NewzIntel.com

Category: US Senate

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 02/28/2025 Blackburn, Cassidy, Colleagues Applaud Senate Committee Passage of Bipartisan Legislation to Combat Fentanyl Crisis

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)
    NASHVILLE, Tenn. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) joined Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.) and their colleagues in applauding the passage of their Halt Lethal Trafficking (HALT) Fentanyl Act by the Senate Judiciary Committee. The HALT Fentanyl Act would make permanent the temporary classification of fentanyl-related substances as a Schedule I drug of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). The drug’s Schedule I classification is set to expire on March 31, 2025. This legislation builds on the momentum of the Stopping Overdoses of Fentanyl Analogues (SOFA) Act introduced by Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wisc.).
    “Border Patrol officers have caught more fentanyl nationwide over the last two years than ever before in history, and Tennessee communities are paying the tragic price,” said Senator Blackburn. “The HALT Fentanyl Act would help law enforcement crack down on fentanyl trafficking, and I’m pleased it is one step closer to becoming law.”
    “Chinese fentanyl was pouring into the U.S. under President Biden’s open border. Law enforcement needs every tool possible to combat this,” said Dr. Cassidy. “I am grateful for Chairman Grassley’s quick work to move this through the Judiciary Committee. Let’s make it law.”
    BACKGROUND
    Drug overdoses, largely driven by fentanyl, are the leading cause of death among young adults 18 to 45 years old. Synthetic opioids like fentanyl account for 66 percent of U.S. overdose deaths.
    According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were an estimated 107,543 drug overdose deaths in the U.S. in 2023. This was primarily fueled by synthetic opioids, including illegal fentanyl, which are largely manufactured in Mexico from raw materials supplied by China. 
    In 2022, there were over 50.6 million fentanyl-laced fake prescription pills seized by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), more than double the amount seized in 2021.
    In 2017, Senator Johnson introduced the SOFA Act following the Wisconsin legislature’s unanimous adoption of a bill that mirrors the HALT Fentanyl Act. 
    CO-SPONSORS
    The HALT Fentanyl Act is also co-sponsored by Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Chuck Grassley(R-Iowa), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Ruben Gallego(D-Ariz.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Angus King (I-Maine), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), and Ashley Moody (R-Fla.). 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: More Support for Trump Administration’s Pursuit of Peace in Ukraine

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    Support continues to roll in for the unwavering commitment of President Donald J. Trump and Vice President Vance to the American people and the Trump Administration’s relentless pursuit of peace. Speaker Mike Johnson: “Thanks to President Trump – the days of America being taken advantage of and disrespected are OVER. The death and destruction of the Russian-provoked war needs to stop immediately, and only our American President can put these two countries on a path to lasting peace. President Zelenskyy needed to acknowledge that, and accept the extraordinary mineral rights partnership proposal that President Trump put on the table. What we witnessed in the Oval Office today was an American President putting America first.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio: “The only person on the planet who is actively trying to bring an end to this conflict is named Donald Trump, the President of the United States.” National Security Advisor Mike Waltz: “It’s not clear that Zelenskyy truly wants to stop the fighting. He came in, even though he was warned not to, determined to litigate all of that … This was the wrong approach, wrong time in history, and definitely the wrong president to try to do this.” Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard: “Thank you @realDonaldTrump for your unwavering leadership in standing up for the interests of the American people, and peace. What you said is absolutely true: Zelensky has been trying to drag the United States into a nuclear war with Russia/WW3 for years now, and no one has called him on it. Thank you, Vice President @JDVance for speaking out so forcefully and clearly, about the necessity of diplomacy.” UN Ambassador-designate Elise Stefanik: “President Trump will ALWAYS stand up for the American people – especially in the Oval Office. Peace through strength is back on the world stage because of President Trump’s bold and strong leadership.” Sen. Eric Schmitt: “Zelensky was probably used to talking this way to American leaders. Apparently, no one told him that things have changed. The age of America Last foreign policy is over. From this day forward, it’s going to be only America First.” Sen. Lindsey Graham: “I have never been more proud of the president. I was very proud of JD Vance, standing up for our country.” CNN’s Scott Jennings: “All Zelenskyy had to do today was put on a tie, show up, smile, say thank you, sign the papers, and have lunch. That’s it — and he couldn’t do that.” Marc Thiessen: “There was no ambush. Z was set up for success. All he had to do was not get into a public fight and sign the minerals deal.  Not hard. A lot of work went into making a successful moment possible and he blew it and then refused to apologize.” Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller: “The way that President Trump defended Americans after YEARS of being fleeced and abused and taken advantage of and taken for granted — millions of American hearts swelled with overflowing pride today to watch President Trump put Zelenskyy in his place.” Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt: “[Zelenskyy] refuses to recognize the practical reality of this war. It has been going on for years, his countrymen are dying, and the people who have been funding this effort — the American people — are sick and tired of footing this bill.” Rep. Victoria Spartz: “It’s such a disservice to the Ukrainian people to play hero and politics and trying to increase his rating … Being so insulting to the American people after how much was done by us for Ukraine and for Europe, I can’t believe it.” Rep. Kevin Hern: “President Trump is determined to end the war in Ukraine. He is determined for the world to get back at peace, as it was when he was in office before.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: In Letter to Makary, Sens. Murray, Baldwin, Alsobrooks Raise Alarm over Decision to Cancel Critical FDA Flu Shot Meeting Amid Worst Flu Season in 15 Years

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
    Senators: “We intend to use your nomination hearing next week to understand whether you support this ill-informed measure to slow critical public health decision making.”
    Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former Chairof the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) sent a letter to Dr. Marty Makary, President Trump’s nominee to lead the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), expressing extreme concern with the FDA’s unprecedented decision to abruptly cancel the March 13th planned meeting of the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC), which is the annual opportunity for FDA to hear expert advice and make recommendations on the selection of influenza strains to be included in the flu vaccines this coming fall. The cancellation of the VRBPAC’s meeting to consider flu shot characteristics for the upcoming flu season comes while the U.S. is experiencing the worst flu season in 15 years. As of February 15, 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that there have been at least 33 million illnesses, 430,000 hospitalizations, and 19,000 deaths from flu so far this season.
    Dr. Makary is set to appear before the HELP Committee on Thursday, March 6th, for a hearing on his nomination to lead FDA. “We intend to use your nomination hearing next week to understand whether you support this ill-informed measure to slow critical public health decision making,” Murray, Baldwin, and Alsobrooks—all members of the HELP Committee—wrote.
    “The cancellation of next week’s VRBPAC meeting is unprecedented. This Committee has met every year for the past 30 years to discuss the influenza virus vaccines for the upcoming flu season and make recommendations to the FDA. It is essential for this meeting to occur, and its expert recommendations to be issued, in a timely, routine manner,” the senators continued. “Any delay in the Committee meeting and issuing recommendations may impact flu vaccine availability and effectiveness, if manufacturers do not have sufficient time to prepare the correct vaccines.”
    “While we acknowledge you are not yet at the agency, we expect you to answer questions about whether you will adopt a position of responsible public health leadership or continue the Trump Administration’s current, troubling trajectory into vaccine skepticism should you be confirmed to lead FDA,” Murray and her colleagues wrote, asking that Dr. Makary be prepared to address the following questions:
    Will you reschedule FDA VRBPAC meeting to consider influenza virus vaccines for the 2025-2026 flu season? If not, why not?
    Are you planning to remove or otherwise change the membership of the FDA VRBPAC?
    Will FDA accept the expert, independent recommendations of the FDA VRBPAC, for influenza virus vaccines and all other vaccine types?
    Do you commit to convening the FDA VRBPAC on its established annual basis to discuss and issue recommendations on flu shot characteristics?
    The full text of the letter is below and HERE:
    Dear Dr. Makary:
    Next week, you are scheduled to appear before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee for your nomination to serve as the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). We write today to express our extreme concern with the decision to abruptly cancel the planned meeting of the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC), which is the annual opportunity for FDA to hear expert advice and make recommendations on the selection of strains to be included in the influenza virus vaccines for the 2025 to 2026 influenza season. We intend to use your nomination hearing next week to understand whether you support this ill-informed measure to slow critical public health decision making. 
    The cancellation of the VRBPAC’s meeting to consider flu shot characteristics for the upcoming flu season comes while the U.S. is experiencing the worst flu season in 15 years. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has classified the United States’ 2024-2025 influenza season as “high severity” overall and for all age groups. As of February 15, 2025, the CDC estimates that there have been at least 33 million illnesses, 430,000 hospitalizations, and 19,000 deaths from flu so far this season. The flu vaccine is one essential tool for prevention of flu illness, complications, hospitalizations, and untimely deaths.
    The VRBPAC is comprised of independent experts and is critical for ensuring that public health decisions, including the development and approval of vaccines, are based on the best available science and expert, independent review. VRBPAC members are experts in vaccines, infectious diseases, and epidemiology, among other relevant areas, and are essential to conducting these independent reviews and evaluating the data concerning the safety, effectiveness, and appropriate use of vaccines. The Committee typically meets in March to make recommendations for which strains should be included in the flu vaccines for the upcoming flu season.
    The cancellation of next week’s VRBPAC meeting is unprecedented. This Committee has met every year for the past 30 years to discuss the influenza virus vaccines for the upcoming flu season and make recommendations to the FDA. It is essential for this meeting to occur, and its expert recommendations to be issued, in a timely, routine manner. This is integral to give vaccine manufacturers this information to start production on flu vaccines for the upcoming flu season. Any delay in the Committee meeting and issuing recommendations may impact flu vaccine availability and effectiveness, if manufacturers do not have sufficient time to prepare the correct vaccines.
    In FDA’s response concerning the cancellation of the March 13 VRBPAC meeting, FDA stated that the agency “will make public its recommendations to manufacturers in time for updated vaccines to be available for the 2025-2026 influenza season.” This suggests FDA plans to forgo any independent expertise from the Committee when making its determinations for flu shot strains, and it remains unclear who will be making this critical public health decision.
    The options are not inspiring. The newly confirmed Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. has stated “there is no vaccine that is safe and effective” and called vaccines “sham science.” He refuses to believe the definitive science showing vaccines are not linked to autism. You have promoted natural immunity as “at least as effective as vaccinated immunity, and probably better” and stated, “The greatest perpetrator of misinformation during the pandemic has been the United States government.” President Trump’s nominee to lead CDC has a long history of championing the false connection between vaccines and autism.
    While we acknowledge you are not yet at the agency, we expect you to answer questions about whether you will adopt a position of responsible public health leadership or continue the Trump Administration’s current, troubling trajectory into vaccine skepticism should you be confirmed to lead FDA. Please be prepared to address the following questions:
    Will you reschedule FDA VRBPAC meeting to consider influenza virus vaccines for the 2025-2026 flu season? If not, why not?
    Are you planning to remove or otherwise change the membership of the FDA VRBPAC?
    Will FDA accept the expert, independent recommendations of the FDA VRBPAC, for influenza virus vaccines and all other vaccine types?
    Do you commit to convening the FDA VRBPAC on its established annual basis to discuss and issue recommendations on flu shot characteristics?
    Whether it’s influenza, COVID-19, measles, or other threats facing our nation’s public health, I call on you to recognize the immense responsibility placed on you if confirmed as one of the nation’s public health leaders. It will be incumbent upon you to maintain FDA’s credibility as the nation’s leading agency for ensuring the safety of our vaccines, diagnostics, medicines, foods, and more.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray Statement on Trump-Zelenskyy Meeting

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, released the following statement on the meeting between President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office:

    “Today in the Oval Office, in front of the entire world, Donald Trump and JD Vance chose to berate an American ally and side with a brutal dictator—willfully ignoring the plain fact that it was Putin who launched a deadly and unprovoked invasion of a sovereign nation and started this awful war. Putin is the dictator with blood on his hands—and it is appalling, dangerous, and an affront to American values to pretend otherwise. Russian state media is already celebrating Trump’s disgraceful conduct in this meeting—this should be a wake-up call to everyone, and especially Republicans who have gone along with Trump’s acquiescence to Putin for far too long, to separate right from wrong, and truth from fiction.

    “As I have said time and again, standing up for a strong and sovereign Ukraine in face of Putin’s aggression is not only the right thing to do, but it is squarely in America’s interest. As a U.S. Senator, I will continue to stand with Ukraine as they chart a path forward to protect their democracy and statehood.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto Announces Sparks Elementary School Principal as Guest to Presidential Address to Congress

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto

    Jason Shipman is the Principal at Florence Drake Elementary, the highest-performing Title I school in the region 

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) announced Jason Shipman, Principal at Florence Drake Elementary School in Sparks, as her guest to President Donald Trump’s 2025 Presidential Address to Congress on March 4, 2025. Under his leadership, Florence Drake Elementary has become one of the highest performing Title I schools in Nevada, receiving the 2024 Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Distinguished Schools award. Florence Drake Elementary was also recognized as a 2022 National Blue Ribbon School.

    Following reports that Elon Musk and the “Department of Government Efficiency” plan to eliminate or dramatically cut the Department of Education, students, teachers, and parents at Florence Drake Elementary School and at schools across Nevada face uncertainty. Dissolving the Department of Education would have devastating impacts on public schools, including the potential disruption of the Title I funds that support low-income students. Principal Shipman’s school relies on Title I to pay teachers, keep kids safe, fund classroom equipment, and support special education.

    “I’m the product of Nevada public schools – from kindergarten all the way to my time at UNR – and I know the difference a good education can make in a child’s life,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “As schools across the country face the potential cuts to critical federal funding, I won’t abandon our educators. I’m proud to work with Nevada leaders like Principal Shipman to ensure our students have everything they need to thrive.”

    “I am incredibly proud of the continued success of the students and staff members at Florence Drake Elementary School,” said Jason Shipman, Principal at Florence Drake Elementary School. “We are a Title I school, and the federal funding we receive provides crucial resources and supports to children living in poverty. I can relate to the struggles of our students, as my own family lived in poverty when I was in elementary school. I encountered barriers to my education, as Title I funding had not been established yet, and I saw how those barriers adversely affected many of my friends whose educations and lives were negatively impacted by their lack of access to education. Title I funding is the federal government’s promise to help reduce these barriers so all students have the right to access a free and appropriate education, and I am proud to play a part in helping each of our students find success in our school.”

    Senator Cortez Masto has delivered critical support to students and schools across Nevada. Cortez Masto’s legislation to increase the number of mental health professionals in schools was included in the bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which was signed into law. In addition, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law included three of Cortez Masto’s bipartisan bills to boost transportation safety for students, expand internet access for both rural and urban schools, and update old school infrastructure. The Senator has also championed bipartisan Reaching English Learners Act to create a competitive grant program to fund partnerships between institutions of higher education and high-need school districts to provide training for new English-language teachers.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Booker, Omar, Schakowsky Reintroduce Bill to Address Rising Islamophobia Worldwide

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) reintroduced the Combating International Islamophobia Act, legislation to address the rise in Islamophobic incidents worldwide. The bill requires the State Department to create a Special Envoy for Monitoring and Combating Islamophobia and develop a comprehensive strategy for establishing U.S. leadership in confronting anti-Muslim bigotry across the globe. U.S. Representatives Ilhan Omar (D-MN-05) and Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09) reintroduced companion legislation in the House last month.

    From the violent atrocities against the Uyghurs in China and the Rohingya in Burma to the crackdowns on Muslim communities in India and Sri Lanka, the scapegoating of Muslim refugees in Hungary and Poland, and the rise of white supremacist violence targeting Muslims in New Zealand and Canada, Islamophobia remains a global crisis. Minority Muslim communities in Muslim-majority countries, including Pakistan, Bahrain, and Iran, also continue to face systemic oppression and persecution.

    Here in the United States, incidents of Islamophobic hate crimes and discrimination have surged. Mosques have been vandalized, Muslims have been harassed in public spaces, and anti-Muslim rhetoric continues to be normalized in political discourse. The urgent need for federal action to combat this growing threat cannot be overstated.

    “Religious freedom is one of our nation’s most foundational values, and no one should ever have to live in fear of discrimination or violence for practicing their faith,” said Senator Booker. “Islamophobic attacks and rhetoric are on the rise in the United States and around the world, and this legislation would establish a Special Envoy at the State Department to monitor and combat Islamophobia in all its forms. We must dedicate resources to protecting people’s fundamental right to practice their faith and put an end to bigotry.”

    “Islamophobia is not just a problem overseas—it is on the rise here at home. From the desecration of mosques to the violent attacks on Muslim Americans, we are witnessing a dangerous resurgence of anti-Muslim bigotry in our communities,” said Representative Omar. “We cannot turn a blind eye while Muslim communities face targeted violence and systemic discrimination worldwide. That is why I am proud to reintroduce the Combating International Islamophobia Act alongside Senator Booker and Representative Schakowsky. The United States must take a stand and lead in the fight against this global crisis.”

    Anti-Muslim bigotry is on the rise in the U.S., and around the world, and we have a duty to stop it once and for all,” said Representative Schakowsky. “I’m joining my colleagues, Congresswoman Ilhan Omar and Senator Cory Booker, in reintroducing the Combating International Islamophobia Act. This critical legislation will create a Special Envoy for Monitoring and Combating Islamophobia and will ensure the United States has the resources necessary to safeguard human rights and religious and cultural freedom around the world. I hope all our colleagues join us in standing together against Islamophobia. We must promote peace and acceptance for all.”

    During the 117th Congress, this bill was successfully passed in the House, marking a historic step forward in the fight against anti-Muslim hate. 

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Booker, Duckworth, Blunt Rochester Urge Trump Administration to Reopen EPA Environmental Justice Office That Helped Most Disadvantaged Communities Solve Environmental and Public Health Challenges

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—founding co-chairs of the Senate’s first-ever Environmental Justice Caucus—along with U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester urged EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin to reopen the EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights (OEJECR), which Booker and Duckworth led the charge to create, so the office can continue helping our most disadvantaged communities in rural, urban and tribal areas by improving access to clean drinking water, addressing legacy pollution that has led to higher cancer, asthma and death rates and more. Additionally, the Senators are demanding a more detailed explanation behind why the Trump Administration decided to abolish such a critical office and how the Administration is planning to ensure victims of environmental harm receive the attention, resources and protections they deserve.

    “The closure of this office which assisted underserved communities across the country leaves us seriously questioning your commitment to adhere to the Congressional appropriations process of the agency and address the impacts of pollution on communities in urban, suburban, and rural America,” wrote the lawmakers. “The 168 EPA staff placed on administrative leave were dedicated, trusted in their community, and worked to help Americans overcome the public health and economic effects of pollution. We strongly urge you to reinstate this workforce and to provide Congress and the American people a reasonable strategy to make their communities healthier and cleaner.”

    In addition to Booker, Duckworth, and Blunt Rochester, the letter is co-signed by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Chris Coons (D-DE), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Scott, Booker Resolution Celebrating Black History Month Passes Senate

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott
    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) joined Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and 39 of their Senate colleagues in a resolution commemorating Black History Month and the important contributions made by Black Americans throughout United States history. The resolution was approved by the Senate yesterday. 
    The resolution recognizes that all Americans benefit from the rich historical legacy of Black culture and recognizes Black History Month as a chance to reflect on the complex history of the nation while also continuing to work toward a more equitable future. Furthermore, the resolution acknowledges the suffering of African Americans during enslavement and the continued racial injustices that remain evident in the United States today.
    “As we honor the legacies of so many Black Americans whose innovations and achievements have contributed to the success of our nation, I think it is essential to reflect on the progress we’ve made as a country,” said Senator Scott. “Through their perseverance, we are closer than we’ve ever been to a more perfect union. I am glad to join my colleagues in introducing this resolution.”
    “Every year, Black History Month offers us the opportunity to honor the invaluable contributions, struggles, and sacrifices Black Americans have made throughout our nation’s history,” said Senator Booker. “I’m proud to introduce this resolution alongside Senator Scott to uplift the stories and triumphs of Black Americans. This is a month for celebration of how far we have come, and to recognize the work left to be done.”
    The resolution is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.), Angus King (I-Maine), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).
    To read the full text of the resolution, click here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Democrats Condemn Trump and Vance’s Disgraceful Oval Office Outburst During Meeting with Zelenskyy and Reiterate Support for Ukraine

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

    February 28, 2025

    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC)—joined her fellow SFRC Democratic colleagues Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chris Coons (D-DE), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) in issuing the following statement condemning President Trump and Vice President Vance’s rhetoric during their meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy:

    “Today’s behavior by President Trump and Vice President Vance would be more shocking if it wasn’t the new normal that this administration is forcing on our allies, partners and even our own citizens. Russia has not been able to break Ukraine’s spirit nor its will to fight. We are certain President Trump’s childish tantrum will not reach that objective either. Ukrainians have strong bipartisan support for their fight in Congress and Ukrainian flags continue to hang across our communities in the United States. We stand with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and will continue to condemn Putin’s aggression toward the brave and honorable citizenry of Ukraine.”

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Reverend Warnock Statement on Trump Administration’s Closure of Five Social Security Offices in Georgia

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia

    Senator Reverend Warnock Statement on Trump Administration’s Closure of Five Social Security Offices in Georgia

    Social Security Offices (SSA) in BRUNSWICK, COLUMBUS, GAINESVILLE, THOMASVILLE, and VIDALIA will be permanently closed
    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), issued the following statement on the Trump Administration’s announced closures of five Social Security Administration (SSA) offices throughout Georgia. The SSA offices in the following five Georgia cities will be permanently closed: Brunswick, Columbus, Gainesville, Thomasville, and Vidalia. Georgia has the highest number of SSA offices closed for any state so far.
    “For millions of Georgians, Social Security provides a baseline of support and stability. It ensures our seniors, who’ve spent decades paying into the program, can afford rent, groceries, and medication. Permanently closing five Georgia Social Security offices will make it harder for Georgia seniors, especially in rural areas, to enroll in the program, solve payment issues, report fraud, and more.
    As I have said before, I am all for cutting government waste and abuse, but never at the expense of hardworking Georgians, especially our retired seniors. On the Senate Aging Committee, I’ve worked to protect Georgians from bad actors looking to take advantage of seniors, and this is no different. The closure of these offices will make it significantly harder for Georgians to get access to their benefits or talk through an often confusing bureaucratic system.
    Make no mistake: the money taken away from Georgia seniors will go towards tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy. I will use every avenue available to fight back against this reckless action and remain focused on getting our seniors the benefits they paid for and rely on to live safe, healthy lives.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla Cosponsors Bipartisan Legislation to Boost Wildfire Mitigation and Research

    US Senate News:

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

    Padilla Cosponsors Bipartisan Legislation to Boost Wildfire Mitigation and Research

    As wildfires have devastated California and the West, bipartisan bill would create career pathways to tackle growing wildfire threats

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) joined his colleagues in introducing the bipartisan Regional Leadership in Wildland Fire Research Act, legislation that would establish regional research centers at institutions of higher education across the country to boost wildfire mitigation and research. These regional centers would be tasked with developing next-generation fire and vegetation models and technologies to support wildland fire management and address the specific needs of the region in which they are situated. Additionally, this bill would establish a National Center Coordination Board to manage the work of regional centers and establish Regional Advisory Boards from wildfire management agencies, state and tribal governments, and other stakeholders to provide input and assistance.

    According to the U.S. Fire Administration, current wildfire models are failing to adequately predict fire behavior under extreme conditions and in more complex environments, like last month’s Southern California fires, which occurred under severe winds. These models also struggle to reproduce recent catastrophic wildfires, making them more likely to fail at predicting future wildfires or determining when and where it is safe to conduct prescribed burns. That’s why next-generation fire and vegetation models are essential to supporting effective wildland fire management and preparing firefighters against evolving risks.

    Senator Padilla joined Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), and Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) in introducing the legislation.

    “Californians are all too familiar with the devastating toll catastrophic wildfires can take on their communities, burning down homes and businesses, and uprooting families’ livelihoods,” said Senator Padilla. “As the climate crisis makes wildfires more dangerous and harder to predict, expanding our wildland fire research would help us better prepare for wildfires and safely conduct prescribed burns ahead of peak fire season. California universities are already the nation’s leading hub for wildfire research and technology, and this bipartisan effort is a critical step forward in expanding next-generation fire mitigation efforts.”

    “Far too many communities in New Mexico and in states across the country know that wildfire season can cost you everything. We must do everything possible to understand the root causes of these wildfires and how local communities can improve wildfire mitigation efforts and save lives and livelihoods,” said Senator Luján. “I’m proud to partner with Senator Sullivan to reintroduce this bipartisan legislation to establish regional research centers tasked with developing next-generation fire and vegetation models and technologies to boost wildfire mitigation. Each of these regional centers will help boost wildland fire management across the country while creating more opportunities for a good-paying job through career training for wildfire research. I look forward to working with my colleagues to get this bill signed into law.”

    “Wildfires burn millions of acres in Alaska every year—sometimes as much or more than the combined acreage burned in the rest of the country,” said Senator Sullivan. “To better protect lives, homes and critical infrastructure, we need to invest in research that will produce more accurate models and empower our wildland firefighters to better predict and extinguish fires before they become full-scale natural disasters. I’m glad to reintroduce legislation with Senator Luján to establish wildland fire research centers at our universities with specialized expertise in this space—like UAF in Interior Alaska—and develop more effective firefighting strategies that respond to the unique circumstances of each of our states.”

    “If we’ve learned anything from recent wildfire tragedies across the country, it’s that the threat of catastrophic wildfires isn’t seasonal, nor is it isolated to one region; it’s a year-round, nationwide threat. I’m proud to join this bipartisan effort with my colleagues to invest in better anticipating wildland fires, streamlining our response, and ensuring we are fighting these fires faster and more effectively to keep communities safe,” said Senator Sheehy.

    Each regional research center would:

    • Conduct research to improve our understanding of wildland fire, including causes and associated risks for fires, rehabilitation of affected ecosystems, mitigation strategies that improve firefighter safety, and more;
    • Develop, maintain, and operate next-generation fire and vegetation models and technologies to support wildland fire management; and
    • Develop a career pathway training program to help carry out wildland fire research.

    The bill is supported by the Federation of American Scientists, Megafire Action, National Association of State Foresters, National Federation of Federal Employees, the Nature Conservancy, the University of New Mexico, and the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

    “We spend billions on improving our understanding of disasters like hurricanes and tornadoes — that hasn’t happened yet with megafire. The Regional Leadership in Wildland Fire Research Act recognizes and invests in our research community to produce region specific scientific research and solutions to catastrophic wildfires, allowing innovators and wildland firefighters to use this information to directly leverage technology to predict, detect, and prevent megafire,” said Matt Weiner, CEO of Megafire Action.

    Senator Padilla has long been a leader in strengthening the federal and state response to wildfires. Earlier this 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. Last month, Padilla introduced another suite of bipartisan bills to strengthen wildfire recovery and resilience. Additionally, Padilla’s legislation to strengthen FEMA’s wildfire preparedness and response efforts, the FIRE Act, became law in 2022.

    A one-pager on the bill is available here.

    Full text of the bill is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Schiff, EPW Democrats Slam Zeldin’s Covert Push to Dismantle Climate Safeguards

    US Senate News:

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

    Padilla, Schiff, EPW Democrats Slam Zeldin’s Covert Push to Dismantle Climate Safeguards

    Senators: “Your push to undermine the Endangerment Finding seems based not on sound science or legal reasoning, but rather on an agenda that prioritizes industry profits over public health, environmental protection, and climate safety.”
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.), along with all other Democratic members of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW), demanded answers about Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin’s secretive efforts to roll back the longstanding EPA endangerment finding that greenhouse gases are harmful to human health and welfare. The endangerment finding underpins greenhouse gas regulations, and repealing it would ignore scientific consensus while in effect gutting emissions standards for vehicles, power plants, airplanes, and more — which would increase harmful, toxic pollution.  
    During then-nominee Zeldin’s confirmation, he testified that he “strongly believe[s] we have a moral responsibility to be good stewards of our environment for generations to come,” and that he was “someone who believes strongly that we should work with the scientists, leaving the science to the scientists.” But this week, it was revealed that he — behind the scenes and away from public scrutiny — has been urging the Trump Administration to rescind the evidence-based endangerment finding. The fact that greenhouse gases harm public health was scientific fact when the endangerment finding was issued in 2009, and 16 years later, the evidence has only gotten stronger and the looming economic harms more dangerous. Since Administrator Zeldin’s confirmation, he has also announced plans to carry out a politically motivated purge of scientists from EPA and has overseen an illegal funding freeze that is threatening to kill jobs and drive up energy costs nationwide.
    “This key finding underpins EPA’s ability to regulate emissions from motor vehicles, which EPA also found in 2009 to ‘contribute to the greenhouse gas pollution that threatens public health and welfare,’ as well as other pollution-emitting sources. Without the finding, EPA cannot fulfill its core mission and legal obligation of ensuring clean air for the American people,” wrote the Senators.
    “As you surely know, any attempt to rescind the Endangerment Finding flies in the face of established science and EPA’s own findings. EPA has found that its greenhouse gas regulations generate billions of dollars in savings for Americans and huge reductions in premature deaths, emergency room visits, heart disease, cancer, stroke, asthma onset and symptoms, and missed workdays,” continued the Senators.
    “Your recommendation to strike down the Endangerment Finding appears to be part of a broader effort to dismantle environmental protections at the behest of fossil fuel interests. Reporting and previous investigations of the Senate Committee on the Budget indicate that oil industry lobbyists pre-drafted executive orders that would weaken climate regulations in anticipation of a second Trump Administration. In short, the fossil fuel industry is now collecting the return on its investment in the 2024 election,” concluded the Senators. “… [Y]our push to undermine the Endangerment Finding seems based not on sound science or legal reasoning, but rather on an agenda that prioritizes industry profits over public health, environmental protection, and climate safety.”
    Specifically, Zeldin recommended to the Office of Management and Budget that the EPA withdraw its 2009 finding under section 202(a) of the Clean Air Act that “the current and projected concentrations of the six key well-mixed greenhouse gases … in the atmosphere threaten the public health and welfare of current and future generations” (the ‘Endangerment Finding’). 
    Over the past 15 years, the scientific consensus supporting the endangerment finding has only strengthened, with successive National Climate Assessments and reports from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change demonstrating extensive environmental and economic harms caused by climate change, including increased risks from flooding and wildfires. EPA’s endangerment finding is the foundation of subsequent endangerment findings for greenhouse gases emitted from power plants, aircraft engines, and oil and gas sector sources of methane. 
    Padilla and Schiff signed the letter, led by EPW Ranking Member Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), along with Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.).
    Full text of the letter is available here and below:
    Dear Administrator Zeldin,
    We write to express grave concern about your recommendation to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) withdraw its December 7, 2009, finding under section 202(a) of the Clean Air Act that “the current and projected concentrations of the six key well-mixed greenhouse gases . . . in the atmosphere threaten the public health and welfare of current and future generations” (the “Endangerment Finding”).  This key finding underpins EPA’s ability to regulate emissions from motor vehicles, which EPA also found in 2009 to “contribute to the greenhouse gas pollution that threatens public health and welfare,” as well as other pollution-emitting sources. Without the finding, EPA cannot fulfill its core mission and legal obligation of ensuring clean air for the American people.
    On February 20, 2025, President Trump issued Executive Order 3418, directing you, in collaboration with other agency heads, to submit joint recommendations to the OMB Director on the legality and continuing applicability of the Endangerment Finding. On February 26, 2025, the Washington Post reported that you had “privately urged the White House to strike down” the finding. President Trump’s directive and your recommendation, which follow years of legal precedent affirming the EPA’s authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act, raise serious concerns about the Administration’s commitment to respecting established science, following the law, and fulfilling EPA’s core mission of protecting clean air—all three of which you promised the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee you would do if confirmed as EPA Administrator.
    In 2007, the Supreme Court ruled in Massachusetts v. EPA that greenhouse gases qualify as pollutants under the Clean Air Act, compelling the EPA to regulate them if they pose a threat to public health and welfare. Following a rigorous review of peer-reviewed scientific evidence and extensive public input, EPA then issued the Endangerment Finding in 2009, requiring it to regulate greenhouse gases. The 2012 D.C. Circuit ruling in Coalition for Responsible Regulation v. EPA reaffirmed that the Endangerment Finding is grounded in substantial scientific evidence. The Supreme Court declined to review that decision and, in 2014, reaffirmed the EPA’s ability to regulate GHG emissions in Utility Air Regulatory Group v. EPA.  The Supreme Court has continued to decline to hear challenges to the Endangerment Finding, including as recently as December 11, 2023.
    Over the intervening decade and a half, the scientific consensus supporting the Endangerment Finding has only strengthened, with successive National Climate Assessments and reports from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change outlining in increasing detail the extensive harms caused by climate change.  Multiple other sources echo these warnings, and extend them to coming economic harms, which we see already presenting themselves in a property insurance—and increasingly unpredictable—crisis driven by increased flooding and wildfire risk. This overwhelming evidence underpinned EPA’s promulgation of subsequent endangerment findings for greenhouse gases emitted from power plants, oil and gas sector sources of methane, and aircraft engines.
    As you surely know, any attempt to rescind the Endangerment Finding flies in the face of established science and EPA’s own findings. EPA has found that its greenhouse gas regulations generate billions of dollars in savings for Americans and huge reductions in premature deaths, emergency room visits, heart disease, cancer, stroke, asthma onset and symptoms, and missed workdays.  Any attempt to rescind the Endangerment Finding will face significant legal and procedural hurdles, and will create chaos and uncertainty for industries that are relying on existing regulations.
    Your recommendation to strike down the Endangerment Finding appears to be part of a broader effort to dismantle environmental protections at the behest of fossil fuel interests. Reporting and previous investigations of the Senate Committee on the Budget indicate that oil industry lobbyists pre-drafted executive orders that would weaken climate regulations in anticipation of a second Trump Administration.  In short, the fossil fuel industry is now collecting the return on its investment in the 2024 election. Nevertheless, you promised at your confirmation hearing that you would “work with the scientists, leaving the science to the scientists.”  Despite that pledge, your push to undermine the Endangerment Finding seems based not on sound science or legal reasoning, but rather on an agenda that prioritizes industry profits over public health, environmental protection, and climate safety.
    Accordingly, in order to assist in our understanding of your recommendation concerning the Endangerment Finding, please respond to the following questions and requests for production of documents no later than March 6, 2025:
    1. Provide a copy of your correspondence with OMB and any other executive branch parties recommending that the Endangerment Finding be rescinded;
    2. Identify the author(s) of any such correspondence;
    3. Provide all scientific, legal, and economic analyses used to inform your recommendation to OMB regarding the Endangerment Finding;
    4. Identify all individuals and organizations consulted as part of this review process, including meetings with industry representatives and external stakeholders;
    5. Explain how the EPA intends to reconcile any proposed rescission of the Endangerment Finding with the Supreme Court’s ruling in Massachusetts v. EPA and subsequent legal precedent, which remains valid law;
    6. Provide any communications (including but not limited to emails, text messages, and memoranda)—dating from November 1, 2024 to present—between and among the EPA and White House officials, members of the Trump 2024 campaign, members of the Trump-Vance Transition Team, OMB staff, Elon Musk, Russell Vought, Mandy Gunasekara, or Jonathan Brightbill regarding the review and potential withdrawal of the Endangerment Finding; and
    7. Detail any plans the EPA has to conduct a formal rulemaking process to revise or rescind the Endangerment Finding.
    The American people deserve transparency regarding policies that impact public health, the environment, and the stability of our climate. We expect your prompt and thorough response.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Cortez Masto Demands Answers from Trump Administration on Impact of Terminations Across Federal Government

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto

    In Case You Missed It, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) pushed the Trump Administration for detailed, public information regarding the impacts of President Trump’s federal funding freeze, hiring freeze, and terminations on Nevada – including to the Department of the Interior, the U.S. Forest Service, the National Nuclear Security Administration, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Department of Agriculture. To date, the Trump administration has refused to respond.

    The Requests:

    On February 18, Senators Cortez Masto and Rosen (D-Nev.) sent two letters to the Trump administration regarding the President’s recent decision to terminate several thousand employees at the United States Forest Service (USFS) and the Department of the Interior (DOI). The Senators expressed deep concerns about the risks that these mass firings could have on the millions of acres of public lands in Nevada and demanded transparency about the projects the terminated employees had been responsible for. The Senators have not received a response.

    On February 20, Cortez Masto and Rosen sent a letter to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins demanding he provide answers on the mass terminations of personnel across the VA, specifically those in Nevada. The Senators asked for critical information on how these staff reductions could impact veterans and their ability to receive service in Nevada and across the United States. The Senators have not received a response.

    On February 21, the Senators sent a letter to President Trump’s Department of Energy (DOE) and National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) regarding recent terminations of NNSA personnel. Given the NNSA’s role maintaining and modernizing the American nuclear stockpile, largely done at the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS), the senators expressed grave concern that the chaotic terminations could harm American national security.The Senators have not received a response.

    On February 26, following reports that several U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) employees involved in bird flu response were fired, Senator Cortez Masto sent a letter to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins demanding vital answers on recent terminations and the Department’s response to bird flu outbreaks. The Senator has not received a response.

    Senator Cortez Masto will continue to sound the alarm and demand answers from the Trump administration for policies that threaten the safety and wellbeing of Nevada families.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Markey Slams Trump for Weaponizing FBI to Target National Climate Bank Funding

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    Senator is co-author of the provision that created the National Clean Investment Fund and Clean Communities Investment Accelerator

    Funds for programs have been frozen for past two weeks with no explanation from Citibank or the EPA

    Washington (February 28, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, today released the following statement after revelations that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has been questioning the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over the National Clean Investment Fund and Clean Communities Investment Accelerator. These programs, which are part of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, leverage private capital to cut energy bills for families and small businesses, improve resiliency against climate change-fueled disasters, and create local economic opportunity while combatting climate change. The affected $20 billion in funding was lawfully passed by Congress, based on Senator Markey’s National Climate Bank Act, and awarded to grantees around the country.

    Earlier this month, the head of the criminal division at the U.S. Attorney’s office in the District of Columbia, Denise Cheung, was pressured to find evidence of a crime as a justification for freezing the release of the congressionally approved federal funds for the National Clean Investment Fund and the Clean Communities Investment Accelerator. When Cheung declined to pursue an unwarranted criminal investigation due to insufficient evidence, she was forced to resign. Trump Justice Department officials then took additional unprecedented steps to formally freeze this funding—steps which were subsequently rejected by a federal judge and refused by other federal prosecutors. Now, the Trump Justice Department has sent in the FBI.

    “The Trump administration is carrying out a literal bank heist right now, and weaponizing the FBI to do so. First freezing funding, then cravenly searching for a non-existent crime, and now utilizing the FBI to target the climate bank is unfounded and is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to dismantle the programs that keep Americans safe, healthy, and create jobs. A freeze on these investments would be, by far, the U.S. government’s largest confirmed financial seizure.

    “This kind of illegal and unethical witch hunt is McCarthyesque and shows the Trump administration to be both un-American and deeply worried about the power of clean energy and climate investments. Grantees are already starting to distribute funding to finance projects that will cut energy bills, improve resiliency, and create local economic opportunity around the country.

    “The FBI must immediately stop following the groundless, politicized directives of Trump and Musk and instead return to the important work of protecting the American people, not serving as Trump’s personal corrupt police force. And Citibank must immediately restart the flow of funds to recipients so they can continue to leverage private dollars for projects that will benefit Americans nationwide.”

    Following the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in 2022, Senators Markey and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06), the House lead on the climate financing legislation, welcomed the launch of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund in April 2023.

    Since the start of EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin’s unfounded attacks on the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund this month, Senator Markey issued a statement urging Citibank not to give into fearmongering, wrote a letter to the Department of Justice Inspector General about revelations that Assistant U.S. Attorney Denise Cheung was forced to resign after declining to pursue a criminal investigation, and signed onto a letter with the entire Environment and Public Works Committee Democrats demanding answers from the EPA.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy, Colleagues Introduce Measure to Extend Trade Program with Haiti

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Rick Scott (R-FL), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) introduced the Haiti Economic Lift Program Extension (HELP) Act to extend trade benefits for apparel products produced in Haiti from 2025 to 2035. The products that are eligible for these benefits comprise 93% of Haitian exports and are a vital source of dignified employment for thousands of Haitians, who would otherwise turn to violent gangs for employment or seek to enter the United States illegally. 
    “Over the years, Haitian families have been devasted by natural disasters and political unrest,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Extending trade benefits is good for the U.S. and the Haitian people who need resources and jobs.”
    “America is safer and better off when our neighbors are thriving,” said Senator Warnock. “That’s why I was proud to lead this bipartisan effort to strengthen Haiti’s economic future and stability. This bill is a win-win for Georgians and the people of Haiti. It will promote a better future for us all and shows what is possible when we center the people in policymaking.”
    “Originally a lifeline to Haiti in the aftermath of the 2010 earthquake, the Haiti Economic Lift Program has helped the nation economically by stimulating trade between Haiti and the U.S.,” said Senator Durbin. “As Haiti continues to face economic hardship and political unrest, we should extend its provisions by passing the bipartisan HELP Extension Act.”
    In the aftermath of the devastating 2010 earthquake in Haiti, Congress passed the HELP Act to broaden the types of goods eligible for duty free status to over 5,000 types of apparel and footwear. The law, which helped rebuild some of Haiti’s domestic industry, is set to expire in 2025.
    Background.
    In December 2021, Cassidy and former U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) introduced legislation to reauthorize the Haitian Hemisphere Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement (HOPE) Act. In 2021 and 2023, they reintroduced the HELP act.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Markey, Kim, Conaway Jr., MD, Pocan, Lead Bicameral Letter to Department of Labor Concerning Musk’s Access to Internal Systems

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
    Washington (February 28, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, Senator Andy Kim (D-N.J.), along with Representatives Herb Conaway Jr., MD (NJ-03), and Mark Pocan (WI-02) today led 137 of their Democratic colleagues in a bicameral letter to Acting Secretary of Labor Vince Miccone, expressing serious concerns regarding reports that Elon Musk and DOGE are being granted access to the Department of Labor’s internal systems and data.
    “The reported involvement of unelected billionaire Elon Musk and DOGE in these functions raises urgent questions about potential conflicts of interest and the safeguarding of sensitive worker data,” wrote the lawmakers. “Elon Musk’s past statements and actions raise serious concerns about the potential for his personal interests to take precedent over the interests of the American public in labor-related matters.”
    The letter includes an extensive list of questions that lawmakers demand answers to by March 7, 2025. The topics covered in these questions include:
    • Data Access and Confidentiality
    • Worker Protections and Regulatory Oversight
    • Security and Oversight
    • Personnel and Employment Protections
    In addition to Senators Markey and Kim, the letter was also signed by Senators: Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).
    In addition to Representatives Conaway Jr., MD and Pocan, the letter was also signed by Representatives: Adams, Amo, Ansari, Balint, Barragán, Beyer, Bishop, Bonamici, Boyle, Brownley, Budzinski, Bynum, Carbajal, Carson, Casar, Casten, Castro, Chu, Clarke, Cleaver, Cohen, Connolly, Crockett, Crow, Davis (IL), Dean, DeGette, DeLauro, Deluzio, DeSaulnier, Dexter, Dingell, Escobar, Espaillat, Evans, Fields, Friedman, Garamendi, Garcia (CA), Garcia (TX), Goldman, Gottheimer, Green, Grijalva, Hayes, Houlahan, Huffman, Ivey, Jackson (IL), Jayapal, Johnson, Kamlager-Dove, Kaptur, Kelly, Kennedy (NY), Khanna, Landsman, Latimer, Lee, Lynch, Magaziner, Mannion, McClain Delaney, McClellan, McCollum, McGarvey, McIver, Meeks, Menendez, Meng, Mfume, Min, Moore, Mullin, Norcross, Norton, Ocasio-Cortez, Omar, Pallone, Panetta, Pettersen, Ramirez, Ross, Salinas, Sánchez, Scanlon, Schakowsky, Schneider, Scholten, Schrier, Sewell, Sherman, Sherrill, Smith, Soto, Stansbury, Stanton, Stevens, Strickland, Subramanyam, Takano, Thanedar, Thompson, Titus, Tlaib, Tokuda, Tonko, Torres (NY), Turner, Underwood, Vargas, Velázquez, Williams, and Wilson.
    A copy of the letter can be found HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Markey Joins Colleagues in Introducing Bill to Ban High-Capacity Gun Magazines

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
    A similar law prohibiting semiautomatic assault weapons and high-capacity magazines was in place from 1994-2004
    Washington (February 28, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), joined Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and colleagues in introducing the Keep Americans Safe Act (KASA) to reinstate a nationwide ban on the sale, transfer, possession, import, or manufacture of high-capacity gun magazines that hold more than ten rounds. Companion legislation was introduced in the House by U.S. Representatives by Diana DeGette (CO-01), Dina Titus (NV-01), and Brad Schneider (IL-10).
    A federal law prohibiting semiautomatic assault weapons and high-capacity magazines was in place from 1994 to 2004. While research showed this regulation reduced the likelihood of mass shooting fatalities by 70 percent, this federal law has not been renewed since 2004. In mass shootings with four or more people killed between 2015 and 2022, high-capacity magazines led to more than twice as many people killed, and nearly 10 times as many people wounded, per incident on average.
    Specifically, the Keep Americans Safe Act would:
    1. Ban the sale or transfer of high-capacity gun magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds to anyone other than law enforcement;
    2. Ban the possession of a high-capacity gun magazine manufactured after the date of enactment by anyone other than law enforcement;
    3. Authorize high-capacity magazine buyback programs; and
    4. Authorize law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and ATF, to seize and destroy high-capacity magazines possessed illegally.
    “The common denominator in nearly every mass shooting is large-capacity magazines (LCMs), dangerous accessories that allow shooters to continuously fire without reloading, robbing victims of an opportunity to flee or intervene,” said Mark Collins, Director of Federal Policy at Brady: United Against Gun Violence. “Regardless if they are paired with handguns or assault weapons, when LCMs are used in shootings, 155% more people are shot and twice as many people are killed. Brady is grateful to Sen. Blumenthal, Sen. Hirono, and Rep. DeGette for their leadership and is proud to endorse the Keep Americans Safe Act to regulate these dangerous accessories and make America safer.”
    “High-capacity magazines enable shooters to cause devastating harm in a short amount of time and restricting them will help prevent mass shootings that have tragically become too common,” said Nick Wilson, Senior Director of gun violence prevention at Center for American Progress. “If enacted, the Keep Americans Safe Act would save lives because it is working in states who’ve adopted similar laws. When a mass shooting occurred, states with a large-capacity magazine ban had 38 percent fewer fatalities and 77 percent fewer nonfatal injuries.”
    “High-capacity magazines were designed for war, but have become a favored tool for mass shooters looking to inflict maximum carnage,” said John Feinblatt, President of Everytown for Gun Safety. “We applaud Senator Hirono for introducing this legislation, which will keep high-capacity magazines out of civilian hands.”
    The legislation is cosponsored by Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.).
    The full text of the bill is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cotton, Scott, Hill, and Colleagues to Uyeda: Review Approach to Consolidated Audit Trail

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas Tom Cotton
     
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Caroline Tabler or Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353February 28, 2025
    Cotton, Scott, Hill, and Colleagues to Uyeda: Review Approach to Consolidated Audit Trail
    Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott (R-South Carolina), and House Financial Services Committee Chairman French Hill (Arkansas-02) today sent a letter to Acting Chairman of The Securities and Exchange Commission Mark Uyeda to launch a comprehensive review of all aspects of the Consolidated Audit Trail.
    Additional signers of the letter included Senator Boozman (R-Arkansas), Senator Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee), Senator John Kennedy (R-Louisiana), Congressman Bill Huizenga (Michigan-04), Congresswoman Ann Wagner (Missouri-02), and Congressman Barry Loudermilk (Georgia-11).
    In part, the lawmakers wrote:
    “The prohibition on collecting investor PII must be formally codified (rather than via rescindable exemptive relief) and already-collected PII must be expunged.  Cybersecurity measures for the remaining data must be enhanced.  And the CAT’s bloated out-of-control budget must be addressed… . Further, it would appear appropriate for the Commission to pause and reconsider its position with respect to ongoing litigation related to the CAT, as it has done for other cases commenced during the Biden administration.”
    Full text of the letter may be found here and below.
    February 28, 2025
    Mr. Mark Uyeda
    Acting Chairman
    U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
    100 F Street NE
    Washington, DC 20549
    The Consolidated Audit Trail (CAT) has been a highly controversial endeavor that has raised many concerns from Members of Congress, including with respect to (i) the unwarranted collection of personally identifiable information (PII) from millions of American investors, (ii) potential cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and (iii) its inequitable funding structure.
    We are pleased that you and fellow Commissioner Peirce have repeatedly acknowledged these longstanding concerns and applaud the Commission for its recent steps to protect the financial privacy of American investors.
    However, there is more work to be done. The prohibition on collecting investor PII must be formally codified (rather than via rescindable exemptive relief) and already-collected PII must be expunged.  Cybersecurity measures for the remaining data must be enhanced.  And the CAT’s bloated out-of-control budget must be addressed.
    Given these continuing concerns, the Commission should launch a comprehensive review that covers all aspects of the CAT.  In doing so, the Commission should take additional steps to pause the CAT’s most controversial elements—not only the collection of customer PII, but also the problematic funding structure that a majority of the current Commission voted against. Further, it would appear appropriate for the Commission to pause and reconsider its position with respect to ongoing litigation related to the CAT, as it has done for other cases commenced during the Biden administration.
    Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Peters Calls on Trump Administration to Reinstate Veterans Illegally Fired in Mass Terminations

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters
    Published: 02.28.2025

    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) joined a group of 21 Democratic Senators in calling on President Trump to immediately reinstate veterans who have been illegally fired in his Administration’s mass terminations of federal employees. It’s estimated that the Trump Administration’s actions have already resulted in roughly 6,000 veterans abruptly losing their jobs, including many former servicemembers who had worked in government service for multiple years. In a letter to President Trump, Peters and his colleagues emphasized the harmful and disproportionate impacts that these mass layoffs are having on veterans, which make up approximately 30 percent of the federal workforce – or more than 640,000 employees. The letter also called for the Administration to provide these veterans with full back pay and benefits. 
    “Federal civil service has long been a preferred path for military-affiliated populations, allowing them to continue serving our country while offering competitive wages, benefits, and much-needed stability,” said Peters and his colleagues. “In return, every single agency in our government and every single taxpayer benefits from these experienced, talented, and dedicated employees.” 
    The letter continued, “Your Administration’s actions are damaging the economic security and morale of our military and veteran families, the federal government’s ability to recruit and retain high-quality talent, and ultimately, our national security. We demand that you cease your attacks on our nation’s heroes, who have already given so much in defense of our country, and immediately reinstate those who have been illegally fired with their full back pay and benefits.” 
    To read full text of the letter, click here.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rosen, Scott Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Help Veterans Access VA Benefits

    US Senate News:

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

    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Rick Scott (R-FL) introduced the Preserving Access to Patient Reimbursement (PAPR) Act. The bipartisan PAPR Act would ensure our nation’s veterans continue to have access to a paper-based system for reimbursement of their travel expenses to and from medical appointments. This legislation follows a move from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to transition to a fully web-based travel reimbursement program for veterans, making it difficult for those without access to high-speed internet or experience with computers to fill out their travel expense forms. 
    “Our veterans sacrificed so much for our nation, and it’s our responsibility to make sure they can easily access the benefits they’ve earned,” said Senator Rosen. “That’s why I’m helping to introduce this commonsense, bipartisan bill to increase the methods available to veterans to receive reimbursement forms for travel expenses.”
    “Our veterans are American heroes, who have put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms as Americans,” said Senator Scott. “They have sacrificed so much on behalf of the country and shouldn’t have to face unnecessary hurdles at the VA, an agency designed to provide the support they earned. This bill provides a simple fix that makes it easier for our veterans to get their reimbursements, by ensuring paper files are available for those with limited access to or experience with computers or online-based systems. I urge my colleagues to support the PAPR Act and pass it swiftly into law.”
    Senator Rosen has been leading efforts to deliver for Nevada’s veterans. Last year, her bipartisan law to strengthen the cybersecurity of veterans’ personal information was implemented by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Earlier this year, Senator Rosen helped introduce bipartisan legislation to assist veterans with home ownership and increase awareness of VA Home Loans. Recently, a bipartisan bill she supported to expand veterans’ benefits outreach became law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst Works to Promote Fair Trade and Remove Barriers for Iowa Agricultural Exports

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, is working to promote fair markets and protect American agricultural exports by bridging the gap between the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
    She introduced the Prioritizing Offensive Agricultural Disputes and Enforcement Act to establish a joint task force between the USTR and the USDA focused on identifying trade barriers to agricultural exports and developing strategies for enforcing violations of trade agreements. The bill will also require the task force to report recommendations to Congress to address unfair practices or subsidies they identify.
    “In Iowa, trade directly impacts the everyday lives of our hardworking farmers and is critical to the success of our entire state,” said Senator Ernst. “Establishing a clearer channel of communication and breaking down the bureaucratic barriers between the USDA and USTR will help ensure Iowa farmers are on a level playing field when engaging with global markets.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden Announces Open-to-all Town Hall for Oregonians on March 4

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)

    February 28, 2025

    Senator Wyden: “Rather than attend the State of the Union, I’m choosing to hear from residents in the best state of the union.”

    Washington, DC –  U.S. Senator Ron Wyden today announced he will co-host a live on-line town hall Tuesday night, March 4 with People’s Town Hall to offer all Oregonians the opportunity to ask questions, share their ideas and offer their views during the State of the Union speech.

    “In this unprecedented time in American history, my top priority is making sure Oregonians from every corner of our state can keep weighing in directly with me,” said Wyden, who’s held 1,105 open-to-all town halls throughout Oregon in fulfillment of his promise to hold at least one town hall each year in each of the state’s 36 counties. “Rather than attend the State of the Union, I’m choosing to hear from residents in the best state of the union. That’s been my priority at more than 1,100 town meetings. And there’s no reason to make different choices this Tuesday.”

    The on-line town hall on Tuesday, March 4 will begin at 6 pm PT (7 pm MT) and can be watched here on Facebook Live. Oregonians who want to ask a question during the virtual town hall can submit their questions in advance here.

    “Senator Wyden has long led the way in town hall accessibility,” said Nathan Williams of People’s Town Hall, a town hall series from the founders of Town Hall Project. “At this crucial moment in our democracy, we encourage Oregonians from across the state — and political spectrum — to join this conversation with their senior senator.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Merkley, Wyden, Colleagues Sound the Alarm Over EPA Clean School Bus Program Funds Freeze

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)

    February 28, 2025

    Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden joined their colleagues in demanding an update from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin on the distribution of funding for the Clean School Bus program to recipients with signed agreements and urging the EPA to immediately release any withheld funding.

    In the letter, the lawmakers write, “To provide these health and cost savings benefits to our children and continue supporting the boom in electric bus manufacturing that is creating good-paying jobs across the country, the EPA must implement the Clean School Bus program as Congress directed. Following your confirmation hearing, you committed to the continued implementation of this program when you responded: ‘I commit to following the law. I cannot prejudge the outcome of any particular policy review.’ Recognizing that Congress authorizes and appropriates federal funding—and explicitly established the Clean School Bus program through a bipartisan vote— it is your duty to implement the program and ensure program awardees have confidence in working with the EPA and are receiving funding.” 

    Merkley and Wyden joined the letter led by Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), and Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.). It was also signed by Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.). 

    The lawmakers request the following information by March 6, 2025:  

    1. For both rebates and grants under the Clean School Bus program, what is the status of the disbursement of already obligated funds to recipients? 
    2. On what legal basis did the EPA end its disbursement of already obligated funds for the program? Please identify the authority under which the EPA cut off funding. 
    3. If the disbursement of any obligated Clean School Bus Program grants and rebates currently remains frozen for any awardees, when will it resume? If you cannot provide a date, please explain why, including the legal basis for not resuming disbursements and an explanation of the EPA’s grant and rebate-review process. 
    4. Will you commit to following the law by obligating the remaining Clean School Bus program grants and rebates that have yet to be awarded, or that have been awarded but not yet disbursed, through FY2026? 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Hassan Recognizes Amber Morgan of Nashua as February’s Granite Stater of the Month

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Maggie Hassan

    Published:

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan recognized Amber Morgan of Nashua as February’s Granite Stater of the Month. Through her flower shop, Fortin Gage Flowers, Amber offers special monthly floral arrangements and donates the proceeds to a local community group. In the two years that Amber has owned her flower shop, she has donated numerous bouquets and arrangements to charity events and local organizations across New Hampshire.

    Amber, an active member of the Nashua community, launched the Flowers for Good Campaign this year, highlighting different local organizations each month with a unique floral arrangement to spread awareness of groups in the area that are helping Granite Staters. Proceeds from the sale of these bouquets go directly to the organization, and each bouquet comes with an information card for the recipient to learn more about the group.

    Amber’s passion for uplifting local organizations is a wonderful example of the Granite State spirit of going the extra mile to support one’s community and is why Senator Hassan named her February’s Granite Stater of the Month.

    Senator Hassan launched the “Granite Stater of the Month” initiative in 2017 to recognize outstanding New Hampshire citizens who go above and beyond to help their neighbors and make their communities stronger. To nominate a New Hampshire citizen to be a “Granite Stater of the Month,” constituents can complete the nomination form here.

    To read Senator Hassan’s statement for the Congressional Record, see below.

    I am honored to recognize Amber Morgan of Nashua as February’s Granite Stater of the Month. Amber’s flower shop, Fortin Gage Flowers, sells a special floral arrangement every month and donates the proceeds to a local community group.

    Amber is an active member of the Nashua community. She sits on the city’s citizen advisory committee and has built relationships with many local organizations. In the two years that she has owned Fortin Gage Flowers, Amber has often donated bouquets for charity events.

    Amber’s new Flowers for Good Campaign spotlights a different organization every month with a unique bouquet. Amber donates proceeds from the sale of the arrangement to the organization and the recipient of the bouquet can learn about the group from an information card included with the flowers. Amber sees the campaign as a way to spread awareness of groups in the area that are helping Granite Staters in a fun and creative way.

    Amber’s passion for uplifting local organizations is a wonderful example of the Granite State spirit of going the extra mile to support your community. Her commitment to lifting up others is why I am proud to name her February’s Granite Stater of the Month.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Hassan, Shaheen, and Congressman Pappas Hold Press Conference to Discuss Impact of Trump Job Cuts on Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Local Economy

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Maggie Hassan

    Portsmouth, NH – On Friday, February 28, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan and Congressman Chris Pappas held a press conference in Portsmouth to discuss the impact the Trump Administration is having on the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. They were joined by the Seacoast Shipyard Association, the Metal Trades Council, and representatives from Portsmouth Naval Shipyard unions to discuss how the uncertainty surrounding the Trump administration’s executive orders and job cuts has led the Shipyard to pause hiring, and other impacts the administration’s actions may have.

    “The shipbuilding workforce at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is critical to maintaining our Navy’s crown jewel—the attack submarines that promote our national security around the globe,” said Senator Shaheen, a senior member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee. “We know the Shipyard is already short-staffed so the last thing the Trump Administration should be doing is interfering with their recruitment efforts—these actions don’t make our region stronger nor our nation safer.” 

    “Granite Staters are alarmed and outraged at the Trump Administration’s move to weaken the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard by curtailing the Shipyard’s workforce,” said Senator Hassan. “The Portsmouth Naval shipyard is both a pillar of our national security, helping the United States remain on the cutting edge, and an engine for our economy, providing jobs for Granite Staters who want to do their part to keep our Navy strong.”

    “The men and women of Portsmouth Naval Shipyard do critically important work every day to ensure our nation’s readiness, strengthen New Hampshire’s local economy, and support our military for any battle that lies ahead. These skilled workers are essential for the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard to meet its critical mission and their job security should not be in question. But the actions we have seen in recent weeks across the federal government and in the Department of Defense, including hiring freezes, layoffs, and the cancelling of contracts, are dangerous and undermine our national security,” said Congressman Pappas. “The Department of Defense must fully exempt the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard from these cuts and layoffs, and I will continue fighting to ensure they provide the clarity the Shipyard needs to meet its mission and ensure our country is strong and prepared for the future.”

    “The incredible women and men who make the vital work of Portsmouth Naval Shipyard possible are essential to keeping our state and country safe. Since I took the oath of office exactly two months ago today, I have met with shipyard employees and heard firsthand about the scope of their mission-critical work and the devastating impact that lawless actions of the Trump Administration have had on their lives,” said Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander, a member of the House Armed Services Committee who previously served for more than a decade as an intelligence officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve. “I will never stop fighting for the support and resources that our civilian and military workforce needs and deserves.”

    The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard provides maintenance for multiple types of ships, including the older Los Angeles-class submarines and newer Virginia-class submarines. It is one of just four public shipyards nationwide that maintain the US Navy’s submarine fleet. The Shipyard is also the region’s largest employer. In 2023, the latest available data, more than 7,400 civilian employees worked at the base with an economic impact exceeding $1.5 billion, according to the Seacoast Shipyard Association’s 2024 report.

    On Monday, February 24th, the Shipyard implemented a pause on hiring and recruiting in response to the Trump administration’s recent executive orders, job cuts, and the announcement of a Department of Defense (DOD) plan to reduce its workforce by laying off approximately 5,400 employees this week. The pause comes as the Shipyard has been working to hire large numbers of workers to increase capacity amid a $1.87 billion dry dock expansion.

    Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the department’s work on Virginia-class submarines was among many priorities deemed “too important” to be included in the overall downsizing, but a spokesperson for him declined to say whether any jobs at the Shipyard would be exempt from ongoing terminations of probationary workers. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed Condemns Trump-Vance Attack Against Ukraine and Zelenskyy

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed

    WASHINGTON, DC—Today, after President Trump and Vice President Vance held a press event with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House, during which they ridiculed Zelenskyy and Ukraine’s war of survival against Russia, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement:

    “Today’s spectacle in the Oval Office was a political ambush and a shameful failure of American leadership.

    “President Zelenskyy and the people of Ukraine are fighting for their very lives and existence. Unlike Donald Trump or JD Vance, I have traveled to Ukraine and seen firsthand the death and destruction wrought by Vladimir Putin against innocent people. To mock Ukraine and our allies is a travesty that only benefits Putin.

    “Furthermore, today’s cruel and callous display does great harm to U.S. standing in the world. Trump and Vance are communicating to the world that the United States is not to be trusted. Adversaries and allies alike will take note.  

    “To my Republican colleagues, where is your voice? We are watching America’s leaders surrender to Russia, forfeit our leadership in the world, and do strategic harm to our country — and for what? This is not who we are, and silence is complicity.

    “I will always stand with Ukraine and place America’s national security interests above theatrics and craven partisanship.”

    Last night, Senator Reed spoke on the floor of the U.S. Senate to reject the Trump Administration’s weak, dangerous strategy toward Ukraine and NATO. His full remarks can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Blasts Trump’s Staged Oval Office Stunt During Meeting with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy: “We need to stand with our allies—not shout at them.”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today released the following statement in reaction to President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance’s tumultuous meeting in the Oval Office with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy: 
    “Today’s staged Oval Office dressing down of an American ally was a disgrace. President Trump and Vice President Vance’s behavior left the world with no question that the Trump Administration stands with Putin. That’s far from the message President Zelenskyy received this morning when a bipartisan group of colleagues and I met with him and said that America will not abandon the people of Ukraine as they defend their country against Russia’s unjust invasion. 
    “President Trump’s actions are dangerous for Ukraine, dangerous for Europe, and dangerous for the United States. We need to stand with our allies—not shout at them.” 

    Senator Welch meets with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy in Washington, D.C., February 28, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Deputy Labor Secretary Nominee Declines to Answer Sen. Murray on Whether Basic Workforce Training Laws are “DEI”; Pressed on Trump Dismantling OFCCP And Enabling Illegal Discrimination

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    ICYMI: Senator Murray Statement on Trump Attempt to Dismantle Longstanding Labor Agency Combating Illegal Employment Discrimination 

    *** VIDEO of Senator Murray’s FULL questioning HERE***

    Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former Chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, questioned Keith Sonderling, President Donald Trump’s nominee to serve as Deputy Secretary at the Department of Labor (DOL), at a HELP committee hearing on his nomination. Murray pressed Mr. Sonderling on whether the Trump administration thinks foundational workforce training laws like the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act qualify as “DEI.” Murray also questioned Mr. Sonderling about the Trump administration’s unprecedented dismantling of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP), which has its origins in a 1965 executive order and plays a unique and vital role in combating unlawful employment discrimination for federal contract workers, who make up about one-fifth of the entire U.S. labor force.

    Murray began by pressing Mr. Sonderling on the consequences of the Trump administration’s dismantling of OFCCP, which Murray forcefully condemned in January. “In 2024, following an OFCCP evaluation, one of the largest global financial services companies agreed to allocate $4.2 million in payments to resolve alleged sex discrimination and undergo an outside pay equity analysis. In his first week in office, President Trump rescinded the Executive Order from 1965 that authorized OFCCP to conduct that investigation. Commissioner Sonderling, do you believe that taxpayer dollars should go to companies that discriminate?”

    Sonderling dodged the question and Murray pressed again: “Do you think that taxpayer dollars should go to companies that discriminate?”

    “That is not a determination that the Deputy Secretary of Labor or the Department of Labor deals with,” Sonderling responded.

    “You don’t want to answer the question,” Murray observed. “I will say, I don’t think the taxpayer dollars should go to companies that discriminate. I can easily say that.”

    Murray continued her line of questioning: “In our meeting, you suggested that the Department of Labor is looking at eliminating OFCCP entirely even though it has recovered now more than $260 million dollars for more than 250,000 employees and job applicants who were discriminated against by federal contractors over the last decade. And OFCCP just, today, announced plans to cut 90 percent of its staff and local offices. So let me ask you this: do you think DOL has any role to play in addressing illegal discrimination?”

    Mr. Sonderling said he was not aware of those reports, and declined to answer the question again.

    Murray asked again: “I’m just asking you from your own philosophical personal position. Do you think that DOL, which you want to go to work for, has any role to play in addressing discrimination in this country?”

    Mr. Sonderling responded that addressing discrimination is under the jurisdiction of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), to which Senator Murray replied: “It’s interesting that you say that, because Trump fired two of the EEOC commissioners—in an unprecedented move, I would add. So, it really has undermined our government’s ability to go after anti-discrimination. So I am, and everyone should, be deeply concerned about that.” Senator Murray vocally condemned Trump’s illegal firing of EEOC Commissioners and NLRB members last month.

    Next, Senator Murray pressed Mr. Sonderling on the Trump administration’s definition of “DEI” and their weaponization of the ill-defined term to target all manner of programs and policies. “We’re hearing a lot about DEI, it’s thrown out there everywhere. So, I’m going to ask about some bipartisan laws passed by Congress that were passed to make sure that underserved Americans can receive workforce training and find good employment opportunities. And I want to know if the policies in these laws that I’m going to present to you amount to DEI,” Murray said.

    “The Office of Disability Employment Policy has been statutorily authorized with, ‘Eliminating barriers to the training and employment of people with disabilities.’ Is that DEI? Yes or no?”

    “It is important to protect all rights of disabled workers… and under my leadership, the Office of Disability Employment will continue to do that,” Sonderling relied, without answering the question directly.

    “So that is not DEI?” Murray pressed.


    “That is a civil rights statute that the department enforces to make sure disabled people can prosper in the workforce,”     Sonderling replied.

    “I know you know what it is, but I’m asking if it’s DEI, because, you know, it’s very confusing,” Murray responded.

    Murray continued: “How about the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, WIOA? It specifically says ‘individuals with a barrier to employment’ and requires grantees to expand training to those individuals. Is that DEI?

    “WIOA is a very important law…,” Sonderling replied. “But do you consider that to be DEI?” Murray pressed.

    “I consider that to be a very important part of the department’s mission to make sure that American workers can get… the training they need,” Sonderling said.

    “The Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 requires federal contractors to take affirmative action to hire, retain, and promote veterans? Is that DEI?” Murray asked.

    Sonderling declined to answer the question, saying instead: “It is important to protect all of our veterans. It’s important to protect everybody in the workplace.”

    “Well—Mr. Chairman, I know you’re pounding your gavel—but I just think it’s pretty clear that there is no standard definition of DEI across our federal government,” Murray concluded.

    Throughout her career, Senator Murray has championed workers’ rights and fought to combat employment discrimination, including as the top Democrat on the Senate labor committee from 2015-2022—among other things, Senator Murray fought back against a proposed DOL rule by the Trump administration that would allow federal contractors and subcontractors to justify discrimination against women, LGBTQ+ people, and members of certain religious groups on ideological grounds. Senator Murray first introduced the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act—comprehensive labor legislation to protect workers’ right to stand together and bargain for fairer wages, better benefits, and safer workplaces—in the 116th Congress. Murray also leads the Paycheck Fairness Act to combat wage discrimination and help close the wage gap, and has helped lead the fight for paid family and medical leave since she first joined Congress.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murray, DeLauro Statement on Government Funding Talks

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    Washington, D.C. — Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Senate Appropriations Committee Vice Chair, and Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement on government funding talks:

    “It’s incredibly disappointing that Republican leadership is walking away from bipartisan negotiations to fund the government—and raising the risk of a shutdown in so doing.

    “Republican leadership’s plan to pass a full-year continuing resolution with Musk’s devastating ‘DOGE cuts’ would give Trump new flexibility to spend funding as he sees fit. While Elon Musk has been calling for a shutdown, Democrats have been working to pass bills that make sure Congress decides whether our schools or hospitals get funding—not Trump or Musk.

    “Their plan would only help Trump and Musk cut off support for our veterans, cancel lifesaving cancer research, and threaten seniors’ Social Security benefits. As ever, we remain ready to work with our colleagues to pass full year appropriations bills and invest in families and our national security—and we hope Republicans will return to the table to do just that.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FACT SHEET: Trump and Musk’s Plot to Make It Harder for Americans to Get Their Social Security Benefits

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    Trump admin plans to gut Social Security Administration

     “Massive” staffing reductions planned at an already severely understaffed agency; 90% of SSA staff work across the country outside of the agency’s headquarters in Baltimore

    DOGE touts coming closures of field offices around the country

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, warned of the Trump administration’s plans to gut the Social Security Administration (SSA)–and to make it harder for Americans who’ve paid into Social Security to get the benefits they have earned.

    In a statement, Senator Murray said:

    “People need help getting Social Security at some of the most vulnerable points in their lives—whether that’s the death of a spouse, the onset of a disability, or the loss of income that comes with retirement. Americans pay into Social Security their entire lives–it’s a promise they should be able to count on.

    “But Trump and Elon are decimating the Social Security Administration, and without that staff, there will be people who can’t get their benefits—period. 

    “Trump and Musk will cause wait times to soar for seniors calling in to sort out issues with their benefits. They will force Americans in rural communities to drive hours to get the help they are owed, and their reckless plans will cheat Americans out of the benefits they have earned. 

    “Americans need to be able to talk to real people, often in person, to make sure they get their Social Security check—but Elon wants to shutter field offices people count on to apply for benefits, get a new Social Security card, and talk to someone who can help.

    “Make no mistake: Trump and Elon are breaking Social Security to enrich themselves. It’s seniors who will pay the price.”

    THE BOTTOM LINE

    Trump and Musk’s actions to gut SSA will make it harder for Americans who have spent their lives paying into Social Security to get the benefits they have earned–and to get the help accessing those benefits they need. 

    Trump and Musk plan to demolish SSA and make it much harder for Americans to get answers about their benefits, file for benefits, get a new Social Security card, and much more.

    Each year, SSA:

    • Receives 80 million calls to its 1-800 number.
    • Receives 57 million calls to its 1,200 field offices nationwide.
    • Receives 30 million visitors to its 1,200 field offices.
    • Processes 9 million applications for benefits.

    Without adequate customer service provided by SSA, Americans will be cheated out of receiving the benefits they have earned.

    FIRING STAFF & ERODING SERVICE FOR BENEFICIARIES

    On Thursday, the Social Security Administration announced it will “soon implement agency-wide organizational restructuring that will include significant workforce reductions.”

    Reports indicate SSA may eliminate up to 50% of its workforce in what the agency calls “massive reorganizations,” and SSA has now offered all employees incentives to leave the agency.

    The vast majority of SSA’s 57,000 employees nationwide directly serve Americans who’ve paid into Social Security by:

    • Assisting tens of millions of Americans in field offices across the country;
    • Assisting beneficiaries over the phone;
    • Processing retirement, survivors, and disability benefits; 
    • Much more.

    90% of SSA staff work across the country outside of the agency’s headquarters. SSA staff who are not providing direct service support perform critical work that keeps the agency and Social Security system operational, including supporting SSA’s IT infrastructure.

    SSA staff ensure 73 million Americans get their Social Security benefits each month–which is more beneficiaries than ever before. They do so even though SSA’s 57,000 staff level is already at the lowest level in 50 years.

    Gutting SSA’s workforce will make it significantly harder for Americans to get the benefits they have earned–and much harder to get the help they need.

    • SSA is already very short-staffed. There is simply no way to significantly reduce staff further without seriously jeopardizing customer service for tens of millions of Americans.
    • Wait times to get help on the phone will inevitably increase. 
    • Processing times for retirement and disability benefits will significantly worsen.

    Customer service at SSA has long suffered from historically low staffing levels and inadequate discretionary funding, which Democrats have pushed to increase each year while congressional Republicans push to cut non-defense funding. 

    Trump and Musk are working to guarantee that customer service gets substantially worse–if not impossible to access–for the American people who need help from SSA.

    • Currently, fewer than 40% of people who call SSA seeking to speak to a Social Security agent are able to get through to talk to someone. 
      • The average time someone waits to talk to someone on SSA’s 1-800 number is 30 minutes, but that excludes people who hang up because the wait is too long.  
      • This wait will increase under Trump and Musk’s plans.
    • It now takes on average 240 days to process a disability claim–up from the recent historical average of approximately 110 days. 
      • This wait will increase under Trump and Musk’s plans. 
      • Last year, an estimated 30,000 Americans died while waiting on a decision for their disability benefits.

    Trump and Musk are working to erode customer service provided by SSA–service that Americans have earned–despite the fact that SSA’s administrative expenses already represent less than 1% of total benefits paid.

    Their raze and burn plans have already created an exodus of senior leadership across SSA’s regional offices–jeopardizing SSA’s efforts to improve service for Americans. Just today, SSA announced a bevy of additional departures of senior SSA leadership.

    Breakdowns of the number of Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance beneficiaries by state and county are available HERE. 

    Breakdowns of the number of Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries are available HERE.

    SHUTTERING OFFICES & FORCING BENEFICIARIES TO DRIVE HOURS

    SSA has 1,200 field offices in communities all across the country that help Americans:

    • Apply to receive Social Security and Medicare benefits.
    • Apply to receive Supplemental Security Income and SNAP.
    • Get or replace a Social Security card.
    • Get assistance and address problems with benefits.

    In 2023, SSA field offices had nearly 120,000 Americans visit per day.

    Elon Musk and his DOGE crew are eager to close SSA field offices across the country that Americans count on. DOGE’s “Wall of Receipts” lists dozens of SSA field offices they have or will terminate leases for.

    Closing field offices will force people to drive hours farther to get the basic services they are entitled to. For many–particularly beneficiaries who are disabled or who live in rural areas–the closures could mean losing out on assistance from SSA–and even benefits altogether.

    A full list of SSA’s roughly 1,200 field offices is available HERE. A map is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –