NewzIntel.com

Category: US Senate

  • MIL-OSI USA: Statement of U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner on Trump Tariffs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) issued the following statement on the widespread tariffs announced by Donald Trump today:
    “These tariffs are nothing more than an enormous tax hike on American consumers, who will soon be left footing the bill as they pay more for groceries, electronics, clothes, and cars. Tariffs should be targeted wisely, not applied to practically all goods in a way that eliminates jobs, alienates our closest partners, and evaporates the retirement savings of hardworking Americans. I look forward to a vote tonight on our Senate resolution to remove misguided tariffs against Canada and take a strong first step towards reasserting Congressional authority over trade policy.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy Announces $32.4 Million for Hurricanes Ida, Laura Relief 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy

    Grant Awarded
    Recipient
    Project Description
    $1,515,421.77
    Lake Charles Harbor and Terminal District
    This grant will provide federal funding for equipment replacement at Hewitt-Robbins Ship Loader #1 damaged by Hurricane Laura.
    $1,725,740.10
    West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital
    This grant will provide federal funding for permanent repairs to hospital buildings damaged by Hurricane Laura.
    $6,209,552.39
    Terrebonne Parish School Board
    This grant will provide federal funding for management costs associated with recovery projects following Hurricane Ida.
    $1,312,558.39
    Orleans Levee District Non-Flood Protection Asset Management Authority
    This grant will provide federal funding for permanent repairs to South Shore Harbor facilities damaged by Hurricane Ida.
    $13,358,873.33
    St. John the Baptist Parish
    This grant will provide federal funding for debris removal operations following Hurricane Laura.
    $1,562,359.50
    Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development
    This grant will provide federal funding for debris removal operations following Hurricane Ida.
    $5,286,570.30
    Terrebonne Parish School Board
    This grant will provide federal funding for repair costs resulting from Hurricane Ida.
    $1,415,716.20
    Jefferson Parish School Board
    This grant will provide federal funding for repair costs resulting from Hurricane Ida.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cramer Questions Secretary of Transportation on One Federal Decision, Formula Funding

    US Senate News:

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

    ***Click here to download video. Click here for audio.***

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee held a hearing today, officially kicking off the process for development of the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill. U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Sean Duffy testified before the committee, providing input on the Trump Administration’s priorities. Prior to his service as Secretary of Transportation, Duffy represented Wisconsin’s 7th district in the U.S. House of Representatives.

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    U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), chair of the Senate EPW Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure, questioned Duffy on the One Federal Decision framework from the first Trump administration. One Federal Decision, which was championed by Cramer and later included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), was designed to streamline the burdensome permitting process by setting deadlines and reducing duplicative reviews, allowing infrastructure projects to be built more expeditiously.

    “One of the things we did put in the current bill is codifying the One Federal Decision rule of the first Trump administration, and yet I haven’t seen a great application of that for the last four years in the permitting of a lot of these projects either,” asked Cramer.

    “We do have to streamline the process even further with One Federal Decision taking the full meaning of the legislation in the language,” responded Duffy.

    Cramer then discussed the importance of providing highway funds to States through a set formula so money is not funneled to just population hubs, an approach he worked to maintain in the BIL. He expressed support for EPW Committee Chairman Shelley Moore Capito’s (R-WV) emphasis on continuing this trusted approach in the reauthorization bill, which ensures states have consistent funding and flexibility to meet their constituents needs. Cramer also highlighted the vital role of infrastructure in rural states, which facilitates the movement of people and goods across the county. He noted without well-maintained routes like I-94, durum wheat from North Dakota would never become pasta in New York.

    “I know the political realities of it as well, but I would just be interested in you, coming from the middle of America in a pretty rural district, if you could just elaborate maybe a little bit on that commitment to formula funding in in the next bill as well, helping people understand formula funding recognizes that the miles of road are just about as important as how many people are in any particular mile of that road?” asked Cramer.

    “We can’t focus on urban centers, and forget rural America,” answered Duffy. “Making sure that again, a lot of products come from the places where we live and they might move from roads to trains to ships, but making sure that there’s a complete view of infrastructure is incredibly important. And I would share the view of this committee, I think that we have to have a holistic view of how we build out infrastructure.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst Demands Answers After Whistleblowers Accuse Management of Shocking Waste at Watchdog Agency

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)

    WASHINGTON – After whistleblowers asserted the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Office of Inspector General (OIG) leadership made a series of wasteful and ill-advised financial decisions, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) is demanding answers from the watchdog agency.
    The allegations range from using federal funds for personal vacations under the guise of work trips, sweeping locality pay abuse, and even that a manager routinely used a “mouse-jiggler” to fake the appearance of work.
    “As the following allegations illustrate, under then-Deputy Inspector General Tyler Smith’s guidance, the distinction between ‘growth’ and reckless spending appears increasingly blurred. Moreover, a series of wasteful and ill-advised financial decisions allegedly have placed your agency in a dire financial position, leading to decisions that reportedly have hindered its core investigative function,” wrote Ernst.
    Click here to view the letter.
    Background:
    Ernst has doggedly investigated allegations of wrongdoing at the FDIC, the agency the FDIC OIG is tasked with conducting oversight of, and was one of the first senators to call for FDIC Chair Martin Gruenberg’s resignation following reports of sexual harassment and discrimination at the agency.
    In November 2023, she followed up by conducting critical oversight of this behavior at the FDIC and demanding any evidence of criminal wrongdoing by agency employees be turned over to the Department of Justice and local law enforcement for potential prosecution.
    After a third-party investigation into the FDIC’s workplace culture, Ernst called for real consequences and the Department of Justice to investigate the agency from top to bottom. Even after this report, the Biden administration refused to immediately remove FDIC Chair Gruenberg.
    In April 2024, Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP (Cleary Gottlieb), the firm hired to investigate FDIC’s workplace issues, released its report documenting over 500 allegations of harassment and other egregious behavior and revealed one in ten FDIC employees reported some form of misconduct.
    However, Cleary Gottlieb was precluded from directly investigating claims of misconduct to hold perpetrators accountable, instead focusing on policies and shortfalls giving rise to the culture. In November 2024, Ernst demanded that the FDIC investigate the more than 500 allegations of misconduct and harassment.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Small Business Committee Advances Pair of SBA Nominees

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)

    Published: April 2, 2025

    Nominees will be vital in making the small business economy great again.

    WASHINGTON – Today, under Chair Joni Ernst’s (R-Iowa) leadership, the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship advanced the nominations of William Briggs to serve as Deputy Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) and Casey Mulligan to serve as Chief Counsel for Advocacy.
    During their nomination hearing, Chair Ernst touted the pair of nominees and the vital role they will play in executing Administrator Kelly Loeffler’s bold new vision for the SBA.
    “Administrator Loeffler has been working hard to return the agency to its core mission of serving Main Street,” said Chair Ernst. “From getting bureaucrats back to work to tracking down COVID fraudsters and strengthening key programs, the work is just beginning. Mr. Briggs and Dr. Mulligan will continue to restore strong leadership at the SBA and make the small business economy great again!”
    Ernst has led the charge on many of the reforms the Trump SBA is carrying out including:

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cotton, Colleagues: Allow Fish Farmers to Protect Ponds from Predatory Birds

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas Tom Cotton

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    Contact: Caroline Tabler or Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353
    April 2, 2025

    Cotton, Colleagues: Allow Fish Farmers to Protect Ponds from Predatory Birds

    Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today reintroduced the Cormorant Relief Act, legislation that would fully restore the ability of catfish farmers and other aquaculture producers to cull predatory double-crested cormorant populations. The legislation would restore U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regulations to allow producers to fight the cormorants, which threaten the livelihoods of aquaculture operations in Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, and other states.

    Senators Katie Britt (R-Alabama), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi), Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama), and Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi) are cosponsoring the legislation. Congressman Mike Ezell (Mississippi-04) is leading companion legislation in the House. 

    “Double-crested cormorants pose a significant threat to Arkansas’s fish farmers, but unnecessary regulation currently prevents them from taking additional steps to protect their ponds. Our bill would once again give fish farmers the ability to adequately defend their fish populations from the birds that are eating into their bottom line,” said Senator Cotton. 

    “Every year, Alabama’s catfish farmers battle predatory double-crested cormorants in addition to the high input costs and overreaching regulations experienced by our entire agriculture industry. This commonsense bill allows our aquaculture producers the ability to better manage these cormorants that cause millions of dollars of losses year after year. Catfish is a vital part of our state’s economy, and I will always support our hardworking farmers and processors,” said Senator Britt.

    “Mississippi catfish producers battle every day just to break even, something that is made harder because of the vast flocks of cormorants feasting at their ponds.  The immediate losses due to bird predation, combined with subsequent losses due to disease, cost the aquaculture industry millions of dollars annually.  It is essential that we allow producers to do more to protect their crops from bird predation, which is what this legislation will accomplish,” said Senator Hyde-Smith.

    “Alabama is the number two state in American catfish production, raising one-third of the world’s catfish,” said Senator Tuberville. “As a former catfish restaurant owner, I know firsthand how critical catfish are to our economy. America’s catfish farmers should be able to protect their livelihoods against these invasive birds without fear of repercussions from the federal government. It is important that we put our American catfish farmers first!”

    “Cormorant overpopulation is hurting fish populations and threatening industries that depend on healthy fisheries,” Congressman Ezell said. “This bipartisan bill gives Mississippians the ability to manage these predatory birds and keep our aquaculture industry protected. Protecting our fisheries is key to supporting local economies and farmers, and I’m proud to work with those leading this effort.”

    Text of the legislation may be found here.

    This legislation is supported by the National Aquaculture Association and the Catfish Farmers of America.

    Background:

    • The double-crested cormorant is a large water bird that feeds primarily on fish, consuming approximately a pound of fish per day. The cormorant population in North America has been increasing for decades as they have no natural predators and a growing prey base. As a result, these birds cause millions of dollars in losses across the aquaculture industry each year. 
    • From 1998 to 2016, an Aquaculture Depredation Order existed allowing aquaculture producers to take double-crested cormorants committing or about to commit depredation of aquaculture stocks. However, a lawsuit brought against the Fish and Wildlife Service challenged the Aquaculture Depredation Order renewal and in 2016 the order was vacated. Currently, aquaculture facilities must pursue individual depredation permits, which impose constraints on farmers and prevent them from adequately protecting their fish against this avian predator.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cotton, Colleagues Introduce Stephen Hacala Poppy Seed Safety Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas Tom Cotton

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    Contact: Caroline Tabler or Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353
    April 2, 2025

    Cotton, Colleagues Introduce Stephen Hacala Poppy Seed Safety Act

    Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), along with Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut) and John Boozman (R-Arkansas), today introduced the Stephen Hacala Poppy Seed Safety Act. The legislation would prohibit the sale of poppy seeds that contain a harmful level of opiates and require the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to issue regulations that establish a maximum level of contamination.

    Congressman Steve Womack (Arkansas-03) is leading companion legislation in the House. Representatives Rick Crawford (Arkansas-01), Rosa DeLauro (Connecticut-03), French Hill (Arkansas-02), and Bruce Westerman (Arkansas-04) are cosponsoring the legislation in the House.

    “Stephen Hacala, Jr. died from an opioid overdose because of a dangerous gap in our nation’s drug laws. Despite government warnings, unwashed poppy seeds, which can contain lethal doses of morphine, are still entering our food supply. It’s time for the FDA to act so that no other families experience the pain the Hacala family has endured,” said Senator Cotton. 

    “This measure would close loopholes that have allowed dangerous and deadly opiates to be sold online. Unwashed poppy seeds available for sale online can contain deadly levels of morphine and have killed tens of Americans. Our bill would ensure stricter FDA regulations and prohibit unwashed poppy seeds from being sold to unwitting consumers,” said Senator Blumenthal.

    “The sale of unwashed poppy seeds is a threat to the safety of Arkansans and all Americans. This legislation honors Stephen Hacala Jr.’s memory by protecting other consumers from falling victim to dangerous, toxin-laced poppy seeds sold online and families from experiencing the loss of a loved one from similar circumstances,” said Senator Boozman.

    “I am proud to join my Arkansas colleagues in supporting this legislation and I hope it makes the changes necessary to protect individuals in the future from harm,” said Congressman Crawford. 

    “Because of negligent practices among poppy seed distributors, the Hacala family now grieves the loss of a loved one. Congress must act to ensure that the Food and Drug Administration issues the appropriate regulations to correctly warn the public on the level of opiates that could be consumed through contaminated poppy seeds. I’m proud to support this legislation alongside my fellow Arkansans and House Republicans to prevent other families from enduring the same loss the Hacala family is unfortunately all too familiar with,” said Congressman Westerman.

    “The Hacala family of Rogers tragically lost their son, Stephen, because lethal substances find their way into our food supply through contaminated poppy seeds. In Stephen’s memory, my colleagues and I have created a solution to close an FDA loophole and ensure that only safe products are available for consumption. This bill can save lives and prevent another family from experiencing an unimaginable loss like the Hacalas,” said Congressman Womack.

    Text of the legislation may be found here.

    Background:

    • While most poppy seeds are harmless, some manufacturers sell seeds laced with morphine at a cost far higher than normal seeds. These seeds can contain more than 20 times the therapeutic dosage of morphine.
    • On April 3, 2016, Stephen Hacala of Fayetteville, Arkansas, died from morphine intoxication caused by morphine-laced poppy seeds purchased from Amazon. As many as 20 other Americans reportedly have died from overdoses caused by morphine-laced poppy seeds sold directly to consumers.
    • A research team led by Dr. Madeleine Swortwood, assistant professor of forensic science at Sam Houston State University, studied the morphine content in different bags of poppy seeds. The researchers found that some bags of poppy seeds contained morphine levels many times higher than a fatal dose.
    • In February 2023, the Department of Defense warned service members to avoid poppy seed products due to contamination and risk of failing drug tests.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lee Introduces SHIELD-U and Drone Integration and Zoning Acts for 119th Congress

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Utah Mike Lee

    Legislation will empower state and local law enforcement to protect Americans from drone threats

     

    WASHINGTON – Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) today introduced the Stopping Harmful Incidents to Enforce Lawful Drone Use (SHIELD-U) Act and the Drone Integration and Zoning Act to equip state and local law enforcement with the authority needed to protect their citizens and communities from drone threats.

    “State and local law enforcement agencies cannot ensure the safety of their communities when the federal government restricts their ability to respond to active drone threats,” said Sen. Lee. “Rather than waiting on the federal government, which often lacks the resources and capital to respond to threats effectively, this bill grants local authorities the latitude to quickly identify and mitigate threats.”

    BACKGROUND

    These bills equip state and local law enforcement with the authority needed to protect their citizens, communities, and airports from drone threats.

    The current regulatory environment stifles state and local governments’ ability to mitigate drone threats. The FAA currently regulates “navigable airspace” which is defined as “above the minimum altitudes of flight” which is typically 500 ft. However, the FAA has taken some liberties in recent years and stated that minimum altitudes of flight for drones is above a blade of grass. 

    Congress has exclusively granted limited authority to detect and takedown a drone only to the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice, and Department of Energy. According to a Blue Ribbon Task Force Report commissioned by the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) and Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA) one challenge in meeting current drone threats is the federal government’s lack of human resources or capital to invest in and operate counter drone technology at airports. When considered beyond an airport environment, the challenge becomes even greater, because federal law does not permit state or local law enforcement to mitigate a drone threat. 

    The SHIELD-U and Drone Integration and Zoning Acts provide essential tools for state and local law enforcement to address the growing drone threats that federal regulations have failed to adequately manage. By empowering local authorities, these bills ensure that communities and airports have the resources needed to safeguard their citizens and infrastructure from potential harm. With the increasing prevalence of drone-related incidents, it is vital to enable local enforcement to act swiftly and effectively in protecting public safety.

    You can read the text of the SHIELD-U Act HERE.

    You can read the text of the Drone Integration and Zoning Act HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Mullin, Padilla, Tillis Introduce the Ensuring Access to Specialty Care Everywhere Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator MarkWayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma)

    Mullin, Padilla, Tillis Introduce the Ensuring Access to Specialty Care Everywhere Act

    Washington, D.C. – Today,U.S. Senators Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Thom Tillis (R-NC) introduced the Ensuring Access to Specialty Care Everywhere (EASE) Act, legislation that will increase access to specialty care for rural and underserved Medicare, Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) patients.  

    The U.S. House companion of this bipartisan bill was introduced by Reps. Jodey Arrington (R-TX) and Andrea Salinas (D-OR). 

    “Rural communities are disproportionately impacted by clinician shortages, an aging population, and transportation hurdles, which decrease individuals’ access to specialty care,” said Senator Mullin. “Harnessing the power of telehealth will address these needs and increase access to quality health care, of which many patients are in desperate need. I am glad to join my colleagues in reintroducing this bill to ensure access to quality health care regardless of a patients’ zip code.” 

    “Everyone deserves access to quality, efficient health care. However, people in rural communities often face unacceptable barriers to care, including unsustainably high wait times and impossibly long drives to connect with specialists,” said Senator Padilla. “Our bipartisan EASE Act would expand telehealth capabilities so rural communities can access specialty care, allowing for earlier intervention and reducing unnecessary emergency visits.” 

    “Telehealth has become an invaluable tool in increasing access to quality care for all Americans,” said Senator Tillis. “However, too many individuals in rural and underserved communities still face serious challenges in accessing specialty care, which results in worse outcomes and higher costs. This legislation leverages technology to create a virtual specialty network to ensure everyone – regardless of location – receives the necessary care when and where they need it.” 

    “The National Rural Health Association applauds Senators Mullin and Padilla and Representatives Arrington, Salinas, and LaHood and for the introduction of the EASE Act. A shortage of health care providers in rural areas means that patients can often have long wait times and challenges accessing needed specialty care. The EASE Act is an innovative piece of legislation that would leverage virtual technologies to reduce wait times, overcome geographic barriers, and improve care for rural Americans,”  Alan Morgan, National Rural Health Association.

    “We need to rethink how we ensure Rural America’s access to specialty care. The EASE Act is an innovative and cost-effective way to provide reliable and integrated access to specialists. OCHIN applauds Senators Mullin and Padilla for championing bi-partisan solutions that will redesign how high-quality care is delivered,” Jennifer Stoll, Chief External Affairs Officer at OCHIN. 

    The EASE Act is supported by the following groups: National Rural Health Association, America’s Health Centers (AHC), National Association of Community Health Centers, City of Hope Cancer Centers, American Podiatric Medical Association, Society of Interventional Radiology, Lupus and Allied Diseases Association, ATA Action, National Association of Rural Health Clinics, American Alliance of Orthopedic Executives, and LIBRE. 

    Read more about the EASE Act in the Washington Examiner.  

    Full text of the legislation can be found here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Votes to Undo Tariffs on Canada, Reassert Congress’s Authority Over Trade Policy

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    Welch slams Trump’s trade war on the Senate Floor: “These tariffs will be a dagger in the heart of the Vermont economy.”
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Tonight, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance and Senate Agriculture Committees, voted to end President Trump’s reckless tariffs on Canadian imports—a tax on Vermont businesses and manufactures, farmers, and families. The vote comes on the same day President Trump imposed new global tariffs, throwing the economy into chaos.  
    “These tariffs on Canada are terrible for Vermont’s economy, arbitrary, and frankly—really stupid. President Trump’s trade war has raised prices for working families across the country and eroded trust between our neighbor and best ally in trade. I voted to end these reckless tariffs and reassert Congress’s power over trade policy,” said Senator Peter Welch after the vote. 
    Before voting, Senator Welch took to the Senate Floor to denounce President Trump’s announcement of new, blanket tariffs, which will devastate Vermont and the global economy. The Senator’s remarks followed a press conference earlier today where Senator Welch described President Trump’s trade policy as “Totally bad. Totally wrong. Doomed.” 
    “I want to talk about how these tariffs will be a dagger in the heart of the Vermont economy. The question for this institution is will we, as the United States Senate, accept the responsibility that each and every one of us, as Senators, has to stand up for the independent authority and responsibility of this institution?” asked Senator Welch from the Senate Floor.  
    “…What I’m seeing is a lawless rampage on the part of the Executive, being accommodated by an appeasing Congress, not standing up for its authority in many different areas…A couple decades ago this Congress gave, and delegated, some authority to the President in a national emergency to impose tariffs. That authority was given with the expectation, and rightly so in a mutually respectful civil society, that a President would use it for the intended purpose and with restraint. Whether it was Republican or Democrat…” Welch continued. “What President Trump has done is run roughshod over that, showing no restraint and using that delegation of authority, not for a national emergency, but for whatever his latest policy idea is and whatever leverage he wants to extract. We cannot allow that to happen and maintain the separation of powers that is so fundamental to the long-term well-being of our country. Senator Kaine is absolutely right. This is not a partisan question, it’s an institutional question: Do we see our role—do we see our responsibility—for maintaining that system of checks and balances? I do. That’s the heart of this matter.”
    In his remarks from the Senate Floor, Senator Welch shared the concerns of impacted Vermonters, including farmers, food banks, manufactures, construction companies and homebuilders, maple sugar makers, and more.  
    Watch his full remarks here:  
    Earlier today, Senator Welch joined Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) to slam the Administration’s trade war: 
    “Nobody supports tariffs economically. Economists have looked at this and they don’t work, and they do a lot of hurt…. We have an affordability crisis in this country. Working families are struggling to pay their bills. And just in Vermont—to make it very concrete—we get a lot of our electricity from Canada. We get a lot of our gasoline—on the northern part of Vermont—from Canada. We get our home heating fuel from Canada. And those bills for folks are going to go up immediately,” Senator Welch said. 
    “Canada is our friend. It’s not China. And along the border, where we have decades and decades of mutual respect, that’s starting to change—into distrust. And a confident country treats its allies with respect, and these tariffs are going to do direct and immediate economic harm to everyday Vermont families and farmers, maple sugar producers. But it’s also going to start eroding the trust that is the benefit of good relations over time…Totally bad. Totally wrong. Doomed. And the only question is: How much pain will he inflict on everyday Vermonters before he comes to his senses and withdraws this tariff policy?” Senator Welch concluded.
    View the livestream here:  
    Background on S.J.Res. 37 and the Trade War: 
    The bipartisan joint resolution of disapproval, cosponsored by Welch and led by Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.), would terminate President Trump’s February 1st emergency declaration used to launch the trade war with Canada and eliminate the tariffs on Canadian imports. President Trump’s order cites the International Economic Emergency Powers Act (IEEPA), an unprecedented use of IEEPA in its nearly half-century history.   
    Senator Welch has blasted Trump’s tariffs and trade war and shared stories from constituents about how President Trump’s economic policies have impacted their businesses, farms, and communities. Recently, Senator Welch hosted a roundtable in Newport with Vermont and Canadian business leaders to discuss President Trump’s Trade War. He has also held events in St. Albans and virtually to hear directly from impacted Vermonters. 
    Canada is the largest trading partner for 34 U.S. states, including Vermont. In 2024 alone, trade with Canada accounted for 35% of Vermont’s exports, 67% of imports, and 56% of its total trade. One in four businesses in Vermont relies on trade with Canada.   
    In many cases, Vermont manufacturers buy imports from Canada to manufacture products. Tariffs on Canada threaten business closures and job layoffs, higher homebuilding costs, increased grain costs for farmers, and more expensive equipment for maple producers—among other costs that will get passed on to working families. 
    A new poll from AP-NORC found that a majority of voters—60%—disapprove of the president’s handling of trade negotiations, and 58% disapprove of his handling of the economy. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Schatz Leads Resolution Highlighting Importance Of Local News Amid Threats To Free Press

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Hawaii Brian Schatz
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) led a group of 16 senators in introducing a resolution designating April 2025 as “Preserving and Protecting Local News Month.” The resolution underscores the vital role of local journalism in American democracy, especially as the First Amendment faces mounting threats from the Trump administration.
    “Americans rely on local news to stay informed about their communities and hold leaders accountable,” said Senator Schatz. “At a time when the free press is under attack — including from the current White House — it’s more important than ever to stand up for local journalism and the essential public service it provides.”
    Overall employment in newspaper, television, radio, and digital newsrooms in the United States fell by roughly 26 percent, or 30,000 jobs, from 2008-2020. Schatz’s resolution affirms the significance of local news in increasing civic engagement and strengthening democratic norms and practices, and it recognizes the invaluable contributions of local journalists in maintaining healthy and vibrant communities.
    The resolution is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.).
    The resolution has been endorsed by PEN America.
    “In an age defined by rampant falsehoods and receding civic trust, robust local journalism that informs and empowers communities is a prerequisite for renewing American democracy,” said Hadar Harris, Managing Director of PEN America Washington. “Congressional attention to the local news crisis helps shine a spotlight on why local news is so important. PEN America lauds Senator Schatz’s resolution, which reaffirms the role local news must play in our society as an essential and widely accessible public good.”
    Schatz has led efforts in the Senate to strengthen local news, previously introducing the Future of Local News Act, legislation that would create a committee to study the state of local journalism and offer recommendations to Congress on the actions it can take to best support local news organizations.
    The full text of the resolution is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Markey Joins Senate Democratic Caucus in Letter Demanding Trump Rescind Illegal Executive Order Threatening Federal Employee Collective Bargaining Agreements

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
    Washington (April 2, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) today joined Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) along with Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and 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).
    Senator Van Hollen, Democratic Leader Schumer, and Senators Alsobrooks, Warner, and Kaine 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.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), 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.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), 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.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warren, Schumer, Hirono Open Investigation into DOGE’s AI Chatbot Plan to Replace Education Department Call Centers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    April 02, 2025

    Warren, Schumer, Hirono Open Investigation into DOGE’s AI Chatbot Plan to Replace Education Department Call Centers 

    This comes as Senator Warren launches Save Our Schools campaign

    “Given DOGE’s record of prioritizing chaos over competence, there is little reason to believe that DOGE’s AI chatbot would genuinely serve the needs of borrowers and families.”

    Text of Letter (PDF)

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), along with Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), sent a letter to Secretary of Education Linda McMahon regarding the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) proposed plan to replace the Department of Education’s (ED or the Department) federal student aid call centers with generative artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots.

    “DOGE’s proposal threatens to misinform borrowers and families, lead to data privacy breaches, and pose conflicts of interest arising from Elon Musk’s financial stake in AI development,” wrote the senators.

    Given that generative AI chatbots, such as Chat-GPT and Gemini, are known to “hallucinate” convincing but factually incorrect information, the senators raised concerns that a generative AI student aid chatbot could provide inaccurate information that, among other problems, could lead borrowers to enroll in a student loan repayment plan that is inappropriate for their financial situation, mislead students about their Pell Grant eligibility, or provide incorrect advice on how to interpret colleges’ financial aid offers or misinform families on how to fill out the FAFSA. 

    According to the senators, DOGE’s proposal also raises concerns regarding the privacy of students, families, and borrowers. Experts warn that if sensitive data is not properly safeguarded, generative AI chatbots could inadvertently leak personal data during interactions with users or even leave that data vulnerable to cybercriminals. The AI chatbot’s conversations with users would constitute yet another stream of government data that Mr. Musk could use to gain a competitive advantage for xAI.

    “Given DOGE’s record of prioritizing chaos over competence, there is little reason to believe that DOGE’s AI chatbot would genuinely serve the needs of borrowers and families,” wrote the senators.

    The senators demand a response from Secretary McMahon regarding their concerns by April 15, 2025. This letter comes on the same day that Senator Warren launches her Save Our Schools campaign to fight back against the Trump Administration’s efforts to dismantle the Department of Education and highlight the consequences for every student and public school in America.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Statement on the GOP Budget: “It will damage our economy and hurt kids and seniors.”

    US Senate News:

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

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) released the following statement on Senate Republicans’ budget: 
    “This budget is totally irresponsible—it will damage our economy and hurt kids and seniors. President Trump and Senate Republicans are forcing a reckless budget that will cut the services and programs Americans rely on to finance over $4 trillion of tax cuts for Elon Musk and their billionaire friends.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Reverend Warnock Issues Statement on Potential Harm President Trump’s Reckless Tariffs Will put on Price of Groceries, Everyday Goods

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia

    Senator Reverend Warnock Issues Statement on Potential Harm President Trump’s Reckless Tariffs Will put on Price of Groceries, Everyday Goods

    Today, President Trump announced the rollout of a sweeping set of tariffs that will raise the cost of everyday goods for ordinary Georgians

    The tariffs will increase costs on many consumer purchases, including cars and groceries, and risk the loss of Georgia manufacturing jobs

    Today’s announcement will directly harm Georgia’s agriculture and manufacturing sectors

    Senator Reverend Warnock is the Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Subcommittee on International Trade, Customs, and Global Competitiveness

    Senator Reverend Warnock: “Today’s tariffs announcement won’t make Georgians’ lives easier or more affordable, but instead will make life more expensive”

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), ranking member of the Senate Finance Subcommittee on International Trade, Customs, and Global Competitiveness, issued the following statement after President Trump rolled out a sweeping set of tariffs that raise the prices of everyday goods, like groceries.

    “I was sent to the Senate to advocate on behalf of Georgians from across the state, to help bring down their everyday costs, to fight to protect their jobs, and to help more people afford things like a car and a home.”

    “Today’s tariffs announcement won’t make Georgians’ lives easier or more affordable, but instead will make life more expensive.”

    “The chaos of these tariffs will raise the prices of cars, groceries, housing, and so much more, all while putting American farmers, the backbone of our state’s economy, in the middle of an international trade war that will only lead to reduced access to foreign markets and even shuttered farms.”

    “Tariffs can be a good tool to protect American jobs and force other nations to play by the rules. But when they are imposed in such an unpredictable, chaotic, and sweeping manner, it is the average American who will bear the brunt in the fallout of these actions.”

    “I will continue to fight back on any actions that put Georgia and American families in overwhelmingly burdensome financial situations. These tariffs won’t help anybody and will wreck our economy.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Reverend Warnock Brings GA Seniors’ Concerns Directly to Social Security Admin Nominee, Uplifts Hundreds of Stories from Georgians

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia

    Senator Reverend Warnock Brings GA Seniors’ Concerns Directly to Social Security Admin Nominee, Uplifts Hundreds of Stories from Georgians

    Senator Reverend Warnock collected and submitted over 250 questions from Georgians to Social Security Administration (SSA) nominee Frank Bisignano about how he would protect Social Security if confirmed

    The questions were compiled from over 500 stories sent in from Georgia seniors and family members who are deeply worried about the future of Social Security

    Bisignano is required to answer questions before his final confirmation vote out of the Senate Finance Committee

    Last week, Senator Reverend Warnock questioned Bisignano during his confirmation hearing in front of the Senate Finance Committee

    Senator Reverend Warnock: “Georgians had questions about the Trump administration’s overall disdain and callousness toward people who depend on their social security benefits to live”

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) submitted over 250 questions from concerned Georgians to Social Security Administration (SSA) nominee Frank Bisignano to answer following his confirmation hearing before the Senate Finance Committee. The 261 questions were pulled from over 500 responses from Georgia seniors and family members who have concerns about the future of social security in the state.

    “Georgians asked about this nominee’s plans to ensure their benefits are not disrupted by DOGE. They asked about Elon Musk accessing their personal data. They asked about disability wait times and approval backlogs. But by far most Georgians had questions about the Trump administration’s overall disdain and callousness toward people who depend on their social security benefits to live,” said Senator Warnock when submitting the questions for the record.

    During last week’s hearing, Senator Warnock questioned Bisignano on his commitment to keep all field offices in the state open for Georgia seniors and increase staffing at Georgia field offices. Several weeks before the hearing, SSA announced it was making access to benefits more difficult for seniors, no longer allowing individuals to apply for benefits or request a direct deposit change over the phone. These and other proposed changes at the SSA could lead to an increase of 7 million visits to field offices per year across the country, and an estimated 200,000 additional visits in Georgia alone. Senator Warnock remains committed to ensuring Georgians can easily and efficiently access their benefits that they have paid into over their lifetime. 

    Questions submitted to Bisignano are available HERE:

    Bisignano’s responses are available HERE:

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ricketts Issues Statement Following Trump Administration Tariffs Announcement

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)

    April 2, 2025

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE), issued the following statement after the Trump Administration signed an executive order instituting reciprocal tariffs on foreign nations that conduct trade with the United States:

    “President Trump is delivering on his campaign promises to level the playing field and stand up for the American people. Reciprocal tariffs will ensure equal treatment for American businesses. The President is working to reshore jobs lost overseas and secure our supply chains. He is working to open new markets for our nation’s agriculture products. He is demonstrating to foreign adversaries like China that we will no longer be taken advantage of.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray Statement on Trump Tariffs that Will Hurt WA State Businesses, Agriculture & Economy, Raise Costs on Everyone

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
    ***TODAY: Senate to vote on a resolution to reverse Trump’s tariffs on Canada—Trump’s trade war with Canada, which has resulted in severe, 25 percent retaliatory tariffs on nearly all goods, is already seriously hurting WA businesses and agriculture industry***
    Washington state is one of the most trade-dependent states in the U.S., with 40 percent of WA jobs tied to international commerce
    Senator Murray: “Trump’s refusal to accept basic economic realities or listen to the desperate pleas of American businesses, farmers, and families who can’t afford his costly tariffs is risking serious economic catastrophe and pushing our country toward a Republican recession.”
    Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, released the following statement on President Trump’s reckless and sweeping new tariffs, which are expected to go into effect later today and will raise costs, and severely harm Washington state businesses, agriculture, and our overall economy. A recent analysis found that Trump’s tariffs could raise costs on the average American household by $5,200 a year—and these price hikes on working families are coming at the very same time that Republicans are forcing through Congress massive new tax cuts for billionaires.
    The Senate will also vote today on a resolution from Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) that would reverse Trump’s tariffs on Canada by nullifying the emergency declaration issued by President Trump that underpins them. The resolution requires a simple majority to pass in the Senate and would also need to be brought up and passed in the Republican-controlled House in order to go into effect.
    “Trump’s ham-fisted, utterly pointless tariffs are a tax that families in Washington state will pay on nearly everything they buy—whether at the grocery store, the car dealership, or your neighborhood coffee shop.
    “We have all the data in the world that tells us exactly how these tariffs will hurt American businesses and push up prices—that’s not an opinion, it’s a fact. Trump and his cabinet are choosing to ignore the mountains of evidence we have that tariffs do not work and push ahead because they simply don’t care. They don’t care if small businesses have to close their doors, if farmers lose access to markets, or if prices go up—because it won’t affect Trump and his cabinet full of billionaires.
    “Trump’s trade war is an especially deep cut to farmers, fishers, and producers in Washington state—I’ve talked to so many who are absolutely furious that Trump is putting their livelihoods at risk because he cannot seem to grasp the basic fact that they actually rely on international markets to sell their goods. Trump doesn’t have a clue—and businesses in Washington state are already paying the price for his ignorance.
    “Today I will vote for Senator Kaine’s resolution to reverse Trump’s disastrous tariffs on Washington state’s largest trading partner, Canada—Trump’s trade war has already forced businesses in Washington state who rely on imported materials and business from Canada to lay off employees and close their doors, and is upending supply chains across the Pacific Northwest.
    “Trump’s refusal to accept basic economic realities or listen to the desperate pleas of American businesses, farmers, and families who can’t afford his costly tariffs is risking serious economic catastrophe and pushing our country toward a Republican recession.”
    Washington state has one of the most trade-dependent economies of any state in the country, with 40 percent of jobs tied to international commerce and approximately $60 billion in annual exports. Washington is the top U.S. producer of apples, blueberries, hops, pears, spearmint oil, and sweet cherries—all of which risk losing vital export markets due to retaliatory tariffs from key trading partners including Canada. Additionally, more than 12,000 small and medium-sized companies in Washington state export goods and will struggle to absorb the impact of retaliatory tariffs. Trump’s tariffs during his first term were extremely costly for Washington state—as one example, India imposed a 20 percent retaliatory tariff on U.S. apples, causing Washington apple shipments to India to fall by 99 percent and growers to lose hundreds of millions of dollars in exports.

    MIL OSI USA News –

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

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
    Murray, Heinrich, and colleagues: “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”
    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray, Vice Chair of the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations, and U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, led 25 Democratic senators in sending a letter to U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Christopher Wright demanding that he 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, projects, and contracts—many of which have already began construction—it is considering canceling, which would break existing agreements and  lead to job losses and reductions in the growth of new energy resources. 
    The senators detailed their serious concerns about the reports, telling Secretary Wright: “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.”
    The senators added: “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.”
    “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,” the senators continued. “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 the letter by demanding a detailed list and briefing that identifies which grants, loans, or loan guarantees Secretary Wright believes should be rescinded and why he thinks they should be rescinded.
    The full text of the letter can be found 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: Senator Marshall Joins RFD-TV to Discuss Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act and Liberation Day

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) joined Market Day Report on RFD-TV today to discuss the Senate Agriculture Committee’s hearing yesterday on his legislation, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act – a bipartisan bill that would bring back whole and reduced milk to American schools.
    Senator Marshall also discussed President Donald Trump’s Liberation Day tariffs and how the president is leveling the playing field for American workers and businesses while also fighting for long-term solutions for farmers and ranchers.

    [embedded content]

    Click HERE or on the image above to watch Senator Marshall’s interview.
    Highlights from the interview include: 
    On health benefits of consuming whole milk:
    “Growing up, my grandfather stopped by our house twice a week with whole milk from our farm… We had a generation of healthy kids. But today… 40% of our children are obese. We have a generation of children now that have not ever [drunk] much milk… They’re going to have osteoporosis, osteopenia, at a decade sooner than previous generations.
    “… Whole milk helps absorb vitamins A, D, E and K. It’s very important. There’s good fats in milk. It helps your brain health… Lots of good things about whole milk.”
    On whole milk being part of the solution to Make America Healthy Again:
    “The big movement with my MAHA moms is whole foods. I think whole milk is equally the same. Rather than breaking it down in its part, God made it whole. Let’s drink it that way. I think it’s much healthier for you, and the benefits outweigh any potential risk.
    “The problem with our diets today is about 70% of our calories come from opening a package one way or another. So that’s what we need to change as far as getting the obesity levels down in our nation. Whole milk is not the problem, whole milk is part of the solution.”
    On Liberation Day:
    “Today is liberation today, and I think about milk products. Right now, Canada has a 200% tariff on cheese and butter going into their country. I just want to remind all your listeners what happened in Trump 45 – that there was a tariff war, a trade war with China. He gave the farmers $28 billion from that tariff money. Just last week, President Trump released $10 billion of emergency economic aid for our farmers because of high input costs and low commodity prices. 
    “Our farmers trust President Trump, and just like again with Trump 45 he used those tariffs as levers to negotiate really good trade deals with Japan, with South Korea, USMCA, and China Phase One, and we’re still benefiting from those trade agreements. I think the bright spot in agriculture in Kansas anyways, of course, the cattle and beef industry, a lot of that beef is going overseas, to South Korea, to Japan, and China as well.
    “We have to give the president a little bit of leeway… This is a national security issue, we want to stop the fentanyl flowing into this country, and the president is using these tariffs as levers on Mexico, Canada, and China to say, stop making fentanyl, stop bringing it into our country.”
    On unfair trade practices harming American ranchers and farmers:
    “Every time I talk to the president, he asks me, ‘How are my farmers and ranchers doing?’ And I say, ‘Well… you know, we’re struggling.’ He says, well, ‘Tell them I love them, that I’ll take care of them.’ He realizes 90% of rural America voted for President Trump.
    “On the other hand, though, farmers and ranchers have been complaining to me since I was a boy, that there’s unfair trade practices. Again, [the] European Union [has] a 50% tariff on most agricultural products. India, 50% to 100% – they use non-tariff barriers as well. And those farmers and ranchers said, we want free and reciprocal trade agreements. We have a president now who’s out here fighting for long-term solutions for our farmers and ranchers, not just the short-term gain. So I understand, I have empathy. There’s going to be some short-term pain. We are the tip of the spear. The president knows that. He’s going to do everything he can to make it right with his farmers and ranchers. So we appreciate them hanging in there with us.
    “We’re the patriots. We are the modern-day patriots of our nation, our Republic. We are the backbone of this country. We give our country values and that agriculture is a way of life, so much more. So the president gets that. Give us a little bit of grace, and we’ll make it right.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gillibrand Slams Trump’s Massive Cuts To Food Bank Funding

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand

    Amid Sky-High Grocery Prices, Trump Is Denying Food To Hungry Families 

    New York Food Banks Receive Tens Of Millions Of Dollars’ Worth Of Food Through Now Slashed Federal Programs 

    Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand held a virtual press conference slamming the Trump administration’s massive cuts to funding for food banks.

    Last month, President Trump slashed $1 billion in federal funding used to purchase food for food banks and other organizations that provide meals, like schools and child care centers. Now, he is canceling another $500 million in already approved funding for food banks and other emergency food providers through The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). New York receives roughly $30 million through TEFAP each year in regular funding; this supplemental money would have funded additional food purchases at New York’s regional food banks and their partner soup kitchens and food pantries.

    Senator Gillibrand was joined by CEO of Hunger Free America Joel Berg. 

    “Seventy-two days into Trump’s presidency, grocery prices are still sky-high, with no sign of improvement on the horizon,” said Senator Gillibrand. “And as hungry families turn to food banks and soup kitchens for help, Trump is now slashing the funding they rely on. It’s outrageous. Programs like TEFAP have overwhelming bipartisan support. They help serve every community – rural, urban, Democratic, Republican – in every state in times of need. They are not an extraneous expense; they are an investment in healthy kids, healthy families, and healthy futures. I am calling on the Trump administration to provide answers on what plans – if any – it has to keep Americans from going hungry after these cuts, and I will be doing everything in my power to reverse them.”

    The full text of Senator Gillibrand’s letter to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins on cuts to The Emergency Food Assistance Program is available here or below.

    Dear Secretary Rollins:

    We write regarding the reported cancellation of hundreds of millions of dollars in previously approved funding for food banks and other emergency food providers through The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). A cancellation of these funds could result in $500 million in lost food provisions to feed millions of Americans at a time when the need for food shelves is extremely high due to costly groceries and an uncertain economy. If true, this major shift in a program utilized by emergency food providers in every state in the nation will have a significant and damaging impact upon millions of people who depend upon this program for critical food assistance.

    In addition, this program consists of purchases of U.S. commodities at a time when America’s growers and producers are struggling due to tariffs, proposed tariffs, animal disease and many other challenges.

    According to recent statistics, nearly one in every seven Americans have faced food insecurity. Many of these households turn to community and emergency relief organizations such as food banks and food pantries to help them obtain sufficient nutrition. In 2023 alone, 50 million Americans turned to emergency food providers, according to a report from Feeding America, America’s largest network of food banks. While food banks rely on a variety of sources (including private) to obtain food for distribution through their networks, federally purchased commodities are a key part of how they provide nutritious meals to Americans.

    Due to this reported change, a number of us have heard that trucks delivering American-grown foods may not arrive. These trucks represent hundreds of thousands of nutritious meals containing poultry, fruits, vegetables, and dairy. If confirmed, the cancellation of this previously announced funding also comes on top of the cancellation of Local Food for School Program and the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program funding, which also helps farmers deliver nutritious foods to schools and food banks. These cuts will deprive Americans of food assistance, emergency food providers of necessary support to carry out their work, and American farmers of vital domestic markets.

    To help us understand USDA’s actions and their impact on communities around the country, we ask that you answer the following questions.

    1. Has USDA cancelled previously approved purchases of food provided through TEFAP? If so, what level of funding has been cancelled thus far and when will state agencies be notified of any cancelled TEFAP purchases?

    2. Does USDA plan to cancel additional purchases of food provided through TEFAP?

    3. Has USDA paused any TEFAP food orders or purchases? If so, what is the current status of those orders or purchases? Does USDA intend to un-pause these funds?

    4. Please provide information on what types of funding, by commodity, have been cancelled and the financial impact of those cancellations on producers such as pork, chicken, turkey and dairy farmers.

    5. Is the funding announced on October 1, 2024 and detailed in the implementation memo that the Food and Nutrition Service sent to state agencies on December 2 rescinded?

    6. Does USDA intend to use Commodity Credit Corporation funds in Fiscal Year 2025 for future purchases that will be distributed through TEFAP?

    We ask for a prompt response to these questions by the end of the week.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Coons, colleagues introduce bipartisan, bicameral bill to create foundation supporting American leadership in emerging technology

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons

    WASHINGTON – Yesterday, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), and Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) introduced a bill to establish a nonprofit foundation that would support the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) by bolstering public-private collaboration on U.S. technological innovation and competitiveness. This bill was initially introduced in the 118th Congress. Representatives Haley Stevens (D-Mich.) and Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.) introduced a companion bill in the U.S. House of Representatives.

    The Expanding Partnerships for Innovation and Competitiveness (EPIC) Act would establish a foundation to help NIST achieve its goal of promoting U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness in science and technology. Congress has established similar foundations to support the National Institutes of Health, the U.S. Department of Energy, and other federal agencies. In Delaware, NIST supports the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL), a public-private partnership on the University of Delaware’s campus focused on advancing biopharmaceutical production and developing Delaware’s workforce for the future.  

    “America’s economic strength depends on technological leadership, and NIST has long been an engine of innovation for our country,” said Senator Coons. “The EPIC Act reflects our ongoing commitment to creating a nonprofit foundation that will mobilize resources to support U.S. leadership on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, biotech, and quantum computing. With strong bipartisan support across both chambers, this legislation represents a critical investment in America’s technological future.”

    “Maintaining and encouraging research and development in the U.S. is critical to winning the technological race against China and other adversaries,” said Senator Young. “Our bipartisan legislation will support these efforts by establishing an independent foundation to identify and foster innovative public-private partnerships across the country and strengthen the American economy.”

    “Whether it’s AI or quantum computing, the United States is pushing the boundaries of technological innovation on all fronts,” said Senator Hickenlooper. “There are no second chances with technologies this powerful; NIST needs every tool at its disposal to ensure responsible R&D from the start.”

    “Our nation’s technological innovation is what keeps us globally competitive,” said Senator Fischer. “To stay ahead of our rapidly advancing adversaries, we must invest in emerging technologies and the metrics that underpin them. The EPIC Act is an effective, bipartisan way to help us generate more resources to do so without additional taxpayer costs.”

    “Now more than ever, our federal science agencies need every tool to drive U.S. technology leadership,” said Representative Stevens. “The reintroduction of the EPIC Act ensures that NIST—a vital agency in emerging technology, standards, and manufacturing—has the resources to secure American leadership in the mid-21st century. By establishing the Foundation for Standards and Metrology, this bill will accelerate technology commercialization, strengthen international collaborations, and support NIST’s world-class workforce. I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance this bipartisan, bicameral bill and unleash American innovation.”

    “It is vital that America maintains its position as the world leader in science and technology,” said Representative Obernolte. “The creation of the Foundation for Standards and Metrology will assist in ensuring industry, non-profits, and academia receive the resources that they need to establish cutting-edge standards that enhances the economic security and prosperity of the U.S., which is why I’m proud to be a Republican co-lead on this critical legislation.”

    Specifically, the EPIC Act would establish a nonprofit Foundation for Standards and Metrology, enabling NIST to: 

    • Mobilize private and philanthropic funding to support critical scientific and technical initiatives.
    • Collaborate more closely with the private sector, nonprofit organizations, and institutions of higher education.
    • Train the emerging technology workforce of the future and retain top talent at the institute.

    The EPIC Act is endorsed by four former directors of NIST, as well as SEMI Americas, the Semiconductor Industry Association, NIST Coalition, SPIE, SeedAI, Institute for Progress, Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, Center for AI Policy, Telecommunications Industry Association, Institute for AI Policy and Strategy, Carnegie Mellon University, University of Colorado Boulder, Americans for Responsible Innovation, Chainguard, CJW Quantum Consulting, American Physical Society, ACT | The App Association, CivAI, SandboxAQ, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Google, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, SC Quantum, Software Information Industry Association, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, 5 Lakes Institute, and the APA Services, Inc.

    The full text of the bill is available here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crapo: FY 2025 Budget Resolution will Deliver Permanent Tax Relief, Spur Economic Growth and Restore Fiscal Order

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo

    Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee and member of the Senate Budget Committee, issued the following statement after Senate Budget Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) released the text of the Senate’s Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Resolution, which provides a $1.5 trillion instruction to the Senate Finance Committee on a current policy baseline.

    “The 2017 Trump tax cuts powered a booming economy, made the United States more competitive, and allowed working families to save more of their hard-earned dollars,” said Crapo.  “This budget resolution unlocks the process to permanently extend proven, pro-growth tax policy, ensure Americans can keep more of their hard-earned money, provide additional tax relief to those who need it most, and take long-overdue steps toward getting our fiscal house in order.” 

    READ: FY 2025 Budget Resolution will Deliver Permanent Tax Relief, Spur Economic Growth and Restore Fiscal Order

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crapo, Risch, Marshall Introduce SHORT Act to Roll Back Biden-Era Anti Gun Rule

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo

    Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Roger Marshall, M.D.  (R-Kansas) introduced the Stop Harassing Owners of Rifles Today (SHORT) Act.

    The SHORT Act would end the unconstitutional taxation, registration and regulation of weapons under the National Firearms Act (NFA), including short-barreled rifles and shotguns.

    The Biden Administration used the NFA to target American gun owners by claiming that pistols with stabilizing braces were illegal short-barreled rifles.  Biden’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) used this argument to ban these firearms and force gun owners to participate in an unconstitutional firearm registry.  The SHORT Act would prevent the ATF from enacting future versions of this ban and require the ATF to destroy all records relating to the registration, transfer or manufacture of NFA weapons.

    “Those seeking to strip away Second Amendment rights have sought every creative way possible to advance their agenda through legislation, regulation and litigation,” said Crapo.  “Burdening law-abiding Americans with additional firearm restrictions is not the answer to safeguarding the public.”

    “Democrats’ attempts to undermine the Second Amendment are unconstitutional and must be stopped,” said Risch.  “The SHORT Act protects law-abiding Idaho gun owners from unlawful registry, taxation, and regulation of commonly owned firearms.”

    “‘Shall not be infringed’ is crystal clear – and the Biden-era abuses of the Constitutionally protected rights of gun owners across the country need to be undone,” said Marshall.  “The SHORT Act takes a step toward rolling back nonsensical regulations that the National Firearms Act has placed upon gun owners.  I challenge my colleagues in both chambers to pass this legislation and join me in fully restoring and protecting our God-given Second Amendment rights.”

    Crapo, Risch and Marshall are joined by U.S. Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming), Rick Scott (R-Florida), Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), Jim Justice (R-West Virginia), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi), Katie Britt (R-Alabama), Tim Sheehy (R-Montana) and Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska) in introducing the bill.  ?

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján: President Trump’s Reckless Tariffs Will Make Life More Expensive for Families and Put New Mexico Jobs at Risk

    US Senate News:

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

    Experts Say Trump Tariffs Could Throw U.S. Into a Recession, Increase Annual Costs By Thousands for New Mexico Families 

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Committee on Finance, issued the following statement on President Trump’s announcement to impose additional tariffs on global trading partners:

    “President Trump’s sweeping tariffs are a tax on hardworking New Mexicans. From the cost of groceries, to the price at the pump, to buying a car or building a home, these new tariffs will make daily life more expensive for many New Mexico families and businesses.

    “While President Trump should be focused on lowering prices for Americans, he is instigating a trade war and making everyday Americans the casualties. President Trump – who has said that he doesn’t care if costs go up – is creating economic uncertainty, shrinking life savings, putting New Mexico jobs at risk, and driving up costs for working families.

    “These tariffs are new and drastic tax increases on New Mexicans and the American people. President Trump is recklessly threatening the American economy – all while working to give the wealthiest few another tax handout and blowing up the national debt.”

    What People Are Saying: 

    Chamber of Commerce: “[T]he imposition of tariffs … will only raise prices for American families and upend supply chains.”

    National Association of Manufacturers: “Ultimately, manufacturers will bear the brunt of these tariffs, undermining our ability to sell our products at a competitive price and putting American jobs at risk.”

    United Steelworkers: “Our union calls on President Trump to reverse course on Canadian tariffs so that we can focus on trade solutions that will serve working families for the long-term.”

    International Association of Machinists: “The 25% tariffs on Canadian goods imported to the U.S., will result in job losses, increased prices, and a variety of other negative impacts.”

    National Association of Home Builders: “Tariffs on lumber and other building materials increase the cost of construction and discourage new development, and consumers end up paying for the tariffs in the form of higher home prices.”

    American Farm Bureau: “farmers and rural communities will bear the brunt of retaliation. … Tariffs that increase fertilizer prices threaten to deliver another blow to the finances of farm families.”

    National Farmers Union: “We are already facing significant economic uncertainty, and these actions only add to the strain. … Without a clear plan, family farmers will once again be left to bear the burden of decisions beyond their control, and eventually, so will consumers.”

    Retail Industry Leaders Association: “Stacking tariffs on household goods will also raise costs on American families.”

    Food Industry Association: “New tariffs will also drive up the cost of doing business and food prices at a time consumers are extremely concerned about prices.”

    National Consumers League: “these tariffs could hurt everyday Americans. … Higher prices on basic goods would make life harder for families across the country, all as a result of these ill-conceived trade policies.”

    American Automakers: “Our American automakers, who invested billions in the U.S. to meet these requirements, should not have their competitiveness undermined by tariffs that will raise the cost of building vehicles in the United States and stymie investment in the American workforce.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Joins Schatz, Wicker, Warner, Hyde-Smith, and Barrasso to Lead Bipartisan Group Of 60 Senators In Introducing Legislation To Expand Telehealth Access, Make Permanent Telehealth Flexibilities

    US Senate News:

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

    CONNECT For Health Act Holds Broad Bipartisan Support, Most Comprehensive Legislation On Telehealth In Congress
    Current Flexibilities Set To Expire September 30 Without Congressional Action
    WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch joined U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), and John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) in leading a bipartisan group of 60 senators to reintroduce the Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies (CONNECT) for Health Act. The CONNECT for Health Act will expand coverage of telehealth services through Medicare, make COVID-19 telehealth flexibilities permanent, improve health outcomes, and make it easier for patients to connect with their doctors. Current flexibilities are set to expire on September 30 unless Congress extends them.
    “The COVID-19 pandemic proved that telehealth not only works, but is essential,” said Senator Welch. “Rural and underserved areas in Vermont and across the country desperately need solutions to address the widening gap in health care access, and increasing telehealth services must be part of the answer. This bipartisan bill takes commonsense steps to help bridge that gap and make sure that our policies adapt to the capabilities of our technology.”
    “While telehealth use has rapidly increased in recent years, our laws have not kept up,” said Senator Schatz. “Telehealth is helping people get the care they need, and it’s here to stay. Our comprehensive bill makes it easier for more people to see their doctors no matter where they live.”
    “We live in a digital world, and our health services should reflect that. In the past decade, telehealth has made medical care more accessible for patients across the state and country,” said Senator Wicker. “It is time to make telehealth coverage permanent for Medicare recipients so that more Americans, especially those in rural Mississippi, have access to health care.”
    “Telehealth services have proven to be a safe and effective form of medical care. Through the expansion of telehealth services in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, more patients have received quality, affordable care. I’m glad to introduce legislation that will make permanent some of these services and ensure Virginians continue to access affordable health care when they need it, and where they need it,” said Senator Warner.
    “Even before the pandemic, Mississippi recognized the vital role of telehealth. Across America, rural communities, the elderly, and those with mobility challenges have long struggled to access traditional healthcare,” said Senator Hyde-Smith. “This legislation is essential to delivering affordable, accessible, and quality care that Americans deserve, and I’m proud to continue this years-long effort to expand telehealth services.”
    “Telehealth is a critical for rural states like Wyoming,” said Senator Barrasso. “It has given folks access to specialized care no matter where they live. This important bipartisan bill will make it easier for Medicare patients, especially those in remote areas, to continue to have access to the health care they need.”
    In addition to Welch, Schatz, Wicker, Warner, Hyde-Smith, and Barrasso, the bill is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Angus King (I-Maine.), Jim Justice (R-W.V.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), and John Boozman (R-Ark.).
    Telehealth provides essential access to care with nearly a quarter of Americans accessing telehealth in a month, according to the most recent available data.
    The CONNECT for Health Act would:

    Permanently remove all geographic restrictions on telehealth services and expand originating sites to the location of the patient, including homes;
    Permanently allow health centers and rural health clinics to provide telehealth services;
    Allow more eligible health care professionals to utilize telehealth services;
    Remove unnecessary in-person visit requirement for telemental health services;
    Allow for the waiver of telehealth restrictions during public health emergencies; and
    Require more published data to learn more about how telehealth is being used, impacts of quality of care, and how it can be improved to support patients and health care providers.

    The CONNECT for Health Act was first introduced in 2016 and is considered the most comprehensive legislation on telehealth in Congress. Since 2016, several provisions of the bill have been enacted into law or adopted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, including provisions to remove restrictions on telehealth services for mental health, stroke care, and home dialysis.
    Companion legislation has been introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Mike Thompson (D- Calif.), Doris Matsui (D-Calif.), David Schweikert (R-Ariz.), and Troy Balderson (R-Ohio).
    The CONNECT for Health Act has the support of more than 150 organizations including the American Medical Association, AARP, American Hospital Association, National Association of Community Health Centers, National Association of Rural Health Clinics, and American Telemedicine Association.
    The full text of the bill is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Capito Outlines Surface Transportation Principles at Hearing with DOT Secretary Duffy

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito
    To watch Chairman Capito’s opening statement, click here or the image above.
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, led a hearing beginning the development of the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill with the Secretary of the United States Department of Transportation (DOT), Sean Duffy.
    In her opening remarks, Chairman Capito detailed her vision for the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill, and welcomed input and collaboration from the Trump administration and Secretary Duffy as the reauthorization effort begins. This hearing serves as the first of a two-part series of hearings on the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill.
    Below is the opening statement of Chairman Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) as delivered.
    “Thank you for joining us this morning as we begin our work to develop the next Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill. This hearing is the first of a two-part series that we are having to help us guide our work, and I really want to thank Secretary Duffy for being here with us today.
    “My vision for this legislation is simple, but important. We want to improve the movement of people and goods.
    “Our roads and bridges are what connect us to the people and places that matter most in our lives. They help American businesses, large and small, create jobs and economic opportunities, and enable that competitiveness in the global marketplace. They connect everything around us from Point A to Point B. Every state has transportation needs and stands to benefit from the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill.
    “My home state of West Virginia is pursuing important projects, like the Coalfields Expressway, I’m specifically mentioning these in front of the Secretary, because he will be hearing from me on these two, Corridor H also, to better link our communities to essential services and economic opportunity. This legislation provides the funding and establishes the policies and programs that enable the improvement of the surface transportation network that we all so rely on. 
    “Since the enactment of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the EPW Committee has reviewed and conducted oversight of the existing policies and programs. We’ve learned a lot about what is working and what isn’t. That effort has provided me with three key principles for the next bill. By focusing on these principles, I’m confident that we can work towards bipartisan legislation, as we have in the past, that will deliver results for the American people. 
    “Principle One: Improving the safety and reliability of America’s surface transportation network with impactful investments.
    “In recent years, we’ve seen an increase in the number and scope of federal transportation programs. These programs have often had duplicative purposes, and project availability and eligibility. This leads to an expensive and time-intensive process to get funding out the door that disrupts the focus of federal funding and lessens the impact that the legislation can make.
    “As we craft the next Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill we must make investments that instead, optimize the impact of federal funding and give state partners the confidence that they can invest over a longer period of time. We should focus on eliminating duplicative programs that invite regulatory overreach and increase funding for the highway formula programs that our states rely on and have a proven track record of success.
    “Principle Two: Reforming and modernizing federal programs and policies to increase efficiency.
    “We all know that as currently structured, federal requirements can add red-tape that increases costs and time, and slows down the completion of projects. We all want to deliver transportation benefits faster and save money for American taxpayers. 
    “To achieve this goal, we need to take a serious look at the federal requirements to determine how to make meaningful improvements to our planning and procurement procedures, our environmental review process for projects, and discretionary grants and loans requirements. By reforming and modernizing these requirements, we can create certainty for the partners who make these projects happen and ensure that the public receives the benefits of these needed investments quickly. 
    “Principle Three: Addressing the variety of surface transportation needs across all states.
    “Obviously, different states have different needs. I wouldn’t expect West Virginia, with our mountainous peaks and valleys, to prioritize the same transportation projects in other states in other parts of the country. By avoiding top-down mandates from Washington, and giving states flexibility to address the individual improvements, I think that is what we need to be looking at. The bill can support our common goals while ensuring that federal regulations, programs, and policies recognize the different needs in our states. 
    “It will take collaboration from my Senate colleagues, our stakeholders, and the Trump administration in order to complete the bill before the IIJA expires in September of 2026. We must be pragmatic, and work in a bipartisan way, as we have in the past, to develop a Senate bill that sets us up for a productive conversation on this reauthorization effort with our colleagues in the House.
    “I am grateful to Secretary Sean Duffy, who is here to share the Trump administration’s priorities for this legislation, and I look forward to learning more about those priorities. The Department of Transportation’s technical assistance and support will be critical parts of this process. 
    “This is an excellent opportunity ahead of us to make a pivotal impact in our surface transportation network. Each of us knows how important that network is and the role that it plays in keeping our country’s economy and people on the move. I am excited to get to work and continue the EPW Committee’s bipartisan tradition of developing this legislation.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Capito Asks Duffy About Bridges, Project Delays Ahead of Upcoming Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito
    To watch Chairman Capito’s questions, click here or the image above.
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, led ahearing beginning the development of the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill with the Secretary of the United States Department of Transportation (DOT), Sean Duffy.
    During the hearing, Chairman Capito asked Secretary Duffy about the importance of bridge funding, the backlog in grant agreements created by the previous Administration, and what hinders the development of transportation projects. 
    HIGHLIGHTS:
    IMPORTANCE OF BRIDGE FUNDING:
    CHAIRMAN CAPITO: 
    “In my state, obviously, we have a lot of rivers and mountains. We’ve got a ton of bridges, and we need your partnership to make sure that we’re going to have the ability to fix, and we’re on the process right now, some major projects, fixing some of our bridges or maintaining them. What can you say about bridges, in terms of what you’ve seen since you’ve been there, on improving our nation’s bridges? What more would we need to do to address the issues with bridge safety and bridge maintenance?”
    SECRETARY DUFFY:
    “We see that people lose their lives when our bridges aren’t safe, and so I know it’s a top priority for this committee and for the department as well. We will make sure that the grants that have been awarded, we’re expeditiously moving through those grants and making sure we have funding for that which was awarded. But you know, beyond that, I think we have to take a look at the list of priorities, and the oldest and maybe most dangerous bridges, have to be funded first and those projects have to get underway.”
    DEPLOYMENT OF DISCRETIONARY GRANTS:
    CHAIRMAN CAPITO:
    “I have raised concerns about the implementation in the IIJA’s competitive grant programs, and the time it takes, we’re going to see this as a repeating theme, I think, the time that it takes to get that funding out the door. Can you please commit to a timely execution of project grant agreements? We know that there are numerous projects that are still – been promised and are not through the pipeline yet. Promised by the previous Administration, which is fine, but they still didn’t move them through the pipeline. Can you talk about that, and how you think that you can improve that process in your department?”
    SECRETARY DUFFY:
    “There are 3,200 announced projects at the department that don’t have signed grant agreements – 3,200. We are going to work through those projects. But if you say, ‘where is my project,’ I’m not looking at 10 projects for grant agreements – 3,200. Some of them date back to 2022, so there’s a lot of workload to do to get these projects complete, to get the grant agreements completed, and the money out the door to your states. I’ll just note that, Senator, usually, historically, there was 47 to 107 projects announced between Election Day and Inauguration Day. This last Administration announced around 950 projects in that time frame, almost 1,000% increase. And so everybody wants their projects, and I’m going to do my best to get those projects out the door, but it is a historic number that was announced.”
    CAUSE FOR DELAY:
    CHAIRMAN CAPITO:
    “I’m interested in the 3,200 projects that basically landed on your desk the day you got sworn in that were not completed. Could you just flesh out a little bit why they might not be? It might be that their environmental review, their financing, can you just kind of line out a little of those?”
    SECRETARY DUFFY:
    “That’s a good point. Some of them are the NEPA work had not been done yet. That’s true. There’s others that would expand capacity, and so if you’re going to expand capacity from, you know, two lanes to four lanes, it’s my understanding there was a set of ideas that they didn’t want to expand the capacity. They would re-do, you know, current capacity, but if it was an expanding capacity, those projects actually sat for a longer period of time. When the announcement goes, I’m going to work for all of you to get these projects out. But I’ve got a lot of complaints, it is a lot of projects that we have to get done to make sure we can meet the commitments that were made in the last Administration.”
    Click HERE to watch Chairman Capito’s questions.
    Click HERE to watch Chairman Capito’s opening statement.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Capito Helps Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Eliminate Food Deserts, Increase Access to Healthy Food

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Mark R. Warner (D-Va.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) have introduced legislation to eliminate food deserts and expand access to affordable and nutritious food by incentivizing food providers to expand access to healthy food options in underserved communities. The Healthy Food Access for All Americans (HFAAA) Act was also introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by U.S. Representatives Emilia Sykes (Ohio-13) and Jennifer McLellan (Va.-04).                                                                                                                       
    “Many West Virginians struggle to access fresh, nutritious food to keep their families and communities well fed. I’m proud to reintroduce the Healthy Food Access for All Americans Act, which will expand access to healthy foods through food banks and local grocery stores in rural communities across West Virginia and the nation,” Senator Capito said. 
    According to recent data, an estimated 18.8 million Americans live in what the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) classifies as a “food desert.” Urban areas designated as food deserts lack a grocery store within one or more miles. Rural areas designated as food deserts lack a grocery store within ten or more miles. Studies have shown that Americans who live in communities with low-access to healthy food options are at higher risk for obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
    Specifically, the Healthy Food Access for All Americans Act – which defines a grocery market as a retail sales store with at least 35% of its selection (or forecasted selection) dedicated to selling fresh produce, poultry, dairy, and deli items – would encourage investment in food deserts across the country that have a poverty rate of 20% or higher, or a median family income of less than 80% of the median for the state or metro area. 
    It would grant tax credits or grants to food providers who service low-access communities and attain a “Special Access Food Provider” (SAFP) certification through the Treasury Department. Incentives would be awarded based on the following structure:
    New Store Construction – Companies that construct new grocery stores in a food desert will receive a one-time 15% tax credit after receiving certification.
    Retrofitting Existing Structures – Companies that make retrofits to an existing store’s healthy food sections can receive a one-time 10% tax credit after the repairs certify the store as an SAFP.
    Food Banks – Certified food banks that build new (permanent) structures in food deserts will be eligible to receive a one-time grant for 15% of their construction costs.
    Temporary Access Merchants – Certified temporary access merchants (i.e. mobile markets, farmers markets, and some food banks) that are 501(c)(3)s will receive grants for 10% of their annual operating costs.
    The Healthy Food Access for All Americans Act boasts the support of numerous organizations, including: Feeding America, the National Grocers Association, and Share Our Strength.
    Bill text for the Healthy Food Access for All Americans Act can be found here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 04/2/2025 Blackburn Slams ‘Out-of-Control, Leftist Judges’ for Blocking Trump’s America First Agenda

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) delivered remarks on the Senate floor about activist judges across the country who are blocking President Trump’s agenda in court. 
    In the last two months alone, judges have issued more nationwide injunctions against the Trump administration than they did during President Biden’s entire term. Earlier this week, Senator Blackburn joined Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) in introducing the Judicial Relief Clarification Act to put a stop to unconstitutional judicial overreach.

    REMARKS AS PREPARED
    Activist Judges Are Holding Up President Trump’s Agenda for Illegitimate Reasons
    In our constitutional republic, the President represents the will of We the People—more than any other elected official in the country. That’s because—alongside the Vice President—he is the only office holder who is elected by the entire nation.
    And in November, the American people gave President Trump a powerful mandate to secure the border, lower inflation, rein in spending, and usher in a new Golden Age for America.
    To be certain, the administration has had a lot of success. But on many fronts, the Trump agenda has been held up in court—not for legitimate legal reasons, but because activist judges want to block as many actions by this administration as possible.
    In Two Months, Activist Judges Have Issued More Injunctions Against President Trump than during Four Years Under Biden
    In the last two months alone, judges issued more injunctions—15 of them—against President Trump than during the entire Biden administration.
    These judges aren’t issuing rulings on small details in narrow cases. They are trying to stop policies at the heart of the President’s America First agenda.
    Tennesseans and Americans want a government that is accountable to the people. But after President Trump moved to cut down the size of the federal bureaucracy, a district judge in San Francisco blocked the order. Instead, he directed the administration to rehire thousands of terminated bureaucrats.
    Tennesseans and Americans also want a government that spends taxpayer dollars responsibly so that we can lower inflation and tackle our $36 trillion debt. But after the Department of Government Efficiency found $140 billion in savings for taxpayers, several activist judges ordered the administration to send much of that money out the door.
    Securing our nation is a core function of the presidency. Yet activist judges are even trying to stop President Trump from doing that.
    677 District Judges Should Not Have Veto Power over the President
    As the President tries to remove violent foreign gang members from our country, a district judge here in Washington ordered the administration to end the deportations.
    Make no mistake: This obstruction is undermining our Constitution.
    If each of our nation’s 677 district judges have veto power over the President, then We the People are no longer sovereign. 
    The Separation of Powers works both ways, and judges must respect the President’s authority over the executive branch. 
    Blackburn Joins Colleagues in Introducing the Judicial Relief Clarification Act
    To ensure that happens, my Republican colleagues and I are introducing the Judicial Relief Clarification Act.
    Led by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Grassley, this crucial legislation would… End the harmful practice of nationwide injunctions; Make temporary restraining orders against Federal or State Governments immediately appealable; and ensure courts can only issue relief for the case or controversy before them. A district judge in San Francisco or anywhere else should not be deciding national policy.
    Altogether, these provisions would help restore federal courts to their core purpose: administering justice under the rule of law—not deciding nationwide policy.

    MIL OSI USA News –