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Category: US Senate

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst Exposes True Cost of Taxpayer Subsidies Given to Federal Employee Unions

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
    Published: March 21, 2025
    The most recent report from 2019 revealed cost across government was at least $160 million.
    WASHINGTON – To close out Sunshine Week, the annual celebration of transparency in government, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) is introducing the Taxpayer-Funded Union Time Transparency Act to expose just how much federal employee unions are subsidized by tax dollars after the Biden administration stopped publicly releasing the data.
    According to the most recent report from 2019, the cost across government was at least $160 million for Taxpayer-Funded Union Time (TFUT), the practice where federal employees negotiate higher salaries and other cushy perks for themselves when they are supposed to be on the clock.
    “Bureaucrats have forgotten that they serve the American people not themselves,” said Ernst. “Taxpayers deserve to know just how much of their hard-earned money is footing the bill for the insane practice of taxpayer-funded union time. Once we figure out just how much these unions owe, I will be coming to collect every penny.”
    Congressman Scott Franklin (R-Fla.) is introducing companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
    Click here to view the bill.
    Background:
    Earlier this month, the Trump administration agreed to a request from Senator Ernst requesting that the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) resume tracking and publicly disclosing the total cost of TFUT across government.
    In December 2024, Senator Ernst demanded that 24 federal agencies provide data about the true cost of TFUT.
    Additionally, Ernst introduced the Protecting Taxpayers’ Wallet Act which requires federal unions to reimburse taxpayers for all costs from taxpayer-funded union time.
    Ernst’s investigations previously exposed bureaucrats claiming to be on taxpayer-funded union time while sitting in a jail cell and on permanent vacation in Florida.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hickenlooper, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Help Small Businesses Hire More Military Spouses

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Colorado John Hickenlooper

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper and 14 of his Senate colleagues introduced the bipartisan Military Spouse Hiring Act to amend the U.S. tax code to incentivize small businesses to hire more military spouses.

    “Thousands of military spouses in Colorado struggle to balance frequent moves while growing their careers,” said Hickenlooper. “Our bipartisan bill creates more career opportunities for military spouses while helping small businesses at the same time.”

    Military spouses experience rates of unemployment and underemployment higher than the national average, and frequent moves often stall military spouses’ upward career progression and force them to find new jobs. The Military Spouse Hiring Act would expand the existing Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) program, which provides tax credits to employers who hire people facing unique barriers to employment, to include military spouses.

    The Military Spouse Hiring Act is supported by the Air & Space Forces Association (AFA), Air Force Sergeants Association (AFSA), Association of Military Surgeons of the United States (AMSUS), Chief Warrant Officers Association of the US Coast Guard (CWOA) Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS), Fleet Reserve Association (FRA), Jewish War Veterans (JWV), Marine Corps League (MCL), Military Chaplains Association (MCA), Military Family Advisory Network (MFAN), Military Officers

    Association of America (MOAA), Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH), Military Spouse Advocacy network (MSAN), National Defense Committee (NDC), National Military Family Association (NMFA), National Military Spouse Network (NMSN), Non Commissioned Officers Association (NCOA), Reserve Organization of America (ROA), Service Women’s Action Network (SWAN), The American Legion (TAL), The Retired Enlisted Association (TREA), Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), United States Army Warrant Officers Association (USA WOA), Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), and the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP).

    Companion legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives.

    A summary of the legislation is available HERE. Full text of the legislation is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto, Local Nonprofits Address Federal Funding Uncertainty and the Impact on Critical Services

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto
    Las Vegas, Nev. – Today, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and United Way of Southern Nevada hosted a roundtable to discuss the impact of ongoing federal funding uncertainties on critical services in Nevada. Cortez Masto spoke with eight local non-profits about how challenges related to federal support could affect their ability to provide essential services that communities across the Silver State depend on.
    “Today, I heard from non-profit leaders that do so much good in their communities. They make housing more affordable, invest in education, provide needed legal services, and ensure Nevada families can put food on their tables, ” said Senator Cortez Masto. “President Trump and his administration need to know that they are putting these essential services at risk by cutting federal funding and spreading uncertainty around ongoing support for such critical work.”
     “United Way of Southern Nevada is committed to strengthening our community by ensuring vital services remain accessible to those who need them most,” said Samuel Rudd, President & CEO of United Way of Southern Nevada. “Collaboration between local nonprofits and government leaders is essential in navigating funding challenges and finding solutions that support families, students, and individuals across our state.”
    “Senior Law Program is proud to provide critical legal services to Southern Nevada’s seniors, ensuring they have access to the resources and support they need to live with dignity and security. However, with the ongoing uncertainty surrounding federal funding, we face difficult choices that could impact our ability to serve vulnerable seniors in our community. We are grateful to Senator Cortez Masto in addressing these challenges and advocating for the resources nonprofits need to continue our vital work,” said Diane Fearon, Executive Director of Southern Nevada Senior Law Program. 
    “With the corporate consolidation of commercial media, public broadcasters like Vegas PBS are the final outposts that still focus on serving their local communities. The Vegas PBS Learning Neighborhood workshops and robust communications network for emergency services are just two of the vital services we provide via federal infrastructure and education funding we receive via The Corporation for Public Broadcasting,” said Kipp Ortenburger, Director of Strategic Organization at Vegas PBS.  “Programs like these impact more than 1 million Nevadans, urban and rural.”
    “At The Just One Project, we do more than just feed our neighbors—we offer wraparound support through groceries, meal delivery, case management, benefits assistance, and essential social services to ensure families have the resources they need to thrive,” said Kirsten Carl, Director of Social Services for The Just One Project. “Our commitment to serving our community is steadfast. We remain vigilant and committed to ensuring Nevadans continue to have access to critical food and social services. We are actively working with our community partners and local leaders to navigate challenges and strengthen our support for those who rely on us.”
    Cortez Masto was joined by representatives from United Way of Southern Nevada, Communities in Schools, HELP of Southern Nevada, Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada, The Just One Project, Nevada Homeless Alliance, Vegas PBS, and the Senior Law Program.
    Senator Cortez Masto has pushed multiple Departments under the Trump Administration for detailed, public information regarding the impacts of President Trump’s federal funding freeze, hiring freeze, and terminations on Nevada – including to the Department of the Interior, the U.S. Forest Service, the National Nuclear Security Administration, the Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Agriculture, and General Services Administration.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Hassan Warns of Risks to Students After Trump Administration’s Move to Abolish Department of Education

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Maggie Hassan
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH), a member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, released the following statement after President Trump signed an Executive Order today to begin abolishing the U.S. Department of Education:
    “The President’s decision today to dismantle the Department of Education will hurt our children and leave them less prepared for the future, just at a time when America should be working across party lines to strengthen our schools, families, and teachers. 
    “All across the Granite State there are vibrant public schools that provide critical public education to students from all walks of life. They do so with the essential help of the federal Department of Education, which provides funding and technical expertise to schools so that they can support children who need extra support in the classroom — children whose families are struggling financially, children who are facing mental health challenges, and children with disabilities. The challenges that these children and their families face won’t go away because President Trump and Elon Musk turn their backs on them. Instead, the decision to shutter the Department of Education will leave some children in our country without the education that they deserve and shift costs to local communities, raising property taxes. 
    “Our education system is challenged, to be sure, but rather than focus on how to help our local school districts provide the best possible education for all of our children, the Administration has run away from the opportunity and obligation to ensure that all American children can receive a quality education to prepare them for adulthood. Once again, Trump and Musk shrink from the responsibilities and promise of our democracy.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Releases Video Commemorating National Agriculture Week

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Wichita – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) today released a video commemorating National Agriculture Week to honor the sacrifice, commitment, and hard work of Kansas farmers and ranchers. Senator Marshall is a fifth-generation farm kid who grew up in Butler County and has a deep appreciation for Kansas agriculture.

    [embedded content]

    Click HERE or on the image above to watch the full video.
    Full video transcript below:
    “Where I come from, farming, and ranching is more than a profession, it’s a way of life.
    “From sunrise to sunset, every seed planted, every animal cared for, every harvest gathered, is a promise.
    “A promise of nourishment, of stewardship, and resilience.
    “We celebrate you – the farmers, the ranchers, your families, and your communities.You all are the original stewards of the land. 
    “Thank you for your hard work, for your never-ending faith, for your heart, and your hope.Together, we grow.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gillibrand Statement On Trump’s Reckless Executive Order To Eliminate The Department Of Education

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand

    Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand released the following statement on President Trump’s executive order to eliminate the Department of Education: 

    “President Trump is playing games with our kids’ futures. By gutting the Department of Education, he will defund critical teacher training programs, forcing schools to operate with fewer teachers, counselors, social workers, and behavior specialists. He will deprive children with disabilities of the specialized education to which they have a right under federal law. And he is killing the dream of a college education for students who can’t afford it without federal assistance.

    Make no mistake – individual states simply do not have the funding, personnel, or expertise to provide this same level of support to millions of students. President Trump is prioritizing minimal cost savings from cutting a small federal department at the expense of the literacy and math skills that will allow our kids to secure high-quality, good-paying jobs in the future. 

    Every child in this country – regardless of background – has the right to a high-quality and free public education. We will not stand idly by while President Trump and Elon Musk destroy the promise of education for all.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: King Blasts Trump Executive Order to Dismantle the Department of Education

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) released the following statement after President Trump signed an Executive Order directing the dismantling of the Department of Education:

    “The onslaught of actions from this administration in eight weeks have harmed veterans, farmers, consumers, disease experts, our national security, democracies worldwide — and now America’s public school students and teachers are at risk due to the announcement that the President intends to dismantle the Department of Education. This President doesn’t seem to have a grasp of the service and work done for Americans by the federal government day in and day out. He made his name on saying ‘You’re Fired,’ but when VA and IRS phone calls go unanswered, or bird flu and nuclear security dangers are increased because of reckless terminations — Americans suffer.

    “Cutting the Department of Education could leave thousands of vulnerable children in the lurch by compromising federal support for our public schools. Our educators, students and parents are still getting their bearings after the chaos of the pandemic; this is no time to backslide and destabilize public education.

    “In addition to our schools, this decision also damages our Constitutional system of government. The Department of Education (DOE) was established 45 years ago by Congress to consolidate federal programs and support the educational enterprise nationwide. This attempt to unilaterally dismantle the DOE without consulting or engaging Congress is grossly unconstitutional and violates the checks and balances of our American system of government.

    “America’s public school teachers are among the most committed public servants in our nation — as the son of a public school teacher, I know this firsthand. In fact, Abraham Lincoln said that education is ‘the most important subject which we as a people can be engaged in’ and those words have never been more true as the world grows more complicated and well-educated citizens are more important than ever.

    “From my time as Governor establishing the Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI) to prepare Maine’s students for the 21st century, to my work in the Senate helping to ease the burden of student loans, I have been committed to ensuring our students have the latest resources and investments to set them up for long-term success both in and out of the classroom. When that means a change of course, a new way of thinking, a disruption, I have never shied away. But this proposed dismantling of the Department of Education would not be an improvement; it could cost our children untold damage in their lives.

    “Before she was confirmed, Education Secretary Linda McMahon indicated that she would be willing to dismantle the Department she was nominated to run — for this reason, along with her lack of experience in the education sector, voting against her candidacy was an easy decision. While we don’t know exactly how this Executive Order will affect Maine’s students and public schools, you can rest assured that I will work with my colleagues to protect the vital institutions are critical to a prosperous future for our children.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Klobuchar, Grassley, Durbin, Colleagues Press Administration on U.S. Support for Recovering Abducted Ukrainian Children

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn)
    Senators request any support that has been halted resume immediately
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA), and Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Dick Durbin (D-IL) led a bipartisan group of their colleagues in calling for the State Department to continue supporting efforts to investigate Russia’s abduction and deportation of Ukrainian children.
    In a letter to Secretary Marco Rubio, the Senators wrote “to convey serious concerns over reports that the State Department has terminated a contract with a university-based research team that is working to find Ukrainian children abducted by the Russian government.” The Humanitarian Research Lab at the Yale School of Public Health has stated that it was recently notified that government funding for the Lab’s work on the war in Ukraine has been “discontinued.” That work reportedly includes the Conflict Observatory program’s open source research tracing Russia’s forcible deportation of Ukrainian children.
    The Senators continued: “If, in fact, State Department funding for this program has been terminated, we request that you provide information regarding the decision-making procedure and justification, and immediately resume U.S. support for this critical work. In addition, we ask that you identify officials who can provide Congress with a briefing on U.S. support for Ukrainian war crimes investigations more generally.” The State Department has supported U.S. participation in the U.S.-EU-UK Atrocity Crimes Advisory Group for Ukraine, which helps to advance the Ukrainian government’s investigations and prosecutions. Ukraine has opened more than 140,000 war crimes cases in total since Russia’s February 2022 invasion.
    The Senators concluded by underscoring that “it must remain the policy of the United States to pursue accountability for the Russian Federation’s atrocities in Ukraine.”
    In addition to Klobuchar, Grassley, and Durbin, the letter was signed by Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Chris Coons (D-DE).
    In 2023, Klobuchar introduced a bipartisan resolution condemning Russia’s abduction of Ukrainian children after reports indicated that Russia had kidnapped thousands of children from their families in Ukraine, relocating them to reeducation camps in Russia and forcing them to be raised by Russian families.
    The full text of the letter is available here and below.
    Dear Secretary Rubio:
    We write to convey serious concerns over reports that the State Department has terminated a contract with a university-based research team that is working to find Ukrainian children abducted by the Russian government.
    The Humanitarian Research Lab at the Yale School of Public Health stated that it was recently notified that government funding for the Lab’s work on the war in Ukraine has been “discontinued.” That work reportedly includes the Conflict Observatory program’s open source research tracing Russia’s forcible deportation of Ukrainian children.
    Such cases of Russian child abduction now number more than 19,500, according to the Ukrainian initiative Bring Kids Back UA, and the total may be higher. In December 2024, the Yale research team published the most comprehensive public report to date on the subject. The report concluded that the Russian government “has engaged in the systematic, intentional, and widespread coerced adoption and fostering of children from Ukraine.” It detailed an operation initiated by President Putin and subordinate officials to “Russify” those children, and documented 314 individual cases. The Lab has transferred dossiers on each of these cases to Ukrainian authorities, but reportedly has been unable to transfer the evidence to European Union law enforcement officials due to the cancellation of its funding.
    The State Department has had an important role in holding Russian officials accountable and supporting Ukrainian efforts to recover abducted children. In August 2024, for example, the Department imposed sanctions on two entities and 11 individuals involved in deporting Ukrainian children “to camps promoting indoctrination in Russia and Russia-occupied Crimea.” The Department has also supported U.S. participation in the U.S.-EU-UK Atrocity Crimes Advisory Group for Ukraine (ACA), which helps to advance the Ukrainian government’s investigations and prosecutions. Ukraine has opened more than 140,000 war crimes cases in total since Russia’s February 2022 invasion, but there are reports that U.S. programs supporting Ukraine’s Prosecutor General’s Office have been suspended.
    We request that you provide immediate clarification regarding the status and future of the State Department’s partnership with Yale’s Humanitarian Research Lab, including with respect to maintenance of the Lab’s data. If, in fact, State Department funding for this program has been terminated, we request that you provide information regarding the decision-making procedure and justification, and immediately resume U.S. support for this critical work. In addition, we ask that you identify officials who can provide Congress with a briefing on U.S. support for Ukrainian war crimes investigations more generally, including U.S. participation in the ACA and assistance to Ukrainian prosecutors.
    We underscore that it must remain the policy of the United States to pursue accountability for the Russian Federation’s atrocities in Ukraine.
    Thank you for your attention to this issue, and we look forward to your reply.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Joins Colleagues in Reintroducing Bipartisan Legislation to Ensure Combat Veterans Receive Full Benefits

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall
    Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) joined Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut) and 41 other Senate cosponsors in reintroducing the bipartisan Major Richard Star Act, which would ensure combat-injured veteran retirees can receive their full benefits.
    Under the present rules, more than 50,000 combat-injured military retirees cannot receive the full amount of their Department of Defense (DOD) retirement and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability payments if they do not have disability ratings above 50 percent and more than 20 years of service.
    “Despite making unparalleled sacrifices for our nation, some of America’s wounded or disabled veterans have been prevented from receiving the full benefits they earned,” said Senator Marshall. “I urge my colleagues to support the Major Richard Star Act to ensure combat-injured veteran retirees receive what they deserve — full Defense Department retirement and VA disability payments. It’s past time to do right by those who have given so much for our country.”
    “This measure corrects one of the deepest injustices in our present veterans’ disability system,” said Senator Blumenthal. “It is unacceptable that tens of thousands of combat-injured veterans are denied the full military benefits they earned. Our bipartisan bill will right this longstanding injustice and finally provide these military retirees who have already sacrificed so much their full VA disability and Defense Department retirement payments.”
    “The Major Richard Star Act corrects a severe injustice for combat-wounded veterans,” said Senator Mike Crapo. “The support for this correction is clear.  Though the namesake of our legislation is no longer with us, I continue to press for its passage on behalf of the more than 50,000 veterans, including hundreds in Idaho, who stand to benefit.”  
    “Our veterans put their lives on the line for this country and it’s time our government gives them the full benefits they’ve earned,” said Senator Elizabeth Warren. “The Major Richard Star Act will ensure the federal government keeps its promise to our veterans by allowing them to collect both disability and retirement benefits they earned, even if combat injuries forced them to retire early.”
    “I am a proud veteran and the son of a World War II veteran, and I have immense respect for anyone who puts on the uniform to defend our nation,” said Senator Rick Scott. “Our veterans are American heroes who have made countless sacrifices. The Major Richard Star Act ensures our veterans receive the full benefits they’ve earned through their service and sacrifice protecting our nation regardless of length of service. This legislation makes a critical change to treat our veterans fairly and support our nation’s heroes. I urge my colleagues to support its quick passage.”
    The legislation is named in honor of Major Richard A. Star, a decorated war veteran who was forced to medically retire due to his combat-related injuries, and who tragically lost his battle with cancer in February 2021. 
    The House companion version of this bill was introduced by Congressmen Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Raul Ruiz (D-CA), with 185 bipartisan cosponsors.
    Click HERE to read the full bill text.
    The Major Richard Star Act has widespread support from numerous Veteran Service and Military Service organizations, including the Air Force Sergeants Association (AFSA), Air & Space Forces Association (AFA), American GI Forum, The American Legion, American Military Society, American Veterans (AMVETS), Armed Forces Retiree Association, Army Aviation Association of America (AAAA), Association of Military Surgeons of the United States  (AMSUS), Association of the United States Army (AUSA), Association of the United States Navy (AUSN), Blinded Veterans Association (BVA), Burn Pits 360, Chief Warrant Officers Association of the US Coast Guard (CWOA), Commissioned Officers Association of the U.S. Public Health Service, Inc. (COA), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States, Fleet Reserve Association (FRA), Heroes Athletic Association, Gold Star Wives of America (GSW), Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America (JWV), K9s for Warriors, Marine Corps League (MCL), Marine Corps Reserve Association (MCRA), Military Chaplains Association of the United States of America (MCA), Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH), Mission Roll Call, National Defense Committee, National Military Family Association (NMFA), Naval Enlisted Reserve Association (NERA), Non-Commissioned Officers Association (NCOA), Operation First Response, Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), Quality of Life Foundation, Reserve Organization of America (ROA), Stronghold Freedom Foundation, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), The Retired Enlisted Association (TREA), The Independence Fund (TIF), United States Army Warrant Officers Association (USAWOA), USCG Chief Petty Officers Association (CPOA), VetsFirst/United Spinal Association, Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), Wounded Paw Project, Wounded Warrior Project (WWP).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Issues Statement on Measles Cases in Kansas

