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Category: US Senate

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bipartisan Senate Leaders Urge Trump Admin. to Reverse Course on LIHEAP Staffing Cuts

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed

    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Susan Collins (R-ME), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and ten of their Senate colleagues who are LIHEAP champions today sent a letter urging the Trump Administration to reverse course on the recent reported elimination of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) workforce.

    The letter comes in response to the Trump Administration’s reduction of about 10,000 employees from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).  These cuts reportedly include the entire staff running the $4.1 billion LIHEAP, which helps millions of American households afford their heating and cooling bills.

    The federally funded LIHEAP program is a crucial lifeline that helps over 6 million low-income households and seniors on fixed incomes afford their energy bills, including those who use natural gas, propane, electricity, and home heating oil.  Without this assistance, many Americans may not be able to afford their utility bills and could end up falling victim to extreme weather.

    Today, the 13 Senators sent a bipartisan letter to HHS Secretary Robert Kennedy, Jr., writing: “We are concerned that the reported staff terminations will undermine the HHS’s ability to deliver this critical funding to low-income seniors and families. We are also concerned that the local community action agencies that help enroll qualified beneficiaries could be weakened by other actions and funding cuts being undertaken by HHS and the “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE).”

    In addition to Reed, Collins, and Murkowski, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME), Tina Smith (D-MN), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Christopher Coons (D-DE), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Edward J. Markey (D-MA) Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Mark Warner (D-VA), and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM).

    The Senators also expressed concerns that the termination of the entire staff that oversees LIHEAP could holdup hundreds of millions of dollars in funding that Congress already appropriated to assist low-income Americans — especially with summer heat approaching. 

    “As you know, our states are expecting HHS to release nearly $400 million in FY25 funding later this month.  Any delay in providing this funding will set back efforts to provide summer cooling grants, weatherize low-income homes, and plan for the next winter heating season,” the Senators wrote.

    Senators Reed, Collins, and Murkowski led the successful effort to provide a total of $4.1 billion for LIHEAP this fiscal year, with $4 billion through appropriations and $100 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds.

    HHS has already released 90 percent of those federal funds to state partners.  The remaining 10 percent, almost $400 million, used by states to pay for summer cooling, and emergency funding for households that need additional assistance and weatherization, cannot be released until HHS determines the state-by-state allocation.  Now, it’s unclear how the remaining funds could be disbursed to the states.

    “Access to affordable home energy is a matter of health and safety for many low-income households, children, and seniors. To that end, we urge you to reverse course on any staffing or funding cuts that would jeopardize the distribution of these funds to our constituents,” the 13 Senators wrote.

    Full text of the letter follows:

    The Honorable Robert Kennedy, Jr.

    Secretary of Health and Human Services

    200 Independence Avenue SW

    Washington, DC 20201

    Dear Secretary Kennedy:

    We write regarding reports that you have terminated staff responsible for administering the Low-Income Home Energy Program (LIHEAP). If true, these terminations threaten to devastate a critical program dedicated to helping Americans afford their home energy bills.

    For over 40 years, LIHEAP has been the main federal program that helps low-income households and seniors pay their energy bills, providing vital assistance during both the cold winter and hot summer months. Each year, more than six million households across the country rely on LIHEAP to afford their energy bills. It is an indispensable lifeline, helping to ensure that recipients do not have to choose between paying their energy bills and affording other necessities like food and medicine.

    We are concerned that the reported staff terminations will undermine the HHS’s ability to deliver this critical funding to low-income seniors and families. We are also concerned that the local community action agencies that help enroll qualified beneficiaries could be weakened by other actions and funding cuts being undertaken by HHS and the “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE). As you know, our states are expecting HHS to release nearly $400 million in FY25 funding later this month. Any delay in providing this funding will set back efforts to provide summer cooling grants, weatherize low-income homes, and plan for the next winter heating season.

    Access to affordable home energy is a matter of health and safety for many low-income households, children, and seniors. To that end, we urge you to reverse course on any staffing or funding cuts that would jeopardize the distribution of these funds to our constituents.

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

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed Statement on DOD Inspector General Investigation of Hegseth’s Actions in Signal Chat

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed
    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, in response to a joint letter from Senate Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Jack Reed (D-RI) and Chairman Roger Wicker (R-MS), the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General (DOD OIG) announced that it is launching an “evaluation of the Secretary of Defense’s [Pete Hegseth] reported use of a commercially available messaging application for official business.”
    Senator Reed issued the following statement:
    “I welcome this independent investigation and urge a thorough review of the incident. My top priority is the safety and security of all American servicemembers, and it is critical that sensitive operational information be handled with utmost discretion. I look forward to reviewing the findings of this investigation.”
    “The potentially deadly consequences from Secretary Hegseth’s blunder are chilling. Had the intelligence in his chat messages been obtained by the Houthis or another adversary, it would have allowed them to reposition weapons to target our pilots with dangerously accurate intelligence.
    “Whether intended or not, Secretary Hegseth endangered the lives of American servicemembers through his recklessness.
    “The White House and Mr. Hegseth have tried desperately to mislead the public about this blunder. I cannot overstate how serious of a failure it is. Trump Administration officials have repeatedly claimed, including in testimony before Congress, that there was “no classified information” in this Signal group. But by the Defense Department’s own guidance, Mr. Hegseth’s texts clearly meet the definition of classified material.
    “We’ve also learned that the Israelis provided the targeting intelligence used in this airstrike. Our allies and partners are less likely to trust the U.S. with sensitive intelligence in the future now that they’ve seen the reckless behavior of President Trump’s national security team.
    “Secretary Hegseth must immediately explain to the Senate Armed Services Committee why he texted apparently classified information that could endanger American servicemembers’ lives on a commercial app with unknown recipients. There is no legitimate basis for him to withhold information from the committee that he claims is unclassified and has already been shared with a journalist.
    “I have grave concerns about Secretary Hegseth’s ability to maintain the trust and confidence of U.S. servicemembers and the Commander-in-Chief.”
    Department of Defense manual 5200.45 states that “disclosure of significant military plans or intelligence operations” is classified as ‘Secret’ at a minimum. The full manual and classification levels can be viewed here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: In Rebuke to Trump’s Trade War, Reed Helps Pass Measure to Repeal Trump’s Costly Canadian Tariffs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed
    WASHINGTON, DC – Late last night, the U.S. Senate voted 51-48 to pass a bipartisan measure (S.J. Res 37) to effectively end President Trump’s steep new tariffs on Canadian goods, which amount to a 25 percent tax on a wide array of goods imported from one of America’s top trading partners and closest allies.  Tariffs are taxes on imports collected when foreign goods cross the U.S. border via Customs and Border Protection.  They are not paid for by a foreign country, but rather by U.S. importers, retailers, and consumers who actually purchase the products.
    The resolution would repeal the emergency declaration that allowed Trump to place tariffs on Canada.  This allowed Democrats to force a floor vote, with action on the joint resolution coming just after President Trump announced he is unilaterally imposing new blanket tariffs on nearly all imports coming into the United States.
    Every Democrat and independent member of the U.S. Senate voted for the resolution, along with Republican Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Mitch McConnell (R-KY) Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Rand Paul (R-KY).
    U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), who helped pass the measure, stated: “President Trump’s chaotic, blanket tariffs are a backdoor tax increase on the American people.  They are going to raise consumer prices and lift small businesses’ costs.  The added uncertainty and chaos President Trump is creating is already forcing companies to layoff American workers, and could soon threaten a recession.  President Trump should reverse course and lay out a clear, competent strategy that would lower costs for everyday Americans – something he promised to do while campaigning for President.  But President Trump has made clear over the past two months that helping families afford rent, gas, and groceries isn’t his priority.  What he really wants is to consolidate power for himself, bypass Congress, and force entire industries to come to him and ask for favors or punish companies he doesn’t like.  It’s bad for our economy, bad for American households, and bad for democracy.  Congress needs to reassert its authority as an equal branch of government and this vote was a positive if likely symbolic step in the right direction.  I will continue working on a bipartisan basis to help lower costs, not increase them through higher tariff taxes and costly trade wars.”
    The resolution, which was sponsored by Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), was endorsed by a diverse group of economic and labor advocates, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the AFL-CIO, the United Steelworkers (USW), the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE), the National Retail Federation (NRF), the North America’s Building Trades Unions, the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA), the U.S. Conference of Mayors, Foreign Policy for America (FP4A), National Taxpayers Union, Taxpayers Protection Alliance, and Advancing American Freedom.
    It is unclear if the Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives will vote on the bill.  President Trump has threatened to veto the measure if it comes to his desk.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Dr. Rand Paul Reintroduces Bill to Shield Americans from the High Costs of Tariffs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Rand Paul

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

    April 3rd, 2025

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

     

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) reintroduced the No Taxation Without Representation Act, legislation aimed at protecting American families and businesses from the skyrocketing costs of tariffs imposed by executive action. The bill reasserts Congress’s constitutional authority over taxation and serves as a check on presidential overreach that threatens the economic wellbeing of every American.

    “The rallying cry of ‘no taxation without representation’ sparked a revolution—and it’s just as relevant today,” said Dr. Paul. “Unchecked executive actions enacting tariffs tax our citizens, threaten our economy, raise prices for everyday goods, and erode the system of checks and balances that our founders so carefully crafted.”

    About the No Taxation Without Representation Act:

    Dr. Paul’s legislation reins in the executive branch’s abuse of tariff authority by requiring Congressional approval before any new import taxes can be imposed. The bill aims to strengthen our system of checks and balances by requiring Congressional consent for any tariffs that significantly impact American businesses and consumers. By restoring the role of Congress in the taxation process, the bill ensures greater accountability, transparency, and long-term economic stability.

    Key Provisions:

     Congress Must Approve:

     The President may only impose new import taxes (tariffs) if:

    • The President submits a formal justification to Congress; and
    • Congress passes legislation approving the proposed tax.

     Applicable Laws:

    This requirement would apply to tariffs enacted under:

    • The Tariff Act of 1930
    • The Trade Expansion Act of 1962
    • The Trading with the Enemy Act
    • The International Emergency Economic Powers Act
    • Laws enacted to implement trade agreements involving the U. S.
    • Any other U.S. customs and trade laws and trade agreements.

     Embargoes Exempt:

    The No Taxation Without Representation Act doesn’t affect situations where the U.S. embargoes all goods or certain types of goods from a specific country from entering the country.

     No Taxation Without Representation Act is a critical step toward restoring transparency, reining in executive abuse, and shielding Americans from the hidden tax of tariffs.

    You can read the entire bill HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hawley Hammers Need for All District Court Judges to Follow Constitution, Ban Nationwide Injunctions

    US Senate News:

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

    Thursday, April 03, 2025

    Yesterday in a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) torched rogue judges for utilizing nationwide injunctions to unlawfully halt many of President Trump’s policies. The hearing comes after Senator Hawley introduced legislation to ban nationwide injunctions at the district court level.

    In his remarks, Senator Hawley noted that members of the judiciary have weaponized nationwide injunctions in a partisan manner, especially in recent years with an enormous uptick during the first Trump administration. He pointed out that Obama was subject to 12 nationwide injunctions and Biden to 14 nationwide injunctions, in comparison to a whopping 64 in Trump’s first term alone. President Trump has been subject to at least 15 universal injunctions in his second term already.

    “It shouldn’t be one rule for Democrats, one rule for Republicans – let’s make it one rule across the board that no matter who appoints you, a judge can only bind parties that are before her or him, that there are no nationwide injunctions,”asserted Senator Hawley. “Let’s make that the standard and return these courts to the proper function of our constitutional system.”

    Senator Hawley also noted how partisan judges have weaponized the use of temporary restraining orders (TROs), since TROs lack the ability to be immediately appealed due to their short – and temporary – nature.

    Watch Senator Hawley’s full remarks here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hawley, Kim Demand Answers from Major Companies after Backlog, Soaring Prices Hamper Fire Department Readiness

    US Senate News:

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

    Today, U.S. Senators Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and Andy Kim (D-N.J.), the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Subcommittee on Disaster Management, directed a letter to the CEOs of three major companies – REV Group, Oshkosh Corp., and Rosenbauer America – demanding answers for the rampant issues because of massive consolidation in the fire truck market. The Senators’ letter raises questions after fire departments nationwide, including those in Missouri, reported increased costs and long backlogs for fire equipment.

    “A recent article in the New York Times outlines massive consolidation in the United States’ fire truck market. According to the report, your companies—Rev Group, Oshkosh, and Rosenbauer—command an estimated 70-80% market share. This consolidated market power appears to have resulted in anti-competitive practices that have thinned fire station fleets, increased overall costs for departments, and degraded fire response readiness,” wrote the Senators.

    The Senators continued, “The Times report reveals that fire stations across the country are experiencing soaring costs and significant delays because of your companies’ practices. By one account, ladder truck prices have nearly doubled in a few short years to $2.3 million. Fire truck deliveries have been delayed for years at a time with little to no transparency provided to local fire stations. These problems have created considerable disruption for fire stations, both large and small. Firefighters in Missouri have reported … on the exorbitant prices for fire trucks in recent years, with no discernible improvements in technology.”

    The Senators are demanding answers about the reportedly huge backlogs maintained by the companies. 

    “Prioritizing financial gains over fulfilling purchase orders for emergency equipment is unacceptable. This is particularly true when rising costs and delays in delivery can reduce readiness for fire stations and put American lives at risk,” they wrote.

    The Senators are requesting the following information by April 16, 2025:

    1. An itemization of all delayed deliveries of fire trucks and related equipment.
    2. A comprehensive explanation outlining the reasons for these delayed deliveries.
    3. A full accounting of prices charged for fire trucks and related equipment, including the change in prices over time.
    4. A complete list of complaints your firms have received from fire departments seeking remediation.

    Read the full letter here or below.

    April 3, 2025

    Mark Skonieczny
    President and CEO
    REV Group, Inc
    245 South Executive Drive, Suite 100
    Brookfield, WI 53005

    John Pfeifer
    President and CEO
    Oshkosh Corporation
    1917 Four Wheel Drive
    Oshkosh, WI 54902

    Rob Kreikemeier
    Chairman and CEO
    Rosenbauer America
    100 Third Street, PO Box 57
    Lyons, SD 57041

    Dear Executives:

    A recent article in the New York Times outlines massive consolidation in the United States’ fire truck market.According to the report, your companies—Rev Group, Oshkosh, and Rosenbauer—command an estimated 70-80% market share. This consolidated market power appears to have resulted in anti-competitive practices that have thinned fire station fleets, increased overall costs for departments, and degraded fire response readiness.

    The Times report reveals that fire stations across the country are experiencing soaring costs and significant delays because of your companies’ practices. By one account, ladder truck prices have nearly doubled in a few short years to $2.3 million. Fire truck deliveries have been delayed for years at a time with little to no transparency provided to local fire stations. These problems have created considerable disruption for fire stations, both large and small. Firefighters in Missouri have reported to Senator Hawley on the exorbitant prices for fire trucks in recent years, with no discernible improvements in technology. The fire chief of Camden, New Jersey said to Times reporters that these problems are “creating greater risk for the public and firefighters.”

    In the case of Rev Group and Oshkosh, these delays appear to be partly due to the multi-billion-dollar backlogs held by your companies. Concerningly, they also appear to be intentionally left unattended. For example, Rev Group holds a $4 billion backlog on purchase orders. Instead of expeditiously addressing this backlog, its Chief Executive Officer stated that the backlog provides his company a competitive advantage, citing a “rare level of demand certainty and production planning visibility” while also claiming a “seven-year high” in profit margins.Oshkosh similarly quadrupled its backlog from 2019 to 2023, reporting $4 billion in orders that have been placed but never fulfilled.

    Prioritizing financial gains over fulfilling purchase orders for emergency equipment is unacceptable. This is particularly true when rising costs and delays in delivery can reduce readiness for fire stations and put American lives at risk.

    Please provide the following information by no later than April 16, 2025:

    1. An itemization of all delayed deliveries of fire trucks and related equipment.
    2. A comprehensive explanation outlining the reasons for these delayed deliveries.
    3. A full accounting of prices charged for fire trucks and related equipment, including the change in prices over time.
    4. A complete list of complaints your firms have received from fire departments seeking remediation.

    We look forward to your response.

    Sincerely,
    Josh Hawley
    United States Senator 

    Andy Kim
    United States Senator 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Cory Booker to hold constituent Town Hall this weekend

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker

    NEWARK, N.J. – This Saturday afternoon U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) will hold a constituent town hall that is open to the public. Attendees must register to attend the event. Portions of the town hall will be made available online afterwards for those unable to attend. Please click here if you are interested in attending.

    WHO
    U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ)
     
    WHEN
    Saturday, April 5th, 3 p.m. at 3:00 PM
    Doors Open at 2:30 PM
     
    WHERE
    Bergen Community College
    Gymnasium – Pitkin Education Center
    400 Paramus Road, Paramus NJ 07652
     
    Parking Available in Lot B – there will be signs directing you where to park. Download the Campus Map here.  
     
    [NOTE: This event is now happening in Paramus, NJ. Due to demand, this event is no longer in Hackensack, NJ).
     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Wicker Leads SASC Hearing on EUCOM, AFRICOM Posture

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Mississippi Roger Wicker

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today chaired a hearing examining the posture of and threats to U.S. European Command (EUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM).

    In his opening statement, Chairman Wicker offered an update on the war in Ukraine, noting that Ukraine continues to heroically resist efforts of Russian subjugation, and that Russia will remain a long-term threat to the United States. Specifically, Chairman Wicker cautioned that reducing our military footprint in Europe would be dangerous for European peace, especially as many of our NATO allies have taken major steps to invest in their defense.

    Read Senator Wicker’s hearing opening statement as delivered below.

     

    The hearing will come to order. And today, we welcome General Christopher Cavoli, the Commander of U.S. European Command, and General Michael Langley, the Commander of U.S. Africa Command. We thank them both for being with us today.

     

    First of all, we meet today in the wake of the difficult news that that we have been learning more about over the last few days. We’ve been saddened by the death of four American service members and we now know the names of them all. They passed away in a tragic training accident in Lithuania, and so we recognize them and send our best to their families and friends.

     

    But this morning, we talk about two very important areas of responsibility. The European continent is now entering its third year of war as Russia continues its brutal assault against Ukraine. There’s no question who started this war.

     

    Despite the physical and psychological exhaustion and material constraints from the conflict, the Ukrainian military and people have heroically and successfully continued to resist Russian efforts to subjugate them. The war serves as a brutal reminder that Vladimir Putin has chosen to become an enemy of the West, and to throw away Russia’s future.

     

    The Department of Defense is right to label China as our pacing threat. Nonetheless, Russia and its thousands of varied nuclear weapons continue to pose an existential danger to the United States and to our allies. Moscow’s military aggression sows uncertainty and threatens vital U.S. interests every day, as Europe remains by far our largest trading partner and source of investment in the United States.

     

    The war in Ukraine has exposed the Russian army’s weakness, but it also has shown that Russia can adapt to changing circumstances and can endure heavy costs. The Russian industrial base, aided by China, North Korea, and Iran, has demonstrated its ability to sustain Putin’s army. Russia would likely use any pause in fighting to reconstitute its military.

     

    I say all this to make a simple point: we cannot wish away the Russian threat. Despite Russia’s aggression, there are some who believe now is the time to reduce drastically our military footprint in Europe. This is a viewpoint with which I disagree. I’m troubled that this deeply misguided and dangerous view is held by some midlevel bureaucrats within the Defense Department. They’ve been working to pursue a U.S. retreat from Europe, and they’ve often been doing so without coordinating with the Secretary of Defense and the National Security Council. As I have said, Russia is now mobilized for a permanent war. Withdrawing now would do away with any hope of lasting peace in Europe.

     

    Right now, we have a unique opportunity in Europe. President Trump’s leadership and the Russian threat have jolted Europe awake. Many nations have begun rebuilding their militaries. Our allies on the eastern flank – Poland, the Baltic States, and Romania are all spending much more than we are. The United Kingdom and France are awakening. Even Germany shows signs of stirring.

     

    NATO should be led by the United States, but Europe should shoulder most of the military burden. We can achieve that by combining the right incentives with low-cost assistance from the United States, including a drastically overhauled foreign military sales system. To build that NATO, we must maintain our current posture, which will serve as a bridge to the planned buildup of combat power by our European NATO allies.

     

    After three years of war, we probably should make some posture adjustments, including moving forces east, but we must maintain a strong military posture in Europe overall. l Failing to do so risks tempting Russian adventurism before our European allies have been able to ramp up their forces fully and their capabilities.

     

    The Chinese Communist Party views its competition against the United States as a global project. To China, the continents of Europe, Asia, South America, and Africa are all critical in Xi Jinping’s unprecedented global military expansion. In particular, Beijing has been active on the African continent. In Djibouti, China’s naval base has grown substantially. It’s now capable of hosting China’s most advanced naval vessels and serving as an intelligence collection outpost against American and allied forces in the entire region.

     

    China is also actively pursuing a naval base on Africa’s western coast, the Atlantic coast, which would provide an enduring foothold along the Atlantic Ocean. According to General Langley, this would “change the whole calculus of the geostrategic campaign plans of protecting the American homeland.”

     

    Russia also has designs on the African continent. Its destabilizing strategy is to trade security assistance for access to Africa’s abundant natural resources. This would help fund Vladimir Putin’s malign activities around the world. At the center of Putin’s Africa strategy is Libya which, serves as Russia’s key logistical node and enables its activities across the continent. I look forward to General Langley’s assessment of Africa’s importance to Vladimir Putin’s strategic objectives, as well as his description of what’s being done to counter Russian efforts, particularly in Libya.

     

    We cannot ignore the enduring threat posed by ISIS and al-Qaeda in Africa. Without sustained pressure, these vicious terrorists will reconstitute and continue to threaten America. President Trump was absolutely right to approve strikes against ISIS leadership targets in Somalia in recent weeks.

     

    Our adversaries view their fight against America as a global fight. We see their efforts playing out across Europe and Africa in particular. Now is not the time for an American withdrawal from these theaters. We cannot allow the Chinese Communist Party and its partners in Moscow, Tehran, and Pyongyang to overcome us strategically, or to erode the ability to protect American interests around the world.

     

    So, we have a lot of important topics to talk about today. I look forward to hearing our witnesses address these and many other concerns during this hearing, along with my friend, the Ranking Member whom I recognize right now.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Durbin, Welch Lead Colleagues in Demanding Answers on Dismantling of U.S. Refugee Admissions Program

    US Senate News:

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

    Padilla, Durbin, Welch Lead Colleagues in Demanding Answers on Dismantling of U.S. Refugee Admissions Program

    Senators to Secretaries Rubio and Noem: “These actions undermine America’s longstanding commitment to humanitarian protection and place thousands of vulnerable individuals—many of whom served alongside U.S. armed forces—at grave risk”

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Constitution Subcommittee, led 18 Senators in condemning the dismantling of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP), including a funding freeze that has halted refugee processing and resettlement. The indefinite refugee ban and funding freeze have stranded tens of thousands in dangerous conditions, separated families, and left recently resettled refugees in the United States without the legally required support.

    “As you know, the USRAP was established on a bipartisan basis by the Refugee Act of 1980 and is a strong public-private partnership that drives U.S. economic growth, advances global stability and peace, and supports our national security and diplomatic priorities,” wrote the Senators. “The USRAP represents the best of American values and is part of what makes our country great. From 2005 to 2019, refugees contributed to the U.S. economy $123.8 billion more than they received in government expenditures. Refugees, including multiple former Secretaries of State, have shaped and improved our nation.”

    President Trump suspended the USRAP “indefinitely” in a day one executive order with a review after 90 days, and on Friday, January 24, resettlement agencies received stop work orders, which the executive order defined as a “foreign assistance program.” Since then, on February 25, a federal court in Washington granted a nationwide preliminary injunction to restart refugee processing, but just 24 hours later, the State Department issued termination notices, effective immediately, to plaintiff organizations and all other resettlement agencies in attempt to circumvent the court’s order. Last week, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals permitted the funding freeze to stay in effect amid ongoing litigation but required resettlement to continue for refugees approved before January 20, 2025.

    The Senators urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem to fully comply with the federal court order, resume all refugee processing, and rebook canceled travel for refugees.

    “We ask that you restart this life-saving program and immediately confirm that the Department of State is expeditiously complying with federal court orders to resume refugee resettlement and reimburse resettlement agencies for critical reception and integration services,” continued the Senators.

    The Senators highlighted reports indicating that all 10 refugee agencies and many Resettlement Support Centers overseas have received termination notices for the cooperative agreements that allow them to resettle refugees, leading to mass layoffs and shutdowns of essential refugee processing systems. They also emphasized that the Administration has delayed payments to refugee agencies, despite the preliminary injunction requiring payments to resume.

    The consequences of these stoppages are immense, including for Afghan allies evacuated to third countries, such as Pakistan, who are now stranded indefinitely without legal status or the ability to reunite with their families and face harassment and deportation. On February 2, an Afghan man who had worked for the U.S. military in Afghanistan was murdered after his scheduled resettlement to Garden Grove, California was delayed by the refugee ban and funding freeze.

    “These actions undermine America’s longstanding commitment to humanitarian protection and place tens of thousands of vulnerable individuals—many of whom served alongside U.S. armed forces—at grave risk,” wrote the Senators. “One of the most alarming consequences of the Administration’s funding and resettlement freeze is the situation facing Afghan allies who were evacuated to third countries with the promise of eventual resettlement in the United States. Many of these Afghans are former interpreters, civil society leaders, and their families, who now find themselves stranded without legal status and facing harassment, violence, and deportation.”

    The Senators demanded answers regarding the refugee program suspension, refugees in the admissions pipeline, and current capacity of resettlement infrastructure.

    In addition to Senators Padilla, Durbin, and Welch, the letter is also signed by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.).

    Senator Padilla is a leading voice in Congress opposing President Trump’s anti-immigrant actions and rhetoric. Padilla, Durbin, Representative Jamie Raskin (D-Md.-08), and Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.-07) previously urged Secretary Rubio to immediately restore vital services for refugees already resettled in the United States after the State Department abruptly halted services for refugees.

    Full text of the letter is available here and below:

    Dear Secretary Rubio and Secretary Noem:

    We write to strongly object to the dismantling of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP), including the funding freeze that has halted refugee processing and resettlement, pursuant to Executive Order 14013 (the “EO”), titled “Realigning the United States Refugee Admissions Program.”

    On February 25, 2025, a federal court in Washington granted a nationwide preliminary injunction to restart refugee processing. However, just 24 hours later, plaintiff organizations, along with all other resettlement agencies, received termination notices from the State Department, effective immediately, in an apparent attempt to circumvent the court’s order. In the meantime, on March 25, 2025, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled to allow the funding freeze to stay in effect. While that ruling requires the Administration to continue resettlement for the thousands of individuals conditionally approved for refugee status before January 20, 2025, it seems clear that this Administration’s indefinite refugee ban and funding freeze for refugee reception programs are intended to completely end this incredibly successful program.

    For example, we have received reports that all ten refugee agencies – and several Resettlement Support Centers (RSCs) overseas – have received termination notices for the cooperative agreements that allow them to resettle refugees. As a result, RSC staff overseas have been laid off en masse, and payment and case management systems have been shut down. Resettlement sites in most of the states we represent are being forced to close, abruptly cutting off support for refugees who have arrived in the last 90 days.

    The Administration also stopped payments to refugee agencies for services already rendered. After a preliminary injunction requiring payment, the Administration notified plaintiffs that it had directed the appropriate agencies to release payments, but there is still no evidence that these payments have been fully released. The Administration also notified plaintiffs and the International Organization for Migration operating RSCs overseas that they can resume refugee processing. Without reimbursements or access to necessary case processing systems, however, this notification has had little effect.

    These actions undermine America’s longstanding commitment to humanitarian protection and place tens of thousands of vulnerable individuals—many of whom served alongside U.S. armed forces—at grave risk. One of the most alarming consequences of the Administration’s funding and resettlement freeze is the situation facing Afghan allies who were evacuated to third countries with the promise of eventual resettlement in the United States. Many of these Afghans are former interpreters, civil society leaders, and their families, who now find themselves stranded without legal status and facing harassment, violence, and deportation. We are already seeing the fatal consequences of USRAP’s demise: on February 2, an Afghan man who had worked for the U.S. military in Afghanistan and whose scheduled resettlement to Garden Grove, California was delayed by the refugee ban and funding freeze was murdered.

    As you know, the USRAP was established on a bipartisan basis by the Refugee Act of 1980 and is a strong public-private partnership that drives U.S. economic growth, advances global stability and peace, and supports our national security and diplomatic priorities. The USRAP represents the best of American values and is part of what makes our country great. From 2005 to 2019, refugees contributed to the U.S. economy $123.8 billion more than they received in government expenditures. Refugees, including multiple former Secretaries of State, have shaped and improved our nation.

    We ask that you restart this life-saving program and immediately confirm that the Department of State is expeditiously complying with federal court orders to resume refugee resettlement and reimburse resettlement agencies for critical reception and integration services. We also ask that you respond to the following questions by April 10, 2025:

    1. How many refugees who have been vetted and approved for travel have been unable to travel to the United States since the ban went into effect?

    2. What steps are being taken to protect prospective refugees and SIV holders with particular vulnerabilities who remain overseas?

    3. What steps have been taken to implement the case-by-case exemption process for refugees whose arrival is “in the national interest” that is described in Executive Order 14163?

    4. What is the current status of Reception and Placement (R&P) reimbursements to domestic resettlement agencies?

    5. What is the current status of cooperative agreements with resettlement agencies? What is the justification for sending termination notices for reception and placement services?

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Colleagues Sound Alarm on Reports of DOGE “Hit List” of Key Energy Projects, Demand Department of Energy Follow the Law

    US Senate News:

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

    Padilla, Colleagues Sound Alarm on Reports of DOGE “Hit List” of Key Energy Projects, Demand Department of Energy Follow the Law

    Senators: “Dissolving contracts, cancelling grants and loans, and reneging on loan guarantees without any intention to execute the laws is not only illegal, but is harmful to the public and energy consumers”

    California’s ARCHES Hydrogen Hub among projects on list of potential cuts

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and 26 other Democratic Senators demanded that U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Christopher Wright uphold his commitment to honor existing legal agreements and deliver funds passed into law by Congress. The letter comes on the heels of recent reports that the Department of Energy is creating a “hit list” of awards, contracts, and projects — many of which have already began construction — it is considering canceling. These cuts would break existing agreements while leading to significant job losses and a reduction in growth of new energy resources. 

    The Trump Administration’s proposed cuts include hydrogen hub projects funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, including California’s Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (ARCHES) hydrogen hub for which Senator Padilla secured up to $1.2 billion. Reportedly, the hubs under threat are all in Democratic-leaning states like California, while hydrogen hubs in Republican-leaning states would maintain funding.

    This hit list is a stark reversal from Secretary Wright’s confirmation hearing, where he said legal agreements should be honored and that he would follow the law. The Senators expressed serious concerns about the reports and reasserted Congress’ authority over the programs they fund.

    “Indiscriminately canceling program funding and executed contracts, and refusing to execute on the funding directives Congress enacted, neither honors existing agreements nor is consistent with the spending laws that have appropriated funding for specific purposes,” wrote the Senators.

    “Dissolving contracts, cancelling grants and loans, and reneging on loan guarantees without any intention to execute the laws is not only illegal, but is harmful to the public and energy consumers. Your indiscriminate cancellations of spending will increase energy prices, make our grid less secure, and stop energy innovation,” continued the Senators. “If the Department has a policy disagreement and does not want to spend money on programs Congress has funded, the lawful response is to ask Congress to rescind that funding. The decision ultimately rests with Congress, not with the President, the Department of Energy, or the Department of Government Efficiency.”

    The Senators concluded by demanding a detailed list and briefing that identifies which grants, loans, or loan guarantees Secretary Wright believes should be rescinded and why.

    The letter was led by Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Vice Chair of the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations, and Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. In addition to Senator Padilla, the letter was also signed by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

    Yesterday, Senator Padilla 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 Mr. Secretary:

    We are deeply troubled by recent news reports that the Department of Energy (Department) is creating a “hit list of clean energy projects” to “wipe out” for being inconsistent with the President’s priorities. This list reportedly includes hydrogen hubs and carbon capture, critical mineral, and battery storage projects that have already received grant and loan funding from the Inflation Reduction Act, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and annual appropriations bills.

    You assured us during your confirmation hearing that you believe that legal agreements should be honored (including managing the financial commitments you have inherited) and that you will follow the law. Indiscriminately canceling program funding and executed contracts, and refusing to execute on the funding directives Congress enacted, neither honors existing agreements nor is consistent with the spending laws that have appropriated funding for specific purposes.

    Our Constitution gives Congress the power of the purse and exclusive power to appropriate funds. Once a law is properly enacted, the Constitution requires the President to “take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed.” The President cannot substitute his policy preferences for requirements in law, and that includes refusing to spend funds Congress requires the President to spend.

    In this instance, where Congress has authorized and appropriated funds for programs that support clean energy projects, the Department must faithfully execute the law and expend the funds for the purposes provided. For example, programs authorized that have received federal appropriations under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law have requirements on timing of expended funds, purposes, and contractual expectations. An internal Office of Management and Budget guidance document cannot hide the Department’s obligation to follow the enacted law.

    Dissolving contracts, cancelling grants and loans, and reneging on loan guarantees without any intention to execute the laws is not only illegal, but is harmful to the public and energy consumers. Your indiscriminate cancellations of spending will increase energy prices, make our grid less secure, and stop energy innovation. If the Department has a policy disagreement and does not want to spend money on programs Congress has funded, the lawful response is to ask Congress to rescind that funding. The decision ultimately rests with Congress, not with the President, the Department of Energy, or the Department of Government Efficiency. Please provide us a detailed list and briefing that identifies which grants, loans, or loan guarantees you believe should be rescinded and why you think they should be rescinded.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Amidst Trump Attacks on Education, Sen. Markey and Rep. Hayes Announce Bill of Rights for Paraprofessionals and Education Support Staff

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
    Resolution Text (PDF)
    Washington (April 3, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, and Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) today announced the reintroduction of the Paraprofessionals and Education Support Staff Bill of Rights, a resolution calling for dignified wages, benefits, and working conditions for paraeducators, classroom assistants, bus drivers, custodial workers, and other essential school staff who far too often work for low wages, few benefits, and without job security. The resolution is cosponsored by Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.).
    “Paraprofessionals and education support staff are the backbone of our education system. They deserve higher pay, better benefits, and improved working conditions. But instead of working to make that happen, we are forced to fight the Trump administration’s slashing of public education.” said Senator Markey. “Setting our sights higher for paraprofessionals and education workers is part of the fight, and the Paraprofessionals and Education Support Staff Bill of Rights will move us forward in guaranteeing these workers are treated with the dignity, respect, and recognition they have long deserved.” 
    “Paraprofessionals and support staff are an invaluable part of student learning. And yet, they struggle to make ends meet,” said Congresswoman Hayes. “The Paraprofessionals and Education Support Staff Resolution highlights the urgent need to improve wages, increase access to benefits, and formally recognize the efforts of these dedicated workers. This legislation strives to attract and help retain support staff which are critical in our schools.”
    The Paraprofessionals and Education Support Staff Bill of Rights resolution calls for paraprofessionals and education support staff to have:
    Livable, competitive wages, and access to benefits, including health care and paid leave;
    The supplies, resources, and training they need to do their jobs;
    Meaningful voice in workplace policies and the right to negotiate for better working conditions;
    The dignity of safe, healthy, and adequate staffed workplaces and
    Year-round job security and opportunities for growth.
    The resolution is endorsed by National Education Association (NEA), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Service Employees International Union (SEIU), American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Autism Society of America, Citizens for Public Schools, Council of Administrators of Special Education, Inc., Education Leaders of Color, First Focus on Children, Milwaukee Teachers’ Education Association, National Rural Education Association (NREA), Network for Public Education, and the Arc of the United States.
    “We applaud Senator Markey for standing with the paraprofessionals and education support professionals who are the heart of our classrooms, and yet are struggling to make ends meet and often working two to three jobs to support themselves. ESPs play critically important roles in our public schools in Massachusetts and nationwide, providing instruction and care to students with disabilities, assisting in early education classes, driving busses, preparing meals and so much more, and they need and deserve to be able to care for themselves and their families. Beyond being good for the ESPs themselves, schools need to be able to recruit and retain qualified and support staff. This is why, in Massachusetts and beyond, ESPs need a living wage, affordable health insurance and paid family and medical leave once and for all,” said Max Page, President of the Massachusetts Teachers Association and Deb McCarthy, Vice President of the Massachusetts Teachers Association.
    “Paraprofessionals and education support staff are on the frontlines of helping students learn, ensuring their safety, and keeping our schools and colleges running. But too often, their salaries and benefits are far lower than other educators’, forcing them to work second and third jobs that make it harder for them to forge sustainable careers. The Paraprofessional and Education Support Staff Bill of Rights makes sure those who cook and clean in schools, drive our students, and work in front offices and classrooms are treated with dignity and respect, with fairer pay, better benefits, improved workplace safety and access to training. I am grateful for the leadership of Sen. Edward Markey and Rep. Jahana Hayes and thank them for taking action on this front,” said Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers.
    “Education support professionals play a critical role in strengthening our schools and communities, dedicating themselves to ensuring students are safe, healthy, and ready to learn every day, while also helping to create positive, supportive learning environments. Unfortunately, they often don’t receive the compensation, benefits, or recognition they truly deserve. Their contributions are critical to the success of our students, especially now, as the Trump Administration targets public education,” said Becky Pringle, President of the National Education Association. “Passing the Paraprofessional and Education Support Staff Bill of Rights would show that Congress recognizes and values the essential contributions these dedicated workers make both inside and outside the classroom. We want to thank Senator Markey and Representative Hayes for their leadership in introducing this important legislation and urge Congress to act quickly in passing it. This will send a clear message to our Education Support Professionals that, as a nation, we respect and appreciate all they do for our students.”
    “School support staff are the people who greet students at the start of each day, serve meals, support kids with disabilities, and keep classrooms clean and safe. They’ve been underpaid, overworked, and overlooked for too long. Now, Trump and his billionaire allies are trying to dismantle the Department of Education and weaken the very schools these workers hold together. Passing this resolution is an important way to show school support staff the respect they’ve earned—with real pay, real protections, and the dignity every worker deserves,” said Heather Conroy, Executive Vice President of the Service Employees International Union.
    “Paraprofessionals and school staff play an invaluable role in our classrooms and are at the heart of our public school — helping students learn, grow, and meet their basic needs,” said American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts President Jessica Tang. “Outside of the classroom, they’re important members of the community, many have kids and grandkids in the schools and live in the communities they serve. For far too long, paraprofessionals have been forced to work multiple jobs, or rely on public assistance, just to make ends meet. One job should be enough. It’s time our paraprofessionals receive the fair wages, benefits, and respect that reflects the important work they do every day,” said Jessica Tang, President of American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts.
    Senator Markey is fighting back against the Trump administration’s attacks on education and standing up for students, educators, and their families. On March 20, Senator Markey slammed Trump’s Executive Order to dismantle the Department of Education. On March 11, Senator Markey delivered remarks on the Senate Floor to spotlight Trump’s plan to gut the Department. On February 27, Senator Markey introduced the No Cuts to Public Schools Act, which would prevent any cuts to federal education formula funding during the Trump administration. On February 10, Senator Markey held a press conference in Boston with Massachusetts educators and teachers’ unions on Trump’s vow to dismantle the Department, and the impact on Massachusetts students, educators, and communities.
    On February 6, 2025, Senator Markey, members of the Massachusetts congressional delegation, along with the Massachusetts Teachers Association, American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts, Massachusetts Association of School Committees, and Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents, released a joint statement after President Trump vowed to dismantle the Department of Education.
    In January 2024, Senator Markey introduced the Preparing and Retaining All (PARA) Educators Act, legislation that would establish a grant program to help schools recruit, train, and retain paraeducators by funding pipeline and credentialing programs, high-quality professional development, and higher wages. In September 2023, Senator Markey introduced the Green New Deal for Public Schools Act, legislation that would invest $1.6 trillion over the next decade in public and Bureau of Indian Education schools to upgrade every public school building in the country; reduce hazardous pollution; give schools the resources to hire hundreds of thousands of educators, paraprofessionals, and counselors; invest in schools serving low-income students; and fully fund education for students with disabilities. Senator Markey first introduced the Paraprofessional and Education Support Staff Bill of Rights in November 2023.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Markey, Hirono, Colleagues Reintroduce Legislation to Guarantee Legal Representation for Unaccompanied Children in Immigration Proceedings

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
    Washington (April 3, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) today joined Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii), and 25 of their colleagues in introducing The Fair Day in Court for Kids Act of 2025, legislation to provide unaccompanied children with legal representation for their court when they appear in proceedings before an immigration judge. This comes after the Trump Administration’s recent termination of a contract that provides legal services for approximately 26,000 unaccompanied children who appear in immigrant court.
    “As the Trump administration continues to generate distress with its immigration actions — including the recent cancellation of a vital contract that provides legal services to unaccompanied migrant children — we must ensure that we protect the safety, welfare, and legal rights of vulnerable minors,” said Senator Markey. “The Fair Day in Court for Kids Act of 2025 would provide unaccompanied children with the critical legal representation they need, ensuring that kids do not have to go to court alone.”
    “Children cannot represent themselves in Court—it’s that simple,” said Senator Hirono. “Legal representation helps ensure unaccompanied minors in our court system get the fair hearing they’re entitled to, and is critical to the function of immigration court proceedings. As the Trump Administration continues its war on immigrants, The Fair Day in Court for Kids Act will safeguard legal representation for unaccompanied children, helping to protect them from heightened risk of mistreatment, exploitation, and trafficking.”
    Nearly half of all unaccompanied children represent themselves during legal proceedings and it is extremely difficult for children to successfully navigate the U.S. immigration system without an attorney—unrepresented children appear alone in immigration court to face a judge and an adversarial government attorney seeking their removal from the United States. Many of these children, potentially as young as 3-years old, are unable to speak English and unable to understand our complicated legal system. Immigration judges are nearly 100 times less likely to grant relief to unaccompanied children without counsel compared to those with counsel. The federal government previously provided legal representation to some unaccompanied minors in accordance with the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008, which created special protections for children who arrive in the U.S. without a parent or a legal guardian. Now, the Trump Administration is working to terminate those services completely.
    “Alongside Senator Hirono, we are leading an effort to ensure that children are treated fairly and humanely with access to legal representation,” said Senator Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.).
    “The Trump Administration’s breathtakingly cruel decision to strip tens of thousands of tiny children of access to a lawyer shows exactly why this legislation is so important,” said Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.). “The right to legal counsel is a central tenet of our justice system. Yet unaccompanied immigrant children as young as 3 and 4 years old are expected to navigate the cold complexities of our legal system with no one to help them through the process. The consequences of sending these children back to the countries they are fleeing can be literally life-and-death and presents grave human-trafficking risks. We have a moral obligation to ensure that that decision is made with due process, including access to an attorney.”
    “Abandoning immigrant children to navigate a complicated legal system alone with their future on the line is beneath who we are as Americans,” said Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.). “I’m proud to cosponsor the Fair Day in Court for Kids Act, which would address this shocking policy in our legal system by giving children the representation they need and ensuring they have a fair day in court.”
    “The idea that small children could represent themselves in a court of law is ridiculous,” said Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.). “The immigration court system is complicated and confusing, and we shouldn’t expect any minor to navigate it on their own. This commonsense bill would fix a glaring flaw in our immigration system.”
    “It is deeply, cruelly unfair that so many unaccompanied children—including some who don’t speak English or are too young to understand what a judge is asking them—are forced to represent themselves in immigration court without a lawyer,” said Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.). “Having attorney representation can make the difference between safely remaining in the United States or being deported back to the same dangerous conditions they fled in the first place. This commonsense bill would help right this wrong and provide these children the legal representation they need to effectively navigate our complex immigration system.”
    “Time and time again, children, as young as three years old, enter the U.S. immigration court system without an attorney present. And now, the Trump Administration is trying to force these children to face an immigration judge alone. Not only do attorneys help these children navigate a complicated system, but they also play a critical role in preventing and stopping trafficking, abuse, and neglect,” said Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.). “That is why I am signing on to the Fair Day in Court for Kids Act, which would ensure that no child has to navigate our complex legal process without representation.”
    “President Trump’s inhumane immigration policies are putting kids in danger by forcing unaccompanied children to represent themselves in court,” said Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.). “It’s unimaginably cruel, and we must fight to ensure every child has a fair chance to accurately present their case for legal protection in our country.”
    “For unaccompanied children caught up in our immigration courts, navigating our complex immigration system alone is virtually impossible. The numbers speak for themselves: unaccompanied children without counsel are almost 100 times less likely to receive protection from deportation,” said Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.). “The Trump Administration’s decision to stop funding legal representation for these children is needlessly cruel and severely misguided. At the very least, these children deserve legal representation to help ensure their voices are heard.”
    “Children shouldn’t be forced to navigate the immigration system alone—especially when their future is on the line,” said Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii). “This legislation ensures that unaccompanied kids have legal representation and due process rights, no matter where they come from.”
    “Forcing toddlers to represent themselves in immigration court does not make us safer, yet that’s exactly what’s happening because of this Administration,” said Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.). “Children should worry about growing up and going to school, not about facing a prosecutor and judge alone. This bill would provide some much-needed support for children caught up in our broken immigration system, and make sure their rights are respected and protected.”
    “It’s unacceptable to force unaccompanied children to navigate immigration court by themselves – yet that’s the frightening reality that far too many face. This legislation will help prevent this unjust practice, and ensure they have a lawyer when they come before a court,” said Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.).
    “Forcing toddlers to navigate their immigration hearing without a lawyer is cruel and violates their due process rights,” said Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.). “This bill will provide them with the necessary protections to ensure they are treated with dignity and have a fair shot in court.”
    “There is one word to describe what the Trump Administration is doing to unaccompanied migrant children—cruel,” said Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.). “These children can’t be expected to navigate our complex immigration system and should never be forced to face off against seasoned government attorneys alone, but that’s what President Trump is doing. In response to the administration’s actions, Congress must reaffirm America’s commitment to due process and ensure all unaccompanied children are afforded legal counsel. Justice demands it.”
    “No kid should ever have to represent themself in court – period,” said Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). “It should go without saying that courts are meant to be navigated by the attorneys who understand America’s complex legal system. The Trump administration’s decision to gut legal representation for unaccompanied kids is not only immoral but also blatantly illegal. Forcing unaccompanied babies, toddlers, and youth to go without representation will leave kids vulnerable to exploitation, abuse, and trafficking. Congress must ensure children have real legal counsel and protect them from harm.”
    Specifically, the Fair Day in Court for Kids Act:
    Requires that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) provide counsel to noncitizen unaccompanied children appearing before the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or a state court, unless the child has obtained counsel at their own expense;
    Extends the government’s duty to ensure counsel for unaccompanied children to the end of the immigration proceedings, even if the child turns 18 during proceedings;
    Ensures that children are informed of their right to representation within 72 hours and creates infrastructure to identify, recruit, and train pro bono lawyers to provide representation;
    Allows unaccompanied children to reopen their case if HHS fails to provide counsel;
    Requires the government and stakeholders to create guidelines and duties for counsel representing unaccompanied children, largely based on American Bar Association recommendations;
    Clarifies that the government may, at its choosing, also provide counsel to other individuals in immigration court;
    Requires noncitizens, and their attorneys, to receive a complete copy of the noncitizen’s immigration file at least 10 days before the removal proceedings;
    Guarantees access to counsel for all noncitizens detained in DHS facilities; and
    Requires a report on children’s access to counsel.
    Last month, after the Trump Administration issued the first stop work order in February, Senator Hirono and Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) led 30 of their colleagues in sending a letter to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, demanding that the Trump Administration continue legal services for unaccompanied children caught up in the immigration system as required by law.
    The bill is cosponsored by Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR). 
    The Fair Day in Court for Kids Act is endorsed by Kids in Need of Defense (KIND); Acacia Center for Justice; Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights; and National Center for Youth Law.
    The full text of the legislation is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sullivan, Graham, and Blumenthal Introduce Hard-Hitting Russia Sanctions

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Dan Sullivan
    04.03.25
    WASHINGTON –U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) this week introduced legislation with primary and secondary sanctions against Russia and global actors supporting Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. 
    These sanctions would be imposed if Russia refuses to engage in good faith negotiations for a lasting peace with Ukraine or initiates another effort, including military invasion, that undermines the sovereignty of Ukraine after peace is negotiated. The legislation also imposes a 500 percent tariff on imported goods from countries that buy Russian oil, gas, uranium and other products.
    “President Trump’s goal in these negotiations is clear: stopping this war, ending the killing, and ensuring a sovereign and secure Ukraine,” said Sen. Sullivan. “Achieving this goal requires both Ukraine and Russia to come to the table, but Vladimir Putin—who started this brutal war against Ukraine—has been unwilling to agree to a ceasefire or seriously negotiate a peace agreement. A bipartisan majority of my Senate colleagues and I are working to provide a comprehensive sanctions package against Russia that puts Putin on notice and gives the administration additional tools and leverage to end this war and find a workable peace.”
    Sen. Sullivan has been a strong supporter of sanctions and other actions to condemn and deter Russia and other authoritarian regimes. Sen. Sullivan pushed back against the Biden administration’s weak foreign policy positions that emboldened Putin and has strongly endorsed sustaining robust defense spending above 3% of GDP, reducing Indo-Pacific allies’ reliance on Russian oil and gas by exporting Alaskan and American energy, and building up Alaska-based military to deter further incursions by Russian and Chinese military forces near Alaska. In February 2024, Sen. Sullivan voted to pass legislation to strengthen America’s defense industrial base and provide weapons to America’s allies facing threats abroad.
    The sanctions are cosponsored by U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Angus King (I-Maine), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), John Curtis (R-Utah), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Jon Husted (R-Ohio), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), John Hickenlooper (D-Col.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Michael Bennet (D-Col.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), John Fetterman (D-Penn.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Jack Reed (D-R.I.).
    Companion legislation is being introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by U.S. Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Penn.), Mike Quigley (D-Ill.), Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) and Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto, Van Hollen Reintroduce Bicameral Legislation to Fully Fund Special Education

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto
    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) joined Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) in reintroducing bicameral legislation to ensure Congress fulfills its commitment to fund the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA). IDEA was passed 50 years ago, but it has never received the funding it is owed, so the IDEA Full Funding Act would put Congress on a fiscally responsible path to fully fund the program. While fully funding IDEA has been a decades-long fight, it is all the more important now that President Trump has vowed to dismantle the Department of Education, putting special education across the country at risk.
    “Across Nevada, I have heard from the parents of children with disabilities, and all they want is for their children to have the same opportunities as any other child,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “The government has already committed to fund the IDEA program, yet it has consistently failed to do so. This legislation fulfills the government’s promise and provides essential funding for schools across the Silver State.”
    Under IDEA, the federal government committed to pay 40 percent of the average per pupil expenditure for special education; however, that pledge has never been met. According to the Congressional Research Service, current funding is at less than 12 percent, and the IDEA shortfall in the 2024-2025 school year nationwide was $38.66 billion. The IDEA Full Funding Act would require regular, mandatory increases in IDEA spending to finally meet our obligation to America’s children and schools.
    This legislation is supported by a broad and diverse group of over 50 national organizations, including The School Superintendent Association (AASA), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), American Occupational Therapy Association, Assistive Technology Industry Association, Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO), Autism Society of America, Center for Learner Equity, Council for Exceptional Children, Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities, National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), National Center for Learning Disabilities, National Down Syndrome Congress, National Education Association, and The Arc of the United States.
    The full text of the legislation can be found here.
    Senator Cortez Masto has delivered critical support to students and schools across Nevada. Cortez Masto’s legislation to increase the number of mental health professionals in schools was included in the bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which was signed into law. In addition, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law included three of Cortez Masto’s bipartisan bills to boost transportation safety for students, expand internet access for both rural and urban schools, and update old school infrastructure. The Senator has also championed bipartisan Reaching English Learners Act to create a competitive grant program to fund partnerships between institutions of higher education and high-need school districts to provide training for new English-language teachers.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murkowski, Kaine Introduce Legislation to Bolster Commercial Fishing Industry

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Lisa Murkowski
    04.03.25
    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Tim Kaine (D-VA), introduced legislation vital to the fishing industry, the economy, and the food supply chain. The Save Our Seafood (SOS) Act would exempt fish processors from the H-2B visa caps in order to help the seafood industry meet workforce demands.
    “Alaska’s seafood industry is a delicate chain – and when processors don’t have the workforce to meet demand, the whole industry can fall apart,” said Senator Murkowski. “Coastal communities, family-owned fishing boats, and Alaskans who work in the industry need to know that they have fully-functioning operations where they can deliver their catch. Through this legislation, I’m working to ensure that the industry has a dependable workforce that can process and deliver the highest-quality seafood in the world.”
    “The seafood industry is a critical part of Virginia’s economy, especially in Hampton Roads and on the Eastern Shore,” said Senator Kaine. “I often hear from Virginia’s seafood processors about how hard it is to find seasonal workers, so I’m glad to introduce this bipartisan legislation with my colleagues to make it easier for these businesses to hire the workers they need.” 
    “Virginia’s seafood industry relies on seasonal, H2-B workers to help meet demand during peak season,” said Senator Warner. “Without this workforce, many of Virginia’s seafood processors would simply have to close up shop. I’m glad to introduce this legislation that will help Virginia’s businesses by ensuring they have the labor needed to keep their operations up and running.”
    “When you think Louisiana, you think seafood,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Creating jobs in this industry is good for our economy and state.”
    “Maryland’s seafood businesses – most of which are small and family-owned – not only process the iconic blue crabs that our state is known for, they are also a key economic driver for our state and the region. While I push every year to ensure the Administration makes the maximum number of H-2B visas available for the seafood industry, the uncertainty our small businesses face threatens their success and ultimately their ability to keep running. This legislation provides a permanent, tailored fix for the H-2B program to better position Maryland’s seafood businesses to consistently meet their seasonal workforce needs while also supporting American jobs. This long-term legislative solution – along with our ongoing fight to protect the workers in this industry – are critical to the enduring success of Maryland’s cherished seafood businesses,” said Senator Van Hollen.
    “There’s nothing more Maryland than crabs,” said Senator Alsobrooks. “Making sure we have the workforce we need so everyone can continue enjoying this Maryland staple is what this bipartisan bill is all about.”
    “PSPA strongly supports this legislation and appreciates the leadership of Senator Murkowski on this issue,” said Julie Decker, President of the Pacific Seafood Processors Association. “Alaska produces nearly 60 percent of all U.S. seafood. In order to do this, Alaska seafood processors need a workforce in our highly remote coastal communities, enabling fishermen to keep doing what they do best – providing nutritious food for Americans and the world. This legislation would help ensure enough workers will be available to support Alaska’s seafood sector.”
    “We sincerely thank Senator Murkowski for her tireless leadership in addressing the critical workforce challenges facing the Alaska seafood industry,” said Kasey Simon, President of United Work and Travel. “By securing cap-exempt status for seafood workers in the H2B program, this legislation not only provides much-needed stability for America’s wild-harvest seafood industry but also strengthens the entire H2B ecosystem – ensuring that seasonal employers across multiple sectors have access to the labor they need. This is a commonsense solution that benefits businesses, workers, and coastal communities alike.”
    “I proudly support Senator Murkowski’s efforts to secure cap-exempt status for seafood production workers in the H2B program,” said Brian Gannon, Vice President of Government Relations and Global Partnerships at LaborMex. “LaborMex consistently supports legislation that strengthens America’s growers, harvesters, and fishers – those who are essential to US food production and food security. The men and women who fish our seas play a critical role ensuring that high-quality seafood reaches American tables. By addressing the workforce needs of this industry, this legislation bolsters economic resilience, safeguards US fisheries, and reinforces the long-term stability of America’s food supply.”
    “The ongoing uncertainty surrounding H-2B visa caps is one of the most significant challenges we face,” said Ben Bale, Chief Financial Officer of Ocean Companies. “Making the H-2B program cap-exempt would eliminate this uncertainty, enabling us to plan production more effectively, support the local fishing industry, and enhance economic stability for our business, our employees, the community, and the guest workers who depend on these opportunities.”
    “The Chesapeake Bay Seafood Industries Association applauds the reintroduction of the Save Our Seafood Act. Since 1989 Maryland Seafood Processors have used and depended on the H-2B non-agricultural seasonal visa work program to staff these traditional seasonal jobs. These hardworking people who come to Maryland every season under this very important program support thousands of jobs of American citizens and small seafood businesses around Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay that also support seafood processors. Due to the scarcity of H-2B visas, Maryland has lost more than 40 of its seafood processing companies, located mostly in rural areas around the Bay, since the 90s – and now we have less than a dozen left. Maryland Watermen continue to demonstrate year after year the need, no matter the economic climate, for these seasonal workers. All of Maryland Seafood is extremely grateful that Senators Murkowski, Van Hollen, and their colleagues are reintroducing this bill to provide a permanent solution that will enable our seafood processors to meet their staffing needs every year and save our vital seafood industry,” said Jack Brooks, President of the Chesapeake Bay Seafood Industries Association.
    Background
    H-2B visas allow domestic employers to temporarily hire nonimmigrants to perform nonagricultural labor or services if they cannot fill these jobs with American workers. Employers must first obtain certification from the Department of Labor and then complete an application process through the Department of Homeland Security to obtain these visas.
    The program is crucial to the survival of the seafood industry, particularly now when it has been under attack by Russian over harvesting and price gouging. When fish are harvested, processors are at the back of the line for visas and rely on “supplemental” visas being issued, which are discretionary. If there is not sufficient processing capacity, fishermen have nowhere to deliver their catch, and do not get paid, which is devastating to small, family-owned fishing operations, and the communities they live in.  The supply chain also suffers when this healthy food source is prevented from hitting the market.
    This legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Dr. Bill Cassidy (R-LA), John Kennedy (R-LA), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Mark Warner (D-VA).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy Introduces Bill to Combat Illicit International Trade in Foreign Free Trade Zones

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) introduced the Containing and Limiting the Extensive Abuse Noticed in Free Trade Zones Act (CLEAN FTZ) to create a trade rating system based on U.S. and international standards to combat trade-based money laundering and other criminal activities in foreign free trade zones. Currently, no formal rating system for free trade zones exists making it challenging for federal enforcement authorities to address illegal trafficking of illicit narcotics, persons, weapons, tobacco, counterfeits, commodities, wildlife, and more.
    “Why are we trading with countries that don’t fight corruption?” said Dr. Cassidy. “We are combating the flow of illegal drugs, weapons, and more. Seems important.”
    The CLEAN FTZ Act:
    Creates a formal rating system with four tier classifications of countries based on compliance to U.S. and international standards.
    Gives countries an overall rating based on the performance of all free trade zones under their national jurisdiction. 
    Makes the ratings publicly available and is updated annually.
    Allows the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection to make recommendation to improve efforts to combat illicit trade to countries rated tier II, III, and IV.
    Creates a hotline for reporting of instances of illicit trading and money laundering activity.
    Provides financial penalty options for foreign persons involved in illicit international trade.
    Cassidy was joined by U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) in introducing this legislation.
    The CLEAN FTZ Act is supported by the International Coalition Against Illicit Economies (ICAIE), Advocacy for Transparency International U.S., and the Global Financial Integrity (GFI). 
    “We applaud Senators Cassidy and Whitehouse for their leadership in protecting our national security, American competitiveness, and the health and safety of our citizens by countering illicit trade, organized crime, and money laundering across some of today’s risky free trade zones around the world,” said David M. Luna, Executive Director for ICAIE. “Disrupting the increasing cross-border flows of illicit goods, contraband, and dirty monies and dismantling transnational illicit networks and their enablers from financing other criminalities and threats helps all communities to secure greater peace and security.”
    “The CLEAN FTZ Act takes a crucial step in the fight against corruption by targeting how foreign corrupt officials rely on trade-based money laundering to move and conceal the proceeds of their crimes,” said Scott Greytak, Director of Advocacy for Transparency International U.S. “By enhancing oversight of free trade zones, ensuring that they comply with globally recognized anticorruption and trade transparency frameworks, and holding bad actors accountable, this legislation would help disrupt the financial networks that enable bribery, fraud, and the abuse of public trust, and will help safeguard global markets and protect economies from the destabilizing effects of financial crime.”
    “Global Financial Integrity (GFI) endorses the CLEAN FTZ Act of 2025 and commends Senators Cassidy and Whitehouse for their collaboration on this important piece of legislation. Once in force this legislation will shed light on the operations of free trade zones around the globe, many of which have long been known to facilitate all manner of illegal activity including trafficking, illicit trade, and money laundering. Further, the proposed sanctions against perpetrators of illegal activity through these zones will protect U.S. ports and American consumers from goods that may be harmful. It is also important to note that under this legislation the U.S. government can provide recommendations for improvement to countries where low-performing zones are located,” said Tom Cardamone, President and CEO for GFI.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy Reintroduces Bill to Protect Americans’ Online Privacy, Data

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) introduced the Data Elimination and Limiting Extensive Tracking and Exchange (DELETE) Act to protect Americans’ private online data. The DELETE Act would create a system for individuals to request all data brokers—companies that collect personal data for commercial use—delete any personal data the broker may have collected and to not collect it in the future.
    “American should have privacy online,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Let’s give Americans a solution to ensure their personal data is not tracked, collected, bought or sold by data brokers.” 
    The DELETE Act would direct the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to create an online dashboard for Americans to submit a one-time data deletion request that would be sent to all data brokers registered. Under current law, individuals must request removal from each individual data broker to ensure their privacy is protected. This legislation would also create a ‘do not track list’ to protect taxpayers from future data collection.
    Cassidy was joined by U.S. Senators Jon Ossoff (D-GA) and Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM) and U.S. Representative Lori Trahan (D-MA-03) in introducing this legislation.  
    Background
    Cassidy has been a consistent champion of online privacy and protecting user data. Earlier this year, he reintroduced the Children and Teens Online Privacy Protection Act 2.0 to protect our children’s privacy.
    In 2023, he also reintroduced the Protecting Military Service Members’ Data Act of 2023 to protect the data of U.S. service members by preventing data brokers from selling lists of military personnel to adversarial nations including China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. In 2021, Cassidy demanded transparency from Amazon on their biometric data collection practices. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 04.03.2025 Sens. Cruz, Padilla Introduce Bill to Improve Fog Forecasting, Boost Vessel Safety at Ports

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas Ted Cruz

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) today introduced the Fog Observations and Geographic Forecasting Act (FOG Forecasting Act), bipartisan legislation to improve the National Weather Service’s (NWS) fog forecasting capabilities to enhance safety at America’s ports and help prevent costly shipping delays caused by dense fog.
    Upon introduction, Sen. Cruz said, “In my hometown of Houston, we’ve seen unexpected severe fog occurrences delay goods coming in and out of Port Houston. The FOG Forecasting Act would keep vessels moving safely and swiftly at U.S. ports, benefiting shippers, exporters, and consumers. I’m glad to partner on legislation with Sen. Padilla to help produce more accurate fog forecasts that will reduce collisions between vessels, ensure American cargo reaches its destinations intact and on time, and save millions in economic costs from port closures.”
    Sen. Padilla said, “Californians along the Pacific Coast have experienced how unpredictably dense and dangerous the marine layer fog can be. Fog can create hazardous conditions, increasing collision risk for ships transporting essential goods to and from California’s high-volume ports. As communities prepare for and respond to increasingly severe weather patterns, strengthening NOAA’s weather forecasting capabilities is an important bipartisan priority to bolster safer transportation at sea and in the air along our coastlines.”
    Read the bill text here.
    BACKGROUND
    This past February, widespread fog in Houston caused significant disruption to the city’s port operations, impacting the Houston Ship Channel’s navigation for nearly two weeks and ultimately reducing cargo flows through the port. Studies have shown that poor visibility, often fog-associated, significantly impacts maritime traffic safety, predisposing vessels to collision accidents. Approximately 70% of ship collisions are attributed to foggy conditions, underscoring the critical need for effective monitoring and management of fog in maritime operations. Marine fog is the primary reason for Houston port closures, and each hour the port is closed can have over $100 million in economic costs. Smaller ports such as Freeport, Port Lavaca, and Texas City can also lose millions of dollars for each hour their ports are closed. too.
    The FOG Forecasting Act would require the NWS to establish more marine-based observations that measure visibility, temperatures, dewpoints, and water levels, as well as provide cameras needed to enhance the safe navigation of vessels. The bill would also improve high-resolution modeling capabilities to produce more accurate wind, temperature, dewpoint, and visibility forecasts. These new techniques will give users more detailed and visually appealing information on visibility. Better fog forecasts would reduce uncertainty, allowing ports to reopen sooner, get commerce moving, and reduce the economic costs of port closures.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaine Statement on Effort to Block Select Weapons Transfers to Israel

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees, released the following statement regarding resolutions that will come to the Senate floor for a vote to block two out of over 100 separate weapons transfers to Israel by the Biden and Trump Administrations since October 7, 2023:

    “For over a year, I have called for the U.S. to support the protection of the Israeli people through the robust provision of defensive weapons, such as those that regularly defeat drone and missile attacks from Iran and Hamas. But I continue to urge a pause in the transfer of offensive weapons because of the harm they are likely to cause to innocent Palestinian civilians and my serious concerns that they will generate further instability across the region that will put U.S. servicemembers at risk. It’s clear that a durable ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, resulting in the return of all hostages to their families and a surge of humanitarian assistance into Gaza, is the only path to stability in the region—as evidenced by the fact that the Houthis stopped attacking container ships in the Red Sea during the most recent ceasefire, only to start back up after the agreement collapsed. Our focus must remain on encouraging a long-term peace, not packing a tinder box, and therefore, consistent with my long-standing view, I will oppose the transfer of these offensive weapons.”

    Kaine has repeatedly reiterated his support for Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas following Hamas’ horrific October 7 terrorist attacks, and helped gain Senate support for the national security supplemental funding package that passed in April 2024 and included over $14 billion in security assistance funding for Israel. He has also been a leading voice in Congress regarding the need to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He’s taken a series of steps to prioritize the release of hostages taken by Hamas, protect civilians in Gaza and the West Bank, and counter threats to Israel from Hamas and Iran.

    Consistent with Kaine’s years-long efforts to ensure that Congress plays an assertive and deliberate role in matters of war and peace, Kaine raised concerns over the Biden Administration’s decision in December 2023 to transfer weapons to Israel without congressional oversight. In February 2024, following reports of a pending major weapons transfer from the U.S. to Israel, Kaine urged the Biden Administration to ensure that the transfer is comprised primarily of defensive weapons critical to the security of the Israeli people, such as restocking the Iron Dome and David’s Sling air defense systems. In September 2024, Kaine opposed the transfer of three offensive weapons systems to Israel.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner & Kaine Announce Recommendations for U.S. Attorneys for the Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) today sent a letter to the White House recommending candidates for the U.S. Attorney vacancies in the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA) and the Western District of Virginia (WDVA). In their letter, the Senators recommended Michael Gill, Assistant General Counsel and Director of Investigations for Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII), and Erik Siebert, Eastern District of Virginia Interim United States Attorney, for the EDVA position. The Senators recommended Christopher “Todd” Gilbert, Minority Leader in the Virginia House of Delegates, and Robert Tracci, Senior Assistant Attorney General and Section Chief for Major Crimes and Emerging Threats in the Office of the Virginia Attorney General, for the WDVA position.

    “Across the Commonwealth, well-respected attorneys interviewed several excellent candidates, including Mr. Gill, Mr. Siebert, Mr. Gilbert, and Mr. Tracci. After conducting our own interviews and reviewing these recommendations, we find these four candidates to be exceptionally qualified for the position of U.S. Attorney,” said the senators.

    The White House will now nominate one individual for each vacancy to be considered by the Senate Judiciary Committee. The nominations are subject to confirmation by the full Senate.

    A copy of the letter can be found here and below.

    Dear Mr. President:

    As you consider candidates to serve in the two U.S. Attorney positions in the Commonwealth of Virginia, we are pleased to recommend Michael Gill and Erik Siebert for the position of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA); and, Todd Gilbert and Robert Tracci for the position of the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Virginia (WDVA). Bipartisan panels of esteemed attorneys from across the Commonwealth interviewed Mr. Gill, Mr. Siebert, Mr. Gilbert and Mr. Tracci, along with many other excellent candidates. After considering the panels’ reviews and conducting our own interviews, we find these four candidates to be exceptionally qualified for the position of U.S. Attorney. 

    U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District

    Michael Gill is Assistant General Counsel and Director of Investigations for Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) in Newport News, Virginia. Prior to joining HII, Mr. Gill served as a federal prosecutor for twenty years, fifteen of which were in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the EDVA. He last served the EDVA as the Chief of the Criminal Division from 2018 to 2023, supervising operations across the District’s four divisions.  Mr. Gill received his Bachelor of Arts summa cum laude from Texas Christian University and his Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law.

    Erik Siebert currently serves as the Interim United States Attorney for the EDVA. Mr. Siebert has worked as a line Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) in the EDVA, handling violent crimes, possession and trafficking of illegal firearms, and narcotics, as well as the Deputy Criminal Supervisor in the EDVA Richmond Division, supervising AUSAs and partnering with federal, state, and local partners. Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the EDVA, Mr. Siebert was a police officer and an investigator with the Metropolitan Police Department of Washington D.C. Mr. Siebert received his Bachelor of Arts from the Virginia Military Institute and his Juris Doctor cum laude from the University of Richmond School of Law. 

    U.S. Attorney for the Western District

    Christopher “Todd” Gilbert is the Minority Leader in the Virginia House of Delegates. During his twenty years representing parts of the Shenandoah Valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains, Mr. Gilbert also served as Speaker and Majority Leader of the Virginia House of Delegates. Mr. Gilbert has nearly fifteen years of experience prosecuting criminal and traffic cases in Shenandoah, Warren, and Frederick counties and the City of Lynchburg. He now operates his own firm representing criminal defendants. Mr. Gilbert earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Virginia and his Juris Doctor from the Southern Methodist University School of Law.

    Robert Tracci is the Senior Assistant Attorney General and Section Chief for Major Crimes and Emerging Threats in the Office of the Virginia Attorney General. He previously served as the Commonwealth’s Attorney in Albemarle County. Mr. Tracci has also worked in the WDVA as a Special Assistant United States Attorney, where he assisted in the prosecution of complex financial services fraud, firearms and narcotics crimes, and child exploitation. Mr. Tracci also previously served in the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. House of Representatives. He received his Bachelor of Arts summa cum laude from the Ohio Wesleyan University and his Juris Doctor from the University of Illinois College of Law. 

    We believe that any of these candidates would make an excellent U.S. Attorney, and we are honored to be able to recommend them to you.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaine, Warner, Murkowski Introduce Legislation to Support Virginia’s Seafood Industry

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark R. Warner (D-VA), and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) introduced the bipartisan Save Our Seafood (SOS) Act, which would exempt fish processors—which are critical to Virginia’s economy—from the H-2B visa cap, which has made it difficult for local seafood processors to hire the seasonal workforce they need.

    “The seafood industry is a critical part of Virginia’s economy, especially in Hampton Roads and on the Eastern Shore,” said Kaine. “I often hear from Virginia’s seafood processors about how hard it is to find seasonal workers, so I’m glad to introduce this bipartisan legislation with my colleagues to make it easier for these businesses to hire the workers they need.” 

    “Virginia’s seafood industry relies on seasonal, H2-B workers to help meet demand during peak season,” said Warner. “Without this workforce, many of Virginia’s seafood processors would simply have to close up shop. I’m glad to introduce this legislation that will help Virginia’s businesses by ensuring they have the labor needed to keep their operations up and running.”

    “Alaska’s seafood industry is a delicate chain – and when processors don’t have the workforce to meet demand, the whole industry can fall apart,” said Murkowski. “Coastal communities, family-owned fishing boats, and Alaskans who work in the industry need to know that they have fully-functioning operations where they can deliver their catch. Through this legislation, I’m working to ensure that the industry has a dependable workforce that can process and deliver the highest-quality seafood in the world.”

    Seafood is a billion-dollar industry in Virginia, supporting over 7,000 jobs for Virginians and generating over $26 million in revenue annually. Many of Virginia’s seafood processors rely on workers from the H-2B visa program to harvest and process Virginia crabs and oysters in season, but processors annually struggle to get enough workers during the season when they are needed most. The SOS Act would permanently exempt seasonal, non-immigrant workers who work in seafood processing from the cap on H-2B visas, ensuring that processors have the workforce they need, when they need them to meet the increased demand at the start of the harvesting season.  

    “The Virginia seafood processing industry is grateful for Senators Kaine and Warner reintroducing the Save Our Seafood Act. We appreciate the bipartisan group of Senators committed to supporting working seafood businesses around the country. Virginia seafood has participated in the seasonal, temporary H-2B program since 1997,” said AJ Erskine, Board Member, Virginia Seafood Council. “We manufacture domestic, perishable seafood products that require an increased seasonal workforce. Our seasons are defined by state and federal regulations and the environmental conditions in which we work. Senators Kaine and Warner understand that this is not a partisan issue. The seafood industry is simply asking for a small modification of an existing cap exemption. We thank Senators Kaine and Warner for their vision and support of our seafood industry.”

    “Our 4th generation family crab processing facility in Hampton continues to struggle to keep our doors open! The H-2B program has been our lifeline the last 30 years and without congressional help we will perish,” said John Graham III, President, Graham & Rollins, Inc. “The current lottery system currently deployed by Homeland Security is not feasible to sustain any kind of business and frankly is a disaster!!”

    The senators have long supported the seafood industry. In 2023, Kaine and Warner introduced the Save Our Seafood Act, and Kaine met with heads of Virginia seafood companies in Lottsburg, VA to discuss the need to boost the seafood workforce. Earlier that year, the senators met with then-Labor Secretary Marty Walsh to discuss workforce challenges facing the Virginia seafood industry and urge the Department of Labor to consider reforms to the H-2B lottery to better meet seasonal labor needs. In 2022, Kaine and Warner also successfully pushed the Department of Homeland Security for the release of additional H-2B visas.  

    The legislation was cosponsored by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), John Kennedy (R-LA), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD).

    Full text of the legislation is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaine and Scott to Introduce Bill to Protect Miners’ Safety

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP), and U.S. Representative Robert C. “Bobby” Scott, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Education and Workforce will introduce the Robert C. Byrd Mine Safety Protection Act of 2025. 

    This bill coincides with the 15th anniversary of the Upper Big Branch (UBB) Mine Disaster, reflecting lessons learned from the deadly explosion on April 5, 2010, that killed 29 miners.  The bill improves mine safety and closes glaring loopholes in our nation’s mine safety laws that could help save miners’ lives.  The bill would further prioritize the safety of miners by holding rogue mine operators accountable.

    “Miners take incredible risks to power our nation.  While we’ve made progress to support them—like extending the Black Lung Disability Trust excise tax at a higher rate and strengthening silica standards—the recent actions of the Trump Administration have undermined decades of work to enhance protections for coal miners,” said Kaine.  “This legislation is critical to strengthening safety standards and holding mine operators accountable for unsafe working conditions.”

    “The Robert C. Byrd Mine Safety Protection Act of 2025 is a critical step toward protecting the health and safety of mine workers across the country.  Coal miners, mine safety regulators and the UBB families have asked Congress to address long, overdue reforms to the nations’ mine safety laws.  The reforms in this bill would ensure that all miners are able to return home safely to their families at the end of their shift,” said Scott. “The tragedy of the Upper Big Branch Mine Disaster will be in vain if Congress does not close the loopholes that have allowed a small minority of mine operators to put profit ahead of their miners’ safety.”

    The comes at a time when the Trump Administration is abandoning the nation’s commitment to protect miners.  The Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has fired inspectors and appears to be closing offices across the country.  That agency has yet to answer congressional queries.  Meanwhile, in a secretive and apparently arbitrary process, the Trump Administration terminated thousands of Health and Human Services (HHS) employees—including many scientists and researchers at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) who focus on black lung and innovative technologies to keep mines safe.

    Eliminating so much of the government’s mine safety capacity, especially as we near the fifteenth anniversary of the UBB Mine Disaster, is reckless and nonsensical.  Congress permanently established NIOSH’s Office of Mine Safety and Health in the aftermath of the deadly Sago Mine Disaster.

    Weakening the Labor Department’s ability to inspect mines at a time when the White House seeks to ramp up mining is a recipe for more mine disasters.  The Trump Administration’s actions will waste decades of life-saving innovations and put miners’ lives at risk.

    The Robert C. Byrd Mine Safety Protection Act protects miners’ health and safety by:

    • Expanding the authority of the MSHA to strengthen safety regulations and enforce penalties against mines with repeat violations.
    • Increasing penalties for mines violating health and safety standards.
    • Providing the MSHA with better enforcement tools to allow proper inspection and investigation.
    • Protecting whistleblowers from retaliation and loss of income.
    • Updating mine safety standards to prevent explosions.
    • Increasing accountability for the MSHA to ensure that inspectors are independent and qualified to provide quality oversight.

    The Robert C. Byrd Mine Safety Protection Act of 2025 is endorsed by Appalachian Citizens Law Center, Appalachian Voices, United Mine Workers of America, and United Steel Workers.

    Read the full text of the bill here.

    Read a section-by-section summary of the bill here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell: “Bad Idea” for Department of Energy to Sell Off BPA Assets

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell

    04.03.25

    Cantwell: “Bad Idea” for Department of Energy to Sell Off BPA Assets

    House Republicans are considering proposals to sell off public lands to fund Trump tax cuts for corporations and the ultra-wealthy

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), senior member of the Senate Finance Committee and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, pressed James Danly and Katharine MacGregor – President Trump’s nominees to serve as Deputy Secretary of the Department of Energy (DOE) and Deputy Secretary of the Department of the Interior (DOI) – on their commitments to not sell off public assets owned by Bonneville Power Administration after DOGE recently ordered the sale of the BPA Portland building. Sen. Cantwell also secured a commitment from Danly to uphold the Hanford Tri-Party Agreement, and she pressed MacGregor to oppose DOGE proposals to cut funding and staff to fight wildfires. 

    “Do you commit to opposing any proposal to auction off assets, including those owned by Bonneville Power Administration?” asked Sen. Cantwell.

    Danly responded, “I know there have been talks at different times for the Power Marketing Administrations to be privatized, and like, I have no interest in in that subject historically in my career, and I don’t really know enough about that to give an informed answer here.”

    “Maybe take a little homework assignment. Bad idea,” responded Sen. Cantwell.

    During the Q&A, Sen. Cantwell also secured a commitment from Danly to uphold the Tri-Party Agreement: “The budgets are not the purview of the position to which I’ve been nominated, but I will say this, the cleanup of the of the legacy waste sites is one of the handful of the truly core missions of the department, and I have every intention of abiding by the agreement,” said Danly.

    Sen. Cantwell then questioned MacGregor on funding for wildfire preparedness, DOGE cuts, and reporting from earlier in the day that Republicans are now considering proposals to sell off public lands to help pay for Trump’s tax cuts for corporations and the ultra-wealthy.

    “The department has the responsibility to fight [fires],” said Sen. Cantwell. “How do you make sure that we have the workforce that we need as part of our incident command teams [and fight fires]? And if confirmed, will you not support a plan that includes selling off public lands that would reduce our access?”

    Cantwell continued: “The two of you are the first witnesses to come before us since all the DOGE cuts. So, I’m asking you specifically — will you stop any cuts that will affect wildland firefighting efforts?”

    “I will absolutely evaluate any proposed cuts, should they be, you know, proposed for wildland firefighting cuts, and review those very closely,” MacGregor responded. “I can’t imagine a situation where that would occur, but if it did, I would want to make sure that we’re balancing and keeping the resources we need to fight fire.”

    The Department of Interior serves a critical role in fighting wildfires fires. However, DOGE cuts have threatened wildfire preparedness by firing 3,400 USDA Forest Service employees and about 1,000 National Park Service (NPS) employees. Many Interior employees have “Red Cards” which certify them to fight wildland fires. In addition, over 140 Department of Interior employees are part of Incident Management Teams which lead wildfire fighting efforts.

    In response, Sen. Cantwell led a letter to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins and U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz demanding details about the Washington state personnel who were fired, including how many held Red Cards, and asked for the immediate reinstatement of all fired USDA and USFS personnel. While some employees have been reinstated, many experienced employees, including fire fighters, have retired and it has been reported that federal agencies, including the Department of Interior, will be implementing an additional reduction in force.

    “I think most of us would just be able to agree today, no one here wants those cuts. We think we need more resources,” said Sen. Cantwell. “The Palisades fire is more than a wakeup call, more than a wakeup call. So, we need more resources, not less.”

    Sen. Cantwell has long championed Hanford clean-up and played a leading role in overseeing the DOE’s cleanup efforts, fighting numerous Administration proposals to cut Hanford budgets. 

    Throughout the first Trump administration, Sen. Cantwell repeatedly led the charge in opposing drastic cuts to the Hanford budget, and in 2020 she led a successful effort to defeat a provision in the annual National Defense Authorization Act that could have diverted billions in funding from ongoing clean-up projects.

    In January, Sen. Cantwell voted against Chris Wright for DOE Secretary, citing his waffling commitment to uphold the Tri-Party Agreement – a newly negotiated agreement between the State of Washington, DOE, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that directs cleanup of the Hanford nuclear site in the Tri-Cities.

    Video of Sen. Cantwell’s remarks today are available HERE, audio HERE, and a full transcript is HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy announces $1.3 million in Hurricane Ida aid for Louisiana Office of Risk Management

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)

    WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced $1,265,547 in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grants for Louisiana disaster aid. 

    “Hurricane Ida’s storm surge, rains and winds badly damaged facilities in our state. This $1.3 million will help Louisianians cover the cost of office contents that Ida destroyed,” said Kennedy.

    The FEMA aid will fund the following:

    • $1,265,547 to the Office of Risk Management to replace office contents that Hurricane Ida damaged.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER ANNOUNCES SENATE JUST PASSED BIPARTISAN RESOLUTION TO END TRUMP’S DESTRUCTIVE TARIFFS ON CANADA; SENATOR CALLS ON HOUSE TO VOTE ON RESOLUTION AND STAND UP AGAINST TARIFFS TO PROTECT UPSTATE NY…

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer

    Senate Last Night Passed Bipartisan Resolution Terminating Trump’s National Emergency That Is Justifying His Destructive Tariffs On Canada, With Republicans Joining Rebuke Saying Canadian Tariffs Would Raise Prices And Hurt Local Economies

    Trump’s Tariffs Could Cost New York State Families And Businesses $7+B; Raise Prices On New Yorkers As Much Over $5,000 For Gas, Groceries, Cars And Everyday Goods – All While Decimating Small Businesses, Killing Good-Paying Jobs, Shrinking 401K’s And Damaging Upstate NY’s Vital Tourism Industry

    Schumer: House Republicans Must Join Senate To Protect Upstate NY From Devastating Price Increases And Job Losses

    U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today announced the Senate has passed a bipartisan resolution led by Senator Kaine to end Trump’s destructive tariffs on Canada. Schumer called on the House, particularly NY Republicans, to join the Senate in passing this resolution to protect New York from disastrous price increases and job losses as a result of tariffs on Canada, which is New York State’s top trading partner.

    “Trump’s destructive tariffs are a tax on Upstate New Yorkers, raising costs for families, small businesses, and hurting jobs. I’m proud that the Senate voted to stand up against this price hike on Upstate NY families and small businesses and begin to stop this Trump Slump to our economy. Now the House of Representatives must follow suit, and I am calling on the House to vote on the Senate’s bipartisan bill undoing Trump’s disastrous tariffs on Canada.” said Senator Schumer. “Yesterday was not liberation day, it was tax day. Trump’s tariffs on Canada will mean higher prices for middle class families, essentially a tax increase on people and small businesses already struggling with high costs.”

    Schumer said the Senate vote to end Trump’s destructive tariffs on Canada – America’s neighbor, close ally, and top trading partner – is a step in the right direction. Schumer explained Trump’s tariffs are a tax on Americans that are expected to increase costs for Upstate New York’s families by over $5,000 a year and could impact 150,000+ jobs in directly targeted industries across Upstate New York. Across New York State, families and business are expected to pay over $7 billon due to Trump’s tariffs.

    Earlier this week, Schumer broke down the impact of Trump’s tariffs on Upstate New York. Canada is New York State’s top importer and exporter, last year importing $20.5 billion of goods from Canada and exporting $17.4 billion. 70% of Canadian imports are used to manufacture American-made products. In the North Country, there are nearly 100 businesses connected to Canadian companies in the Plattsburgh area alone, and an estimated 20% of the local workforce either commutes across the border for work or works for a Canadian or border-related company here in the US. Approximately 20% of the Plattsburgh workforce works for a Canadian or border-related employer, according to the North Country Chamber of Commerce.

    Schumer added, “Donald Trump called yesterday liberation day, but nobody was feeling even close to liberated. Quite the opposite: American families are learning the hard way that Donald Trump has them right in the middle of a pincer, and is squeezing them on both sides. On the one side, Donald Trump is pushing tariffs that will cost working families an extra over $5,000 a year. And by his own admission, he couldn’t care less. On the other side, Donald Trump is working with Republicans to gut vital programs working families rely on, like Medicaid, Social Security, veterans’ programs.”

    Schumer also explained Trump’s tariffs are damaging Upstate New York’s vital tourism industry and killing good-paying jobs. The tariff war is already slowing sales, and tourism from Canada is down. There has already been a 23% drop in the number of Canadians taking round-trip trips to the United States compared to February 2024, according to Statistics Canada. The U.S. Travel Association warned that even a 10% reduction in Canadian travelers would translate to $2.1 billion in lost spending and jeopardize 140,000 hospitality jobs nationwide, according to Forbes, many of which would be in Upstate NY as one of the most popular close by destinations.

    Trump previously delayed the start of his tariffs twice, creating uncertainty for families and small businesses and triggering volatility for the American economy. Trump’s tariff uncertainty is causing the stock market to fall, hurting Upstate New York seniors’ retirements. Today, the markets are plunging, with the Dow down 800 points, and the SP500 on track for its worst day in years. This will hurt Upstate New York’s seniors’ retirements and is leading to fears for a recession.

    Schumer concluded, “If the Speaker really cares about the American people and the costs they would bear by these tariffs, he should call back the House and take up the Senate bill immediately. We will not stop fight to stop this un-strategic and destructive trade war and lower costs for the American people.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: April 3rd, 2025 Heinrich, Luján Join Senate Democrats in Demanding Trump Rescind Illegal Executive Order Threatening Federal Employee Collective Bargaining Agreements

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    Washington, D.C. – Wednesday, U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) joined the entire Senate Democratic Caucus in urging President Donald Trump to rescind his March 27 executive order to end collective bargaining agreements between public employee unions and dozens of federal agencies and bureaus. In their letter, the Democratic Senators blasted the move as a “gross overreach” of presidential authority, asserting that the executive order is a clear attempt to gut the federal merit-based civil service and implement a system of political cronyism. They stressed that the order poses a grave threat to the ability of over 1 million federal workers to carry out their missions and deliver important services for the American people – and thus should be rescinded immediately.

    “We write today in outrage over your recent executive order entitled Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs, a gross overreach of the authority granted in the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (CSRA). This order is an insult to the hardworking public servants who go to work on behalf of the American people,” the Senators began.

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

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

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

    Led by U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Mark Warner (D-Va.), and Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Senators Heinrich and Luján were joined on this letter by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

    A copy of the letter is available here and below.

    Dear President Trump: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin, Foster Introduce American Innovation Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    April 03, 2025

    As the Trump Administration continues to ax critical research funding, Durbin and Foster introduce legislation that would bolster research funding at five federal research agencies

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Bill Foster (D-IL-11) today reintroduced the bicameral American Innovation Act, which would provide annual budget increases at a rate of five percent, indexed to inflation, for cutting edge research at five federal agencies: the Department of Energy Office of Science; the National Science Foundation; the National Institute of Standards and Technology Scientific and Technical Research Services; the Department of Defense Science and Technology Programs; and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Science Directorate.  The American Innovation Act would position the U.S. as a leader in development and discovery for decades to come by creating steady, sustained funding for breakthrough research at America’s top research agencies.

    “In its crusade to damage essential government infrastructure, the Trump Administration has failed to recognize that sustained support for basic scientific research has enabled the United States to put a man on the moon, build the internet, and produce a COVID-19 vaccine in record time.  If we want to maintain our status as a world leader in research and technology, we must empower and fund our federal research agencies and retain their top talent,” said Durbin.  “I’m introducing the American Innovation Act to ensure our nation’s scientists and researchers have access to critical funding to push our world forward while also creating jobs, growing our economy, and improving our national security.”

    “I’m proud to work with Senator Durbin on this legislation to expand federal investment in scientific research,” said Foster.  “Since World War II, investments in science and technology have helped expand our economy, create millions of jobs, and advance our national security.  As we confront new and existing challenges, it’s critical that our scientists have the resources they need to ensure our nation remains at the forefront of research and innovation.”

    The introduction of the American Innovation Act comes as the Trump Administration continues to gut federal research agencies by slashing programs and firing scientists conducting critical research.  These moves only harm the future of the U.S., as investments in scientific research have helped the nation lead the world in new technologies, create millions of jobs, grow the economy, and advance national security.  Further, without serious federal investment in research, the U.S. could fall behind its competitors, particularly China.

    Basic science funding in the U.S. has lagged in recent decades. Since the 1970’s, the United States investment in basic science has decreased by tenfold to about 0.1 percent of GDP.  Meanwhile, China’s research intensity (GDP expenditures on R&D) has increased by 500 percent since 1996– if this trend continues, China will soon surpass the U.S. in investment in science.

    The American Innovation Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), and Brian Schatz (D-HI).

    The legislation has earned the endorsement of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers; Association of American Universities; American Mathematical Society; Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities; Council on Undergraduate Research, Institute for Progress; Coalition for Academic Scientific Computation; American Physical Society; Federation of American Scientists; American Geophysical Union; and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

    A one-pager on the legislation can be found here.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Speaks In Support Of Bipartisan Legislation To Impose Hard-Hitting Sanctions On Russia If It Does Not Negotiate In Good Faith To End The War In Ukraine

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    April 03, 2025

    Durbin: “As the President negotiates away Ukraine’s freedom and America’s credibility, Congress has an obligation and a Constitutional responsibility to act.”

    WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Co-Chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, spoke in support of new, bipartisan legislation he introduced this week with Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), which would impose primary and secondary sanctions against Russia and actors supporting Russia’s ongoing illegal and unprovoked war in Ukraine. The bipartisan legislation is cosponsored by 50 U.S. Senators, evenly divided by party affiliation. These sanctions would be imposed if Russia refuses to engage in good faith negotiations for a lasting peace with Ukraine or initiates another effort, including military invasion, that undermines the sovereignty of Ukraine after any such peace agreement is potentially reached. The legislation also imposes a 500 percent tariff on imported goods from countries that buy Russian oil, gas, uranium, and other products.

    Durbin began his floor speech by reminding his colleagues that instead of ending the war in Ukraine, President Trump has alienated and bullied our allies around the world with Russia still raining death and destruction upon Ukraine. 

    “Anyone here remember how Donald Trump promised to end Russia’s war on Ukraine in one day if he was elected? That’s right, in one day. Well, we are now 73 days into his term with Russia still raining death and destruction upon the people of Ukraine. And instead of ending the war, Donald Trump has alienated and bullied our allies around the world—our allies,” Durbin said. “By turning our backs on the rest of the world, Donald Trump has undermined the promise of America as a beacon of democracy, freedom, and human rights. And all the while, Russian President Putin is laughing at us—watching with glee as America destroys its own leadership and credibility, something he could only have dreamed of in his former KGB days.”

    Durbin went on to argue that the last few months of so-called negotiations between President Trump and President Putin have led nearly nowhere and have emboldened Russia, including a supposed ceasefire, narrowly limited to stop Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure, which was followed by relentless Russian strikes on Ukrainian civilian targets, including a hospital; and a supposed deal to stop fighting in the Black Sea—a giveaway to Russia undermining Ukrainian successes there—which was manipulated to try and squeeze maximum sanctions relief from Russia.

    “Consider President Trump’s special peace envoy Steve Witkoff, a real estate tycoon from New York, who is in competition with Neville Chamberlain for the world’s most naïve appeaser. Witkoff recently told another Putin apologist, Tucker Carlson, that he liked Putin and didn’t regard him as a bad guy,” Durbin said. “The same Witkoff groveled over Putin’s obviously manipulative portrait gift to Trump and he said those forced at gunpoint in occupied eastern Ukraine to vote in a sham referendum actually really wanted to be part of Russia. He’s buying the Kremlin talking points.”

    Durbin concluded, “But as the President negotiates away Ukraine’s freedom and America’s credibility, Congress has an obligation and a Constitutional responsibility to act. So, I am glad this week that dozens of my colleagues from both sides of the aisle introduced legislation to make it clear to Russia that broad sanctions will be imposed if Russia does not negotiate in good faith and end this war soon. We owe Ukraine—and we certainly owe our own country—nothing less.”

    Video of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.

    Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.

    Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations.

    Last month, Durbin asked for unanimous consent (UC) to pass a simple resolution he introduced condemning Russia’s abduction of Ukrainian children and called on Russia to work with the international community to return all abducted Ukrainian children to their families. Senate Republicans rejected Durbin’s UC request.

    In February, Durbin introduced the Protecting our Guests During Hostilities in Ukraine Act, legislation that would provide temporary guest status to Ukrainians and their immediate family members who are already in the United States through the “Uniting for Ukraine” parole process. The bill allows Ukrainians to stay and work in the U.S. until the Secretary of State determines that hostilities in Ukraine have ceased and it is safe for them to return.

    In February, Durbin also joined U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and others in leading a simple resolution that expresses continued solidarity with the people of Ukraine and condolences for the loss of thousands of lives to Russian aggression; rejects Russia’s attempts to militarily seize sovereign Ukrainian territory; reaffirms U.S. support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine; and states unequivocally that Ukraine must be at the table for negotiations on its future.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Welch Probe AI Chatbot Apps on Safeguards for Children

    US Senate News:

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

    Senators: “In light of recent reports of self-harm associated with this emerging application category… policymakers, parents, and their kids deserve to know what your companies are doing to protect users.”

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), co-founder of the bipartisan Senate Mental Health Caucus, and Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) are raising concerns regarding the mental health and safety risks posed to children using character- and persona-based AI chatbot and companion apps that have surged in popularity in recent years. In letters to the CEOs of three leading AI chatbot companies, Character.AI (C.AI), Chai, and Replika, the Senators are pushing the companies to ensure their products do not contribute to self-harm or suicide of young users.

    The letters come after recent reports have tied self-harm to use of these AI chatbot applications, including the tragic suicide of a 14-year-old boy in Florida who had extensive interactions with C.AI’s chatbot in the lead up to his death, resulting in multiple lawsuits. Since 2023, at least two individuals have died by suicide following extensive conversations with AI chatbots. Chai and Replika have also recently been named in consumer protection complaints, highlighting the safety risks of these products. C.AI recently announced new safety features, and Chai added crisis-intervention features, but the reliability of these systems is unclear.

    “The synthetic attention users receive from these chatbots (e.g., streams of expressive messages, sycophantic and agreeable responses, AI-generated selfies, and convincing voice calls) can, and has already, led to dangerous levels of attachment and unearned trust stemming from perceived social intimacy,” wrote the Senators.

    “This unearned trust can, and has already, led users to disclose sensitive information about their mood, interpersonal relationships, or mental health, which may involve self-harm and suicidal ideation—complex themes that the AI chatbots on your products are wholly unqualified to discuss,” continued the Senators. “Therefore, it is critical to understand how these models are trained to respond to conversations about mental health.”

    The Senators concluded by asking for information on the implementation, adoption, and efficacy of safety measures, including the data used to train their models and the treatment of strategic personnel involved in these efforts.

    “Given that young people are accessing your products—where the average user spends approximately 60-90 minutes per day interacting with these AI chatbots—policymakers, parents, and their kids deserve to know what your companies are doing to protect users from these known risks,” concluded the Senators.

    Earlier this year, Senator Padilla raised concerns about the safety of this emerging consumer product category during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, noting that AI chatbots have exposed kids to suggestive, sexual, or otherwise age-inappropriate themes.

    Full text of the letters to Character.AI, Chai, and Replika are available here, here, and here, respectively.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Tillis Introduce Legislation to Restore FEMA’s Status as an Independent, Cabinet-Level Agency

    US Senate News:

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

    Padilla, Tillis Introduce Legislation to Restore FEMA’s Status as an Independent, Cabinet-Level Agency

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) introduced the FEMA Independence Act, bipartisan legislation to restore the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as an independent, cabinet-level agency and improve efficiency in federal emergency response efforts.

    The bill would remove FEMA from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and instead have the agency report directly to the president. It would also stipulate that FEMA’s Senate-confirmed leader must have “a demonstrated ability in and knowledge of emergency management and homeland security” across the public and private sectors.

    “Americans depend on FEMA for support when disaster strikes. As states like California and North Carolina continue to recover from devastating natural disasters, it’s more important than ever that we strengthen and protect FEMA’s lifesaving work,” said Senator Padilla. “That starts with restoring to FEMA the independence it needs by making it a cabinet-level agency, separate from the Department of Homeland Security’s competing priorities and bureaucracy. It certainly does not mean shutting it down and turning our backs on our neighbors facing unimaginable loss.”

    “This commonsense, bipartisan bill will help cut red tape and save lives by separating FEMA from the Department of Homeland Security and restoring its status as an independent, cabinet-level agency,” said Senator Tillis. “With the recent devastation caused by Helene in Western North Carolina, the need for this legislation is more urgent than ever. We must pass this bipartisan legislation to help those who are suffering and get FEMA working again for those in need.”

    From its activation in 1979 until the Homeland Security Act of 2002, FEMA lived within the federal government as an independent agency under the White House. The Department of Homeland Security absorbed it in 2003, even as then-Director Michael Brown warned that doing so would “sever FEMA from its core functions.”

    FEMA currently sits within DHS along with almost 20 other incorporated agencies, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Transportation Security Administration, the U.S. Coast Guard, and more. Under the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006, its Administrator was named the principal advisor to the President of the United States for all matters related to emergency management.

    In the aftermath of the devastating Los Angeles fires, Senator Padilla has introduced 10 bills to help prevent and respond to future disasters. In February, Padilla introduced bipartisan legislation to create a national Wildfire Intelligence Center to streamline federal response and create a whole-of-government approach to combat wildfires. He also announced a package of three bipartisan bills to bolster fire resilience and proactive mitigation efforts, including the Wildfire Emergency Act, the Fire-Safe Electrical Corridors Act, and the Disaster Mitigation and Tax Parity Act. In January, Padilla introduced another suite of bipartisan bills to strengthen wildfire recovery and resilience, including the Wildland Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act, the Fire Suppression and Response Funding Assurance Act, and the Disaster Housing Reform for American Families Act.

    Full text of the bill is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –