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Category: US Senate

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell Urges Lutnick to Protect Critical Work at National Weather Service & NOAA

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
    02.20.25
    Cantwell Urges Lutnick to Protect Critical Work at National Weather Service & NOAA
    “American lives depend on it,” writes Cantwell
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last night, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, sent a letter to Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, calling on him to exempt the National Weather Service (NWS) from the federal hiring freeze, and protect all National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) workers from firings “that would jeopardize the safety of the American public.”
    “Without NOAA’s workforce, communities will not be prepared for the next big Nor’easter, hurricane, wildfire, or drought,” wrote Sen. Cantwell. “Ships will not be able to safely navigate through our waterways. Farmers will not have the data they need to manage their crops. NOAA’s workforce keeps people alive and provides communities with the scientific support tools to protect their families and grow their businesses. I urge you to appreciate these critical government functions and reverse the hiring freeze and refrain from mass firings of these invaluable public servants—American lives depend on it.”
    Sen. Cantwell has spoken out forcefully against the firings of federal workers.
    “The Trump Administration is trying to illegally cut the federal workforce in an attempt to come up with a budget and tax increases on middle class Americans, all while giving $4 trillion in tax breaks to corporations and the wealthiest individuals,” Sen. Cantwell said in a statement released Saturday. “Our deficit and essential programs like Medicaid can’t take the Trump hack job.”
    On Sunday, Sen. Cantwell sounded the alarm about reports that safety-critical Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) workers had been fired. “Now is not the time to fire technicians who fix and operate more than 74,000 safety-critical pieces of equipment like radars, navigational aids, and communications technology,” Sen. Cantwell said in a statement. “The FAA is already short 800 technicians and these firings inject unnecessary risk into the airspace — in the aftermath of four deadly crashes in the last month. The FAA’s safety workforce needs to be a priority for this Administration.”
    On Tuesday, speaking in opposition to the nomination of now-Secretary Lutnick on the Senate floor, Sen. Cantwell cited his “tepid support” for NOAA as a key reason for her decision to vote against his confirmation.
    “When asked for the record, ‘Should NOAA be dismantled, as called for in Project 2025?’, Mr. Lutnick would only say he’ll figure it out once he’s confirmed,” Sen. Cantwell said. “We needed a bigger commitment to NOAA. NOAA already supplies a big, important aspect of what we deal with, with weather forecasting, tracking extreme weather, hurricanes, wildfires, managing our fisheries, operating ships that conduct important charting for national security. Mr. Lutnick gave very tepid support for NOAA.”
    Project 2025 calls for NOAA to be “dismantled and many of its functions eliminated,” calling it part of the “climate change alarm industry.” NOAA provides critical services to the nation including weather forecasts, extreme storm tracking and monitoring, tools to enable communities to adapt to sea level rise and climate change, supporting fisheries management, and conserving marine mammals and other protected species including salmon and orcas.
    Sen. Cantwell is a champion of NOAA and helped secure $3.3 billion in NOAA investments in the Inflation Reduction Act to help communities prepare for and adapt to climate change, boost science needed to understand changing weather and climate patterns, and invest in advanced computer technologies that are critical for extreme weather prediction and emergency response. Her Fire Ready Nation Act, bipartisan legislation to strengthen NOAA’s ability to help forecast, prevent, and fight wildfires, passed the Commerce committee unanimously earlier this month and now heads to the full Senate for consideration.
    The full text of last night’s letter is HERE and below.
    Dear Secretary Lutnick,
    I urge the Administration to protect the critical workforce of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (“NOAA”). NOAA’s National Weather Service (“NWS”) should be exempt from the January 20th executive order titled “Hiring Freeze”, which instituted a hiring freeze for all federal civilian employees, due to the critical role the agency plays in public safety and supporting our economy. In light of highly publicized firings at other agencies, all NOAA employees, including probationary or temporary employees, should be protected from firing or reduction in force initiatives that would jeopardize the safety of the American public.
    NOAA is the nation’s leading scientific agency charged with forecasting weather, monitoring our oceans and atmosphere, managing our fisheries, restoring our coasts, and supporting maritime commerce. NOAA products and services, such as forecasts, are crucial to the U.S. economy and affect more than one-third of America’s gross domestic product.
    Within NOAA, the NWS is responsible for protecting public safety and property and supporting the economy by providing timely and accurate weather forecasts and warnings. Our communities are extremely reliant on the data and research that NOAA and NWS scientists make available for decision-makers, emergency responders, and the public. According to the National Centers for Environmental Information, last year there were 27 weather disaster events that cost over $1 billion each and resulted in 568 deaths. NWS meteorologists, using a network of satellites, buoys, balloon launches, ships, aircraft, and weather stations, collect data and develop forecasts and warnings on which communities rely for preparedness for hurricanes, heat waves, wildfires, tornadoes, blizzards, drought, and other extreme weather events.
    The NWS also supports real-time forecasts and services needed to protect the safety of the traveling public. The NWS Center Weather Service Units embed meteorologists at 21 Air Route Traffic Control Centers to provide tailored forecasts that ensure it is safe for aircraft to fly. The meteorologists identify, forecast, and communicate weather hazards, such as thunderstorms, turbulence, and icing, to help pilots and air traffic controllers make informed decisions that minimize risks to flights and delays.
    When a hurricane approaches our coasts, the National Hurricane Center sends Hurricane Hunters into the eye of the storm to give forecasters a better idea of the storm’s intensity and when it’s likely to make landfall. The Storm Prediction Center warns communities when a tornado or severe storm is developing to give them time to protect property and get to safety. The NWS also creates forecasts for emergency responders to plan for wildfire season, issues warnings to help communities prepare when fire conditions are severe, deploys specially trained forecasters to provide real-time lifesaving forecasts on the frontlines to keep firefighters safe, and models how smoke will move and impact air quality across the country.
    And far beyond our atmosphere, the NWS monitors space weather, such as solar flares and geomagnetic storms, to protect satellite systems, communication networks, and power grids. The Space Weather Prediction Center forecasts and helps mitigate the worst impacts of space weather including the potential for widespread and long-lasting blackouts, significant disruption of satellite and radio communication networks that are essential for safe air travel and military operations, and unreliable GPS signals that hamper navigation for ships, planes, and farm equipment.
    In addition to the NWS, NOAA provides a host of other life-saving data and services. The NOAA Office of Coast Survey ensures safe shipping routes in our waters by charting 95,000 miles of shoreline and 3.4 million square nautical miles of waters, providing more than $2.4 billion in annual benefits to the U.S. economy. NOAA manages the nation’s fisheries, which support 1.7 million jobs across the United States. The two Tsunami Warning Centers monitor seismic activity and ocean conditions to detect potential tsunamis, issuing timely warnings and advisories to protect coastal communities from disaster. And finally, NOAA plays a vital role in monitoring, forecasting, and researching harmful algal blooms (“HABs”) that produce toxins that can be deadly. NOAA scientists track HAB events using satellite imagery, water samples, and oceanographic data to provide early warnings to coastal communities, fisheries, and public health officials, helping to ensure commercially harvested fish and shellfish are safe to eat.
    Without NOAA’s workforce, communities will not be prepared for the next big Nor’easter, hurricane, wildfire, or drought. Ships will not be able to safely navigate through our waterways. Farmers will not have the data they need to manage their crops. NOAA’s workforce keeps people alive and provides communities with the scientific support tools to protect their families and grow their businesses. I urge you to appreciate these critical government functions and reverse the hiring freeze and refrain from mass firings of these invaluable public servants—American lives depend on it.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell on Deputy DOT Nominee: Aviation Sector Can’t Afford “Someone Who Thinks That We Can Bend The Law To An Outcome”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
    02.20.25
    Cantwell on Deputy DOT Nominee: Aviation Sector Can’t Afford “Someone Who Thinks That We Can Bend The Law To An Outcome”
    As DOT General Counsel from 2017-2021, Bradbury helped sideline crucial safety regulations for plane manufacturers in immediate aftermath of fatal crashes; Cantwell grills Bradbury on decision to remove Safety Management System requirements: “There was a recommendation to move forward on it, and your office stopped it.”
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, pressed Steven Bradbury – President Donald Trump’s pick to serve as Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation – on his role under the first Trump administration.
    From 2017 to 2021, Bradbury served as the General Counsel of DOT. Nine days after the fatal Lion Air flight 610 crash in 2018 on a Boeing 737 MAX, his policies halted the introduction of a critical aviation safety rule subsequently advocated for by crash victim family members. He sidelined a proposed requirement that plane manufactures must adopt a mandatory Safety Management System (SMS), which an expert panel determined would decrease the likelihood of another fatal accident.
    “Mr. Bradbury, I do have concerns about your record,” Sen. Cantwell said in her opening remarks. “We cannot afford in the aviation sector, someone who thinks that we can bend the law to an outcome.”
    “In this role, you orchestrated the rollback of multiple safety requirements under the guise of advancing a reform agenda. For example, just nine days, nine days after the first of the two fatal Boeing 737 MAX crashes in 2018, your office sidelined a proposed Safety Management System rule making for aviation manufacturers like Boeing,” she continued.
    “These findings give me serious concerns about your commitment to the transparency that Congress and the American people deserve […] We need a leader on safety. We need someone who is going to make it the number one priority, not modify the rule to suit the industry.”
    During the Q&A portion, Sen. Cantwell pressed Bradbury further on the decision to halt the rule requiring plane manufactures to adhere to a mandatory SMS.
    Sen. Cantwell: “We know that the rule was halted nine days after the MAX crash. Why did you stop the rulemaking from happening?”
    Bradbury: “Well, I don’t know that I stopped it.”
    Sen. Cantwell: “That’s what’s reported in the paper, and I mentioned the FAA person, who was in charge of the process, who said the industry and everybody wanted to move forward, and it was submitted, and then next thing you know, it’s pulled, so…”
    Bradbury: “Well, certainly we go through a review of every regulation, and as I recall, in that regulation, there were questions on the merits about which entities it should apply to and how it might apply to small businesses or small entities. Those are the kinds of questions that need to be addressed whenever you’re –“
    Sen. Cantwell: “So you’re saying you might have killed the SMS rule because you didn’t want it to apply to all manufacturers.”
    Bradbury: “I wouldn’t say I killed the SMS rule. And let me say –”
    Sen Cantwell: “We still don’t have one. Our committee has worked hard to get one, and now it’s going to be in law. But I have more questions about this. But yes, you did stop it from happening. There was a recommendation to move forward on it, and your office stopped it.”
    Last month, during the committee’s hearing before DOT Secretary Sean Duffy’s confirmation, Sen. Cantwell also pressed Duffy on whether he agreed with the previous administration’s decision to kill the requirement.
    “Safety Management Systems are a redundant circle of continued safety improvements that the expert panel has suggested that we do. The expert aviation panel has suggested that’s really what is missing. And I think in the prior administrations, people didn’t really push for a strong safety management culture,” Sen. Cantwell told Duffy.
    In August, Sen. Cantwell introduced the FAA SMS Compliance Review Act. The bill directs the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to:
    Convene an independent review panel that will make recommendations to help the FAA implement a robust, comprehensive Safety Management System across all lines of business at the agency, which includes Aviation Safety, Air Traffic Organization, Airports, Security & Hazardous Materials Safety, and the Office of Commercial Space Transportation.
    Develop and implement effective processes for performing root cause analyses to identify opportunities for improvement in the FAA’s execution of its regulatory oversight responsibilities.
    Revise its procedures to shorten the time that manufacturers have to prepare for audits from 50 days to one week. 
    Following the Alaska Airlines flight 1282 incident in January 2024, Sen. Cantwell has held a series of aviation safety hearings, along with leading legislation and letters calling for stronger safety oversight at the FAA.
    In January 2023 and January 2024, Sen. Cantwell requested that FAA perform a special technical audit of Boeing’s production line. The FAA later said the audit found multiple instances where Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems failed to comply with manufacturing quality control requirements.
    Sen. Cantwell held an April hearing to review the independent Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) Expert Review Panel’s final report, a March 2024 hearing with National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Chair Jennifer Homendy on its investigation of the January incident and a June hearing with FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker on the agency’s oversight.
    In May, Sen. Cantwell and Sen. Duckworth led the passage of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, which includes new measures to improve aviation safety, such as putting more safety inspectors on factory floors, addressing the nation’s shortage of air traffic controllers, deploying new runway technology to prevent close calls, mandating new 25-hour cockpit recording systems to assist in investigations, and enhancing aircraft certification reforms.
    The FAA Reauthorization Act builds upon the Aircraft Certification, Safety and Accountability Act of 2020, spearheaded by Sen. Cantwell in the aftermath of the Boeing 737 Max crashes in 2018 and 2019.
    Video of Sen. Cantwell’s opening statement today is HERE; video of her first round of questioning is HERE; video of her second round of questioning is HERE; and a transcript is HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lee introduces DEFUND Act to Pull USA from UN

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Utah Mike Lee
    WASHINGTON – Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) has introduced the Disengaging Entirely from the United Nations Debacle (DEFUND) Act, which calls for the United States’ complete withdrawal from the United Nations (UN). This legislation addresses grave issues of national sovereignty and fiscal accountability which have plagued US involvement in the UN. The DEFUND Act is co-sponsored in the Senate by Sens. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Rick Scott (R-FL) . House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (R-MI) and Representative Chip Roy (R-TX) are introducing the companion bill in the House of Representatives.
    “No more blank checks for the United Nations. Americans’ hard-earned dollars have been funneled into initiatives that fly in the face of our values, enabling tyrants, betraying allies, and spreading bigotry,” said Sen. Mike Lee. “With the DEFUND Act, we’re stepping away from this debacle. If we engage with the UN in the future, it will be on our terms, with the full backing of the Senate and an iron-clad escape clause.”
    “The United Nations has betrayed our trust time and time again, and we cannot continue to be their cash cow and undermine our own national security and interests,” said Senator Blackburn. “The DEFUND Act would stop all forms of U.S. financial support to the UN and hold this wayward organization accountable for placating Hamas terrorists and the Chinese Communist Party.”
    “From UNRWA actively protecting Hamas and acting against our ally Israel, delayed condemning Hamas, to China being elected to the “Human Rights Council,” to the propagation of climate hysteria, covering for China’s forced abortion and sterilization programs, the UN’s decades-old, internal rot once again raises the questions of why the United States is even still a member or why we’re wasting billions — indeed, $12.5 billion in 2021 — every year on it,” said Rep. Chip Roy.  “The UN doesn’t deserve one single dime of American taxpayer money or one bit of our support; we should defund it and leave immediately. I am proud to lead this critical effort alongside Mike Lee and Mike Rogers.”
    Key Elements of the DEFUND Act:
    Repeals critical acts that bind the U.S. to the UN, such as the United Nations Participation Act of 1945 and the United Nations Headquarters Agreement Act.
    Ceases all forms of U.S. financial support to the UN, including assessed and voluntary contributions.
    Prohibits any U.S. involvement in UN peacekeeping operations.
    Revokes diplomatic immunity for UN officials within the United States.
    Formalizes withdrawal from the World Health Organization and other UN conventions.
    Sets stringent conditions for any future engagement with the UN, requiring Senate approval with explicit withdrawal provisions.
     The introduction of the DEFUND Act comes in response to years of unchecked bureaucratic expansion and financial misuse by the UN at the expense of American taxpayers. Senator Lee’s legislation reflects his commitment to upholding the ideals of fiscal responsibility and self-determination that are the bedrock of the United States.
    You can read the one-pager by clicking HERE. 
    You can read the bill text by clicking HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Markey, Colleagues Blast Trump Admin. for Nuclear Security Worker Firings

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    Letter Text (PDF)

    ?Washington (February 20, 2025) – Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) along with Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Congressman John Garamendi (CA-08), today wrote to Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Chris Wright about the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) firing up to 350 staff members at the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), jeopardizing the security of the U.S. nuclear stockpile, weakening our ability to detect and prevent threats to nuclear safety, and undermining U.S. nonproliferation commitments. Senators Markey and Merkley and Congressman Garamendi are co-chairs of the congressional Nuclear Weapons and Arms Control Working Group.

    In the letter, the lawmakers write, “According to press reports, these firings occurred because ‘the officials did not seem to know this agency oversees America’s nuclear weapons.’ The reckless decision to eliminate 350 positions, without a clear national security justification, raises serious concerns about the Department of Energy’s (DOE) commitment to this core mission. DOE has struggled to rehire some of these employees ‘because they didn’t have their new contact information.’ This series of events calls into further question DOGE’s competence to carry out its self-assigned task.”

    The lawmakers continue, “Although you and DOGE may find it administratively convenient to fire probationary employees, these particular employees were not inexperienced new hires to the federal government.” 

    The lawmakers request responses to questions that include:

    • What was the rationale for the reduction in staff at the NNSA? 
    • Who determined that NNSA had too many employees and why?
    •  What is the administration’s broader strategy for responsibly ensuring adequate staffing at the NNSA that guarantees strong and effective oversight of the nuclear arsenal? 
    • If NNSA employees are not exempt, will the decision on whether to accept employees’ resignations include an assessment of how the loss of the employee in that role would impact DOE capabilities? If so, how will you make that assessment? 
    • What, if any, security assessments were conducted before terminating these 350 NNSA employees? 
    • What is the administration’s broader strategy for responsibly ensuring adequate staffing at the NNSA that guarantees strong and effective oversight of the nuclear arsenal? 
    • Which employees have been rehired and how many have accepted the offer to come back? 
    • What steps are DOE and NNSA taking to prevent unauthorized access to classified systems by DOGE members?

    On February 12, 2025, Senator Markey and Congressman Don Beyer (VA-08), a House co-chair of the Nuclear Weapons and Arms Control Working Group, wrote to Energy Secretary Wright regarding their concerns that Elon Musk’s DOGE had been granted access to DOE, which oversees the NNSA and the nation’s most sensitive nuclear weapons secrets. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Capito Votes to Confirm Kash Patel as FBI Director

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) issued the following statement after voting to confirm Kash Patel to serve as Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI):

    “From being a public defender in the state of Florida, to a federal prosecutor in the Department of Justice, to Senior Director for Counterterrorism at the United States National Security Council, to Chief of Staff to the Secretary in the Department of Defense, Kash Patel’s extensive background in law enforcement gives him the experience needed to lead the FBI. I have confidence that Director Patel will lead the FBI with a focus on protecting and serving the American people, and will work to restore safety to our streets,” Senator Capito said.

    Senator Capito previously met with Patel in December of 2024 to discuss his nomination and learn more about his vision to lead the department.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Barrasso: Senate GOP Will Secure the Border, Restore Peace Through Strength, and Unleash American Energy

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wyoming John Barrasso

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Senate Majority Whip, today spoke on the Senate Floor about the Senate Budget Resolution.

    Click HERE to watch Senator Barrasso’s remarks.

    Sen. Barrasso’s remarks as prepared:

    “The Democrat Leader has a lot to say about the Senate Budget Resolution. None of it is accurate.

    “I have the budget resolution with me. The key section is five pages long. That’s it. Every American can read it for themselves.

    “This resolution focuses on three things.

    “First, securing the border.

    “Second, restoring peace through strength.

    “Third, unleashing American energy.

    “It’s not complicated. It’s common sense. Americans overwhelmingly support these goals.

    “Senate Republicans are moving forward.

    “Let’s talk about border security.

    “This budget allocates $175 billion to secure our border. That includes funding for President Trump’s successful executive orders to deport criminal illegal immigrants.

    “Border Patrol Agents and ICE Agents need more resources.

    “There are currently more than 600,000 illegal immigrants with criminal records in our country.

    “President Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem are moving at lightning speed to deport them. That makes our communities safer.

    “Their strong actions have led to double the number of arrests of illegal immigrants compared to arrests under President Biden.

    “These arrests are making our communities safer and sending a message to would-be illegal immigrants around the world. They are turning around and going home.

    “Illegal border crossings between the U.S. and Mexico are at their lowest in 5 years.

    “President Trump’s actions are working.

    “They are working so well that the Trump administration says it is running out of money for deportations.

    “Border Czar Tom Homan told us that. Secretary Noem told us that. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth told us that. Attorney General Pam Bondi told us that.

    “Senate Republicans will act quickly to get the administration the resources they requested and need.

    “This budget will allow us to finish the wall.

    “It is a step towards hiring more border agents.

    “It means more detention beds so dangerous criminals are off the streets.

    “It means more deportation flights so dangerous criminals are out of our country.

    “Now, let’s talk about our national security.

    “This bill allocates $150 billion to restore peace through strength.

    “We live in a dangerous world. The threats against the United States are higher than we’ve seen in decades.

    “There is the threat of terrorism. You saw the danger of terrorism in New Orleans this year.

    “There is the threat of the Chinese Communist Party. They are rapidly building up their military. Meanwhile, over the past four years, weak leadership undermined our military.

    “There is the threat of Iran. They are the largest state sponsor of terrorism. They are also racing towards a nuclear bomb.

    “Weakness invites conflict. Strength deters war.

    “This budget is a big step towards rebuilding our military and protecting our nation after four years of weakness.

    “We are already seeing a surge of young people who want to join the military.

    “Under President Trump and Secretary Hegseth, recruitment is at its highest levels in 15 years.

    “With this budget, America will be stronger. Our military will be more lethal.

    “Now let’s talk about American energy dominance.

    “This bill would take the handcuffs off of American energy production.

    “The previous administration caused painfully high prices with its energy blunders. It locked up affordable, reliable, American-made energy.

    “Families suffered from soaring prices. Our economy struggled.

    “Passing this budget allows us to reject the energy failures of the past four years. It puts a premium on affordable, reliable American energy.

    “The federal government would also see its revenue increase as we produce more American energy.

    “If you listen to Senate Democrats, it’s abundantly clear that they do not support these goals.

    “Democrats are opposed to securing our border, rebuilding our military, and unleashing American energy.

    “Democrats are standing in the way of common-sense priorities that Americans overwhelmingly support.

    “Democrats are a party in panic mode. Their high prices and open border agenda
    are out of touch with the American people.

    “Democrats used this very process a few years ago to raise taxes and pass trillions of dollars in Wasteful Washington Spending.

    “They wasted taxpayer money to subsidize electric vehicles for the rich. They sent stimulus checks to criminals like the Boston Marathon Bomber.

    “The federal government is too big and spends too much.

    “Republicans will end the Wasteful Washington Spending and get America back on track.

    “After 4 years of high prices and open borders, Americans deserve a path to safety and prosperity.

    “Starting with the Republican budget, they will finally get it.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

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

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) and 29 of his 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 Trump’s Second Amendment priorities as laid out in his recent Executive Order and calling on him to identify and rescind former President 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 ATF has revoked the licenses of federal firearm licensees (FFLs) over minor bookkeeping violations:

    They 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 ATF’s rules and policies with the President’s strong support for the Second Amendment.”

    “Under former President Joe Biden, 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.”

    Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) and Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), John Barrasso (R-WY), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Jim Justice (R-WV), Jim Risch (R-ID), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Steve Daines (R-MT), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mike Crapo (R-ID), James Lankford (R-OK), John Hoeven (R-ND), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Rick Scott (R-FL), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Ted Budd (R-NC), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Todd Young (R-IN), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Jim Banks (R-IN), and Jerry Moran (R-KS) joined the letter.

    The full text of the letter is available here and below.

    February 20, 2025

    Marvin G. Richardson

    Deputy Director

    Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

    99 New York Avenue, NE

    Washington, DC 20226

    Dear Deputy Director Richardson:

    Thank you for your service in leading the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) during the presidential transition. 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 ATF’s rules and policies with the President’s strong support for the Second Amendment.

    Under former President Joe Biden, 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. In particular, we call your attention to the following anti-Second Amendment regulations and policies, which must be immediately rescinded:

    • The engaged in the business rule, which is an unconstitutional attempt to move ATF to do all it can to impose universal background checks on law-abiding Americans. ATF has been enjoined, at least temporarily, from enforcing the rule because it violated the text of the Gun Control Act. 
    • The pistol brace rule, which improperly reclassifies pistols equipped with stabilizing braces as “short-barreled rifles” (SBRs), thereby subjecting them to stringent regulations and serious criminal penalties under the National Firearms Act and the Gun Control Act. We are troubled by the fact that ATF promulgated this rule after it previously determined that attaching a stabilizing brace to a pistol did not render the pistol an SBR.  This rule threatens to put stabilizing braces out of reach of millions of gun owners, including disabled combat veterans who rely on them to be able to shoot heavy pistols. Furthermore, the rule made law-abiding Americans felons overnight for having lawfully purchased stabilizing brace equipped pistols. Multiple courts have already found the rule to be arbitrary and capricious under the Administrative Procedure Act, and it was ordered vacated by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas.  We appreciate the Government’s recent motions to hold ATF’s 5th and 11th Circuit appeals defending the rule in abeyance and to postpone oral argument, and ATF should work quickly to accede to the vacatur given the ongoing litigation. 
    • The so-called “ghost gun” rule,  which cracks down on law-abiding hobbyists who are exercising their Second Amendment rights to privately build firearms—a longstanding tradition that traces back to the Colonial Era.  The regulations are currently before the Supreme Court, but ATF should act immediately to rescind this rule.
    • The “zero tolerance” policy, under which ATF has revoked the licenses of federal firearm licensees (FFLs) over minor bookkeeping violations.  This policy violates a decades-long precedent of ATF working with FFLs to address these minor, unintentional violations and revoking FFL licenses only in cases of major, willful violations that threaten public safety. ATF should develop a program to restore the federal firearms licenses of those FFLs whose licenses were unfairly revoked—or surrendered under duress—where they did not engage in willful conduct (as understood prior to June 23, 2021, when the policy was announced) and do not represent at threat to public safety.

    In addition to promptly rescinding these rules and policies, we urge you to immediately destroy the hundreds of millions of ATF Form 4473 firearm transaction records and other licensee records that are over 20 years old. These records have no particular law enforcement value but do contain the sensitive information of millions of law-abiding gun owners.  ATF should likewise return to the policy of allowing FFLs to destroy Form 4473 in their possession that are over 20 years old, which the Biden Administration initiated in violation of the federal prohibition on gun registration.  Ending the policy of retaining these very old records will save money for the American taxpayer and counteract ATF’s unconstitutional rule change.  

    Furthermore, we urge you to “continue collaboration to improve the process for” National Firearms Act applications. Congress recently instructed ATF to make these improvements.  While NFA wait times have improved significantly, ATF must continue to “address ongoing delays in application processing times” until the archaic process is at least as efficient as the National Instant Criminal Background Check System. There is no reason that the right to purchase a firearm should be so greatly delayed; a right delayed is a right denied.

    The foregoing should not be considered a full accounting of every action or policy for which ATF may be held responsible under President Trump’s Executive Order but represent obvious and high priority places for ATF to initiate compliance.

    We look forward to working with you through the transition as you implement President Trump’s agenda and reorient ATF toward protecting Americans’ Second Amendment rights.

    Sincerely,

    /s/

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Senator Mullin Introduces Labor Secretary Nominee Lori Chavez-Deremer at Confirmation Hearing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator MarkWayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma)

    ICYMI: Senator Mullin Introduces Labor Secretary Nominee Lori Chavez-Deremer at Confirmation Hearing

    Washington, D.C. – At the request of President Trump, U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, introduced Lori Chavez-DeRemer at yesterday’s confirmation hearing for Secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor.

    “President Trump assembled a historic coalition for the American people. Lori represents that coalition as she can speak to both businesses and labor,” said Senator Mullin. “I will fight to confirm every one of his nominees.”    

    Watch the senator’s full remarks here.

    Highlights below:

    “Regardless of what you might think about the President, understand that this is someone that everybody should represent and should respect. If you’re looking for a bipartisan, independent, thinker… You would think this is someone you’d be very happy with… She is directly, uniquely, positioned in the center.”

    “One thing that both sides of the aisle agree on is supporting working class Americans that power our country’s economy.” 

    “No company can survive without employees and no employee is hired without a company. It takes both sides to be in the boat rowing together in the same direction to be successful.”


    “I’m only moderately successful because I’ve been very fortunate to have employees that were willing to get in the boat with me and row in the same direction.”

    “With Lori’s unique background as a small business owner, public servant, and through her relationship with union leaders, she has the ability to bridge the gap between businesses and workers.”

    “Oklahoma is a proud right-to-work state and yet, we still support Lori.”

    “But as both sides of the table continue to work together for hard working Americans… I don’t think we have to look any further than understanding Lori is the independent nonpartisan perspective who will always keep the work force top of mind.”

    Senator Mullin Also Called Out the Hypocrisy from the Democrats, the So-Called Party of “Inclusion”

    Watch the senator’s full remarks here.

     “I just kind of wanted to point out some interesting things that’s going on. The Senator from New Hampshire was complaining about a contract that was awarded by the Biden administration, and somehow, you’re tying it to the Trump administration for Tesla.”

    “You’re concerned about Mark and Jeff and Elon, it wasn’t too long ago, you guys were happy to take all their money. It’s just the party that’s supposed to be of inclusion. Now, all of a sudden, if you don’t agree with this, you’re the enemy.”

    “Yet what we do is we spend all of our time complaining and making reckless accusations about something that is absolutely false. And when you guys don’t want to hear it, you guys just accuse everybody else of being a criminal and for some reason being compromised.” 

    “It’s ridiculous. Absolutely ridiculous. It’s the same thing we heard in 2017 and yet you guys are just recycling. You guys are doing nothing but trying to stir up your base by fear when it’s absolutely one hundred percent wrong and shouldn’t even exist.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner Files Amendments to Republican Budget Plan

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner
    WASHINGTON –  As the Senate prepares for an all-night vote-a-rama on the Republican reconciliation budget bill agenda that will cut taxes for the ultra-wealthy at the expense of Virginia families, Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), a member of the Senate Budget Committee, filed 21 amendments to the GOP budget proposal to address the needs of working Americans and taking aim at the Trump administration’s lawlessness.
    “As President Trump and Senate Republicans try to move a budget resolution clearing the way to cut taxes for the richest Americans at the expense of the programs working families depend on, it’s important to understand what we’re talking about here: the GOP plans to provide tax breaks for billionaires while slashing health care, education and public safety and doing nothing about the really big problems most Americans are facing, like the rising costs of housing and child care,” said Sen. Warner. “I hope some of my Republican friends will think twice about supporting a budget plan that cuts taxes for the richest and doubles down on the chaos of the Trump-Musk administration.”
    Specifically, Warner’s amendments would:
    Put senators on the record for raising costs, gutting programs American families rely on
    Create a point of order against any reconciliation bill that would not decrease the cost of housing for American families. Text
    Establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund relating to providing benefits to survivors of miners who died due to pneumoconiosis. Text
    Create a point of order against reconciliation legislation that would increase monthly student loan costs for borrowers of Federal student loans. Text
    Establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund relating to preserving funding and current staffing levels at the Department of Education. Text
    Establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund relating to providing affordable health care for American families, which may include making permanent the extended and expanded advance premium tax credits. Text
    Create a point of order against reconciliation legislation that would increase the cost of child care for United State families. Text
    Create a point of order against any reconciliation legislation that would increase health care costs for children receiving Medicaid. Text
    Establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund relating to prohibiting cuts to critical health programs, which may include preventing the institution of a Medicaid per capita cap policy. Text
    Put senators on the record on combating Trump-Musk lawlessness and corruption
    Establish a deficit-neutral fund relating to protecting the American people from the People’s Republic of China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, transnational organized crime, and terrorism by prohibiting the mass termination of critical employees in the intelligence community. Text
    Create a point of order against reconciliation legislation if certain Federal civil service laws are being violated. Text
    Establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund relating to ensuring that employees of the Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and elements of the intelligence community are not subject to retaliation and firing due to political preferences of any Presidential administration. Text
    Create a point of order against consideration of reconciliation legislation until the Congressional Budget Office certifies that health, education, research, law enforcement, and foreign aid funding authorized by Congress is not subject to programmatic funding delays, deferrals, or rescissions. Text
    Create a point of order against considering funding legislation for the Office of the President while there is pending litigation alleging a violation of the Take Care Clause. Text
    Create a point of order against reconciliation legislation that would rescind obligated or awarded amount made available under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Text
    Create a point of order against considering reconciliation legislation during a period during which there is an ongoing violation of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Act of 1974, as determined by the Comptroller General of the United States. Text
    Create a point of order against consideration of spending or revenue legislation during any period during which there is an ongoing violation of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974, as determined by the Comptroller General of the United States. Text
    Establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund relating to protecting duly-enacted appropriations from unconstitutional cancellation by the President. Text
    Create a point of order against reconciliation legislation during any year in which an employee has been placed in administrative leave for more than a total of 10 work days. Text
    Create a point of order against reconciliation legislation during any period in which there is litigation pending against the President or another Federal officer alleging a violation of certain provisions of title 5, United States Code. Text
    Establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund relating to protecting classified and sensitive information on programs and individuals of the United States from being accessed by DOGE employees. Text
    Establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund relating to prohibiting the closure or relocation of Federal agencies without congressional authorization. Text

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed Opposes Kash Patel as FBI Director

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) issued the following statement on his vote opposing the confirmation of Kash Patel to be Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI):

    “The person in charge of running America’s most elite and powerful law enforcement agency should be someone with unquestioned character and integrity, a person with vast experience and clear independence who will put the Constitution and public safety first.

    “When a Republican like William Webster, who served as President Reagan’s FBI and CIA Director, says Mr. Patel should not be FBI Director, people, especially Republicans, ought to listen.  Sadly, once again, my colleagues are going along to get along.

    “Kash Patel is by far the most partisan, ideological, and extremist pick for this critical position.  Mr. Patel has no experience as a senior law enforcement officer.  Rather, he was chosen for his submissive fealty to Donald Trump and rabid willingness to serve Trump’s personal interest instead of the public interest. 

    “Mr. Patel’s past actions and statements make clear his focus will be turning the FBI from an apolitical agency into Trump’s politically-motivated police force.  I am deeply concerned that Mr. Patel will abuse the FBI’s resources and direct them against anyone who disagrees with President Trump or declines to carry out Trump’s wishes, including members of the media exercising their First Amendment rights through accurate reporting and ordinary Americans exercising their First Amendment rights of freedom of speech and assembly.

    “Even Trump’s own Attorney General from his first term said that Patel would become FBI director over his dead body.  And Trump’s own Vice President and White House counsel from his first term intervened to prevent Patel from being appointed as CIA deputy director.  Having seen his work up close, they had grave concerns about giving Mr. Patel responsibility and authority to enforce the law.

    “And in a stunning move, Mr. Patel has refused to sell his shares of a Chinese company and stands to receive millions of dollars in compensation while he will be responsible for protecting the American people from the threats of Chinese espionage and cybercrime.

    “Mr. Patel routinely spreads misinformation and debunked conspiracies and cannot be trusted to be forthright and truthful to Congress or the American people.  For these reasons and more, he is not fit to lead the FBI.”

    In practice, FBI Directors serve a ten-year term that spans multiple administrations unless they resign, die, or are removed.  Over the last thirty years, there have been just four Senate-confirmed FBI Directors: Louis Freeh; Robert Mueller; James Comey; and Christopher Wray, who President Donald Trump nominated during his first term and who President Joe Biden kept on.

    This marks the first time in his Senate career that Senator Reed voted to oppose a nominee to lead the FBI.  Mr. Patel’s nomination was narrowly approved on a vote of 51-49.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed Statement on SecDef Hegseth’s Call to Slash Defense Spending by Eight Percent Annually

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed

    WASHINGTON, DC – This week, after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth sent a directive ordering senior military officials to submit plans to slash defense spending by 8 percent annually, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, warned that Hegseth’s arbitrary cuts coupled with the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) potential firings of Defense Department personnel could make America less safe and dramatically reduce military readiness.

    Reed stated: “These types of hasty, indiscriminate budget cuts would betray our military forces and their families and make America less safe. I’m all for cutting programs that don’t work, but this proposal is deeply misguided. Secretary Hegseth’s rushed, arbitrary strategy would have negative impacts on our security, economy, and industrial base.”

    The bipartisan FY 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) authorized a Pentagon budget of roughly $850 billion.  If the Trump Administration implements an annual 8 percent cut over the next five years it could mean approximately $300 billion less in military spending through fiscal year 2030. 

    If Secretary Hegseth’s dramatic 8 percent cut to the annual defense budget is enforced, it would also mean the U.S. would fall short of President Trump’s call for all NATO countries to spend at least 5 percent of their gross domestic product on defense.  In order for the U.S. to meet that level of defense spending it would have to allocate about $1 trillion annually on the U.S. military budget.

    The move also comes less than a year after China raised its annual defense budget by 7.2 percent for 2024 and amidst constant and repeated warning from bipartisan Congressional leaders that the world is more dangerous today and letting America’s national defense atrophy would weaken the nation and invite aggression instead of deterring conflict.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed: Federal Government Must Assist Flood Victims, Invest in Flood Resilience & Reauthorize National Flood Insurance Program

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed

    WASHINGTON, DC – After severe winter storms over the weekend caused major flooding and wind damage across several states, including Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Virginia, and West Virginia, causing multiple deaths and leaving communities in disrepair, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), a member of the Appropriations Committee, said it is important for the federal government to help states recover and assist flood victims and those directly impacted.  

    “When Rhode Island has been hit by major flooding in the past, the federal government has stepped in with real relief and it needs to do the same for people in Kentucky and other states impacted by climate change and severe weather.  These devastating floods are further proof that Congress must act swiftly to reauthorize the National Flood Insurance Program, invest in flood resilience, and double down on clean energy,” said Senator Reed.  “Ordinary Americans can see and feel the impacts of climate change and sea-level rise for themselves.  Climate change is real and is having a widespread, devastating impact.  The federal government can’t bury its head in the sand or drill its way out of this problem, it needs to invest wisely and help communities adapt.”  

    The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) was originally established in 1968 and is the principal provider of flood insurance across the United States. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) manages the flood-insurance program and pays NFIP claims.  

    NFIP’s authorization is set to expire on March 14, 2025 unless Congress and President Trump take action.  Project 2025 calls for abolishing the NFIP, which could cause major economic upheaval, disrupting home sales and property insurance nationwide.  

    All fifty states have been or are currently going through a federal-state assessment process with FEMA for how states conduct floodplain management programs for all state-owned properties and state-development projects that are in Special Flood Hazard Areas to determine compliance with the minimum requirements of the NFIP.  

    “Higher seas and stronger storms are already in the forecast and homeowners, renters, businesses, and communities nationwide are at risk of substantial losses due to flooding.  Insurance companies are abandoning entire states due to the risk of climate change driven weather. The National Flood Insurance Program provides a way to protect against such risk and the program should be reauthorized and improved to better protect the public,” said Senator Reed.  “We also need coordinated national action and global leadership on climate change.  President Trump is irresponsibly undoing long-term environmental investments in order to generate bigger tax windfalls for the wealthy.  Instead, we should be focusing on improving the resilience of American communities and our economy by strengthening our infrastructure and protecting natural resources.”  

    Reed noted that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) plays a key role monitoring extreme weather, tracking water levels, and informing communities and residents when life-threatening flooding may occur and prompting evacuations.  

    But despite the critical roles that both FEMA and NOAA play, the Trump Administration continues to target these federal agencies for mass-firings and funding cuts that could undercut their ability to protect Americans in future emergencies.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: February 20th, 2025 Heinrich Statement Opposing FBI Director Nominee Kash Patel

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich, a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, released the following statement opposing the nomination of Kash Patel for the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI):

    “Kash Patel has glorified convicted criminals who attacked police officers on January 6, peddled outrageous conspiracy theories, and threatened to defund parts of the FBI while using what remains to exact revenge on President Trump’s political enemies.

    “Mr. Patel was nominated for one reason: To do Donald Trump’s bidding. That’s a direct contradiction of the FBI’s motto: ‘Fidelity, Bravery, and Integrity.’ Mr. Patel’s poor judgment and lack of national security experience make him wholly unqualified to keep Americans safe as our FBI Director. For these reasons, I voted no on his nomination.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: February 20th, 2025 Heinrich, Luján Join Senate Democrats In Amicus Brief Slamming President Trump’s Lawless Removal Of Inspectors General; Calls For More Transparency Amidst The Chaos Of The Administration

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) joined Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senate Democrats in filing an amicus brief on behalf of eight inspectors general who were illegally fired by President Trump at the start of his term. The Senators noted that the role of an inspector general is to ensure the laws enacted by Congress are faithfully executed, and an inspector general cannot be removed without proper notification to the Congress.

    This lawless act is just one of many perpetrated by the current administration. As President Trump continues to break down the roles of checks and balances in this country, he also has dissolved the oversight process. Today, Senate Democrats strongly condemn these firings and are working within the court system to overturn this clear violation of law.

    “In the last month, I’ve heard from thousands of New Mexicans whose lives Donald Trump and Elon Musk have thrown into chaos – from threatening the Social Security seniors depend on to the health care veterans have earned through their service. Now, instead of delivering for American families, Trump and Musk are illegally firing the very people who cut the government waste, fraud, and abuse they claim to want to eliminate,” said Heinrich. “I’m joining this Amicus Brief to stand up for the rule of law and oppose the corruption Trump, Musk, and their unelected billionaire lackeys are trying to get away with.” 

    “In just a few weeks into the Trump administration, New Mexicans are seeing the chaos, confusion, and corruption that President Trump and Elon Musk are inflicting on the American people,” said Luján. “The President and Elon Musk are on a mission to gut the federal workforce, slash critical programs that New Mexicans rely on, and fire the people who are responsible for upholding the rule of law. To hold the President and the Administration accountable, I was proud to join my Democratic colleagues in exposing the President’s illegal firing of inspectors general and blatant disregard for checks and balances.”

    The amicus brief can be seen here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: February 20th, 2025 Heinrich, Luján Demand VA Secretary Collins Put Veterans First, Reverse Mass Firings of VA Workforce

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    WASHINGTON – 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 –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fischer Questions Steven Bradbury at Confirmation Hearing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nebraska Deb Fischer
    Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, questioned Steven Bradbury at the confirmation hearing on his nomination to be Deputy Secretary of Transportation.  
    During the hearing, Senator Fischer asked Bradbury about his commitment to supporting rural America, specifically citing small, rural Nebraska communities, by maintaining the Essential Air Service (EAS) program for smaller to medium-sized airports. She also questioned him on his plans to ensure that all state Departments of Transportation receive clear, consistent guidance from the Federal Highway Administration over funding requests. Finally, Senator Fischer asked Bradbury how he plans to hold companies like Amtrak accountable for using their grants efficiently and effectively.
    Click the image above to watch a video of Senator Fischer’s questioning
    Click here to download audio
    Click here to download video
    Senator Fischer questions Steven Bradbury:
    Senator Fischer: Mr. Bradbury, as you know, rural communities rely heavily on the Essential Air Service program. It provides them with connectivity and access to critical services. In my home state of Nebraska, we have seven communities that are served by Essential Air Service. It provides these communities not just with an increased opportunity to connect with the outside world, but it serves to help them attract business, attract visitors, and it drives local economies.
    Yesterday, in our meeting to get to know each other and have a good conversation—thank you for coming—you mentioned looking at potential reforms to Essential Air Service, and you said, including examining the subsidies that airports receive. Are you willing to commit to me and the committee today that you stand with rural America, and ensure that our airports are able to maintain the Essential Air Service that meets those needs?
    Steven Bradbury: Yes, Senator, I appreciated our chance to meet together. Thank you very much for being available to meet with me. I appreciated that. The Secretary, I think, in his hearing, made it very clear he’s a strong supporter of Essential Air Service, and I certainly know how important it is to small and medium communities across the country, and clearly it has very strong support in Congress. And whatever proposals may have been made to reconsider that or phase it out, I don’t think that’s realistic, and I don’t expect to be pushing for anything approaching sunsetting or eliminating Essential Air Service. There are still decisions that the department makes in implementing the program and examining whether communities are meeting the metrics stated for the program. And that’s a process that happens periodically, and it’s a very important process. And sometimes new communities come into the program, and that’s something the Secretary will look at. And I expect to assist him in that with an eye to preserving the effectiveness of the program. Senator Fischer: Thank you. I also appreciated the opportunity yesterday to show you my frustration with FHWA. They seem to be struggling to provide any kind of clear, consistent guidance across their division offices. And as I stated yesterday, I’ve heard from state Departments of Transportation that there is a lack of that consistent guidance from U.S. DOT regarding the requirements needed for states, such as to justify building back better after a disaster. If confirmed, how would you work across the Federal Highway Administration to ensure that division offices are consistent, that they are clear in their guidance to our state DOTs?
    Steven Bradbury: Well, thank you, Senator, it really requires strong leadership from the head of FHWA and the Secretary out to those field offices. Consistency is critical, but also making clear that the states have a strong role in deciding the use of the funds that come into them from the Highway Trust Fund, but we need a focus on safety, efficiency, capacity, and resilience of our infrastructure—and not to be distracted by other goals, policy goals that may not be necessary and that may divert from those central, important goals of safety and efficiency. So, I think that consistency is critical and working closely with the state and the state DOTs is absolutely essential.
    Senator Fischer: I hope we can work together on that. It is extremely important, and we can certainly see cost savings when things are more streamlined and made available to the states, so they can get those projects out there and get them going. On rail service, Americans, they want safe and reliable rail service. With Amtrak, that’s not always been fiscally responsible, I believe, nor have they been cooperative with their state rail partners, who are operating profitable rail service across the network. I have some legislation on that, the Amtrak Transparency Act. It would require them to have open board meetings to state partners and requires disclosure of executive bonuses. I’m sure you recall the articles that came out about those bonuses several months ago, totally indefensible that they were given. As the DOT Deputy Secretary, how will you address concerns over Amtrak’s fiscal responsibility and ensure that they work well with their state rail partners?
    Steven Bradbury: Well, thank you. I appreciate those goals and definitely would look forward to working with you and this committee on any legislation that would address that. But with regard to the current situation with Amtrak, there’s so much additional funding that has been provided to Amtrak. There’s so much money in the system. We really need to take a careful look and ensure that it’s being used efficiently and effectively. And there shouldn’t be any wasteful spending, unnecessary bonuses that don’t make sense, and certainly they need to cooperate closely with states and local interests on their passenger service. You know, just before COVID hit, Amtrak was on the brink of finally being in the black for the first time across their network. Of course, that still assumes a lot of grant money coming from Congress. Real tragedy for Amtrak what COVID did in terms of hitting it. And it’s still coming back, but we really need to take a hard look at the economics.
    Senator Fischer: Thank you.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: McConnell on Confirmation of FBI Director Patel

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Mitch McConnell
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) issued the following statement today regarding the confirmation of Kash Patel as FBI Director:
    “Threats to the United States homeland are growing. From terrorism to cybercrime to violent crime to cartel and drug violence to counterespionage, the work of the FBI has never been more important. The Bureau’s reputation in recent years has been plagued by high-profile scandals that risk politicizing its critical work. Director Patel has committed to restoring Americans’ trust in the FBI, and I hope and expect he will move quickly to reset the Bureau with greater transparency, accountability, and cooperation with the Congress. Finally, as foreign adversaries like the PRC become more emboldened to steal our secrets, the FBI must not lose sight of its counterintelligence mission.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Politico Pro: Senate Dems press RFK Jr. for more ethics pledges ahead of floor vote

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    February 06, 2025
    Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s recent ethics concessions aren’t assuaging two Senate Democrats on the panels charged with vetting his nomination to be HHS secretary.
    Senate Finance member Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions member Tim Kaine (D-Va.) demanded additional commitments from Kennedy on Wednesday ahead of his confirmation vote – which could occur as soon as next week – to mitigate what they say are continued conflicts of interest.
    In a letter shared first with POLITICO, the pair asked Kennedy to either forfeit his financial interest in all cases he’s referred to Wisner Baum that involve HHS-regulated entities or accept a lump sum unrelated to their outcomes. That law firm is leading litigation against Merck’s HPV vaccine, Gardasil.
    They also called for Kennedy to recuse himself from matters involving former clients and employers for four years and to commit to not lobbying the department or litigating cases against pharma companies for at least four years after he leaves office. The senators requested a response by Friday.
    …
    Read the full article here.
    By:  Lauren GardnerSource: Politico Pro

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: New York Times: Senate Democrats Demand Clarity About Musk’s Efforts at Education Dept.

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    February 07, 2025
    Senate Democrats demanded answers from the Education Department on Thursday about the scope of Elon Musk’s data collection efforts at the agency, which appears to be a focus of the Trump administration’s cost-cutting initiative.
    The letter, by a coalition of 15 lawmakers, reflected growing concern about the aggressive incursions that members of Mr. Musk’s so-called Department of Government Efficiency have made into an array of federal agencies, including the Education Department.
    It came as the White House has been discussing the possibility of issuing an executive order to effectively shut down the Education Department, according to people familiar with the conversations.
    Senators Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts; Chuck Schumer of New York, the minority leader; and Chris Van Hollen of Maryland were among those urging for clarity on whether members of Mr. Musk’s team had sought confidential data on students. Such information could be as granular as demographic, financial and family details given what the department routinely collects in its work to disburse student aid.
    …
    Read the full article here.
    By:  Zach MontagueSource: New York Times
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  • MIL-OSI USA: Bloomberg Tax: Warren Demands Watchdog Probe of Musk Team’s Treasury Access

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    February 07, 2025
    Democrats led by Senate Banking Committee ranking member Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) called on Treasury and IRS watchdogs to probe federal payment system access granted to tech billionaire Elon Musk or his surrogates.
    Treasury has faced the ire of Democrats in both the House and Senate, and face lawsuits accusing the agency and newly confirmed Secretary Scott Bessent of breaking federal laws by providing access. Conflicting responses from Treasury and President Donald Trump about what happened is leading to more confusion. “
    Senators Warren, Wyden, and Reed each wrote to Secretary Bessent days ago seeking information about the facts underlying these disturbing reports. The Department of the Treasury’s (Department) response raised more questions than it answered,” Warren wrote in the letter.
    Bessent told Bloomberg News Thursday that Musk’s team had read-only access to federal payment data and denied any “tinkering.”
    Democrats in the House raised alarms this week that access could mean Musk and his team improperly reviewed confidential taxpayer information.
    …
    Read the full article here.
    By:  Chris CioffiSource: Bloomberg Tax
    Previous Article

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaine Statement on Linda McMahon to be Secretary of Education

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, released the following statement on the nomination of Linda McMahon to be Secretary of Education:
    “While I find some areas of common ground with Ms. McMahon, especially our support for robust career and technical education, I cannot vote for a Secretary of Education nominee who will willfully assist Donald Trump in abolishing the very Department she seeks to lead.”

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaine Files Amendments to Republican Budget Resolution

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Budget Committee, filed amendments to the Senate Republicans’ budget resolution in an attempt to improve the bill, which currently tees up tax cuts for billionaires by cutting critical funding for programs that Virginians rely on. Republicans are using a legislative process known as “reconciliation,” which allows certain legislation to be expedited and passed in the Senate by a simple majority, avoiding the 60-vote threshold needed for most other legislation. The Senate will begin consideration of the budget resolution later today.
    “I’d like to focus on cutting taxes for the middle-class. Unfortunately, Republicans disagree. Instead, they are coming after your Medicaid and Medicare benefits, your health care, education programs, and other critical funding that Virginians rely on so that they can tee up their tax cuts for billionaires. I’m filing several amendments to safeguard Virginians from President Trump’s proposed tariffs, which would raise costs; protect federal employees who provide essential services to millions of Americans; prevent cuts in funding for community health centers and national security programs; and more. I will be pushing to get votes on my amendments and will do everything I can to stop Republicans from passing policies that hurt Virginians and our economy and make us less safe,” Kaine said.
    Kaine filed a series of amendments, including:
    To cut taxes for middle-class Americans.
    To protect Americans from new, senseless taxes by preventing abuse of emergency authorities to launch trade wars with Canada and Mexico.
    To prevent cuts to federal funding for air traffic safety.
    To prevent the Department of Veterans’ Affairs from reducing its workforce below levels needed to staff and provide services at new or remodeled facilities.
    To prohibit funding for agency efforts to reclassify federal employees in the civil service outside of any schedule not currently in the competitive service.
    To prevent federal agencies and departments from terminating, rescheduling, or furloughing federal workers who are also veterans.
    To prevent federal employees in harm’s way overseas from losing critical protections.
    To protect Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents and federal prosecutors from political retribution.
    To deny access to classified materials to anyone without a proper security clearance.
    To protect Virginians who receive health insurance coverage through Medicaid expansion.
    To protect rural hospitals from cuts that would threaten rural communities’ access to health care.
    To protect access to health care services provided by Federally Qualified Health Centers.
    To ensure working families are able to access affordable and high-quality child care.
    To prevent a reduction of programs that support high-quality teacher and school leader preparation.
    To protect seniors and people with disabilities who use long-term services and supports.
    To prevent reductions in staff at the Mine Safety and Health Administration, who ensure miners do not get hurt or die on the job.
    To undo the harm that the January federal funding freeze did to Head Start programs.
    To protect the Pell Grant program from facing cuts or changes to the program that will hurt low- and middle-income students most.
    To prohibit termination of national security programming implemented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
    To prohibit termination of foreign assistance contracts with U.S. farmers or with faith-based organizations.
    To prohibit funding for a new Middle East war in Gaza or appeasement of Russia in Ukraine.
    To prevent cuts to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
    To prevent cuts to voluntary conservation agriculture programs.
    To ensure that much-needed funding comes to Virginia to repair federally maintained trails—such as the Virginia Creeper Trail—impacted by natural disasters in 2024.
    To prohibit any efforts to privatize or defund the United States Postal Service.
    Kaine has spoken out against Republicans’ proposal on the Senate floor and during a Senate Budget Committee markup.
    President Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress are currently negotiating an extension to Trump’s 2017 tax law, which cut taxes for large corporations and the highest-income earners and substantially increased the federal deficit. They are now proposing broad-based tariffs and massive, across-the-board cuts to federal programs like Medicaid to fund these tax cuts for billionaires. Tax estimates have shown that if fully enacted, Trump’s tariffs could raise costs by $2,500 to nearly $4,000 per household, and American consumers could lose between $46 billion to $78 billion in spending power each year.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: News 02/20/2025 Blackburn, Cortez Masto Introduce Bill to Protect Taxpayers from Penalties Caused by IRS Delays

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) introduced the Tax Administration Simplification Act to provide straightforward, taxpayer-focused improvements to streamline tax filing and payment for individuals and small businesses:
    “Taxpayers shouldn’t be penalized when the IRS is delayed in processing their tax returns even though they submitted them on time,” said Senator Blackburn. “Our Tax Administration Simplification Act would shield taxpayers from unfair penalties, streamline tax filing, and provide more flexibility for small businesses.”
    “Small businesses in Nevada are busy enough as it is without having to worry about unfair IRS penalties and burdensome red tape,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “This bipartisan legislation would save time for the hard-working small business owners that are growing our economy and creating jobs in Nevada.”
    TAX ADMINISTRATION SIMPLIFICATION ACT
    The Tax Administration Simplification Act aims to reduce filing burdens and make tax compliance more intuitive by:
    Protecting taxpayers from penalties due to Internal Revenue Service (IRS) delays in electronic filing – Under current law, even if taxpayers submit documents on the due date, they may be considered late unless submitted physically. The bill would extend the existing “mailbox rule” to electronically submitted documents, ensuring they are considered timely based on the date submitted, regardless of potential IRS processing delays. The correction would protect taxpayers from penalties and potential audits stemming from processing lags that are beyond their control.
    Simplifying S-Corp elections for small businesses – Many small business owners miss out on the tax benefits of “S-Corp” status because the current election deadline precedes the deadline for filing their first income tax return. The bill would allow business owners to make an S-Corp election on their first timely filed tax return, providing greater flexibility and reducing unnecessary penalties.
    Standardizing estimated tax deadlines – The bill would also address the confusing, irregular schedule for estimated tax payments, which currently requires payments at inconsistent intervals throughout the year. By moving to evenly spaced quarterly deadlines, the bill would simplify planning and help taxpayers more easily manage and project their income for accurate tax reporting.
    Click here for bill text.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven, Cornyn, Colleagues Call on ATF to Overturn Unconstitutional Biden Rules & Support Trump 2A Agenda

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven

    02.20.25

    WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven (R-ND) joined Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) and 28 of their Senate GOP colleagues in sending a letter to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Deputy Director Marvin Richardson urging him to align the agency with President Trump’s Second Amendment priorities as laid out in his recent Executive Order. The senators called on Richardson to identify and rescind former President Biden’s unlawful firearms regulations, including the “Engaged in the Business” rule, pistol brace rule, “ghost gun” rule and “zero tolerance” policy under which ATF has revoked the licenses of federal firearm licensees (FFLs) over minor bookkeeping violations.

               “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,” the senators wrote. “We urge you to immediately align ATF’s rules and policies with the President’s strong support for the Second Amendment.”

    “Under former President Joe Biden, 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,” the senators continued. “We ask that you work with the Attorney General to quickly identify and rescind these policies.”

    Joining Senators Hoeven and Cornyn in sending the letter are Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) and Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), John Barrasso (R-WY), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Jim Justice (R-WV), Jim Risch (R-ID), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Steve Daines (R-MT), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mike Crapo (R-ID), James Lankford (R-OK), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Rick Scott (R-FL), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Ted Budd (R-NC), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Todd Young (R-IN), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Jim Banks (R-IN), and Jerry Moran (R-KS).

    Full text of the letter can be found here

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven Statement on Confirmation of Kash Patel as FBI Director

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven

    02.20.25

    WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement after the Senate confirmed Kash Patel to serve as Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI):

    “Kash Patel has served as a public defender, prosecutor, and in leadership positions at the Department of Defense, Office of the Director of National Intelligence and National Security Council. He will focus the FBI on protecting the American people and prioritizing law and order to help make our communities safer. We congratulate Director Patel on his confirmation to lead the FBI.”

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Risch, Schmitt Introduce the Dismantle DEI Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho James E Risch

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) introduced the Dismantle DEI Act,  to codify into law President Trump’s executive actions terminating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs and initiatives. This bill makes Trump’s actions permanent, preventing future administrations from reinstating similar Biden-era DEI policies. 

    “Woke identity politics have impeded American progress for the last time,” said Risch. “President Trump’s executive action to end wasteful DEI initiatives will save taxpayer dollars and elevate individuals with the proper merit to make America great again. The Dismantle DEI Act restores commonsense by ensuring a person’s qualifications and hard work are what qualifies them for a position, not divisive DEI ideology.” 

    “DEI has plagued our federal government, academic institutions, and other aspects of our society for far too long, all while disregarding merit in the process. America is the greatest meritocracy the world has ever seen, and no taxpayer dollars should be wasted on funding this divisive ideology which undercuts the values our country was founded on. President Trump understands that these programs have absolutely no business in the federal government, and I am proud to introduce this critical legislation with Congressman Cloud that will save taxpayer dollars and put a stop to this DEI madness,” said Schmitt. 

    On January 20, 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14151, “Ending Radical And Wasteful Government DEI Programs And Preferencing.” This executive action terminates DEI programs and initiatives throughout all federal departments and agencies, while also compiling a list of those federal contractors and grantees associated with those same programs. President Trump helped reverse many of the Biden administration’s prior executive actions on DEI programs.

    The Dismantle DEI Act helps build on the President’s agenda by:

    • Ensuring all DEI offices are terminated and prohibiting agencies from renaming or repurposing them to continue the same functions under new titles.

    • Barring federal funds from being used for DEI training, grants, or programs—including identity-based quotas and critical race theory.

    • Granting individuals the legal right to challenge any of these violations in court.

    Risch and Schmitt are joined by U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Roger Marshall (R-Kansas), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Ron Johnson (R-Wisc.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) in introducing this legislation. ?

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Following Dangerous Cuts to Transportation Workforce, Merkley, Wyden, Colleagues Demand Secretary Duffy Prioritize Safety

    US Senate News:

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

    February 20, 2025

    Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden along with Massachusetts’ U.S. Senator Edward J. Markey pushed U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to stop the mass layoffs and firing of essential transportation safety employees. The lawmakers demand the Department of Transportation (DOT) release information regarding the department’s plans to protect passenger’s safety and prevent future crashes.

    In a letter, the lawmakers wrote, “At the Department of Transportation, safety must come first, but that commitment appears in doubt as the Trump administration promotes cost-cutting over protecting the public. By offering to buy out federal employees, ordering government agencies to prepare for mass layoffs, firing employees with critical safety functions, giving Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) free reign to cut the federal workforce, and turning Musk, DOGE, and their unqualified staff loose on the air traffic control system, the Trump administration risks undermining decades of safety improvements. We urge you to cease this dangerous approach to governing and request important information on how the Department of Transportation (DOT) plans to prioritize safety in this environment.” 

    In addition to Merkley, Wyden, and Markey, the letter was signed by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.).

    Full text of the letter is here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst Unplugs Biden’s Green Dreams

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
    WASHINGTON – In her latest fight to prioritize taxpayers in Washington, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) is defunding another billion-dollar Biden boondoggle.
    Ernst is introducing the Unplug the Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Programs Act to end the failed electric vehicle (EV) charging station programs from the so-called infrastructure bill that resulted in just 59 stations being built nationwide in over three years despite the $7.5 billion price tag.
    “Joe Biden’s green dreams short-circuited, and it is time to pull the plug,” said Ernst. “The EV charger boondoggle is a textbook example of waste and inefficiency that needs to be eliminated. Instead of spending hundreds of millions per charging station, I am doing something truly revolutionary in Washington – putting taxpayers first.”
    Congressman Tony Wied (R-Wis.) is introducing companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
    “I am proud to stand with Senator Ernst in introducing the Unplug the Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Programs Act,” said Wied. “The fact that the Biden Administration was only able to produce 59 stations nationwide with a $7.5 billion budget is the exact reason why the American people overwhelmingly support President Trump in reducing waste and inefficiencies in our government. As a small business owner, I could have built 1,500 more gas stations with that kind of money. It is time to repeal this funding and put an end to President Biden’s wasteful vanity project.”
    Click here to view the bill.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch, Durbin Raise First Amendment Concerns on Trump Visa Vetting Orders: “President Trump won the 2024 election. He did not, however, win a mandate to circumvent the Constitution through executive decree.”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, and Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) recently wrote to the Department of State, Department of Education, and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) raising the alarm about President Trump’s recent Executive Orders that institute speech-restrictive vetting requirements for visa holders and applicants. The Senators warned these orders could run afoul of the First Amendment and violate the Departments’ constitutional obligations. 
    “President Trump’s Orders purportedly advance these speech restrictions in pursuit of  ‘combat[ting] anti-Semitism’ and ‘protecting the United States from foreign terrorists and other national security and public safety threats.’ Though commendable aims, these vaguely written Orders appear to direct you to exceed your statutory authority and, on their face, could restrict constitutionally protected speech. Through their implementation, they could sweep even further,” the Senators wrote to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. 
    “Congress has authorized the Executive Branch to protect the homeland from noncitizens who support terrorist organizations or advocate for the overthrow of the United States government,” the Senators wrote to Acting Secretary of Education Denise Carter. “However, Congress has not authorized the Executive Branch to surveil students engaged in the free expression of ideas on college campuses. Nor could Congress have adopted such a measure without running afoul of the First Amendment.” 
    The Senators concluded: “We urge you to ensure Executive Orders 14161 and 14188 are implemented in a manner consistent with federal law and the First Amendment. We will closely monitor your implementation of these Orders, and, if necessary, vigorously exercise the oversight tools at our disposal to ensure compliance with the law and the Constitution.”  
    On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued Executive Order 14161, which directed the Department of State and DHS to promptly “recommend any actions necessary to protect the American people from the actions of foreign nationals” who “preach or call for … the overthrow or replacement of the culture on which our constitutional Republic stands.” That Order also instructed the Departments to “ensure that admitted aliens and aliens otherwise already present in the United States do not bear hostile attitudes toward its citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles.” 
    Executive Order 14188, issued by President Trump on January 29, 2025, directed the Departments of State, Education, and DHS to provide guidance to institutions of higher education to help them “monitor for and report activities by alien students and staff relevant to [grounds for inadmissibility.” It also ordered the Departments to ensure that such reports yield “investigations and, if warranted, actions to remove such aliens.” The Administration released an accompanying fact sheet, which explained that any noncitizen “who joined in the pro-jihadist protests” will be “deport[ed]” and pledged to clear out college campuses that “have been infested with radicalism like never before.  
    Read the full letter to Denise Carter, Acting Secretary of the Department of Education here. 
    Read the full letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hawley Highlights Explosion of Online Child Sexual Abuse Material, Urges Action

    US Senate News:

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

    Wednesday, February 19, 2025

    Today during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing about protecting children online, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) highlighted the explosion of child sexual abuse material on the internet and urged immediate action to allow victims to hold Big Tech accountable.
    “In 2023, there were 104 million images and videos of suspected child abuse material uploaded onto the internet, compared to 450,000 in 2004. So, 450,000 in 2004 to 104 million in the last full year for which we have data. Here’s another statistic, according to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, the number of reports of child exploitation material went from one million, in 2014, to 36.2 million in 2023. In other words, it’s just an enormous explosion,” said Senator Hawley.
    He continued, “It is past time that this Congress gave parents the ability to [sue Big Tech companies]… until Congress gives parents the ability to sue, nothing will change. These companies don’t care about fines, they don’t care about the regulations… what they fear are juries.”
    [embedded content]
    Watch the full exchange here, or click the video above.
    Senator Hawley also pledged to reintroduce his Anti-CSAM legislation with Senator Durbin (D-Ill.), ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. The Judiciary Committee unanimously advanced this legislation last Congress, but the bipartisan bill was eventually blocked on the Senate floor.
    Senator Hawley has been a tireless advocate for legislation holding Big Tech accountable and protecting kids online. Last year, Senator Hawley pressed Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg about child exploitation on his social media platforms, urging Zuckerberg to stand up and apologize to the families of victims in the room.

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