NewzIntel.com

Category: US Senate

  • MIL-OSI USA: McConnell Proud to Confirm McMahon as Education Secretary

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Mitch McConnell
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) issued the following statement today regarding the confirmation of Linda McMahon as U.S. Secretary of Education:
    “Years of steady decline in student achievement make one thing abundantly clear: our education policies are failing America’s children. We need leadership at the Education Department that will check politics at the door and empower local communities, not federal bureaucrats, to shape their children’s education. I’m confident the President’s Secretary of Education, Linda McMahon, will take an honest look at our education establishment and implement reforms that put the interests of students first.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: MEDIA ADVISORY: Sanders, Scott, Schumer, Jeffries, Murray, Bipartisan Colleagues to Introduce Legislation to Protect the Rights of American Workers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Vermont – Bernie Sanders
    WASHINGTON, March 3 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), and Bobby Scott (D-Va.), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Education and Workforce, alongside Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Congressional and labor leaders, today announced that they will hold a press conference on Wednesday with workers to reintroduce the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act (PRO Act), comprehensive labor legislation to protect the rights of workers to stand together and bargain for fairer wages, better benefits and safer workplaces. 
    Details 
    What: Press conference to reintroduce the PRO Act
    When: Wednesday, March 5, 3:00 p.m. ET
    Where: Dirksen Senate Office Building, Ground Floor, Room 50 (SD-G50). The press conference will also be livestreamed on Sanders’ social media. 
    Who: 
    Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
    Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Va.), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Education and Workforce
    Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.)
    House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.)
    Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee
    Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.)
    President Liz Shuler, AFL-CIO
    Kieran Cuadras, Wells Fargo Workers United and former Wells Fargo employee
    Press RSVP: Press interested in attending should RSVP with press@sanders.senate.gov.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rosen Urges Trump Administration to Take Action to Prevent Higher Housing Prices As A Result of Tariffs on Canada and Mexico

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) sent a letter urging the Trump Administration to reverse course on imposing tariffs on Canada and Mexico to prevent housing prices from rising even further. In her letter to Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, she outlines how President Trump’s tariffs will increase housing costs by driving up the cost of construction materials needed to increase the housing supply and address Nevada’s affordable housing crisis. In the letter, sent before this evening’s expiration of the President’s thirty-day pause on new tariffs, Senator Rosen specifically highlights the role Canadian lumber plays in helping meet the demand to build affordable homes.
    “In Nevada and throughout the nation, exorbitant housing prices are putting a strain on already-tight household budgets. At a time when high interest rates and low inventory are driving up housing costs, the need to build affordable homes is growing more acute by the day,” wrote Senator Rosen. “However, it is simply too expensive to build affordable housing in the current high-cost environment. Labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, and fluctuating material costs all drive up construction costs, making it harder to develop housing that is affordable for low- and middle-income families.”
    “Compounding our nation’s housing affordability crisis through the imposition of reckless tariffs would be devastating and must be reconsidered,” she continued. “To that end, I respectfully ask that you work with the President to exempt critical construction materials, including lumber, from any tariffs imposed on Canada and Mexico. Doing so will not harm our national security, but will instead invest in the economic security of Americans across the country who are struggling to afford a home in an era of rising costs.”
    The full text of the letter can be found HERE.
    Senator Rosen is working to lower housing costs and prevent housing prices from increasing further. Earlier this year, she introduced bipartisan legislation to invest in the construction workforce to help lower housing costs. Last year, she urged HUD to increase the Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority’s (SNRHA) Housing Choice Vouchers allocation by 10,000 vouchers over five years. Senator Rosen also called on Senate leadership to address rising housing prices and lower costs for Nevada families through a series of Congressional actions she outlined.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaine Announces 2025 Guest for President’s Address to Congress

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) announced that he will be joined at President Donald Trump’s joint address to Congress by Jason King, a disabled veteran from Fairfax who was fired from his position in the Federal Aviation Administration’s safety division as a result of the Trump Administration’s attacks on the federal workforce.

    “I’m grateful that Fairfax resident and veteran Jason King will join me at this year’s joint address. Jason has served our country for years—first in the military and then at the Federal Aviation Administration where he worked to ensure air safety for millions of passengers. Despite Jason’s service, he is one of many federal employees who were recently fired by the Trump Administration,” Kaine said. “Jason’s story is a powerful example of how indiscriminately firing federal employees disproportionately hurts our veterans and also threatens the safety of the American people who rely on agencies like the FAA. I remain committed to protecting Virginia’s federal workers, our economy, and the safety of our communities from the Trump Administration’s actions.”

    “I served in the United States Army as a transportation coordinator, where I ensured the safest mode of transport of personnel, equipment, and supplies. After the Army, I was given the opportunity to continue serving my country with the FAA as the Executive Assistant to the Director of Safety,” said King. “The tragic midair collision that occurred near DCA serves as a strong reminder that safety can’t be taken for granted. Yet in the wake of this event, our Administration decided to move forward with the firing of hundreds of FAA employees, myself included. Safety doesn’t come by chance. It requires investment, oversight, and expertise of those who work tirelessly to uphold these values. I’m glad to be joining Senator Kaine at the joint address to help send an important message: cutting costs should never come at the expense of safety, especially when it comes to the American people.”

    Last week, Kaine and U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) demanded the Trump Administration immediately reinstate all of the estimated 6,000 veterans who were fired during the mass terminations of federal employees and demanded veterans receive their full benefits and back pay. Veterans make up 30% of the federal workforce.

    Kaine has also long advocated for policies to enhance aviation safety and has demanded that the Trump Administration prioritize the safety of America’s air travel system and reverse recent cuts to essential FAA safety roles. Following the deadly DCA collision on January 29, 2025, Kaine pressed the FAA on its plans to protect the flying public and applauded the precautionary safety measures put in place by the agency while the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) carries out its investigation into the crash. On February 14, Kaine was briefed by the NTSB regarding the investigation, and continues to follow the situation closely.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lee Introduces Bills to Valuate and Audit Federal Spectrum Bands

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Utah Mike Lee
    WASHINGTON –Sen. Mike Lee’s (R-UT) has introduced the Government Spectrum Valuation Act, legislation that would require the federal government to estimate the value of electromagnetic spectrum currently assigned to federal agencies, as well as a bill to audit the government spectrum and report which bands are being used by which agency.
    “Congress has a clear responsibility to ensure that federal spectrum is being managed effectively and appropriately,” Sen. Lee said. “By calculating the value of federal spectrum allocations, as well as auditing how they are used, Congress and the Trump Administration will be better equipped to identify highly valuable federal spectrum bands, and thus manage each federal spectrum allocation more efficiently.”
    The Government Spectrum Valuation Act can be read HERE.
    The Government Spectrum Audit bill can be HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján, Cramer Announce Reintroduction of Bipartisan Legislation to Develop New Technology to Identify and Plug Orphaned Wells

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)
    Bipartisan Bill Builds on Successful Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Initiative Championed by Luján and Cramer to Clean Orphaned Wells;
    Orphaned Wells Can Be Hazardous to Public Health and Safety
    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) announced the reintroduction the Abandoned Well Remediation Research and Development Act (AWRRDA) to identify and remediate abandoned gas and oil wells, which can leak methane, contaminate groundwater, and create community safety risks. The AWRRDA builds on Senators Luján and Cramer’s REGROW Act, which was adopted in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and put skilled energy workers back to work to plug abandoned wells. Despite the progress of the REGROW Act, methods for identifying and remediating abandoned wells are currently not well developed. Congresswoman Summer Lee (D-Pa.) leads companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
    Senators Luján and Cramer’s AWRRDA will authorize funding to enhance the abandoned well remediation programs currently authorized in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law by ensuring that funds are dedicated to thoroughly researched efforts that maximize benefits for affected communities and the energy sector. Specifically, the AWRRDA will support the Department of Energy’s efforts to develop:
    Technology to detect and catalog abandoned wells more rapidly and efficiently, such as remote sensors and optical gas imaging;
    Methods to more accurately quantify methane emissions and how they are affected by well age, geology and other factors;
    Processes to plug and remediate abandoned wells more efficiently, economically, and sustainably;
    Innovative alternative uses for abandoned wells, including geothermal power production or carbon dioxide storage, which will create entirely new economic sectors that leverage abandoned and hazardous infrastructure; and
    An improved understanding of abandoned well impacts on groundwater quality.
    “In New Mexico and across the country, abandoned wells pose serious environmental harm and threaten the health of our communities. That’s why our REGROW Act works to cut methane emissions and lessen public health risks, but more research and development is needed to help identify the thousands of abandoned wells nationwide,” said Senator Luján. “I’m proud to reintroduce this bipartisan legislation with Senator Cramer to build upon our work in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to further develop technology to identify and plug abandoned wells to prevent public health risks, create jobs, and boost economic growth.”
    “North Dakota is a leader in remediating abandoned wells,” said Senator Cramer. “Our legislation builds on the successes of REGROW and keeps the momentum going. It invests in new and innovative ways to track the problem, mitigate any damage, and hopefully prevent degradation in the future. This will help more land be returned to productive use and address safety issues.”
    Full text of the bill is available here. Endorsement quotes can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Klobuchar Invites Minnesota Farmer as Guest to Joint Address

    US Senate News:

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

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, announced that Gary Wertish, a third-generation farmer from Renville County and President of the Minnesota Farmers Union, will be her guest at President Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday, March 4. 2025.

    “Gary represents so many family farmers and other Minnesotans who are worried about making ends meet because of the Administration’s proposed tariffs, funding freezes, and mass layoffs,” said Klobuchar. “He will be a voice for all Minnesota farmers at the President’s Joint Address.”

    “Family farmers are used to watching the skies and hoping for favorable weather. Now they are watching Washington and wondering what a potential trade war, layoffs at local USDA offices, and proposed cuts to Farm Bill programs are going to mean for their farms and communities,” said Wertish. “This only adds to uncertainty and challenges going into spring planting. We’re grateful Senator Klobuchar is working to build bipartisan support for stable trading relationships and a new Farm Bill. I’m honored by her invitation.”

    Gary Wertish ran a diversified grain and livestock farm and now assists his son, Tom, in operating their family farm near Renville. He was elected Minnesota Farmers Union President in January 2017, is a member of the National Farmers Union board of directors, and a member of the NFU Executive Committee. Wertish is a board member of Farmers Union Enterprises and serves as the livestock facilitator for the World Farmers Organization Livestock Working Group. He has served on MFU and NFU policy committees and as an MFU field representative. 

    Since 1991, Wertish has served as a supervisor for Emmet Township in Renville County. He also served nine years as a director and president of the Renville Volunteer Ambulance Service. From 1993 to 1999, Gary served on the USDA’s Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Sweeteners, and presently is a member of the Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Trade in Grains, Feed, Oilseeds and Planting Seeds. From 2001 to 2007, Wertish served as then-Senator Mark Dayton’s Agricultural Director.

    Wertish graduated from Renville High School and Willmar Area Vocational Technical Institute, with a degree in agriculture business management. He and his wife, Jeanne, are the parents of four adult children.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed, SASC Colleagues Demand Answers on Abrupt Firings of JAG Officers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), joined Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support, and ten of their SASC colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, demanding answers regarding the recent abrupt dismissals of several Judge Advocate Generals (JAG).

    In addition to demanding legal justification for these dismissals, the lawmakers requested documentation of the decision-making process, and a response to several oversight questions. The letter also expressed serious concerns about statements made by Secretary Hegseth regarding these actions.

    “By arbitrarily and baselessly removing duly selected and highly qualified JAG officers, the Administration undermines the military justice system and has interfered with the independent legal counsel that uniformed attorneys provide to commanders and the Department itself,” the 12 Senators wrote. “Such removals create an unmistakable chilling effect, signaling to all judge advocates that their positions are contingent not upon their legal expertise and adherence to the law, but rather upon political or personal loyalty. Further, this move undermines the rigorous selection and confirmation process established by Congress.”

    The JAG Corps provides critical independent legal advice to servicemembers and serves as a key component in our military’s operational readiness. JAG officers provide guidance on military justice, international law, operational law, administrative compliance, and ethics, helping to ensure that the U.S. military operates within the bounds of national and international legal frameworks. In their letter, the senators emphasized that in addition to violating federal law, these dismissals also undermine the integrity of the military justice system and effectively politicize military legal advice.

    “Such actions by the Administration amount to a betrayal of public trust and an erosion of the apolitical foundation of our military legal system,” the lawmakers continued. “These arbitrary dismissals are a direct violation of their statutory protections. It sends a dangerous message that military legal professionals who provide objective, legally sound advice may be removed at will, thereby making it impossible for the JAG Corps to function as prescribed by law.”

    The lawmakers also expressed their serious concerns over Secretary Hegseth’s statements following the dismissals, which undermined the JAG officers’ qualifications and the critical, apolitical role they play in ensuring adherence to the Constitution, the Uniform Code of Military Justice, and international law. The letter emphasized that Secretary Hegseth’s plan to demote JAG leadership would reduce oversight and eliminate guardrails meant to ensure military operations comply with international law, potentially exposing U.S. forces to war crimes allegations, damaging alliances, and undermining our country’s global leadership.

    “The independence of military legal professionals must be preserved, and any actions that erode this independence must be rectified without delay,” the Senators concluded. “Failing to integrate JAGs into military planning who are free to give independent legal advice to the commander threatens not only compliance with the law but also the safety and effectiveness of U.S. forces.”

    In addition to Senators Reed and Hirono, the letter is signed by U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Angus King (I-ME), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI).

    The full text of the letter follows:

    March 3, 2025

    Secretary Hegseth:

    The Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps is an essential pillar of our military, ensuring adherence to the rule of law, upholding the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), and providing critical independent legal advice to commanders at all levels. The JAG Corps is not only a vital element in maintaining good order and discipline within our armed forces, but it is also a key component of operational readiness. By law, JAG officers provide guidance on military justice, international law, operational law, administrative compliance, and ethics, ensuring that our warfighters operate within the bounds of national and international legal frameworks. The stability and impartiality of the JAG Corps are paramount, and any undue interference in its functioning directly impacts the effectiveness and credibility of our military.

    We write to you with deep concern regarding the recent relief of Judge Advocate Generals. This action not only undermines the integrity of the military justice system but also appears to be in direct violation of federal law, specifically 10 U.S.C. §§ 7037(e) (Army) and 9037(f) (Air Force). The Army statute explicitly states: “No officer or employee of the Department of Defense may interfere with— (1) the ability of the Judge Advocate General to give independent legal advice to the Secretary of the Army or the Chief of Staff of the Army; or (2) the ability of judge advocates of the Army assigned or attached to, or performing duty with, military units to give independent legal advice to commanders.” The Air Force and Navy statutes contain substantively identical language.

    By arbitrarily and baselessly removing duly selected and highly qualified JAG officers, the Administration undermines the military justice system and has interfered with the independent legal counsel that uniformed attorneys provide to commanders and the Department itself. Such removals create an unmistakable chilling effect, signaling to all judge advocates that their positions are contingent not upon their legal expertise and adherence to the law, but rather upon political or personal loyalty. Further, this move undermines the rigorous selection and confirmation process established by Congress.

    We are also deeply troubled by your follow-up statement after the firings where you said, “We want lawyers who give sound constitutional advice and don’t exist to attempt to be roadblocks.” This characterization of legal advisors within the military undermines the critical apolitical role they play in ensuring adherence to the Constitution, the UCMJ, and international law. Military lawyers are not “roadblocks” as you describe; they are guardrails, ensuring that orders issued by commanders are lawful and the armed forces uphold the principles that distinguish our military from those that serve autocrats around the world. Furthermore, your assertion that the selection process for senior legal officers is an “insulated” system that perpetuates the status quo disregards the legal framework established by 10 U.S.C. Chapter 36, which specifically governs the appointment, promotion, and selection of military officers, including those of the Judge Advocate General’s Corps. This is not a self-perpetuating bureaucracy; it is a system codified by law to ensure that those entrusted with legal oversight are experienced, competent, and independent enough to provide candid legal counsel, even under difficult circumstances. Undermining this structure risks politicizing the military and eroding the very professionalism that has long been its foundation.

    We are also troubled that you plan to reduce the rank of JAG leadership from a three-star to a two-star general or flag officer. This position was elevated to three-stars to signal the United States’ commitment to the rule of law as the foundation of good decisions and to ensure they could advise policymakers on our most critical national security decisions, following the abuses at Abu Ghraib. Demoting the military’s champions for lawfulness sends a clear and troubling message across the force. JAGs play a crucial role in ensuring the U.S. military complies with international law, including the DoD Law of War Manual, DoD Directive 3000.09, and the Army Field Manual on Interrogation, which govern the conduct of armed conflict, the use of autonomous weapon systems, and authorized military interrogation techniques. Without independent legal counsel, military operations risk violating international law, exposing U.S. forces to war crimes allegations, damaging alliances, and undermining global legitimacy. The absence of sound legal advice can lead to unlawful targeting decisions, excessive use of force, or misuse of emerging technologies, increasing operational and strategic risks. It endangers uniformed service members by ceding moral high ground to our adversaries in their own conduct and prosecution of armed conflict.

    Such actions by the Administration amount to a betrayal of public trust and an erosion of the apolitical foundation of our military legal system. These arbitrary dismissals are a direct violation of their statutory protections. It sends a dangerous message that military legal professionals who provide objective, legally sound advice may be removed at will, thereby making it impossible for the JAG Corps to function as prescribed by law.

    Given these grave concerns, we demand immediate clarification on the legal justification for these reliefs and an explanation as to how these actions comply with Title 10 statutes governing the selection and tenure of JAG officers. Additionally, we request a detailed account of the individuals involved in the decision-making process and any documentation that led to these dismissals.

    To facilitate proper congressional oversight, we request responses to the following questions by March 13, 2025:

    1. What is the legal basis for the removal of these JAG officers?
    2. Were any communications or directives issued to justify these removals? If so, please provide them for review.
    3. Do you plan to appoint two- or three-star officers to replace these JAG officers?
    4. What analysis has the Department conducted to determine that the replacements for these JAG officers should be two-stars?
    5. How does the Department plan to ensure the continued independence of the JAG Corps in light of these dismissals?
    6. Were any external political or administrative pressures exerted on the decision to remove these officers?
    7. How will the Department mitigate the chilling effect this decision has had on the ability of JAG officers to provide independent legal counsel?
    8. What measures will be put in place to restore trust in the military justice system and prevent similar actions in the future?
    9. Will you follow the legally-prescribed process in selecting the next Judge Advocates General of the Army, Navy, and Air Force?

    The rule of law is a foundational pillar of our nation, and the DoD must uphold it without exception. The independence of military legal professionals must be preserved, and any actions that erode this independence must be rectified without delay. Failing to integrate JAGs into military planning who are free to give independent legal advice to the commander threatens not only compliance with the law but also the safety and effectiveness of U.S. forces. As you committed at your confirmation hearing to respond promptly to the committee, we expect a response to these straightforward questions, along with full transparency in addressing the damage these firings have inflicted upon the military justice system.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner Invites Fired Fredericksburg Park Ranger to State of the Union

    US Senate News:

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

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) today announced that Ms. Ashley Ranalli of Fredericksburg will attend as his guest to President Trump’s joint address to Congress on Tuesday, March 4. Ms. Ranalli was employed as a National Park Service (NPS) ranger at Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park until last month, when – despite exemplary performance reviews – she became one of an estimated 1,000-plus Park Service workers who were indiscriminately fired by the Trump administration due to their “probationary” employment status, joining thousands of other federal workers who were fired without cause as part of Elon Musk and President Trump’s attacks on the workforce. Ms. Ranalli, 41, is a survivor of thyroid cancer and now has no health insurance.

    “Ashley Ranalli is one of the many dedicated public servants who have been forced out of their jobs serving Americans by President Trump and Elon Musk. Our national parks are places where we connect with nature, our shared history and one another, and that is made possible by the hard work of national park rangers, whose dedication, expertise, and passion not only safeguard our landscapes and wildlife but also help preserve the stories and history that make these places so special. These indiscriminate cuts of Park Service personnel are devastating to the parks and their local communities,” said Sen. Warner. “I am glad that Ashley is able to join as my guest for the address to Congress, so that President Trump can look out into the audience and face a Virginian directly affected by his short-sighted and reckless choices.”

    “Becoming a national park ranger was my dream and after years of dedication and hard work, it finally became a reality, only to be ripped away,” said Ms. Ranalli. “I am devastated by the effect the purge of federal employees has had on Fredericksburg, a community that I love and which relies upon federal workers and tourism dollars from the national park. When I come to Washington, I hope to represent not just my fellow park rangers, but also to be a voice for the people, communities and small businesses that are suffering because of political choices being made in our nation’s capital.”

    When Ashley Ranalli was hired as a volunteer and youth program coordinator at the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park in the fall, it was the culmination of years of effort and hard work. Prior to becoming a park ranger, Ashley was a public school English teacher who spent her summers working as a seasonal worker for the National Park Service, living away from her family at various NPS sites in Virginia in order to demonstrate commitment to the job and distinguish herself from a pool of largely younger candidates. On February 14, she received a layoff notice from the Department of the Interior, despite a recent performance review that described her work as “excellent” and “outstanding,” and which noted that she “goes the extra mile” when working with visitors, volunteers, and colleagues.

    While the administration has declined to make public the exact scope of the cuts at NPS and the duties and locations of those affected by the layoffs, the National Parks Conservation Association estimates that in a period of just weeks, nine percent of NPS staff have been lost to mass firings and resignations, in addition to hundreds of vacant positions that can’t be filled due to the ongoing hiring freeze. In addition, the National Park Service has been directed to identify more cuts as part of the larger Reduction in Force (RIF) efforts.

    Warner is the author of the Great American Outdoors Act, one of the largest-ever investments in conservation and public lands in our nation’s history. Signed into law by President Trump in 2020, the bipartisan Great American Outdoors Act provided billions of dollars to improve infrastructure and expand recreation opportunities in national parks and other public lands after years of underinvestment led a massive backlog in needed maintenance and repairs to Park Service sites. In Virginia alone, Warner’s Great American Outdoors Act has provided over $470 million for projects at Virginia’s 22 park service units and supported thousands of jobs – investments that are now being undermined by the Trump administration’s reckless layoffs that threaten safe operations at the parks ahead of the peak summer season. Last month, Warner led the Virginia delegation in writing the Secretary of the Interior, pushing the administration to reverse the cuts.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner and Kaine Reintroduce Legislation to Designate Blue Ridge Music Center’s Amphitheater after Former Rep. Rick Boucher

    US Senate News:

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

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) reintroduced legislation to formally designate the Blue Ridge Music Center’s outdoor amphitheater the “Rick Boucher Amphitheater” after former Rep. Rick Boucher.

    “We are deeply appreciative of Congressman Boucher’s commitment to public service, and his continued work for Southwest Virginia,” the senators said. “We can think of no better way to honor his years of public service than by dedicating this treasured music center, which he championed during his years in office, after him.”

    Former Rep. Boucher, an Abingdon native, represented Southwest Virginia’s ninth congressional district in the House of Representatives from 1983 to 2011. Rep. Boucher was an early supporter of the development of the Blue Ridge Music Center and continued to advocate for the project throughout his tenure. He also served as the Chairman of the U.S. House Energy Subcommittee on Communications, Technology and the Internet as well as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality while in Congress.

    Located in Galax, VA, the Blue Ridge Music Center is home to a visitor center, outdoor amphitheater, indoor interpretive center, and the Roots of American Music Museum, which highlights the historical significance of the region’s musical culture. The museum was featured in USA TODAY’s Top 10 Best Free Museums in the United States for 2025. The Blue Ridge Music Center is operated by the National Park Service with musical programming coordinated through a partnership with the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation. On August 25, 2022, Sen. Kaine toured the center and performed at Midday Mountain Music.

    The legislation previously passed the Senate on December 23, 2022 but did not pass the House of Representatives before the end of the 117th Congress.

    Full text of the legislation is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley Statement on Trump-Zelenskyy Meeting

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) issued the following statement regarding today’s Oval Office meeting between President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy:

    “I met with President Zelenskyy today as part of a senatorial delegation, and reaffirmed my long-held position that Putin is a dictator who’s not interested in giving up his imperial ambitions. The Constitution makes clear foreign negotiations are led by the President. President Trump wants peace for the Ukrainian people and an end to the bloodshed caused by Putin’s brutal invasion.”

    Grassley recently reflected on the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in a Senate floor speech.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján Announces Guest for President’s Joint Address to Congress, Highlights Roadrunner Food Bank and Nutrition Support

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Senator for New Mexico Ben Ray Luján
    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) announced that Katy Anderson, Vice President of Strategy, Partnerships, and Advocacy at Roadrunner Food Bank will be his guest to President Trump’s address to a Joint Session of Congress.
    “The Musk-Trump funding freeze and broad and indiscriminate firings across the federal government have devastated communities across America, leaving countless families uncertain where their next meal would come from. That’s why I’m honored to have Katy Anderson, Vice President of Strategy, Partnerships, and Advocacy at Roadrunner Food Bank join me for the President’s Joint Address. Roadrunner Food Bank is a leading hunger relief organization, ensuring that families in need have access to nutritious meals. But now, Elon Musk, President Trump, and Congressional Republicans are threatening critical funding for nutrition support – putting New Mexico families at risk,” said Senator Luján.
    “Programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) are lifelines for thousands of New Mexicans. Gutting these resources hurts our families and threatens our communities and the economy. I hope Katy’s presence is a powerful reminder of the vital role that Roadrunner Food Bank and federal nutrition programs play in keeping our communities healthy and fed,” continued Senator Luján.
    “Nutrition access is vital to New Mexicans – these are people who work hard to provide for themselves and their families. Those facing hunger want the same thing we all want for ourselves – dignity, access to fresh, healthy food and the opportunity to thrive. Proposed cuts to nutrition programs like SNAP and TEFAP undermine that; confusion around federal funding freezes undermines that,” said Katy Anderson, Vice President of Strategy, Partnerships, and Advocacy at Roadrunner Food Bank. “I’m honored to join Senator Luján for the Joint Address to stand up for New Mexico families.”
    Background on Katy Anderson and Roadrunner Food Bank:
    Katy Anderson joined Roadrunner Food Bank in 2014, focusing on special projects for the Community Initiatives team. For her first six years, she worked closely with the Food Bank’s network of 350+ partners as well as managing grants and government contracts. In April 2020, she moved into the role of Chief Programs Officer, a position that allowed her to work with amazing teams leading innovative efforts with all food partners, health and wellness programming, and data collection and analysis. In late 2023, she became the Vice President – Strategy, Partnerships, and Advocacy and has shifted her focus to state-wide collaborative approaches to addressing hunger issues.
    Roadrunner Food Bank of New Mexico, a Feeding America member, is the largest non-profit dedicated to solving food insecurity in New Mexico. As a food distribution hub, Roadrunner Food Bank provides food to hundreds of affiliated member partners around the state including food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and regional food banks. Roadrunner Food Bank also distributes food through specialized programs helping children, families and seniors at schools, low-income senior housing sites, senior centers and with and through health care partnerships. Every week, tens of thousands of hungry children, seniors and families are reached through this statewide hunger relief network. Roadrunner Food Bank is working together with partners, volunteers and contributors to end food insecurity and hunger in New Mexico. Learn more about Roadrunner Food Bank here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Peters Reintroduces Bipartisan Legislation to Equip Female DHS Officers with Next Generation Body Armor Technology

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters
    Published: 02.25.2025

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, reintroduced bipartisan legislation to provide next generation body armor tailored to best meet the coverage, fit, and functionality needs of female law enforcement personnel at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Recent ballistic testing by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) identified that body armor typically used by DHS officers can allow bullets to deflect off the chest of the armor and hit the throat area, leaving female officers vulnerable. The bill would require all agencies under DHS to provide law enforcement personnel with appropriately fitting improved ballistic body armor, ensuring that DHS can better protect all personnel.   
    “The dedicated officers serving in DHS law enforcement roles deserve nothing less than the most effective protective equipment available,” said Senator Peters. “This bipartisan legislation addresses a safety gap that puts our officers at unnecessary risk. By ensuring access to properly fitted body armor that meets the highest safety standards, we’re fulfilling our duty to protect those who protect us.” 
    In 2022, the FBI conducted ballistic testing using updated procedures and improved body molds that accounted for different body types. The testing found that the commonly used body armor, when tested on a female mold was vulnerable to a bullet, or other projectile, ricocheting off the top center of the front armor panel and into the throat area, which could kill an officer. Since the testing, improved ballistic body armor has been created and is available. This legislation would address the demonstrated safety risks identified in FBI testing and ensure that all DHS law enforcement officers have access to potentially life-saving protection.  
    The bipartisan DHS Better Ballistic Body Armor Act would require all agencies under DHS to provide all their law enforcement personnel, particularly female law enforcement officers, with improved ballistic body armor to better protect them in the line of duty.   

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Peters Reintroduces Bipartisan Bill to Correct Retirement Error for Customs and Border Protection Officers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters
    Published: 02.26.2025

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, reintroduced legislation to ensure U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers (CBPOs) can receive the retirement benefits they were promised when starting their service. The bill addresses a mistake where Customs and Border Protection (CBP) incorrectly informed newly hired CBPOs that they would be eligible for proportional annuity, meaning they would not have to retire at a certain age or reach 20 years of service to qualify for the benefit enhancement. When CBP discovered their error – more than ten years after these officers had started their service – they rescinded these benefits and now require at least 1,352 officers, including 67 in Michigan, to meet additional requirements to receive the benefits they were initially promised.  
    “Customs and Border Protection Officers work tirelessly to protect our communities in Michigan and across the country, ensuring the secure and efficient flow of trade and travel at ports of entry,” said Senator Peters. “These dedicated officers made career and retirement decisions based on benefits they were promised when hired. This bipartisan legislation will ensure Customs and Border Protection upholds its commitment to these public servants and provides them with the retirement benefits they earned through their years of service.”  
    The CPBO Retirement Corrections Act would direct CBP to identify and notify eligible individuals of the correction, allow impacted officers to receive retirement benefits aligned with their originally promised coverage, provide retroactive annuity adjustments for eligible individuals who retire before the bill’s enactment, and grant the Department of Homeland Security authority to waive maximum entry age requirements for eligible officers.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ahead of Confirmation Hearing, Warren Presses FDA, NIH Nominees to Address Conflicts of Interest with Private Health Care, Medical Research Companies

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    March 03, 2025
    “The rampant revolving door of former government leaders lobbying the agencies they once led, while their government relationships remain fresh, erodes Americans’ faith in the federal government.” 
    Text of Letter to Dr. Makary (PDF) | Text of Letter to Dr. Bhattacharya (PDF) 
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) wrote to Marty Makary and Jay Bhattacharya, nominees to lead the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), respectively, asking them to address their conflicts of interest ahead of their confirmation hearings. 
    Dr. Makary currently serves as Chief Medical Officer at Sesame Care, a direct-to-consumer health care company that connects patients with providers who virtually prescribe Sesame’s medicine. He also serves on the board of Harrow, an ophthalmic company that relies on the FDA to approve its therapeutics. While Dr. Makary said he would resign from the board before taking office, his relationship with the company raises concerns about his ability to be impartial at the FDA. 
    Dr. Bhattacharya most recently worked as a research associate at Acumen, LLC, which offers analytical research services to the federal government, and has contracts with multiple agencies across the Department of Health and Human Services – including NIH.
    Senator Warren asked both nominees to recuse themselves from all matters involving their former clients and employers for at least four years, a commitment their predecessors under the Biden administration made. 
    Senator Warren also asked them to agree to not work for any companies they regulate or interact with during their tenure, for four years after leaving office. During his confirmation process, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who oversees both of the nominees’ agencies, committed not to work for a pharmaceutical company for at least four years after leaving office. 
    Lastly, Senator Warren asked the nominees to refrain from lobbying their respective agencies for four years after leaving office.
    “The rampant revolving door of former government leaders lobbying the agencies they once led, while their government relationships remain fresh, erodes Americans’ faith in the federal government,” wrote Senator Warren to the nominees.  
    To mitigate concerns about former government leaders lobbying the agencies they once led, multiple Biden appointees agreed to a post-employment lobbying ban, following pressure from Senator Warren. 
    “By making these commitments, you would increase Americans’ trust in your ability to serve the public interest, rather than the special interests of [former contractors or companies they regulated],” concluded Senator Warren. 
    Senator Warren gave the nominees until March 10, 2025 to demonstrate their commitment to public health and address their conflicts of interest. 
    Senator Warren has been a leader on enforcing government ethics standards and pressing nominees to address conflicts of interest: 
    In February 2025, Senator Elizabeth Warren wrote to Mr. Stephen Feinberg, nominee for Deputy Secretary of the Department of Defense (DoD), pressing him to explain his “serious conflicts of interest” and his track record of mismanagement.
    In February 2025, following reports that Elon Musk would take advantage of loopholes in federal ethics laws to avoid publicly disclosing his financial conflicts of interest, Senator Elizabeth Warren led several Democrats in a letter demanding Musk publicly reveal how he could stand to profit from his role in the Trump administration.
    In February 2025, Senator Elizabeth Warren and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) called on Mr. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to recuse himself from former clients’ and employers’ particular matters and commit to not lobbying HHS after his tenure as Secretary.
    In February 2025, following the Senate Finance Committee vote to advance the nomination of Mr. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Secretary of Health and Human Services, Senator Elizabeth Warren gave remarks regarding the nominee’s continued conflicts of interest. 
    In February 2025, Senators Warren and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Ranking Member on the Senate Finance Committee, wrote to Mr. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., pressing him to urgently resolve his serious conflicts of interest before the committee vote Wednesday morning.
    In January 2025, following pressure from Senate Democrats, Mr. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. agreed to amend his flawed ethics agreement (see Warren QFRs at the end of Part 2 and start of Part 3).
    In January 2025, at a hearing of the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Elizabeth Warren questioned Mr. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services, about his dangerous conflicts of interest and record of profiting from anti-vaccine conspiracies.
    In January 2025, ahead of Mr. Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s confirmation hearing for Secretary of Health and Human Services, Senator Elizabeth Warren sent a 34-page letter detailing her concerns with his nomination and asked him to answer 175 questions ahead of his hearing before the Finance Committee.
    In January 2025, Senator Elizabeth Warren wrote to Mr. Pete Hegseth, then-nominee for Secretary of the Department of Defense, regarding his ethics conflicts ahead of the Senate’s consideration of his nomination. Particularly concerning were the facts that Mr. Hegseth’s household owns stock in several defense contractors and that he was unwilling to commit to the same post-employment restrictions he previously advocated for.
    In January 2025, Senator Elizabeth Warren wrote to Trump Transition Co-Chairs Howard Lutnick and Linda McMahon, urging them to make the White House’s ethics pledge for incoming appointees as strong as possible and outlining specific provisions to do so. The letter came at the end of the first week of confirmation hearings for President-elect Trump’s cabinet nominees, many of whom have been found to have serious conflicts of interest and massive wealth.
    In December 2024, Senator Elizabeth Warren sent a letter to President-elect Trump with concerns about Elon Musk’s conflicts of interest as he served as a top advisor for the incoming president.
    In December 2024, Senators Elizabeth Warren, Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas) wrote to Dr. Mehmet Oz, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, raising stark concerns about his advocacy to eliminate traditional Medicare and his deep financial ties to the private health insurers that would benefit from that move.
    In November 2024, in response to the news that President-elect Donald Trump selected Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to serve as Secretary of Health and Human Services, Senator Elizabeth Warren released a statement calling him a “danger to public health, scientific research, medicine, and health care coverage for millions of Americans.”
    In March 2024, Senator Elizabeth Warren secured ethics commitments from Douglas Schmidt, ahead of his confirmation to be the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E) for the Department of Defense.
    In February 2024, Senator Elizabeth Warren secured unprecedented ethics commitments from former Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney, President Biden’s nominee for U.S. Ambassador to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), including his recusal from participating in the OECD’s decision making processes regarding crypto and digital assets policy. 
    In January 2024, Senator Elizabeth Warren and Representative Jayapal sent a letter to Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, expressing concerns about the Department of Commerce’s reliance on a small team of Wall Street financiers to help allocate $39 billion in CHIPS and Science Act taxpayer-funded manufacturing and R&D subsidies.
    In June 2023, Senator Elizabeth Warren and representative Andy Kim reintroduced her Department of Defense Ethics and Anti-Corruption Act.
    In April 2023, Senator Elizabeth Warren chaired a hearing with Pentagon officials and ethics experts about problems with the revolving door, retired military officers working for foreign governments, and issues with executive branch officials owning stocks in companies impacted by their official actions.
    In May 2022, Senator Elizabeth Warren secured a commitment from then-Federal Reserve Vice Chair for Supervision nominee Michael Barr not to seek employment or compensation – including as a result of board service – from any company that has a party matter before the Fed, or any financial services company, for four years after he leaves government service.
    In February 2022, Senator Elizabeth Warren secured the strongest ethics standards ever agreed to by Federal Reserve Board nominees from Lisa Cook, Phillip Jefferson, and Sarah Bloom Raskin. The nominees agreed to a four-year recusal period from matters which they oversee on the Board of Governors, not to seek a waiver from these recusals, and not to seek employment or compensation from financial services companies for four years after leaving government service.
    In January 2022, Senator Elizabeth Warren secured a commitment from then-FDA Commissioner nominee Dr. Robert Califf to recuse himself from matters involving his former employers and clients for four years, two years longer than what was required in the Biden administration’s Ethics Pledge. He also agreed not to seek employment with or compensation, including as a result of board service, from any pharmaceutical or medical device company that he interacts with during his tenure as FDA Commissioner for four years after completing his government service. 
    In July 2021, Senator Elizabeth Warren secured agreements to four-year recusals from former clients’ and employers’ party matters from then-Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall and then-USD(R&E) Heidi Shyu.
    In January 2021, Senator Elizabeth Warren secured a commitment from General Lloyd Austin III, then-nominee for Secretary of Defense, to extend his recusal from Raytheon Technologies for four years and to not seek a position on the board of a defense contractor or become a lobbyist after his government service.
    In December 2020, Senator Elizabeth Warren and Representative Jayapal introduced the Anti-Corruption and Public Integrity Act, the most ambitious anti-corruption legislation since Watergate, which would outlaw corrupt revolving-door schemes so that public servants are serving the public – not the financial interests of themselves or giant corporations.
    In March 2020, President Trump signed the bipartisan Presidential Transition Enhancement Act into law, which included major provisions of Sen. Warren’s (D-Mass.) Transition Team Ethics Improvement Act.
    In September 2019, the Senate passed a key provision of the Transition Team Ethics Improvement Act introduced by Senators Warren and Tom Carper (D-Del.) to enhance the ethics requirements that govern presidential transitions.
    In November 2016, as President Trump prepared to take office, Senator Elizabeth Warren and Chairman Cummings requested a GAO investigation of the chaotic Trump transition. In September 2017, Government Accountability Office (GAO) released the results of the investigation, finding that the Trump transition team ignored advice from the Office of Government Ethics and failed to follow past precedents regarding ethics and presidential transitions.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: MEDIA ADVISORY: Sanders to Deliver Livestream Response to President Trump’s Congressional Address

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Vermont – Bernie Sanders
    WASHINGTON, March 3 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) on Tuesday will deliver livestreamed remarks following President Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress. His response will stream live on the Senator’s Facebook, YouTube, X and Instagram accounts. 
    Prepared remarks will be released following the conclusion of Sen. Sanders’ speech.
    Details
    What: Sen. Bernie Sanders responds to Trump’s joint address to Congress
    When: Tuesday, March 4, following the address
    Where: Facebook, YouTube, X and Instagram 
    Notes: Press that plans to tune in should contact press@sanders.senate.gov for more information. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: NBC: ‘L.A. fire captain who fought California wildfires to attend joint address to Congress’

    US Senate News:

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

    ICYMI: NBC: ‘L.A. fire captain who fought California wildfires to attend joint address to Congress’

    Padilla and Líma survey the devastation of the Los Angeles fires [January 8, 2025] Additional photos of Senator Padilla and Captain Líma are available here.WASHINGTON, D.C. — In case you missed it, NBC recently highlighted U.S. Senator Alex Padilla’s (D-Calif.) announcement that Frank Líma, a longtime Los Angeles City fire captain and firefighter union leader, will be his guest at President Trump’s 2025 Address to a Joint Session of Congress. Captain Líma was on the frontlines in the fight against the devastating Los Angeles fires in January, including defending the Pacific Palisades fire station.
    The article focuses on Padilla and Líma’s push for a fully supported firefighting workforce as well as federal disaster relief for Southern California communities with no strings attached — as has always been the case for disaster aid from the federal government.
    Key Excerpts:
    Palisades and Eaton fire survivors still need help. That’s the message Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., hopes to send to Congress next week at first joint address of President Donald Trump’s second term.
    Joining him at the address Tuesday will be union leader Frank Lima, a Los Angeles fire captain who helped defend the Pacific Palisades fire station when flames and scorching embers surrounded it on Jan. 7.
    “As President Trump outlines his priorities for our country, we want to make clear that Los Angeles County cannot be forgotten,” Padilla said in a statement. “The community faces a long road to recovery and we need a fully staffed and supported firefighting workforce and federal support without conditions.”
    Lima described the nearly weeklong siege “as a once-in-a-generation, biblical fire.” … Among the difficulties that week was persistent lack of resources, including water and staffing, within the overwhelmed fire department, whose ranks have dwindled in recent years. “We had more firefighters on duty in 1971 than we do today, yet our population doubled,” Lima told NBC News. “Our call load has increased fivefold per day. Our members are being run into the ground.”
    Padilla has repeatedly questioned the Trump administration’s approach to distributing disaster aid. He pushed Doug Burgum, who is now the interior secretary, at his confirmation hearing on the question of whether conditions should be placed on aid. “Each situation is different,” Burgum said. Padilla countered that there had never been strings attached to disaster relief. “And I certainly hope this is not the first case,” he said.
    Full text of the article is available here and below:
    L.A. fire captain who fought California wildfires to attend joint address to Congress
    By Alicia Victoria Lozano
    Palisades and Eaton fire survivors still need help.
    That’s the message Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., hopes to send to Congress next week at first joint address of President Donald Trump’s second term.
    Joining him at the address Tuesday will be union leader Frank Lima, a Los Angeles fire captain who helped defend the Pacific Palisades fire station when flames and scorching embers surrounded it on Jan. 7.
    Attendees often bring guests who represent causes important to lawmakers.
    “As President Trump outlines his priorities for our country, we want to make clear that Los Angeles County cannot be forgotten,” Padilla said in a statement. “The community faces a long road to recovery and we need a fully staffed and supported firefighting workforce and federal support without conditions.”
    It has been nearly two months since deadly wildfires devastated the Los Angeles neighborhood of Pacific Palisades, the city of Altadena and surrounding communities in what is likely to be the costliest disaster in California’s history.
    At least 29 people died, and more than 16,000 structures were destroyed.
    Lima described the nearly weeklong siege “as a once-in-a-generation, biblical fire.” Hurricane-force winds ripped through large swaths of Los Angeles County, toppling trees and utility wires and sending thick smoke, ash and soot whirling across the county.
    Among the difficulties that week was persistent lack of resources, including water and staffing, within the overwhelmed fire department, whose ranks have dwindled in recent years.
    “We had more firefighters on duty in 1971 than we do today, yet our population doubled,” Lima told NBC News. “Our call load has increased fivefold per day. Our members are being run into the ground.”
    Amid ongoing tensions over how the fires were handled, Mayor Karen Bass ousted Fire Chief Kristin Crowley last week.
    The decision was made “in the best interests of Los Angeles’ public safety, and for the operations of the Los Angeles Fire Department,” Bass said in a statement.
    “We know that 1,000 firefighters that could have been on duty on the morning the fires broke out were instead sent home on Chief Crowley’s watch,” Bass said.
    On Thursday, Crowley appealed the decision, she said in a statement obtained by NBC Los Angeles.
    The blame game has been constant since January.
    When Trump viewed the destruction two weeks after the fires, he initially expressed shock and then pointed the finger at California Democratic leaders for failing to address the state’s ongoing wildfire threat.
    Trump argued that wildlife protections have impeded access to water in California and then suggested he could withhold disaster aid over disagreements about voter ID laws and water policies.
    Lima said Thursday: “Federal aid should not come with strings attached. Our firefighters and this community and the state need federal support.”
    A recent economic impact study estimated total damages of the Palisades and Eaton fires will top $53 billion. The study, released by the nonprofit Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation, listed “federal funding uncertainty” as a primary recovery challenge.
    Padilla has repeatedly questioned the Trump administration’s approach to distributing disaster aid. He pushed Doug Burgum, who is now the interior secretary, at his confirmation hearing on the question of whether conditions should be placed on aid.
    “Each situation is different,” Burgum said.
    Padilla countered that there had never been strings attached to disaster relief.
    “And I certainly hope this is not the first case,” he said.
    Background:
    Senator Padilla has fought relentlessly to secure and protect Southern Californians’ access to desperately needed disaster relief aid. In the immediate aftermath of the Los Angeles fires, Padilla and Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) led 47 bipartisan members of the California Congressional delegation in successfully urging President Biden to grant Governor Gavin Newsom’s request for a major disaster declaration to expedite timely relief to Los Angeles County residents impacted by these disasters. Padilla also delivered remarks on the Senate floor urging his Republican colleagues and President Trump to provide essential disaster recovery aid to California without conditioning it on the passage of partisan legislation.
    Last month, Padilla introduced bipartisan legislation to create a national Wildfire Intelligence Center to streamline federal response and create a whole-of-government approach to combat wildfires. He also announced a package of three bipartisan bills to bolster fire resilience and proactive mitigation efforts, including the Wildfire Emergency Act, the Fire-Safe Electrical Corridors Act, and the Disaster Mitigation and Tax Parity Act. In January, Padilla introduced another suite of bipartisan bills to strengthen wildfire recovery and resilience, including the Wildland Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act to protect firefighter pay.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Coons, Young resolution to establish National FFA Week passes Senate

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons

    WASHINGTON – A bipartisan resolution introduced by Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Todd Young (R-Ind.) to establish February 15-22, 2025, as National FFA Week passed the Senate yesterday.

    The resolution highlights the important role of the National FFA Organization in developing the next generation of leaders by providing educational and career opportunities to students. It also commemorates the 75th anniversary of President Harry S. Truman signing into law a bill that provided a federal charter for FFA, acknowledging the significance of agricultural education in America.

    “Young Delawareans learn to meet today’s agricultural challenges and prepare for tomorrow’s opportunities through programs offered by the Delaware FFA and the National FFA Organization,” said Senator Coons. “I’m thrilled this bipartisan resolution honoring this vital organization and its talented educators and members who will become the next generation of leaders passed the Senate.”

    “FFA plays a critical role in the development of students through agricultural education. The lessons, tools, and resources gained through the FFA program equip Indiana’s future leaders with the skills needed to succeed in a variety of fields,” said Senator Young. “I’m glad to lead this resolution establishing National FFA Week in support of the more than 14,000 Hoosier FFA members.”

    “National FFA Week serves as a powerful reminder of the vital role that agricultural education and leadership development play in shaping our future,” said National FFA Advisor Dr. Travis Park. “It’s a time of celebration and reflection as FFA members, advisors, and supporters come together to honor the impact of this extraordinary organization. The week highlights the value of fostering inclusivity and leadership while addressing the critical demand for skilled talent in agriculture and related industries. Through outreach events, community engagement, and heartfelt gratitude to supporters, National FFA Week strengthens the bond between members and their communities, ensuring the legacy of agriculture and education thrives for generations to come.”

    In Delaware, there are 42 FFA chapters, with nearly 4,430 members. 

    In addition to Senators Young and Coons, Senators John Thune (R-S.D.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Jim Justice (R-W. Va.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Lisa Blunt-Rochester (D-Del.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W. Va.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Angus King (I-Maine), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) also cosponsored the resolution.

    U.S. Representatives Tracey Mann (R-Kan.), Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.), Glenn Thompson (R-Pa.), and Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.) introduced a companion resolution in the House of Representatives.

    You can view the full text of the resolution here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Coons, Murkowski, colleagues introduce Justice for ALS Veterans Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Co-Chairs of the ALS Caucus, announced the introduction of the Justice for ALS Veterans Act. This bill, first introduced in January 2022, would guarantee that the surviving spouses of veterans receive all benefits due to them. Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) and Chris Pappas (D-N.H.) introduced the legislation in the House.

    “Every year, ALS robs thousands more Americans of their ability to speak, move, and eventually to live,” said Senator Coons. “Veterans who have fiercely served our nation are twice as likely to receive an ALS diagnosis, and yet, despite our efforts to support them and their families, they do not receive the full benefits they have earned in death. I’m working with Senator Murkowski to right this wrong and take better care of military families impacted by ALS.”

    “ALS is a horrible disease that indiscriminately wreaks havoc on families across the country – mine included,” said Senator Murkowski. “I am proud to lead this bipartisan group of senators who are partnering with healthcare and advocacy groups to support those affected and their families. Our first reintroduction, the Justice for ALS Veterans Act, is an important first step that will aid the families of veterans who have been devastated by ALS. It’s not clear why veterans develop ALS at a such a high rate, but it is clear that we should close the loophole that has prevented surviving families from receiving the full benefits that they are entitled to.” 

    “Our veterans fought for us, and when they face ALS—a devastating, fast-moving disease—we must fight for them and their families. Denying a surviving spouse benefits because their loved one didn’t live long enough to meet an arbitrary requirement is not just unfair—it is a betrayal of our commitment to those who served. The Justice for ALS Veterans Act will right this wrong and ensure that the families of our brave service members receive the support they have earned and deserve,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick, Co-Chair of the Bipartisan House ALS Caucus.  

    “Studies show our nation’s veterans have a higher likelihood of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis compared to non-veterans. Veterans with ALS and their families experience rapid life changes in addition to significant financial stress,” said Calaneet Balas, President and CEO of The ALS Association. “We express our gratitude to veterans and their families, as well as to the U.S. Senators who are championing the passage of the Justice for ALS Veterans Act. This legislation aims to guarantee that the families of veterans receive the benefits they rightfully deserve, without being penalized due to the rapid progression of ALS.”

    “We are grateful to Senators Coons and Murkowski for their bipartisan leadership and commitment to veteran families impacted by ALS,” said Andrea Goodman, CEO of I AM ALS. “Veterans with ALS are a vital part of our community of advocates, and we are dedicated to ensuring those who bravely served our country receive the benefits they need. This legislation is critical to our effort to ensure survivors of veterans with ALS receive the benefits they deserve.”

    “PVA thanks Senators Murkowski and Coons, Representatives Fitzpatrick and Pappas, and other Members of Congress who have prioritized the reintroduction of the Justice for ALS Veterans Act. Denying benefits for surviving spouses of ALS veterans due to the aggressive nature of this service-connected disability does a disservice to them. The Justice for ALS Veterans Act will ensure these survivors receive the additional financial support that is afforded to other veterans’ survivors,” said Heather Ansley, Chief Policy Officer of Paralyzed Veterans of America.

    Background:

    • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that renders the body unable to control muscle movement. There is no effective treatment for the disease, no known cause, and currently no cure. At present, ALS has a fatality rate of 100%. Veterans are twice as likely to develop ALS as the general public.
    • Current policy states that a surviving spouse and family of a deceased veteran who had a service-connected disability deemed fully debilitating for a continuous period of at least eight years prior to death receive an additional monthly stipend from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). While ALS is deemed a service-connected disability, the average life expectancy for an individual diagnosed with ALS is just two to five years after diagnosis, which means that many families of an ALS-diagnosed veteran are not able to access this benefit. The Justice for ALS Veterans Act ensures that surviving spouses and families of veterans who pass away from ALS receive this additional benefit, regardless of how long an individual was living with ALS prior to their death.
    • The ALS Caucus remains committed to improving the lives of those living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and accelerating efforts toward a cure. The previous work of the Senate ALS Caucus includes:
      • Advocating for Continued Federal Funding: Securing resources for ALS research at the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Defense.
      • ACT for ALS Act Implementation: Ensuring the continued rollout of the legislation, which expands access to investigational therapies for those with ALS and strengthens research into effective treatments.
      • Community Engagement: Working with ALS patients, caregivers, and advocates to inform and shape federal policy.

    A co-chair of the Senate ALS Caucus, Senator Coons has long been a proud advocate for ALS patients in the Senate. He has introduced several bipartisan bills to address ALS, including the ACT for ALS Act, which funds essential research into rare, neurodegenerative illnesses such as ALS. The bill was signed into law by President Biden in 2021.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Coons, Moran introduce legislation to expand financing options for new energy projects

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) reintroduced the Financing Our Energy Future Act, which expands certain financing tools to all types of energy resources and infrastructure projects. The legislation would allow clean energy resources and infrastructure projects to form as master limited partnerships (MLPs), a tax structure currently only available to traditional energy projects. Newly eligible energy sources would include advanced nuclear, sustainable aviation fuel, hydrogen, biodiesel, biomass, carbon capture, and more.

    “At a time when the United States needs to boost domestic energy production to meet surging demand, Congress should ensure all energy sources are competing on a level playing field,” said Senator Coons. “The Financing our Energy Future Act is a straightforward, bipartisan solution that will bolster investment in American energy projects, create good-paying jobs, and accelerate our transition to cleaner energy sources.”

    “Being energy independent requires an all-of-the-above approach to energy production,” said Senator Moran. “Emerging renewable energy companies currently do not have access to a number of tax incentives available to other energy companies. Expanding these incentives to more companies will increase U.S. energy production, spur innovation, and help reduce prices for consumers.”

    “NIA thanks Senator Coons and Moran for recognizing the role master limited partnerships can play in supporting our nation’s advanced nuclear energy leadership,” said Judi Greenwald, Executive Director of the Nuclear Innovation Alliance. “Their bipartisan master limited partnerships legislation will help commercialize important innovations in advanced nuclear energy and other key technologies, increase U.S. competitiveness, and create jobs.”

    “The Energy Infrastructure Council commends Senators Moran and Coons, along with Representatives Estes and Thompson, for their leadership in introducing the Financing Our Energy Future Act,” said Lori Ziebart, President and CEO of the Energy Infrastructure Council. “This bipartisan legislation is one step that Congress can take this year to grow the energy economy to benefit all working-class Americans. It expands the master limited partnership structure to include new and emerging energy sources such as hydrogen, alternative energy, carbon capture and sequestration, and renewable fuels. The MLP structure has proven to be an efficient, cost-effective method for raising capital to support the development of critical energy infrastructure and provides individuals another vehicle to invest in energy infrastructure similar to real estate investment through REITS. Expanding this framework is essential as all energy sources will be needed to ensure a reliable and secure energy future. This expansion deepens the capital pool, improves market efficiency, creates jobs, and drives down costs of energy in a way that will help all Americans.”

    “To strengthen its economic base and create more reliable and affordable energy, the U.S. needs tax policies that reflect the depth and breadth of America’s energy sector,” said Frank Macchiarola, American Clean Power (ACP) Association Chief Advocacy Officer. “The Financing Our Energy Future Act offers an innovative, logical approach to that challenge that will make America’s energy sector stronger and better able to serve the needs of the nation.”

    “BPC Action applauds the introduction of the Financing Our Energy Future Act, an important step in incentivizing the deployment of innovative energy technologies to increase U.S. economic growth and global competitiveness,” said Michele Stockwell, President of Bipartisan Policy Center Action (BPC Action). “We commend Sens. Moran’s and Coons’ bipartisan leadership to level the playing field for novel energy projects—including around carbon capture, utilization, and storage, energy storage, advanced nuclear, and waste-to-energy—to have the same tax-advantaged structures currently available to fossil fuels.”

    “As the U.S. enters a period of increasing demand growth, it is important to include all forms of reliable energy in advantageous tax and financing structures to accelerate deployment and ensure grid reliability,” said Jeremy Harrell, CEO of ClearPath Action. “We are excited to see advanced nuclear included in this proposal to help catalyze the next generation of advanced reactors through access to master limited partnerships.”

    An MLP is a business structure that is taxed as a partnership but whose ownership interests are traded like corporate stock on a market. Currently, MLPs are only available to investors in energy portfolios for oil, natural gas, coal extraction, and pipeline projects. For projects to be an MLP, at least 90 percent of the project’s income must come from these sources. This legislation would amend the Internal Revenue Code to extend the publicly traded partnership ownership structure to renewable energy power generation projects.

    In addition to Senators Coons and Moran, this legislation is cosponsored by Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Angus King (I-Maine), John Curtis (R-Utah), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), and Mark Warner (D-Va.).

    The full legislation can be read here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Further Amendment to Duties Addressing the Synthetic Opioid Supply Chain in the People’s Republic of China

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    class=”has-text-align-left”>        By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) (IEEPA), the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.), section 604 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (19 U.S.C. 2483), and section 301 of title 3, United States Code, I hereby determine and order:
            Section 1.  Background.  With Executive Order 14195 of February 1, 2025 (Imposing Duties to Address the Synthetic Opioid Supply Chain in the People’s Republic of China), I determined that the failure of the Government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to act to blunt the sustained influx of synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, flowing from the PRC to the United States constituted an unusual and extraordinary threat, which has its source in substantial part outside the United States, to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States.  To address that threat, I invoked my authority under section 1702(a)(1)(B) of IEEPA to impose ad valorem tariffs on articles that are products of the PRC, as defined by the Federal Register notice described in section 2(d) of Executive Order 14195, as amended by Executive Order 14200 of February 5, 2025 (Amendment to Duties Addressing the Synthetic Opioid Supply Chain in the People’s Republic of China).
            Pursuant to section 3 of Executive Order 14195, I have determined that the PRC has not taken adequate steps to alleviate the illicit drug crisis through cooperative enforcement actions, and that the crisis described in Executive Order 14195 has not abated.
           Sec. 2.  Amendment.  In recognition of the fact that the PRC has not taken adequate steps to alleviate the illicit drug crisis, section 2(a) of Executive Order 14195 is hereby amended by striking the words “10 percent” and inserting in lieu thereof the words “20 percent”.
           Sec. 3.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:             (i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department, agency, or the head thereof; or             (ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.        (b)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.        (c)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.   
    THE WHITE HOUSE,    March 3, 2025.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Another Historic Investment Secured Under President Trump

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    Today, President Donald J. Trump joined Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) CEO C.C. Wei to announce a historic $100 billion investment by TSMC in its Arizona-based semiconductor chips manufacturing operation — the largest foreign direct investment in U.S. history.
    President Trump: “This $100 billion in new investment will go into building five cutting-edge fabrication facilities in the great state that we just discussed, Arizona, and will create thousands of jobs — many thousands of jobs, and they’re high-paying jobs. In total, today’s announcement brings Taiwan Semiconductor’s investment to about $165 billion.”
    TSMC CEO C.C. Wei: “It’s going to create thousands of high-paying jobs … We are going to produce many chips to support AI’s progress and to support the smartphone’s progress. I want to thank President Trump again for his support.”
    Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick: “President Trump has made it a fundamental objective to bring semiconductor chip manufacturing home to America … You’re seeing the power of Donald Trump’s presidency because TSMC, the greatest manufacturer of chips in the world, is coming to America with a $100 billion investment.”
    Since taking office, President Trump has secured nearly $2 trillion in U.S.-based investment — and the best is yet to come.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Boozman, Warner Continue Efforts to Prevent Veteran Suicide

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas – John Boozman
    WASHINGTON––Today, U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR), a senior member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, and Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) continued their efforts to support those who have served in our nation’s military by introducing legislation to renew and expand essential funding for mental health outreach and suicide prevention in veteran communities through the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program.
    Authored by Boozman and Warner and later signed into law as a provision of the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act, the Fox Grant Program has authorized $174 million since 2020 to address the veteran suicide crisis through funding community and veteran service organizations (VSOs) as well as mental health care providers across the country that provide suicide prevention services and outreach for at-risk veterans. 
    “Veterans who struggle with mental health have responded well to support provided by those they know and trust,” said Boozman. “When our former servicemembers have access to assistance within their own communities, from organizations with demonstrated ability to build strong relationships and foster hope, they are less likely to take their own lives. Reauthorizing funding for this life-saving initiative is part of the commitment we made to fulfilling what was promised to our veterans struggling to carry the invisible weight of their mental and physical sacrifice.”
    “Veterans put an enormous amount on the line to serve our nation, and we owe them the best benefits available when they come home – including robust mental health resources,” said Warner. “For the past several years, the Staff Sergeant Fox Grant Program has played an invaluable role getting organizations already doing life-saving mental health outreach more support, including many incredible organizations in Virginia. We cannot back down on our commitment to preventing suicide in veteran communities – it’s time for us to extend and expand this essential grant program.”
    The Fox Grant Program is scheduled to sunset later this year. The senators’ legislation would:
    Reauthorize the Fox Grant Program until Sept. 30, 2028, and increase the total authorized funding for the grant program from $174 million to $285 million;
    Expand the maximum potential award from $750,000 to $1.25 million;
    Direct the VA to collect additional measures and metrics on outcomes to better serve veterans; and
    Require annual briefings for VA medical personnel to improve awareness of the program and increase coordination with providers.
    The legislation has strong support from Veterans of Foreign Wars and Blue Star Families.
    “The Veterans of Foreign Wars strongly supports the bipartisan legislation introduced by Senators Warner and Boozman to reauthorize and expand the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program. Veteran suicide remains a national crisis, and increasing the maximum grant amount while improving oversight and coordination will help ensure life-saving resources reach those in need. The VFW has long advocated for community-based solutions, and this legislation strengthens critical partnerships between the VA and local organizations working to prevent suicide. We urge Congress to swiftly pass this bill and reaffirm its commitment to those who have sacrificed for our nation,” said Joy Craig, Associate Director of Service Member Affairs with the VFW’s National Legislative Service.
    “The SSG Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program is a lifeline for veterans and military families facing the invisible wounds of service. Blue Star Families has seen firsthand the impact of these critical resources—support that saves lives and strengthens communities. This program ensures that veterans and their loved ones get the help they need before a crisis turns tragic. We are proud to support its reauthorization and urge Congress to continue investing in solutions that honor the service and sacrifice of those who’ve given so much for our country,” said Blue Star Families CEO Kathy Roth-Douquet. 
    The program honors Parker Gordon Fox, a veteran and former sniper instructor at the U.S. Army Infantry School at Ft. Benning, Georgia. SSG Fox died by suicide on July 21, 2020, at the age of 25. Suicide is the 12th-leading cause of death for veterans, and the 2nd-leading cause for veterans under 45. Over 131,000 veterans have died by suicide since 2001, with veterans being 72 percent more likely than the civilian population to die by suicide. Since its original passage, the Fox Grant Program has worked to end this crisis by distributing hundreds of millions in funding to organizations that provide critical, frontline mental health services to veterans.
    Click here for full text of the legislation.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEWS: Sanders Statement: Meet Donald Trump’s New Best Friend, Vladimir Putin

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Vermont – Bernie Sanders
    WASHINGTON, March 3 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) today released the following statement introducing the American people to the background and history of Russian dictator, and apparent ally of President Trump, Vladimir Putin.
    Donald Trump’s attacks on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are a gift to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump is dividing the Western alliance, and undermining Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s invasion. His actions may prolong the war by convincing Putin he can manipulate Trump into a deal with concessions he couldn’t win on the battlefield.
    Trump is cozying up to Vladimir Putin – so, who is Putin?
    Putin is a former Soviet spy who spent 16 years in the KGB, where he learned how to manipulate people by playing on their egos, greed and fears. After the end of the Cold War, Putin was named head of the FSB, Russia’s post-KGB intelligence agency. In 1999, Putin was named Prime Minister, becoming president when former President Yeltsin unexpectedly resigned. Putin has ruled Russia ever since.
    At the heart of Putin’s rule are two forces: corruption and violence.
    As Russia’s new leader, Putin, who is now believed to be one of the wealthiest people on earth, consolidated power at home by reining in Russia’s powerful oligarchs. He offered them a simple deal: If they granted him absolute power and shared the spoils, he would let them steal as much as they wanted from the Russian people. The result: while the vast majority of the Russian population struggles economically, Putin and his fellow oligarchs stashed trillions of dollars in offshore tax havens. In the process, Putin crushed Russia’s brief movement toward democracy. He eliminated rivals, cracked down on freedom of speech, and strangled the free media. Political dissidents, investigative journalists, and opposition leaders started turning up dead.
    Today, 26 years after he took power, Putin is the absolute ruler of Russia. Russian elections are blatantly fraudulent, with Putin’s lackeys barely hiding their ballot-stuffing. In the last sham election, Putin won 88 percent of the “vote” against carefully screened opposition candidates.
    That is Putin’s Russia. There is no freedom of speech. Protests are violently suppressed. Tens of thousands of people are in imprisoned for speaking out against his rule. The bravest and most prominent dissidents – people like Alexei Navalny, Boris Nemtsov and Sergei Magnitsky – are murdered outright. And the billionaire oligarchs become even richer.
    That is the leader Trump defends and admires.
    But it’s not just repression at home. Putin has also engaged in four brutal wars: in Chechnya, Georgia, Syria and Ukraine (twice). In Chechnya, his forces targeted civilians and medical personnel, flattening entire cities. Against Georgia, he launched an unprovoked invasion and annexed 20 percent the country. In Syria, Russian aircraft bombed schools, hospitals and crowded markets, killing thousands of civilians to prop up the brutal dictator Bashar al-Assad. And in Ukraine, Putin has invaded twice, first in 2014 and then again in 2022.
    Right now, Russia occupies about 20 percent of Ukraine. Because of Putin’s invasion, over one million people have been killed or injured. Every single day, Russia rains down hundreds of missiles and drones on Ukrainian cities. Putin’s forces have massacred civilians and kidnapped thousands of Ukrainian children, bringing them back to Russian “re-education” camps. These atrocities led the International Criminal Court to issue an arrest warrant for Putin in 2023 as a war criminal.
    Putin has also directly attacked the United States and its allies, repeatedly hacking our computer systems, attempting to sabotage critical infrastructure, meddling in our elections and harassing our diplomats.
    That is Donald Trump’s new best friend, Vladimir Putin.
    Every American – regardless of his or her political views – should see the current reality clearly. For the first time in American history, we have a president who is prepared to turn his back on our democratic allies and democratic values to align himself with one of the world’s most brutal dictators.
    For 250 years, people all over the world have looked to the United States, the longest existing democracy on earth, as a source of inspiration. In many countries, democratic leaders have studied our Declaration of Independence and our Constitution for guidance as to how to form governments of the people, by the people, and for the people. In this difficult historical moment, we cannot let them down. More importantly, we cannot let ourselves down. We cannot turn our backs on democracy and our own history.
    We must not allow authoritarians and oligarchs to rule the world.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Oregon Delegation Demands Reversal of Trump Attacks on Programs Serving Tribal Communities

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)
    March 03, 2025
    Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden—along with U.S. Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), and Janelle Bynum (OR-05)—joined over 100 Members of Congress to demand that the Trump Administration stop and reverse its dangerous efforts to fire employees and defund programs that serve Tribes and Tribal members.
    The lawmakers directed President Donald Trump, U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to “take immediate action to halt, exempt, and reverse the impacts to federal employees and funding serving Indian Country, as those positions and programs are essential for the administration of legally mandated Tribal programs and services.”
    Outlining the impact of the Trump administration’s actions to-date, the lawmakers further wrote, “Your administration’s recent executive actions undermine Tribal sovereignty, existing federal law, and the federal-Tribal government-to-government relationship.”
    “In the past month, your administration has taken aim at thousands of federal workers across various government agencies. Reports indicate that this includes more than 2,600 federal employees at the Department of Interior, including more than 100 Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) employees, more than 40 Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) employees, several employees at the Office of Indian Affairs, as well as social workers, firefighters, and police that work on behalf of Indian Country, plus some 950 Indian Health Service (IHS) employees at the Department of Health and Human Services,” the lawmakers continued.
    The lawmakers further reminded the President and Secretary Burgum that “Tribal Nations are sovereign governments with a unique legal and political relationship to the United States. The inherent sovereignty of Tribes is recognized in the U.S. Constitution, in treaties, and across many federal laws and policies, and it has been consistently upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court.”
    “These trust and treaty obligations in some cases predate both the establishment of all of the agencies in question as well as the United States itself. Pursuant to those legal obligations, we must adequately fund and staff agencies that provide these essential services and programs, including at BIA, BIE, and IHS,” the lawmakers stressed.
    The letter is the latest in a series of actions by the Oregon delegation to sound the alarm on the Trump Administration’s attacks on Tribal communities, including staffing shortages at the IHS, layoffs at the IHS, and wrongful searches and interrogations of Tribal members by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
    The full text of the letter is here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy, Barrasso, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Repeal Biden Tax on American Energy, Manufacturing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), John Barrasso (R-WY), and colleagues introduced legislation to repeal the largest tax hike from the Democrats’ 2022 reckless tax and spending bill that makes it harder to invest, produce, and manufacture in the United States.
    “The American dream is becoming out of reach for many Americans. We should be investing in American energy, manufacturing, and jobs,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This bill is pro-American worker and pro-Louisiana.”
    “Reckless and complicated taxes like the book minimum tax undermine our nation’s supply chain, threaten our energy security, and send jobs and investments overseas,” said Senator Barrasso. “Companies that want to invest in our country, create more American jobs, and unleash American energy don’t need more punishing taxes. They especially don’t need unelected bureaucrats gaining more control of U.S. tax policy. We need to repeal this reckless and failed tax once and for all.”
    The book minimum tax is an arcane tax on U.S. job creators investing in America. The tax removes longstanding provisions to help promote economic growth and investments while creating loopholes for special interest groups. The Book Minimum Tax Repeal Act will end this harmful provision and stop unelected bureaucrats from manipulating tax policy to benefit their favorite industries.
    The legislation is supported by the National Association of Manufacturers, American Petroleum Institute, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, National Mining Association, Independent Petroleum Association of America, Energy Infrastructure Council, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Interstate Natural Gas Association of America, and the Western Energy Alliance.
    Cassidy and Barrasso were joined by U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-ID), James Lankford (R-OK), Jim Risch (R-ID), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Steve Daines (R-MT), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and Pete Ricketts (R-NE) in cosponsoring the legislation. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Schatz Statement on USAID

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Hawaii Brian Schatz
    Published: 03.03.2025

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), lead Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs, released the following statement on reports that the U.S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Acting Assistant Administrator for Global Health was put on leave after authoring an internal memo detailing the failures at USAID to provide critical humanitarian aid.
    “These new details confirm our worst fears: the illegal and systematic dismantling of USAID will cause real suffering and deaths that are entirely preventable. Instead of addressing the issues outlined by Acting Assistant Administrator for Global Health Nicholas Enrich, the State Department has silenced and sidelined him. It’s completely inappropriate and wrong. Congress and the American people deserve real action from the State Department to actually provide the assistance Congress has directed and answers on why obstacles were created at USAID to prevent that aid from flowing.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Baldwin Blasts Trump Administration for Stopping $65 Million for Alzheimer’s Disease Research

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, slammed the Trump administration for stopping $65 million in funding for Alzheimer’s disease research at 14 research institutions across the country. 14 of the 35 Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers (ADRCs) have had their funding halted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) because the Trump Administration continues to cancel NIH Advisory Council meetings, which are the final required step in the grant approval process.

    Since day one, the Trump Administration has prohibited NIH from announcing more than 185 study section and Advisory Council meetings on the Federal Register, forcing the cancellation of NIH’s National Institute on Aging (NIA) January Advisory Council meeting where renewal applications for the 14 ADRCs were to be reviewed. As a result, those 14 ADRCs will begin to run out of funding starting today, and all of them will run out of funding by April 30th. This is just one example of the tens of thousands of grants and billions of dollars in medical research funding that the Trump Administration is currently holding up across NIH.

    “President Trump has single-handedly stopped Alzheimer’s disease research in its tracks, let that sink in,” said Senator Baldwin. “The millions upon millions of families with a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias are relying on this research for hope, but Donald Trump and Elon Musk are refusing to fund this research because they are in an all-out quest for every dollar they can find for their billionaire tax break. This is Alzheimer’s disease research– including at the University of Wisconsin – that is discovering ways to prevent these diseases, detect them earlier, develop new treatments, and ultimately find cures – but Donald Trump is throwing that by the wayside so he can give handouts to his wealthy friends.”

    The NIA funds 35 ADRCs at major medical and academic institutions in 24 states across the country. Scientists at these Centers are conducting cutting-edge research to prevent and treat Alzheimer’s disease and providing resources and infrastructure for patients suffering with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. These Centers also train the next generation of researchers to treat patients with Alzheimer’s disease and help families manage symptoms and cope. This national network of Centers is dedicated to developing and testing new ways to detect, diagnose, treat, and prevent dementia and improve care for people with Alzheimer’s disease. Much of the important progress in Alzheimer’s disease and dementia research in the United States over the last 40 years stems from research conducted at the ADRCs.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER WILL BRING FIRED WESTERN NY VETERAN & BUFFALO VA WORKER AS HIS PERSONAL GUEST TO PRESIDENT TRUMP’S JOINT ADDRESS TO CONGRESS THIS WEEK

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer
    DOGE & New Admin Have Fired Thousands Of Federal Workers In Past Month, Disproportionally Impacting Vets, Who Make Up 30% Fed Workforce, Uprooting Lives And Directly Impacting Care For Veterans Across Upstate NY
    Alissa Ellman, An Army Veteran Who Is Disabled From Burn Pit Exposure In Afghanistan, Dedicated Her Life To Service And Worked For The Buffalo VA To Help Her Fellow Veterans, But Like Thousands Of Others Found Out She Was Callously Fired Without Warning This Past Week – Now She Is Joining Schumer In Calling For Better Treatment For Our Vets
    Schumer: We Need To Be Increasing Care For Our Veterans In Western NY, Not Firing Them
    U.S. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer today announced he will bring Western NY’s Alissa Ellman, a disabled Army veteran who served in Afghanistan who was suddenly fired this past week from her job working for the Buffalo VA, as his personal guest to attend President Trump’s Joint Session of Congress. Under new DOGE directive and President Trump, hundreds of thousands of federal workers, of which 30% are veterans, have been fired in the past month, including 2,400 VA employees, like Alissa.
    “Alissa Ellman dedicated her life to service for our country, both in the Army, where she suffered injuries, and here in Western NY helping her fellow veterans while working at the Buffalo VA. Firing her, firing veterans and slashing thousands from the VA workforce is outrageous and should be reversed. This is not how you treat our veterans – it’s not just unacceptable, it’s un-American,” said Senator Schumer. “DOGE cuts and Trump’s funding freeze have created chaos in Western NY and kneecapped far too many vets. I am all for cutting out inefficiency, but you use a scalpel, not a chainsaw. Jobs and care for our veterans in Upstate NY is not government waste. Even funding to help vets suffering from toxic burn pit exposure, like Alissa, was put on the chopping block. Our nation told our veterans that if they put their lives and health on the line to protect our freedoms, we would take care of them, and now we need the Trump administration to uphold that promise. I look forward to welcoming Alissa Ellman as my personal guest to President Trump’s address to a Joint Session of Congress as we fight for better treatment of our veterans here in Western NY and across the country.”
    Alissa Ellman said, “I am speaking out because I cannot see how employing veterans in the federal government is fraud, waste, or abuse. Veterans are some of the best people I know. Veterans have sacrificed for this country; they are the ones who have been defrauded – their talents wasted and service abused. For many of us these jobs are more than a job, they are how we continue our service, continue our devotion to make America a better place. I’m not telling you my story for pity; my life will be fine. But we need to be making more thoughtful cuts to the federal workforce, not our vets.”
    Schumer said this fire first, ask questions later approach towards cutting jobs and funding is unacceptable, especially when caring for our veterans. Federal jobs give preference to veterans, allowing them to continue serving our country in what was previously a stable government career, which is why approximately 30 percent of the federal workforce are veterans.
    Schumer in 2022 led the PACT Act to passage in the Senate. The PACT Act extends health coverage for veterans like Alissa who were exposed to burn pit smoke and other environmental hazards that caused cancers and other illnesses during their service. However, in the past month President Trump’s funding & hiring freeze has also led to hundreds of cuts for VA health research, including projects to study burn pit exposure and most recently contracts with VA to help vets with toxic exposure were temporarily suspended. Schumer said this horrific pattern of cuts and firings that is directly impacting our veterans cannot continue, and he is looking forward to welcoming Alissa to demand better treatment for veterans across America.
    These funding cuts have also directly hit care for veterans in Upstate NY, with VA workers being laid off in Rochester, Canandaigua, Buffalo, and just last week in Steuben County at the Bath VA facility impacting treatment for veterans suffering from addiction and substance use disorder. Schumer said now more than ever veterans are concerned about their benefits, and VA staffers are concerned about their jobs especially with the Trump administration saying more mass firings are coming soon. Schumer has been leading the charge to stop this in the Senate, most recently demanding VA Secretary Collins demanding they reverse the mass terminations of VA employees and reinstate the workers ensuring our nation’s veterans receive quality healthcare.
    Biography for Alissa Ellman:
    Alissa Ellman joined the Army National Guard at the age of 17, and she returned from basic training to high school ten days before the September 11th attack which further spurred her desire to serve her country. She deployed to Afghanistan voluntarily from January 2003 to June 2004 as a flight operation specialist. She returned to the Afghanistan with Halliburton from 2005-2008 managing flight line operations in Kandahar. In 2008, Alissa returned to Western New York, started a family and later graduate Magnum Cum Laude from Niagara University with a degree in Special Education.
    In 2018, Alissa was diagnosed with a rare adrenal cancer, pheochromocytoma, associated with toxic burn pit exposure during her service in Afghanistan. After 5 years of treatment at the VA, she was deemed 100% disabled, a diagnosis she never envisioned, but knew that she continued to want to serve her community.
    In December 2023, she began to apply to work at the Buffalo VA working for the education department to help fellow veterans as that means to give back. Not taking the job for the money, receiving only a few dollars more per month on top of her VA disability payments, but to continue to help the community she cared so deeply about, eventually being hired in April 2024.
    She met all the training and meeting production numbers, and in January had a 200% daily production average. When the VA began announcing the cuts under the new administration, she told her friends she was safe because she always exceeded work goals, but she was wrong.
    Last week, Alissa found herself locked out of her computer, with both her and her boss thinking at first it was an error, only to later find out she had been fired. Alissa said she never felt so disrespected after giving so much.
    She will attend President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress Tuesday evening, March 4th as Senator Schumer’s honored guest.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst to Host Father of Sarah Root at President Trump’s Address

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
    WASHINGTON – Ahead of President Trump’s joint address to Congress tomorrow, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) announced that she will host Scott Root, father of the late Sarah Root, as her guest.
    Twenty-one-year-old Iowan Sarah Root was killed on January 31, 2016, the night of her college graduation, by an illegal immigrant driving drunk. Before her family could even lay her to rest, a loophole in the law allowed her killer to be released and escape justice for his crime. Ernst wrote Sarah’s Law in 2016 to honor Sarah’s life and ensure this tragedy never happens again. This year, the bill was passed into law as an amendment to the Laken Riley Act to require U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to detain illegal immigrants who have committed violent crimes against Americans.
    “It is an honor to welcome Scott Root as my guest for this week’s presidential address to Congress,” said Ernst. “After a nine-year battle for change, this week we remember Sarah and the fact that under the leadership of President Trump, our nation’s laws will no longer prioritize illegal immigrants over Americans. I continue to elevate Sarah’s story to the highest levels and partner with the White House to provide closure for her loved ones.”
    “Senator Ernst has been working on this since the very beginning in 2016, and it means so much to me that, thanks in part to her work, Sarah’s life will not be forgotten. I would also like to thank President Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, and all the unseen people who have been instrumental in making this happen.” said Scott Root. “While nothing can bring my daughter back, with the passage of Sarah’s Law, I hope that no family has to endure what mine did ever again. My attendance at President Trump’s address this week not only honors Sarah but will help bring public attention to the efforts to ensure her killer faces justice.”
    Background:
    For nine years since the tragedy, Senator Ernst worked tirelessly to pass Sarah’s Law to bring closure to the Root family and ensure this never happens again. This year, she shepherded the legislation through the Senate and the House. Earlier this year, President Trump made this legislation the law of the land.

    MIL OSI USA News –