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Category: US Senate

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Grassley Secures Argentine President Milei’s Partnership in Credit Suisse Investigation into Nazi-Linked Accounts

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) is welcoming Argentine President Javier Milei’s commitment to support Grassley’s ongoing investigation into Credit Suisse and its historic servicing of Nazi-linked accounts. This includes providing archival records documenting the use of Nazi “ratlines.” Ratlines were monetary and logistic pathways Nazis used to escape justice and flee to Latin America, including Argentina, following World War II.

    “In order to continue this work, I respectfully request possession of Argentina’s archival records relating to Nazi ratlines. This includes records dating to the time before, during, and following World War II that will help shed light on the planning and carrying out of the Nazi ratlines. The great people of Argentina’s support in helping the Senate Judiciary Committee obtain possession would assist the committee in advancing its corresponding oversight of this matter,” Grassley wrote to Milei.

    Grassley will chair a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing next week focused on stemming the tide of antisemitism.
    Read additional background from the Times of Israel.                                  

    Argentine president opening files on Nazi ‘ratlines’ that trafficked Eichmann, Mengele

    By Matt Lebovic

    February 24, 2025

    Argentinian President Javier Milei promised officials of the Simon Wiesenthal Center his full cooperation in granting access to documents related to the financing of so-called “ratlines” that helped Nazis escape Europe after the Holocaust. The promise was made in Buenos Aires at the presidential palace, Casa Rosada, during a meeting with Milei and activists on Tuesday.

    For decades, organizations including the Simon Wiesenthal Center, named after the famed Nazi hunter, have sought records related to unofficial escape routes taken by thousands of Nazis during the years after World War II. Up to 10,000 Nazis and other fascist war criminals escaped justice by fleeing to Argentina and other countries.

    “While some previous leaders promised full cooperation to get to the hard truths that involved Argentina’s past, Milei is the first to act with lightning speed to enable the SWC to uncover important pieces of the historic puzzle, especially as it related to involvement with Nazis before, during and after the Holocaust,” Rabbi Abraham Cooper, associate dean of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, told The Times of Israel.

    …

    During the SWC meeting on Tuesday, Jonathan Missner, managing partner at Stein, Mitchell, Beato & Missner, brought a letter from US Senator Charles Grassley, chairman of the US Senate Judiciary Committee. The letter — which was handed to Milei — requested the Argentinian leader’s assistance in uncovering how the ratlines were organized and funded. A copy of the letter was sent to US President Donald Trump.

    …

    Nazis’ escape routes

    Several countries in the Americas received Nazis, including Canada, the US, and Mexico. Nazis also fled to Australia, Spain, and Switzerland. In some cases, US intelligence officials used ratlines to pluck top Nazi scientists away from Soviet orbits.

    One of two primary escape routes went through Germany and Spain, then across the Atlantic to Argentina…

    Up to 5,000 Nazis are said to have settled in Argentina, including Holocaust “architect” Adolf Eichmann and Josef Mengele, one of the most recognizable — and wanted — Nazis. Traveling along a ratline in 1948, the notorious Auschwitz physician used the new identity of Helmut Gregor when fleeing Europe.

    “These files will be instrumental in obtaining justice, which is instrumental to honoring the memory of those who suffered and died in the Holocaust,” said Cooper. “Especially in a post-October 7 world, those who financed, facilitated, or otherwise assisted these ratlines must be held accountable,” he said.

    …

    “Words are one thing — actions are another. President Milei’s historic decision signals his unequivocal allyship with the Jewish community while reinforcing his commitment to accountability and transparency at home,” Missner told The Times of Israel.

    Support for harboring Nazi war criminals went right to the top in Argentina, according to historians. President Juan Peron was angered by the Nuremberg Trials and authorized key facets of the escape routes, making them a state affair. In addition to German Nazis, the Peron regime and other South American governments aided war criminals from Hungary, Croatia and elsewhere.

    “President Milei is a staunch ally of the global Jewish community and was eager to open these archives. He knows that confronting Argentina’s history of Nazi collaboration requires nothing less than full transparency, and the same principle undergirds his pursuit of justice for the AMIA bombing,” said Missner.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Reverend Warnock, Murray Introduce Legislation to Improve Children’s Health Care Access   

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia

    Senators Reverend Warnock, Murray Introduce Legislation to Improve Children’s Health Care Access   

    Senator Reverend Warnock introduced the Kids’ Access to Primary Care Act, which would incentivize more providers to participate in Medicaid and increase access to care for children and families by requiring Medicaid to pay at least the same rate as Medicare for primary care
    Senator Reverend Warnock recently addressed proposed Republican cuts to Medicaid at a press conference with Senate Democratic colleagues
    In Georgia, kids make up roughly 71 percent of all Medicaid enrollees
    Senator Reverend Warnock has long championed strengthening Medicaid
    Senator Reverend Warnock: “Right now, nearly half of our country’s children get health care through Medicaid, which is why it’s so troubling that Washington Republicans are fighting to make cuts to health care access”
    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former Chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee introduced the Kids’ Access to Primary Care Act. The bill would require Medicaid to pay at least the same rate as Medicare for primary care services, which would incentivize more providers to participate in Medicaid and increase access to care for children and families.
    “I’ve been in the Medicaid fight long before I got to the Senate, so I know the importance that affordable health care provides for so many Americans, including millions of children. In Georgia, kids make up over 70 percent of all Medicaid enrollees,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “Right now, nearly half of our country’s children get health care through Medicaid, which is why it’s so troubling that Washington Republicans are fighting to make cuts to health care access. That is why the Kids’ Access to Primary Care Act is so important. This commonsense solution shouldn’t be a partisan issue, kids and parents deserve the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have health care access.”
    “Medicaid is a lifeline for tens of millions of American families, especially women and children—one in five women and nearly half of all children in America get their health care through Medicaid. Our legislation is a commonsense solution that would encourage more providers to see Medicaid patients and make it easier for families who rely on Medicaid to get timely care close to home,” said Senator Murray. “Right now, Republicans are doubling down on their plans to make deep cuts to Medicaid and rip away health care from millions of people who need it—it’s dangerous and flat-out-wrong. I’ll keep fighting back and working to strengthen Medicaid and bring down the cost of health care in America.”
    Right now, Medicaid pays a lower rate than Medicare for the same primary care procedures and services. This discrepancy severely reduces the number of providers who participate in Medicaid and limits access to health care for children and families. In Georgia alone, nearly 2 million individuals are insured through Medicaid, including over 1.4 million children who depend on the program for their health care needs. The Kids’ Access to Primary Care Act would improve Medicaid coverage by ensuring that providers are paid at least the same rate as they are for Medicare. Experts agree that higher Medicaid payment rates will broaden the provider network and increase access to care for Medicaid patients, including the more than half of children in the U.S who rely on Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
    Senator Warnock has long championed efforts to expand affordable health care access, starting with his advocacy to close the health care coverage gap in Georgia. In addition to pushing for solutions to close the coverage gap, Senator Warnock led a delegation of Georgia lawmakers in urging the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to provide tools to Medicaid non-expansion states like Georgia to help them protect health care access for Medicaid enrollees who lose eligibility after the end of the public health emergency declaration.
    In addition to Senators Murray and Warnock, the Kids’ Access to Primary Care Act is also cosponsored by Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and Peter Welch (D-VT). Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (D-WA-08) introduced the legislation in the House with Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01) and Kathy Castor (D-FL-14).
    The legislation is supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians, Seattle Children’s Hospital, and the Washington State Medical Association.
    The full text of the legislation is HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rosen Helps Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Increase Access to Health Care in Rural and Underserved Areas

    US Senate News:

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

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) helped introduce bipartisan legislation to increase the number of doctors working in rural and underserved areas. The bipartisan Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act would reauthorize the Conrad 30 program, which allows international doctors who have completed their residency training in the U.S. to remain in the country under the condition that they practice in areas experiencing physician shortages. 
    “Far too many communities in Nevada lack access to medical care, an issue that is especially dire in our rural and underserved areas. In fact, every county in Nevada is experiencing a shortage of medical professionals,” said Senator Rosen. “This bipartisan legislation will help to address the physician shortage by allowing international doctors to stay and work in the U.S. following their residencies, helping to increase the number of doctors available to provide care.”
    Generally, doctors from other countries working in the United States on J-1 visas are required to return to their home country after their residency has ended for two years before they can apply for another visa or green card. The Conrad 30 program allows doctors to stay in the United States without having to return home if they agree to practice in an underserved area for three years. The “30” refers to the number of doctors per state that can participate in the program. In addition to reauthorizing the program, Senator Rosen’s bill would raise the per-state cap to 35 physicians, increasing the total eligible number of physicians by hundreds nationwide.
    This bipartisan legislation extends the Conrad 30 program for three years, improves the process for obtaining a visa, and allows for the program to be expanded beyond 30 slots if certain thresholds are met, while protecting small states’ slots. The bill also allows the spouses of doctors to work and provides worker protections to prevent the doctors from being mistreated. The legislation also allows physicians who serve in a Veterans Affairs (VA) facility or health professional shortage area for 5 years to get expedited consideration for a green card.
    Senator Rosen is working to address Nevada’s doctor shortage and improve medical care access in the state. Earlier this month, Senator Rosen introduced a bipartisan bill to tackle the nursing shortage affecting communities across the nation. Last year, Senator Rosen pushed for more medical residency slots to be awarded to Nevada to help tackle the physician shortage. She also helped introduce the bipartisan Medical Student Education Authorization Act to address the doctor shortage by expanding the Medical Student Education Program and introduced a package of bipartisan bills aimed at addressing the shortage of doctors and dentists in Nevada and across the country.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Rosen, Husted, & Ricketts Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Protect American Government Devices from PRC-Controlled AI Program

    US Senate News:

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

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Jon Husted (R-OH), and Pete Ricketts (R-NE) introduced bipartisan legislation to prohibit the use of DeepSeek — a new artificial intelligence (AI) platform with direct ties to the Chinese Communist Party — on all government devices and networks. DeepSeek poses a potentially major national security threat, as data collected from the program is being shared directly with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) government and its intelligence agencies. Several U.S. states and allied nations have already moved to block DeepSeek from government devices due to critical security concerns.
    “As the artificial intelligence landscape continues to rapidly expand, the U.S. must take steps to ensure Americans’ data and government systems remain protected against platforms — like DeepSeek — that are linked to our adversaries,” said Senator Rosen. “This bipartisan legislation takes proactive steps to ban DeepSeek on all U.S. government devices, helping to further safeguard sensitive government data from the Chinese Communist Party.”
    “DeepSeek is a tool that perpetuates Communist China’s agenda—full stop,” said Senator Husted. “It exposes Americans’ data to our adversary’s government, lies to its users, and exploits American workers’ AI advances. We can’t afford for U.S. officials to play into Beijing’s hands by hosting this hostile bot on their devices. Our bill is an urgent first step toward protecting our citizens, government, and economy from China’s Communist Party.”
    “DeepSeek poses serious security risks to Americans who use the platform. It should not be on government devices,” said Senator Ricketts. “This bipartisan bill ensures that DeepSeek does not expose our government to potential national security risks—or give our data to Communist China.”
    As the first and only former computer programmer to serve in the Senate, Senator Rosen has led the fight to strengthen the nation’s cybersecurity. Last year, Rosen called on the Department of Health and Human Services and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency to create a plan to help health care systems respond to cyber attacks like the recent ransomware attack on Change Healthcare. Additionally, Rosen’s bipartisan Department of Defense Civilian Cybersecurity Reserve Act became law to recruit civilian cybersecurity personnel to serve in reserve capacities and respond to cyberattacks during times of need. Senator Rosen has introduced bipartisan bills to bolster the cybersecurity of medical devices and records from the Department of Veterans Affairs, both of which were signed into law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell, Democrats Vote NO on Advancing Deputy DOT Nominee Bradbury: “It Simply Does Not Matter If You’re Saving Dollars, If You’re Not Saving Lives”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell

    02.27.25

    Cantwell, Democrats Vote NO on Advancing Deputy DOT Nominee Bradbury: “It Simply Does Not Matter If You’re Saving Dollars, If You’re Not Saving Lives”

    As DOT General Counsel from 2017-2021, Bradbury helped sideline a crucial safety regulation for plane manufacturers in immediate aftermath of fatal crashes

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, led committee Democrats in voting against advancing Steven Bradbury – President Donald Trump’s pick to serve as Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation – to the full Senate for a confirmation vote.

    From 2017 to 2021, Bradbury served as the General Counsel of DOT. Under his leadership, Sen. Cantwell said, the DOT rolled back multiple “common sense requirements.”

    “It simply does not matter if you’re saving dollars, if you’re not saving lives. The last thing we need is someone who won’t stand up to the industry or [for] aviation safety needs,” Sen. Cantwell said. “Fatigue prevention requirements for truck drivers were loosened. A record number of rail safety requirements were waived. And most troubling, a proposed rule on Safety Management System for aviation manufacturers such as Boeing was sidelined.”

    The Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation ultimately voted 15-13 to advance Bradbury’s nomination to the full Senate. In spite of Bradbury’s record of rolling back and blocking safety regulations during the first Trump administration, all Republicans voted to advance his nomination.

    Last week, during a committee hearing, Sen. Cantwell pressed Bradbury on his decision to sideline a proposed requirement that plane manufacturers must adopt a mandatory Safety Management System (SMS), which an expert panel determined would decrease the likelihood of another fatal accident. His decision came just nine days after the fatal Lion Air flight 610 crash in 2018 on a Boeing 737 MAX, which killed 189 people, and halted the introduction of a critical aviation safety rule advocated for by crash victim family members.

    Sen. Cantwell asked him at the hearing: “We know that the rule was halted nine days after the MAX crash. Why did you stop the rulemaking from happening?”

    Bradbury: “Well, I don’t know that I stopped it.”

    Sen. Cantwell: “That’s what’s reported in the paper, and I mentioned the FAA person, who was in charge of the process, who said the industry and everybody wanted to move forward, and it was submitted, and then next thing you know, it’s pulled, so…”

    Bradbury: “Well, certainly we go through a review of every regulation, and as I recall, in that regulation, there were questions on the merits about which entities it should apply to and how it might apply to small businesses or small entities. Those are the kinds of questions that need to be addressed whenever you’re –“

    Sen. Cantwell: “So you’re saying you might have killed the SMS rule because you didn’t want it to apply to all manufacturers.”

    Bradbury: “I wouldn’t say I killed the SMS rule. And let me say –”

    Sen Cantwell: “We still don’t have one. Our committee has worked hard to get one, and now it’s going to be in law. But I have more questions about this. But yes, you did stop it from happening. There was a recommendation to move forward on it, and your office stopped it.”

    Earlier this month, Sen. Cantwell also sent a letter to Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy calling on him to ensure that Elon Musk stays out of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), citing Musk’s clear conflicts of interest.

    In August, Sen. Cantwell introduced the FAA SMS Compliance Review Act. The bill directs the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to:

    • Convene an independent review panel that will make recommendations to help the FAA implement a robust, comprehensive Safety Management System across all lines of business at the agency, which includes Aviation Safety, Air Traffic Organization, Airports, Security & Hazardous Materials Safety, and the Office of Commercial Space Transportation.
    • Develop and implement effective processes for performing root cause analyses to identify opportunities for improvement in the FAA’s execution of its regulatory oversight responsibilities.
    • Revise its procedures to shorten the time that manufacturers have to prepare for audits from 50 days to one week. 

    Following the Alaska Airlines flight 1282 incident in January 2024, Sen. Cantwell has held a series of aviation safety hearings, along with leading legislation and letters calling for stronger safety oversight at the FAA.

    In January 2023 and January 2024, Sen. Cantwell requested that FAA perform a special technical audit of Boeing’s production line. The FAA later said the audit found multiple instances where Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems failed to comply with manufacturing quality control requirements.

    Sen. Cantwell held an April hearing to review the independent Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) Expert Review Panel’s final report, a March 2024 hearing with National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Chair Jennifer Homendy on its investigation of the January incident and a June hearing with FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker on the agency’s oversight.

    In May, Sen. Cantwell and Sen. Duckworth led the passage of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, which includes new measures to improve aviation safety, such as putting more safety inspectors on factory floors, addressing the nation’s shortage of air traffic controllers, deploying new runway technology to prevent close calls, mandating new 25-hour cockpit recording systems to assist in investigations, and enhancing aircraft certification reforms.

    The FAA Reauthorization Act builds upon the Aircraft Certification, Safety and Accountability Act of 2020, spearheaded by Sen. Cantwell in the aftermath of the Boeing 737 Max crashes in 2018 and 2019.

    Video of Sen. Cantwell’s remarks today is HERE; a transcript is HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Boozman, Kennedy Champion Legislation to Protect Investor Privacy

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas – John Boozman

    WASHINGTON––U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) joined Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) to introduce the Protecting Investors’ Personally Identifiable Information Act which would prohibit the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) from requiring brokers to submit investors’ personally identifiable information to its data tracking system, the Consolidated Audit Trail (CAT), in the wake of recent cyber-attacks and ongoing vulnerabilities. 

    “Investors rely on the SEC to safeguard sensitive financial information. Requiring brokers to submit investors’ private, identifiable information, including social security numbers, into a central database will invite even more attempts to compromise Americans’ data privacy. I am pleased to join my colleagues to reject this ill-advised scheme and protect personal information,” said Boozman. 

    “Americans assume their private information is secure when they invest money in the U.S. stock market. However, the SEC’s unlawful Consolidated Audit Trail could put their data in jeopardy. My bill would protect American investors from foreign enemies and bad actors by preventing the SEC from collecting personal information it doesn’t need and storing it on a dangerous database,” said Kennedy.

    The Protecting Investors’ Personally Identifiable Information Act would:

    • Prohibit the SEC from requiring brokers to submit investors’ personally identifiable information to the CAT, with the exception that the SEC can obtain personally identifiable information related to investors only by requesting it on a case-by-case; and
    • Require the SEC to delete personally identifiable information once the agency resolves any investigation or issue that required that information.

    The legislation is also cosponsored by Senators Katie Britt (R-AL), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Steve Daines (R-MT), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Mike Lee (R-UT), Rick Scott (R-FL), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) and Mike Rounds (R-SD).

    Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congressman Barry Loudermilk (R-GA-11).

    The Protecting Investors’ Personally Identifiable Information Act is supported by the American Securities Association.

    “The SEC can conduct responsible oversight of our equity markets without collecting the most sensitive personal information of working families, retirees, and savers,” said American Securities Association CEO Chris Iacovella.

    Click here for full text of the legislation.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Budd, Scott, Kelly Introduce Strategic Ports Reporting Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ted Budd (R-North Carolina)

    Washington, D.C. — Today, Senators Ted Budd (R-NC), Rick Scott (R-FL), and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) introduced the Strategic Ports Reporting Act, which requires the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defense to monitor efforts by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to build, buy, or own strategic ports around the world.

    Specifically, this bill requires the development of a map of foreign and domestic ports of importance to the United States for military, diplomatic, economic, or resource exploration purposes and to identify efforts by the PRC to build, buy, or otherwise control such ports.

    This bill would also require the Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense to conduct a study on activities and plans of the PRC as it relates to strategic ports to include an assessment of vulnerabilities of ports operated and controlled by the United States and a strategy to secure trusted investment and ownership of strategic ports.

    The House companion bill is led by Representatives Bill Huizenga (R-MI), Rob Wittman (R-VA), Jake Auchincloss (D-MA), and Johnny Olszewski (D-MD).

    Senator Budd said in a statement:

    “In January, the Senate Commerce Committee held a hearing on PRC influence on the Panama Canal and potential impacts to U.S. national security. This hearing highlighted China’s increasing malign activities around the world and efforts to control global trade. The United States must face this reality head on, and the first step is comprehensive monitoring of PRC activities at domestic and foreign ports that threaten our national interest.”

    Senator Scott said:

    “The Chinese Communist Party’s increasing influence over global trade routes and strategic infrastructure poses a direct threat to the United States’ national security and economic stability. From the Panama Canal to ports across the world, Communist China is working to grow its economic and military presence to threaten and undermine American interests. The United States must respond decisively and accordingly to eliminate any influence or access Communist China has to the critical infrastructure of the U.S. and its allies that may be used against us. The Strategic Ports Reporting Act is a crucial step to safeguarding critical ports and securing our supply chains, and protecting our national security.”

    Senator Kelly said:

    “China’s growing influence over the oceans can have serious consequences for our national security and economy. That’s why we need the State and Defense Departments to protect our strategic ports from China’s interference. This bipartisan bill will strengthen our global maritime leadership.”   

    Congressman Huizenga said:

    “The Chinese Communist Party continues to advance economic and military objectives that undermine the security of the United States. The expansionist policies and strategic investments being pursued by the Chinese Communist Party near the Panama Canal, across the Western Hemisphere, and around the globe are challenges that Republicans and Democrats must confront together in order to put American interests first. The Strategic Ports Reporting Act creates a bipartisan opportunity to not only evaluate these growing concerns but counter them as well.”

    Congressman Wittman said:

    “China’s Belt and Road Initiative is spreading Chinese money and influence around the world, while degrading our ability to operate in strategic ports necessary for commercial and military purposes. It is crucial for the Departments of State and Defense to identify ways in which the Chinese Communist Party is expanding its maritime reach while providing recommendations for how the United States can counter those efforts and secure access to essential ports and infrastructure. I’m proud to join my colleagues in this bipartisan effort and look forward to championing it over the finish line.”

    Congressman Auchincloss said:

    “Control over ports is a pathway to global power. For millennia, these linchpins of trade and military might have been vital strategic assets. The United States must not allow China the upper hand.”

    Congressman Olszewski said:

    “China’s growing control over global ports threatens our national security and economic stability here at home. The Strategic Ports Reporting Act will ensure the U.S. has the necessary tools to monitor and counter this Chinese influence, protecting supply chains and our global standing. I’m proud to join Congressman Huizenga in co-leading this bipartisan effort to safeguard our ports and boost our economy.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murray, Kaptur Follow-Up, Demand Answers from Trump DOE as it Continues to Block Investments to Lower Americans’ Energy Costs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    Washington, D.C. — Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Senate Appropriations Committee Vice Chair and Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development Ranking Member, and Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D, OH-09), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, sent a new letter to Energy Secretary Chris Wright, demanding answers about the Department of Energy’s freeze of key energy investments. Murray and Kaptur pressed Secretary Wright to provide answers to questions they posed in a January 31 letter—responses that DOE has failed to provide—and to expeditiously release illegally blocked funding.

    “The Department’s actions continue to cause widespread chaos and confusion, affect a broad array of investments in American communities, and threaten to raise energy costs for American families. We have yet to hear back on any of the questions raised and many of these critical programs remain illegally frozen,” write Murray and Kaptur.

    “As Secretary, you have a responsibility and duty to execute the laws faithfully,” added Murray and Kaptur. “Congress has enacted laws to invest in America’s security and prosperity and lower American households’ energy costs by addressing our nation’s energy, environmental, and nuclear challenges through transformative science and technology solutions. This administration’s funding freeze continues to create mass uncertainty, will cause energy prices to rise, risks good-paying jobs in communities across the country, and undermines the pursuit of energy dominance.”

    “We respectfully ask that you respond to the questions raised in our prior letter and release all of the illegally frozen funds expeditiously,” Murray and Kaptur conclude.

    In their January letter, Murray and Kaptur noted that the illegal freeze of Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funding is creating unacceptable chaos, confusion, and harm for American families and businesses:

    “Stopping these programs is taking money from the pockets of Americans. For example, the Home Energy Rebates programs, funded by the IRA, has been putting money directly back in the hands of American households. The rebates help consumers save money on select home improvement projects that can lower energy bills by providing up to $14,000 per household in rebates. It is estimated that these programs will save households up to $1 billion per year on energy bills and support over 50,000 U.S. jobs. The President’s attempt to freeze the Home Energy Rebates Program means these costs will fall back on American consumers.”

    Full text of the letter is available HERE and below: 

    The Honorable Christopher Wright

    Secretary

    U.S. Department of Energy

    1000 Independence Ave., SW

    Washington, DC 20585

    Dear Secretary Wright:

    We write to follow up on the attached letter sent on January 31, 2025. This letter raised grave concerns about the Department of Energy’s (DOE) unlawful actions to freeze program funding. The Department’s actions continue to cause widespread chaos and confusion, affect a broad array of investments in American communities, and threaten to raise energy costs for American families. We have yet to hear back on any of the questions raised and many of these critical programs remain illegally frozen.

    As Secretary, you have a responsibility and duty to execute the laws faithfully. We reiterate our call for the Department to responsibly carry out duly enacted spending laws, execute its programs, and follow the law as intended for all of its appropriated funding. Congress has enacted laws to invest in America’s security and prosperity and lower American households’ energy costs by addressing our nation’s energy, environmental, and nuclear challenges through transformative science and technology solutions. This administration’s funding freeze continues to create mass uncertainty, will cause energy prices to rise, risks good-paying jobs in communities across the country, and undermines the pursuit of energy dominance.

    We respectfully ask that you respond to the questions raised in our prior letter and release all of the illegally frozen funds expeditiously.

    Sincerely,

    Marcy Kaptur, Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, House Committee on Appropriations

    Patty Murray, Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, Senate Committee on Appropriations

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray Raises Alarm Over Looming Republican Cuts to Medicaid, with Health Care Workers in Central and Eastern WA

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    In Washington state, over 1.8 million people rely on Medicaid; WA-04 and WA-05—represented by Republicans—have the highest proportion of people on Medicaid in WA

    ICYMI: Murray, Warnock, Rep. Schrier Introduce Bill to Improve Children’s Health Care Access By Strengthening Medicaid

    ***VIDEO FROM PRESS CALL HERE***

    Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a senior member and former Chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, held a virtual press conference with health care workers in Central and Eastern Washington to sound the alarm on the massive, steep cuts to Medicaid that House and Senate Republicans are right now working to pass via the budget reconciliation process, which requires only a simple majority to pass.

    Nearly 80 million Americans nationwide rely on Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) for their health coverage and access to care, including over 1.8 million people in Washington state who are enrolled in Apple Health, Washington state’s Medicaid program. In Washington state, 47 percent of children, one in six adults, three in five nursing home residents, and three in eight people with disabilities are covered by Apple Health. House Republicans’ budget proposal directs cuts of at least $880 billion to Medicaid and other health care programs, which would have devastating consequences for Washington state’s health care system—especially in Washington’s 4th and 5th Congressional Districts, which have the highest proportions of populations who rely on Medicaid in the state.

    Republicans have offered various proposals to drastically cut Medicaid, all of which would mean cutting services and kicking people off their health care coverage. For example, 782,000 Washingtonians, or 42 percent of adults on Medicaid in Washington state, would be at risk of losing coverage if Republicans institute so-called work requirements, which been proven not to increase employment—but rather strip health coverage from people with low incomes, most of whom are already working full or part-time, or not working due to circumstances like school or caregiving responsibilities. Reducing the federal match rate for states like Washington that expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, another idea that has been discussed, would force Washington state to spend $2,754,000,000 more to maintain its Medicaid expansion, and threaten coverage for 647,416 people in Washington. Removing or lowering the 50 percent floor on federal Medicaid match rates would shift costs to states dramatically, and would mean Washington state would have to pay an additional $1,197,000,000, or 18 percent every year.

    “Right now, in Washington D.C., House Republicans just voted for $880 billion dollars in cuts directed at Medicaid—for reference—that is more than all of federal Medicaid spending in 2023! Cutting that deep comes with its own cost—one paid for by Washington state families,” Senator Murray said on today’s press call. “Hospitals will close their doors as this funding drops. Moms and babies will lose health care coverage. They’ll wonder how to get postpartum care or pay for a checkup if their sick child desperately needs it. Seniors will be cut off from home care services and forced out of long-term care facilities. Families in our rural communities will have to travel further than ever for health care. Children and teens who need lifesaving mental health care will suffer. People with disabilities and caregivers will be cut off from support they need. Emergency response times will skyrocket… Republicans need to stop listening to Donald Trump and Elon Musk who want tax breaks for their billionaire buddies, and start listening to their constituents who just want to stay on their health care.”

    “As an ICU nurse in the Yakima area, I am deeply concerned about the impact this is going to have on our community and the patients we serve. It will be devastating to our most vulnerable populations who, without Medicaid, will lose access to care. Our already burdened emergency rooms will be overrun.  Millions of lives literally depend on this critical lifeline,” said Julia Barcott, a nurse in Yakima who participated in the press call.

    “Dismantling Medicaid would mean that patients no longer have access to regular preventive healthcare to manage chronic disease, to access crucial prescriptions, or to receive mental, behavioral, and oral health services.  Medicaid coverage ensures that our family members and neighbors receive the essential services they need to live healthy and fulfilling lives,” said Aaron Wilson, CEO of CHAS Health in Spokane. “If Medicaid is cut, there’s not a scenario where health systems don’t end up eliminating critical, lifesaving services and programs as a result of the financial repercussions it would cause. Medicaid cuts would be devastating to the more than 230,000 people living in both urban and rural communities of Eastern Washington who would no longer have access to health care services they need.”

    “I live in the Yakima community. I’m a home care provider, and I transport people to live saving treatments. I’m really upset about looming Medicaid cuts; my clients are worried that one day I won’t show up to work. The system is confusing enough, and they don’t understand what will happen. They don’t deserve this. I may be able to get a job somewhere else, but what about clients who depend on Medicaid funding to receive care, what’s going to happen to them? Where are they going to get the money for life saving care and treatments? Republican lawmakers don’t see who they’re impacting and what they’re doing,” said Nelly P. from Sunnyside, Washington, who participated in the press call today.

    “Republicans are laying the groundwork to slash trillions from Medicaid to give more tax breaks to billionaires, wealthy CEOs, and the biggest companies. The destruction from these cuts to Medicaid will not discriminate based on where you live or who you voted for. Every community has someone who counts on Medicaid, but rural communities in particular will suffer some of the greatest consequences. Millions stand to lose coverage and costs will go up.  Medicaid is a lifeline for rural hospitals and any cuts will further jeopardize the health and well-being of people across these communities. From rural communities to big cities, red states to blue states, Medicaid cuts will devastate millions of American families,” said Yvette Fontenot, Senior Advisor for Policy and Legislative Affairs at Protect Our Care.

    Nationwide, nearly half of children in America are enrolled in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and Medicaid pays for nearly half of births in the U.S. Medicaid also pays for services for 2 in 3 nursing home residents and pays for home-based services for close to 2 million seniors—allowing them to age safely at home—as well as close to 3 million people with disabilities and other health conditions. Cutting Medicaid will lead to accelerated hospital closures, particularly in rural areas. Medicaid also covers 1 in 4 people with a mental health or substance use disorder, and serves as the largest payer for mental health and substance use services for communities nationwide amid an ongoing overdose and opioid epidemic made worse by an influx of fentanyl. Recent polling from Hart Research found that 71 percent of voters who backed Trump said cutting Medicaid would be unacceptable and voters overall were even more opposed to it, with 82 percent saying so.

    Senator Murray’s full remarks, as delivered on today’s press call, are below and video is HERE:

    “Well, good morning to everyone, and thank you so much for joining this call today. This is really important. Right now, in Washington state—1.8 million people are covered on their health care through Medicaid. But right now, in Washington D.C.—House Republicans just voted for $880 billion dollars in cuts directed at Medicaid.

    “For reference—that is more than all of federal Medicaid spending in 2023! Cutting that deep comes with its own cost—one paid for by Washington state families.

    “Hospitals will close their doors as this funding drops.

    “Moms and babies will lose health care coverage. They’ll wonder how to get post-partum care or pay for a checkup if their sick child desperately needs it.

    “Seniors will be cut off from home care services and forced out of long-term care facilities.

    “Families in our rural communities will have to travel further than ever for health care.

    “Children and teens who need lifesaving mental health care will suffer.

    “People with disabilities and caregivers will be cut off from support they need.

    “Emergency response times will skyrocket—from closures which cost precious time as the nearest ER gets further away, and crowding, as patients put off preventive care they can no longer afford until it causes problems that they can no longer ignore.

    “Republicans need to stop listening to Donald Trump and Elon Musk who want tax breaks for their billionaire buddies—and start listening to their constituents who just want to stay on their health care.

    “Because if they did—maybe they would realize Medicaid is a lifeline for people in red and blue communities alike. In fact, 70 percent of people who voted for Trump said cuts to Medicaid would be unacceptable.

    “Right here in Washington state, the two districts with the most people covered through Medicaid and CHIP are both represented by Republicans.

    “And yet—House Republicans are charging ahead with cutting Medicaid by $880 billion in order to give tax breaks to billionaires. How are they ever going to explain that to folks back home?

    “Here’s another question to consider: How many billionaires are there in the 4th Congressional District?

    “How many billionaires are in the 5th District? Well, that’s a genuine question—and I want you to know I looked, and I looked—and the best I can tell, it’s pretty much next to none.

    “But you want to know how many people in the 4th District are on Medicaid? 250,000 people in the 4th District.

    “You know how many people in the 5th District are on Medicaid? 200,000 people.

    “One-in-five people in Washington state are covered by Medicaid—including three-in-eight people with disabilities, three-in-five seniors, and nearly half of all children!

    “Are Republicans really going to shut Washington state families out of the doctor’s office so they can roll out the red carpet for billionaires?

    “Well, the good news is, we still have a long road ahead before the final passage of these devastating cuts. And at every step of that road—I am going to be doing everything I can to protect health care for our families.

    “I will be lifting up the voices of families in Washington state. Every voice and every story will matter. Every phone call, every letter could make the difference.

    “So I am going to be making sure that, at the very least, our Republican House colleagues hear from the constituents they are hurting.

    “And I’m really proud today to be joined by constituents of mine from the 4th and 5th districts and to hear from them. So with that, I’m going to turn it over to Aaron who can speak about this—so Aaron, thank you for being with us today.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Klobuchar, Blackburn Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Enhance 9-1-1 Emergency Response System

    US Senate News:

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

    The legislation would ensure Americans reach help when dialing 9-1-1 during natural disasters and make important updates to the classification of 9-1-1 dispatchers

    WASHINGTON – Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) introduced the Enhancing First Response Act, which would make important updates to our 9-1-1 emergency reporting system to ensure Americans can reach help when they dial 9-1-1 during natural disasters. The legislation will also ensure 9-1-1 dispatchers are recognized as protective service workers to ensure their job classification appropriately recognizes the lifesaving nature of their work. This legislation is also co-sponsored by Senators Blackburn, Heinrich, Sullivan, Lujan, Capito, Markey, Budd, King, Thune, and Kelly.

    This bill has two companion bills in the House, the 911 SAVES Act led by Representative Norma Torres (D-CA), and the Emergency Reporting Act led by Representative Doris Matsui (D-CA).

    “During natural disasters, Americans need reliable communications networks, especially 9-1-1. Our bipartisan legislation will save lives by ensuring Americans are able to connect to 9-1-1 during major disasters and improving the resiliency of our 9-1-1 system against outages and disruptions,” said Klobuchar. “This legislation also recognizes 9-1-1 dispatchers for their critical roles during times of crisis by ensuring they are classified as the first responders that they are.” 

    “Ensuring Americans can reach help when they dial 9-1-1 during natural disasters is paramount,” said Blackburn. “The Emergency Reporting Act takes necessary steps to prevent 9-1-1 service disruptions, properly recognize dispatchers for their lifesaving work, and further study how we can make improvements to the 9-1-1 emergency response system.”

    This legislation is endorsed by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO), the largest organization of public safety communications professionals, and the National Emergency Number Association (NENA), which promotes the implementation and awareness of 9-1-1.

    “The Enhancing First Response Act represents a comprehensive effort to enhance public safety communications and support the dedicated professionals who operate our nation’s 9-1-1 systems,” said APCO International CEO & Executive Director Mel Maier. “Addressing the federal classification of 9-1-1 professionals, strengthening resilience and situational awareness during outages, and advancing MLTS 9-1-1 call capabilities are all critical steps forward. APCO appreciates the leadership of Senators Klobuchar and Blackburn in championing these issues.”

    “Recognizing the essential, life-saving work of 9-1-1 professionals is long overdue,” said NENA CEO Brian Fontes. “Since the first 9-1-1 call was placed in 1968, the job of 9-1-1 telecommunicators has substantially become more technical, specialized, and important to the immediate health, safety, and security of our communities. They are the first first responders, and they deserve to be classified in the same category as their law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical counterparts. We deeply appreciate Senators Klobuchar and Blackburn for their steadfast, bipartisan commitment to 9-1-1 and public safety.”

    Specifically, the Enhancing First Response Act would:

    • Require the FCC to issue a report after major natural disasters on the extent to which people were unable to reach 9-1-1 during the disaster and subsequent recovery efforts, and make recommendations to improve the resiliency of 9-1-1 systems to prevent future service disruptions;
    • Require the FCC to study the unreported 9-1-1 outages and develop recommendations to improve outage reporting and communication between mobile carriers experiencing network outages and 9-1-1 centers;
    • Update the classification of 9-1-1 dispatchers from clerical workers to protective service workers in the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) to better reflect the life-saving work they perform each day. The SOC is a tool used by federal agencies to classify the workforce into useful, occupational categories;
    • Require the FCC to report on the extent to which multi-line telephone system manufacturers and vendors have complied with Kari’s Law, which Senator Klobuchar worked to pass into law in 2018 and requires the manufacturers of multi-line telephone systems to create systems that allow callers to reach 9-1-1 without dialing a prefix or postfix.

    Klobuchar has long advocated for improving the 9-1-1 system. In 2018, Kari’s Law, bipartisan legislation led by Klobuchar and Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE), was signed into law. It requires the manufacturers of multi-line telephone systems (MLTS) to create systems that allow callers to reach 9-1-1 without dialing a prefix or postfix and on-site notification to make it easier for first responders to locate 9-1-1 callers in large buildings. Klobuchar and former Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) first introduced the Supporting Accurate Views of Emergency Services (911 SAVES) Act in 2019, and the Emergency Reporting Act in 2020.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sens. Markey, Padilla, Warnock Lead Colleagues in Demanding Answers About EPA Clean School Bus Program Funds Freeze

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    Letter Text (PDF)

    Washington (February 27, 2025) – Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), and Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) led a letter with fifteen colleagues to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin today, requesting information about the status of the distribution of Clean School Bus program funding 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.”

    The letter is signed by Senators Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), 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?
    1. 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.
    1. 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.
    1. 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: Ahead of Confirmation Vote for Sec. of Education Linda McMahon, Senator Markey Introduces Legislation to Protect Federal Funding for Public Schools

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
    Bill Text (PDF)
    Washington (Feb 27, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, today introduced legislation to protect federal funding for public schools during the length of the Trump administration. The No Cuts to Public Schools Act would safeguard funds that allow public schools to serve low-income students, English learners, students with disabilities, homeless students, and students attending rural schools.
    “Make no mistake – President Trump and Linda McMahon are mounting a full-scale attack on the public school system. The Trump administration and congressional Republicans want to slash public school funding and leave communities to deal with the fallout,” said Senator Markey. “Public schools are the cornerstones of our communities, the equalizers of opportunity and sources of hope for students, and the bedrock of our democracy. Federal funding to public schools must be protected from Trump’s pro-privatization, anti-student agenda.”
    “Public schools are the latest battleground in the Trump administration’s war between the billionaires and regular working people. We need federal policy that puts kids first and creates opportunities and pathways to a better life. It will take decades for our families, our educators, our economy, our democracy and our nation’s standing to recover from this reckless and thoughtless destruction of public education in America,” said American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts President Jessica Tang. “Educators know dismantling the Department of Education and slashing federal funding or replacing them with block grants would be catastrophic, especially for the Commonwealth’s most vulnerable children – like the over 183,000 students with disabilities receiving support through IDEA, the over 41,000 infants and toddlers who receive Early Intervention, and the hundreds of schools with disproportionate levels of low-income students that rely on $206 million in Title I funding. Without intervention, we stand to lose generations of students who will be left behind.”
    “One of America’s greatest achievements is providing universal public education to every inhabitant in the country. Educating our populace is the source of this nation’s collective economic, cultural, and civic strength. And it takes a broad commitment across local, state and federal governments to provide universal public education,” said Max Page, President of the Massachusetts Teachers Association. “Public schools depend on federal funds, especially in guaranteeing quality education for those who need the support the most – low-income students, students with disabilities, English-language learners, and many more. We heard the nominee for Secretary of Education say that there is no intention by the Trump administration to cut funding for public schools. Thus, we expect – and urge – Congress to show strong bipartisan support for the No Cuts to Public Schools Act so that we can protect our beloved and essential public schools.”
    “Federal funding is critical for daily educational opportunities for our children. Currently, 10% of Massachusetts public school funding comes from federal programs. Across the Commonwealth, school committees and school administrations are grappling with historic inflationary pressures and increased costs,” said Jason Fraser, Title of the Massachusetts Association of School Committees. “School districts are struggling just to maintain level-service budgets. Any decrease in federal funding for public education would be devastating to public school students whose futures depend on it.”
    The No Cuts to Public Schools Act requires Congress to appropriate federal formula funding for education at Fiscal Year 2024 levels or higher through Fiscal Year 2027. In Fiscal Year 2024 in Massachusetts, the Department of Education provided more than $720 million to support 1,800 K-12 schools and more than 926,000 students, including:
    $366 million in annual funding for 182,000 students with disabilities – reflecting 20 percent of Massachusetts’s student population;
    $289 million in annual funding for schools enrolling 425,000 students from low-income backgrounds – reflecting 46 percent of Massachusetts’s student population;
    $20.5 million in annual funding for about 97,000 English learners – reflecting 10 percent of Massachusetts’s student population; 
    $1.5 million in annual funding for students enrolled in rural schools; and
    $812,000 in annual funding to support children living on military bases or Native American reservations.
    Linda McMahon, President Trump’s nominee to serve as Secretary of Education, was voted out of the HELP Committee on Thursday, February 20th, along party lines, 12-11. At her hearing before the HELP Committee, Senator Markey questioned McMahon on whether or not she would commit to cutting public education if Donald Trump directed her to do so. McMahon refused to answer. Her nomination is expected to come to a vote of the full Senate in coming days.
    On February 6, 2024, Senator Markey led members of the Massachusetts congressional delegation, the Massachusetts Teachers Association, American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts, Massachusetts Association of School Committees, and Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents in a joint statement after President Trump vowed to dismantle the Department of Education. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn on Progress Made to Enact President Trump’s America First Agenda

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

    WASHINGTON – Today on the floor, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) discussed the importance of Congress continuing to make progress on enacting President Trump’s America First agenda, including securing the border, shoring up our national defense, extending the Trump tax cuts, and reining in frivolous spending and our national debt, after both the House and Senate passed budget resolutions. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn’s remarks are below, and video can be found here.

    “A lot of ink has been spilled on the mechanics of the process, talking about budget resolutions, reconciliation instructions, and things that are gibberish to most Americans.”

    “What is most important is to keep our eye on the prize, what we’re actually trying to accomplish.”

     “The human and drug trafficking facilitated by the Biden administration’s open border policies have caused immeasurable suffering to the people of Texas and the people of the nation.”

    “Now it’s up to us to right the ship by enacting President Trump’s border security agenda.”

    “If Congress fails to extend the tax cuts championed by President Trump in his first term and passed by Republican majorities in the House and Senate, Americans will face the highest tax increase in recent history. A family of four making around $80,000 a year will see a $1,700 a year tax hike if these provisions expire.”

    “We have to begin the process of getting our spending and debt under control in order to get a grip on the historic runaway inflation caused by President Biden and Washington Democrats’ reckless spending sprees.”

    “At the end of the day, what matters is not whether the talking heads in the media or people across the country see this as a Senate bill or a House bill – that’s inconsequential. What matters is that it is President Trump’s agenda that we are implementing, as mandated by the American people last November 5th.”

    “We need to get this across the finish line to secure the border, to provide for the common defense, to avoid a massive tax increase on middle class families, and get our national debt under control once and for all.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst, Miller-Meeks Expose Billion-Dollar Boondoggles

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate DOGE Caucus Chair Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) is exposing more waste with her Billion Dollar Boondoggle Act that will require the disclosure of any government project that is $1 billion over budget or five years behind schedule.
    “From moondoggles to off-the-rails projects, Washington can’t seem to ever make the trains run on time or on budget,” said Ernst. “Bureaucrats always find a way to pay a whole lot more for planes, trains, and automobiles—and just about everything else. I am slamming the brakes on boondoggles and bringing them to a squealing halt.”
    Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa) is introducing companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
    “Republicans were elected on a platform to tackle waste, fraud, and abuse,” said Miller-Meeks. “As Members of Congress, we are entrusted to be stewards of taxpayer dollars and government projects that are excessively costly and delayed must be held to account. Our bill will increase transparency – along with ongoing efforts by President Trump – to ensure we aren’t wasting billions of hard-earned taxpayer dollars.
    Some of the biggest government boondoggles include:
    Click here to view the bill text.
    Background:
    Billion-dollar boondoggles and the numerous costly California crazy trains were featured in Senator Ernst’s $2 trillion roadmap that was hand delivered to Elon Musk and President-elect Trump.
    Ernst’s playbook has already racked up wins for taxpayers including forcing the sale of empty buildings, getting federal employees to return to work, consolidating costly software licenses, and much more.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: VIDEO: Capito Votes to Overturn Biden–Era Natural Gas Tax

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito
    To watch Chairman Capito’s floor remarks, click here.
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, voted to overturn the Biden Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Waste Emissions Charge (WEC) regulation as part of the Methane Emissions Reduction Program (MERP) under the Democrats’ Inflation Reduction Act. This rule enabled the collection of the Democrats’ natural gas tax, which would hurt American energy generation, damage our economy, and be detrimental to energy jobs across our country. The Senate approved the Congressional Review Act (CRA) joint resolution of disapproval, which was introduced by U.S. Senator John Hoeven (R-N.D.) and co-sponsored by Chairman Capito, by a vote of 52-47.
    Prior to the final vote on the CRA, Chairman Capito delivered remarks on the Senate floor outlining the consequences of the natural gas tax and the importance of natural gas to American energy dominance, and urged her colleagues to support the measure.
    Below are the floor remarks of Chairman Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) as delivered.
    “I rise today in support of my friend from North Dakota, Senator Hoeven’s, Congressional Review Act resolution to block the implementation of the Biden administration’s Waste Emissions Charge, otherwise known as the natural gas tax.
    “Since the day this regulation was finalized last November, I pledged that I would work with President Trump and my colleagues in the Congress to repeal this misguided, anti-energy tax. Today in the Senate, that is exactly what we’re working to do.
    “We must recognize that we are in a critical moment for American energy. The North American Energy Reliability Corporation has found that over the next 10 years, due to a rise in energy consumption and the early retirement of our existing fossil fuel generation, our country could face major electric generation and reliability concerns.
    “We must take action now to ensure that our future demand is met, that the lights remain on, our homes remain warm, and our economy keeps moving for Americans all across this country. We can do this by continuing to invest in natural gas.
    “Over 60% of American homes, every day, heat their homes, their water, or their food with natural gas. Natural gas is responsible for over 40% of electricity generation, and fuels more than half of our industrial sector’s process heat. While the natural gas tax fails to recognize this reality, let’s look at what is true.
    “Fracking and shale gas have both revolutionized and transformed American energy, leading to lower prices, job growth, and increased American energy security. According to the Energy Information Administration, the rapid expansion of natural gas-fired power plants, in this country, has decreased the power sector’s carbon dioxide emissions by 35% over the last 25 years.
    “Natural gas has the potential to further reduce American greenhouse gas emissions if we continue to increase production.
    “Natural gas is affordable, reliable, and a clean source of energy, vital to our country and our economy. We should be expanding natural gas production, not restricting it. Instead, the natural gas tax will constrain American natural gas production, leading to increased energy prices and providing a boost to the production of natural gas in Russia.
    “Simply put, repealing the natural gas tax is a win for our economy, a win for our natural security, and a win for our environment.
    “As part of establishing this tax, the Democrats’ so-called ‘Inflation Reduction Act’ ordered the EPA to revise its subpart W requirements in order to facilitate the reporting and calculation of the tax.
    “The EPA subpart W revisions blatantly disregard and overstep even the partisan mandates of the IRA, and would excessively increase the tax burden on American energy under this natural gas tax. The revised emission factors with its subpart W reporting requirements make broad assumptions about oil and gas operations and technology that will lead to inaccurate reporting for many owners and operators.
    “The rule would not only radically expand the scope of emissions required to be reported by each facility under the greenhouse gas reporting program, but it also excessively expands the number of facilities that are covered by subpart W, and consequently, responsible to pay the natural gas tax.
    “Due to this uninformed and artificial overestimate of U.S. methane emissions, some smaller operators, who were once below the waste emissions threshold, are now at risk of seeing their reported methane emissions inflated, and owe large sums under the natural gas tax. If not repealed, this rule will arbitrarily increase the cost and burden of reporting under subpart W, motivated by the Democrats’ interest in growing the revenues generated by their natural gas tax.
    “This will make it even more difficult and expensive to produce, transport, and consume American natural gas, and in turn, will hurt both American families who rely on the energy, and the environment of the communities that we live.
    “It’s important that we note that our efforts today works in tandem with this Chamber’s recently passed budget resolution. As Chairman of the Environment and Public Works Committee, I have long intended to stop the natural gas tax, and we will continue to pursue this through the reconciliation process.
    “Today’s vote on the CRA provides all senators the opportunity to put our vote on record after witnessing the Biden EPA’s bait and switch on the implementation of this misguided policy.
    “I encourage my colleagues to support the CRA that is central to our mission of American energy dominance, and rejects this tax that will bolster our adversaries, increase energy costs on American families, and put our energy future at risk.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Democrats Statement On Trump Administration’s Reckless Termination Of U.S. Foreign Assistance Programs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    February 27, 2025

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, on Thursday joined U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), and U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) in issuing the following statement on the Trump Administration’s reckless termination of nearly all U.S. foreign assistance programs:
    “It is clear that the Trump Administration’s foreign assistance ‘review’ was not a serious effort or attempt at reform but rather a pretext to dismantle decades of U.S. investment that makes America safer, stronger and more prosperous. There is no indication Secretary Rubio conducted a program-by-program review of the more than 9,000 awards or considered the dire national security implications of these rash actions. Ending programs first and asking questions later only jeopardizes millions of lives and creates a power vacuum for our adversaries like China and Russia to fill.
    “While it’s easy to assume that these cuts will only affect people thousands of miles away, the fact is, the impact will be felt by American farmers who will no longer get top dollar for their crops to feed the hungry, churches who will no longer have the support of the U.S. government in their missions, American families who fall sick when diseases like Zika, Ebola and Malaria once again reach our shores and U.S. biotech companies who will no longer sell their drugs to treat the vulnerable overseas. Secretary Rubio should immediately come before our Committee. We expect him to not only consult with Congress but follow the law.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senate passes Kennedy-backed resolution to repeal Biden-era methane fee for U.S. energy producers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)

    WASHINGTON – The Senate today passed a joint resolution of disapproval under Congressional Review Act procedures that Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) helped introduce. Sen. John Hoeven (R-N.D.) led the resolution, which would overturn the Biden administration’s proposed Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule to implement a fee on methane emissions.

    Rep. August Pfluger (R-Texas) introduced the resolution in the House of Representatives. The resolution now moves to the president’s desk.

    “For four years, the Biden administration waged war on oil and gas drilling—and hardworking Americans paid the price because of that. Today, the Senate voted to roll back another misguided policy and unleash U.S. energy production,” said Kennedy. 

    The EPA’s methane fee rule would effectively create a new tax on key parts of the American oil and gas industry, including both onshore and offshore natural gas production and liquefied natural gas import, export and storage.

    On Jan. 17, 2025, the rule went into effect. Earlier this month, Kennedy helped introduce the resolution in the Senate.

    Text of the resolution is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Moran to Chair the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation, Space, and Innovation

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas – Jerry Moran

    WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation recently announced U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) will serve as the Chair of the Subcommittee on Aviation, Space, and Innovation.

    “The subcommittee will work on legislation to advance policies that put safety first while bolstering innovation and efficiency,” said Sen. Moran. “Recent tragedies demonstrate that our nation’s aviation system is facing a critical inflection point, and as Chairman, I will work to make certain air travel remains the safest method of transportation. I also look forward to supporting our nation’s rapidly evolving commercial space sector by advancing policies which promote the industry’s growth and capabilities. Kansas is home to the Air Capital of the World, and my work on this subcommittee will be informed by the global aviation and aerospace companies that call our state home and the small businesses that fill critical links in our supply chains.”

    The Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation, Space, and Innovation has jurisdiction over the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and the civil aviation and space policy functions of the Department of Transportation, Department of Commerce and National Space Council within the Executive Office of the President.

    Chairman Moran’s Priorities for the 119th Congress:

    • Aviation Safety: Investigating recent aviation accidents and subsequent safety reports to make certain our nation’s aviation safety regulators are equipped and able to effectively manage our air travel equipment and systems.
    • Oversight: Ensuring the proper implementation the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, which Sen. Moran helped draft and unanimously pass in both chambers of Congress, to address the current and future demands of the aviation industry.
    • Space Exploration: Supporting critical NASA programs, including the Artemis campaign, and prioritizing STEM education to equip the next generation to further our nation’s space goals.
    • Commercial Space Growth: Enabling growth in the commercial space sector, which is already supporting critical national security missions and bolstering the U.S. in our space race against China and other adversaries.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Collins, Bipartisan Group Introduce Bill to Expand Health Care Services in Rural and Underserved Areas

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins, Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), and Thom Tillis (R-NC) reintroduced their bipartisan legislation to increase the number of doctors working in rural and medically underserved areas. The Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act would reauthorize the Conrad 30 programs, which allow international doctors who have completed their residency training in the U.S. to remain in the country under the condition that they practice in areas experiencing physician shortages.
    “The Conrad 30 program allows international physicians who were educated in the United States to remain in our country and practice where there is an unmet need for health care professionals,” said Senator Collins. “This bipartisan reauthorization would expand access to care in rural and underserved communities, thereby improving health outcomes for more Mainers.”
    Generally, doctors from other countries working in America on J-1 visas are required to return to their home country after their residency has ended for two years before they can apply for another visa or green card. The Conrad 30 program allows doctors to stay in the United States without having to return home if they agree to practice in an underserved area for three years. The “30” refers to the number of doctors per state that can participate in the program.
    This legislation extends the Conrad 30 program for three years, improves the process for obtaining a visa, and allows for the program to be expanded beyond 30 slots if certain thresholds are met, while protecting small states’ slots. The bill also allows the spouses of doctors to work and provides worker protections to prevent the doctors from being mistreated. The legislation also allows physicians who serve in a Veterans Affairs (VA) facility or health professional shortage area for 5 years to get expedited consideration for a green card.
    The legislation has been endorsed by more than 50 organizations, including the American Medical Association, the American Hospital Association, the Association of American Medical Colleges, the American Academy of Neurology, the Association for Advancing Physician and Provider Recruitment, and Physicians for American Healthcare Access.
    “With the physician workforce crisis showing no signs of abating, the Conrad 30 program remains an important tool to help ensure patients, particularly in rural and underserved communities, continue to have access to physicians. The Conrad 30 program has expanded the physician workforce across all communities, yet it would benefit greatly from the long-term reauthorization and targeted policy improvements outlined in this legislation. Once again, Sens. Klobuchar and Collins have stepped up for patients and physicians, and we applaud them for introducing the Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act,” said Bruce A. Scott, M.D., President, American Medical Association.
    “The Conrad 30 program continues to be a vital lifeline for rural and underserved communities facing physician shortages. However, without reforms, recruiting and retaining international medical graduates (IMGs) will become increasingly difficult. This reauthorization strengthens incentives for IMGs and streamlines the waiver process for employers, making it easier to recruit physicians in areas with persistent shortages. These updates will strengthen the U.S. position in the global competition for top medical talent and uphold access to care in underserved areas. Physicians for American Healthcare Access applauds Senators Klobuchar, Collins, Rosen, and Tillis for their leadership on this bipartisan legislation,” said Physicians for American Healthcare Access President Ram Alur, M.D.
    The full text of the bill can be read here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: At Hearing, Warren Warns Republican Cuts to Medicaid Would Harm Millions of Americans Struggling with Opioid Addiction

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    February 27, 2025

    One study found that the health care and criminal justice systems save up to $100,000 over the course of a person’s life when they are treated with medication for opioid addiction. 

    “If Republicans really wanted to save money, they’d be expanding treatment to folks they claim they want to represent here, rather than ripping it away so that we can bankroll tax cuts for billionaires.”

    Video of Exchange (YouTube)

    Washington, D.C. – At a hearing of the Senate Committee on Aging, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) slammed Republican proposals to cut Medicaid, which would harm the millions of Americans struggling with opioid addiction who rely on Medicaid to receive treatment. Medicaid is the single largest payer of substance use disorder services in the entire country. 

    Republicans’ plan would pay for more tax cuts for billionaires by slashing Medicaid funding by over $800 billion.

    Dr. Malik Burnett, Assistant Professor in Addiction Medicine at the University of Maryland Midtown Campus, testified that capping Medicaid funding would limit patients’ options for addiction treatment. It would also reduce access to in-network providers for Medicaid patients as more providers would disenroll from the Medicaid network, denying patients the ability to access treatment close to where they live. 

    Dr. Burnett also testified that receiving opioid addiction treatment allows people to return to work sooner and become productive members of society, ultimately reducing strain on the social safety net. As a result, cutting Medicaid funding would actually force states to spend more. 

    Senator Warren called on Republicans in Congress to deliver real solutions to the constituents they represent instead of pushing for tax cuts for billionaires and large corporations while ripping away people’s health care.

    Transcript: Hearing to Examine Combating the Opioid Epidemic
    U.S. Senate Committee On Aging
    February 26, 2025

    Senator Elizabeth Warren: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you and Ranking Member Gillibrand for holding this hearing today. It’s a really important topic, and I appreciate the care with which you treat this issue. 

    Since 2017, the opioid epidemic has taken the lives of nearly half a million Americans. Their families—and so many more—need Congress to come up with real solutions. For example, I know Chairman Scott and I agree on the need to close a trade loophole that lets China ship fentanyl precursors into the country uninspected, and it’s time to put a stop to that.

    But, as we sit here today, President Trump and Congressional Republicans are working hard to advance budget legislation that would make the opioid epidemic worse, not better. They have proposals to cut over $800 billion from Medicaid, which is the largest single payer of substance use disorder services in the entire country. Why? So they can fund tax cuts for billionaires.

    Let’s be clear about this: slashing Medicaid funding either through per capita caps or back door cuts like work requirements in an area that already has work requirements would mean ripping away health care from millions of vulnerable Americans, including about a million people right now, who are getting treatment for their opioid addiction. 

    Dr. Burnett, you’ve worked on the front lines of the opioid crisis. You have helped countless people overcome addiction. I want to thank you for your work and express my admiration for that, but tell me, in this budget space, what percentage of your patients rely on Medicaid for their treatment?

    Dr. Malik Burnett, Assistant Professor in Addiction Medicine at the University of Maryland Midtown Campus: I would say, currently, about 80% of our patients rely on Medicaid for treatment. 

    Senator Warren: Wow. So, in other words, Medicaid, as I understand it, is not just one option for how people get treatment. It is the backbone of the entire system for treating opioid addiction. Is that fair? 

    Dr. Burnett: That’s a fair comment.

    Senator Warren: All right, and yet, Republicans are talking about gutting that system to the tune of nearly a trillion dollars. So, I’d like to look at just a little deeper level about what those cuts would actually mean for our country’s battle against the opioid crisis. Two of the policies proposed by House Republicans are capping Medicaid payments to states and imposing red tape like additional work requirements. 

    Dr. Burnett, can you just talk for a minute about how those changes would affect access to treatment if they were put into law? 

    Dr. Burnett: Absolutely. I think one, there was a recent Kaiser Family Foundation study that talks about the work requirements issue, and that actually almost 92% of people on Medicaid already are either working or involved in some sort of part-time or full-time work. So, the work requirements situation would just really add a lot of administrative burdens, ultimately resulting in people getting kicked off of Medicaid. 

    Senator Warren: So I just want to make sure we say that again: what proportion of people are now already subject to work requirements?

    Dr. Burnett: 92% 

    Senator Warren: 92%. All right, so adding more work requirements on top of this has what impact?

    Dr. Burnett: It would certainly increase the administrative burdens of keeping people on Medicaid. 

    Senator Warren: That’s right. And what’s the consequence of increasing those administrative burdens? 

    Dr. Burnett: They would lose access to their addiction.

    Senator Warren: That’s right. So, people just can’t get the paperwork filled out. More people fall by the wayside. I think that was the Arkansas experiment, as I recall. 

    Dr. Burnett: That’s correct. 

    Senator Warren: Yeah. But there’s another part to this as well. What about capping the funding?

    Dr. Burnett: Yeah, capping the funding would create two problems. One, it would definitely curtail the amount of choice that patients have relative to the types of addiction treatment that they would have, and then capping the funding would also create a network adequacy problem because more providers would disenroll from accepting patients on Medicaid, so patients would not have the ability to access treatment close to where they live.

    Senator Warren: Yeah, in fact, we don’t have to speculate on what the consequences would be. In states expanding Medicaid treatment for opioid addiction, it increased over four times faster than in states that refused the expansion. Meanwhile, Republican states that imposed so-called work requirements did not actually increase employment, because that was never the point. Instead, opioid overdoses went up and access to treatment actually went down. So look, there is no denying the critical role that Medicaid plays in fighting the opioid epidemic. Cutting that program is not just cruel, it’s totally backwards in what we’re trying to accomplish. 

    Might I ask one more question, Mr. Chairman? Thank you.

    Dr. Burnett, I want to ask about something you’ve done some scholarly work on and you’ve published. You’ve written extensively about the positive effects of investing in treatment and how that ultimately lowers costs down the line, so that if you cut the investments for treatment like cutting Medicaid, the question is, is that really going to save any money? 

    Dr. Burnett: No, I think, as I said in my testimony, people who experience treatment are much faster to return to work, be productive members of society, and ultimately not be a burden on the social safety net. So it would actually be more detrimental to cut Medicaid funding in terms of the amount of expenditure that states and public dollars would be needing to use.

    Senator Warren: So, this treatment gets people back to work, fewer trips to the emergency room?

    Dr. Burnett: Totally.

    Senator Warren: The long-term cost is that we save money by making these investments. One study found that for every patient treated with medication for opioid addiction, the government saves up to $100,000 over the course of that person’s lifetime. Let’s be clear: the budget cuts the Republicans are proposing are not about saving money. If Republicans really wanted to save money, they’d be expanding treatment to folks they claim they want to represent here, rather than ripping it away so that we can bankroll tax cuts for billionaires. 

    Families and communities across this country are counting on us to deliver real solutions to the opioid epidemic, not play politics, and I won’t stop fighting for that. Thank you very much. Thank you all for being here. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: WATCH: Padilla Warns Against Trump’s Push to Install His Personal Lawyers to Top Department of Justice Positions

    US Senate News:

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

    WATCH: Padilla Warns Against Trump’s Push to Install His Personal Lawyers to Top Department of Justice Positions

    WATCH: Padilla calls out DOJ nominees for loyalty to Trump above the Constitution

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, warned against President Trump’s alarming pattern of nominating lawyers who have previously represented him for senior Department of Justice positions, and called the nominees out for refusing to commit to uphold key Constitutional provisions. He voted against advancing Trump’s nominee for U.S. Deputy Attorney General, Todd Blanche, who served as Trump’s personal criminal defense attorney in several cases, including Trump’s New York hush money trial, in which the President was convicted of 34 felony counts.

    Padilla underscored the refusals of Attorney General Pam Bondi and Solicitor General nominee John Sauer to commit to protecting birthright citizenship, which is guaranteed by the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. He also highlighted the conflicts of interest Bondi, Blanche, Sauer, and other top officials at the Justice Department have due to their previous representation of Trump — raising concerns about both their independence from Trump and how many officials might need to recuse themselves from important cases.

    In light of these dangerous nominations, Padilla voiced his concerns about eroding public trust in Congress and the Justice system.

    Key Quotes:

    • I can’t recall a time when not just any nominee by any President, but specifically high-ranking positions within the Department of Justice when those nominees would not clearly and strongly respond to the questions that we’ve been asking, about what if you are asked to do something unconstitutional or illegal or unethical? What would you do in that instance?
    • As we zoom out and in the aggregate, it’s not just individual concerns, nominee by nominee by nominee, but collectively speaking, you know, when given so many of these people’s personal history with President Trump, having been his personal lawyer, the concern about true independence and conflict of interest is stronger than ever.
    • There’s so many people now and soon to be at the highest levels of the Department of Justice, we’re at an unprecedented point of where does the conflict stop? Where is the independence, the commitment to the people of the United States and the Constitution? Not fealty to the President of the United States, that not just us as the Senate Judiciary Committee or Congress as a whole, but the American public, they’re losing confidence and faith in this most important of institutions.
    • As we are expressing our concern or even outrage with some of these specific nominees and individual nominees, let’s not lose sight of what’s happening collectively as these nominees are flying through because we’re not hearing any question, any concern from our Republican colleagues in this committee, let alone in the Senate as an entire body, with what’s going on here.

    Video of Senator Padilla’s remarks is available here.

    Footage of his remarks can be downloaded here.

    Senator Padilla has fought to hold Trump’s DOJ nominees accountable. Earlier this month, he questioned Blanche on his personal ties to the President and the Trump Administration’s unlawful firings of more than a dozen Inspectors General. Padilla previously opposed advancing Attorney General Bondi’s nomination after she refused to affirm birthright citizenship, which is constitutionally guaranteed, and declined to disavow the false claim that the 2020 election was stolen during her Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing. He also sounded the alarm on Kash Patel’s reckless nomination to be Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), delivering remarks ahead of Patel’s confirmation at a press conference outside FBI headquarters in Washington, D.C. and in a speech on the Senate floor. Yesterday, Padilla questioned three of President Trump’s DOJ nominees, raising concerns over Republican DOJ nominees’ apparent willingness to disregard the rule of law and ignore court orders they disagree with. Additionally, Padilla joined Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats last month in demanding answers from Bondi, Blanche, Patel, and other Trump Administration nominees and officials on the removal or reassignment of career law enforcement officials across the DOJ and FBI.

    More information on today’s Senate Judiciary Committee hearing is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Help Make College Textbooks More Affordable

    US Senate News:

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

    February 27, 2025

    Washington D.C.— U.S. Senator Ron Wyden said today he has joined Senate colleagues to introduce legislation designed to help students manage costs by making high quality textbooks easily accessible to students, professors, and the public for free. 

    “With the cost of college attendance skyrocketing, students shouldn’t also have to spend hundreds, or in some cases thousands, of dollars extra to access textbooks that they will use for a few classes,” Wyden said. “Open textbooks will ensure that students get all the essential academic tools they need at their fingertips for free.”

    The legislation, known as the Affordable College Textbook Act, would authorize a competitive grant program to support the creation and expansion of open college textbooks—textbooks that are available under an open license, allowing professors, students, researchers, and others to freely access the materials.

    Textbook costs are one of the most overlooked costs of going to college, but they can be a substantial barrier to pursuing a college education.  According to the College Board, the average student at a four-year public institution of higher education spent $1,290 on college books and supplies during the 2024-2025 academic year.  In a 2020 U.S. PIRG survey, 65 percent of students decided not to buy a textbook because of the cost, and 94 percent of those students were worried it would affect their grade negatively.

    The Affordable College Textbook Act expands and updates provisions from the College Textbook Affordability Act contained in the 2008 Higher Education Opportunity Act.  The provisions aimed to make more information available to students looking to manage college textbook costs. The 2008 law required textbook publishers to disclose to faculty the cost of a textbook to their students, required schools to publish textbook price information in course catalogues when practicable, and required publishers to offer unbundled supplemental materials so that students had choices.  The provisions took effect on July 1, 2010.

    Specifically, the Affordable College Textbook Act would do the following:

    • Authorize a grant program, similar to the Open Textbook Pilot program for which Congress already has appropriated $54 million and saved students more than $250 million.  The grant would support projects at colleges to create and expand the use of open textbooks, with priority for programs that would achieve the highest savings for students;
    • Ensure that any open textbooks or educational materials created using program funds would be free and easily accessible to the public;
    • Require entities who receive funds to complete a report on the effectiveness of the program in achieving savings for students;
    • Improve and update existing requirements for publishers and institutions that provide information on textbook costs, including new disclosure requirements to students on how companies providing digital materials may use student data; and
    • Require the Government Accountability Office to report to Congress with an update on the price trends of college textbooks.

    In addition to Wyden, the legislation was introduced by Senators Dick Durbin, D-Ill., Angus King, I-Maine, and Tina Smith, D-Minn, with U.S. Representative Joe Neguse, D-Colo, introducing companion legislation in the House.

    The Affordable College Textbook Act is supported by SPARC, National Association of College Stores, Student PIRGs, U.S. PIRG, American Federation of Teachers, American Association of Community Colleges, Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs, Association of Community College Trustees, Association of College & Research Libraries, Association of Research Libraries, CAST, Creative Commons, National Education Association, Open Oregon Educational Resources, the Council of Administrators of Special Education, Today’s Students Coalition, UNCF, and Young Invincibles.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden, Merkley, Colleagues Press Feds on Threat of Rising Housing Costs from Plan to Reprivatize Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac

    US Senate News:

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

    February 27, 2025

    Oregon senators: Privatization a giveaway for hedge funds, wealthy investors; could hurt homebuyers

    Washington D.C.—U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley said today they have joined Senate colleagues to press the Department of Housing and Urban Development on whether its plan to reprivatize Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will make mortgages more expensive. 

    “During your confirmation process, you repeatedly spoke of the desire to reduce housing costs, a goal we share. However, right out of the gate, you are actively advocating for policy changes that would likely raise housing costs for hard working Americans,” the senators wrote HUD Secretary Scott Turner, who said right after his confirmation that he would act as “quarterback” in the Trump Administration’s plan to reprivatize the multi-trillion dollar companies.

    “Changes to the ownership of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac would be a monumental undertaking that would affect our entire housing system and touch the lives of homeowners and renters across the country,” they wrote. “If mismanaged, ending the conservatorships and Treasury’s role with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac could make mortgages more expensive, cut off access to mortgage credit, destroy many of the important reforms made over the past 16 years, and compromise our entire housing market and the broader U.S. economy.” 

    The senators also raised concerns that privatization could result in a taxpayer-funded giveaway worth billions for wealthy investors and hedge funds, quoting one investor’s optimism that “Trump and his team will get the job done.” The senators asked Turner to commit to ensuring that any changes to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will not result in higher rents or mortgage costs for Americans while rewarding hedge funds and the wealthy.

    “Our housing finance system is a complex, multi-trillion dollar market that touches the lives of every American family. It is critical that any effort to reprivatize Fannie Mac and Freddie Mac does not result in windfalls for wealthy investors while raising housing costs for American families. We look forward to your prompt and thorough reply on this urgent matter,” wrote the senators.

    The letter was led by U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. In addition to Wyden and Merkley, the letter was also signed by Senators Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., Lisa Blunt Rochester, D-Del., Cory Booker, D-N.J., Dick Durbin D-Ill., Andy Kim, D-N.J., Chris Murphy, D-Conn., and Jack Reed, D-R.I. 

    The full text of the letter is here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner and Boozman Introduce Legislation to Expand Veteran Suicide Prevention Efforts

    US Senate News:

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

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and John Boozman (R-AR) introduced legislation to renew and expand the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program, a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)-administered program that provides essential funding for mental health outreach in veteran communities. The Fox Grant Program was created through a Warner- and Boozman-led bill, passed as part of the broader Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act, and it has distributed millions in grants to community and veteran service organizations (VSOs), as well as mental health providers across the country. Without further intervention, the program is scheduled to sunset later this year.

    “Veterans put an enormous amount on the line to serve our nation, and we owe them the best benefits available when they come home – including robust mental health resources,” said Sen. Warner. “For the past several years, the Staff Sergeant Fox Grant Program has played an invaluable role getting organizations already doing life-saving mental health outreach more support, including many incredible organizations in Virginia. We cannot back down on our commitment to preventing suicide in veteran communities – it’s time for us to extend and expand this essential grant program.”

    “Veterans who struggle with mental health have responded well to support provided by those they know and trust,” said Sen. Boozman. “When our former servicemembers have access to assistance within their own communities, from organizations with demonstrated ability to build strong relationships and foster hope, they are less likely to take their own lives. Reauthorizing funding for this life-saving initiative is part of the commitment we made to fulfilling what was promised to our veterans struggling to carry the invisible weight of their mental and physical sacrifice.”

    Suicide is the 12th-leading cause of death for veterans, and the 2nd-leading cause for veterans under 45. Over 131,000 veterans have died by suicide since 2001, withveterans being 72% more likely than the civilian population to die by suicide. Since its original passage, the Fox Grant Program has worked to end this crisis by distributing hundreds of millions in funding to organizations that provide critical, frontline mental health services to veterans. In 2024 alone, Virginia organizations received $4.5 million from these grants. The program honors Veteran Parker Gordon Fox, a veteran and former sniper instructor at the U.S. Army Infantry School at Ft. Benning, GA. SSG Fox died by suicide on July 21, 2020 at the age of 25.

    Specifically, this reauthorization of the Fox Grant Program would:

    • Reauthorize the Fox Grant Program until Sept. 30, 2028.
    • Increase the total authorized funding for the grant program from $174 million to $285 million.
    • Expand the maximum potential award from $750,000 to $1.25 million.
    • Direct the VA to collect additional measures and metrics on performance to better serve veterans.
    • Require annual briefings for VA medical personnel to improve awareness of the program, and coordination with providers.

    The legislation has strong support from Veterans of Foreign Wars and Blue Star Families.

    “The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) strongly supports the bipartisan legislation introduced by Senators Warner and Boozman to reauthorize and expand the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program,” said Joy Craig, Associate Director of Service Member Affairs with the VFW’s National Legislative Service. “Veteran suicide remains a national crisis, and increasing the maximum grant amount while improving oversight and coordination will help ensure life-saving resources reach those in need. The VFW has long advocated for community-based solutions, and this legislation strengthens critical partnerships between the VA and local organizations working to prevent suicide. We urge Congress to swiftly pass this bill and reaffirm its commitment to those who have sacrificed for our nation.” 

    “The SSG Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program is a lifeline for Veterans and military families facing the invisible wounds of service,” said Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO, Blue Star Families. “Blue Star Families has seen firsthand the impact of these critical resources—support that saves lives and strengthens communities. This program ensures that Veterans and their loved ones get the help they need before a crisis turns tragic. We are proud to support its reauthorization and urge Congress to continue investing in solutions that honor the service and sacrifice of those who’ve given so much for our country.”   

    Full text of the legislation can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner, Thune, Malliotakis & Peters Introduce Legislation to Address Student Debt Crisis

    US Senate News:

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

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and John Thune (R-SD), alongside U.S. Reps. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY-11) and Scott Peters (D-CA-50), introduced the Employer Participation in Repayment Act – bipartisan legislation to help Americans tackle their student loan debt by making permanent a provision that allows employers to contribute up to $5,250 tax-free to their employees’ student loans.

    In 2020, Sens. Warner and Thune along with Rep. Peters negotiated the inclusion of a provision in the CARES Act that allowed these contributions temporarily. Later that year, as part of the government spending package, they secured an extension allowing this benefit until January 1, 2026. By making this tax benefit permanent, today’s legislation would provide employees with much-needed relief and employers with a unique and permanent tool to attract and retain talented employees.

    “As the first in my family to graduate from college, I wouldn’t have been able to afford my tuition without the help of student loans,” said Sen. Warner. “Unfortunately as the cost of higher education continues to skyrocket, so has the rate of Americans who turn to student loans to pay for college. Today too many Americans are saddled with tough-to-manage student loan debt, with no end in sight. That’s why I’ve teamed up with Sen. Thune to create an innovative, bipartisan approach to help ease the burden of student loans. By making employer student loan repayments tax-exempt, employers will have a tool to recruit and retain a talented workforce while also helping working Americans manage their financial future.”

    “Incentivizing employers to help repay their employees’ student loans was a common-sense step Congress took to address the high levels of student debt that borrowers face,” said Sen. Thune. “This bill would permanently equip employers with this unique tool to help attract and retain talented employees while protecting American taxpayers from costly burdens. This is a win-win for graduates and their employers, and I hope it will once again garner strong, bipartisan support.”

    “Over the past 20 years, the cost to attend college has risen 45 percent, forcing students to choose between pursuing higher education and taking on tens of thousands of dollars in burdensome student loan debt,” said Rep. Malliotakis. “Our bipartisan legislation enables employers to contribute up to $5,250 per year, tax-free, toward their employees’ student loans—helping those entering the workforce pay down debt faster and build a stronger financial future. This tax incentive will continue to strengthen our workforce, increase our nation’s competitiveness, and provide much-needed economic relief to millions of Americans.”

    “I relied on student loans to get through college when the cost of higher education was much lower than it is today. Now, the collective debt among Americans is $1.7 trillion, which limits our economic growth and the economic prospects of young adults,” said Rep. Peters. “Over the last five years, this program has been a huge success — employers have helped pay off thousands of employees’ loans and it gave employers a tool to compete for the best talent. This public-private collaboration has proven itself as a cost-effective solution to the student debt crisis and it is imperative that we make it permanent.” 

    Americans owe a combined $1.77 trillion dollars in student loan debt, according to the most recent quarterly report from the Federal Reserve. This debt is a significant financial burden that not only influences the way the American workforce saves and spends, but also has a stifling effect on the economy. This legislation would update an existing federal program so that it works better for employees living with the reality of burdensome student loan debt.

    The legislation has support from numerous educational organizations and business groups.

    “The National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU) is pleased to support bipartisan legislation that would make permanent the expansion of IRC Sec. 127. This expansion to allow student loan repayment assistance should absolutely be a permanent benefit and not expire next year as currently scheduled.  This assistance helps working students, employers, and ultimately the U.S. economy. Section 127 benefits play a critical role in maintaining U.S. competitiveness and preventing the accumulation of student debt by enabling employers to fund the training, development and education of their employees, without imposing tax burdens on those employees for the education they receive.  Employees use these benefits to pursue their educational and career goals and use amounts provided by their employer to either help pay for the cost of tuition or repay student loans,” said Karin Johns, Director of Tax Policy, National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities.

    “The bipartisan and bicameral Employer Participation in Repayment Act will reduce borrowers’ student loan burdens and encourage successful repayment. In turn, it gives employers a permanent tool with which to attract a stable workforce. EFC is proud to endorse this legislation, and we look forward to collaborating with you to advance public policies that appropriately balance the interests of student loan borrowers, employers, and taxpayers,” said Gail daMota, President, Education Finance Council.

    “The U.S. Chamber supports the Employer Participation in Repayment Act because it allows employers voluntarily to provide a valued employee benefit that helps their employees’ financial well-being,” said Chantel Sheaks, Vice President, Retirement Policy, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

    “Candidly has facilitated more than $100M in tax-free Student Loan Employer Contributions to help employees pay down their debt faster, as a workplace benefit, resulting in a whopping 67% reduction in turnover across participating workers. Permanency is crucial to sustaining and scaling this highly efficacious new category of benefit into a new normal,” said Laurel Taylor, CEO, Candidly.

    “Fidelity Investments commends the bipartisan re-introduction of the Employer Participation in Repayment Act. Permanently extending this important incentive is critical to the American workforce’s financial wellness. As a market leader for student debt workplace benefits since 2016, Fidelity has enabled hundreds of employers across a wide range of industries to seamlessly contribute to and ease the student debt burden for their employees. To date, these employers have helped more than 100k employees save more than $500mn and an average of 3-4 years in payments. The growth and popularity of these benefits have accelerated since the introduction of this provision as part of the 2020 CARES Act, and we look forward to working with Congress to enact this legislation permanently into law,” said Jesse Moore, Senior Vice President, Head of Student Debt at Fidelity Investments.

    “We commend Senators Thune and Warner, along with Representatives Malliotakis and Peters, for their leadership in introducing the Employer Participation in Repayment Act. Making the student loan repayment expansion permanent is a critical step toward easing the financial burden on millions of Americans while empowering businesses to attract and retain top talent. This bipartisan, bicameral effort underscores a shared commitment to workforce development, economic growth, and financial well-being for employees nationwide. We urge Congress to pass this legislation and ensure long-term support for student loan repayment benefits,” said Chatrane Birbal, Vice President of Policy and Government Relations at the HR Policy Association. 

    “SHRM strongly supports the reintroduction of the Employer Participation in Repayment Act, a bipartisan bill that would permanently allow employers to assist employees in repaying their student loans. At SHRM, we have long championed policies that empower employers to provide education assistance programs that align with the evolving needs of the workforce. This legislation is key to strengthening the education-to-employment pipeline—ensuring that individuals can pursue and complete their education without being burdened by overwhelming debt, while also helping employers build a skilled and competitive workforce. This legislation provides a commonsense solution that would benefit workers, workplaces, and the economy,” said Emily M. Dickens, Chief of Staff and Head of Government Affairs at the Society for Human Resource Management.

    “We commend the introduction of bipartisan legislation to permanently extend the student loan repayment benefit under Section 127. Supporting efforts by employers to offer education or debt relief to their employees is both economically and fiscally responsible. This bill is a crucial step towards modernizing Section 127 of the tax code, addressing the evolving needs of employees, and ensuring our workforce remains competitive. InStride is dedicated to reducing the burden of student debt and expanding economic opportunities through innovative employer-sponsored education programs. This legislative effort aligns with our mission and helps create a more financially resilient workforce,” said Craig Maloney, CEO, InStride.

    “The National Association of REALTORS ® (NAR) has long supported efforts to ease the burden of student loan debt. The Employer Participation in Repayment Act is a useful tool in easing the weight of student debt. NAR applauds the leadership from Representatives Peters and Malliotakis and Senators Warner and Thune in making this change permanent. This legislation creates a win-win for both employers in search of attracting and maintaining talented workers and employees who will receive relief on their debt, enabling them to save money for important life decisions like purchasing a home,” said National Association of Realtors® President Kevin Sears.

    “Extending the tax exclusion for employer-provided student loan repayment assistance is crucial for today’s U.S. workforce and is 100% aligned with employer perspectives on these benefits,” said Scott Thompson, CEO of Tuition.io. “As the cost of higher education continues to skyrocket, this benefit enables companies to foster a more educated and skilled workforce, while helping their employees cover basic living expenses, a challenge for so many people today. Since Tuition.io started administering contributions in 2016, employers on our platform have helped pay down student loan debt for hundreds of thousands of employees in key sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, and technology. We at Tuition.io strongly support making these benefits under Section 127 permanent, as their removal would be a significant setback for both corporations and their employees.”

    “The introduction of this bill is a huge step in the right direction and, when passed, will be a major win for companies, employees, and society at large. Tax-free employer contributions to student loans is a great way to help employees pay back student loans while providing a unique incentive for employees to align with company priorities. As the cost of education has and will likely continue to rise, this benefit will help alleviate the financial stress employees have incurred in order to gain employment. Permanently including employer student loan contributions under tax-free educational assistance will help pave the way for more employers to play a massive role in solving the student debt crisis,” said Mick MackLaverty, CEO of Highway Benefits.

    “We are proud to support this initiative and grateful to Congressmember Peters for his dedication to San Diego’s small businesses,” said Jessica Anderson, Interim President and CEO of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce. “The Employer Participation in Repayment Act of 2025 will expand the benefits employers can offer by assisting with student debt repayment, in turn helping small businesses attract and retain talent in a competitive workforce. 

    Full text of the legislation can be found here. A summary of the legislation can be found here.

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ricketts, Flood Introduce CRA Legislation to Overturn CFPB’s Regulatory Overreach of Consumer Payment Companies

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and U.S. Representative Mike Flood (R-NE-01) introduced a bicameral Congressional Review Act resolution to overturn the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)’s latest overreach in the digital consumer payment market. The legislation would nullify the CFPB’s burdensome “Defining Larger Participants of a Market for General-Use Digital Consumer Payment Applications” rule, which took effect on January 9, 2025.
    “Following their election loss, the Biden-Harris CFPB rushed an eleventh-hour rule to attack non-bank digital consumer payment applications,” said Senator Ricketts. “This one-size-fits-all solution in search of a problem unnecessarily expands the CFPB’s authority. Our legislation eliminates barriers to innovation, cuts red tape, and supports our job-creators. Thank you, Congressman Flood, for leading this common-sense effort in the House. I urge my colleagues to consider this legislation without delay.”
    “Over the last four years, progressive activists sought to dramatically expand the regulatory authority of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau,” said Representative Flood. “One of the tools they used to achieve their goal was the Larger Participants Rule, which has attempted to leverage the agency’s examination authority to regulate non-bank consumer payments firms. Rolling back this regulation is critical to ensuring that the CFPB doesn’t become a barrier to innovation for job creators across America. Thank you to my colleagues in the House who are joining this effort and to Senator Ricketts for leading on this bicameral effort as well.”
    “Technology helps Americans of all backgrounds manage their financial lives. The CFPB’s rule doesn’t benefit consumers or the market, but it would stifle fintech innovation,” said Carl Holshouser, Executive Vice President of TechNet. “The final rule’s one-size-fits-all approach fails to follow applicable law, does not identify any specific consumer harm, and largely ignores stakeholder comments. Instead, the Bureau casts a wide net to turn itself into a general technology regulator instead of a financial one. TechNet is thankful to Representative Flood and Senator Ricketts for introducing this important resolution and looks forward to Congress rescinding the CFPB’s rule.”
    “The final rule was deeply flawed, failed to define a market or identify specific risks to consumers, and conflated diverse uses and products into a one-size-fits-all approach,” said Penny Lee, President and CEO of the Financial Technology Association. “This was an overreach by the CFPB as payment companies are well-regulated at the state and federal levels. We applaud Senator Pete Ricketts and Congressman Mike Flood in leading the Congressional Review Act process.”
    Bill text can be found here.
    BACKGROUND
    On November 21, 2024, the CFPB finalized a rule entitled “Defining Larger Participants of a Market for a General-Use Digital Consumer Payment Applications”— one of the Biden Administration’s many midnight rulemakings at the end of the year. Effective Jan. 9, 2025, the rule stretches CFPB’s powers to establish new supervision and examination authority over nonbank entities identified as “larger participants” in the general-use digital consumer payment applications market. These entities include payment apps, digital wallets, peer-to-peer payment apps, and other entities. “Larger participants” are entities that facilitate at least 50 million consumer payment transactions annually. Payment apps like Paypal or Venmo are examples.
    Many payment companies are already regulated at the federal and state level. Consumers are having positive experiences in engaging with these services. Despite minimal consumer complaints about payment services—accounting for only 1% of the CFPB’s 1.3 million complaints in 2023—the CFPB chose to layer additional oversight on an already well-regulated industry.
    This one-size-fits-all solution in search of a problem expands CFPB’s authority without properly identifying a specific market it seeks to supervise or the risks within a specific market that pose harm to consumers that existing regulation doesn’t already mitigate. It will layer overreaching, duplicative regulation that could stifle innovation and lead to fewer services and increased costs.
    Further, the cost-benefit analysis supporting the rule is insufficient, unrealistic, and notably underestimates a CFPB exam to cost just $25,001.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Lummis Leads Inaugural Digital Asset Subcommittee Hearing, Lays Foundation for Commonsense Legislative Framework

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wyoming Cynthia Lummis

    February 27, 2025

    Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) led the inaugural Digital Assets Subcommittee hearing where witnesses expressed the need for Congress to provide a clear regulatory framework for digital assets to promote growth and maintain our nation’s reputation as a global leader in financial innovation.

    “We have come a long way since I was elected to the Senate in 2020, when many of the members of this body were still trying to wrap their heads around what a bitcoin is, what a stablecoin is, and why the Howey test is important,” said Lummis. “We are on the precipice of finally creating a bipartisan legislative framework for both stablecoins and market structure. I am hopeful that we can get both pieces of legislation to President Trump for his signature this year.”

    Members heard testimony from Lewis Cohen, a partner at Cahill, Gordon & Reindel; Jonathan Jachym, Deputy General Counsel and Global Head of Policy with Kraken Digital Asset Exchange; Jai Massari, Chief Legal Officer at Lightspark and Tim Massad, Research Fellow at Harvard University and former Chair of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) where they outlined the need for Congress to act swiftly to provide regulatory clarity.

    A full video of her remarks can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lee and Roy Introduce HERO Act for 119th Congress

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Utah Mike Lee
    WASHINGTON – Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the Higher Education Reform and Opportunity (HERO) Act, a bill that brings transparency, accountability, and competition to higher education. Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) sponsored the HERO Act in the House of Representatives.
    The HERO Act aims to simplify federal student loans by offering a single option and introduces a new financial “skin-in-the-game” requirement for universities. Under this requirement, universities will be rewarded for each Pell Grant graduate but will also be obliged to repay a percentage of the total loans issued, with consideration for loan default rates and the average national unemployment rate.  
    Moreover, the bill empowers states to establish alternative accreditation systems that can accredit any postsecondary institution offering programs applicable to degrees, credentials, or professional certifications. This flexibility allows states to determine clock hour and minimum program length requirements, making short-term workforce development programs and nontraditional educational providers eligible for federal student aid.
    Additionally, the HERO Act mandates higher education institutions participating in federal student loan programs to publish relevant outcome information in an easily accessible format. This transparency provides students with the necessary information to make informed decisions about which institutions to attend.
    “Too often, our bright young minds needlessly face the unfair choice of either drowning in debt or sacrificing their dreams of higher education,” Sen. Lee said. “The HERO Act aims to alleviate the ever-increasing financial burden required of students pursuing their educational goals by capping loans that exacerbate costs. It would transform our educational landscape and allow students to tailor their unique learning journey and gain the skills needed to excel in today’s dynamic economy.”
    “Universities have largely become government-run crony rackets focused on turning students into far-left political activists rather than young adults prepared for success in the workforce,” Congressman Roy said. “Federal involvement has only made this problem worse. The HERO Act is an important first step to fix this and will require institutions of higher education to have some ‘skin in the game’ regarding their students’ outcomes, simplify the federal student loan system, and perhaps most important empower states to establish alternative accreditation systems. I look forward to working with my colleagues to get this across the finish line.” 
    For bill text, click HERE.For a two-pager, click HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Risch, Cloud Introduce Bill to Terminate FEMA Program Funding Luxury Hotels, Services for Illegal Immigrants

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho James E Risch

    WASHINGTON – Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and U.S. Representative Michael Cloud (R-Texas) today introduced the End FEMA Benefits for Illegal Immigrants Act to stop taxpayer dollars from funding luxury hotels and services for illegal immigrants. 

    “While American citizens recovering from disaster struggle to make ends meet, FEMA has spent billions of dollars on hotel stays, flights, and food for illegal immigrants,” said Risch. “The End FEMA Benefits for Illegal Immigrants Act stops this insanity, reins in FEMA’s wasteful spending, and refocuses the agency on serving American citizens facing disasters.”

    “FEMA exists to serve American citizens in times of crisis, not to bankroll benefits for illegal immigrants,” said Cloud. “With disaster response resources already stretched thin, the last thing FEMA should be doing is funding hotel rooms, flights, and food for those who broke our laws to enter this country. President Trump made it clear that taxpayer money should not be used to encourage illegal immigration. This legislation follows through on that priority and ensures FEMA gets back to its original mission—helping American communities rebuild and recover.”

    The End FEMA Benefits for Illegal Immigrants Act would terminate the Shelter and Services Program (SSP) administered by FEMA. The SSP provides grant funding to non-federal entities that offer support services to illegal immigrants. Since the program launched in Fiscal Year 2023, FEMA has awarded $1.45 billion in SSP grants. This money has been spent on hotel rooms, including housekeeping services, flights, parking, food, and other benefits for illegal immigrants.

    Eliminating the SSP supports President Trump’s January 24, 2025, executive order calling for the full-scale review of FEMA and ensures the agency does not facilitate or incentivize illegal immigration.

    Risch and Cloud are joined by U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), and six members of the House of Representatives in cosponsoring the End FEMA Benefits for Illegal Immigrants Act.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Baldwin Calls on Secretary Kennedy to Undo Drastic Cuts to Affordable Care Act Program

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) is calling on U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to reverse drastic funding cuts to an Affordable Care Act program that helps Americans access quality, affordable health insurance coverage, including for Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program. The Navigator program helps people enroll in the ACA and the Trump Administration slashed nearly 90 percent funding, threatening to leave millions of Americans without critical assistance to access the insurance they need and leading to a reduction in health care enrollment.  
    “This decision threatens to leave millions of Americans without critical assistance in choosing a health care plan, undermining longstanding efforts to enroll every American in quality, affordable health insurance coverage,” wrote Baldwin and the lawmakers.
    “In 2017 and 2018, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) slashed funding for the Navigator program by 84 percent. […] Unsurprisingly, ACA enrollment shrank by more than 2.5 million over the course of the Trump administration. Once Navigator funding was restored in 2021, enrollment rose and reached historic levels for the 2025 plan year,” the lawmakers continued.
    “We strongly urge the administration to reconsider this harmful decision and restore full funding to the Navigator program. Cutting these vital resources will only create more barriers for individuals and families seeking coverage, ultimately increasing the number of uninsured Americans,” the lawmakers concluded.
    Full text of the letter can be found here and below.
    Dear Secretary Kennedy:
    We write today to express deep concern over the Trump administration’s recent decision to dramatically cut funding for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Navigator program by nearly 90 percent. This decision threatens to leave millions of Americans without critical assistance in choosing a health care plan, undermining longstanding efforts to enroll every American in quality, affordable health insurance coverage. 
    Congress created the Navigator grant program to provide consumers with “fair and impartial information and services” related to not just ACA Marketplace coverage, but assistance enrolling in Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) as well. Since its inception, Navigators have become a critical resource for individuals and families, especially those living in rural and underserved areas, by helping them purchase health coverage that meets their needs. Over the past decade, more than 49 million Americans have obtained health coverage through the Marketplace, and an additional 20 million enrolled in Medicaid expansion coverage last year alone. Navigators have played a significant role in those gains, working tirelessly to enroll Americans with the highest barriers to care that may otherwise go uninsured. 
    Every year, millions of Americans turn to professionals – including Navigators – for help purchasing health insurance. They assist enrollees with understanding their coverage options, application requirements and even basic health insurance terminology. For the 2025 plan year, 44 Navigator grantees across 28 states offered free assistance to people exploring health coverage options through the Marketplace, Medicaid and CHIP. They provide support in reviewing available plans, assisting with enrollment forms, educating enrollees on premium tax credit eligibility and even utilizing post-enrollment services such as using their coverage to get care. Increasingly, Navigators have also spearheaded state and local outreach initiatives, ensuring communities are aware of their coverage options not just during open enrollment but year-round. These campaigns both maximize enrollment and education for hard-to-reach individuals while decreasing the need for federal, nationwide outreach.
    Since the first Trump administration, Navigators have needlessly faced attacks for the services they provide. In 2017 and 2018, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) slashed funding for the Navigator program by 84 percent. Surveys following the decision to cut Navigator funding documented that consumers seeking coverage through the Marketplace under the Trump administration had a significant unmet need for enrollment help. Most commonly, people cited difficulty understanding coverage options or lack of knowledge about enrollment processes as why they chose to seek professional assistance. Unsurprisingly, ACA enrollment shrank by more than 2.5 million over the course of the Trump administration. Once Navigator funding was restored in 2021, enrollment rose and reached historic levels for the 2025 plan year. This administration’s decision to leave consumers without free, impartial assistance will likely lead to many more Americans without quality, affordable insurance.
    Navigators ensure that all people—regardless of income, geography, or background—can access quality, affordable health care. We strongly urge the administration to reconsider this harmful decision and restore full funding to the Navigator program. Cutting these vital resources will only create more barriers for individuals and families seeking coverage, ultimately increasing the number of uninsured Americans.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –