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Category: US Senate

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tillis Leads Legislation to Eliminate Biden’s “Pill Penalty,” Restore Incentives for Life-Saving Drug Innovation

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Carolina Thom Tillis

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), Ted Budd (R-NC), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), James Lankford (R-OK), and Steve Daines (R-MT) introduced the Ensuring Pathways to Innovative Cures (EPIC) Act, bipartisan, bicameral legislation that fixes the Inflation Reduction Act’s small molecule “pill penalty” to ensure continued R&D investments into small molecule medicines. 

    “For patients battling cancer, rare diseases, and chronic conditions, timely access to innovative treatments can mean the difference between life and death,” said Senator Tillis. “Unfortunately, the Inflation Reduction Act disincentivizes research on small molecule treatments and undermines development of the most accessible and affordable medications. The EPIC Act of 2025 will ensure patients of today and tomorrow have uninterrupted access to life-saving and life-changing therapies.” 

    “President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act ‘pill penalty’ has hindered important research and development for potentially life-saving cures,” said Senator Budd. “The EPIC Act will right this wrong by encouraging more investment in innovative medicines and treatments that are needed to help North Carolinians live long and healthy lives.”

    “Montanans in need of life-saving medicine should not have to worry about government overreach that stifles critical research and development for much-needed cures,” said Senator Daines. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bill to bolster innovation so that Montanans and patients across the country can get the care they deserve.”

    “Incubate Coalition appreciates Senator Tillis’ leadership in addressing the flaws of the IRA and supporting the EPIC Act, which restores incentives for life sciences investment based on scientific potential rather than arbitrary policy barriers,” said John Stanford, Executive Director of the Incubate Coalition. “His dedication to ending the pill penalty will create a fairer system, drive innovation, and ensure patients have access to the breakthrough treatments they need.” 

    “The schizophrenia community has been marginalized for decades. Now, people with this brain disease stand to suffer even more as the IRA endangers the promise of new schizophrenia treatments,” said Gordon Lavigne, CEO of the Schizophrenia & Psychosis Action Alliance. “The EPIC Act is a much-needed fix that will help ensure that everyone with schizophrenia has access to a treatment that works for them. For the 2.5 million people living with schizophrenia in the United States, future treatment innovation is a matter of survival and dignity.”

    “As an organization representing the voice of cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers across America, the Cancer Support Community (CSC) would like to thank Senator Tillis alongside Senators Blackburn, Budd, Lankford, and Daines for introducing the Ensuring Pathways to Innovative Cures (EPIC) Act,” said Sally Werner, Chief Executive Officer, Cancer Support Community. “Small molecule drugs are essential for the treatment of many cancers and are more accessible for patients due to their cost and convenience of taking them at home. Innovative oral cancer drugs are bringing improved efficacy and reduced side effects to patients, improving their treatment and lives. The EPIC Act would eliminate the unnecessary distinction between small and large molecule drugs in the IRA, allowing both to be eligible for negotiation eleven years after FDA approval. We must continue to ensure that all patients have access to the treatment best suited for them and that policies accurately reflect the needs and input of patients who will be most impacted by them.”

    Background:

    Under the Inflation Reduction Act’s price-fixing model, small molecule drugs are eligible for selection in the “Medicare Drug Price Negotiation” program seven years after FDA approval. A two-year “negotiation period” follows, with price controls taking effect in year nine. Conversely, biologics become eligible for selection 11 years after FDA approval, with price controls going into effect in year 13. 

    The cost to bring a new drug to market can range from several hundred million to several billion dollars. The IRA is crippling innovation by reducing the ability to recoup losses incurred during drug research and development, with many pharmaceutical companies halting research into groundbreaking treatments. This has left individuals battling cancer, mental health conditions, and rare disease without hope.  

    The impact is already devastating. R&D funding for small molecule medicines has plummeted by 70% since the IRA’s introduction in September 2021 and funding continues to be shifted to other projects. According to a University of Chicago policy brief, due to the 9-13 disparity, 188 fewer small molecule medicines will come to market, leading to a staggering 116 million life-years lost. 

    Full text of the bill is available HERE. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: King, Blumenthal Raise Concerns Over Proposed $1 Spending Limit on VA Purchasing Cards

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), members of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), are raising concern over a proposed spending limit of $1 on Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) purchasing cards — the cards used to pay for gas to transport disabled veterans to appointments, buy medical supplies, and more. The drastically reduced spending limit proposed by Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) would effectively render the purchasing cards useless and make it more difficult for VA staff to provide critical support and care for veterans. In a letter to VA Secretary Doug Collins, the Senators call for the reevaluation of cuts to the VA purchasing card program, which would adversely impact veterans’ access to health care.
    “It has come to our attention the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is considering a reduction in the spending limits on all VA purchasing cards to no more than $1 at the request of Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency. We have serious concerns these actions will impair critical daily operations across the entire Department and result in immediate and lasting impacts on veterans’ timely access to safe and high-quality care. These cards are used by VA staff to purchase vital medical supplies and prosthetics. They are used to purchase gas for campus shuttles to transport disabled veterans to and from their medical appointments,” the Senators wrote.
    “Rather than continuing to sign off on every arbitrary and destructive idea from DOGE, we hope you will instead start meaningfully consulting with senior leaders across the agency to better understand the real-world consequences your actions have on this nation’s veterans, their families, and their caregivers. We therefore urge you to put veterans first and withdraw from efforts to dismantle VA’s purchasing card program,” the Senators concluded.
    The full text of the letter can be found here and below.
    +++
    Dear Secretary Collins,
    It has come to our attention the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is considering a reduction in the spending limits on all VA purchasing cards to no more than $1 at the request of Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency. We have serious concerns these actions will impair critical daily operations across the entire Department and result in immediate and lasting impacts on veterans’ timely access to safe and high-quality care. These cards are used by VA staff to purchase vital medical supplies and prosthetics. They are used to purchase gas for campus shuttles to transport disabled veterans to and from their medical appointments. They allow VA employees to travel across the country to oversee programs and ensure their proper execution on behalf of veterans and taxpayers. VA clinicians use them to visit homebound patients, and VA social workers use them to travel to homeless outreach programs. And any pauses or delays in access to the goods and services provided through these purchase cards could put veterans’ lives at stake.
    Despite the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, VA still relies on a “just-in-time” supply chain. Oftentimes, much-needed supplies do not arrive on time due to factors beyond anyone’s control, and facilities are forced to purchase these items locally to ensure patient care is not interrupted. Moreover, of the up to 875 contracts you tried to cancel earlier this week, one relates specifically to managing inventory for VA’s larger medical supply purchasing program. If VA’s overall medical supply inventory is no longer being managed appropriately and facilities no longer have the option to buy supplies or services locally via functioning purchase cards, how will VA medical facilities remain operational? As one frustrated VA employee noted, even band-aids at the dollar store now cost more than a dollar.
    For over a decade, Congress has been acutely aware of concerns surrounding the potential for waste, fraud, and abuse generated by purchasing cards. It has been the subject of numerous oversight hearings and reports from VA’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) and the Government Accountability Office. Due to these efforts, VA has taken considerable steps to improve the program’s oversight and governance. As an added measure, the OIG continues to conduct an annual audit of the purchasing card program to review compliance with VA’s internal controls.
    Rather than continuing to sign off on every arbitrary and destructive idea from DOGE, we hope you will instead start meaningfully consulting with senior leaders across the agency to better understand the real-world consequences your actions have on this nation’s veterans, their families, and their caregivers. We therefore urge you to put veterans first and withdraw from efforts to dismantle VA’s purchasing card program.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy, Peters Introduce Bill to Protect Americans’ DNA, National Security

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Gary Peters (D-MI) introduced the Genomic Data Protection Act to give Americans using at-home DNA tests the choice to delete their genomic data and destroy their biological samples. Around 21% of Americans have taken a mail-in a DNA test from a direct-to-consumer genomic testing company. The absence of privacy protections allows for the potential selling of American’s data, posing a risk to consumers and the country’s national security if a bad actors obtains the information.
    “Americans want to know what happens to their data after an at-home DNA test,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Let’s give them control over their own genomic data. It should be private if they want it to be.”
    “American citizens should have the right to control how their unique health and genetic information is being used and stored,” said Senator Peters. “This bill would give consumers the power to access their personal genomic data, delete it from a company’s platform, and ultimately destroy it if they choose.”
    Arizona, California, Kentucky, Maryland, Montana, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Wyoming have consumer protections related to the genomic data held by direct-to-consumer genomic testing companies. However, there is no federal framework that empowers Americans to protect the privacy of their personal genomic data. The legislation tasks the Federal Trade Commission with enforcing the Genomic Privacy Protection Act.  
    The Genomic Data Protection Act would: 
    Require direct-to-consumer genomic testing companies to enable a consumer to access their genomic data, delete their genomic data, and destroy their biological samples;
    Require direct-to-consumer genomic testing companies to notify consumers about the upcoming purchase or acquisition of a direct-to-consumer genomic testing companies and remind consumers of their rights to access, delete, and destroy their genomic data and biological sample;
    Require direct-to-consumer genomic testing companies to process deletion requests within 30 days. The companies must also notify consumers that their request was processed 30 days after the data was deleted; and,
    Stipulate that deidentified data can only be used for medical research in compliance with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley Statement Ahead of President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) issued a statement regarding President Donald Trump’s upcoming joint address to Congress.
    “Last November, the American people delivered a mandate for President Trump to secure the border, scrutinize federal spending, restore American leadership, end the politicization of the Justice Department and bring common sense to Washington.
    “Since returning to office, President Trump has swept through Washington like a hurricane. He’s making necessary changes to hold bureaucrats accountable, save taxpayer dollars and end the radical Biden-Harris policies that weakened our country. 
    “I look forward to listening to President Trump tonight as he discusses the many ways he’s delivering for the American people, including through his efforts to secure our southern border and crack down on deadly fentanyl. I also hope he’ll take time to outline his support for family farmers, who make up just 2% of the population, yet produce enough to feed the other 98%.
    “In Congress, Republicans will keep working with the president to strengthen our military, economy and border security.”
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley, McConnell Introduce Legislation to Enhance Accountability at Federal Prisons

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) reintroduced the Federal Prisons Accountability Act. The legislation would bring greater accountability to federal prisons by requiring the Director of the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to be confirmed by the Senate. Currently, the BOP Director is not subject to Senate confirmation, despite having significant authority over taxpayer dollars and federal personnel.
    “The Director of the Bureau of Prisons oversees a massive budget and thousands of employees, including many Iowans. It’s a significant responsibility that requires serious oversight to protect inmates and employees from mismanagement or abuse. Requiring the BOP Director to face Senate confirmation would bring much needed transparency and accountability to the federal prison system,” Grassley said.
    “The Senate plays a vital role in staffing the federal government, evaluating the qualifications of more than a thousand presidential nominees to ensure transparency and accountability. The Director of the Bureau of Prisons oversees thousands of employees and a multi-billion-dollar budget, and should be subject to Senate review and confirmation as well. Our bill would extend the Senate’s advice and consent role to the Bureau of Prisons Director and expand supervision over this federal agency. The thousands of Americans – and hundreds of Kentuckians – employed by the Bureau of Prisons deserve Senate oversight and an added layer of protection from harm,” McConnell said.
    Background:
    The Federal Prisons Accountability Act of 2025 would require the President to appoint the BOP Director with the advice and consent of the Senate. The legislation would also limit a BOP Director’s tenure to a single, 10-year term.
    Unlike most Department of Justice (DOJ) administrators and directors, the BOP Director is appointed by the Attorney General – not the President – without Senate consideration. The BOP Director supervises the federal prison employees who serve in over 120 facilities across the country. This legislation would subject the Director to the same congressional scrutiny as other top law enforcement agency chiefs within the DOJ, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation Director, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives Director and the Drug Enforcement Administration Administrator.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley, Durbin Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Curb Food Waste

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    WASHINGTON – Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) introduced the bipartisan Reduce Food Loss and Waste Act to prevent and reduce food waste across the country. Each year, the U.S. produces and imports 237 million tons of food, but 31 percent of this food is never sold or eaten, while millions of Americans experience food insecurity.
    “Too many families suffer from food insecurity. The Iowa Waste Reduction Center at the University of Northern Iowa has demonstrated the economic and environmental benefits of reducing food waste, and Congress should act to build on this impactful work. Our legislation would recognize businesses for using excess food responsibly and incentivize others to improve their practices,” Grassley said.
    “While millions of Americans face food insecurity, millions of tons of food waste end up in landfills every year and contribute to methane emissions that drive the climate crisis. We must address these crises for the sake of hungry families, our economy and our environment. Today, I’m reintroducing the bipartisan Reduce Food Loss and Waste Act with Senator Grassley to move our country toward more conscious consumption and curbing food waste,” Durbin said.
    “Food waste continues to be a national concern for our communities, especially here in Iowa, where 22 percent of all waste going to our landfills is food. We look forward to working with Senators Durbin and Grassley to support the Reduce Food Loss and Waste Act through our continued initiatives at the Iowa Waste Reduction Center,” said Mark Nook, President of the University of Northern Iowa.
    Specifically, the Reduce Food Loss and Waste Act would establish a “Food Loss and Waste Reduction Certification,” and direct the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to create:
    Criteria, which businesses and organizations would have to meet to receive a Food Loss and Waste Reduction Certification;
    A verification process, to confirm that businesses and organizations have achieved the criteria; and
    A label, which certified businesses and organizations would be authorized to use on their products, buildings and websites.
    The “Food Loss and Waste Reduction Certification” would be similar to existing certifications, such as ENERGY STAR and the BioPreferred Program. The Reduce Food Loss and Waste Act would direct USDA to promote the certification to ensure that consumers are informed about which businesses and organizations have received it.
    The Reduce Food Loss and Waste Act has support from the University of Northern Iowa, National Restaurant Association and Consumer Brands Association, Natural Resources Defense Council, Harvard Food Law and Policy Clinic, World Wildlife Fund, Too Good To Go, Kellanova and FMI – The Food Industry Association.
    Background:
    Food waste has significant economic, environmental and social impacts. More than $440 billion is spent annually to produce and dispose of food that is never consumed or sold. Sending uneaten food to landfills or incinerators uses up more than 20 trillion liters of water, which is equivalent to the annual water use of 50 million homes, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
    Additionally, just one-third of food waste, if saved from disposal, could feed the 47 million Americans, including 14 million children, who are suffering from food insecurity, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley Report Reveals Obama-Biden State Department’s Refusal to Exact Justice Against Iranian Terrorists

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today released investigative findings detailing the full scope of the Obama-Biden State Department’s pervasive obstruction of FBI law enforcement efforts before, during and after the Iran Nuclear Deal negotiations. According to legally protected whistleblower disclosures, FBI arrest efforts against high-level Iranian targets were severely hampered until President Trump took office in 2016; Trump’s election “result[ed] in an immediate move back toward normal enforcement of the law against the Iran regime and its supporters.”
    “This report offers chilling evidence the Obama-Biden administration jeopardized our national security and demoralized the morale of FBI agents who were working to keep Americans safe,” Grassley said. “Democrats’ historic refusal to get tough on Iran emboldened its regime and allowed Tehran to continue funding global acts of terrorism, like what we saw on October 7, 2023. We should all be breathing a sigh of relief President Trump is back in the White House to restore American strength on the world stage and hold Iran accountable for its evil acts.”
    Per a legally protected whistleblower disclosure: “The State Department and Obama-Biden administration officials persistently and systematically derailed criminal and national security investigations, creating a shadow amnesty program that protected scores of additional Iranian criminals. FBI offices abandoned dozens of Iran-related investigations and U.S. Attorneys shut down prosecutions after recognizing the State Department and DOJ obstruction would thwart effective enforcement efforts.”
    Read Grassley’s staff report HERE.
    Findings:
    Unclassified FBI email records show the State Department, under the leadership of then-Secretary of State John Kerry, repeatedly blocked FBI officials from executing arrests on individuals involved in Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Per an FBI official, in at least once instance, “Secretary of State [Kerry] personally told DOJ officials that they were to stand down on an arrest.” Kerry’s actions flew in the face of his sworn testimony to Congress; ahead of the Iran Nuclear Deal’s signing, Kerry promised Congress the deal would not prevent the U.S. from using its authorities to hold Iran accountable “for terrorism, human rights, missiles or any other non-nuclear reason.” 

    FBI officials elevated their concerns regarding the State Department’s obstruction to the highest rungs of DOJ leadership – including then-Attorney General Loretta Lynch – to no avail. As arrest opportunities passed, one FBI official wrote, “We are all beside ourselves on asking the field to stand down on a layup arrest, however as it stands right now we all have to sit back and wait until all the US and Iran negotiations resolve themselves.”

    A State Department official characterized the absurdity of the Obama-Biden administration’s inactive law enforcement posture, writing to an FBI official, “it’s a little like WTF that [the arrest is] being held up (if you’ll excuse the phrasing). However it is what it is.”

    Ultimately, FBI officials resigned to take steps documenting the State Department’s stonewalling “should there ever be a special investigation/hearing etc. on why FBI could not action law, and potentially prevent [a] national security incident.”

    The Biden-Harris administration last year failed to muster a response to Grassley’s initial findings regarding this obstruction. Today’s report provides the fullest public account of the Obama-Biden State Department’s unlawful actions.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley, Coons Reignite Effort to Bolster Mental Health Services for First Responders

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    Download audio HERE.
    WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Committee member Chris Coons (D-Del.) are reintroducing bipartisan legislation to help enhance mental health services for first responders nationwide. The Fighting Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Act (S.825) would direct the Justice Department (DOJ) to develop treatment programs for police, fire, emergency medical and 911 personnel who suffer from PTSD or acute stress disorders. The bill unanimously passed the Senate last Congress.
    “Americans rely on first responders and dispatchers in times of crisis. However, first responders’ high-stakes work can quietly take a toll,” Grassley said. “Our bipartisan bill takes an essential step towards ensuring first responders in Iowa and across the country have ready access to the care they need and deserve.”
    “As co-chair of the Senate Law Enforcement Caucus, I will continue to stand behind our first responders and ensure they are supported when they sacrifice their well-being for our communities’ safety,” Coons said. “These heroic public servants in Delaware and across America suffer significantly higher rates of PTSD, depression, and suicidal ideation than the general population. I’m proud to support the Fighting PTSD Act because we cannot wait to address this crisis.”
    Additional cosponsors include Sens. Todd Young (R-Ind.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.).
    The Fighting PTSD Act is endorsed by Major County Sheriffs of America, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association and the Sergeants Benevolent Association NYPD.
    Find bill text HERE. Click HERE to download audio of Grassley discussing the legislation.
    Background:
    It’s estimated 30 percent of first responders will develop a mental health condition at some point in their lives. The Fighting PTSD Act would require the DOJ to work hand-in-hand with stakeholders to establish evidence-based treatment programs for first responders across the country – similar to mental health services available to military personnel.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tackling seafood fraud: Hawaii Senator introduces new bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Hawaii Brian Schatz
    HONOLULU (KHON2) — A new effort led by Hawaii Senator Brian Schatz looks to crack down on foreign and intentionally mislabeled ahi.
    On Wednesday, Feb. 5, the Senate Commerce Committee advanced the Illegal Red Snapper and Tuna Enforcement Act.
    The bipartisan bill would direct NOAA and the National Institute of Standards and Technology to “develop a standard way to identify the country of origin of red snapper and certain species of tuna imported into the United States.”
    “Seafood that’s caught illegally or intentionally mislabeled rips off consumers and makes it harder for law-abiding U.S. fishermen to compete,” said Senator Schatz.
    He added the bill would fight against those who try to pass off cheap, foreign tuna for high-quality ahi sold by local Hawaii fishermen.

    US fisheries, including the Hawai‘i Longline fishery, are among the most regulated in the world and we appreciate Congress taking steps to protect domestic fishermen and our markets. Hawai‘i-landed tuna is known for its sustainability and quality and the ability to detect tuna origin to deter seafood fraud is important and we are very appreciative of this effort.
    Mike Goto, Director of the United Fishing Agency
    Currently, there is no technology available to determine the geographic origin of tuna and red snapper.
    If the bill is passed, officials hope to develop a field test kit that can be used to accurately determine if the fish was caught in U.S. or foreign waters.
    Federal and state law enforcement officers would then be able to “intercept illegally caught or falsely labeled red snapper and tuna before it enters the U.S. market.”
    The measure will now head to the full Senate.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Trump’s Dismantling of USAID is Anarchy Masquerading as Efficiency

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Hawaii Brian Schatz
    Nothing about Donald Trump’s hasty and illegal attempted dismantling of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)—and with it, the decapitation of American power—is remotely efficient. Just this week, USAID’s now-former Inspector General found that there is currently half a billion dollars’ worth of American-grown food stranded at ports and warehouses across the country, on the verge of spoiling. That’s corn and rice and lentils and soybeans, grown in Iowa and Kansas and Texas and Oklahoma, that would have otherwise fed children in a school in Bangladesh or famished refugees at a camp in war-torn Sudan. (The Inspector General was subsequently fired for disclosing this information.)
    Similarly, there’s no efficiency being achieved by obstructing one of the most successful global health programs in history—the President’s Emergency Program for AIDS Relief—which has saved 26 million lives over the past two decades. PEPFAR currently provides HIV treatment to over 20 million people around the world, meaning every day aid isn’t flowing inches us closer to the very outbreaks we’ve worked so hard to prevent.
    Whether it’s delivering clean water to communities across Africa; or promoting economic development through education in Mali and small business support in El Salvador; or providing life-saving care in Thailand and Syria; or fighting human trafficking in Nepal and Liberia, thousands of USAID workers and contractors make miracles big and small happen every day.
    But USAID succeeds as more than just a moral matter. Each year, it pours billions of dollars back into the U.S. economy, supporting farmers and businesses that provide food and other supplies. It also helps fight terrorist groups and drug cartels that endanger Americans, while deepening American values and interests in every corner of the globe. But perhaps the most underappreciated aspect of USAID’s work is its singular ability to forge relationships with unlikely partners which help combat the harmful influence of adversaries like China and Russia.
    It’s no surprise, then, that Beijing and Moscow are now cheering on our sudden retreat. They’re not wasting any time filling the void, either. Within days of USAID’s closure, China sent aid and dispatched workers to take on projects we’ve abandoned in the Indo Pacific and Africa. Intended or not, that will be the enduring consequence of this episode of chaos: an emboldened China, all-too-eager to exploit American isolation to grow its own power and influence.
    Like any organization, USAID is not perfect. There are inefficiencies and redundancies, and evolving challenges and emerging technologies present opportunities for improvement. It’s also entirely legitimate to question whether U.S. funding is aligned with our current priorities and interests and seek to adjust it as needed within the four corners of the law. Doing that is one of Congress’ most fundamental responsibilities—and something I was eager to work on when I became the lead Democrat on the Senate Appropriations subcommittee overseeing foreign aid last month.
    But the abrupt and total shutdown of USAID—in defiance of multiple federal laws through which it was codified and funded—reveals a simple truth: The Department of Government Efficiency is not actually about achieving efficiency. Rather, it’s about Trump trying to wish away whichever parts of the government he doesn’t like. Were a purge of this nature to happen in a country halfway around the world, we would rightly call it an authoritarian takeover. The fact that it’s happening at our own doorstep doesn’t change that.
    Much of what DOGE claims to have newly unearthed are either outright lies or were already publicly available for all to see. Worse, there’s no telling what funding they deem unnecessary—except for vague, baseless descriptions like “woke” and “radical” and “criminal.”
    The way to make reforms is through the lawmaking process—not the lawbreaking process. If you believe that a program needs to be narrowed in scope, reformed a great deal, or even eliminated altogether, the way to do that is by proposing a law—not by rampaging the federal government and stripping it for parts. Our government with three separate but co-equal branches exists precisely to prevent this kind of anarchy operating under a thin veneer of fiscal responsibility and shrewd cost-cutting.
    Moving fast and breaking things may be an acceptable way to conduct business at a tech company. But a break now, fix later strategy doesn’t work when you’re the leader of the free world. What’s on the line is not advertising revenue and the user experience, but lives and livelihoods. Hundreds of millions of them, in fact. People will die, diseases will spread, and famine will grow. Trump is trying to hoodwink Americans into thinking the only way to achieve efficiency is by exacting maximum chaos and cruelty. It’s a false choice and we must reject it.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Schatz To Meet With Federal Workers, Nonprofit Organizations In Hawai‘i Impacted By Trump Funding Freeze, Mass Layoffs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Hawaii Brian Schatz
    WASHINGTON – Tonight at 9:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. HT, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) will meet with nonprofit organizations that serve communities harmed by President Donald Trump’s funding freeze and federal workers in Hawai‘i who were recently laid off through no fault of their own, as part of President Trump and billionaire Elon Musk’s unprecedented assault on the federal workforce. They will discuss how Trump’s moves to stop federal funding and fire thousands of workers across the country have negatively impacted Hawai‘i residents, communities, and our local economy.
    “Hawai‘i’s nonprofits and federal workers care for veterans, protect our national parks and other public lands, and provide essential services that keep people safe and healthy. They serve the public and keep our government running. Instead of recognizing the critical work they do, they have been unfairly and illegally attacked by President Trump and billionaire Elon Musk. Hawai‘i’s federal workers and their families deserve better,” said Senator Schatz.
    The virtual meetings will include former federal workers and nonprofits in Hawai‘i that provide essential health care and education services, and help preserve Hawai‘i’s wildlife and environment.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Schatz Condemns Trump’s Illegal Dismantling Of USAID As Internal Memos Warn Of Millions Of Deaths, Global Humanitarian Catastrophe

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Hawaii Brian Schatz
    WASHINGTON — During a Senate Foreign Relations Committee confirmation hearing today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs, called attention to President Donald Trump’s unlawful efforts to dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), warning that it puts millions of lives and American interests at risk.
    “Because we haven’t had Secretary Rubio here to talk about the evisceration of USAID, it is important for everybody to understand exactly what happened,” said Senator Schatz. “The so-called Department of Government Efficiency had said that they’re going to feed USAID to the woodchipper. That does not sound like a good faith review.”
    Citing USAID’s own internal memos, Schatz outlined the dire consequences of Trump’s closure of the agency, including up to 18 million additional cases of malaria per year leading to as many as 166,000 deaths; 200,000 children paralyzed with polio annually with hundreds of millions of infections; a million children left without treatment for severe malnutrition each year; and more than 28,000 new cases of deadly diseases like Ebola and Marburg annually.
    “Does the United States of America, under any president, support 18 million additional cases of malaria? Is that who we’ve become? Is that America first?” Senator Schatz continued. “We’re going to disagree about a lot in the foreign policy space, but we should not disagree about abiding by the law. We should not disagree that babies, when we can prevent it, should not get HIV/AIDS from their moms. I am just hoping, I am praying, I am begging that we can get back to a bipartisan consensus that we don’t cut off our nose to spite our face. We are the good guys. We do not cause death on purpose.”
    The full text of Senator Schatz’s remarks is below. Video is available here.
    I’ve been in the Senate for more than ten years. Only one other time, I’ve not asked a question. I’m not going to ask a question. I think it’s very important that all of us, because we haven’t had Secretary Rubio here to talk about the evisceration of USAID, it is important for everybody to understand exactly what happened.
    I’m just going to lay out the facts here. First of all, it’s important to understand that the so-called Department of Government Efficiency had said that they’re going to feed USAID to the woodchipper. That does not sound like a good faith review. They said it was going to be a 90-day review. And then when a federal court said that they had to not violate the Foreign Assistance Act and the appropriations law and the Prompt Payments Act and the Impoundment Act, they came back, and they eliminated 5,800 programs at AID and another 4,000 at State. Flatly illegal.
    Any administration is within their rights, maybe even obliged, to review and reform spending. The way to review and reform spending is in this building. Senator Graham, the chairman of the SFOPS committee, and myself, as the ranking member of the SFOPS committee, had a very constructive conversation about how to better align the State Department’s objectives with USAID’s objectives.
    And by the way, this has been a bipartisan complaint over many, many administrations that they are not sufficiently aligned and that we’re not targeting economic assistance, foreign military financing, and humanitarian aid as precisely as we ought to. And maybe even that some of the NGOs and for-profits that deliver the aid ought to be held accountable, just like in the Defense Department, just like any other department for reducing their overhead costs.
    I said, ‘I’m in.’ Two days later, they send 94% of employees home. Secretary Rubio reassures us multiple times, most of us on this committee on a bipartisan basis, ‘Don’t worry, there’s a waiver process.’ There is a waiver process. The problem is the building is shut down and nobody has access to their emails. You cannot process a waiver for life-saving humanitarian aid with no personnel.
    And so if there is an effort to reform USAID, to tighten up what it is that we do, to make sure that… and everybody, by the way, has, since I got on this committee and before, everybody talks about how smart China is for having Belt and Road, for making friends across the planet and how cheap it is to do this kind of diplomacy compared to the Department of Defense.
    And we admire that, and we ponder it, and we say we should do our own version of that. That’s USAID. It’s also parts of the State Department. And so I am all in for a 90-day review. But I just want everybody to understand what is happening now. A, what is happening is illegal. It is violating the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998. It is violating the Impoundment Control Act, and it is violating annual appropriations bills. So first of all, it’s illegal.
    Second of all. According to USAID’s own internal memos, this closure will result in up to 18 million additional cases of malaria per year. Because of the United States’ illegal decision to shutter this agency. I can’t believe that this has taken on some sort of partisan vibe. Does the United States of America, under any president, support 18 million additional cases of malaria? Is that who we’ve become? Is that America first?
    We’re going to disagree about a lot in the foreign policy space, but we should not disagree about abiding by the law. We should not disagree that babies, when we can prevent it, should not get HIV/AIDS from their moms. And we should not disagree about a basic premise of foreign policy and the exercise of American might, which is: sometimes the smartest thing for us to do is to show up with help. We have been doing this on a bipartisan basis, and we have to get back to that.
    This idea of a waiver process is fine, except it’s not working. This idea of a 90 day review is fine, except in the meantime, we’ve eviscerated the program. And so I understand none of you are in the government. But I am just hoping, I am praying, I am begging that we can get back to a bipartisan consensus that we don’t cut off our nose to spite our face. We are the good guys. We do not cause death on purpose.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Scott meets with Trump NIH Nominee, Bhattacharya

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.), member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, met with Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, President Trump’s National Institutes of Health Director nominee. 

    “Enjoyed sitting down with Dr. Bhattacharya to discuss life expectancy, sickle cell disease gene therapies like using CRISPR, the fight to cure cancer, and the widespread effects of learning loss from COVID. A strong NIH is essential for South Carolina’s public universities and colleges like MUSC, USC, and Clemson to continue their research efforts that pave the way for innovation. Science should be a vehicle to expand freedom, not limit it,” said Senator Scott. “American medical innovation should and will allow us to address challenges with real solutions. President Trump is assembling an incredible team that will right the wrongs of the last four years. With Dr. Bhattacharya leading the NIH, I am confident that our future will only get stronger.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Following Public Pressure from Senator Reverend Warnock, Trump Administration Partially Reinstates Critical CDC Workforce

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia

    Following Public Pressure from Senator Reverend Warnock, Trump Administration Partially Reinstates Critical CDC Workforce

    Since the 10% Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) workforce cuts were announced last month, the Senator has hammered the Trump Administration on the disastrous impending consequences to public health
    Last month, Senator Reverend Warnock went to the Senate floor to defend the critical work of the Georgia-based CDC and the agency’s work to combat chronic diseases and protect the nation from health-related national security threats
    The Senator’s work to champion the CDC continues the legacy of Georgia Republican Senator Isakson, who worked to expand and invest in the centers
    Washington, D.C. – Today, following weeks of pressure from U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), the Trump Administration announced it was reinstating some Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) probationary staff and fellows who work on public health threats. The reinstatement, reported by PoliticoPro, comes after the Senator went to the Senate floor and defended the life-saving work on the Georgia-based CDC.
    “Today’s announcement is a welcome relief, but until all fired CDC employees are restored, our country’s public health and national security will continue to be at risk,” said Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock. “The CDC works to ensure our food and water are safe, our brave servicemembers stay healthy when serving abroad, and top researchers have the resources they need to combat heart disease, maternal mortality, cancer, and diabetes. I’m glad my defense of the CDC was heard by the leadership of the Trump Administration, which is why I’m calling on the Trump Administration to reinstate all CDC employees.”
    Last year, the Senator visited the CDC in Atlanta, Georgia for the first time as Senator to learn about the agency’s efforts to protect public health, including work to combat the maternal mortality crisis and how federal funding plays a role in keeping Georgia and the country safe from infectious diseases. During Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy’s nomination hearing in committee, Senator Warnock spoke at length defending the importance of the CDC which employs over 10,000 hardworking Georgians. Shortly after, the Senator spoke for nearly an hour on the Senate floor, in large part in defense of the CDC’s critical work to defend public health and national security. The Senator continued to pressure HHS Secretary Kennedy to reverse the CDC firings.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rosen, Murkowski, Underwood Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Ensure All VA Medical Centers Have Dedicated Nursing Spaces

    US Senate News:

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

    WASHINGTON, DC – Last week, U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) joined Representative Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14) in introducing legislation to ensure all Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers have designated nursing spaces. The bipartisan, bicameral Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act would ensure all medical centers managed by the VA contain a hygienic, private space specifically dedicated for nursing veterans, VA employees, and their partners. As of 2022, there were only 90 VA medical centers across the country with such rooms.
    “VA facilities should be equipped to serve all veterans, including nursing mothers,” said Senator Rosen. “This commonsense, bipartisan legislation will make sure that veteran mothers, VA employees, and their family members have access to a private and hygienic place to nurse at VA medical centers.”
    “There are over two million female veterans in this country, and yet only half of VA facilities have designated nursing rooms,” said Senator Murkowski. “We recently renamed the Alaska VA Medical Campus after Colonel Mary Louise Rasmuson to ensure that all veterans feel welcome in these facilities, but it takes more than a name to follow through on the broader promise to make sure that women, as the fastest growing demographic within the VA’s constituency, see their needs being met. We must support female veterans and their young children however we are able, and a key part of that is making sure these young mothers have clean spaces designated for nursing.” 
    “Every mom should be able to breastfeed in a clean, safe, and private space, and our veterans deserve the best,” said Representative Underwood. “As a nurse, I know the health benefits of breastfeeding for moms and babies, and our bicameral legislation will make sure that VA facilities are properly equipped to support veteran families.”
    Senator Rosen has been leading efforts to support Nevada’s veterans. Last week, she sent a letter to the Department of Veterans Affairs demanding answers on the mass terminations of VA personnel. In a previous letter, she demanded the Secretary of Veterans Affairs take immediate action to secure veterans’ personal information provided by the VA or other agencies to Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency. Earlier this year, she helped introduce bipartisan legislation to assist veterans with home ownership and increase awareness of VA resources.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin, Duckworth Meet With Illinois State Association Of Counties

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    March 05, 2025

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) yesterday met with representatives from the Illinois State Association of Counties to discuss the impact of the Trump Administration’s funding freeze on Illinois.  During this meeting, Durbin and Duckworth heard directly from county leaders about affected transportation and infrastructure projects.  Last week, Durbin and Duckworth joined Illinois leaders to send a letter to the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought demanding the release of the approximately $1.88 billion in funding being illegally withheld from Illinois taxpayers despite the funding being appropriated by Congress and the U.S. courts intervening with the freeze.

    The Senators and county leaders also spoke about House Republicans’ proposed $880 billion in Medicaid cuts to compensate for President Trump’s tax cut for billionaires.  If congressional Republicans pass these Medicaid cuts, 3.4 million Illinoisans on Medicaid, including nearly 1.5 million children, could lose access to critical health care. 

    “The decisions made in the White House and on Capitol Hill have real impacts in Illinois.  The President’s decision to freeze promised federal funds to Illinois is jeopardizing critical transportation and infrastructure projects in Illinois, further harming our economy and threatening Illinoisans’ jobs.  Meanwhile, congressional Republicans are scheming to cut health care for 3.4 million Illinoisans on Medicaid to give tax breaks to billionaires,” Durbin said.  “Senator Duckworth and I heard directly from members of the Illinois State Association of Counties about the impacts they’re seeing in their home counties.”

    “Whether it’s illegally freezing funds or backing a bill to gut Medicaid, Trump is hurting the same families he swore to protect by jeopardizing programs they rely on,” Duckworth said. “Worse yet, Republicans are planning to put Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid on the chopping block in order to pay for tax cuts for billionaires.  I’m glad I had the chance to meet with the leaders of the Illinois State Association of Counties alongside Senator Durbin to discuss how Trump’s chaos is impacting communities across Illinois. We’ll keep pushing back and sticking up forfamilies.”

      

    Photos of the meeting are available here.

    Counties represented at the meeting included:

    • Cook County
    • Kane County
    • Lake County
    • McHenry County
    • Peoria County
    • Stephenson County
    • Will County

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Releases Statement After President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall
    Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) released the following statement on President Donald Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress last night.
    “The theme of last night’s speech was ‘Renewal of the American Dream,’ and it could have also been called ‘Promises Made, Promises Kept,’” said Senator Marshall. “Since he took office, President Trump has been working hard to deliver on the promises he made during the 2024 election. His Administration is securing our border, deporting criminal aliens, eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse through the DOGE initiative, strengthening our economic position across the world through reciprocal tariffs and trade agreements, and pushing for an end to the destructive war in Ukraine.”
    “Kansans will benefit directly from these amazing America First achievements,” continued Senator Marshall. “With the confirmation of fighters for rural America like Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, we will secure new markets for our hard-working farmers and ranchers to export their goods and ensure that American taxpayer dollars serve American interests and workers first.”
    The President’s topline achievements to date in his second term include:
    Eliminating over $100 billion in government waste, fraud, and abuse through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)
    Shutting down border crossings, with record low attempts in February
    Terminating all taxpayer-funded public benefits for illegal aliens
    ICE increasing arrest rates of illegals by over 600%
    Signing the Laken Riley Act into law, which requires illegal immigrants arrested or charged with theft or violence to be detained
    Securing nearly $2 trillion in new investments and bringing manufacturing back to America
    Investing $1 billion for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to combat Avian Flu and reduce egg prices
    Fulfilling his promise to make America energy independent with more energy companies announcing increases in production
    Restoring American strength on the world stage by freeing hostages, eliminating terrorists, and pushing for peace in Europe
    Ending the radical, un-American indoctrination of America’s children by eliminating support for radical gender ideology and equity ideology, and protecting parents’ rights
    Eliminating discriminatory Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) offices, employees, and practices and returning to merit-based hiring
    Restoring common sense to America by successfully pushing for athletic leagues to remove biological men from women’s sports
    Ensuring the official policy of the U.S. government declares there are only two genders
    Calling on hospitals around the nation to cease distribution of puberty blockers
    All the while, Democrats refused to stand up and applaud common sense actions that the majority of Americans support, including:
    The capturing of an ISIS terrorist that masterminded the Abbey Gate attack
    A call to lower taxes for middle-class Americans
    Protecting women’s sports
    Unleashing American energy
    Ending waste, fraud, and abuse in government
    Ending taxes on tips, overtime, and Social Security

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto, Rosen Urge Interior Department to End Funding Freeze for Colorado River Water Savings Projects

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto
    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) urged the Department of the Interior to immediately cease its freeze of Inflation Reduction Act funding for the Lower Colorado River System Conservation and Efficiency Program. The Senators, representing the three Lower Colorado River Basin states, criticized the Trump Administration’s day-one executive order halting all Inflation Reduction Act disbursements, including pausing the $4 billion Senator Cortez Masto helped secure for water management and conservation efforts in the Colorado River Basin and other Western areas experiencing drought.
    The Colorado River Basin, which supports 40 million people and 5.5 million acres of agricultural land across seven states, depends on a stable and reliable water supply from Lake Mead. The Lower Colorado River System Conservation and Efficiency Program being threatened by the Trump Administration directly adds water to the lake, contributing 1.2 million acre-feet of water in the past two years and raising the lake’s elevation by 15 feet. Projects planned for this year were set to conserve 734,000 more acre-feet and add another nine feet to the lake’s elevation.
    These savings were pivotal in securing the historic seven-state consensus agreement last year for interim operations of Lake Powell and Lake Mead through 2026, in which the Lower Basin States committed to conserving 3 million acre-feet of water to stabilize the Colorado River System. The Trump Administration’s funding freeze jeopardizes these critical conservation goals while undermining similar multistate agreements in the future.
    “This Program, funded with an initial allocation through the Inflation Reduction Act and managed through the Bureau of Reclamation, has been instrumental in increasing water conservation, improving efficiency, and preventing the Colorado River system’s reservoirs from reaching dangerously low levels that threaten water deliveries and power production,” wrote the Senators.
    “The need for this water is more urgent than ever. This year’s water outlook is dry, with forecasts predicting below-average supply. Project recipients need certainty that the federal funding they were promised — whether formally under contract or not — will be available so they can plan accordingly,” continued the Senators. “Without continued support from Interior, efforts to conserve water and sustain the communities, economies, and ecosystems that rely on the Colorado River are in serious jeopardy.”
    In light of the Office of Personnel Management’s memo last week calling for significant further reductions to the federal workforce, the Senators also pushed the Department of the Interior to make sure that any cuts do not further impact the Bureau of Reclamation, which manages the Lower Colorado River System Conservation and Efficiency Program. Reclamation staff are essential to Western water management, where water systems are extremely complex and are closely coordinated with state, tribal, and local authorities.
    The full text of the letter is available here.
    Senators Cortez Masto and Rosen have been leaders working to support conservation efforts and combat drought. As part of the Great American Outdoors Act, they secured permanent funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). They recently announced $10 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to enhance the safety and functionality of the Marlette Lake Dam. They secured $30 million from the Bureau of Reclamation for the Truckee Meadow Water Authority to make Northern Nevada’s water supply more drought resilient.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján Introduces Legislation to Modernize Broken Mining Law, Protect Public Lands and Taxpayers

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Senator for New Mexico Ben Ray Luján

    Luján Bill Would Update the 1872 Mining Law Which Has Led to Significant Waste, Fraud, and Abuse

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) introduced the Mining Waste, Fraud, and Abuse Prevention Act of 2025, legislation that would reform the broken 1872 Mining Law. Failure to update the 1872 Mining Law has allowed mining companies to exploit public resources for free, pass environmental costs onto taxpayers, and engage in speculation with minimal government oversight. Congressman Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.) leads companion legislation in the House.

    Senator Luján’s bill would update the 153-year-old law by eliminating patenting of federal lands, imposing a federal minerals royalty, establishing a Hardrock Minerals Reclamation Fund for the cleanup of abandoned mines, and requiring a review of certain lands within three years to determine if they should be available for future mining claims.

    “Elon Musk and President Trump are putting a chainsaw to our federal workforce and public lands protections. If Republicans were serious about eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse, they would join me in reforming this Civil War-era mining law that has allowed mining companies to exploit our gold, silver, and critical minerals from public lands without paying their fair share and stiffing the American taxpayer with the cleanup costs. It’s far past time that we update this law to crack down on actual waste, fraud, and abuse,” said Senator Luján. “I am proud to lead this legislation to modernize the broken 1872 Mining Law to reduce waste, protect taxpayers, generate revenue, and protect public lands. I look forward to working with my colleagues to get this legislation passed.”

    “For more than a century and a half, the mining industry has operated under an outdated, free-for-all system that gives them carte blanche to pollute and destroy, while American taxpayers get stuck with the cleanup bill. Under the Mining Law of 1872, foreign-owned companies, even companies controlled by our adversaries with egregious track records of human rights abuses and environmental harms, can mine our publicly-owned minerals. These companies then ship our minerals abroad without paying a cent back to the American people or even committing for these minerals to support the U.S. economy. It’s past time to reject this harmful status quo and move forward with commonsense reforms that protect Americans and ensure a more responsible, accountable mining industry that actually benefits Americans,” said Representative Grijalva. “Securing the minerals we need for our clean energy future cannot come at the cost of our environment, our health and safety, or tribal sovereignty. I want to thank Senator Luján for lending his leadership to join me in this effort and encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to do the same.”

    Specifically, the Mining Waste, Fraud, and Abuse Prevention Act of 2025 would:

    • Require annual rental payments for claimed public land, thereby treating mine operators as other public land users.
    • Set a royalty rate of not less than 5% and not greater than 8% based on the gross income of production on federal land but would not apply to mining operations already in commercial production or those with an approved plan of operations.
    • Revenues would be deposited into a Hardrock Minerals Reclamation Fund for abandoned mine cleanup. Additionally, the Fund would be infused by an abandoned mine reclamation fee of 1% to 3%.
    • Allow the Secretary of the Interior to grant royalty relief to mining operations based on economic factors.
    • Require an exploration permit and mining operations permit for non-casual mining operations on federal land, which would be valid for 30 years and continue as long as commercial production occurs.
    • Permit states, political subdivisions, and tribes to petition the Secretary of the Interior to have lands withdrawn from mining.
    • Require an expedited review of areas that may be inappropriate for mining, and allow specific areas be reviewed for possible withdrawal.

    The Mining Law of 1872 was enacted to promote mineral exploration and development in the western United States. Today, the Civil War-era statute still guarantees broad rights to individuals and corporations, including foreign-owned, to extract minerals from public lands without payment of royalties to the federal government and constrains protections for public health and the environment.

    The legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Bernie Sanders (D-Vt.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.).

    The legislation is supported by Earthjustice, Earthworks, Hualapai Tribe, The Wilderness Society, Natural Resources Defense Council, Grand Canyon Trust, Outdoor Alliance, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, the National Parks Conservation Association, and Trout Unlimited.

    Endorsement quotes can be found here.

    Full bill text is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn on President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement on President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress:

    “Tonight, President Trump laid out his vision to renew the American dream, which he is already putting into action at an unprecedented pace. In just over six weeks, the President has made historic strides to reduce illegal immigration, cut waste and fraud, get our economy back on track, and restore American dominance on the world stage. Nowhere is this success more apparent than our southern border, where U.S. Customs and Border Protection are reporting record low crossings. That’s called deterrence, and Texans are safer for it.

    “President Trump delivered a message of peace, prosperity, and strength in tonight’s address, which was a welcome change after four years of failure and weakness under Joe Biden. I look forward to continuing to work alongside President Trump and my colleagues in Congress to enact his America First agenda and fulfill his promises to the American people.”

    Sen. Cornyn has voted to confirm all of President Trump’s nominees in both his first and second administrations, including Kristi Noem as Homeland Security Secretary, Pete Hegseth as Defense Secretary, and Kash Patel as FBI Director. Additionally, Sen. Cornyn supported the Laken Riley Act, the first bill to be signed into law in President Trump’s second term, which included his amendment to require U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain illegal immigrants who assault a member of law enforcement. He is also a member of the Senate Budget Committee and the Senate DOGE Caucus, where he is focused on rooting out fraud and reining in spending.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lankford Introduces Legislation to Protect Rural Seniors’ Access to Care

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Oklahoma James Lankford
    WASHINGTON, DC – Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Deb Fischer (R-NE) introduced the Protecting Rural Seniors’ Access to Care Act. The legislation would reverse a Biden-era nursing home staffing rule that will harm facilities across rural America and could force many to close. The legislation would also establish an advisory panel on nursing home staffing that includes voices from both urban and rural communities. The panel would submit a report to Congress that analyzes workforce shortages and makes practical recommendations to strengthen the workforce.
    “Oklahoma seniors, especially in rural communities, deserve high quality, safe health care. Biden’s CMS proposed a one-size-fits-all staffing mandate that has significantly threatened the ability for patients to receive post-acute care in rural communities. My colleagues and I are taking all available steps to stop the overreaching staffing mandate from CMS—they clearly have not adequately understood the problems families and seniors are facing when finding care in rural America,” said Lankford.
    “Nursing homes across the country face historic staffing shortages, and nowhere are those challenges more real than in rural states like Nebraska. This mandate from the Biden administration is on track to force many facilities to shut their doors, depriving America’s seniors of care. My legislation will reverse this staffing rule and create solutions that will protect rural facilities,” said Fischer.“We thank Senators Fischer and Lankford for their leadership in safeguarding seniors’ access to care by reintroducing this bill. The Biden Administration’s staffing mandate threatens to displace tens of thousands of nursing home residents in communities across the country. The concerns in Congress we’ve seen on both sides of the aisle reaffirm what the profession has been saying for years: these unrealistic standards will only force more nursing homes to downsize or close. There is a better way to support our nation’s seniors, and we look forward to working with members of Congress on more productive solutions to grow our workforce,” said American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living President and CEO Clifton J. Porter II.
    “Ensuring access to quality care is a top priority for our nonprofit and mission-driven nursing home members. Quality care and staffing are tightly connected. However, the federal minimum staffing rule for nursing homes, while well-intentioned, will only exacerbate the current challenges that providers, particularly those serving rural communities, must navigate: a shortage of qualified workers and a highly competitive labor market,” said LeadingAge President and CEO Katie Smith Sloan. “The federal staffing mandate does not include any funding to help pay for staff recruitment and training. Without staff, there is no care; shortages force providers to make difficult choices, including limiting admissions, taking beds offline, or, worse yet, closing wings or even ceasing operations. Solutions to address longstanding workforce issues in aging services are needed. We commend Senators Fischer and Lankford for their leadership on the Protecting Rural Seniors’ Access to Care Act to stop implementation of this unworkable staffing rule and also create an advisory panel to tackle the ongoing workforce shortages facing aging services providers.”
    Background:
    On September 1, 2023, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed a rule that would mandate new minimum staffing standards for long-term care (LTC) facilities. According to CMS, 75 percent of nursing homes would have to increase staffing to comply with the proposed standards. This standard will be even harder to meet in rural areas, which already face historic staffing shortages. While CMS estimates that the cost for this rule is $4 billion, LeadingAge, the association for nonprofit providers of aging services, believes that the CMS proposed budget is significantly underestimating real costs. LeadingAge estimates that the rule’s staffing requirements will cost providers nearly $7 billion in the first year alone.
    Senator Lankford introduced the Congressional Review Act (CRA) last year to prohibit the Biden Administration from implementing this ill-informed rule. Lankford also sent a letter to CMS pushing back against this rule.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: President Trump’s Historic Address Captivates America

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    President Donald J. Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress last night was widely acclaimed as among his best — in which he touted his record accomplishments after just six weeks in office and laid out his compelling vision for four years of peace, strength, and prosperity for all Americans.
    This morning, President Trump’s speech was the focus of newspapers across America:
    The Boston Globe (Boston, MA)
    Chicago Sun-Times (Chicago, IL)
    The Wall Street Journal (New York City, NY)
    The Minnesota Star Tribune (Minneapolis, MN)
    Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (Pittsburgh, PA)
    Colorado Springs Gazette (Colorado Springs, CO)
    Las Vegas Review-Journal (Las Vegas, NV)
    Chicago Tribune (Chicago, IL)
    The Mercury News (Silicon Valley, CA)
    The Washington Times (Washington, D.C.)
    The Detroit News (Detroit, MI)
    Santa Fe New Mexican (Santa Fe, NM)
    Altoona Mirror (Altoona, PA)
    Arkansas Democrat Gazette (Little Rock, AR)
    Daily Inter Lake (Kalispell, MT)
    The Herald (Sharon, PA)
    Chattanooga Times Free Press (Chattanooga, TN)
    New York Post (New York City, NY)
    The Hill

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: The President and First Lady’s Message on Ash Wednesday, 2025

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    This Ash Wednesday, we join in prayer with the tens of millions of American Catholics and other Christians beginning the holy season of Lent—a time of spiritual anticipation of the passion, death, and Resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
    During the Lenten season, Christians spend 40 days and 40 nights praying, fasting, and giving alms to deepen our faith and strengthen our belief in the Gospel.  Today, followers of Christ wear crosses of ash on their foreheads—a sacred reminder of our mortality and our enduring need for Christ’s infinite mercy and redeeming love.
    As we solemnly contemplate Jesus Christ’s suffering and death on the cross this Lent, let us prepare our souls for the coming glory of the Easter miracle.
    We offer you our best wishes for a prayerful and enriching Lenten season.  May Almighty God bless you, and may He continue to bless the United States of America.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Shaheen Statement on President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen

    (Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) issued the following statement after the President’s Joint Address to Congress:  

    “When I talk to New Hampshire families, farmers, small business owners, seniors, doctors or shipyard employees, I hear a desire for elected representatives to work together and find common ground on solutions that will help make their lives better. Yet what we heard tonight from the President was the opposite. He chose to lean into division over unity, chaos over calm and lies over facts – none of which stand to make America or the families we serve safer, stronger or more prosperous. 

    “Right now, Granite Staters are facing higher prices and uncertainty about the future. I was disappointed the President neglected to offer a path forward on issues that are top of mind for our constituents—like costs at the grocery store, health care affordability, the housing crisis, workforce and child care challenges. These are issues deeply personal to many, and I will remain focused on bringing forward solutions to make life better and more affordable for all. 

    “I was honored to be joined by my constituent Rebecca Hamilton, who owns and operates Badger, a Granite State small business that manufactures personal care products. Rebecca’s business will be badly hurt by the President’s reckless tariff tax on goods from Canada – and sadly, her story is all too common in New Hampshire. Small and large businesses alike will be forced to pass the price hike on imported goods onto consumers because they can’t afford to foot the bill alone.   

    “Once again, I find myself wishing that the President would spend more time focusing on lowering costs like he insisted he would and less time creating chaos. America is the best country in the world because of the values that unite us and our alliances around the globe that make us stronger. I sincerely hope the President will change course and focus instead on the values and opportunities that unite us as Americans.” 

    Shaheen’s guest to the Joint Address of Congress was Rebecca Hamilton, the co-owner and co-CEO of Badger in Gilsum, New Hampshire. Badger, a family-owned manufacturer of natural personal care products, is one of dozens of small businesses in New Hampshire that have already been impacted by the uncertainty around President Trump’s tariffs and could be devastated by the tariffs on Mexico and Canada—New Hampshire’s largest trading partner—that went into effect at midnight. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hagerty Releases Video Statement in Response to Trump’s Remarks to a Joint Session of Congress

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Tennessee Bill Hagerty

    “The contrast between what we experienced together the last four years under Joe Biden and now could not be clearer… All of these wins, all of this restoration and revitalization, are just the start of a new golden age in America… I will work with President Trump to do everything I can in the United States Senate to advance America’s interests.”

    WASHINGTON—United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN) today released the following video and statement in response to President Donald Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress:

    *Click the photo above or here to watch*

    Remarks as prepared for delivery:

    “Good evening. A few moments ago, President Donald Trump concluded his first address to Congress as our nation’s 47th president.

    “After hearing from our President, I walked out of that Chamber beaming with optimism, pride, and hope for the future of our nation. The golden age of America is here in full swing.

    “The contrast between what we experienced together the last four years under Joe Biden and now could not be clearer.

    “We witnessed the greatest political comeback in history during the 2024 election of President Trump. Now we are seeing our nation on a comeback and, as President Trump said tonight, the renewal of the American Dream. Never have I been more excited about being part of a movement like this.

    “The success of the Trump Administration in just the first six weeks has been nothing short of remarkable.

    “In fact, this Administration has done so much in such a short time that many people have likely had a tough time keeping up with all of the wins.

    “Within hours of taking office, President Trump began the critical mission to secure our southern border. Under his instruction, Immigration and Customs Enforcement began apprehending and deporting illegal gang members, rapists, and murderers, and he immediately put an end to the Biden-era tidal wave of immigration. Over 20,000 illegal immigrants were arrested by ICE in a single month — that’s almost as many as Biden’s entire last year in office.

    “Since that decisive and needed action, we have seen a 94 percent drop in attempted illegal crossings year over year across our southern border—let me remind you, Donald Trump has been in office just six weeks. 

    “American sovereignty is back.

    “President Trump’s agenda is spurring action across the board. The Biden Administration’s ‘America Last’ approach is over.

    “Putting ‘America First’ is back.

    “Under Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the State Department is now standing up for our nation against our adversaries and standing with our ally Israel, getting it the security assistance that it needs to defend itself against Hamas terrorists, and reversing the anti-Israel and pro-Iran policies of the Biden Administration.

    “American leadership on the world stage is back.

    “The same is happening at the Department of Defense under the leadership of Secretary Pete Hegseth.

    “The days of prioritizing DEI initiatives and pronouns are in the past. Military readiness, lethality, and strength are back.

    “Under Joe Biden and his Administration, respect for America across the globe had deteriorated. Just look at the disastrous Afghanistan withdrawal in 2021, or Communist China flying a spy balloon over our country for 10 days. Look at Biden destroying our energy independence and enriching and emboldening Russia to invade Ukraine in 2022, or the horrific and evil attack by Iran-backed Hamas terrorists against Israel on October 7, 2023. For every Biden diplomacy disaster, our adversaries were further empowered.

    “But things have changed under President Trump. Foreign nations are no longer taking advantage of us, our President is standing up for our country, and decisions are being made in the best interest of the American taxpayer. You need only to look at President Trump and Vice President Vance’s meeting with President Zelensky last week.

    “America’s worldwide respect is back.

    “Another thing Americans deeply care about that has been a top priority for this Administration is ending the weaponization of our justice system.

    “Thanks to President Trump, Freedom of Speech has prevailed over censorship, and intelligence officials who abused their position to influence an election are finally being held accountable. And I’m confident that this much-needed reform will continue under the leadership of Director Kash Patel and Attorney General Pam Bondi.

    “Americans’ trust in our Justice system is on its way back.

    “In addition to our foreign policy, our economy is turning around because of President Trump’s pro-growth and pro-business mindset and de-regulatory approach.

    “One of the most critical ways he is already spurring economic growth is by unleashing digital assets innovation and unburdening the industry from predatory, confusing, and often contradictory regulations.

    “And in a broader move, his executive order on regulation states that ten regulations will be repealed for every new regulation proposed. Because of this, many unnecessary, bloated, and burdensome regulations will be repealed in order to restore economic dynamism in America. Optimism is climbing across the country.

    “Economic growth is back.

    “Americans last November overwhelmingly declared that they wanted to see change in Washington. In just six weeks, President Trump is delivering on their mandate.

    “Because of the efforts of the Department of Government Efficiency, we are cutting wasteful, abusive, and fraudulent spending across our federal government—saving millions of hardworking Americans’ tax dollars.

    “Transparency is back.

    “All of these wins, all of this restoration and revitalization, are just the start of a new golden age in America. There is so much more to get done in order to deliver on the promises that were made to the American people—and I look forward to working with President Trump to deliver.

    “These six weeks under the Trump Administration and the President’s address tonight make me incredibly optimistic for what’s to come in the next four years, and I think the American people feel the same way.

    “The State of our Nation—the greatest nation the world has ever seen—is already stronger than it was the last four years, and getting stronger by the day.

    “As your Senator, I will work with President Trump to do everything I can in the United States Senate to place the America people first, making our economy the most competitive it can be, our military as lethal as it can be, and our diplomacy as effective as it can be to advance America’s interests.

    “Thank you, and may God bless.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wicker Responds To President Trump’s Address To A Joint Session Of Congress President Is Focused On Growth, Security, And International Leadership

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Mississippi Roger Wicker
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today issued the following statement after President Donald J. Trump delivered the 2025 Presidential Address to a Joint Session of Congress:
    “Tonight, President Trump outlined his vision for the next four years. The president has already begun enforcing the law at the border and restoring our national defense. The American people voted for security and prosperity, and I look forward to achieving both over the course of President Trump’s administration.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lummis Applauds President Trump’s America First Vision for National Strength and Prosperity

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wyoming Cynthia Lummis

    March 5, 2025

    Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) released the following statement after President Trump’s joint address to Congress:
    “In a little over a month, President Trump has worked at lightning speed to fulfill his promises to the American people of building a safer, stronger, and more prosperous nation,” said Lummis. “Tonight, the people of Wyoming received a message of hope and heard how President Trump is working to restore law, order, accountability, and transparency. After four long years of Biden’s record-breaking inflation, wide-open southern border, war on American energy, and runaway regulations, President Trump has already eased burdens for Wyoming families, made our communities safer, created a pathway toward American energy independence, and made the federal government accountable to the American people it serves. Under President Trump, the American dream is attainable again, and I will continue working with his administration to create a better life for the people of Wyoming.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fischer Statement on President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nebraska Deb Fischer
    Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) issued the statement below following President Trump’s joint address to Congress:
    “This evening, President Trump reinforced his dedication to renewing the American Dream. It was shameful to see the disrespect and lack of decorum directed at the president from Democrat members of Congress.
    In just over a month, President Trump has begun delivering for the American people by securing our border, unleashing American energy, and defending our nation from threats abroad. I look forward to continuing my partnership with the Trump administration to make our nation safer, more affordable, and more prosperous over the next four years.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Statement On President Trump’s Joint Address To Congress

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    March 04, 2025

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) released the following statement on President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress:

    “What we witnessed tonight was hubris in its highest form.  President Trump has claimed that he alone can ‘make America great.’  Unfortunately, grandstanding does not lower the price of groceries or cut prescription drug costs.

    “While President Trump delivered empty platitudes about the success of his presidency, Elon Musk and his Administration have gutted the federal government, indiscriminately firing civil servants who are critical to our national security, who protect us from disease outbreaks, and who ensure it’s safe to fly.  Under the guise of ‘efficiency,’ President Trump has frozen NIH funding, preventing medical researchers from finding the cure for cancer, Alzheimer’s, or heart disease.

    “And not a week after calling President Zelenskyy ‘a dictator’ and blaming him for invading his own country, President Trump declared that he has worked tirelessly to end the violence in Ukraine.  Our allies, especially Ukraine, deserve more than President Trump’s feeble support.  I unequivocally stand with Ukraine and President Zelenskyy as they continue to push off Russian aggression.” 

    Durbin’s guest for tonight’s Joint Address to Congress is Dr. Elizabeth Sokol, a practicing oncologist and medical researcher at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.  Dr. Sokol specializes in treating children with neuroblastoma, the leading cause of cancer death for children aged one to five.  Dr. Sokol is in the midst of conducting federally-supported clinical trials that are now being endangered by the Trump Administration’s devastating, and illegal, cuts to funding and resources at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). 

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Risch Statement on President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho James E Risch
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) released the following statement after attending President Trump’s address to a Joint Session of Congress.
    “America is back. For four years, Idahoans faced an economic catastrophe and inflationary disaster, a Green New Deal, a dangerous illegal immigration crisis, and a woke ideological agenda. We will not go back,” said Risch. “President Trump’s commonsense revolution is renewing the American Dream. We will end the flagrant waste of taxpayer dollars. We will secure our southern border by finishing the wall. We will root out bureaucratic bloat and restore our freedoms. America is safer, more prosperous, and stronger under the leadership of President Trump.”

    MIL OSI USA News –