NewzIntel.com

Category: US Senate

  • MIL-OSI USA: Graham Statement on Rollins Confirmation

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Lindsey Graham

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement after voting to confirm Brooke Rollins as the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture (USDA). Rollins was confirmed by a vote of 72-28.

    “Congratulations to Brooke Rollins for being confirmed by the Senate to be our next Agriculture Secretary. America is blessed with the most abundant, affordable, and safe food supply in the world. Under Brooke’s leadership, we will take agriculture to a new level in America.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fischer Questions Experts on Importance of Increased U.S. Presence in Greenland

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nebraska Deb Fischer

    At a Senate Commerce Committee hearing this week, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) questioned expert witnesses on the strategic importance of Greenland and the need to maintain a strong American presence in the Greenland-Iceland-UK (GIUK) Gap.

    During the hearing, Senator Fischer questioned Dr. Rebecca Pincus, Director of the Wilson Center Polar Institute, and Mr. Alexander Gray, a senior fellow in National Security Affairs at the American Foreign Policy Council, on the importance of Pituffik Space Base and the U.S. radar systems based in Greenland, as well as the significance of the GIUK Gap in light of increased Russian and Chinese activity in the Arctic. Senator Fischer highlighted how critical it is that the Department of Defense maintain its access to spectrum airwaves so it can detect and track incoming threats to our homeland.

    Click the image above to watch a video of Sen. Fischer’s questioning

    Click here to download audio

    Click here to download video


    Senator Fischer questions experts:

    Senator Fischer:     Dr. Pincus, there’s been much discussion of late on Greenland, but I think what’s underappreciated is something that you were trying to focus on, and that’s the importance of Greenland to a whole host of U.S. strategic interests that are there. And, obviously, yes, we need to develop a good working relationship, a good partnership, with Greenland. You mentioned the Space Base that’s in Greenland. It’s a critical forward operating location. It is the Department’s northernmost installation. It hosts radar systems that are essential to our missile defense.

    You know, the comment was made that there could be flight paths of ICBMs over Greenland. Well, that may or may not happen. But what is key there is that no matter where in the Arctic ICBMs are flying, what we have to have is radars to be on Greenland so that not only can they track, but they can also detect any incoming threats.

    I’d also like to consider the Greenland-Iceland-UK (GIUK) Gap, and Mr. Gray, maybe you’d want to add some into this discussion as well. As we look at the increased Russian submarine activity there in recent years, and you couple that with the growing Chinese and Russian presence in the Arctic, I think it’s hard to understate that Gap’s importance. So, both of you, do you assess that increased U.S. presence in the GIUK Gap would be beneficial?

    Dr. Pincus: Thank you very much, Senator, for that terrific question. You know, I think it’s very helpful to talk in terms of specifics. And in Greenland, we have long had radar installations to give us early warning of incoming ICBMs coming from Eurasia. And in the current era of hypersonics, new missiles, new missile delivery systems, it’s very important that those radars remain in place and that we recapitalize and modernize them to give us as much advance notice as possible. So, there’s a big radar system at the Pituffik Base. There’s a big airfield, there’s a deep-water port on the east coast of Greenland, that is the westernmost point of the GIUK gap. So, it is a key point for monitoring Russian naval activity and, you know, I think we are looking at a set of challenges in the GIUK gap related to Russian activity, undersea activity. That is a real problem set for us.

    The gap between Greenland, Iceland, the U.K., also I would add Norway, provides us some really important points from which to support monitoring and activity. It would be best to talk to the Department of Defense in a classified setting about what specific capabilities and access they may need. But I will say that the 1951 Defense Agreement gives us very wide access to Greenland. We have never had a problem asking for access and permissions and not getting it. And both Greenland and Denmark have made it clear that they stand ready to have that conversation again. I think the Danish defense investments that have been announced include domain awareness capabilities and presence that will help us.

    There’s certainly more that can be done, but I think being very specific about ‘what the problem is’ is helpful in terms of thinking about our appropriate response, and also recognizing that in an event of a contingency, fixed installations—whether it’s a radar asset or an airfield—they would be taken out with long range missile strikes. So, I would say that Russia doesn’t have the capability to seize and hold Greenland, and nor would there be a strong military argument for it to do so, given that its most likely response in the event of a contingency would be to strike those assets and then keep moving on.

    Senator Fischer: Which would also make it extremely important that DOD maintains that spectrum is used to be able to identify what’s coming in, not just for the homeland but also for Greenland.

    Dr. Pincus: Absolutely, and I think having a conversation about air defense and missile defense options we have. We do not have interceptors in Greenland. We do not have interceptors in Canada. We have them in Alaska. So, I think there is a conversation to be had about that specific capability. Thank you.

    Senator Fischer:     Mr. Gray, before I get called out, please.

    Mr. Gray:     Thank you, Senator. So many of our concerns, strategically, about Greenland, going back to the ‘40s, have been about the GIUK gap, and it’s been a concern across multiple great power competitors. It is a concern today. To me, the question is less—Dr. Pincus has made the comment about militarily, it would probably not be taken out. I’m more concerned about a future political arrangement in Greenland that could be influenced or controlled adversely by an adversary power in a way that would prevent us from being able to exercise the type of control or the type of domain awareness over the gap that we have had in recent years.

    That’s why I think these proposals that I’ve mentioned, others have put forward for what is the long-term political arrangement in connection with Greenland—it’s so important because we have to have the ability to maintain some sort of control and some sort of awareness over that gap. 

    Senator Fischer:     Thank you.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: At Hearing, Military Leaders Confirm to Warren that DoD is Writing a Blank Check to Deploy Troops for Immigration Enforcement

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    February 13, 2025

    Warren: “When DOD has been tasked with doing DHS’s job, it has cost taxpayers a lot more money.”

    Warren: “I’m concerned that we’re going to see the same problem that we saw the last time: big costs and little transparency and accountability.” 

    Video of Exchange (YouTube) 

    Washington, D.C. – At a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the SASC Subcommittee on Personnel, questioned General Gregory M. Guillot of the U.S. Air Force, Commander of the United States Northern Command (NORTHCOM) and North American Aerospace Defense Command, and Admiral Alvin Holsey of the U.S. Navy, Commander of the United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), about the cost, readiness, morale, and national security impacts of deploying American troops to patrol the Southern border and to help detain migrants at Guantanamo Bay. 

    Upon taking office, President Trump ordered NORTHCOM to “seal” the southern border and directed SOUTHCOM to expand Guantanamo’s Migrant Operations Center (MOC) to a capacity of 30,000. Yet, when the Pentagon has been tasked with leading operations typically done by the Department of Homeland Security, taxpayers pay much more. 

    Senator Warren pointed to two examples: it costs 3 times more to deport migrants on military aircraft than civilian planes used by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and has cost ICE at least 5 times more per detention bed to hold migrants at the Guantanamo naval base than at facilities in the U.S.

    Admiral Holsey confirmed that the Pentagon does not have a cost estimate for these immigration operations, though DoD is supposed to consider costs before deploying troops. Admiral Holsey committed to providing an estimate to Congress as soon as possible and to inform the committee if he determines that the operations are not militarily effective.

    A 2021 Government Accountability Office report found DoD cost estimates for border deployments were “unreliable” and excluded “significant costs.” Four years later, the DoD has still not implemented any of the GAO’s recommendations to make those cost estimates more accurate. General Guillot said he “assume(d)” that underestimating those costs would put future missions and readiness at risk.  

    Senator Warren also highlighted the potential impact of these deployments on troop morale. 

    “Many Texas National Guard members who deployed to the southern border have felt isolated, without purpose, and some have even committed suicide. I think it is important that we have better oversight over these plans and that we make these plans conform to the law,” said Senator Warren. 

    Senator Warren explained that “political stunts like this” can have serious implications for the military’s budget, readiness, and morale. The goal of this stunt appears to be to feign toughness by militarizing immigration enforcement — even if it means ballooning costs for the Pentagon and damaging readiness and morale for our servicemembers.

    Transcript: Hearing “To receive testimony on the posture of United States Northern Command and United States Southern Command in review of the Defense Authorization Request for Fiscal Year 2026 and the Future Years Defense Program.” 
    Senate Armed Services Committee
    February 13, 2025 

    Senator Elizabeth Warren: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. So, the Trump Administration is sending troops to the southern border and holding immigrants at Guantanamo — redirecting active-duty military personnel from critical missions, and costing taxpayers several times more than when DHS does the same job. That seems to be bad for national security, bad for our military families, and bad for America’s bottom line.

    We’ve seen this before. When the first Trump Administration deployed troops to the border, it pegged the cost at $1 billion over 3 years. But the GAO found that the Department of Defense estimates were “not reliable” and excluded “significant costs.” DOD reports to Congress missed more than half the actual total cost for entire fiscal years. So GAO made 7 detailed recommendations for the Department of Defense to improve its cost estimates, but four years later, the Department of Defense has not executed a single one. Now, DOD estimates that this new border deployment will cost almost $1 billion over just the next 8 months, but that may be another underestimate. 

    General Guillot, you are overseeing the border deployment. Does underestimating the costs of an operation put future missions and future readiness at risk? 

    General Guillot, U.S. Air Force, Commander of the United States Northern Command: Senator, I would assume so, but I think I need to point out that NORTHCOM has not appropriated funds for the Southwest border, and we’ve never had reprogramming or pass through funding. This is all done through the Department Comptroller and the services. 

    Senator Warren: I appreciate that, but I’m asking the question about running past the limits and the consequences of that. Because the money has to come from somewhere and I’m concerned that we’re going to see the same problem that we saw the last time: big costs and little transparency and accountability. 

    When DOD has been tasked with doing DHS’s job, it has cost taxpayers a lot more money. It costs 3 times more to deport migrants on military aircraft than civilian planes that ICE often uses, and has cost ICE at least 5 times more per detention bed to hold migrants at Guantanamo naval base than at facilities in the United States. 

    Any time civilian authorities ask DOD for help, DOD is supposed to evaluate the request based on six criteria, including cost. But we don’t even have a cost estimate for the new Guantanamo operations.

    So, Admiral Holsey, what do you expect the budgetary cost of SOUTHCOM’s Guantanamo operations will be through the end of this fiscal year? 

    Admiral Holsey, U.S. Navy, Commander of the United States Southern Command: Senator, we’re new into the process right now. We have assets down there to start building up a camp. It is a phased approach, so it’s not automatically going up to 30,000 – 

    Senator Warren: So you’re telling me you actually don’t know the cost yet? 

    Admiral Holsey: Not at this point, Ma’am. 

    Senator Warren: Not at this point. So the decision to deploy DoD personnel and assets was made without knowing the cost, which is exactly what DoD is supposed to consider in making the decision to deploy. Will you at least commit to provide that estimate to Congress as soon as you have it? 

    Admiral Holsey: Yes, Senator. I will work with OSD and DoD to get that to you. 

    Senator Warren: Alright. I will hold you to that. I’m relying on you both also to tell us if DOD blows past whatever estimates you give us. Given the potentially astronomical costs, will you commit to informing this committee if you determine that these operations are not militarily effective?

    Admiral Holsey: Yes, Senator. 

    Senator Warren: Alright. You know, we also need to know if the operations are having an unmanageable impact on readiness or morale. Political stunts like this can easily damage troops morale. Many Texas National Guard members who deployed to the southern border have felt isolated, without purpose, and some have even committed suicide. I think it is important that we have better oversight over these plans and that we make these plans conform to the law. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warren, Bonamici Renew Fight Against Misinformation in Pregnancy Care

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    February 13, 2025

    Bill Text (PDF) 

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Representative Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.) reintroduced the Stop Anti-Abortion Disinformation (SAD) Act, to crack down on attempts by crisis pregnancy centers (CPCs) to deceive and misinform women seeking reproductive health care. 

    Senators Edward Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Catherine Cortez Masto, (D-Nev.), Richard Durbin, (D-Ill.), Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) joined as co-sponsors. 

    CPCs routinely rely on deceptive advertising practices to trick pregnant women into thinking they offer comprehensive reproductive health care, only to discourage them from getting abortions. These deceptive tactics include making false claims about reproductive health care and lying about the risks of receiving an abortion or using certain forms of contraception. CPCs, which are generally not Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)-covered entities, have been found to falsely claim to be HIPPA-compliant in order to collect women’s sensitive health information and in some cases even disclose that data to law enforcement. 

    Nationwide, false advertising by CPCs is preventing women from getting the reproductive health care they need. The SAD Act would direct the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to prescribe rules prohibiting disinformation in the advertising of abortion services. It would also give the Federal Trade Commission authority to enforce these rules and collect penalties from organizations, including CPCs, that violate these rules. 

    Senator Warren and Representative Bonamici first introduced this bill in the 117th Congress. 

    “Fighting back against misinformation and deceptive practices is an important tool to protect access to safe and reliable reproductive care. Reproductive rights are under attack in our country. This bill will help us push back against crisis pregnancy centers’ attempts to undermine a woman’s right to choose,” said Senator Warren.

    “Crisis pregnancy centers further their own anti-choice agenda by taking advantage of people seeking reproductive care,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “Tragically, when CPCs provide false and misleading information about abortion and contraception, patients do not get necessary medical care. The Stop Anti-Abortion Disinformation (SAD) Act will put an end to these unfair and deceptive practices so pregnant Americans can access comprehensive, science-based reproductive care.”

    “Crisis pregnancy centers rely on predatory practices to spread deceptive, misleading information and dissuade patients from receiving necessary health care. Patients deserve objective medical guidance from professionals—not inaccurate, stigmatizing, and even life-threatening information. The Stop Anti-Abortion Disinformation Act stops these centers from interfering with patient care and ensures that patients are receiving all of the information they need to make the best decisions for their health,” said Senator Blumenthal.

    “It is critical that patients seeking reproductive care are given accurate medical advice from a trusted doctor, and not preyed on with misinformation from anti-abortion organizations posing as ‘crisis pregnancy centers,’” said Senator Booker. “This legislation will protect women seeking reproductive health care, including abortion care, from fraudulent clinics and predatory lies.”

    “When women seek reproductive health care, they should be able to trust that their provider is offering comprehensive, factual information.  Efforts by crisis pregnancy centers, many of which use half-truths and false advertising to mislead women about their options, undermine the reproductive rights of women,” said Senator Durbin. “I’m joining Senator Warren and Congresswoman Maloney to crack down on the deceptive practices of crisis pregnancy centers.”

    “Women who need reproductive care need certified, comprehensive health care providers with medical expertise to ensure they can make an informed decision about their health care,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “Crisis pregnancy centers intentionally confuse vulnerable women in a way that can put their health in danger.”

    “As Republicans cut away at access to reproductive care and amplify health disinformation, it is more important than ever to demand the truth. The Stop Anti-Abortion Disinformation Act is crucial for stopping peddlers of mis-and-disinformation in their tracks, so they do not continue to mislead, lie, and scare people from getting the care they need. Abortion care is health care, and every American should be able to access this care safely,” said Senator Markey.

    “MAGA Republicans are on a crusade to destroy reproductive rights nationwide by spewing misinformation and pushing deceptive practices that undermine access to vital reproductive services,” said Senator Merkley. “We need to get politicians and pundits out of the exam room. Our bill ensures that crisis pregnancy centers across the country will not be able to mislead or lie to Americans seeking reproductive health care, including abortion care.”

    “So-called ‘crisis pregnancy centers,’ propped up by anti-choice extremists, are notorious for misleading women about the services they provide and lying to them about their options for evidence-based reproductive health care. CPCs have also been known to deliberately deceive women into thinking their private health information is protected when it’s not, since they aren’t bound by HIPAA like real health care providers,” said Senator Murray. “As Republican state legislatures continue to funnel taxpayer money to these unaccountable anti-abortion centers, it’s more important than ever that Congress cracks down on their deceptive practices–that’s what this legislation is about.”

    “With reproductive rights constantly under threat, it’s vital that people can access reliable and trustworthy abortion care. These people are preying on pregnant women with misinformation and blatant lies about abortion. It’s wrong, and it’s why Vermont passed legislation to hold them accountable for their lies,” said Senator Welch. “Our bicameral legislation follows Vermont’s lead and requires accountability for engaging in deceptive practices that undermine reproductive rights.”

    “In a post-Roe world, it’s more important than ever that women everywhere have accurate information on which to base their reproductive care decisions,” Senator Wyden said. “Deceptive ‘crisis pregnancy centers’ target vulnerable patients who are looking for medical providers they can trust with their health, safety, and wellbeing and, instead, intercept them with false, harmful misinformation. ‘Crisis pregnancy centers’ must be stopped.

    “The unchecked spread of disinformation about reproductive health continues to endanger patients. This must end. 

    This bill will help stop crisis pregnancy centers from spreading deceptive advertising about abortion, and work to guarantee that everyone can get the accurate information and quality care they need and deserve. Planned Parenthood Action Fund is grateful to Sen. Warren and Reps. Bonamici and Sykes for re-introducing the Stop Anti-Abortion Disinformation Act and for their continued leadership in the fight to protect sexual and reproductive health care and rights. It’s time to end the manipulative tactics of these fake clinics so that all patients can control their own bodies, lives, and futures,” said Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO, Planned Parenthood Action Fund. 

    As a practicing OBGYN, I know firsthand how important it is that pregnant people have access to accurate information so that they can make important decisions about their care and lives without bias, stigma or shame,” said Dr. Raegan McDonald-Mosley, Power to Decide CEO and practicing OB-GYN. “We urge Congress to pass the ‘SAD Act’ so that every person has access to medically accurate information and the power to decide their reproductive futures.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: WATCH: Senator Reverend Warnock Secures Commitment from Fed Chair to Report to Congress If Musk-Led DOGE Attempts to Access Protected Systems or Undermine Agency’s Independence

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia

    WATCH: Senator Reverend Warnock Secures Commitment from Fed Chair to Report to Congress If Musk-Led DOGE Attempts to Access Protected Systems or Undermine Agency’s Independence

     Senator Reverend Warnock secured a commitment from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, to report to Congress if the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) attempts to undermine the agency’s independence

    The commitment came during the Federal Reserve’s semi-annual Monetary Policy Report to Congress during a Wednesday’s Senate Banking committee hearing

    Senator Reverend Warnock’s questioning underscored concern around the recent reports of DOGE accessing several federal agencies’ privileged information

    During the hearing, Senator Reverend Warnock also highlighted the recent news of the dissolution of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

    Senator Reverend Warnock on DOGE: “Thousands of Georgians, of all political stripes, have written into my office, and they are alarmed by an unelected billionaire and his hackster’s dangerous and illegal attempts to access American private data”

    Senator Reverend Warnock on CFPB: “Certainly the bureau (CFPB) was not created to be dismantled. Since its inception, the CFPB has been the only federal agency solely dedicated to protecting Americans’ wallets and pocketbooks from scammers, predatory companies, and financial services”

    Watch Senator Reverend Warnock at Thursday’s hearing HERE

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), a member of the Banking Committee, secured a commitment from Chair of the Federal Reserve, Jerome Powell, promising to report back to Congress and specifically, the Senate Banking committee, if he learned of any attempt by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to access the Federal Reserve’s protected systems or any attempt to undermine the agency’s independence. 

    “Will you commit to report to this committee, majority and minority, immediately, should you become aware of any such attempt by Elon Musk or DOGE to pierce the Fed’s (Federal Reserve) independence or access protected systems?” asked Senator Reverend Warnock.

    “Yes,” said Chair Jerome Powell.

    The line of questioning came as there have been reports that several agencies have been accessed by DOGE, namely the Department of Treasury. Additionally, Senator Warnock addressed the shuttering of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Last congress, Senator Warnock chaired the Banking subcommittee that had jurisdiction over CFPB.

    “Since its inception, the CFPB has been the only federal agency solely dedicated to protecting Americans’ wallets and pocketbooks from scammers, predatory companies, and financial services. The CFPB reduced costs for Americans, returning more than $21 billion to Americans who had been cheated, since its inception. I want to focus on that as folks are talking about chasing after waste and fraud and abuse,” said Senator Reverend Warnock.

    The hearing marked the first of the Semiannual Monetary Policy Reports to Congress from the Federal Reserve this Congress, which are written reports to Congress containing discussions of “the conduct of monetary policy and economic developments and prospects for the future.”

    Watch the Senator’s full remarks and line of questioning HERE. 

    See below transcript of the key exchange between Senator Warnock and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell:

    Senator Reverend Warnock (SRW): “I want to echo the words of ranking member Warren and so many of my colleagues today on DOGE and project 2025’s illegal attack on the Consumer Protection Financial Bureau, certainly the bureau was not created to be dismantled.”

    “Since its inception, the CFPB has been the only federal agency solely dedicated to protecting Americans’ wallets and pocketbooks from scammers, predatory companies, and financial services. The CFPB reduced costs for Americans, returning more than $21 billion to Americans who had been cheated, since its inception. I want to focus on that as folks are talking about chasing after waste and fraud and abuse.”

    “The CFPB has returned more than $21 billion to Americans.” 

    “Make no mistake, this attack on the CFPB will increase costs for Americans and give the green light to fraudsters and predatory actors seeking to cheat hard-working Americans.”

    “Chairman Powell, thousands of Georgians of all political stripes have written into my office, and they are alarmed by an unelected billionaire and his hackster’s dangerous and illegal attempts to access American private data, and the Treasury Department systems that control six trillion dollars in annual payments to millions of American citizens, including social security, Medicare, and tax refunds. 

    “Has Elon Musk or members of his team, to your knowledge, attempted to access the Fed’s protected data and systems?”

    Chair of the Federal Reserve, Jerome Powel (JP): “I don’t believe.”

    SRW: “Will you commit to report to this committee, majority and minority, immediately should you become aware of any such attempt by Elon Musk or DOGE to pierce the Fed’s independence or access protected systems?

    JP: “Yes.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven Statement After Voting to Confirm Brooke Rollins as Secretary of Agriculture

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven
    02.13.25
    WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee and a senior member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, issued the following statement after voting to confirm Brooke Rollins to serve as Secretary of Agriculture:
    “Congratulations to Brooke Rollins on her confirmation to lead the Department of Agriculture. Secretary Rollins grew up on a ranch so she not only has the right background, but she has the ear of President Trump and will be a great advocate for our farmers and ranchers. We look forward to working with her to advance the priorities of our producers and rural America, and appreciate her commitment to come to North Dakota to see firsthand our state’s agricultural leadership.”
    During Rollins’ hearing before the Agriculture Committee, Hoeven outlined a broad range of efforts to strengthen U.S. agriculture and secured commitments from Rollins to work with him on:
    Passing a strong farm bill that makes needed investments in the farm safety net, among other producer priorities.
    Implementing and quickly delivering the $33.5 billion in disaster assistance that he worked to secure for producers in the year-end funding legislation.
    The assistance package addresses losses from both natural disasters and challenging markets and has funding specifically set aside for livestock losses due to wildfire.

    Ensuring access for agriculture producers to U.S. Forest Service lands in North Dakota, including for grazing on the national grasslands.
    Improving access to foreign markets for U.S. farmers and ranchers.
    Visiting North Dakota to learn firsthand about precision agriculture efforts in the state, including the partnership between Grand Farm, North Dakota State University and the Agricultural Research Service.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven, Shaheen, Moran & Bennet Reintroduce Legislation to Establish Permanent Air Guard Tuition Assistance Program

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven
    02.13.25
    WASHINGTON – Senators John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) reintroduced 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. The legislation is supported by the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS). The legislation follows efforts by Hoeven and Shaheen to:
    Establish and fund a FTA pilot program, and ensure that North Dakota and New Hampshire Air Guardsmen had access to this important benefit.
    Secure a total of $18.8 million across fiscal years (FY) 2020-2023 to support the program.
    “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.”
    “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.”
    “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.”
    “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.”
    “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.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth Votes Against Confirming Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to Serve as HHS Secretary

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
    February 13, 2025
    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) released the following statement after the Senate confirmed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. by a vote of 52-48 to serve as Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services:
    “I am extremely disappointed that my Republican colleagues lacked the basic courage necessary to vote against Robert F. Kennedy Jr. This man is an unqualified, anti-science, anti-vax extremist—and it will be our kids, not Mr. Kennedy, who pay the price, when he refuses to ensure they are protected against preventable yet deadly diseases like measles or whooping cough.
    “I’m also gravely concerned that Mr. Kennedy’s confirmation will further endanger Medicaid, putting at risk the roughly 80 million Americans who rely on it. With every passing day, it becomes clearer and clearer that Republicans care more about tax breaks for the billionaires they pal around with on the golf course than prescriptions for the middle-class folks who actually work at Mar-a-Lago.
    ‘They’re not making America great again—they’re making America sick again. That’s the Trump-Kennedy promise.”
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Luján, Markey, Peters Condemn Weaponization of Federal Communications Commission Against Broadcasters and Public Media 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)
    Attacks Against Public Media Could Threaten New Mexicans’ Access to Vital Local News, Television, and Radio
    Washington, D.C – Today, U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), and Gary Peters (D-Mich.), members of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, wrote to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr and Commissioner Nathan Simington regarding recent actions taken by the FCC under the Trump administration demonstrating that the FCC is weaponizing its authority over broadcasters and public media for political purposes. 
    Across New Mexico, 15 public media organizations rely on over $5.8 million in grants through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) to deliver news, entertainment, and much more to the state’s metropolitan, rural, and Tribal communities. Dismantling the CPB could cut off public media to New Mexico’s most rural areas—including during disasters and emergencies when rural communities rely on public media coverage the most. 
    In the letter the lawmakers wrote, “We write to express our serious concern about the recent actions taken by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) under Chairman Carr to open or reopen investigations into broadcasting companies without any evidence of wrongdoing in what appears to be an attempt to intimidate broadcasters for political purposes. Specifically, we are concerned by both of your recent assertions that broadcast stations could be investigated over their editorial decision-making, which raises concerns under the First Amendment. Additionally, we are deeply concerned that in just the first two weeks under Chairman Carr, the Commission has reinstated three previously closed complaints against ABC, CBS, and NBC — absent any new evidence — without also reinstating a similar complaint against a Fox broadcasting station. Finally, we are troubled by your announced investigation into PBS and National Public Radio (NPR) member stations without any evidence that these news sources have departed from decades-long practices for sponsorship disclosures. Taken together, these efforts appear politically motivated and designed to punish, censor or intimidate members of the free press based on political disagreement with editorial choices. This weaponization of the FCC is unacceptable. We urge you to immediately cease such conduct and respect the First Amendment. 
    The lawmakers continue, “We urge you both to follow the Constitution, immediately cease abusing the FCC’s legal authority, and return to the evidence-based decision-making that has been a staple of the Commission’s long and storied history.” 
    The full text of the letter is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley, Cortez Masto Lead Bipartisan Effort to Crack Down on Illicit Xylazine

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) reintroduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to fight the spread of illicit xylazine. The Combatting Illicit Xylazine Act would classify this highly toxic sedative as Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act, while protecting its legitimate use in large animal veterinary medicine. Reps. Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.) and August Pfluger (R-Texas) are leading companion legislation in the House of Representatives. Attorney General Pam Bondi, on her first day in office, advocated for the scheduling of xylazine in an internal Department of Justice memo. 
    “Illicit xylazine is contributing to the national drug epidemic and driving up overdose deaths in communities across the country. Our nation’s laws must keep pace with emerging drug trends,” Grassley said. “This bipartisan bill recognizes the lethal threat of xylazine and provides law enforcement new tools to combat its spread, while ensuring veterinarians, ranchers and cattlemen can continue to access the drug for legitimate animal treatment.” 
    “Xylazine poses a growing threat across the Silver State, and our law enforcement officers simply don’t have the tools they need to keep our communities safe from this dangerous drug,” said Cortez Masto. “My bipartisan, bicameral bill would crack down on illegal use of xylazine while protecting its legitimate use by veterinarians and ranchers. It’s time for Congress to act now and pass this life-saving legislation.” 
    Specifically, the Combatting Illicit Xylazine Act would: 
    Classify xylazine as a Schedule III drug under the Controlled Substances Act; 
    Enable the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to track xylazine’s manufacturing; 
    Require a report on prevalence, risks and recommendations to best regulate xylazine; and 
    Ensure veterinarians, farmers and ranchers can still use xylazine for its intended purpose – to treat large animals – by clearly defining “ultimate user” as someone lawfully permitted to possess a controlled substance for legitimate use. 
    The Combatting Illicit Xylazine Act is endorsed by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). 
    “The Combating Illicit Xylazine Act strikes the right balance of helping address the public health threat of illicit xylazine while maintaining veterinary access to this critical animal sedative,” said Dr. Sandra Faeh, President of the American Veterinary Medical Association. “Strongly endorsed by the AVMA, this legislation is essential to protecting our communities from the grave health and safety risks of illicit xylazine, upholding animal welfare, supporting public health, and ensuring our nation’s veterinarians are equipped with all the necessary resources to provide high-quality veterinary care.” 
    Additional cosponsors include Sens. Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Shelly Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.).
    Find bill text HERE. 
    Background:
    Xylazine is a veterinary tranquilizer that bad actors use as a low-cost cutting agent for fentanyl. In 2022, the DEA found that 23 percent of the fentanyl powder seized across 48 states contained xylazine.  
    Grassley this Congress also introduced the bipartisan HALT Fentanyl Act to permanently classify illicit, fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I under the Controlled Substances Act. Both bills would provide law enforcement the tools they need to effectively combat the nation’s drug epidemic. 
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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Whistleblowers’ Accounts Expose Dark Reality of Yearslong Weaponization and Political Infection at FBI

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    WASHINGTON – Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today during an executive business meeting highlighted whistleblowers’ first-person accounts of the retaliation and abuse they have suffered at the hands of current and former top FBI officials. Grassley’s comments came shortly before voting to advance Kash Patel’s nomination to be FBI Director. While reading the whistleblowers’ accounts into the congressional record, Chairman Grassley noted:
    “I’d like to have the White House and my Republican colleagues take note of this, because I think some of these people should be reinstated because of how [un]justly they’ve been treated. And like you’ve heard me so many times say, whistleblowers are treated like a skunk at a picnic. And I hope my Democrat colleagues will learn a lesson about how the FBI has previously treated whistleblowers, both under Republican administrations and Democrat administrations. So that we don’t have this happening again.”
    In a story this morning, RealClearInvestigations further detailed the plight of FBI whistleblowers.
    A Weaponized FBI: It’s Real, Whistleblowers Testify, Boasting Scars to Prove It
    By Ben Weingarten
    November 13, 2025
    Democrats have cast the Trump administration’s ouster of eight senior FBI leaders as a “purge” and act of “retribution” from a weaponized Justice Department, some likening it to President Nixon’s “Saturday Night Massacre.” 
    But former colleagues of the terminated “G-men” say this narrative is backward. FBI officials, past and present, have marshaled significant evidence via whistleblower complaints and testimony indicating that several terminated leaders routinely used their offices for partisan purposes.
    These include allegations that at least two of the fired officials, Jeffrey Veltri and Dena Perkins, manipulated the security clearance review process to personally and professionally punish conservatives, COVID-19 vaccine skeptics, and Jan. 6 whistleblowers who reported suspected bureau malfeasance, and retaliated against those who came to the whistleblowers’ defense. 
    A third, Timothy Dunham, is also alleged to have improperly suspended security clearances.
    Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) read numerous accounts of alleged misconduct perpetrated by these and other officials into the record this morning as the committee considered the nomination of Kash Patel for FBI Director…
    Read the full RealClearInvestigations story HERE. Read Grassley’s full opening statement HERE.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Votes ‘No’ On Advancing President Trump’s Pick To Be FBI Director, Kash Patel

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    February 13, 2025
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today voted against advancing President Donald Trump’s pick to be Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Kash Patel, in the Senate Judiciary Committee executive business meeting this morning. The Committee voted to advance his nomination on a party-line vote of 12-10.
    Key Quotes:
    “After reviewing Kash Patel’s record, meeting with him, and questioning him at his hearing, I am even more convinced that he has neither the experience, the judgment, nor the temperament to lead the FBI.”
    “I have served on this Committee during the consideration of four FBI Director nominations before this one. Each one was a Republican, and I voted for all of them.”
    “It turns out that Mr. Patel is already seeking retribution on behalf of President Trump, despite his status as a private citizen. As I revealed earlier this week, multiple whistleblowers have disclosed to my staff highly credible information indicating that Mr. Patel, a civilian, is personally directing the ongoing purge of senior law enforcement officials at the FBI. The ramifications of these terminations are dangerous, and they go beyond Mr. Patel’s fitness for office.”
    “It is unacceptable for a nominee to justify the potentially illegal firing of dedicated, nonpartisan FBI officials. If these allegations are true, Mr. Patel has become dangerously close to perjury before this Senate Judiciary Committee. Why do I say that? During [his confirmation] hearing, when asked about the terminations [at] the FBI, Mr. Patel said ‘I don’t know what is going on right now over there.’ Mr. Patel seems to be unable to wait for confirmation to carry out his plan of retribution on behalf of President Trump. This is a private citizen, Patel, with no role in government allegedly [directing] baseless firings of career politicians and then misleading this Committee about his actions.”
    “Given the serious nature of these allegations, I’ve asked the DOJ Inspector General to investigate. I urge my Republican colleagues to take these allegations seriously. I know you want to be loyal to your President, I know you want to vote for all of his nominations. I know none of you want a call from Elon Musk tomorrow morning saying what he might do if you vote the wrong way.”
    “This is not the only time that Mr. Patel misled the Committee under oath. At his hearing, he implausibly told me that he could not recall Stew Peters, an antisemitic Holocaust denier… This is simply not credible, considering that Mr. Patel appeared on Mr. Peters’s podcast eight times… And, Mr. Peters has since revealed that he and Mr. Patel directly communicate via their personal cell phones, ‘constantly.’”
    “Mr. Patel clearly lacks the temperament to lead the FBI. I wonder if any of my Republican colleagues read his book, ‘Government Gangsters.’ In this book, Mr. Patel has published an enemies list of 60 people who he calls ‘members of the deep state’ and accuses of being, ‘corrupt actors of the first order.’ This list includes many distinguished public servants—both Democrats and Republicans alike. What they share in common is the misfortune of having crossed paths with Mr. Patel.”
    “Mr. Patel has also displayed a startling disdain for the agency he has been nominated to lead. He wants to ‘shut down the F.B.I. Hoover Building on Day 1 and reopen it the next day as a museum of the ‘deep state.’’ He falsely claimed that the FBI ‘was planning January 6 for a year.’ And he has been clear about what he wants to do with the FBI’s vast surveillance and investigative powers, saying, ‘We’re going to come after the people in the media.’”
    “Mr. Patel has been open about his plans to dismantle the FBI and seek retribution. And he has already begun that mission as a private citizen, targeting senior FBI officials.”
    “Mr. Patel’s directives have thrown the Bureau into chaos. Senior executives who collectively have hundreds of years of experience have been forced out. Thousands of line agents across the country are living in fear of losing their jobs simply because [they did what] they were assigned to do.”
    “How does any of this make America safer? The American people need an FBI Director who is focused on keeping the public safe from terrorism, drug trafficking, and violent crime—not petty personal grievances.”
    Video of Durbin’s opening statement is available here.
    Audio of Durbin’s opening statement is available here.
    Footage of Durbin’s opening statement is available here for TV Stations.
    Multiple whistleblowers have disclosed to Durbin’s staff highly credible information indicating that Kash Patel has been personally directing the ongoing purge of senior law enforcement officials at the FBI. Earlier this week, Durbin sent a letter to DOJ Inspector General Michael Horowitz requesting an investigation into these allegations.
    To view Durbin’s questions to Mr. Patel in his confirmation hearing click here and here.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin, Daines Introduce Bipartisan Legislation To Support The Future Of Quantum Research At Energy Department

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    February 13, 2025
    The Department of Energy Quantum Leadership Act would authorize more than $2.5 billion for quantum research conducted at DOE
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) today introduced bipartisan legislation to expand the United States’ capacity to invest in quantum information science and research and development (R&D) through the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).  As quantum science, engineering, and technology advances, the DOE Quantum Leadership Act of 2025 would reinvigorate R&D projects at DOE by authorizing more than $2.5 billion in funding over the next five years—well above the $625 million for DOE-related programs laid out in the now-expiredNational Quantum Initiative Act of 2018.  The DOE Quantum Leadership Act would also provide DOE the authority to expand its current quantum R&D initiatives.
    “Between Fermilab and Argonne National Lab, our top-tier universities, and the new Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park, our state is poised to be a global hub as quantum computing takes center stage.  I want to keep the momentum going by supporting the Department of Energy, and in turn, Illinois’ quantum researchers, in pioneering quantum technologies that advance computing, security, and connectivity,” said Durbin.  “Senator Daines and I are introducing the bipartisan DOE Quantum Leadership Act to supercharge research, development, and commercialization of quantum technologies—technologies that will grow the medical, financial, and materials industries and create jobs along the way.  With this legislation, we can ensure our DOE facilities are well-equipped to lead the quantum revolution.”
    “America is a leader in cutting-edge science and technology, and in order to maintain our strong position, we must invest in research and development projects.  Spurring innovation through the National Quantum Initiative Program will help strengthen our national security, create Montana jobs and accelerate quantum research projects,” said Daines.
    “We strongly support the leadership of Senators Durbin and Daines for their re-introduction of the Department of Energy Quantum Leadership Act at this critical moment for scaling and commercializing quantum computing.  PsiQuantum is already building the infrastructure for utility-scale quantum systems, moving this technology towards deployment,” said Professor Jeremy O’Brien, co-founder and CEO of PsiQuantum.  “The Department of Energy is a critical partner to PsiQuantum through our work with the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory and other national labs in collaboration across government agencies.  Quantum technologies will be essential for economic competitiveness and national security—advancing defense, securing critical infrastructure, and maintaining technological leadership.  By strengthening the supply chain, expanding the workforce, and accelerating deployment, this legislation ensures the U.S. remains at the forefront of this critical technology.”
    Specifically, the DOE Quantum Leadership Act would:
    Reauthorize and expand R&D activities across DOE through 2030;
    Build upon the foundational work of DOE’s five National Research Centers;
    Direct DOE to study and address quantum supply chain challenges and reduce barriers to commercialization;
    Increase interagency and industry coordination; and
    Establish new programs to support the workforce demands of the growing quantum R&D and commercial ecosystems.
    Joining Durbin and Daines in introducing this legislation as cosponsors are U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Todd Young (R-IN).
    The DOE Quantum Leadership Act is endorsed by the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park, Montana Photonics & Quantum Alliance, the Chicago Quantum Exchange, PsiQuantum, IBM, Quantum Economic Development Consortium, Quantum Industry Coalition, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, D-Wave, EeroQ, MxD, mHub, P33, Montana Chamber of Commerce, Energy Sciences Coalition, University of Chicago, University of Illinois System, Northwestern University, Montana State University, Federation of American Scientists, Computing Research Association, American Physical Society, Optica, and the Chicago Office of the Mayor.
    Durbin has been a strong supporter of pushing quantum research forward.  Last July, he visited MxD in Chicago to discuss integrating quantum technology into manufacturing processes.  He also joined Illinois leaders to announce the new partnership between the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and Illinois – Quantum Proving Ground – to promote quantum computing research, development, and manufacturing in the state.  In June 2024, Durbin met with Dr. Stefanie Tompkins, Director of   DARPA, to discuss Illinois’ role in R&D in the defense industry.
    Last summer, Durbin joined Illinois leaders in celebrating the newly-announced location of the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park’s (IQMP) location at USX on the South Side of Chicago and the announcement of the quantum campus’ first anchor tenant, PsiQuantum. Illinois plans to invest $500 million into the new quantum campus to attract Fortune 500 companies and startups in quantum computing.
    A section by section of the bill is available here.
    A copy of the bill text is available here.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden Joins Colleagues on Legislation to Protect Schools, Hospitals and Other Sensitive Locations against ICE Raids

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)
    February 13, 2025
    Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ron Wyden said today he is joining Senate colleagues in introducing legislation that would prevent Immigration and Customs Enforcement from making arrests at sensitive locations like hospitals, schools, churches and courthouses in Oregon and nationwide.
    “The Trump administration’s efforts to upend these policies not only goes against long standing precedent, but also threatens public safety,” Wyden said, noting that the Trump Administration last month unilaterally revoked those long standing protections for hospitals, schools, churches and courthouses.
    “Arresting people in the security of their school, hospital, or church is cruel, inhumane, and unjust,” Wyden said. “If people are too scared to go to the doctor when they are sick, that puts our community at risk of illness. If people are too scared to report crimes to law enforcement, or go to a rape crisis center, that makes our community less safe. These raids are intended to instill fear and will do nothing to improve our broken immigration system.” 
    The Protecting Sensitive Locations Act would codify the Department of Homeland Security’s established policies to stop ICE from making arrests at essential service locations. In addition, the legislation would ensure immigrants can have access to education, criminal justice, and social services without fear of deportation. 
    The list of “sensitive locations” protected under this legislation includes, but are not limited to: medical treatment facilities and health care facilities of all types; public and private schools, early childhood learning centers, preschools, scholastic activities, and field trips; places of worship; federal and local courthouses; DMVs and social security offices; polling places; labor union halls; and several other locations that provide essential or emergency services to immigrant communities, such as rape crisis centers and homeless shelters.
    In addition to Wyden, the legislation was introduced by Senator Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., and cosponsored by Senators Michel Bennet, D-Colo., John Hickenlooper, D-Colo., Dick Durbin, D-Ill., Cory Booker, D-N.J., Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., Adam Schiff, D-Calif., Patty Murray, D-Wash., Alex Padilla, D-Calif., Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., Mazie Hirono, D-Hawai’i, Edward J. Markey, D-Mass., Brian Schatz, D-Hawai’i, Peter Welch, D-Vt., Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., and Tina Smith, D-Minn.
    The bill text is here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murkowski: “It’s Denali.”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Lisa Murkowski
    02.13.25
    Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) today introduced legislation that would officially designate North America’s highest mountain as Denali, the name bestowed by Alaska’s Koyukon Athabascans. The bill would require that any reference in U.S. laws, maps, regulations, or other records refer to the mountain as Denali.
    “In Alaska, it’s Denali,” Senator Murkowski said. “Once you see it in person, and take in the majesty of its size and breathe in its cold air, you can understand why the Koyukon Athabascans referred to it as ‘The Great One.’ This isn’t a political issue – Alaskans from every walk of life have long been advocating for this mountain to be recognized by its true name. That’s why today I once again introduced legislation that would officially keep this mountain’s quintessential name, ‘Denali.’”
    Background: 
    In 1975, the State of Alaska officially recognized “Denali” as the name of the peak, and requested action by the U.S. Board of Geographic Names to do the same.  In 1980, Congress changed the name of Mount McKinley National Park to Denali National Park and Preserve.
    Senator Murkowski has long advocated for the mountain to officially be called “Denali,” having introduced this legislation in three previous Congresses. In 2015, the Department of the Interior returned its official designation to “Denali.” Last month, President Trump signed an executive order titled “Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness,” which directed the Secretary of the Interior to change the name of the mountain to “Mount McKinley.”
    Last week, the Alaska State Senate unanimously adopted a resolution urging the President, Secretary of the Interior, and the United States Board on Geographic Names to maintain the name Denali. The Senate adopted House Joint Resolution 4, originally introduced by State Representative Maxine Dibert, after the Alaska State House of Representatives passed the resolution.
    U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) is an original cosponsor of the legislation.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: King Cosponsors Bipartisan Legislation to Crack Down on Illegal Fentanyl Trafficking

    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 Armed Services Committee (SASC) and the Select Senate Committee on Intelligence (SSCI), is cosponsoring bipartisan legislation to help law enforcement combat fentanyl trafficking and equip scientists with the tools to research and better understand fentanyl and other opioid-related substances. The bipartisan Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act would finally make permanent the scheduling of illicitly produced fentanyl-related substances (FRS) as Schedule I drugs and streamline the regulatory process for scientists seeking approval from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to research these substances.
    A permanent scheduling of FRS is necessary to make penalties for criminals clear and enforceable under the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), reducing the supply and availability of illicitly manufactured FRS. The HALT Fentanyl Act places the strongest controls and penalties on FRS, which have no accepted medical use and a high abuse potential. The bill would also establish a new, streamlined registration process for research funded by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), or under an Investigative New Drug (IND) exemption from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
    “Our state knows all too well the devastation opioids like fentanyl can cause; far too many Maine people have lost their lives or a loved-one to fentanyl related overdoses,” said Senator King. “We have a duty to equip our law enforcement professionals, researchers and those on the frontlines with the consistent guidance to help us combat this deadly epidemic. The bipartisan Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act meets the urgency of this crisis and is a critical step toward ensuring our families and communities are safe from this dangerous, deadly drug.”
    Since 2013, Maine has experienced tragically significant growth in total deaths from fentanyl related overdoses. In 2021, 77% of all drug overdoses in Maine were due to fentanyl. Fentanyl and FRS are especially dangerous because their presence is often unknown to the user and lethal in extremely small amounts. The University of Maine estimates fentanyl to be 25 times more potent than oxycodone and 50-100 times more potent than heroin.
    Specifically, the HALT Fentanyl Act would:
    Permanently impose the following quantity-based federal trafficking penalties on FRS:
    Mandatory minimum penalties: 5 years for 10 grams or more (10 years for second offense); and 10 years for 100 grams or more (20 years for second offense).
    Discretionary maximum penalties: 40 years for 10 grams or more (life for second offense); and life for 100 grams or more.
    Enhance our understanding of manufactured substances by:
    Allowing researchers in the same institution to participate in multiple scientific studies.
    Permitting researchers with ongoing studies to examine newly added schedule I substances.
    Allowing researchers to manufacture small quantities of FRS without a separate registration.
    In addition to Senator King, the HALT Fentanyl Act is cosponsored by Senators Martin Heinrich (D-NM),  Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Roger Marshall (R-KN), Todd Young (R-IN), Steve Daines (R-MT), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Mike Rounds (R-SD), John Kennedy (R-LA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ).
    As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Select Senate Committee on Intelligence, Senator King has previously supported legislation to combat illicit drug use and decrease overdoses. He is a cosponsor of the Synthetics Trafficking and Overdose Prevention Act, bipartisan legislation that is designed to stop dangerous synthetic drugs like fentanyl and carfentanil from being shipped through our borders. Senator King also cosponsored the INTERDICT Act, bipartisan legislation to help halt the flow of illicit fentanyl from Mexico, China and other nations around the world into the United States. During an open hearing of the Select Senate Intelligence Committee last year, Senator King pressed Avril Haines, the former Director of National Intelligence and Christopher Wray, the former Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), about what the intelligence community is doing to halt the flow of illicit drugs — including fentanyl — from Mexico, China and other nations into the United States.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy, Booker Introduce Legislation to Combat Skyrocketing Flood Insurance Premiums, Give Americans Relief

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) introduced the Flood Insurance Affordability Tax Credit Act to give low- and middle-income households enrolled in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) a 33 percent refundable tax credit to combat rising flood insurance premiums. FEMA’s risk assessment program, Risk Rating 2.0, has caused flood insurance premiums to skyrocket, leaving many Americans vulnerable, including thousands of Louisianans who have been forced to drop their policies.
    “While we work to fix the broken National Flood Insurance Program, this tax credit provides relief to current policyholders struggling with skyrocketing premiums. It also provides a path for others to re-enroll in the program,” said Dr. Cassidy. “We must give Americans the ability to protect their families and homes.” 
    “Flood insurance is a critical safety net for families, but costs are going up and it’s harder and harder to afford,” said Senator Booker. “This bipartisan legislation will provide much needed relief by offering a tax credit to help people across the nation, particularly in New Jersey, who are struggling to keep up with rising flood insurance premiums. Protecting your family and your home shouldn’t be a luxury, and this bill is an important step toward making flood insurance more affordable for all Americans.”
    The Flood Insurance Affordability Tax Credit Act will also direct the U.S. Treasury Secretary to establish a program where premiums can be paid in advance on behalf of taxpayers when premiums are due, benefitting families when they need it most. 
    Background
    In 2024, Cassidy has delivered a series of speeches on the U.S. Senate floor calling for action on NFIP. Most recently, he highlighted the need for the Flood Insurance Affordability Tax Credit on the Senate floor. 
    In October 2024, Cassidy released a report outlining the current state of the NFIP and the issues that have led to skyrocketing premiums for millions of homeowners.
    In January 2024, the U.S. Senate Banking Committee held a hearing on NFIP at the request of Cassidy. The hearing highlighted the urgent need for Congress to act and featured a Louisiana witness. Cassidy also participated in a roundtable hosted by GNO, Inc. and the Coalition for Sustainable Flood Insurance before introducing the bill to hear from community leaders and advocates on the issue.
    Cassidy traveled St. Bernard Parish in 2023 to talk with residents about their flood insurance premiums, recording the second episode of his series Bill on the Hill.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy Issues Statement Following Senate Confirmation of RFK, Jr. for HHS Secretary

    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 the U.S. Senate vote to confirm Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. as U.S. Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. Cassidy previously delivered a floor speech after voting to advance Kennedy’s nomination in the U.S. Senate Finance Committee last week. 
    “We need to make America healthy again, and it is my expectation that Secretary Kennedy will get this done,” said Dr. Cassidy. “As chair of the HELP Committee, I look forward to working closely with Secretary Kennedy and the Trump administration to improve the health of all Americans.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: McConnell Proud to Confirm Rollins as Ag Secretary

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Mitch McConnell
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) issued the following statement today regarding the confirmation of Brooke Rollins as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture:
    “America’s farmers and ranchers will have a strong voice with Secretary Rollins leading the Department of Agriculture. She’s demonstrated a thorough understanding of the challenges facing farm families, producers, and rural communities today, particularly the urgent need for the predictability and certainty of a long-term Farm Bill. As Congress takes up this important legislation, I look forward to working with Secretary Rollins to develop smart agricultural policies that support both Kentucky and our country.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cramer Questions North Dakota Witness on Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)

    Click here for audio. Click here for video

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee held a hearing to discuss carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration (CCUS) technologies. U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), a member of the EPW Committee, introduced the first witness, Kevin Connors, the Assistant Director for Regulatory Compliance and Energy Policy at the Energy and Environmental Research Center (EERC) in Grand Forks, N.D.

    “I love the opportunity to highlight North Dakota’s place in the area of carbon capture utilization and storage, and there’s a lot that goes into why North Dakota has been at the forefront,” said Cramer. “One of the central reasons is the Energy and Environment Research Center. Kevin has been an invaluable asset to both my staff and me, in fact we look to EERC as a bit of an extension of our staff on all matters relating to carbon capture utilization and storage.

    “From permitting to engineering to safe geologic storage and use of carbon, Kevin’s expertise is invaluable to this committee’s work,” continued Cramer. “The successful sequestration of CO2 is a matter of national concern, as is obvious today, and I am glad Kevin can tout the good work of North Dakota in this space and how other states can benefit from our state’s success in permitting Class VI wells.” 

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    The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates wells used for underground injection of carbon dioxide, known as Class VI wells. The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) prohibits underground injection of fluids without a permit, including underground injection of carbon dioxide for geologic sequestration. Under SDWA, EPA is authorized to delegate primary enforcement authority, or primacy, for underground injection control (UIC) programs to individual states. Cramer asked Connors to explain how North Dakota has become the national leader in CCUS technology and lessons learned from the state obtaining Class VI primacy.

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    “Mr. Connors, how was it that North Dakota was first?” asked Cramer. “Now we have a long history, as you’ve just pointed out, we’ve been piping and utilizing utilizing CO2 for 25 years in North Dakota. We were doing it way before it was cool. Other than that, what is it that put North Dakota at the front? How did we do it so quickly and what lessons can be learned in terms of getting that Class VI primacy authority?”

    Connors explained North Dakota recognized early that the state’s economic pillars are its agriculture and energy industries.

    “North Dakota took the approach of developing a resource management framework, so CO2 storage in North Dakota is regulated much like we regulate oil and gas,” responded Connors. “It’s in the public interest to promote geologic storage of carbon dioxide. We declared CO2 is a valuable commodity for its industrial use, specifically for enhanced oil recovery. And we regulate the pore space in North Dakota, like a resource under a resource management framework. That gives the state the ability to create unitization or unitize these projects in order to allow landowners to monetize their resource or monetize their pore space when looking to maximize the use of that pore space. So all nine projects that have been approved in North Dakota have units that have been established by the state regulatory authority.”

    Cramer followed up by asking about the challenges surrounding Class VI wells and aquifer exemptions. The EPA sets standards for drinking water quality through the SDWA including establishing minimum standards for state programs to protect underground sources of drinking water from endangerment by underground injection of fluids. Exemptions are granted if it can be demonstrated that the proposed aquifer is not a current underground source of drinking water (USDW), nor will it become one in the future. However, existing regulations do not allow new aquifer exemptions to be issued for UIC Class VI injection even though the same aquifer may be used for other discharges.

    “Mr. Connors,  in your testimony you referenced something that’s intriguing to me, and that is the aquifer exemption issue,” said Cramer. “Can you walk through that a little bit with me? First of all, what are the dangers? And second of all, why do you need the exemption? If we don’t get the exemption, how does that affect the availability of space for storage?”

    “So it’s a complex challenge, but EPA created a process to allow for the exclusion of those formations to be able to use them for underground injection,” answered Connors. “When EPA published the Class VI rule in 2010, they excluded aquifer exemptions as not allowed for Class VI injection. So all the other well class classes are allowed to have or apply for aquifer exemptions other than Class VI. What that means to this committee is there are formations that are ideal and suitable for CO2 storage that will never be used for drinking water, yet you cannot permit or inject into those formations because of the current regulations.”

    Connors explained the actions which need to be taken to amend the regulations, including a three-prong solution.

    “Congress can address it and direct EPA to amend their rules and allow for aquifer exemptions for Class VI,” continued Connors. “EPA will have to amend their rules and remove that provision. The third piece is also challenging EPA as the final authority when it comes to making that decision for aquifer exemptions and that still takes a long lead time. I previously administered North Dakota’s Class II UIC program, and it would take a year or two years to get an aquifer for exemption from the EPA when they do allow it for that injectionable class.”

    Cramer closed his questioning by asking about the difference between viewing CO2 as a pollutant and a commodity, as well as utilization of captured CO2.

    “Enhanced oil recovery is when you inject CO2 into an already existing field to push out more oil, in a world where you have stagnant or declining oil demand. Oil produced from enhanced oil recovery is the lowest carbon intensive barrel of oil that you can get out of the ground,” responded Jack Cavanaugh, of Breakthrough Energy, another witness at the hearing. “We’ve seen a demand for this globally, with these barrels being sold right now. I think around six percent of current U.S. production is with enhanced oil recovery. From your utilization question, I think it’s a positive pathway.”

    Cramer concluded by highlighting the net-negative oil being produced in southwestern North Dakota. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warren Statement on Senate Republicans Confirming RFK Jr. for HHS Secretary

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    February 13, 2025
    Washington, D.C. – Following Senate Republicans voting to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) released the following statement:
    “Putting Kennedy in charge of the nation’s public health is a huge mistake. When dangerous diseases resurface and people can’t access lifesaving vaccines, all Americans will suffer. And thanks to his serious, unresolved conflicts of interest, RFK Jr.’s family could continue getting richer from his anti-vaccine crusade while he’s in office.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Releases Statement After Voting to Confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D., released the following statement after voting to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services. Kennedy was confirmed by a vote of 52-48.
    “Today marks a great day for America, particularly for our nation’s children,” said Senator Marshall. “I want to extend a big thank you to all members of the Make America Healthy Again movement who were instrumental in pushing Robert F. Kennedy Jr. across the finish line. With 60 percent of Americans currently battling chronic diseases, we desperately need a radical shift toward prevention rather than focusing on treatment alone. Now, it’s time to get to work and Make America Healthy Again.”
    BACKGROUND
    Senator Marshall is a founding member of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Caucus, which will focus on nutrition, access to affordable, high-quality, nutrient-dense foods, improving primary care, and addressing the root causes of chronic diseases. 
    Senator Marshall met with Kennedy last December, where they discussed addressing chronic disease, improving nutrition and food policy, ensuring vaccine and drug safety, empowering the physician-patient relationship, and leaving our world cleaner, safer, and healthier for future generations.
    In early February this year, Senator Marshall voted to advance Kennedy during his Senate Finance Committee confirmation hearing. 
    Senator Marshall also recently wrote an op-ed in The Hill supporting Kennedy’s nomination.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Coons, Wicker introduce bill to better financially protect poultry growers against avian flu outbreaks

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) yesterday introduced the Healthy Poultry Assistance and Indemnification Act (HPAI ACT) to ensure that all poultry growers and laying operations in highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) control areas whose operations are affected receive compensation. This bill was
    “As avian flu cases rise in Delaware, it’s vital that we have smart policies in place that protect Delaware’s independent family farmers and poultry growers both medically and financially. As it stands, blind spots in our HPAI compensation program punish growers for culling flu-free flocks,” said Senator Coons. “As co-Chair of the Senate Chicken Caucus, I hope that including this bipartisan solution in the next Farm Bill will provide a lifeline to all hardworking farmers who do their part in helping us contain disease outbreaks by offering them fair and immediate financial relief, allowing them to recover quickly and assisting them in maintaining the strength of our essential poultry supply chains.”
    “Farmers play a significant role in providing our nation with food and protecting our national security,” said Senator Wicker. “Unexpected avian flu outbreaks harm the poultry industry, put farmers at risk for financial hardship, and drive up the cost of chicken and eggs at the grocery store. Since the initial outbreak in 2022, HPAI has led to the loss of a record 156 million birds across the United States. This bipartisan legislation would ensure farmers are compensated for their work to contain these outbreaks.”
    “The current wave of Bird Flu outbreaks is leaving our farming communities twisting in the wind,” said Congressman Mark Alford. “When poultry operations test positive for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, the federal government makes growers whole for lost revenue. The Healthy Poultry Assistance and Indemnification Act will level the playing field by ensuring poultry growers and layer operations—who are impacted by USDA control zones put in place even though their own birds never tested positive—also qualify for indemnity payments. I’m proud to once again co-lead this critical bipartisan legislation to support Missouri’s agriculture community.”
    “The San Joaquin Valley is the heart of California agriculture, and our poultry farmers are on the front lines of the avian flu crisis. When they face challenges, we all pay the price—from farms to grocery stores. That’s why I’m leading the charge with the HPAI Act to provide real relief, protect our food supply, and ensure the farmers who feed America get the support they deserve,” said Congressman Jim Costa.
    Under the current policies of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), when an HPAI case is discovered, all poultry farms located within a 10-kilometer radius of the case are banned from placing flocks until the virus is contained. Afterward, all growers who have positive tests in their flocks receive compensation from the USDA, but not those within the control area whose flocks don’t contract HPAI. This creates a perverse incentive: once a control area is established, it is preferable for poultry operations within the area to have HPAI cases, as otherwise they will not receive compensation afterward despite undergoing many of the same financial struggles. This bill would rectify that so all growers in the control area are duly compensated. 
    Since the start of the HPAI outbreak in 2022, bird flu has affected 153 million birds in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. This has caused hundreds of millions of dollars in losses to poultry growers and layer operations, driving food inflation even higher for Americans’ most cost-effective animal protein sources. 
    In addition to Senators Coons and Wicker, this legislation is cosponsored by Senators Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.).
    Specifically, the HPAI Act would:
    Expand USDA-APHIS compensation to all poultry farmers in an HPAI control area. The program currently only compensates farmers whose flocks test positive, not those in the control area who are disallowed from placing flocks until the virus is contained, which sometimes takes months. 
    Simplify the calculation of indemnity. The payments to farmers will be calculated based on the average income they earned from the last five flocks. This method is more transparent and ensures that farmers will not face a cash shortfall in the face of an HPAI outbreak in their area.
    This legislation is endorsed by the Delaware Department of Agriculture, the Delmarva Chicken Association, the National Chicken Council, the United Egg Producers, the Delta Council, and the American Farm Bureau Federation.
    The full bill text is available here.
    A one-pager is available here. 
    Senator Coons and Senator Wicker are the co-Chairs of the Senate Chicken Caucus.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crapo Statement on Rollins Confirmation to USDA

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo

    Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) issued the following statement after the Senate confirmed, by a vote of 72-28, Brooke Rollins to be Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA):
    “Brooke Rollins has had a distinguished career in the Trump Administration, serving as Domestic Policy Chief during the President’s first term.  Her previous work in the Administration will serve her well as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and as Congress and the Administration work to pass a new Farm Bill.  Her commitment to America’s farmers, ranchers and rural communities will benefit Idahoans and strengthen our agricultural industry.  I congratulate her on her confirmation.”

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Capito Votes to Confirm Kennedy for HHS Secretary

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (Labor-HHS) Appropriations Subcommittee, issued the following statement after voting to confirm Robert Kennedy Jr. to be Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS):
    “Coming from a state whose residents live with the impact of chronic diseases more than most, I agree with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. that we need to Make America Healthy Again. As the chairman of the subcommittee responsible for funding HHS, I will work closely with Secretary Kennedy to make sure West Virginia’s priorities are considered,” Senator Capito said. “Secretary Kennedy understands the unique health care challenges of rural America and the need to balance embracing new ideas with what has been proven successful in the past. I look forward to working with him to combat the drug crisis in West Virginia and across the country, make the foods we are eating healthier, improve the transparency of our health care systems, and deliver better health care to more Americans.”
    Senator Capito previously met with Kennedy in December 2024 to discuss his nomination and learn more about his vision to lead the department.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Capito Votes to Confirm Rollins as Agriculture Secretary

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) issued the following statement after voting to confirm Brooke Rollins to serve as the next Secretary of Agriculture:
    “Brooke Rollins understands firsthand the challenges facing rural America and will work day in and day out to support our West Virginia farmers, ranchers, and growers. That’s one of the many reasons I was proud to vote to confirm her to serve as our next Agriculture Secretary. I look forward to working with Secretary Rollins and the Trump administration to protect our family farms, grow our rural communities, and put American agriculture first,” Senator Capito said.
    Senator Capito previously met with Rollins in December 2024 to discuss her nomination and learn more about her vision to lead the department.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy To McMahon: You’re Saying It’s A Possibility That A Public School With Programming Related to Race Could Lose Federal Funding

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    February 13, 2025

    [embedded content]
    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, on Thursday questioned Linda McMahon at a hearing on her nomination for Secretary of Education. Murphy pressed McMahon on how a Trump administration executive order restricting federal funding for DEI programs will impact schools across the country. McMahon refused to provide clarity for the thousands of teachers and school administrators who are wondering whether offering African American history courses, supporting cultural student groups, or celebrating Black History Month will put their federal funding at risk.
    A full transcript of Murphy’s exchange with McMahon can be found below
    MURPHY: “Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Ms. McMahon, good to see you. You and I have spent a lot of time over the years, and I appreciate your willingness to sit before the committee and answer some really important questions.
    “I want to talk to you about an executive order that the Trump administration issued that commands agencies, including the Department of Education, to eliminate grants to organizations and entities that support DEI programs and activities. As you know, this has a lot of schools all across the country scrambling, because they have no idea what that means. They don’t know because the order doesn’t define DEI as to whether they are in compliance or out of compliance, and whether they are going to have their federal grants compromised. How does a school know whether it’s running a DEI program or not?”
    MCMAHON: “Well certainly, and thank you Senator, and it is good to see you again outside of the state of Connecticut, where we run into each other. DEI, I think, has been–it’s a program that’s tough. It was put in place ostensibly for more diversity, for equity and inclusion. And I think what we’re seeing is that it’s having an opposite effect. We are getting back to more segregating of our schools, instead of having more inclusion in our schools. When there are DEI programs that say that Black students need separate graduation ceremonies or Hispanics need separate ceremonies, we are not achieving what we wanted to achieve with inclusion.”
    MURPHY: “Let me give you an example then. So this order applies to Department of Defense schools, and those schools have canceled all programming around Black History Month. So if a school in Connecticut celebrates Martin Luther King Day and has a series of events and programming teaching about Black history, are they in violation of a policy that says schools should stop running DEI programs?”
    MCMAHON: “Not in my view, that is clearly not the case. The celebration of Martin Luther King Day and Black History Month should be celebrated throughout all of our schools. I believe that Martin Luther King was one of the strongest proponents of making sure that we look at all of our populations, when he said that he would hope that his children wouldn’t be judged by the color of their skin, but the content of their character, and I think that is the fundamental basis that we should celebrate Black History Month.”
    MURPHY: “West Point has closed down all ethnic clubs. So the Society of Black Engineers can no longer meet because they believe that to be in compliance with this order, they cannot have groups structured around ethnic or racial affiliations. Would public schools be in violation of this order? Would they risk funding if they had clubs that students could belong to based on their racial or ethnic identity?” 
    MCMAHON: “Well, I certainly today don’t want to address hypothetical situations. I would like, once I’m confirmed, to get in and assess these programs, look at what has been covered–”
    MURPHY: “Isn’t that a pretty easy one? I mean, you’re saying that it’s a possibility that if a school has a club for Vietnamese American students or Black students, where they meet after school, that they could be potentially in jeopardy of receiving federal funding?”
    MCMAHON: “Again, I would like to fully understand what that order is and what those clubs are doing.”
    MURPHY: “That’s pretty chilling. I think schools all around the country are going to hear that. What about educational programming centered around specific ethnic and racial experiences? My son is in a public school. He takes a class called African American History. If you are running an African American history class, could you perhaps be in violation of this executive order?”
    MCMAHON: “I’m not quite certain, and I’d like to look into it further and get back to you on that.”
    MURPHY: “So there’s a possibility– there’s a possibility, you’re saying– that public schools that run African American history classes, right, this is a class that has been taught in public schools for decades, could lose federal funding if they continue to teach African American history?”
    MCMAHON: “No, that’s not what I’m saying. I’m saying that I would like to take a look at these programs and fully understand the breadth of the executive order and get back to you on that.”
    MURPHY: “I think you are going to have a lot of educators and a lot of principals and administrators scrambling right now. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, my time’s expired.”

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Video: Kaine Speaks on Senate Floor in Opposition to RFK, Jr. to Secretary of Health and Human Services

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine

    BROADCAST-QUALITY VIDEO IS AVAILABLE HERE.
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, spoke on the Senate floor in opposition to President Trump’s nomination of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
    “I don’t believe Mr. Kennedy can separate fact from fiction. I don’t believe Mr. Kennedy can separate conspiracy from content,” Kaine said. “Now, you wouldn’t want someone suffering from that challenge in any position of leadership at any level of government—local, state, or federal. But this particular position, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, one of the most important positions in the nation as it respects to people’s physical and mental health, is exactly the wrong kind of a position for someone who can’t tell fact from fiction or content from conspiracy.”
    Kaine continued, “… the American public needs to be able to rely on HHS and other critical agencies for information that is not just about the state of their savings account or housing costs. This is about life and death.”
    Kaine then discussed the Gardasil vaccine, which is manufactured in Virginia and protects Americans from certain cancers caused by HPV, and raised concerns about RFK, Jr.’s previous comments on Gardasil. Kaine said, “[RFK, Jr.] has said that the vaccination is one of the most dangerous vaccines ever created. He has said that it’s dangerous and defective. On one of his website articles on his blog, he said that ‘it is inescapable that Gardasil kills girls.’ …He cannot separate fact from fantasy, content from conspiracy.”
    “This inability to tell the difference between fact and fiction and content and conspiracy would be dangerous enough if it was just about health information,” Kaine said. “But this individual’s inability to tell the difference between fact and fiction and between conspiracy and content is not just limited to health.”
    Kaine then brought up a previous post from RFK, Jr. posted on July 5, 2024, in which he refused to “take a side” on 9/11 conspiracy theories. Kaine said, “A lot of Virginia families lost loved ones that day… I don’t take it very well when someone says they won’t take sides about 9/11—when someone admits it’s hard to tell what is a conspiracy theory and what isn’t.”
    “If you cannot tell what happened on 9/11, if you decide to just freelance an opinion 23 years later, and tell the American public—and he’s running for president at the time—I will not take sides on 9/11, you should not have been nominated for this position in the first place,” said Kaine.
    “This is a very, very dangerous vote that we will cast tomorrow. Of any position in the federal government that needs somebody who can tell the difference between fact and fiction, conspiracy and content, HHS Secretary is that position,” Kaine concluded. “And Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. so badly flunks the test of what is needed—careful, reasoned information that people can count on—that I urge my colleagues, even if you voted in a committee, even if you voted on a procedural resolution to move this to the floor, stop now. You can still stop now. Don’t hurt this country. Don’t hurt the health of this country by putting someone in office who can’t even understand what happened on 9/11.”
    Kaine pressed RFK, Jr. on his previous statements regarding 9/11 and the Gardasil vaccine during RFK, Jr.’s nomination hearing. Last week, Kaine joined his colleagues in pressing RFK, Jr. over his conflicts of interest related to anti-vaccine lawsuits and his plan to transfer stake in anti-vaccine lawsuits to his son.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner, Kaine & Subramanyam Introduce Bill to Designate George C. Marshall House as a National Park Service Affiliated Area

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) and U.S. Representative Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA-10) introduced legislation to designate the General George C. Marshall House in Leesburg, known as Dodona Manor, as an affiliated area under the National Park Service (NPS). Warner and Kaine advocated for years alongside then-U.S. Representative Jennifer Wexton for an official designation, which would provide new resources to preserve and celebrate General Marshall’s legacy at the site, including technical assistance to support restoration efforts, accessibility improvements, and new programming.
    “Dodona Manor has an immense historic value to our nation and is worth celebrating,” said the lawmakers. “Turning it into an affiliated area under the National Park Service is a fitting way to preserve this property, honor General Marshall’s legacy and help future generations learn about his life. We are glad to introduce this legislation together and will keep working to get it across the finish line.”
    “The Marshall Center and the Leesburg community are deeply grateful to Congressman Subramanyam and Senators Kaine and Warner for their leadership in introducing legislation to designate George C. Marshall’s Dodona Manor as an affiliated area of the National Park System. This significant step recognizes General Marshall’s enduring legacy and will ensure the preservation of his historic home for future generations,” said Marshall Center Chairman Tom Greenspon. “We are honored to continue our work in safeguarding this national treasure and look forward to collaborating with our legislative champions to achieve full affiliation.”
    General Marshall led a lifetime of public service, serving as Chief of Staff to the Army during America’s entry into World War II, as Secretary of State where he orchestrated the historic Marshall Plan to rebuild Europe following the war—work for which he received a Nobel Peace Prize—and as Secretary of Defense after the onset of the Korean War.
    Dodona Manor is currently registered as a National Historic Landmark by the Department of the Interior and has been designated by the Commonwealth of Virginia as a Virginia Landmark.
    The Marshall House has been an integral part of the Leesburg community for over two centuries. General Marshall and his wife Katherine purchased the property in 1941 as a weekend retreat house, and regularly spent time at the property throughout General Marshall’s tenure as Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense. While residing there, he received world dignitaries including President Truman and Madam Chiang Kai-shek
    In 2005, Dodona Manor opened as a historic house museum and hosts international exchanges, historical exhibits, community events, and educational programming about the life and legacy of the Marshall family.
    The legislation was passed by the U.S. Senate in December 2024, but did not pass the U.S. House before the end of the 118th Congress and therefore must be reintroduced.
    Full text of the legislation can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaine, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Crack Down on Deadly Fentanyl Additive Xylazine

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), alongside his colleagues, introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Combating Illicit Xylazine Act. This bill would list xylazine as a Schedule III controlled substance while protecting the drug’s legal use by veterinarians, farmers, and ranchers.
    Xylazine, also known as “tranq,” is an easily accessible veterinary tranquilizer that is being used as a low-cost cutting agent for fentanyl. The bipartisan Combating Illicit Xylazine Act would regulate xylazine and give law enforcement the tools they need to go after those traffickers the drug for illicit use. The bill is endorsed by 39 state attorneys general—including Virginia’s—major law enforcement organizations, and veterinary organizations.
    “I’m fully committed to addressing the fentanyl crisis. I’m glad that bipartisan legislation I’ve led in the Senate to help keep Virginians safe from fentanyl was signed into law by President Biden, but there’s more work to do,” said Kaine. “That includes protecting our communities from the illicit use of xylazine, which is often mixed with fentanyl to create an even more lethal drug. I’m glad to partner with my colleagues on this bipartisan, commonsense approach to do that, while making sure the veterinarians who need xylazine to treat animals can still access it.”
    The Combating Illicit Xylazine Act would:
    Schedule xylazine as Schedule III substance under the Controlled Substances Act; 
    Ensure veterinarians, farmers, and ranchers can still use the drug for its intended purpose by creating a clear definition of “ultimate user” – someone lawfully permitted to possess a controlled substance for legitimate use;
    Enable the DEA to track its manufacturing to ensure it is not diverted to the illicit market; and
    Require a report on prevalence, risks, and recommendations regarding xylazine.
    Kaine has long advocated for more resources to combat the fentanyl crisis. Kaine introduced and Congress passed the bipartisan Disrupt Fentanyl Trafficking Act to direct increased federal attention to fentanyl trafficking by declaring fentanyl trafficking a national security threat, utilizing Pentagon resources like counter-drug intelligence, and involving Mexico as an active partner to combat the crisis. Kaine also helped pass a supplemental national security funding package that included the FEND Off Fentanyl Act, bipartisan legislation cosponsored by Kaine, to require the President to sanction drug rings involved in international drug trafficking. Last July, Kaine traveled to Brownsville and McAllen, Texas to discuss fentanyl interdiction at the southern border with various law enforcement agencies and international partners from Mexico. Last year, Kaine also introduced the bipartisan Strengthening Tracking Of Poisonous Tranq Requiring Analyzed National Quantification Act, or the STOP TRANQ Act to require the State Department to include reporting on xylazine, or “tranq,” in its annual International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR).
    This legislation is led by U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Katie Britt (R-AL), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Shelly Moore Capitol (R-WV), James Risch (R-ID), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Rick Scott (R-FL), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Todd Young (R-IN). It is led in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representatives Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19) and August Pfluger (R-TX-11).  

    MIL OSI USA News –