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Category: US Senate

  • MIL-OSI USA: FACT SHEET: Trump & Elon’s Layoffs Jeopardize Essential Services Americans Rely On, Threaten Critical Agency Objectives Keeping Americans Safe & Healthy 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) responded to the Trump administration’s mass firings of federal workers who are on their “probationary” period—meaning: federal workers who were hired or promoted within the past 1-2 years.  

    There is nothing efficient about indiscriminate mass firings. Although the exact number of employees in their probationary period changes with each pay period, data from March 2024 shows more than 220,000 federal employees were within their probationary period. More than one quarter, or 56,000, were employees at the Veterans Health Administration. The Partnership for Public Service estimates that there are now closer to 250,000 federal employees in their probationary period. Moreover, these employees are younger (around 27% are under the age of 30) and have the highest rates of employee engagement among all government workers. President Trump has also recently signed an Executive Order, which mandates that only one employee be hired for every four who are fired or depart.

    In a statement, Senator Murray said:

    “There is nothing ‘efficient’ about indiscriminately firing thousands upon thousands of workers in red and blue states whose work is badly needed. 

    “We are talking about safety engineers at the Hanford nuclear cleanup site, VA doctors and nurses, utility line workers in my home state, CDC health experts who investigate disease outbreaks, and so many others.

    “Two billionaires who have zero concept of what the federal workforce does are breaking the American government—decimating essential services and leaving all of us worse off. 

    “The lives upended by these callous firings will not just be the federal workers who lose their jobs, but the millions of Americans who rely on services these employees provide: health care, food safety, housing, lifesaving research, and so much else. 

    “Let’s be clear that these sweeping layoffs do not address fraud or waste. These firings are totally arbitrary–pushing out high performers and the promising next generation of our federal workforce who won’t be easily replaced. 

    “The scale and scope of Trump and Elon’s purge will set our country back decades, but we are not powerless in this moment. It is incumbent on every one of us to speak out for a government that works for middle-class families and working people—not just billionaires who will never need to call about their Social Security benefits or file a disability claim at VA.”

    SEE BELOW FOR A SELECT, NON-COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF THE IMPACTS OF THESE LAYOFFS:

    VETERANS AFFAIRS: In 2022, Congress passed the largest expansion of veterans’ benefits in two decades, requiring a significant influx of resources and staff to ensure veterans are getting the medical care and benefits they are owed. 

    • The Trump administration’s mass firing of more than 1,000 VA employees just yesterday will badly undercut VA’s ability to process the significant uptick in claims and benefits the agency has seen since the PACT Act was signed into law. The Trump administration has not explicitly exempted doctors, nurses, medical researchers, or disability claims raters from the layoffs. 
    • These layoffs likely mean longer wait times for veterans trying to receive medical care, and they could mean that ongoing clinical trials may be forced to come to an abrupt halt. They likely also mean veterans will wait longer for their disability claims to be processed and approved, and that training for new claims raters that VA has invested in over the last year would go to waste.  
    • There is already a shortage of VA doctors and nurses across the country–in red and blue states. The hiring freeze prohibits new disability claims raters from coming on board, and with the firing of recently hired raters, the backlog of unprocessed claims will grow above 254,000. 

    SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (SBA): The SBA provides essential resources and support to small businesses and entrepreneurs across the country. This week, the Trump administration reportedly moved to fire 720 employees, including those recently hired to help small businesses and homeowners recover from devastating disasters. Communities and main streets across the country–from North Carolina to California–are still reeling from the impacts of hurricanes and wildfires; laying off SBA employees will curtail the SBA’s efforts to help small businesses on the ground recover. 

    OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT (OPM): OPM serves as the chief human resources and personnel policy manager for the federal government and processes retirements for all federal workers, including those in the postal service. OPM employees help ensure federal employees in every part of the country receive their paychecks and retirement benefits. Without adequate staffing levels, federal workers will experience disruptions in essential services OPM provides. 

    • On February 13, OPM fired 250 probationary employees. Management was not notified that the agency would be firing people that day and probationary employees were given 30 minutes to leave the building. There were no exceptions given for high-performing employees or those that managers had prioritized on requested forms. 

    GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION (GSA): GSA oversees most government contracts, manages federal property, and oversees basic federal government functions. Housed at GSA, Technology Transformation Services is responsible for FedRAMP, which sets cybersecurity standards for federal contractors, and Login.gov, which the American public uses to access their Social Security statements online. GSA was one of the earliest DOGE targets. 

    • An estimated 100 tech workers at GSA have been laid off this week alone. These employees assist with important federal initiatives, including the Direct File program, which is finally helping Americans file their taxes directly with the IRS–for free.  

    HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT: The nationwide housing shortage is one area in which both sides of the aisle agree needs urgent solutions, and HUD plays a critical role in working to tackle the crisis. Without sufficient staff to keep things moving at HUD, hundreds of projects across the country are going to be delayed. Many projects will fall apart completely, exacerbating the housing crisis. Even one month of delays on a multimillion-dollar project can cost builders immensely. In just a few weeks of hasty decisions, the Trump administration has proposed drastic cuts that will hurt some of the most vulnerable people and families across the country, undercut economic development, and stunt disaster recovery.

    • Even under current staffing levels, grantees struggle to receive adequate and timely customer service and processing from HUD, and these actions will make it devastatingly worse.
    • Based on current estimates, Trump’s personnel actions to date will result in about a 13% reduction in HUD’s entire workforce.
    • This figure could grow to 50% percent based on reported plans for additional staff cuts across HUD’s programs. One component was directed to reduce staff by 84%, and that office oversees the community and economic development, long-term disaster, and homeless assistance funding that cities around the country, in red and blue states, rely on.  

    DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY: The Department of Energy is responsible for overseeing U.S. energy policy and production, our nuclear weapons program, and national nuclear policy. Among other things, Department of Energy staff plays an essential role in turbocharging American innovation, creating new good-paying jobs, lowering families’ energy bills, strengthening America’s energy security, and maintaining our nation’s nuclear weapons stockpile.

    • The Department of Energy has now laid off 1,800 employees out of 15,850 employees, which is roughly 11% of its workforce. The layoffs have occurred Department-wide; however, the climate and infrastructure deployment offices have been hit hardest, including the Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, and the Manufacturing and Grid Deployment Offices. These layoffs will seriously hamper the implementation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act, which have created hundreds of thousands of new jobs–compounding the incredible damage that this administration has already caused with its illegal freeze of funding provided by the two landmark laws. The layoffs include staff responsible for ensuring that funding to lower households’ energy costs gets out the door.
    • In Washington state alone, more than a dozen employees at the Hanford Site and more than 600 at the Bonneville Power Administration have been laid off–which will have cascading ripple effects on the cleanup efforts at the Hanford site and the security of the Pacific Northwest energy grid. Notably, these numbers do not include employees who opted into the “deferred resignation” program.

    INDIAN HEALTH SERVICE: The Indian Health Service provides direct health care to 2.8 million American Indians and Alaska Natives, but has, for years, been plagued with chronic staffing challenges and consistently high vacancy rates (upwards of 29%) across all service areas. The staffing shortage has, for decades, undercut the quality of care to Tribal communities across the country. Congress has consistently identified recruitment and retention as a high priority for the agency and has worked on a bipartisan basis to fully fund staffing at IHS facilities and to increase hiring incentives to provide relief.

    • The Trump administration’s mass firing of more than an estimated 850 employees includes doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, and lab technicians–and will devastate the Indian Health Service’s ability to provide services for patients and make an already dire situation worse. These indiscriminate cuts to IHS’ health care workforce will leave thousands without access to critical care and could cost lives.
    • American Indians and Alaska Natives have a life expectancy rate of 11 years less than the national average of 65.2 years old. That’s the same life expectancy rate as the overall population of the United States in 1944.

    DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR: The Interior Department is responsible for the management of public lands, waters, and natural resources, including both conservation and development on federal lands under the National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, and Bureau of Land Management, as well as administering programs affecting Native Americans. The Department is reportedly laying off 2,300 employees.

    • These layoffs will lead to a damaging loss of full-time staff at the National Park Service, which is already operating well below prior staffing levels despite significant increases in visitation. As a result of onerous budget caps during the 2010s, the National Park Service lost 15% of its staff while park visitation also increased by 15%. National Park units experience a summer surge in visitation that peaks in July, and the Service hires more than 6,000 seasonal employees to manage that extra work. Without full-time or seasonal staff during this peak season, visitor centers may close, bathrooms will not be properly maintained, campgrounds may close, guided tours will be cut back or altogether canceled, emergency response times will drop, and visitor services like safety advice, trail recommendations, and interpretation will be unavailable.
    • These indiscriminate cuts are also likely to jeopardize the President’s own “America-First” energy agenda, delaying the processing, planning, permitting, environmental compliance, and approval of new and expanded transmission lines, renewable energy projects, oil and gas leasing and drilling, critical minerals mines, coal mining, and other development on federal lands or waters.

    Federal Bureau of Investigation: The FBI is the domestic intelligence and security service of the United States and its principal federal law enforcement agency. The Bureau is reportedly amassing a list of thousands of probationary employees, including special agents, for possible layoffs–which comes at a time of incredible uncertainty at the FBI. The FBI already faces a salaries and expenses resources shortfall, because of the Fiscal Responsibility Act’s tight constraints, which has already resulted in roughly 1,000 fewer staff. A purge—possibly in the thousands—of FBI employees will worsen an already bad situation–seriously undermining the FBI’s ability to combat terrorism, violent crime, cybercrime, drugs and gangs, transnational organized crime, and child and sex trafficking exploitation. 

    • The FBI has over 2,800 probationary employees, nearly 600 of which are special agents. 
    • The first year cost alone of recruiting, hiring, and training a new FBI special agent is nearly $250,000. Firing hundreds of new agents would be a colossal waste of American taxpayers’ dollars. 

    FOREST SERVICE: The Forest Service is responsible for managing 193 million acres of national forests and grasslands and is reportedly laying off 2,400 employees. While some exemptions are expected for law enforcement and firefighters, many of those being let go are qualified to help respond to wildfires and are a vital resource during the height of fire season. Other recent hires were brought on to accelerate hazardous fuels reduction and community wildfire defense projects to decrease the risk of catastrophic wildfires to communities across the country.

    ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY: Approximately 1,700 EPA staff have so far been notified they could be terminated. As of December 2024, EPA had 15,572 total full-time employees on staff, which include scientists, toxicologists, biologists, staff overseeing cleanups at Superfund sites in red and blue states, and many more. Indiscriminate layoffs will seriously jeopardize energy projects that have created good jobs, efforts to keep American families’ water supply clean and safe, waste site cleanup efforts, and much more.

    DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES: HHS’ civil service and nonpartisan leadership consists of scientists, researchers, medical professionals, child welfare specialists, and other dedicated public servants. Its nonpartisan leadership is tasked with implementing laws spanning HHS’ far-reaching responsibilities and accordingly is retained to continue building on advances made in medicine, public health, and social services. HHS’ nonpartisan career leadership does not routinely turn over between administrations.

    • Nonetheless, Secretary Kennedy, now having been confirmed, is expected to seek the unprecedented resignation of HHS nonpartisan career leadership and has already begun firing thousands of probationary employees across HHS. 
    • Injecting politics deep into HHS will undermine everything from biomedical research to public health to substance use treatment to child welfare. This is how now-Secretary Kennedy will substitute his own beliefs for established scientific consensus. 
    • Additionally: firing thousands of staff across the Department will have far-reaching impacts on basic government services, potentially including the administration of Medicare. Firings so far have included nurses, pharmacists, patient care technicians, and other staff critical for patient care at NIH’s clinical center, as well as hundreds of early career scientists and researchers.

    DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION: So far, Department of Education employees have already been put on administrative leave simply because they took a training encouraged by the first Trump administration. Other employees fired or expected to be fired at the Department of Education will put cybersecurity efforts, ongoing work on the FAFSA, and maintenance of student aid processing systems in serious jeopardy. 

    AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SERVICE: ARS is the USDA’s principal in-house research agency that seeks to develop and transfer solutions to agricultural problems of high national priority. This includes research related to ensuring high-quality, safe food, assessing the nutritional needs of Americans, and sustaining a competitive U.S. agricultural economy.

    • The blanket firing of hundreds of scientists and technicians across the country who were in probationary periods will undercut new, ongoing, and urgent research projects studying livestock and crop production, food safety, environmental stewardship, human nutrition, and value-added agriculture. 

    ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE: Scores of employees from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) were abruptly fired regardless of performance status. APHIS protects our country against the emergence of deadly animal and zoonotic diseases and prevents the introduction of destructive invasive pests. This work is vital to ensuring our farmers and ranchers can safely feed the world. As avian influenza rages across poultry and dairy farms and continues to infect people, the last thing our country needs is a shortage of staff focused on addressing this threat.  

    RURAL DEVELOPMENT: Hundreds of employees working to help rural communities across the country were laid off overnight. Rural Development provides financial assistance for communities to have safe drinking water, affordable housing, high-speed internet, and access to health and safety services. Without adequate staffing, loans and grants will not be processed, and these communities will not have the resources they need to thrive.

    NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE: Hundreds of employees working to assist producers with access to voluntary conservation programs and practices were laid off. Those employees are based in offices across the country and provide technical assistance to help improve soil quality, reduce the energy used on farms, and provide other climate mitigation benefits. 

    NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION: NOAA is the nation’s leading scientific and regulatory agency charged with forecasting weather, monitoring oceanic and atmospheric conditions, and managing marine and coastal resources. Americans rely on the National Weather Service’s data forecasts daily but the critical nature of the mission to life and property comes to light during hurricanes, drought, wildfires, tornados, and other extreme weather events. The National Weather Service already struggles with staffing shortages but has made a concerted effort to increase the number of meteorologists. As such, many meteorologists have only been in the role for less than a year and are within their probationary period. 

    • Reports that NOAA will be required to lay off more than a thousand probationary employees, including meteorologists, which amount to 10% of NOAA’s workforce would result in disruptions to weather forecasts. 
    • Similar impacts could be felt to the sustainable management of the nation’s fisheries since NOAA relies on wage mariners to staff the fisheries’ survey vessels that perform stock assessments that feed into accurate sustainable catch limits on which the fishing industry relies.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Following Longtime Efforts, Senator Reverend Warnock Applauds Howard University Receiving Top Research Classification

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia

    Following Longtime Efforts, Senator Reverend Warnock Applauds Howard University Receiving Top Research Classification

    Howard University announced yesterday it had been conferred a Research One (R1) Carnegie Classification, which is widely considered to be the highest research activity classification among colleges and universities in the United States
    Senator Reverend Warnock introduced his bipartisan Increase America’s Research Capacity Act of 2023, which instructs the Department of Commerce and Comptroller General of the United States to conduct studies to identify how HBCUs can achieve R1 status
    The Senator successfully secured additional funding to ensure HBCU’s and Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) had additional administrative support to secure federal STEM dollars in the CHIPS and Science Act
    Senator Reverend Warnock is a proud product of Atlanta HBCU Morehouse College and the only HBCU alum currently serving in the U.S. Senate
    A life-long advocate of HBCUs, last year, Senator Reverend Warnock delivered commencement speeches at Georgia’s Albany State University, Tennessee State University, and Johnson C. Smith University
    Senator Reverend Warnock has secured $267 million for Georgia’s HBCUs to date, part of $17 billion in federal investments delivered to HBCUs
    Senator Reverend Warnock: “HBCUs play a vital role helping shape the next generation, and this designation goes a long way in helping illustrate their importance to our nation and their ability to perform on par and above the level of any other institution in the country”

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), a proud HBCU graduate and a champion of HBCUs in the Senate, applauded the recent announcement that Howard University was named a Research One (R1) institution by the American Council on Education (ACE), making it the first and only Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) to achieve this status.

    “HBCUs play a vital role helping shape the next generation, and this designation goes a long way in helping illustrate their importance to our nation and their ability to perform on par and above the level of any other institution in the country,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “We know that HBCUs have long punched well above their weight, I wouldn’t be where I am today without my HBCU, Morehouse College, and as the only HBCU alum currently serving om the Senate, I will continue fighting on behalf of these storied institutions so that they have the funding needed to develop and cultivating future world contributors and leaders.”

    Senator Warnock has long worked to support HBCUs and has led two efforts to support HBCUs in pursuit of the R1 designation. In 2023, Senator Reverend Warnock introduced his bipartisan bill, the Increase America’s Research Capacity Act of 2023, which instructs the Department of Commerce and Comptroller General of the United States to conduct studies to identify how HBCUs can achieve R1 status. Additionally, the Senator successfully secured additional funding to ensure HBCU’s and Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) had additional administrative support to secure federal STEM dollars in the CHIPS and Science Act.

    Senator Warnock led an effort highlighting his concerns with the classification methodology for higher education, urging needed reforms. In the letter, Senator Warnock urged the American Council on Education, which oversees the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, to make needed reforms to its classification methodology for higher education to reflect the importance and potential of the nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Before Howard University’s announcement, there wasn’t a single HBCU with the R-1 classification.

    There are many incredible research institutions, especially MSIs and HBCUs, that do tremendous research, but are not recognized by the current methodology, which accounts for research dollars spent and the number of research faculty, but not necessarily research quality or utility,” Senator Warnock wrote to the American Council on Education in 2023. 

    As the proud product of an HBCU, Senator Warnock is deeply committed to doing all he can to ensure these institutions thrive. To date, Senator Warnock has secured more than $267 million for Georgia HBCUs and more than $17 billion in total for HBCU campuses across the country, and has helped spearhead bipartisan calls for robust funding for HBCUs. In 2023, Senator Warnock addressed HBCU faculty and staff and led the group in prayer at the 7th Annual HBCU Fly-In and outlined his priorities for these important institutions. He has worked to strengthen 1890 land grant institutions and minority serving institutions and pushed hard to secure robust funding for 1890 Land-Grant colleges and universities.

    The “R1” or “very high research activity” status is a designation created by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, which is now being revamped by the American Council on Education (ACE). “R1” institutions have “very high research activity,” which is the highest designation of research activity.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto, Lee Celebrate Bipartisan Federal Law to Speed Up Home Building in Nevada

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto

    Above (L to R): Olympia Companies Executive Vice President Chris Armstrong, Southern Nevada Home Builders Association CEO Tina Frias, Senator Cortez Masto, Congresswoman Lee, Nevada Housing Coalition Executive Director Maurice Page

    Las Vegas, NV – Today, in a Northwest Las Vegas community being developed from federal land into the new Skye Summit residential community, Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Congresswoman Susie Lee (D-Nev.-03) held a press conference to announce and celebrate the bipartisan Accelerating Appraisals and Conservation Efforts (AACE) Act being signed into law – a bill they led in Congress. The AACE Act will help address Nevada’s housing crisis by cutting red tape to speed up federal land transactions and lower housing costs.

    Skye Summit was once federal land and is in the process of being developed by Olympia Companies for housing, including entry-level homes. More than 3,000 homes will be built on this desert land. Model homes should be ready by the end of 2026, and early 2027.

    “Now that the AACE Act is law, it will cut through red tape and make it easier to build affordable housing, to open new businesses, and to support conservation projects in Southern Nevada,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “I am grateful to Congresswoman Lee and our partners in the community who helped get this bipartisan legislation across the finish line.”

    “We made a commitment to lower the cost of housing and passing my AACE Act is one step toward building housing and lowering costs,” said Representative Lee. “Thanks to a strong partnership with Senator Cortez Masto and our local housing advocates, we’re now cutting red tape to more quickly unlock federals lands for housing, conservation, and infrastructure projects at no additional cost to the American taxpayer.”

    “The Southern Nevada Home Builders Association (SNHBA) is committed to working alongside federal and state policymakers to improve housing attainability, enhance workforce development, and remove barriers to homeownership,” said Southern Nevada Home Builders Association CEO Tina Frias.

    “The Nevada Housing Coalition (NHC) celebrates the recent signing of the Accelerating Appraisals and Conservation Efforts (AACE) Act. This bipartisan legislation is a significant win for affordable housing development and land conservation efforts in Nevada, said Nevada Housing Coalition Executive Director Maurice Page. “NHC commends Congresswoman Susie Lee for her leadership in advancing policies that foster housing opportunities and economic growth. We look forward to collaborating with federal, state, and local partners to maximize the impact of this legislation and ensure that public land is utilized effectively to meet the needs of Nevada’s residents.”

    “Skye Summit, located in the northwest part of Las Vegas, is a new master-planned community that will help tackle Southern Nevada’s housing crisis. With construction commencing in Q4 of 2025 and model homes opening in Q4 of 2026, Skye Summit will bring vital infrastructure and key transportation corridors to the area with over 3,000 homes and various amenities including community parks and walking trails,” said Olympia Companies Executive Vice President Chris Armstrong. “Thanks to the AACE Act, we can now speed up federal land appraisals, ensuring projects like this move forward faster to meet Nevada’s housing needs. We’re grateful for this vital legislation and the leaders who have made it possible, especially Congresswoman Susie Lee, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto, and Governor Lombardo, as well as our local partners like Las Vegas Councilwoman Frances Allen-Palenske for their tremendous leadership and support. We look forward to seeing how Skye Summit contributes to the growing landscape of the Las Vegas valley.”

    In Nevada, more than 80% of the land is owned by the federal government. The Department of the Interior (DOI) oversees hundreds of millions of acres of public land nationwide, but before it can complete any land transactions, it must first guarantee that these transactions are done at fair market value. With growing demands, the agency has had to rely increasingly on private appraisers who can only work in the specific states where they are credentialed — unlike full-time federal appraisers, who have been able to work quickly and easily across state lines for decades.

    The AACE Act will:

    • Allow DOI to contract with private appraisers appropriately credentialed in any one state or territory to perform appraisal duties across all states and territories;
    • Tackle federal appraisal bottlenecks that undermine housing, infrastructure, and conservation projects on public lands without spending a single additional taxpayer dollar by making more appraisers available; and
    • Require DOI to continue to prioritize working with local appraisers, unlocking the enhanced flexibility provided by the bill only when no qualified and cost-competitive local appraisers are available to perform needed services. 

    Senator Cortez Masto and Congresswoman Lee were joined by Nevada Housing Coalition Executive Director Maurice Page, Southern Nevada Home Builders Association CEO Tina Frias, and Olympia Companies Executive Vice President Chris Armstrong.

    Senator Cortez Masto has been working to cut red tape and streamline public land management across Nevada. Her bills allowing new industrial businesses to expand in Las Vegas and protecting the region’s water supply by building a critical new water pipeline passed the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee last year. Last year she also helped secure streamlined and improved guidance for building affordable housing on federal land under the Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Scott, Paul, Colleagues, Reintroduce National Right to Work Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott
    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.), a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, joined Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.) in reintroducing the National Right to Work Act to preserve and protect the free choice of individual employees to form, join, or assist labor organizations or to refrain from such activities.
    “American workers should never feel pressured into joining a union or paying dues in order to have gainful employment. I am glad to be a cosponsor of this critical piece of legislation as we continue to safeguard the rights of hardworking Americans,” said Senator Scott. “Since South Carolina became a ‘right to work’ state, we have seen our state economy grow and workforce soar.”
    “The National Right to Work Act ensures all American workers have the ability to choose to refrain from joining or paying dues to a union as a condition for employment,” said Dr. Paul. “Kentucky and 26 other states have already passed right to work laws. It’s time for the federal government to follow their lead.”
    The legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.). 
    The National Right to Work Act repeals six statutory provisions that allow private-sector workers, and airline and railroad employees, to be fired if they don’t surrender part of their paycheck to a union. The legislation will put bargaining power back where it belongs: in the hands of the American workers.
    The full text of the legislation can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy Issues Statement on Louisiana Surgeon General’s Decision to Roll Back Vaccine Efforts

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) issued a statement following an announcement from the Louisiana Surgeon General that the state would “no longer promote mass vaccination” efforts including “community health fairs, partnerships and media campaigns.”
    “LDH’s announced policy on immunizations ignores the reality of people’s lives. Working parents suddenly realize their child needs to be immunized and they can’t get in to see the doctor. It may be six weeks or longer for a routine visit. That is why as a doctor, I ran large-scale immunization programs to bring health care and immunizations to the patient,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Things like vaccine fairs keep a child from having to miss school and a mother from having to miss work. That is the reality of today’s medicine. To say that cannot occur and that someone must wait for the next available appointment ignores that reality. Advertising the benefit of vaccines and where to get them helps parents improve the health of their child. It’s important information they may not have known or needed to be reminded of. Removing these resources for parents is not a stand for parents’ rights. It prevents making health care more convenient and available for people who are very busy.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Markey Responds to Administrator Zeldin’s Unfounded Attack on Climate Bank, Urges Citibank Not to Give in to Fearmongering

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    Boston (February 14, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, released the following statement after Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin attacked the lawfully established and properly structured deployment of funds through the National Clean Investment Fund and the Clean Communities Investment Accelerator. These programs, which were included in the Inflation Reduction Act, are expected to mobilize $150 billion in private and public capital to lower energy bills, support community resiliency and clean environments, and create good-paying jobs.  

    “Congress passed a law with a majority of votes that directed the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a national clean financing network to provide financing for local economic development and energy projects across the country. The EPA followed the law—a concept that is apparently unfamiliar to the Trump-Musk administration—and entered into legally binding contracts with grant recipients so these federal dollars can start helping families and small businesses lower their energy bills and create local economic opportunity. Financial Agency Agreements, like the one that EPA developed with Citibank for this program over the course of a rigorous yearlong process, have been available to the U.S. Treasury since the 1860s. These agreements allow federal grant recipients to account for funds they are legally entitled to on their balance sheets, enabling them to leverage private sector dollars. This process has always been transparent—all processes and decisions were based on timelines set by law and with full disclosure to EPA’s Office of the Inspector General and the Government Accountability Office.

    “Make no mistake—this is just another attempt by the administration to fund their millionaire and billionaire tax breaks off the backs of hardworking Americans,” continued Senator Markey. “I urge Citibank not to give into the administration’s fact-free fearmongering and bullying. Administrator Zeldin said clearly that the agency hasn’t found any evidence of fraud. He’s just kicking up dust so you can’t see the administration’s true intent—taking money away from our communities for their own billionaire giveaways. The contracts for this national clean financing network are clear: the funding needs to be accessible to recipients. Laws passed by Congress and contracts between parties can’t legally be broken on a whim. No matter what reality the Trump-Musk administration is operating in, it can’t ignore that fact.”  

    Senator Markey secured numerous provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act, including the creation of a $27-billion national climate financing network based on his National Climate Bank Act. Following the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in 2022, Senators Markey and Van Hollen and Congresswoman Dingell—the House lead on the climate financing legislation—welcomed the launch of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund in April 2023. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sullivan, Murkowski, and Schatz Introduce Legislation for Quality Rural Health Care

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Dan Sullivan

    02.14.25

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski (both R-Alaska), and Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), introduced the Save Our Lone Emergency Services (SOLES) Act and the Ensuring Outpatient Quality for Rural States Act this week to increase Medicare reimbursement for rural hospitals in Alaska and Hawaii. Historically, rural and noncontiguous states have faced significant cost disparities for Medicare reimbursement that drive up costs for both hospitals and patients. These bills would recognize the unique cost-of-living challenges rural hospitals face, and would increase reimbursement for critical access and sole community hospitals that serve Medicare-enrolled seniors in areas where other emergency or health care services are not available.

    The legislation follows a letter sent to the Department of Health and Human Services by Senators Sullivan and Murkowski requesting more reimbursement-rate flexibility for Medicare inpatient procedures in Alaska and Hawaii.

    “The federal government’s one-size-fits-all Medicare formulas are not working for rural states like Alaska and Hawaii,” Senator Sullivan said. “Providing high-quality health care in rural areas simply costs more relative to other states, and health care providers and seniors in rural Alaska are paying the price. We need the federal government to recognize these difficulties and respond appropriately by adjusting formulas to account for the unique needs that high-quality rural health care requires. Our priority must be ensuring seniors on Medicare can continue to access the inpatient and outpatient health services they rely on, no matter where they live.”

    “Medicare formulas continue to fall short in addressing the challenges that rural states face. Alaska’s health care system relies on health care facilities to provide care in some of the most remote locations, contributing to increases in cost of care,” said Senator Murkowski. “This legislation will offer greater flexibility for these Medicare formulas, so our facilities can provide critical care to our seniors and rural Alaskans.”

    “To make sure hospitals on neighbor islands can continue to serve the seniors that rely on them, Medicare must recognize the real cost of providing health care in our state,” said Senator Schatz. “Our bills will help boost reimbursements to providers in Hawai‘i and make sure seniors have access to the health care services they deserve.”

    Click here for the Save Our Lone Emergency Services (SOLES) Act bill text and here for the Ensuring Outpatient Quality for Rural States Act bill text.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Policy Experts Agree: Significant Infrastructure Investments Needed in America’s Arctic—Alaska

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Dan Sullivan

    02.14.25

    Sen. Sullivan Highlights Escalating Incursions by Adversaries Near Alaska

    WASHINGTON—Several Arctic policy experts at a hearing of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation (CST) testified strongly this week in support of increasing infrastructure investments in Alaska, which constitutes the entirety of America’s Arctic. While the hearing was focused on Greenland’s geostrategic importance to the United States, Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of CST, argued that Alaska offers every potential resource and national security benefit of Greenland, but has too often been treated like one big “national park” by Democratic administrations, most recently by the Biden administration. Sen. Sullivan made this argument in a recent Wall Street Journal op-ed titled, “Greenland is nice, but Alaska is better.”

    In his questioning of the experts, Sen. Sullivan highlighted the significant escalation in incursions by Russian and Chinese military aircraft and vessels in Alaska’s Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Each of the witnesses agreed with Sen. Sullivan that the increasing aggression toward Alaska by America’s adversaries warrants deploying new military assets to the state, including personnel, vessels, aircraft, ports and bases.

    Sen. Sullivan was optimistic about the prospect of further investments in Alaska given President Donald Trump’s focus on the state, including a comprehensive day-one executive order, “Unleashing Alaska’s Extraordinary Resource Potential,” which directed many of the Biden administration’s harmful policies and actions related to Alaska lands and resources to be rescinded and many policies of the first Trump administration to be reinstated.

    [embedded content]

    Officials testifying before the committee were Alexander Gray, senior fellow in national security affairs at the American Foreign Policy Council; Anthony Marchese, chairman of Texas Mineral Resources; Dr. Jennifer Mercer, section head for Arctic sciences at the National Science Foundation’s Office of Polar Programs; and Dr. Rebecca Pincus, director of the Wilson Center’s Polar Institute.

    Below is a full transcript of Sen. Sullivan’s exchanges in the CST hearing.

    SEN. DAN SULLIVAN: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you very much for holding this very important hearing. Arctic issues are something that, as the senator representing the only Arctic state in the country, I care deeply about. I appreciate the chairman focusing on this. I want to first mention, I think the idea of the President looking to purchase Greenland has already been mentioned by a number of the panelists. Other presidents have thought about this. I think it’s a wonderful idea if we can pull it off. Truman, Andrew Johnson, others did. But I also think it’s important to remember—this is an op-ed I wrote in the Wall Street Journal a couple of weeks ago saying—hey, Greenland’s nice, good to go if we can get it, but remember our Arctic state, Alaska. Because everything that people talk about with regard to Greenland we have in spades already in America—it’s called Alaska: Arctic location, strategic and critical minerals, oil and gas, the cornerstone of America’s missile defense. It’s all there. The problem is, as the panelists know, when Democrats get in power—Biden was the latest example—they want to turn Alaska into a national park, not recognizing our state for what it is, which is a strategic crown jewel for America. The father of the U.S. Air Force, General Billy Mitchell, in testimony before Congress in the mid-1930s, called Alaska the “most strategic place on the planet.” And it is. So that’s what we’re focused on. Don’t forget Alaska. Fortunately, unlike President Biden, President Trump has already made it very clear that he’s not going to forget Alaska. On day one, the president signed an executive order called “Unleashing Alaska’s Extraordinary Resource Potential.” I want to thank President Trump and his team for doing that. It goes into everything that this hearing has talked about: strategic minerals, oil and gas, natural gas, getting the military involved. We just introduced my legislation called the IRON DOME Act, which is all about missile defense. Alaska is the cornerstone of our country’s missile defense, and we can build that out even better. I appreciate what President Trump is already doing on Alaska. But it’s not as if our adversaries don’t recognize the strategic importance of Alaska or the Arctic. Next slide. This is what doesn’t make a lot of news in the Lower 48. In the last [few] years, we have had an enormous amount of Russian incursions into our airspace—America’s airspace—Alaska’s ADIZ, naval incursions into EEZ. Just in the past year, these are some depictions of this. This is another slide we have. This gives you all of the Russian-Chinese joint strategic bomber incursions in our ADIZ and, very disturbingly, joint naval task forces into our EEZ. Our adversaries clearly understand the Arctic. That’s a wind up to a question I want to ask the panelists. Mr. Gray, why don’t we start with you. Given this, how important is America’s Arctic? I’ve been talking to Secretary Hegseth, the President, and others in Alaska, not just for missile defense, but to push back on what is clearly happening. We had a meeting on what we’re going to be doing on the border. A lot of discussion with the President’s team on the northern border. This is the northern border, and our adversaries are all over it. In my view, what we need is a lot more infrastructure, a lot more military, a lot more missile defense, a lot more unleashing Alaska’s critical minerals, oil and gas. We couldn’t have a better partner right now with President Trump. The contrast between him and President Biden, who wanted to make my state a national park—he issued 70 executive orders—70—singularly focused on Alaska to shut us down. President Trump’s wiped that out. What’s your sense on how we need to respond to this in America’s Arctic, which is Alaska, and the potential that Greenland could add to this, because that’s the other part of the Arctic, not the Alaska part of the Arctic?

    GRAY: Senator, it’s incredibly important. I think we have to look at our hemisphere holistically, from the Aleutians to Greenland, from pole to pole, and have a—President Trump began this process in his first term—this holistic Arctic strategy that I was pleased to be involved in. We have to, from a military standpoint, we’ve talked about icebreakers, but we have to…

    SULLIVAN: Wait, just real quick, on icebreakers: Russia has 54, some of which are nuclear, many of which are weaponized. We have two and one is broken. Do you think that’s “peace through strength” when it comes to icebreakers? It isn’t. Continue. Sorry to interrupt you.

    GRAY: It’s obviously—the icebreakers are key, particularly when we think about what the adversaries are doing: nuclear-powered icebreakers, growing their fleet. When we think about the limited C-130 capacity that we have now for Arctic takeoff and landings, when we think about just the general attrition of Arctic warfighting capabilities since the end of the Cold War and the lack of investment in them, I know DOD will likely have its own Arctic strategy. We have to have Arctic warfighting capacity and deterrence as a much higher-level priority. I think your chart and what your state’s dealing with is a perfect example of why.

    __________

    SULLIVAN: First, going back to this chart, I want to get a sense of why you think this has been a pretty dramatic increase from Russia and China in unprecedented joint naval and strategic bomber task forces into our airspace, into our water EEZ? And related to that, Mr. Gray, you talked about presence. You can’t have presence without infrastructure. I think it’s high time that we start looking at more infrastructure to be able to address this. We’re going to have a hearing with the NORTHCOM commander in the Armed Services Committee tomorrow. I’m going to talk a lot about looking at potential bases. There’s an incredible Navy base out here, the Adak Naval Base. It was closed during a BRAC. That could be a great sub base, Naval air station base, surface warship base. Huge refueling capacity right there flanking the Russians, Chinese. Very strategic. We’re trying to get a strategic port built in Nome, Alaska, but otherwise, we have very little infrastructure from which to launch military, economic, icebreaker capabilities. So maybe just a quick question for all the panelists. Do we need more infrastructure in America’s Arctic? I’m not talking Greenland. This hearing is about strategic interests in the Arctic. We’re an Arctic nation solely because of that great state, Alaska. What’s your sense, for all the panelists, on infrastructure in the Arctic to combat what is a very aggressive move by our adversaries? By the way, just talking to the NORTHCOM commander, we had one of the busiest times ever in terms of aggressive incursions, joint Chinese-Russian operations. That’s unprecedented. He thinks this year, it’s going to be even more. We’ve got to be ready for protecting America. Now, what’s the sense of the panel on infrastructure in America’s Arctic?

    GRAY: Senator, I couldn’t agree more. We have to have more infrastructure, not just from a defensive presence standpoint to protect our homeland, but also from a power projection standpoint. We’ve allowed our Arctic infrastructure, in addition to a lot of just our general defense industrial infrastructure, to atrophy. I think this would be a huge way to boost our capacity to deter in the Arctic.

    SULLIVAN: Great. Mr. Marchese, do you have a view on that?

    MARCHESE: Senator, I couldn’t agree with you more. You’re preaching to the converted. We, in my opinion, need significantly more infrastructure spending, not only in Alaska, but in the United States. There’s nothing wrong with fishing at your feet. We have everything we need here. It’s great that we’re going to Greenland, but let’s concentrate on what we can control, which is United States investment.

    SULLIVAN: Great. Thank you. Dr, Mercer?

    MERCER: Thank you for the question, sir. As I said before, America is the world’s leader in scientific research. That’s certainly true in the polar regions. We rely heavily, in order to be the leader in research in the polar regions, on Coast Guard icebreakers, the LC-130 aircraft, the C-17 aircraft, the Space Base Pituffik in Greenland. As I noted in my opening testimony, we’re in the design process to recapitalize and modernize Summit Station at the center of the Greenland ice sheet.

    SULLIVAN: Great. Thank you. Dr. Pincus?

    PINCUS: Thank you, Senator. I agree that we are seeing increased adversary presence in the region because they perceive weakness on their part. And so they’re pressing us there.

    SULLIVAN: By the way, it’s not on this chart. I have another one that shows they’re—I think some of the witnesses said this earlier—they’re building up their infrastructure, particularly military, but also energy and critical mineral infrastructure, in a huge way in the Arctic. We’re still kind of, I agree, exuding weakness.

    PINCUS: I would also note that we face multiple challenges in Alaska. In addition to extending and expanding our presence there, we have challenges with coastal erosion and some of the permafrost issues. So there’s money that needs to be put into current DOD installations to harden them. We’re also seeing the expansion of wildland fires and other novel challenges. I think efficient spending decisions to get as much bang for our buck is important, so we can meet the full range of national security through economic and community concerns related to that really wide range of challenges. I would put the Coast Guard at the top of the list, because it’s got a broad mission set and its assets can be utilized for a lot of different purposes. Obviously, DoD assets can be applied to civil disasters as well. And then, new technology that can help us respond effectively and juggle competing demands, whether it’s from a massive wildfire, a big coastal storm, like some of the storms we’ve seen in western Alaska, or military challenges. We have to do all of those at the same time. It’s a real big problem set and I appreciate you flagging it.

    SULLIVAN: Good. Thank you.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lummis urges swift action on Wyoming telecom security funding

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wyoming Cynthia Lummis

    Washington, D.C.— U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) sent a letter to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr urging him to ensure swift disbursement of funds for the “Rip and Replace” program. Rip and Replace funding is integral to our national security because it will remove dangerous Chinese components from our wireless communications systems and replace them with safe and secure equipment. The initial $1.9 billion funding authorized fell far short of the nearly $5 billion required to legally remove and replace impacted equipment. Without this funding, Wyoming communities could lose their access to telecommunications services. 

    “Quickly disbursing funds for the ‘Rip and Replace’ program ensures small wireless and broadband carriers throughout the country will not be saddled with millions of dollars in costs that could result in service blackouts and disruptions to Americans,” Lummis wrote. “This is especially important to states like Wyoming, where poor telecommunications connectivity continues to be one of the state’s biggest challenges. With the new funding, telecommunications companies will now have the ability to not only ensure the rural areas of Wyoming have reliable access but also that our communications systems are protected from foreign adversaries.”

    In February 2023, Lummis penned an op-ed in the Hill expressing her serious concerns over the Chinese Communist Party’s ability to spy on the people of Wyoming through the equipment used to build out broadband and wireless networks in the state and the urgent need for Rip and Replace to be fully funded.

    Last Congress, Lummis introduced an amendment to the appropriations bill to fully fund Rip and Replace and ensure Wyoming communities continue having access to reliable broadband and wireless services. Her amendment was included in the final version of the NDAA.

    Read a full copy of the letter here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján, Colleagues to President Trump: Don’t Turn Your Back on Tribal Communities

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)

    Recent Reporting Indicates Musk-Trump Layoffs at Indian Health Service Will Cut Off Access to Health Care for Tribal Communities

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, led nine other Senators in a letter to President Trump expressing concern regarding reporting that layoffs at the Indian Health Service (IHS) will dramatically impact access to health care for Tribal communities and demanding that President Trump stop from these firings at IHS. Recent reporting indicates that over 850 IHS employees who deliver critical medical care for Tribal communities are at risk of being laid off immediately. At a time when IHS faces a significant health care workforce shortage, any further reductions in IHS’ workforce will severely impact the health and wellbeing of our Tribal communities.

    “We write to express our concern regarding recent reporting that layoffs at the Indian Health Service (IHS) resulting from Executive Order 14210 and OPM guidance will dramatically impact American Indians and Alaska Native (Native) communities’ access to health care. Tribal Nations have a legal and political relationship with the United States, and the federal government has a fundamental obligation to fulfill its treaty and trust responsibilities to Tribal Nations – an obligation that includes providing services such as health care to Native communities,” wrote the senators.

    “Not only will this lead to worse health outcomes, but overall costs will also rise. With less health care services at existing IHS facilities, there will be increased Purchased Referred Care referrals. This will increase costs for the Federal government and require increased travel, accommodations, and expenses, creating increased hardships and barriers for patients and families seeking care far from where they live on Tribal lands. The federal government is already failing to meet its trust and treaty obligations to Tribal Nations, and further reductions in IHS’ workforce will severely impact the health and wellbeing of Tribal communities across the country,” the senators continued.

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

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

    Dear President Trump:

    We write to express our concern regarding recent reporting that layoffs at the Indian Health Service (IHS) resulting from Executive Order 14210 and OPM guidance will dramatically impact American Indians and Alaska Native (Native) communities’ access to health care. Tribal Nations have a legal and political relationship with the United States, and the federal government has a fundamental obligation to fulfill its treaty and trust responsibilities to Tribal Nations – an obligation that includes providing services such as health care to Native communities. Abruptly terminating any IHS employees undermines this responsibility, and we urge you to halt the mass firing of any essential health care workers at IHS to preserve the Federal obligations to Tribes.

    Reporting indicates that more than 850 IHS employees, including 90 physicians, 350 nurses, at least 25 nurse practitioners, nearly 20 dentists, 43 dental assistants, more than 85 pharmacists, 45 lab technicians and more than 15 service area chief executives or their deputies are at risk of being laid off immediately. This is particularly concerning because IHS has long struggled with chronic health care workforce shortages. Last year, IHS experienced nearly 2,000 vacancies, and a 2018 GAO report found that IHS had an overall health care provider vacancy rate of 25 percent across service areas. These shortages, which are attributed to limited recruitment incentives, lower salaries, lengthy hiring processes, and geographic isolation, result in longer wait times for appointments, over worked providers who cannot spend enough time with patients, inadequate follow-up care, and provider burnout – leading to lower patient satisfaction and worse health outcomes. It is not uncommon for recently hired clinicians to be the only primary care provider or specialist in their IHS Service Area. AI/ANs already face significantly lower life expectancies compared to the general U.S. population and higher rates of disease including diabetes and hypertension.

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

    The federal government is already failing to meet its trust and treaty obligations to Tribal Nations, and further reductions in IHS’ workforce will severely impact the health and wellbeing of Tribal communities across the country. Therefore, we strongly urge you to stop these firings and retain IHS probationary staff.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Shaheen Helps Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation to Establish Permanent Air Guard Tuition Assistance Program

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen

    (Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a senior member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee and Co-Chair of the U.S. Senate National Guard Caucus, along with U.S. Senators John Hoeven (R-ND), Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Jerry Moran (R-KS), reintroduced their bipartisan legislation to establish a permanent federal tuition assistance (FTA) program benefitting Air National Guard members. The Air Guard Standardizing Tuition Assistance to Unify the Services (STATUS) Act requires the Secretary of the Air Force to provide tuition assistance to drill-status members of the Air National Guard, consistent with the program available to the Army National Guard.  

    “Ensuring that the brave women and men serving in the Air National Guard have access to educational opportunities will not only help our recruitment and retention but will also enhance our overall military preparedness and provide service members the benefits they deserve,” said Senator Shaheen. “Passing our bipartisan legislation will make tuition more affordable for the Air National Guard and bring their educational benefits in line with the other service branches. Let’s get this done.” 

    “Our Air Guard members deserve to receive the same benefits as their counterparts, both in the reserve and active duty components of the military,” said Senator Hoeven. “Our legislation makes the Air Guard FTA pilot program that we first worked to establish in 2020 permanent and available to drill-status Guard members across the country. Doing so will ensure the Air Guard, like the Happy Hooligans in Fargo, can continue to recruit the best and brightest members to support the increasingly high-tech missions they take on in defense of our nation.” 

    “Colorado is home to over 1,500 Air National Guardsmen whose dedication and sacrifice helps keep our state and country safe,” said Senator Bennet. “Our bipartisan bill will help attract, develop, and retain members of the Air National Guard and ensure servicemembers nationwide have the educational benefits they deserve.” 

    “The men and women in the Air National Guard work alongside their active-duty counterparts to protect our nation and serve our communities,” said Senator Moran. “Providing the same educational benefits to the Air National Guard that the Army National Guard receives will help increase recruitment rates and make certain our servicemembers have access to the benefits they deserve.” 

    “We must take care of the servicemembers who take care of our nation. One way to show our gratitude is to invest in their future through federal tuition assistance,” said retired Maj. Gen. Francis M. McGinn, NGAUS President. “We must equally provide for our Soldiers and our Airmen. This bill corrects a long-standing gap in National Guard benefits and will empower our Airmen to reach new heights in knowledge and skill. We thank Senators Hoeven and Shaheen for their efforts and continued support of the National Guard.” 

    Shaheen and Hoeven have championed efforts in the U.S. Senate to establish a federal tuition assistance (FTA) program for Air National Guard members. This legislation follows efforts by Hoeven and Shaheen to establish and fund an FTA pilot program and ensure that North Dakota and New Hampshire Air Guardsmen had access to this important benefit. The Senators secured a total of $18.8 million across fiscal years (FY) 2020-2023 to support the program. The legislation is supported by the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS). 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Legislation to Address Antisemitism on College Campuses Reintroduced in Congress

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo

    Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) joined Senators Tim Scott (R-South Carolina) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nevada) in reintroducing the Antisemitism Awareness Act, which would direct the U.S. Department of Education to use the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) definition of antisemitism when investigating antisemitic acts on campus.

    “College campuses across the country have provided fertile ground for antisemitic violence and harassment following increased student demonstrations and statements supporting Hamas’ October 7 attacks,” said Crapo.  “Jewish students should feel safe and protected from harassment on college campuses, and much-needed clarity for universities will ensure antisemitic behavior is not tolerated at any level of America’s education system.”

    The Antisemitism Awareness Act would further ensure the U.S. Department of Education has a clear definition of antisemitism when determining whether an antisemitic incident on campus crosses the line from free speech into harassing, unlawful or discriminatory conduct.  

    Crapo, a member of the Senate Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism, co-sponsored the bill in the 118th Congress.

    Additional co-sponsors in the Senate include Senators James Lankford (R-Oklahoma), Charles Schumer (D-New York), Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut), Rick Scott (R-Florida), Maggie Hassan (D-New Hampshire), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-New York), Shelley Moore Capito (R-West Virginia), Ruben Gallego (D-Arizona), John Hickenlooper (D-Colorado), Katie Britt (R-Alabama), Ron Wyden (D-Oregon), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Chris Coons (D-Delaware), Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nevada), John Boozman (R-Arkansas), Michael Bennet (D-Colorado), Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska), Maria Cantwell (D-Washington), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), John Fetterman (D-Pennsylvania), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), Adam Schiff (D-California), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi), Elissa Slotkin (D-Michigan), Deb Fischer (R-Nebraska), Mark Warner (D-Virginia), John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), Gary Peters (D-Michigan), Cory Booker (D-New Jersey) and Steve Daines (R-Montana).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crapo Backs Effort to Permanently Repeal the Death Tax

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo

    Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senator Mike Crapo, Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, joined Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-South Dakota) and 44 additional Senate colleagues in reintroducing legislation that would permanently repeal the federal estate tax, commonly known as the death tax.  The Death Tax Repeal Act would end this purely punitive tax that can hit family-run farms, ranches, and businesses as the result of the owner’s death.

    “Small businesses are the lifeblood of Idaho’s economy, and family farmers, ranchers and entrepreneurs have often worked lifetimes to grow their businesses,” said Crapo.  “The death tax can be a devastating blow to American families who want to pass down their farm or small business to the next generation.  It’s time to permanently provide relief from this unfair tax.”

    “Family farms and ranches play a vital role in our economy and are the lifeblood of rural communities in South Dakota,” said Thune.  “Losing even one of them to the death tax is one too many. It’s time to put an end to this punishing, burdensome tax once and for all so that family farms, ranches and small businesses can grow and thrive without costly estate planning or massive tax burdens that can threaten their viability.”

    The legislation is supported by the Idaho Cattle Association and the Idaho Farm Bureau.

    “The Idaho Cattle Association supports full repeal of the ‘Death Tax,’” said Cameron Mulrony, Executive Vice President of the Idaho Cattle Association.  “The long-term success of our historic industry has been predicated on the ability to provide profitability and transfer over generations.  The repeal of this tax is critical in the continual success of multi-generational operations and the legacy of our industry.”

    “The Idaho Farm Bureau Federation applauds efforts to permanently repeal the Death Tax,” said Bryan Searle, President of the Idaho Farm Bureau.  “One of the best ways to support multi-generation family farms and ranches is to not penalize the new generation. Farm Bureau thanks Senators Thune and Crapo for leading on this important issue.”

    Additional co-sponsors of the legislation include U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Jim Banks (R-Indiana), John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee), John Boozman (R-Arkansas), Katie Britt (R-Alabama), Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), Shelley Moore Capito (R-West Virginia), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), John Curtis (R-Utah), Steve Daines (R-Montana), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Deb Fischer (R-Nebraska), Lindsay Graham (R-South Carolina), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee), Josh Hawley (R-Missouri), John Hoeven (R-North Dakota), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi), Ron Johnson (R-Wisconsin), Jim Justice (R-West Virginia), John Kennedy (R-Louisiana), James Lankford (R-Oklahoma), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming), Roger Marshall (R-Kansas), Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky), Dave McCormick (R-Pennsylvania), Jerry Moran (R-Kansas), Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), Markwayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma), Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska), Mike Rounds (R-South Dakota), Eric Schmitt (R-Missouri), Rick Scott (R-Florida), Tim Scott (R-South Carolina), Tim Sheehy (R-Montana), Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina), Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama), Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi) and Todd Young (R-Indiana).  Representative Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

    The bill is supported by more than 190 members of the Family Business Coalition and more than 105 members of the Family Business Estate Tax Coalition, which includes the National Federation of Independent Business, the National Restaurant Association, the National Association of Home Builders and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Collins, King Join Reintroduction of Bipartisan Legislation to Help Prevent Mass Violence

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers in both chambers of Congress to reintroduce the EAGLES Act to help prevent acts of mass violence. The bill, named after the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School mascot and introduced on the seventh anniversary of the tragic school shooting in Parkland, Florida, would expand the U.S. Secret Service’s National Threat Assessment Center (NTAC) to include a greater focus on preventing targeted violence, including school violence.

    “No child should feel unsafe in the classroom, and we must take action to ensure that schools are a secure place for students, teachers, and staff,” said Senator Collins. “This bipartisan legislation would strengthen research and training to prevent targeted violence, including threats to schools, helping educators and law enforcement better identify risks early and respond effectively.”

    “Too many communities in Maine and all across the country have been devastated by mass acts of violence. Whether it’s at school, the supermarket, or church, Americans deserve to feel safe while going about their daily lives. The bipartisan EAGLES Act would expand the capabilities of the National Threat Assessment Center so we can better prevent mass violence and senseless tragedies. This is a proactive, commonsense step forward in combatting public threats and I thank my colleagues for coming together to help keep our communities safe,” said Senator King.

    The U.S. Secret Service’s National Threat Assessment Center was created in 1998 to develop evidence-based indicators for various types of targeted violence, including school violence. NTAC’s findings can then be used to develop best practices and training to prevent future acts of violence. Since 2002, the Secret Service has conducted hundreds of training operations for more than 198,000 school administrators, teachers, counselors, mental health professionals, school resource officers and other public safety partners. The EAGLES Act reauthorizes and expands NTAC, allowing it to scale its threat assessment operations, with a particular focus on school safety.

    In addition to reauthorizing the Center and expanding their research and education capabilities, the bill establishes a national program on targeted school violence prevention and provides additional resources for research and training. Through the bill’s school safety initiative, the NTAC will coordinate trainings and plans with the Departments of Justice and Education. The bill also requires the Secret Service to provide periodic progress reports to Congress.

    Along with Senators Collins and King, and lead sponsors Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), the EAGLES Act is cosponsored by Senators Rick Scott (R-FL), Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Pete Ricketts (R-NE). Companion legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by Representatives Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL-26) and Jared Moskowitz (D-FL-23).

    The legislation is endorsed by Make Our Schools Safe, School-Based Health Alliance, National Fraternal Order of Police, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, National Association of School Resource Officers, National Association of Secondary School Principals, Safe Schools for Alex, Stand with Parkland, Everytown for Gun Safety, Safe and Sound Schools, National Sheriff’s Association, Sergeants Benevolent Association, and The American Psychological Association.

    The complete text of the bill can be read here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Baldwin Introduces Year-Round E15 Bill to Cut Costs at the Pump, Support Wisconsin Farmers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and a bipartisan group of her colleagues introduced the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025. The legislation would allow the year-round, nationwide sale of E15 which will help lower costs at the pump and support Wisconsin agriculture.

    “Homegrown biofuels cut costs at the pump for Wisconsin families while supporting our farmers and increasing our energy independence from foreign oil,” said Senator Baldwin. “I am proud to work with my Democratic and Republican colleagues to ensure cleaner E15 fuel is available year-round, support our agricultural communities, and move our Made in Wisconsin economy forward.”

    Senator Baldwin has long championed increasing the use of biofuels to reduce prices at the pump and support Wisconsin’s farmers, producers, and rural communities. In 2023 and 2024, Senator Baldwin successfully pushed the Biden administration to allow E15 fuel to be sold during the summer months.

    The bill is led by Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) and also co-sponsored by Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), John Thune (R-SD), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Mike Rounds (R-SD).

    The legislation is endorsed by American Petroleum Institute, Renewable Fuels Association, Growth Energy, National Corn Growers Association, National Farmer Union, and National Association of Convenience Stores.

    Full text of the bill is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Baldwin Introduces Bill to Cap Prescription Drug Costs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) joined a group of her colleagues in introducing the Capping Prescription Costs Act, legislation that would lower prescription drug costs for millions of Americans by placing annual caps on out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs at $2,000 for individuals and $4,000 for families with private insurance. This legislation builds on the success of the Baldwin-backed Inflation Reduction Act, which capped prescription drug costs for seniors, extending the savings to the commercial health care market.

    “While the big drug companies are raking in billions of dollars in profits, too many families across Wisconsin are scraping to get by and forced to make impossible decisions to afford the prescription drugs they need to stay healthy,” said Senator Baldwin. “It’s wrong and we have to do more to hold these price-gouging companies accountable and keep costs down for families. Our legislation will lower the price of prescription drugs and help ensure that every Wisconsinite has access to the quality, affordable health care that they deserve.”

    Over 60 percent of American adults take at least one prescription drug, with 25 percent of adults taking four or more. Yet Americans often pay more for the same prescription drugs than people in other countries, and due to the cost burden, American patients often cannot afford their medications as prescribed. This results in patients skipping doses, cutting doses in half, or taking over-the-counter medications instead of their prescriptions. One study found that 31 percent of patients did not take their medications as prescribed due to cost. The new $2,000 cap on cost-sharing for individuals and $4,000 for families will apply to all of the 173 million Americans who have private health insurance.

    Senator Baldwin has long championed bringing down prescription drug costs. In August 2022, Senator Baldwin helped pass the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to lower health care and prescription drug costs for older adults, people with disabilities, and families across the nation. Starting in January 2023, the IRA capped the cost of insulin for Medicare Part D beneficiaries at $35 a month for certain covered insulin products. 

    Senator Baldwin also launched an investigation into the extremely high prices four large pharmaceutical companies charge for inhalers that 25 million Americans with asthma and 16 million Americans with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) rely on to breathe. In just two months after the investigation was launched, three of the four pharmaceutical companies capped their out-of-pocket costs for their inhaler products at $35 per month in the United States.

    This legislation is led by Senator Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and is co-sponsored by Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), John Fetterman (D-PA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maritn Heinrich (D-NM), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Patty Murray (D-WA), and Peter Welch (D-VT).

    Full text of the legislation is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto, Grassley Lead Reintroduction of Bipartisan Legislation to Prevent Mass Violence

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto

    Seven years after the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, lawmakers continue bipartisan push for changes to prevent future violence

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) led bipartisan lawmakers in both chambers of Congress to reintroduce the EAGLES Act to prevent acts of mass violence. The bill, named after the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School mascot and introduced on the seventh anniversary of the tragic school shooting in Parkland, Florida, would expand the U.S. Secret Service’s National Threat Assessment Center (NTAC) to include a greater focus on preventing targeted violence, including school violence.

    The NTAC provides research and training for behavioral threat assessment and targeted violence, including school shootings and other public threats. The legislation creates a national program on targeted school violence prevention and expands the NTAC’s research and training on school violence and its dissemination of information on school violence prevention initiatives.

    “School shootings have devastated communities across the country, including in Nevada,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “This bipartisan legislation will help our law enforcement stop these violent attacks before they occur, so families can send their children to school without fear.”

    “Effective behavioral threat assessments and early interventions can stop deadly ideas from becoming tragic acts,” said Senator Grassley. “Our bill would enable the Secret Service to share their unique tools and expertise with school safety partners across the country, building safer communities. While we cannot undo past tragedies, we can work together to honor the memories of those we’ve lost and prevent future violence.”

    The legislation is supported by Make Our Schools Safe, School-Based Health Alliance, National Fraternal Order of Police, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, National Association of School Resource Officers, National Association of Secondary School Principals, Safe Schools for Alex, Stand with Parkland, Everytown for Gun Safety, Safe and Sound Schools, National Sheriff’s Association, Sergeant Benevolent Association, and The American Psychological Association.

    The U.S. Secret Service’s National Threat Assessment Center (NTAC) was created in 1998 to develop evidence-based indicators for various types of targeted violence, including school violence. NTAC’s findings can then be used to develop best practices and training to prevent future acts of violence. Since 2002, the Secret Service has conducted hundreds of training operations for more than 198,000 school administrators, teachers, counselors, mental health professionals, school resource officers and other public safety partners. The EAGLES Act reauthorizes and expands NTAC, allowing it to scale its threat assessment operations, with a particular focus on school safety.

    In addition to reauthorizing the Center and expanding their research and education capabilities, the bill establishes a national program on targeted school violence prevention and provides additional resources for research and training. Through the bill’s school safety initiative, the NTAC will coordinate trainings and plans with the Departments of Justice and Education. The bill also requires the Secret Service to provide periodic progress reports to Congress.

    The full text of the legislation can be found here, and a summary of the bill can be found here.

    Senator Cortez Masto has pushed to reduce gun violence, including through expanding background checks and other commonsense gun violence prevention measures. She has led bipartisan legislation in the Senate to permanently ban bump stocks and other devices that allow semi-automatic firearms to increase their rate of fire and effectively operate as fully automatic weapons. She voted to pass the bipartisan Safer Communities Act to close the so-called “boyfriend loophole.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray: Trump Move Undermining Vaccines Is Straight-Out Pro-Sickness

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), senior member and former chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, and a former local school board member, released the following statement in response to President Trump signing an Executive Order barring federal funding from schools and universities with COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

    “This continues to show that President Trump and Secretary Kennedy are just straight-out pro-sickness. It is entirely unconscionable, and unethical. Vaccine requirements are not new, nor are the exceptions that have long existed. Schools and states decide their vaccine policies, often after consulting public health officials, and should never be asked to sacrifice student safety for federal funding. This executive order undermines confidence in the COVID vaccine, and this fact-free, anti-vaccine policy, along with Republicans’ full endorsement of a vaccine skeptic as our nation’s top health official, will dangerously turbocharge distrust in lifesaving vaccines across the board—despite all the evidence showing they are safe. Let’s also be clear: an administration that talks a big game about empowering local communities to make decisions for themselves is now creating a sweeping and dangerous new mandate—telling every school in America to pick between funding to keep teachers on the job and keeping students safe.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy, Blumenthal, 17 Colleagues Introduce Bill to Raise Minimum Age to Buy Assault Weapons

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    February 14, 2025

    WASHINGTON—On the seventh anniversary of the tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) joined 17 of their Senate colleagues in introducing the Age 21 Act, legislation to raise the minimum age to purchase assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines from 18 to 21—the same age requirement that already applies to purchasing handguns from federally licensed dealers. Individuals under 21 have used assault weapons in some of the most devastating school shootings in U.S. history, including the mass shootings at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, and Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.

    “From Uvalde to Parkland, it’s just a fact the profile of these shooters are often teenagers who were able to legally get their hands on a deadly weapon like an AR-15. A majority of Americans support raising the age to purchase assault weapons or handguns to 21. Congress should do it,” said Murphy.

    “Too many innocent lives lost, too many individuals facing relentless grief—we must take action to stop the epidemic of gun violence plaguing our nation. By raising the minimum age requirement for purchasing assault weapons, the Age 21 Act keeps guns out of the hands of individuals who lack the necessary maturity to handle firearms, combatting gun violence hurting our communities. This legislation takes meaningful action to prevent senseless, unnecessary tragedies,” said Blumenthal.

    Gun violence is a national crisis, claiming over 46,000 lives in 2023 — the third-largest number of gun-related deaths in American history. Assault weapons, originally engineered for military combat to maximize damage, are frequently used in mass shootings because of their ability to inflict catastrophic harm in mere seconds. More than 85 percent of deaths in public mass shootings involving four or more fatalities were caused by assault rifles. Furthermore, shootings involving assault weapons or large-capacity magazines result in more than 2.5 times as many people being shot compared to incidents involving other firearms.

    The bill’s restrictions on the sale of assault weapons, handguns, large-capacity ammunition feeding devices, and related ammunition to individuals under the age of 21 would apply to both federally licensed and private sellers. Additionally, the legislation would bar most individuals under 21 from possessing these items, with limited exceptions for specific circumstances such as service in law enforcement or the armed forces.

    U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) also cosponsored the legislation.

    The Age 21 Act is endorsed by organizations including Brady: United Against Gun Violence, March for Our Lives, Giffords, Newtown Action Alliance, and Everytown for Gun Safety.

    A one-pager on the bill is available HERE. Full text of the bill is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy, Underwood Demand Answers On Reported FEMA Grant Freeze

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, and U.S. Representative Lauren Underwood (D-Ill.), acting Ranking Member of the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, on Friday sent a letter to Kristi Noem, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, demanding answers about reports that FEMA froze funding for critical grant programs. The lawmakers requested the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) clarify the authority behind these potential funding holds, their impact on public safety, and the recent firing of FEMA employees tied to grant administration.

    Murphy and Underwood emphasized the myriad ways this funding supports public safety and disaster preparedness: “FEMA federal assistance funding appropriated by Congress supports counterterrorism, transportation and port security, fire departments and other first responders, state and local emergency management, border security, flood mapping, alerts and warnings to the public, and more. These funds make our communities more safe and secure, and enjoy bicameral and bipartisan support. There is no question as to Congressional intent that FEMA federal assistance be quickly provided to eligible applicants, with annual appropriations language requiring many of these grants to be announced, applied for, and awarded within 205 days of the date of enactment.”

    “Recipients of FEMA grants count on these funds to provide essential services for the American people across virtually every State, Territory, and Tribe,” they continued. “They fund firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and the equipment they use. They harden our infrastructure to protect against acts of terror. They allow for the identification of flood risk so we don’t build in flood plains. They protect our religious institutions from threats of violence. They fund the infrastructure to notify the public of impending danger. They build out national emergency management capabilities, such as urban search and rescue teams that respond to disasters across the country in times of need.”

    They concluded: “Any ‘financial holds’ on these funds would be both reckless and in contravention of appropriations law. Even the slightest delay in the disbursement of awarded funds can have devastating effects on our communities. If any such holds are in place, they should be lifted immediately absent extremely compelling circumstances that have not yet been communicated to the Committees.”

    Full text of the letter is available HERE and below:

    Dear Secretary Noem,

    The Committees are seeking information related to the possible freezing of grant funding within the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). According to a February 11, 2025, report from NBC News, “(a) senior official at the Federal Emergency Management Agency instructed subordinates to freeze funding for a wide array of grant programs Monday,” February 10, 2025. The article cites an email with the subject line, “URGENT: Holds on awards,” which purportedly instructs FEMA employees to “put financial holds on all of your awards—all open awards, all years (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024).”

    FEMA federal assistance funding appropriated by Congress supports counterterrorism, transportation and port security, fire departments and other first responders, state and local emergency management, border security, flood mapping, alerts and warnings to the public, and more. These funds make our communities more safe and secure, and enjoy bicameral and bipartisan support. There is no question as to Congressional intent that FEMA federal assistance be quickly provided to eligible applicants, with annual appropriations language requiring many of these grants to be announced, applied for, and awarded within 205 days of the date of enactment.

    Recipients of FEMA grants count on these funds to provide essential services for the American people across virtually every State, Territory, and Tribe. They fund firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and the equipment they use. They harden our infrastructure to protect against acts of terror. They allow for the identification of flood risk so we don’t build in flood plains. They protect our religious institutions from threats of violence. They fund the infrastructure to notify the public of impending danger. They build out national emergency management capabilities, such as urban search and rescue teams that respond to disasters across the country in times of need.

    Any “financial holds” on these funds would be both reckless and in contravention of appropriations law. Even the slightest delay in the disbursement of awarded funds can have devastating effects on our communities. If any such holds are in place, they should be lifted immediately absent extremely compelling circumstances that have not yet been communicated to the Committees. As such, please provide written responses to the following questions, including any associated documentation:

    1. Were any such holds placed on FEMA grant programs, and if so, are such holds still in place?
    2. Under what authority or authorities were such holds implemented?
    3. If any such holds were or are in place, what funds were withheld and over what time period(s), split by both program and recipients?
    4. What, if any, reviews were conducted, are currently underway, or are planned with respect to these funds?
    5. How are these reviews being performed, what office is performing them, and how and when will these results be communicated to the Committee?

    In addition, the Committees are seeking information following recent news out of FEMA related to the administration of grant programs and the firing of agency personnel.

    On February 11, 2025, we understand that four FEMA employees were fired for activities related to the Shelter and Services Program (SSP), and funding that was drawn down by New York City government pursuant to their SSP grant award. In a statement to the Associated Press on February 10, 2025, your spokesperson, Trisha McLaughlin, stated that “(i)ndividuals who circumvented leadership and unilaterally made this payment will be fired and held accountable.” However, you have not provided any evidence that the actions of these employees were illegal, misaligned with the law, or contrary to the intent of Congress.

    On January 28, 2025, you issued a memorandum, Direction on Grants to Non-governmental Organizations. In that memorandum, you directed that “all Department grant disbursements and assessments of grant applications that: (a) go to non-profit organizations or for which non-profit organizations are eligible, and (b) touch in any way on immigration, are on hold pending review, except to the extent required by controlling legal authority.” The memorandum did not impact grants to state, local, tribal, or territorial governments, or grants for which those governments are eligible.

    We understand that FEMA paused disbursements to non-governmental organizations (NGOs) awarded grants under SSP pursuant to the aforementioned memorandum. However, because the memorandum did not apply to grants to state, local, tribal, or territorial governments, it did not impact SSP grants to New York City government. SSP grants to New York City and other recipients were awarded pursuant to enacted appropriations by this Committee and the applicable Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFOs), and were subject to budget submissions and spend plans requiring approval by FEMA prior to funding drawdowns by the recipients.

    Considering that: (1) your January 28, 2025, memorandum did not impact SSP grants to New York City government; (2) the awarding of funds to New York City government were made before the current administration took office on January 20, 2025; (3) the awarding of SSP grants, including to New York City government, were implemented in accordance with enacted law and Congressional intent; and (4) mechanisms were in place for New York City government to draw down funding for eligible expenses per their approved budget and spend plan; what is the justification for the firing of the four FEMA employees? Further, what leadership was “circumvented,” and in what way(s) did they “unilaterally” make “this payment?”

    Please provide responses to the bulleted grant questions immediately, including supporting documentation (and dates), along with any written guidance or direction related to such holds. If guidance or direction was provided via non-written means, please provide a written description of such guidance or direction. Please provide responses to the SSP-related questions by February 21, 2025.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy, Blumenthal, Colleagues Tell Trump: Hands Off Medicare And Medicaid

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, and U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), joined 30 of their Senate colleagues in sending a letter to President Donald Trump demanding the Trump administration, Elon Musk, and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) make no cuts to Medicare and Medicaid to pay for tax cuts for billionaires. This follows reports that Elon Musk and DOGE officials gained access to key payment and contracting systems at the Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services (CMS), which administers Medicare and Medicaid.

    In 2024, 68 million seniors and people with disabilities relied on Medicare coverage for essential health care, including hospital visits, screenings for cancer, diabetes, and depression, and prescription drugs. Nearly 80 million Americans relied on Medicaid, making it the largest public health insurance program in the United States.

    “We write to say no to Elon Musk and DOGE, and demand hands off Medicare or Medicaid,” the lawmakers wrote. “We strongly oppose any efforts by Musk – or anyone else in your administration – cutting or damaging these vital programs. Medicare and Medicaid must not be raided to pay for tax cuts for billionaires. Every cut risks Americans paying more, waiting longer, and wading through more insurance red tape for care. Every cut risks hospitals and community health centers struggling harder to keep their doors open and forcing health providers and workers out of their jobs.”

    They added: “We continue to fight for a health care system that works better for all Americans, so they experience lower costs, shorter wait times, and receive better care. But your Administration, Elon Musk, and DOGE have already made that harder. Your Administration is already responsible for the shut-down of Medicaid portals across all 50 states, disruptions to vital health care communication, closures of community health centers, and significant delays in funding for life-saving health research. Cuts to Medicare and Medicaid will only serve to deepen the harm.”

    The lawmakers concluded: “It is dangerously unacceptable that an unelected Musk and his unqualified acolytes have access to sensitive CMS systems and are ready to bypass Congress to make life and death decisions affecting millions of Americans. No one asked for this lawless approach to our critical government health care systems. We urge you to stop this threat to Americans’ health care, now.”

    U.S. Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.),  Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) also signed the letter. 

    The full text of the letter is available HERE and below:

    Dear President Trump:

    We write with alarm at recent actions by your Administration that put Medicare and Medicaid at risk – threatening access to care for 140 million Americans. On February 5, Elon Musk and representatives of his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) gained access to key payment and contracting systems at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the agency that administers these vital programs. Masquerading as a false crusade against waste, fraud, and abuse, Musk appears intent to break the programs that seniors, people with disabilities, children, and families rely on to get their health care. We write to say no to Elon Musk and DOGE, and demand hands off Medicare or Medicaid. We strongly oppose any efforts by Musk – or anyone else in your administration – cutting or damaging these vital programs. Medicare and Medicaid must not be raided to pay for tax cuts for billionaires.

    Medicare and Medicaid are lifelines for millions of Americans. In 2024, 68 million seniors and people with disabilities seniors relied on Medicare coverage for essential health care, including hospital visits, screenings for cancer, diabetes, and depression, and prescription drugs. Nearly 80 million Americans relied on Medicaid, making it the largest public health insurance program in the United States. Medicaid provides funding to states for services at nursing homes, hospitals, rural health clinics as well as home health services, addiction and mental health services, and family planning. Americans rely on Medicaid for pregnancy and childbirth, as well as long-term services and supports to care for people with disabilities, older adults, and chronically ill Americans.

    But now, DOGE is invading CMS, posing immeasurable risks to Americans’ health care. DOGE representatives, with no training or expertise, could make unilateral, politically motivated decisions to target both beneficiaries and health care providers while blocking access to care and essential payments for services. Every cut risks Americans paying more, waiting longer, and wading through more insurance red tape for care. Every cut risks hospitals and community health centers struggling harder to keep their doors open and forcing health providers and workers out of their jobs.

    We continue to fight for a health care system that works better for all Americans, so they experience lower costs, shorter wait times, and receive better care. But your Administration, Elon Musk, and DOGE have already made that harder. Your Administration is already responsible for the shut-down of Medicaid portals across all 50 states, disruptions to vital health care communication, closures of community health centers, and significant delays in funding for life-saving health research. Cuts to Medicare and Medicaid will only serve to deepen the harm.

    It is dangerously unacceptable that an unelected Musk and his unqualified acolytes have access to sensitive CMS systems and are ready to bypass Congress to make life and death decisions affecting millions of Americans. No one asked for this lawless approach to our critical government health care systems. We urge you to stop this threat to Americans’ health care, now.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville Nominates 57 Alabama Students to U.S. Service Academies

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)
    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) announced his nomination of 57 Alabama students to multiple U.S. service academies including the U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, and U.S. Naval Academy as part of the class of 2029. This is Senator Tuberville’s fourth round of nominations since assuming office. Earlier this year, Senator Tuberville was named as the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Personnel for the Senate Armed Services Committee, where he is positioned to help bolster military recruiting and retention. 
    “Our young people are the number one commodity we have in this country, and Alabama is home to the best and brightest,” said Senator Tuberville. “I’m proud to represent a state with so many patriotic young leaders who want to serve in our nation’s military. It’s an honor to nominate 57 of these students for a service academy appointment. I have no doubt they will continue to make our state and country proud.”
    A complete list of Senator Tuberville’s nominees for the class of 2029 can be found below.
    *indicates additional service academy nomination
    United States Air Force Academy:
    Madeline Ashley Alford: Birmingham, AL; Homewood High School;daughter Josh Alford and Ashley Davenport
    Sarah R. Brock: New Market, AL; Whitesburg Baptist Christian School; daughter of Jason and Heather Brock
    Madelyn Bushong: Daleville, AL; Ridgecrest Christian School;daughter Benjamin and Vanessa Bushong
    John David Dallas: Auburn, AL; Auburn High School; son of Doug and Heather Dallas
    Julianna Ruth Gingrich: Enterprise, AL; Enterprise High School; daughter of Shane and Christina Gingrich
    Samuel Vaughn Holmes: Montgomery, AL; Loveless Academic Magnet Program High; son of Harry and Tina Holmes
    Kenneth Lee Jimmerson Jr.: Montgomery, AL; USAFA Prep School; Brewbaker Technology Magnet High School; son of Kenneth Sr. and Michelle Jimmerson
    Anna Elizabeth Martin: Andalusia, AL; Andalusia High School;daughter of Travis and Heidi Martin
    Jack Messervy: Owens Cross Roads, AL; Huntsville High School;son of Chris and Kim Messervy
    Jackson Noah Mitchell: Adger, AL; Oak Grove High School;son of Paul and Amy Mitchell
    *William McCarton Mitchell: Huntsville, AL; Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering; son of Thomas and Irene Mitchell
    John Willis Parsons: Auburn, AL; Auburn High School;son of Robert and Ashley Parsons
    Richard Dean Rutledge III: Albertville, AL; Plainview High School; son of Richard D. Rutledge II and Susan Rutledge
    Benton Nathanael Shelton: Cecil, AL; Pike Road High School; son of Brian and Carolyn Shelton
    Landon Alexander Ward: Spanish Fort, AL; Spanish Fort High School;son of Eddie and Natasha Ward
    United States Military Academy:
    Trinity Gwenyth Bentley: Springville, AL;  St. Clair County School Virtual Preparatory Academy; daughter of Patrick and Madelyn Bentley
    Matthew James Buhl: Harvest, AL; Westminster Christian Academy; son of Joshua and Rachel Buhl
    Katherine Grace Chatfield: Huntsville, AL; St. Michael’s Academy; daughter of Joseph and Diane Chatfield
    Jackson Best Cook: Mountain Brook, AL; USMA Prep School; Mountain Brook High School; son of Jackson and Catherine Cook
    Cooper Daniel Gillis: Birmingham, AL; Homewood High School; son of Brent and Brooke Gillis
    Sprinnia Anne Gregory:  Mountain Brook, AL; Mountain Brook High School; daughter of Mark and Theresa Gregory
    Heinrich Kai Hanada: Huntsville, AL; German School Tokyo Yokohama; son of Heinrich Miki Hanada
    Aiden Elliot Harkey: Dothan, AL; Slocomb High School; son of Kathi Crick
    Daniel Clark Hill II:  Daphne, AL; Daphne High School; son of Daniel and Linda Kay Hill
    David Wayne Hudry: Decatur, AL; Decatur Heritage Christian Academy; son of Wayne and Twila Hudry
    Charles Hillman Jacobs III: Decatur, AL; Providence Classical School; son of Charles and Christy Jacobs
    Jaden A. Johnson: Huntsville, AL; New Century Technology High School; son of Carl and Valisha Johnson
    Aaron Jacob Lee: Orange Beach, AL; Marion Military Institute; son of Larry and Heidi Lee
    Jason P. Love: Chelsea, AL; Briarwood Christian School; son of Brad and Pam Love
    Judd Johnston Lunsford: Huntsville, AL; Randolph School; son of Bill and Ingrid Lunsford
    Stanley Hawkins McConnell Jr.: Mobile, AL; UMS-Wright Preparatory School; son of Stan and Anna McConnell
    *William McCarton Mitchell: Huntsville, AL; Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering; son of Thomas and Irene Mitchell
    Jason J. Park: Madison, AL; James Clemens High School; son of Eun and Taesoo Park
    Andrew Martin Paul: Athens, AL; St. John Paul II Catholic High School; son of James and Laura Paul
    Spencer Joseph Perkins: Prattville, AL; Prattville Christian Academy; son of Ryan and Alora Fisher 
    Thomas B. Sigler: Madison, AL; Bob Jones High School; son of Jason and Brooke Sigler
    Emily Chambers Spooner: Vestavia Hills, AL; Vestavia Hills High School; daughter of Alan and Melanie Spooner
    Cammi Emma Tillery: Enterprise, AL; Enterprise High School; daughter of Robert and Heidi Tillery
    Emily Minh Chau Tran: Auburn, AL; Alabama School of Math & Science; daughter of Nam Tran
    Savannah Grace Trejo: Auburn, AL; Auburn High School; daughter of Charles and Jazzmin Trejo
    Ava Yasmin Valadi: Phenix City, AL; Brookstone School; daughter of Nojan and Jennifer Valadi 
    *Madison Lydia Walz: Auburn, AL; Auburn High School; daughter of Paul and Heather Walz
    Caiden Williams: Harvest, AL; Life Christian Academy; son of Charles and Rebra Kay Williams
    Ethan Sunghyun Yi: Montgomery, AL; The Montgomery Academy; son of Lee and Heejin Yi
    United States Naval Academy:
    Joshua Robert DeFour: Madison, AL; Sparkman High School; son of Robert and Mary DeFour
    Jonathan Lawrence Ellsworth Eddingfield: Daphne, AL; Daphne High School; son of Lawrence and Valerie Eddingfield
    Hagen Kristopher Holley: Hoover, AL; Spain Park High School; son of Steve and Ramona Holley
    Jonathan Levi Hulcher: Mobile, AL; Alabama School of Math and Science; son of Steve and Peggy Hulcher
    Maggie Christine Mae Ingram: McCalla, AL; Heritage Christian Academy; daughter of Jason and Cheryl Ingram
    Jackson Thomas Kalnoske: Birmingham, AL; Chelsea High School; son of Tom and Courtney Kalnoske
    Truman Lee: Mountain Brook, AL; Mountain Brook High School; son of Tommy and Nidia Lee
    Natalie Holland McCabe: Tuscumbia, AL; Muscle Shoals High School;daughter ofTrip and Jill McCabe
    Millicent Elizabeth McCormick: Pelham, AL; Pelham High School;daughter ofRonald and Amanda McCormick
    Jack Pritchett: Montgomery, AL; Loveless Academic Magnet Program High;son of Bill and Anna Pritchett
    Lillian Litton Rand: Birmingham, AL; St. Andrew’s School; daughter of Edward and Anne Rand 
    Steven David Satcher: Madison, AL; Bob Jones High School; son of Ted and Laura Satcher
    Ellen Mary Vegerita: Brownsboro, AL; Huntsville High School; daughter of Frank and Christian Vegerita
    *Madison Lydia Walz: Auburn, AL; Auburn High School; daughter of Paul and Heather Walz
    George Austin Wright: Demopolis, AL; Demopolis High School; son of Hess and Carrie Wright
    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP, and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: King Cosponsors Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Benefits of Surviving Military Spouses

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee and the Senate Armed Services Committee, is cosponsoring legislation to allow surviving spouses of fallen servicemembers to retain certain survivor benefits if they choose to remarry. Under current law, most benefits from the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are terminated for surviving spouses who remarry before age 55. The Love Lives On Act would allow surviving spouses to retain these benefits upon remarriage regardless of age.

    “Every day, military spouses show tremendous courage and dedication to our country as they support their servicemember,” said Senator King. “These men and women deserve full access to the benefits they’ve earned alongside their spouses. However, a current rules penalizes a widow or widower of a fallen servicemembers if they choose to remarry before the age of 55. The bipartisan Love Lives On Act is commonsense legislation that eliminates having to choose between taking care of your family and continuing your life with a new partner — and allows families the opportunity to heal from a tremendous loss on their own terms.”

    The Love Lives On Act is cosponsored by Senators Jerry Moran (R-KS), Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Martin Heinrich (D-NN), John Cornyn (R-TX), John Fetterman (D-PA), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Ted Cruz (R-TX), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Chris Coons (D-DE), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN).

    Representing one of the states with the highest rates of military families and veterans per capita, Senator King has been a staunch advocate for America’s servicemembers and veterans. Last year, he led the bipartisan Military Spouse Employment Act — pieces of which passed into law in the FY2024 NDAA — which allows military spouses to have a remote work career with any federal agency and helps them to maintain consistent employment should they move with their spouse. He also introduced the Improving Access to Prenatal Care for Military Families Act to expand military family care to cover critical health care during pregnancies. Most recently, he joined the bipartisan Fairness for Servicemembers and their Families Act to improve financial security for military families by ensuring life insurance packages for servicemembers and veterans adjust for increases in cost of living and inflation.


    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy, Thune, colleagues introduce bill to permanently repeal the death tax

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)

    MADISONVILLE, La. – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Banking Committee, joined Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) and 44 other colleagues in introducing the Death Tax Repeal Act to end the federal estate tax for Americans.

    Current law requires Americans to pay the federal estate tax when a property, business or land is transferred to them after an individual passes away.

    “The government shouldn’t discourage Louisiana’s farmers or landowners from keeping family businesses alive when a person passes away. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing the Death Tax Repeal Act to support America’s family-run businesses,” said Kennedy.

    “Family farms and ranches play a vital role in our economy and are the lifeblood of rural communities in South Dakota. Losing even one of them to the death tax is one too many. It’s time to put an end to this punishing, burdensome tax once and for all so that family farms, ranches and small businesses can grow and thrive without costly estate planning or massive tax burdens that can threaten their viability,” said Thune.

    Sens. Jim Banks (R-Ind.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), John Curtis (R-Utah), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Lindsay Graham (R-S.C.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Todd Young (R-Ind.) cosponsored the bill. 

    Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa) introduced the legislation in the House of Representatives.

    The full bill text is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, Durbin Join Entire Democratic Caucus To Raise Alarm Over Trump Administration Pushing Illegal, Indiscriminate Funding Cuts To NIH, Derailing Lifesaving Medical Research

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

    February 13, 2025

    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL)  today joined U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), as well as the entire Senate Democratic Caucus, in sending a letter to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. expressing serious alarm over the Trump Administration’s recent decisions that threaten to undermine America’s biomedical research infrastructure and setting progress back generations.  The steps the Trump Administration has taken would create a serious funding shortfall for research institutions nationwide, threaten to undermine progress on lifesaving scientific advancements, and could cost the U.S. economy billions of dollars while threatening the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of workers. 

    “As the largest public funder of biomedical research in the world, NIH plays a critical role in sustaining the research infrastructure necessary for scientific breakthroughs in cancer treatment, infectious disease prevention, and medical technology innovation, among many others.  President Trump has wreaked havoc on the nation’s biomedical research system in recent weeks.  In his first several days in office, President Trump imposed a hiring freeze, communications freeze, ban on travel, and cancellation of grant review and advisory panels that are necessary to advance research.  While some of these efforts have been reversed, they continue to cause confusion and miscommunication among researchers and recipients of NIH funds,” the lawmakers wrote.

    Last week, NIH announced it would set the maximum reimbursement rate for indirect costs to 15 percent—creating a serious funding shortfall for research institutions of all types across the country.  This move would dismantle the biomedical research system and stifle the development of new cures for disease.  It won’t produce cost savings—it will just shift costs to states who can’t afford to pay the difference.  Importantly, this action by the Trump Administration is illegal—Congress’ bipartisan Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Bill prohibits modifications to NIH’s indirect costs.

    “This change to NIH’s indirect cost rate represents an indiscriminate funding cut that will be nothing short of catastrophic for the lifesaving research that patients and families are counting on.  The Administration’s new policy means that research will come to a halt, sick kids may not get the treatment they need, and clinical trials may shut down abruptly,” the Senators wrote.  On Monday, a federal judge in Boston temporarily blocked the NIH rate cut and set a hearing for February 21.

    The Senators’ letter points out that, in addition to the stifling impact on discovering new cures and ripping away treatment from those who need it, changes to NIH policy and communications threaten jobs in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.  NIH research supported more than 412,000 jobs and fueled nearly $93 billion in new economic activity in Fiscal Year 2023 and every dollar the NIH invests in research generates almost $2.50 in economic activity. 

    “The Trump Administration has left researchers, universities, and health systems with great uncertainty about whether they can continue to support entire research programs and patient clinical trials across the country.  Institutions and grantees nationwide are dealing with an unprecedented external communications ‘pause’ enacted by new leadership at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the lack of transparency regarding the Administration’s illegal funding freeze, and the uncertainty of how new Executive Orders would be applied to their critical work.  These actions resulted in NIH freezing grant reviews and cancelling advisory meetings, delaying critical funding that scientists need to continue advancing new cures and treatments.  These disruptions do not just slow research—they cost lives,” the Senators continued.

    “Our standing as a world leader in funding and producing new medical and scientific innovations has been put at risk by these recent actions from the Trump Administration.  We urge you to stop playing political games with the lifesaving work of the NIH and to allow NIH research to continue uninterrupted,” the lawmakers wrote.

    The letter was signed by the entire Senate Democratic caucus.  In addition to Duckworth, Durbin and Murray, U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) signed onto the letter.

    The copy of the letter is available below:

    February 13, 2025

    Dear Secretary Kennedy,

    We write to express our serious concern with the Trump Administration’s recent decisions that threaten to undermine the nation’s biomedical research infrastructure and set us back generations. The steps the Trump Administration has taken will create a serious funding shortfall for research institutions nationwide, threaten to undermine progress on lifesaving scientific advancements, could cost the U.S. economy billions of dollars, and threaten the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of workers. 

    As the largest public funder of biomedical research in the world, NIH plays a critical role in sustaining the research infrastructure necessary for scientific breakthroughs in cancer treatment, infectious disease prevention, and medical technology innovation, among many others. President Trump has wreaked havoc on the nation’s biomedical research system in recent weeks. In his first several days in office, President Trump imposed a hiring freeze, communications freeze, ban on travel, and cancellation of grant review and advisory panels that are necessary to advance research. While some of these efforts have been reversed, they continue to cause confusion and miscommunication among researchers and recipients of NIH funds.

    Just last week, NIH announced an illegal plan to cap indirect cost rates that research institutions rely on. In capping indirect cost rates at 15 percent for NIH-funded grants, this policy would cut funding essential for conducting research, such as operating and maintaining laboratories, equipment, and research facilities. This change to NIH’s indirect cost rate represents an indiscriminate funding cut that will be nothing short of catastrophic for the lifesaving research that patients and families are counting on. The Administration’s new policy means that research will come to a halt, sick kids may not get the treatment they need, and clinical trials may shut down abruptly.

    These confusing and harmful policy changes threaten patient safety. The strength of the American research enterprise – recognized as the best in the world – is built on Congress’ bipartisan commitment to supporting essential research infrastructure. This funding, which Congress has long appropriated on a bipartisan basis, fuels groundbreaking medical discoveries and cements the United States’ position as the global leader in biomedical research.

    In addition to the stifling impact on discovering new cures and ripping away treatment from those who need it, changes to NIH policy and communications threaten jobs in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, with everyone from custodians, to research trainees, to scientists facing potential layoffs. NIH research supported more than 412,000 jobs and fueled nearly $93 billion in new economic activity in Fiscal Year 2023. Every dollar the NIH invests in research generates almost $2.50 in economic activity. These reckless policy changes not only threaten biomedical innovation and research, but also the livelihoods of thousands of workers in every state across the nation.

    The Trump Administration has left researchers, universities, and health systems with great uncertainty about whether they can continue to support entire research programs and patient clinical trials across the country. Institutions and grantees nationwide are dealing with an unprecedented external communications “pause” enacted by new leadership at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the lack of transparency regarding the Administration’s illegal funding freeze, and the uncertainty of how new Executive Orders would be applied to their critical work. These actions resulted in NIH freezing grant reviews and cancelling advisory meetings, delaying critical funding that scientists need to continue advancing new cures and treatments. These disruptions do not just slow research – they cost lives.

    The NIH plays a critical role in our nation’s efforts to fund scientific advancements that improve health and save lives. Our standing as a world leader in funding and producing new medical and scientific innovations has been put at risk by these recent actions from the Trump Administration. We urge you to stop playing political games with the lifesaving work of the NIH and to allow NIH research to continue uninterrupted.

    Sincerely,

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden Releases Draft Bill to Secure Americans’ Communications Against Foreign Surveillance Demands

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)
    February 14, 2025
    Bill Fixes Loopholes in Flawed U.S. Law Used to Demand Apple Build Backdoors for iCloud Accounts, Putting Americans’ Security at Risk
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., today released a discussion draft of the Global Trust in American Online Services Act to secure Americans’ communications against abusive foreign demands to weaken the security of communications services and software used by Americans.
    The bill reforms the CLOUD Act, which permits foreign governments to make surveillance demands directly of U.S. companies rather than going through the U.S. legal system.
    “Foreign governments shouldn’t get a cheat code to undermine the security of American technology,” Wyden said. “My bill would fix the loopholes in the CLOUD Act, and modernize the law so American allies can request the information they need to investigate serious crimes without sacrificing the security of Americans’ communications services.”
    According to news reports, the United Kingdom issued a secret order to Apple last month, directing the company to weaken the encryption protecting its iCloud backup service. The U.K. was apparently able to secretly issue the order to Apple, rather than seeking assistance from the Department of Justice (DOJ) because of the CLOUD Act. Wyden and Representative Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., urged Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard to demand the U.K. withdraw its order in a letter on Thursday.
    The CLOUD Act, enacted in 2018, enables foreign countries to obtain data directly from U.S. firms, bypassing the U.S. legal system once they enter into an agreement with the Justice Department. However, the CLOUD Act failed to require foreign countries to adopt the same due process requirements long guaranteed under U.S. law, enabling foreign governments to demand that U.S. technology companies weaken the security of products used by Americans and putting global trust in U.S. firms at risk.
    The Global Trust in American Online Services Act addresses serious flaws in the CLOUD Act, to ensure that U.S. technology companies can continue to maintain the trust of their international customers, and that the U.S. can compete globally as a safe place for data. The legislation would:
    Prevent foreign governments from using the CLOUD Act to require U.S. providers to adopt specific designs for products, reduce the security of a product, or deliver malware to a customer.
    Allow U.S. providers to challenge foreign CLOUD Act orders in U.S. federal court.
    Require Congressional approval of CLOUD Act agreements rather than the current disapproval mechanism, and enable oversight by requiring that each agreement sunset after five years rather than lasting indefinitely.
    The draft bill is available here. A one-page summary of the bill is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner and McConnell Introduce Vital Bill To Support Bourbon Production And Environment

    US Senate News:

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

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today the introduction of the White Oak Resilience Act of 2025, which will mobilize greater federal resources and direct research into safeguarding our nation’s White Oak tree population.

    White Oak trees are vital to the environmental ecosystem, as well as several trademark American industries, like bourbon and furniture production. Considered the most important hardwood tree in the eastern United States, White Oak trees provide sustenance and shelter for a host of wildlife species across the country.

    White Oak trees can take up to 25 years to reach full maturity, but a lack of seedlings has created an impending shortage that threatens the future of this species and the billions of dollars in economic impact they generate nationwide. This bipartisan legislation will help reverse the depletion of this iconic tree and address the threat its extinction poses to the American economy.

    “Kentucky bourbon is synonymous with the White Oak tree, used to age our state’s signature spirit in its wooden barrels. As we face an impending White Oak shortage, I’m proud to introduce bipartisan legislation that will help protect this species and preserve Kentucky’s iconic bourbon industry that bolsters our economy and supports thousands of jobs across the Commonwealth. This is commonsense conservation at its best,” said Senator McConnell. 

    “Virginia is home to one of the highest concentrations of White Oak trees in the country, and they play an indispensable role in our ecology and our economy,” said Senator Warner. “These trees have tremendous utility as both food for many species and material for the forestry industry, but without further action, we could face a severe shortage soon. I’m glad to sponsor bipartisan legislation that will get ahead of that crisis by bolstering a plan to regenerate our White Oak trees, keeping Virginia beautiful and investing in one of the forestry industry’s most valuable species.”

    In a statement from Brown-Forman, the largest American-owned spirits and wines company: “We are pleased to see the introduction of the White Oak Resilience Act to the Senate. Brown-Forman depends on healthy forests to provide the White Oak for our bourbon barrels. White Oak barrels are more than just a container, they’re an important ingredient that provides all of the color and more than half the flavor to our whiskeys. We are committed to the conservation of the existing hardwood forests we rely on and have undertaken several initiatives to support sustainable forestry practices. We are appreciative of the leadership from Senators McConnell and Warner, supporting this key legislation will provide critical resources for White Oak restoration.”

    “Sazerac commends Senators McConnell and Warner for introducing the Senate companion to HR 5582, the White Oak Resilience Act. Although Sazerac has locations in numerous states, we have distilleries in both Kentucky and Virginia (Buffalo Trace and 1792 in Kentucky; A. Smith Bowman in Virginia) making it particularly significant that these two senators have come together to recognize the importance of this species. The spirits industry has found the ideal wood in White Oak for our barrels and has endeavored to regenerate it for years to come,” said Elizabeth Wise, Chief Global Government and Public Affairs for Sazerac.

    “Kentucky Bourbon is an iconic industry with a history of finding ways to endure and prosper through multitudes of opportunities and challenges. Just like the Bourbon that ages in barrels made from its wood, White Oak trees and the land they grow on must go through a special process to ensure the species remains available long into the future,” said Kentucky Distillers’ Association President Eric Gregory. “With industry champions like Senator McConnell and Senator Warner leading the way, The White Oak Resilience Act is one more piece of the puzzle to guarantee that Kentucky Bourbon – America’s native spirit – can be enjoyed for generations to come.”

    “On behalf of the University of Kentucky, I want to extend our sincere thanks to Senators McConnell and Warner for introducing the White Oak Resilience Act that addresses White Oak sustainability, which is crucial to Kentucky’s signature bourbon industry. The research this measure directs will allow us to leverage our scientific expertise, particularly in genetics and genomics, to support the health and resilience of White Oak tree populations. As a land-grant institution committed to the Commonwealth’s economic development, we are well-positioned to translate our findings into practical applications for the bourbon industry,” said University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto.

    “White Oak is a keystone species that supports over 500 types of wildlife while also bolstering rural economies and providing wood products to cities and towns across America,” said Jason Meyer, Executive Director of the White Oak Initiative. “We’d like to thank Senators Warner and McConnell for their leadership in bringing this bill forward and working together to ensure a long, sustainable future for this critical American resource.”

    “Virginia’s upland oak forests are incredibly important for wildlife and sustainable forestry, and are facing many challenges,” said Virginia State Forester Robert W. Farrell. “The White Oak Resilience Act will help Virginia’s forest landowners care for their hardwood forests and ensure White Oak is on the Virginia landscape for generations to come.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley to Trump: Whistleblowers Are Key to Promoting Government Efficiency, Combatting Waste

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    In letter to president, Grassley seeks Rose Garden ceremony honoring whistleblowers

    WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) is calling on President Donald Trump to empower and celebrate whistleblowers who pay a patriotic service to the country by helping eliminate government waste, fraud and abuse. In a letter to President Trump, Grassley requested the president hold a White House Rose Garden ceremony to honor whistleblowers and send a clear message that government misconduct and retaliation will not be tolerated.

    “Whistleblowers have exposed waste, fraud and abuse in just about every industry and agency in this country. The issues they report have saved billions of taxpayer dollars and countless more through their deterrent effect,” Grassley wrote. “The President of the United States honoring whistleblowers with a Rose Garden ceremony on Whistleblower Appreciation Day for their courage and sacrifice would send a loud, clear message that our government leaders appreciate the importance of whistleblowers and retaliation will not be tolerated. It would inspire confidence in those who witness wrongdoing to stand up and do something to fix it.”

    Grassley additionally noted that many whistleblowers risk their careers, reputation and even health to come forward with information.

    “For example, the brave Internal Revenue Service (IRS) whistleblowers who made legally protected disclosures about misconduct in the handling of the Hunter Biden investigation have faced retaliation by the IRS and several attempts to discredit their reputations and ruin their careers.  Many Justice Department and FBI whistleblowers have done the same, putting it all on the line to expose political bias, and the thanks they get is government retaliation,” Grassley continued.

    Grassley has called on every president since Ronald Reagan to hold a Rose Garden ceremony honoring whistleblowers which would encourage others to come forward who may be aware of government mismanagement.

    A fierce whistleblower advocate, Grassley is the author of numerous laws to empower whistleblowers and shield them from retaliation for speaking the truth. He is also the co-founder and co-chairman of the Senate Whistleblower Protection Caucus, which shares best practices with Senate offices, advocates and government stakeholders on how to protect and effectively interact with whistleblowers. During a Judiciary Committee executive business meeting yesterday, Grassley read several first-hand accounts from FBI whistleblowers detailing the abuse they’ve suffered at the hands of former and current FBI officials, and urged President Trump to reinstate those who’ve been retaliated against.

    Text of Grassley’s letter to President Trump follows:

    February 14, 2025

    VIA ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION

    The Honorable Donald J. Trump

    President of the United States

    The White House

    1600 Pennsylvania Ave

    Washington D.C. 20500

    Dear President Trump:

    You have said your administration is dedicated to eliminating waste and ensuring the government works efficiently and effectively for the American people.  Whistleblowers play an integral role in accomplishing this mission and have been doing so since our nation’s founding.

    Whistleblowers are patriots who help identify violations of law, rule, regulation, gross mismanagement, abuses of authority, and threats to public health and safety.  In many circumstances, they do so at risk to their careers, reputation, and even health.  For example, the brave Internal Revenue Service (IRS) whistleblowers who made legally protected disclosures about misconduct in the handling of the Hunter Biden investigation have faced retaliation by the IRS and several attempts to discredit their reputations and ruin their careers.  Many Justice Department and FBI whistleblowers have done the same, putting it all on the line to expose political bias, and the thanks they get is government retaliation. 

    Whistleblowers have exposed waste, fraud, and abuse in just about every industry and agency in this country. The issues they report have saved billions of taxpayer dollars and countless more through their deterrent effect.  In addition to the money they have saved the taxpayers, whistleblowers help the government work better for the American people by exposing wrongdoing and misconduct, to include government weaponization. 

    The President of the United States honoring whistleblowers with a Rose Garden ceremony on Whistleblower Appreciation Day for their courage and sacrifice would send a loud, clear message that our government leaders appreciate the importance of whistleblowers and retaliation will not be tolerated.  It would inspire confidence in those who witness wrongdoing to stand up and do something to fix it.  It would help build a culture of integrity where employees are not afraid to raise legitimate concerns because they know retaliators will be punished, not the whistleblower. 

    I have asked every president since President Ronald Reagan to hold a Rose Garden ceremony to honor whistleblowers.  No president has done so.  I hope you will be the first to set this historic precedent and hold such a ceremony on Whistleblower Appreciation Day on July 30 this year.

    In the Senate, I have dedicated my career to protecting the rights of whistleblowers through bipartisan legislative efforts and have urged my colleagues to support whistleblowers who shine a light on wrongdoing.  Instead of being treated like skunks at a picnic, let whistleblowers smell the roses at the White House and bask in the appreciation of a thankful nation well served by their efforts to shine a light on waste, fraud, and abuse.  I hope we can work to ensure whistleblowers are protected and appreciated and our government remains transparent and accountable to the American people. 

    Sincerely,

    Charles E. Grassley

    Chairman

    Committee on the Judiciary

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin, Duckworth Help Unveil Bill To Raise Minimum Age To Buy Assault Weapons

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    February 14, 2025

    WASHINGTON – On the seventh anniversary of the tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today joined U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) in announcing legislation to raise the minimum age to purchase assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines from 18 to 21, the same age requirement that already applies to purchasing handguns from federally licensed dealers.  Individuals under 21 have used assault weapons in some of the most devastating school shootings in U.S. history, including the mass shootings at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, and Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.“Gun violence continues to shatter families and communities throughout America.  Our existing laws allow far too many guns to fall into the wrong hands.  That is why I’m signing onto the Age 21 Act, which prohibits the sale of assault weapons, handguns, large-capacity ammunition feeding devices, and related ammunition to individuals under the age of 21,” said Durbin.  “This legislation is one of many steps we must take to address the gun violence epidemic across the United States.”

    “Congress cannot sit by and do nothing while gun violence remains the number one killer of children in America,” said Duckworth.  “As we remember the 17 lives cut short at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, we must honor their memory with action.  The Age 21 Act is commonsense gun safety legislation that would help prevent mass shootings and do more to keep dangerous weapons out of the hands of those who would seek to harm themselves or others.  If Republicans were truly ‘pro-life,’ they would support our bill and help us save lives.”

    Gun violence is a national crisis, claiming over 46,000 lives in 2023 — the third-largest number of gun-related deaths in American history.  Assault weapons, originally engineered for military combat to maximize damage, are frequently used in mass shootings because of their ability to inflict catastrophic harm in mere seconds.  More than 85 percent of deaths in public mass shootings involving four or more fatalities were caused by assault rifles.  Furthermore, shootings involving assault weapons or large-capacity magazines result in more than 2.5 times as many people being shot compared to incidents involving other firearms.

    The bill’s restrictions on the sale of assault weapons, handguns, large-capacity ammunition feeding devices, and related ammunition to individuals under the age of 21 would apply to both federally licensed and private sellers.  Additionally, the legislation would bar most individuals under 21 from possessing these items, with limited exceptions for specific circumstances such as service in law enforcement or the armed forces.

    In addition to Durbin, Duckworth, and Padilla, the Age 21 Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Coons (D-DE), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

    The Age 21 Act is endorsed by organizations including Brady: United Against Gun Violence, March for Our Lives, Giffords, Newtown Action Alliance, and Everytown for Gun Safety.

    Durbin and Duckworth are fierce advocates for common-sense gun safety legislation that would help save lives.  Durbin and Duckworth were strong supporters of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), which cracks down on straw purchasing and gun trafficking, expands background checks for buyers under 21 years of age, takes steps to close the “boyfriend loophole,” supports state red flag laws, and offers billions in funding for counseling, mental health, and trauma support for victims of gun violence. Durbin and Duckworth are also continuing to push for the Assault Weapons Ban and additional gun safety measures.

    While Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Durbin held a full committee hearing on public safety and gun safety laws in a post-Bruen America; filed an amicus brief in opposition to legal challenges in U.S. v. Rahimi, in which the Supreme Court ultimately ruled to uphold a ban on firearm possession for domestic violence offenders; condemned the Supreme Court decision in Garland v. Cargill, which ruled a bump stock does not convert a rifle into a machine gun; and introduced legislation to curb firearms trafficking enabled by weak American gun laws, among other efforts.

    A one-pager on the bill is available here.

    Full text of the bill is available here.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Statement On Chicago Department of Aviation Commissioner Jamie Rhee’s Retirement

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    February 14, 2025

    CHICAGO – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today released the following statement on Jamie Rhee’s retirement as Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Aviation:

    “Since Jamie Rhee first started her career with the City of Chicago in 1994 as an airport information officer, she has amassed 30 years of service to the city.  She spent the last seven years of that career as the Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Aviation, dedicated to making O’Hare and Midway the best they could be.  She saw us through the COVID-19 pandemic and major improvements at both airports, which is no easy feat.  I’m grateful to have worked with her during her tenure, and our city will continue to benefit from her efforts to position Chicago’s airports for success for decades to come.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –