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Category: US Senate

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla Warns Against Kash Patel’s Nomination to Lead the FBI

    US Senate News:

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

    WATCH: Padilla calls on Republicans to stand up against unfit FBI Director nomineeWASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined Committee Democrats in sounding the alarm on Kash Patel’s reckless nomination to be Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Padilla delivered remarks ahead of Patel’s confirmation vote at a press conference outside FBI headquarters in Washington, D.C. and in a speech on the Senate floor. Patel was confirmed as FBI Director this afternoon by a final vote of 51-49.
    During the press conference this morning, Padilla raised serious concerns about Patel’s lack of judgement, independence, and preparedness to protect Americans and uphold the Constitution. He also condemned President Trump’s pattern of selecting unfit and unqualified candidates like Patel for senior positions in his administration.
    “Only in the year 2025 — when President Trump has the Republican Party basically in a headlock — can an extreme nominee like Kash Patel be put forward with the support of the President and seemingly the support of Republicans in the Senate.”
    “This isn’t just politics. There is a real threat to the safety of Americans in every community across the country. If he is confirmed, the purging of law enforcement will continue. If he is confirmed, this department will be weaponized, as he has threatened to do. If he is confirmed, Americans will be less safe.”
    On the Senate floor, Padilla called out Patel’s extreme loyalty to President Trump over his duty to oversee the nation’s premier law enforcement agency.
    “Here we are, pretending as if a man who promised to shut down the FBI headquarters on day one and turn it into a museum for the ‘Deep State’ is now fit to lead the FBI. You see, time and again, Kash Patel has shown that his loyalty lies not with the rule of law, but with Donald Trump.”
    “When it comes to protecting the security of our nation, there is no room between patriotism and patronage. The American people need and deserve a public servant who is 100 percent committed to the around-the-clock safety of the American people. Unfortunately, through his actions over the course of the last several years, [and] his conduct this past month before the Judiciary Committee, Kash Patel has demonstrated a dangerous lack of judgment, lack of preparation, and lack of independence.”
    Padilla blasted Patel for possibly lying under oath during his confirmation hearing. Despite swearing that he had no role in the firing of career FBI employees, whistleblowers have exposed Patel’s direct involvement in the mass purge of law enforcement professionals. Earlier this month, Padilla demanded answers from Patel on the removal or reassignment of career law enforcement officials across the Department of Justice and the FBI.
    Padilla also warned that Patel has openly advocated for unprecedented and reckless actions, including weaponizing the Justice Department to target political opponents and journalists, profiting from conspiracy theories about a “Deep State,” promoting an “enemies list” of public servants, and even selling picture books to children to spread disinformation about the 2016 election. He also called out Patel’s alarming refusal during his confirmation hearing to commit to enforcing existing gun laws that save lives.
    “Colleagues, stretching the truth — or potentially outright lying — may score him points with President Trump, but as Director of the FBI, it will only put American lives at risk. Think about it. To all the Americans who might be watching from home: you wouldn’t put an arsonist in charge of the fire department, would you? But with Kash Patel at the top of the FBI, that’s exactly what we’d get.”
    Padilla cautioned that confirming Patel would set a “dangerous precedent,” further eroding public safety and trust in law enforcement. He urged Senate Republicans to oppose his confirmation.
    “When a loyalist FBI Director abuses the position and fails to protect the American people, it won’t just be Kash Patel that will be held accountable. It won’t just be President Trump we will try to hold accountable. It will be every member of this body who supported his nomination that will also be held accountable.”
    Earlier this month, Senator Padilla and his Democratic colleagues on the Senate Judiciary Committee spoke out against Kash Patel’s nomination and urged their Republican colleagues to oppose him. During Patel’s confirmation hearing, Padilla raised serious concerns about his fitness to lead the FBI.
    Video of Padilla’s full remarks at today’s press conference is available here and can be downloaded here. Video of Padilla’s full floor remarks is available here and can be downloaded here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn Votes to Confirm Kash Patel for FBI Director

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement after Kash Patel was confirmed as Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI):

    “Kash Patel is a patriot who exemplifies the American dream. He understands that the rule of law is what makes America an exceptional nation, which is a stark contrast from what we saw over the last four years under Joe Biden. I’m confident he will reestablish trust in the bureau as FBI Director, and I was proud to support his nomination.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hawley, Schmitt Reintroduce Bill to Make Missouri Churchill Museum a National Historic Landmark

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo)

    Thursday, February 20, 2025

    Today, Senators Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) reintroduced legislation to designate America’s National Churchill Museum as a National Historic Landmark. The legislation passed the Senate unanimously last year. Missouri Rep. Bob Onder (Mo.-3) will introduce companion legislation in the House.

    “Missouri is proud to have played a special role in the friendship between one of the world’s greatest leaders–Sir Winston Churchill–and the United States,” said Senator Hawley. “Churchill’s ‘Iron Curtain’ speech marked the beginning of the Cold War and it is only fitting that he be honored with a proper and permanent landmark in Fulton.” 

    “The Missouri Churchill Museum in Fulton, Missouri commemorates Winston Churchill’s famous ‘Iron Curtain’ speech at Westminster College and memorializes his life,” said Senator Schmitt. “I’ve had the pleasure of visiting the museum myself and would recommend my fellow Missourians also visit. I’m proud to join Senator Hawley’s bill that would make this museum a National Historic Landmark.”

    The museum is located on the Westminster College campus in Fulton, Missouri. On March 5, 1946 it was the site of Churchill’s famous words, “From Stettin in the Baltic, to Trieste in the Adriatic, an iron curtain has descended across the continent.” In the 1960s to honor the 20th anniversary of Churchill’s visit, Westminster College imported the 17th-century church from London to Fulton. The church of St. Mary Aldermanbury was moved stone-by-stone to Westminster’s campus. Reconstruction was completed in 1969 and is today’s location of the museum.

    The America’s National Churchill Museum National Historic Landmark Act would:  

    • Direct the Secretary of Interior to establish America’s National Churchill Museum in Fulton, Missouri as a National Historic Landmark. A National Historic Landmark (NHL) is a building, district, object, site, or structure that is officially recognized by the United States government for its outstanding historical significance.
    • Direct National Park Service to conduct a Special Resource Study to consider future potential designations for the site.

    Senator Hawley originally introduced this legislation last June. Read the full bill text here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lummis Meets with Social Security Administration Nominee

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wyoming Cynthia Lummis

    February 20, 2025

    Washington, D.C.— U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis released the following statement after meeting with Frank Bisignano, President Trump’s nominee for commissioner of the Social Security Administration (SSA).

    “Understaffing across Wyoming’s six Social Security offices continue to be a major issue impacting service delivery to people across the Cowboy State,” said Lummis. “The SSA needs serious reforms to not only ensure rural communities have the support they need but to reduce waste and fraud at the agency, and I believe Frank Bisignano is well prepared to succeed in this role.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lummis Demands Documents from Federal Reserve on Operation Chokepoint 2.0

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wyoming Cynthia Lummis

    Washington, D.C.— Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Chair of the Senate Banking Subcommittee on Digital Assets, issued a slew of document demands to the Federal Reserve Board of Governors and the Federal Reserve Banks of Dallas and Richmond regarding Operation Chokepoint 2.0 and digital assets.

    “The days of the Fed hiding its policy bias and mismanagement are over,” said Lummis. “Ensuring we have transparency in the digital asset space is integral to maintaining public trust and promoting responsible innovation in this rapidly evolving space. Congress has a constitutional duty to conduct thorough oversight, and Chairman Tim Scott and I are making sure the American people get the answers they deserve on Operation Chokepoint 2.0.”

    In her requests, Senator Lummis emphasized that claims of privilege or confidentiality do not exempt the Federal Reserve from Congressional oversight under Article I of the U.S. Constitution. The letters set a deadline of March 13, 2025 for production of documents.

    As Chair of the newly formed Subcommittee on Digital Assets, Senator Lummis has made oversight of federal regulators’ approach to digital asset innovation a top priority for the 119th Congress.

    Full text of the cover letter to the Federal Reserve Board of Governors can be found here.

    Full text of the cover letter to the Federal Reserve Board Inspector General can be found here.

    Full text of the letter to the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas can be found here.

    Full text of the letter to the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warren, Markey Propose 16 Amendments to Protect Massachusetts From Republican Budget Cuts

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    February 20, 2025

    Washington, D.C. – During the Senate’s consideration of the Republican budget resolution, U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Ed Markey (D-Mass.) proposed 16 amendments to protect Massachusetts residents from the Trump administration’s executive actions.  

    “If Republicans want to increase costs for families to pay for tax cuts for billionaires, they should have the courage to go on the record with their vote,” said Senator Warren. “Senator Markey and I are fighting back hard against Donald Trump’s attempts to make government work better for the rich and powerful and worse for everyone else.” 

    Senators Warren and Markey proposed the following amendments: 

    • An amendment supporting the reinstatement of veteran federal employees in Massachusetts who were removed for being probationary employees; 
    • An amendment to uphold the quality of housing for servicemembers in Massachusetts, including barracks; 
    • An amendment to protect the privacy of veterans in Massachusetts working for the federal government; 
    • An amendment to protect National Endowment for the Arts funding for Massachusetts; 
    • An amendment to protect public transit funding for Massachusetts; 
    • An amendment to protect PFAS removal from drinking water in Massachusetts; 
    • An amendment to protect Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) funding for Massachusetts;
    • An amendment to protect higher education funding in Massachusetts;
    • An amendment to protect offshore wind projects in Massachusetts;
    • An amendment to protect Staffing For Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grants for firefighters in Massachusetts;
    • An amendment to protect funding for transportation and infrastructure projects in Massachusetts;
    • An amendment to protect Massachusetts Head Start funding;
    • An amendment to protect National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding, which funds important research in Massachusetts;
    • An amendment to maintain federal support for Massachusetts-based medical research institutions;
    • An amendment against funding cuts to Massachusetts health care providers; and
    • An amendment to rehire all Massachusetts Health and Human Services staff.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Shaheen Introduces Amendments to Budget Resolution that Would Protect Families and Businesses from Rising Prices, Keep Americans Safe and Lower Health Care Costs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen

    (Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a top member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations and Armed Services Committees and Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, will offer dozens of amendments to the budget resolution tonight that would help make health care more affordable, lower the costs of energy bills, protect American consumers and businesses from rising prices imposed by President Trump’s tariffs and keep Americans safe by enhancing military preparedness, strengthening our air traffic controller workforce and investing in the northern border. 

    “While some of my Republican colleagues seem set on using tonight’s process to carve out a path to give tax cuts to the wealthiest in the country on the backs of working Americans, I’m urging bipartisan cooperation on commonsense opportunities that would allow working families to keep more of their hard-earned money and enhance public safety,” said Shaheen. “We have a real opportunity to deliver lasting results for our constituents who are grappling with high costs—unfortunately, President Trump and Congressional Republicans are instead focusing on delivering a tax cut for the wealthiest while slashing programs millions rely on.” 

    Below is an overview of the dozens of amendments Senator Shaheen will offer for consideration tonight. 

    To help lower everyday costs, Shaheen will offer amendments that would: 

    • Support housing affordability by preventing construction cost increases due to tariffs and delays and expanding investment in housing development. 
    • Help households afford groceries, including preventing broad tariffs which would raise the price of food or cuts to food aid for families. 
    • Prevent funding cuts to child care or early childhood education programs helping New Hampshire families. 
    • Support affordable housing in disaster recovery by rebuilding with resilient and cost-effective methods, especially those that lower home insurance rates. 
    • Lower sugar prices for American businesses and consumers harmed by the U.S. sugar program. 

    To help make health care more affordable and accessible, Shaheen will offer amendments that would: 

    • Prioritize Affordable Care Act tax credits that give 22 million Americans access to affordable, quality health insurance. 
    • Ensure that Medicaid expansion programs aren’t eliminated by drastic cuts to federal funding, including New Hampshire’s Granite Advantage covering more than 60,000 Granite Staters. 
    • Ensure that patients suffering from diabetes do not face unnecessary barriers to care, including access to $35 insulin. 
    • Ensure hospitals and doctors working in rural areas can keep their doors open and continue providing lifesaving care for their patients. 
    • Ensure that our community health centers can continue to provide vital care to their patients. 

    To help enhance public safety and keep families secure, Shaheen will offer amendments that would: 

    • Make investments in the Air Traffic Controller workforce and overturn the reckless firing of hundreds of Federal Aviation Administration personnel critical to aviation safety. 
    • Improve cell service and communications for emergency services along the northern border. 
    • Ensure that DHS has the technology needed to monitor and defend the U.S.-Canada border against the flow of drugs and illegal migration. 
    • Raise pay for U.S. Bureau of Prisons correctional officers in New Hampshire and across the country. 
    • Preserve funding for programs that support survivors of sexual and domestic violence. 
    • Ensure local law enforcement agencies and communities are not left with the bill for unfunded federal mandates. 
    • Prioritize the deportation of undocumented individuals who pose threats to our national security or public safety. 
    • Ensure that increased funding for the U.S. Departments of Justice and Homeland Security is focused on stopping the flow of illegal drugs into the United States. 

    To help lower American households’ energy costs, Shaheen will offer amendments that would: 

    • Protect Americans from higher energy costs for gas, heating oil and propane due to broad tariffs. 
    • Protect bipartisan investments that lower energy costs, promote electric grid reliability and improve drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, including addressing PFAS contamination. 
    • Protect families, farmers and businesses from higher energy costs by ensuring energy saving and renewable energy projects funded by Congress continue. 
    • Prevent Congress from blocking state or local governments from updating their building codes to protect life and property, reduce losses from disasters or lower energy costs for families. 
    • Support energy efficient building construction and retrofits to lower energy costs and enhance electric grid reliability. 
    • Support resources that help make home heating more affordable, including energy assistance from the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and weatherization. 

    To help bolster America’s national security and support American service members and their families, Shaheen will offer amendments that would: 

    • Support military service members, veterans and families, including by protecting family members who were recently fired from federal employment solely because they were new to a job. 
    • Replenish the defense industrial base ramping up to support Ukraine. 
    • Replenish the defense industrial base ramping up to support the defense of Taiwan. 
    • Ensure that the United States continues its commitments to NATO, which supports the collective defense of the United States. 
    • Resume U.S. foreign assistance that counters Chinese influence. 
    • Ensure that federal employees essential to national security are not impacted by the OMB buyout and federal hiring freeze memos. 
    • Require oversight over wasteful spending. 
    • Protect DoD’s policy that ensures service women receive the same coverage for contraception as civilian women. 
    • Ensure that service women, who are stationed in areas without access to reproductive care, through no fault of their own, can be reimbursed for the cost of travel. 
    • Ensure that U.S. farmers do not suffer economic harm due to the freeze on U.S. assistance. 
    • Protect U.S. small businesses and contractors from a pause on U.S. foreign assistance. 

    Additional amendments would: 

    • Prevent a reduction in postal service for rural America, including by preventing the closure of processing centers. 
    • Ensure that Americans are protected against fraud, price gouging and higher rental and housing prices caused by illegal price information sharing. 
    • Support funding to assist Afghan SIVs and refugee resettlement. 
    • Cut more than $40 billion in wasteful agriculture spending going to large corporate farm operations while preserving benefits to small family farms. 
    • Ensure strong funding for the Northern Border Regional Commission. 
    • Prevent adding $5 trillion of tax cuts to the national debt and raising interest rates when the Federal Government is already paying $1 trillion per year in interest. 
    • Support screening for Avian Flu both domestically and overseas. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray Statement on Meeting with CDC Nominee Dave Weldon, RFK Plotting to Overthrow Vaccine Advisory Committees

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former Chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee (HELP), released the following statement in response to her meeting with Dr. David “Dave” Weldon, President Donald Trump’s nominee to be Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and news reports that HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is preparing to remove members of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which plays a key role in setting vaccine policy.

    “In our meeting today, I pressed Dr. Weldon on his longstanding vaccine skepticism and whether he would make changes to the membership of the CDC’s vaccine advisory panel. He said he had no intention of getting rid of anyone. Yet just hours later, there is new reporting that RFK Jr. may upend the advisory committees that make important recommendations on vaccine approvals and coverage—and replace experts with dangerous anti-vaxxers. I have very little confidence that Dr. Weldon will stand up to RFK Jr.—not only has Dr. Weldon spent years promoting the false conspiracy that vaccines cause autism, but he has also criticized the CDC’s essential role in vaccine safety research.

    “Additionally, I remain deeply concerned by Dr. Weldon’s history of peddling inflammatory and medically debunked anti-abortion rhetoric and past legislative efforts, which have put the lives and health of countless women in danger.”

    Senator Murray further called on Republicans who said they were voting for RFK Jr. despite concerns over his anti-vaccine record to join her in speaking out and demanding RFK Jr. abandon any plans that would undermine vaccine access, like overthrowing the experts on CDC’s advisory committee.

    “Let’s not mince words here: the state of public health infrastructure in America is in a deeply precarious state. Thousands of researchers and public health experts have already been culled from the government by Elon Musk and RFK Jr. Now, we are hearing that while communities across the country are in desperate need of steady, science-based leadership to help protect families from measles outbreaks, tuberculosis, and the threat of bird flu—RFK Jr. is plotting to overthrow CDC’s vaccine advisory board. That is as alarming as it gets.

    “To every Republican who voted for this man because they believed, in spite of his record, RFK Jr. would not undermine vaccines: now—right now—is the time to speak up and hold RFK Jr. accountable. It is irresponsible to stay silent until after RFK Jr. follows through on this dangerous idea, and vaccines are already undermined. We all know perfectly well what is at stake here—so I desperately hope they will join me in finding the biggest microphone they can and demand RFK Jr. completely abandon any plans that will undermine access to vaccines.”

    As a longtime appropriator and former Chair of the Senate HELP Committee, Murray has long fought to boost biomedical research, strengthen public health infrastructure, and make health care more affordable and accessible. Over her years as a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, she has secured billions of dollars in increases for biomedical research at the National Institutes of Health, and during her time as Chair of the HELP Committee she established the new ARPA-H research agency as part of her PREVENT Pandemics Act to advance some of the most cutting-edge research in the field. As Chair of the HELP Committee, Murray was also instrumental in crafting the American Rescue Plan Act, including its landmark investments in public health and health care. Senator Murray was also the lead Democratic negotiator of the bipartisan 21st Century Cures Act, which delivered a major federal investment to boost NIH research, among many other investments. Murray is also the lead sponsor of the Public Health Infrastructure Saves Lives Act (PHISLA), legislation to establish $4.5 billion in dedicated, annual funding for a grant program to build up and maintain the nation’s public health system across the board. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murray, Schrier Lead Letter to Energy Secretary on Trump and Musk’s Indiscriminate Firings at Bonneville Power Administration, Threatening PNW Energy Reliability and Increased Costs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    ICYMI: Senator Murray on Trump Indiscriminately Firing Workers at Hanford and Bonneville Power Administration, Threatening Energy Security in Washington State

    ***FACT SHEET: Impact in Washington State of Trump and Musk’s Reckless Mass Layoffs***

    Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (D, WA-08) led their colleagues in Washington’s Congressional delegation—U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Representatives Suzan DelBene (D, WA-01), Rick Larsen (D, WA-02), Emily Randall (D, WA-06), Pramila Jayapal (D, WA-07), Adam Smith (D, WA-09), and Marilyn Strickland D, WA-10),—in sending a letter to Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Chris Wright laying out their grave concerns with Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s recent mass firings at the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) and how these reckless layoffs threaten grid reliability for the people in Washington state.

    “Pursuant to President Trump’s Executive Order (EO) 14210, last week DOE implemented large scale, department-wide reductions in the workforce. At the Bonneville Power Administration, these have been nothing short of devastating, totaling nearly 20 percent of BPA’s total headcount. These public servants literally helped keep the lights on for tens of millions of Americans. Beyond harming BPA’s ability to address existing and future needs, these cuts immediately jeopardize the reliability of the Pacific Northwest’s electrical grid and severely hamper economic development in the region. Such significant reductions in BPA’s workforce will result in increased costs to consumers and delays to further economic investments in the Northwest,” the Members wrote.

    BPA provides 28 percent of the Pacific Northwest’s electric power, ensuring affordable electricity for more than 13 million people across Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and Western Montana. BPA owns and operates 75 percent of the Northwest’s high voltage electrical transmission system, amounting to over 15,000 miles of transmission lines—the services BPA provides support the entire Northwest. Importantly, BPA does not receive federal funding—Northwest ratepayers ensure that BPA is able to remain self-funded.

    Last week, Senator Murray raised the alarm immediately after hearing about mass firings at BPA—between employees who were fired, those whose job offers were rescinded, and those who took the “Fork in the Road offer,” we estimate that BPA is losing between 450 and 600 skilled workers as a result of Trump and Elon Musk’s attempts to gut the federal workforce. This includes everyone from electricians and engineers to dispatchers, lineworkers, cybersecurity experts, and so many other people who help keep the lights on in the Northwest. Again, these are positions funded by ratepayers.

    “Beyond those fired, hundreds of BPA employees opted in to OPM’s so-called ‘deferred resignation’ program, which will leave critical positions open without the ability to backfill easily. Both workers and ratepayers are now left without certainty on what funding will be used or when payments under this legally dubious program will begin. Encouraging resignation of these highly specialized workers alone risks grid reliability and stable rates in the region, draining BPA’s institutional knowledge with no solution to account for these additional vacancies,” the Members continued.

    “The EO also calls for further large-scale Reductions in Force (RIFs). There may also be further firings of probational employees. Additionally, the EO requires the hiring of ‘no more than one employee for every four employees that depart.’ BPA cannot afford to follow through on such directives. The EO states that workforce reductions ‘shall not apply to functions related to public safety’—ensuring the reliable provision of electricity is clearly a matter of public safety. As such, we call on you to continue to swiftly rescind the terminations of staff and reverse rescinded job offers at BPA, in acknowledgement of the critical role that these employees play ensuring grid reliability in the Northwest. It cannot be stated more plainly: this is a matter of life-and-death for millions of Americans,” the Members wrote.

    The Members concluded by asking Secretary Wright to rescind the terminations of BPA employees, reverse rescinded job offers, and “explain why BPA employees were not deemed necessary to meet public safety responsibilities and exempted from last weeks’ workforce reductions in the first place.”

    A PDF of the full letter is available HERE.

    Yesterday, Senator Murray released this fact sheet detailing Washington state impacts of Trump and Elon Musk’s reckless assault on the federal workforce, and late last week she immediately released a national fact sheet detailing how Trump and Musk’s mass firings at all manner of federal agencies will hurt families, veterans, small businesses, farmers, and so many others across the country who need a government that works for them. Senator Murray has spoken out repeatedly on the Senate floor against this administration’s attacks on federal workers, and recently sent an open letter to federal workers and a newsletter to her constituents in Washington state outlining her concerns with the administration’s so-called “Fork in the Road” offer. Senator Murray has also sent recent oversight letters demanding answers about indiscriminate staffing reductions across federal agencies including to HUD Secretary Scott Turner on reports of massive staff cuts at HUD, Interior Secretary Doug Burham on National Parks Service staffing cuts, and Acting USDA Secretary Gary Washington on the universal hiring pause for USDA firefighters, among others.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley Statement on the Passing of Major General Evan L. “Curly” Hultman

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) released the following statement regarding Major General Evan L. “Curly” Hultman, who passed away Sunday at age 99.

    “The Cedar Valley has lost a hometown hero, Iowa has lost a respected public servant and America has lost a lifelong patriot. Barbara and I have lost a dear friend who was a tireless grassroots leader for the Republican Party. His conservative principles and work ethic were unshakeable. Curly hit the campaign trail for decades, from the Iowa caucuses to my own campaigns for elected office. His appetite for politics was whet from an early age, when he attended his first political event for the re-election of President Hoover as a young boy. Curly was larger than life and made life better for those around him.

    “A member of the Greatest Generation, Curly put his life on the line for freedom, enlisting in the Army during World War II and serving in the South Pacific. After the war, Curly devoted his life to public service and his fellow veterans. He served as Iowa attorney general and was the Republican gubernatorial nominee in 1964. Curly was nominated by three U.S. presidents for U.S. Attorney and promoted to Major General in the U.S. Army Reserve. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal by President Reagan in 1984 and received the Distinguished Public Service Medal by the Secretary of Defense in 1994. He led the Reserve Officers Association and the International Confederation of Reserve Officers. These accolades underscore Curly’s legacy of leadership, service and sacrifice. However, Curly’s greatest duty and devotion was reserved for his family and junior high school sweetheart Betty, his wife of 73 years. Godspeed, Curly. May you rest in eternal peace alongside your beloved Betty.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Support Grows for Swift Passage of HALT Fentanyl Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) welcomed growing support for the Halt All Lethal Trafficking of (HALT) Fentanyl Act ahead of the bill’s markup in the Senate Judiciary Committee tomorrow morning. Grassley cosponsors the legislation, alongside Sens. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), to permanently classify illicit fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I. This classification would provide support to law enforcement, while protecting the legitimate use of fentanyl for medical or research purposes.

    The Halt Fentanyl Act currently has 22 bipartisan Senate cosponsors, including every Republican member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. President Trump’s Office of Management and Budget has confirmed that, if Congress passes the bill in its current form, the president will sign it.

    Grassley earlier this month chaired a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on the critical need for permanent fentanyl scheduling. Since then, he has received over 100 letters from survivor parents and family members sharing their stories. Many of these letters urge committee members to swiftly pass the HALT Fentanyl Act as drafted and without amendments. 

    Additionally, the bill has garnered support from over 40 advocacy groups, including 25 State Attorneys General, 11 major law enforcement organizations, nine major medical associations and Facing Fentanyl, a coalition of over 200 impacted family groups.

    “To ensure that law enforcement can continue to prosecute the sale and use of illicit fentanyl analogues, [we] respectfully ask the Senate to permanently schedule all current and future fentanyl analogues as Schedule I drugs by passing the vital HALT Fentanyl Act as soon as possible,” the 25 State Attorneys General wrote.

    “We, the undersigned organizations, representing a significant portion of the nation’s federal, state and local law enforcement community, write to express our strong support for the HALT Fentanyl Act and urge the Committee to advance this critical legislation without delay or modification,” the law enforcement organizations wrote.

    “We commend recent bipartisan efforts to advance legislation that addresses the fentanyl crisis by categorizing illicit fentanyl and its analogues in the clinically appropriate schedule while preserving access to scientific research into methods of pain management and medication-assisted treatment,” the major medical associations wrote.

    “Our [coalition] of affected groups and families across the nation stands in full support of the HALT Fentanyl Act as it is currently written, without amendments,” Facing Fentanyl wrote.

    Additional endorsing organizations include the Fraternal Order of Police, the Drug Enforcement Association of Federal Narcotics Agents, the Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, the Major Cities Chiefs Association, the National Association of Police Organizations, the National Sheriffs’ Association, the Major County Sheriffs of America, the National Alliance of State Drug Enforcement Agencies, the National High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Directors Association, the National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition, the National District Attorneys Association, the Iowa Narcotic Officers Association, the Sergeants Benevolent Association NYPD, San Diego Imperial Valley HIDTA, the Illinois Drug Enforcement Officers Association, the Arizona HIDTA and the Peace Officers Research Association of California.

    Download bill text HERE and a fact sheet HERE.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley, Ernst, Fetterman Urge Rollins to Take Quick Action on Bird Flu Outbreak

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    Download video here

    WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee and a lifelong family farmer, joined fellow Agriculture Committee members Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and John Fetterman (D-Penn.) in a letter urging Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins to quickly address the ongoing spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), the largest animal health outbreak in U.S. history. During her confirmation hearing before the Senate Agriculture Committee, Rollins listed enhanced HPAI response as one of her “very top priorities.”

    “The United States is now entering the fourth year of an outbreak of HPAI that has devastated farms, required the depopulation of more than 136 million birds on commercial poultry operations and infected a small but growing number of farm workers. A new urgency is required from the USDA to address the evolving situation,” wrote the senators.

    In their letter, the senators suggest Rollins adopt measures backed by egg and turkey farmers who have suffered HPAI outbreaks, including a strategy for vaccination, while ensuring trade is not significantly impacted. They additionally propose the formation of an HPAI Strategic Initiative to develop prevention methods and movement controls that apply to all animals at risk of contracting or spreading HPAI. Additionally, the senators ask USDA to ensure proper outreach to all farmers regarding HPAI indemnities:

    “HPAI indemnities are similar to disaster assistance for crops and livestock—the funds respond to a catastrophic situation that producers could not have averted and never fully make up for the entire loss. The indemnities also recognize that producers are legally compelled to depopulate their flocks in an HPAI infection—they do not have a choice. Even with revisions to indemnity formulas proposed by egg farmers, these payments will not come close to making producers whole for their losses,” the senators continued. 

    Additional cosigners are Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Mark R. Warner (D-Va.), Tedd Budd (R-N.C.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), David McCormick (R-Pa.) and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.).

    Click HERE to download broadcast-quality video of Grassley discussing the letter.  

    Text of the letter to Secretary Rollins follows: 

    VIA ELECTRONIC TRANSMITION

    February 18, 2025

    The Honorable Brooke Rollins

    Secretary of Agriculture

    U.S. Department of Agriculture

    1400 Independence Avenue, S.W.

    Washington, D.C. 20250

    Dear Madam Secretary:

    Congratulations on your confirmation as Secretary of Agriculture. We know many pressing concerns await you as you begin your new role. We write to ask that you enhance the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) response to the ongoing outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in our nation’s animal agriculture sector, which we greatly appreciate you announcing as a top priority in your testimony before the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.

    The United States is now entering the fourth year of an outbreak of HPAI that has devastated farms, required the depopulation of more than 136 million birds on commercial poultry operations, and infected a small but growing number of farm workers. A new urgency is required from the USDA to address the evolving situation.

    We support measures that have been proposed to you by egg and turkey farmers, many of whose operations have suffered HPAI outbreaks. These measures include the following:

    1. An aggressive, forward-looking strategy for vaccination in affected laying hens and turkeys, including the acquisition of vaccine stockpiles, field trials of vaccines, the development of more practical methods of vaccine administration, and outreach to trading partners to ensure trade is not significantly impacted and that they understand the need for vaccines and abide by international standards for maintaining trade;
    2. An HPAI Strategic Initiative to engage experts within industry, universities, and government to expand knowledge and develop novel methods of prevention, detection, and response; and
    3. Movement controls that apply to all animals that present risks and support for states moving quickly through the first four stages of USDA’s National Milk Testing Strategy.

    Two related matters also require USDA’s attention. First, an interim rule issued in December 2024 requires biosecurity audits on previously infected farms, or farms placed within a buffer zone of a control area, to be eligible for indemnities. In principle, this change would appear to enhance biosecurity measures and accountability for indemnity, but the rule was rushed. As a result, nearly no auditors have been trained to complete these audits, and the audit itself was posted in draft form. USDA should provide adequate numbers of qualified auditors prior to enforcement of the rule.

    Second, current indemnity rates for laying hens and pullets are based on inaccurate data and are

    artificially low. We support a proposal by the egg industry to revise these calculations, relying entirely on data from USDA and land-grant institutions, in order to make indemnities fairer. HPAI indemnities are similar to disaster assistance for crops and livestock—the funds respond to a catastrophic situation that producers could not have averted and never fully make up for the entire loss. The indemnities also recognize that producers are legally compelled to depopulate their flocks in an HPAI infection—they do not have a choice. Even with revisions to indemnity formulas proposed by egg farmers, these payments will not come close to making producers whole for their losses. In reviewing indemnity activities, we also urge you to ensure proper outreach to all farmers. For example, Amish farmers and certain other populations in rural communities are less likely to depopulate or seek indemnity payments, which exacerbates HPAI outbreaks.

    We stand ready to work with you as you provide leadership on this vitally important issue, the largest animal health outbreak that the department has ever dealt with. Thank you for making the HPAI response a priority.

    Sincerely,

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley Welcomes Senate Confirmation of Kash Patel as FBI Director

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) released a statement following the Senate’s confirmation of Kash Patel to be Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

    “Change is coming to the seventh floor of the J. Edgar Hoover Building, and that is a good thing. Over the past several years, political infection has diminished the FBI’s credibility and distracted the Bureau from its core law enforcement responsibilities. As FBI Director, Kash Patel promises to restore the FBI’s primary focus on law and order, as well as national security, and do right by the brave FBI agents who work day in and day out to keep Americans safe. From a congressional oversight standpoint, you can bet I’ll be keeping a close watch to ensure Congress gets answers to our questions and transparency assured.”

    -30-

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley, Klobuchar Seek to Increase Access to Affordable Prescription Drugs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a senior member and former chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, joined Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) in reintroducing the Safe and Affordable Drugs from Canada Act. The bipartisan bill would allow Americans to safely import prescription drugs from Canada – lowering costs, increasing access and strengthening competition in the pharmaceutical market. 

    “Congress must take an all-of-the-above approach to lowering the price of prescription drugs. Our commonsense, bipartisan bill would provide Americans increased access to safe, affordable prescription drugs available in Canada, while boosting much-needed competition in the pharmaceutical industry,” Grassley said. 

    “Americans pay the highest prices in the world for prescription drugs,” Klobuchar said. “Our bipartisan legislation would save Americans money by allowing them to import their medications from pharmacies in Canada. Brand-name prescription drugs that we invent here in America cost more than twice as much in the United States as in Canada. Americans deserve better. Building on my legislation to allow Medicare to negotiate lower prescription drug costs, I will continue to work to increase competition in the pharmaceutical market so Americans no longer get ripped off by Big Pharma.” 

    Find bill text HERE. 

    Background:

    Lowering the cost of prescription drugs and increasing transparency in the pharmaceutical industry are among Grassley’s top priorities. This Congress, he introduced two bipartisan bills to shine light on the shady practices of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), as well as legislation to boost price transparency in prescription drug advertisements.  

    In 2017, Grassley urged the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to use its statutory authority under the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 to fast-track the importation of prescription drugs from Canada under certain circumstances. In 2020, the first Trump administration finalized regulations and issued guidance allowing states and Indian Tribes to import prescription drugs from Canada under certain circumstances and with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s approval. Additionally, Grassley in 2021 sent a bipartisan letter to HHS highlighting his commitment to securing the importation of certain prescription drugs from Canada. 

    -30-

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Files Amendments To Republicans’ Budget Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    February 20, 2025

    WASHINGTON – Ahead of tonight’s vote-a-rama, where Senate Democrats will expose the truth about Republicans’ reconciliation budget bill, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, filed amendments that reflect his priorities as Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee.

    “Overnight, Senate Republicans will attempt to advance a budget resolution that clears the way to cut taxes for President Trump and Elon Musk’s billionaire friends. And who will be left holding the bag? American families. Democrats are going to hold the floor into the night to expose how Donald Trump and Republicans have eviscerated so many of our institutions for their billionaire buddies,” Durbin said. “While Donald Trump may preach about corruption, fraud, crime, and grocery prices, here’s the reality: he has rid the government of its independent watchdogs, threatened critical funding for survivors of violent crime, endangered America’s food supply chain with his threats of mass deportations, and continues to purge and reassign senior law enforcement officials at DOJ and FBI—making America less safe.”

    Durbin’s amendments include:

    • Establishes a deficit-neutral reserve fund related to protecting from arrest, detention, or removal noncitizen food and farm laborers who do not present a threat to public safety or national security, and whose removal would create an immediate labor shortage and increase prices of household groceries, such as milk, cheese, eggs, meat, and produce. U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) is a cosponsor of this amendment.
    • Establishes a deficit-neutral reserve fund related to protecting from mass deportations noncitizens brought to the United States as children who are eligible for DACA. U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Angus King (I-ME) are cosponsors of this amendment.
    • Establishes a deficit-neutral reserve fund related to protecting Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) personnel who worked on January 6 investigations and prosecutions from being terminated or facing other forms of retribution for their work on these cases.
    • Establishes a deficit-neutral reserve fund related to protecting DOJ and FBI probationary personnel (staff with one to two years of experience or less) from mass layoffs.
    • Establishes a deficit-neutral reserve fund related to preventing DOJ and FBI personnel from being forced to participate in mass deportation efforts to the detriment of their work on child sexual abuse material (CSAM) investigations and prosecutions, responding to the fentanyl crisis, preventing violent crime, protecting national security, and responding to terrorism threats.
    • Establishes a deficit-neutral reserve fund related to ensuring that federal funds for victims of crime, support services for survivors, and victim compensation programs are not subject to further attempted funding freezes.
    • Establishes a deficit-neutral reserve fund related to protecting certain Violence Against Women Act programs that are tailored to communities, such as Native American and indigenous populations, from being cut due to DOJ’s broad anti-DEI efforts.
    • Establishes a deficit-neutral reserve fund related to preventing Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency from accessing classified systems, personnel records, investigative records, and prosecutorial records at DOJ and its component agencies.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Stresses Need To Remove Big Tech’s Liability Shield To Protect Kids From Online Fentanyl Sales

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    February 20, 2025

    During a committee business meeting, Durbin pushed to repeal Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act

    WASHINGTON – During an executive business meeting to consider the HALT Fentanyl Act, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, spoke about the importance of allowing people to sue social media companies when they or their loved ones are harmed by online fentanyl sales.

    Durbin offered an amendment to the bill to repeal Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which he ultimately withdrew after securing an agreement with U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, to work together toward this goal.

    The executive business meeting concluded without action on the bill.

    Key Quotes:

    “In just a decade, fentanyl has emerged as the deadliest drug in American history. All it takes is two milligrams—a fraction of the size of a penny—to cause an overdose. There is an overdose crisis in the United States, but we have learned that evidence-based solutions reduce deaths. In fact, in 2023, overdose deaths actually decreased for the first time since 2018—by more than 10 percent.”

    “We need to look at every factor that contributed to this reduction. Counseling and treatment, training for first responders, and Naloxone, and other things are making a difference.”

    “I appreciate the hard work by the sponsors of the bill we are considering, but we can all agree that the HALT Fentanyl Act will not by itself keep our communities safe.”

    “Our law enforcement agencies are on the front lines of the fight to protect Americans. The National Crime Prevention Council estimates eighty percent of teen and young adult fentanyl poisoning can be traced to social media… which means, in my mind, we ought to consider that as part of the solution to reducing fentanyl use.”

    “Getting fentanyl off the streets is a herculean task that will require us all to put politics aside and work across the aisle to make this country a healthier, safer place to live.”

    “I don’t believe we can deal with fentanyl effectively if we don’t deal with what’s going on on social media. When 80 percent of young children who are victims of fentanyl use social media… we have to deal with it directly. Time and again, social media [companies] have made excuse after excuse that they ‘really want to cooperate with us,’ but they are never there when we need them. We have to move forward directly with this and include [social media regulation] in this effort.”

    Video of Durbin’s remarks is available here.

    Audio of Durbin’s remarks is available here.

    Footage of Durbin’s remarks is available here for TV Stations.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden Blasts Musk and Trump for Hurting Tribal Communities by Cutting Health Staff

    US Senate News:

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

    February 20, 2025

    Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ron Wyden said today he has joined Senate colleagues in condemning Elon Musk and Donald Trump’s efforts to lay off Indian Health Service staff at a time when a significant health care workforce shortage already exists for Tribal communities in Oregon and nationwide. 

    “Tribal Nations have a legal and political relationship with the United States, and the federal government has a fundamental obligation to fulfill its treaty and trust responsibilities to Tribal Nations – an obligation that includes providing services such as health care to Native communities,” wrote Wyden along with nine other senators. 

    Recent reports show more than 850 IHS employees, who provide critical medical care for Tribal communities, are at risk of being immediately laid off.

    “Not only will this lead to worse health outcomes, but overall costs will also rise. With less health care services at existing IHS facilities, there will be increased Purchased Referred Care referrals. This will increase costs for the Federal government and require increased travel, accommodations, and expenses, creating increased hardships and barriers for patients and families seeking care far from where they live on Tribal lands.,” the senators continued. 

    The letter was led by U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján D-N.M. In addition to Wyden, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Alex Padilla, D-Calif., Tina Smith, D-Minn., Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., and Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev.

    Full text of the letter is here.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy, Peters lead bipartisan bill to make FEMA response more efficient

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)

    WASHINGTON – Sens. John Kennedy (R-La.) and Gary Peters (D-Mich.) today reintroduced the bipartisan Helping Eliminate Limitations for Prompt (HELP) Response and Recovery Act. The bill would enable the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to respond to disasters and other emergencies effectively and promptly.

    “When a disaster hits, time and effectiveness are crucial to supporting communities. However, an outdated emergency response law can limit recovery efforts. Our bill would help Louisianians and all Americans by making sure that private sector and federal officials work together to respond to catastrophes efficiently,” said Kennedy.

    “As natural disasters continue to affect communities across the nation, it is imperative that the federal government is able to help those in need efficiently and effectively. This bill would ensure that DHS can streamline the process of helping disaster survivors rebuild their lives in the wake of these tragedies,” said Peters.

    The HELP Response and Recovery Act would repeal Section 695 of the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006, which restricts the length of non-competitive DHS contracts for urgent and compelling requirements to 150 days. The repeal of this regulation ensures that DHS deadlines for emergency contracts follow current government-wide rules that allow contracts of up to one year. Extending non-competitive DHS contracts to one year gives private businesses and government more time to help communities recover after a disaster.

    In March 2024, the Senate passed the HELP Response and Recovery Act by unanimous consent.

    Text of the HELP Response and Recovery Act is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Graham Speaks on Senate Floor Ahead of Budget Resolution Vote-A-Rama

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Lindsey Graham
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, today discussed the Senate’s budget resolution on the floor ahead of a series of amendment votes, known as a “vote-a-rama.”
    The FY 2025 budget resolution is the blueprint for a fully paid for reconciliation bill to secure the border, bolster our military and increase American energy independence.
    GRAHAM: “To my House colleagues: I prefer one big beautiful bill that makes the tax cuts permanent, that does the things we need to do on the border and with our military, and cuts spending. I wish you all the best. I prefer what you’re doing to what we’re doing. But we have to have a Plan B if you can’t get it done soon.” https://youtu.be/kTL4bsK4Ocw?si=wWf9O68lULEXv4mh&t=494
    GRAHAM: “[This resolution] allows the Judiciary Committee and the Homeland Security Committee to come up with a… $175 billion plan to secure our border… Those two committees will work with the Trump Administration to meet their priorities.”  https://youtu.be/kTL4bsK4Ocw?si=IPqK3eSDWTNnmcdJ&t=44
    GRAHAM: “This idea that there is somehow money in this resolution for Ukraine… is not true… It’s up to the [authorizing] committees as to what is in the… package. To all my colleagues here, you’ll eventually get to vote on that work product.” https://youtu.be/kTL4bsK4Ocw?si=VbtsDF7FYYnNvWwd&t=122
    GRAHAM: “We’re telling the Armed Services Committee, spend $150 billion the way you see fit [to bolster the U.S. military]. We’re telling two committees to spend $175 billion [total] to secure our border. And we’re telling seven other committees find savings inside your committee to offset the spending we’re creating in this bill. I think they can do that. I think what DOGE is doing is good. This is a form of that. Every committee that’s been instructed to save at least $1 billion will be able – finally – to…reduce spending because we are directing them to.” https://youtu.be/kTL4bsK4Ocw?si=jTegJ7L2YZIuCa_l&t=364

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Peters Reintroduces Bipartisan Bill to Improve Federal Government’s Response to Emergencies

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters
    Published: 02.20.2025

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Gary Peters(D-MI), Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, reintroduced bipartisan legislation to repeal an outdated section of the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006 (PKEMRA). The legislation would ensure uninterrupted support to disaster survivors following an emergency and improve the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) ability to respond to emergencies.
    Current law limits the duration of non-competitive emergency contracts for DHS and FEMA, which are tasked with coordinating emergency response efforts, while other federal agencies follow more recently updated changes to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). The senators’ bill would repeal this outdated section of the law to align the deadlines for DHS emergency contracts with the deadlines the rest of the government already follows, removing roadblocks to getting support to communities in need. 
    “As natural disasters continue to affect communities across the nation, it is imperative that the federal government is able to help those in need efficiently and effectively,” said Senator Peters.“This bill would ensure that DHS can streamline the process of helping disaster survivors rebuild their lives in the wake of these tragedies.”
    The bipartisan Helping Eliminate Limitations for Prompt Response and Recovery Act addresses outdated restrictions on emergency contracts that currently apply only to DHS. These restrictions, established by Section 695 of the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act (PKEMRA), limit emergency contracts to 150 days, despite newer government-wide regulations allowing such contracts to extend up to one year. This alignment with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), based on section 862 of the FY 2009 National Defense Authorization Act renders section 695 obsolete, ensuring timely delivery of critical services during emergencies. 
    The original bill has been endorsed by several national and international disaster management leaders, including those from the International Association of Emergency Managers, the Disaster Recovery Coalition of America, the National Emergency Management Association. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murkowski Releases Statement on Patel Nomination

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Lisa Murkowski
    02.20.25
    Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) released the following statement on her decision to vote against confirming Kash Patel as Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI):
    “I will oppose Kash Patel’s confirmation to serve as Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The FBI’s mission is “to protect the American people and uphold the Constitution of the United States.” Mr. Patel and I agree the bureau has crept past that mission, become an increasingly political agency, and eroded the public’s trust. We have had multiple frank and open discussions about how best to restore that trust. I agree with Mr. Patel that it begins by getting agents out in the field, doing what they signed up to do, rather than sitting behind an administrative desk.
    “My reservations with Mr. Patel stem from his own prior political activities and how they may influence his leadership. The FBI must be trusted as the federal agency that roots out crime and corruption, not focused on settling political scores. I have been disappointed that when he had the opportunity to push back on the administration’s decision to force the FBI to provide a list of agents involved in the January 6 investigations and prosecutions, he failed to do so. 
    “If confirmed, I wish him a successful tenure at the helm of this agency, and will endeavor to work with him to help address issues in Alaska, improve Tribal law enforcement across the country, and make needed changes within the FBI. I truly hope that he proves me wrong about the reservations I have of him today.”

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Murkowski Engages with Secretary of Labor Nominee During Confirmation Hearing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Lisa Murkowski
    02.19.25
    Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) engaged with Secretary of Labor nominee, former Congresswoman Lori Chavez-DeRemer, during a Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing. Senator Murkowski articulated Alaska’s workforce demands, and received a commitment from Chavez-DeRemer to work to address these needs at the federal level.
    “Alaska’s key industries require distinct personnel needs in order to keep up with constantly evolving environments,” said Senator Murkowski. “If confirmed, I look forward to working with former Congresswoman Chavez-DeRemer to ensure Alaska’s workers and communities have the support they need.”
     
    Click here to watch Senator Murkowski’s full remarks.
    The full transcript of Murkowski’s comments is below. 
    FULL TRANSCRIPT
    Senator Murkowski: Welcome to the committee, I enjoyed our conversation. We had a chance to talk a little bit about the Alaska workforce. I’m looking at an article that just came out, and it cites the Alaska State Department of Labor and Workforce Development, looking at Workforce statistics in 2023. We don’t have 2024’s numbers yet, but right now non-resident workers in our state make up 23.5% of the workforce. That’s a lot. It means we get folks that come to us from other states. When you have 82% of your communities that are not connected by road, you can’t move as a worker from one village to another village unless you’re willing to pay several hundred dollars for each leg of your airplane ticket to get you to another community for work, so we rely on out-of-state workers.
    In the oil and gas industry 37.4% of the workers were non-residents. In the mining industry, non-residents accounted for 41.6%. The seafood processing sector, significantly one of our largest employment and economic drivers in the state, produces more than $5 billion in economic activity, so this is big for us. What is even bigger is that in 2023, 82.8% of the workers were non-resident. We process our seafood in small coastal communities. If they have a population at all, it is maybe 500 people. You cannot run a seafood processing industry when you don’t have the workers.
    So, back to the comment that was made earlier about H-2Bs. This is significant for us. Senator Collins asked about your commitment to issue supplemental visas in a timely manner but also to the maximum extent allowable. You do have that discretion. You’ve indicated that you’re going to work to that. I’m going to ask you to look specifically to the seafood processing sector out of all the sectors that are out there. My friend from Virginia knows well- seafood is more truly seasonal than so many other sectors, but right now we are competing for these H-2Bs with other sectors like landscapers. Last I checked, you can do landscaping 365 days practically in most parts of the country. The seafood sector in Alaska- you’re looking at an industry during the summer, at least when it comes to Salmon, that is literally an 8 to 10-week season. We are the poster child for seasonal workers. I need to know that you will not only support the H-2B visa program but commit to working with me on legislation to exempt Seafood processors from the H-2B visa caps. This is something that we’ve been trying to work for years. Basically, we’ve been stalled out by big labor that is so concerned that we are not offering these jobs to people across the country. You can’t get an H-2B visa until you have demonstrated all the efforts that you have made to seek US workers and that none are coming to you. We had the conversation in my office. It’s important to state it here publicly how significant it is, and I need your assurance that you’re going to work with us and work with your partners within Homeland Security as well on this critical issue for us.
    Chavez-DeRemer: Yes ma’am, I will commit to working with you specifically on this issue.
    Senator Murkowski: Thank you, I appreciate that. There is a lot of conversation about apprenticeship, so I’m not going to revisit that. Although, I did just come from a meeting with the head of the Alaska Military Youth Academy who was talking about the benefits of going from that exceptional program to hand-in-glove with the Alaska Works Training Program. These young people can see the benefits right then and there. Maybe I want to be a welder, maybe I want to be a carpenter. You take them hand-in-hand. Last thing I’m going to raise is something in a conversation just yesterday with the head of the building trades. We’re talking about childcare because we can talk about a workforce, but people can’t get to the workforce if they can’t afford childcare. I would hope that you’re going to prioritize families in the workplace and support incentives for on-site childcare. 
    Chavez-DeRemer: Yes ma’am.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: U.S. Senators Tommy Tuberville, Katie Britt Congratulate Director Patel, Urge FBI to Immediately Fill Open Slots at Redstone Arsenal

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) and Katie Britt (R-AL) today sent a letter to Kash Patel following his Senate confirmation as the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). In the letter, they urge Director Patel to immediately fill 1,000 of the open slots at FBI’s campus in Huntsville on Redstone Arsenal.
    The Senators wrote,“We are proud to represent the great state of Alabama, home to Redstone Arsenal which is the epicenter of the FBI’s technological capabilities and advanced training.  As threats to our nation become more sophisticated, FBI-Redstone Arsenal’s operations will need to continue growing.”
    “The North Campus is well prepared to support this mission by delivering state-of-the-art training to address cyber threats, emerging technologies, and the Field Offices’ investigative efforts.  The South Campus is currently under construction and will host even more capacity to address current and future threats,” they continued.
    “Given the strategic investments at Redstone Arsenal and how its synergies align with your mission of restoring the FBI’s focus to the safety and security of the American people, we urge you to assign an additional 1,000 employees to FBI-Redstone as a first step to ultimately filling the approximately 4,000 open slots the campus can accommodate.  This will send a message to our adversaries that the FBI’s leadership is back to prioritizing the pressing threats to our homeland. We look forward to working closely with you to Make America Safe Again,” the Senators added.
    The full text of the letter is available here.
    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP, and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville, Schmitt Reintroduce the ENABLE Act, Empower Americans with Disabilities

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) in reintroducing the bipartisan, bicameral Ensuring Nationwide Access to Better Life Experience (ENABLE) Act. The ENABLE Act preserves the ability of people with disabilities and their families to save and invest through tax-free savings accounts while protecting eligibility to federal programs by making permanent key provisions related to Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) accounts. 
    Sen. Tuberville also cosponsored the legislation last Congress.
    “Every human being is created by God and has inherent dignity, including those with disabilities. After 40 years in the education sector, I have seen firsthand how important it is for teachers, parents, community members, and Congress to work together to ENABLE these people for success. This legislation provides crucial safeguards for people with disabilities to help them invest, save, and achieve independence. I appreciate Senator Schmitt’s leadership on this issue that I know is close to his heart and look forward to working with him to get this legislation across the finish line,” said Sen. Tuberville.
    “I was proud to lead the introduction of the ENABLE Act in the 118th Congress, where this critical legislation passed the Senate. I entered public service to fight for people like my son Stephen. Stephen was born with a rare genetic disease, is on the autism spectrum, has epilepsy, and is non-verbal. I know firsthand how critical ABLE accounts are to individuals with disabilities and their families. ABLE accounts allow individuals with disabilities to save for their future and ease burdens on their families. It’s a common-sense solution that provides an easy fix for those who depend on ABLE Accounts, and I’m proud to have bipartisan, bicameral support for this important piece of legislation,” said Sen. Schmitt.
    U.S. Senators Tuberville and Schmitt are joined by U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR), Katie Britt (R-AL), Chris Coons (D-DE), John Fetterman (D-PA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Raphael Warnock (D-GA) in cosponsoring the legislation.
    U.S. Representative Lloyd Smucker (R-PA-11) led the effort in the House of Representatives.
    Read full text of the legislation here.
    BACKGROUND: 
    ABLE accounts—529A accounts—allow people with disabilities and their families to save and invest through tax-free savings accounts without losing eligibility for federal programs like Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). There are three provisions related to these accounts in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA):
    ABLE to Work: an individual with a disability who is employed can contribute an additional amount to his or her ABLE account. This additional contribution cannot be greater than either:
    the prior year’s federal poverty level for a one-person household ($15,060 in 2024), or
    the beneficiary’s yearly compensation.

    ABLE Saver’s Credit: an individual with a disability who make qualified contributions to their ABLE account can qualify for a nonrefundable saver’s credit of up to $1,000.
    529 to ABLE rollover: an individual with a disability may rollover from a 529 education savings account to an ABLE account that are less than or equal to the annual ABLE contribution limit tax and penalty free.
    The ENABLE Act would make permanent the above provisions that are set to expire.
    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP, and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Marshall, Cornyn, and GOP Colleagues Urge ATF to Rescind Biden’s Unconstitutional 2A Rules and Align with Trump Agenda

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall
    Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), John Cornyn (R-Texas), and 28 of their Senate GOP colleagues today sent a letter to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Deputy Director Marvin Richardson, urging him to align the agency with President Donald Trump’s Second Amendment priorities laid out in his recent Executive Order. 
    They also called on Deputy Director Richardson to identify and rescind former President Joe Biden’s unlawful firearms regulations, including the “Engaged in the Business” rule, pistol brace rule, so-called “ghost gun” rule, and “zero tolerance” policy under which the ATF has revoked the licenses of federal firearm licensees (FFLs) over minor bookkeeping violations.
    The Senators wrote: “On Friday, February 7, 2025, President Donald J. Trump took decisive action to reaffirm law-abiding Americans’ Second Amendment rights in issuing his Executive Order, Protecting Second Amendment Rights.  We urge you to immediately align the ATF’s rules and policies with the President’s strong support for the Second Amendment.”
    “Under former President Joe Biden, the ATF adopted numerous policies and rules that infringed upon Americans’ Second Amendment protections. President Trump’s Executive Order directs Attorney General Pam Bondi to review and develop a plan of action regarding President Biden’s unlawful firearms regulations. We ask that you work with the Attorney General to quickly identify and rescind these policies.”
    Joining Senator Marshall, Senator Cornyn, and Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-South Dakota) are Senators Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina), John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi), Shelley Moore Capito (R-West Virginia), Jim Justice (R-West Virginia), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming), Steve Daines (R-Montana), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), James Lankford (R-Oklahoma), John Hoeven (R-North Dakota), Rick Scott (R-Florida), Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee), Tim Sheehy (R-Montana), Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska), Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee), Todd Young (R-Indiana), Markwayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma), Deb Fischer (R-Nebraska), Jim Banks (R-Indiana), and Jerry Moran (R-Kansas).
    The full text of the letter is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Coons, Cassidy reintroduce the Retirement Security for American Hostages Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons
    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.) reintroduced the Retirement Security for American Hostages Act to ensure American hostages and wrongful detainees don’t see reduced Social Security earnings as a result of being unlawfully held abroad. In addition to Senators Coons and Cassidy, this legislation is co-sponsored by Senators Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). This legislation was previously introduced in the 118th Congress.
    “The financial impact of wrongful detention doesn’t end when Americans come home – the damage can last into their years of retirement,” said Senator Coons. “Americans like Paul Whelan – unjustly held in a Russian prison for six years until the Biden Administration secured his release – see severely reduced Social Security benefits for the rest of their lives and have precious little time to make those earnings back. The Retirement Security for American Hostages Act provides a straightforward and practical solution so that years spent in foreign detention don’t translate into permanently reduced retirement benefits for these Americans who have already suffered so much.”
    “Losing one’s freedom is enough to endure. Americans held hostage should not also lose their Social Security benefits,” said Senator Cassidy. “Ensuring their benefits are protected makes a difference in someone’s life.” 
    “Hostage US strongly supports the Retirement Security for American Hostages Act. As the leading organization providing reintegration support, guidance, and resources to Americans held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad, we see firsthand the long-term impact captivity has on individuals and their loved ones. This critical piece of legislation prevents reduced retirement security when hostages return home and means former captives can rebuild their lives without additional hardship. Americans who have endured captivity should have financial protections and this commonsense legislation will provide much-needed relief to those who have already suffered so much,” said Liz Cathcart, Executive Director of Hostage US.
    “The lives of Americans held hostage or wrongfully detained are forever altered in damaging ways that can continue upon their release and return home,” said Diane Foley, President, the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation. “This bill provides an important measure of relief to reduce the burdens faced by those who are lucky enough to be freed.” 
    Last summer, several Americans were released from wrongful detention in Russia as part of a historic prisoner exchange, and additional Americans have been released from hostage situations since then. These individuals now face financial obstacles resulting from their captivity, including diminished Social Security benefits when they reach retirement. Because they may not have received a paycheck or paid payroll taxes while in captivity, their Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME), which determines their Social Security benefit upon retirement, may have diminished by a meaningful amount.
    The Retirement Security for American Hostages Act would amend the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) calculation of benefits for individuals identified as wrongful detainees by the federal government. The bill ensures that when calculating Social Security benefits, the SSA would assume “deemed wages” equal to the national average for each month a former hostage or detainee was held, preventing unjust reductions in their retirement benefits.
    Senator Coons has led numerous bills supporting American hostages and wrongful detainees and addressing financial hardships they often face upon their return. He reintroduced the Retirement Security for American Hostages Act alongside two other hostage bills today–– the Fair Credit for American Hostages Act and the Stop Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act. The first is a bill with Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) that would empower former hostages and detainees to restore credit scores that may have been negatively impacted during their detention. The latter is with Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and would stop the IRS from imposing fines and penalties on American hostages and wrongful detainees for late tax payments while they are held abroad. Both of those bills unanimously cleared the Senate last year.
    A one-pager is available here.
    The full text of the legislation can be found here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Coons, Tillis reintroduce the Fair Credit for American Hostages Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) reintroduced the Fair Credit for American Hostages Act today to protect the credit scores of Americans who have been held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad. In addition to Senators Coons and Tillis, this legislation is co-sponsored by Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.). This legislation was originally introduced in the 118th Congress, and passed the Senate unanimously in December.
    “When you’re held hostage or wrongfully detained in a foreign prison for months or years on end, you’re not thinking about whether there’s enough money coming into your bank account to pay your utility bill—but right now, financial institutions just see someone who’s not paying their bills. Americans who’ve already endured the trauma of wrongful detention abroad shouldn’t come home to find their credit score ruined,” said Senator Coons. “The Fair Credit for American Hostages Act addresses this injustice, providing crucial protection for these heroic Americans and their families who have already endured far too much, so that time spent in foreign detention doesn’t harm their financial futures long after they’re home.”
    “No one should ever have to fear returning home to financial ruin and a damaged credit history due to their inability to make timely payments while being held hostage in a foreign country,” said Senator Tillis. “This commonsense legislation ensures that Americans held captive abroad won’t have to grapple with the financial distress of a ruined credit score, so they can focus on rebuilding their lives.”
    “Hostage US strongly supports the Fair Credit for American Hostages Act. As the leading organization providing reintegration support, guidance, and resources to Americans held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad, we see firsthand the long-term impact captivity has on individuals and their loved ones. This critical piece of legislation prevents damaged credit when hostages return home and means former captives can rebuild their lives without additional hardship. Americans who have endured captivity should have financial protections and this commonsense legislation will provide much-needed relief to those who have already suffered so much,” said Liz Cathcart, Executive Director of Hostage US.
    “The Foley Foundation appreciates Senator Coons’ consistent, bipartisan leadership to address the often profound challenges faced by Americans who survive unjust captivity abroad. These bills offer common sense solutions to the financial issues former hostages face as they seek to restore their lives and livelihoods,” said Benjamin Gray, Executive Director of the Foley Foundation.
    Americans who are held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad often cannot pay their bills while in detention. Upon their release and return to the United States, many find that their credit scores have suffered due to missed payments. This bipartisan legislation would prevent credit rating agencies from considering payments missed during the detention of Americans who have been held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad.
    Senator Coons has led numerous bills supporting American hostages and wrongful detainees and addressing financial hardships they often face upon their return. He reintroduced the Fair Credit for American Hostages Act alongside two other hostage bills today––the Stop Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act and Retirement Security for American Hostages Act. The first is a bill with Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) that would stop the IRS from imposing fines and penalties on American hostages and wrongful detainees for late tax payments while they are held abroad. This bill unanimously cleared the Senate last year. The latter is a bill with Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.) that would ensure that hostages and wrongful detainees are not penalized in calculating their Social Security benefits. 
    A one-pager is available here.
    The full text of the legislation can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crapo on Extension of Trump Tax Cuts: Failure is Not an Option

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo
    Washington, D.C.–Ahead of debate on the Senate FY2025 Budget Resolution, U.S. Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) set the record straight on the pro-growth Trump tax cuts, which lowered rates for Americans across the board and benefitted middle-income Americans the most.  He warned that, if the tax cuts are allowed to lapse at the end of the year, American families and businesses will face the largest tax hike in U.S. history.

    Full remarks as delivered:
    “Today, we are debating the narrow Senate FY2025 Budget Resolution that fulfills promises to secure America’s borders, increase our national defense, unleash our energy potential and finally start to get our fiscal house in order. 
    “In the near future, I expect us to move forward with a Budget Resolution that allows us to prevent a more than $4 trillion tax hike on American households–the largest tax hike in history of America–that will be felt by virtually every American if the tax cuts expire at the end of this year.
    “Because the other side has filed a litany of tax amendments that rehash various false narratives and each side will only have one minute to debate, I’m going to spend some time right now explaining why we can’t afford a $4 trillion-plus tax increase; the positive impact the Trump tax cuts had on the economy; and some of the key provisions that expire at the end of year. 
    “At the end of this year, many key provisions of President Trump’s 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act are set to expire, triggering an over-$4 trillion tax hike on American families and businesses.
    “While taxes will increase on Americans of all income levels, the majority of this tax hike, about $2.6 trillion, will fall on those making less than $400,000 per year.
    “An average family of four making about $80,000 per year would see a $1,700 tax hike in 2026.
    “Another $600 billion plus will hit millions of small business owners, who could see federal tax rates skyrocket up to 43.4 percent.
    “Tens of millions of families will see their child tax credit cut in half from $2,000 to $1,000.
    “The list goes on, but first I’ll talk about what the Trump tax cuts actually did, and why failing to extend key provisions would be economically devastating for millions of hardworking taxpayers.
    “So, what did the Trump tax cuts do?
    “There’s been a lot of talk recently about how extending these expiring tax cuts are all for billionaires and corporations, but the facts show otherwise.
    “The 2017 tax bill increased take-home pay and powered a growing economy. 
    “Individuals across all income brackets received a tax cut, not just–as opponents suggest–for the uber wealthy.
    “In fact, the Trump tax cuts made the tax code more progressive, meaning the highest income earners now pay a greater share of all income taxes than they did before 2017.
    “The majority of benefits accrued to working middle-class families.
    “Between the bill’s passage in 2017 and 2021, the bottom 50 percent of earners received the largest reduction in average tax rates at 17.3 percent. 
    “In addition to lowering tax rates across the board, the Trump tax cuts doubled the standard deduction and the child tax credit and provided tax relief to America’s entrepreneurs and small businesses.
    “The effects of pro-growth tax reform were almost immediate. 
    “Not only did taxpayers get to keep more of their hard-earned money, but a growing economy helped median household income reach an all-time high.
    “The labor market improved, workers saw wage growth and the unemployment rate fell dramatically to 3.5 percent–the lowest in 50 years. 
    “And the lowest-income workers experienced the largest wage growth.
    “Corporate inversions became a thing of the past, and America became the place to do business. 
    “All Americans reaped the benefits of a booming economy. 
    “Extending this current, proven tax policy–and building on it–is the best way to restore economic prosperity and opportunity for working families, many of whom are still struggling to recover from the historic inflation of the last four years.
    “As American families contend with increased costs of everyday living, the last thing they need is another massive tax hike on top of that inflation.
    “Failure is simply not an option.
    “So, what happens if the Trump tax cuts expire?
    “As I’ve said, if we do not extend these tax policies, Americans will be hit with an over-$4 trillion tax increase.
    “More than $2.6 trillion will fall on households earning less than $400,000 per year.
    “An average family of four making $80,000 will be saddled with a $1,700 tax increase.  This is the equivalent of six to eight weeks’ worth of groceries for a family of four.
    “Tens of millions of families will see their child tax credit cut in half to $1,000, and
    90 percent of taxpayers would see their standard deduction cut in half.
    “Owners of over 20 million small businesses will face a massive tax hike, with tax rates up to 43.4 percent.
    “7 million taxpayers will be impacted by the Alternative Minimum Tax, up from just 200,000 taxpayers currently.
    “Many more small businesses and farms will have their death tax exemption cut in half.
    “The National Association of Manufacturers recently highlighted that if we allow the Trump tax cuts to expire, 6 million jobs would be at risk; $540 billion in employee compensation will be lost, and U.S. GDP will be reduced by $1.1 trillion.
    “So, while we aren’t considering tax policy as part of this reconciliation package, it is important to set the record straight on what’s at stake in the upcoming tax debate. 
    “And the stakes couldn’t be higher.
    “Tonight, you’re going to hear dozens and dozens of tax amendments, and we’re going to respond to each of those by explaining that that debate is not this budget.
    “The budget that we’re debating today is on the border, national defense, and increasing our oil and gas production to strengthen our economy.
    “And Senate and House Republicans are working together to act as quickly as possible to make the Trump tax cuts permanent, but that will be in the next step. 
    “We must prevent a massive tax hike and provide relief and certainty to families and businesses across America.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crapo Joins Bill to Protect Western Way of Life

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo

    Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and John Barrasso (R-Wyoming) introduced legislation to protect multiple use policy on federal lands.  The legislation would block the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) finalized Public Lands Rule.
    “Idaho is fortunate to be home to some of our nation’s most unique landscapes and vast natural resources,” said Crapo.  “We have a responsibility to ensure our local communities are consulted on decisions that impact the land on which they live and depend.  The BLM’s rule goes against both congressional intent and the will of those who work, recreate or live on or near federal lands.”
    Co-sponsors of this legislation include U.S. Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming), John Curtis (R-Utah), Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota).
    Background:
    The final BLM rule runs counter to the agency’s multiple use mandate under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA).
    According to FLPMA, the BLM is required to balance the multiple uses of public lands including recreation, energy, mining, timber and grazing.
    The “Conservation and Landscape Health” rule rearranges agency priorities by putting a new, single use on equal footing with long established uses that Congress explicitly directed. 
    The rule also places an outsized focus on the use of restrictive Areas of Critical Environmental Concern designations that have compromised land and water health across the West.
    Full text of the legislation can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Heinrich, Luján Demand VA Secretary Collins Put Veterans First, Reverse Mass Firings of VA Workforce

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) are calling on Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins to immediately reinstate the more than 1,000 VA employees terminated last week who serve veterans and their families nationwide, including critical employees combatting veteran suicide working at the Veterans Crisis Line.
    The Trump Administration’s mass terminations of VA employees, which included a substantive number of veterans and military spouses, comes at a time when VA faces critical staffing shortages and increased demand for its services, such as urgently needed mental health care to reduce the veteran suicide rate. In addition, many of these terminated employees had exemplary performance records and multiple years of work experience in government service.
    “Last week, we were outraged by the Administration’s abrupt and indiscriminate termination of tens of thousands of workers across almost every government agency, including more than 1,000 Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employees,” the senators wrote in a letter to the VA Secretary. “We were further disturbed by the manner in which you publicly celebrated this reprehensible announcement – a clear departure from the assurances provided throughout your confirmation process to never ‘balance budgets on the back of veterans’ benefits’ and to always ‘put the veteran first.’ Not only will this latest action put veterans’ care and benefits at risk, but it further confuses, demoralizes, and threatens a VA workforce we need to fulfill our nation’s sacred promise to our veterans and their families who have already sacrificed so much.”
    The senators directly refuted VA Secretary Collins’ vague assurances that these terminations “will not negatively impact VA health care, benefits, or beneficiaries,” by detailing the ways the Trump Administration directives to gut VA’s workforce are already harming veterans:
    Openings for new clinics have been delayed because VA cannot hire the necessary staff to open their doors, including a VA clinic in Fredericksburg, Virginia;
    Service lines at VA hospitals and clinics have been halted;
    Beds and operating rooms at VA facilities have been suspended;
    Support lines for caregivers have been reduced;
    Veterans Crisis Line employees have been fired, and suicide prevention training sessions have been postponed or canceled; and
    Transportation options for disabled veterans, which help ensure veterans can attend regular health care appointments, have been cut back because volunteer drivers are now unable to get credentialed.
    The senators underscored how these terminations are a massive waste of taxpayer dollars that have already been spent recruiting, vetting, and training these VA employees: “Because probationary employees tend to be younger, many of them represented the next generation of VA employees – talented men and women who chose a long-term career path of serving veterans. VA already invested in recruiting and training these individuals because veterans deserve the very best staff possible.”
    The senators continued, “The list of real-life negative impacts of this Administration’s directives is expansive and growing every day. Rather than putting the interests of veterans first, you made your priorities abundantly clear in your statement applauding the mass firings: ‘At VA, we are focused on saving money.’ It’s clear from the slashing of services and benefits this priority is coming directly at the expense of veterans.”
    The senators concluded by calling on Collins to put veterans first and rescind the blanket layoffs of the more than 1,000 VA employees: “With the best interests of veterans in mind, and to ensure VA is capable of carrying out its sacred obligation of behalf of veterans, we urge you to immediately reinstate all of the employees dismissed in the latest indiscriminate terminations and commit to VA employees and veterans that no additional widespread terminations will occur without advanced notification to Congress, a detailed justification, coordination with service-level leadership, and an appropriate assessment of potential impacts on veterans’ health care and benefits. Congress remains ready to collaborate with you, if you are willing to come to the table and put the needs of our veterans above all else.”
    The letter was led by Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.). In addition to Heinrich and Luján, the letter was also joined by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (D-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).
    The full text of the senators’ letter is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –