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Category: US Senate

  • MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER SOUNDS ALARM ON ‘DOGE’ PLANS TO SLASH UPSTATE NY’S MANUFACTURERING FEDERAL SUPPORT PROGRAM, CUTTING MILLIONS FOR UPSTATE’S SMALL BIZ & WORKFORCE TRAINING, DEMANDS TRUMP ADMIN REVERSE CUTS AND…

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer

    NY’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Centers – Including NextCorps in Rochester, Center For Economic Growth & FuzeHub In Capital Region, Insyte In Western NY, And More – Rely On Fed Investment To Support Small Businesses And Create New Jobs

    Senator Says These Centers Are One Of The Best Tools To Grow Upstate’s Economy – And Is Especially Needed As We Make Major Investments Thanks To His CHIPS & Science Law- And Cutting Support Now Would Be Double Whammy For Businesses Already Reeling From Trump’s Trade War

    Schumer: Cutting Off Support For Upstate NY Businesses Is Not How You Rebuild American Manufacturing

    After the Trump administration canceled funding for Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Centers across America and those in Upstate NY are fearing they are next, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today sounded the alarm to protect MEP centers that have helped hundreds of small manufacturers grow and create thousands of good-paying jobs in every region of New York. The senator said cutting off federal investment for Upstate NY manufacturing would hinder the growth the region is seeing thanks to his CHIPS & Science Law and threaten the next generation of American manufacturing and jobs across New York. Schumer called on the Trump administration to immediately reverse these cuts and keep MEP investments flowing for Upstate NY.

    “Trump and ‘DOGE’ are threatening to defund a main federal support program for growing Upstate NY manufacturing. We cannot cut off this mainstay program for helping small businesses, attracting new supply chains, and creating new jobs just as we are seeing tremendous manufacturing growth across Upstate NY thanks to my CHIPS & Science Law,” said Senator Schumer. “From Buffalo to Albany, MEP Centers have proven to be one of the best bangs for your buck investments the federal government can make helping create thousands of new good-paying jobs and billions in new investment throughout New York. These centers are how we attract new supply chains, get workers the hands-on training they need, and bring back jobs from overseas. Trump can’t be ushering in the Golden Age of American manufacturing while simultaneously decimating the program that helps American manufacturers thrive. Trump’s haphazard trade war against allies like Canada is already wreaking havoc on New York’s economy and small manufacturers. These Trump cuts to manufacturing centers will only add to that chaos. These cuts are wrong, illegal, and should be immediately reversed.”

    The Manufacturing Extension Program is authorized and appropriated by Congress, and Schumer said cutting these contracts without Congressional approval is most likely illegal. The MEP has a long track record of successfully boosting small American manufacturers in New York and across the country.

    The New York Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NY MEP) is a network of 11 independent nonprofit organizations that help smaller manufacturers grow and create jobs. As a result of the federally-funded NY MEP network, over 32,000 manufacturing jobs in New York have been created or saved between 2019 and 2023. More than 4,400 projects have been completed between NY MEP and manufacturers in every region of the state to help those companies succeed and grow, increasing their sales by $1 billion, helping reduce costs by nearly $40 million, and increasing new investments by nearly $190 million, all in FY2024 alone.

    Schumer explained the rising cost of foreign goods due to Trump’s tariffs is hurting small manufacturers that often already operate on razor-thin margins and ripping away this vital federal MEP assistance is just further insult to injury and threatens the jobs and growth of manufacturers across the state and country. According to WIRED, the U.S. Department of Commerce said they would not pay out nearly $13 million across ten MEP agreements because they were “no longer aligned with the priorities of the department,” and no clarity or certainty has been provided that the contract cuts won’t continue to happen across the country, including in New York, as the deadlines approach for contracts to be renewed.

    A breakdown of contracts in New York State can be found below:

    Recipient 

    Region

    MEP Federal Investment Per Year

    Alliance for Manufacturing and Technology

    Southern Tier

    $380,000

    Center for Economic Growth

    Capital Region

    $380,000

     CITEC

    North Country

    $380,000

    Central New York Technology Development Organization

    Central New York

    $380,000

    Insyte

    Western NY

    $560,000

    NextCorps

    Rochester-Finger Lakes

    $560,000

    Manufacturing & Technology Enterprise Center

    Hudson Valley

    $560,000

    Industrial & Technology Assistance Corporation

    New York City

    $635,000

    Stony Brook

    Long Island

    $635,000

    Mohawk Valley Community College

    Mohawk Valley

    $380,000

    FuzeHub

    Statewide

    $1,135,194

    Empire State Development

    Statewide

    $892,766
       

    $6,877,960

    Every year, the Department spends nearly $200 million annually on MEP nationally. Though states also contribute to MEP programs, it will be difficult for them to compensate for the loss of federal funding. Schumer said cutting these contracts will prevent the United States from establishing manufacturing leadership and could lead to nationwide job losses. In a letter to U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Schumer highlighted the importance of MEP in supporting the growth of small manufacturers and demanded certainty that funding for New York’s MEP centers would not be cut.

    “Saying that these critical investments are not aligned with the Department of Commerce’s priorities just doesn’t add up. Trump claims to care a lot about maintaining American manufacturing leadership, but his actions are doing the opposite. The MEP has delivered manufacturing growth in New York and America for years. We need to double down on investment in proven programs like this, not eliminate it,” Schumer added.

    Elena Garuc, Executive Director of FuzeHub, the statewide NY MEP center, said, “The New York MEP serves as an economic engine for communities across our state. Local manufacturers rely on us as a vital resource to become more competitive, adopt new technologies, and create jobs. Occasionally we even step in as a safety net to help manufacturers solve tough challenges and protect their operations. When manufacturing leaders don’t know where to turn, they turn to us. Looking out on the economic horizon, I believe the New York MEP is needed now more than ever.  We’re grateful to Senator Schumer for recognizing the economic impact we deliver and for his determined advocacy for this essential program that strengthens American manufacturing and creates good-paying local jobs.”

    “Small manufacturers are vital to the economy, driving innovation, creating high-quality jobs, and strengthening local and regional supply chains. In New York City, rising operational costs present added challenges. The success of the MEP program, both locally and nationally, lies in its ability to produce tangible results—whether by helping manufacturers adopt technologies tailored to their unique needs and resources, or by implementing strategies that enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and boost profitability,” said Kinda Younes, Executive Director of ITAC, New York City’s NY-MEP Center.

    “LIMEP, operating out of Stony Brook University,  works with the many small and medium-sized manufacturers on Long Island supplying key Department of Defense programs.  By leveraging the NIST MEP resources in cyber security, technical resources and hands-on manufacturing engineering support with Stony Brook University’s vast research capabilities, manufacturers on Long Island are able to accelerate the development and adoption of advanced technologies that support DoD programs.  Our Long Island region helps to sustain the DoD supply chain that is so vital to our nation.  LIMEP is actively working with our regional manufacturers and the Bell Flight & Textron team to make the LI Supply Chain an important spoke in the national defense industrial base and the V-280 Valor Tiltrotor Program,” said Amy Erickson, Executive Director of the Long Island Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program.

    “If you look at our mission statement “To grow and strengthen manufacturing in the Capital Region”, that is why we exist and have taken great pride in it for over 20 years. Many manufacturing CEO’s have to come to rely on the MEP network for assistance with finding domestic supply chain partners, workforce challenges, Industry 4.0 adoption, operational excellence… and the list goes on. Bipartisan support including that from Congressman Schumer has been a hallmark of the MEP program because by any measure we have delivered results,” said Don Weisenforth, President of Center for Economic Growth, the Capital Region’s NY-MEP center.

    “Small manufacturers have been in the forefront of Buffalo’s and Western New York’s renaissance, with NYMEP providing critical support ranging from advanced technology and cybersecurity to workforce and supply chain.  We couldn’t provide these vital services without the MEP Program funding and bipartisan support provided by our Congressional Delegation, led by Senator Schumer,” said Ben Rand, President of Insyte Consulting, Western New York’s NY-MEP center.

    “The NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program is a cornerstone of American manufacturing, empowering small and mid-sized manufacturers with the tools, expertise, and resources they need to compete, grow, and innovate. These companies are the backbone of our economy and the heart of our communities. We are grateful for Senator Schumer’s leadership in urging the administration to restore full funding to this critical program—because investing in MEP is investing in jobs, resilience, and the future of U.S. manufacturing,” said James Senall, President of NextCorps, the Rochester/Finger Lakes Region’s NY-MEP center.

    “The Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program is a critical resource for small and medium-sized manufacturers, especially in Central New York. No other program has MEP’s track record, documented history of success, or independently verified impacts. CNYTDO wouldn’t be able to provide these vital services without the MEP Program funding and bipartisan support provided by our Congressional Delegation, led by Senator Schumer,” said James A. D’Agostino, Center Director of CNYTDO, Central New York’s NY-MEP center.

    “The MEP National Network is a critical driver of America’s manufacturing resurgence, directly supporting the administration’s efforts to rebuild our industrial base. The Alliance for Manufacturing & Technology, part of the NY MEP, delivers that impact in the Southern Tier of NY – helping small and mid-sized manufacturers increase productivity, adopt advanced technologies, and address workforce and supply chain challenges head-on. Cutting the MEP program would have immediate consequences, including job losses and hindered growth at a time when these businesses are critical to America’s future in manufacturing. We deeply appreciate Senator Schumer’s leadership in championing this vital program and his unwavering commitment to strengthening American manufacturing,” said Carol Miller, Executive Director of the Alliance for Manufacturing and Technology, the Southern Tier’s NY-MEP center.

    “We must continue supporting Hudson Valley manufacturers with the tools they need to compete globally—not just nationally. After more than 30 years working alongside global manufacturers, I’ve seen firsthand how aggressive and integrated their supply chains can be. If we’re serious about reshoring, we must invest in the smaller manufacturers that form the backbone of those supply chains—while also strengthening workforce, cybersecurity, and technology readiness. The MEP program is critical to this work and deserves continued bipartisan support,” said David Carter, Executive Director of MTEC, the Hudson Valley’s NY-MEP center.

    “The NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program is critical to the success of Mohawk Valley Regional manufacturers. This investment and parentship has allowed for MVCC’s Advanced Institute for Manufacturing to assist more than 200 manufacturers and create and retain more than 2,900 Mohawk Valley advanced manufacturing jobs. We extend our deepest gratitude to Senator Schumer for advocating for this essential investment. This initiative underscores our dedication to innovation and community collaboration, promising a transformative influence on our workforce and students in the entire six-county region,” said Cory Albrecht, Director of Advanced Institute for Manufacturing, the Mohawk Valleys NY-MEP Center.

    “On behalf of CITEC and North Country Manufacturing I would like to thank Senator Schumer in his efforts to save the MEP system. As part of the NY MEP, CITEC can leverage the strength and resources of the entire national network to bring world class expertise to small and medium manufacturers in our remote rural region. CITEC raises the level of our expertise, of our talent, of our skills,” said Jay Ward, President and CEO of Ward Lumber in Jay, NY. “I would highly recommend CITEC for gaining skills and expertise and improving the overall operation of most any company I can think of, certainly ours.”

    Schumer and colleagues wrote a letter urging Commerce Secretary Lutnick not to cancel funding for ten MEP Centers across the country, which is creating uncertainty for all MEP centers. The Trump administration’s action cutting MEP came on April 1, one day before Trump announced sweeping tariffs on imports, which tanked the stock market and raised warnings from experts of a recession.  

    Schumer led to passage of the bipartisan CHIPS & Science Law, which included $2.23 billion for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership program over five years. The CHIPS & Science Law also established a pilot program of expansion awards for MEP Centers to provide services for workforce development, resiliency of domestic supply chains, and expanded support for adopting advanced technology upgrades at small and medium manufacturers. The Law also established a voluntary national supply chain database under MEP.

    Schumer’s letter to Commerce Secretary Lutnick can be found 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: Wyden, Merkley Slam OPM for Failing to Provide Health Care Benefits to Reinstated Federal Workers

    US Senate News:

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

    April 09, 2025

    Senators: “This situation is not only unjust but represents a fundamental failure to uphold the obligations owed to the dedicated public servants who serve their country with integrity.”

    Washington D.C.—U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today demanded the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) address its ongoing failure to provide federal health benefits to reinstated federal employees, despite continued paycheck deductions toward insurance premiums.  

    In a letter to OPM Acting Director Charles Ezell, the senators wrote, “This issue has directly impacted Oregonians working at government agencies such as the Internal Revenue Service, Bureau of Land Management, and the VA Health System – individuals who committed their careers to public service. We have heard from constituents who, during this lapse in coverage, required life-saving surgeries for serious illnesses such as cancer but were left without the health insurance necessary to afford those procedures.”

    “Many of these employees, after being wrongfully terminated, have now returned to their positions only to find that they cannot access the health coverage they have paid for,” the lawmakers continued. “To reinstate these employees without providing access to the health care they’ve earned is misleading, and detrimental to the health of these employees and their families. Some have already incurred significant out-of-pocket medical expenses—amounting to hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars—due to a lapse in coverage that should never have occurred. This undue financial and emotional strain is entirely preventable and must be rectified without delay.”

    The full letter is here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sens. Johnson, Grassley Release Additional Arctic Frost Records Detailing Sweeping Anti-Trump Investigation

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Ron Johnson

    WASHINGTON – On Monday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Chairman of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, and U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, followed up on their oversight of the FBI’s “Arctic Frost” investigation, which formed the basis of Jack Smith’s elector case against President Donald Trump.

    Newly-disclosed FBI emails provided by legally protected whistleblowers show:

    1. Officials in the Biden White House, including then-White House Deputy Counsel Jonathan Su, personally assisted the FBI in securing the government cell phones of President Trump and former Vice President Mike Pence. The cell phones were acquired before Trump was formally added as a subject of the investigation. 
    2. Prosecutors in the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Washington, D.C. – including U.S. Attorney Thomas Windom, who later joined Jack Smith’s team as a main attorney – coordinated extensively with FBI agents in the Washington Field Office to plan, approve and execute Arctic Frost.
    3. Further evidence anti-Trump FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge (ASAC) Timothy Thibault played a central role in opening and advancing the Arctic Frost investigation, despite other agents’ concerns that the evidence only supported a limited preliminary investigation.

    In addition to publicizing these records, the chairmen are reiterating their request for Attorney General Pam Bondi and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel to produce all DOJ and FBI records regarding the Arctic Frost investigation, with emphasis on communications between and among the FBI and Biden White House officials. 

    The full text of the letter and exhibits can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairmen Ron Johnson and Rick Scott Write to Social Security Administration on Steps to Stop Fraud and Protect Benefits for Aging Americans

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Ron Johnson

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Chairman of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, and U.S. Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Chairman of the Special Committee on Aging, sent a letter to the Acting Commissioner of the Social Security Administration (SSA), Leland Dudek, asking for detailed information on the total amount of fraudulent or wasteful spending by the SSA, as well as what steps are being taken to address these issues to ensure tax dollars are protected and Social Security benefits are preserved for those who rely on this critical program.

    This letter follows a February 2025 report by the SSA Office of Inspector General (OIG) showing more than $32 billion in improper overpayments between 2020 and 2023, many of which were made due to beneficiaries failing to report critical information, or benefits being paid to deceased individuals. In addition, a July 2024 OIG report also revealed more than $71 billion in improper payments from SSA between 2015 and 2022, showing a concerning pattern in the agency making wasteful payments that warrants immediate action.  

    Read the full letter here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto’s Bipartisan Bill to Protect Critical Mineral Mining in the West Clears Key Committee Hurdle

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Jim Risch’s (R-Idaho) Mining Regulatory Clarity Act to allow critical mineral production to continue in the West passed the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee with bipartisan support. Now that the bill has cleared this key committee hurdle, it heads to the Senate floor for consideration.

    “Nevada is leading the way in critical mineral mining, and we should be making it easier to responsibly mine these minerals here in the U.S.,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “My legislation has advanced with bipartisan support because my colleagues on both sides of the aisle recognize that this bill cuts red tape, supports our national security and clean energy economies, and creates good paying jobs. I’m going to continue my work to pass this bill into law as soon as possible.”

    The Mining Regulatory Clarity Act provides regulatory certainty for mining projects and reaffirms long-held practice that some public land-use under a mining claim inherently accompanies exploration and extraction activities for other mining-support activities. This bill creates an optional and voluntary pathway to allow use of public lands for ancillary purposes connected to a mining project that can only be used within an agency-approved Plan of Operations. The bill also creates a new revenue stream from new mill site claims to be dedicated to abandoned mine clean-up efforts. This legislation is cosponsored by Senators Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska). It is led in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congressman Mark Amodei (R-Nev.-02) and Congressman Steven Horsford (D-Nev.-04).

    Senator Cortez Masto has led efforts in Congress to support Nevada’s mining industry, protecting more than 83,000 local jobs and paving the way for Nevada to power the clean energy economy. She has consistently blocked burdensome taxes on mining and wrote important provisions of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to bolster Nevada’s critical mineral supply chain and fund battery recycling programs in the state. She’s also introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen the domestic supply chain for rare-earth magnets.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Hassan Challenges U.S. Trade Representative on Trump Administration’s Tariffs That Raise Costs for Granite State Families

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Maggie Hassan

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan yesterday pushed U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer at a Senate Finance Committee hearing about the ways in which President Trump’s reckless tariffs are raising costs on Granite State families and wreaking havoc on people’s retirement savings.  

    To watch Senator Hassan’s hearing questions, click here. 

    Senator Hassan began by emphasizing the ways in which President Trump’s tariffs on Canada are negatively impacting New Hampshire business owners: “As you know, Canada is our biggest trading partner… and we are already seeing the impact of these tariffs with our small businesses, especially in our tourism industry, which is being decimated because Canadians are not coming down to New Hampshire the way they usually do.” 

    “President Trump’s tariffs have made almost everything that families buy more expensive,” Senator Hassan continued. “The President imposed a 10 percent national sales tax on all imports into our country and an even higher sales tax on imports from more than 50 countries, including our allies like Canada. This is the largest tax increase in over half a century and it’s going to cost the average American family $3,800 a year. Their morning cup of coffee will cost more, so will new shoes for their kids, and so will fresh fruit.” 

    Senator Hassan then pressed Ambassador Greer, “So, my question to you, Ambassador, is how much revenue from the President’s national sales tax will be used to give tax breaks to billionaires?” Ambassador Greer did not answer the question. 

    Senator Hassan then pushed Ambassador Greer on whether there is a level of inflation at which the Administration would reverse course on these reckless tariffs. Mr. Greer refused to name one, so Senator Hassan clarified, “Let’s just be really clear that the Trump Administration is here today to say that even if inflation hits Americans’ pocketbooks at 10 percent because of these tariffs, that the Trump Administration is still going to go charging ahead.” 

    Senator Hassan is standing up for Granite State families and speaking out against President Trump’s reckless and haphazard tariffs. She recently joined the New Hampshire Congressional delegation in urging President Trump to halt tariffs on Canada that would dramatically increase costs for Granite State families. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murray, Senate Democratic Caucus Send Letter Demanding Trump Rescind Illegal Executive Order Threatening Federal Employee Collective Bargaining Agreements

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Alsobrooks, Schumer, Kaine, and Warner and the entire Senate Democratic Caucus this week in urging President Trump to rescind his March 27 executive order to end collective bargaining agreements between public employee unions and dozens of federal agencies and bureaus. In their letter, the senators blasted the move as a “gross overreach” of presidential authority, asserting that the executive order is a clear attempt to gut the federal merit-based civil service and implement a system of political cronyism. They stressed that the order poses a grave threat to the ability of over 1 million federal workers to carry out their missions and deliver important services for the American people—and should be rescinded immediately.

    “We write today in outrage over your recent executive order entitled Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs… This order is an insult to the hardworking public servants who go to work on behalf of the American people,” the senators began.

    “The executive order effectively classifies two thirds of the federal workforce as having national security missions, a blatant misuse of a limited authority intended to provide operational flexibility to address legitimate security needs,” they continued. “There is no evidence that the long-standing collective bargaining agreements at these agencies have jeopardized our nation’s security in any way; to the contrary, the protection collective bargaining has provided for employees allows them to conduct their work on behalf of the American people—including blowing the whistle on fraud or abuse—without political interference.”

    “This Administration clearly does not have even a basic understanding of the legally binding nature of federal collective bargaining agreements and is actively trying to bend the law to undermine protections for federal civil servants. We urge you to immediately rescind this illegal executive order so that our dedicated public servants can continue to work on behalf of the American public without fear for their job or political retribution,” the senators concluded.

    The senators’ letter is endorsed by the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE), and Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

    A copy of the letter is available here and below.

    Dear President Trump: 

    We write today in outrage over your recent executive order entitled Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs, a gross overreach of the authority granted in the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (CSRA). 

    This order is an insult to the hardworking public servants who go to work on behalf of the American people. They care for our veterans, deliver disaster assistance, prevent wildfires, help farmers improve crop yields, manage health benefits for 9/11 first responders, research treatments and cures for diseases, keep air travel safe, process tax returns, staff our national parks and much, much more. Nearly one third of these dedicated civil servants are veterans seeking to continue their service to our country out of uniform.  

    The executive order effectively classifies two thirds of the federal workforce as having national security missions, a blatant misuse of a limited authority intended to provide operational flexibility to address legitimate security needs. The national security exemption has existed for nearly 50 years and has been used only sparingly by Republican and Democratic Administrations—including during your first term—to exclude federal offices with an unquestionable core function in intelligence, counterintelligence, or national security. There is no evidence that the long-standing collective bargaining agreements at these agencies have jeopardized our nation’s security in any way; to the contrary, the protection collective bargaining has provided for employees allows them to conduct their work on behalf of the American people—including blowing the whistle on fraud or abuse—without political interference. 

    Federal employees’ collective bargaining agreements are critical to ensuring they continue to serve the American people with the peace of mind that comes with being protected from unfair labor practices. Unlike in the private sector, federal employee unions in most cases cannot negotiate pay or benefits, which are set by Congress, and they are legally prohibited from striking. The federal collective bargaining agreements do, however, protect federal employees from illegal firings, retaliation, and discrimination. They also promote resources for whistleblowers and veterans. These federal union contracts give employees in the civil service protections from retaliation so they can serve the American people fairly and effectively without partisan political interference.  

    This executive order, which ruthlessly strips collective bargaining agreements for over one million federal workers, is the most recent attack your Administration has levied against our merit-based civil service in the effort to cut the workforce and replace them with political cronies. While the CSRA does give the president the authority to limit collective bargaining agreements due to national security concerns, the executive order’s direction to terminate mass swaths of federal employee collective bargaining agreements is clearly intended to broadly dismantle the CSRA, which is specifically designed to grant federal employees the right to collective bargaining as a means to resolve workplace issues while maintaining the smooth functioning of government operations.  

    When the Secretary of Labor testified in February in front of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, Members of Congress asked her both in-person and through questions for the record whether she and the Administration would commit to honoring all legally binding collective bargaining agreements signed by federal agencies and labor unions, and whether federal employees have the right to organize and collectively bargain without fear of retaliation. The Secretary answered, “if confirmed, I will follow the law and work with the experts at the Department to understand the collective bargaining process at the Department and the terms and conditions of the collective bargaining agreements in place.” This Administration clearly does not have even a basic understanding of the legally binding nature of federal collective bargaining agreements and is actively trying to bend the law to undermine protections for federal civil servants.  

    We urge you to immediately rescind this illegal executive order so that our dedicated public servants can continue to work on behalf of the American public without fear for their job or political retribution.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Peters Reintroduces Bipartisan Legislation to Make Higher Education More Affordable & Accessible

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters

    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to help more high school students earn college credit while making higher education more affordable and accessible. The Making Education Affordable and Accessible Act (MEAA) – which Peters reintroduced with U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) – would expand the use of existing federal grants to support dual enrollment, concurrent enrollment, and early college high school programs.

    “To meet our current workforce needs, we must expand access to the higher education and skills training opportunities that help prepare our young people to land good, in-demand jobs,” said Senator Peters. “This bipartisan bill would give high school students the chance to get a head start working towards a four-year college or associate’s degree to begin building their future without the financial burden of taking on student loans.”

    The MEAA would expand the allowable uses of funding from the Higher Education Act Title VII Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) to help colleges and universities strengthen early college access programs. Under this bill, institutions of higher education could use FIPSE funding to:

    • Carry out dual or concurrent enrollment programs as well as early college high school programming;
    • Provide educators, principals, counselors and other school leaders in these programs with professional development;
    • Assist students in the program in 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.

    These programs give high school students a valuable head start on obtaining a college education. Concurrent enrollment allows students to take college-credit courses taught by qualified high school teachers approved by partner colleges. Dual enrollment programs enable students to be enrolled in and earn credit from both their high school and a college institution. 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—often extending into a 13th year to ensure degree completion.

    By supporting these proven models, Peters’ MEAA aims to reduce barriers to higher education, lower student debt, and create stronger academic pathways from high school to college and beyond.

    “Dual enrollment opportunities for high school students have proven to significantly improve student success and degree completion. Investing to expand these programs makes college more accessible and affordable while providing clear, achievable pathways to careers,” said James O. Sawyer IV, President, Macomb Community College.

    “Creating seamless pathways from high school to college is a priority at Mott Community College. The Making Education Affordable and Accessible Act will ensure that more students can gain valuable college credits early, reducing the financial burden of higher education and increasing their chances of completing a degree,” said Shaunda Richardson-Snell, Interim President, Mott Community College.

    “School leaders recognize that college accessibility does more than just create opportunities for students—it strengthens our entire education workforce,” said Ronn Nozoe, CEO of the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). “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 (MEAA) 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 Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) Executive Director LeAnn Curry. “ACTE is proud to endorse the bill, and we are grateful to Sens. Gary Peters (D-MI) and John Boozman (R-AR) 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.”

    Peters has long supported efforts to increase access to affordable higher education and skills training opportunities. In 2018, Peters authored bipartisan provisions signed into law as part of larger legislation to close workforce skills gaps by strengthening career and technical education (CTE). Peters’ provisions helped expand school counselor training and awareness of CTE to help them inform students of post-high school education opportunities outside of the traditional four-year college degree. Peters also authored bipartisan legislation into law to allow more veterans to use their GI bill benefits toward securing a registered apprenticeship.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Reverend Warnock Demands Answers from Admin Trade Official on Reckless Tariffs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia

    Senator Reverend Warnock Demands Answers from Admin Trade Official on Reckless Tariffs

    During a Tuesday Senate Finance hearing, Senator Reverend Warnock grilled United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on the economic fallout less than a week after President Trump issued sweeping tariffs

    The Senator specifically spotlighted how small businesses and families will be backed into a corner and forced to pay an increased price for goods

    Senator Reverend Warnock uplifted the story of a Georgia small business that may have to close as a result of the tariffs

    Senators Reverend Warnock during the hearing: “This economy is not working for working families, for ordinary people. And I would submit that what the President did last week in such a reckless and sudden way is adding even more pressure on these families”

    Watch video of Senator Reverend Warnock’s questioning HERE

    Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), ranking member of the Senate Finance Subcommittee on International Trade, Customs, and Global Competitiveness, grilled United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer during a Senate Finance Committee hearing on the fallout following President Trump’s announcement of a sweeping array of tariffs last week.

    “This economy is not working for working families, for ordinary people. And I would submit that what the President did last week in such a reckless and sudden way is adding even more pressure on these families,” said Senator Warnock.

    During the hearing, Senator Warnock specifically highlighted how the broad and indiscriminate tariffs provide no avenue for relief for ordinary American families and small business owners, backing them into a corner and forcing them to accept higher prices. Senator Warnock uplifted the story of Georgia constituent Angela Hawkins, who is the founder of Bamblu, a small business in Atlanta that sells bamboo-based sleepwear and sheets for people with severe and sensitive skin allergies. Hawkins, who imports many of her products from overseas, is now at risk of going out of business due to the price hikes caused by the tariffs.

    “Angela’s products are made overseas because you can’t find bamboo fabric made in the United States. What should Angela do? Pay the new tax? Raise her prices and risk losing customers? Or is there a process for her to apply for an exclusion from the Trump White House?” asked Senator Warnock.

    “The President has said that in connection with this action, he is not going to have exclusions or exemptions beyond what is in the program already for certain products,” responded Jamieson Greer.

    “She might even go out of business,” said Senator Warnock.

    Last week, Senator Warnock issued a statement following President Trump’s rollout of a sweeping new set of tariffs that raise the prices of everyday goods, everything from groceries to cars. In the statement opposing the tariff announcement, Senator Warnock highlighted the potential of the cost of living to go up as a result.

    Watch the Senator’s full remarks and line of questioning HERE.

    See below a transcript of Senator Warnock’s remarks:

    Senator Reverend Warnock (SRW): “Since President Trump announced his tariffs last week, the stock market has dropped more than 10%, we’ve talked about that. I’m more concerned about the impact on ordinary people. This is a regressive tax. It’s a tax on families, who are already dealing with increasing costs and trying to figure out how to make their lives work. I heard you say that you don’t think we’re in a trade war. I respect your expertise on trade. But tomorrow, the Trump Administration will implement its reciprocal tariffs, which means businesses and families have had less than one week to plan for the largest tax increase in more than 50 years.”

    “We are escalating. We can go back and forth about whether we think it is a trade war. I’m focused on how this is impacting families. Normally, when tariffs are being discussed, businesses and industries have time to plan. The government often provides an orderly and clear process for American companies to apply for exclusions from tariffs when it is not possible for them to sell a product without importing parts or all of it because no one manufactures it here. We all know uncertainty is the worst thing for business. I’m hearing this from farmers, from folks in the manufacturing sector. I hope we can provide some certainty.”

    “What should a multinational retailer do about their products made only overseas, or that contain parts only made overseas? We are seeing this in our automotive sector in Georgia. Should they just raise their prices on families to account for the new tax, or is there a process for that company to reach out to the White House for an exclusion?” 

    United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer (JG): “Senator Warnock, the section 232 on autos is a Commerce Department action. One thing they have done is they have said that they would be willing to give some kind of credit for U.S. Content in parts and components and they can approach the Commerce Department about this. It’s not a decision I’m making, but I know this is one alternative.”

    “I am mindful, when I hear this, obviously, we are sensitive to these dynamics. It reminds me that we lost 5 million manufacturing jobs over the last 20 years. That’s part of the reason why we are in the situation now. We just have to bring those back. It’s important to bring those back now before the situation gets worse.”

    SRW: “The question is: what do they do? Do they pass that price onto consumers?” 

    JG: “What we’ve seen Ford and GM, for example, have announced that they are giving discounts. That was the big news last week, last Thursday. They would be giving discounts going forward. These companies often are going figure out how they locate costs among themselves and it rarely gets down to consumers.” 

    SRW: “The company might figure it out.” 

    JG: “They can approach the Commerce Department.” 

    SRW: “Let me go smaller, last week, my office met with Angela Hawkins, she’s the founder of Bamblu, a small business in Atlanta that sells bamboo-based sleepwear and sheets particularly for people with severe and sensitive skin allergies like her husband. Angela’s products are made overseas because you can’t find bamboo fabric made in the United States. What should Angela do? Pay the new tax? Raise her prices and risk losing customers? Or is there a process for her to apply for an exclusion from the Trump White House?” 

    JG: “The President has said that in connection with this action, he is not going to have exclusions or exemptions beyond what is in the program already for certain products.”

    SRW: “So she will just have to figure it out.” 

    JG: “She will have to work with her business partners and figure out outsourcing…”

    SRW: “She’ll have to either raise prices and risk customers [is] basically the answer, right? Because she can’t get bamboo here.”

    JG: “It will depend on the tariff rate. Every country has a different rate. Some are lower than others.”

    SRW: “So she might even go out of business.”

    “Let’s go even smaller. Early estimates show that President Trump’s tariffs will increase the costs of goods by $3,800 for the average American household. Many critical baby [gates] are produced abroad or have foreign-made components. I went through this not long ago as a parent of young children. For an expecting family in Augusta, Georgia, who may see a 50% price increase for that stroller or car seat, what is the process for that family to apply for a White House exclusion? I guess if the business owner can’t get one, they can’t get one either, correct?”

    JG: “There’s not an exclusion process, that’s right.” 

    SRW: “So they would just bear the cost?” 

    JG: “I think the studies you’re talking about, the economists got it wrong in Trump one [first Trump Administration], they said that there would be inflation because of tariffs, and it when down.  When I hear them saying the same thing, I don’t trust what they are saying. The fact of history shows that it’s not a one-to-one.” 

    “The highest inflation we ever saw was under [President] Biden for housing and education and health care, and all of these things. I don’t know where everybody was then, when that was skyrocketing.” 

    SRW: “What if their child is potassium deficient? And now bananas are more expensive. Last I checked, we don’t have the climate to grow bananas in the United States. Who should that family reach out to the White House for an exclusion for that price hike on those bananas?”

    JG: “There’s not an exclusion process. I think we have waited too long with the status quo. I know people want the status quo…” 

    SRW: “Here, you and I agree. Nobody wants the status quo. This economy is not working for working families, for ordinary people. And I would submit that what the President did last week in such a reckless and sudden way is adding even more pressure on these families.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaine, Cassidy, Heinrich, and Curtis Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), and John Curtis (R-UT) introduced the Protecting Global Fisheries Act, bipartisan legislation to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Predatory IUU fishing, particularly by China, disrupts international trade and undermines maritime security, marine ecosystems and biodiversity, and food and economic security. It often involves forced labor, human trafficking, unsafe working conditions, and other human rights abuses. IUU fishing directly harms the United States—a major harvester, importer, and consumer of seafood—by creating unfair competition for fishermen who abide by international fishing laws.

    “Illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing is rife with human rights abuses and is bad for maritime security, the global economy, and Virginia’s seafood industry,” said Kaine, Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations subcommittee covering transnational criminal activity. “I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation with my colleagues to deter IUU fishing by China and other bad actors, and bolster the U.S. and international response to these illegal activities.”

    “Louisiana produces the best seafood in the world. Competitors abroad outprice us with illegal practices. It hurts our jobs, economy, and national security. Let’s protect our way of life,” said Dr. Cassidy. 

    “China’s illegal fishing practices not only devastate marine ecosystems, but they also threaten the security of the United States and our partners while undercutting the hardworking men and women who fish legally and sustainably,” said Curtis, Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations subcommittee covering transnational criminal activity. “This bipartisan bill is about restoring fairness and protecting the integrity of global fisheries.”

    IUU fishing includes a range of activities that violate national and international fishing laws, including fishing without a license for certain species, failing to report catches or making false reports, using prohibited fishing gear, or conducting unauthorized transfers of fish to cargo vessels.

    IUU fishing has become a particular challenge in the Western Hemisphere. IUU fishing in the region costs nearly $2.7 billion in lost revenue annually. It makes up more than 20 percent of all catches in Latin America. The increasing presence of illegal Chinese fishing vessels has significantly contributed to the rise in IUU fishing in the hemisphere and around the world.

    Specifically, the bipartisan Protecting Global Fisheries Act would:

    • Authorize the President to impose visa, asset, and financial sanctions on foreign persons or foreign vessels found responsible or complicit in IUU fishing and the sale, supply, purchase, or transfer of endangered species.
    • Require the Departments of State and Defense to regularly provide briefings to Congress on efforts and strategies to combat IUU fishing.
    • Assert that the United States will prioritize countering IUU fishing in collaboration with friendly countries and via international forums.

    Full text of the bill is available here.     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner, Kaine & Griffith Welcome Major Disaster Declaration for Southwest Virginia Following February Winter Storms

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (D-VA) along with U.S. Representative Morgan Griffith (R-VA-09) issued a statement on the formal approval of the Commonwealth of Virginia’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration in response to the February winter storms that caused widespread flooding and damage to Southwest Virginia. This declaration triggers the release of Public Assistance for Bland, Buchanan, Carroll, Craig, Dickenson, Floyd, Franklin, Grayson, Lee, Pulaski, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, and Wise Counties and the independent city of Bristol. The Commonwealth’s request for Individual Assistance remains under review.  
    “After weeks of pushing at the federal level, we are glad to see this crucial assistance approved for Southwest Virginia,” said the lawmakers. “This is a strong first step towards supporting recovery efforts and we will continue pushing for Individual Assistance to help deliver resources to the families most hard-hit by this devastating flooding.”
    This approval comes more than six weeks after the Senators and Rep. Griffith originally wrote to President Trump in support of Virginia’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Capito Opening Statement on Needed Improvement to EPA’s Superfund Program

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito

    To watch Chairman Capito’s opening statement, click here or the image above.

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, led ahearing on identifying improvements to the future management of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Superfund Program. 

    In her opening remarks, Chairman Capito detailed the importance of identifying ways to accelerate Superfund cleanups by eliminating unnecessary delays and reducing costs that do not directly contribute to environmental remediation, and began the process of examining why these cleanups often take longer and cost more than state-led or voluntary efforts.

    Below is the opening statement of Chairman Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) as delivered.

    “Today we will discuss challenges facing the EPA’s Superfund program and solutions to ensure it can live up to its full potential.

    “Since I’ve become Chairman, I have stressed that the EPA must refocus the Agency’s work on the core environmental missions to deliver the clean-ups and environmental solutions that most benefit the environment and Americans’ health and welfare. The Superfund program, as enacted, is one of the best examples of the EPA executing that core mission.

    “Cleaning up our nation’s most contaminated sites directly improves public health and can revitalize struggling communities. I’ve certainly seen that in my own state. Congress established Superfund in 1980 in response to several high-profile environmental disasters. The law was designed to promptly cleanup heavily contaminated sites and to make the polluters responsible for the cleanup.  These are important goals, but the EPA’s management of the Superfund program has not delivered as intended.

    “Communities now expect a Superfund cleanup to take more than a decade. I’ve already heard that from our witnesses in our informal conversations. That prolonged timeline sends a conflicting message to communities with a site nearby. You live near one of the most hazardous places in the country, but EPA will let it sit for years before they allow it to be fully cleaned up. Despite the lengthy cleanup timeline, the Superfund program has achieved some critical environmental and public health victories and restored thousands of contaminated sites across the country.

    “The reason for delays that rob Superfund of its full potential is that EPA’s implementation of the law prioritizes process over results. The complexity of the law has made it one of the most difficult environmental programs to administer.

    “In practice, the main winners in managing Superfund cleanups are the lawyers who profit from endless litigation, while communities wait for promised relief. To manage a law this complex, the EPA has built an entangled web of bureaucracy, work groups, task forces, and committees that too often slow progress instead of delivering results.

    “Cleaning up Superfund sites is, naturally, a costly endeavor, but the problems with Superfund cannot be blamed on funding alone. To better help communities get the most out of limited taxpayer funding, Congress and the EPA must identify efficiencies to accelerate cleanups. This is particularly important when considering the overall cost of Superfund cleanups.

    “Superfund’s price tag isn’t just about the complexity of environmental cleanup. There is what I call the ‘Superfund premium,’ a concept where the same environmental cleanup becomes more expensive and time-consuming under Superfund compared to a state-led or voluntary cleanup program. Whether managed under Superfund authority or through a state program, remediation is likely to involve the same core work, removing contaminated soil, treating groundwater, and restoring the land.

    “Yet, because of the ‘Superfund premium,’ we often see costs just balloon and timelines stretch once a site is listed. It’s not because the environmental standards are higher, but rather because the program’s process has replaced the law’s cleanup mission. The program’s complex bureaucracy generates enormous transaction costs that have nothing to do with actual environmental cleanup.

    “Instead of removing contaminants, limited time and financial resources are squandered on endless meetings, redundant studies, and excessive overhead costs completely unrelated to remediation. There is no shortage of responsible parties that are ready and willing to remediate these sites. Even Good Samaritans, well-intentioned individuals and organizations, are often deterred from cleaning up sites because of liability risks and financial barriers.

    “Our laws should encourage, not prevent, volunteer efforts to address legacy pollution. Accelerating the pace of Superfund cleanups does not mean cutting corners or sacrificing health protections.

    “It means defining an end goal with a clear plan that gets it to a safe, productive end-state as efficiently as possible. The ensuing cleanup is driven by that goal, to the benefit of communities and the environment. Right now, the priority is enforcement first, cleanup second, and leaving communities to wait far too long. That needs to change.

    “I look forward to hearing from today’s expert panel on how to improve the Superfund program’s efficiency and accountability.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Boozman Applauds Confirmation of Mike Huckabee as US Ambassador to Israel

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas – John Boozman

    WASHINGTON––U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) released the following statement after the Senate confirmed former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee as the U.S. Ambassador to Israel: 

    “I’m pleased the Senate has confirmed a dear friend and gifted leader, former Governor Mike Huckabee, to be our next ambassador to such a critical ally and partner. He has been a lifelong advocate and supporter of Israel who is uniquely suited for this role. As our ambassador, he will work alongside Pres. Trump and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Israel to advance our shared values and security interests. I congratulate Gov. Huckabee and his entire family, and wish them well as he begins this new chapter of service to our country.” 

    Boozman introduced Huckabee at his nomination hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee last month and has backed his selection since it was announced by Pres. Trump.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley Discusses Trade Goals with U.S. Trade Representative Greer

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a senior member and former chairman of the Senate Finance Committee and a lifelong family farmer, today questioned U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer about the impact of and goals for tariff usage. As one immediate way to support farmers, Grassley is calling on the administration to restore integrity to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) by raising Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) levels for biomass-based diesel and advanced biofuels. 

    In response to Grassley, Greer reiterated President Trump’s recent comments that he is “happy to engage in negotiations immediately with countries that believe that they can help us reduce our deficit and get rid of non-tariff barriers…” Further, Greer noted that tariff negotiations will happen “country by country.” 

    Video and excerpts of Grassley’s questions follow.

    [embedded content]

    VIDEO

    On U.S. Trade with China:

    “I support President Trump’s agenda to lower tariffs and non-tariff barriers other countries impose on American goods. I support President Trump’s agenda to get a better deal from China and other countries for our farmers and manufacturers.

    “In fact, even back in 2003, I sent a letter to the Chinese Minister of Commerce at that time pointing out China’s failure to live up to its World Trade Organization (WTO) obligations. And then, I went further in 2018 when I was on Senator Daines’ CODEL. I told top Chinese leaders I made a mistake supporting China in the WTO.”

    On Goals for Tariffs:

    “So far in this administration, we’ve seen even more sweeping tariffs, with some countries already retaliating [against] agriculture, including China. I have been very vocal in my wait-and-see approach to these tariffs because I believe President Trump and you, Mr. Ambassador, are using them to get fairer trade for Americans with many countries. If that’s not the case, level with me.

    …

    “My question to you is, in the medium to the long term, do you plan to turn these tariffs into trade deals to reduce tariffs and non-tariff barriers? I support that. On the other hand, if the purpose is to stall on negotiations in order to keep tariffs high for the sole purpose of feeding the U.S. Treasury, I oppose that.”

    On Support for Farmers:

    “We all know agriculture is usually the first place of retaliation. In response to Chinese retaliation to tariffs, the first Trump administration set up the Market Facilitation Program for farmers, which gave direct payments to farmers affected by the tariffs. This helped farmers weather the short-term impact of trade retaliation. But as you know, farmers still overwhelmingly want to get their money from the marketplace and not from a government check.” 

    On Restoring Integrity to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS):

    “To help farmers in the meantime, instead of relying on payments from the government, I’m going to give a suggestion … The administration could move very quickly to increase RVOs on the Renewable Fuel Standard so that farmers get more robust domestic markets for their crops. And one place to start would be where the Biden administration came up short with RVOs, only three and 1/10th billion over a three-year period of time on biodiesel, to make that 5.3 [billion] as far as you can see into the future. And that would very dramatically increase soybean prices.”

    On Congress’ Authority to Regulate Interstate and Foreign Commerce:

    “I made very clear throughout my public service that I’m a free and fair trader. The Constitution gives Congress the authority to regulate interstate and foreign commerce. I believe that Congress delegated too much authority to the president in the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 and Trade Act of 1974.” 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley, Johnson Release Additional Arctic Frost Records Detailing Sweeping Anti-Trump Investigation

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations Chairman Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) are following up on their oversight of the FBI’s “Arctic Frost” investigation, which formed the basis of Jack Smith’s elector case against President Donald Trump.

    Newly-disclosed FBI emails provided by legally protected whistleblowers show:

    1. Officials in the Biden White House, including then-White House Deputy Counsel Jonathan Su, personally assisted the FBI in securing the government cell phones of President Trump and former Vice President Mike Pence. The cell phones were acquired before Trump was formally added as a subject of the investigation. 
    2. Prosecutors in the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Washington, D.C. – including U.S. Attorney Thomas Windom, who later joined Jack Smith’s team as a main attorney – coordinated extensively with FBI agents in the Washington Field Office to plan, approve and execute Arctic Frost.
    3. Further evidence anti-Trump FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge (ASAC) Timothy Thibault played a central role in opening and advancing the Arctic Frost investigation, despite other agents’ concerns that the evidence only supported a limited preliminary investigation.

    In addition to publicizing these records, the chairmen are reiterating their request for Attorney General Pam Bondi and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel to produce all DOJ and FBI records regarding the Arctic Frost investigation, with emphasis on communications between and among the FBI and Biden White House officials.

    Read their full letter and the attached exhibits HERE.

    Previous Arctic Frost oversight:

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley, Ernst, Marshall Introduce Legislation to Preserve Interstate Ag Trade, Halt California’s Damaging Proposition 12

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – Senate Agriculture Committee Members Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) introduced legislation to strike down California’s Proposition 12 and its burdensome regulatory overreach. The Food Security and Farm Protection Act would prohibit any state or local government from interfering with commerce and agricultural practices in another state outside their jurisdiction.  

    “California’s Proposition 12, along with Massachusetts’ Question 3, are based on arbitrary, nonsensical standards and have resulted in a harmful patchwork of regulations across the 50 states, and risk pushing smaller hog producers out of business. They’re a threat to Iowa, which leads the nation in pork production, and to farmers and consumers across this country. Consistent with its authorities under the Commerce Clause, it’s time for Congress to solve this problem by passing legislation. Our bill will end California’s war on breakfast and make sure delicious Iowa pork can be sold everywhere,” Grassley said. 

    “Proposition 12 is dangerous and arbitrary overregulation that stands in direct opposition to the livelihoods of Iowa pork producers, increases costs for both farmers and consumers, and jeopardizes our nation’s food security,” Ernst said. “I’m proud to be leading the charge to strike down this harmful measure and will keep fighting to make sure the voices of the farmers and experts who know best – not liberal California activists – are heard.”

    “The United States is constantly faced with non-tariff trade barriers from protectionist countries, which hurts American agriculture’s access to new markets. The last thing we need is for states like California imposing its will on ag-heavy states like Kansas with regulations that will also restrict our ability to trade among the states,” Marshall said. “Midwest farmers and ranchers who produce our nation’s food supply should not be hamstrung by coastal activist agendas that dictate production standards from hundreds of miles away, and I am proud to support this legislation that gives Kansas agriculture producers the freedom to produce safe, affordable food for all.”  

    Background:

    Grassley has consistently opposed regulatory overreach in America’s heartland, like California’s Proposition 12 and Massachusetts’ Question 3. Grassley cosponsored similar legislation last Congress, and in a Des Moines Register op-ed, wrote, “We don’t tell California grape or almond growers how to produce wine or almond butter, so Iowa producers would appreciate not being told how to raise livestock.”

    When the Supreme Court chose to uphold Prop 12, Grassley opposed the decision. In its ruling, the Court cited the Commerce Clause and opened the door for future legislative solutions to address the situation. Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution grants Congress explicit commerce authorities, stating the legislative branch has the power to “regulate Commerce with foreign Nations and among the several States.”

    Text of the legislation can be found HERE.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley, Colleagues Lead Legislation to Stop Anticompetitive Practices in Meat-Packing Industry, Promote Fair Playing Field for Livestock Producers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    Download broadcast quality video HERE 

    WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, joined Sens. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) to introduce bipartisan legislation that would beef up enforcement of anticompetitive practices in the consolidated meatpacking industry, aiding cattle producers and bringing down prices at the meat counter.

    The Meat and Poultry Special Investigator Act would strengthen the enforcement of the Stockyards and Packers Act by adding a team of investigators equipped with subpoena power within the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to ensure compliance by America’s meatpacking industry.  

    “For decades, America’s Big Four meatpackers’ anticompetitive practices have made it harder for Iowa cattle producers to receive a fair price,” Grassley said. “Our bill empowers USDA, in coordination with the Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission, to crack down on bad actors, ensuring a fair and functional marketplace that supports everyone who produces and enjoys quality American meat.”

    “For too long, Oregon ranchers and consumers have been greedily exploited by the Big Four meatpackers that sneak their way around regulations,” Wyden said. “While local ranchers work tirelessly day and night to support their small business and feed families across the country, these big companies keep raking in bigger bills at the expense of local communities in red and blue states alike. It’s way past time to level the playing field for local ranchers and bring grocery prices down for consumers at the meat counter by better enforcing laws that are already on the books.”

    “Anticompetitive practices in the meatpacking industry hurt producers and consumers alike,”Rounds said. “Currently, four large companies, two of which are foreign-owned, control over 80% of the meat processing market. Our legislation would establish an office within the USDA to investigate violations of the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921, which will support competition in meat and poultry markets.”

    “Vermonters rely on fresh foods from local farmers and ranchers to feed their families,”Welch said. “But with meat and dairy prices at the grocery store soaring sky high, small producers across the country are struggling to make ends meet and support their businesses. The rapid consolidation of the meatpacking industry further cripples fair competition. Our bipartisan bill will bring down costs for consumers and create opportunities for producers in red and blue states alike.”

    The Meat and Poultry Special Investigator Act is endorsed by the National Farmers Union and the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association.

    “If the bad actors in the marketplace have nothing to hide, then they should have no problem with reinforcing USDA’s oversight authority through the measures provided in this bill. It’s not enough that producers stand on a level playing field in the marketplace – there also needs to be a referee, with a whistle, there to throw a flag when there’s a penalty. USCA fully supports the Meat Packing Special Investigator Act and would like to applaud our Champions for ‘Competition’ in the Senate who never waver on supporting producers not just in Oregon, South Dakota, and Iowa – but across the countryside,” said Justin Tupper, President of the United States Cattlemen’s Association.

    “A special investigator at USDA is an important step to cracking down on unfair practices and leveling the playing field for independent livestock producers. Senators Wyden, Rounds, and Grassley get it—strong enforcement keeps monopolies in check. When family farmers and ranchers thrive, so do our rural communities,” said Rob Larew, President of the National Farmers Union.

    Background:

    Today, just four companies control 85% of the beef market and 67% of the pork market. That’s a significant increase from 36% and 34% in 1980. The Big Four meatpackers have created a distorted marketplace through anticompetitive practices while turning big profits at the expense of livestock and poultry producers.

    Additional cosponsors include Sens. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.).

    Click HERE for broadcast quality video of Grassley discussing the legislation.

    Text of the legislation can be found HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley Highlights Efforts to Safeguard Critical Resources for Victims of Crime

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – Amid National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) highlighted his ongoing oversight of the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Crime Victims Fund. 

    Last Congress, Grassley revealed the Biden administration diverted more than $1 billion away from the Crime Victims Fund, which provides critical resources to crime victims and survivors nationwide. Since Grassley began shining light on the issue, the fund’s balance has grown by more than $3 billion. 

    Grassley recently wrote to Attorney General Pam Bondi urging the DOJ to safeguard the fund. Read his letter to Bondi HERE.

    Video and transcript of Grassley’s remarks follow.

    Floor Remarks by Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa
    Senate President Pro Tempore
    “Supporting Victims and Survivors of Crime”
    Wednesday, April 9, 2025

    [embedded content]

    VIDEO

    Today, I come to the floor to support National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.  

    For many years, I’ve pressed the Department of Justice to do its part to shore up what is called the Crime Victims Fund.  

    That fund supports victims and survivors of crime across the nation. 

    On Monday, I, along with Senators Ernst, Crapo and Risch, sent a letter to Department of Justice.  

    That letter urged the Department of Justice to ensure that criminal fines and penalties are collected and deposited into the Crime Victims Fund.

    I made this request because last Congress, my oversight revealed Biden administration failures.

    Specifically, since the enactment of the Victims of Crime Act fix in 2021, the Biden Justice Department failed to collect and deposit more than a billion dollars in criminal fines and penalties which belongs to this fund.  

    Instead, the Biden administration allowed the fines to be paid to foreign governments and elsewhere. 

    Since my oversight shined the light on the Biden Justice Department’s failures and misguided approach, the Department of Justice Inspector General opened its own independent audit.  

    And at my request, the Government Accountability Office also agreed to review the Department of Justice’s administration of this Crime Victims Fund. 

    History has shown sunshine is the best disinfectant.  

    Since my Crime Victims Fund oversight began, the balance increased from $1 billion dollars in 2023, the lowest in over a decade, to its current balance of $4.3 billion. 

    Those figures that I just gave you came from the Department of Justice’s statistics. 

    The Department of Justice must ensure the Crime Victims Fund has adequate resources. 

    If the Department of Justice doesn’t, organizations across the nation helping survivors and helping victims of crime are at serious risk of potentially closing their doors and not being able to continue this help.  

    The Department of Justice shouldn’t allow the mistakes of the Biden administration to happen again.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Leads Every Northeastern Senator in Bipartisan Request for Answers on Reports White House May Eliminate Regional FEMA Office

    US Senate News:

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

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) led 11 of his Northeastern colleagues in requesting answers from President Trump on reports that the White House is considering a proposal to eliminate certain Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) regional offices, including the Region 1 office. In their letter, the Senators urged President Trump and his administration to reject any attempt to downsize or eliminate FEMA offices, which would take critical personnel farther away from the communities they serve.  
    FEMA Region 1 serves state, local, and tribal governments in Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Maine, and Rhode Island. The regional offices coordinate immediate response efforts when disaster strikes and, once the storm has passed, facilitate the deployment of federal assistance to support long-term recovery across New England. These offices also help communities mitigate the impact of future extreme weather events, and help homeowners, farms, and businesses stay safe before a storm or disaster hits. 
    “We sincerely hope these reports are untrue and that you will reject any attempt to consolidate FEMA regional offices, which would take critical personnel farther away from the communities they serve,” wrote the Senators. “As you know, FEMA Region 1 serves state, local, and tribal governments in Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Maine, and Rhode Island. It coordinates immediate response efforts when disaster strikes and, once the storm has passed, facilitates the deployment of federal assistance to support long-term recovery across New England.” 
    Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), and Angus King (I-Maine) cosigned the letter. 
    Read the full text of the letter to President Trump here and below
    Dear President Trump, 
    We write regarding reports that the White House is considering a proposal to eliminate Region 1 of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). We sincerely hope these reports are untrue and that you will reject any attempt to consolidate FEMA regional offices, which would take critical personnel farther away from the communities they serve. 
    As you know, FEMA Region 1 serves state, local, and tribal governments in Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Maine, and Rhode Island. It coordinates immediate response efforts when disaster strikes and, once the storm has passed, facilitates the deployment of federal assistance to support long-term recovery across New England.  
    In recent years, New England has been struck by several natural disasters resulting in tragic loss of life and billions of dollars in property and infrastructure damage. Through their partnership in our states’ recovery efforts, FEMA Region 1 personnel have developed an intimate familiarity with our state, local, and tribal government counterparts and with the unique attributes that differentiate New England from the rest of the country. Any attempt to shutter Region 1 or subsume it into a larger entity will squander that expertise, gained over years of experience navigating increasingly frequent disasters in the region, and materially degrade service in our states.  
    FEMA regional offices provide critical, on-the-ground assistance to disaster-affected communities. They offer the resources and expertise many communities lack. FEMA must be improved to benefit recovering communities, but regional office consolidations will leave state, local, and tribal governments stranded when disaster strikes, and make federal disaster assistance less effective in the long term. In the wake of a disaster, our communities should not be forced to navigate critical federal disaster assistance programs with only the limited counsel of staff far removed from conditions on the ground.  
    We respectfully request a prompt response regarding the veracity of reports that your Administration is considering eliminating FEMA Region 1 and, if such reports are true, urge you to reject this deeply misguided proposal. 
    Sincerely,  
    •••
    Senator Welch has been outspoken in opposing any attempt to dismantle FEMA. Earlier this year, Senator Welch published a guest essay in The New York Times entitled: “Don’t Kill FEMA. Fix It.” In his piece, Senator Welch outlined why President Trump’s actions to undermine and potentially dissolve FEMA are misguided—but also committed to working with the President on good faith efforts to reform the agency’s long-term recovery process. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall on Fox Business: We’re Going to Bring Jobs Back

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall
    Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) joined The Bottom Line on Fox Business to discuss President Donald Trump’s America First trade policy, tariffs, and tax cuts.
    Senator Marshall emphasized that President Trump’s tariffs are just the beginning of trade negotiations to bring back American jobs and ensure our ranchers and farmers are not being taken advantage of. He also highlighted the importance of saving taxpayer dollars and making President Trump’s tax cuts permanent through the budget reconciliation process.
    [embedded content]
    You may click HERE or on the image above to watch Senator Marshall’s full interview.
    Highlights from Senator Marshall’s interview include:        
    On leveling the playing field for American manufacturing and agriculture:
    “American manufacturing [and] agriculture has not been treated fairly for decades. It’s not fair that Europe charges my farmers and ranchers a 50% tariff. India, 100%. Canada, 200%. Look, we can’t sell a cheeseburger, not one cheeseburger in Europe, in Russia, Australia, or China. That’s what’s not fair.
    “And we have a president now who is going to stand up and fight. Look, this game is early. This is just the top of the first inning of trade negotiations. We’re going to bring jobs back, and we’re going to get new and improved reciprocal trade agreements done.”
    On nontariff barriers:
    “Right now, the EU [is] saying a 0% tariff, but they’re not going to let us sell any beef there. They’re not going to let us sell any wheat there as well. They’re going to use sanitary, phytosanitary rules, regulations that are going to keep American beef, American agriculture products out of there. So they’re going to do other methods other than just the tariff. The nontariff barriers, I think is actually the bigger problem.”
    On making President Trump’s tax cuts permanent:
    “I think that we could use all the certainty we can get right now. Making the Trump tax cuts permanent… would be a thrill for all, for all of us. I’m even willing to talk about lowering the corporate rate from 21% to 15%. You want to do something to stimulate the stock market, that’s what we can talk about. So this is definitely a tool in the president’s toolbox, and I’m willing to use it.”
    On the federal government’s spending problem:
    “I think that all of us agree that the federal government has a spending problem and not a taxing problem. In all of my conversations with the president, he’s focused on making his Trump tax cuts permanent. He’s focused on extending the debt limit. He’s focused on adding no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, no tax on Social Security. That’s what the president is talking about when I’m around him.”
    On the market’s reaction to tariffs:
    “I also think that we need to be this in for the long haul. I think that this is that the market is… overreacting right now. Again, this is the first inning of a long ball game. I think it’s a great time to buy. And actually, I have more of my friends that are saying, you know, “Is this the bottom of the market? Is this the time to buy?” I believe in America. I think that our best days are ahead of us yet, and then I’m in this for the long haul.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Moran Leads Reintroduction of Legislation to Restore Sovereign Status of Tribal Governments

    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 Indian Affairs – today led nine of his colleagues in reintroducing the Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act to restore the sovereign status of tribal governments. This legislation would clarify the definition of “employers” in the National Labor Relations Act to exclude federally-recognized tribal governmental employers on tribally-owned land alongside other governmental employers. Sen. Moran was joined by Sens. Steve Daines (R-Mont.), James Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) and James Lankford (R-Okla.) in introducing this legislation.
    “It is time to correct a decade-old error made by the National Labor Relations Board and once again allow tribal governments, elected by their members, to have the authority to make informed decisions on behalf of those they represent,” said Sen. Moran. “This commonsense bill – which is supported by more than 160 Indian tribes and tribal corporations – would provide greater independence for tribes, and I will continue working with my colleagues to get this bill to the President’s desk to rightfully restore the sovereign status of tribal governments.”
    “Tribal sovereignty is an important component of the federal government’s relationship with Native American Tribes,” said Sen. Crapo. “This needed fix will give power back to elected tribal leaders to make informed decisions best for their communities.”
    “Tribal governments are some of the largest employers on the nine reservations located in South Dakota,” said Sen. Rounds. “Unfortunately, burdensome regulations under the National Labor Relations Act of 1935 have prevented tribes from enacting ‘right to work’ laws. The Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act would amend the NLRA to provide an exemption for tribal governments, just as local, state and federal governments are exempted. I look forward to working with my colleagues to enact this legislation, as well as working with tribal leaders to continue identifying ways to restore and strengthen tribal sovereignty.”
    Full text of the bill can be found HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján, Leger Fernández Reintroduce Legislation to Strengthen Land Grant Communities’ Rights

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)
    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representative Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.) reintroduced the New Mexico Land Grant-Mercedes Historical or Traditional Use Cooperation and Coordination Act to provide greater cooperation between the federal government and land grant communities. There are 27 community land grant-mercedes that are recognized as political subdivisions under New Mexico law.
    Federal agencies have consistently sought to work more closely with these land grant-mercedes, as the majority of them maintain historical or traditional uses on public lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The BLM and the USFS require the public, including land grant-mercedes, to seek authorization for certain public land uses, while other uses do not require authorization. The approval and permitting process is complex, and in the past, confusion and lack of coordination have resulted in adverse impacts on the historical or traditional uses of political subdivision land grant-mercedes.
    In March 2022, the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks, Forest, and Public Lands held a hearing on a previous version of the legislation. In June 2022, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining held a hearing on the legislation. In July 2022, the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources unanimously passed the legislation, and in December 2022, the Senate passed the legislation unanimously. As a member of the U.S. House of Representatives during the 116th Congress, Senator Luján unanimously passed similar legislation through the House to make it easier for land grant-mercedes to work with federal land management agencies.
    “I’m proud to reintroduce legislation that strengthens cooperation between the federal government and land grant communities, which are an essential part of New Mexico’s history and culture. These communities have cared for our land for generations, and preserving that connection is crucial for our land and cultural heritage,” said Luján, member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. “This legislation ensures that the federal government considers historical traditional uses in federal land management planning, helping to protect these valuable traditions for future generations.”
    “Land grant communities represent farmers and ranchers, families, and elders. They care for and sustain our lands,”said Leger Fernández. “The New Mexico Land Grant Council’s work to advocate for their communities is a perfect example of the beauty of democracy in action. Today, we are taking steps to improve cooperation and communication between federal agencies and our land grant communities to make sure these communities can access lands for the historical and traditional uses they have been practicing for centuries.”
    “The introduction of the New Mexico Land Grant-Mercedes Historical or Traditional Use Cooperation and Coordination Act by Senator Luján and Representative Leger Fernández is a positive first step in addressing longstanding issues stemming from the implementation of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo,” said New Mexico Land Grant Council Chair Juan Sánchez. “For more than a century Spanish and Mexican land grant communities in the New Mexico have struggled to ensure recognition, protection and access to natural resources located on their former common lands now managed by the federal government. These natural resources play a vital role in maintaining the traditional use practices that sustain the socio-economic and cultural integrity of many New Mexico communities. This bill will provide for greater cooperation and coordination between land grant-mercedes and the federal land management agencies.”
    The New Mexico Land Grant-Mercedes Historical or Traditional Use Cooperation and Coordination Act:
    Directs the United States Department of the Interior (DOI) and Department of Agriculture (USDA), through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the New Mexico Land Grant Council, to clarify existing agency processes that qualified land grant-mercedes may use to seek authorization for historical or traditional uses on Federal public lands, including permit requirements and associated fees;
    Clarifies that the MOU does not directly authorize any uses or activities on Federal public lands;
    Directs the DOI and USDA to consult with Tribes when the MOU is entered into, extended, renewed or revised;
    Ensures that the MOU contains a description of the notice and comment procedures on agency land management planning decisions, and that qualified land grant-mercedes, the New Mexico Land Grant Council, and Tribes are notified of opportunities to comment on and be involved in agency land management planning decisions; and
    Requires the DOI and the USDA to evaluate impacts on historical or traditional uses in Federal land use planning.
    A summary of the bill is available HERE. Full text of the legislation is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Shaheen, Collins, King, Kelly, Heinrich Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Address PFAS Contamination in Private Wells

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen
    (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Susan Collins (R-ME), Angus King (I-ME), Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Martin Heinrich (D-NM) are reintroducing bipartisan legislation to address per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination in private wells. The Technical Fix for the State Response to Contaminants Program bill would ensure that states have the flexibility to use $5 billion provided in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for PFAS and other emerging contaminants in small and disadvantaged communities to assist private well owners.
    “Nearly half of all Granite Staters get their water supply at home from private wells—they shouldn’t have to worry that the water they’re drinking is unsafe,” said Senator Shaheen. “Our bipartisan legislation would ensure that assistance from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help communities address toxic PFAS is available to more Granite Staters, regardless of where their drinking water comes from.”
    “PFAS and other harmful contaminants have been discovered in private water systems in Maine and across the country, and contamination will only become more evident as testing becomes more readily available,” said Senator Collins. “It is crucial that the funding we provided through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law be executed with the appropriate flexibility not only to support public water systems but also to help address contamination for those who rely on private wells. With more than half of Maine residents getting their drinking water from private wells, and an estimated 23 million people or more nationwide relying on residential wells, it is important that the historic investments in safe drinking water help all families.”
    “Every Maine community and household deserves access to clean drinking water that is free of harsh or toxic chemicals like PFAS,” said Senator King. “The bipartisan Technical Fix for the States Response to Contaminations Program is responsible legislation that will allow states more flexibility when it comes to mitigating PFAS contamination and provide assistance to those communities that rely on private wells. I want to thank my colleagues for taking this bipartisan step forward to protecting our drinking water and shared public health.”
    “In Arizona, many families rely on their own wells for their drinking water, and they deserve to know that water is safe and free of dangerous PFAS contamination,” said Kelly. “This fix will give states the flexibility to use existing federal funding to address contamination in private wells, helping make sure families in small and rural communities have access to clean, safe water.”
    “Safe water is essential to the health and well-being of New Mexicans,” said Heinrich. “That’s why I’m proud to cosponsor legislation that will protect rural communities from dangerous forever chemicals by ensuring states can use funding to access new technology that detects and gets rid of water contaminants in private wells. Everyone deserves clean and safe drinking water.”
    Congress intended Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding for small and disadvantaged communities to be available for states to address private well contamination. However, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency initially interpreted the statute as only allowing for assistance to private wells if the purpose of the activity was to consider connecting private wells to public water systems. In the Fiscal Year 2024 government funding legislation, Senator Shaheen successfully secured language to temporarily address this issue for that year’s funding. The Technical Fix for the State Response to Contaminants Program would be a permanent fix.
    Senator Shaheen leads efforts in Congress to uncover the potential health effects related to PFAS contamination, respond to the chemical exposure and remediate polluted sites. As a lead negotiator of water provisions in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Senator Shaheen worked to secure $10 billion to specifically address PFAS and other emerging contaminants, $5 billion of which is targeted to small and disadvantaged communities. To date, New Hampshire has received more than $325 million in water infrastructure funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, including $66 million to address PFAS.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ricketts Slams Vatican for Giving Xi Jinping “Green Light to Construct State-Approved, State-Controlled Catholic Churches”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE), a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, criticized the Vatican for extending a deal that allowed Communist China to appoint Roman Catholic bishops. Ricketts made the following comments:

    “Right now, our adversaries are hard at work to expand their influence in every region,” said Ricketts. “The Holy See is no exception. In 2018, the Vatican signed a provisional agreement to accept bishops appointed by Communist China, not the Vatican. Pope Francis has categorized the Vatican-China deal is ‘diplomacy in the art of what’s possible.’ I categorize this as being very dangerous. It sets a precedent for future relations with an adversarial nation.”

    “Xi Jinping has given the green light to construct state-approved, state-controlled Catholic churches,” continued Ricketts. “This has severe implications for Catholics globally. Additionally, I fear this encouraged Communist China in its persecution of religious minorities and provides moral legitimacy, moral legitimacy for a repressive regime. In October, the Vatican just extended that agreement for the third time for four more years, defying requests from the first Trump administration to end that agreement.”

    [embedded content]

    Watch the video HERE

    Ricketts made the comments in a hearing of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The hearing considered the nominations of Brian Burch to be U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See, Nicole McGraw to be U.S. Ambassador to Croatia, and Brandon Judd to be U.S. Ambassador to Chile.

    TRANSCRIPT:

    “Senator Ricketts: “Right now, our adversaries are hard at work to expand their influence in every region.

    “The Holy See is no exception.

    “In 2018, the Vatican signed a provisional agreement to accept bishops appointed by Communist China, not the Vatican.

    “Pope Francis has categorized the Vatican-China deal is diplomacy in the art of what’s possible.

    “I categorize this as being very dangerous.

    “It sets a precedent for future relations with an adversarial nation.

    “Xi Jinping has given the green light to construct state-approved, state-controlled Catholic churches.

    “This has severe implications for Catholics globally.

    “Additionally, I fear this encouraged Communist China in its persecution of religious minorities and provides moral legitimacy, moral legitimacy for a repressive regime.

    “In October, the Vatican just extended that agreement for the third time for four more years, defying requests from the first Trump administration to end that agreement.

    “Mr. Burch, do you agree that the agreement represents a dangerous level of cooperation between the Catholic Church and Communist China?”

    Mr. Burch: “Well, thank you, Senator again. Thank you for that kind introduction at the beginning. I agree that the relationship between the Holy See and China is of immense importance to the United States. 

    “As you point out, they did sign a provisional agreement in 2018 that they then renewed in 2024 that is primarily concerned with the appointment of bishops.

    “This agreement is secret, so we do not know the contents of this agreement, because it is restricted to only the appointment of bishops, I think it’s important to maintain for the Holy See, to maintain a posture of pressure and of applying pressure to the Chinese government around their human rights abuses, particularly their persecution of religious minorities, including Catholics.

    “When it comes to the question of the appointment of bishops, I would encourage the Holy See as the United States Ambassador, if I’m confirmed, to resist the idea that a foreign government has any role whatsoever in choosing the leadership of a private religious institution.

    “I do not believe the church should cede or surrender to any government China or otherwise, the selection of their bishops.

    “And I would hope and work with the Holy See to present that and to make that case, assist in that case with the Chinese.

    “The other piece of this is important with respect to China, the Holy See maintains diplomatic relations with Taiwan. I

    “t is one of only 12 states to do so, and it is the only European state to maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan.

    “I understand this to be extremely important, because, of course, China’s ambitions with Taiwan will likely be tempered by the posture of the rest of the world and the Holy See in maintaining this relationship with Taiwan, I think will serve as a point of hesitation and resistance, given the holy see’s moral authority and moral respect and global influence around the world, and I will insist, as the United States Ambassador, if I’m confirmed, the Holy See, maintain that strong relationship with Taiwan.”

    Senator Ricketts: “Thank you, Mr. Burch.

    “One of the things that I want to also get back to a little bit of talking about the aid, because you mentioned that the Catholic Church is responsible for aid being distributed around the world, and I think is one of the partners that works for the United States government. 

    “Isn’t that right? Through Catholic Relief Services in Caritas?”

    Mr. Burch: “That’s correct.”

    Senator Ricketts: “Yeah. And so my again, having been a prior donor to Catholic Relief service.

    “You mentioned how effective they are. I think their administrative and overhead costs are less than 5% typically.

    “Is that your understanding?”

    Mr. Burch: “That is my understanding. Yes.”

    Senator Ricketts: “And so when the State Department is reviewing some of the ways that we’re providing our foreign aid, some of the things, and maybe this is where the ranking member and I need to sit down and kind of go over the facts, but some of the stuff has been referenced as transgender operas in Peru, I believe, also voter turnout in India, DEI programs and other programs, my guess would be, and maybe you’re more familiar, that’s why I’m asking that when it comes to the Catholic Church, what CRS does, what Caritas does, they’re focusing primarily on the type of aid that is life saving, it’s not involved with transgender promotion, it’s not involved in voter turnout, it’s not involved in DEI would that be your understanding of the kind of aid that the Catholic Church, the CRS and Caritas does?”

    Mr. Burch: “That is my understanding. It’s primarily focused on humanitarian aid, like disaster relief in Myanmar, for example, which I understand that great Grant was recently reauthorized. 

    “And then there’s human services side, which, of course, involves a lot of different things that at times, can or cannot be in the United States interest.

    “To the ranking member’s question, I think, think this is where it becomes difficult, because you have to make choices as as the United States.

    “Can we continue to fund any and all of these programs, or do we have to be selective?

    “And if we’re going to be selective, what are the criteria we’re going to use?

    “And I fully support the president and the secretary making sure that the dollars we spend, the money that the taxpayers pay into the into the federal government are aligned with the United States interests and will make us safer, stronger and more prosperous.”

    Senator Ricketts: “And so by getting to the point of the aid, it would seem that the Catholic Church’s interest in providing aid really does align more with the types of aid of this administration with regard to those lifesaving services. Does that seem accurate?”

    Mr. Burch: “I would agree. I think the Catholic Church can be one of the best partners of the United States.”

    Senator Ricketts: “Great, thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Unfair Trade Policies Destroyed Lives — And There’s Empirical Proof

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    When career politicians sold American workers out to foreign countries, not only were entire communities destroyed — Americans’ lives were also shattered by higher rates of alcohol abuse, drug overdose, and suicide.
    Studies have repeatedly shown the human impact of bad trade policies:
    A 2020 study in American Economic Review: Insights found that “areas more exposed to a plausibly exogenous change in international trade policy exhibit relative increases in fatal drug overdoses, specifically among whites,” concluding that there is “a relationship between a plausibly exogenous change in US trade policy and drug overdose fatalities among working-age whites, helping to explain the alarming rise in ‘deaths of despair’ among this group since 2000.”
    A 2019 study in SSM-Population Health found that from 1999 to 2015, “job loss due to international trade is positively associated with opioid overdose mortality at the county-level.”
    “In general, the loss of 1,000 trade-related jobs was associated with a 2.7 percent increase in opioid-related deaths.”
    “When fentanyl was present, the same number of job losses was associated with a 11.3 percent increase in such deaths.”

    A 2018 article in the Journal of International Economics found that “data from the U.S. Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program reveal that, across locations, one extra TAA trade-displaced worker is associated with the overall employment falling by about two workers amidst muted geographic mobility.”
    A 2020 article in SSM-Population Health noted “several recent studies have suggested a link between economic deterioration in labor markets and increased opioid deaths. Monnat (2018), found a cross-sectional association between manufacturing dependence and average drug-related mortality rates across U.S. counties. In a separate analysis, Monnat (2019) found that drug mortality rates for non-Hispanic whites are larger in counties designated as service sector-dependent in comparison to counties designated as non-specialized.”
    Monnat (2018): “Counties reliant on heavy manual labor industries, like mining and manufacturing, that have suffered substantial employment downturns and wage stagnation in recent decades, may have higher drug-related mortality rates.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy, Blumenthal, 35 Senators Introduce Bicameral Legislation To Guarantee Union Rights For Public Workers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    April 09, 2025

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) joined 35 of their Senate colleagues in reintroducing the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act, bicameral legislation to guarantee the right of public sector employees to organize, act concertedly, and bargain collectively in states that currently do not afford these basic protections. This comes at a critical time, after President Trump’s recent executive order ended collective bargaining for over a million federal workers.
    “Trump has already stripped hundreds of thousands of federal workers of their collective bargaining rights, and even more public sector workers could be next. Unions built the middle class, and they’re still the best tool for workers to fight for better pay and fair treatment. This legislation would make sure our teachers, firefighters, and more than a million Americans who serve their communities have a seat at the negotiating table,” said Murphy.
    “The Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act ensures that teachers, nurses, child welfare workers, firefighters, and so many others who serve our communities are afforded the same right to join a union as workers in the private sector,” said Blumenthal. “All workers deserve the free and unhindered opportunity to organize and collectively bargain for better pay, benefits, and working conditions.”
    The Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act would establish baseline federal protections to ensure all public service workers can join a union and negotiate workplace conditions—regardless of state law. Unlike private sector workers, there is currently no federal law protecting the freedom of public sector workers to join a union and collectively bargain for fair wages, benefits, and improved working conditions.
    Specifically, this bill would set a minimum nationwide standard of collective bargaining rights that states must provide, including allowing public service workers to join together and have a voice on the job to improve both working conditions and the communities in which they live and work. The legislation gives public service workers the freedom to:
    Join together in a union selected by a majority of employees; 
    Collectively bargain over wages, hours and terms and conditions of employment; 
    Access dispute resolution mechanisms; 
    Use voluntary payroll deduction for union dues; 
    Engage in concerted activities related to collective bargaining and mutual aid; 
    Have their union be free from requirements to hold rigged recertification elections; and 
    File suit in court to enforce their labor rights. 
    U.S. Senators Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) also cosponsored the legislation.
    The Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act is endorsed by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME); the Communications Workers of America (CWA); American Federation of Teachers (AFT); AFL-CIO; Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU); Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE); International Brotherhood of Teamsters; International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM); International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE); International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE); International Union of Police Associations (IUPA); International Union of Painters & Allied Trades (IUPAT); Laborer’s International Union of North America (LiUNA); National Education Association (NEA); National Nurses United; Service Employees International Union (SEIU); Transport Workers Union of America (TWU); UNITE HERE!; United Autoworkers; United Steelworkers (USW).
    Full text of the legislation is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville Speaks with DOD Nominees About Improving National Security, Saving Taxpayer Dollars

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)
    WASHINGTON – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) participated in a Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) hearing to consider the nominations of Bradley D. Hansell to be Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security; Earl G. Matthews to be General Counsel of the Department of Defense; Dale R. Marks to be Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environment; and Former U.S. Representative Brandon M. Williams to be Under Secretary of Energy for Nuclear Security. During the hearing, Senator Tuberville spoke with the nominees about a variety of issues including military construction, military intelligence, and nuclear security. 
    Read Senator Tuberville’s remarks below or watch on YouTube or Rumble.

    MILITARY CONSTRUCTION (MILCON):
    TUBERVILLE: “Mr. Chairman. Thank you, gentlemen, for being here and your willingness to serve.
    Mr. Marks, I want to talk a little bit about an issue that affects many of our installations across the country, including my home state, Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville. The issue is military construction, better known as MILCON. We need to move fast, and traditional military construction processes are way, way too slow. Back at Redstone Arsenal, there are two warehouses as we speak that are going up. One, [U.S.] Military Corps of Engineers is building, and the other is by the FBI. These warehouses are roughly the same size, but the FBI facility has a lot more bells and whistles. Yet, the military warehouse is going to take double the amount of time to build and 150% over the cost of what it’s costing [to build] the FBI building.
    How on earth does this make sense? It is a disaster, and I’m sure we’re having those problems across the country. Can I get your commitment to go and look at this situation? Lieutenant General Chris Mohan, the AMC Commander down there, is really looking into this, and I think he could help us with some of this in the future. We need to cut back on the time and the cost of a lot of these buildings, Mr. Marks.”
    MARKS: “Senator, thank you for that question and I couldn’t agree more. We absolutely need to look at additional best practices on ways to speed up our MILCON to include how it aligns with our programs. And, so, if confirmed I absolutely would want to dig deeper with you on this to ensure that I see how we can potentially go faster.”
    TUBERVILLE: “Thank you. And another quick question for you, Mr. Marks. You recently discussed drone incursions with my staff. Can you tell the committee about that conversation and your experience?”
    MARKS: “Senator, thank you. What we have seen across the country and especially there at Eglin [Air Force Base] is an increase in drone activity and, in fact, activities surrounding our installations, whether that is foreign national turnarounds or other investments, things that we need to make. And so, Senator, in the local area at the installation I currently serve at, we’ve increased our investment to increase detection capability so that we can then use the authorities that we have been provided at the installation level to defend those installations. And Senator, if confirmed, I would want to see it expanded so that we can work with the combatant commanders to ensure we are defending our local installations here in the homeland.”
    TUBERVILLE: “Thank you, very much needed.”
    MILITARY INTELLIGENCE:
    TUBERVILLE: “Mr. Hansell, as you know, one of the organizations you will oversee as OUSD(I&S). If you are confirmed, is the Missile and Space Intelligence Center (MSIC), which is a component of DIA […] it’s located in Huntsville, Alabama. MSIC provides world class analysis and performance of foreign weapons systems. Mr. Hansell, can you talk a little bit about how important it is for our warfighters to assess the kind of foreign material data that the DIA and MSIC provide?”
    HANSELL: “Yes, Senator. I’d first highlight the importance of MSIC relative to the growing importance of the space domain. It becomes ever more critical to our national security, as well as, I think, critical intel from MSIC should be used to inform the Golden Dome architecture design at every stage of the milestones.”
    TUBERVILLE: “Thank you.”
    NUCLEAR SECURITY:
    TUBERVILLE: “Mr. Williams, [National Nuclear Security Administration]NNSA has been plagued by cost overrun, schedule delays, project cancellations related to construction of nuclear facilities, including uranium processing facility—The Savannah River Plutonium Processing Facility—and others. If confirmed, what specific steps would you take to ensure that these project management failures are not repeated in the future?”
    WILLIAMS: “Thank you, Senator. And that is right at the heart to the plutonium pit production that you mentioned in Savannah River as well in Los Alamos, you know, is the critical path to restoring our ability to make new nuclear weapons and to ensure the long-life extension of our existing stockpile. There’s a number of details, a number of classified details, that I’ve not been briefed on in that, but I commit to you, should I be confirmed, that it is absolutely a commitment to get that back and to deliver, you know, for the weapons programs.”
    TUBERVILLE: “Thank you.”
    JAG CORPS REFORM:
    TUBERVILLE: “Mr. Matthews, if confirmed, what role would you have in advising the president and the secretary on reforming the JAG Corps?”
    MATTHEWS: “Thank you, Senator, for the question. If confirmed, I would be a legal adviser to the Secretary of Defense and not to the President unless he asked me. But if the President were to ask me, I would consider the question he asked, and in light of the facts and information available to me, I would make a recommendation. The JAG Corps, the Army, the General Corps, the Joint Force JAGs, play an important role in ensuring the delivery of military justice, ensuring compliance with the law of armed conflict, a whole myriad of activities. And, so, it’s important that we get it right.”
    TUBERVILLE: “Thank you.”
    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville Speaks with Trump USDA Nominees About Trade, Importance of Getting People off Government Assistance and into Self-Sufficiency

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) spoke with the Honorable Stephen Vaden, President Trump’s nominee to be Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, and Tyler Clarkson the nominee for General Counsel of the U.S. Department of Agriculture at a U.S. Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry (Ag) hearing. During the hearing, Senator Tuberville asked both nominees about what they will do to promote domestic trade and enforce already-existing SNAP work requirements, if they are confirmed.
    Excerpts from Senator Tuberville’s remarks can be found below, and his full remarks can be found on YouTube or Rumble.
    TUBERVILLE: “Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Senator Justice. Awesome. I just had my first picture taken with Babydog, so I’m excited. That made my day. So, I’m glad you brought him up here today.”
    JUSTICE: “It’s a girl.”
    TUBERVILLE: “Oh, it’s a girl.”
    JUSTICE: “A big girl.”
    TUBERVILLE: “A big girl, yeah. Thank you, guys, for being here. And, like Senator Justice says, my phone—I’ve had to put in a new phone line for the farmers. They’re getting killed. It’s almost over. I mean, you know, they can’t even see the light at the end of the tunnel. And we need a Farm Bill, we need to help them, we need to understand the situation we’re in. Thank God for the tariffs, [and] for President Trump. He’s trying to right the ship. We’ll see what happens, but we’ve got to help our farmers.”
    ON REDUCING TRADE BARRIERS FOR DOMESTIC FARMERS:
    TUBERVILLE: “Mr. Vaden, domestic peanut growers in my state and across the country have been at a competitive disadvantage in the marketplace due to non-tariff trade barriers on peanuts from aflatoxin and in the European Union. Would you commit to ensuring USDA and the U.S. Trade Representative—USTR—would work together on President Trump’s agenda to reduce trade barriers and prioritize market access for our farmers?”
    VADEN: “Absolutely, Senator. I know you just joined us, but earlier in response to a question from one of your colleagues, I noted that when it comes to American agriculture, oftentimes, the barriers that are actually keeping us out of the market aren’t formal tariffs, they’re not taxes, they’re, as you have noted with regard to your peanut farmers in Alabama—they are phony phytosanitary concerns. And those concerns cannot be allowed.”
    […]
    VADEN: “Whether it be human health or animal and plant health. And they use it as a barrier to keep our products out. Our products grown by American farmers are grown with the best technology, with the best scientific advancement and there should be no concern from any international purchaser that if they’re buying American they’re getting anything other than the best. And I will have no problems, sir, voicing this to the President’s trade team.”
    ON ENFORCING SNAP WORK REQUIREMENTS:
    TUBERVILLE: “Thank you. This is for both of you. The Biden administration made individuals reliant on the SNAP program and the federal government to provide for them. SNAP should be a hand up, not a handout. And we need to get Americans back to work. I think we all agree with that. A big part of this is due to the Biden administration’s 21%increase in SNAP benefits through a Thrifty Food Plan update, amounting to over $250 billion in spending without congressional authority. Do either of you have ideas on how to enforce existing work requirements for SNAP recipients?”
    VADEN: “Well, Senator, I think your question points out something very important. The work requirement that is contained within SNAP is not voluntary. It is a statutory mandate passed by this Congress. And failing to enforce the work requirement isn’t a policy choice. It’s a choice not to enforce the plain text of a law that Congress has passed. So, I appreciate you pointing out that the purpose of SNAP should be gauged on, not how many people are on it at any given period of time. But rather, as you have pointed out, how successful the program is at giving people a helping hand when they need it, and then working to transition them to self-sufficiency and entering the workforce so that they can become self-sustaining members of society. And that’s really how we ought to be judging the success of SNAP, how successful it is and helping people make that transition, and the work requirement is an important part of that.”
    TUBERVILLE: “Thank you.”
    CLARKSON: “Thank you for the question, Senator. I think the judge laid it out perfectly. PRWORA [Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act] made very clear that there are work requirements associated with SNAP. I’d also note on my wife’s behalf, who was an Auburn graduate, ‘War Eagle.’ So I’d be remiss if I didn’t share that today.”
    TUBERVILLE: “Thank you. Thank you. And we all wanna take care of people that need—that are needy. We really wanna take care of everybody, but the problem is we’re like a business. And we’ve run this thing too far. They’re not gonna be any money for anybody. We’re gonna be dead broke. And we’re headed in that direction. So, we need to be a precursor for what’s going on in this country and watch what’s happening and understand that we need to help people, but we can’t help everybody just because they don’t wanna do anything. And so, at the end of the day, we have got to understand the significance of our debt and the direction that all these entitlements give out to. Again, we are a generous country. We always have been. So, I know you guys will do a great job. We’re looking forward to voting for you. And so now I’ll turn it over to my colleague here.”
    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Trump Follows Baldwin’s Lead to Crack Down on China, Close Trade Loophole for Fentanyl, Counterfeit Goods

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) released the following statement after President Donald Trump announced his administration will close a trade loophole for China and Hong Kong that allows illegal substances and counterfeit goods to enter the country, a fix that she has championed for years. Currently, small-dollar imports with a value of less than $800 are allowed into the U.S. duty-free and with little customs scrutiny. However, this loophole has been abused by countries like China that are sending hundreds of billions of dollars’ worth of products into the U.S. market, undermining U.S. manufacturers and retailers, and letting illicit substances into our communities. Senator Baldwin has led on this issue, introducing the bipartisan De Minimis Reciprocity Act in 2023 to close this loophole by excluding countries like China from using the de minimis channel.
    “There is a whole lot of Donald Trump’s reckless trade policy that is wrong and will only jack up costs for working families, but on this, President Trump and I agree. I am glad the President is following my lead to close this loophole that undercuts our Wisconsin manufacturers and allows deadly drugs onto our streets,” said Senator Baldwin. “I have fought to close this loophole for years to keep our families safe and stand up for Wisconsin workers, and I’ll continue to push Donald Trump to tackle the fentanyl epidemic, level the playing field for our businesses, and give Wisconsin workers a fair shot.”
    According to the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP), more than 1.36 billion packages came into the U.S. under the de minimis rule that lacks customs scrutiny in Fiscal Year 2024.
    Senator Baldwin has long championed closing or amending the de minimis loophole to protect Wisconsin families and businesses. Senators Baldwin and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) lead the De Minimis Reciprocity Act to close the de minimis loophole by excluding untrustworthy countries like China from using the de minimis channel. The bipartisan legislation would also require more information on every package entering the U.S. and use the revenue proceeds to establish a fund for reshoring industry from China. Senator Baldwin also leads the Ensure Accountability in the De Minimis Act with former Senator Mike Braun (R-IN), bipartisan legislation to give clarity for what kind of small-dollar products and packages can enter the country through the expedited process that has minimal customs scrutiny.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: King, Welch Introduce Legislation to Prevent Costly Falls

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Peter Welch (D-VT) are introducing legislation to help prevent dangerous and costly falls. The Home Accessibility Tax Credit Act would establish a refundable tax credit for eligible home modifications designed to improve accessibility — saving both Americans with the highest risk of falling, as well as taxpayers, from the high medical costs associated with falls.
    “I often say, ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,’ and the cheapest way to treat a broken hip is to prevent it from happening in the first place,” said Senator King. “The Home Accessibility Tax Credit Act is important legislation that would ease the financial burden of accessibility-focused home improvement projects — such as modifying doorways or installing grab bars. This is a commonsense step forward to help save Maine people from the physical danger and financial costs that can result from all-too-common falls.”
    “Accessible living spaces can make a big difference when it comes to preventing falls — but making structural changes to a home doesn’t come cheap. We need to do more to meet the needs of aging Vermonters, including helping folks pay for lifesaving home modifications that keep them safe,” said Senator Welch. “I’m proud to partner with Senator King on this legislation to ensure New Englanders can live safely in their homes.” 
    The tax credit would be equal to 35% of the cost of the qualified home modification, with a cap of $10,000 per taxable year and $30,000 in lifetime limit across all taxable years. The tax credit is targeted toward middle income families and will become phased out in generosity above $400,000 for joint filers and $200,000 for single filers or heads of households.
    Eligible home modifications would include zero-step entrances, ramps, widened doors and hallways, modified counters, bathroom accessibility improvements, and the installation, replacement, or modification of appliances to make them more accessible to individuals with a vision impairment. The list of approved modifications could be updated by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Health and Human Services (HHS).
    Three groups would be eligible to receive the tax credit:
    Individuals 60 and older; 
    Individuals under retirement age but entitled to social security disability insurance (SSDI), supplemental security income (SSI) or veterans disability compensation; or
    Individuals at any age with a disability certification.
    As an extension of his longtime focus on prevention efforts, Senator King has been leading the charge in the “Stand Strong” space. He previously introduced a legislative package to encourage proactive home modifications and to increase access to preventative screenings for older Americans to keep them thriving while avoiding costly injuries. The package included the reintroduction of the Preventative Home Visits Act and the WELL Seniors Act to expand Medicare benefits to cover home modifications, ensure the accessibility of telehealth services and include comprehensive screenings during Medicare Annual Wellness Visits. 

    MIL OSI USA News –