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Category: US Senate

  • MIL-OSI USA: Boozman, Hassan Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Simplify Medical Appointment Scheduling for Veterans

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas – John Boozman
    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH), members of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, introduced bipartisan legislation to improve and simplify the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) health care scheduling process.
    The Improving Veteran Access to Care Act would create a streamlined scheduling system with the ability to schedule multiple visits and appointments at once through a single phone call or online visit. Currently, veterans do not have access to a centralized scheduling platform and are required to individually contact clinics to coordinate appointments and specialty care.
    “I’m proud to work in a bipartisan way to help ensure the VA is providing the resources and care our former servicemembers deserve,” said Boozman. “Creating a one-stop tool for veterans’ medical appointment scheduling will remove inefficiencies and ensure their care is available, accessible and convenient.”
    “Our veterans deserve a health care system that respects their time and meets their needs, but the current appointment scheduling process is unnecessarily complex, particularly for rural veterans traveling great distances for care,” said Hassan. “This commonsense, bipartisan legislation will create a one-stop scheduling solution that will make it easier for veterans in New Hampshire and across the country to access the quality care that they’ve earned and deserve.”
    Specifically, the Improving Veteran Access to Care Act would require the VA to improve appointment scheduling by:
    Establishing an integrated project team to coordinate with existing VA improvement projects;
    Enabling VA personnel and patients to view available appointments for all VA-based care; 
    Creating a self-service online scheduling platform that allows VA patients to find and schedule VA health care appointments; and 
    Creating a telephone process through which VA patients can make a single call to find and schedule VA health care appointments. 
    The legislation is supported by multiple Veterans Service Organizations, including the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Military Officers Association of America, and Disabled American Veterans 
    “By establishing an integrated project team, the ‘Improving Veteran Access to Care Act’ aims to revolutionize the scheduling process for health care appointments within the Department of Veterans Affairs. This initiative focuses on timely delivery of care, enhanced access, improved customer experience, and greater efficiency, ultimately providing our veterans with the quality care they deserve. DAV would like to thank Senator Maggie Hassan and Senator John Boozman for introducing the ‘Improving Veteran Access to Care Act,’ which creates a team to improve the scheduling process for health care appointments and ensure our veterans receive timely access to care they have earned and urgently need,” said Deputy National Legislative Director for Health for Disabled American Veterans Jon Retzer.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley, Cornyn, Blumenthal, Durbin Introduce Bill to Spur Drug Pricing Competition

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    WASHINGTON – Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) introduced the Drug Competition Enhancement Act to spur generic and biosimilar marketplace competition. By prohibiting branded drug manufacturers from engaging in ‘product hopping,’ the bipartisan legislation will help lower drug prices for patients. 
     “One of my top priorities in the Senate is reducing the cost of prescription drugs. Our bill will bring much needed transparency to drug pricing by cracking down on product hopping and giving Iowans more access to lower-cost generic drugs,” Grassley said. 
     “Companies who attempt to profit at the expense of Texans’ health must face consequences. By rooting out this wrongdoing and holding bad actors in the pharmaceutical industry accountable, this legislation would spur competition in the marketplace and make drugs more affordable for patients who depend on them,” Cornyn said. 
     “Bad actors in Big Pharma have manipulated the rules and prioritized profits over patients—including by encouraging consumers to switch medications for pharmaceutical companies’ gain and leaving Americans stuck paying sky-high costs,” Blumenthal said. “The Drug Competition Enhancement Act reigns in these monopolistic practices and facilitates competition and market entry. This legislation lowers costs for consumers and puts patient care at the forefront.” 
     “Americans shouldn’t be forced to choose between their wallets and their health. But because Big Pharma games the patent system, too many patients face sky-high prescription drug costs,” Durbin said. “The bipartisan Drug Competition Enhancement Act would prevent pharmaceutical companies from using anti-competitive tactics to keep affordable medications out of reach for patients.” 
     Background: 
    Some pharmaceutical manufacturers deliberately prevent potential competitors from entering the marketplace using product hopping. This occurs when a bad actor’s exclusive right to a drug is about to expire, but they do not want to compete with generic alternatives. Instead, companies manipulate the market to move patients from the old drug onto a new one.  
    Pharmaceutical manufacturers “hop” patients from branded product to branded product by engaging in a variety of practices to disadvantage their old drug, including destroying the inventory of their old drug, pulling it from the market, aggressively raising the price, badmouthing it or even diminishing its safety. Under this practice, it is difficult to switch patients to the cheaper generic when the market protections for the earlier drug expire. This abuse of the patent system forces patients to continue paying high costs for a drug that is substantially similar to their old one for many years to come. 
     The bipartisan Drug Competition Enhancement Act would put an end to this practice by prohibiting branded drug manufacturers from engaging in anticompetitive product hopping, making it an antitrust violation. Companies engaging in this behavior would risk enforcement action from the Federal Trade Commission. The bill would also facilitate market entry for generics and biosimilars, which drives down drug costs for patients and consumers. 
    Bill text can be found HERE. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley Oversight Sweeps Nearly Every Corner of Taxpayer-Funded Government Agencies

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA – Amid Sunshine Week, U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), is highlighting the historic scale of his recent oversight work, which secured victories for national security, government transparency, health care and more.
    Grassley in the 118th Congress sent over 600 oversight letters to federal, state and private sector entities, as well as all 74 Offices of the Inspector General and the Office of Special Counsel – sending more oversight letters over the past two years than in any Congress prior. Grassley’s oversight – a hallmark of his time in public service – inspired bipartisan laws and prompted action from numerous federal agencies to address government waste, fraud and abuse. 
    “The Framers of our Constitution tasked Congress with conducting oversight as part of our system of checks and balances. I take this constitutional responsibility very seriously, and always have,” Grassley said. “My oversight and investigations help ensure the government is a service to the people of Iowa and the American taxpayer. I’m proud of the work I’ve done to safeguard our national security, improve health care outcomes, protect patriotic whistleblowers and hold agencies’ feet to the fire. I’m keeping my nose to the grindstone this Congress as I continue fighting for a more transparent and accountable government.”   
    Grassley gave an overview of his oversight achievements in a speech on the Senate floor. He noted: “We’re [now] in the 119th Congress. As this Congress gets underway, I have become Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. My oversight is already full-speed-ahead, and I look forward to what the next couple of years produce.”
    Highlights of Grassley Oversight in the 118th Congress
    Digging into agency mismanagement | Grassley: 
    Unveiled the “most detailed picture” of the Secret Service’s communication failures leading up to the first assassination attempt against President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania. 
    The Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General opened a formal review into the Secret Service just hours after receiving a request from Grassley to do so. Grassley’s request ultimately resulted in five ongoing reviews into the Secret Service’s protection processes.

    Shone light on inappropriate expenditures billed to the Environmental Protection Agency under the guise of “environmental justice.” 
    Revealed the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) misclassified employees as law enforcement, an illegal practice that cost taxpayers billions.
    Demanded the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) come clean on its failure to investigate child sex crimes and crack down on sexual misconduct among its workforce, including questionable disciplinary patterns allowing wrongdoers to evade accountability.
    Spearheaded efforts to root out partisan bias at the FBI, stop the weaponization of government against law-abiding Americans for their religious faith and expose bureaucratic sabotage of congressional oversight.
    Built on his yearslong oversight of the Pentagon by crafting a bipartisan measure to ensure the U.S. Armed Forces identify items the Defense Department (DOD) could produce itself through reverse engineering. Grassley’s bill, introduced with Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), was signed into law as part of the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act. 
    Exposed U.S. Attorney David Weiss for lacking the authorities then-Attorney General Merrick Garland publicly asserted Weiss had to fully prosecute the Hunter Biden case. Grassley further exposed, through legally protected whistleblower disclosures, that the FBI had dozens of sources who provided potentially criminal information relating to the Biden family.
    Protecting whistleblowers | Grassley:
    Forced the ATF, Executive Office of Immigration Review and Internal Revenue Service to update its nondisclosure agreements with language informing whistleblowers of their rights.
    Demanded all Offices of Inspectors General review their parent agency’s whistleblower protection measures to ensure federal agencies maintain lawful anti-gag provisions. 
    Unanimously passed a resolution and delivered remarks celebrating National Whistleblower Appreciation Day. 
    Supporting crime victims | Grassley:
    Shone a light on Credit Suisse’s failure to disclose Nazi-linked accounts the bank historically serviced. Credit Suisse reinitiated an internal investigation of the accounts thanks to Grassley’s probing. 
    The Simon Wiesenthal Center, a global Jewish human rights organization, recognized Grassley for his work to right historic wrongs.
    At Grassley’s request, Argentinian President Javier Milei has agreed to cooperate with the investigation to provide Argentine-based records related to Credit Suisse’s use of Nazi “ratlines.” 

    Secured a Government Accountability Office study of the Justice Department (DOJ)’s Crime Victims Fund to ensure DOJ doesn’t squander money intended to support victims of crime. The DOJ Office of Inspector General opened its own audit following Grassley’s oversight.
    Cracking down on Biden border chaos | Grassley:  
    Spurred a federal investigation into potential trafficking of unaccompanied migrant children. Homeland Security Investigations followed up on 102 investigative targets Grassley identified. 
    Brought Health and Human Services (HHS) whistleblowers before a congressional panel to expose the abuse they witnessed in HHS’ Unaccompanied Children program. 
    Earned recognition as “the only person in a position of power” who exhibited consistent dedication to addressing government-funded migrant child trafficking.
    Called on dozens of federal contractors and grantees to account for what actions they’ve taken to safeguard unaccompanied migrant children in their care.
    Brought Customs and Border Protection whistleblowers before a congressional panel to discuss the government’s unlawful refusal to collect DNA from all individuals encountered at the border. 
    Advancing life-saving health care reforms | Grassley:  
    Championed a bipartisan law to reform the U.S. organ transplant system for the first time in four decades. The Securing the U.S. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network Act ensures the best-qualified contractors manage and operate nationwide organ donations and placements, providing patients with the highest-quality care and ensuring generous donations are used to save lives.
    The nonpartisan Carl Levin Center for Oversight and Democracy recognized Grassley and his bipartisan colleagues for their work to “[achieve] the best outcome for the American people.” 

    Spearheaded a bipartisan investigation with then-Senate Budget Committee Chairman Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) into private equity ownership of hospital systems that operate across the country, including in Iowa. Grassley and Whitehouse pulled back the curtain on access and quality changes that had occurred at hospital systems purchased by private equity.
    Cutting off resources to Mexican drug cartels | Grassley:  
    Published a detailed report revealing federal agencies’ decades-long failure to conduct oversight of U.S. resources sent to Mexico, allowing taxpayer dollars to fall into the hands of cartels and fuel drug trafficking operations. 
    Informed by his report, Grassley authored bipartisan, bicameral legislation to improve intercountry drug destruction efforts. The bill passed the House of Representatives last Congress.

    Exposed how Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) loopholes enable drug cartels to transport illicit drugs on U.S. registered planes. Grassley’s bipartisan bill to close FAA’s loopholes was signed into law as part of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024.  
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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley Denounces Judicial Overreach, Backs President Trump’s Enforcement of Federal Law

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), in a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi, applauded President Donald Trump’s recent memorandum directing federal agencies to enforce the Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 65(c). Under Rule 65, federal courts must require parties seeking a preliminary injunction or temporary restraining order to provide a financial guarantee, which deters frivolous lawsuits and ensures coverage for lost taxpayer dollars when injunctions are later deemed wrongly issued.
    “Over the last few months, I have watched with concern as individual district judges have issued sweeping injunctions that reach far beyond the case or controversy before them,” Grassley wrote. “Exacerbating the problem, however, is that these injunctions have been routinely implemented in violation of federal law.”
    “The rule of law matters. Over the last decade, we have seen chaos unfold when individual district judges determine policy for the whole country. The courts should have been imposing injunction bonds on their own, but because they have failed to so, President Trump is right to demand that the Justice Department remind the courts of their obligations under the Federal Rules,” Grassley continued. 
    Grassley also highlighted the Senate Judiciary Committee’s bipartisan commitment to examining instances of judicial overreach.
    “Democrats and Republicans have both raised concerns about the use of nationwide preliminary injunctions and temporary restraining orders,” Grassley observed.
    “Please know that my colleagues and I in the Senate are watching this issue closely. I will be working to solve the problem of judicial overreach, and in the meantime, commend the Administration’s efforts to enforce existing law,” Grassley concluded.
    Finally, Grassley included a handwritten note to Attorney General Bondi reading, “Pam: This is a very important issue for me! Please take strong action!”
    Read the full letter HERE.
    Background:
    According to a 2023 Harvard Law Review study, from 2001 to 2023, two-thirds of all nationwide injunctions targeted President Trump’s first administration. Nearly all of these injunctions were imposed by judges appointed by Democrat presidents. Since taking office in January 2024, there have been dozens of orders and more than 100 pending lawsuits against President Trump’s second administration.
    Rule 65(c), adopted in 1937, allows courts to issue a preliminary injunction or a temporary restraining order only if the movant posts a security equal to the potential losses from a wrongly issued order. In 2007, the Rules Committee revisited Rule 65 and reaffirmed the mandatory language of the injunction bond. Despite this, federal courts continue to ignore the law. 
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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley, Cornyn, Blumenthal, Durbin Introduce Bill to Lower Drug Costs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    WASHINGTON – Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) introduced the Affordable Prescriptions for Patients Act to help lower drug prices and prevent bad actors in the pharmaceutical industry from deliberately abusing the patent system.
    “The steep price of life-saving medication puts a major strain on Iowans. Our legislation will help reduce the cost of prescription drugs by ending the abusive practice of blocking generic and biosimilar drugs from entering the market,” Grassley said.
    “Patent thickets stifle innovation, hinder generic drugs from entering the marketplace, and raise prices for consumers. This legislation would help end these abusive and anti-competitive practices to ensure Texans can access the treatments and life-saving medications they need without breaking the bank,” Cornyn said.
    “For too long, pharmaceutical companies have been allowed to abuse the patent system, stifling innovation and driving up costs for consumers. This legislation cracks down on drug companies’ manipulative and exploitative practices, promoting competition and lowering prescription drug costs for patients,” Blumenthal said. “The Affordable Prescriptions for Patients Act will give Americans access to essential medications without the outrageous costs.”
    “Big Pharma often manipulates the patent system to maximize their profits while patients struggle to pay for their necessary medications.  These practices stifle competition, delay innovation, and prevent Americans from accessing lower-cost drugs,” Durbin said. “I’m proud to support the Affordable Prescriptions for Patients Act to ensure that we’re looking out for patients, not Big Pharma.”
    Background: 
    Some pharmaceutical manufacturers deliberately abuse the patent system to prevent potential competitors from entering the marketplace by erecting patent thickets, which slow the entry of lower-cost biosimilar products. By stopping abuses of the patent system, the bipartisan Affordable Prescriptions for Patients Act paves the way for biosimilars to compete with branded drugs and aggressively lower drug prices for consumers in the process.
    In 2010, Congress enacted a law designed to resolve any patent litigation quickly before a biosimilar is introduced to the market, creating a patent dispute resolution process known as the “patent dance.” However, under current law, there are no limits on the number of patents that a branded manufacturer of biologics can assert during the patent dance. This has led some companies to abuse a process designed to facilitate biosimilar entry, not hinder it. 
    This bill places a reasonable limit on the number of patents a manufacturer can contest, preventing a “patent thicket.” This will help deter manufacturers from gaming the system, while preserving incentives to encourage the core innovation. 
    Bill text can be found HERE.
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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin, Padilla, Booker, Welch Statement On Trump Invoking The Alien Enemies Act To Target Immigrants Without Due Process

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    March 17, 2025
    SPRINGFIELD – Today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Peter Welch (D-VT) issued the following statement after President Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, claiming wartime power to deport noncitizens without due process:
    “Over the weekend, President Trump invoked the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to deport noncitizens without due process. This attempt to use an archaic wartime law—not used since World War II—forimmigration enforcement is yet another unlawful and brazen power grab.
    “Let’s be clear: we are not at war, and immigrants are not invading our country. Furthermore, courts determine whether people have broken the law—not a president acting alone, and not immigration agents picking and choosing who gets imprisoned or deported. It’s what our Constitution demands, and it’s the law Trump is bound by no matter how much he tries to mislead the American people otherwise. These protections are there to help ensure U.S. citizens aren’t wrongfully deported, or people who haven’t committed a crime aren’t wrongfully punished.
    “A District Court issued a temporary restraining order to block the Administration’s use of this wartime law, and ordered deportation flights already underway to return to the U.S. We cannot allow Trump to flout the rules and due process.
    “All of us, including the courts, must continue to hold this Administration accountable, and prevent the Trump Administration from taking us down a dark and dangerous road.”
    Last week, Durbin led a group of Democratic immigration leaders in challenging the constitutional basis of President Trump’s sham “invasion” proclamation, which the President has argued would allow his Administration to circumvent domestic immigration law.
    Earlier this year, Durbin cosponsored the Neighbors Not Enemies Act, legislation that would repeal the Alien Enemies Act of 1798.
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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Joins Schiff, Senate Democrats In Demanding USDA Reverse $1 Billion In Canceled Local Food Purchases For Schools, Farmers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    March 17, 2025
    SPRINGFIELD – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA), members of the Senate Agriculture Committee, along with 29 Senators, sent a letter demanding a reversal of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) cancellation of food purchase programs across the United States, warning of the harmful impacts this move will have on both families and American farmers. Slashing funding for locally sourced, nutritious food in schools showcases the hypocrisy of the Trump Administration’s claims about wanting to improve healthy food for children.
    “We ask that you reverse the cancellation,” the Senators wrote. “We have grave concerns that the cancellation… poses extreme harm to producers and communities in every state across the country. At a time of uncertainty in farm country, farmers need every opportunity to be able to expand market access for their products.” 
    In Illinois, cancellation of purchases through the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA) and the Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program (LFS) puts more than $26 million in food purchases for 4,017 schools and 1,250 child care centers at risk in Fiscal Year 2025. 
    The letter was also signed by Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NM), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY),  Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Angus King (I-ME), Edward Markey (D-MA), Jeffrey Merkley (D-OR),  Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR). 
    The full letter sent to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins can be found here and below: 
    Dear Secretary Rollins:  
    We write to express serious concerns regarding the cancellation of U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs supporting local and regional food purchases providing assistance to those in need. These successful programs, the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA) and the Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program (LFS), allow states, territories, and Tribes to purchase local foods from nearby farmers and ranchers to be used for emergency food providers, schools, and child care centers.  
    At a time when food insecurity remains high, providing affordable, fresh food to food banks and families while supporting American farmers is critical. Notably, LFPA and LFS have benefitted producers and consumers by providing funding for purchases through all 50 states, four territories, and 84 tribal governments. Through LFPA and LFS, USDA has prioritized the procurement and distribution of healthy, nutritious, domestic food. It has also taken an important step towards igniting rural prosperity by expanding and strengthening markets among farmers and rural economies. As of December 2024, the programs had supported over 8,000 producers, providing increased marketing opportunities.  
    Most importantly, we ask that you reverse the cancellation of LFPA and LFS. We also ask that you provide a thorough and complete update on USDA’s implementation of LFPA and LFS, including answers to the following questions:  
    1.        What is the status of reimbursements for entities that have agreements with USDA through LFPA and LFS? What is the last date for which states, territories, and Tribes received reimbursements for food purchases under LFPA and LFS?  
    2.        Has the Administration conducted any assessments of how these program cancellations will impact producers and recipient organizations (e.g., food banks, schools, child care centers)? If so, please provide a copy of any such assessments.  
    We have grave concerns that the cancellation of LFPA and LFS poses extreme harm to producers and communities in every state across the country. At a time of uncertainty in farm country, farmers need every opportunity to be able to expand market access for their products.  
    Please provide responses to the information requested in our questions no later than Friday, April 4. Thank you for your attention to this urgent and important matter.  
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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Collins Visits Eastern Maine Community College

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins
    Published: March 17, 2025

    Click HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE for individual photos.
    Bangor, ME – Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins visited Eastern Maine Community College (EMCC) to speak with students and staff and to get a firsthand look at newly upgraded classroom instructional equipment at EMCC. Senator Collins secured nearly $3 million in Congressionally Directed Spending to support EMCC’s purchase of this new equipment in the Fiscal Year 2024 and 2023 appropriations packages. Senator Collins is Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee.
    “In Maine and throughout the nation, many communities are experiencing shortages of critical health care professionals,” said Senator Collins. “Visiting EMCC today, I had the chance to see how investments in new classroom technology and training equipment are helping to ensure that graduates are well prepared to enter the health care workforce. I was proud to secure funding to support EMCC’s efforts to train Maine’s next generation of nurses, emergency medical service providers, medical radiographers, and other health professionals.”
    “This funding is a game-changer for our students and Maine’s healthcare system,” said Liz Russell, President of Eastern Maine Community College. “We’re bringing high-quality education straight to the communities that need it most, helping to fill critical workforce gaps and making it easier for students to get the education they need without uprooting their lives.”
    Specifically, the funding secured by Senator Collins has been used to purchase new equipment and technology for EMCC’s Nursing, Medical Radiography, and Emergency Medical Services programs, including upgraded equipment in the nursing simulation lab and a new fully equipped ambulance, better preparing students for real-world emergency situations.
    In addition to securing funding for EMCC’s Bangor campus, Senator Collins secured $4 million in Congressionally Directed Spending in Fiscal Year 2022 to expand the early childhood education center at Eastern Maine Community College’s Katahdin Region Higher Education Center in East Millinocket. The now renovated facility offers increased access to child care and additional job training resources for residents in the region.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Senator Baldwin Kicks Off “Hands Off Medicaid Tour” in La Crosse

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin
    LA CROSSE, WI – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) kicked off her “Hands Off Medicaid Tour” in La Crosse to call out President Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans’ plan to slash Medicaid to pay for tax cuts for billionaires. In La Crosse, Senator Baldwin was joined by Wisconsinites who shared their stories about how Medicaid helps them and their families afford the care they need to stay healthy.
    “Republicans are planning to terminate health care for Wisconsin grandparents, kids, and loved ones on Medicaid – all to pay for new tax breaks for big corporations and billionaires,” said Senator Baldwin. “Today, I was in La Crosse to show Republicans what cuts to Medicaid would mean for real Wisconsinites and send the message loudly and clearly: Hands off Medicaid.”
    Senator Baldwin was joined by the following Wisconsinites who shared their stories and appealed to Congressional Republicans to stop their efforts to terminate the health care that keeps them and their families well:
    Kim Fredrick – Mindoro, WI – Kim shared the story of her 17-year-old son Matt who has Down Syndrome and has been on Medicaid since he was a few months old.
    Rachel Maxon – Stoddard, WI – Rachel shared that her 5-year-old daughter with autism and 78-year-old father-in-law with dementia rely on Medicaid for their health, safety, and increased independence in the community.
    Dana Horstman – Bangor, WI – Dana has relied on Medicaid since a spinal cord injury in 2013 left her in a wheelchair.
    Tina Pohlman – La Crosse, WI – Tina was diagnosed with lupus and antiphospholipid syndrome in 2002 and receives Medicaid assistance.
    Bethany McAlister – La Crosse, WI – Bethany shared her story of multiple people in her family who rely on Medicaid, including her brother with down syndrome and mother-in-law with dementia.
    Republicans are planning deep cuts to Medicaid that will jeopardize the coverage of 72 million Americans. In Wisconsin, over 1.2 million are enrolled in Medicaid. About 1 in 3 children in both Wisconsin’s rural and metro communities have Medicaid coverage. More than 300,000 kids under age 19 are members of BadgerCare Plus or another Wisconsin Medicaid program.
    Across the country, Medicaid covers nearly half of all children, 31.5 million, over 8.3 million seniors, and around 15 million people with disabilities. Medicaid also pays for 6 out of 10 residents in nursing homes, with 5.6 million Americans counting on Medicaid for their long-term care bills and Medicaid paying for over half of long-term care in the United States. Severe cuts to Medicaid will also jeopardize rural hospitals and clinics’ ability to keep their doors open. Over 12 million rural Americans rely on Medicaid for health care.
    The next stops of the “Hands Off Medicaid Tour” include:
    Eau Claire on Tuesday, March 18, 2025
    Madison and Racine on Thursday, March 20, 2025
    Waukesha on Friday, March 21, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Booker, Durbin, Welch Statement on Trump Invoking the Alien Enemies Act to Target Immigrants Without Due Process

    US Senate News:

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

    Padilla, Booker, Durbin, Welch Statement on Trump Invoking the Alien Enemies Act to Target Immigrants Without Due Process

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.), members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement after President Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, claiming wartime power to deport noncitizens without due process:
    “Over the weekend, President Trump invoked the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to deport noncitizens without due process. This attempt to use an archaic wartime law — not used since World War II — for immigration enforcement is yet another unlawful and brazen power grab.
    “Let’s be clear: we are not at war, and immigrants are not invading our country. Furthermore, courts determine whether people have broken the law — not a president acting alone, and not immigration agents picking and choosing who gets imprisoned or deported. It’s what our Constitution demands, and it’s the law Trump is bound by no matter how much he tries to mislead the American people otherwise. These protections are there to help ensure U.S. citizens aren’t wrongfully deported, or people who haven’t committed a crime aren’t wrongfully punished.
    “A District Court issued a temporary restraining order to block the Administration’s use of this wartime law, and ordered deportation flights already underway to return to the U.S. We cannot allow Trump to flout the rules and due process.
    “All of us, including the courts, must continue to hold this Administration accountable, and prevent the Trump Administration from taking us down a dark and dangerous road.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Durbin Lead Push to Save Task Force Combating Threats to Election Officials

    US Senate News:

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

    Padilla, Durbin Lead Push to Save Task Force Combating Threats to Election Officials

    Senators to Attorney General: “In this challenging environment for election officials, it is essential to our democracy that they can continue to rely on [DOJ] to uphold the law”
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, and Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, led 29 Democratic Senators in urging Attorney General Pam Bondi to continue the essential work of the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Election Threats Task Force, which directs the Department’s efforts to protect election officials from rising threats and acts of violence.
    The Senators’ letter comes as the Trump Administration has significantly rolled back the federal government’s capacity to fight against foreign and domestic election security threats. On Attorney General Bondi’s first day in office, she disbanded the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Foreign Influence Task Force, hindering efforts to address secret influence campaigns waged by China, Russia, and other foreign adversaries. Additionally, the Administration has fired or put on leave dozens of officials responsible for combating foreign election interference at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and has reportedly frozen all of CISA’s ongoing election security work. The Administration has also defunded CISA’s nationwide program to train local officials and monitor threats through the Elections Infrastructure Information Sharing and Analysis Center.
    “Given the recent disturbing personnel and policy decisions at the Department and the lack of transparency about the future of the Task Force, we request an immediate update on the status and activities of the Task Force, as well as what resources will be provided to ensure its important work continues so that election officials of both parties can safely administer our elections,” wrote the Senators.
    “Recent surveys have found that one in three election officials reported facing threats, harassment, and abuse. Similarly, 48 percent of local election officials know of someone who has left their job because of fear for their safety—a troubling loss of institutional knowledge needed for the smooth running of elections. Election workers continue to fear for their safety, so it is critical that the work of the Task Force continues to deter and counter these threats. In this challenging environment for election officials, it is essential to our democracy that they can continue to rely on the Department to uphold the law,” continued the Senators.
    In addition to Senators Padilla and Durbin, the letter was also signed by Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angus King (I-Maine), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).
    As Ranking Member of the Rules Committee, which has oversight over federal elections, Senator Padilla has fought against President Trump’s unprecedented attacks against election security. Last month, he pressed senior officials at CISA for answers after they fired employees who have worked to combat election misinformation. During his first business meeting as Rules Committee Ranking Member, Padilla highlighted threats to election security and the importance of free and fair elections. Additionally, Padilla expressed serious concerns about the dangerous implications for elections following President Trump’s executive order purporting to bring independent regulatory agencies under total control of the White House. Padilla previously denounced the illegal firing of Federal Election Commission (FEC) Chair Ellen Weintraub and led 10 Democratic Senators to demand President Trump rescind his attempt. 
    Full text of the letter is available here and below:
    Dear Attorney General Bondi:
    We write to strongly urge you to continue the critical law enforcement work of the Department of Justice’s Election Threats Task Force, which protects election officials from ongoing threats and acts of violence. Given the recent disturbing personnel and policy decisions at the Department and the lack of transparency about the future of the Task Force, we request an immediate update on the status and activities of the Task Force, as well as what resources will be provided to ensure its important work continues so that election officials of both parties can safely administer our elections.
    The Task Force was established in the wake of the 2020 election cycle when election officials across the political spectrum began facing unprecedented threats of violence intended to thwart the peaceful transfer of power that is the hallmark of our democracy. In close collaboration with state and local law enforcement, the Task Force has assessed thousands of complaints of suspected threats of violence and investigated and prosecuted violent offenders. Over the years, these threats have not only continued but escalated.  The Task Force has investigated fentanyl-laced letters, bomb threats, and swatting incidents—serving as a legacy of the 2020 election and impacting the ways election officials interact with voters in their communities.
    Recent surveys have found that one in three election officials reported facing threats, harassment, and abuse. Similarly, 48 percent of local election officials know of someone who has left their job because of fear for their safety—a troubling loss of institutional knowledge needed for the smooth running of elections. Election workers continue to fear for their safety, so it is critical that the work of the Task Force continues to deter and counter these threats. In this challenging environment for election officials, it is essential to our democracy that they can continue to rely on the Department to uphold the law.
    Moreover, the federal government’s ability to fight election interference has been greatly hampered in the early weeks of this Administration. Dozens of officials at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), who are responsible for combatting foreign election interference, have been fired or put on leave. CISA has also reportedly frozen all of its ongoing election security work, including defunding its nationwide program to train local officials and monitor threats through the “Elections Infrastructure Information Sharing and Analysis Center.” Additionally, on your first day in office, you signed a directive disbanding the FBI’s Foreign Influence Task Force, which was aimed at responding to secret influence campaigns waged by China, Russia, and other foreign adversaries.
    We request a response on the status and future plans of the Election Threats Task Force, the extent of resources and personnel dedicated to its work, and how it plans to incorporate related work previously led by CISA and the Foreign Influence Task Force by March 31, 2025.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sens. Johnson, Grassley Release Records Showing FBI Obtained Trump, Pence Cell Phones, Conducted Sweeping Interviews to Advance Anti-Trump Arctic Frost Investigation

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Ron Johnson
    WASHINGTON – Yesterday, Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations Chairman Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) and Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) sent a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel, to make public legally protected whistleblower disclosures showing the FBI, as part of its Arctic Frost investigation, acquired the government cell phones of President Trump and former Vice President Mike Pence, among other government officials. FBI agents used taxpayer dollars to crisscross the country and conduct dozens of interviews in support of the political probe. 
    Unclassified FBI records released by Chairmen Johnson and Grassley convey the alarming scope and speed of the FBI’s 2022 investigation of President Donald Trump, dubbed “Operation Arctic Frost.” The investigation – launched in April 2022 by anti-Trump FBI agent Timothy Thibault in a breach of FBI protocol – formed the basis of Special Counsel Jack Smith’s elector case against Trump. Upon opening the investigation, Thibault vowed it would be “prioritized over all others in the Branch” and commented that “it frankly took too long for us to open this [investigation].”
    “Sunshine is the best disinfectant,” the chairmen wrote to Bondi and Patel. “The American people deserve to know the complete extent of the corruption within the DOJ and FBI that led to the investigation into President Trump. We are making this information public for purposes of public accountability and to provide specific examples of past behavior at your institutions that must not be repeated. Quite simply, the public has a right to know what happened in Arctic Frost and, based on what we’ve exposed to date, the American public deserves better from its law enforcement agencies. It is important that every individual at your agencies maintains the highest level of professionalism, and does not allow political bias to motivate or guide their investigative work.” 
    Within weeks of opening Arctic Frost on April 13, 2022, FBI agents began taking aggressive action to build out their case. The following is a summary of some Arctic Frost investigatory updates, based on unclassified internal FBI records:
    Update 1 (April 22-25, 2022):
    FBI begins scheduling over a dozen interviews in coordination with 13 FBI field offices.
    DOJ and FBI begin the process of acquiring Trump and Pence’s government phones, which were in the Biden White House’s possession.
    Update 2 (May 2-3, 2022):
    FBI begins analyzing communications between Trump team members and Republican electors.
    FBI meets with Justice Department (DOJ) officials to discuss possible search warrants for the Trump and Pence cell phones.      
    Update 3 (May 10, 2022):
    FBI attempts to contact individuals in states throughout the country to schedule interviews.
    Update 4 (May 13-17, 2022):
    FBI obtains Trump and Pence’s government phones and enters them into evidence for the case.
    FBI interviews the first Trump administration’s Deputy White House Counsel.
    Additional interviews are planned with Trump administration officials, including employees from the Offices of the President and Vice President, DOJ and former Director of National Intelligence Director John Ratcliffe.
    DOJ and FBI begin discussing the possibility of merging the DOJ Office of Inspector General (OIG) investigation, which included former Acting Assistant Attorney General (AAG) for the Civil Division, Jeffrey Clark, with the FBI’s Arctic Frost investigation.
    DOJ OIG makes plans to seek search warrants for phones associated with former AAG Jeffrey Clark, John Eastman, Mark Meadows and Ken Klukowski.
    Update 5 (May 21-24, 2022)
    FBI makes the decision to add former AAG Jeffrey Clark to the Arctic Frost investigation.
    FBI drafts a search warrant for the Trump and Pence cell phones in its possession.
    Plans continue for additional interviews with former Trump administration officials.
    Update 6 (May 27, 2022):
    FBI plans to conduct approximately 50 interviews, coupled with subpoenas, across at least seven states during the week of June 20, 2022. Interviews are set to take place with those who “signed and/or mailed the certificates in each state, as well as the Trump Campaign’s Directors of Election Day Operations for the relevant states, and certain GOP officials who are believed to have facilitated the scheme by communicating with individuals associated with the Trump campaign and the ‘fraudulent’ or ‘alternate’ electors.”
    The DOJ OIG investigation that includes Jeffrey Clark is formally merged with the FBI Arctic Frost investigation, providing FBI access to phones and email accounts from a variety of DOJ officials, including former Attorney General Bill Barr.
    Resources and Staffing
    Over the course of just four days in June 2022, the FBI Arctic Frost team spent approximately $16,000 in taxpayer-funded travel to “conduct more than 40 interviews, serve subpoenas and execute several cellular device search warrants.” 
    Read more about Chairmen Johnson and Grassley’s letter on Fox News.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville, Young Fight for Right-to-Work States, Promote Competition

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-IN) in reintroducing the Fair and Open Competition Act (FOCA), which would prevent the federal government from mandating project labor agreements (PLAs) on federal projects funded by taxpayers. This legislation would provide more opportunities to bid on government work, increase workforce competition, lower government construction costs, and save taxpayer dollars.

    Sen. Tuberville cosponsored this legislation in the 118th Congress.

    “Alabama’s workers deserve an equal playing field,” said Sen. Tuberville. “Alabama is a Right-to-Work state, and that means we don’t force workers to unionize. Construction companies and workers should win bids based off of merit, not their unionization status. I am proud to work with my colleagues to protect workers, boost business, and lower costs.” 

    “The Fair and Open Competition Act is pro-worker legislation that will restore competition in the construction industry, protect Hoosier workers from discriminatory contracts, and lower costs for taxpayers,” said Sen. Young. “Growing up with a dad who ran a small business and around family members and close friends who were union members, I appreciate what everyone brings to the table. This bill strikes the right balance to ensure various contractors can bid on these projects on their own merits.”

    Sens. Tuberville and Young were joined by Sens. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Katie Britt (R-AL), Ted Budd (R-NC), John Cornyn (R-TX), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), James Lankford (R-OK), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Jim Risch (R-ID), Rick Scott (R-FL), and Thom Tillis (R-NC) in cosponsoring the legislation. 

    Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA-3) led the effort in the U.S. House of Representatives.

    Read full text of the legislation here. 

    BACKGROUND:

    On February 4, 2022, President Biden issued Executive Order 14063, requiring federal contracting agencies to mandate Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) on federal construction projects valued at $35 million or more, with limited exceptions. This new mandate poses serious risks:

    • It effectively bars over 80% of the U.S. construction workforce—those who are non-union—from competing on these federal projects.
    • Taxpayers bear the cost, as various studies have shown that PLAs can increase construction costs by 12% to 20%.
    • Right-to-work states are especially harmed when local non-union workers are shut out of cooperative federal projects.

    Specifically, the FOCA would:

    • Prohibit federal agencies from requiring PLAs as a condition of winning a contract.
    • Permit contractors and subcontractors to decide if a PLA is suitable on a case-by-case basis—without government interference.
    • Direct the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to be updated within 60 days to remove or block any requirement that contractors enter into PLAs.

    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP, and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Peters Statement on Vote to Prevent Government Shutdown

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters
    Published: 03.14.2025

    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) released the following statement on his vote to allow debate to proceed on the continuing resolution to prevent a government shutdown: 
    “Under a normal administration, a government shutdown would be devastating to families in Michigan and across the country who count on federal programs for health care, veterans’ benefits, and small business loans. Shutdowns are also incredibly damaging, the last shutdown cost the U.S. economy $11 billion. Make no mistake, a shutdown under President Trump right now would be catastrophic.  
    “A government shutdown would give President Trump, Elon Musk, and Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought unchecked power to continue their illegal campaign of dismantling agencies that provide services Americans need. In a shutdown, the President and OMB have ultimate control over which parts of the government stay open and which workers stay on the job – and I know their decisions would not be in the best interests of the American people.  
    “In a shutdown, the Trump Administration would be emboldened to deem countless more federal workers as non-essential, making those civil servants prime targets for future rounds of mass layoffs. This action will make our country less safe and make it much harder for Americans to access programs they count on.   
    “When the first Trump Administration shut down the government, they repeatedly broke the law. This time, they would take it even further. A shutdown would also give them free rein to keep some agencies closed indefinitely – including the Department of Education, Environmental Protection Agency, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and more.   “This is a difficult choice, but with the deadline quickly approaching, I believe Congress must do its most basic job to keep the lights on. I voted to move this process forward and give the Senate a chance to take a vote so that agencies remain open and providing services, independent watchdogs can stay on the job, and Democrats can keep fighting in both Congress and in the courts to stop Republican tax cuts for billionaires and President Trump’s harmful agenda.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gillibrand Statement On The Death Of Nita Lowey

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand

    U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand released the following statement on the passing of former United States Congresswoman Nita Lowey:

    “Today, New York mourns the loss of former Congresswoman Nita Lowey. Nita was not only my colleague for many years, but she was also a close friend who exemplified persistence and compassion. She loved our nation and had a passion for public service that never wavered throughout her 32 years in office.

    Throughout her career, Nita broke barriers that changed the course of our state and improved her community. As the first woman to chair the House Appropriations Committee, she held a deeply influential role in ensuring New York got the federal dollars it deserved. Her decisions and leadership helped get critical infrastructure projects completed and money into the pockets of New Yorkers. When I was a new member in Congress, I learned so much from Nita. Her service to our country will never be forgotten. My condolences go out to her husband, children, and grandchildren. May her memory be a blessing.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Gillibrand Demands USDA Reverse $1 Billion In Canceled Funding For Local Food Purchases

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand

    In New York, the cancellation of funding jeopardizes more than $63 million for food purchases for food banks, schools, child care centers

    Senator Gillibrand joined a group of 31 senators demanding a reversal of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s cancellation of food purchase programs across the United States, warning of the harmful impacts this move will have on New York families and farmers. 

    The USDA has canceled funding through the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA) and the Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program (LFS). These programs allow state, territorial, and Tribal governments to purchase food from American farmers to be distributed to food banks, schools, and child care centers across the country. In New York, cancellation of LFPA and LFS funding puts more than $63 million for food purchases at risk in Fiscal Year 2025. 

    “I have grave concerns about the impact that this cancellation will have on New York’s farmers and the families that rely on food banks, school lunch programs, and child care centers for their daily meals,” said Senator Gillibrand. “At a time of uncertainty in farm country, farmers need every opportunity to be able to expand market access for their products, and this move jeopardizes that access. Furthermore, this will decrease the availability of local foods for the programs that rely on them to feed New Yorkers in need. I am vehemently opposed to the USDA’s decision, and I will fight for its reversal.” 

    In the letter, which is led by Senators Adam Schiff (D-CA), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), the lawmakers said the reported $1 billion in canceled funding adds further pain at a time of high food prices and instability within U.S. agricultural markets. 

    The full letter sent to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins can be found here and below:

    Dear Secretary Rollins:  

    We write to express serious concerns regarding the cancellation of U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs supporting local and regional food purchases providing assistance to those in need. These successful programs, the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA) and the Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program (LFS), allow states, territories, and Tribes to purchase local foods from nearby farmers and ranchers to be used for emergency food providers, schools, and child care centers.  

    At a time when food insecurity remains high, providing affordable, fresh food to food banks and families while supporting American farmers is critical. Notably, LFPA and LFS have benefitted producers and consumers by providing funding for purchases through all 50 states, four territories, and 84 tribal governments. Through LFPA and LFS, USDA has prioritized the procurement and distribution of healthy, nutritious, domestic food. It has also taken an important step towards igniting rural prosperity by expanding and strengthening markets among farmers and rural economies. As of December 2024, the programs had supported over 8,000 producers, providing increased marketing opportunities.  

    Most importantly, we ask that you reverse the cancellation of LFPA and LFS. We also ask that you provide a thorough and complete update on USDA’s implementation of LFPA and LFS, including answers to the following questions:  

    1. What is the status of reimbursements for entities that have agreements with USDA through LFPA and LFS? What is the last date for which states, territories, and Tribes received reimbursements for food purchases under LFPA and LFS?  
    2. Has the Administration conducted any assessments of how these program cancellations will impact producers and recipient organizations (e.g., food banks, schools, child care centers)? If so, please provide a copy of any such assessments.  

    We have grave concerns that the cancellation of LFPA and LFS poses extreme harm to producers and communities in every state across the country. At a time of uncertainty in farm country, farmers need every opportunity to be able to expand market access for their products.  

    Please provide responses to the information requested in our questions no later than Friday, April 4. Thank you for your attention to this urgent and important matter.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, Kim Slam Senate Republicans for Voting Against Giving Veterans Their Jobs Back After They Were Fired in Trump-Musk Mass Layoffs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

    March 14, 2025

    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee (SVAC)—and U.S. Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) issued the following statement slamming Senate Republicans for voting against an amendment version of their Protect Veteran Jobs Act—legislation that would reinstate Veterans who were fired from their jobs as part of Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s indiscriminate purge of federal employees:

    “Senate Republicans love to say they support our nation’s Veterans on Fox News, but every single one of them just voted against giving our heroes their jobs back,” said Senators Duckworth and Kim. “Donald Trump and Elon Musk are firing more Veterans than any Administration in modern history, and now Senate Republicans are on the record supporting their stunningly cruel betrayal of thousands of men and women who served in uniform and chose to continue serving their country in the federal workforce. Shame on Senate Republicans for kicking our heroes to the curb—they own this vote and will have to answer for it.”

    Duckworth and Kim introduced their Protect Veteran Jobs Act earlier this month. Duckworth and Kim’s bill is the Senate companion to legislation introduced in the House by U.S. Representative Derek Tran (D-CA-45), H.R. 1637. In addition to reinstating Veterans impacted by Trump and Musk’s mass federal layoffs, the legislation would also require the Trump Administration to report to Congress on a quarterly basis the Veterans who have been removed from federal employment and provide justification for their removal. Veterans make up more than 30 percent of the federal workforce and it is estimated that Trump and Musk have already fired more than 6,000 men and women who have served in uniform.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed Votes for HALT Fentanyl Act to Keep Fentanyl A Schedule I Drug & Help Curb Trafficking, Overdoses and Deaths

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed
    WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Senate voted 84-16 to pass a bipartisan bill last week that will permanently classify fentanyl-related substances, or ‘copycat’ fentanyl knock-offs, as Schedule I substances under the Controlled Substances Act.  The current temporary Schedule I classification will expire this fall unless the U.S. House of Representatives takes action, approves the bill, and sends it to the president’s desk to be signed into law.
    U.S. Senator Jack Reed joined 83 of his Senate colleagues in voting to pass the bipartisan Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act or HALT Fentanyl Act (S.331) to ensure law enforcement and prosecutors continue to have a key tool needed to combat the scourge of crime, overdoses, and deaths caused by fentanyl and fentanyl-related substances.
    The HALT Fentanyl Act aims to close loopholes exploited by drug traffickers who smuggle substances with chemical compositions similar to fentanyl but are different enough to evade legal penalties.  The bill also ensures researchers can continue to test fentanyl-related substances and incentivizes medical research to benefit patients with conditions such as advanced cancer and neurological disorders and ensure they are able to access necessary opioid therapies.
    “I voted for the HALT Fentanyl Act to help save lives and close loopholes that cartels and drug smugglers have exploited to flood our communities with deadly fentanyl and fentanyl copycats.  This isn’t about going after low-level dealers or putting more people in jail.  Rather, it gives law enforcement the tools they need to stop cross-border traffickers, combat cartels, and keep lethal drugs off our streets while also allowing researchers to study and develop new strategies for preventing overdoses and treating addiction,” said Reed, a co-leader of the Fentanyl Eradication and Narcotics Deterrence (FEND) Off Fentanyl Act, a sanctions and anti-money laundering law aimed at combatting the fentanyl crisis.
    In addition to retaining Schedule I status for street fentanyl and fentanyl-related substances, the legislation includes provisions related to fentanyl research, controlled substance dispensing, and criminal penalties for fentanyl-related substance crimes.  Lawful fentanyl uses for currently-accepted medical practices would retain its Schedule II classification.
    The HALT Fentanyl Act is endorsed by the Drug Enforcement Association of Federal Narcotics Agents, the Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies, the Major County Sheriffs of America, the National Alliance of State Drug Enforcement Agencies, the National High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Directors Association, the National Narcotic Officers Associations’ Coalition, and the National District Attorneys Association
    An epidemic of synthetic opioids, including illegal fentanyl largely manufactured in Mexico from raw materials supplied by China, have made overdoses the leading cause of death among Americans 18 to 45 years old. 
    The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that there were 107,543 overdose deaths in the United States in 2023. Fentanyl and fentanyl-related substances accounted for nearly 75,000 of those deaths.
    Traffickers are continually altering the chemical structure of fentanyl to evade regulation and prosecution, sometimes with tragic results. Since 2013, China has been the principal source of fentanyl, fentanyl-related substances, and the precursor chemicals from which they are produced.  Chinese fentanyl product is commonly shipped to Mexico and smuggled into the U.S.
    Traffickers have favored fentanyl-related substances to try and skirt current U.S. laws against trafficking fentanyl and fentanyl analogues.  In 2023, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) seized nearly 12,000 pounds of illicit fentanyl, including fentanyl powder and more than 78 million pills laced with illicit fentanyl.  The 2023 seizures were equivalent to nearly 389 million lethal doses of fentanyl.
    A similar version of the bill passed the House last month on a vote of 312-110.  The amended version that passed the Senate must now be approved by the full U.S. House of Representatives.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto Leads Legislation to Extend Reporting Deadline for Emergency Tribal Care

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto
    Las Vegas, Nev. – U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), members of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, reintroduced legislation to extend the reporting deadline for Indian Health Service (IHS) patients who seek emergency care outside of IHS facilities. The IHS Emergency Claims Parity Act would extend the emergency notification requirements of IHS’s Purchased and Referred Care (PRC) program from within 72 hours to 15 days.
    “Medical emergencies are emergencies – people can’t choose when and where they occur,” said Cortez Masto. “In a crisis, IHS patients should be able to seek care at the closest hospital without worrying about having to fill out burdensome paperwork after an emergency.”
    IHS beneficiaries are subject to a number of restrictive rules when seeking outside care; however, few of these rules are as problematic as the emergency reporting deadline. Currently, in emergency cases, the patient must notify the PRC office within 72 hours of receiving outside care. Native American patients determined to be elderly or disabled are given 30 days to notify the IHS of emergency medical care received from non-IHS medical providers or at non-IHS medical facilities.
    The IHS Emergency Claims Parity Act would increase the window for timely consideration of emergency care payments to 15 days for all IHS beneficiaries. This excludes reporting requirements for patients considered to be elderly or disabled, which will stay at 30 days.
    You can find the full text of the legislation here.
    Senator Cortez Masto has long been a champion for Tribal communities and led efforts to provide Native American communities across Nevada with access to quality health care. Last year, the Senate passed her legislation to make it easier for IHS to recruit and retain medical workers. She helped secure over $1 billion in coronavirus relief funding for the Indian Health Service to combat the pandemic and $125 million in additional funding for Tribes and urban Indian health organizations within the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to address the mental health needs of Native communities. She has also cosponsored legislation to help address health disparities for Native Americans in urban areas and expand access to physician training to address the state-wide doctor shortage. The Senator has continuously highlighted the ongoing crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women (MMIW), and she was instrumental in passing Not Invisible Act and Savanna’s Act into law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Klobuchar, Peters, Casten, Johnson Introduce Legislation to Combat Trafficking of Dangerous Gun Conversion Devices

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn)
    Legislation would help address gun violence epidemic by tackling proliferation of machine gun conversion devices and seizing profits from illegal weapons trafficking
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Gary Peters (D-MI), Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and 11 of their colleagues introduced legislation to combat the trafficking and proliferation of dangerous gun conversion devices. The Preventing Illegal Weapons Trafficking Act would help tackle the ongoing gun violence epidemic by requiring federal law enforcement to coordinate efforts to prevent the importation and trafficking of ‘auto-sears’ — illegal gun modification devices that can convert semi-automatic weapons into fully-automatic weapons — and seize all profits that come from the illegal trafficking of these devices. Companion legislation in the House of Representatives is led by Representatives Sean Casten (D-IL) and Hank Johnson (D-GA). 
    “We must address the alarming prevalence of gun conversion devices that can turn ordinary hand guns into automatic weapons. These devices that can be easily 3-D printed or cheaply purchased online have devastating consequences for public safety,” said Klobuchar. “By preventing the importation and trafficking of these deadly devices and by stopping traffickers from profiting from illegal sales, this legislation will help keep our communities safe and save lives.”
    “Law enforcement must do more to protect our communities from gun violence by stopping the flow of illegal gun modification devices into and throughout our country,” said Peters. “This bill will enhance coordination across law enforcement agencies to prevent these dangerous and deadly devices from being used.”
    “Congress has an obligation to do everything we can to make our communities safer from gun violence,” said Rep. Casten. “This epidemic needs to be addressed head-on and that includes the proliferation of illegal gun conversion. Devices that allow semi-automatic weapons to be easily converted into fully automatic weapons should not be readily accessible. I’m proud to introduce this bill with Rep. Johnson, Sen. Klobuchar, and Sen. Peters to prevent the importation and trafficking of these dangerous modifications.”
    “Auto-sears and other gun conversion devices are making the gun violence epidemic in the U.S. that much worse,” said Rep. Johnson. “The dramatic rise in the use of conversion devices and 3-D printed guns in crimes must be addressed. The Preventing Illegal Weapons Trafficking Act will give law enforcement the tools they need to crack down on and confiscate these dangerous devices. We in Congress must do what we can to keep our communities safe, and this bill helps us address this growing menace.”
    The Preventing Illegal Weapons Trafficking Act is cosponsored by Senators Blumenthal (D-CT), Duckworth (D-IL), Durbin (D-IL), Heinrich (D-NM), Hirono (D-HI), Markey (D-MA), Padilla (D-CA), Shaheen (D-NH), Smith (D-MN), Whitehouse (D-RI), and Wyden (D-OR). It has been endorsed by GIFFORDS and Brady: United Against Gun Violence.
    “Auto sears and other machine gun conversion devices make deadly weapons more lethal,” said Emma Brown, Executive Director at GIFFORDS. “These illegal devices, which are increasingly recovered by law enforcement at crime scenes, pose an urgent public safety risk that Congress must address. Senator Klobuchar’s bill helps to intercept these devices before they fall into the hands of those who wish to do harm, and drives attention to a developing issue for communities and law enforcement. We urge Congress to take action to help keep these dangerous weapons off the streets.”
    “Conversion devices are an all too common means of illegally converting semiautomatic firearms into machine guns,” said Mark Collins, Director of Federal Policy at Brady: United Against Gun Violence. “Such firearms are being recovered by law enforcement at a staggering rate, with a nearly 570% increase between 2011 and 2021. Providing law enforcement with the resources to stem the flow of illegally trafficked machine gun conversion devices must be a top priority for Congress. The Preventing Illegal Weapons Trafficking Act will help law enforcement agencies coordinate efforts to crack down on these dangerous, and illegal devices. Brady is proud to endorse this bill and thanks Sen. Klobuchar for her dedication to protecting Americans and communities across the country from the proliferation of illegal machine guns.”
    The Preventing Illegal Weapons Trafficking Act of 2025 would: 
    Direct the Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security, and Department of the Treasury to develop a coordinated national strategy to prevent or intercept the importation and trafficking of automatic gun conversion devices;
    Ensure that proceeds from the illegal trafficking of automatic gun devices are subject to forfeiture; and 
    Require that the Attorney General include data and information about illegal gun modification devices in the Justice Department’s annual firearms trafficking report.
    Auto-sears and other gun conversion devices can be installed in about a minute, and 3-D printed or purchased online for less than $20. An investigation by The Trace and VICE News found that federal prosecutions involving gun conversion devices have increased over eight-fold from 2017-2021. Additionally the investigation reported that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) seized 1,500 weapons modified with auto sears in 2021, a five-fold increase from the year before. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: President Trump Is Delivering Needed Economic Relief

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    Americans are continuing to see the benefits as the economic agenda of President Donald J. Trump and his administration comes into focus. After years of soaring prices and economic pain, the Trump Administration’s focus on cutting regulations and unleashing American energy is leading to stability for Americans’ bottom lines.
    EGGS: The average wholesale price of eggs recorded another huge drop today as the Trump Administration fulfills its plan for long-term affordability by reversing the previous administration’s flawed approach.
    On January 21, 2025, the wholesale price for eggs was $6.55/dozen; today, it’s $3.45/dozen — a $3.10/dozen (–47.3%) decrease.
    The average wholesale price for eggs has declined for three straight weeks.
    GAS: The nationwide average for gas continues falling as the Trump Administration implements its American energy agenda.
    The nationwide average for gas has declined for four straight weeks — down ten cents from one month ago and 42 cents from one year ago.
    More than two-thirds of gas stations in the U.S. have gas at $2.99/gallon or less, according to GasBuddy.
    Average gas prices are currently at their lowest level for March in four years. At this point in Biden’s presidency, gas prices had already gone up 49 cents.
    Average prices are below $3/gallon in a majority of states.
    Alabama: Today: $2.74; One year ago: $3.18; Record: $4.63 (6/14/22)
    Alaska: Today: $3.39; One year ago: $3.80; Record: $5.61 (6/19/22)
    Arizona: Today: $3.34; One year ago: $3.71; Record: $5.39 (6/17/22)
    Arkansas: Today: $2.72; One year ago: $3.08; Record: $4.54 (6/14/22)
    California: Today: $4.66; One year ago: $4.90; Record: $6.44 (6/14/22)
    Colorado: Today: $2.93; One year ago: $3.06; Record: $4.92 (6/21/22)
    Connecticut: Today: $3.00; One year ago: $3.36; Record: $4.98 (6/14/22)
    Delaware: Today: $2.87; One year ago: $3.29; Record: $4.99 (6/14/22)
    District of Columbia: Today: $3.20; One year ago: $3.61; Record: $5.26 (6/13/22)
    Florida: Today: $3.10; One year ago: $3.47; Record: $4.89 (6/13/22)
    Georgia: Today: $2.89; One year ago: $3.36; Record: $4.50 (6/15/22)
    Hawaii: Today: $4.52; One year ago: $4.69; Record: $5.62 (7/9/22)
    Idaho: Today: $3.18; One year ago: $3.37; Record: $5.25 (7/1/22)
    Illinois: Today: $3.24; One year ago: $3.71; Record: $5.56 (6/13/22)
    Indiana: Today: $2.93; One year ago: $3.53; Record: $5.24 (6/9/22)
    Iowa: Today: $2.88; One year ago: $3.19; Record: $4.76 (6/15/22)
    Kansas: Today: $2.79; One year ago: $3.16; Record: $4.67 (6/15/22)
    Kentucky: Today: $2.68; One year ago: $3.14; Record: $4.80 (6/11/22)
    Louisiana: Today: $2.71; One year ago: $3.13; Record: $4.56 (6/15/22)
    Maine: Today: $3.03; One year ago: $3.28; Record: $5.09 (6/16/22)
    Maryland: Today: $3.02; One year ago: $3.51; Record: $5.02 (6/14/22)
    Massachusetts: Today: $2.96; One year ago: $3.25; Record: $5.05 (6/12/22)
    Michigan: Today: $3.03; One year ago: $3.64; Record: $5.22 (6/11/22)
    Minnesota: Today: $2.96; One year ago: $3.21; Record: $4.76 (6/15/22)
    Mississippi: Today: $2.63; One year ago: $3.03; Record: $4.53 (6/12/22)
    Missouri: Today: $2.79; One year ago: $3.21; Record: $4.68 (6/16/22)
    Montana: Today: $3.11; One year ago: $3.48; Record: $4.98 (6/19/22)
    Nebraska: Today: $2.93; One year ago: $3.19; Record: $4.79 (6/17/22)
    Nevada: Today: $3.73; One year ago: $4.18; Record: $5.68 (6/16/22)
    New Hampshire: Today: $2.92; One year ago: $3.18; Record: $5.00 (6/13/22)
    New Jersey: Today: $2.91; One year ago: $3.25; Record: $5.06 (6/13/22)
    New Mexico: Today: $2.83; One year ago: $3.25; Record: $4.83 (6/15/22)
    New York: Today: $3.11; One year ago: $3.37; Record: $5.04 (6/14/22)
    North Carolina: Today: $2.75; One year ago: $3.32; Record: $4.67 (6/13/22)
    North Dakota: Today: $2.99; One year ago: $3.30; Record: $4.80 (6/15/22)
    Ohio: Today: $2.90; One year ago: $3.22; Record: $5.07 (6/9/22)
    Oklahoma: Today: $2.66; One year ago: $3.08; Record: $4.67 (6/15/22)
    Oregon: Today: $3.72; One year ago: $4.06; Record: $5.55 (6/15/22)
    Pennsylvania: Today: $3.21; One year ago: $3.58; Record: $5.07 (6/12/22)
    Rhode Island: Today: $2.92; One year ago: $3.21; Record: $5.02 (6/13/22)
    South Carolina: Today: $2.72; One year ago: $3.24; Record: $4.61 (6/12/22)
    South Dakota: Today: $2.93; One year ago: $3.23; Record: $4.80 (6/16/22)
    Tennessee: Today: $2.70; One year ago: $3.09; Record: $4.64 (6/12/22)
    Texas: Today: $2.65; One year ago: $3.07; Record: $4.70 (6/15/22)
    Utah: Today: $3.03; One year ago: $3.34; Record: $5.26 (7/1/22)
    Vermont: Today: $3.13; One year ago: $3.30; Record: $5.06 (6/14/22)
    Virginia: Today: $2.89; One year ago: $3.37; Record: $4.87 (6/14/22)
    Washington: Today: $4.08; One year ago: $4.30; Record: $5.56 (6/16/22)
    West Virginia: Today: $2.85; One year ago: $3.26; Record: $4.93 (6/15/22)
    Wisconsin: Today: $2.87; One year ago: $3.32; Record: $4.92 (6/12/22)
    Wyoming: Today: $3.01; One year ago: $3.11; Record: $4.90 (7/1/22)

    And it hasn’t even been 60 days since President Trump began his second term.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rosen, Colleagues Demand Department of Veterans Affairs Reverse Course on Plans to Reduce Workforce

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) joined her Senate colleagues in a letter opposing the Trump Administration’s plan to cut more than 80,000 employees at the Department of Veterans Affairs this year. They demanded that the VA reverse course, stressing the harmful impact it will have on veterans’ earned care and benefits, which have been dramatically expanded since 2019 thanks to laws passed with bipartisan support such as the PACT Act.
    “We write today regarding a memo issued by your Chief of Staff on March 4, and later proudly announced by you via Twitter, detailing a plan to reduce the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) workforce to 2019 levels,” wrote the Senators. “Over the past five years, there have been monumental bipartisan expansions and improvements to veterans’ healthcare and benefits. Your proposal puts all of them at risk. And we believe it is blatantly dishonest to claim veterans’ healthcare and benefits will not be impacted by the termination of up to 83,000 employees, including 20,000 veterans.”
    “As we continue to first learn of these disastrous ideas from VA employees and veterans, we will continue to speak out and fight on behalf of those men and women unjustly and immorally harmed by your actions. We are not deterred or fooled by your political theatrics that seek to defend your actions with half-truths and vague, empty promises – and neither are veterans,” they continued. “We will make sure the public knows the truth – that cutting back to 2019 staffing levels means firing over 18,000 nurses, ten percent of the VA police force, nearly 10,000 schedulers, and more than thirty percent of the Veterans Benefits Administration staff… We urge you to start putting veterans first – to review VA’s own data, listen to your leadership and frontline staff on the ground serving veterans every day, and talk to veterans and their families. When you do, you will come to the one and only legitimate conclusion – that massive, arbitrary staff cuts will not make the Department more efficient nor improve care and benefits for veterans.”
    The full letter can be found HERE.
    Senator Rosen has been fighting for Nevada’s veterans. Last week, she called on the VA to permanently reverse layoffs of VA employees in Nevada, and helped introduce legislation to reinstate veterans wrongfully fired by President Trump and Elon Musk. Earlier this month, Senator Rosen took to the Senate floor to oppose the actions of the Trump Administration and Elon Musk to mass fire employees working at the VA. Senator Rosen also demanded the VA provide answers regarding mass employee terminations.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Baldwin Launches “Hands Off Medicaid Tour”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin
    WISCONSIN – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) is launching her “Hands Off Medicaid Tour” to call out President Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans’ plan to slash Medicaid to pay for tax cuts for billionaires. At each stop, Senator Baldwin will be joined by individuals and families who rely on Medicaid and hear firsthand about what taking away that care would mean to their health and wellbeing.
    “Republicans are planning to rip away health care from Wisconsin grandparents, kids, and loved ones on Medicaid – all to pay for new tax breaks for billionaires,” said Senator Baldwin. “I’m launching my ‘Hands Off Medicaid Tour’ because sharing the stories of the real people who will have their care taken away is more important than ever. We need to show the President and Congressional Republicans what cuts to Medicaid would mean to Wisconsinites, show them that their tax cut for their wealthy friends will be life or death to some Wisconsinites, and show them we are fighting back.”
    The first stops of the “Hands Off Medicaid Tour” include:
    La Crosse on Monday, March 17, 2025
    Eau Claire on Tuesday, March 18, 2025
    Madison and Racine on Thursday, March 20, 2025
    Waukesha on Friday, March 21, 2025
    Details of each event will be released at a later date.
    Republicans are planning deep cuts to Medicaid that will jeopardize the coverage of 72 million Americans. In Wisconsin, over 1.2 million are enrolled in Medicaid. About 1 in 3 children in both Wisconsin’s rural and metro communities have Medicaid coverage. More than 300,000 kids under age 19 are members of BadgerCare Plus or another Wisconsin Medicaid program.
    Across the country, Medicaid covers nearly half of all children, 31.5 million, over 8.3 million seniors, and around 15 million people with disabilities. Medicaid also pays for 6 out of 10 residents in nursing homes, with 5.6 million Americans counting on Medicaid for their long-term care bills and Medicaid paying for over half of long-term care in the United States. Severe cuts to Medicaid will also jeopardize rural hospitals and clinics’ ability to keep their doors open. Over 12 million rural Americans rely on Medicaid for health care.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Baldwin Votes to Strengthen Penalties, Step Up Enforcement Around Deadly Fentanyl

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) released the following statement after voting to pass the bipartisan Halt All Lethal Trafficking (HALT) Fentanyl Act to permanently classify fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs under the Controlled Substances Act, putting the drug on par with the deadliest and most dangerous substances.
    “When it comes to confronting the opioid epidemic, to me and so many families in every corner of our state, it’s personal. With fentanyl, one pill can kill, and we need to be giving our law enforcement the tools they need to crack down on suppliers who traffic fentanyl into our communities,” said Senator Baldwin. “As I have always said, I will work with anyone to do right by Wisconsin and this bipartisan bill will help save lives and save more families from the heartache of losing a loved one too soon from fentanyl poisoning.”
    The HALT Fentanyl Act would permanently classify street versions of fentanyl as Schedule I substances, ensuring clear and enforceable penalties under the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). It also streamlines the registration process for studying Schedule I substances, allowing researchers to better understand and address the fentanyl crisis, while bolstering efforts to research fentanyl equivalents. Fentanyl-related substances are currently considered a Schedule I substance on a temporary basis until March 31; however, this legislation would make that qualification permanent. The HALT Fentanyl Act ensures that street versions of fentanyl produced by transnational criminal organizations are subject to criminal penalties and enables law enforcement, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection, to have the authority to seize these illicit substances and keep our communities safe.
    In Wisconsin, synthetic opioids, primarily fentanyl, were identified in 91 percent of opioid overdose deaths and 73 percent of all drug overdose deaths, according to the Department of Health Services. Provisional data shows the number of fentanyl overdose deaths in Wisconsin grew by 97 percent from 2019 (651) to 2021 (1,280).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cramer Cosponsors Four Bills to End Biden EV Mandates

    US Senate News:

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

    BISMARCK, N.D. – The Biden administration repeatedly issued regulations directing the mass adoption of electric vehicles (EV) by consumers. These regulations forced manufacturers of cars and trucks to build more and more EVs, and even ban the sale of gasoline powered vehicles. U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) co-sponsored four bills to protect consumer choice in automotive markets and roll back the misguided, overbearing rules.

    “For four long years, the Biden administration pushed EV mandate after EV mandate, attempting to force consumers toward costly vehicles,” said Cramer. “These bills roll back Washington’s burdensome, heavy-handed rules, putting consumers and their choice in the driver’s seat.”

    The Choice in Automobile Retail Sales (CARS) Act, led by U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID), repeals the Biden Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) final tailpipe emissions standards for passenger cars and trucks, which are a de facto mandate for electric vehicles, and ensures future tailpipe regulations do not limit the availability of new motor vehicles based on their engine type.  

    U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin’s (R-OK) bill, the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act, preserves consumer choice and maintains competition in the automotive markets by preventing the implementation of the Biden EPA’s Advanced Clean Cars II regulation, which bans the sale of all conventional gasoline-powered cars by 2035.  

    The Freedom to Haul Act, introduced by U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK), will safeguard the trucking industry from impractical and costly mandates by preventing the implementation of the Biden EPA’s “Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles – Phase 3” rule, a de facto EV mandate on the trucking industry. 

    Finally, U.S. Senator Mike Lee’s (R-UT) Stop California from Advancing Regulatory Burden (Stop CARB) Act eliminates Clean Air Act waiver exemptions which allow California and other states to dictate national emissions standards. California has over 100 active waivers that set higher emissions standards than the EPA, increasing costs and decreasing consumer choice in vehicles.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: PHOTOS: Capito Attends White House Signing Overturning Democrats’ Natural Gas Tax Collection Rule

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Friday, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, attended a White House ceremony where President Trump signed the Congressional Review Act (CRA) joint resolution of disapproval overturning the collection of Democrats’ natural gas tax. The CRA, which was introduced by U.S. Senator John Hoeven (R-N.D.) and co-sponsored by Chairman Capito, reverses the November 2024 rule that implemented collection of the Democrats’ natural gas tax, which would inflate energy prices, reduce domestic energy production, and empower our adversaries abroad.

    “I’m honored to join President Trump and my congressional colleagues in officially rejecting the Democrats’ attempt to collect a tax on natural gas production and stand for American energy dominance. Natural gas is a vital resource that strengthens our electricity reliability while reducing emissions, and is responsible for over 40% of electricity generation in our country. We should be expanding production of this resource instead of decreasing it, and I will continue to work with my colleagues through the reconciliation process to stop the underlying law establishing this tax that was a part of the so-called Inflation Reduction Act,” Chairman Capito said. 

    BACKGROUND:

    Senator Capito has continuously expressed concern with the Biden Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Waste Emissions Charge (WEC) regulation as part of the Methane Emissions Reduction Program (MERP) under the Democrats’ Inflation Reduction Act. 

    Last month, Senator Capito voted for the CRA to overturn the Biden EPA’s WEC regulation and delivered remarks on the Senate floor reiterating her support to repeal the rule.

    In November 2024, Senator Capito strongly criticized the Biden administration’s final WEC regulation and pledge to repeal the misguided rule.

    In December 2023, Senator Capito led several of her EPW Republican colleagues in sending a letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan outlining major concerns with the agency’s proposed “subpart W” rule on methane emissions reporting, and urged the EPA to reconsider and revise its proposal.

    PHOTOS:

    U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) with President Donald Trump at the White House signing ceremony.

    U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) with President Donald Trump, U.S. Senators John Kennedy (R-La.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), and U.S. Representatives August Pfluger (R-Texas-11) and Mike Ezell (R-Miss.-4) at the White House signing ceremony.

    U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) with President Donald Trump, U.S. Senators John Kennedy (R-La.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), and U.S. Representatives August Pfluger (R-Texas-11) and Mike Ezell (R-Miss.-4) at the White House signing ceremony.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: PHOTOS: Capito Visits Boone Memorial Hospital

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito

    MADISON, W.Va. – 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), visited Boone Memorial Hospital to meet with the hospital’s leadership team and tour the facility to view new equipment and hospital upgrades.

    Over the years, Senator Capito has supported Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) projects that benefit patients at the hospital. In September 2023, Senator Capito announced she secured $3,000,000 in CDS funding for Boone Memorial to renovate the rural health center, adding a drive-through clinic, pharmacy and other community needs. The project aims to provide specialty and primary care, as well as to reduce preventable hospital stays. In August 2024, Senator Capito announced she secured $2,202,000 in CDS funding to support Boone Memorial’s installation of state-of-the-art robotic surgery equipment. During today’s visit, Senator Capito had the chance to receive an update on these projects.

    “I have made it a priority to improve West Virginians’ access to quality health care, and I have been proud to support Boone Memorial Hospital’s efforts to expand and better its services,” Senator Capito said. “It was great to visit the hospital again today where I had the chance to meet with the hospital’s leadership, tour the facility, and see firsthand how investments through the Congressionally Directed Spending Process are making a real difference. These upgrades will help Boone Memorial continue providing critical care to the community, and I look forward to supporting their mission in the future.”

    “The $2.2 million secured through Senator Capito’s efforts has allowed us to become only the second hospital in West Virginia to offer Intuitive’s latest and most advanced robotic-assisted surgical technology—the Da Vinci 5,” Boone Memorial Hospital President and Chief Executive Officer Virgil Underwood. “This innovative equipment can allow patients to experience less pain, shorter hospital stays, quicker recovery times, and improved surgical outcomes, all without having to travel far from home. We genuinely appreciate Senator Capito’s unwavering support, which helps us deliver world-class care to our patients right here in Southern West Virginia.”

    Photos from today’s visit are below:

    U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) visits Boone Memorial Hospital in Madison, W.Va. on Monday, March 17, 2025.


    U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) visits Boone Memorial Hospital in Madison, W.Va. on Monday, March 17, 2025.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lankford Leads Package of Bills to Counter China’s Predatory Tactics

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Oklahoma James Lankford
    OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – Senator James Lankford (R-OK) introduced a package of bills to tackle China’s predatory tactics on American farmland, college campuses, and lending practices.
    “China continues to buy up American farm land, steal our patents, and expand their authoritarian world view. America will demonstrate to the world our values and maintain our economic and military strength to assure the globe has the best opportunity for freedom. No one in China should doubt America’s resolve and commitment to liberty,” said Lankford.
    Background:
    This package of bills includes the Belt & Road Oversight Act to establish a Country China Officer at each embassy worldwide tasked with tracking China’s investment, particularly investment in critical infrastructure funded through predatory lending practices.
    The Security and Oversight for International Landholdings (SOIL) Act will provide oversight and transparency of purchases of US agricultural land that threaten national security. Oklahoma has over 7,000 licensed marijuana grows. The Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics (OBN) believes that 2,000 of those farms have a Chinese connection. The marijuana market in Oklahoma has ushered in other serious crimes like human trafficking, forced labor, and money laundering. Lankford is joined on the SOIL Act by Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Jim Risch (R-ID), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN). 
    Senator Blackburn also joined the Countering Adversarial and Malicious Partnerships at Universities and Schools (CAMPUS) Act, which prohibits joint research between US universities and universities in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) with connections to the Chinese military, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). The bill notably prohibits Department of Education funds for K-12 schools partnering with PLA-linked entities, as well as federal contracts and research dollars for universities that partner with PRC military enterprises.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Klobuchar, Colleagues Raise Concerns About How Great Lakes Will Be Impacted by NOAA Firings

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) led her colleagues in pressing the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for more information about the termination of probationary staff and the potential impact these firings will have on the Great Lakes.

    “We write to express our deep concern over the firing of probationary staff at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the potential impact these firings will have on the Great Lakes,” wrote the Senators.

    “The Great Lakes are among the United States’ greatest natural treasures, strengthening our economy and attracting millions of visitors each year. The Lakes provide drinking water to over 30 million people, generate clean hydropower, and generate $3.1 trillion in gross domestic product,” the Senators continued. “National and regional NOAA programs help protect these lakes and support our constituents who call the Great Lakes home.”

    The Senators pressed Admiral Hann to detail (1) the number of people fired at NOAA during her tenure as Acting Administrator, (2) the number of people fired at each NOAA program serving the Great Lakes, (3) the services that will be terminated as a result, and (4) her plan to preserve these services.

    In addition to Klobuchar, the letter was also signed by Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), and Gary Peters (D-MI).

    The full text of the letter is available here and below.

    Dear Vice Admiral Nancy Hann:

    We write to express our deep concern over the firing of probationary staff at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the potential impact these firings will have on the Great Lakes. We request information on these firings—including at the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL) and any other NOAA installations and programs that serve the Great Lakes area—as well as a concrete plan for re-establishing terminated public services.

    The Great Lakes are among the United States’ greatest natural treasures, strengthening our economy and attracting millions of visitors each year. The Lakes provide drinking water to over 30 million people, generate clean hydropower, and generate $3.1 trillion in gross domestic product.

    National and regional NOAA programs help protect these lakes and support our constituents who call the Great Lakes home. The National Weather Service provides our weather and climate forecasts and warnings. The National Sea Grant Program helps conserve our aquatic resources. The Marine Debris Program prevents microplastics and litter from entering the Great Lakes, protecting our wildlife, natural resources, fishing and boating economy, and nearby residents’ health. The Cooperative Institute for Great Lakes Research invests in our clean drinking water. And the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL) provides critical information for resource use and management decisions, including information on algal blooms and hypoxia, invasive species, ice cover and shipping navigability, and storm surges and coastal flooding.

    We are deeply concerned that the layoffs at NOAA will harm these critical initiatives. The staffing reductions have already required the GLERL, for example, to take an “indefinite hiatus” from its public communications, depriving the public of critical information such as what to do during a flood warning and how to stay safe in the extreme cold. When these communications go dark, the public suffers.

    Therefore, we request the following information by March 28, 2025:

    1. The number of people fired at NOAA during your tenure as Acting Administrator.
    1. The number of people fired at each NOAA program that serves the Great Lakes: 
      1. National Weather Service
      2. National Estuarine Research Reserve System
      3. NOAA National Marine Sanctuaries
      4. National Sea Grant Program
      5. NOAA Marine Debris Program
      6. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS)
      7. Great Lakes Bay Watershed Education and Training (B-WET)
      8. Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory
      9. Great Lakes Information Network (GLIN)
      10. Cooperative Institute for Great Lakes Research (CIGLR)
      11. Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies (CIMSS)
      12. Midwestern Regional Climate Center (MRCC)
    1. The services that will be terminated as a result of the firings at each of the above programs.
    1. Your plan to maintain or restore these services.

    Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: The Department Of Education Has Failed — Trump Is Delivering Much Needed Reform

    US Senate News:

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

    ICYMI: The Department Of Education Has Failed — Trump Is Delivering Much Needed Reform

    Washington, D.C. – ICYMI, The Daily Wire published U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin’s (R-OK) op-ed detailing how the Department of Education has failed America’s children and why he believes President Trump is taking the right approach to improve student outcomes. The Senator notes that our country has one of the highest education expenditures on the planet while national test scores have only fallen since the Department’s inception. “By dismantling the Department of Education, we will return power to where it belongs: states, parents, and teachers,” said Sen. Mullin.

    Read the full story from The Daily Wire HERE and below:

    The Department Of Education Has Failed — Trump Is Delivering Much Needed Reform

    By Senator Markwayne Mullin | March 13, 2025

    For more than four decades, the federal government has controlled American education, and the results speak for themselves: declining test scores, skyrocketing costs, and millions of students left behind. Since its creation in 1979, the Department of Education has burned through more than $1 trillion in taxpayer dollars. What do we have to show for it?

    The latest data from the Nation’s Report Card paints a bleak picture. Mathematics and reading scores for 13-year-olds are at their lowest in decades. Barely a third of elementary school students can read at grade level. Low-performing students are faring even worse. And despite the government throwing more money at the problem — per-pupil spending has surged by more than 245% since the 1970s — outcomes have only gotten worse.

    Meanwhile, the cost of college has exploded by 155% since the Department of Education’s founding. Students are graduating with crushing debt, only to land jobs that don’t even require degrees. We have seen funding fall by 50% for career and technical education while Democrats continue to spend money on woke nonsense. Funding for Indian education has also declined by 27% alongside impact aid for schools serving military families which has dropped by 41%. Instead of fixing these problems, the Biden administration made things worse. Our kids deserve better.

    Under Biden, the Department of Education wasted $1 billion on grants pushing radical ideologies and rewrote Title IX to let men compete in women’s sports. Bureaucrats in Washington are drowning schools in regulations, adding $3.9 billion in costs. Even a simple task like simplifying the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) proved too much for Biden’s team.

    Enough is enough.

    President Trump is delivering the reform America needs. His administration has already canceled $226 million in woke grants which forced divisive agendas like race-based discrimination and gender identity ideology onto states. But that’s just the beginning. By dismantling the Department of Education, we will return power to where it belongs: states, parents, and teachers.

    The Constitution never envisioned a federal role in education — it’s a responsibility reserved for the states. Yet for decades, the Department of Education has smothered schools with regulations, diverted resources to ideological crusades, and undermined teachers, parents, and students. Thanks to President Trump, taxpayers will no longer foot the bill for progressive experiments and obsolete programs.

    This isn’t just about cutting costs — it’s about unleashing potential. Imagine empowering states to achieve educational excellence: going back to basics like math and reading — not divisive ideologies — and adopting patriotic civics lessons that inspire pride in our nation’s history. Governors will be measured by student success, not by how well they comply with Washington’s bureaucratic demands. Education will be brought closer to the students and our system will be transformed.

    The benefits will ripple outward. Teachers, freed from layers of red tape, will be able to do what they do best — teach. Parents will finally have a real say in their children’s education. And America’s schools will no longer be controlled by faceless bureaucrats or teachers’ unions pushing political agendas. The woke stranglehold on public education will be broken.

    Critics will cry that eliminating the Department of Education will hurt students. But the truth is, Washington has failed them for generations. It’s time to try something new. President Trump’s vision trusts states and parents to deliver what Washington never could: an education system that works.

    With President Trump’s leadership, we’re not just reforming education — we’re reclaiming it. The future of our children, and our nation, depends on it.

    MIL OSI USA News –