NewzIntel.com

Category: US Senate

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn Celebrates Delivery of $280 Million in Drought Assistance for South Texas

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) today lauded the rollout of more than $280 million in emergency assistance deliveries for South Texas farmers and ranchers impacted by the water shortage as part of a grant program U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, Sen. Cornyn, and others secured for the region late last year:
    “The delivery of $280 million in drought assistance to South Texas will provide much-needed relief to farmers and ranchers in the Valley who have suffered from Mexico’s repeated refusal to provide the water it owes under the Water Treaty,” said Sen. Cornyn. “I was proud to work alongside Secretary Rollins and lead several of my colleagues from Texas in the mission to secure this funding, and I look forward to continuing to partner with the Trump administration and state leaders to provide every resource necessary for our agriculture community.”
    Background:
    Sen. Cornyn has led the charge in Congress to boost Texas’ water supply and ensure Mexico fulfills its treaty obligations to provide annual deliveries of water to South Texas farmers and ranchers. In addition to successfully securing more than $280 million in emergency assistance for Rio Grande Valley farmers and producers affected by the water shortage, he led a request earlier this year to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio asking for renewed efforts to push Mexico to comply with the 1944 Water Treaty while also securing Secretary Rubio’s commitment to hold Mexico accountable for delays.
    Last year, Sens. Cornyn and Cruz raised alarms after a Rio Grande sugarcane mill closed due to acute water shortages, cosponsored a resolution supporting diplomacy, and sent a letter to then-U.S. Secretary of State Blinken urging the Department to engage on Mexico’s violation of the intent of the treaty. Senator Cornyn also led a letter to the Chairmen and Ranking Members of the House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on State and Foreign Operations urging them to withhold designated funds from Mexico until they enter into an agreement with the U.S. to balance the deficit of the water deliveries, which the House Appropriations Committee included in their funding bill.
    Under the Treaty Relating to the Utilization of Waters of the Colorado and Tijuana Rivers and of the Rio Grande, Mexico is obligated to deliver an average of 350,000-acre feet of water annually over a five-year cycle as its contribution to the Rio Grande’s water supply. However, Mexico has consistently delayed fulfilling its water obligation until the end of the five-year cycle, which hinders South Texas farmers’ ability to plan for and grow crops as well as ranchers’ ability to provide water to livestock. The current cycle ends in October and so far, Mexico has paid less than 700,000 acre-feet of water — less than half of what it owes, according to IBWC data.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 07/17/2025 Blackburn, Skrmetti Call for FTC Investigation Into Questionable Online Marketing of Alternatives to FDA-Approved Weight Loss Medications

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti (R-Tenn.) sent a letter to Andrew Ferguson, Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), urging the FTC to investigate shady online marketing practices of GLP-1 receptor agonists.
    These drugs are increasingly being advertised as alternatives to FDA-approved weight loss medications like Ozempic and are being advertised in ways that mislead consumers and undermine both public health and the integrity of the pharmaceutical marketplace.
    Foreign Criminals and Con Artists Are Hijacking the FDA-Approved Weight Loss Drug Market
    “The FDA-approved GLP-1 medications are life-changing for millions of patients and resulted from decades of research and testing. Amid the unprecedented demand for these miracle medicines, foreign criminals and con artists are defrauding and endangering Americans by selling and shipping counterfeit or deceptively-marketed GLP-1 drugs and active ingredients. Many sellers of these drugs advertise directly to consumers on social media, claiming that their products are an easier and more affordable way to obtain GLP-1 drugs.”
    Study Finds Most Websites Do Not Disclose GLP-1 Drugs Aren’t FDA-Approved

    “Federal law requires that advertising for drugs be ‘truthful, non-misleading and accurate.’ A recent peer-reviewed analysis… reviewed online sales advertising for compounded GLP-1 medications between July and September 20243. The findings of the analysis were disturbing. The authors of the study report that ‘most websites did not disclose that compounded GLP-1 RAS were not FDA approved, although some suggested these drugs were FDA approved. Many websites provided limited safety information and unauthorized efficacy claims. Some websites did not disclose that these medications were compounded or incorrectly referred to them as generic.’ More than a third of the sites failed to include precautions, warnings, or contraindications. Fourteen percent even failed to disclose adverse effects. Moreover, many of these sites employed aggressive and manipulative marketing tactics that closely resemble those used in unscrupulous supplement sales, including celebrity endorsements, discount countdown timers, and testimonial-heavy landing pages. Consumers are often directed through low-barrier ‘consultations’ that circumvent the more thorough medical evaluation such a prescription should require.”
    Manipulative Marketing Has Resulted in Severe Harm to Unsuspecting Consumers 

    “These illicit activities have already resulted in severe harm to unsuspecting users. To date, there have been over 900 adverse events associated with compounded versions of the two leading therapies in this class – trizepitide and semaglutide – including at least 17 deaths. These are not isolated incidents. What we are seeing is a growing commercial ecosystem that relies on the facade of legitimacy, all the while sidestepping appropriate regulatory oversight. Consumers seeking to improve their health are funneled through online evaluations and presented with products that may well pose genuine medical risks, all while being told they are receiving the same benefits as prescription medications that have passed FDA review.”

    The FTC Should Investigate These Marketing Practices

    “Traditionally the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) plays an important complementary role alongside the FDA in protecting consumers from false advertising practices related to drugs. Your authority is clear under Section 5 of the FTC Act. We urge the Commission to initiate a formal investigation into these advertising practices by companies marketing GLP-1 drugs-whether compounded, counterfeit, or otherwise misrepresented-and consider enforcement actions where warranted. We also encourage the FTC to work with the FDA to issue clear guidance regarding the marketing of compounded pharmaceuticals, particularly those marketed as substitutes for regulated medications. The risks to consumers are real and growing. As an elected representative of the people of Tennessee and the State’s chief legal officer, we know that deceptive marketing practices like these undermine consumer trust and put people at serious risk. Swift action will help protect public health and reaffirm the Commission’s role in ensuring ‘truthful, non-misleading and accurate’ advertising of sensitive products consumers are putting into their bodies.”

    Click here to read the full letter.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 07/18/2025 Blackburn, Harris Lead Fight to Hold National Education Association Accountable for Putting Politics Over Students

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and U.S. Representative Mark Harris (R-N.C.) introduced the National Education Association Charter Repeal Act to revoke the congressional charter of the nation’s largest teachers’ union and the only labor union with a federal charter:

    “Time and again, teachers’ unions have shown they’ll put their political agenda ahead of students’ needs,” said Senator Blackburn. “The National Education Association has made it crystal clear it’s a partisan organization, and it shouldn’t be rewarded with a federal charter that platforms woke gender ideology, antisemitism, and left-wing propaganda. Our students deserve better.”

    “Congress established the NEA in 1906 to support America’s teachers and strengthen our schools, but it has abandoned that mission in favor of a radical agenda,” said Representative Harris. “From branding President Trump a fascist to embracing divisive gender ideology and walking away from efforts to fight antisemitism, the NEA has become nothing more than a partisan advocacy group. Since the NEA is clearly not prioritizing students, parents or even teachers, it’s time to remove Congress’ seal of approval from this rogue organization.”
    BACKGROUND
    Last week, the National Education Association (NEA) voted to fight against President “Trump’s embrace of fascism,” promote LGBTQ events in public schools, and sever all ties with the Anti-Defamation League. These latest examples of NEA’s blatant political bias, along with its recent promotion of hatred and antisemitism, are a clear departure from the organization’s intended purpose.
    The NEA has a long list of egregious violations of public trust:
    In the 2024 election cycle, 98 percent of NEA political donations went to Democrats. 
    In 2023, the NEA partnered with the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), who collaborated with the Target Corporation to promote an obscene, radical agenda in their stores.
    In July 2021, the NEA adopted measures to support critical race theory.
    The NEA stood in the way of reopening schools in 2020 and 2021 by threatening strikes and influencing CDC guidance process to make it harder for schools to reopen.

    THE NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION CHARTER REPEAL ACT
    The National Education Association Charter Repeal Act would:
    Eliminate the congressional authorization of the NEA; and
    Formally remove Congress’ “seal of approval” and the suggestion that the government is responsible for the NEA’s operations.
    Click here for bill text.
    ENDORSEMENTS
    The National Education Association Charter Repeal Act is endorsed by Moms for Liberty, Heritage Action, Young America’s Foundation, American Principles Project, and the National Right to Work.

    “It’s incredibly sad that the nation’s largest teachers union has put woke politics before America’s children. The NEA’s embrace of radical left policies and antisemitism combined with their rejection of parental rights has forced moms and dads across America to condemn this organization. Moms For Liberty is incredibly thankful for Congressman Mark Harris, and his bold stand to remove the NEAs congressional charter. While other members just talk, Mark stepped up and took action,” said Tina Descovich, CEO of Moms for Liberty.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven Marks Two Major Milestones For Project Ultra, Outlines Future Of Drone & Counter-Drone Initiative

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven
    07.18.25
    Senator Highlights Weekly Unmanned Cargo Flights Between Grand Forks & Cavalier, Secured Increased $100 Million Contract Ceiling for Project ULTRA
    EMERADO, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today outlined two major milestones for Project ULTRA, which further solidify North Dakota’s leadership in unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and counter-UAS technology development:
    Project ULTRA has started conducting unmanned cargo flights between Grand Forks Air Force Base and Cavalier Space Force Station.
    Under this initiative, the project partners will fly unmanned aircraft carrying up to 25 pounds of cargo between the two military installations on a weekly basis for the next year.
    Importantly, this is the first such UAS operation on a military base flying through the national airspace (NAS) and without a chase plane.
    By conducting such operations on a routine basis, Project ULTRA is writing the playbook for similar UAS operations at bases across the country.

    Hoeven has secured an agreement in principle with the Department of Defense (DoD) to increase the contract ceiling for Project ULTRA to $100 million, up from $18 million.
    The higher funding ceiling creates the opportunity for all military services to connect with expertise in the private sector utilizing Project ULTRA.
    This will enable DoD to more cost-effectively and quickly develop the capabilities it needs, including counter-drone technology.

    All of Project ULTRA’s funding is made available through annual defense appropriations legislation, which Hoeven helps write as a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee. These efforts are further bolstered by legislation Hoeven drafted authorizing the Air Force to conduct a pilot project that would use drones to resupply remote facilities that support nuclear missiles, like those in Minot. Hoeven’s legislation is included in the Senate’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 National Defense Authorization Act.
    “Today marks two major milestones for Project ULTRA – the beginning of weekly UAS cargo flights between two military bases and an increase of the initiative’s contract ceiling to $100 million,” said Senator Hoeven. “We’re leveraging this funding and the ecosystem we’ve been building in our state since 2005 to connect all of our military branches with even more private sector partners to realize a wide range of new capabilities, from innovative and efficient uses of UAS to protecting our military bases against threats from drones. That’s a big deal, because drone technology is front and center everywhere you look, whether in Ukraine and Russia, the Middle East, our military or the civilian sector. North Dakota will continue leading the way, due in large part to the good work of GrandSKY, the Northern Plains UAS Test Site and their partners to deliver results for our military that are on-time and on-budget.”
    The Project ULTRA partners undertaking the unmanned cargo flights include:
    GrandSKY.
    The Northern Plains UAS Test Site.
    Grand Forks County.
    Skyways, which is providing the aircraft.
    Simulyze, which is providing the traffic management system.
    Representatives from the Air Force, Navy and NASA.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven: Department of Education to Release After-School Funds

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven
    07.18.25
    BISMARCK, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today announced that the U.S. Department of Education will release funding for 21st Century Community Learning Centers, which supports after-school programs in North Dakota. Upon hearing about the issue from Bismarck Public Schools Superintendent Jeff Fastnacht and Mackenzie County Public Schools Superintendent Steve Holen, Hoeven worked to release the funds, outlining the importance of the funding to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
    “We heard about the importance of these after-school programs from North Dakota superintendents, and worked with OMB to get the funding released. These funds help provide quality after-school programs for North Dakota students while enabling their parents to work, which is vital for students but also local economies,” said Hoeven.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: The One Big Beautiful Bill Boosts Small Businesses

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo

    Washington, D.C.–The One Big Beautiful Bill Act delivers targeted relief to America’s small businesses, making their tax deduction permanent, repealing onerous IRS reporting regulations and enabling workers to benefit from businesses’ success.
    “Freeing small businesses from onerous reporting requirements and providing them certainty through a permanent small business deduction allows them to expand and invest,” said Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho). “That means more jobs and higher wages in our local communities, on top of new provisions that allow taxpayers to keep more of their hard-earned paychecks.”
    Key wins:
    Permanent small business deduction, enabling job creation and spurring local economic activity.
    No tax on tips for millions of tipped workers.
    No tax on overtime for millions of America’s hourly workers.
    Repeals the Democrats’ onerous IRS reporting requirements on gig workers.
    Increases the 1099-MISC threshold, reducing the paperwork burden for small businesses and workers.
    What they are saying:
    “H.R. 1 extends the pro-growth policies from the TCJA and builds on their success, expanding key incentives from the 2017 law while introducing new provisions that further support manufacturing investment in the United States.” – National Association of Manufacturers
    “Making the small business deduction permanent is NFIB’s number one legislative priority and the most important thing Congress can do to help small businesses and their workers.” – National Federation of Independent Businesses
    “The ‘One Big, Beautiful Bill,’ now on its way to President Donald J. Trump for his signature, includes tax policies that will strengthen the restaurant and foodservice industry, enabling restaurant owners and operators across the country to create jobs, invest in their business and provide certainty for their local economies.” – National Restaurant Association

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Statement of Senate Intel Vice Chair Warner on DNI Gabbard’s sham claims about a “treasonous conspiracy” at the highest levels of government

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner

    WASHINGTON – Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Vice Chairman Mark R. Warner (D-VA) issued the following statement on DNI Gabbard’s unfounded claims of a coup: 

    “It seems DNI Gabbard is unaware that the years-long Russia investigation carried out by the Senate Intelligence Committee reaffirmed that ‘the Russian government directed extensive activity against U.S. election infrastructure’ ahead of the 2016 election, and that it ‘used social media to conduct an information warfare campaign’ in order to benefit Donald Trump. This conclusion was supported on a unanimous basis by every single Democrat and Republican on the committee. 

    “It is sadly not surprising that DNI Gabbard, who promised to depoliticize the intelligence community, is once again weaponizing her position to amplify the president’s election conspiracy theories. It is appalling to hear DNI Gabbard accuse her own IC workforce of committing a ‘treasonous conspiracy’ when she was unwilling to label Edward Snowden a traitor.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rosen Presses Trump Administration to Release Federal Funding to Fight Fentanyl Overdoses

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) released a statement following reports that the Trump Administration is withholding $140 million to combat the fentanyl crisis, jeopardizing critical funding for programs aimed at saving lives and reducing opioid overdoses across 49 states, including Nevada. The Overdose Data to Action Program through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides funding for the Southern Nevada Health District and the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services to help fight drug overdoses. 
    “It’s incomprehensible that the Trump Administration is withholding critical federal funding to fight the fentanyl crisis in Nevada and all across the nation. This is a dangerous move that puts lives and communities at risk,” said Senator Rosen. “Instead of fighting the fentanyl epidemic, Donald Trump is undermining public health efforts and abandoning the very people who are working on the front lines to stop overdoses. I call on the Trump Administration to release these funds immediately.”
    Senator Rosen has consistently worked across party lines to fight the fentanyl crisis and combat fentanyl trafficking into the U.S. Senator Rosen introduced the Stop Smuggling Illicit Synthetic Drugs on U.S. Transportation Networks Act to establish a national strategy and deploy detection technologies at ports of entry to intercept fentanyl coming across the border. Her bipartisan FEND Off Fentanyl Act, which sanctions international fentanyl trafficking networks—including Mexican cartels and chemical suppliers in China—was signed into law last year. Senator Rosen has also helped introduce the bipartisan END FENTANYL Act, which mandates that U.S. Customs and Border Protection update its drug interdiction policies every three years to stay ahead of evolving smuggling tactics. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rosen Introduces Resolution Opposing Reckless Trump Funding Cuts to Social Security, Medicare, Other Critical Programs and Departments

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) introduced a resolution in the Senate opposing the Trump Administration’s funding cuts and freezes to critical programs all while Republicans push to give more tax cuts to the ultra-wealthy. These cuts have affected programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, making it harder for Nevadans to access much-needed services. The cuts have also dismantled federal agencies and resulted in the firing of experienced federal staff, causing immediate and widespread harm to communities in Nevada and across the United States.
    “Donald Trump’s reckless funding freeze and cuts to programs that American families rely on have dire consequences,” said Senator Rosen. “These wrongheaded actions are hurting Nevadans who rely on Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, the VA, and so many other critical programs. I’ll keep pushing back on Donald Trump’s efforts to harm our communities.”
    The full text of the resolution can be found HERE.
    Senator Rosen has repeatedly pushed back against President Trump’s federal funding freeze, hiring freeze, and terminations in Nevada. She demanded answers from the Acting Social Security Administration Commissioner on the planned relocation of a Social Security office in Las Vegas. She also voted against Trump’s reconciliation bill that cut both food assistance and medical care, and his rescissions bill that cut public broadcasting. This week, she demanded that the Trump administration release $7 billion in K-12 education funding.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rosen, Cortez Masto Push for Upholding Bipartisan EXPLORE Act to Benefit Lake Tahoe Basin

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Nevada Senators Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) joined California Senators Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Alex Padilla (D-CA) in a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins and U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) Secretary Doug Burgum requesting that they make sure the Lake Tahoe Basin benefits from the bipartisan Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act, which was signed into law last Congress. Their letter comes in advance of the 29th Lake Tahoe Summit, which will take place on August 6, 2025.
    “Lake Tahoe is a beautiful, unique environment that both our states cherish and enjoy for its plentiful outdoor recreation opportunities and its precious natural resource value,” the Senators wrote. “We follow a line of previous California and Nevada Senators who have worked with numerous administrations across decades to preserve and protect Lake Tahoe for Californians, Nevadans, and the millions of people from beyond our states who visit Tahoe every year.” 
    In the letter, the lawmakers urge the agencies to take action on the opportunities presented by the EXPLORE Act, which includes improving outdoor recreation access on U.S. public lands, supporting gateway communities, strengthening conservation efforts, and boosting the outdoor recreation economy. The Senators request that USDA and DOI utilize the EXPLORE Act to implement the following in the Tahoe region:
    Select Tahoe’s long-distance bike trails for official designation and create a new unpaved trail that circumnavigates the region.  
    Account for the unique needs of Tahoe’s gateway community in terms of housing, municipal infrastructure, visitation, and expansion of visitation on federal land.  
    Direct a USDA pilot program with a pay-for-performance finance model for recreation projects on or benefiting Forest Service lands.  
    Affirm that Tahoe qualifies as a participant in the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program, making it eligible for grants to improve recreational opportunities. 
    Read the full letter HERE.
    Senators Rosen and Cortez Masto are champions for Nevada’s great outdoor spaces and public lands. They passed critical legislation to permanently fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), which protects public lands in Nevada and across the U.S. They passed bipartisan, bicameral legislation to reauthorize the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Rosen Introduces Bill to Declare Extreme Heat a Major Disaster

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
    WASHINGTON, DC – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) introduced the Extreme Heat Emergency Act. The bill would explicitly authorize extreme heat as eligible for a Major Disaster Declaration by the President under the Stafford Act, which recognizes fires, floods, explosions, hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes as eligible disasters. This would help communities like those in Nevada access federal resources and funding to respond to these disasters and prepare for future extreme heat waves. On Monday, Las Vegas had the hottest day recorded so far this year, and the death toll of heat-related deaths has already risen to 29 people in Southern Nevada.
    CBS News: The June heat dome broke records. Lawmakers are now trying to classify extreme heat as a disaster
    There have been 27 major disaster declarations issued by President Trump so far in 2025. The disasters range in size and scope, from the L.A. wildfires to Midwest tornadoes and the Texas flooding as well as several winter storms. Many of them have resulted in fatalities and billions of dollars in damage to property and businesses, but one major deadly weather event that occurred in June hasn’t been declared: an extreme heat wave.
    But there’s no disaster declaration for the event listed on the FEMA website.
    That’s because extreme heat is not considered a “disaster” that is eligible for federal funding, according to the Stafford Act, which is the guiding law that outlines when and how the president can declare disasters and direct the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide assistance to state and local governments. 
    Now, three Democratic lawmakers are attempting to change that. Senators Jacky Rosen of Nevada and Ruben Gallego of Arizona, along with Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia of Texas, have proposed legislation to classify extreme heat as a disaster, which would allow federal funding to flow into areas where hotter temperatures cause significant physical and economic distress.
    Las Vegas Review-Journal: Nevada senator wants federal funding for extreme heat emergencies
    Sen. Jacky Rosen introduced legislation today to designate extreme heat as a major disaster, which would allow communities to receive federal aid during heat-related emergencies.
    The Extreme Heat Emergency Act, co-sponsored by Rosen, Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz. and Rep. Sylvia Garcia, D-Texas, would help Nevada and other states respond to extreme heat events and prevent future disasters, according to a Wednesday press release.
    “Last year, more than 500 people died in one single county in Nevada from heat-related illnesses,” Rosen wrote in the press release. “Current federal policy ignores the physical and health risks that such extremely high temperatures have on our communities, which is why I’m introducing a bill to change that.”
    The release cites heat-related deaths and critical infrastructure damage as severe effects of extreme temperature. Extreme heat is the leading cause of weather-related death in the U.S., according to the release.
    KOH Reno: Nevada Sen. Moves to Declare Extreme Heat a ‘Major Disaster’
    Nevada Senator Jacky Rosen is introducing legislation to declare extreme heat a major disaster.
    If passed and signed into law, the Extreme Heat Emergency Act would add extreme temperatures to a list of disasters eligible to receive federal aid.
    Currently, the president has the authority to declare disasters for fires, floods, hurricanes and other natural catastrophes.
    Twenty-nine Clark County residents have died from heat-related illnesses this summer. Last year, the county saw more than 500 heat-related deaths.
    KLAS Las Vegas: After Las Vegas’ hottest summer ever, Rosen seeks to classify extreme heat as major disaster
    Anchor: “A Nevada Senator wants more federal money available during extreme heat. Democrat Jacky Rosen [is] introducing a bill to have extreme heat listed as a major federal disaster. She cited the hundreds of fatalities in Clark County, where heat is listed as a related cause. That bill would unlock disaster funding available for things like hurricanes and tornadoes.”
    KSNV Las Vegas: Nevada’s Rosen joins push to add extreme heat to major disaster declarations
    Anchor: “Speaking of the extreme heat, Nevada Senator Jacky Rosen is pushing to add that to the list of natural disasters that are eligible for federal aid, joined by representatives from Arizona and Texas. The bill would allow communities experiencing heat waves access to federal resources and funding. Last year, there were more than 500 heat-related deaths in Clark County alone. Senator Rosen argues current federal policy ignores the dangers and health risks posed by heat, adding that classifying heat as a major disaster will help the community respond and prepare for future heat events.”
    KOLO Reno: Rosen helps introduce bill to declare extreme heat a major disaster 
    Anchor: “Senator Jacky Rosen is helping to introduce a bill focused on the dangers of heat and getting federal funding to prepare for extreme heat events. The Extreme Heat Emergency Act would explicitly authorize extreme heat as being eligible for a “major disaster declaration” by the president under the Stafford Act. Rosen says the bill would help communities across our state access federal resources and money to prepare for future heat waves.”
    KTVN Reno: Lawmakers push for federal disaster declaration on extreme heat 
    Anchor: “Nevada Senator Jacky Rosen and Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego introduced the Extreme Heat Emergency Act to add extreme heat to the list of disasters eligible for a major disaster declaration under the Stafford Act. This designation would allow local governments to request federal aid similar to what is available for hurricanes, floods, and wildfires.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto, Rosen Push for Upholding Bipartisan EXPLORE Act to Benefit Lake Tahoe Basin

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto
    Washington, D.C. – Today, Nevada Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) joined California Senators Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) in a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins and U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) Secretary Doug Burgum requesting that they make sure the Lake Tahoe Basin benefits from the bipartisan Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act, which was signed into law last Congress. Their letter comes in advance of the 29th Lake Tahoe Summit, which will take place on August 6, 2025.
    “Lake Tahoe is a beautiful, unique environment that both our states cherish and enjoy for its plentiful outdoor recreation opportunities and its precious natural resource value,” the Senators wrote. “We follow a line of previous California and Nevada Senators who have worked with numerous administrations across decades to preserve and protect Lake Tahoe for Californians, Nevadans, and the millions of people from beyond our states who visit Tahoe every year.” 
    In the letter, the lawmakers urge the agencies to take action on the opportunities presented by the EXPLORE Act, which includes improving outdoor recreation access on U.S. public lands, supporting gateway communities, strengthening conservation efforts, and boosting the outdoor recreation economy. The Senators request that USDA and DOI utilize the EXPLORE Act to implement the following in the Tahoe region:
    Select Tahoe’s long-distance bike trails for official designation and create a new unpaved trail that circumnavigates the region.  
    Account for the unique needs of Tahoe’s gateway community in terms of housing, municipal infrastructure, visitation, and expansion of visitation on federal land.  
    Direct a USDA pilot program with a pay-for-performance finance model for recreation projects on or benefiting Forest Service lands.  
    Affirm that Tahoe qualifies as a participant in the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program, making it eligible for grants to improve recreational opportunities. 
    Read the full letter here.
    Senators Cortez Masto and Rosen are champions for Nevada’s great outdoor spaces and public lands. They passed critical legislation to permanently fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), which protects public lands in Nevada and across the U.S. They passed bipartisan, bicameral legislation to reauthorize the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act, and they delivered critical funding to protect Lake Tahoe in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Cortez Masto has introduced legislation to ban oil and gas development in Nevada’s beautiful and pristine Ruby Mountains.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murkowski Helps Advance First Four Spending Bills with Alaska Wins

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Lisa Murkowski
    07.18.25
    Washington, DC – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, voted to advance four bills for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) that contain significant investments for Alaska. The four appropriations bills that passed committee are for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies (AG); Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MilCon); Commerce, Justice, and Science and Related Agencies (CJS); and Legislative Branch (LEG). All were approved in committee, and will now advance to the Senate floor for consideration.
    “With crucial investments in affordable housing, infrastructure, public safety, and fisheries, we are addressing some of the most pressing challenges faced by Alaskans, and helping the sustainability and future of not only our communities, but our way of life. I am proud to fight for Alaskan priorities and ensure that our state’s needs are met,” said Senator Murkowski.
    HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE COMMERCE, JUSTICE, AND SCIENCE (CJS) APPROPRIATIONS BILL
    Supporting NOAA’s Mission in Alaska
    The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is a vital partner for the state of Alaska, leveraging partnerships at federal, state, local, and Tribal levels. NOAA provides everything from real time weather forecasts to fisheries monitoring, so that our communities are safe and our way of life is sustainable. To that end, Senator Murkowski prioritized ensuring the agency had programmatic support from the CJS Appropriations Bill to further advance their core missions in Alaska.
    One of the largest wins included $75 million for NOAA to recapitalize vessels, so that the fleet can continue to provide state-of-the-art weather forecasts and fisheries monitoring. The budget also included a $1 million increase for the Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) Regional Observations, which directly supports Alaska’s Ocean Observing System.
    Wins for NOAA Fisheries that will support sustainable seafood harvesting and conserving habitat:
    $10 million increase for Fisheries Surveys to support the historical levels of Alaska trawl surveys and exploring shifting fish stocks
    $3.125 million for the Bycatch Reduction Engineering Program (BREP), an increase of $250,000. This program was established to develop improved fishing practices and gear technologies in the effort of reducing bycatch.
    $4 million for the Fishery Survey Contingency Fund, which was established through the U.S. Treasury to compensate Alaska fishermen for economic losses.
    $5.5 million increase for Salmon Management Activities, which will be used to support the production of 42 million hatchery fish, to help increase the harvest for Tribal, commercial, and recreational fisheries.
    $41.5 million for the Pacific Salmon Treaty, a $500K increase from last fiscal year. This funding will go towards joint United States/Canada management of salmon fishing to prevent over-fishing and provide for optimum harvest
    $58.4 million for Observers and Training, including $2 million for the North Pacific Observer Program. These programs are essential for the conservation and management of fisheries in the Bering Sea, Aleutian Island, and Gulf of Alaska
    Wins for NOAA Weather & Climate Monitoring Systems
    $5 million increase for the National Data Buoy Center (NDBC). The NDBC is a network of monitoring infrastructure that collects and analyzes real-time data to ensure maritime safety.
    $10 million increase for Analyze, Forecast, and Support – includes language supporting tsunami detection and response systems relevant to Alaska.
    Advancing Connectivity in Alaska
    Senator Murkowski has set herself apart with her focus on broadband infrastructure in Alaska, shepherding record investment to the state through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) of 2021. She continues to be a leader in the space, inserting report language in the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program that acknowledges Alaska’s challenges with short construction seasons and logistics, laying the groundwork for future flexibility and support if needed. She also directed the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to consider supplemental funding that would ensure rural and remote Tribal projects are completed.
    Promoting Public Safety in Alaska
    Public safety in Alaska is always foremost on Senator Murkowski’s mind—particularly in our rural communities. She used the CJS bill as a vehicle for direct investment towards advancing that goal. The bill includes an increase in funding for the Tribal Youth Program, which does everything from improvements to the juvenile justice system, invest in alcohol and substance abuse prevention programs, and offer mental health services for Tribal youth. She was able to secure a 5% Tribal Set-Aside in the Crime Victims Fund along with strong report language that supports Tribal flexibility and streamlined access. The Senator also included increased funding for Special Tribal Criminal Jurisdiction, with language supporting Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) efforts and improved Department of Justice (DOJ) grant coordination for Native communities. Additionally, the bill follows up on the Government Accountability Office (GAO) report on MMIW with a directive for immediate reporting.
    Alaska faces some of the highest rates of sexual assault per capita of any state, and Senator Murkowski was intent on using the CJS bill to address this crisis. She approved an almost tripling of the Sexual Assault Forensic Exam Grants funding, which will support training and resources for forensic examination of sexual assault survivors. The Senator also included report language directing the Office for Victims of Crime/Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention to support Alaska-specific Child Advocacy Centers.
    The bill also includes funding increases for Transitional Housing Assistance, Underserved Populations Program, Regional Information Sharing Systems, and Veterans Treatment Courts.
    Investing in Arctic Research
    As the leading expert in Congress on Arctic policy and polar affairs, Senator Murkowski uses her position to advance American priorities in the North. The bill provides $9.1 billion, just $60 million below the last enacted level – preserving support for critical Arctic scientific research despite tight fiscal constraints. Arctic research remains a priority, with the National Science Foundation (NSF) playing a key role in supporting long-term monitoring, infrastructure development, and partnerships with Alaska-based institutions and Indigenous communities.
    In addition to broader programmatic funding to help Alaskans, Murkowski was able to secure investments in this bill that are specific to local 17 Alaska communities or entities, projects that have been requested and prioritized by local governments and organizations:
    Anchorage: $305,000 to support the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force in Alaska so they can further advance their mission of catching child sexual predators
    Anchorage: $1.5 million for the University of Alaska Anchorage to acquire specialty equipment that will help propel the institution to be a leader in biotechnological innovation, leveraging Alaska’s Arctic environment
    Bethel: $70,000 for the purchase and installation of a new security system at the Bethel Police Department’s headquarters
    Cordova: $355,000 to update equipment for climate and ecosystem monitoring as part of a ten-year long study of the region
    Fairbanks: $1.5 million to develop drone-borne maritime lidar to count salmon.
    Statewide: $498,000 for the creation and deployment of a Mobile Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) that will provide coordinated care to survivors of sexual assault in rural communities where traditional, stationary services may not be readily available
    Southeast: $500,000 for Sealaska Heritage Institute to develop and implement a sustainable workforce development program to address growth in fisheries and ocean sciences in Southeast Alaska over the next ten years
    Ketchikan: $3 million to upgrade its radio communication system, which has been identified as an essential public safety need in the after-action plan following recent landslides to improve disaster response and community resilience
    Statewide: $2 million for the Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation to modernize and revitalize Alaska’s seafood industry by investing in processing innovation, workforce development, and infrastructure improvements.
    Statewide: $2.5 million for the North Pacific Research Board to investigate how ecosystem changes in the Northern Bering Sea influence species of commercial, ecological, and subsistence importance to inform local, state, and federal fisheries management
    Statewide: $1 million to help implement Next Generation 911, which will improve location accuracy and system resiliency for emergency call centers
    Statewide: $500,000 for the Bering Sea Fisherman’s Association to enable Tribes and Tribal organizations to participate as Cooperating Agencies in environmental analysis and management decisions made by federal agencies that affect subsistence resources.
    Statewide: $165,000 for the Alaska Ocean Observing System to purchase an Imaging Flow CytoBots (IFCBs) to continue monitoring for harmful algal blooms.
    Statewide: $1 million for Alaska Native Women’s Resource Center to support Tribes in implementing survivor-centered and trauma-informed programs in Tribal justice systems
    Statewide: $3.5 million for the Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (ANDVSA) to support their mission of serving survivors of gender-based violence
    Unalaska: $3.5 million for the Bristol Bay Science and Research Institute to genetically analyze chum salmon from the pollock fishery bycatch in the Bering Sea to determine when and where Western Alaska chum salmon are being caught
    Valdez: $5.5 million to replace obsolete and failed emergency services communication towers and equipment
    HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES (AG) APPROPRIATIONS BILL
    Investments in housing and community development
    Affordable housing remains one of the most pressing challenges facing Alaska and our country. Senator Murkowski was intent on using the AG spending bill to address this challenge, particularly in rural communities where the cost of development remains prohibitively high. She supported $1.715 billion for the Rental Assistance Program, which will help low-income families around the country with for affordable rental housing in rural areas. She was able to secure $25 million for very low-income housing repair grants so that Alaskans can stay in their homes safely.
    Also included in the legislation was $1.25 billion for direct loans to improve critical infrastructure such as public safety buildings and community centers in rural communities.
    Updating Alaska’s clean water and utility infrastructure
    Senator Murkowski has made it her mission to ensure Alaska has the infrastructure to support daily life – no matter what community Alaskans’ call home. She was able to include $65 million for Rural Water and Waste Disposal Grants, and inserted report language that would prioritize Alaska Native communities. She also was able to secure $8 million for the High Energy Cost Grant Program, which assists energy providers in lowering energy costs for families with extremely high per-household energy costs.
    Bolstering food security and agriculture
    Senator Murkowski has been focused on bolstering Alaska’s food security for many years. She was able to secure a number of Alaska-specific wins, including:
    $5 million for Micro-Grants for Food Security, with report language prioritizing eligibility for reindeer herders, greenhouse growers, and hydroponic farmers
    $5 million for Alaska Native-Serving Institutions to promote equal access to education in rural Alaska and provide sustainable food and energy solutions for Alaska Native communities
    $3.5 million for the Geographically Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Transportation Program, helping offset high freight costs for Alaskan producers
    $3 million for the FDPIR 638 Contracting Authority Pilot, with direction for the USDA to allow direct purchases of traditional foods directly from small indigenous producers
    $888.9 million for the Summer Food Service Program, with report language supporting the continued implementation of non-congregate meal service to ensure low-income students can eat while school is out
    $1.826 billion for Agricultural Research Service, with continued funding for research on cover crops and cereal grains for northern climates and permafrost regions
    In addition, the bill includes $80 million for The Emergency Food Assistance Program’s storage and distribution funding to ensure rural food banks can receive supplies; a $3 billion increase for Child Nutrition programs, including School Breakfast and School Lunch programs, and the Child and Adult Care Food Program, as well as a $603 million increase to fully fund Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). The bill also directs USDA to work with states, tribes, and local stakeholders to use federal nutrition dollars for the direct purchase of foods from local and regional producers for the various food assistance programs.
    In addition to programmatic funding to help Alaskans, Murkowski was able to secure investments in this bill that are specific for 10 Alaska communities, projects that have been requested and prioritized by local governments and organizations:
    Bethel: $605,000 to establish a permanent Food Bank and Pantry in Bethel
    Eagle: $750,000 for the construction of a fire hall/public safety building for the local fire department and Emergency Medical Services team
    Houston: $1.95 million for the construction of Public Works Facility so preventive maintenance can be performed on equipment
    Kenai: $2.045 million for the installation of telecommunications infrastructure to improve emergency response times and enhance public communications
    Nunapitchuk: $55,000 to develop a Preliminary Investigation Feasibility Report whether the Native Village of Nunapitchuk can pursue a community-wide relocation project in the Nunavakanukakslak Lake-Johnson River Watershed
    Petersburg: $225,000 to purchase emergency response equipment for the local fire department
    Statewide: $4.2 million for Alaska Municipal League to purchase heavy equipment for several communities designed to conduct road improvements and maintain infrastructure in rural Alaska
    Statewide: $750,000 to expand veterinary care in rural Alaska to prevent zoonotic disease outbreaks in communities off the road system
    Whittier: $310,000 for the removal and abatement of asbestos hazards in community housing where 85% of the city’s residents live
    Wrangell: $2.438 million to rehabilitate Wrangell’s Public Safety Building and Emergency Operations Center
    HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, VETERANS AFFAIRS, AND RELATED AGENCIES (MILCON) APPROPRIATIONS BILL
    Ensuring Alaska’s military bases are state-of-the-art facilities
    Senator Murkowski is committed to supporting servicemembers in Alaska to ensure they have access to up-to-date resources as they protect and defend our nation, but also bolster their personal well-being as they adapt to life in Alaska. She secured over $400 million in programmatic funding for a Joint Integrated Testing and Training Center (JITTC) at JBER for the Air Force, a base supply complex at JBER for the Air National Guard, and a barracks at Fort Wainwright for the Army.
    Supporting Alaska’s veterans
    Senator Murkowski was able to secure funding for the construction of State Extended Care Facilities and Veterans Cemeteries. She also secured report language directing the VA to focus on benefits eligibility education for veterans who lack a direct road connection to a VA facility. She also secured her annual bill language to allow for care-sharing agreements between Federally Qualified Health Centers in the State of Alaska and Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations which are party to the Alaska Native Health Compact with the Indian Health Service. She made certain that the VA received full funding for mental health programs, telehealth programs, women veteran gender-specific care programs, homelessness programs, and for the Office of Rural Health.
    In addition to programmatic funding, Murkowski was able to secure investments in this bill that are specific for 3 of Alaska military installations, projects that have been requested and prioritized by the Department of Defense:
    JBER: $45 million to complete the runway extension project for the Air Force.
    Eielson Air Force Base: $6.7 million to finish planning and designing of a new permanent party dormitory for the Air Force.
    Fort Wainwright: $7.7 million to begin the planning and designing of a new dining facility for the Army.
    HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH (LEG) APPROPRIATIONS BILL
    Senator Murkowski inserted report language in the Legislative Branch FY26 Appropriations Act that incentivizes the Senate Dining Room and food-service facilities in the Capitol to source domestic seafood products, including wild-caught Alaska salmon.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Booker: “Either Bove and the Justice Department are Lying about the Epstein Situation…Or They Are Showing A Dangerous Lack of Transparency”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – As the Senate Judiciary Committee considers advancing EmilBove–who’s been called “Trump’s worst nomination yet”– to be a Third Circuit Judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals, Judiciary Committee member U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) has been calling out Bove for his unethical behavior, professional scandals, and failure to meet the ethical standards essential for a lifetime judicial appointment.

    On MSNBC’s Deadline with Nicolle Wallace, Senator Booker spoke about a letter he sent to Bove requesting information about his involvement in Trump’s Epstein cover up. 

    Senator Booker: “Either Bove and the Justice Department are lying about the Epstein situation…or they are showing a dangerous lack of transparency.”

    See more about Senator Booker’s work to hold Bove accountable:

    • The Hill: Booker seeks Epstein info from Trump judicial nominee Emil Bove
    • The New York Times: Bove Denies Suggesting Justice Dept. Ignore Court Orders
    • NJ.com: Booker slams Trump judicial nominee: ‘Complete disregard for the rule of law’
    • New Jersey Globe: Republicans turn down Booker’s request for extra hearing with Bove whistleblower

    @SenBooker:

    Booker: “I wrote a letter directly to Emil Bove today about his role in withholding the Epstein files from the American people. This is a portion of the letter…

    “Mr. Bove on behalf of myself and the American people I represent, we deserve answers, especially before you’re put on one of the highest courts in the land.”

    THE FACTS ABOUT EMIL BOVE:

    • A corroborated allegation from a whistleblower revealed that Bove directed attorneys to defy a court order.
    • Federal criminal defense lawyers described Bove as a “drunk driver” as a prosecutor.
    • An editorial in the Philadelphia Inquirer stated that Bove is “one person who has no business working in the federal government, let alone receiving a lifetime appointment as a federal judge.”
    • New Jersey’s Tom Moran stated, Bove is “Trump’s worst nomination yet.”
    • Meanwhile The Wall Street Journal’s editorial board wrote, Bove’s reputation “is as a smashmouth partisan who wields the law as a weapon.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Booker, Padilla, Schiff Announce Bill to Make Access to Equitable Health Care a Protected Civil Right

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Adam Schiff (D-CA) announced the Equal Health Care for All Act, bicameral legislation that would make equal access to medical care a protected civil right to help address the racial inequities and structural failures in America’s health care system that have led to higher mortality rates in communities of color. As President Trump and Republicans gut critical health care funding, the Equal Health Care for All Act would establish a definition for inequitable health care to help ensure that hospitals provide the same high quality health care services to all patients, regardless of race, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, or religion.

    Republicans voted to gut Medicaid by over $900 billion, stripping health care from 17 million Americans.

    “Everyone deserves equal access to comprehensive, high-quality health care, free from discrimination,” said Senator Booker. “However, this is not the reality for most communities across our country, with communities of color, especially women of color, bearing the disproportionate burden of poor health outcomes due to a lack of access to quality medical care. The Equal Health Care for All Act is legislation to combat the stark inequalities that exist in our health care system, and ensure every American has access to affordable, equitable care.”

    “By gutting billions of dollars for hospitals and other essential Medicaid services, the Trump Administration is hurting our patients and their pocketbooks in communities across the country,” said Senator Padilla. “Our bill would treat equitable health care as a civil right to provide every patient with the access to the high-quality care they deserve.”

    “As the Trump administration rolls back access to funding for health care, it is imperative to protect the right to these essential services for all communities. I’m proud to co-lead the Equal Health Care Act for All to continue supporting high quality health care for all, because equal access is a fundamental right, and one that every American should enjoy,” said Senator Schiff.

    The Equal Health Care for All Act aims to remedy structural and systemic failures in America’s health care system that have led to Black, Hispanic, and indigenous individuals disproportionately suffering from a range of illnesses, from asthma to heart disease. Black women are more likely than white women to die from breast cancer and during childbirth. Hispanic individuals suffer from higher rates of chronic diseases, including an 80 percent higher rate of diabetes.

    Specifically, the Equal Health Care for All Act would:

    • Require the Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary to promote regulations requiring health care providers and facilities to disaggregate data on health outcomes by demographic characteristics;
    • Require inclusion of quality measures of equitable health care in hospital value-based purchasing programs;
    • Empower Medicare and Medicaid providers to enforce equitable health care standards;
    • Rename the HHS “Office on Civil Rights” to “Office of Civil Rights and Health Equity;”
    • Prohibit health care providers from providing inequitable health care to patients;
    • Establish a Federal Health Equity Commission; and
    • Authorize grants for hospitals to promote equitable health care outcomes.

    The bill is also cosponsored by U.S. Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and is supported by NAACP, National Urban League, American Diabetes Association, and American Cancer Society.

    To read the full text of the bill, click here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hickenlooper, Bennet, Heinrich, Neguse, Moore Introduce Bill to Expand and Improve Access to Clean Water in Tribal Communities

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Hickenlooper – Colorado

    Half of households on Native American reservations lack access to reliable water sources, clean drinking water, or adequate sanitation

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper, Michael Bennet, and Martin Heinrich alongside Representatives Joe Neguse and Gwen Moore recently introduced the Tribal Access to Clean Water Act to dramatically expand access to clean water in Tribal communities by investing in water infrastructure. This bill would increase funding through the Indian Health Service, the United States Department of Agriculture, and the Bureau of Reclamation to support water infrastructure projects in Tribal communities and help provide clean water to Native American households that currently lack access.

    “Clean drinking water is a basic necessity. Yet, so many of our Tribal communities have been left without the infrastructure. It’s unacceptable,” said Hickenlooper. “Let’s cut red tape and invest in modern resources to finally deliver safe, accessible water to every Tribe.”

    “Too many Tribal communities in Colorado and across the country cannot access clean, safe water,” said Bennet. “This legislation builds on our efforts to improve access for Tribes in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. It fulfills the federal government’s promise to provide these communities with the clean water they deserve.”

    “Nearly half of Native American households lack access to clean and reliable water supplies. That is completely unacceptable,” said Heinrich. “By addressing a significant backlog of infrastructure projects and removing barriers to federal programs that provide technical and financial assistance to Tribes, this legislation is an important step toward delivering clean drinking water to all families in Indian Country.”

    “Access to clean water is a basic human right—and yet for far too long, Native American tribes have lacked access to safe and affordable water and reliable wastewater infrastructure. Our tribal communities deserve better,” said Neguse. “That’s why I’m honored to join Senator Bennet in introducing the Tribal Access to Clean Water Act, a bill that takes meaningful steps to close the gap between Native American households and access to clean and reliable water supplies.”

    “An estimated 48 percent of homes on tribal lands lack access to clean drinking water or sanitation services. This is a serious public health issue that demands a federal response. I join my colleagues in supporting this important legislation, which will help tribes improve longstanding water infrastructure challenges and uphold trust and treaty obligations under the Constitution,” said Moore.

    “It is far past time to ensure that Native people have the same level of basic water service most Americans take for granted,” said Manuel Heart, Chairman of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. “This bill’s recognition of the need for technical support and operation and maintenance assistance for Tribal water supply facilities is not only essential to realizing the benefit of investment in water infrastructure, but also a critical step toward increasing Tribal independence and governance capabilities.”

    Lack of access to clean drinking water is a significant barrier for many Native American communities. According to data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Native American households are 19 times more likely than white households to lack indoor plumbing. A 2021 report commissioned by the Colorado River Water and Tribes Initiative documents the different barriers to accessing safe and reliable drinking water among tribes in the Colorado River Basin, along with some of the deficiencies in the federal programs designed to address this problem, and offers recommendations for improvement. Lack of access to drinking water negatively impacts health, education, economic development, and other aspects of daily life.

    Specifically, the bill would:

    • Authorize the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Rural Development, to make grants and loans for technical and financial assistance, as well as for construction;
    • Increase funding authorizations for USDA’s Rural Development Community Facilities Grant and Loan Program by $100 million per year for five years, provide $30 million per year specifically for technical assistance, and ensure that Native communities are treated equitably and appropriately when considered for grants and loans;
    • Increase funding authorizations for existing programs of the Indian Health Service for water and sanitation facilities construction over a five year period, including for community facilities ($2.5 billion), technical assistance ($150 million), and operation and maintenance assistance ($500 million); and
    • Authorize $90 million over five years for the Bureau of Reclamation’s existing Native American Affairs Technical Assistance Program.

    Full text of the bill is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEWS: Sanders Welcomes Relief of $6.5 Million in Summer and Afterschool Funding for Vermont

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Vermont – Bernie Sanders

    BURLINGTON, Vt., July 18 — Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), today welcomed the announcement that Vermont would receive $6.5 million in funding for afterschool programs through the 21st Century Learning Centers program, as a result of his demands that the Trump administration release illegally and unconstitutionally withheld federal funds for public education. Newly-released funding supports nearly 100 afterschool and summer programs in Vermont that serve 11,000 students.

    “Today I spoke with Secretary McMahon about the release of $1.3 billion for summer and afterschool programs, including $6.5 million for Vermont, and urged her to release the remaining funding for critical education programs that is currently being illegally withheld by the Department of Education and the Office of Management and Budget,” Sanders said.

    On June 30, 2025, just one day before states expected to receive the funds, the Education Department sent a three-line email to states informing them that $6.88 billion in education funding would be illegally withheld. This decision received strong opposition from both Democrats and Republicans in Congress — including a letter led by Sanders and Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Patty Murray (D-Wash.) alongside 32 Democratic senators, and a letter from Senator Shelley Moore-Capito (R-W.Va.) and 9 Republican senators demanding the release of the funds.

    As a result of these efforts, today the department announced the release of $1.3 billion for programs across the country, which will support more than 10,000 summer and afterschool programs for 1.4 million students. 

    “Clearly, that is not enough. The Trump administration is still illegally withholding nearly $5.5 billion in funding for the Supporting Effective Instruction State Grants, Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants, Adult Education, English Language Acquisition, and Migrant Education State Grants,” Sanders continued. “Congress clearly and unambiguously passed this education funding and the president signed it into law. The Trump administration has no right to withhold or impound it. Secretary McMahon and Director Vought must immediately release the remaining funds to states, school districts and students.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEWS: Sanders Welcomes Relief of $6.5 Million in Summer and Afterschool Funding for Vermont

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Vermont – Bernie Sanders

    BURLINGTON, Vt., July 18 — Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), today welcomed the announcement that Vermont would receive $6.5 million in funding for afterschool programs through the 21st Century Learning Centers program, as a result of his demands that the Trump administration release illegally and unconstitutionally withheld federal funds for public education. Newly-released funding supports nearly 100 afterschool and summer programs in Vermont that serve 11,000 students.

    “Today I spoke with Secretary McMahon about the release of $1.3 billion for summer and afterschool programs, including $6.5 million for Vermont, and urged her to release the remaining funding for critical education programs that is currently being illegally withheld by the Department of Education and the Office of Management and Budget,” Sanders said.

    On June 30, 2025, just one day before states expected to receive the funds, the Education Department sent a three-line email to states informing them that $6.88 billion in education funding would be illegally withheld. This decision received strong opposition from both Democrats and Republicans in Congress — including a letter led by Sanders and Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Patty Murray (D-Wash.) alongside 32 Democratic senators, and a letter from Senator Shelley Moore-Capito (R-W.Va.) and 9 Republican senators demanding the release of the funds.

    As a result of these efforts, today the department announced the release of $1.3 billion for programs across the country, which will support more than 10,000 summer and afterschool programs for 1.4 million students. 

    “Clearly, that is not enough. The Trump administration is still illegally withholding nearly $5.5 billion in funding for the Supporting Effective Instruction State Grants, Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants, Adult Education, English Language Acquisition, and Migrant Education State Grants,” Sanders continued. “Congress clearly and unambiguously passed this education funding and the president signed it into law. The Trump administration has no right to withhold or impound it. Secretary McMahon and Director Vought must immediately release the remaining funds to states, school districts and students.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: MEDIA ADVISORY: Sanders to Discuss Trump Administration’s Harm to Vermonters, Outline Next Steps After Passage of ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Vermont – Bernie Sanders

    BURLINGTON, Vt., July 18 — Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) will hold a press conference on Monday to speak directly to Vermonters about the Trump administration’s escalating authoritarianism and the devastating impacts of the recently signed Republican reconciliation bill, which will slash funding for health care, schools and nutrition programs that tens of thousands of Vermonters rely on. 

    “Since his first day in office, President Trump has worked to dismantle democratic institutions, consolidate power, and enrich the billionaire class at the expense of everyone else,” Sanders said. “This bill is a massive transfer of wealth from working families to the top 1%. It is immoral, and for tens of thousands of vulnerable Americans, it is a death sentence.” 

    “Vermonters are already seeing what this administration’s priorities look like — less for schools, less for health care, more for billionaires and multinational corporations,” Sanders continued. “On Monday, I’ll lay out what comes next in the fight against oligarchy and what we must do to build a government and an economy that work for all of us, not just the wealthy few.” 

    In addition to the passage of Trump’s budget bill last week, the Senate took action this week to cancel $9 billion in funding previously authorized by Congress, including $1.1 billion for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which supports Vermont Public. 

    Details:  

    What: Press conference with Sen. Sanders 

    When: Monday, July 21, 10:30 a.m. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA:  Senator Scott: President Trump’s Signature on GENIUS Act Delivers for the American People

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott

    “President Trump was crystal clear on the campaign trail: under his leadership, the United States will be the crypto capital of the world. With his signature on the GENIUS Act, we’ve made history and have delivered important regulatory clarity for the stablecoin industry…,” said Senator Scott.

    WASHINGTON — Today, President Donald J. Trump signed the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins (GENIUS) Act – legislation Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) co-sponsored and championed as it advanced through the Senate. The GENIUS Act – which was led by Senator Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) and also cosponsored by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), and Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) – establishes a first of its kind regulatory framework for payment stablecoins, protecting consumers and strengthening national security. Under Senator Scott’s leadership, the bill passed the Senate Banking Committee in March, with every Republican and five Democrats supporting it.

    “President Trump was crystal clear on the campaign trail: under his leadership, the United States will be the crypto capital of the world. With his signature on the GENIUS Act, we’ve made history and have delivered important regulatory clarity for the stablecoin industry. I’m grateful to the president and my colleagues for their tireless efforts and leadership on this legislation, which will not only support working families, small businesses, and communities across America with faster, cheaper, and more accessible payments but will also solidify the U.S. dollar’s dominance across the world. Let’s be clear – our work here is not finished – and I look forward to taking the same energy and approach to deliver digital asset market structure legislation to President Trump’s desk,”said Senator Scott.

    BACKGROUND:

    Upon becoming Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, Scott pledged to advance a regulatory framework that will provide clarity for the digital assets industry and promote consumer choice, education, and protection. Building on that promise, Senator Scott created the first-ever Subcommittee on Digital Assets, led by Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.).

    In its first legislative markup of the 119th Congress, and after considering nearly 40 amendments to the bill, the Senate Banking Committee voted to advance the GENIUS Act, with every Republican and five Democrats supporting it.

    Ahead of the Senate’s vote on the bill, key stakeholders voiced support for the legislation. After the Senate voted to begin consideration of the bill, Senator Scott issued astatement and spoke on the Senate floor highlighting the importance of passing the bill, noting that the GENIUS Act is the result of months of good-faith, bipartisan negotiations and has benefited from extensive consultation with industry participants, legal and academic experts, and government stakeholders. On June 17, the Senate passed the bill and President Trump endorsed the legislation. The House of Representatives advancedthe legislation on July 17, 2025. 

    To read Senator Scott’s op-ed in the Washington Examiner on the GENIUS Act, click here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Scott, Colleagues Introduce Rural Healthcare Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott

    WASHINGTON — This week, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) was joined by Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Cynthis Lummis (R-Wyo.) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) in introducing legislation to reauthorize rural health outreach services programs that were signed into law under President Trump in 2020. The Improving Care in Rural America Reauthorization Act would ensure that local rural needs are prioritized in grant awards by requiring community involvement in the planning and implementation of projects to ensure services are tailored to local needs.  

    “The 43 percent higher mortality rate in rural communities is not just a statistic, it represents our neighbors, our families, and fellow Americans who deserve equal access to quality healthcare,” said Senator Scott. “By reauthorizing these critical health service outreach programs, we are helping to close the gap and prevent these communities from being left behind.”

    “When I meet with families, farmers, businesses and community leaders in greater Minnesota, one of the first issues that comes up is health care,” said Senator Smith.“Rural communities often face increased barriers to medical services, including staff shortages and lack of federal funding. The Improving Care in Rural America Act continues the important progress we’ve made in providing these small towns and rural communities with the resources they need to support appropriate care for all.”

    “The people of Wyoming should not have to travel far for quality care,” said Senator Lummis. “The Improving Care in Rural America Reauthorization Act ensures rural clinics will continue to be funded and equipped to provide patient-centered services from corner to corner of the Cowboy State. Wyoming faces unique healthcare challenges, and I am proud to champion tailored solutions by reauthorizing this vital grant program to make medical services more accessible throughout my state.”

    “Across Virginia and throughout the U.S., rural communities often face unique challenges that lead to reduced or even nonexistent access to lifesaving medical care,” said Senator Kaine. “Especially at a time when our rural health providers are grappling with severe budget cuts that could force them to close their doors, I urge all of my colleagues to join us in passing this bipartisan legislation to reauthorize key federal grants that support rural health care.”

    This bill reauthorizes three key programs under the Public Health Service Act through FY2030:

    • Rural Healthcare Services Grants 
    • Rural Health Network Grants 
    • Small Healthcare Provider Quality Improvement Grants 

    A version of the bill was also introduced in the House by Congressmen, Earl Carter (R-GA), Shomari Figures (D-AL), Michael Rulli (R-OH), and Kim Schrier, M.D. (D-WA).

    Background:

    • Geographic isolation, workforce shortages, transportation barriers, facility closures, and inadequate insurance coverage create substantial obstacles to accessing essential medical services in rural communities. 
    • These systemic barriers have resulted in unmet healthcare needs that translate into a devastating 43% higher mortality rate for rural residents compared to their urban and suburban counterparts. 
    • The Improving Care in Rural America Reauthorization Act would address critical gaps by reauthorizing programs that would lead to:
      • Increased access to healthcare services and preventative screenings 
      • Improved chronic disease management and health outcomes 
      • Expanded telehealth services 
      • Reduced emergency room visits for nearly 500,000 individuals who receive direct services for these programs every year. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Coons, Blunt Rochester statement on Third Circuit judicial nominee

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons and Lisa Blunt Rochester (both D-Del.), released the following statement on President Trump’s nomination of Jennifer Mascott to fill the open Delaware seat on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit:

    “For months, we have worked with the White House in good faith to identify and interview qualified Delawareans for this lifetime position on the Third Circuit. We interviewed several promising candidates, including sitting members of the federal judiciary, with deep roots in the Delaware legal community and the qualifications to serve our state and the Third Circuit with distinction. We were encouraged when the White House Counsel’s Office – led by a Delawarean – interviewed those candidates as well. We had hope that the advice and consent process set out in the Constitution could work because it had in the past. During President Trump’s first term, Delaware’s senators identified, and a bipartisan Senate unanimously confirmed, two consensus judicial nominees to Delaware’s federal bench.

    “That was not the case this time around. The Trump administration has now nominated someone with whom we have never met and who has little– if any – connection to our state or to the Third Circuit. Ms. Mascott has never been a member of the Delaware bar and was only admitted to practice before the Third Circuit two months ago. Her key qualification appears to be that she works in President Trump’s White House Counsel’s Office. She has never been a judge of any kind, yet she is nominated to one of the highest judicial posts in the country. As far as we know, her relationship to Delaware is confined to a vacation beach house she sometimes visits in our state.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Following Capito-led Efforts, Education Department Releases Critical Funds

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (Labor-HHS), announced that the U.S. Department of Education will officially release critical funding to support 21st Century Community Learning Centers.
    This announcement comes after Senator Capito led a group of her Republican colleagues in a letter this week to Russell Vought, Director of the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB), advocating to release anticipated education formula funding—an issue she has heard about directly from impacted individuals. Click here to read the full letter.
    “21st Century Community Learning Centers offer important services that many West Virginians rely on. This program supports states in providing quality after-school and summer learning programs for students while enabling their parents to work and contribute to local economies. We should be supporting education opportunities like these. I made this clear to OMB Director Vought and was glad he followed through on my request to release these critical funds. Doing so will help our students in West Virginia and across country thrive,” Senator Capito said.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Following Boozman-Capito Efforts, Education Department Releases Critical Funds for Arkansas Students

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas – John Boozman
    WASHINGTON–U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) welcomed the U.S. Department of Education’s decision to release critical education funding. This comes days after Boozman joined a letter led by Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and signed by eight additional Senate Republican colleagues supporting the 21st Century Community Learning Centers.  
    The letter urged White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought to release education funding secured in the Fiscal Year 2025 Full-Year Continuing Resolution Act, signed into law by President Trump earlier this year. These funds support longstanding, bipartisan initiatives like after-school and summer programs in The Natural State and across the country.
    “Arkansas families, students and teachers benefit from programs that provide safe and enriching environments,” said Boozman. “I am pleased to continue working alongside my colleagues and the administration to champion access to the educational opportunities that can help Americans thrive.”
    Text of the letter can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy to Dine with President Trump at White House Tonight

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today announced he will join President Donald Trump tonight at the White House for a dinner celebrating the passage of the One, Big, Beautiful Bill.
    “Looking forward to dinner with President Trump tonight,” said Dr. Cassidy. “We will talk about how we can continue to work together to push a pro-worker, pro-family, pro-patient agenda.”
    On Wednesday, Cassidy joined President Trump at the White House for the signing of Cassidy’s HALT Fentanyl Act.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bill to Fund Key Military Construction Projects in Maine Clears Appropriations Committee

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins
    Published: July 18, 2025

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Appropriations Committee, announced that she secured significant funding and provisions for Maine in the Fiscal Year 2026 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.
    The measure, which was advanced by a vote of 26-3, provides $153.5 billion in discretionary funding, including $19.8 billion in defense funding and $133.6 billion in nondefense funding.
    “The dedicated men and women that make up the Maine National Guard and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard workforce play an important role in strengthening our national security. This significant investment would help to ensure our military’s readiness and safety while reducing maintenance costs,” said Senator Collins. “As the Chair of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to champion this funding as the appropriations process moves forward.”
    Bill Highlights:
    Local Projects: $9 million for Congressionally Directed Spending projects that support the Maine National Guard and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.
    Power Reliability & Water Resiliency Upgrades: Nearly $228 million for the first increment of Power Reliability & Water Resilience Upgrades at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. The project would increase reliability, resiliency, and capacity of electric and water utility systems that support nuclear-powered submarines and nuclear support facilities.
    Multi-Mission Drydock #1: Nearly $221 million for the sixth increment of the Multi-Mission Drydock #1 at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.
    Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program (SIOP): Report language on the SIOP emphasizing its importance and urging the Navy to prioritize the timely funding of public shipyard infrastructure.
    GI Bill Apprenticeship Program: Report language driving attention on the underutilization of apprenticeship and on-the-job training under the GI Bill.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: More Than $14.5 Million for Maine Law Enforcement and Public Safety Advanced by Senator Collins in Funding Bills