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall
    Garden City — Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) today released the following statement in response to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) reporting six confirmed cases of measles, all located in Southwest Kansas.  
    Senator Marshall is closely tracking the measles outbreaks across the country as updates come in. As of March 14, 2025, there have been 301 confirmed cases in 15 states, and other presumed cases being tested. 
    “Given the increase in cases of measles in Kansas, everyone should talk to their own doctor about their health needs and the need for a booster shot or vaccination,” said Senator Marshall. 
    Senator Marshall’s office has been in contact with KDHE, and the department has confirmed they have sufficient supply of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine on hand. The office will stay in contact with KDHE about infection tracking and will continue to assist from the federal level as infections increase.
    Background:
    Measles is a highly contagious viral infection spread through respiratory droplets. A red skin rash is a recognizable symptom of measles, but symptoms can also include white spots within the mouth, fever, dry cough, runny nose, sore throat, or inflamed eyes.
    Measles is largely preventable through vaccination. 
    The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that all children receive two doses of the MMR vaccine, which vaccinates against measles, mumps, and rubella. The first shot is typically administered between 12 and 15 months of age, and a second between the ages of 4 and 6 years.
    Some adults may already be protected through infection as a child, before the vaccine became routinely administered in 1962. There are instances in which some adults, such as those who are pregnant or immunocompromised, who should not get a live attenuated vaccine. 
    Adults who are unsure if they were infected or vaccinated as a child should visit with their doctor or visit their local health department to determine whether a booster shot is recommended. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, Durbin Klobuchar, Cantwell, Colleagues Call on President Trump to Reverse the Illegal Firing of FTC Commissioners

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
    March 20, 2025
    [SPRINGFIELD, IL] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, along with U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ranking Member of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law, and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, and over two dozen of their Senate colleagues called on President Trump to reverse the illegal firing of Commissioners Rebecca Kelly Slaughter and Alvaro Bedoya from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). 
    “This action contradicts long standing Supreme Court precedent, undermines Congress’s constitutional authority to create bipartisan, independent commissions, and upends more than 110 years of work at the FTC to protect consumers from deceptive practices and monopoly power,” wrote the Senators. “We urge you to rescind these dismissals so the FTC can get back to the people’s work.”
    “Congress established the FTC in 1914 as an independent agency made up of bipartisan, multi-member, expert commissioners who are tasked with protecting consumers,” the Senators continued. “In 2024 alone, the FTC used this authority to return more than $330 million to consumers, while simultaneously blocking anticompetitive mergers and challenging monopoly power that can result in higher prices, fewer choices, and less opportunity for American consumers, workers, and small businesses. The FTC has consistently carried out this mandate as a bipartisan commission under Republican and Democratic administrations.”
    In addition to Duckworth, Durbin, Klobuchar and Cantwell, the letter was signed by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).
    The full text of the letter is available here and below.
    Dear President Trump,
    On March 18, 2025 you announced your intention to fire Commissioner Slaughter and Commissioner Bedoya from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This action contradicts long standing Supreme Court precedent, undermines Congress’s constitutional authority to create bipartisan, independent commissions, and upends more than 110 years of work at the FTC to protect consumers from deceptive practices and monopoly power. We urge you to rescind these dismissals so the FTC can get back to the people’s work.
    Congress established the FTC in 1914 as an independent agency made up of bipartisan, multi-member, expert commissioners who are tasked with protecting consumers. In 2024 alone, the FTC used this authority to return more than $330 million to consumers, while simultaneously blocking anticompetitive mergers and challenging monopoly power that can result in higher prices, fewer choices, and less opportunity for American consumers, workers, and small businesses. The FTC has consistently carried out this mandate as a bipartisan commission under Republican and Democratic administrations.
    When establishing the FTC, Congress lawfully exercised its power to establish a bipartisan, multi-member, expert commission and to shield that commission from political pressure by allowing commissioners to serve 7-year terms and limiting the President’s power to remove commissioners only “for inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office.” Under the law, as you are aware, the President retains the sole authority to nominate new commissioners and to appoint the Chair of the Commission. The President may also appoint a new Chair among the sitting commissioners at any time. 
    Ninety years ago, the Supreme Court held that Congress’s authority to create bipartisan, multi-member, expert commissions—and specifically the FTC—“cannot well be doubted” because “it is quite evident that one who holds his office only during the pleasure of another cannot be depended upon to maintain an attitude of independence. . . .” In a 2020 decision involving whether Congress could insulate the single director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) from at-will removal by the President, the Supreme Court declined to revisit this precedent, finding important differences between the CFPB and the FTC, including that the FTC has multiple expert members to ensure the Commission retains relevant expertise at all times, that each President can influence the makeup of the Commission by nominating new members and appointing the Chair (as you have already done), and that the Commission is funded through the traditional appropriations process that the President may influence.  
    As such, the structure of the FTC does not undermine executive authority and is well within Congress’s power to establish independent agencies tasked with protecting Americans from harmful business practices, fraud, and outright corruption. As Commissioners duly appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, Commissioners Slaughter and Bedoya must be allowed to continue their work at the Commission. 
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, Fellow Senate Democratic Veterans Call on Trump and Hegseth to Immediately Restore DoD Webpages Honoring American Military Heroes

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
    March 20, 2025
    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and U.S. Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC)—led fellow U.S. Senators and Veterans Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), the Ranking Member of SVAC, Mark Kelly (D-AZ), and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) in demanding that President Donald Trump and U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth immediately restore dozens of webpages that the Administration recently purged from U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) websites—including the National Arlington Cemetery website—that detail the remarkable histories of great American military heroes. In the letter, Duckworth and her fellow Senate Democratic Veterans requested answers to several questions regarding the Trump Administration’s plan to restore these webpages and how much it cost American taxpayers to purge this digital content. The group is asking the Administration to promptly respond by April 1, 2025, in order to provide Veterans and the American public with the transparency and answers they deserve.
    In their letter to Trump and Hegseth, the lawmakers slam the recent website purges and state that these actions will further hinder recruitment efforts and make our military weaker: “Removing these records exacerbates an already concerning recruiting crisis, undermines morale across the Joint Force and betrays our Nation’s commitment to honoring the service of Veterans. First, by removing the records of Americans who bravely answered the call to serve our country in uniform, these short-sighted actions discourage eligible Americans from volunteering to serve and send a message that they will not be welcomed in the Armed Forces. Instead of purging these stories, we should be celebrating heroes who have made our military stronger, allowing them to inspire the next generation to serve and defend our nation.
    The lawmakers continued: “Second, through these actions, your administration is contributing to division within the ranks and undermining morale and cohesion, signaling to the Force that bravery only deserves to be recognized depending on who you are. We know that this just plays into the hands of adversaries who look for opportunities to divide us and undermine our military. Stoking a manufactured culture war to score political points at the expense of individual members of our Armed Forces hurts our national security.”
    The letter comes directly after Duckworth led a group of her fellow Senate Democratic Veterans in issuing a joint statement rebuking the DoD website purges.
    A copy of the full letter is available on the Senator’s website and below:
    Dear President Trump and Secretary Hegseth:
    We write today as Veteran Members of Congress to demand that you immediately reverse policies that seek to erase records of the historic accomplishments of our troops. We are concerned about reports that the Department of Defense (DoD) has pulled down webpages highlighting heroes across our Armed Services who happen to be women, people of color or members of the LGBTQ+ community. We understand that these efforts stem from a February 26, 2025, memorandum entitled, “Digital Content Refresh,” that directed components to scrub DoD online platforms of content that “promote[s] Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion,” which resulted in the erasure of important American stories of heroism of current and past servicemembers.
    We object to the Department removing from the public record stories that feature extraordinary achievements of warriors and Veterans. Webpages that we understand have been removed include stories about record-breaking combat flight hours by female aviators; historical contributions of Native American servicemembers such as Navajo Code Talkers during World War II; medal recipients within segregated combat units during the World Wars; and numerous other wartime sacrifices by Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen. We find it especially unacceptable that Arlington National Cemetery has purged webpages directing visitors who wish to pay respects to the gravesites of honorable Veterans, including those who died in combat or after decades of service to the nation, or want to learn about the history of civil rights in the military, a movement that greatly strengthened the cohesion and effectiveness of the military.
    We urge you to promptly reverse these indiscriminate, sweeping actions seeking to erase the legacy of our servicemembers. Removing these records exacerbates an already concerning recruiting crisis, undermines morale across the Joint Force and betrays our Nation’s commitment to honoring the service of Veterans.
    First, by removing the records of Americans who bravely answered the call to serve our country in uniform, these short-sighted actions discourage eligible Americans from volunteering to serve and send a message that they will not be welcomed in the Armed Forces. Instead of purging these stories, we should be celebrating heroes who have made our military stronger, allowing them to inspire the next generation to serve and defend our nation.
    Second, through these actions, your administration is contributing to division within the ranks and undermining morale and cohesion, signaling to the Force that bravery only deserves to be recognized depending on who you are. We know that this just plays into the hands of adversaries who look for opportunities to divide us and undermine our military. Stoking a manufactured culture war to score political points at the expense of individual members of our Armed Forces hurts our national security.
    Finally, your administration claims to support warriors and Veterans, but these needless actions undermine a basic commitment to our heroes in uniform – that their sacrifices in service of Americans will be appropriately honored and remembered. Public celebration of those military officers and enlisted servicemembers who made extraordinary contributions to the military and the American people is the least we owe them and their family, friends and communities.
    We are encouraged by steps the Department has taken to reinstate some of these webpages, including the page highlighting Charles C. Rogers, the Medal of Honor recipient, and Air Force training websites related to the Tuskegee Airmen. However, we remain concerned that these efforts to correct the record are ad hoc, reactive and insufficient.
    We demand that you respond to the following questions no later than April 1, 2025, and that this information be made available to the public, and particularly Veterans, who are owed accountability and transparency from the administration that represents them.
    Please provide your plan with a timeline for reinstating public digital records related to accomplishments of U.S. military servicemembers and Veterans.
    What criteria are you using to reinstate digital content related to historical accomplishments of servicemembers or Veterans?
    What guidance have you provided components regarding requirements to archive many of these websites targeted for removal? What processes do you have in place to ensure any removal of these records complies with the Federal Records Act? 
    Please detail the manhours and associated cost of executing the memo dated February 26, 2025, “Digital Content Refresh,” to purge digital content.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: In a Letter to General Services Administration, Duckworth, Durbin, Members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation Outline Harmful Impacts of Recent Termination of Federal Government Leases

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
    March 20, 2025
    “DOGE” claims to have terminated 793 federal leases across the country including 24 in Illinois, jeopardizing Illinoisans’ ability to access critical federal services
    [SPRINGFIELD, IL] – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) along with members of the Illinois Congressional delegation, sent a letter to the General Services Administration (GSA) Acting Administrator Stephen Ehikian requesting answers in regard to GSA’s recent termination of federal government leases across Illinois. As of March 6, 2025, GSA, in conjunction with the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), claims to have terminated 793 federal leases across the country—24 of which are in Illinois. These abrupt lease terminations have left impacted agencies in the dark and created alarm and confusion for federal workers.
    The lawmakers wrote, “The Trump Administration has made clear its intent to reduce GSA’s footprint by selling half of the buildings owned by the federal government and terminating half of the leases used by federal agencies nationwide. However, the lack of transparency around these actions and DOGE’s influence in the process of lease terminations is troubling. The ‘wall of receipts’ touted on the DOGE website is not an adequate source of information. The so-called department has acted carelessly, terminating leases recklessly and without proper consultation with the agencies involved or consideration for the workers, constituents, and communities impacted by these decisions.”
    “GSA and DOGE terminated 24 leases in Illinois, claiming an alleged ‘savings’ of $15 million. We are concerned about the impact these lease terminations may have on Illinoisans’ ability to access critical federal services. For example, the closure of a Social Security Administration (SSA) office in Rockford, Illinois, could make it difficult for seniors and people with disabilities to schedule appointments or apply for retirement and disability benefits, as the next closest SSA office is more than a 30-minute drive away. In addition, DOGE reportedly is pressuring the SSA to reduce its 1-800 phone services, which would exacerbate the difficulty seniors and people with disabilities would face in claiming their benefits,” the lawmakers continued.
    Several Department of Labor (DOL) office leases in Illinois also were terminated, including the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) office in Naperville, Illinois and the Wage and Hour Division office in Springfield, Illinois. These closures will make it more difficult for Illinoisans to report workplace incidents and file confidential complaints against employers who violate wage and child labor laws, as well as health and safety standards. Further, the termination of the Small Business Administration (SBA) office lease in Springfield, Illinois, along with a March 6, 2025, announcement that SBA plans to relocate its Chicago regional office, could leave Illinois without an SBA office at all. This decision would complicate Illinois small businesses’ ability to access SBA loan programs, disaster recovery loans and federal contracts crucial to their livelihoods.
    In addition to Duckworth and Durbin, the letter is signed by U.S. Representatives Jonathan Jackson (D-IL-01), Robin Kelly (D-IL-02), Delia Ramirez (D-IL-03), Jesús García (D-IL-04), Mike Quigley (D-IL-05), Sean Casten (D-IL-06), Danny Davis (D-IL-07), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-08), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09), Bill Foster (D-IL-11), Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14), Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13) and Eric Sorensen (D-IL-17).
    The Congressional delegation requested GSA respond to a number of outstanding questions by April 4, 2025.
    A copy of the full letter is available here.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crapo, Warner Lead Colleagues in Letter Reaffirming Support for Community Development Financial Institutions

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo
    Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Mark R. Warner (D-Virginia), co-chairs of the Senate Community Development Finance Caucus, led a letter to Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Treasury Scott Bessent emphasizing bipartisan support for the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund, and highlighting the fund’s critical role in providing capital to underserved communities.  The letter was signed by 23 Senators.
    The CDFI Fund boosts economic growth in largely underserved communities that lack traditional access to financing, creating a public-private partnership to promote access to capital. Since 1994, the CDFI sector has grown to over 1,400 institutions, located in every state and territory in the nation.  It has leveraged at least $8 in private sector investment for every $1 in public funding received.
    “Over 1,400 CDFIs represent a significant portion of America’s financial services sector, delivering over $300 billion in financial services each year to urban and rural communities across every state,” the Senators wrote.  “Each year, CDFIs provide affordable growth capital to over 100,000 small businesses and finance over $100 billion in residential real estate, bringing down the cost of housing through new construction and affordable home mortgages. The important work of the CDFI sector is strengthened by the CDFI Fund, which provides seed funding to new CDFIs, grows the capacity of existing CDFIs, and provides oversight to ensure federal dollars are spent appropriately. Elimination of key CDFI Fund functions would undermine this important progress, including for small businesses and homeowners.” 
    The letter continued, “The CDFI Fund’s public-private partnership model aligns with this Administration’s emphasis on ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent efficiently and with measurable impact. Every federal dollar injected into a CDFI generates at least eight more dollars from private-sector investment. Due in large part to the investments the Trump Administration made in the CDFI Fund in 2020, industry assets have tripled and the number of CDFI-certified entities has risen by 40 percent.”
    In addition to Senators Crapo and Warner, the letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer (D-New York), Tina Smith (D-Minnesota), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota), Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi), Rev. Raphael Warnock (D-Georgia), Dr. Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana), Chris Van Hollen (D-Maryland), Mike Rounds (R-South Dakota), Jack Reed (D-Rhode Island), Steve Daines (R-Montana), Gary Peters (D-Michigan), John Boozman (R-Arkansas), John Hickenlooper (D-Colorado), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Ron Wyden (D-Oregon), Tim Sheehy (R-Montana), Cory Booker (D-New Jersey), Jim Justice (R-West Virginia), Dick Durbin (D-Illinois) and Ruben Gallego (D-Arizona).
    Following President Trump’s Executive Order, Senators Crapo and Warner highlighted the success of the CDFI fund.  In 2022, Crapo and Warner launched the bipartisan Senate Community Development Finance Caucus, focused on coordinating and expanding on public and private-sector efforts in support of the missions of CDFIs.  Since its inception, the Caucus has grown to 28 members, 14 Democrats and 14 Republicans.
    A copy of letter is available here and text is below.
    Dear Secretary Bessent,
    We write to reaffirm our bipartisan support of the CDFI Fund, its operations and the critical role it plays in the communities it serves. We appreciate your recent statement recognizing how the CDFI Fund and CDFIs are integral to the Administration’s pursuit of job growth, wealth creation and prosperity.
    Federal support for the CDFI mission began in 1994, with enactment of the bipartisan Riegle Community Development and Regulatory Improvement Act. Since its inception over three decades ago, the CDFI Fund has proven critical to the CDFI sector’s growth and has met the mission to create a public-private partnership to promote access to capital in our most underserved urban and rural communities.
    Over 1,400 CDFIs represent a significant portion of America’s financial services sector, delivering over $300 billion in financial services each year to urban and rural communities across every state. Each year, CDFIs provide affordable growth capital to over 100,000 small businesses and finance over $100 billion in residential real estate, bringing down the cost of housing through new construction and affordable home mortgages. The important work of the CDFI sector is strengthened by the CDFI Fund, which provides seed funding to new CDFIs, grows the capacity of existing CDFIs, and provides oversight to ensure federal dollars are spent appropriately. Elimination of key CDFI Fund functions would undermine this important progress, including for small businesses and homeowners.
    The CDFI Fund’s public-private partnership model aligns with this Administration’s emphasis on ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent efficiently and with measurable impact. Every federal dollar injected into a CDFI generates at least eight more dollars from private-sector investment. Due in large part to the investments the Trump Administration made in the CDFI Fund in 2020, industry assets have tripled and the number of CDFI-certified entities has risen by 40 percent.
    In sum, more distressed communities are being served by CDFIs than ever before, more first-time buyers are receiving the financing they need to purchase a home, more community facilities are being built, and more commercial loans are reaching entrepreneurs. A reduction in the functions and operations of the CDFI Fund will have a corresponding impact on CDFI-certified entities and local communities and we urge you to avoid this unfortunate outcome. 
    Thank you for your consideration of our request. We stand ready to work with your Administration to promote policies that deliver opportunity and prosperity to all Americans.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER REVEALS: TRUMP’S NEWEST ORDER COULD BLOW $5 BILLION DOLLAR HOLE IN NY’S “MAIN STREET” LENDING FOR SMALL BUSINESSES, AFFORDABLE HOUSING, MORTGAGES & MORE; SENATOR LEADS FIGHT FOR IMMEDIATE…

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer
    In Recent Days, Trump Signed Executive Order To Dismantle Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund, Which Provides Hundreds Of Millions Of Fed Investment Annually To Lenders To Increase Access To Capital For Underserved Areas Like Upstate NY & Rural Communities To Help People Buy A Homes, Boost Small Biz, And More
    Schumer Shows How These Devastating Cuts Would Be Felt From Buffalo To Albany, In Every Region – CDFI’s In Upstate NY Have Helped 12,000+ Upstate Businesses Each Year, Nearly 4,000 Families With Mortgages, And Financed Nearly 5,000 Affordable Housing Units
    Schumer: Cutting Off Upstate NY From This Main Street Lending Program Would Be A Disaster– And Trump Must Reverse This Decision
    After President Trump signed an executive order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer revealed how these devastating proposed cuts would be felt in every corner of Upstate NY by upending the primary lending program for everything from small businesses on our Main Streets to first-time homebuyers.
    Schumer said CDFI’s fill the gaps in lending where capital might not be available for NYer’s looking to buy a home, start or expand a small business, improve their local Main Streets, finance affordable housing and hospitals, and more. Schumer is now leading a bipartisan coalition of senators to call on the Trump administration to preserve this vital fund – an essential and affordable stream of lending for communities like Upstate NY and cities and rural communities across America.  
    “The Trump administration just unwisely put Upstate NY’s Main Street lending on the chopping block, something that will hurt new families trying to buy homes and entrepreneurs starting and expanding small businesses. The CDFI fund is used from Buffalo to Albany to help NY families buy homes, grow their small businesses, improve healthcare, and rebuild our Main Streets, and taking it away would be a disaster. It could blow a $5 billion dollar hole in New York’s community lending sector, raising costs and cutting off loans and investment for anyone who doesn’t have access to big banks,” said Senator Schumer. “I am all for cutting out inefficiency, but you use a scalpel, not a chainsaw. And you certainly don’t slash programs like the CDFI Fund which has a clear track record of using federal investment to leverage magnitudes more in private investment to help regular people buy homes and start businesses. It is one of the best bang for your buck programs we have for Upstate NY small businesses and families buying homes. I am leading a bipartisan fight for the Trump administration to reverse this destructive proposal and preserve the CDFI Fund to keep the support flowing to Upstate NY’s Main Streets and the middle class.”
    The CDFI Fund supports CDFI lenders in their mission to provide small businesses and housing and community development projects with capital investment unavailable in their local economies. Each year, CDFIs provide affordable growth capital to thousands of small businesses and finance over $100 billion in residential real estate, bringing down the cost of housing through new construction and affordable home mortgages. Schumer said the elimination of key CDFI Fund functions would undermine this important progress, including for small businesses and homeowners. In New York, CDFIs have supported hospital renovations, affordable housing conversions, projects bringing fresh food to local communities, small business expansions, and more. A breakdown of funding by region in New York for small businesses and housing can be found below. A list of New York projects can be found here.

    NY Region

    Total Funding for Businesses

    Total $ for Consumer and Mortgage Loans

    Total $ to Real Estate/Other

    Total $

    Total Originations to Businesses and MicroBusinesses

    Total Consumer and Mortgage Originations

    Capital Region

    $9,180,874

    $27,135,370

    $29,819,183

    $66,135,427

                              566

                                29

    Western New York

    $11,228,096

    $46,150,746

    $25,870,271

    $83,249,114

                              982

                              147

    Central New York

    $9,152,171

    $310,218,718

    $42,333,001

    $361,703,890

                           1,640

                           2,383

    Rochester-Finger Lakes

    $14,907,370

    $24,703,146

    $32,304,491

    $71,915,007

                              923

                              143

    Hudson Valley

    $29,047,167

    $197,250,314

    $57,893,068

    $284,190,549

                           2,701

                              420

    Long Island

    $45,142,052

    $521,605,405

    $230,171,098

    $796,918,555

                           4,576

                              138

    Mohawk Valley

    $1,807,015

    $17,704,789

    $30,908,401

    $50,420,205

                              205

                              193

    New York City

    $953,617,956

    $1,640,431,432

    $993,819,971

    $3,587,869,360

                       112,301

                              777

    North Country

    $1,201,725

    $6,659,354

    $9,908,746

    $17,769,825

                                91

                                21

    Southern Tier

    $5,185,497

    $24,298,698

    $17,423,745

    $46,907,940

                              304

                              214

    Total

    $1,080,469,923

    $2,816,157,972

    $1,470,451,977

    $5,367,079,872

                       124,289

                           4,465

    “Support from the CDFI Fund allows us to maximize our impact in New York’s low-income areas – urban, rural and everywhere in between,” said Colleen Ryan, consulting executive director of the NYS CDFI Coalition. “Local CDFIs develop unique programs and tailored resources by leveraging federal dollars with private capital. These grants are not spent down, as traditional grants are. Instead, as loans are repaid, the funds are recycled into new projects. In addition to lending, we offer technical assistance to our borrowers to help them develop much-needed housing, build businesses, and revitalize neighborhoods. We urge continued support for the CDFI Fund, which provides consistent return on investment.”
    Schumer said it is unacceptable that the Trump administration is eliminating the CDFI Fund and its vital support to lowering the cost of housing and helping more Americans start a business or rebuild their community, and warned that this Trump cut will have severe impacts on New York. In 2022, CDFIs helped deliver over $1 billion in capital for small business and housing and community projects. This investment alone supported the creation of over 20,000 affordable housing units across New York State.
    The CDFI Fund provides the necessary investment to start and support the national network of CDFI lenders to bring private capital to more communities. For every $1 in federal funding awarded through the CDFI Fund, at least $8 in private sector investment is leveraged—mobilizing local capital, creating jobs, and fueling small business and affordable housing growth. The CDFI network serves communities throughout the country, from rural to big cities to suburban areas, and as a result, has had long-standing bipartisan support.
    Schumer’s letter to Treasury Secretary Bessent along with Sens. Warner and Crapo, Tina Smith (D-MN), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Rev. Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Dr. Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Jack Reed (D-RI), Steve Daines (R-MT), Gary Peters (D-MI), John Boozman (R-AR), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Jim Justice (R-WV), Dick Durbin (D-IL), and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) can be found HERE or below:
    We write to reaffirm our bipartisan support of the CDFI Fund, its operations and the critical role it plays in the communities it serves. We appreciate your recent statement recognizing how the CDFI Fund and CDFIs are integral to the Administration’s pursuit of job growth, wealth creation and prosperity.
    Federal support for the CDFI mission began in 1994, with enactment of the bipartisan Riegle Community Development and Regulatory Improvement Act. Since its inception over three decades ago, the CDFI Fund has proven critical to the CDFI sector’s growth and has met the mission to create a public-private partnership to promote access to capital in our most underserved urban and rural communities.
    Over 1,400 CDFIs represent a significant portion of America’s financial services sector, delivering over $300 billion in financial services each year to urban and rural communities across every state. Each year, CDFIs provide affordable growth capital to over 100,000 small businesses and finance over $100 billion in residential real estate, bringing down the cost of housing through new construction and affordable home mortgages. The important work of the CDFI sector is strengthened by the CDFI Fund, which provides seed funding to new CDFIs, grows the capacity of existing CDFIs, and provides oversight to ensure federal dollars are spent appropriately. Elimination of key CDFI Fund functions would undermine this important progress, including for small businesses and homeowners.
    The CDFI Fund’s public-private partnership model aligns with this Administration’s emphasis on ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent efficiently and with measurable impact. Every federal dollar injected into a CDFI generates at least eight more dollars from private-sector investment. Due in large part to the investments the Trump Administration made in the CDFI Fund in 2020, industry assets have tripled and the number of CDFI-certified entities has risen by 40 percent.
    In sum, more distressed communities are being served by CDFIs than ever before, more firsttime buyers are receiving the financing they need to purchase a home, more community facilities are being built, and more commercial loans are reaching entrepreneurs. A reduction in the functions and operations of the CDFI Fund will have a corresponding impact on CDFI-certified entities and local communities and we urge you to avoid this unfortunate outcome.
    Thank you for your consideration of our request. We stand ready to work with your Administration to promote policies that deliver opportunity and prosperity to all Americans.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Eliminates Waste and Saves Taxpayer Dollars by Consolidating Procurement

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    CONSOLIDATING PROCUREMENT:  Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order consolidating federal procurement for common goods and services in the General Services Administration (GSA)—the agency designed to conduct procurement—which will eliminate waste, inefficiencies, and duplication and enable agencies to focus on their core mission of delivering excellent services to the American people.
    Since January 20th, 2025, GSA has coordinated the termination or economization of over 6,000 contracts across the federal government.  This Executive Order expands upon those efforts by directing:
    Agency Heads to submit proposals to GSA for consolidating domestic procurement functions for common goods and services within GSA, the agency with expertise in such procurement.
    GSA and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to develop a comprehensive plan for consolidating common goods and services procurement across the government to eliminate waste and duplication, while delivering the best possible services to the American people. 
    Agencies to designate GSA as the executive agent for the administration of government-wide acquisition contracts.

    RESTORING COMMON SENSE TO ACQUISITION: President Trump believes that a streamlined, centralized approach to procurement is essential to ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and efficiently.
    The government spends about $490 billion per year on federal contracts for common goods and services, making it the largest buyer of goods and services in the world.
    For too long, agencies have independently purchased office productivity software, leading to numerous challenges and inefficiencies, including pricing inconsistencies.
    For example, the cost of a comprehensive suite of Microsoft Office 365 services could vary between agencies by more than $200 per license.
    Consolidating the acquisition of this software in GSA could result in more than $100M in savings per year. 

    Agencies buy a wide range of common goods like band saw blades and televisions, which could be centralized in GSA and result in major savings for the American taxpayer.
    For a 32-7/8″ band saw blade, GSA’s average purchase price is 22% lower than that available through other government procurement vehicles and on the commercial market.
    For a 50-inch flat screen TV, GSA’s average purchase price is 20% lower than that available through other government procurement vehicles, and almost 30% lower than commercial market pricing.

    The federal government routinely handles sensitive information and buys identity protection services to prevent and respond to data breaches—however, these are purchased in a decentralized manner, leading to inconsistent pricing and underutilization of volume-based discounts.
    GSA has an established purchasing solution that channels government-wide demand and saved $150 million in FY 24 alone.

    Every government agency needs to purchase computers for their employees to effectively serve the American people, totaling well over $1 billion annually.
    Over the last 10 years, almost $6 billion has gone through GSA, which realizes an average savings rate of 38%.
    While NASA, NIH, Army, and GSA have set up a program to establish minimum computer standards and leverage the volume of government purchasing to achieve savings, not every agency has taken advantage of the program to reduce their costs.

    Centralizing and standardizing procurement will make purchasing as simple and efficient as possible.   
    Using the aforementioned savings examples as a proxy, a 10% reduction in spending through this consolidation initiative could result in approximately $50 billion in savings to the taxpayers per year.
    ELIMINATING WASTE: Since Day One, President Trump has been laser focused on eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse in the federal government.
    This Executive Order builds on his administration’s broader commitment to fiscal responsibility, cutting unnecessary bureaucratic bloat and redirecting resources to priorities that directly benefit the American people.
    President Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has already identified more than $100 billion in estimated savings from a “combination of asset sales, contract/lease cancellations and renegotiations, fraud and improper payment deletion, grant cancellations, interest savings, programmatic changes, regulatory savings, and workforce reductions.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján Reintroduces Legislation to Crack Down on Robocalls, Protect Americans From Scams

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)
    Washington, D.C. –  Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Media, announced the reintroduction of the FCC Legal Enforcement Act, legislation that would provide the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) with litigation enforcement authority for violations contained in the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) regarding robocalls. Specifically, the legislation would provide the FCC with the authority to commence court proceedings to recover penalties and fines against those in violation of the TCPA.
    “Every American with a phone knows how annoying it is to be bombarded by robocalls that only offer unwanted scams and threats to personal privacy. Robocalls aren’t just a nuisance, they also scam Americans out of millions of dollars every year,” said Senator Luján. “Congress passed much-needed legislation to protect Americans through the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, but this legislation failed to provide the FCC with the legal authority to enforce the law. That’s why I’m proud to reintroduce the FCC Legal Enforcement Act to empower the Commission to hold telecom companies accountable for robocalls that disrupt Americans’ lives.”
    In 1991, in an effort to address a growing number of telephone marketing calls, Congress enacted the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). The TCPA restricts the making of telemarketing calls and the use of automatic telephone dialing systems (robocallers) and artificial or prerecorded voice messages. The rules apply to common carriers as well as to other marketers. Although the FCC has the authority to conduct investigations and issue fines or penalties for violations of the TCPA, the Commission lacks the authority to go into court to collect the fines. That authority lies with the Department of Justice. Unfortunately, the Department of Justice may take up to five years to decide whether to pursue a case related to a violation of the TCPA. In that time, violators have hidden assets or disappeared altogether.
    The FCC Legal Enforcement Act provides the FCC with the authority to commence court proceedings to recover penalties or fines against those in violation of the TCPA. Violations of the TCPA are still referred to the Department of Justice first, but if after 120 days, the DOJ refuses to pursue the case, the FCC can commence its own action.
    The FCC Legal Enforcement Act is cosponsored by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.).
    Full bill text is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray Statement on Trump Executive Order Seeking to Abolish the Department of Education

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
    ICYMI: Ahead of Expected EO to Abolish Department of Education, Murray, Seattle School Board President, Parents, Advocates Raise Alarm Over Trump Dismantling Dept. of Ed
    ICMYI: Senator Murray Blasts Trump’s Plans to Decimate the Department of Education
    ICYMI: Ahead of Confirmation Vote, Senator Murray Blasts Linda McMahon’s Nomination: “We Cannot Have a Secretary of Education Who Doesn’t Believe in Having a Secretary of Education”
    Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a senior member and former Chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, issued the following statement on the executive order President Trump is expected to sign this afternoon seeking to eliminate the Department of Education (ED):

    “We should be focused on helping our kids with math and reading—the basics they need to succeed. Absolutely no one is asking for three out-of-touch billionaires to rip apart the Department of Education over some deranged far-right culture war.

    “Donald Trump knows perfectly well he can’t abolish the Department of Education without Congress—but he understands that if you fire all the staff and smash it to pieces, you might get a similar, devastating result. In taking a wrecking ball to the Department, Trump is making it harder for students to get help getting financial aid, jeopardizing the funding schools and families count on every day, and making it easier for predatory businesses to rip students off.

    “Trump and Musk are selling snake oil—because the obvious truth is dismantling the Department and ripping support away from students and schools won’t do a thing to help improve test scores and make sure our kids get the support they need to thrive. And while Trump claims he wants to ‘return education to the states,’ we know that couldn’t be farther from the truth—because Trump and Musk are, at this very moment, trying to exert ever more control over local schools and dictate what they can and cannot teach.

    “Trump, Musk, and McMahon’s goal is clear: destroy public schools and enrich themselves in the process. The billionaires running our government may not understand why federal financial aid or funding for working class school districts or watchdogs protecting students from scammy for-profit colleges matters—but the constituents I talk to every day do, and they are not sitting quiet while Trump seeks to destroy public education in America.”

    A senior member and former chair of the HELP Committee, Senator Murray has championed students and families at every stage of her career—fighting to help ensure every child in America can get a high-quality public education. Among other things, Senator Murray negotiated the bipartisan Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), landmark legislation that she got signed into law, replacing the broken No Child Left Behind Act. As a longtime appropriator, she has successfully fought to boost funding to support students and invest in our nation’s K-12 schools, and she has secured significant increases to the Pell Grant so that it goes further for students pursuing a higher education. Senator Murray also successfully negotiated the FAFSA Simplification Act, bipartisan legislation to reform the financial aid application process, simplify the FAFSA form for students and parents, and significantly expand eligibility for federal aid.
    On Monday, Senator Murray led a letter demanding detailed answers from the Department of Education about the Trump administration’s mass firings and other detrimental actions, which risk major reductions in support for and oversight of federal investments in our nation’s K-12 schools and institutions of higher education and which threaten vital support for students with disabilities, access to Pell Grants and other financial aid, oversight of student loan servicers, scrutiny of for-profit colleges, and more. The letter follows an earlier March 6 letter Senator Murray sent alongside colleagues demanding answers about the chaotic, harmful actions taken by ED since January—which the Department has yet to respond to.
    During Secretary Linda McMahon’s confirmation hearing, Senator Murray pressed McMahon on whether she will ensure approved funding gets out to serve students as the law requires and whether she would protect students’ data from DOGE. She also asked McMahon to name a single requirement of ESSA. McMahon couldn’t name any. Ahead of McMahon’s confirmation, Senator Murray spoke out on the Senate floor against her nomination and sounded the alarm over President Trump and Elon Musk’s plans to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education.
    A fact sheet outlining how the Department of Education supports students in Washington state is HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hickenlooper, Colleagues Demand USDA Reverse Canceled Local Food Purchase Programs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Hickenlooper – Colorado
    $1 billion in canceled programs support local farmers and increase food security in uncertain times
    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper joined 31 Senate colleagues in a letter demanding a reversal of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s cancellation of food purchase programs across the United States, warning of the harmful impacts this move will have on both families and American farmers.
    “We ask that you reverse the cancellation,” the senators wrote. “We have grave concerns that the cancellation… poses extreme harm to producers and communities in every state across the country. At a time of uncertainty in farm country, farmers need every opportunity to be able to expand market access for their products.”
    The canceled programs allow states, territories, and Tribes to purchase from local farmers to provide food for food banks, schools, and child care centers. The reported $1 billion in canceled purchases by the USDA adds further pain at a time of high food prices and instability within U.S. agricultural markets.
    In Colorado, local food banks across the state used more than $14 million in funding from these programs over the last two years. For example, more than 33 Colorado school districts made use of these programs over the last 2 years.
    The full letter sent to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins can be found HERE and below:
    Dear Secretary Rollins: 
    We write to express serious concerns regarding the cancellation of U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs supporting local and regional food purchases providing assistance to those in need. These successful programs, the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA) and the Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program (LFS), allow states, territories, and Tribes to purchase local foods from nearby farmers and ranchers to be used for emergency food providers, schools, and child care centers. 
    At a time when food insecurity remains high, providing affordable, fresh food to food banks and families while supporting American farmers is critical. Notably, LFPA and LFS have benefitted producers and consumers by providing funding for purchases through all 50 states, four territories, and 84 tribal governments. Through LFPA and LFS, USDA has prioritized the procurement and distribution of healthy, nutritious, domestic food. It has also taken an important step towards igniting rural prosperity by expanding and strengthening markets among farmers and rural economies. As of December 2024, the programs had supported over 8,000 producers, providing increased marketing opportunities. 
    Most importantly, we ask that you reverse the cancellation of LFPA and LFS. We also ask that you provide a thorough and complete update on USDA’s implementation of LFPA and LFS, including answers to the following questions:  
    What is the status of reimbursements for entities that have agreements with USDA through LFPA and LFS? What is the last date for which states, territories, and Tribes received reimbursements for food purchases under LFPA and LFS?  
    Has the Administration conducted any assessments of how these program cancellations will impact producers and recipient organizations (e.g., food banks, schools, child care centers)? If so, please provide a copy of any such assessments.  
    We have grave concerns that the cancellation of LFPA and LFS poses extreme harm to producers and communities in every state across the country. At a time of uncertainty in farm country, farmers need every opportunity to be able to expand market access for their products.  
    Please provide responses to the information requested in our questions no later than Friday, April 4. Thank you for your attention to this urgent and important matter. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warren, Wyden Slam Trump Health Nominee Dr. Oz for Medicare Tax Avoidance

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    March 20, 2025

    Dr. Mehmet Oz, who would oversee Medicare as CMS head, appears to have avoided paying over $400,000 in Medicare taxes over past three tax years

    “If you are unwilling to pay your legal and fair share of taxes into Medicare, there is little reason to believe you will be a good steward of the program for the tens of millions of seniors and people with disabilities who rely on it.”

    Text of Letter (PDF)

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), member of the Senate Finance Committee, and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, slammed Dr. Mehmet Oz, President Trump’s nominee for the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), for his reported Medicare tax avoidance following his confirmation hearing last week. As head of CMS, Dr. Oz would oversee Medicare — the same agency he has potentially defunded by reportedly avoiding hundreds of thousands of dollars in Medicare and Social Security taxes in the past few years.

    “If you are unwilling to pay your legal and fair share of taxes into Medicare, there is little reason to believe you will be a good steward of the program for the tens of millions of seniors and people with disabilities who rely on it,” wrote the lawmakers.

    A recent review of Dr. Oz’s financial records by Senate Finance Committee staff revealed that he appeared to have avoided over $400,000 in Medicare taxes over the past three tax years by improperly claiming “limited partner” status in his own company, which provided him with an exemption from the Medicare tax. When approached by the Finance Committee and offered the chance to amend his tax returns to bring them in line with the positions of the IRS, Treasury Department, and the Tax Court, Dr. Oz refused.

    “Medicare is funded by the tax contributions of millions of hardworking Americans. Yet, you misused a tax loophole to avoid paying your fair share,” wrote the lawmakers.

    Medicare provides vital and lifesaving services for nearly 70 million Americans. As nearly all Americans eventually enroll in Medicare, nearly all working Americans are required to pay a portion of their income in Medicare tax. For the vast majority of Americans who receive a paycheck from their employer, this contribution is automatically removed from their paychecks. But for wealthy individuals like Dr. Oz who receive income from partnerships, they pay Medicare taxes by appropriately documenting and designating income and paying the required 3.8% of their income in accordance with federal law. It appears that Dr. Oz failed to do so.

    The lawmakers requested that Dr. Oz answer a series of questions regarding this apparent tax avoidance prior to any Senate Finance Committee vote on his nomination, including whether he will commit to paying the IRS the full amount of taxes he has seemingly avoided, whether he will commit to making his tax filings from the last five years public, and whether or not he believes that Americans have the right to refuse to pay their Medicare taxes as required by federal law.

    Senator Warren has scrutinized Dr. Oz through his confirmation process for his conflicts of interest and his anti-abortion views: 

    • In March 2025, Senator Elizabeth Warren wrote to Dr. Oz ahead of his Senate Finance Committee confirmation hearing, demanding answers to questions about his plan to eliminate Traditional Medicare, his serious conflicts of interest, his dangerous anti-abortion views, and more.
    • In March 2025, Senator Warren wrote to Dr. Oz, criticizing his serious conflicts of interest and asking him to make a series of commitments to mitigate them. 
    • In February 2025, Senator Warren and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) criticized Dr. Oz’s  hostile anti-abortion record. As CMS Administrator, Dr. Oz would be in charge of Medicare, Medicaid, and Affordable Care Act (ACA) coverage, exercising broad authority over reproductive health care access.
    • In December 2024, Following his nomination, Senator Warren pressed the nominee on his advocacy to eliminate Traditional Medicare and his deep financial ties to private health insurers that would benefit from that move. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warren Demands Answers from NIH Leaders on Funding Cuts, Citing “Ongoing Chaos” and Lack of Transparency

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    March 20, 2025

    “Your lack of transparency and action during this de facto funding freeze is unacceptable.”

    “[M]any researchers in Massachusetts and beyond who depend on the NIH to keep their critical and lifesaving work moving forward deserve answers.”

    Text of Letter (PDF)

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren wrote to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Acting Director Dr. Matthew Memoli and Director Nominee Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, demanding answers for the NIH funding cuts that are causing “ongoing chaos” and harm to research institutions across Massachusetts. Although the Trump administration’s initial funding pause was blocked by a federal judge, new information obtained by Sen. Warren’s staff indicates that continued cuts and disruptions to research funding are still having a devastating impact on research institutions in Massachusetts and beyond.

    “Neither of you appear to have answers about what is going on at this agency, nor a willingness to resolve these problems. But the situation at the NIH remains dire, and it is imperative that you provide clarity immediately,” wrote Senator Warren.

    Dr. Bhattacharya’s vote to be confirmed as NIH Director is expected to be on the Senate floor next week. The NIH plays a critical role in funding scientific and medical research across the country, and is particularly important in Massachusetts, where innovative research fuels the local economy and powers life-saving breakthroughs.

    On February 12, Senator Warren wrote to Acting Director Memoli about the chaos and confusion caused by funding pauses at the NIH and the impacts of these disruptions at Massachusetts research institutions. Dr. Memoli failed to answer questions about what caused the funding cuts and when operations would resume.

    In the meantime, the situation at the NIH has only worsened. Days after she sent her letter, the NIH terminated more than 1,000 workers. According to reports, NIH is expecting to cut up to 5,000 workers, which would account for a quarter of the current workforce. Top Massachusetts research universities like Harvard, MIT and UMass have since announced hiring freezes and pauses or reductions in graduate student admissions. The NIH also abruptly cancelled a decades-long internship program that historically supported more than 1,000 college students in summer research programs to develop skills for careers in the biomedical sciences. 

    “The Trump Administration’s disruption of billions of dollars of funding for basic scientific and medical research will have a devastating long-term impact on the nation’s technological and scientific breakthroughs that have created miraculous cures for deadly diseases and health problems, and led to trillions of dollars in economic growth,” continued Senator Warren.

    Earlier this month, Bhattacharya, President Trump’s nominee for NIH Director, testified before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP). When asked about grant freezes and pauses, he failed to provide basic answers about the current situation, refusing to acknowledge the extent of the devastating impacts of the disruptions or take a clear position.

    “As the Acting Director and Director Nominee of this agency, it is important that you provide clarity to Congress and the American public during this crisis,” concluded Senator Warren.

    Senator Warren urged the directors to end the funding freeze and cuts to grant expenditures, and demanded answers to her specific questions by April 2.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy Meets Business Leaders in Metairie, Tours DSC Dredge Facility in Reserve

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy
    METAIRIE – Yesterday in Metairie, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) met with the Jefferson Business Council, a collection of Presidents and CEOs of major companies in Jefferson Parish. They discussed their concerns about issues affecting families and business owners in the parish.
    “The members of the Jefferson Business Council had great questions about making flood insurance affordable and vaccinating children against measles,” said Dr. Cassidy. “We will work together with Congress and President Trump to meet these goals, so this community can be healthier and more affordable for families.”
    A priority for both families and business owners in the New Orleans area is keeping flood insurance affordable. Last Thursday, Cassidy went to the Senate floor to call on Congress to renew the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) for another two years, instead of having to rely on short-term extensions. He also proposed the bipartisan Flood Insurance Affordability Tax Credit Act in February, which would give low- and middle-income households enrolled in the NFIP a 33% refundable tax credit to combat rising flood insurance premiums.
    Cassidy is also working to renew the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017, which he supported and helped pass into law late that year. To that end, Cassidy recently met with President Trump as a Republican member of the U.S. Senate Finance Committee, to discuss how to renew the TCJA while also providing more tax relief to middle-class families and balancing the budget.
    Cassidy was welcomed to the meeting by Mr. Mark Rosa, Chairman of the Jefferson Business Council.
    “On behalf of the Jefferson Business Council, it is a pleasure to meet with Senator Cassidy,” said Mr. Rosa. “Members of the JBS always welcome hearing from our representatives in Washington to speak to us on matters that will potentially impact the quality of life of the residents of Jefferson Parish.”
    Later, Cassidy visited DSC Dredge in Reserve, where he learned how they build custom dredges and dredge control systems that make harbors and shipping channels navigable to keep the flow of commerce going.
    “DSC Dredge is an incredibly innovative company based in Louisiana whose dredges are being used from the LSU Lakes to Bangladesh,” said Dr. Cassidy. “And they beat the competition.”
    Cassidy’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) included $109 million for federal projects sponsored by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to dredge and repair damages caused by Hurricanes Laura, Delta and Zeta. Another $808 million was included for the Mississippi River and tributaries, and $251 million for flood and coastal emergencies, directly benefiting Louisiana. Thanks to these efforts, dredging for various Corps projects was funded months after the passage of the IIA, including for the Atchafalaya River and Bayous Chene, Boeuf and Black, the Barataria Bay Waterway, the Freshwater Bayou, and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway.
    While at DSC Dredge, Cassidy toured the facility and met both with executives and employees of the company. Cassidy was welcomed by Mr. Bob and Bill Wetta, brothers and co-owners of DSC Dredge.
    “Our team takes great pride in designing and building dredges that keep America’s waterways open, provide critical infrastructure materials and perform environmental restoration and mitigation services,” said the Wettas. “We appreciate Senator Cassidy’s commitment to supporting industries like DSC Dredge that manufacture products critical to this mission. During the roundtable, our employees had the valuable opportunity to speak with the Senator, ask questions on key issues, and gain insights they wouldn’t have otherwise received. We are grateful for the time he took to engage directly with our team and hear their perspectives firsthand.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy, Crapo, Colleagues Reintroduce Legislation to Correct Biden-Harris Attack on Louisiana Commuters

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Mike Crapo (R-ID), and a group of Republican colleagues reintroduced the Choice in Automobile Retail Sales (CARS) Act to repeal the aggressive Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) tailpipe rule from President Biden and Vice President Harris amid their efforts to phase out gas-powered cars and trucks. The CARS Act protects Louisianans’ right to choose what cars they drive and works to prevent future regulations on affordable, reliable vehicles. “Making Louisiana families pay for EV tax breaks for rich peoples’ cars was one of the many bad things the Biden Administration did,” said Dr. Cassidy. “The CARS Act helps fix this damage!”“The rule-making process under the previous Administration pushed a radical green agenda that harmed consumer choice in the automobile industry,” said Senator Crapo. “Americans deserve to have access to affordable, reliable vehicles fueled by American-made energy products. However, the EPA’s tailpipe rule will hurt everyday Americans while simultaneously helping China. Consequences of rules and regulations such as these restrict consumer choice and raise costs for the average American family.”
    Under the Biden-Harris Administration, the EPA finalized a rule titled “Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards for Model Year 2027 and Later Light-Duty and Medium-Duty Vehicles,” which sets stringent emissions standards for criteria pollutants and greenhouse gasses for these vehicles and is a de facto EV mandate.  Under the rule, internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles–which still represent the overwhelming majority of new car sales–can make up no more than 30 percent of new sales by 2032.  
    The average price of an electric vehicle (EV) is still significantly higher than the average price of a gas-powered vehicle, even with massive government subsidies for EVs paid for by American taxpayers.  EV mandates threaten to hurt everyday Americans and cost auto workers their jobs while simultaneously helping China, given that China continues to dominate the EV supply chain.  In recent years, demand for EVs made up less than ten percent of new car sales.
    The CARS Act would:
    Rescind the EPA tailpipe emissions rule;
    Prohibit the use of authority under the Clean Air Act to issue regulations that mandate the use of any specific technology or that limit the availability of new motor vehicles based on that vehicle’s engine type.  This includes any regulation prescribed on or after January 1, 2021;
    Require the EPA to update any regulations since January 1, 2021, that result in the limited availability of new vehicles based on that vehicle’s engine within two years; and
    End the EPA’s radical agenda, which is driving up costs for people and handing the keys of America’s auto industry to China.
    Cassidy and Crapo were joined by U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Katie Britt (R-Alabama), Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska), Roger Marshall (R-Kansas), Steve Daines (R-Montana), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Deb Fischer (R-Nebraska), John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Rick Scott (R-Florida), John Hoeven (R-North Dakota), Jim Justice (R-West Virginia), Shelley Moore Capito (R-West Virginia) and Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming) in cosponsoring the bill.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Senator Marshall Visits Key Kansas Agriculture Sites on National Ag Day 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Wichita –In honor of National Agriculture Day on Tuesday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) visited Tractor Supply in Eureka, Flickner Innovation Farm in Moundridge, and Cargill Innovation Center in Wichita. After touring the sites and discussing issues impacting the agriculture industry with staff, researchers, and farmers, Senator Marshall released the following statement.
    “National Agriculture Day serves as a platform to recognize the amazing contributions of our farmers and ranchers who work tirelessly to keep America supplied with nutritious food and critically important resources like biofuels,” said Senator Marshall. “The United States has the safest, most affordable, and most available real food supply on earth — and it’s not even close. I will always fight to advance Kansas’ agricultural priorities, support our farmers and ranchers, and strengthen our food supply.”
    Highlights from the visits include: 
    Tractor Supply
    At the Tractor Supply location in Eureka, Senator Marshall met with staff and discussed the company’s initiatives, including expanding access to rural broadband. Tractor Supply is the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the United States.

    Flickner Innovation Farm
    At Flickner Innovation Farm, topics of discussion included new irrigation technologies and the NASA Farm Innovation Ambassador Team program. Additionally, Senator Marshall, scientists, and farmers discussed Flickner’s research into fertilizer application systems, the use of lime on soil, and groundwater nitrate levels.
    Flickner Innovation Farm is a working farm and research hub that focuses on testing and implementing innovative agricultural technologies and practices to improve soil health, water conservation, and overall sustainability in farming. 

    Cargill Innovation Center
    At Cargill Innovation Center in Wichita, Senator Marshall toured the 75,000-square-foot facility that features state-of-the-art labs, a USDA-inspected pilot plant, and more. While there, Senator Marshall and Cargill staff discussed the company’s food safety innovations, product consistency testing, and the center’s role in supporting the global food industry.
    Cargill is a global, privately held American multinational food corporation and agribusiness company, founded in 1865, that provides food, agricultural, financial, and industrial products and services worldwide. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven Statement on Jury Decision in Lawsuit Over DAPL Protests

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven

    03.19.25

    BISMARCK, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement after a North Dakota jury ruled in favor of Energy Transfer in the company’s lawsuit against Greenpeace over its role in the protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline.

    “The Dakota Access Pipeline was built with the latest, greatest technology and safety features, and the company went through all of the required regulatory and permitting steps. These facts are reaffirmed by today’s decision in court,” said Senator Hoeven. “This pipeline is important not only to North Dakota’s success as a global energy powerhouse, but our nation’s energy security. We will continue working to provide regulatory certainty for this and energy projects across the country, taking the handcuffs off our energy producers to make the U.S. truly energy dominant.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: On Education, President Trump Knows We Can Do Better

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    Since 1979, the U.S. Department of Education has spent over $3 trillion with virtually nothing to show for it. Despite per-pupil spending having increased by more than 245% over that period, there has been virtually no measurable improvement in student achievement:
    Math and reading scores for 13-year-olds are at the lowest level in decades.
    Six-in-ten fourth graders and nearly three-quarters of eighth graders are not proficient in math.
    Seven-in-ten fourth and eighth graders are not proficient in reading, while 40% of fourth grade students don’t even meet basic reading levels.
    Standardized test scores have remained flat for decades.
    U.S. students rank 28 out of 37 OECD member countries in math.
    President Donald J. Trump and his administration believe we can, and must, be better.
    Instead of maintaining the status quo that is failing American students, the Trump Administration’s bold plan will return education where it belongs — with individual states, which are best positioned to administer effective programs and services that benefit their own unique populations and needs.
    Instead of a bloated federal system that burdens schools with regulations and paperwork, the Trump Administration believes states should be empowered to expand educational freedom and opportunity for all families.
    Why would we keep doing the same thing over and over again and expect a different result?

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: PHOTOS: Capito Hosts West Virginia Girls Rise Up Event in Braxton County

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito

    SUTTON, W.Va. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), today brought her West Virginia Girls Rise Up program to Braxton County Middle School (BCMS). During the event, which was her 35th in program history, she met with 6th graders and discussed with them the importance of female empowerment, education, fitness, and self-confidence. Delegate Lori Dittman, who is also a teacher at BCMS, joined Senator Capito in hosting today’s event.

    “I was thrilled to bring my Girls Rise Up program to Braxton County alongside Delegate Lori Dittman to empower and inspire the next generation of West Virginia’s young women. Through this program, we encourage girls to be confident, work hard, and pursue their dreams—whether in leadership or any path they choose. Seeing their enthusiasm and ambition gives me great hope for the future of our state,” Senator Capito said.

    “We were honored to have U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito and Delegate Lori Dittman speak to our 6th grade girls at Braxton County Middle School. Senator Capito’s Girls Rise Up program has inspired countless young women to recognize their potential, embrace leadership, and pursue their dreams with confidence. Her commitment to empowering the next generation of female leaders stands as a powerful reminder that when girls rise up, they don’t just change their own futures, they change the world,” BCMS Principal Amy Perkins said.

    Senator Capito launched the West Virginia Girls Rise Up program in 2015 to instill confidence in young West Virginia women and empower them to be strong and kind female leaders. The program focuses on three areas: education, fitness, and self-confidence. Learn more about the program here.

    Photos from today’s event can be found below:

    U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Delegate Lori Dittman pose with a 6th grade student during a Girls Rise Up event at Braxton County Middle School in Sutton, W.Va. on Thursday, March 20, 2025.

    U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) hosts a Girls Rise Up event at Braxton County Middle School in Sutton, W.Va. on Thursday, March 20, 2025.

    U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) hosts a Girls Rise Up event at Braxton County Middle School in Sutton, W.Va. on Thursday, March 20, 2025.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rosen Visits Las Vegas Metro Police Department’s Wellness Bureau to Discuss Importance of Mental Health Support for Law Enforcement

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)

    LAS VEGAS, NV – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) visited the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department’s (LVMPD) new Wellness Bureau to discuss the importance of mental health support for Nevada’s law enforcement community. Senator Rosen toured the facility with its director, Dr. James Tenney, and heard directly about what the department is doing to support the needs of their police force. They also discussed how additional federal resources would be helpful to continue supporting Nevada’s law enforcement.
    “Our law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to keep us safe, and that can take a toll on their mental health,” said Senator Rosen. “I was glad to tour LVMPD’s Wellness Bureau today to see firsthand how they’re supporting their officers’ well-being, and hear about any additional federal resources the department may need. I’m working across party lines to support our first responders’ mental health, and I’ll keep fighting to deliver federal resources for Nevada’s law enforcement officers.”
    Senator Rosen has been working to support Nevada’s law enforcement community and ensure it has the resources needed to fight crime effectively and safely. Last year, she announced over $300,000 in federal funding for Nevada to help law enforcement fight drug trafficking. Senator Rosen also announced nearly one million dollars in federal funding for Nevada law enforcement to hire more officers, purchase essential equipment, and invest in officer mental health. A bipartisan bill she backed to fund family support and mental health services for law enforcement officers passed the Senate last year.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 03.20.2025 ICYMI: Sen. Cruz, USDA Secretary Rollins, Rep. De La Cruz Address Agricultural Challenges in the Rio Grande Valley

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas Ted Cruz

    McAllen, Texas – Today, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), joined by USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, and Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (R-Texas-15), hosted a roundtable and press conference in San Juan, Texas, to address challenges producers are facing in the Rio Grande Valley.

    Sen. Cruz said, “I was proud to lead the effort in the U.S. Senate to secure this $280 million block grant, which is critical for Texas producers in the Rio Grande Valley, and to work with Secretary Rollins and President Trump in getting it across the finish line. Secretary Rollins is a champion of agriculture, and we are working together on the crisis facing Texas agriculture across the board, including holding Mexico accountable for its obligations under the 1944 Water Treaty.”
    USDA Secretary Rollins said, “Farmers and ranchers in the Rio Grande Valley have worked for generations to feed communities across Texas, the U.S., and beyond. A lack of water has already ended sugarcane production in the Valley and is putting the future of citrus, cotton, and other crops at risk. Through this grant, USDA is expediting much-needed economic relief while we continue working with state leadership to push for long-term solutions that protect Texas producers.”
    Sen. Cornyn said, “The Texas agriculture community helps feed, clothe, and fuel our entire country, and it is critical that they have the help and resources they need to keep their industry thriving. Today’s announcement of more than $280 million in emergency assistance is great news for South Texans, many of whom have been greatly impacted by Mexico’s failure to deliver water under the 1944 Water Treaty. I was proud to help lead the fight to secure this important funding alongside Senator Cruz, Congresswoman De La Cruz, and Senate Ag Committee Chairman Boozman, who joined me in the Rio Grande Valley last year to hear firsthand from farmers about the challenges they are facing. I will continue advocating for the needs of Texas farmers and ranchers in Washington, and with the help of the Trump administration, I look forward to seeing this industry continue to grow.”
    Rep. De La Cruz said, “Farmers and ranchers are the backbone of our South Texas communities and economy. The funding deployment announced by Secretary Rollins today will provide critical relief for the South Texas agricultural industry after suffering tremendous losses due to drought conditions and the Government of Mexico’s refusal to comply with the 1944 Water Treaty. I am proud to work alongside the Administration to deploy this critical aid and deliver solutions for the families, businesses, and communities across the nation that rely on Texas agriculture to thrive.”
    BACKGROUND
    Sen. Cruz is a key defender of Texan producers:

    Sen. Cruz championed a provision providing support for South Texas agricultural producers suffering from Mexico’s blatant failure to meet its obligations under the 1944 Treaty on Utilization of Waters of the Colorado, Tijuana, and Rio Grande Rivers. This funding will provide immediate relief for hardworking Texans.
    Sen. Cruz introduced the Livestock Indemnity Program Enhancement Act to help Texas livestock producers recover from wildfires in the Texas Panhandle.
    U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) ranking member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee,spearheaded the passage of legislation to streamline the permitting process for new and expanded bridges across the Rio Grande in Brownsville, Laredo, and Eagle Pass, Texas, into law. This victory was made possible by a bipartisan and bicameral coalition of Texas legislators dedicated to expanding Texas’s economy and enhancing our bilateral relationship with Mexico, including Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), and Reps. Henry Cuellar (D-Texas), Tony Gonzales (R-Texas), Vicente Gonzalez (D-Texas), and Monica de la Cruz (R-Texas). 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Reverend Warnock Celebrates the Release of Georgian George Glezmann

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia

    Senator Reverend Warnock pressured Presidents of both parties to do everything in their power to secure Glezmann’s release

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) issued the following statement after reporting that George Glezmann, who had been held hostage by the Taliban in Afghanistan, is returning home to Georgia.

    “I’m beyond thrilled that George Glezmann is returning home to Georgia. My best wishes go out to George and his wife Aleksandra, who I’ve gotten to know well over the past two trying and difficult years. With Senator Ossoff, I’ve proudly pushed Presidents of both parties to do everything in their power to bring George home, and today we can finally celebrate that moment. Welcome home, George.”

    Senator Warnock worked tirelessly over the past two years to secure George Glezmann’s release, including:

    • Leading private effort to push the Administration officials to prioritize Glezmann’s release
    • Holding multiple calls and meetings with Glezmann’s wife, Aleksandra Salukvadze, on efforts to bring Glezmann home
    • Pressuring former Secretary of State Antony Blinken and former National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan to meet with Salukvadze
    • Holding phone calls with former National Security Council Chief of Staff Curtis Ried and former Deputy Homeland Security Advisor Jen Daskal to discuss progress on Glezmann’s case
    • Working with Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) to introduce and pass a resolution calling for Glezmann’s release in July 2024
    • Speaking to former President Joe Biden and Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) on Glezmann’s case
    • Writing directly to George Glezmann in a letter read aloud to him over the phone in September 2024
    • Making a direct ask to former White House Counsel Edward Siskel to bring Glezmann home
    • Joining onto Senator Ossoff’s effort to pressure President Donald Trump to prioritize George Glezmann’s release

    MIL OSI USA News –