NewzIntel.com

Category: US Senate

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Reacts to Patel Working Behind-the-Scenes to Fire FBI Agents

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today reacted to reports Kash Patel has been personally involved in the Trump Administration’s ongoing efforts to target and fire career FBI agents and officials.  
    “If these reports are true, this is perjury. Under oath, Kash Patel said he had no recollection of any discussions or details about plans to purge career FBI agents—but whistleblowers have revealed that he was not only aware but orchestrating it,” said Senator Welch. “Kash Patel’s goal is to wreck the FBI, and my colleagues across the aisle must vote no.”  
    Following his confirmation hearing, Senator Welch asked Mr. Patel in written Questions for the Record about his involvement pursing any specific individuals. Under oath, Mr. Patel answered:  

    He later provided the following answers, also under oath: 

    Read Mr. Patel’s responses to all of Senator Welch’s Questions for the Record here.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Barrasso Bill Protects Western Way of Life

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wyoming John Barrasso

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) introduced legislation to protect multiple use policy on federal lands. The legislation would block the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) finalized Public Lands Rule.

    “Almost half the land in Wyoming is owned by the federal government. The law has long recognized the value of managing much of that land for multiple use – including mineral development, grazing, recreation and timber management,” said Senator Barrasso. “Wyoming prides itself on being responsible environmental stewards of the land. The Biden administration put in rules to upend public land access and productivity. This bill will direct the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to block the former administration’s disastrous Public Lands Rule. We are ready to work with the Trump administration to end the radical rules that threaten our Wyoming way of life.”

    Co-sponsors of this legislation include U.S. Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), John Curtis (R-Utah), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), and Mike Crapo (R-Idaho).

    Background:

    • The final BLM rule runs counter to the agency’s multiple use mandate under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA).
    • According to FLPMA, the BLM is required to balance the multiple uses of public lands including recreation, energy, mining, timber, and grazing.
    • The “Conservation and Landscape Health” rule rearranges agency priorities by putting a new, single use on equal footing with long established uses that Congress explicitly directed.
    • The rule also places an outsized focus on the use of restrictive Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) designations that have compromised land and water health across the West.

    Full text of the legislation can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Scott Presses Powell to Ensure Economy, Financial Regulation Promotes Opportunity for Hardworking Americans

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott

    WASHINGTON — At today’s Senate Banking Committee hearing on the Semiannual Monetary Policy Report to the Congress, Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) highlighted the importance of the Federal Reserve avoiding political priorities and focusing on building an economy that works for all Americans. In his opening statement, Senator Scott called out financial regulators who abused their power and forced institutions to debank federally legal businesses and law-abiding citizens.

    Senator Scott pressed Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on the importance of rightsizing rules and regulations – including reproposing the Basel III Endgame – to protect access to financial opportunity and security.

    Senator Scott’s opening remarks as delivered:  

    Chair Powell, thank you for being here today, appreciate your willingness to have a chat with us about some of the really important issues facing our country.

    Without question, the Federal Reserve serves a critical role in the function of our government and the global economy.

    You have the ability to influence markets and directly impact the financial future of hundreds of millions of Americans.

    That is why the Federal Reserve is supposed to be an independent institution free from politics.

    But, in recent reality, the Fed has been susceptible to political pressure.

    Take for example the Fed’s involvement in the Network for Greening the Financial System, a group dedicated to green financing and climate change, which the Fed joined in December 2020 as President Biden was about to assume office. 

    Just last month, the Fed announced that it had pulled out of the organization as President Trump was getting ready to be sworn in.

    To the American people, this is flip flopping in the political wind. Too much focus on climate change instead of supervision is consequential.

    And in March, just two years ago, we saw the failure of Silicon Valley Bank.

    SVB marked the third largest bank failure in U.S. history and the largest since the 2008 financial crisis. And yet, not a single federal regulator was held to account.

    In fact, the FDIC filed a lawsuit against bank executives which accused the SVB of “egregious mismanagement.” And I agree. How is it that no bank supervisor has faced any consequences? With 30 MRAs and MRIAs that never had timely action at SVB. 

    How can the people who are supposed to be our cops on the beat have not faced any recourse for such “egregious” failures.  I simply don’t understand.

    We must all address the fact that over the last four years, the Biden administration and Bidenomics have devastated, decimated, and destroyed hardworking families ability to support themselves.

    During Joe Biden’s time in office, overall prices rose by over 20 percent, energy prices 34 percent, transportation costs 31 percent, groceries 22 percent.

    But that’s not all.

    Thanks to Bidenomics, two-thirds of Americans have less than $1,000 – less than $1,000 – in their savings accounts.

    Here’s there is good news: things are going to get better.

    During his first term, President Trump kept his promises to the American people.

    In the first three years of his presidency, President Trump built the most inclusive economy ever.

    Seven million jobs created, and two-thirds went to women, African Americans, and Hispanics.

    It’s time to once again make America’s economy work for the folks working paycheck to paycheck.

    Joe Biden and Kamala Harris broke our economy and Donald Trump will fix it.

    For too long, bank regulators have followed black box regulatory frameworks with little to no recourse.

    The FDIC, under President Trump’s leadership, recently released never-before-seen supervisory documents, which confirmed that Biden’s Operation Chokepoint 2.0 was real despite assurances that these unacceptable practices would end following the Democrats’ first Operation Chokepoint 1.0.

    We are seeing an unfair playing field that results in disastrous consequences for legal businesses and law-abiding citizens. 

    On one hand, if you are in the private sector and you do your job poorly, you would face consequences – reprimands, suspensions, or even being fired.

    But if you are within the walls of the federal government, such as a bank regulator, you will face no consequences for your actions, even if you pressure a bank to cut off services to digital asset firms, political figures, and conservative-aligned businesses and individuals.

    To me, that goes against the principles of fairness and market access.

    Over the last two years, as the Ranking Member of this Committee, I have consistently argued that the Basel III Endgame proposal will raise costs and limit credit access for hardworking Americans. 

    And while I’m glad this proposal was not finalized, the uncertainty surrounding Basel III forced banks to put capital on the sidelines – limiting access to that capital for local and small businesses across the country. 

    Now, as Chairman, I plan to work to rectify the issues of the Biden administration.

    Chairman Powell, I look forward to hearing from you on the Federal Reserve’s future and the plans you have for rightsizing the financial regulatory frameworks, specifically around Basel III. 

    To create jobs here in America, we need to make sure there is capital and liquidity in the market.

    And we also want all Americans, even those growing up in poverty like I did, to know they can access the capital necessary to start new businesses, grow existing businesses, buy a home, and pursue their American Dream.

    Chairman, I look forward to your comments and your testimony and I will simply say, that I believe that weaponizing an independent agency like the Fed for liberal positions – from debanking crypto, bank stress tests, and the green financing scheme – is not calling balls and strikes as a fair referee. And I hope that we are getting ready to clean that slate, start fresh, and focus on a healthy economy.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin: Kash Patel Has Been Personally Directing The Ongoing Purge of FBI Officials

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    February 11, 2025
    In a speech on the Senate floor, Durbin reveals that 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
    WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, revealed that multiple whistleblowers have disclosed to Durbin’s staff highly credible information indicating that Kash Patel, President Donald Trump’s pick to be Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), has been personally directing the ongoing purge of senior law enforcement officials at the FBI. Earlier today, Durbin sent a letter to Department of Justice (DOJ) Inspector General Michael Horowitz requesting an investigation into these allegations.
    “This Thursday, the Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled to consider whether to recommend Kash Patel’s nomination to be Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation to the full Senate for consideration. So far, my Republican Committee colleagues have chosen to ignore the myriad red flags about Mr. Patel, especially his recurring instinct to threaten retribution—political retribution—against his and President Trump’s perceived enemies. This is a dangerous characteristic for a person who wants to lead the nation’s most powerful domestic investigative agency, the FBI,” Durbin said. “I hope that what I reveal today from credible whistleblowers at the highest levels will give my Republican colleagues some pause before it’s too late.”
    Durbin went on to reveal that on January 29, 2025, Acting FBI Director Brian Driscoll and Acting FBI Deputy Director Robert Kissane scheduled a meeting where it was relayed that a group of Executive Assistant Directors (EAD) and other supervisors must resign or be fired. The newly-established FBI Director’s Advisory Team (DAT) was in possession of a written list that identified certain officials and was seen by multiple FBI leaders. Their understanding of the list was that “a lot of names were people in the crosshairs.” This meeting had been prompted by a meeting earlier that day between DOJ and FBI leadership.
    Contemporaneous notes from that morning meeting read: “KP wants movement at FBI, reciprocal actions for DOJ.” Acting Deputy Attorney General Bove told meeting attendees that he received multiple calls from Stephen Miller the night before. Mr. Miller was pressuring him because Mr. Patel wanted the FBI to remove targeted employees faster, as DOJ had already done with prosecutors. 
    “According to my sources, Mr. Patel is receiving information from within the FBI from the Director’s Advisory Team. Mr. Patel then provides direction to Stephen Miller, who relays it to Acting Deputy Attorney General Bove,” said Durbin. “It is unacceptable for a nominee with no legal or current role in government to personally direct the unjustified and potentially illegal firings of dedicated, nonpartisan professionals at the FBI. If these allegations are true, then Mr. Patel may have committed perjury before the Senate Judiciary Committee.”
    Durbin then explained how, if the allegations are true, Mr. Patel may have perjured himself before the Senate Judiciary Committee.
    “The day after the meeting I described, where Mr. Patel’s desire for FBI officials to be fired more quickly was discussed, was Mr. Patel’s confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee,” Durbin said. “During the hearing, Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey asked Mr. Patel: ‘Are you aware of any plans or discussions to punish in any way, including termination, FBI agents or personnel associated with Trump investigations? Yes or no.’ Mr. Patel answered that he was ‘not aware of that’ and continued: ‘I don’t know what’s going on right now over there, but I’m committed to you, Senator, and your colleagues that I will honor the internal review process of the FBI.’ Yet, if these whistleblower allegations are true, just two days prior, Stephen Miller, at Mr. Patel’s direction, had ordered DOJ leadership not just to terminate a specific list of officials, but to speed up those terminations.”
    Durbin continued, “Mr. Patel seems to be unable to wait for Senate confirmation to carry out retribution against his perceived political enemies. Patel is a private citizen today and he was when he testified with no current role in government directing baseless firings of career public servants. This speaks directly to the fact that Mr. Patel is not fit to be entrusted with government authority, which is evident to anyone who has seriously reviewed his record.”
    Finally, Durbin explained how the ramifications of these FBI terminations are dangerous, and how they go beyond Mr. Patel’s fitness for office because these terminations have greatly weakened the FBI’s ability to protect the country from national security threats and have made Americans less safe.
    “Among those who were removed, so far by the Trump administration, are the top officials who oversee the FBI’s work combatting international and domestic terrorism… cybersecurity threats, human and drug trafficking, and violent crime. Does that make us any safer? Mr. Patel’s need to punish his perceived enemies is apparently greater than his interest in protecting the American people,” said Durbin. “Given the serious nature of these allegations and the need to protect the identities of my sources, I have asked the Department of Justice Inspector General today in a letter to investigate these claims… I urge my Republican colleagues to please take these allegations seriously and at least pause for a moment to consider whether Kash Patel is the person you want to put in charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation for ten years.”
    Durbin concluded, “He [Patel] has left behind a trail of grievances throughout his life, lashing out at anyone who dares to disagree with him or fails to respect him sufficiently… And now these credible allegations that he has personally orchestrated a purge of senior FBI law enforcement officials. The FBI is an agency that plays a critical role in keeping us safe from terrorism, violent crime, and other threats. Our nation needs an FBI director who understands the gravity of the mission, not someone who is focused on settling a political score.”
    Video of Durbin’s remarks on the floor is available here.
    Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the floor is available here.
    Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the floor is available here for TV Stations.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Presses Zuckerberg On Meta’s Role Directing Traffic To Problematic Nudify App

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    February 11, 2025

    About 90 percent of online traffic to Crushmate, an app used to create nonconsensual deepfake intimate imagery, originates from Meta in violation of its own policies

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, pressed Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg on his company’s role in directing traffic to Crushmate or Crush AI (“Crush”), an app used to create nonconsensual deepfake intimate imagery. Crush reportedly receives approximately 90 percent of its traffic from Meta platforms via thousands of explicit ads purchased by Crush in violation of Meta’s Advertising Standards, featuring nonconsensual nudity of celebrities and influencers.

    Durbin begins the letter by outlining the troubling reports, writing: “I write regarding troubling reports that advertisements on Instagram and other Meta platforms are generating a significant amount of traffic for Crushmate or Crush AI (“Crush”), an app that allows—and, in fact, encourages—users to create nonconsensual deepfake intimate imagery.  Because Meta has allowed Crush to run advertisements on mainstream platforms like Instagram, a significant number of Meta users have now accessed a highly problematic, otherwise little used app.  I want to know how Meta allowed this to happen and what Meta is doing to address this dangerous trend.”

    Durbin continues the letter by highlighting the prevalence and apparent noncompliance of these advertisements, writing: “Each ad for Crush violates Meta’s Advertising Standards, including its prohibitions on ads that feature Adult Nudity and Sexual Activity and ads that include certain forms of Bullying and Harassment. Yet, the ads are prevalent on Meta’s platforms. In the first two weeks of this year alone, Meta ran at least 8,010 ads for Crush. It appears that Crush is evading Meta’s enforcement efforts through a simple strategy. The company creates dozens of fake advertiser profiles on Meta, often with AI-generated profile pictures. It then employs multiple domains that redirect to Crush to evade detection. Once caught, the company repeats the process.”

    Durbin continues the letter by stressing the harm that nudify apps like Crush have on victims, writing: “Because this easily used software is now so readily accessible through platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, middle schools and high schools around the country are grappling with shocking acts of image-based abuse committed by students on other students. The generation and dissemination of nonconsensual, deepfake intimate imagery are acts of abuse and violations of privacy that inflict lasting harm on victims. Victims can feel destabilized when they lose control over their likeness and identity and can feel powerless to remove the illicit content or to prevent it from being produced again. They may experience depression, anxiety, and a fear of being in public. This can have the effect of silencing victims, causing them to withdraw from online spaces and public discourse as a protective measure. These images may be used to harass victims and damage their employment, education, or reputation, or to further criminal activity such as extortion and stalking. In the worst cases, they drive victims to suicide.”

    Durbin closes the letter with a call for Meta to act before issuing a series of information requests, writing: “Tech companies should not assist malevolent actors who seek to take advantage of women and children. I am gravely concerned with Meta’s failure to prevent this perverse abuse of its platforms and I refuse to accept Meta’s facilitation of these crimes. I therefore urge Meta to join us in combatting this threat.”

    Click here for a PDF copy of the letter to Mark Zuckerberg.

    Durbin is committed to ensuring children’s online safety. Last Congress, Durbin’s bipartisan Disrupt Explicit Forged Images and Non-Consensual Edits Act of 2024 (DEFIANCE Act) passed the Senate, but the bill stalled in the Republican-controlled House. The legislation would hold accountable those responsible for the proliferation of nonconsensual, sexually-explicit “deepfake” images and videos.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rosen Leads Push Urging Trump Administration to Exempt Seasonal Firefighters from Federal Hiring Freeze

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) led 14 of her Senate colleagues in a letter urging the Trump Administration to exempt seasonal firefighters from the federal hiring freeze. Reports emerged last week indicating that the federal funding freeze is preventing the hiring and onboarding of seasonal firefighters, a workforce that already struggles with recruitment and retention. This comes as the West continues to be ravaged by deadly wildfires.
    “We write today following reports that hiring and onboarding for federal seasonal firefighters has stopped due to the Trump Administration’s federal hiring freeze,” wrote the Senators. “We are extremely concerned to hear that this is happening across the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and National Park Service ahead of what’s expected to be another devastating wildfire year.”
    “Although there is an urgent need to hire more federal firefighters, the Trump Administration’s hiring freeze does the opposite and is pausing hiring at a critical time for this already understaffed workforce,” they continued. “We urge you to put the safety of families and communities across the country first and allow the federal seasonal firefighter hiring process to continue without delay.”
    The full letter can be found HERE.
    Senator Rosen has been a leader in ensuring Nevadans have access to the federal resources needed to prepare for, stay safe during, and recover from wildfires. Last year, legislation she helped introduce to improve wildfire readiness and response passed favorably out of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee. In addition, Senator Rosen has previously joined her colleagues in asking the White House for federal funds to help Nevada fight wildfires and extreme drought.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaine Statement on Tulsi Gabbard Ahead of Confirmation Vote

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
    Published: February 11 2025

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees, released the following statement ahead of the Senate’s vote to confirm Tulsi Gabbard to be Director of National Intelligence (DNI): 
    “The safety of our communities and America’s national security should be a top priority for any senator. Therefore, I simply cannot support Tulsi Gabbard’s nomination to be Director of National Intelligence. The person filling this role serves as one of the principal advisors to the President on national security matters, is trusted to safeguard our nation’s most sensitive secrets, and leads 18 intelligence agencies composed of men and women who have dedicated their lives to the safety and security of the United States. Tulsi Gabbard is not the right person to hold this critical position, especially at a time when we are facing threats from a rising China, Russia, Iran, and other bad actors around the world. Gabbard’s previous praise of authoritarians like Vladimir Putin and Bashar al-Assad and her support for Edward Snowden show a deep lack of judgement and raise significant questions about her ability to do this job. I worry that allies will be more reluctant to share critical information with the U.S. if people like Gabbard hold key intelligence posts. Many of my Republican colleagues share these concerns and have expressed deep reservations behind closed doors about her holding this position; if they confirm her to this post, it will be yet another example of their inability to stand up to President Trump in defense of our national security.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: PREPARED REMARKS: Sanders on the Senate Floor: “What the Oligarchs Really Want”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Vermont – Bernie Sanders
    WASHINGTON, Feb. 11 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) today gave remarks on the floor of the Senate regarding how Elon Musk and his fellow oligarchs are waging a war on the working class of America.
    Sanders’ remarks, as prepared for delivery, are below and can be watched HERE:
    M. President, we are living in an extremely dangerous time. Future generations will look back at this moment – what we do right now – and remember whether we had the courage to defend our democracy against the growing threats of oligarchy and authoritarianism. They will remember whether we stood with President Abraham Lincoln at Gettysburg who in 1863, looking out at a battlefield where thousands died in the struggle against slavery and stated that; “this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom – and that a government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth.” Do we stand with Lincoln’s vision of America or do we allow this country to move to a government of the billionaires, by the billionaires and for the billionaires?
    But it’s not just oligarchy that we should be concerned about, and the reality that the 3 richest people in America now own more wealth than the bottom half of our society – 170 million people. It’s not just that the gap between the very rich and everyone else is growing wider, and that we have more income and wealth inequality today than we’ve ever had.
    It is also that we are looking at a rapid movement, under President Trump, toward authoritarianism. More and more power resting in fewer and fewer hands.
    M. President, as we speak, right now, Elon Musk, the richest man in the world, is attempting to dismantle major agencies of the federal government which are designed to protect the needs of working families and the disadvantaged. These agencies were created by the U.S. Congress and it is Congress’ responsibility to maintain them, reform them or end them. It is not Mr. Musk’s responsibility. What Mr. Musk is doing is patently illegal and unconstitutional – and must be stopped.
    M. President. Two weeks ago, President Trump attempted to suspend all federal grants and loans – an outrageous and clearly unconstitutional act. As I hope every 6th grader in America knows, under the Constitution and our form of government the president can recommend legislation, he can support legislation, he can veto legislation, but he does not have the power to unilaterally terminate funding passed by Congress. It is Congress, the House and the Senate, who control the purse strings.
    But it’s not just Congress that’s under attack. It’s our judiciary.
    This weekend, the Vice President, a graduate of Yale Law School, who clerked for a Supreme Court Justice, said that: “judges aren’t allowed to control the executive’s legitimate power.” Really? I thought that one of the major functions of the federal courts is to interpret our Constitution and, when appropriate, serve as a check on unconstitutional executive power.
    Mr. Musk, meanwhile, has proposed that “the worst 1% of appointed judges be fired every year,” and demanded the impeachment of judges that have blocked him from accessing sensitive Treasury Department files. No doubt, under Mr. Musk’s rule, it will be him and his billionaire friends who determine who the “worst” judges are. And no, Mr. Musk, you don’t impeach judges who rule against you. You may or may not know this, but under the U.S. Constitution, we have a separation of powers, brilliantly crafted by the founding fathers of this country in the 1770s.
    So, we are seeing an organized attack on Congress and the courts.
    But Trump and his friends aren’t just trying to undermine two of the three pillars of our constitutional government – Congress and the courts. They are also going after the media in a way that we have never seen in the modern history of this country.
    Every member of Congress will tell you that people in the media, and media organizations, are not perfect. They, like everyone else, make mistakes every day. But I hope that every member of Congress understands that you cannot have a functioning democracy without an independent press – non-intimidated journalists who can write it and say it the way they see it. And in that regard, I want to remind my colleagues what this president has done in recent months.
    President Trump has sued ABC and received a $15 million settlement. He has sued Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, and received a $25 million settlement. He has sued CBS, and its parent company Paramount, is apparently in negotiations over a settlement. He has sued the Des Moines Register, and his FCC is now threatening to investigate PBS and NPR.
    In other words, we have a President of the United States who is using his power to go after media in this country who are saying and doing things he doesn’t like. How are we going to have an independent media if journalists are looking over their shoulders, fearful that their reporting will trigger a lawsuit from the most powerful man in the world?
    M. President. Now is the time to ask a very simple question. What do Mr. Musk, Mr. Trump and their fellow billionaires really want? What is their endgame?
    And in my view, the answer is not complicated. It is not novel. It is not new. It is what ruling classes throughout history have always wanted and have always believed is theirs by right: more power, more control and more wealth. And they are determined to not allow democracy and the rule of law to get in their way.
    For Mr. Musk and his fellow oligarchs, the needs, the concerns, the ideas, the dreams of ordinary people are simply an impediment to what they, the oligarchs, are entitled to. That is what they really believe.
    This is not the first time we’ve seen this in our country’s history.
    In pre-revolutionary America, before the 1770s, the ruling class of that time governed through a doctrine called the “divine right of kings,” the belief that the King of England was an agent of God, God appointed him, and he was not to be questioned by mere mortals.
    In modern times we no longer have the “divine right of kings.” What we NOW have is an ideology being pushed by the oligarchs which says that as very, very wealthy people – often self-made, often the masters of revolutionary new technology and as “high-IQ individuals,” it is THEIR absolute right to rule. In other words, the oligarchs of today are our modern-day kings.
    And it is not just power that they want. Despite the incredible wealth they have they want more, and more and more. Their greed has no end. Today, Mr. Musk is worth $402 billion, Mr. Zuckerberg is worth $252 billion and Mr. Bezos is worth $249 billion. With combined wealth of $903 billion, these 3 people own more wealth than the bottom half of American society — 170 million people.
    Not surprisingly, since Trump was elected, their wealth has soared. Elon Musk has become $138 billion richer, Zuckerberg has become $49 billion richer and Bezos has become $28 billion richer – since Election Day.
    Meanwhile, while the very rich become much richer, 60% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck, 85 million are uninsured or under-insured, 25% of seniors are trying to survive on $15,000 or less, 800,000 are homeless and we have the highest rate of childhood poverty of almost any major country on earth. And real, inflation adjusted wages for the average American worker have been stagnant for 50 years.
    Do you think the oligarchs give a damn about these people? Trust me, they don’t. Musk’s decision to dismember U.S. AID means that tens of thousands of the poorest people around the world will go hungry or die of preventable diseases.
    But it’s not just abroad. Here in the United States they’ll soon be going after the healthcare, nutrition, housing, and educational programs that protect the most vulnerable people in our country – all so that Congress can provide huge tax breaks for them and their fellow billionaires. As modern-day kings, who believe they have the absolute right to rule, they will sacrifice, without hesitation, the well-being of working people to protect their privilege.
    Further, they will use the enormous media operations they own to deflect attention away from the impact of their policies while they “entertain us to death.” Mr. Musk owns twitter. Mr. Zuckerberg owns Meta – which includes Facebook and Instagram – and Mr. Bezos owns the Washington Post. Further, they and their fellow oligarchs, will continue to spend huge amounts of money to buy politicians in both major political parties.
    Bottom line: The oligarchs, with their enormous resources, are waging a war on the working class of this country, and it is a war they are intent on winning.
    Now, I am not going to kid you — the problems this country faces right now are serious and they are not easy to solve. The economy is rigged, our campaign finance system is corrupt and we are struggling to control climate change — among many other important issues.
    But this is what I do know:
    The worst fear that the ruling class in this country has is that Americans — Black, White, Latino, urban and rural, gay and straight, young and old — come together to demand a government that represents all of us, not just the wealthy few.
    Their oligarch’s nightmare is that we will not allow ourselves to be divided up by race, religion, sexual orientation or country of origin and will, together, have the courage to take them on.
    Will this struggle be easy? Absolutely not.
    And one of the reasons that it will not be easy is that the ruling class of this country will constantly remind you that THEY have all the power. They control the government, they own the media.
    But our job right now, in these difficult times, is to not forget the great struggles and sacrifices that millions of people have waged over the several centuries to create a more democratic, just and humane society. Think about what people THEN were saying.
    Overthrowing the King of England to create a new nation and self-rule. Impossible.
    Establishing universal suffrage. Impossible.
    Ending slavery and segregation. Impossible.
    Granting workers the right to form unions and ending child labor. Impossible.
    Giving women control over their own bodies. Impossible.
    Passing legislation to establish Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, a minimum wage, clean air and water standards. Impossible.
    In other words, as Nelson Mandela told us, everything is impossible until it is done.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Colleagues Push Trump Administration to Exempt Seasonal Firefighters From Federal Hiring Freeze

    US Senate News:

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

    Padilla, Colleagues Push Trump Administration to Exempt Seasonal Firefighters From Federal Hiring Freeze

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) joined Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) and 13 other Democratic Senators in urging senior Trump Administration officials to reverse the hiring and onboarding freeze of federal seasonal firefighters that threatens the safety of communities in California and across the nation. The Trump Administration’s January 20 hiring freeze of federal civilian employees inexplicably did not exempt federal seasonal firefighters, despite exempting other critical public safety personnel.
    Federal seasonal firefighters risk their lives to protect communities and save lives. This hiring freeze is particularly dangerous as we ramp up staffing and training ahead of peak wildfire season. While Padilla secured a temporary pay raise for wildland firefighters in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, recruitment and retention remain significant challenges as firefighters work long hours with insufficient pay. The attrition rate of firefighters at the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) has been 45 percent over the past four years — making the hiring freeze at USFS, the Bureau of Land Management, and the National Park Service all the more dangerous.
    “The Administration must not sacrifice the safety of the American people for the benefit of implementing a political agenda,” wrote the Senators. “We urge you to immediately reverse course, begin hiring and onboarding seasonal firefighters again, and continue supporting and growing the federal firefighting workforce.”
    “The bottom line is this: pausing the hiring and onboarding of federal seasonal firefighters — while historic wildfires destroy communities and upend livelihoods across the West — is simply irresponsible and dangerous,” continued the Senators. “We will be woefully unprepared to fight the fires to come and instead will continue to see record levels of damage, ultimately costing communities and taxpayers even more at a time when the cost of living is already too high.”
    Wildfires are increasing in frequency and destructiveness in California and across the nation. Last month, the devastating Southern California fires, including the Palisades and Eaton Fires, burned over 57,000 acres and destroyed over 16,200 structures, claiming the lives of at least 29 victims. Nationally, over 64,800 fires burned 9 million acres in 2024, up from approximately 56,500 wildfires and 3 million acres in 2023. The rise in catastrophic wildfires demands even more seasonal firefighter hiring — not a freeze.
    In addition to Senators Padilla and Rosen, the letter was also signed by Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Angus King (I-Maine), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).
    Senator Padilla has consistently pushed to protect our wildland firefighting force. Last month, Padilla reintroduced the bipartisan Wildland Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act to protect the pay raise he secured for wildland firefighters in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. In 2023, Padilla and a bipartisan group of Senators urged Senate leadership to avoid mass resignations within the wildland firefighter ranks by ensuring the prompt passage of their bipartisan legislation. Padilla and a bipartisan group of Senators also urged the Biden Administration to establish a special pay rate for federal wildland firefighters to prevent staffing shortages and strengthen wildfire response efforts in 2022. Following that request, the Administration announced a temporary pay raise. Additionally, Padilla’s Wildfire Emergency Act, announced last week, would establish a prescribed fire-training center in the West and authorize grants to support training the next generation of foresters and firefighters, among other important fire mitigation efforts.
    Full text of the letter is available here and below:
    Dear Secretary Burgum, Acting Secretary Washington, and Acting Director Ezell:
    We write today following reports that hiring and onboarding for federal seasonal firefighters has stopped due to the Trump Administration’s federal hiring freeze. We are extremely concerned to hear that this is happening across the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and National Park Service ahead of what’s expected to be another devastating wildfire year. The Administration must not sacrifice the safety of the American people for the benefit of implementing a political agenda. We urge you to immediately reverse course, begin hiring and onboarding seasonal firefighters again, and continue supporting and growing the federal firefighting workforce.
    President Trump’s January 20th memorandum ordered a hiring freeze for all federal civilian employees. It also explicitly exempted public safety personnel from this freeze and allowed the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to grant further exemptions. We are appalled that federal seasonal firefighters are not already exempted, given the critical role they play in public safety throughout our communities. Federal seasonal firefighters are brave public servants who risk their lives to protect those around them. They work long hours in dangerous environments to not only fight fires on private, public, and Tribal lands, but also carry out hazardous fuels management, which is crucial to preventing and mitigating the effects of future fires.
    Wildfires are increasing in frequency and destructiveness in the U.S., necessitating even greater seasonal firefighter hiring. In 2024, over 64,800 wildfires occurred across the country, which is up from approximately 56,500 in 2023. Additionally, fires burned nearly 9 million acres in 2024, compared to only 3 million in 2023. Such fires also no longer stick to a particular season, meaning that we must be prepared 365 days per year to fight fires, putting even more stress and strain on a workforce that desperately needs additional support and higher pay. While the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law led to some small increases from the 18,700 seasonal and career federal firefighters we had in 2022, this investment is still not meeting our current wildfire needs.
    Although there is an urgent need to hire more federal firefighters, the Trump Administration’s hiring freeze does the opposite and is pausing hiring at a critical time for this already understaffed workforce.
    On top of this, firefighter retention continues to be a problem, with reports indicating that the attrition rate of firefighters at the Forest Service has been 45 percent over the past four years. We therefore need to focus on recruitment and retention of this critically important workforce, rather than place more uncertainty within it through an arbitrary freeze. The federal seasonal firefighter hiring process is already time consuming, and we don’t need to delay it further with more bureaucratic red tape.
    The bottom line is this: pausing the hiring and onboarding of federal seasonal firefighters – while historic wildfires destroy communities and upend livelihoods across the West – is simply irresponsible and dangerous. We will be woefully unprepared to fight the fires to come and instead will continue to see record levels of damage, ultimately costing communities and taxpayers even more at a time when the cost of living is already too high. We urge you to put the safety of families and communities across the country first and allow the federal seasonal firefighter hiring process to continue without delay. Every moment that we wait puts lives and livelihoods at greater risk.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hickenlooper, Colleagues Demand Answers for American Consumers, Military Families After Trump Admin Illegally Shutters Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Hickenlooper – Colorado
    This weekend, the administration froze all Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s supervision and enforcement activity
    Illegally closing the agency will leave American consumers, military families vulnerable to being ripped off
    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper joined nine Senate colleagues to call on Russell Vought, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, to end his directive freezing all supervisory and enforcement action at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Vought also currently serves as the CFPB’s acting director.
    The CFPB defends American consumers against predatory lending and unfair practices like junk fees. It has returned $20 billion to American consumers since its establishment in 2011.
    Congress tasked the agency with enforcing the Military Lending Act (MLA), which protects active-duty service members and their dependents from abusive lending. The Trump administration’s stop work order exposes military families to steep interest rates, junk fees, and other abuses.
    “This decision leaves all Americans susceptible to predatory lending and other abusive practices, but in particular, it eliminates protections that prevent servicemembers from being exploited,” the senators wrote. “This funding, supervision, enforcement, and communications freeze will hit military families especially hard.”
    To date, the CFPB has successfully resolved 39 cases – including six MLA violations – involving service members and veterans, returning $363 million to victims. Multiple MLA cases are still being considered in court and the freeze will undermine these cases and weaken service member protections overall.
    The senators continued, “We request that the CFPB continue to supervise and investigate violations of the consumer financial protection laws and take forceful enforcement actions against lenders that violate the law, especially when it comes to predatory lending that harms our military readiness.”
    Hickenlooper previously chaired the Senate Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety and Data Security in the 118th Congress.  Full text of the letter is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden Senate Floor Remarks on Director of National Intelligence Nominee Tulsi Gabbard

    US Senate News:

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

    February 11, 2025

    As prepared for delivery

    Watch a video of Wyden deliver his remarks here

    Today, I will be speaking about the nomination of Tulsi Gabbard to be Director of National Intelligence and my reasons for opposing her confirmation.

    First, I believe the Senate must consider with this nomination the examples of blatant lawlessness of this administration.  At every turn, Donald Trump is attacking the rule of law, disregarding the constitutional role of the Congress, and trying to purge the civil servants who defend this country every day.  Meanwhile, Elon Musk’s unvetted minions are gaining access to some of the government’s most sensitive systems and records.  

    American democracy and national security are at stake and if the Senate is going to confirm nominees we need to know whether they will stand up for democratic principles, no matter what.

    So, at her hearing, I asked Ms. Gabbard what she would do if Donald Trump tried to illegally withhold funding from the Intelligence Community Inspector General.  This was hardly a hypothetical question.  Donald Trump has, in fact, sought to unilaterally cut off funding for a broad range of organizations, despite the money having been appropriated by Congress.  And it’s not just me saying this is illegal; the courts have ordered the administration to cut it out and resume the funding.  But when I asked Ms. Gabbard this question, she said – quote – “I don’t believe for a second President Trump would ask me to do something that would break the law.”  Well, he is breaking the law, and this country needs leaders who acknowledge that fact and stand up to him.

    My concerns about Ms. Gabbard are also based on her recent turn toward extreme partisanship.  Now other partisans have been confirmed to leadership positions in intelligence agencies.  George H. W. Bush was the head of the Republican National Committee and he was successful enough as Director of Central Intelligence that they literally named CIA Headquarters after him. Party affiliation is not the issue.  The problem is when partisanship distorts one’s views of intelligence matters.  Ms. Gabbard has written about a “coup” being perpetrated by the so-called “deep state” that includes, among others, the DNC, and also the FBI, the CIA, and – quote – “a whole network of rogue intelligence and law enforcement agents.”

    I have spent almost a quarter century as a member of the Intelligence Committee seeking to bring to light and stop government abuses across a range of programs and activities.  These conspiracy theories do not help the bipartisan reform movement.  They only serve to encourage a president who wants to tear down the entire Intelligence Community and replace it with loyalists who will commit whatever illegal and abusive acts he asks of them.

    So what happens next?  If Ms. Gabbard is confirmed, my first order of business will be to hold her to the commitments she made during her confirmation process.

    With regard to surveillance policy, she expressed her support for a warrant requirement for U.S. person searches of communications collected under Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.  With Section 702 reauthorization up next year, DNI support for reforms such as these will be critical to protecting the privacy rights of Americans.

    Ms. Gabbard also confirmed that she has significant concerns about the constitutionality of several provisions of the PATRIOT Act.  

    Importantly, she opposed mandated backdoors into encrypted communications, which threaten both Americans’ privacy and national security.  As she stated during her hearing, “these backdoors lead down a dangerous path that can undermine Americans’ Fourth Amendment rights and civil liberties.”  We are living in a time of increasingly devastating cyber breaches, including the Salt Typhoon compromise of our telecommunications infrastructure.  The lesson from that hack was that surveillance capabilities designed for law enforcement will be targeted by foreign intelligence services.   In other words, there is simply no way for the government to mandate access to Americans’ encrypted communications and not also expose those communications to the government of China or other adversaries. 

    It’s alarming that just last week the press reported that UK officials insisted that Apple provide them a back door into files backed up to Apple’s iCloud service.  This is a development that threatens American national security and Americans’ privacy.  And that’s even before U.S. government officials come around, once again, asking for the same dangerous and irresponsible accesses.  That’s why Ms. Gabbard’s statement was so important and why, if she is confirmed, Congress needs to hold her, and the rest of America’s intelligence agencies, to it.

    During her confirmation process, Ms. Gabbard supported restrictions on the collection of communications records of journalists.  She endorsed the Biden Administration Justice Department’s policy prohibiting this collection except in very narrow circumstances, a policy she said was “essential to protecting press freedoms and maintaining the critical balance between national security and upholding the First Amendment.”  She also called for the codification of that policy.  

    I asked Ms. Gabbard about the collection of communications records of congressional members and staff, as was detailed in a Department of Justice Inspector General report released late last year.  She agreed that this spying on Congress was a “significant breach of the constitution and separation of powers,” and endorsed reforms to prevent it from happening again.  

    During this confirmation process, she confirmed her belief that the Government Accountability Office should audit the Intelligence Community to ensure it is not targeting Americans outside of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.   She also expressed support for the Public Interest Declassification Board, which is tasked with promoting transparency

    And finally, I asked Ms. Gabbard whether intelligence agency whistleblowers must have a clear path to the Senate Intelligence Committee and don’t need permission from agencies to talk to us.  She responded that the answer was “clearly yes.”  Given Donald Trump’s ongoing attacks on public servants defending the rule of law, the protection of whistleblowers may be one of the most important principles of all.

    In just three short weeks since his inauguration, here’s the checks and balances scoreboard on President Trump. He has illegally fired Inspectors General.  He has purged the three Democratic members of the independent Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board, not only removing the most pro-privacy members but leaving the Board without enough members to function.  He has appointed or nominated people to carry out political retribution, including a nominee to be FBI Director who comes with his own published enemies list.  At the same time, Donald Trump has demonstrated thorough contempt for the security of Americans’ private information by granting Elon Musk’s people unsupervised access to the country’s most sensitive systems and databases.  

    So what will happen when he attempts to steamroll oversight and the rule of law and put the privacy and constitutional rights of all Americans at risk?  If she is confirmed, it will be up to Ms. Gabbard to stand up to him and stick to the principles and commitments she has expressed.  And it will be our responsibility to see that she does.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fischer Reintroduces Legislation to Support Rural Hospitals

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nebraska Deb Fischer
    Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) reintroduced legislation to support rural hospitals. The Supporting Access to Rural Community Hospitals Act of 2025 grants rural hospitals flexibility when choosing reimbursement models so that they can have greater financial sustainability.
    Currently, hospitals designated as Critical Access Hospitals (CAH) receive cost-based reimbursement for all services to address the needs of their rural communities. Hospitals in the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration (RCHD) program only receive cost-based reimbursement for some services, while maintaining a higher number of beds.
    Senator Fischer’s legislation grants RCHD hospitals an optional, one-time election period to designate themselves as a CAH and meet the necessary eligibility requirements. The bill gives these essential hospitals the opportunity to choose between these two beneficial federal programs and enables them to continue serving their communities. U.S. Representatives Mike Flood (NE-01) and Adrian Smith (NE-03) introduced identical companion legislation in the House.
    “Rural community hospitals ensure that every Nebraskan can access the health services they rely on, regardless of their zip code. Our legislation will help rural hospitals remain sustainable by giving them the option to choose the program that best suits their current needs. I look forward to working with my Nebraska delegation colleagues as we champion this legislation in both the Senate and the House,” said Senator Fischer. 
    “Rural community hospitals are the backbone of healthcare across vast areas of Nebraska and the country. By giving these hospitals the ability to determine their future in the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration program, these facilities will be able to better meet their needs and the needs of the communities they serve, while also still delivering quality care to patients. Providing this option to hospitals currently in the RCHD program has the potential to unlock additional funding, empowering hospitals to expand and improve the services they provide. I am grateful to my fellow Nebraska colleagues, Congressman Smith and Senator Fischer, for their willingness to help lead this effort,” said Congressman Flood.
    “Hospitals serving rural populations in Nebraska and across the country should operate under the Medicare reimbursement designations which best fit their needs and circumstances. This bill provides for commonsense regulatory flexibility ensuring such rural hospitals can best serve Nebraskans. I thank Rep. Flood and Sen. Fischer for working with me to advance this legislative solution,” said Congressman Smith.
    The full text of the legislation can be viewed here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst Bill Pursuing $200 Billion in COVID Fraud Advances

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)

    WASHINGTON – The Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship passed Chair Joni Ernst’s (R-Iowa) Complete COVID Collections Act to extend the life of the watchdog tasked with tracking down criminals who stole COVID relief designed for small businesses.
    Ernst led several of her Republican colleagues in introducing the bill after the Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery (SIGPR) warned its authority was expiring and con artists would get away with stealing more than $200 billion.
    “I will not allow fraudsters to get away with stealing hundreds of billions of dollars from taxpayers,” said Ernst. “We are going to recoup every cent and end the cycle in Washington of shrugging off a few billion here and a few hundred million there. That irresponsible mindset is why the federal government is more than $36 trillion in debt. I’m proud to lead this step forward to treat tax dollars like a family treats its budget instead of like a bottomless slush fund.”
    The bill is cosponsored by Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), and John Curtis (R-Utah).
    “Programs designed to provide relief to our small businesses were repeatedly taken advantage of, leaving small businesses hurting and taxpayers on the hook,” said Young. “I’m glad to see this effort to recover taxpayer dollars and protect Americans from fraud and abuse pass out of committee. I look forward to voting for this bill on the Senate floor.”
    “During the pandemic, small business owners in need of financial assistance were turned away because criminals, gang members, and drug traffickers stole money from the relief program,” said Blackburn. “This legislation would help ensure we recoup every penny of funding that was wrongly awarded to criminals who gamed the system.”
    “Family-owned businesses in Utah played the rules and used COVID-19 relief funds as intended, but bad actors exploited the system and defrauded taxpayers,” said Curtis. “By extending oversight authority over these programs, our legislation strengthens enforcement efforts and holds criminals accountable for stealing from the American people. I’m proud to see our bill pass out of the Small Business Committee.”

    Click here to view the bill text.
    Background:
    While SBA ran the relief programs on a “first come, first serve” basis, the money ran out quickly, and many qualifying businesses were turned away as felons, gang members, and drug traffickers raked in cash. Some swindlers uploaded pictures of Barbie dolls as photo identification on SBA loan applications that were approved.One alleged fraudster took home $8 million while nearly 2,000 struggling restaurants in Iowa were left empty-handed. Ernst detailed this in her report titled Small Business COVID-19 Fraud: Three Years Later State of Play – where she outlined the Biden SBA’s effort to discount the full extent of fraud and cast doubt on the legitimate estimates made by expert investigators.Ernst’s tireless advocacy forced the Biden administration to eventually take action to recover billions in COVID aid in January 2024.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sullivan, Shaheen Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Counter Censorship in China and Promote Free Expression for Chinese Citizens

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Dan Sullivan

    02.11.25

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, reintroduced the Informing a Nation with Free, Open, and Reliable Media (INFORM) Act to improve access to independent information and advance freedom of expression for citizens in the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

    This legislation strengthens efforts at the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Agency for Global Media to develop technology to bypass PRC internet censorship, provide secure content-sharing tools for citizens, and support independent Mandarin language content and journalism. It also empowers citizen journalism and independent media outlets to produce and report on news throughout China.

    “One of Xi Jinping’s greatest weaknesses is that he is afraid of his own people,” said Senator Sullivan. “This legislation lays out a way to exploit this weakness and make the most of America’s greatest strategic advantage—our commitment to liberty. The CCP’s vast censorship apparatus—the ‘great firewall’—works to silence free expression and deny their citizens truthful information about the corruption of CCP leaders. Our INFORM Act gets around this firewall and allows the Chinese people to access information about their own government and connect with others across the globe who also yearn for freedom. I look forward to working with Congress and with the Trump administration to make this bill a reality.”

    “Chinese citizens are subjected to extreme government censorship and as economic and social conditions deteriorate inside the People’s Republic of China, they’re seeking independent news sources and, increasingly, more freedom from the excessive control of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP),” said Ranking Member Shaheen. “As we work to counter the CCP propaganda and censorship efforts across the globe, it’s critical we also empower the Chinese people to access independent, unbiased information about their own country and the rest of world. Our bipartisan INFORM Act will help to accomplish exactly that.” 

    Key provisions of the INFORM Act include:

    1. Requiring the State Department and interagency to develop a comprehensive strategy for expanding information and engagement with Chinese citizens in the information space
    2. Improving the level of coordination among federal agencies to develop and disseminate timely and compelling Mandarin Chinese-language content that is otherwise blocked by the PRC government’s highly censored and restrictive internet ecosystem
    3. Increasing funding for media freedom programming, investigative journalism, and Mandarin Chinese-language content development initiatives, including by establishing and expanding a network of independent journalists or media companies that investigate and produce articles, reports, and other content related to real-time social, political, and economic events in the PRC
    4. Providing resources to the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Agency for Global Media to further develop and innovate circumvention and secure content sharing tools for Chinese citizens to bypass the PRC’s stringent censorship regime and ensure that those tools are more effectively paired with access to independent and reliable information
    5. Strengthening diplomatic efforts to counter the lack of reciprocity with the PRC in the online information and public diplomacy space

    Full text of the legislation can be found here.

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lee Introduces Bill to Cut American Tax Dollars from Funding NPR and PBS

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Utah Mike Lee

    WASHINGTON – Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) has introduced the Defund Government Sponsored Propaganda Act, which would end federal taxpayer funding of the Public Broadcasting Service and National Public Radio in light of longstanding concerns about their fairness and bias. The legislation has been introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-NY).

    “Americans have hundreds of sources of news and commentary, and they don’t need politically biased, taxpayer-funded media choosing what they should see and hear,” said Sen. Lee. “PBS and NPR are free to compete in the marketplace of ideas using donations, but their public subsidy should end.” 

    “As a former newspaper owner and publisher, I understand the vital role of balanced, non-partisan media,” said Rep. Tenney. “Unfortunately, these taxpayer-funded outlets have chosen advocacy over accuracy, using public dollars to promote a political agenda rather than report the facts. Under the influence of radical left-wing ideologues like Katherine Maher, PBS, and NPR no longer uphold the American principles of free thought and open discourse. Taxpayer dollars should not fund political propaganda disguised as journalism. The Defund Government Sponsored Propaganda Act ensures that federal funding is no longer used to perpetuate the blatant media bias that has overtaken these platforms.”

    You can read the bill text by clicking HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lee Reintroduces Impoundment Control Act Repeal

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Utah Mike Lee

    Supports President Trump’s Efforts to Tackle Excessive and Wasteful Spending 

    WASHINGTON – Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) has again introduced legislation to repeal the Impoundment Control Act (ICA) of 1974, a law that undermines the constitutional authority of the President to exercise fiscal restraint by declining to spend appropriated funds. Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09) has introduced a companion bill in the House. 

    “The Impoundment Control Act is a Watergate-era relic of misguided overreach,” said Senator Lee. “For nearly two centuries, presidents exercised the authority to impound funds as a critical check on runaway spending. The ICA’s unconstitutional limitations on this power have contributed to a fiscal crisis. Repealing this law will restore the balance of power envisioned by our Constitution and empower the President to reject wasteful, unnecessary spending by administrations that voters resoundingly rejected.“

     “Rolling back the unconstitutional Impoundment Control Act is one of the most effective ways Congress can help President Trump in the fight to deliver the spending cuts and government efficiency that the American people overwhelmingly voted for,” said Representative Clyde. “The Impoundment Control Act of 1974 has unjustly complicated the President’s constitutional impoundment authority for far too long. Every President from George Washington to Richard Nixon possessed this tool to cut wasteful spending until the ICA purported to divest the President of this critical power. In the fifty years since, America’s national debt and Washington’s spending habits have soared out of control. We must defend the presidential power of impoundment to get America’s fiscal house back in order.”

    Background

     

    • Impoundment is the President’s constitutional authority under Article II of the Constitution to refuse to spend funds appropriated by Congress. This power was used by presidents from George Washington to Richard Nixon to cut wasteful spending, address emergencies, and protect taxpayer dollars.
    • The Impoundment Control Act of 1974 was passed in the aftermath of the Watergate scandal and significantly constrained the President’s ability to impound funds, marking a fundamental shift in the separation of powers.   
    • Over the past five decades, federal spending has skyrocketed, contributing to a $36 trillion national debt, soaring interest payments, and persistently high inflation.

    For bill text, click HERE 

    For the one-pager, click HERE

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Boozman, Cramer Introduce Bill to Protect Legal Industries from Debanking

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas – John Boozman

    WASHINGTON––U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) joined Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) to introduce the Fair Access to Banking Act to protect access to financial services and ensure banks operate in a safe, sound manner. The legislation requires that lending and financial services decisions be based on impartial, risk-based analysis – not political or reputational favoritism.

    “Financial services are vital to the success of all businesses and should be based on sound data and risk management –– not as a means to target certain industries or political issues,” said Boozman. I am proud to support legislation that curtails unfair efforts to block lawful businesses’ access to banking due to political beliefs or affiliations and instead restores reliance on proper analytical criteria. 

    “When progressives failed at banning these entire industries, what they did instead is they turned to weaponizing banks as sort of a backdoor to carry out their activist goals,” said Cramer. “Financial institutions are backed by taxpayers, for crying out loud! They should be obligated to provide services in an unbiased, risk-based manner. The Fair Access to Banking Act ensures that banks provide fair access to services and enacts strict penalties for categorically discriminating against legal industries and individuals.”

    Specifically, this legislation penalizes banks and credit unions with over $10 billion in total consolidated assets, or their subsidiaries, if they refuse to do business with any legally compliant, credit-worthy person. It also prevents payment card networks from discriminating against any qualified person because of political or reputational considerations. The bill requires qualified banks to provide written justification for why they are denying a person financial services. Further, the Fair Access to Banking Act would penalize providers who fail to comply with the law by disqualifying institutions from using discount window lending programs, terminating status as an insured depository institution or credit union, or imposing a civil penalty of up to $10,000 per violation. 

    The bill is based on President Trump’s Fair Access Rule, which was introduced during his first administration and required financial institutions to make individual risk assessments rather than broad decisions regarding entire industries or categories of customers. The Biden administration paused the rule’s implementation in early 2021.

    The Fair Access to Banking Act is endorsed by the National Shooting Sports Foundation, National Rifle Association, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, The Digital Chamber, Blockchain Association, Independent Petroleum Association of America, Online Lenders Alliance, Day 1 Alliance, GEO Group, National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors and the National Mining Association.

    The bill is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Jim Banks (R-IN), John Barrasso (R-WY), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Katie Britt (R-AL), Ted Budd (R-NC), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), John Cornyn (R-TX), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Ted Cruz (R-TX), John Curtis (R-UT), Steve Daines (R-MT), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), John Hoeven (R-ND), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Jim Justice (R-WV), John Kennedy (R-LA), James Lankford (R-OK), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS), Dave McCormick (R-PA), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Bernie Moreno (R-OH), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Jim Risch (R-ID), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Rick Scott (R-FL), Tim Scott (R-SC), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) and Roger Wicker (R-MS).

    Click here for full text of the legislation.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy Leads Effort to Prevent Liberal States from Forcing Americans to Subsidize Free Health Care for Illegal Immigrants

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), and John Barrasso (R-WY) introduced the Protect Medicaid Act to ensure the long-term integrity of Medicaid by preventing liberal states like California from forcing American citizens in other states to subsidize Medicaid benefits for illegal immigrants. The bill prohibits federal money from being spent on administering state Medicaid benefits paid for by American citizens to noncitizens. If a state chooses to give Medicaid benefits to illegal residents, the bill ensures that state does so entirely on its own dime, without any costs to taxpayers in other states. U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (R-NC-09) introduced the companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.
    “Working as a doctor in California, I saw that free health care is a magnet for illegal immigration,” said Dr. Cassidy. “We should focus on making America healthy again instead of straining our medical system and burdening American taxpayers. Attempting to provide free health care to the world is not sustainable. Compassion that cannot be sustained is not compassion.”
    “The American people have made it clear that they want their hard-earned tax dollars to work for them, not those who are in our country illegally. I’m proud to once again support this bill that ensures Medicaid funds only benefit American taxpayers and sends a strong message to sanctuary states that they need to foot the bill if they want to extend Medicaid to illegal immigrants,” said Senator Hyde-Smith.
    “Handouts from Democrats have attracted millions of illegal immigrants to come and take advantage of free health care paid for by American taxpayers,” said Senator Barrasso. “Our bill keeps liberal states from forcing hardworking Americans to foot the bill for Medicaid for illegal immigrants. Senate Republicans are committed to working with President Trump to end radical policies that fail to secure our border and keep our communities safe.”
    “Providing taxpayer-funded Medicaid to illegal immigrants is against the law and further incentivizes more illegal crossings at our border,” said Representative Hudson. “Worse, it hurts elderly, disabled, and vulnerable Americans who depend on the program. We must stop liberal states from forcing American taxpayers to foot the bill for illegals’ healthcare costs and ensure we are taking care of our citizens.”
    Federal law already bars illegal immigrants from receiving Medicaid, but states like California get around federal law by using complex budgeting gimmicks to extend Medicaid benefits to illegal immigrants.
    This means Medicaid patients have a harder time getting appointments and receiving care. And like every state, California faces a shortage of primary care providers. As of December 2024, the state needed 971 additional primary care providers to meet the current need. California has 633 designated Primary Care Health Professional Shortage Areas, which is by far the highest in the country. The next highest state has 373 shortage areas.
    The Protect Medicaid Act also requires the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) to review and report on:
    How states that provide Medicaid services to illegal immigrants keep federal and state dollars separate.
    Whether states providing health benefits to illegal immigrants use gimmicks that rip off the federal government, like provider taxes and intergovernmental transfers, to launder federal dollars to offset the cost of providing benefits to this population.
    Whether people in the country illegally benefit from covered outpatient drugs purchased under the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program and the 340B program, and whether this impacts the prices American citizens pay. 
    Background
    In 2024, Cassidy discussed the many issues associated with Medicare for illegal immigrants on Fox News’ America’s Newsroom. Watch the segment here.
    Cassidy introduced this bill in the 116th and 118th Congress to prevent taxpayer resources from paying for free health care for illegal immigrants.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Barrasso: Wyoming Should Be in Charge of Grizzly Bear Management, Not Washington

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wyoming John Barrasso

    Click here to watch Sen. Barrasso’s remarks on grizzly bear management.
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), called for restoring Wyoming’s authority to manage its own grizzly bear population during his remarks today on the Senate floor. Barrasso highlighted legislation he recently cosponsored to remove grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem from the Endangered Species List and shift management of the bear to the states.
    Sen. Barrasso’s remarks:
    “Under the Constitution, most decisions affecting our lives are meant to be made at the local or the state level. But for decades, unelected, unaccountable, heavy-handed federal bureaucrats have taken away decisions from the states. They’ve centralized power and ignored the local experts. We need to put the power back into the hands of the people and the states. That’s where it belongs. That’s what our founding fathers envisioned.
    “And the perfect example of this is the status of grizzly bears in Yellowstone National Park.
    “The Yellowstone population of grizzly bears has been fully recovered – put on the endangered species list years and years ago – but has been fully recovered for more than 20 years. In Wyoming, we’ve invested more than $50 million in this effort to make sure that the grizzly bears did fully and safely recover. Both Democrat administrations and Republican administrations have moved to take an action to take the grizzly bear off of the Endangered Species List.
    “Wyoming has a strong proven track record of science-based management of the bears.
    “Today, grizzly bears in Yellowstone are thriving. They’re thriving so much that they’re now doing great damage to our livestock and to our wildlife. In 2022, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said that there was ‘substantial scientific or commercial information to warrant local control.’ Not the heavy hand of Washington, but local control. Yet the grizzly bear remains under Washington’s control, and that is despite the best data and our state’s success.
    “This issue isn’t science, it’s politics. There are partisan liberal judges who refuse to listen to scientific evidence. The evidence shows that the grizzlies are fully recovered. The previous administration didn’t want to give up control. That’s kind of how the Biden administration did it. So on its way out the door, the final weeks, it threw sand in the gears of change. The Biden administration rejected at the midnight hour, Wyoming’s good faith efforts and management plans – they did it just before leaving office.
    “The decision was wrong. It was wrong for the grizzly bear population, and it was wrong for the people of Wyoming.
    “It’s time for Wyoming – not Washington – to be in charge of managing the grizzly bears.
    “In Congress, Senator Cynthia Lummis and Congresswoman Harriet Hageman and I introduced legislation to delist the grizzly bears. Our legislation would restore state management. It would put power back into the hands of the people who understand the situation the best.
    “We’re also working with the Trump administration to take immediate action. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum is a supporter of delisting the grizzly bears. He agrees that local communities and states should be in control of these decisions. As he said in his confirmation hearing, there’s a belief that when they come off of federal protection, they’re unprotected. No, he said, they’re managed – as are all of the other species in the state – by the locals who’ve got the closest data. Secretary Burgum is right, and I’m glad that we finally have an administration that is ready to work with the people of Wyoming.
    “I’m going to continue to work closely with the Secretary of Interior on a path forward that allows the people of Wyoming to make decisions for Wyoming.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Barrasso: Tusli Gabbard Will Handle Classified Information Properly and Lawfully

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wyoming John Barrasso
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Senate Majority Whip, today spoke on the Senate Floor ahead of voting to confirm Tulsi Gabbard, President Donald J. Trump’s nominee for Director of National Intelligence.
    Click HERE to watch Senator Barrasso’s remarks.
    Sen. Barrasso’s remarks as prepared:
    “The Senate will soon vote on the nomination of Tulsi Gabbard to be the Director of National Intelligence.
    “Congresswoman Gabbard has the right background, the right experience, and the right perspective to keep America safe and secure.
    “Congresswoman Gabbard has served in uniform or more than 20 years. She deployed to the Middle East several times. She serves in the military today and was recently promoted to Lieutenant Colonel.
    “As a member of Congress for eight years, Congresswoman Gabbard served on the Armed Services and Foreign Affairs committees.
    “Her experience handling highly classified information is extensive.
    “As Director of National Intelligence, she will handle classified information properly and lawfully.
    “Congresswoman Gabbard is more than qualified to serve as our Director of National Intelligence.
    “I’ve heard a lot of debate about Congresswoman Gabbard. Not one Senator has disputed a simple fact: She took a hard line on Russia and Iran.
    “In 2013, Congresswoman Gabbard co-sponsored the Nuclear Iran Prevention Act.
    “Congresswoman Gabbard wanted severe sanctions on Iran. Then-President Obama wanted to appease Iran.
    “Congresswoman Gabbard opposed the Iran Deal. She viewed it as a threat to both America and Israel.
    “She was right.
    “In 2014, Russia annexed Crimea. President Obama rejected sending tank-busting missiles to Ukraine. He instead sent them blankets. The sanctions he imposed on Russia were weak.
    “Congresswoman Gabbard argued for U.S. military assistance to Ukraine. She also called for painful sanctions against Russia.
    “She never sought war with Russia. Yet she never kid herself about Russia’s aggressive ambitions.
    “She worked to stop wars, even though she served and was ready to fight in them. She knows what it means when we talk about peace through strength.
    “The Democrat attacks on her patriotism and loyalty are disturbing. There is no evidence to support them.
    “The attacks on Congresswoman Gabbard are another case of Democrats equating political disagreement with disloyalty.
    “If Washington wants Americans to trust our intelligence agencies again, we need to take an axe to the weaponization of those very agencies.
    “Congresswoman Gabbard will keep politics out of intelligence gathering. She wants to return ODNI to its original size, scope, and mission.
    “As she wrote in Newsweek, ‘I promise to provide unbiased, timely, and accurate intelligence for those making decisions to protect the people of our country.’ This is exactly what we need.
    “Tulsi Gabbard is the right choice to be the Director of National Intelligence. I look forward to confirming her.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch on Trump’s Chaotic and Cruel Second Term: “The law matters. Respect for your opponents matters. And focusing on the everyday needs of everyday people is what matters most.”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) took to the Senate floor to speak on President Trump’s exaggerated claims of winning the 2024 election by a ‘landside,’ and called on the Trump Administration to focus not on political retribution and his agenda of ‘overreach and failure,’ but on the issues that matter to everyday Americans.  
    “As long as President Trump and his allies pretend that he has this massive mandate to literally disrupt and throw out the traditions and norms and guardrails of democracy, that is something I and so many of my colleagues will resist. We can’t do that. The law matters. Respect for your opponents matters. And focusing on the everyday needs of everyday people is what matters most. It’s what is the goal all of us should be looking to accomplish,” said Sen. Welch.
    Watch Senator Welch’s speech below: 
    Read the Senator’s remarks as delivered here. 
    Senator Welch’s Committee and Subcommittee Assignments for the 119th Congress include:  
    Senate Committee on Finance  
    Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, & Forestry 
    Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit  
    Senate Committee on the Judiciary 
    Ranking Member, Subcommittee on the Constitution  
    Senate Committee on Rules & Administration 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 02.11.2025 Sen. Cruz, Rep. Jackson Reintroduce Tax Relief Bill for Panhandle Wildfires Victims

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas Ted Cruz

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-Texas-13) reintroduced the Wildfire Victim Tax Relief and Recovery Act. The bill would provide tax relief for victims who suffered significant losses in the Panhandle last year when wildfires burned 1.2 million acres, destroyed homes, and killed thousands of cattle.
    Upon reintroduction, Sen. Cruz said, “Last year, historic wildfires destroyed the Panhandle, taking the homes and livelihoods of thousands of Texans. This bill will deliver much needed tax relief to support these communities in their ongoing recovery efforts. I urge my colleagues to pass this bill without delay.”
    Rep. Jackson said, “The historic wildfires that tore through the Texas Panhandle last year have left a lasting mark on all the ranchers, families, and communities involved. I’m honored to reintroduce this critical legislation and am committed to making sure those hit hardest by this catastrophic disaster can use the assistance they’ve received to rebuild their farms, ranches, and livelihoods, not pay the federal government.”
    Read the bill text here.
    BACKGROUND
    The Wildfire Victim Tax Relief and Recovery Act:

    Exempts government relief payments and settlement payments from Xcel Energy from income taxes.
    Provides tax relief to producers who were forced to sell livestock due to the Panhandle fires.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crapo Statement at Executive Session to Consider USTR Nominee

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo

    Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) delivered the following remarks at an executive session to consider the nomination of Jamieson Greer to be United States Trade Representative (USTR).

    As prepared for delivery:

    “We meet today for the Committee’s consideration of Jamieson Greer to be the United States Trade Representative.

    “However, we have a colleague who cannot attend today.  Accordingly, Members may make statements today, but the vote will be held off the Senate floor once a time is confirmed.

    “Regarding Mr. Greer, he demonstrated at the hearing that that he is more than qualified to be our nation’s chief trade negotiator.  Mr. Greer thoughtfully responded to all of the questions posed to him then and in subsequent questions for the record.

    “Based on his answers, conduct at the hearing, and in meeting with him, I am confident that Mr. Greer has the experience and determination to advocate successfully for American farmers, ranchers, workers and manufacturers. 

    “Importantly, he was very clear that he is committed to reporting to and consulting with Congress.

    “Accordingly, I intend to vote in favor of Mr. Greer’s nomination.

    “I strongly encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to do the same.

    “With that, I recognize Ranking Member Wyden for his remarks.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Booker, Norton Reintroduce Bill to Award Congressional Gold Medal to the 200,000 African Americans Who Fought to Preserve the Union in the Civil War

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) reintroduced their bill to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the approximately 200,000 African Americans who fought to preserve the Union during the Civil War. The bill introduction coincides with Black History Month.

    African Americans served the United States in times of war since long before the Civil War. Yet, there was resistance to enlisting African Americans to take up arms at the start of the Civil War. On May 22, 1863, the United States War Department issued General Order Number 143, which established the Bureau of Colored Troops for the recruitment and organization of regiments of the Union Army composed of African American men, called the United States Colored Troops. By the end of the war, about 179,000 Black men had served as soldiers in the Army, and another 19,000 Black men had served in the Navy. Black women were not allowed to formally enlist as soldiers or sailors. They were, however, allowed to serve as nurses, cooks, spies, and scouts for the Army and the Navy.

    “African Americans have laid down their lives serving in our country’s armed forces for hundreds of years,” said Senator Booker. “Though often overlooked or forgotten, the United States Colored Troops were vital to preserving the Union during the Civil War. We must honor their legacy and ensure their service and sacrifice are remembered as an integral part of our nation’s history. More than 150 years have passed since the end of the war, and this bill will ensure these American heroes are finally awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of their fight for liberty, equality, and justice.”

    “Hundreds of thousands of African Americans who fought for the Union in the Civil War have largely been left out of the nation’s historical memory, despite having sacrificed their safety, and in many cases their lives,” Congresswoman Norton said. “This bill will help correct that wrong and give the descendants of those soldiers the recognition they deserve. Thank you to Senator Booker for partnering with me in this effort, and for introducing the Senate version of the bill so early this Congress.”

    To read the full text of the bill, click here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hassan, Shaheen, Pappas Join Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for New Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Facility to Increase Efficiency and Support Shipyard Workforce

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Maggie Hassan
    (Portsmouth, NH) – Today, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a senior member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and U.S. Representative Chris Pappas (NH-01) delivered remarks at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard’s new Waterfront Production Facility. The facility will house training and production facilities at the shipyard and construction was funded through the Navy’s Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program (SIOP). This and other projects under SIOP will increase maintenance capacity at public shipyards. Shaheen secured full authorization for SIOP projects at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 NDAA. You can view photos from the event here.  
    “One of the real advantages we have over our adversaries is our attack submarines, and we want to make sure that those nuclear submarines are on the water as much as possible. This new facility makes our shipbuilding workforce more efficient, saving time and money, which is exactly what we need to strengthen our national security,” said Senator Shaheen. “It also reaffirms the key role that Portsmouth Naval Shipyard plays not only in our local economy, but also in our nation’s shipbuilding industry, bringing and keeping good-paying jobs for Granite Staters.” 
    “With the construction of the new Waterfront Production Facility, the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard remains equipped to meet the challenges of the 21st century,” said Senator Hassan. “The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is an indispensable pillar of our national security and today’s ribbon cutting marks the latest chapter in the history of Portsmouth helping keep America safe, secure, and free.” 
    “I was pleased to take part in the ribbon cutting of this state-of-the-art facility that will help the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard continue to achieve America’s national security goals well into the future while preserving this installation’s storied history. It is an honor to represent the Shipyard and the men and women who serve there in Congress, and I remain committed to ensuring that they always have the support and resources needed to do the job and complete the mission,” said Congressman Pappas.
    Senator Shaheen has long advocated for New England’s shipbuilding industry and workforce, including through authorizing funding and workforce development for Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. Through the FY 2025 National Defense Authorization Act, Shaheen secured full authorization for the Shipbuilding Infrastructure Optimization Program (SIOP) projects at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, which will expand the Shipyard’s capacity to maintain America’s fast-attack submarine fleet. As a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations and Armed Services Committees, Senator Shaheen helped secure this funding beginning in the FY 2019 funding legislation, which she has continued in ensuing years. Additionally, in the FY 2025 government funding bills, Shaheen worked to include a $9.5 million Congressionally Directed Spending add for a new parking structure at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard—which will contribute to quality of life for Shipyard’s workforce. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Following Deadly DCA Collision, Virginia & Maryland Lawmakers Request Answers From FAA

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) and Sens. Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (both D-MD), along with U.S. Reps. Don Beyer, Gerald Connolly, Suhas Subramanyam (all D-VA), Jamie Raskin (D-MD), and Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today requested answers and commitments from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on its plans to protect the flying public in the wake of the January 29 collision between an Army helicopter and an American Airlines airplane. In the letter, the lawmakers applauded the precautionary safety measures put in place by the FAA, as well as the agency’s collaboration with the National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) investigation into the causes and factors behind the collision. They also stressed the need to carefully review existing protocols to ensure that flight operations do not simply return to business as usual.
    The lawmakers also expressed serious concern with potential interference with the FAA by the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has caused mayhem across the government, from attempting to push out nonpartisan civil servants, to reportedly accessing the U.S. Treasury’s payment system, as well as systems at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
    “While we applaud FAA for early actions taken to bolster safety, recent actions indicate that your agency is inviting inexperienced individuals with intense partisan leanings into a process that should be objective and expert driven,” wrote the lawmakers, citing an Elon Musk tweet. “We are extremely concerned that an ad hoc team of individuals lacking any expertise, exposure, certifications, or knowledge of aviation operations being invited, or inserting themselves, to make ‘rapid’ changes to our nation’s air traffic systems. This the wrong course of action to take.”
    They continued, “We want the safest skies in the world, and any efforts to weaken standards will not be tolerated. Aviation safety is not an area to “move fast and break things”. Proven, methodical, and deliberate action is what is called for when any changes are considered to safety. We express in the strongest possible terms our alarm at allowing Musk’s cadre of unvetted, untrained, and unaccountable individuals the ability to make changes to complicated and sensitive FAA policies at a time when serious and knowledgeable people should be in charge.”
    Stressing the need to prioritize safety and to base any future measures on the knowledge of aviation experts, the lawmakers requested answers to the following questions:
    The FAA’s current restrictions on helicopter flights at National Airport are tied to the release of NTSB’s preliminary report. What factors will FAA consider as it reassesses the need for extending or modifying the restrictions? Please provide details on, and documentation sufficient to substantiate, additional safety measures that are being contemplated and/or will be proposed to deconflict or otherwise improve safety in the air space over National Airport. 
    As you assess the need for additional measures, will you commit to consulting recognized aviation experts – both in and out of the federal government – to identify requirements or operational changes for civil and military aviation in the National Capital Region?
    On February 4, less than one week from the incident, reports emerged that FAA directed its personnel to cease participating in Federal advisory or aviation rulemaking committees. Were FAA personnel directed to cease participating in these committees?
    If true, please describe the rationale for such a decision and provide documentation sufficient to substantiate any directives received from other Federal government officials, other individuals acting under the direction of the President, or who are otherwise asserting a legal authority to direct or influence decision-making at the FAA.
    On February 5, 2025, Elon Musk and Secretary Duffy each announced that DOGE would “upgrade our aviation system”.
    Were you informed of this decision in advance of either social media posting?
    What engagement have you had with DOGE at this time?
    What engagement has been discussed or is planned for the future?
    Do you have knowledge of what comprises the “rapid safety upgrades” Musk tweeted about?
    Do you commit to timely report to Congress any actions that the FAA is directed to undertake at the direction of the President, DOGE, or by the Office of the Secretary of Transportation regarding any aspect of aviation safety?
    Do you commit to providing the public with details about what recommendations DOGE staff and representatives provide to you in relation to aviation safety? Will you notify Congress if you elect to follow through on any recommendations provided to you by DOGE staff and representatives?
    In your prior experience at FAA, has any special government employee been directed or otherwise empowered to influence FAA officials on safety decisions?
    Will you commit the full cooperation and support of the FAA to the NTSB investigation and to swiftly implement its recommendations?
    Will you commit to examining the communication processes and protocols between FAA, the U.S. Department of Defense, and other stakeholders that are used during aviation operations in and around National Airport and the National Capital Region?
    Will you commit to working with the U.S. Department of Defense to evaluate training protocols for required missions in the National Capital Region, particularly those around National Airport and during high-traffic periods, and enact any modifications needed to reduce risk?
    Will you commit to briefing us on the implementation of changes to the slot (i.e., high density) rule included in the 2024 FAA Reauthorization Act, given that the first of the routes authorized under that legislation will become operational this week?
    A copy of the letter is available here and below.
    Dear Mr. Rocheleau: 
    In the aftermath of the January 29, 2025 mid-air collision between a Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) RJ Aviation (Bombardier) CRJ700 and a Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (“National Airport”), we write to request information from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on plans to protect the public during the investigations and once the investigations are complete. As the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation into the causes and factors behind the collision is carried out, the FAA should identify and implement immediate steps to improve safety for aviation industry personnel, the flying public, and the communities that surround National Airport. 
    As we mourn the victims of this tragedy, we must work together to ensure that collisions like this one do not happen again in honor of the memory of those lost. We applaud the FAA’s decision to restrict helicopter traffic near National Airport until the NTSB preliminary report is released and to pause of the use of two of the smaller runways at the airport. Your collaboration thus far with the NTSB as it carries out an independent, fact-based, and thorough investigation into this incident is appreciated. While the NTSB works to complete their investigation, it is crucial that we thoroughly review and scrutinize the protocols that govern flight operations near the airspace over National Airport, and ensure that we are not simply restarting “normal” operations. This is of further importance in light of the FAA’s steps to ensure airspace safety after Congress’s decision last year to add additional traffic to this airspace.
    While we applaud FAA for early actions taken to bolster safety, recent actions indicate that your agency is inviting inexperienced individuals with intense partisan leanings into a process that should be objective and expert driven. On February 5, 2025, Elon Musk announced via X (formerly known as Twitter) that “With the support of President @realDonaldTrump, the @DOGE team will aim to make rapid safety upgrades to the air traffic control system. Just a few days ago, the FAA’s primary aircraft safety notification system failed for several hours!” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, also on X, stated “Big News – Talked to the DOGE team. They are going to plug in to help upgrade our aviation system.”
    We are extremely concerned that an ad hoc team of individuals lacking any expertise, exposure, certifications, or knowledge of aviation operations being invited, or inserting themselves, to make “rapid” changes to our nation’s air traffic systems. This the wrong course of action to take. 
    We want the safest skies in the world, and any efforts to weaken standards will not be tolerated. Aviation safety is not an area to “move fast and break things”. Proven, methodical, and deliberate action is what is called for when any changes are considered to safety. We express in the strongest possible terms our alarm at allowing Musk’s cadre of unvetted, untrained, and unaccountable individuals the ability to make changes to complicated and sensitive FAA policies at a time when serious and knowledgeable people should be in charge.
    Safety must not be compromised, and FAA’s actions must be based on knowledgeable and accountable experts. Given our shared goal of promoting safety along with our expressed concerns about how DOGE’s involvement could jeopardize that safety, we request your attention and response to the following questions:
     The FAA’s current restrictions on helicopter flights at National Airport are tied to the release of NTSB’s preliminary report. What factors will FAA consider as it reassesses the need for extending or modifying the restrictions? Please provide details on, and documentation sufficient to substantiate, additional safety measures that are being contemplated and/or will be proposed to deconflict or otherwise improve safety in the air space over National Airport.
    As you assess the need for additional measures, will you commit to consulting recognized aviation experts – both in and out of the federal government – to identify requirements or operational changes for civil and military aviation in the National Capital Region?
    On February 4, less than one week from the incident, reports emerged that FAA directed its personnel to cease participating in Federal advisory or aviation rulemaking committees. Were FAA personnel directed to cease participating in these committees?
    If true, please describe the rationale for such a decision and provide documentation sufficient to substantiate any directives received from other Federal government officials, other individuals acting under the direction of the President, or who are otherwise asserting a legal authority to direct or influence decision-making at the FAA.
    On February 5, 2025, Elon Musk and Secretary Duffy each announced that DOGE would “upgrade our aviation system”
    Were you informed of this decision in advance of either social media posting?
    What engagement have you had with DOGE at this time?
    What engagement has been discussed or is planned for the future?
    Do you have knowledge of what comprises the “rapid safety upgrades” Musk tweeted about?
    Do you commit to timely report to Congress any actions that the FAA is directed to undertake at the direction of the President, DOGE, or by the Office of the Secretary of Transportation regarding any aspect of aviation safety?
    Do you commit to providing the public with details about what recommendations DOGE staff and representatives provide to you in relation to aviation safety? Will you notify Congress if you elect to follow through on any recommendations provided to you by DOGE staff and representatives?
    In your prior experience at FAA, has any special government employee been directed or otherwise empowered to influence FAA officials on safety decisions?
    Will you commit the full cooperation and support of the FAA to the NTSB investigation and to swiftly implement its recommendations?
    Will you commit to examining the communication processes and protocols between FAA, the U.S. Department of Defense, and other stakeholders that are used during aviation operations in and around National Airport and the National Capital Region?
    Will you commit to working with the U.S. Department of Defense to evaluate training protocols for required missions in the National Capital Region, particularly those around National Airport and during high-traffic periods, and enact any modifications needed to reduce risk?
    Will you commit to briefing us on the implementation of changes to the slot (i.e., high density) rule included in the 2024 FAA Reauthorization Act, given that the first of the routes authorized under that legislation will become operational this week?
    In addition to the above questions, we request that you provide us with a briefing on FAA’s implementation of critical aviation safety and air traffic controller tower staffing provisions in the 2024 FAA Reauthorization Act and on the implementation of Section of 502 of that Act.
    We look forward to your swift response and to working together for the best interests of the public, the National Capital Region, and the United States of America.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Statement On President Trump’s Pardon Of Former Gov. Blagojevich

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    February 11, 2025
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today released the following statement after President Donald Trump pardoned former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, amid speculation that Blagojevich is in consideration for an ambassadorship. President Trump commuted Blagojevich’s 14-year prison sentence in February 2020.
    “In a state with more than its fair share of public corruption, the Blagojevich chapter still looms as one of the worst. America and Serbia deserve better.”
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Speaks Out Against Attorney General Bondi’s Actions To Weaponize DOJ

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    February 11, 2025
    Durbin’s floor speech comes after the Trump Administration forced out dozens of DOJ and FBI officials and is now threatening additional action against thousands of employees across the country who worked on investigations related to January 6 and President Trump
    WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, spoke out against Attorney General Pam Bondi forher work to undermine the integrity and credibility of the Department of Justice, including creating a so-called “Weaponization Working Group,” a task force to investigate “the activities of all departments and agencies exercising civil or criminal enforcement authority of the United States over the last four years.” Durbin’s concerns are especially pertinent as the Trump Administration purged dozens of senior career civil servants at the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)—including longtime nonpartisan leaders of the government’s counterterrorism and counterespionage efforts—further exemplifying the need for an independent DOJ. After Attorney General Bondi was confirmed, President Trump said, “I know I’m supposed to say she’s going to be totally impartial with respect to Democrats… I’m not sure if there’s a possibility of totally.”
    Durbin said, “On day one in office, Attorney General Bondi created a so-called ‘Weaponization Working Group,’ a task force to investigate, ‘the activities of all departments and agencies exercising civil or criminal enforcement authority of the United States over the last four years.’ Bondi said that she would ‘investigate the investigators,’ and ‘prosecute the prosecutors,’ and now she’s doing exactly that to seek ‘retribution’ against his [Trump’s] political enemies—real and perceived.”
    Durbin continued, “I wish I could say I am surprised by Attorney General Bondi’s actions, but last week, I stood in this very spot, sounding the same alarm just before her confirmation vote—the writing was on the wall. Attorney General Bondi has made it clear that her foremost loyalty is to one person—President Trump. And she kept her promise to him on day one after being sworn into office by Justice Clarence Thomas. Bondi’s directive is only one step in misusing the powers of government to carry out President Trump’s retribution against those he perceives to be his enemies.”
    Durbin went on to outline that his concerns are even more pressing because, over the last 22 days, the Trump Administration has purged dozens of senior career law enforcement officials at the Department of Justice and FBI. This purge has been particularly focused on dedicated, nonpartisan prosecutors and investigators working in the National Security Division and the FBI. Last week, FBI law enforcement personnel across the country had little over 48 hours to answer a survey about their work on any case related to the January 6 attack on the Capitol—including whether they handled arrests, led operations, testified in trials, and more.
    “The Acting Attorney General had also issued a memo firing a dozen career DOJ prosecutors, stating, ‘Given your significant role in prosecuting the President, I do not believe that the leadership of the Department can trust you in implementing the President’s agenda faithfully.’ The Bureau’s acting leaders are career FBI public servants who have reportedly resisted the push from Trump Administration officials to punish FBI agents who were simply doing the work that was assigned to them to investigate the January 6 attack,” Durbin said.
    Last Friday, the FBI turned over the names of thousands of FBI personnel. A temporary court order was issued on Friday that is keeping DOJ from revealing those names for now. Tomorrow, FBI probationary agents and personnel stationed around the world are required to submit justifications for their continued employment. This could lead to firing up to 3,000 federal law enforcement officials.
    “These mass layoffs, forced retirements, and involuntary reassignments of experienced DOJ and FBI officials represent an outright attack on public safety by President Trump—America will be less safe because of this political charade that’s going on in the Department of Justice… The purge is already leading to widespread disruption and delay in prosecutions, investigations, and sensitive operations. Joint-Terrorism Task Forces have been asked to focus on President Trump’s immigration-related initiatives, which means valuable resources and personnel have been shifted away from state, local, and federal partners fighting foreign and domestic terrorism,” Durbin continued.
    “As America faces a heightened threat landscape, these removals and reassignments are crippling not only to the Justice Department and the FBI, but the 93 U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the 55 FBI Field Offices across the country. The loss of potentially thousands of federal law enforcement jobs will overburden local field offices; slow ongoing case work; increase the unemployment rates nationwide; and harm local economies. President Trump may claim to ‘back the blue,’ but apparently he is only interested in doing so when it is politically convenient for his political agenda,”Durbin said.
    Durbin concluded, “Before Ms. Bondi’s confirmation, my concerns about how she would lead the Department were based on her history as President Trump’s lawyer. But the leadership of Pam Bondi, the Attorney General, is no longer hypothetical—her directives and actions are now impacting innocent people and good Americans who dedicate their lives to public service. We need to work together on a bipartisan basis to push back against these attacks on the Department of Justice and FBI to protect the national security of the United States.”
    Video of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.
    Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.
    Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville, Scott Introduce Legislation Sanctioning the Communist Cuban Regime

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) and U.S. Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) announced the reintroduction of the Denying Earnings to the Military Oligarchy in Cuba and Restricting Activities of the Cuban Intelligence Apparatus (DEMOCRACIA) Act to hold the illegitimate communist Cuban regime accountable through severe sanctions and unprecedented financial pressure.
    “Thanks to President Trump, we have strength in the White House again,” said Sen. Tuberville. “The United States will not stand by while the Cuban communist regime commits heinous human rights abuses and takes political prisoners. If Cuba wants to continue committing these crimes, they should be sanctioned. I am proud to join my colleagues in standing up against this evil regime.”
    “Cuba is the root of instability in Latin America and a constant threat to the national security of the United States, only emboldened by the past four years of Biden-Harris appeasement policies,” said Sen. Scott.“The illegitimate, communist Castro/Díaz-Canel regime harbors terrorist groups, denies freedom and democracy to the Cuban people while providing a secret police force to Maduro to oppress the Venezuelan people, and hosts a Chinese Communist Party spy station 90 miles from Florida. The Cuban regime props up ruthless dictators and allows a foothold in Latin America for Russia, Iran and Communist China to spread their influence. President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have already taken action to hold the Cuban regime accountable, including reversing Biden’s dangerous decision to remove them from the State Sponsor of Terrorism List, but we must keep the pressure going. My DEMOCRACIA Act will build on their efforts by implementing severe sanctions against Communist Cuba and closes existing sanctions gaps. It will also authorize the president to provide unrestricted internet service to the people of Cuba that is not censored by the Cuban regime. The United States continues to stand with the Cuban people, and this bill will send a powerful message as we work to bring a new day of freedom and democracy to Cuba and the entire western hemisphere.”
    Read full text of the legislation here. 
    BACKGROUND:
    Authorizes the president to impose sanctions—blocking assets and denying entry into the United States—on a foreign person if the president determines that the person knowingly engages in an activity with Cuba’s defense sector, security sector, intelligence sector, or any other sector involved in carrying out human rights abuses or providing support for international terrorism.
    A foreign person or senior official that provides significant financial, material or technological support to, or engages in a significant transaction with Cuba’s defense, security or intelligence sector or any entity or individual affiliated with that sector (including their immediate adult family member),
    Any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, 25% or more by one or more designated persons are also subject to sanctions,
    Any foreign person that is a military contractor, mercenary or paramilitary force knowingly operating in a military, security, or intelligence capacity for or on behalf of the Cuban regime.

    Authorizes the President to impose sanctions with respect to human rights abuse and corruption in Cuba including:
    Members of the Communist Party of Cuba, to include the Office of Religious Affairs and members of the Politburo and the Central Committee,
    Members of the Council of State and the Council of Ministers,
    Ministry of the Interior of Cuba, to include, the National Revolutionary Police Force,
    Members of the committee for the Defense of the Revolution,
    The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Cuba,
    Office of the President of Cuba,
    Any official of the Cuban regime who works with the Ministry of Justice or the Office of the Attorney General and who violates due process rights of an individual in Cuba,
    The spouse and children of any of these blocked individuals are also subject to these sanctions.

    Authorizes the President to terminate these sanctions only if he certifies to Congress that the Government of Cuba:
    Has released all political prisoners,
    Legalized all political parties,
    Establishes a free press, and
    Free, fair, multiparty internationally observed elections are scheduled in a timely manner.

    Authorizes the president to immediately use all means possible to provide unrestricted, reliable internet service to the people of Cuba that is not censored or blocked by the Cuban regime
    Requires the President to establish a taskforce to develop long-term solutions for providing reliable internet service to the people of Cuba that is not censored or blocked by the Cuban regime
    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP, and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Tuberville Joins “The Will Cain Show” to Discuss Super Bowl LIX, Illegal Immigration, and Military Academies

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined “The Will Cain Show” on Fox to recap attending Super Bowl LIX with President Trump and react to President Trump’s announcement that he will be deputizing IRS agents to help with immigration enforcement. Senator Tuberville also discussed President Trump’s dismissal of the Board of Visitors for each of the U.S. military service academies.
    Excerpts from Senator Tuberville’s interview can be found below, and his full interview can be found on YouTube or Rumble.

    CAIN: “Coach joins us now. Coach, great to have you again here on the Will Can Show. You were there. You were in the stadium with President Trump. There’s a headline today from CBS with a new approval poll out that shows that Donald Trump is doing overwhelmingly well, record-setting approval ratings with not just men, which is to be noted. Both virtually, everyone in America setting records, energetic first weeks doing what he promised. Did you feel that last night at the Superdome?”
    TUBERVILLE: “Oh, a hundred percent. There was there was two winners last night—Donald Trump and the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles just totally dominated the line of scrimmage, Will. It was just unbelievable. I would’ve never believed it, but they did. And as you said, you well noticed this, they didn’t even blitz. They didn’t blitz one time, and he still controlled the line of scrimmage. But Donald Trump was a huge hit there last night, first president ever to go to a Super Bowl, amazing feat there, but as you said, the loser also was the halftime show.” […]
    CAIN: “Thank you for your editorial judgement, Coach—who has asked me to call him Coach, it’s not an act of lack of self-respect. It’s he said, ‘Will, I prefer you to call me ‘Coach’ instead of ‘Senator.’’ So I am gonna move to your other job now, Coach, and that is this. This is notable on the to do list. President Trump deputizing IRS agents to enforce under DHS illegal immigration. This is quite a move to think that 80,000—by the way—IRS agents were hired under Joe Biden. Donald Trump redeploys them to fight illegal immigration.”
    TUBERVILLE: “Yeah, get them out of their house. They’re sitting at home, harassing the American citizens about their taxes. President Trump’s gonna get them off the couch, get them out of out the front of the television, and send them on the road to help where they actually can help, what an idea. Right? We’ve got way too many IRS agents. The American people need a break here, but we need we do need a lot of help at the border.”
    CAIN: “Imagine that. How about law enforcement folks on those that break the law, those that are in this country illegally and aid going to actual Americans and not to people of foreign countries. You sit on the Armed Services Committee, Senator, and I found this very notable today. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, then President Trump pointed out they’re gonna dissolve the Board of Visitors for the Army, the Air Force, the Navy, and the Coast Guard academies. They don’t like what they’ve seen become of these academies.”
    TUBERVILLE: “Yeah, we’re having a lot of problems with academies. Some are better than others, Will. I’m the Chairman of the Personnel [Sub]committee on Armed Services and we’re gonna get to the bottom of it. But President Trump just basically let all the Board of Visitors go…. He will replace everybody on there. We’ll put some good people, people that really love the military, wanna build a fighting machine along with Pete and work well together. But, you know, the Air Force Academy is having huge problems. The Naval Academy is having not quite as many. West Point is doing pretty good, but we still got a lot of work to do. But, we need to be one hundred percent teaching these young men and women how to control and fight a war, and it all starts there with our leaders in the military academies.”
    CAIN: “We’ve seen the numbers on the recruiting increases over the last couple of months with the appointment of the new Secretary of Defense. And it’s looking to put the United States military back on the right foot that attracts the best young men and women of merit into serving this country. Senator, Coach, it’s always good to see you. Thank you for being with us today.”
    TUBERVILLE: “You too, Will. I saw Jerry Jones last night, our team’s owner. He said he’s coming back.”
    CAIN: “Oh, well, that’s good. I need somebody to put a good word for our Dallas Cowboys. Thank you, Coach.”
    TUBERVILLE: “You got it.”
    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP, and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –