those Oregon beneficiaries and tens of millions more across America.

    “Simply put, your decisions jeopardize Oregonians’ access to their Social Security benefits without providing any substantive plans to provide quality service to these communities,” they wrote. “We urge you to immediately reverse these changes and work to rebuild SSA’s workforce so it can serve the millions of Oregonians and Americans who depend on Social Security.”

    A copy of the entire letter is here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: King Gets Agreement from Energy Nominees to Pursue “All of the Above” Power Options

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a hearing of the Senate Energy and Natural Resource (ENR) Committee, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) spoke with Dr. Preston Griffith, the nominee to serve as the Under Secretary of Energy, and Dr. Dario Gil, the nominee to serve as the Under Secretary of Energy for Science, about the need to prioritize energy storage technology as America works toward an “all of the above” energy future, making clear the value of renewable energy sources like wind and solar power. During the exchange, Senator King asked the two nominees to commit to further research and development of emerging power technologies to help strengthen grid storage capacity and unlock America’s renewable energy potential.

    “One of the technologies I’m most interested in is storage because we are talking about development of the grid and stabilization of the grid. And I hope that both of you will remain committed to the research and development of storage capacity on the grid because I think that is part of the solution. Do you agree, Dr. Gil,” questioned Senator King.

    “Thank you for the question. Let me also just say since you are representing Maine, that I have a long connection with Maine. My wife and in-laws are from Maine, so I’ve been going for many decades and it’s a pleasure,” replied Dr. Gil.

    “Wonderful. Tell her to tell your in-laws she saw me working,” said Senator King.

    “Will do so. And yes, I completely agree on the importance of storage technology. It is an essential part not only of present electricity systems, but also in the future. I will also point out that within the science portfolio of the Department, we also have a lot of opportunity to accelerate the opportunity for discovery of novel, more safe, and efficient storage technologies. So, the commitment is twofold. It is both a recognition of the importance that storage plays but also that we have to do a lot of discovery to make sure that we can take a very significant leap forward, which we can do by harnessing these capabilities on AI and in the future quantum computing as well,” responded Dr. Gil.

    “Mr. Griffith, I assume you believe storage is a part of all of the above,” asked Senator King.

    “Yes, Senator, absolutely. Thank you for your question. It is the holy grail. We need all energy sources, technology — we need to bring them all to bear to meet this growing demand,” agreed Dr. Griffith.

    As a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Senator King has advocated for climate solutions that deliver on the clean energy potential of the historic Inflation Reduction Act. He has repeatedly emphasized the importance of permitting reform to deliver carefully considered, timely approvals of sorely-needed clean energy projects. Senator King has also been one of the Senate’s most vocal advocates for improving energy storage technologies and development and worked to include significant storage investments in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act. Most recently, Senator King reiterated the importance of an “all of the above” energy policy strategy during an ENR hearing considering the nominations of Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner and Kaine Statement on Latest Safety Incident at DCA

    US Senate News:

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

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) issued the following statement regarding an incident at Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) where two airplanes bumped into each other on the tarmac:

    “Thank God no one was hurt this time. We need a full investigation into this incident as soon as possible. We have said this over and over and hate having to say it again: when planes are taking off and landing every minute of the day, FAA funding is cut, air traffic controllers are fired, and current staff is spread thinner to cover more—that is when mistakes happen. The traveling public deserves action.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hawley, Durbin Reintroduce Bill Protecting Employees of Bankrupt Businesses

    US Senate News:

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

    Thursday, April 10, 2025

    U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) joined U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) in reintroducing the Protecting Employees and Retirees in Business Bankruptcies Act. The bill would empower rank-and-file employees whose companies are facing bankruptcy, allowing them to retain more of their wages, benefits, and retirement savings when their employer files for bankruptcy. The Senators previously introduced the legislation in 2024. 

    Currently, the law fails to adequately look out for employees during bankruptcy proceedings. Instead, it prioritizes creditors. The Protecting Employees and Retirees in Business Bankruptcies Act would put workers first, granting employee claims higher priority and placing restrictions on golden parachutes for executives.

    “Employees shouldn’t be the ones left holding the bag when companies go under. Rather than giving precedence to the desires of predatory creditors, we should prioritize workers and protect the compensation they’ve earned through years of hard work,” said Senator Hawley. “Our bill would safeguard workers’ claims to wages, benefits, and retirement funds throughout bankruptcy proceedings.” 

    “When their company files for bankruptcy, employees should not have to worry that they will lose their hard-earned wages, benefits, and retirement savings,” said Senator Durbin. “The Protecting Employees and Retirees in Business Bankruptcies Act would ensure that all employees, not just C-suite executives, receive the benefits they were promised.”

    Senator Hawley has been a staunch supporter of workers’ rights. He was a leading voice in confirming pro-worker Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer. Last month, he sponsored the Faster Labor Contracts Act, which would speed up first contracts for new unions. In addition, he has stood with and and voted to support rail workers as they sought a fair deal with sick leave, fought to keep jobs here in the U.S., and advocated for United States Postal Service workers. 

    Read the text of the legislation here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fischer Reintroduces Hammers’ Law to Honor Omaha Natives, Hold Cruise Industry Accountable

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nebraska Deb Fischer

    Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, reintroduced Hammers’ Law to hold the cruise industry accountable for the wrongful deaths of passengers who do not have dependents or income — including children, students, and retirees. In addition to Fischer, the legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.).

    The bill is named for Larry and Christy Hammer of Omaha, who tragically lost their lives in a fire in their cabin onboard a Peruvian river cruise on April 10th, 2016. Today marks the nine-year anniversary of the incident.

    “Nine years ago today, Larry and Christy Hammer tragically and unexpectedly lost their lives because of the negligence of a cruise company. Since then, their bereaved daughters, Jill and Kelly, have endured a frustrating fight for accountability. My Hammers’ Law, named for Larry and Christy, will help prevent future tragedies and give families fairer compensation if tragedy does strike,” 

    said Fischer.

    “A century-old law has prevented families from obtaining fair financial accountability when their loved ones die tragically onboard a cruise ship. Our bipartisan effort will ensure that bad actors in the cruise industry fairly compensate Americans whose family members are killed on their ships – just like an airline does, when something goes wrong on a plane. No amount of money can ever fully compensate a family for this kind of tragic loss, but our measure will help bring about some small measure of justice after a cruise catastrophe,” said Blumenthal.

    “Families like the Hammers deserve justice when loved ones are wrongfully lost at sea. This bipartisan bill ensures that cruise lines are held to the same accountability standards as airlines,” said Ricketts. 

    “Hammers’ Law is a crucial step toward justice and accountability for the countless families who have tragically lost loved ones due to negligence onboard cruise ships. This legislation ensures that no victim’s family is denied the right to seek justice solely because of antiquated laws. Hammers’ Law will extend to cruise passengers the same protections airline passengers have enjoyed for decades, compelling cruise companies to prioritize safety and protecting millions of travelers each year,” said the Hammers’ daughters, Jill Hammer Malott and Kelly Hammer Lankford.

    Background:

    Hammers’ Law would amend an over 100-year-old law, known as the Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA). Today, the cruise industry uses DOHSA to avoid financial accountability for the wrongful deaths of passengers who do not have dependents or income. These passengers — including children, students, and retirees — account for a significant portion of the 12 million Americans who cruise each year. 

    As retirees, Larry and Christy Hammer did not have financial dependents or wages, so antiquated DOHSA rules restricted the Hammer family from pursuing the accountability that would likely be available for wrongful deaths occurring on dry land. DOHSA was amended in 2000 to allow the same kind of compensation for victims of major airline accidents.

    Passing Hammers’ Law will enable future families to pursue fairer compensation when similar tragedies strike, and it will hold the responsible cruise line accountable by allowing for compensation that more fully reflects the company’s negligence.

    Hammers’ Law was first introduced in 2019. Since then, Fischer has continued to grow support for this legislation, reintroducing it during the 117th Congress and again last Congress. 
     
    Click here to read the full text of the bill.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cramer, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Make Adoption Tax Credit Refundable

    US Senate News:

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

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – To support families choosing adoption, the existing Adoption Tax Credit allows adoptive families to deduct up to $16,810 in qualified expenses. The tax credit eases the financial cost of adoption and supports prospective and adoptive families.

    U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), co-chairs of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, with U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM),  introduced the Adoption Tax Credit Refundability Act to restore the refundable portion of the Adoption Tax Credit. By allowing the tax credit to be refundable, families will be able to access the full amount as a refund, even if the credit exceeds a family’s tax burden. The credit was previously refundable in 2010 and 2011.

    “Adoption is a true joy for families, but it is not without significant financial cost,” said Cramer. “Our bill will make the credit refundable to help all adoptive families access the full amount of the adoption tax credit, regardless of their tax burden. Support for adoptive families is essential to ensure more children find the stable, loving home they deserve.”

    “Minnesotans have a long and proud tradition of adoption to welcome children into safe and loving homes,” said Klobuchar. “Our bipartisan legislation will allow more families to access the full adoption tax credit, helping ensure a smooth and successful transition for children and families. As co-chair of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, I’ll keep working to improve the adoption process and help every child find the permanent home they deserve.”

    “Offering permanent homes to adoptive children strengthens families and is a blessing,” said Blackburn. “The Adoption Tax Credit Refundability Act would reduce the financial burden of adoption and make adoption more accessible.”

    “For families across the country, adoption is a blessing that provides children with a loving, stable home,” said Luján. “Families should not face steep financial costs for opening their arms and offering a permanent home to adoptive children. That is why I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing the Adoption Tax Credit Refundability Act to lower the financial cost of adoption and help more children find loving homes.”

    Senate cosponsors include U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-SC), Mark Warner (D-VA), James Lankford (R-OK), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Angus King (I-ME), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), John Fetterman (D-PA), and Mark Kelly (D-AZ). The legislation was also introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by U.S. Representatives Danny K. Davis (D-IL-07), Blake Moore (R-UT-01), Gwen Moore (D-WI-04), Randy Feenstra (R-IA-04), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA-37), Don Bacon (R-NE-02), Don Beyer (D-VA-08), and Robert Aderholt (R-AL-04).

    This legislation is endorsed by the Adoption Tax Credit Working Group Executive Committee and 100 national, state, and local groups.

    Click here for bill text.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell Presses Energy Under Secretary Nominee on BPA Staff Cuts

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell

    04.10.25

    Cantwell Presses Energy Under Secretary Nominee on BPA Staff Cuts

    Bonneville Power Administration owns and operates about 80% of PacNW power lines; workforce reductions by Trump admin have eliminated hundreds of employees, including many powerline workers; Cantwell: “Do you believe the BPA workforce should be exempt from the current hiring freeze and future force reductions?”

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), senior member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, questioned Preston Wells Griffith III – President Donald Trump’s pick to serve as Under Secretary of the Department of Energy (DOE) – on the administration’s plans to cut additional staff at the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), even though BPA is funded by ratepayers not federal taxpayers.

    “I’m a big supporter of BPA and what it delivers in cost-based power. I think we need to give BPA more support, not less. They have committed to $5 billion in grid upgrades using borrowing authority this Committee approved as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure [Law]. I want to submit […] an article for the record written by former two former BPA leaders, Randy Hardy and Steve Wright, and I want to quote. They say, ‘we can say with confidence the level of risk now with the existing workforce reductions is unacceptably high, and at some point further reductions would make outages practically inevitable.’

    “So, that concerns me when two former BPA Administrators make those kind of statements. I appreciate that DOGE has already allowed the BPA to rehire some of those probationary employees, but I want to ask you, do you believe the BPA workforce should be exempt from the current hiring freeze and future force reductions?” Sen. Cantwell asked during a hearing of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

    Griffith responded: “I obviously haven’t been confirmed, and don’t know — I’ve read similar reports, and I don’t think I saw that one that you submitted for the record, but should I be confirmed, I look forward to getting up to speed and prioritizing it. I worked in the last Trump Administration, the first one, and understand the important role that BPA and the Power Marketing Administrations, other PMAs, have in delivering affordable, reliable energy from our hydroelectric resources. And I’m committed to working with you and your office, this Committee, to do that should I be confirmed.”

    Sen. Cantwell: “Do you commit to articulate BPA’s safety and reliability role when considering any RIF [Reduction in Force] proposals?”

    Griffith: “Senator, again, I don’t know exactly what is happening in the Department or any discussions, but I will prioritize working with the Secretary, the Deputy Secretary, and the rest of the team on this issue, if confirmed to—”

    Sen. Cantwell: “I’m just asking you whether you will raise safety and reliability roles. That’s a pretty easy –“

    Griffith: “Oh, safety and reliability are obviously very important to the grid, BPA, and all of the utilities and PMAs, and I think we’ll continue to prioritize the reliability, the security, and the resilience of our grid, including at the PMAs.”

    A video of her Q&A with Griffith can be watched HERE; audio is HERE; and a transcript is HERE.

    Sen. Cantwell has slammed the Trump Administration’s mass firings and hiring freezes as overbroad, dangerous to the public, precarious for our lands, and at times illegal.

    Last week, during another hearing of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, Sen. Cantwell also pressed James Danly and Katharine MacGregor – President Trump’s nominees to serve as DOE Deputy Secretary and Deputy Secretary of the Department of the Interior – on their commitments to not sell off public assets owned by Bonneville Power Administration after DOGE recently ordered the sale of the BPA Portland building. Video of that exchange is HERE.

    In July 2021, Sen. Cantwell authored and fought for passage of a bipartisan amendment that eventually resulted in a $10 billion increase in BPA’s borrowing authority being included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The measure allowed BPA to continue to borrow at low-interest rates at no ultimate cost to the taxpayer, so that Bonneville could move forward with the vital projects announced today. Sen. Cantwell’s amendment also linked expanded borrowing authority to new financial oversight requirements and opportunities for increased stakeholder engagement.

    Without Sen. Cantwell’s efforts, the borrowing authority would likely not have been established, industry insiders said at the time.

    In July 2023, BPA announced it would move forward with more than $2 billion worth of electricity grid improvement projects that will significantly increase the capacity and reliability of the Pacific Northwest grid and its ability to integrate new energy sources. In October 2024, BPA announced an additional $3 billion in grid updates.

    Bonneville’s generating and transmission portfolio consists primarily of emissions-free sources and is the backbone of an electricity system that is relied on by tens of millions of people throughout the Western United States. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that the Pacific Northwest will need to add 56% more transmission capacity by 2040. The Northwest Power and Conservation Council calculates the region will need 3,500 megawatts of new renewable generation by 2027 and 14,000 additional megawatts by 2040. Sen. Cantwell has been a longtime champion of BPA and the cost-based power it helps provide the Pacific Northwest, and has successfully fended off multiple efforts to privatize BPA or increase regional electricity rates.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lee, Tuberville Introduce Legislation to Repurpose Woke USAID Funding to Improve Veterans’ Homes

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Utah Mike Lee

    WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) and Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) introduced the Veterans First Act of 2025, which will redirect wasteful taxpayer funding previously allocated for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to instead pay for outstanding repairs in state veterans’ homes. This legislation follows the Trump administration’s actions to largely shut down USAID after it was revealed that the agency was using taxpayer funds to pay for radical leftist priorities. Rep. Dave Taylor (R-OH) leads the effort in the U.S. House of Representatives.

    “Our bill takes 2 billion dollars that was going to be thrown into the USAID money pit and distributed to radical progressive causes across the globe, and instead puts it toward desperately needed housing and hospitals for the men and women who defend America,” said Senator Lee. “We should put our veterans before any foreign interests or organizations.” 

     “Let’s be honest, USAID was largely being used as a Democrat slush fund under Joe Biden,” said Sen. Tuberville. “We don’t need to waste BILLIONS of taxpayer dollars on research in Wuhan or transgender operas in Colombia when our own veterans are living in horrible conditions. There are more than 160 state veteran homes across the country that provide long-term care to eligible military veterans. The VA currently offers construction grants that cover up to 65% of renovation costs, but funding constraints can cause years of delays for homes that are waiting to receive federal funds to match the funds approved at the state level. This critical legislation would provide sufficient federal funding to cover all outstanding Priority 1 VA State Home Construction projects that already have the state-matching funds. Our veteran heroes were willing to lay down their lives for our freedom. The least we can do is make sure they have a decent place to call home.

     “Under the Biden-Harris Administration, taxpayer dollars were wastefully sent overseas to fund DEI initiatives while the pressing needs of veterans here at home were ignored,” said Rep. Taylor. “Under President Trump, Republicans are getting our Nation’s priorities straight and our Heroes are at the top of the list. I am proud to lead this bill to ensure State Veterans Homes across our country are equipped with the funding to meet our veterans’ needs.”

     The Veterans First Act of 2025 would:

    • Redirect $2 billion of USAID funds toward State Veteran Home repairs and renovations,
    • Provide sufficient funding to cover all outstanding Priority 1 VA State Home construction grants,
      • These are ready-to-go projects that already possess state-matching funds and are only awaiting federal matching funds to being work.
    • Put America’s veterans first and reorient our nation’s spending priorities.

    Read full text of the legislation here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Boozman, Peters Champion Bipartisan Bill Increasing Higher Education Accessibility, Affordability

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas – John Boozman

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Gary Peters (D-MI) introduced the Making Education Affordable and Accessible Act (MEAA), bipartisan legislation to help reduce barriers to higher education and lower student debt by expanding the use of existing federal grants that support dual enrollment, concurrent enrollment and early college high school programs.

    “Providing more pathways for students to pursue higher education or technical skills and experience is crucial to their success and benefits our economy,” said Boozman. “I’m proud to work in a bipartisan way to increase access to programs that prepare the next generation of Arkansans and other Americans to get an affordable head start that sets them up for career success and longevity.”

    “To meet our current workforce needs, we must expand access to programs that help students begin training for a career they are interested in,” said Peters. “This bipartisan bill would give high school students the chance to start working towards a college degree and building their future without the financial burden of a student loan.”

    Specifically, the MEAA Act would expand the allowable uses of funding from the Higher Education Act Title VII Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE), allowing colleges and universities to strengthen early college access programs by broadening FIPSE funding to:

    • Implement dual or concurrent enrollment programs and early college high school programming;
    • Provide educators, principals, counselors and other school leaders in these programs with professional development;
    • Assist students in the program by covering education-related costs such as tuition and fees, books and transportation; and 
    • Support activities such as course design, course approval processes, community outreach, student counseling and support services.

    The legislation is endorsed by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) and Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE). 

    “School leaders recognize that college accessibility does more than just create opportunities for students—it strengthens our entire education workforce,” said NASSP CEO Ronn Nozoe. “This critical legislation tackles the financial obstacles confronting future teachers, making certification attainable during an era when higher education costs dramatically exceed educator compensation.” 

    “The Making Education Affordable and Accessible Act would expand opportunities for dual and concurrent enrollment and early college high schools—both key to the success and connections between our secondary education, postsecondary education and workforce systems,” said ACTE Director LeAnn Curry. “ACTE is proud to endorse the bill, and we are grateful to Senators Gary Peters and John Boozman for introducing the legislation. Their bipartisan commitment provides Congress with an opportunity to expand access to early postsecondary credit and increase opportunities for CTE students pursuing these pathways into successful careers.”

    Background:

    • Dual enrollment programs enable students to be enrolled in and earn credit from both their high school and a college institution.
    • Concurrent enrollment allows students to take college-credit courses taught by qualified high school teachers approved by partner colleges.
    • Early college high schools, which are typically located on or near college campuses or embedded within high schools, allow students to work toward an associate’s degree while completing their high school diploma.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed Statement on Trump’s Chaotic Tariff Pause

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed
    WASHINGTON, DC — In an overdue reversal, President Donald Trump abruptly announced via his social media platform today that he ordered a pause of his tariffs regime for 90 days.  U.S. Senator Jack Reed reacted to the news by stating:
    “After causing a financial disaster, President Trump came to his senses and realized what Democrats, small businesses, working families, Main Street and Wall Street have told him all along: his blanket tariff tax regime meant higher prices, fewer jobs, and a likely recession. 
    “It was clear from the get go that the Trump Administration hadn’t done its homework on tariffs.  They literally miscalculated on the math and threw the global economy into disarray.  Due to the Trump Administration’s recklessness, our economy shed trillions of dollars and consumers and businesses were left holding the bag for higher prices.  President Trump is directly to blame.  He created these tariffs out of thin air and chose to put them on American consumers.  This was an ‘own goal’ of historic proportions.  The American people deserve better.”  
    In response to Trump implementing his tariff taxes last week, U.S. financial markets acted with volatility, triggering the loss of trillions of dollars.  Today’s abrupt announcement of the pause seemed to tamp down the economic chaos, but the President’s reckless tariff and economic policy has created significant uncertainty for businesses and financial markets and continues to put our economy at risk.  Senator Reed supports legislation to end the ‘Trump sales tax’ on imported goods and restore Congress’ constitutional authority over tariffs.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed & Young Introduce Bipartisan Adult Education WORKS Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed
    WASHINGTON, DC – The latest results for U.S. adults on the Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) are sobering.  Between  2017 and 2023 literacy and numeracy skills sank, with the percentage of adults at the lowest performance levels increasing from 19 to 28 percent in literacy and from 29 to 34 percent in numeracy. And, at current funding levels, adult education programs reach only an estimated 1.1 million people across the nation.
    In an effort to connect more Americans to adult education opportunities and boost our economy, U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Todd Young (R-IN) today reintroduced the Adult Education Workforce Opportunity and Reskilling for Knowledge and Success Act (the Adult Education WORKS Act), to reauthorize adult education programs and expand upon the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). Congresswoman Lucy McBath (D-GA-6) is leading introduction of companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.
    A study commissioned by the Barbara Bush Foundation estimates that getting all American adults to the equivalent of a sixth-grade reading level would add $2.2 trillion to the country’s annual income. Without the opportunities provided by adult education programs — like numeracy, literacy, digital literacy, English language skills, soft skills, work readiness, high school equivalency, and other wraparound services — many adults will be left on the sidelines of an economy that needs more qualified workers in order to grow.
    The Adult Education WORKS Act provides a roadmap for addressing this crisis by updating WIOA and by strengthening and expanding access to adult education services. Specifically, the legislation calls for nearly doubling the authorized funding for adult education by 2030 to $1.35 billion while making significant changes to the adult education system. Critical for achieving success in modern workplaces and for navigating everyday life, the bill calls for a new emphasis on digital and information literacy. Furthermore, the legislation will help to enhance the role of adult education providers by ensuring representation in the workforce planning process, with a focus on college and career navigators in public libraries and community-based organizations.
    The Adult Education WORKS Act invests in the professionalization of the adult education field, strengthening state certification policies, encouraging full-time staffing models, and expanding professional development opportunities and career pathways for adult educators. Investments will enhance innovation and provide increased accountability through pilot projects that test new approaches to measuring program performance and outcomes for adult learners.
    “Strengthening adult education programs is essential to growing our economy and ensuring business owners have enough qualified workers. Adult education is the ticket to a more prosperous and successful life,” said Senator Reed.  “The Adult Education WORKS Act will help ensure that more Americans can access educational programs that will equip them with in-demand skills to take the opportunities that are available to them.” 
    “It’s critical that all Hoosiers have the tools necessary to succeed in the modern economy – and that starts with strengthening adult education,” said Senator Young. “Our bipartisan bill would bolster critical services for adult learners, while also making important updates that ensure participants are prepared for the 21st century workforce.”
    “With so many adults at low literacy and numeracy rates, it is crucial that we provide them an option to gain the skills they need to succeed,” said Rep. McBath. “No adult or family should be left on the sidelines, and the expertise available through these programs often mean the difference between a job that supports a family and struggling to make ends meet. The Adult Education WORKS Act will ensure that essential skills will be taught to adult learners nationwide. I thank my colleagues for their support on this bipartisan bill.”
    The Adult Education WORKS Act would amend Title I and reauthorize Title II of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), which was signed into law on July 22, 2014. WIOA was designed to help job seekers access employment, education, training and support services to succeed in the labor market and to match employers with skilled workers they need to compete in the global economy. Congress passed the Act with a wide bipartisan majority and it was the first legislative reform of the public workforce system since 1998.
    The legislation is supported by the Coalition for Adult Basic Education (COABE), American Library Association (ALA), National Coalition for Literacy (NCL), National Skills Coalition, ProLiteracy, Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), TESOL International Association, and the Urban Libraries Council.
    “Through investment and innovation, adult education is the solution to bridging the widening skills gap and ensuring American employers can fill open roles with qualified individuals. The bipartisan Adult Education WORKS Act would strengthen adult education and help equip millions of American adults with the literacy, numeracy, and digital and information literacy skills needed to secure in-demand jobs that provide family-sustaining wages. COABE is grateful for Senator Reed and Senator Young’s engagement with the adult education field to develop this bill and applauds them and Representative McBath for sponsoring it in the Senate and House of Representatives. COABE is proud to give its full support to the bipartisan Adult Education WORKS Act.” said Sharon Bonney, CEO of COABE.
    “Adult learners and programs would greatly benefit from the changes proposed to WIOA in the Adult Education WORKS Act. This bipartisan bill acknowledges the need for increased investment in adult education and includes key provisions to enhance professional development for educators, promote integrated education and training concurrently with other adult education activities and services, ensure adults learners gain critical digital and information literacy skills, and foster stronger coordination between workforce and adult education programs. By addressing these barriers within the WIOA system, the Adult Education WORKS Act ensures adults have access to the skills and guidance needed to move on to college or a career pathway.” said Shaketta Thomas, President of COABE.
    “Every day, library patrons turn to their local library for employment services and to make themselves more competitive in today’s job market. Librarians provide resources to the unemployed and underemployed to help their career goals become a reality” said ALA President Cindy Hohl. “The bipartisan Adult Education Workforce Opportunity and Reskilling for Knowledge and Success Act (Adult Education WORKS Act) will address workforce challenges by updating the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) to strengthen and expand access to adult education services. ALA strongly endorses the Adult Education WORKS Act.”
    “Adult Education is an essential lifeline for adults in the U.S. who lack sufficient foundational skills and are struggling to find meaningful employment and live productive, happy lives.  The Adult Education WORKS Act will improve the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) by:   promoting better coordination between the adult education and workforce development systems, increasing access to enhanced adult education services, and getting more of our lowest-skilled adults into education and training pathways.  Simply put, the Adult Education WORKS Act will provide the necessary skills, expand the employment opportunities and improve the lives of millions of adults in the U.S., which will result in a more skilled workforce, a stronger economy and healthier communities across America,” said Jeffrey A. Fantine, Ph.D., Executive Director of the National Coalition for Literacy.
    “TESOL International Association, on behalf of its members who proudly serve the English Language Teaching (ELT) profession, supports Senators Reed and Young’s Adult Education WORKS Act, as it strengthens and expands access to adult education services through WIOA for all adult learners, more than half of whom are multilingual learners of English seeking to better themselves, their communities, and their nation,” said Jeff Hutcheson, Director of Advocacy and Public Policy for TESOL.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley, Cortez Masto Reintroduce Legislation to Combat Organized Retail Theft

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to crack down on flash mob robberies and intricate retail theft schemes. The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025 would establish a coordinated multi-agency response and create new tools to tackle evolving trends in organized retail theft.

    “Retail crime has cost Iowa billions, and it’s even worse across the nation. Organized theft rings deploy innovative tactics to pilfer goods, and it’s causing financial harm to businesses, putting employees and consumers at risk and funding transnational criminal organizations throughout the world. It’s time for the law to catch up and prevent criminals from exploiting the internet and online marketplaces. Our bill improves the federal response to organized retail crime and establishes new tools to recover stolen goods and illicit proceeds, and deter future attacks on American retailers,” Grassley said.  

    “Large criminal organizations are constantly evolving their tactics to steal goods from retailers and the supply chain in communities across the Silver State,” said Cortez Masto. “The rise in organized retail crime has left businesses scrambling, and it is time for Congress to pass this bipartisan legislation to help law enforcement agencies keep our communities safe.” 

    According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), more than 84 percent of retailers report that violence and aggression from criminal activities has become more of a concern since 2022, resulting in injuries and deaths among employees, customers, security officers and law enforcement personnel. NRF also estimates that larceny incidents increased by 93 percent in 2023 compared to 2019. In recent years, criminal organizations have increasingly turned to retail crime to generate illicit profits, using internet-based tools to organize flash mobs, sell stolen goods and move money.  

    The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act would establish an Organized Retail and Supply Chain Crime Coordination Center within the Department of Homeland Security that combines expertise from state and local law enforcement agencies, as well as retail industry representatives. The bill would also create new tools to assist in federal investigation and prosecution of organized retail crime, and help recapture lost goods and proceeds.

    Additional cosponsors include Sens. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), James Risch (R-Idaho), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.) and Ted Cruz (R-Texas).

    The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act is supported by the National Retail Federation (NRF), United Postal Service (UPS), Intermodal Association of North America (IANA), Association of American Railroads (AAR), Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC), International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), National District Attorneys Association (NDAA), American Trucking Associations, Retail Industry Leaders Association, Reusable Packaging Association (RPA), the Home Depot, Iowa Soybean Association and National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC).

    “NRF applauds Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, and Senator Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., for their continued leadership to address one of retail’s biggest challenges, the rise of organized retail crime. ORC is a multibillion-dollar crisis impacting retailers, their associates and the customers they serve. ORC is occurring across the retail enterprise – supply chains, bricks-and-mortar stores, warehouses and online – with stolen product sold for a profit, oftentimes to fund other crimes. The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025 will align efforts within a new Organized Retail and Supply Chain Crime Coordination Center to ensure that resources and information-sharing will be available across local, state, federal and private-sector partners to bring cases and prosecutions against organized theft groups. This legislation is an important step to help prevent ORC from infiltrating local communities across the country,” said NRF Executive Vice President of Government Relations David French.

    “UPS supports the Combatting Organized Retail Crime Act as it provides the necessary resources and coordination to protect the movement of American goods throughout our country while safeguarding the integrity of our national supply chain from rail to road, to retail,” said President of UPS Global Public Affairs Michael Kiely.

    “Organized cargo theft and fraud disrupt intermodal freight supply chains, risk the safety of our workforce, and harm the U.S. economy. The Intermodal Association of North America (IANA) applauds Senator Grassley, Senator Cortez Masto, Congressman Joyce, and Congresswoman Lee for their leadership in championing critical legislation to address this urgent threat. The bipartisan Combating Organized Retail Crime Act will provide important resources to detect and fight organized crime throughout the supply chain, ensuring that our industry can continue delivering goods to American consumers safely and efficiently,” said Intermodal Association of North America (IANA) President & CEO Anne Reinke.

    “Highly motivated and sophisticated criminal networks continue to wreak havoc on communities, retailers and employees across America. They are targeting retailers through brazen organized retail crime schemes, defrauding customers via gift card scams and attacking our supply chains by hijacking our rails and truck shipments. Dismantling these organized criminal rings requires cooperation and collaboration. RILA applauds Sens. Grassley and Cortez Masto for their leadership and commitment to enacting the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act (CORCA), which brings federal, state, and local law enforcement together to intercept and prosecute these criminal enterprises. RILA looks forward to working with them to get this critical piece of legislation signed into law,” said Retail Industry Leaders Association Senior Executive Vice President of Public Affairs Michael Hanson.

    “Organized criminal operations continue to evolve and escalate their targeted attacks against our nation’s supply chain and retailers,” said Association of American Railroads President and CEO Ian Jefferies. “This alarming trend affects every industry — including the nation’s largest railroads, which experienced a 40% spike in cargo theft last year. Disrupting these organized crime networks requires a unified, federally led response. Chairman Grassley and Rep. Joyce’s bipartisan legislation provides the strategic framework necessary to disrupt these criminal networks and safeguard our supply chain.”

    “The trucking industry takes great pride in delivering America’s freight safely and on time; however, the billions of tons of goods transported by trucks from coast to coast have increasingly become a prime target for organized crime rings, including transnational organizations, putting truck drivers at risk and raising costs for consumers,” said American Trucking Associations President & CEO Chris Spear. “ATA commends this bipartisan group of leaders for addressing this alarming trend and safeguarding our supply chain. By empowering federal agencies to improve cooperation across jurisdictions and ramp up enforcement actions, this bill would strike an effective blow against organized crime.”

    “Across the United States, communities small and large are facing an unprecedented number of Organized Retail Crime (ORC) incidents. The Combatting Organized Retail Crime Act would provide the necessary resources to bring the people and organizations behind this nationwide problem to justice by establishing formal coordination between law enforcement and the private sector,” said ICSC President and CEO, Tom McGee. “We applaud Senators Grassley and Cortez Masto for reintroducing the Combatting Organized Retail Crime Act. We believe the bill represents a huge step in the right direction towards addressing this growing issue.”

    “We welcome the bipartisan action led by Senators Grassley and Cantwell and Representatives Bacon, Gottheimer, Hurd and Meeks to reassert Congressional authority over the tariff process. While we support the Administration’s efforts to grow our economy, we also believe that Congress has a critical role to play in setting trade policy and has clear Article 1 authority to set duties and taxes,” said National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC) Vice President for Global Trade Policy Tiffany Smith.

    Background:

    Grassley and Cortez Masto introduced similar legislation in 2022 and 2023. On Fight Retail Crime Day in 2023, Grassley held a press conference alongside the National Retail Federation and congressional cosponsors to push for passage of the legislation. 

    At a roundtable in Iowa, Grassley met with a group of local, state and federal officials to explore the shadowy ties between a spike in organized retail crime and the illicit drug trade.

    In December of 2021, Grassley called on the Justice Department and Department of Homeland Security to prioritize a response to organized retail crimes.  

    Legislative text is available HERE. A summary of the bill is available HERE.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley, Jordan, Lee and Fitzgerald Launch Bicameral Investigation into Potential Ivy League Tuition Pricing Collusion

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) are inspecting the tuition pricing practices of Ivy League member institutions. The chairmen are joined by Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), Chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights, and Rep. Scott Fitzgerald (R-Wis.), Chairman of the House Subcommittee on the Administrative State, Regulatory Reform and Antitrust.

    “We are particularly concerned that Ivy League member institutions appear to collectively raise tuition prices while engaging in price discrimination by offering selective financial aid packages to maximize profit. These institutions establish the industry standard for tuition pricing, creating an umbrella effect for all colleges and universities to justify higher tuition costs than they could otherwise charge in a competitive market,” the lawmakers wrote.

    “The structure and operation of the higher education market strongly suggests the market is not functioning properly and is subject to widespread violations of antitrust laws,” the lawmakers continued.

    The lawmakers sent letters to eight Ivy League universities requesting documents and communications regarding their apparent collusion to raise tuition prices. They contend that the Ivy Leagues’ anti-competitive agreements, use of shared admissions algorithms and ongoing coordination with third parties – such as the College Board and the Common Application – may violate federal antitrust law.

    Their letters follow:

    Background:

    Federal antitrust law prohibits:

    • Certain agreements among competitors that limit competition on price, output or quality of services;
    • Coordination with noncompetitor third parties to facilitate collusion;
    • Businesses from locking consumers into one market, and then forcing consumers to purchase related goods and services in a secondary market; and
    • Certain members of boards of directors from sitting on the boards of competitors.

    There are significant concerns that Ivy League member institutions’ coordinated practices and alleged collusion violate federal antitrust law, and that these institutions continue to benefit from prior collusion, despite Congress sunsetting their antitrust exemption in 2022.

    Additionally, the lawmakers warn:

    • Despite a steady increase in consumer demand and massive endowments that grow yearly, universities continue to limit output and drive prices higher.
    • Binding early decision programs may eliminate students’ ability to receive and compare competing financial aid offers.
    • Institutions requiring students to purchase on-campus housing and meal-plan packages, in addition to tuition, undermines consumer choice and restricts competition in secondary markets.
    • Directors or trustees currently serving on the boards of multiple higher education institutions or other organizations that influence admissions create conflicts of interest.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley, Bipartisan Colleagues Reignite Effort to Protect Law Enforcement

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) today reintroduced legislation to protect law enforcement from ambush-style attacks. The bipartisan Improving Law Enforcement Officer Safety and Wellness Through Data Act would enhance information-gathering and fill gaps in the reporting requirements for attacks against law enforcement, while examining officers’ access to mental health resources.
    “Law enforcement officers in Iowa and across the nation put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe. Our bipartisan bill takes an essential step towards protecting our brave men and women in blue and putting an end to these disgusting attacks,” Grassley said. 
    “Members of law enforcement help keep our communities safe and should be able to do their jobs without fear of being attacked. Through this legislation, the federal government will collect data on attacks and help us better understand motives and prevent them from happening. This is a critical effort to maintain positive relationships between law enforcement and those they serve,” Luján said.
    Additional cosponsors include Sens. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.).
    View bill text HERE.
    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.
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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley, Klobuchar, Colleagues Press USDA on Avian Flu Response, Push to Ensure Strategy for Turkeys, Dairy Cows and Wildlife

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – Senate Agriculture Committee Member Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) joined Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ranking Member of the Committee, along with Sens. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), in pressing Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins to broaden the Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) strategy for managing avian flu to include measures for turkeys and dairy herds.

    “Since the beginning of the outbreak, the virus has impacted more than 160 million birds, including more than 18.6 million turkeys, and nearly 1,000 dairy herds across the country. We appreciated your commitment to make addressing avian flu a top priority during your confirmation process and believe this strategic plan is an important first step in this effort,” the senators wrote.

    “While the plan did include shared priorities to continue combating this disease – including the expansion of relief to farmers dealing with outbreaks among their livestock and investment in research – we encourage the plan to include turkeys and dairy cows. Since avian flu has impacted a wide array of animals, we believe any biosecurity and vaccine measures, including discussions with foreign trading partners, offered by the Department should be available to all livestock producers dealing with avian flu, including turkey and dairy producers,” the senators continued.

    Text of the letter to Secretary Rollins follows:

    Dear Secretary Rollins, 

    We are writing with regard to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s February 26, 2025, avian flu strategic plan. Since the beginning of the outbreak, the virus has impacted more than 160 million birds, including more than 18.6 million turkeys, and nearly 1,000 dairy herds across the country. We appreciated your commitment to make addressing avian flu a top priority during your confirmation process and believe this strategic plan is an important first step in this effort. We also appreciate your efforts to address turkeys and dairy cows in response to the outbreak. We encourage you to ensure that the implementation of the February 26, 2025, strategy addresses turkeys, dairy cows, and wildlife.  

    While the plan did include shared priorities to continue combating this disease – including the expansion of relief to farmers dealing with outbreaks among their livestock and investment in research – we encourage the plan to include turkeys and dairy cows. Since avian flu has impacted a wide array of animals, we believe any biosecurity and vaccine measures, including discussions with foreign trading partners, offered by the Department should be available to all livestock producers dealing with avian flu, including turkey and dairy producers. 

    We request an update on the Department’s plan for ensuring turkey producers, dairy and other impacted livestock and wildlife species are covered under the plan. In addition, we request the Department develop a strategy and timeline for working with foreign trading partners to ensure potential vaccination of avian flu in poultry and cattle does not disrupt trade and that the Department provide information to Congress about the expected timeline for conditional approval of an avian flu vaccine for dairy cattle. 

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

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley, Johnson Seek Explanation from FBI on Handling of Hunter Biden’s Laptop

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations Chairman Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) are demanding Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel provide all internal communications and records relating to the FBI’s handling of Hunter Biden’s laptop.

    “On April 1, 2025, Catherine Herridge and Michael Shellenberger published a report and released FBI ‘chat messages’ from October 2020, which revealed that FBI officials were ‘actively shutting down discussion of the [Hunter Biden] laptop’s credibility before the 2020 presidential election,’” the chairmen wrote.

    “While your predecessor opted to stonewall and ignore our multiple requests for information on the matter, we expect that under your leadership the FBI will be transparent with Congress. The American people deserve to see every document, along with a detailed explanation of how the FBI handled the laptop since the day they first possessed it on December 9, 2019,” the chairmen continued.

    Grassley and Johnson requested the following information:

    1. All “chat messages” referenced in Catherine Herridge and Michael Shellenberger’s report, including but not limited to all messages provided to any office or committee of the U.S. House of Representatives referring or relating to the Hunter Biden laptop.
    2. All text messages, instant messages, team chats and all other “chat messages” referring or relating to the Hunter Biden laptop, sent between and among the following individuals:
      1. Elvis Chan;
      2. Laura Dehmlow;
      3. Bradley Benavides;
      4. James Dennehy; and
      5. Any other FBI employee or detailee involved in the receipt, review or assessment of the Hunter Biden laptop.
    3. All FBI records from December 1, 2019 to the present related to Hunter Biden and his electronic devices.

    Read the full letter HERE.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: As Trump Pushes Toward Recession, Heinrich & Luján Demand Answers on Cuts to New Mexico Manufacturing Center

    US Senate News:

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

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) are demanding answers on the Administration’s decision to cancel funding for ten National Institute of Standards and Technology Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Centers across the country, including in New Mexico. The action came on April 1, one day before Trump announced sweeping tariffs on imports that tanked the stock market and raised warnings from experts of a recession. 

    New Mexico MEP is part of a national network of 51 MEPs that have helped boost the productivity and competitiveness of thousands of small American manufacturers across the country for decades. The economic impact of these centers has been substantial. Last year, New Mexico MEP worked directly with 134 small manufacturers in advanced manufacturing, lean manufacturing, product development, and market expansion. This helped create or retain 700 jobs and generate $40 million in new sales. The administration’s action to cut this program and other MEP centers across the nation will raise costs on consumers, harm small businesses, and weaken businesses’ ability to recruit and retain 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,” 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.

    A report by Summit Consulting and the Upjohn Institute found that the MEPprogram 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.

    The letter was led by Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Committee U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and Ranking Member of the Science, Manufacturing and Competitiveness Subcommittee Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.). Alongside Heinrich and Luján, the letter is signed by U.S. Senate Democratic Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Maizie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.).

    The letter can be found here and below: 

    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.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hickenlooper, Cornyn Reintroduce Legislation to Expand Satellite Data Sharing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Hickenlooper – Colorado

    Legislation would ensure partnerships between NASA and the private sector to boost satellite-enabled research

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and John Cornyn reintroduced their bipartisan Accessing Satellite Capabilities to Enable New Discoveries (ASCEND) Act to codify NASA’s Commercial SmallSat Data Acquisition (CSDA) program and continue shared access to commercial small-satellite (SmallSat) datasets that prove crucial for Earth science research and applications.

    “Satellites help us study and better understand our planet,” said Hickenlooper. “Our legislation leverages public-private partnerships to advance vital scientific research.”

    “Investing in satellite data and imagery gives us a deeper understanding of everything from agricultural yields to weather forecasting and disaster response,” said Cornyn. “This legislation would create a permanent program through NASA to expand the data pool available to us and build on prior success.”

    Alongside the unprecedented growth of the commercial space industry, technological advancements have enabled the development of SmallSats with novel capabilities. There has been a sharp increase in the number of privately owned and operated satellites, including over 2,800 SmallSats launched in 2023 alone. Commercial SmallSats provide high resolution data to complement the suite of Earth observations acquired by NASA, other U.S. Government agencies, and international partners. Earth observation data supplied by satellites in orbit provide important information for a variety of purposes, including increasing agricultural crop yields, informing forest conservation, improving disaster mitigation and response, forecasting space weather, advancing science, and more.

    NASA established CSDA as a pilot program in 2017 to identify and evaluate commercial capabilities, establish new processes to onramp vendors, and enable broad sharing and use of acquired data products. The CSDA pilot program proved to be a success, with participating scientists finding the program’s datasets to be useful and reliable for a variety of research topics. Today, fifteen commercial vendors are providing 7 unique data types to federal researchers through CSDA.

    The ASCEND Act would permanently authorize CSDA within NASA to sustain and expand the program and continue to leverage the advancing capabilities in remote sensing offered by commercial vendors.

    “This act will provide data to support Earth science and applications and help meet some of the nation’s strategic goals, providing societal benefit and improving public understanding and exchange of knowledge,” said Frank Eparvier, Interim Director of the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics at the University of Colorado Boulder. “We firmly believe that supporting the ASCEND Act will strengthen Colorado’s leadership in Earth science and secure long-term economic societal benefits for the state and the nation. Thank you, Senator Hickenlooper, for your leadership on the important ASCEND Act.”

    “Commercial satellite observations have a demonstrated ability to provide vital information about important Earth characteristics and processes in a cost-effective way. They serve as a powerful complement to the capabilities developed by NASA and other federal agencies, enhancing our ability to monitor and understand our surroundings and the environment,” said Waleed Abdalati, Director of the Cooperative Institute for Research In Environmental Sciences at the University of Colorado Boulder. “These insights contribute significantly to our safety, prosperity, and overall well-being by deepening our understanding of the world around us.”

    “NASA’s Commercial Satellite Data Acquisition (CSDA) program is an outstanding example of how commercial companies can provide data and services to the government for a fraction of the cost of government owned systems. CSF applauds the reintroduction of the ASCEND Act and encourages quick passage of this legislation to expand utilization of these important data sets,” said Dave Cavossa, President of the Commercial Space Federation.

    Specifically, this legislation will:

    • Establish CSDA as a permanent program within NASA’s Earth Science Division
    • Direct NASA to expand procurement licenses and provide federal agencies access to high-quality Earth remote sensing datasets and imagery
    • Promote the acquisition of new datasets for scientific and non-scientific applications
    • Require an annual report to Congress on the uses and impact of commercial data products and licensing agreements

    A one-pager on the bill is available HERE.

    The full text of the bill is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Booker Introduces Legislation to End Pushout of Students of Color

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) introduced legislation to end the pushout of students, especially girls of color, from schools. The Ending PUSHOUT Act invests in safe and nurturing school environments for all students to put an end to the harmful way students are overcriminalized and policed at school. U.S. Representatives Ayanna Pressley (D-MA-07), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ-12), and Ilhan Omar (D-MN-05) reintroduced companion legislation in the House.

    “Research shows that students of color, particularly girls, are often subjected to harsher and more frequent disciplinary action,” said Senator Booker. “The Ending PUSHOUT Act is critical legislation that would invest federal dollars into implementing evidence-based alternatives to suspension and expulsion while also creating a safer academic environment for all students to thrive.”

    “Classrooms should be a place for students to learn, grow, and thrive – not be overpoliced and criminalized. With Republicans gutting public education and attacking vulnerable students, our bill would help stop the pushout of Black and brown girls from schools, and invest in safe, nurturing learning environments for all students,” said Congresswoman Pressley. “I’m grateful to Senator Booker for his ongoing partnership and for the coalition of individuals and organizations from across the country who joined us in support of the Ending PUSHOUT Act. We must affirm the right for every student to learn in a setting free from fear.”

    The Ending PUSHOUT Act would aim to create a safe academic environment for all students, especially girls of color, by:

    1. Establishing new federal grants to support local educational agencies and nonprofit organizations to:
      1. Evaluate the current discipline policies of schools under the eligible entity in partnership with students, family members of students, and the local community; 
      2. Provide training and professional development for school officials to avoid or address the overuse of discriminatory and exclusionary discipline practices;
      3. Implement and evaluate evidence-based alternatives to suspension or expulsion.
    2. Grantees would be required to ban:
      1. Out-of-school suspension or expulsion for students in preschool through grade 5 for non-violent offenses and all students in preschool through grade 12 for infractions such as insubordination, willful defiance, vulgarity, truancy, tardiness, chronic absenteeism, or violations of grooming or appearance policies; and
      2. The use of corporal punishment, seclusion, mechanical or chemical restraints, and any form of physical restraint or escort.
    3. Protecting the Civil Rights Data Collection and strengthening the Department of Education’s (ED) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) by:
      1. Requiring the Department of Education to collect civil rights data annually to ensure all students have equal access to a high-quality education and a safe and nurturing school environment.
      2. Requiring additional reporting on the school pushout crisis to spot harmful trends in real time and help hold schools accountable for discriminating against students.
      3. Making data about pushouts and other harmful discipline practices publicly available while protecting student privacy.
      4. Investing $500 million annually for OCR to build additional capacity for monitoring and enforcing civil rights laws.
    4. Establishing a federal interagency taskforce to end school pushout and examine its disproportionate impact on girls of color

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Booker, Blumenthal, Bonamici, Lee Urge ED, OCR to Rescind Guidance on Inclusive Classrooms

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), along with U.S. Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-01) and Summer Lee (D-PA-12), led colleagues in writing a letter to Secretary of Education Linda McMahon and Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Craig Trainor calling for the Department of Education (ED) to immediately rescind their guidance on inclusive classrooms.

    “In February, OCR’s DCL threatened to rescind federal funding from any school, district, or state that seeks to create inclusive classrooms. Although ED published the March FAQ ostensibly to clarify this guidance, the FAQ document spreads misinformation by falsely suggesting, without evidence, that social and emotional learning (SEL) and culturally responsive teaching are discriminatory,” the lawmakers wrote. 

    SEL and culturally responsive teaching are both evidence-based educational practices that create supportive environments, help students build social and emotional skills, and promote student engagement and academic achievement in the classroom.

    “Although we have numerous significant concerns with the substance and content of OCR’s recent guidance, we write specifically to express our opposition to the guidance provided in Question 8 of the FAQ, which falsely claims that “schools have sought to veil discriminatory policies with terms like ‘social-emotional learning’ or ‘culturally responsive’ teaching,” and suggests such curricula are discriminatory under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. This erroneous guidance contradicts scientific evidence, prior OCR guidance, and long-standing state and local laws and practices,” the lawmakers continued. 

    The Department of Education’s guidance seeks to override state and district leadership over curriculum despite Congress and numerous federal laws specifically prohibiting federal involvement in curriculum decisions.

    “Because of the strong, established evidence that supports schools’ use of SEL and culturally responsive teaching, we strongly urge OCR to immediately rescind the February 14th Dear Colleague Letter and March 1st FAQ, both of which undermine OCR’s long-standing guidance and threaten critical funding that supports students nationwide,” the lawmakers concluded

    The letter is endorsed by the following organizations: CASEL, National Association for College Admission Counseling, National Science Teaching Association, Educators for Excellence, International Literacy Association, National Parents Union, National Association of School Psychologists, American Federation of School Administrators, and Social Emotional Learning Alliance for the United States.

    The letter is cosigned by U.S. Senators Andy Kim (D-NJ), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Alex Padilla (D-CA), and U.S. Representatives Delia Ramirez (D-IL-03), Betty McCollum (D-MN-04), Andrea Salinas (D-OR-06), Danny Davis (D-IL-07), Terri Sewell (D-AL-07), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL-01), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA-04), Bennie Thompson (D-MS-02), Nydia Velazquez (D-NY-07), Dwight Evans (D-PA-03), Chellie Pingree (D-ME-03), Shri Thanedar (D-MI-13), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09), and  Joyce Beatty (D-OH-03). 

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Leads Bipartisan Legislation to Repeal Trump’s Ruinous Global Tariffs

    US Senate News:

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

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, led Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) in introducing bipartisan legislation to repeal Donald Trump’s global tariffs and reassert Congress’s trade authorities. The Senators’ resolution would terminate the emergency that Trump declared in order to apply tariffs of up to 49% on products Americans buy from other countries. In the wake of Trump’s tariff declaration, markets have cratered, manufacturers have laid off thousands of workers and foreign countries have retaliated by imposing their own tariffs on U.S. agricultural and manufactured goods. 
    “The President’s reckless global trade war has already gone far beyond everyone’s worst predictions. In just a matter of days, President Trump has thrown the economy into chaos and wiped out Vermonters’ retirement funds–all in an apparent attempt to achieve deeply misguided foreign policy goals,” said Senator Welch. “Congress must stand up and reassert our constitutional role in setting trade policy before Trump’s tariffs ruin more lives and livelihoods.” 
    “Trump’s trade chaos has put our entire economy at the mercy of one man’s social media account – that’s not how America is supposed to work,” said Senator Wyden. “Congress can’t sit on its hands while he slaps a new 10 percent tax on everything families buy, and leaves businesses and seniors in limbo until the next tariff flip flop. Congress needs to pass our bipartisan bill, end the tariff rollercoaster, and restore Congress’ Constitutional authority over trade.” 
    “Tariffs are taxes, and the power to tax belongs to Congress—not the president. Our Founders were clear: tax policy should never rest in the hands of one person,” said Senator Paul. “Abusing emergency powers to impose blanket tariffs not only drives up costs for American families but also tramples on the Constitution. It’s time Congress reasserts its authority and restores the balance of power.” 
    “Make no mistake – the president’s ill-conceived and chaotic trade war is nothing but a tax on American families,” said Senator Schumer. “Trump is leading America headfirst into a recession, with no plans on how to right the cratering economy. The Senate has the power and authority to stop this madness and we have a duty to act in a bipartisan way to repeal these tariffs, which is why I am proud to co-sponsor this legislation. It’s time for Republicans to stand up for American families, lower costs, save seniors’ retirement funds, and prevent a global economic crisis.” 
    “No President has the authority to unilaterally impose such sweeping across-the-board tariffs without congressional approval,” said Senator Kaine. “President Trump’s tariff strategy is raising costs on American families, threatening alliances our national security depends on, and creating opportunity for China and other adversaries to take advantage of global instability. The time is now for Congress to reassert its authority in matters of international trade, and I hope my colleagues on both sides of the aisle will join us.” 
    “The administration’s ill-considered, short-sighted tariffs are a historic tax hike on American families – jacking up the price of gas, fruit, coffee and other groceries, electronics, cars and everything in between,” said Senator Shaheen. “President Trump’s chaotic trade war targets close allies like Canada and Europe even while sparing adversaries like Russia — leaving America weaker, more isolated and distrusted around the globe. I’m proud to help introduce this resolution to force the administration to end these taxes before it does irreparable harm to American families and our international leadership role.” 
    “Donald Trump’s reckless agenda will hurt American families, small businesses, and manufacturers,” said Senator Warren. “The Trump tariffs are economic sabotage, and Congress has the power to stop them. Republicans can join Democrats and end this today.” 
    Under Senate rules, the measure will receive a vote on the Senate floor shortly after the Senate returns from a state work period later this month. If enacted, the resolution would terminate the emergency that Trump declared, reverse Trump’s new taxes of 10% on all imported goods and end his threat of additional tariffs up to 49% on products Americans buy from other countries. In the wake of Trump’s tariff standoff, manufacturers have laid off thousands of workers, and foreign countries have retaliated by slapping their own tariffs on U.S. agricultural and manufactured goods.  
    Read and download the full text of the resolution. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sens. Johnson, Grassley Demand Key Communications and Records Relating to FBI’s Handling of Hunter Biden’s Laptop

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Ron Johnson

    WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Chairman of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), and U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, sent a letter to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel demanding that the FBI provide internal communications and records relating to its handling of Hunter Biden’s laptop since the day they first possessed it on December 9, 2019.

    “On April 1, 2025, Catherine Herridge and Michael Shellenberger published a report and released FBI ‘chat messages’ from October 2020, which revealed that FBI officials were ‘actively shutting down discussion of the [Hunter Biden] laptop’s credibility before the 2020 presidential election,’” the senators wrote. 

    “While your predecessor opted to stonewall and ignore our multiple requests for information on the matter, we expect that under your leadership the FBI will be transparent with Congress. The American people deserve to see every document, along with a detailed explanation of how the FBI handled the laptop since the day they first possessed it on December 9, 2019,” the senators noted to Director Patel.

    Sens. Johnson and Grassley have requested the following information:

    1. All “chat messages” referenced in Catherine Herridge and Michael Shellenberger’s report, including but not limited to all messages provided to any office or committee of the U.S. House of Representatives referring or relating to the Hunter Biden laptop.

    2. All text messages, instant messages, team chats, and all other “chat messages” referring or relating to the Hunter Biden laptop, sent between and among the following individuals:

      1. Elvis Chan;
      2. Laura Dehmlow;
      3. Bradley Benavides;
      4. James Dennehy; and
      5. Any other FBI employee or detailee involved in the receipt, review, or assessment of the Hunter Biden laptop.

    3. All FBI records from December 1, 2019 to the present related to Hunter Biden and his electronic devices. 

    See Catherine Herridge’s post about the letter here.

    Full text of the letter can be found here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Johnson Calls on DOJ, FBI, HHS OIG to Investigate Alleged Mishandling of HHS Official Records

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Ron Johnson

    WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Chairman of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), sent a letter to the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Department of Heath and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS OIG), regarding a top Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) official potentially mishandling his official records. HHS recently informed the chairman that Dr. Tom Shimabukuro, the head of the office that monitors COVID-19 vaccine adverse events, may have deleted or destroyed agency records. If these allegations are accurate, Dr. Shimabukuro’s actions may have violated multiple federal laws.

    “Dr. Shimabukuro’s potential mishandling of his official records is highly concerning. His actions, if true, would have directly obstructed my multi-year oversight efforts of the COVID-19 vaccines and would be in clear violation of my November 19, 2024 demand to HHS, CDC, and the Food and Drug Administration to ‘preserve all records referring or relating to the development, safety, and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines.’ Furthermore, given Dr. Shimabukuro’s role at CDC, which includes monitoring adverse events relating to the COVID-19 vaccines, his communications are directly responsive to my January 28, 2025, subpoena to HHS for records relating to the development and safety of the COVID-19 vaccines. Any attempt to obstruct or interfere with my investigatory efforts would be grounds for contempt of Congress,” Chairman Johnson wrote.

    Chairman Johnson has called on these agencies to initiate an investigation to determine:

    1. The extent to which officials with HHS and its sub-agencies, including Dr. Tom Shimabukuro, deleted or destroyed official agency records; and
    2. The extent to which officials with HHS and its sub-agencies, including Dr. Tom Shimabukuro, deleted or destroyed official agency records to avoid or subvert Congressional oversight or the Freedom of Information Act. 

    Read more about the letter in the New York Post.

    Full text of the letter can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Marshall and Klobuchar Lead Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation Fighting for Farmers with Biofuel Tax Credit 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall
    Washington – U.S. Senators Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota) today reintroduced the bipartisan and bicameral Farmer First Fuel Incentives Act, which would protect American farmers by restricting the eligibility of the 45Z Tax Credit to renewable fuels made only from domestically sourced feedstocks. U.S. Representatives Tracey Mann (R-Kansas-01) and Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio-09) have introduced an identical bill in the House of Representatives.
    This bill would extend the 45Z tax credit and give the ethanol industry the time and financial incentive to build up the infrastructure needed for the U.S. to be less reliant on foreign fuel, open new markets for farmers, and increase ethanol production across the Midwest. Additionally, this bill fixes the glaring flaw in 45Z that negatively impacts farmers wanting to sell feedstocks to the biodiesel and renewable diesel industry. If 45Z continues as-is, taxpayers are at risk of further subsidizing Chinese-used cooking oil and undermining the use of soy, canola, sorghum, and corn oil in renewable fuels.
    “The Farmer First Fuel Incentives Act is commonsense legislation that stops sending American taxpayer dollars to China, expands robust domestic markets for agriculture producers, and increases certainty for the biofuels industry,” said Senator Marshall. “With President Trump in the White House and Republicans leading both the Senate and House, we are finally putting American farmers first and supporting biofuels made in the U.S.A. It’s time our energy and agricultural policies reflect that.”
    “Domestically produced biofuel strengthens our energy independence, supports our farmers, and boosts rural economies,” said Senator Klobuchar. “The introduction of the Farmers First Fuel Incentives Act is an important step as we work to maximize the potential of the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit and clean fuel investments across rural America. By extending the credit for another ten years, this legislation gives farmers and biofuel producers the certainty they need to provide consumers with affordable, lower-carbon fuel options.” 
    “American tax incentives should benefit American-grown products and American farmers, not foreign producers,” said Representative Mann. “Foreign feedstocks can play a significant role in producing domestically manufactured ethanol, biodiesel, renewable diesel, and sustainable aviation fuel, but we cannot allow them to displace harvest grown right in our backyard. Our tax code should reward their grit and tenacity, not prop up feedstocks grown overseas.”
    “Today, I joined my colleagues in this important bicameral and bipartisan effort because helping American farmers, producers, and growers goes beyond state and party lines, and is more important now than ever,” said Representative Kaptur. “We must ensure the Clean Fuel Production tax credit is structured in a way that benefits domestic producers, and not one that advantages foreign-produced feedstocks from China or Brazil. Our legislation extends this credit through 2034 and will bolster American energy independence by prioritizing American producers and the production of domestic biofuels.”
    This legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Deb Fischer (R-Nebraska), Elissa Slotkin (D-Michigan), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin), and Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska).  
    “Throughout my time in Congress, I’ve led the charge to build certainty and clarity into biofuel policies and put Iowa farmers at the forefront of delivering better, more affordable options at the gas pump,” said Senator Ernst. “The Farmer First Fuel Incentives Act does just that by giving producers the long-term certainty they need to go all-in on increasing production of domestic biofuels. It’s critical that we fully leverage homegrown, American biofuels and ensure not a cent of taxpayer dollars fund fuel produced with foreign crops.”
    “America’s biofuel producers are a key piece in helping to secure U.S. energy independence,” said Senator Fischer. “That’s why Americans’ hard-earned tax dollars should support home-grown feedstocks—not incentivize foreign competitors. Our bipartisan legislation ensures that renewable fuel tax incentives support American producers—not overseas interests.” 
    “American tax credits should support American farmers. The Farmer First Fuel Incentives Act provides long-term certainty for Nebraskan producers through tax policy that makes sense,” said Senator Ricketts. “By bolstering the development of a domestic fuel supply chain, this bipartisan bill puts American farmers first.”
    The legislation is supported by Growth Energy, American Soybean Association, National Oilseed Processors Association (NOPA), National Corn Growers Association, National Sorghum Producers, U.S. Canola Association, and Renewable Fuels Association.
    “Farmers and businesses need to know this tax credit is here to stay before they can invest in dozens of new energy projects across rural America. With this bill they’ll have the certainty they need to accelerate innovation, create thousands of new jobs, and secure new markets for farmers and biofuel producers,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “We applaud Sen. Marshall and Sen. Klobuchar for their leadership and thank all our rural champions for working to put American renewable fuel producers and farmers in the best possible position to succeed in next generation fuel markets.”
    “ASA thanks Senators Marshall and Klobuchar for their leadership to ensure the 45Z tax credit supports domestic biofuel producers and domestic biofuel feedstock suppliers like soybean farmers,” said American Soybean Association President Caleb Ragland. “The updated Farmers First Fuel Incentives Act includes one of our top priorities: removing arbitrary indirect land use change calculations, which put soy and all of U.S. agriculture at a disadvantage to imported waste feedstocks of dubious origin. This legislation provides a roadmap for how the 45Z tax credit can be improved to support farmers, and we are glad to support its introduction.”
    “American tax incentives should support American farmers — not put them at a disadvantage. Ensuring that only domestic feedstocks such as U.S.-grown soybeans qualify for U.S. tax credits is a straightforward way to strengthen our domestic supply chain and rural economy,” said National Oilseed Processors Association (NOPA) President and CEO Devin Mogler. “At the same time, eliminating the outdated and flawed Indirect Land Use Change (ILUC) penalty removes an arbitrary barrier that unfairly punishes U.S. producers while benefiting foreign competitors. We appreciate Senators Marshall and Klobuchar for their leadership to ensure the Clean Fuel Production Credit works as intended — to support American agriculture and American energy.”
    “We are deeply appreciative of these leaders for introducing legislation that establishes requirements for a tax credit that will level the playing field for America’s corn growers,” said National Corn Growers Association President Kenneth Hartman Jr. “This bill brings American farmers a step closer to unlocking an exciting new market with global reach.”
    “We appreciate the focus on “farmers first” legislation and the support of 45Z and domestic feedstocks like sorghum,” said Amy France, Chair of the National Sorghum Producers. “Domestic biofuel production remains critical to our farm and our country’s success.”
    “The U.S. Canola Association strongly supports the removal of arbitrary and uncertain indirect land use change (ILUC) assumptions from the calculation of federal clean fuel production tax credits,” said Tim Mickelson, President of the U.S. Canola Association. “We applaud Senator Marshall, Senator Klobuchar and the co-sponsors for their efforts to improve and extend the tax credit for biofuels. The flawed assumptions used to calculate indirect emissions have resulted in canola being excluded despite being a proven feedstock that the U.S. EPA’s analysis conservatively shows reduces emissions up to 78%.  We urge Congress to enact these important changes to provide certainty, stability, and market opportunity for canola growers and our biofuels industry partners.” 
    Click HERE to read the full bill text.
    Background:
    Senator Marshall initially introduced this legislation in 2024.
    In 2024, Senator Marshall also led a bipartisan letter calling for the U.S. Department of the Treasury to restrict the eligibility of the 45Z Tax Credit to renewable fuels made only from domestically sourced feedstocks, like Kansas soybean oil and corn oil.

    MIL OSI USA News –