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that she advanced $14,566,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending for Maine law enforcement and public safety upgrades. These projects were included in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Commerce, Justice, and Science (CJS) Appropriations bill. The legislation, which was officially approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee today, now await consideration by the full Senate and House.
    “It is critical that the men and women who make up Maine’s finest and bravest have access to the most effective equipment to better protect themselves and our communities,” said Senator Collins. “This funding would improve public safety efforts and emergency response capacity throughout Maine. As the Chair of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to advocate for this funding as the appropriations process moves forward.”
    This funding advanced through the Committee’s markup of the FY 2026 CJS Appropriations bill—an important step that now allows the bills to be considered by the full Senate.
    Funding advanced by Senator Collins for Maine law enforcement and public safety upgrades in the FY 2026 CJS Appropriations bill is as follows: 
    Cornish Public Safety Communications EquipmentRecipient: Town of CornishProject Location: Cornish, MEAmount Requested: $218,000Project Purpose: To purchase public safety communications equipment.
    Farmington Police Department Public Safety EquipmentRecipient: Farmington Police DepartmentProject Location: Farmington, MEAmount Requested: $240,000Project Purpose: To purchase public safety equipment.
    Hancock County Public Safety Equipment Recipient: Hancock County Project Location: Hancock County, ME Amount Requested: $2,300,000 Project Purpose: To purchase public safety equipment for law enforcement agencies in Hancock County.
    Kennebunk Public Safety Communications Equipment Recipient: Town of KennebunkProject Location: Kennebunk, MEAmount Requested: $5,018,000Project Purpose: To purchase public safety communications equipment.
    Lewiston Police Department Public Safety Equipment Recipient: Lewiston Police DepartmentProject Location: Lewiston, ME Amount Requested: $2,170,000Project Purpose: To purchase protective gear and other public safety equipment.
    Lincoln Police Department Public Safety Equipment Recipient: Lincoln Police DepartmentProject Location: Lincoln, ME Amount Requested: $565,000Project Purpose: To purchase public safety equipment.
    Rumford Police Department Public Safety Equipment Recipient: Rumford Police DepartmentProject Location: Rumford, ME Amount Requested: $1,000,000 Project Purpose: To purchase public safety equipment.
    Somerset County Sheriff’s Office Public Safety Equipment Recipient: Somerset County Sheriff’s Office Project Location: Somerset County, ME Amount Requested: $294,000 Project Purpose: To increase evidence storage capacity and purchase public safety equipment.
    Veazie Police Department Public Safety Equipment Recipient: Town of Veazie Police DepartmentProject Location: Veazie, ME Amount Requested: $125,000 Project Purpose: To purchase public safety equipment.
    Waldo County Sheriff’s Office Public Safety EquipmentRecipient: Waldo County Sheriff’s OfficeProject Location: Waldo County, MEAmount Requested: $688,000Project Purpose: To purchase public safety equipment for law enforcement agencies in Waldo County.
    Washington County Sheriff’s Office Public Safety EquipmentRecipient: Washington County Sheriff’s OfficeProject Location: Washington County, MEAmount Requested: $187,000Project Purpose: To purchase public safety equipment for law enforcement agencies in Washington County.
    Wells Police Department Emergency Response VesselRecipient: Wells Police DepartmentProject Location: Wells, MEAmount Requested: $599,000 Project Purpose: To purchase an emergency response vessel and related equipment.
    Winthrop Public Safety Communications EquipmentRecipient: Town of WinthropProject Location: Winthrop, ME Amount Requested: $1,162,000Project Purpose: To purchase public safety communications equipment.
    This funding builds on the more than $12 million Senator Collins secured for fire stations and emergency services throughout Maine in the FY 2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, and Food and Drug Administration Appropriations bill.
    In 2021, Congress reinstituted Congressionally Directed Spending. Following this decision, Senator Collins has secured more than $1 billion for hundreds of Maine projects for FY 2022, FY 2023, and FY 2024. As the Chair of the Appropriations Committee, Senator Collins is committed to championing targeted investments that will benefit Maine communities.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bill to Support Maine’s Lobster Industry Clears Appropriations Committee

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins
    Published: July 18, 2025

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that she advanced significant funding and key language to support Maine’s lobster industry in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS) Appropriations bill. The bill, which was officially approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee yesterday, now awaits consideration by the full Senate and House.
    “This funding would support Maine’s lobster industry by improving the incomplete and imprecise science and research upon which the federal government relies. The flawed data being used to inform regulations has created unnecessary, burdensome requirements for Maine lobstermen and women,” said Senator Collins. “As the Chair of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to advocate for this funding as the appropriations process moves forward.”
    Funding and legislative language advanced by Senator Collins:
    North Atlantic Right Whale: $30 million for the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission for Right Whale related research and monitoring.
    Language is also included directing the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to work with Canada to develop risk reduction measures that are comparable in effectiveness to U.S. measures.
    National Sea Grant Program: $80 million for the National Sea Grant Program. Earlier this year, the Department of Commerce announced that Maine Sea Grant was being defunded. At the urging of Senator Collins, Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick directed NOAA to renegotiate the terms and conditions of the work to be performed by Maine Sea Grant to ensure that it focuses on advancing Maine’s coastal economies, working waterfronts, and sustainable fisheries.
    American Lobster Research: $2 million for Gulf of Maine and Georges Bank American lobster research through Maine Sea Grant.
    $300,000 to support a cooperative research program to collect biological, fishery, and environmental data for American lobster and Jonah crab using modern technology on commercial fishing vessels.
    Language is also included that directs this research to be carried out through a partnership of state agencies, academia, and industry with a focus on “stock resilience in the face of environmental changes” and “topics necessary to respond to newly implemented or future modifications to the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan.”
    Gray Zone: Report language directing NOAA to work with Canadian and state fisheries officials to develop a cooperative fisheries management plan in the Gray Zone.
    In addition, Senator Collins advanced more than $73 million for Congressionally Directed Spending projects in Maine through the CJS Appropriations bill. Of these projects, $1 million is included to expand the American Lobster Settlement Index collector survey at the University of Maine.
    This funding and language advanced through the Committee’s markup of the FY 2026 CJS appropriations bill—an important step that now allows the bill to be considered by the full Senate.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Baldwin Statement on Bipartisan Nominating Commission’s Recommendations for the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin
    Published: 07.17.2025

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) released the following statement after she and Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI) submitted candidates to the White House that their bipartisan nominating commission recommended to fill the vacancy on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit:
    “Senator Johnson and I continued the Wisconsin tradition in setting up a bipartisan nominating commission because it has been a process that has served the people of Wisconsin well. Presidents of both parties have honored and respected this process and Wisconsin’s Senators’ input, and we hope President Trump will do the same. But, let me make it crystal clear that moving forward in this process is by no means my endorsement of any of these candidates. Wisconsinites deserve someone on the bench who has sound judgment, deep and relevant experience, and will fairly deliver justice. I will thoroughly vet any candidate that President Trump selects to ensure they fulfill that criteria and do right by the people of Wisconsin.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Schiff, Booker Announce Bill to Make Access to Equitable Health Care a Protected Civil Right

    US Senate News:

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

    Padilla, Schiff, Booker Announce Bill to Make Access to Equitable Health Care a Protected Civil Right

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) announced the Equal Health Care for All Act, bicameral legislation that would make equal access to medical care a protected civil right to help address the racial inequities and structural failures in America’s health care system that have led to higher mortality rates in communities of color. As President Trump and Republicans gut critical health care funding, the Equal Health Care for All Act would establish a definition for inequitable health care to help ensure that hospitals provide the same high quality health care services to all patients, regardless of race, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, or religion.
    Republicans voted to gut Medicaid by over $900 billion, stripping health care from 17 million Americans, including over 2.3 million Californians. They cut more than $4 billion in funding for California hospitals, which will lead to hospital closures and higher health care costs, all to pay for tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy.
    “By gutting billions of dollars for hospitals and other essential Medicaid services, the Trump Administration is hurting our patients and their pocketbooks in communities across the country,” said Senator Padilla. “Our bill would treat equitable health care as a civil right to provide every patient with the access to the high-quality care they deserve.”
    “Everyone deserves equal access to comprehensive, high-quality health care, free from discrimination,” said Senator Booker. “However, this is not the reality for most communities across our country, with communities of color, especially women of color, bearing the disproportionate burden of poor health outcomes due to a lack of access to quality medical care. The Equal Health Care for All Act is legislation to combat the stark inequalities that exist in our health care system, and ensure every American has access to affordable, equitable care.”
    “As the Trump administration rolls back access to funding for health care, it is imperative to protect the right to these essential services for all communities. I’m proud to co-lead the Equal Health Care Act for All to continue supporting high quality health care for all, because equal access is a fundamental right, and one that every American should enjoy,” said Senator Schiff.
    The Equal Health Care for All Act aims to remedy structural and systemic failures in America’s health care system that have led to Black, Hispanic, and indigenous individuals disproportionately suffering from a range of illnesses, from asthma to heart disease. Black women are more likely than white women to die from breast cancer and during childbirth. Hispanic individuals suffer from higher rates of chronic diseases, including an 80 percent higher rate of diabetes.
    Specifically, the Equal Health Care for All Act would:
    Require the Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary to promote regulations requiring health care providers and facilities to disaggregate data on health outcomes by demographic characteristics;
    Require inclusion of quality measures of equitable health care in hospital value-based purchasing programs;
    Empower Medicare and Medicaid providers to enforce equitable health care standards;
    Rename the HHS “Office on Civil Rights” to “Office of Civil Rights and Health Equity;”
    Prohibit health care providers from providing inequitable health care to patients;
    Establish a Federal Health Equity Commission; and
    Authorize grants for hospitals to promote equitable health care outcomes.
    The bill is also cosponsored by U.S. Senator Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) and is supported by NAACP, National Urban League, American Diabetes Association, and American Cancer Society.
    Senator Padilla has long been a leader in the fight to make health care more equitable, affordable, and accessible in the United States. Last year, Padilla introduced the Health Equity and Accountability Act (HEAA) of 2024 to address health disparities among racial and ethnic minorities as well as women, the LGBTQ+ community, rural populations, and socioeconomically disadvantaged communities across the United States. He also recently joined Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and over 100 lawmakers in reintroducing the Medicare for All Act, historic legislation that would guarantee health care as a fundamental human right to all people in the United States regardless of income or background.
    Earlier this year, Padilla introduced the bipartisan Health ACCESS Act to improve digital health services by allowing patients to easily search for and book health care appointments online while protecting personal health information. Padilla also recently introduced the EASE Act, bipartisan legislation that would increase access to specialty care for rural and underserved Medicare, Medicaid, and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) patients. Additionally, he introduced the PEAKS Act to bolster emergency medical transportation services in mountainous areas, including supporting some of California’s 37 total Critical Access Hospitals.
    A one-pager on the bill is available here. Full text of the bill is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –