NewzIntel.com

Category: US Senate

  • MIL-OSI USA: PHOTOS: Capito Celebrates Coal Industry at the White House with President Trump

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today joined President Donald J. Trump at the White House as he signed Executive Orders to support the coal industry and unleash American energy. Senator Capito released the below statement following the event:

    “Not only does coal keep the lights on in America, but it is an essential natural resource that allows us to ensure energy reliability and economic stability,” Senator Capito said. “The recent series of storms that caused thousands of power outages highlighted just how important it is that we have access to affordable and reliable energy sources like coal. As it has done time and time again, coal proved to be exactly what we needed to power the country, demonstrating its importance in keeping the lights on when other resources were unavailable. These Executive Orders are welcome news for our miners and the entire industry, and I am glad we have a president that recognizes the need to support them.”

    More details on President Trump’s Executive Order can be found here.

    Photos from today’s event are included below:

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaine & Colleagues Announce Intent to File Legislation to Challenge Trump’s Senseless Trade Wars

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-OR), U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) were joined by U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) in announcing their intent to file legislation to repeal the cost-raising, across-the-board tariffs President Donald Trump announced on April 2, which will cost the average American household nearly $4,000 a year and have already led to significant market declines and raised the odds of a recession. Once filed, the legislation will be privileged, meaning it will receive a vote before the full Senate.

    The announcement follows last week’s Senate passage of legislation led by Kaine and Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Mark R. Warner (D-VA) to repeal Trump’s tariffs on Canada.

    “No President has the authority to unilaterally impose such sweeping across-the-board tariffs without congressional approval,” said Kaine. “President Trump’s tariff strategy is raising costs on American families, threatening alliances our national security depends on, and creating opportunity for China and other adversaries to take advantage of global instability. The time is now for Congress to reassert its authority in matters of international trade, and I hope my colleagues on both sides of the aisle will join us.”

    On April 2, Trump announced tariffs on imports from all countries around the world. In response, nations are exploring aggressive countermeasures on goods imported from the U.S.

    Text of the resolution is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed & Whitehouse Seek Answers & Return of Maryland Father Wrongfully Deported to El Salvador

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed
    WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Justice admitted the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia — a father who was living legally in the United States under protected status — was an “administrative error.”  Mr. Garcia, 29, who fled El Salavador in 2006 and migrated to the U.S. in 2011, is married with a five-year old child and two step children who are all U.S. citizens.  According to USA Today: After finishing a shift working as a sheet metal apprentice and picking up his son from his grandmother’s house, Mr. Garcia was pulled over by ICE officers in several vehicles and erroneously told that his status had changed.  He was handcuffed and placed in an ICE vehicle and eventually sent to an out of state detention facility before being flown out of the country to a notorious prison in El Salvador known as the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT).
    In 2019, an immigration judge granted Mr. Garcia protection from deportation on the grounds that he might be at risk of persecution from local gangs in his home country.  ICE officials under the Trump Administration in 2019 did not object to the judge’s ruling.
    Last week, Justice Department lawyer Erez Reuveni told a federal judge that Mr. Garcia “should not have been removed.”  The judge agreed and wrote a scathing opinion finding that the Trump Administration’s actions “shocks the conscience” and that the government had acted “without any lawful authority” and was holding Mr. Garcia in “direct contravention” of U.S. law.  The judge ordered the U.S. to return Mr. Garcia to the United States.  However, the Trump Administration contended Mr. Garcia could not be returned to the U.S. because he is in Salvadoran custody and U.S. courts have no jurisdiction there, even though the U.S. is reportedly paying the El Salvadoran government $6 million to house deportees from the United States.  Yesterday, the U.S. Supreme Court granted the Trump Administration’s request to temporarily block a lower court order.
    Today, 25 U.S. Senators, including Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Jack Reed (D-RI), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) wrote to U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director Tedd Lyons urging them to return Kilmar Abrego Garcia to the United States. 
    In their letter, the Senators call on the Trump Administration to comply with the lower court order requiring that they facilitate Abrego Garcia’s return and ask for responses to a series of questions regarding ICE’s enforcement policies that may have led to this grave error – and what measures they will take to ensure such an incident does not occur again.
    “We write to express our concerns regarding the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia to El Salvador, an action which the Administration admitted in a recent court filing was an “administrative error.” It is unacceptable that anyone would be deported without proper due process, especially where an immigration judge has granted the individual protected status that explicitly prohibits his return to El Salvador. We demand that the Administration bring Mr. Abrego Garcia home immediately,” the 25 U.S. Senators wrote.
    “Per court filings, Mr. Abrego Garcia came to the United States in 2011 as a teenager fleeing gang threats in his home country of El Salvador. In 2019, ICE arrested Mr. Abrego Garcia over an unfounded and anonymous allegation that he was involved with MS-13, which placed him in deportation proceedings. The U.S. immigration judge in the case ultimately found that it was in fact Mr. Abrego Garcia who was at risk of being the victim of gang violence,” the Senators continued. “This ruling was made under the Trump Administration in 2019 and was in fact required by law under section 241(b)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act once the immigration judge made the factual determination that Mr. Abrego Garcia faced a likelihood of torture in El Salvador. At the time, the Trump Administration made no effort to appeal the judge’s ruling or pursue Mr. Abrego Garcia’s deportation further. Court filings attest that Mr. Abrego Garcia has complied with regular ICE check-ins, has no criminal charges, and has had no contact with any other law-enforcement agency since his release in 2019.
    “Mr. Abrego Garcia is currently being held at CECOT, a maximum-security prison in El Salvador notorious for human rights abuses, after being deported in violation of the law to the very country where his return was impermissible,” they noted. “And when the Administration makes a mistake as severe as sending an individual with protected status to a foreign prison, it cannot simply shrug off responsibility and allege that there is nothing it can do to reunite him with his wife and child, who are American citizens.
    “On Friday, a U.S. District Court judge in the District of Maryland ordered the government to return Mr. Abrego Garcia to the United States, and on Monday the Fourth Circuit denied the government’s motion to stay the order. The Administration should promptly comply with the district court’s order,” the Senators urged.
    In addition to Van Hollen, Reed, and Whitehouse, the letter was also signed by U.S. Senators: Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Coons (D-DE), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Mark Warner (D-VA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).
    The Senators closed the letter with a series of questions to Secretary Noem and Acting Director Lyons:
    The standard and legal course for the government to take to deport someone with protected status would be to reopen the case, introduce evidence that grounds for terminating the protected status exist, and then allow an immigration judge to make a determination as to their status. Why was that course of action not taken in this case?  
    In the past, DHS and ICE worked to quickly return people to the U.S. who were erroneously deported. Why is DHS and ICE no longer following these well-established procedures and practices?   
    Vice President J.D. Vance and Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt have both claimed that Mr. Abrego Garcia is an MS-13 gang member, but the government was unable or unwilling to provide any evidence to substantiate that claim to the court. Please provide any evidence of Mr. Abrego Garcia’s membership in MS-13.
    Given that the Administration is reportedly paying $6 million to El Salvador to detain deported immigrants at CECOT, why does it believe that there is nothing it can do to return Mr. Abrego Garcia to his family in the United States? Please provide a copy of the agreement between the U.S. and El Salvador on the detention of people deported from the U.S. in CECOT.
    Are there any other cases that the Administration is aware of in which an immigrant with protected status was illegally deported without due process? If so, identify those cases and explain what, if anything the government is doing to rectify those errors. 
    Will the Administration commit to reviewing all of the cases of its deportees to ensure that it has appropriately identified all of the errors? 
    What actions will the Administration take in the future to ensure that immigrants with protected status are afforded their appropriate due process? 
    Full text of the letter follows:
    Dear Secretary Noem and Acting Director Lyons,?? 
    We write to express our concerns regarding the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia to El Salvador, an action which the Administration admitted in a recent court filing was an “administrative error.” It is unacceptable that anyone would be deported without proper due process, especially where an immigration judge has granted the individual protected status that explicitly prohibits his return to El Salvador. We demand that the Administration bring Mr. Abrego Garcia home immediately.  
    According to court filings, on March 12, 2025, shortly after Mr. Abrego Garcia had picked up his son from the boy’s grandmother’s house, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) stopped Mr. Abrego Garcia, inaccurately telling him that his protected status had changed. After giving his wife a few minutes to arrive to take custody of his son, ICE arrested and detained him without any further explanation as to the reason for his arrest. ICE then transferred Mr. Abrego Garcia and other detainees to Texas, where on March 15, 2025, they were loaded onto planes and deported to El Salvador. Mr. Abrego Garcia was reportedly on the only plane that was not sent under the authority of the Alien Enemies Act but instead was transporting migrants with formal removal orders signed by a judge. This occurred despite the fact that ICE knew, as the Administration conceded in court, that his protected legal status specifically prohibited his removal to El Salvador.  
    Per court filings, Mr. Abrego Garcia came to the United States in 2011 as a teenager fleeing gang threats in his home country of El Salvador. In 2019, ICE arrested Mr. Abrego Garcia over an unfounded and anonymous allegation that he was involved with MS-13, which placed him in deportation proceedings. The U.S. immigration judge in the case ultimately found that it was in fact Mr. Abrego Garcia who was at risk of being the victim of gang violence. The judge found that Mr. Abrego Garcia and his relatives credibly testified that gang members had been trying to extort his family and recruit him and his brother to join the gang, forcing his family to move multiple times, ultimately compelling both him and his brother to flee to the United States out of fear.  
    The immigration judge agreed that Mr. Abrego Garcia would likely face persecution if deported back to El Salvador and thus granted him a form of legally mandated protection known as “withholding of removal.” Withholding of removal, which may only be granted by an immigration judge, provided Mr. Abrego Garcia the ability to stay and work in the United States despite being the subject of a deportation order. This ruling was made under the Trump Administration in 2019 and was in fact required by law under section 241(b)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act once the immigration judge made the factual determination that Mr. Abrego Garcia faced a likelihood of torture in El Salvador. At the time, the Trump Administration made no effort to appeal the judge’s ruling or pursue Mr. Abrego Garcia’s deportation further. Court filings attest that Mr. Abrego Garcia has complied with regular ICE check-ins, has no criminal charges, and has had no contact with any other law-enforcement agency since his release in 2019.  
    Mr. Abrego Garcia is currently being held at CECOT, a maximum-security prison in El Salvador notorious for human rights abuses, after being deported in violation of the law to the very country where his return was impermissible. Though the Administration has admitted in court that his deportation was a mistake, it alleges that there is nothing it can do to address this injustice, given that Mr. Abrego Garcia is now in the jurisdiction of the government of El Salvador as part of an agreement to imprison U.S. deportees in exchange for financial compensation.  
    Your unwillingness to immediately rectify this “administrative error” is unacceptable. Under multiple Democratic and Republican administrations, the Department of Homeland Security and ICE followed the rule of law and worked to quickly return people who were wrongfully deported, in the rare instances where such “administrative errors” occurred. The Administration’s mass deportation agenda does not transcend immigration law or the need for due process. And when the Administration makes a mistake as severe as sending an individual with protected status to a foreign prison, it cannot simply shrug off responsibility and allege that there is nothing it can do to reunite him with his wife and child, who are American citizens. On Friday, a U.S. District Court judge in the District of Maryland ordered the government to return Mr. Abrego Garcia to the United States, and on Monday the Fourth Circuit denied the government’s motion to stay the order. The Administration should promptly comply with the district court’s order.
    To address our concerns about this matter and to provide clarity on the Department of Homeland Security and ICE’s policy regarding the immigration enforcement actions against immigrants with protected status, we ask that your Administration answer the following questions by April 22, 2025: 
    The standard and legal course for the government to take to deport someone with protected status would be to reopen the case, introduce evidence that grounds for terminating the protected status exist, and then allow an immigration judge to make a determination as to their status. Why was that course of action not taken in this case?  
    In the past, DHS and ICE worked to quickly return people to the U.S. who were erroneously deported. Why is DHS and ICE no longer following these well-established procedures and practices?   
    Vice President J.D. Vance and Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt have both claimed that Mr. Abrego Garcia is an MS-13 gang member, but the government was unable or unwilling to provide any evidence to substantiate that claim to the court. Please provide any evidence of Mr. Abrego Garcia’s membership in MS-13.
    Given that the Administration is reportedly paying $6 million to El Salvador to detain deported immigrants at CECOT, why does it believe that there is nothing it can do to return Mr. Abrego Garcia to his family in the United States? Please provide a copy of the agreement between the U.S. and El Salvador on the detention of people deported from the U.S. in CECOT.
    Are there any other cases that the Administration is aware of in which an immigrant with protected status was illegally deported without due process? If so, identify those cases and explain what, if anything the government is doing to rectify those errors. 
    Will the Administration commit to reviewing all of the cases of its deportees to ensure that it has appropriately identified all of the errors? 
    What actions will the Administration take in the future to ensure that immigrants with protected status are afforded their appropriate due process? 
    We appreciate your prompt attention to this vital matter and look forward to reviewing your fulsome, timely response. 
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner, Reed, Coons Lead National Security Senators in Sounding Alarm Over Recent Firings at NSA

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed
    WASHINGTON, DC – Last week, without cause or justification, President Donald Trump fired the top American cybersecurity official responsible for countering foreign cyber threats, just as the U.S. is confronting the most complex, sophisticated, and sustained attacks on U.S. cyber infrastructure our nation has ever experienced. The abrupt firing of General Timothy Haugh, the Director of the National Security Agency (NSA) and Commander of U.S. Cyber Command (CYBERCOM), as well as the reassignment of Wendy Noble, the Deputy Director of the NSA, comes on the heels of the Trump Administration undermining the federal government’s election-related cyberdefenses, the mass-firing of federal cybersecurity personnel across multiple agencies, and an attempt to shift cyberdefense responsibilities onto states and municipalities.
    This week, Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee Jack Reed (D-RI), and Ranking Member on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense Chris Coons (D-DE), led 21 of their committee colleagues in a letter to President Trump regarding the still unexplained ouster of General Haugh and Deputy Director Noble and warning that the Trump Administration’s actions are exposing the U.S. to serious threats from foreign adversaries and sophisticated cybercriminals.
    “These actions severely compromise our ability to keep Americans safe. As you are well aware, our nation currently faces serious cyber threats from foreign adversaries, such as from China’s Salt Typhoon, with near-daily attacks against our critical infrastructure,” the 24 Senators wrote. “In addition, our nation’s military is engaged in ongoing operations against multiple threats, from the Houthis in Yemen to Russian aggression in Eastern Europe. Given the dangers facing the United States, it is inexplicable that the Administration would remove the senior leaders of NSA/CYBERCOM without cause or warning, and risk disrupting critical ongoing intelligence operations.”
    The senators also highlighted the impact this move would have on the dual-hat arrangement, in which a single officer leads both the NSA and CYBERCOM, and stressed that prematurely severing this agreement could put U.S. national security at risk.
    They continued, “Premature termination of the dual-hat arrangement would severely degrade the speed and effectiveness of NSA’s and CYBERCOM’s abilities to execute their missions and could have dire consequence for our national security. As Congress on an overwhelmingly bipartisan basis has repeatedly made clear in the National Defense Authorization Acts for Fiscal Years 2017, 2018, and 2020, clear criteria must be met before any termination can be considered and both the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs must together certify that separation will not “pose risks to the military effectiveness of the United States Cyber Command that are unacceptable to the national security interests of the United States.”
    Joining Vice Chairman Warner and Ranking Members Reed and Coons in this letter are U.S. Senators: Patty Murray (D-WA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Gary Peters (D-MI), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Angus King (I-ME), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Chris Murphy (D-CT).
    As members of the key committees tasked with conducting oversight over NSA, the senators requested written justification for why General Timothy Haugh and Deputy Director Wendy Noble were removed from their posts, and asked for a Congressional briefing regarding any additional actions the administration plans to take with respect to NSA and CYBERCOM, including but not limited to the separation of the dual-hat.
    Full text of the letter follows:
    Dear President Trump,
    We write with alarm at the sudden and inexplicable firing of the Director of the National Security Agency (NSA) and Commander, U.S. Cyber Command, General Timothy Haugh, as well as the reassignment of the Deputy Director of the NSA, Wendy Noble. Not only have both dutifully served this nation for decades under both Democratic and Republican administrations, but their removals were conducted in the middle of the night with no consultation with Congress and, according to reports, at the behest of a private citizen who has a record of promoting conspiracy theories.
    These actions severely compromise our ability to keep Americans safe. As you are well aware, our nation currently faces serious cyber threats from foreign adversaries, such as from China’s Salt Typhoon, with near-daily attacks against our critical infrastructure. In addition, our nation’s military is engaged in ongoing operations against multiple threats, from the Houthis in Yemen to Russian aggression in Eastern Europe. Given the dangers facing the United States, it is inexplicable that the Administration would remove the senior leaders of NSA/CYBERCOM without cause or warning, and risk disrupting critical ongoing intelligence operations.
    Furthermore, we urge you to exercise careful consideration and consultation with Congress on any further actions that may impact NSA’s or CYBERCOM’s abilities to provide the critical intelligence and operational support to policymakers and warfighters. This includes, but is not limited to, any considerations to terminate the dual-hat arrangement. Premature termination of the dual-hat arrangement would severely degrade the speed and effectiveness of NSA’s and CYBERCOM’s abilities to execute their missions and could have dire consequence for our national security. As Congress on an overwhelmingly bipartisan basis has repeatedly made clear in the National Defense Authorization Acts for Fiscal Years 2017, 2018, and 2020, clear criteria must be met before any termination can be considered and both the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs must together certify that separation will not “pose risks to the military effectiveness of the United States Cyber Command that are unacceptable to the national security interests of the United States.”
    As Members of the respective committees of oversight, we request that you formally provide in writing a justification for why Director Timothy Haugh and Ms. Wendy Noble were removed from their posts and provide a briefing to Congress on any additional actions you plan to take with respect to NSA and CYBERCOM, including but not limited to the separation of the dual-hat.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed & Whitehouse Seek to Raise Federal Minimum Wage to $17 by 2030

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed
    WASHINGTON, DC – The last time the federal minimum wage was raised it was July of 2009 – Barack Obama had just been elected president, iPads hadn’t come out yet, and the world was experiencing a global recession.  Since then, corporate profits have risen as has the costs of goods, but the federal minimum wage — which is supposed to ensure workers can afford the basic necessities — remains stuck at $7.25 an hour.
    U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) are looking to ensure American workers can earn a living wage, drive economic growth, and reduce income inequality by raising the minimum wage to $17 by 2030 for all workers and gradually raise the minimum wage for tipped workers, workers with disabilities, and youth workers.
    Today, Reed and Whitehouse teamed up with U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), the Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), to introduce the Raise the Wage Act.  This bill would incrementally raise the federal minimum wage to $17 an hour by 2030, benefiting an estimated 64,000 Rhode Islanders.  
    Rhode Island is among 30 states and the District of Columbia that have enacted higher wage floors.  Currently, the minimum wage in Rhode Island is $15 an hour.  Servers in the restaurant industry and other hospitality workers who derive a large portion of income from tips have had their hourly wages capped at $3.89 since 2017.
    Last year, nearly one in four workers in the U.S. made less than $17 per hour. The Raise the Wage will raise the federal minimum wage to $17 over five years, eliminate the tipped subminimum wage over seven years, eliminate the subminimum wage for workers with disabilities over five years, and eliminate the subminimum wage for youth workers over seven years. According to analysis by the Economic Policy Institute (EPI), passing the Raise the Wage Act of 2025 would provide raises to over 22.2 million workers across the country by 2030.
    If the federal minimum wage had increased with worker productivity over the last 57 years, it would be over $23 an hour today, not $7.25 an hour, which translates to a full-time salary of about $15,000 per year.
    “The $7.25 an hour minimum wage is a starvation wage. It must be raised to a living wage – at least $17 an hour,” Senator Sanders said. “In the year 2025, a job should lift you out of poverty, not keep you in it. At a time of massive income and wealth inequality, we can no longer tolerate millions of workers trying to survive on just $10 or $12 an hour. Congress can no longer ignore the needs of the working class of this country. The time to act is now.”
    “The federal minimum wage has been stuck at $7.25 for too long.  No one in today’s economy can make ends meet working for such meager pay.  Rhode Islanders deserve a raise and workers deserve to be fairly compensated.  Right now, those making minimum wage can’t afford housing, food, and transportation so taxpayers end up subsidizing employers that pay so little.  When all businesses have to operate on a level playing field with fair pay it helps prevent costly turnover and re-training of workers.  The Raise the Wage Act would help strengthen families, businesses, and our economy,” said Senator Reed.
    “As rising costs squeeze families across Rhode Island, it’s well past time to increase the federal minimum wage,” said Senator Whitehouse.  “Our legislation will help more Americans get a foothold in the middle class by paying them a livable wage.”
    Today, the value of the current federal minimum wage – $7.25 per hour – is the lowest it has been since 1956 and has declined by over 32 percent since it was last increased in 2009. While approximately four million tipped workers in the U.S. depend on tips for as much as half of their income or more, the tipped sub-minimum wage has remained stagnant at just $2.13 per hour since 1991. The current median wage for at least 37,000 workers with disabilities is just $3.50 per hour.
    Meanwhile, across every state in the country, a living wage for a worker in a family with two working adults and one child is greater than $17 per hour, according to the Economic Policy Institute’s (EPI) Family Budget Calculator. Many of these low-wage workers face persistent economic insecurity, struggling to put food on the table and afford basic necessities, including housing, health care, and childcare. Black and Hispanic workers disproportionately feel the burden of these low wages as compared to their white counterparts, and that disparity is even worse for women of color. Nearly 40 percent of Hispanic women and 35 percent of Black women make less than $17 per hour.
    Joining Sanders, Reed, and Whitehouse on this legislation are U.S. Senators: Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-A), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).
    More than 85 organizations endorsed the Raise the Wage Act of 2025, including: Service Employees International Union (SEIU), AFL-CIO, American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), Business for a Fair Minimum Wage, Communications Workers of America (CWA), Economic Policy Institute (EPI), Equal Pay Today, International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT), National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA), National Education Association (NEA), National Employment Law Project (NELP), The National Partnership for Women & Families, National Women’s Law Center (NWLC), One Fair Wage, Oxfam America, Patriotic Millionaires, UNITE HERE, United Autoworkers (UAW), United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW), United for Respect, and United Steelworkers (USW).
    Companion legislation has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congressman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-Va.), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tillis, Gallego Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Expand Veterans’ Access to Skilled Trade Educational Programs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Carolina Thom Tillis

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) recently introduced the Veterans Education and Technical Skills (VETS) Opportunity Act, bipartisan, bicameral legislation that would extend educational benefits in the Post-9/11 GI Bill to include partially online (or hybrid) versions of skilled trade training programs. Joining Senators Tillis and Gallego were Senators Ted Budd (R-NC), John Cornyn (R-TX), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Bernie Moreno (R-OH), Gary Peters (D-MI), Rick Scott (R-FL), and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI). 

    “This commonsense legislation modernizes the Post-9/11 GI Bill to expand veterans’ access to high-quality skilled trade and vocational programs for in-demand career pathways like welding and HVAC, ensuring they have the tools and resources they need to succeed in today’s workforce,” said Senator Tillis. “By supporting hybrid learning opportunities, we’re providing veterans with the flexibility to gain critical skills, find gainful employment, and contribute to our economy after their service.”

    “Our veterans deserve access to training programs that prepare them for the modern economy, and increasingly those programs are happening in a hybrid format,” said Senator Gallego. “I’m proud to help introduce this bipartisan, commonsense bill that will expand educational opportunities for veterans so they can succeed after their service.” 

    Full text of the legislation is available HERE.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: After Pressure from Warren, Trump Nominee Commits to Holding Private Military Landlords Accountable, Protecting Housing Rights for Servicemembers, Families

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    April 08, 2025

    Mr. Marks: “I believe that residents do need to have robust rights to include where they live.” 

    Mr. Marks: “If confirmed, you have my commitment to work with this committee, you, and others, and the services on behalf of our residents (to ensure safe and high quality housing). We owe them that for the service that they give our great nation.”

    Video of Exchange (YouTube)

    Washington, D.C. – At a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel, questioned Mr. Dale Marks, nominee for Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environment, on his vision for addressing military housing problems for servicemembers and their families. 

    After a 2018 Reuters investigation revealed that military families were subjected to mold, pest infestations, and other safety hazards, Congress and the Department of Defense (DoD) began work to improve housing conditions. Congress passed multiple reforms in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2020, including a Tenant Bill of Rights and creation of a public complaint database that became the Housing Feedback System, which allows servicemembers and their families to submit and document publicly concerns about the safety of their homes. 

    Mr. Marks agreed to use the Housing Feedback System to hold private military housing contractors accountable, saying that, as a former military housing resident himself, he is committed to “build(ing) transparency and trust with our residents.”  

    Senator Warren highlighted that, despite the reforms passed by Congress, families are still denied justice through concepts like the Enclave Doctrine, which says that tenants living on federal lands are not entitled to the same rights as those living outside of them. 

    After being questioned by Senator Warren, Mr. Marks committed to “dig deeper to see how we could address (the Enclave Doctrine)” and affirmed that “residents do need to have robust rights to include where they live.” He also committed to working with Senator Warren, SASC, and the military services to ensure service members and their families receive safe and high quality housing. 

    Senator Warren called for the committee to address the issues with military housing conditions in this year’s NDAA. 

    “We have a duty to make sure that military families’ homes are safe so they can stay focused on the mission of keeping the rest of us safe. Substandard housing conditions hurt military readiness. That’s a problem we could fix,” Senator Warren concluded.  

    Transcript: Hearing to consider the nominations of: Mr. Bradley D. Hansell to be Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security; Mr. Earl G. Matthews to be General Counsel of the Department of Defense; Mr. Dale R. Marks to be Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environment; and Honorable Brandon M. Williams to be Under Secretary of Energy for Nuclear Security
    Senate Armed Services Committee 
    April 8, 2025 

    Senator Elizabeth Warren: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and congratulations to all of our nominees. 

    So, after a 2018 Reuters investigation found that military families were living in homes that were filled with mold, pest infestations, and other safety hazards, this committee opened an inquiry and instituted a slate of reforms in 2019 to hold private military housing contractors accountable.

    One of these reforms was the creation of a Tenant Bill of Rights to ensure that military families have the quality housing they deserve. Another was the creation of a public database for military families to report when their landlords fail to provide that quality housing.

    I am glad that DOD finally created that database, called the Housing Feedback System, last year. I’m sorry that servicemembers had to wait five years for it. DOD needs to do better to rebuild trust with military families.

    Mr. Marks, if you are confirmed, it will be your job to make sure that servicemembers and their families have “safe, high-quality, and affordable” housing. So will you commit to preserving and using DoD’s Housing Feedback system to hold private military housing contractors accountable? 

    Mr. Dale Marks, nominee to be Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environment: Senator, thank you for that. And as someone who has been a military housing resident, I appreciate the additional oversight to include that database which has been implemented. And I have watched that roll out at the local installation level. If confirmed, you have my commitment we will continue to build transparency and trust with our residents. We owe them that. 

    Senator Warren: Good. I appreciate that and I appreciate your strong response here. While the reforms we’ve put in place are an important start, military families are still being treated as second-class citizens by unscrupulous landlords. At Fort Belvoir, the housing conditions in these private homes were so reprehensible that families couldn’t even live there. But the families had to continue paying rent for their unlivable homes while they made do in temporary housing. 

    Mr. Marks, do you agree that military families deserve the same tenant protections provided to their civilian neighbors – so for example the right to terminate their leases if their landlord fails to address safety hazards, or the right to sue their landlords for relief if their family got sick because of poor conditions in their home?

    Mr. Marks: Senator, we owe our residents the highest standards of quality in homes and to continue to make robust the informal and formal dispute resolution processes. And, if confirmed, I would want to work with you and this committee to see what we can do. 

    Senator Warren: Let me just – my question is: should our military families have the same rights that their civilian neighbors have to insist under local and state laws to get protection?

    Mr. Marks: Senator, I understand. There are some laws to include the Enclave Act that needs to be addressed. And so what I would want to do is, if confirmed, dig deeper to see how we could address that. I believe that residents do need to have robust rights to include where they live.

    Senator Warren: Well, you know, we already have a pretty bad example here because these families at Fort Belvoir who have tried to file claims under the Virginia consumer and housing protection laws and their complaints were dismissed because of the Enclave Doctrine. This is the doctrine that says on federal lands tenants might not be entitled to the same rights as other members of the state or community. 

    I want to work with my colleagues to address this in the NDAA but DOD also recently provided a response to a letter that I sent with Senators Ossoff and Kaine that said the military services already have the authority to require private military housing companies to take corrective action and can negotiate to provide families with additional rights. 

    So let me ask you, Mr. Marks, will you work with this committee and the military services to fight for and enforce military families’ housing protection rights and ensure they receive the safe and high quality housing they’re entitled to?

    Mr. Marks: Senator, if confirmed, you have my commitment to work with this committee, you, and others, and the services on behalf of our residents. We owe them that for the service that they give our great nation.

    Senator Warren: I appreciate that and I hope this is something we’ll take up in the NDAA. We have a duty to make sure that military families’ homes are safe so they can stay focused on the mission of keeping the rest of us safe. Substandard housing conditions hurt military readiness. That’s a problem we could fix. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: At Hearing, Warren Grills Greer on Potential Job Losses From Trump Tariffs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    April 08, 2025

    Warren: “What you’re telling us is the fact that hundreds of thousands, even millions of people, could lose their jobs and that prices could go up will not be a factor for you or for Donald Trump for rolling those tariffs back.”

    Video of Exchange (YouTube)

    Washington, D.C. – At a hearing of the Senate Finance Committee, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, demanded answers from Ambassador Jamieson Greer, United States Trade Representative, on President Trump’s reckless tariffs that have the potential to lead the nation into an economic crisis.

    After President Trump’s announcement on his “reciprocal” tariffs on almost every country in the world, the stock market experienced its biggest drop since the first days of the pandemic. Senator Warren sounded the alarm about a likely recession, citing Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, who warned that the tariffs could lead to both “higher prices” and “higher unemployment.”

    Greer is responsible for developing and promoting the U.S. trade agenda and leading trade negotiations on behalf of the U.S. When asked if the Trump administration would reverse course on their tariffs if they cost workers their jobs and raised prices, Ambassador Greer refused to provide a straight answer.

    In fact, Greer insisted that Donald Trump’s on-again, off-again tariffs on China would bring “lower unemployment, lower inflation,” putting him at odds with economists of all political leanings.  

    “What you’re telling us is the fact that hundreds of thousands, even millions of people, could lose their jobs and that prices could go up will not be a factor for you or for Donald Trump for rolling those tariffs back,” said the senator. 

    Today, Senator Warren joined Ranking Member Ron Wyden in introducing legislation to repeal Donald Trump’s global tariffs. The resolution would terminate the emergency that Trump declared to slap tariffs of up to 49% on products Americans buy from other countries.

    “Look, if Republicans are serious about protecting American jobs and fighting inflation, then they can join Democrats right now to pass a resolution to fix Trump’s restless tariffs,” said the senator. “This economy is teetering on the edge of collapse. We have the power right here in the Senate and over in the House of Representatives to take this authority away from Donald Trump.”

    Transcript: Hearing to examine the President’s 2025 trade policy agenda.

    Senate Finance Committee

    April 8, 2025

    Senator Elizabeth Warren: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Donald Trump is single-handedly driving this economy off a cliff. With no evidence to back him up, he’s claimed emergency authorities to slap new tariffs on nearly every product we import, from nearly every country. 

    But Congress has the power to reverse those tariffs—and we should do so immediately. 

    Tariffs can be a tool to help build things in America. But Trump has slapped tariffs on, then off, on then off again with no rhyme or reason—and the uncertainty about the long-term rules makes companies far less likely to invest in manufacturing or jobs here in the United States. 

    If Congress doesn’t stand up to Trump, economists predict a recession before the end of the year, and Fed Chair Jerome Powell says we’re in a real danger of “both higher unemployment and higher inflation.” Translation: Trump’s tariffs will push millions of workers out of jobs and push prices up at the same time.

    So, Ambassador Greer, we’ve heard a lot of conflicting statements about whether these tariffs are here to stay, how many more rounds of on/off we’re going to do. So, let me ask the question from a different perspective.

    Ambassador Greer, we lost 700,000 jobs each month in the last recession. If 700,000 Americans lose their jobs, will the Trump administration suspend these tariffs?

    Ambassador Jamieson Greer: Senator, I think the economists who are making these projections, who often are in favor of fully unfettered free trade, are the same ones, you said in the first Trump term, that put tariffs— I just don’t think it’s going to happen, Senator.

    Senator Warren: Mr. Greer, let me just stop you there. I’m not asking about projections. I’m asking, if the numbers show that 700,000 people have lost their jobs because of these new tariffs that Trump has slapped on, will the administration reverse course and lift those tariffs? 

    Ambassador Greer: Senator, that’s not going to happen. We’ve lost 5 million manufacturing jobs over the years, which is the number I’m most worried about, and we have to get those jobs back. 

    Senator Warren: So, I take that as a no. Let me try another one. Moody says that if the Trump tariffs remain in place, we will definitely plunge into a recession, which will ultimately cost three and a half million Americans their jobs. 

    So, Ambassador Greer, if Trump’s tariffs push three and a half million people out of work, will the Trump administration reverse course and lift those tariffs? 

    Ambassador Greer: Senator, the Wall Street analysts are wrong. They never want to have any kind of change to the status quo–

    Senator Warren: I’m not asking if they’re right or wrong–

    Ambassador Greer: But that’s who you’re quoting to me, Senator.

    Senator Warren: I’m giving you a number. If the number is three and a half million, if it never comes to pass, you don’t have to worry about your answer, but if three and a half million people lose their jobs because of these tariffs, is the Trump administration prepared to lift them? 

    Ambassador Greer: Right now, this minute, we’re working on negotiations with countries who believe they can achieve reciprocity with us and get their trade deficit down, and that’s the emergency we’re focused on. There’s not going to be a situation where, years from now, we’ve lost millions of jobs.

    Senator Warren: Let me try one more time: if Trump tariffs push workers out of their jobs and raise prices as Fed Chair Powell has predicted, will you reverse course then?

    Ambassador Greer: I think also with respect to Chairman Powell, who I don’t know personally, but I know the President makes decisions on trade, and he rarely takes advice from Chairman Powell on this. We found in Trump One that you could put tariffs on China and you could make it work and have lower income, sorry, lower unemployment, lower inflation, and increase real median household income over time as we reshore and that’s what we have to do, Senator. 

    Senator Warren: What I’m hearing you say is that no one can hear a rhyme or reason to why the tariffs are off again, on again, off again, on again. But what you’re telling us is the fact that hundreds of thousands, even millions of people, could lose their jobs and that prices could go up will not be a factor for you or for Donald Trump for rolling those tariffs back. Look, if Republicans are serious about protecting American jobs and fighting inflation, then they can join Democrats right now to pass a resolution to fix Trump’s restless tariffs. This economy is teetering on the edge of collapse. We have the power right here in the Senate and over in the House of Representatives to take this authority away from Donald Trump. We can get this voted on. Senator Wyden and I have already, are about to, introduce the bill to do that, and if Republicans are serious about not playing the red light green light with tariffs but instead about protecting our economy, our families, our jobs, and keeping prices low, then Republicans should join us on that. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Klobuchar, Risch, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Improve the Recreational Trails Program (RTP)

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn)
    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and James Risch (R-ID) introduced bipartisan legislation to improve the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) by increasing the transparency and ensuring the accountability of its funding program. Since 1991, the Recreational Trails Program has provided funding to states to develop and maintain outdoor recreational trails, allowing millions of Americans and their families to enjoy activities such as hiking, bicycling, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and 4-wheel driving.
    “Minnesota snowmobilers, hikers, ATV users, cyclists, and countless others who enjoy the outdoors rely on the Recreational Trails Program to explore our state’s natural wonders and support our local businesses,” said Klobuchar. “Our bipartisan legislation will ensure states receive the resources they deserve to protect and improve these trails for generations to come.”
    “The Recreational Trails Program provides Idahoans and visitors to our state with access to our public lands,” said Risch. “This legislation ensures trail maintenance projects can continue and future generations can enjoy Idaho’s great outdoors for years to come.”
    “From Vermont’s green mountains to Utah’s ‘Mighty Five’ National Parks, America is home to unmatched natural beauty. The Recreational Trails Program plays a vital role in helping build and maintain hiking trails across the country so folks can enjoy and explore our great outdoors,” said Welch. “Our bipartisan bill will support this crucial program to ensure that future generations can experience the joy of hiking our nation’s scenic trails for many years to come.”
    “From Murphy to Manteo, North Carolina’s network of recreational trails not only attracts tourism to our state, but also allows North Carolinians to enjoy the natural beauty our state has to offer. I am proud to join Senator Klobuchar in introducing this bipartisan legislation to help maintain, improve, and expand upon the natural infrastructure of our public lands,” said Budd. 
    The RTP Full Funding Act—which is supported by recreational groups from snowmobilers to cyclists and hikers to off-highway power sport vehicle users—will ensure that federal funds collected for this program are maximized to support more trail projects in the future. The bill signals strong support for bringing the Recreational Trail Program funding in line with the revenue collected from the federal gas tax already paid by off-road recreational vehicle users without impacting funding for other federal transportation programs. The legislation is co-sponsored by Senators Peter Welch (D-VT), Ted Budd (R-NC), John Curtis (R-UT), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR).
    The RTP Full Funding Act will increase the accuracy and transparency of RTP funding by:

    Requiring a study to determine the total amount of funds collected;

    Improving reporting on expenditures from the RTP to improve accountability and oversight; and

    Streamlining RTP funding distribution to the states by reducing unnecessary paperwork.

    The bill is supported by the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC), Coalition for Recreational Trails (CRT), Motorcycle Industry Council,  Safe & Responsible Use at the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America, Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association, American Trails, International Mountain Bicycling Association, The Corps Network, International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association, American Council of Snowmobile Associations, American Horse Council & American Horse Council Foundation, American Hiking Society, Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), PeopleForBikes, Back Country Horsemen of America, Outdoor Recreation Roundtable Association, and Rails to Trails Conservancy.
    “The Recreational Trails Program has produced tens of thousands of successes across the nation, benefiting the health, safety and enjoyment of millions of hikers and bicyclists and ATVers and snowmobilers and equestrians and more.  It has forged national and regional partnerships among those who use trails – overcoming potential competition with plans that deliver great opportunities for all.  RTP projects benefit from the sharing of best practices and from widespread volunteerism and Public-Private-Partnerships.  Because RTP offers flexibility in uses including maintenance and education, the program can improve other trail projects.  Best of all, RTP unifies the nation across our diversity – north and south, urban and rural, young and old, Red and Blue and more, and connects more Americans to their shared legacy of public lands and waters.  We thank our wonderful  Congressional Champions for making this possible!” said Marianne Fowler and Derrick Crandall, Co-Chairs of the Coalition for Recreational Trails.
    “The RTP is vitally important to trail users everywhere.  The program funds trail construction, maintenance, safety, interpretation, and other important projects. The funding for this program has remained flat for too long.  We would like to thank the bill sponsors for taking action to ensure that these important priorities will be fully funded,” said Duane Taylor, Director of Safe & Responsible Use,  Specialty Vehicle Institute of America.
    “The International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association and the American Council of Snowmobile Associations applaud the continued leadership of Senators Klobuchar and Risch and the active support of Senators Welch, Budd, Tillis, Merkley and Curtis to return to outdoor recreation the resources required to build and maintain our recreational trail infrastructure. Their persistence in pushing for this funding partially addresses the greatest inequity contained in our federal aid highway program.
    “In the past decade almost $3 billion in revenue generated by motorized trail enthusiasts has been deposited in the Federal Highway Trust Fund. Unfortunately, the vast majority of that revenue has been diverted to infrastructure inaccessible to motorized recreational products. While the Recreational Trail Program makes a portion of that funding available for motorized trail infrastructure, it is woefully deficient.
    “The public should know that 100% of the RTP funding released by the Klobuchar/ Risch legislation is generated by motorized recreation with the federal gas taxes paid every time our recreation vehicles are filled up. Only a portion of those funds are returned to the trails, with 30% guaranteed for motorized trails, 30% for non-motorized trails and 40% for multiuse trails.
    “This legislation is a step in the right direction for the continued support of the trails system – and the rural communities across the United States! Thank you for your support and leadership!” said Jaret Smith, President of the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association, and Christine Jourdain, Executive Director of the American Council of Snowmobile Associations.
    “The Recreational Trails Program is vital for building and maintaining trails for cyclists across the country.  At PeopleForBikes, we strongly support more funding for all bicycle infrastructure programs and applaud the bipartisan leadership of this legislation for their support of recreational trails,” said Jenn Dice, CEO of PeopleForBikes.
    “American Hiking Society and the 59 million strong hiking community praises the bipartisan leadership of Senators Klobuchar and Risch in support of the Recreational Trails Program! The RTP Full Funding Act of 2024 will ensure that the over three decades long impact of RTP can continue to provide the tens of millions of non-motorized and motorized trail users in urban and rural areas the benefits of trails including health and wellness, connectivity, and economic growth. Hikers and trail users across the country thank Senators Klobuchar, Risch, Budd, Welch, Tillis, Curtis, and Merkley for their support of our nation’s trails!” said Tyler Ray, Senior Director for Programs and Advocacy, American Hiking Society.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn, Colleagues’ Bill to Help Adjust Military Life Insurance for Inflation Passes House

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Ted Cruz (R-TX), and Angus King (I-ME) and Representatives Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) and Keith Self (TX-03) released the following statements after their Fairness for Servicemembers and their Families Act, which would help ensure life insurance packages for service members and veterans account for increases in cost of living and inflation, passed the House of Representatives: 

    “We need to make sure service members, veterans, and their families have the financial support they need and deserve,” said Sen. Cornyn. “Our bill would help ensure the Veterans Affairs Department can offer competitive life insurance packages that keep pace with the current cost of living.”

    “While we can never fully repay the debt that we owe to those who serve our country, we should work each and every day to get them the benefits that they deserve,” said Sen. Hassan. “This bipartisan legislation will help ensure that the life insurance offered for our veterans and servicemembers is keeping pace with real-world costs to help protect the financial security of the families of those who serve.”

    “Our nation’s service members and veterans put their lives on the line to protect America and defend our freedom,”said Sen. Cruz. “I am proud to partner with my colleagues to honor and provide for those who bravely sacrificed to serve the United States of America. Adjusting the value of the life insurance policies of servicemembers and veterans in line with inflation will ensure that America rightly honors their memory and cares for their loved ones after they are gone.”

    “Our servicemembers, veterans and their families make countless sacrifices every day to protect our nation, and we are indebted to their selfless service,” said Sen. King. “With the bipartisan Fairness for Servicemembers and their Families Act, we can ensure life insurance packages for military members adjust with the rising cost of living — giving more peace of mind to military families as they increasingly face the difficulties of an unstable economy. I’m grateful to my colleagues for coming together to honor our commitment to the brave men and women who have given so much to our country.”

    “Our servicemembers put their lives on the line for their country, and we must secure the well-being of their families and loved ones in the event of a tragedy,” said Rep. Strickland.“The passage of this bill makes it clear that Congress continues to stand by our military families.” 

    “I’m proud the House came together in unanimous support and passed the Fairness for Servicemembers and their Families Act of 2025,” said Rep. Self. “This commonsense legislation ensures that our veterans and their families receive the full value of the benefits they’ve earned by requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs to review and adjust the maximum coverage for servicemembers’ and Veterans’ Group Life Insurance programs to keep pace with inflation, ensuring these benefits keep pace with rising costs.”

    This legislation is also cosponsored by Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), and Mazie Hirono (D-HI).

    Background:

    The Fairness for Servicemembers and their Families Act would help ensure the maximum group insurance available to service members and veterans account for increases in cost of living. From 2006 to 2023, the maximum insurance value available for service members and veterans remained static, lagging far behind inflation rates. This bill would strengthen the financial safety net for veterans, service members, and their families by requiring a report to the U.S. Veterans Affairs Department, the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, and the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs regarding cost of living increases and inflation rates every five years to ensure they don’t go years without assessing inflation rates.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn, Booker, Nehls, Dean Introduce Bill to Help Law Enforcement Better Prosecute Child Abusers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Representatives Troy Nehls (TX-22) and Madeleine Dean (PA-04) today introduced the Strengthening Child Exploitation Enforcement Act, which would close loopholes in existing criminal child sexual abuse statues to help law enforcement better prosecute offenders and protect victims:

    “Perpetrators who attack our children must face consequences for their heinous actions,” said Sen. Cornyn. “By closing loopholes in current law, our legislation would ensure these dangerous offenders aren’t able to escape accountability on a technicality and are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

    “Last Congress, Senator Cornyn and I introduced and passed this bipartisan legislation in the Senate to ensure that those who exploit and abuse children are held accountable,” said Sen. Booker. “This bill would close loopholes in current law to better allow us to protect our nation’s most vulnerable from predators. I urge my colleagues in both chambers to pass this critical legislation so we can better protect children from exploitation and sexual abuse and provide justice for victims.”

    “Any existing loopholes in United States federal law that allow child predators to escape justice must be closed immediately,” said Rep. Nehls. “The abuse of a child, in any form, is completely unacceptable. As a father and a former Texas Sheriff, I’m proud to join my colleagues in reintroducing bipartisan legislation that will empower our nation’s law enforcement and our justice system to hold bad actors who abuse our children, here at home and abroad, accountable.”

    “As lawmakers, we have the solemn duty of protecting our nation’s children from kidnapping and sexual exploitation,” said Rep. Dean. “Yet under current law, there are loopholes that allow bad actors to evade prosecution. This legislation clarifies and strengthens federal law to ensure offenders are held accountable. I’m grateful to Congressman Nehls, Senator Booker, and Senator Cornyn for their partnership to ensure our kids are kept safe.”

    Background:

    In 2023, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) published the National Strategy for Child Exploitation Prevention and Interdiction, which made a series of recommendations for Congress to strengthen federal enforcement of child exploitation laws. The Strengthening Child Exploitation Enforcement Act aims to incorporate those recommendations and define the DOJ’s authority to prosecute perpetrators by:

    • Closing the kidnapping loophole by clarifying that kidnapping of a child can occur by deceiving a third party and the circumstances where consent can be used as a defense;
    • Closing the international travel loopholes by clarifying that traveling to sexually abuse a child includes crossing international lines and that committing a sexual abuse felony against a child while abroad is a crime;
    • Closing the sexual contact loophole by clarifying that causing a child to commit a sexual act themselves is also a crime;
    • And closing the attempt loophole by clarifying that attempting to commit the sexual contact offenses is also a crime.

    The Strengthening Child Exploitation Enforcement Act is endorsed by the Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies, Major County Sherriff’s of America, Rights4Girls, Hope for Justice, Street Grace, 3Strands Global Foundation, Fraternal Order of Police, the National Children’s Alliance (NCA), Protect All Child from Trafficking (PACT), and the National District Attorney’s Association (NDAA).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn Discusses Trade Reciprocity with USTR Greer

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn
    WASHINGTON – Today in the Senate Finance Committee, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) discussed the Trump administration’s efforts to achieve fair and balanced trade with United States Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn’s remarks are below, and video can be found here.  
    CORNYN: “Our friends in Australia basically have put up barriers to the export of beef from the United States. My state, Texas, happens to produce a lot of beef cattle, and Australia basically denies access to its huge market, but not as a result of tariffs so much as non-tariff barriers to trade. Could you speak to that?”
    GREER: “It’s always surprising because we have a free trade agreement with Australia, and we would expect that we would have fair, reciprocal trade. Last year, I think we imported about $3 billion worth of Australian beef, and we exported zero dollars of American beef to Australia—and it’s not just beef.”
    “It’s incredible that they do this. We have zero exports of the fresh and frozen U.S. pork to Australia.”
    CORNYN: “I find it interesting that people express surprise at President Trump’s policies, when he’s been talking about these policies for—best I can tell—for decades and how unfair trading arrangements are between various countries.”
    “Indeed, some of these unfair trading practices have resulted in the deindustrialization of America. We’ve exported manufacturing to Asia, particularly China, and other countries that now appear to be willing to hold us hostage to those supply chains.”
    “Would you speak to the vulnerabilities that exist as a result of China basically processing 90 percent of the critical minerals in the world that are essential for our daily lives?”
    GREER: “That figure is always one that gives me great concern.”
    “That’s a very dangerous situation to be in. I mean, this is part of the urgency of what we’re talking about, and I think as the Trump administration certainly takes action on trade, but also takes action on the environmental side and permitting and regulation. That’s an area we can actually have more of that activity here in the United States or we can work with our trading partners to try to incentivize production there as well.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján, Smith Introduce Legislative Package to Support Union Workers, Protect Workers’ Right to Organize

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)
    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) announced the introduction of the No Tax Breaks for Union Busting Act and the Tax Fairness for Workers Act, two pieces of legislation that will level the playing field for labor organization and restore fairness in the tax code for workers.
    The No Tax Breaks for Union Busting Act:
    U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) led 25 Senate colleagues in introducing the No Tax Breaks for Union Busting Act, legislation that levels the playing field for labor organization and ensures workers truly have a fair shot at forming a union. As workers across the country fight for better pay and safer working conditions by unionizing, they often face million-dollar corporate intimidation campaigns to prevent unionization, which corporations are then allowed to write off as run-of-the-mill business expenses. The No Tax Breaks for Union Busting Act would classify business’ interference in worker organization campaigns like political speech under the tax code and therefore make it ineligible for a tax deduction.
    The legislation is supported by the Communications Workers of America Union (CWA), the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), United Steelworkers (USW), Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA), International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART), United Food & Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW), American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), and the Center for American Progress. Full bill text is available here.
    The Tax Fairness for Workers Act:
    Led by U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), the Tax Fairness for Workers Act would reverse a provision in the 2017 tax reform package that stripped workers of their ability to deduct common expenses incurred as a result of their work. Workers bare the full cost of union dues, which can average $800 per year, but in addition, must pay for work-related expenses like travel, tools, and uniforms – expenses that they can no longer write off after the 2017 tax reform. The Tax Fairness for Workers Act would furthermore create an “above the line” deduction for union dues, so workers can use it even if they don’t itemize. Full bill text is available here.
    “Organized labor built our country and American workers deserve to have a fair shot at forming a union and deserve fairness in the tax code,” said Senator Luján. “The No Tax Breaks for Union Busting Act and Tax Fairness for Workers Act are critical pieces of legislation that will protect workers’ right to organize and support our union workers. I’m proud to partner with Senators Smith and Booker on these critical efforts to strengthen American labor.”
    “Rich and powerful corporations should not be getting tax breaks for making workers’ lives harder.” said Senator Smith. “Workers have a fundamental right to organize for better working conditions. These bills will put working people first and ensure that unionized workers can exercise their right to organize. Corporations don’t deserve tax subsidies for depriving workers of that right, and this legislation would put a stop to it.”
    “American taxpayer dollars should not be used to subsidize union busting,” said Senator Booker. “The No Tax Breaks for Union Busting Act is critical legislation to put an end to corporations receiving tax breaks for interfering with workers’ rights to unionize for better pay and safer working conditions.”
    “It is unacceptable for Congress to support anti-worker tax provisions, especially when they’re considering more tax cuts for the wealthy while ignoring the urgent needs of working families. It’s time to give workers their fair share. Our tax code should prioritize workers organizing to have a voice on the job. That is why we wholeheartedly support the No Tax Breaks for Union Busting Act and the Tax Fairness for Workers Act. We commend Senators Lujan, Smith, and Booker and all those championing a fairer tax system for working families,” said CWA Director of Government Affairs, Dan Mauer.
    “Workers who exercise their fundamental freedom to form and join unions should never face intimidation and retaliation from corporate bosses. As we’ve seen a wave of union organizing across the country over the last several years, we’ve also witnessed a wave of companies using often illegal union-busting tactics to stop their workers from standing together in a union. Companies that bully and intimidate workers who want a union on the job should never reap financial benefits. This legislation would put an end to it. We fully support this important effort to hold union-busting CEOs accountable so they pay meaningful penalties for their blatantly anti-democratic behavior,” said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Protects American Energy from State Overreach

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    PROTECTING AMERICAN ENERGY FROM STATE INTERFERENCE: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order aimed at securing America’s energy dominance by removing unlawful and burdensome state-level impediments to domestic energy production.
    The Order directs the Attorney General to identify and take action against state laws and policies that burden the use of domestic energy resources and that are unconstitutional, preempted by federal law, or otherwise unenforceable.
    The Attorney General will prioritize taking action against laws and policies purporting to address “climate change” policies, or involving “environmental, social, and governance” initiatives, “environmental justice,” carbon or “greenhouse gas” emissions, and funds to collect carbon penalties or carbon taxes.
    The Attorney General will submit a report to the President detailing actions taken and additional recommendations to protect American energy pursuant to the Order in 60 days.
    STRENGTHENING NATIONAL AND ECONOMIC SECURITY THROUGH ENERGY: President Trump believes that an affordable and reliable domestic energy supply is vital to America’s national security, economic prosperity, and foreign policy.
    When states purport to regulate energy beyond their constitutional or statutory authorities, American energy suffers.
    States like New York and Vermont have imposed retroactive “climate change” extortion laws on energy producers for those producers’ alleged past contributions to greenhouse gas emissions, while California enforces restrictive carbon caps that punish businesses.
    These state policies raise energy prices, disrupt supply reliability, and degrade quality of life for families nationwide.
    Affordable energy is essential for heating homes, fueling vehicles, and powering industries, all of which are jeopardized by ideologically-driven state laws.
    By removing unconstitutional state impediments to American energy production, the United States can secure a prosperous future for all Americans.
    STOPPING STATE OVERREACH: President Trump is committed to halting efforts by individual states to impose their regulatory preferences on the entire nation, defending federalism, and safeguarding Americans from overreaching, ideologically driven state policies. 
    He signed an Executive Order overriding disastrous California policies in order to fight and prevent massive wildfires in southern California.
    He signed an Executive Order threatening to revoke federal funding from “sanctuary” states and cities that refuse to comply with federal immigration law.
    His administration is working to block efforts by California to set its own vehicle emissions standards that would have forced automakers across the country to comply with the state’s extreme environmental rules.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Protecting American Energy From State Overreach

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:
    Section 1.  Purpose.  My Administration is committed to unleashing American energy, especially through the removal of all illegitimate impediments to the identification, development, siting, production, investment in, or use of domestic energy resources — particularly oil, natural gas, coal, hydropower, geothermal, biofuel, critical mineral, and nuclear energy resources.  An affordable and reliable domestic energy supply is essential to the national and economic security of the United States, as well as our foreign policy.  Simply put, Americans are better off when the United States is energy dominant. American energy dominance is threatened when State and local governments seek to regulate energy beyond their constitutional or statutory authorities.  For example, when States target or discriminate against out-of-State energy producers by imposing significant barriers to interstate and international trade, American energy suffers, and the equality of each State enshrined by the Constitution is undermined.  Similarly, when States subject energy producers to arbitrary or excessive fines through retroactive penalties or seek to control energy development, siting, or production activities on Federal land, American energy suffers.Many States have enacted, or are in the process of enacting, burdensome and ideologically motivated “climate change” or energy policies that threaten American energy dominance and our economic and national security.  New York, for example, enacted a “climate change” extortion law that seeks to retroactively impose billions in fines (erroneously labelled “compensatory payments”) on traditional energy producers for their purported past contributions to greenhouse gas emissions not only in New York but also anywhere in the United States and the world.  Vermont similarly extorts energy producers for alleged past contributions to greenhouse gas emissions anywhere in the United States or the globe.Other States have taken different approaches in an effort to dictate national energy policy.  California, for example, punishes carbon use by adopting impossible caps on the amount of carbon businesses may use, all but forcing businesses to pay large sums to “trade” carbon credits to meet California’s radical requirements.  Some States delay review of permit applications to produce energy, creating de facto barriers to entry in the energy market.  States have also sued energy companies for supposed “climate change” harm under nuisance or other tort regimes that could result in crippling damages.These State laws and policies weaken our national security and devastate Americans by driving up energy costs for families coast-to-coast, despite some of these families not living or voting in States with these crippling policies.  These laws and policies also undermine Federalism by projecting the regulatory preferences of a few States into all States.  Americans must be permitted to heat their homes, fuel their cars, and have peace of mind — free from policies that make energy more expensive and inevitably degrade quality of life.These State laws and policies try to dictate interstate and international disputes over air, water, and natural resources; unduly discriminate against out-of-State businesses; contravene the equality of States; and retroactively impose arbitrary and excessive fines without legitimate justification.These State laws and policies are fundamentally irreconcilable with my Administration’s objective to unleash American energy.  They should not stand.
    Sec. 2.  State Laws and Causes of Action.  (a)  The Attorney General, in consultation with the heads of appropriate executive departments and agencies, shall identify all State and local laws, regulations, causes of action, policies, and practices (collectively, State laws) burdening the identification, development, siting, production, or use of domestic energy resources that are or may be unconstitutional, preempted by Federal law, or otherwise unenforceable.  The Attorney General shall prioritize the identification of any such State laws purporting to address “climate change” or involving “environmental, social, and governance” initiatives, “environmental justice,” carbon or “greenhouse gas” emissions, and funds to collect carbon penalties or carbon taxes.(b)  The Attorney General shall expeditiously take all appropriate action to stop the enforcement of State laws and continuation of civil actions identified in subsection (a) of this section that the Attorney General determines to be illegal.(c)  Within 60 days of the date of this order, the Attorney General shall submit a report to the President, through the Counsel to the President, regarding actions taken under subsection (b) of this section.  The Attorney General shall also recommend any additional Presidential or legislative action necessary to stop the enforcement of State laws identified in subsection (a) of this section that the Attorney General determines to be illegal or otherwise fulfill the purpose of this order.
    Sec. 3.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect: (i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department, agency, or the head thereof; or (ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals. (b)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations. (c)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person. 
                                   DONALD J. TRUMP
    THE WHITE HOUSE,    April 8, 2025.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Strengthening the Reliability and Security of the United States Electric Grid

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:
    Section 1.  Purpose.  The United States is experiencing an unprecedented surge in electricity demand driven by rapid technological advancements, including the expansion of artificial intelligence data centers and an increase in domestic manufacturing.  This increase in demand, coupled with existing capacity challenges, places a significant strain on our Nation’s electric grid.  Lack of reliability in the electric grid puts the national and economic security of the American people at risk.  The United States’ ability to remain at the forefront of technological innovation depends on a reliable supply of energy from all available electric generation sources and the integrity of our Nation’s electric grid.  
    Sec. 2.  Policy.  It is the policy of the United States to ensure the reliability, resilience, and security of the electric power grid.  It is further the policy of the United States that in order to ensure adequate and reliable electric generation in America, to meet growing electricity demand, and to address the national emergency declared pursuant to Executive Order 14156 of January 20, 2025 (Declaring a National Energy Emergency), our electric grid must utilize all available power generation resources, particularly those secure, redundant fuel supplies that are capable of extended operations
    Sec. 3.  Addressing Energy Reliability and Security with Emergency Authority.  (a)  To safeguard the reliability and security of the United States’ electric grid during periods when the relevant grid operator forecasts a temporary interruption of electricity supply is necessary to prevent a complete grid failure, the Secretary of Energy, in consultation with such executive department and agency heads as the Secretary of Energy deems appropriate, shall, to the maximum extent permitted by law, streamline, systemize, and expedite the Department of Energy’s processes for issuing orders under section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act during the periods of grid operations described above, including the review and approval of applications by electric generation resources seeking to operate at maximum capacity.  (b)  Within 30 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Energy shall develop a uniform methodology for analyzing current and anticipated reserve margins for all regions of the bulk power system regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and shall utilize this methodology to identify current and anticipated regions with reserve margins below acceptable thresholds as identified by the Secretary of Energy. This methodology shall:(i)    analyze sufficiently varied grid conditions and operating scenarios based on historic events to adequately inform the methodology;(ii)   accredit generation resources in such conditions and scenarios based on historical performance of each specific generation resource type in the real time conditions and operating scenarios of each grid scenario; and(iii)  be published, along with any analysis it produces, on the Department of Energy’s website within 90 days of the date of this order.(c)  The Secretary of Energy shall establish a process by which the methodology described in subsection (b) of this section, and any analysis and results it produces, are assessed on a regular basis, and a protocol to identify which generation resources within a region are critical to system reliability.  This protocol shall additionally:(i)   include all mechanisms available under applicable law, including section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act, to ensure any generation resource identified as critical within an at-risk region is appropriately retained as an available generation resource within the at-risk region; and(ii)  prevent, as the Secretary of Energy deems appropriate and consistent with applicable law, including section 202 of the Federal Power Act, an identified generation resource in excess of 50 megawatts of nameplate capacity from leaving the bulk-power system or converting the source of fuel of such generation resource if such conversion would result in a net reduction in accredited generating capacity, as determined by the reserve margin methodology developed under subsection (b) of this section. 
    Sec. 4.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or(ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.(b)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.(c)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
                                   DONALD J. TRUMP
    THE WHITE HOUSE,    April 8, 2025.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Regulatory Relief for Certain Stationary Sources to Promote American Energy

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
     1.  Coal-fired electricity generation is essential to ensuring that our Nation’s grid is reliable and that electricity is affordable for the American people, and to promoting our Nation’s energy security.  The Federal Government plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the Nation’s power supply remains secure and reliable.  Forcing energy producers to comply with unattainable emissions controls jeopardizes this mission. 
    2.  On May 7, 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency published a final rule titled National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants:  Coal- and Oil-Fired Electric Utility Steam Generating Units Review of the Residual Risk and Technology Review, 89 FR 38508 (Rule), which amended the preexisting Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) rule to make it more stringent.  The Rule’s effective date was July 8, 2024.  Id.  Its compliance date is July 8, 2027, 3 years after its effective date.  See 89 FR 38519.
    3.  The Rule places severe burdens on coal-fired power plants and, through its indirect effects, on the viability of our Nation’s coal sector.  Specifically, the Rule requires compliance with standards premised on the application of emissions-control technologies that do not yet exist in a commercially viable form.  The current compliance timeline of the Rule therefore raises the unacceptable risk of the shutdown of many coal-fired power plants, eliminating thousands of jobs, placing our electrical grid at risk, and threatening broader, harmful economic and energy security effects.  This in turn would undermine our national security, as these effects would leave America vulnerable to electricity demand shortages, increased dependence on foreign energy sources, and potential disruptions of our electricity and energy supplies, particularly in times of crisis.NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 112(i)(4) of the Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. 7412(i)(4), do hereby proclaim that certain stationary sources subject to the Rule, as identified in Annex I of this proclamation, are exempt from compliance with the Rule for a period of 2 years beyond the Rule’s compliance date — i.e., for the period beginning July 8, 2027, and concluding July 8, 2029 (Exemption).  The effect of this Exemption is that, during this 2-year period, these stationary sources are subject to the compliance obligations that they are currently subject to under the MATS as the MATS existed prior to the Rule.  In support of this Exemption, I hereby make the following determinations:a.  The technology to implement the Rule is not available.  Such technology does not exist in a commercially viable form sufficient to allow implementation of and compliance with the Rule by its compliance date of July 8, 2027.b. It is in the national security interests of the United States to issue this Exemption for the reasons stated in paragraph 3 of this proclamation.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand thiseighth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.                                 DONALD J. TRUMP

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reinvigorating America’s Beautiful Clean Coal Industry and Amending Executive Order 14241

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:
    Section 1. Purpose. In order to secure America’s economic prosperity and national security, lower the cost of living, and provide for increases in electrical demand from emerging technologies, we must increase domestic energy production, including coal. Coal is abundant and cost effective, and can be used in any weather condition. Moreover, the industry has historically employed hundreds of thousands of Americans. America’s coal resources are vast, with a current estimated value in the trillions of dollars, and are more than capable of substantially contributing to American energy independence with excess to export to support allies and our economic competitiveness. Our Nation’s beautiful clean coal resources will be critical to meeting the rise in electricity demand due to the resurgence of domestic manufacturing and the construction of artificial intelligence data processing centers. We must encourage and support our Nation’s coal industry to increase our energy supply, lower electricity costs, stabilize our grid, create high-paying jobs, support burgeoning industries, and assist our allies.
    Sec. 2. Policy. It is the policy of the United States that coal is essential to our national and economic security. It is a national priority to support the domestic coal industry by removing Federal regulatory barriers that undermine coal production, encouraging the utilization of coal to meet growing domestic energy demands, increasing American coal exports, and ensuring that Federal policy does not discriminate against coal production or coal-fired electricity generation.
    Sec. 3. Strengthening Our National Energy Security. The Chair of the National Energy Dominance Council (NEDC) shall designate coal as a “mineral” as defined in section 2 of Executive Order 14241 of March 20, 2025 (Immediate Measures to Increase American Mineral Production), thereby entitling coal to all the benefits of a “mineral” under that order. Further, Executive Order 14241 is hereby amended by deleting the reference to “4332(d)(1)(B)” in section 6(d) of that order and replacing it with a reference to “4532(d)(1)(B)”.
    Sec. 4. Assessing Coal Resources and Accessibility on Federal Lands. (a) Within 60 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the Secretary of Energy shall submit a consolidated report to the President through the Assistant to the President for Economic Policy that identifies coal resources and reserves on Federal lands, assesses impediments to mining such coal resources, and proposes policies to address such impediments and ultimately enable the mining of such coal resources by either private or public actors.
    (b) The Secretary of Energy shall include in the report described in subsection (a) of this section an analysis of the impact that the availability of the coal resources identified could have on electricity costs and grid reliability.
    Sec. 5. Lifting Barriers to Coal Mining on Federal Lands. (a) The Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture shall prioritize coal leasing and related activities, consistent with applicable law, as the primary land use for the public lands with coal resources identified in the report described in section 4(a) of this order and expedite coal leasing in these areas, including by utilizing such emergency authorities as are available to them and identifying opportunities to provide for expedited environmental reviews, consistent with applicable law.
    (b) The Secretary of the Interior, pursuant to the authorities in the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920, as amended and supplemented (30 U.S.C. 181 et seq.), the Mineral Leasing Act for Acquired Lands of 1947, as amended (30 U.S.C. 351-359), and the Multiple Mineral Development Act of 1954 (30 U.S.C. 521-531 et seq.), shall acknowledge the end of the Jewell Moratorium by ordering the publication of a notice in the Federal Register terminating the “Environmental Impact Statement Analyzing the Potential Environmental Effects from Maintaining Secretary Jewell’s Coal Leasing Moratorium”, and process royalty rate reduction applications from Federal coal lessees in as expeditious a manner as permitted by applicable law.
    Sec. 6. Supporting American Coal as an Energy Source. (a) Within 30 days of the date of this order, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Energy, the Secretary of Labor, and the Secretary of the Treasury shall identify any guidance, regulations, programs, and policies within their respective executive department or agency that seek to transition the Nation away from coal production and electricity generation.
    (b) Within 60 days of the date of this order, the heads of all relevant executive departments and agencies (agencies) shall consider revising or rescinding Federal actions identified in subsection (a) of this section consistent with applicable law.
    (c) Agencies that are empowered to make loans, loan guarantees, grants, equity investments, or to conclude offtake agreements, both domestically and abroad, shall, to the extent permitted by law, take steps to rescind any policies or regulations seeking to or that actually discourage investment in coal production and coal-fired electricity generation, such as the 2021 U.S. Treasury Fossil Fuel Energy Guidance for Multilateral Development Banks rescinded by the Department of the Treasury and similar policies or regulations.
    (d) Within 30 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Energy, the Chief Executive Officer of the International Development Finance Corporation, the President of the Export-Import Bank of the United States, and the heads of all other agencies that have discretionary programs that provide, facilitate, or advocate for financing of energy projects shall review their charters, regulations, guidance, policies, international agreements, analytical models and internal bureaucratic processes to ensure that such materials do not discourage the agency from financing coal mining projects and electricity generation projects. Consistent with law, and subject to the applicable agency head’s discretion, where appropriate, any identified preferences against coal use shall immediately be eliminated except as explicitly provided for in statute.
    Sec. 7. Supporting American Coal Exports. The Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Energy, the United States Trade Representative, the Assistant to the President for National Security, and the heads of other relevant agencies, shall take all necessary and appropriate actions to promote and identify export opportunities for coal and coal technologies and facilitate international offtake agreements for United States coal.
    Sec. 8. Expanding Use of Categorical Exclusions for Coal Under the National Environmental Policy Act. Within 30 days of the date of this order, each agency shall identify to the Council on Environmental Quality any existing and potential categorical exclusions pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act, increased reliance on and adoption of which by other agencies pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 4336c could further the production and export of coal.
    Sec. 9. Steel Dominance. (a) The Secretary of Energy, pursuant to the authority under the Energy Act of 2020 (the “Act”), shall determine whether coal used in the production of steel meets the definition of a “critical material” under the Act and, if so, shall take steps to place it on the Department of Energy Critical Materials List.
    (b) The Secretary of the Interior, pursuant to the authority under the Act, shall determine whether metallurgical coal used in the production of steel meets the criteria to be designated as a “critical mineral” under the Act and, if so, shall take steps to place coal on the Department of the Interior Critical Minerals List.
    Sec. 10. Powering Artificial Intelligence Data Centers. (a) For the purposes of this order, “artificial intelligence” or “AI” has the meaning set forth in 15 U.S.C. 9401(3).
    (b) Within 60 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of the Interior, Secretary of Commerce, and the Secretary of Energy shall identify regions where coal-powered infrastructure is available and suitable for supporting AI data centers; assess the market, legal, and technological potential for expanding coal-based infrastructure to power data centers to meet the electricity needs of AI and high-performance computing operations; and submit a consolidated summary report with their findings and proposals to the Chair of the NEDC, the Assistant to the President for Science and Technology and the Special Advisor for AI and Crypto.
    Sec. 11. Acceleration of Coal Technology. (a) The Secretary of Energy shall take all necessary actions, consistent with applicable law, to accelerate the development, deployment, and commercialization of coal technologies including, but not limited to, utilizing all available funding mechanisms to support the expansion of coal technology, including technologies that utilize coal and coal byproducts such as building materials, battery materials, carbon fiber, synthetic graphite, and printing materials, as well as updating coal feedstock for power generation and steelmaking.
    (b) Within 90 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Energy shall submit a detailed action plan to the President through the Chair of the NEDC outlining the funding mechanisms, programs, and policy actions taken to accelerate coal technology deployment.
    Sec. 12. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
    (i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or
    (ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
    (b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
    (c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
    DONALD J. TRUMP

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Lifts Burdensome EPA Restrictions on Coal Plants

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    SUPPORTING OUR NATION’S COAL INDUSTRY: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed a proclamation granting two-years of relief from a stringent Biden-era environmental rule to certain coal-fired power plants, safeguarding the Nation’s energy grid and security, and saving coal plants from closure.
    The proclamation allows certain coal plants to comply with a less stringent version of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) rule for two years, instead of the more onerous version put in place by the Biden Administration.
    The move ensures these plants are not prematurely forced offline due to unattainable compliance requirements under the new rule.
    ADDRESSING THE THREAT TO NATIONAL SECURITY AND ENERGY STABILITY: President Trump recognizes that environmental advocate overreach jeopardizes America’s energy reliability, economic vitality, and national security.
    Coal is essential to our Nation’s grid, making up 16% of U.S. electricity generation.
    Compliance with the Biden-era standards requires the application of emissions-control technologies that, for many coal plants, are not commercially viable.
    The current compliance timeline of the Biden-era rule could force widespread coal plant shutdowns, risking thousands of jobs and the stability of our electrical grid.
    These shutdowns could lead to electricity shortages, increased reliance on foreign energy, and heightened vulnerability during crises.
    This relief is necessary to maintain operational coal plants, protect energy security, and allow time for viable technology solutions, avoiding broader risks to America’s economy and defense readiness.
    BALANCING ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS WITH AMERICAN PROSPERITY: President Trump has consistently prioritized a pragmatic approach, ensuring environmental policies support rather than undermine America’s economic strength and national security.
    President Trump has sought to protect American industries while maintaining standards that allow Americans to have among the cleanest air and water in the world.
    He directed the EPA to repeal the Obama-era Clean Power Plan during his first term, replacing it with the Affordable Clean Energy rule in 2019 that set achievable standards to preserve jobs while addressing emissions.
    He paused the expansion of windmills, recognizing their detrimental environmental impact, particularly on wildlife, often outweighs their benefits.
    He has championed an energy dominance strategy, boosting domestic oil and gas production to reduce reliance on foreign energy while maintaining practical environmental oversight.
    His approach encourages industry to develop cost-effective solutions like improved emissions technologies rather than imposing unfeasible mandates that risk economic disruption.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Reinvigorates America’s Beautiful Clean Coal Industry

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    ACHIEVING AMERICAN ENERGY DOMINANCE: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order reinvigorating America’s beautiful clean coal industry. The Executive Order:
    Directs the Chair of the National Energy Dominance Council to designate coal as a “mineral” under Executive Order 14241, entitling coal to all of the benefits of that prior Order.
    Directs relevant agencies to identify coal resources on Federal lands, lift barriers to coal mining, and prioritize coal leasing on those lands.
    Directs the Secretary of the Interior to acknowledge the end of the Jewell Moratorium, which paused coal leasing on Federal lands.
    Requires agencies to rescind any agency policies that seek to transition the Nation away from coal production or otherwise establish preferences against coal as a generation resource.
    Directs CEQ to assist agencies in adopting coal-related categorical exclusions under NEPA.
    Seeks to promote coal and coal technology exports, facilitate international offtake agreements for U.S. coal, and accelerate development of coal technologies.
    Calls for the Secretary of Energy to determine whether coal used in the production of steel meets the definition of a “critical material” and “critical mineral” under the Energy Act of 2020, and if so, add it to the relevant lists.
    Pushes for using coal to power new artificial intelligence (AI) data.
    INCREASING DOMESTIC ENERGY PRODUCTION: President Trump believes that coal is essential to our national and economic security.
    The coal industry supports hundreds of thousands of jobs and adds tens of billions to the U.S. economy each year.
    America’s coal resources are vast, with a current estimated value in the trillions of dollars.
    Coal-fired electricity generation is cleaner than ever, yet the previous administration waged war on coal.
    Coal will be critical to meeting the rise in electricity demand due to a resurgence of domestic manufacturing and the construction of AI data processing centers. 
    Supporting our coal industry will increase our energy supply, lower electricity costs, stabilize our grid, create high-paying jobs, support burgeoning industries, and assist our allies.
    FUELING THE NATION: By reinvigorating clean coal, President Trump is following through on his promise to once again unleash American energy.
    President Trump: “We will develop the liquid gold that is right under our feet, including American oil and natural gas and we will also embrace nuclear, clean coal, hydropower, which is fantastic, and every other form of affordable energy to get it done.”
    This Executive Order builds on actions President Trump has already taken to bring Americans the lowest-cost energy and electricity on earth. This includes:
    Withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement.
    Revoking Biden executive actions that hampered American energy production.
    Terminating the Green New Deal.
    Unleashing Alaska’s extraordinary resource potential.
    Declaring a national energy emergency.
    Reversing the pause on liquefied natural gas (LNG) export permits.
    Cutting red tape to speed up the Federal permitting process.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Strengthens the Reliability and Security of the United States Electric Grid

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    ENHANCING GRID RELIABILITY AND SECURITY: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order to strengthen the reliability and security of the United States electric grid. The Executive Order:
    Directs the Secretary of Energy to streamline, systemize, and expedite processes for issuing emergency orders under the Federal Power Act during forecasted grid interruptions.
    Requires the Secretary of Energy to develop a uniform methodology to analyze reserve margins across all regions of the bulk power system.
    The methodology will assess varied grid conditions and accredit generation resources based on historical performance.

    Requires the Secretary of Energy to incorporate such methodology into a process that assesses reserve margins on a regular basis and identifies which generation resources in a region are critical to system reliability.
    The Secretary of Energy will then utilize that process to prevent significant generation resources from leaving the grid or converting fuel sources if it would result in a net reduction in accredited generating capacity.
    POWERING AMERICA FOR GENERATIONS TO COME: This Executive Order is critical to meeting the Nation’s growing energy needs and protecting national security.
    Rapid technological advancements, an expansion of AI data centers, and increased domestic manufacturing are driving an unprecedented surge in electricity demand, placing a significant strain on our Nation’s electric grid.
    The Nation’s electricity is expected to rise 16% in the next 5 years—triple the growth forecasted just a year ago.
    The Nation’s 2,700 data centers, mostly operated by tech giants like Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, and Apple, consumed over 4% of U.S. electricity in 2022 and are expected to reach 9% by 2030.
    An estimated 80 million transformers, averaging over 40 years old, are vital to keeping the grid running nationwide.
    Grid reliability is essential to maintaining our national and economic security.
    The United States’ ability to remain at the forefront of technological innovation depends on a reliable supply of energy from all available sources.
    MAKING AMERICA ENERGY DOMINANT: President Trump believes it is vital for America to be energy dominant and energy secure.
    On the campaign trail, President Trump warned, “you have a grid system in this country that’s obsolete and a disaster,” underscoring his urgency to act.
    On Day One, President Trump declared a National Energy Emergency to ensure the integrity of our Nation’s electrical grid. 
    He is revitalizing America’s big beautiful coal industry to support grid stability and American jobs.
    President Trump is cutting red tape and rolling back regulations that hinder coal, oil, and natural gas production.
    He is pushing to expand domestic energy production by investing in next-generation energy technologies and accelerating energy projects by streamlining the permitting process.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Questions USDA Deputy Secretary and General Counsel Nominees During Agriculture Committee Hearing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) participated in the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry confirmation hearing today for President Donald Trump’s Deputy Secretary of Agriculture nominee Stephen Vaden and General Counsel of the Department of Agriculture nominee Tyler Clarkson. 
    Stephen Vaden comes from a farming family and is currently a judge of the United States Court of International Trade which possesses exclusive jurisdiction over most of the United States’ trade matters. He served nearly the entirety of the first Trump Administration in the Office of General Counsel and clerked for two of our nation’s federal judges. Tyler Clarkson served as USDA’s deputy general counsel in the first Trump Administration and previously worked in President Trump’s first Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs.
    During the hearing, Senator Marshall questioned Mr. Vaden and Mr. Clarkson on conservation efforts, precision agriculture, Proposition 12, the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC), and the United States’ international trade deficit.
    Senator Marshall is a fifth-generation farm kid and Chairman of the Subcommittee on Conservation, Forestry, Natural Resources, and Biotechnology.

    [embedded content]

    Click HERE or on the image above to watch Senator Marshall’s full line of questioning.
    Highlights from the hearing include: 
    On the United States’ international trade deficit:
    Senator Marshall: “Judge Vaden, I’ll close with my question for you, dealing with our trade deficit, $1.2 trillion trade deficit. For the first time in my lifetime, an agriculture deficit. We’re importing more food than we’re exporting… In your new role, what can you do to decrease the international trade deficit, and how will you be promoting strengthening domestic demand for agriculture products?”
    Stephen Vaden, Deputy Secretary of Agriculture nominee: “Senator, I think you hit on it in the verbs you used in your questions, we’ve got to promote, and that involves a salesmanship activity. I know the Secretary has committed to visiting six countries this year in terms of promoting more ag exports. That’s important. No one else is going to sell our stuff. We’ve got to sell it.
    “Secondly, we’ve got to keep track of foreign trade barriers, whether they be tariff or non-tariff-related, and we’ve got to remind the trade team that as they’re out there looking for new trade deals, as they’re standing up for other American industries, they need to stand up for American agriculture too and oppose these efforts that are trying to keep our wonderful farmers’ products out of the international market.” 
    On conservation efforts and precision agriculture:
    Senator Marshall: “Judge, my [family’s farm] goes back 100 years. I think yours were even 100 years older than my family’s. And I’d like to think that my great grandfather, your great, great, great were the original conservationists – that they wanted to leave this world cleaner, healthier, and safer than we found it, just like you and I want to leave it – for our future generations – cleaner, healthier and safer than we found it.
    “I’ll also note, though, that my farmers and ranchers depend upon certain pesticides and fertilizers, and there [are] great opportunities… for precision agriculture, we’re growing more with less every day. In your office, if confirmed, how can you help defend the crop protection and precision ag tools that our farmers rely upon?”
    Mr. Vaden: “Well, Senator, I thank you for the question, and I really appreciate how you have linked, because I think the linkage is proper, conservation with the scientific advancements and chemicals that make that possible. 
    “No-till agriculture was kind of launched in West Tennessee. I grew up going with my father to the Milan No-Till Festival, which still goes on and was kind of an initial effort at evangelizing this notion that you do not have to plow the field every year, which, as you know, is bad for soil health.
    “But that only becomes possible if you have in your toolkit as a farmer the amazing chemicals that are provided in order to clear the land so that you can plant. If you take those chemicals away, what you are doing is you are taking a tool out of the toolkit of the farmer and requiring him to revert, in my view, to the somewhat antiquated plow. That’s bad for soil health, and quite frankly, it threatens a lot of the work done by the old Soil Conservation Service, and now the Natural Resources Conservation Service, to instill best practices in farms. Because, as you know, if you’re destroying the soil, it’s the equivalent of eating into your principal to pay living expenses.”
    On the Commodity Credit Corporation:
    Senator Marshall: “Let’s talk about the [Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC)] for a second. It’s been used for different purposes and I was concerned with the last administration that the Secretary of Agriculture used it to promote Green New Deal type of initiatives, which I think feels like to me, was outside of the intention of the CCC.
    “Do you think that the use of the CCC by the previous administration was legal, and how do we ensure that the CCC is used for its intended use of supporting farmers and not backing special interest?”
    Tyler Clarkson, General Counsel of the Department of Agriculture nominee: “I do think that the prior administration’s use of CCC required quite a bit, quite a bit of legal creativity that strained the statutory text and practice in a manner that I don’t think I anticipate continuing were I confirmed as general counsel.”
    On California’s Proposition 12:
    Senator Marshall: “Proposition 12 dictates, in my humble opinion, tries to tell Kansas farmers how to grow pigs, and it’s really hard for that small producer. If Kansas, or if… California has a way they want us to grow them. If Texas has a way we want to grow them. If Ohio has a way they want to grow pigs. It’s really hard for my small producers. Is there anything that USDA could do to administratively ensure that certain states are not able to dictate production standards for livestock producers nationwide?”
    Mr. Vaden: “I’m well aware of the challenge that such state propositions provide to farmers who have to operate in a national market. As you know, when I was General Counsel, we were very active in supporting the efforts of those who challenged the proposition, and I’m happy to say those efforts ended up to be bipartisan, because, though it’s not frequently noted, both the first Trump Administration and the Biden Administration both opposed, in the federal courts, Proposition 12 on the grounds of our and their belief that it violated the Dormant Commerce Clause. 
    “The Supreme Court, unfortunately, came to a different conclusion, and in the opinion written by the Supreme Court, they basically put it in Congress’s hands and said that Congress has the power under the Commerce Clause to stop this if it wants. And so, when it comes to any administrative authorities that USDA might have, if any are in existence, they would have to be given [to] us by Congress.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

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

    US Senate News:

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Demands Answers from Trade Representative on Trump’s Trade War: “This is utter chaos, arbitrary and willful on the part of the President.” 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a contentious Finance Committee hearing today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) demanded answers from U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer on how President Trump’s destructive trade war has created global economic chaos and harmed Vermont businesses, farms, and families. Senator Welch pressed Ambassador Greer on how the Trump Administration’s reckless across-the-board tariffs are undercutting fair competition and creating an ‘access economy’ in which success is determined based on personal relationships with officials in President Trump’s inner circle. 
    “What is being rolled out and the way this is being done is so destructive, and so reckless, and so irresponsible, that it’s creating nothing but economic chaos, uncertainty, and suffering for a lot of people. These are really disastrous for Vermont…” said Senator Welch. “Let me tell you the frustration I have. There is a place for targeted tariffs to help us and also to push back on unfair trade practices. I support that. That’s not what this is. This is utter chaos, arbitrary and willful on the part of the President that is setting up a dynamic where he picks winners and losers rather than companies compete to do the best they can and have the benefit of good work and a good product.” 
    Watch the exchange between Senator Welch and Ambassador Greer: 
    Read excerpts of their exchange below: 
    Welch: The issue of these tariffs—now the phone is ringing off the hook at the White House from countries wanting to get a break, right? 
    Greer: They want to talk about how to have reciprocal trade with us and how to get that deficit down. 
    Welch: That’s right. So, here’s the structural issue that is really alarming to me, and I hope to all of us. We are using these tariffs—or the President is using these tariffs—from going from an economy that’s based on competition to one that’s based on access. You know, in a competitive economy, your product, your service, determines the outcome and how well you do. In an access economy, it’s who’s got Donald Trump’s number, who’s got your number, who’s got [Commerce Secretary] Lutnick’s number. You call up and you get a break. That’s an access economy. Is this going to be the arbitrary authority of the President to decide: ‘Yes, we’ll cut the Vietnam tariff,’ and ‘No, we’ll sustain the tariff on Lesotho’? 
    Greer: The way this works, Senator, is we have long-standing relationships with trade officials in these foreign countries and they work with our staff, our career staff, and they develop—if someone comes to us with an offer, we review it, we analyze it, and we present it to the President… 
    Welch: They’re calling the President. I mean, you’ve got Donald Trump, as President, basically picking and choosing winners and losers—and who knows on what basis. That’s not a trade regime that anybody can count on. That’s something they can gain if they know you, they know Lutnick, they know Donald Trump…We’ve got farmers on the border with Canada, they get their grain—it’s going to be 25% hit. We’ve got consumers whose electricity bills are going up because of retaliation from Canada. Can they make a call to you, to Howard Lutnick, to the President, and ask for relief? 
    Greer: Well, we certainly talk to all kinds of constituents—we talk to labor unions, we talk to civil society, we talk to business. I would say with Canada and Mexico, they receive duty-free treatment for things that follow the rules of USMCA. If they bring in Chinese content and send it down, they won’t get a break. 
    Welch: Well, let me tell you the frustration I have. There is a place for targeted tariffs to help us and also to push back on unfair trade practices. I support that. That’s not what this is. This is utter chaos, arbitrary and willful on the part of the President that is setting up a dynamic where he picks winners and losers rather than companies compete to do the best they can and have the benefit of good work and a good product.
    During Greer’s nomination hearing before the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Welch demanded answers on the impact of the trade war on American businesses and consumers and outlined the cost of Trump’s new tariffs for Vermont industries.  
    Senator Welch has been outspoken in opposing President Trump’s destructive trade war. On Tuesday, Senator Welch joined bipartisan colleagues in releasing a resolution to repeal Donald Trump’s chaotic global tariffs. The Senators’ resolution would terminate the emergency that Trump declared in order to slap tariffs of up to 49% on products Americans buy from other countries. Senator Welch has also supported legislation pushing back against Trump’s tariffs, including: 
    The Trade Review Act, bipartisan legislation to reaffirm Congress’ key role in setting and approving U.S. trade policy and reestablish limits on the President’s ability to impose unilateral tariffs without the approval of Congress. 
    The Tariff Transparency Act of 2025, legislation to require the United States International Trade Commission to conduct an investigation and submit a report on the impact on businesses in the United States of duties, and the threat of duties, on imports from Mexico and Canada. 
    A Joint Resolution of Disapproval terminating national emergency related to Canadian energy tariffs, passed by the Senate last week on a bipartisan basis. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Schiff, Whitesides, Levin Lead Bipartisan, Bicameral CA Delegation Push to Preserve ARCHES Hydrogen Hub Funding

    US Senate News:

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

    Padilla, Schiff, Whitesides, Levin Lead Bipartisan, Bicameral CA Delegation Push to Preserve ARCHES Hydrogen Hub Funding

    The network of hydrogen hubs promotes American energy independence, lowers costs for consumers, and creates hundreds of thousands of jobs across California
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.), along with Representatives George Whitesides (D-Calif.-27) and Mike Levin (D-Calif.-49), led a bipartisan, bicameral delegation of 45 lawmakers in urging the Department of Energy (DOE) to preserve funding for hydrogen production hubs, specifically California’s Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (ARCHES). The letter follows reports that DOE is considering eliminating funding for the development of four hydrogen hubs, including ARCHES.
    These cuts would break existing agreements while leading to significant job losses and a reduction in growth of new energy resources. With federal, private, and state matching funds, ARCHES is projected to create over 200,000 jobs in California and generate more than $2.95 billion annually in economic value by 2030.
    “As bipartisan members of the California delegation, we write with concern about reports that the U.S. Department of Energy is planning to cancel the hydrogen hub award commitment made to California’s Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (ARCHES),” wrote the lawmakers. “As the administration evaluates existing energy investments and pathways to make energy affordable, we respectfully urge you to continue supporting the Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems Hub in California. ARCHES plays a critical role in securing American energy dominance, advancing world-leading energy technology, creating new manufacturing jobs, and lowering energy costs for American families.”
    “The investment is already being used to bring together private industry, local governments, and community organizations to collaborate and build a secure, American-made energy future,” continued the lawmakers. “We view ARCHES as a strategic investment in American energy innovation, an all-of-the-above energy strategy, and energy independence and competitiveness.”
    In addition to Padilla, Schiff, Whitesides, and Levin, the letter was also signed by Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.-11) and Representatives Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.-33), Nanette Barragán (D-Calif.-44), Ami Bera (D-Calif.-06), Julia Brownley (D-Calif.-26), Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.-24), Judy Chu (D-Calif.-28), Gilbert R. Cisneros, Jr. (D-Calif.-31), Lou Correa (D-Calif.-46), Jim Costa (D-Calif.-21), Mark DeSaulnier (D-Calif.-10), Vince Fong (R-Calif.-20), Laura Friedman (D-Calif.-30), John Garamendi (D-Calif.-08), Robert Garcia (D-Calif.-42), Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.-34), Adam Gray (D-Calif.-13), Josh Harder (D-Calif.-09), Jared Huffman (D-Calif.-02), Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.-51), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Calif.-37), Ro Khanna (D-Calif.-17), Young Kim (R-Calif.-40), Sam Liccardo (D-Calif.-16), Ted Lieu (D-Calif.-36), Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.-18), Doris Matsui (D-Calif.-07), Dave Min (D-Calif.-47), Kevin Mullin (D-Calif.-15), Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.-23), Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.-19), Scott Peters (D-Calif.-50), Luz Rivas (D-Calif.-29), Raul Ruiz (D-Calif.-25), Linda Sánchez (D-Calif.-38), Brad Sherman (D-Calif.-32), Lateefah Simon (D-Calif.-12), Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.-14), Mark Takano (D-Calif.-39), Mike Thompson (D-Calif.-04), Norma Torres (D-Calif.-35), Derek Tran (D-Calif.-45), David Valadao (R-Calif.-22), Juan Vargas (D-Calif.-52), and Maxine Waters (D-Calif.-43).
    Senator Padilla has been a strong supporter of the development of clean hydrogen power in California. Padilla secured up to $1.2 billion for the ARCHES hydrogen hub from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and sent a letter to former Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm urging the Department of Energy to support ARCHES’ proposal as part of its Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs program. Last week, Padilla, Senator Schiff, and 25 other Democratic Senators sounded the alarm on DOE’s “hit list” of key energy projects, demanding Secretary of Energy Chris Wright follow the law and preserve the hydrogen hub program. Padilla also questioned President Trump’s nominee for Deputy Secretary of Energy on the hit list, highlighting the importance of the Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs program to “jumpstart” the national hydrogen economy and urging him to protect vital funding for ARCHES.
    Full text of the letter is available here and below:
    Dear Secretary Wright:
    As bipartisan members of the California delegation, we write with concern about reports that the U.S. Department of Energy is planning to cancel the hydrogen hub award commitment made to California’s Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (ARCHES). As the administration evaluates existing energy investments and pathways to make energy affordable, we respectfully urge you to continue supporting the Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems Hub in California. ARCHES plays a critical role in securing American energy dominance, advancing world-leading energy technology, creating new manufacturing jobs, and lowering energy costs for American families.
    In July 2024, the Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) awarded $30 million to the California Hydrogen Hub through the Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems to initiate hydrogen hub projects, following its selection as one of seven regional hubs in October 2023. These projects – and the economic growth and American jobs they support – are dispersed across the State of California from the Ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Oakland to the reservation of the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians to Lancaster, California. The investment is already being used to bring together private industry, local governments, and community organizations to collaborate and build a secure, American-made energy future. As California’s Hydrogen Hub, ARCHES anticipates the creation of 220,000 good paying jobs, from research and development (R&D) to manufacturing and maintenance of renewable hydrogen systems. This, in turn, promotes public-private partnerships to expand our STEM workforce.
    We view ARCHES as a strategic investment in American energy innovation, an all-of-the-above energy strategy, and energy independence and competitiveness. With that, we respectfully request that you continue supporting ARCHES and provide time for the California hub and its member organizations to further justify their vital role in meeting the energy goals of the administration.
    Thank you, and we look forward to your response.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Bipartisan National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology Urge Swift Action to Boost Economy, Protect U.S. National Security

    US Senate News:

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

    Padilla, Bipartisan National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology Urge Swift Action to Boost Economy, Protect U.S. National Security

    Biotech Commission report emphasizes: Emerging biotechnology is key to continued U.S. dominance and securing future economic growth in a new era of global competition
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and the other Commissioners of the bipartisan National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology (NSCEB) delivered their major report and action plan, urging Congressional action to bring the full weight of American innovation to improve and maintain U.S. global leadership in biotechnology. Padilla was appointed to serve as a Congressional Commissioner after Congress formed the Commission in the Fiscal Year 2022 National Defense Authorization Act.
    For decades, the United States has been the global leader in biotechnology innovation. Today’s Commission report found that the United States is dangerously close to falling behind China. The Commission reports that the United States’ growing dependence on China for numerous critical supply chain elements is a national security vulnerability. Biotechnology is key to increasing supply chain security, resilience, and scalability by allowing the United States to control its own access to critical components.
    “Biotechnology holds immense potential to transform numerous key sectors of our economy and will create good-paying jobs at all skill levels in agriculture, health care, defense, industrial manufacturing, and more. I am proud to be part of this commission that is ensuring the United States maintains our national security and economic competitive advantages as biotechnology grows across industries,” said Senator Padilla.
    “The United States is locked in a competition with China that will define the coming century. Biotechnology is the next phase in that competition. It is no longer constrained to the realm of scientific achievement. It is now an imperative for national security, economic power, and global influence. Biotechnology can ensure our warfighters continue to be the strongest fighting force on tomorrow’s battlefields, and reshore supply chains while revitalizing our manufacturing sector, creating jobs here at home,” said Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.).
    The Commission found that emerging biotechnology is rapidly advancing, and the impact of biotechnology innovation already extends far beyond health, touching industries from agriculture and infrastructure to manufacturing and defense. The intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and biotechnology is accelerating this impact.
    The Commission also reported that biotechnology will drive the next wave of battlefield innovation and will be used to secure supply chains, enhance readiness, streamline logistics, improve resilience, and counter biological threats before they emerge.
    Furthermore, the Commission assessed that the future of American biotechnology leadership requires strategic federal action that encourages innovation by spurring private investment. This includes targeted investments and strategic government reforms to reduce regulatory bottlenecks.
    In addition to Senators Padilla and Young, the bipartisan Commission includes Representatives Stephanie Bice (R-Okla.-05) and Ro Khanna (D-Calif.-17), as well as outside experts.
    “As emerging technologies transform the national security landscape, both the United States and our adversaries are gaining new capabilities. The United States must take the lead in biotechnology and propel us ahead of China in the 21st century,” said Representative Bice.
    “We must embolden the best and brightest in biotechnology to innovate boldly. American ingenuity is stifled by outdated regulations in this sector. Only Congress can open the door to the American-led biotechnological future,” said Representative Khanna.
    “Technology is not inherently good or bad, but who uses it matters. Biotechnology can have tremendous potential for good or tremendous potential for harm. The Chinese government has made biotechnology a strategic national priority for 20 years. The U.S. must reassert our global leadership to remedy this strategic weakness. We must be the ones driving the standards for how biotechnology is developed and used,” said NSCEB Vice Chair Dr. Michelle Rozo.
    The Commission’s report laid out six pillars for action and makes 49 recommendations. Full details can be found here.
    Pillar 1: Prioritize biotechnology at the national level
    Pillar 2: Mobilize the private sector to get U.S. products to scale
    Pillar 3: Maximize the benefits of biotechnology for defense
    Pillar 4: Out-innovate our strategic competitors
    Pillar 5: Build the biotechnology workforce of the future
    Pillar 6: Mobilize the collective strengths of our allies and partners
    Last year, Senators Padilla and Young introduced a bipartisan package of bills focused on protecting America’s food security and agricultural supply chains, which are critical to U.S. national security. Padilla also announced the Commission’s first round of findings and recommendations for policymakers in an interim report outlining the promise of biotechnology for U.S. national security and economic competitiveness and growth.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla Leads Push to Stop Sharing of Sensitive Data on Unaccompanied Children for Immigration Enforcement

    US Senate News:

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

    Padilla Leads Push to Stop Sharing of Sensitive Data on Unaccompanied Children for Immigration Enforcement

    Senators: “We also ask that you immediately suspend any access to ORR’s database and children’s case files that runs counter to existing law, policy, and regulations.”
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, led seven Senators in sounding the alarm on troubling reports that the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) has unlawfully granted expanded access to sensitive data on unaccompanied children and their sponsors to the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The Senators raised serious concerns that ICE could misuse this confidential information to enact mass deportations and detain immigrant families and demanded DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. immediately cease this misguided practice.
    Under the Homeland Security Act of 2002 and the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 (TVPRA), ORR maintains sensitive information about unaccompanied children and their sponsors, including the immigration status of household members, but this information is not meant to be shared for immigration enforcement purposes.
    “Sharing of this information is subject to strict limits under several federal and state laws, regulations, and ORR policies in recognition of the severe harms to children and families that may follow from unauthorized use and disclosure,” wrote the Senators. “Reports that additional ICE personnel may now access ORR’s database raise serious questions about the authority and purpose for such use.”
    “We are deeply concerned that broad and unlawful information sharing practices may be renewed, with dire consequences for children’s safety, rights, and the fair administration of justice,” continued the Senators. “Therefore, we request that you provide detailed information regarding the purpose, nature, and authority for any expanded information sharing between ORR and ICE. We also ask that you immediately suspend any access to ORR’s database and children’s case files that runs counter to existing law, policy, and regulations.”
    Specifically, ORR’s confidential database contains information such as counseling notes, mental health information, and medical records, as well as private records of children’s trauma, physical and sexual abuse, and other harms they have experienced. The files also have detailed data about sponsors and other household members, which can include information about immigration status.
    Under the previous Trump Administration, ORR and ICE entered into a Memorandum of Agreement giving ICE similar data access, which ICE used to conduct immigration enforcement against sponsors. This harmful ICE arrangement resulted in many children being forced into prolonged stays in ORR custody due to fear among sponsors to come forward.
    In addition to Senator Padilla, the letter was also signed by Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), and Adam Schiff (D-Calif.).
    Senator Padilla is a leading voice in Congress opposing President Trump’s anti-immigrant actions and rhetoric. Padilla blasted the Trump Administration’s stop work order to organizations that provide legal services for unaccompanied children and demanded they protect Congressionally mandated legal representation for these children in the immigration system. He also recently cosponsored Senator Hirono’s Fair Day in Court for Kids Act of 2025, which would provide unaccompanied children with legal representation when they appear in proceedings before an immigration judge.
    Full text of the letter is available here and below:
    Dear Secretary Kennedy and Secretary Noem:
    We write in response to alarming reports that the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) has authorized expanded access by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel to an ORR database containing information about unaccompanied children and their sponsors.
    In the exercise of its responsibilities under the Homeland Security Act of 2002 and the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 (TVPRA) to provide for unaccompanied children’s care and placement, ORR maintains significant and often deeply sensitive information about children and their sponsors. Sharing of this information is subject to strict limits under several federal and state laws, regulations, and ORR policies in recognition of the severe harms to children and families that may follow from unauthorized use and disclosure. Reports that additional ICE personnel may now access ORR’s database raise serious questions about the authority and purpose for such use.
    ORR’s confidential case files include information ranging from counseling notes, mental health information, medical records, to information about incidents that may occur in care. Children’s files may include sensitive details about trauma, physical and sexual abuse, and other harm that a child has experienced in their country of origin, during their journey, or even while in government custody. ORR also maintains information and documentation about sponsors and other household members as part of the Family Reunification Application completed by potential sponsors. This may include information about immigration status.
    With limited exceptions, this information must be kept confidential and released by ORR only to individuals or entities providing appropriate authorization and documentation. Although ORR shares information with relevant ICE personnel in limited circumstances, like in the case of a child who is absent from or has been transferred out of a facility and in certain other instances relating to child safety, it generally requires the Department of Homeland Security, like other investigative agencies, to make a formal case file request detailing the scope of any relevant investigation and/or providing a warrant, court order, or subpoena to seek case file information. Further, consistent with prior congressional directives and outlined in ORR’s Policy Guide and the ORR Unaccompanied Children Program Foundational Rule, ORR “shall not share any immigration status information relating to potential sponsors with any law enforcement or immigration enforcement related entity at any time.”
    It is unclear what information ICE personnel will now be able to view and how broadly such information may be being shared. The potential for ICE personnel to maintain access to the full database at any time is particularly troubling, and it is especially disconcerting in light of recent reports that ICE will be implementing a multi-phased enforcement initiative against unaccompanied children and their families in the coming weeks that could potentially result in the placement of hundreds of thousands of children into removal proceedings and/or in family detention. Past information sharing during the prior Trump Administration resulted in harmful impacts for children and their families. With the recent issuance of an Interim Final Rule aimed at revoking the Foundational Rule’s provisions limiting information sharing, we are especially concerned about a repeat of harmful impacts for children and their families.
    In April 2018, ORR and DHS signed a Memorandum of Agreement providing for continuous information sharing about unaccompanied children from the time they arrived through release. Based on this information, ICE undertook enforcement actions against sponsors of unaccompanied children, which resulted in many children being left without potential sponsors, who had either been apprehended by ICE or declined to come forward to sponsor children in ORR custody out of fear of interacting with the federal government. Children spent longer periods in ORR custody, leading many to experience distress, compounding their previous trauma. Information sharing also resulted in new government inefficiencies and costs, as the number of children in care steadily increased and releases were stymied.
    The use of ORR’s child welfare functions to promote immigration enforcement were not only unlawful, but put children at greater risk of trafficking and exploitation. In response, Congress enacted critical directives to prevent ORR’s sharing of non-essential case information and children’s mental health records for immigration enforcement, and the 2018 Memorandum of Agreement was ultimately terminated.
    We are deeply concerned that broad and unlawful information sharing practices may be renewed, with dire consequences for children’s safety, rights, and the fair administration of justice. Therefore, we request that you provide detailed information regarding the purpose, nature, and authority for any expanded information sharing between ORR and ICE. We also ask that you immediately suspend any access to ORR’s database and children’s case files that runs counter to existing law, policy, and regulations.
    We look forward to your immediate response.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville, Risch Send Letter Urging Governors to Comply with President Trump’s Executive Order Protecting Women’s Sports

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-ID) in sending a letter urging states to adhere to President Trump’s Executive Order and keep men out of women’s sports. While states like Alabama have taken decisive action to protect women’s sports, many governors have yet to do so, jeopardizing a fair playing field for female athletes.

    “State-level action is vital to ensure America’s female athletes receive the same assurance of fairness nationwide. We applaud the many states that have answered the call and taken meaningful action to support President Trump’s Executive Order. These efforts demonstrate a clear commitment to fairness, safety, and the future of women’s sports. However, it is imperative that every state step up to enforce these commonsense protections for female athletes,” wrote the senators. “Allowing biological men to compete in women’s categories directly undermines the opportunities and safety of our female athletes. We urge the states that have not yet taken action to safeguard the integrity of women’s sports to take the necessary steps to align with President Trump’s Executive Order immediately. The safety of women and girls in sports cannot be guaranteed as long as states continue to delay and obstruct the enforcement of this Executive Order.”

    Read the full letter to the National Governors Association here.

    BACKGROUND:

    During President Biden’s administration, more than 900 women lost medals to men competing in women’s sports. The issue of men in girls’ and women’s sports proved to be one of the top concerns of voters during the 2024 Presidential Election. A recent New York Times (NYT) poll found 79% of respondents said men should not be allowed to participate in women’s sports. This is a bipartisan issue—the same recent NYT poll found that 67% of Democrats agree that male athletes shouldn’t be allowed in women’s sports.

    In February, President Trump signed a historic Executive Order banning men from competing in women’s sports. President Trump has spoken about the need to keep men out of women’s sports on multiple occasions.

    Unfortunately, Executive Orders can be reversed. That’s why on Monday, March 3, 2025, the Senate voted on Senator Tuberville’s bill, the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, which would make President Trump’s Executive Order permanent. 45 Democrats voted to block the bill from proceeding. 

    Earlier this year, Senator Tuberville also introduced a bill to ban men from competing in women’s U.S. Olympic sports, following USA Boxing’s announcement that it would allow men to box against women.

    Senator Tuberville has vowed to continue fighting until women’s rights to compete fairly and safely are protected.

    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, Rogers Lead Effort to Expand the Talladega National Forest

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)

    Legislation would strengthen conservation efforts and boost tourism in the area.

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined U.S. Representative Mike Rogers (R-AL-03) in introducing the Talladega National Forest Expansion Act. The Talladega National Forest Expansion Act would expand the proclamation boundary of the Talladega National Forest by approximately 50,000 acres in three counties in East Alabama. This bill gives the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) the authority to purchase land from willing sellers—stimulating the local economies and promoting conservation in the surrounding areas.

    Alabama’s premiere hiking trail, the Pinhoti Trail System, would be greatly enhanced upon the USFS acquirement of these acres.

    “The Talladega National Forest is one of many reasons to visit Alabama,” said Sen. Tuberville. “From beaches to mountains to forests to lakes, we truly have it all in our state. But we have to make sure we take the right steps to conserve our resources. By expanding the proclamation boundary, we will boost tourism in surrounding towns and keep the forest beautiful for years to come. I’m thankful to be working with Rep. Rogers to expand the Forest’s boundaries and ensure continued economic and agricultural prosperity in our great state.”

    “I was glad to join Coach Tuberville in this effort to allow the expansion of the boundary of the Talladega National Forest by 50,000 acres,” said Rep. Rogers. “The proposed expansion to complete the southern portion of the Pinhoti Trail will provide a large boost to our local outdoor tourism industry. I was glad to work closely with our local leaders on this legislation and am hopeful to see an undivided Pinhoti Trail in the near future.”

    “The Alabama Trails Foundation applauds the leadership of Senator Tuberville and Congressman Rogers in introducing this important legislation,” said Paul DeMarco, President, Alabama Trails Foundation. “The expansion of the Talladega National Forest represents a legacy of commitment to outdoor recreation and conservation. It lays the foundation for making the Pinhoti Trail an even more popular destination and positions east Alabama to continue growing an outdoor recreation economy into a powerhouse that spotlights the importance of Alabama’s natural resources.”

    Talladega County Commission, Coosa County Commission, Clay County Commission, and Alabama Trails Foundation have endorsed this legislation.

    Read full text of the legislation here. 

    BACKGROUND:

    The Talladega National Forest was established in 1936 with two distinct proclamation boundaries: the Oakmulgee Division and the Talladega Division. Currently, the Talladega Division has a proclamation covering 400,000 acres with roughly 200,000 acres under ownership by the U.S. government. Since its establishment, the proclaimed boundary of the Talladega National Forest has been adjusted nine times, most recently in the 1990 Farm Bill.

    The Pinhoti Trail, part of the Talladega National Forest, is Alabama’s longest-distance hiking trail. Currently, the trail is interrupted by 15 miles of road walks between its southernmost portions. This legislation would allow those lands to be acquired by the USFS, improve trail maintenance efforts, and improve hiker safety by transforming the 15-miles of road walks into off-road trails.

    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: Cantwell Questions Trump Trade Head on Tariffs That Have ‘Wreaked Havoc on the Economy’

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell

    04.08.25

    Cantwell Questions Trump Trade Head on Tariffs That Have ‘Wreaked Havoc on the Economy’

    In committee hearing, USTR Jamieson Greer said Trump not backing off tariffs that caused global markets to plummet; Last Thursday, Cantwell introduced a bipartisan bill that would reassert Congress’ role in setting & overseeing U.S. trade policy; In less than a week, her legislation has picked up 12 new cosponsors, half Ds and half Rs, & received endorsement from world’s largest retail trade org

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), senior member of the Senate Finance Committee and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, pressed United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on the administration’s slapdash implementation of sweeping tariffs without sufficient input or accountability to Congress.

    Prior to President Trump’s implementation of the tariffs, there was no formal bipartisan briefing of Congress detailing how the tariff rates were set, analyzing on how they might impact the American economy, or even communicating what the White House was aiming to accomplish.

    “What did the Trump administration do to prepare [Congress], to communicate with us, to tell us about findings as it relates to these emergency orders by the President?” Sen. Cantwell asked during a hearing today in the Senate Finance Committee.

    “Our staff, the USTR staff, in the in the past two months that we’ve been in office, have had over 200 formal engagements with staff on the Hill,” Greer responded. “We also had the President issue very publicly his America First trade policy memorandum, which specifically said that he was going to look into the trade deficit and the possibilities of tariffs.”

    Cantwell responded: “So, we’ve wreaked havoc on the economy by having one of the largest drops of the market. We have people’s 401(k)s, in panic. We have retail organizations, like the retail industry, National Retail Federation, American Apparel Industry, Outdoor Association, Consumer Technology, Computer and Communications Industry, Main Street Alliance, Small Business Majority, all anxious, asking us to do something. And you’re saying, ‘Well, some people have passed some notes to staff.’”

    She continued: “We should be building alliances as a way to counter China, but the alliance building process now will become harder, and people are going to wonder, well, is the United States going to pull another fast one again and just wreak havoc?”

    Greer said the United States has seen “many times in past decades when we have had real robust trade disputes with our partners.”

    Sen. Cantwell responded: “I’m for trade. I represent trade. I represent a trade economy. I represent the success of what innovation and trade gets you. But you’re coming here this morning with this, not only tanking of the market and 401(k)s, now you’re coming here telling me that tariff is the tool. And I’m telling you — innovation is the tool!”

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

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

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

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

    The full bill text is available HERE.

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

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

    Video of Sen. Cantwell’s Q&A with Greer today is available HERE; audio is HERE; and a transcript is HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –