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Category: US Senate

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy, Hassan Reintroduce Bill to Connect Individuals to The Workforce

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) reintroduced the Improve and Enhance the Work Opportunity Tax Credit Act to build the U.S. workforce and help connect individuals to good jobs. The bill will strengthen the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), which has a proven track record of helping disadvantaged individuals secure employment. Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by U.S. Representative Lloyd Smucker (R-PA-11).
    “It’s not always easy to rejoin the workforce,” said Dr. Cassidy. “By helping employers connect with prospective employees struggling to find work, we boost the American economy and reduce the reliance on government assistance. It’s a win-win.”
    “Ensuring that every American has access to a good-paying job is critical to the success of our country and our local communities,” said Senator Hassan. “This commonsense, bipartisan legislation will help connect more Granite Staters to good-paying jobs, while also lowering costs for businesses that invest in hiring veterans, people with disabilities, and others who may face barriers to employment.”
    “The best anti-poverty program is a good job. The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) is a program that supports employers and employees as they reenter the workforce. I am committed to helping disadvantaged Americans get back to work by advancing legislation to improve this proven tool. WOTC is a bipartisan solution that every Member of Congress should support,” said Representative Smucker.
    The WOTC provides a federal tax credit to employers who invest in American workers who have consistently faced barriers to employment, including eligible veterans, SNAP recipients, individuals with disabilities, and long-term unemployed individuals. Employers incur higher recruitment and training costs to reach WOTC eligible populations and support their successful transition back into employment. WOTC has not been updated since its enactment twenty-seven years ago, and its value has been eroded significantly due to inflation. The National Employment Opportunity Network reports that the WOTC has saved federal governments an estimated $202 billion over ten years.
    The Improve and Enhance the Work Opportunity Tax Credit Act would:

    Update the WOTC, which has not been changed since its enactment twenty-seven years ago and encourage longer-service employment. 
    Increase the current credit percentage from 40% to 50% of qualified wages.
    Add a second level of credit for employees who work 400 or more hours. 
    Eliminate the arbitrary age cap at which SNAP recipients are eligible for WOTC. This change will provide an incentive to hire older workers and better align the credit with previously adopted work reforms.  

    The bill is supported by the Louisiana Retailers Association, Albertsons, American Health Care Association, American Hotel & Lodging Association, American Seniors Housing Association, American Staffing Association, American Trucking Associations, Argentum, Asian American Hotel Owners Association, Associated Builders and Contractors, Associated General Contractors of America, Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc., Brookshire’s, Brookshire Grocery Company, Coalition of Franchisee Associations, Critical Labor Coalition, Due Process Institute, Dunkin Donuts Independent Franchisee Organization, FMI – The Food Industry Association, Franchise Business Services, Fresh By Brookshire’s, Giant Eagle and GetGo Café + Market, H-E-B. Honest Jobs, ICSC, International Franchise Association, The Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association, The Kroger Co., NAACP, NAPEO, National Association of Convenience Stores, National Association for Home Care and Hospice, National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors, National Beer Wholesalers Association, National Employment Opportunity Network (NEON), National Franchisee Association, National Grocers Association, National Restaurant Association, National Urban League, NATSO, Pete & Gerry’s Organics, LLC, Reasor’s, Retail Industry Leaders Association, Retail Grocers Association MO&KS, Retail Merchants Association, SIGMA: America’s Leading Fuel Marketers, Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council, Society for Human Resource Management, Spring Market, Super 1 Foods, UPS, and Wakefern Food Corp.
    “The restaurant industry has hundreds of thousands of jobs that it needs to fill every month, many of which can be filled by individuals who have traditionally faced barriers to employment. Getting these people back to work is valuable to the individual, the restaurant operator and the community. We appreciate Sens. Cassidy and Hassan’s efforts to improve on WOTC as a tool for restaurant operators to hire needed staff and increase their business viability,” said Sean Kennedy, Executive Vice President of Public Affairs, National Restaurant Association.
    “The Louisiana Restaurant Association applauds Sen. Cassidy for his leadership in introducing the Improve and Enhance the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) Act. Restaurants in Louisiana are not just places to enjoy great food; they are training grounds for skill development and second chances for many individuals facing employment barriers. The WOTC program is essential for fostering opportunities, strengthening our workforce, and contributing to the economic vitality of our communities,” said Stan Harris, President and CEO, Louisiana Restaurant Association. 
    “America’s workforce is facing a perfect storm. The labor shortage, exacerbated by demographic shifts, aging population, declining participation, mismatch of skills and the lingering effects of the pandemic, has left employers struggling to fill jobs in critical industries. The Critical Labor Coalition strongly supports the Improve and Enhance the Work Opportunity Tax Credit Act, which will modernize WOTC to reflect today’s labor market realities and ensure that businesses—especially those hit hardest by workforce shortages—are incentivized to hire individuals from historically underemployed groups who may otherwise face barriers to entering the workforce,” said Misty Chally, Executive Director, Critical Labor Coalition.
    “FMI – The Food Industry Association applauds Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) for introducing this legislation to improve the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC). WOTC is an important workforce-building tool, utilized by our grocery, wholesaler, and product supplier members, to hire individuals facing barriers to employment. FMI is excited to work with Senators Cassidy and Hassan and House companion bill sponsors Representatives Lloyd Smucker (R-PA) and Terri Sewell (D-AL) on strengthening the path for veterans, SNAP participants, justice-involved individuals, and others to obtain meaningful employment in the food industry through enactment of this measure,” said Christine Pollack, FMI Vice President, Government Relations.
    “The Work Opportunity Tax Credit has been a vital resource for franchise business owners that provide job opportunities to workers who have faced barriers to employment. IFA applauds Sens. Cassidy and Hassan for taking this important step to help franchised businesses hire workers from underserved communities and provide additional relief, especially since finding labor remains the most significant challenge for local franchises,” said Mike Layman, Chief Advocacy Officer, International Franchise Association.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley-Jordan Statement on Efforts to Eliminate DOJ Weaponization

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), Chairmen of the Senate and House Judiciary Committees, today released a joint statement regarding the Justice Department (DOJ)’s newly-formed “Weaponization Working Group.”

    “If you’ve followed our oversight, it shouldn’t come as news to you that political infection has saturated the DOJ and FBI in recent years. Among many instances of political weaponization, we’ve repeatedly raised concerns about Jack Smith’s investigations and their political origins, baseless attacks on Catholics practicing their faith, the FBI’s Foreign Influence Task Force engaging in political influence, rampant whistleblower retaliation and other politically-infected conduct by the DOJ and FBI. It is welcome news that the Justice Department is now working to right the ship and seek accountability for prior improper conduct. This is a common sense and much needed approach. Our oversight work will continue at full speed to ensure that the blindfold is put back on Lady Justice.”

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rosen, Colleagues Demand VA Secretary Protect Veterans’ Private Information from Elon Musk

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)

    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) joined colleagues in a letter calling on Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins to take immediate action to secure veterans’ personal information from Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This letter follows reports of Musk’s team being granted access to the U.S. Treasury’s payment system, which includes private information of veterans and their families.
    “Among many tasks, the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is entrusted with safeguarding the private and sensitive information of millions of veterans,” wrote the Senators. “Veterans risked their lives to defend our country, and they deserve better than to have an unelected billionaire reviewing their medical records, targeting the benefits they have earned, or using their private information for personal gain.”
    “During your confirmation process, you claimed you would be focused on rooting out corruption and ensuring accountability at VA, and committed to following the laws passed by Congress,” they continued. “We now call on you to respond quickly and comprehensively to these privacy violations by revoking DOGE’s access to VA systems and insisting they permanently remove all VA data collected from their files.”
    The full letter can be found HERE.
    Senator Rosen has been leading efforts to deliver for Nevada’s veterans. Last year, her bipartisan law to strengthen the cybersecurity of veterans’ personal information was implemented by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Earlier this year, Senator Rosen helped introduce bipartisan legislation to assist veterans with home ownership and increase awareness of VA Home Loans. Recently, a bipartisan bill she supported to expand veterans’ benefits outreach became law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell Tells GOP: Hands Off Medicaid

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
    02.10.25
    Cantwell Tells GOP: Hands Off Medicaid
    House Republicans recently revealed proposal to cut $2.3 trillion from Medicaid to pay for Trump policy priorities
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), a senior member of the Committee on Finance and ranking member of the Commerce Committee, joined a letter with 46 Senators calling on Senate Majority Leader John Thune and House Speaker Mike Johnson to reject any legislation or budget proposals that would make cuts to Medicaid.
    “Republicans are proposing cuts to the Medicaid program from hundreds of billions to multiple trillions of dollars,” the Senators wrote. “States simply cannot absorb these massive funding cuts without hurting children, seniors, people with disabilities, tribal populations, patients with chronic illnesses, and many other Americans who rely on Medicaid.”
    “Given that levels of abuse and waste within Medicaid are not commensurate to cutting billions from the program, President Trump and Congressional Leadership should uphold this commitment to enhance, rather than gut, Medicaid. The American people should be assured that Medicaid will be protected. We urge you to reject proposals that use Medicaid as a piggy bank for partisan priorities and continue to defend the importance of this vital program,” the Senators concluded. 
    More than 1.8 million Washingtonians are enrolled in Medicaid (Apple Health). One in six adults, two in five children, three in five nursing home residents, and three in eight people with disabilities in Washington are covered by Medicaid. Any cuts in federal Medicaid funding would not only reduce the number of enrollees, it would potentially exacerbate Washington state’s budget deficit as states would have to make up for the shortfall by lowering coverage levels or cutting services.
    Sen. Cantwell is a longtime advocate for expanding and protecting Medicaid and Medicare. Rather than cutting Medicaid payments, Sen. Cantwell has introduced legislation to generate cost savings for American taxpayers. Sen. Cantwell has championed the Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) Transparency Act to crack down on PBMs and ban “spread pricing,” the PBM practice of charging a health insurance plan more to process a prescription than it reimburses the pharmacy and pocketing the difference – the spread. According to a recent CBO report, eliminating spread pricing in just the Medicaid program would result in approximately $900 million in savings over 10 years.
    Sen. Cantwell has also introduced legislation to expand Medicaid payments for low-barrier fentanyl treatment programs and rural hospitals’ labor and delivery units.
    The full text of the letter is HERE and below.
    Dear Majority Leader Thune and Speaker Johnson,
    As we begin a new Congress, we seek to pursue policies that improve the lives of Americans across this country. However, we are deeply concerned about recent reporting on Republican plans to use the budget reconciliation process to advance President Trump’s reckless agenda.  While we disagree on these costly and misguided policies, we are hopeful that there is bipartisan understanding of Medicaid’s importance for millions across the country, that the Medicaid program should be enhanced rather than cut, and that Republican policies should not be paid for at the expense of working-class Americans losing their health care.  
    Medicaid is a lifeline for communities across the country. Nearly 80 million Americans get their health insurance through Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which provide services Americans rely on to remain healthy, go to school, and thrive at work. Medicaid pays for nearly half of all births in the U.S., provides health insurance coverage to nearly half of all of America’s children, provides care to 3 in 5 nursing home residents, and provides peace of mind to 17 million women of reproductive age. Medicaid is also a lifeline for rural communities, with children and non-elderly adults in rural areas more likely to be covered by Medicaid compared to those in urban areas.
    Republicans are proposing cuts to the Medicaid program from hundreds of billions to multiple trillions of dollars. [1] Cuts to Medicaid through drastically changing the program’s financing structure or imposing additional barriers to coverage are dangerous to the millions of people who rely on the program. These proposals will also force states to make difficult decisions that will result in millions getting kicked off their coverage and providers struggling to keep their practices open. States simply cannot absorb these massive funding cuts without hurting children, seniors, people with disabilities, tribal populations, patients with chronic illnesses, and many other Americans who rely on Medicaid.
    Speaking about Medicaid last week, President Trump said, “We’re not going to do anything with that, unless we can find some abuse or waste.  The people won’t be affected. It will only be more effective and better.”[2]
    Given that levels of abuse and waste within Medicaid are not commensurate to cutting billions from the program, President Trump and Congressional Leadership should uphold this commitment to enhance, rather than gut, Medicaid. The American people should be assured that Medicaid will be protected. We urge you to reject proposals that use Medicaid as a piggy bank for partisan priorities and continue to defend the importance of this vital program. 
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lee to Chair Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy, and Consumer Rights

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Utah Mike Lee
    WASHINGTON – Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) issued the following statement upon taking the gavel as Chairman of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy, and Consumer Rights:
    I am honored to reclaim the gavel from my colleague Senator Klobuchar and resume my role as Chairman of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy, and Consumer Rights for the 119th Congress.  Antitrust and competition policies are fundamental to maintaining dynamic markets and ensuring the strength of our American economy. Capitalism thrives on competition, which fuels innovation, efficiency, and consumer benefits.
    As Chairman, I remain committed to holding Big Tech accountable for anticompetitive conduct and advancing critical legislation, such as the AMERICA Act, to break up monopoly power in the advertising technology sector and unlock competition. In addition to big tech—sectors such as healthcare, media, and airlines have seen increased consolidation and raise competitive concerns. I look forward to examining solutions to reinvigorate competition for the benefit of consumers.
    Additionally, across many industries government regulations can create entry barriers that stifle innovation and entrench dominant players. Ensuring that consumers benefit from innovation and competitive economy call for evaluating and removing regulatory obstacles that prevent new entrants from challenging entrenched incumbents.
    The goal is to ensure that the free market remains a vibrant arena, where competition thrives, ideas flourish, and innovation prospers, benefiting consumers. I am eager to work with my colleagues on both sides to accomplish these goals for the American people. 
    ***
     For more information on the Judiciary Committee and the Antitrust Subcommittee, please click HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján Statement on New Portal for Whistleblowers to Bring Attention to Potential Lawlessness Under Trump Administration

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Senator for New Mexico Ben Ray Luján

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M) issued the following statement regarding the announcement that Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senate Homeland Security Committee Ranking Member Gary Peters (D-MI) have created a new portal for federal employees who want to disclose information about wrongdoing, abuses of power, and threats to public safety:

    “In just three weeks, President Trump has shown New Mexicans that his administration is willing to disregard the rule of law, recklessly terminate civil servants, and disband government agencies that Americans depend on. Senate Democrats are committed to holding the Trump administration accountable and courageous whistleblowers will be invaluable to the mission of providing a check on the Executive Branch. I commend Leader Schumer and Senator Peters for leading this effort to bring attention to any wrongdoing, and I remain committed to protecting New Mexico values and exposing any lawlessness that occurs under this administration.”

    Today, in a public letter to federal civil service employees and public servants, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senate Homeland Security Committee Ranking Member Gary Peters (D-MI) wrote that Senate Democrats have launched a new portal for individuals interested in reporting wrongdoing, abuses of power, and threats to public safety. In the first three weeks of his administration, President Trump has shown a blatant disregard for the rule of law and a callousness for New Mexicans and the American people. From the DOGE takeover of the Treasury Department to the federal funding freeze, this administration has wreaked havoc on programs that thousands of New Mexico families, seniors, students, veterans, and others have come to depend upon.

    The new portal for whistleblowers can be accessed here. 

    Leader Schumer and Senator Peters’ letter can be seen here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy announces $17.9 million for flood mitigation, generators and Hurricanes Ida, Laura aid

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)

    WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced $17,860,797 in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grants for flood mitigation projects and emergency power generator installations in Louisiana.

    “Our communities depend on projects to help them prepare for storms and recover from disasters. This $17.9 million will help Louisianians with flood mitigation, emergency generators and permanent repairs after Hurricanes Ida and Laura,” said Kennedy 

    The FEMA aid will fund the following:

    • $7,239,362 to Lake Charles for permanent repairs to the Purple Heart Recreation Center and Gymnasium due to Hurricane Laura. 
    • $3,632,990 to St. John the Baptist Parish for the elevation of 21 residential structures.
    • $1,908,921 to the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness for the instillation of two permanent generators in Monroe, La.
    • $1,906,342 to St. John the Baptist Parish for management costs as a result of Hurricane Ida. 
    • $1,492,935 to Livingston Parish for the replacement of the Lod Stafford Road Bridge as a result of Hurricane Ida.
    • $1,421,300 to Winn Parish for the installation of 15 emergency power generator systems.
    • $201,832 to St. John the Baptist Parish for management costs associated with the elevation of 21 residential structures.
    • $57,115 to Winn Parish for management costs associated with the installation of the 15 emergency power generator systems.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden Co-Sponsors Bill to Keep Ski Fees Local

    US Senate News:

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

    February 10, 2025

    Washington D.C.—U.S. Senator Ron Wyden today announced he is co-sponsoring bipartisan legislation that would let  National Forests retain a portion of annual fees paid by ski areas operating on U.S. Forest Service lands in Oregon and nationwide.

    Ski areas operating on Forest Service lands pay fees to the Forest Service averaging more than  $40 million annually in exchange for their ability to have access to some of America’s most stunning public lands. 

    The Ski Hill Resources for Economic Development Act (SHRED) Act would establish a framework for local National Forests to retain a portion of ski fees to offset the impacts of increased recreational use, giving them the flexibility to direct resources where they are needed the most.

    “Oregon is rich in natural splendor and outdoor recreation opportunities,” Wyden said. “It’s important to nurture this wealth of public lands by ensuring recreational funds that are paid locally stay local. This will help us better address Oregon’s specific needs around wildfire mitigation, visitation impacts and housing shortages. Oregonians know what Oregon needs better than anyone and I’m gratified this bill will help ski resorts throughout the state create a richer, more sustainable recreation future for years to come.”     

    The SHRED Act would do the following:

    • Keep Ski Fees Local: By establishing a Ski Area Fee Retention Account to retain the fees that ski areas pay to the Forest Service. 

    • Support Winter Recreation: In each forest, 75 percent of the retained funds are directly available to support the Forest Service Ski Area Program and permitting needs, process proposals for ski area improvement projects, provide information for visitors and prepare for wildfire. 

    • Address Broad Recreation Needs: In each forest, 25 percent of the retained funds are available to support a broad set of year-round local recreation management and community needs, including special use permit administration, visitor services, trailhead improvements, facility maintenance, search and rescue activities, avalanche information and education, habitat restoration at recreation sites and affordable workforce housing. This set-aside would dramatically increase some Forest Service unit’s budgets to meet the growing visitation and demand for outdoor recreation.

    The legislation was led by U.S. Senators Michael Bennet, D-Colo., and John Barrasso, R-Wyo. Along with Wyden, co-sponsors of this legislation include U.S. Senators Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo., Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., Jim Risch, R-Idaho, John Hickenlooper, D-Colo., Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., Steve Daines, R-Mont., Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., and Tim Sheehy, R-Mont. This legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Reps. Blake Moore, R-Utah, and Joe Neguse, D-Colo..

    Full text of the legislation is here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER: LOCAL COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS CAUGHT IN CROSSFIRE OF FUNDING FREEZE CHAOS; STANDING AT SYRACUSE COMMUNITY HEALTH, SENATOR DEMANDS ANSWERS ON HHS BLACKOUTS TO PROTECT HEALTHCARE FOR 80,000+…

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer
    Community Health Centers Across U.S. Are Facing Unexplained Payment Portal Shutdowns, In Other States Forcing Closures & Halting Treatment – And Healthcare Leaders Fear NY Could Be Next 
    Schumer Says NY-ers Need Answers, CHCs Cannot Operate On Uncertainty; And With CHC Funding Cliff Next Month If Congress Doesn’t Act 2.4+ Million NY-er’s Could Be Left High And Dry On Healthcare
    Schumer: We Can’t Let Funding Freeze Chaos & Confusion Turn Into A Catastrophe For NY’s Community Health Centers
    Standing at Syracuse Community Health, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer demanded immediate answers from the HHS amid funding delays and recurring portal shutdowns in the fallout of Trump’s funding freeze fiasco. Community Health Centers (CHCs), which uniquely rely on federal funding, are now closing and even laying off staff across the country as a result of these unexplained disruptions, and Schumer said we need these payment systems fixed now to ensure doctors can continue vital healthcare services.
    The senator is also sounding the alarm on the looming expiration of CHC’s main federal funding program next month if Congress doesn’t act, which was set to be extended last year, until Elon Musk sunk the bipartisan spending agreement. Schumer said with DOGE and the Trump Administration’s indiscriminate cutting, CHCs are at serious risk of the chopping block, but he is leading the charge to protect this lifeline for 80,000 in Central NY and millions across America.
    “Amid Trump’s funding freeze fiasco, Community Health Centers in Central New York have been caught in the crossfire. Repeated shutdowns of HHS websites, missed payments, and now we are seeing CHCs across the countries have to layoff staff or close because they are not getting the funding they need,” said Senator Schumer. “Community Health Centers are the backbone of healthcare for Upstate NY. Enough is enough, I’m calling on HHS to take immediate action to ensure CHCs receive the funds and answers they deserve. Doctors cannot provide healthcare with uncertainty and instability.”
    Schumer added, “With CHCs facing a looming funding cliff next month, at a time when DOGE is cutting indiscriminately, there is serious concern that chaos and confusion could turn to catastrophe for NY’s Community Health Centers. We need to make protecting this lifeline for millions a top priority and immediate action to provide answers and fixes for the current problems. And I will be leading the charge to ensure DOGE keep their hands off our healthcare.”
    Schumer explained CHCs like Syracuse Community Health uniquely rely on federal funding, but that if these blackouts continue it could result in disaster for NY and Central New York, like we are seeing in other parts of the country.  Syracuse Community Health receives more than $400,000 a month in federal funding; that’s over $5 million a year. Federal funding makes up 16% of its total operating budget, and delays or cuts would have serious impacts on their bottom line and care for 30,0000+ patients at 13 locations, including 8 school-based programs.
    “At SCH, we play a key role in Onondaga County’s healthcare ecosystem as the only primary care provider that offers a wide variety of services to treat the whole person and never turns a patient away. After being temporarily locked out of HHS Payment Management System two weeks ago, FQHC’s like SCH have been forced to grapple with the reliability of federal funds moving forward and the impact that further delays or freezes may have on patients and providers in communities across Central New York,” said Dr. Ofrona Reid, President and CEO, Syracuse Community Health. “Though the freeze has lifted for now, the uncertain financial and operating environment has continued to make provider recruitment more difficult and divert attention from our #1 priority – delivering high quality care to underserved patients across our community. I would like to convey my deepest gratitude to Senator Schumer for proudly championing funding for FQHC’s like SCH and fighting to ensure that the federal dollars we need to care for our patients continue flowing uninterrupted.”
    According to CHCANYS, CHCs provide healthcare to 80,000+ people in Central NY and over 2.4 million New Yorkers. Community Health Centers in New York and across the country are worried because, following the funding freeze fiasco, many CHCs cannot access federal funds. Trump signed an executive order cutting off funding for some healthcare services, and although that memo was later rescinded, CHCs are confused about what services they can provide without fear that their funding will be cut off.
    Some Community Health Centers across the country have been forced to lay off staff or even halt operations, and NY healthcare leaders are worried NY could be next if the situation does not improve, and Schumer said that cannot happen. Nearby in the Mohawk Valley, Upstate Family Health Center, which cares for 9,000+ patients across Oneida and Herkimer Counties, was notified that reimbursements from a HRSA grant for capital costs had been frozen, leaving UFCH unable to recoup $71,000 in out-of-pocket expenses. UFHC has been given no timeline as to when they can expect the freeze to be lifted.
    “The loss or even delay of federal funding for our clinic, which serves 9,000 individuals across Oneida and Herkimer counties, would have a devastating impact on our ability to remain open and continue providing essential healthcare services to our vulnerable patient population—80% of whom are low-income Medicaid recipients. As an FQHC, we are the lifeline for many in our community, and without this funding we would be forced to reduce our already limited staffing, shorten service hours, and potentially eliminate critical programs like preventive care,” said Andreea Mera, Chief Executive Officer, Upstate Family Health Center. “On behalf of Upstate Family Health Center and the patients we care for, I want to sincerely thank Senator Schumer for his steadfast support of FQHC’s and commitment to ensuring we can continue providing essential care to the thousands of vulnerable patients who rely on us. His leadership makes a real difference, and we are grateful to have him in our corner.”
    Schumer said that if blackouts continue and federal funding is not renewed for CHCs next month in the government funding agreement would leave many Americans with limited access to affordable healthcare. Last year, Schumer and colleagues negotiated a bipartisan healthcare deal that would reauthorize CHC funding, but Congressional Republicans walked away following pressure from Elon Musk. Schumer said he will be leading Senate Democrats to fight to protect funding for CHCs and Medicaid and called on his colleagues across the aisle to return to their bipartisan agreement to protect Community Health Centers across the country. 
    Schumer explained the HHS and Medicaid portal shutdowns are part of larger confusion surrounding President Trump’s executive order freezing all federal funding. Recurring portal shutdowns continue to jeopardize reimbursements and healthcare access for nearly 7 million New Yorkers on Medicaid, including 200,000+ Central New Yorkers. Last week, Elon Musk and his “DOGE” gained access to the payment system creating further uncertainty about the status of payments. CHCs are concerned about their ability to pay staff and rent without reliable access to the portal. Schumer is leading the charge for answers on the payment portal shutdowns and demanding reassurance from the administration that Community Health Centers will receive the payments they are owed and need to continue providing healthcare. 
    A copy of Schumer’s original letter with Senator Wyden to HHS can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hickenlooper, Bennet, Polis Demand Trump Admin Follow Court Orders, Unfreeze Federal Funding Currently Locked for Colorado

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Colorado John Hickenlooper

    Federal courts ordered OMB to temporarily lift its plan to freeze all federal funding

    More than $570 million for Colorado grantees is still inaccessible

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet and Colorado Governor Jared Polis called on Office of Budget and Management (OMB) Director Russell Vought to address the more than $570 million in federal funding that remains inaccessible for Colorado grantees, following the OMB’s illegal attempt to pause all federal funding.

    Two weeks ago, in a chaotic late-night, two-page OMB memo, President Donald Trump froze all federal grants and loans. The sudden freeze from this memo and multiple executive orders threatened hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding, which would have affected thousands of organizations in Colorado and hurt millions of Americans. Federal courts ordered the Trump administration to temporarily lift the freeze on federal funds. However, over $570 million in federal funding obligated for Colorado organizations remains withheld.

    “We write to express deep concern regarding the ongoing challenges Colorado grantees face in accessing obligated grant funding… The consequences of this continued uncertainty are severe and could have a devastating effect on the programs and people this funding supports,” wrote the lawmakers. “Companies are considering staff furloughs. Employers in rural communities are rescinding job offers. Long-standing Colorado businesses, some with over 40 years of operation, now struggle to pay contractors working on facility expansions.’

    They continued: “This disruption threatens local economies and the workforce across the state, particularly in rural communities, where the funding freeze creates widespread ripple effects.”

    In their letter, the Colorado lawmakers called on Vought to explain what steps OMB is taking to comply with the court orders and clarify which streams of funding did not immediately resume following the multiple court orders to halt the funding freeze.

    More information about how a freeze would impact Coloradans is available HERE. 

    Last week, Hickenlooper spoke on the Senate floor against the nomination of Russell Vought, President Trump’s pick to lead the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and voted “No” on Vought. The OMB oversees the performance of federal agencies and administers the federal budget. Vought previously served as acting OMB director during President Donald Trump’s first term and was a primary architect of Project 2025, which details MAGA Republicans’ far-right agenda to dismantle the federal government under a Trump administration.

    Full text of the letter available HERE and below.

    To Director Vought,

    We write to express deep concern regarding the ongoing challenges Colorado grantees face in accessing obligated grant funding. Grantees who have signed contracts with federal agencies and have initiated projects now struggle to cover outstanding expenses. This disruption threatens local economies and the workforce across the state, particularly in rural communities, where the funding freeze creates widespread ripple effects.

    On January 27, 2025, the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued a memorandum directing all federal agencies to pause activities related to federal financial assistance obligations and disbursements. Although this memo was quickly rescinded – and its implementation blocked by a federal court – the consequences of this funding freeze effort and the ongoing funding blockages through various executive orders continue to harm state and local governments, Tribal Governments, private companies, and the people we serve across the state, raising serious concerns about the future of these funds in Colorado.

    We have engaged extensively with agencies responsible for disbursing these funds, and heard directly from the agencies that the Administration’s intention is to comply with the court order and dispense federal financial assistance. The Environment Protection Agency (EPA), for instance, has notified us that:

    “[p]ursuant to the recent Court directive in the case of New York et al. v. Trump addressing financial assistance, the Court directed that federal financial assistance shall not be paused based on the Office of Management and Budget’s direction in the rescinded OMB memorandum or the President’s Executive Orders while ongoing litigation proceeds or until otherwise directed by the Court. Consistent with the Order, the EPA’s financial system will now enable the obligation of financial assistance. This includes programs within the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act, including federal financial assistance in the State and Tribal Assistance Grants, Brownfields, and Superfund. Additionally, the disbursement of funds from EPA’s financial assistance programs is continuing.”

    Nonetheless, companies, local governments, state agencies and nonprofit organizations entitled to funds from a range of programs continue to report that they cannot access their federal grant portals or receive reimbursements due to them under their federal grant contracts despite both the court order and the promises from the agencies. In some cases, grants appear as “suspended” or are missing entirely from their grant system. These funds have already been allocated, contracts have been signed, and work has begun – yet invoices remain unpaid. It remains to be seen how and when the Administration will comply with the court orders to remove the barriers to this funding across all agencies and programs.

    In Colorado alone, we are aware that more than $570 million in obligated funding remains inaccessible. The consequences of this continued uncertainty are severe and could have a devastating effect on the programs and people this funding supports. Companies are considering staff furloughs. Employers in rural communities are rescinding job offers. Long-standing Colorado businesses, some with over 40 years of operation, now struggle to pay contractors working on facility expansions.

    We want to relay the urgency needed to resolve these funding access issues and ensure grantees receive the resources that were appropriated by Congress and promised by the Administration. Communities, businesses, and families depend on this. To ensure transparency in this ongoing process, we ask that you answer the following questions by Friday, February 14, 2025:

    1. Please identify any forms of federal financial assistance for which federal funding disbursements did not promptly resume following the recission of OMB Memorandum M-25-13.
    1. For all forms of federal financial assistance that did not promptly resume, please describe the steps you have taken or will take to resume the disbursement of funds in compliance with court orders. Also indicate when the disbursement of funds can be expected to resume.
    1. For any disbursement of funds that have not been promptly resumed, what is your legal basis for continuing to withhold funds?
    1. What steps have you taken to identify and communicate with grant recipients who have been negatively affected by this oversight?
    1. What steps will you take to ensure that this issue does not occur again?

    We appreciate your prompt attention to this matter.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Scott Pushes to Redirect Funds to Safeguard Sovereign Borders

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) reintroduced his Securing Our Border Act. This legislation would redirect all unobligated Democrat-allocated funding from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) enforcement account to bolster the integrity of our southern border. The funding initially sought to hire 87,000 additional IRS enforcement agents.

    “Without borders, a nation is not a nation. President Biden’s ill-advised decision to supercharge the IRS while we had a crisis on our southern border couldn’t have been more out-of-touch or unnecessary,” said Senator Scott. “In just two weeks back in office, President Trump has signaled to the world that he is serious about securing our border and restoring peace and order in our communities. By redirecting these funds, we are taking steps to protect our national sovereignty and keep Americans safe.”

    The Securing Our Border Act:

    • Funds nonintrusive border inspections to better equip our law enforcement’s capability to track drugs and other illicit contraband before it enters the United States;
    • Funds border wall construction and other technologies to bolster tracking and enforcement efforts along the southwestern border;
    • Provides recruitment, retention, and relocation bonuses for Border Patrol agents to help mitigate morale issues; and
    • Prohibits Border Patrol agents and other security personnel from releasing apprehended illegal immigrants back into the US.

    Background

    Senator Scott initially introduced this legislation in the 118th Congress following the Biden administration announcing it planned to hire 87,000 additional IRS agents while the southern border was overwhelmed by illegal border crossings.

    Full text of the legislation can be found here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Scott Questions USTR Nominee Jamieson Greer

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.), member of the Senate Finance Committee, questioned President Trump’s nominee to serve as U.S. Trade Representative, Jamieson Greer, at his confirmation hearing. Senator Scott and Mr. Greer discussed a range of topics, including market access for U.S. exports, specifically South Carolina products, the strategies behind tariffs, China’s unfair trade practices, and economic tools to strengthen American national security.

    Excerpts from Senator Scott’s questioning can be found below:

    On market access for U.S. exports… 
    “Expanding market access for American made goods is critical to our economic strength, frankly, and our competitiveness. Ninety-five percent of our customers are outside of our nation as we represent about five percent of the world’s population. [In] South Carolina, we have about $36.4 billion of manufactured goods and products that leave our state, supporting 112,000 jobs that find a home someplace around the world. [For] our agricultural goods – $1.2 billion – access to the world’s market is incredibly important. We believe that they create good paying jobs in South Carolina. We also believe they create great paying jobs across this country as we took the aggregate value of those goods and services in other states. How do you plan to secure this market access with other countries in the first 100 days?” 

    On President Trump’s approach to tariffs… 
    “So, it seems to me that the president’s tariffs approach… has to do with punishment. The other has to do with the right sizing our approach to a global economy. And both seem to have the American consumer in mind and our national security in mind, as well. And the more efforts we see from the president in this direction, it seems like his ability to recalibrate the global system and, frankly, to make it more responsive to Americans [is a] net positive long-term.”

    On China and unfair trade practices… 
    “It also seems to me that there are countries like China – I’m not sure the politically right way to say this – but they lie, they cheat, they steal. And yet with the World Trade Organization, they still have a most favored nation status. What should we do about that?” 

    On our national security… 
    “From my perspective, our first weapon for national security ought to be an economic weapon, a non-kinetic option. And to the extent that we deploy that weapon in the most effective way possible, we keep more Americans safe, keep our soldiers at home, and frankly, it recalibrates or repositions America as a city on the hill. And I hope that we engage in the most effective approach and use of that economic weapon that we possibly can.”

    Watch Senator Scott’s full questioning here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: King, Colleagues Demand VA Secretary Defend Veterans’ Personal Information from DOGE

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King, a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), is joining his colleagues in demanding the Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary protect veterans’ personal information. In a letter to VA Secretary Doug Collins, the Senators urge him to take immediate actions to secure veterans’ personal information provided by VA or other agencies to Elon Musk and his “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE). The call to protect this data follows Musk’s takeover of the U.S. Treasury’s payment system, which includes private information of veterans and their families, and reports of DOGE employees accessing VA computer systems at the Department’s headquarters in Washington, D.C.

    There are millions of veterans’ medical records stored in VA’s computer systems. These confidential records include veterans’ prescriptions, diagnoses, and procedures they have undergone. Access to these medical records could give Musk and DOGE the ability to identify veterans who have received abortions or abortion counseling in the past. The Million Veteran Program, which manages the genomic data of its more than one million veteran participants for authorized research programs, also stores its data in VA data systems. In addition, the U.S. Treasury’s payment system stores private information of veterans, surviving spouses, and their families, including their monthly disability compensation amount, home address, and bank account numbers.

    The Senators write, “Among many tasks, the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is entrusted with safeguarding the private and sensitive information of millions of veterans…Veterans risked their lives to defend our country, and they deserve better than to have an unelected billionaire reviewing their medical records, targeting the benefits they have earned, or using their private information for personal gain.”

    “Meanwhile, the President has given unfettered access to federal databases and systems to Mr. Musk, an unelected citizen, and a team of colleagues with no formal documented employment agreement with the U.S. government,” the Senators continued. “It is a group of private citizens with no experience in the federal government, who lack proper approval from legal and agency authorities, lack the appropriate security clearances, and lack the requisite background investigations or ethical conflict requirements.”       

    The Senators concluded, “During your confirmation process, you claimed you would be focused on rooting out corruption and ensuring accountability at VA, and committed to following the laws passed by Congress. We now call on you to respond quickly and comprehensively to these privacy violations by revoking DOGE’s access to VA systems and insisting they permanently remove all VA data collected from their files.”

    Joining King on this letter are Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Tina Smith (D-MN), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Jack Reed (D-RI), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Mark Warner (D-VA), and Martin Heinrich (D-NM).

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

    +++

    Dear Secretary Collins,

    Among many tasks, the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is entrusted with safeguarding the private and sensitive information of millions of veterans. Today, we call on you to immediately secure any personal and related information regarding veterans provided by VA or other agencies to Elon Musk and associates under the auspices of the “Department of Government Efficiency” established under Executive Order 14158. Further, we call on you to deny and sever their access to any VA or other government system that includes information about veterans, and to require them to immediately and permanently delete any information in their possession. Veterans risked their lives to defend our country, and they deserve better than to have an unelected billionaire reviewing their medical records, targeting the benefits they have earned, or using their private information for personal gain.

    Our nation’s veterans have entrusted their health records, including genetic samples, disability data, bank information, and other private information, to VA. The Department also stores sensitive veteran casework, files of whistleblowers who have come forward with concerns about waste, fraud, and abuse, and sensitive investigative files with veteran and federal employee information. Veterans and VA employees entrusted the Department with this information with the understanding that it would be kept private and only used to help deliver the highest quality of services to veterans, their families, and survivors.

    Meanwhile, the President has given unfettered access to federal databases and systems to Mr. Musk, an unelected citizen, and a team of colleagues with no formal documented employment agreement with the U.S. government. It is a group of private citizens with no experience in the federal government, who lack proper approval from legal and agency authorities, lack the appropriate security clearances, and lack the requisite background investigations or ethical conflict requirements. We are outraged these unelected, unvetted, and unaccountable individuals now have access to sensitive information that has been heavily secured for decades and by Administrations of both parties.

    These actions are in direct violation of federal laws meant to protect our national security and the privacy of our citizens’ personal information. This includes information on Social Security payments, Medicare, Medicaid, student loans, veterans’ disability compensation payments, GI Bill payments, federal civil servants’ personnel records, and much more. With every hour, we see DOGE further expand its efforts to create a massive private database of previously guarded data outside the federal government’s cyber and legal protections. It is an abhorrent and illegal overreach of executive powers, which conflicts with various federal statutes, including the Federal Information Security Modernization Act, the Privacy Act, the E-Government Act of 2002, and likely several other cyber and national security laws.

    During your confirmation process, you claimed you would be focused on rooting out corruption and ensuring accountability at VA, and committed to following the laws passed by Congress. We now call on you to respond quickly and comprehensively to these privacy violations by revoking DOGE’s access to VA systems and insisting they permanently remove all VA data collected from their files.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Baldwin Leads Bill To Protect Access to Contraception

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin

    WASHINGTON, D.C – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, joined a group of her colleagues in reintroducing the Right to Contraception Act, legislation that would create a statutory right to obtain and use contraceptives and ensure health care providers have a right to provide contraceptives, contraception, and share information about this essential care.

    “Women in Wisconsin have been clear about what they want: the right to make their own health care decisions without interference from politicians,” said Senator Baldwin. “With reproductive rights under attack, I am proud to support this legislation that will safeguard women’s freedoms and ensure all women have the right to control their bodies, regardless of where they live.”

    In July 2022, the Right to Contraception Act passed the House (220-195). That same month, Republicans blocked an attempt in the U.S. Senate to pass the bill by unanimous consent. They did the same in June 2023. In June 2024, Republicans blocked Senate Democrats’ attempt to pass the bill on the floor.

    The legislation is endorsed by Power to Decide, National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association, National Women’s Law Center, Guttmacher Institute, Reproductive Freedom for All (formerly NARAL Pro-Choice America), Population Connection Action Fund, Americans for Contraception, Advocates for Youth, National Partnership for Women & Families, American Public Health Association, American Humanist Association, National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health , Center for Biological Diversity, Ibis Reproductive Health, Physicians for Reproductive Health, Upstream USA, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, National Health Law Program, SIECUS: Sex Ed for Social Change, National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice, Reproductive Health Access Project, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Upstream USA, In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda, Center for American Progress, National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum, All* Above All, and Center for Reproductive Rights.

    Full text of the legislation is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, Pritzker Underscore How Trump Funding Freeze Jeopardizes Head Start Programs and Hurts Illinois Families Who Rely on This Lifeline

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

    February 08, 2025

    [ELGIN, IL] – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker—alongside parents, teachers and staff at Two Rivers Head Start agency—underscored how President Donald Trump’s illegal funding freeze is continuing to inflict needless chaos, confusion and financial pain on Head Start programs and the middle-class families they serve throughout Illinois. As a result of the financial setbacks triggered by Trump’s funding freeze, many Head Start programs in Illinois are unsure how they’ll be able to provide food and resources to the kids in their care or whether they’ll have to shut down altogether. Photos from today’s press conference are available on the Senator’s website.

    “Despite running on the promise that he would lower costs for middle-class Americans, Donald Trump’s illegal funding freeze is hurting the same families he swore he’d protect by jeopardizing the Head Start programs so many rely on,” said Senator Duckworth. “Trump and his billionaire buddies might be able to weather the chaos this freeze unleashed—and not worry about whether Head Start will be there for their own family tomorrow—but that is a luxury most working parents cannot afford. Donald Trump’s agenda is out of touch, and I’ll continue to work with Governor Pritzker to hold him accountable, repair the damage already done to Illinois families and support Head Start programs throughout our state.”

    “Donald Trump promised to improve the lives of Americans and instead he is threatening the livelihoods of Illinois’ working families with his illegal funding cuts,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Head Start is a fixture of education in America that enables the neediest families and children to go to preschool. But Donald Trump’s harmful policies threaten to leave these families and kids in the cold. In lockstep with our federal delegation, Illinois is unified in its commitment to fighting against unconstitutional cuts that harm working families.”

    “The day-to-day uncertainty not only impacts our agency but also the families we serve,” said Executive Director of Two Rivers Head Start Agency Kelly Neidel. “Since the system freeze, the platform used for fund withdrawals has been displaying various messages, all of which prevent access. This has led to confusion among many individuals who mistakenly believe that receiving a grant means obtaining the full amount upfront. However, that is not the case. Grant funds are disbursed incrementally, requiring recipients to submit documentation of expenses that align with each drawdown request. This process is similar to receiving a paycheck—once the funds are received, they are then used to cover the necessary expenses. Many of the children in our care have faced significant challenges, including foster care or homelessness. Despite these hardships, we provide them with a stable, nurturing environment where they can thrive. Our programs prepare children for kindergarten, ensure they receive three nutritious meals a day, and offer a safe space to grow and learn. Additionally, we support parents by providing reliable childcare and preschool, allowing them to pursue employment or education to build a better future for their families.”

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: February 10th, 2025 Heinrich Pushes USDA Nominee to Address Rising Cost of Eggs Driven by Avian Flu Outbreak

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) today pushed the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary-designee Brooke Rollins to share her plan to address the rising cost of eggs driven by the ongoing highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI or H5N1) outbreak. Heinrich points to tools, such as HPAI vaccines, that the USDA could develop and deploy to help tackle the outbreak and lower food prices. Under the Trump administration, the avian flu outbreak is stressing poultry and egg producers’ ability to make a living and forcing working families to pay more at the grocery store for eggs and poultry products.

    “As a U.S. Senator and member of the Appropriations Committee, my constituents have asked me to hold President Trump accountable for his promise to lower food prices for all Americans. The USDA has many tools at its disposal to combat rising prices, including HPAI vaccines. Vaccinating all laying hens in the United States against HPAI will help lower egg prices for consumers, decrease production losses for farmers, and ultimately decrease the cost to taxpayers through reduced indemnity payments,” Heinrich wrote.

    “I request that you respond in writing within two weeks with your plan to lower egg and poultry prices for consumers through vaccination efforts, while preserving export markets for American farmers,” Heinrich continued.

    Heinrich requested that Rollins answer the following questions:

    1. Plan to Lower Prices: “Please share in detail your plan to lower egg and poultry prices through vaccination efforts and other means, including a complete vaccination strategy, use case, and plan to procure, stockpile, distribute, deploy, administer, and track the use of poultry H5N1 vaccines.”
    2. Deployment Considerations: “What considerations need to be weighed while deploying H5N1 vaccinations to all laying hens in domestic egg production? Please provide specifics about how you propose to prioritize certain flocks or regions based on risk and export profile to maximize reductions in cost paid by American consumers for poultry and egg products?”
    3. Better Trade Agreements for American Farmers: “Once you have reviewed our poultry trade agreements in consultation with the US Trade Representative (USTR), please provide a plan that describes the actions the Administration will take to renegotiate trade agreements to permit the export of poultry and poultry products derived from birds that have been vaccinated.  American farmers who want to keep their livelihoods intact and prices affordable for American families will look to you and the USTR to quickly renegotiate important trade agreements to maintain and expand foreign markets.”
    4. USDA Research Plan: “What is your plan for the USDA research that is needed to best match vaccines to the current strain of the virus and to expand production and deployment of effective vaccinations for poultry against all currently circulating variants of H5N1?”
    5. Vaccination Logistics: “How will you handle the logistics and costs associated with vaccination as well as enhanced surveillance and monitoring of flocks in a way that lowers prices for the American consumer?”
    6. Budget: “What budget will you assign to the USDA’s efforts to manage the HPAI outbreak and lower egg and poultry prices for families, including through vaccination and other means?”

    The text of the letter is here and below:

    Dear Secretary-designee Rollins:

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) plays a critical role in maintaining a safe, affordable food system for American families and in supporting robust domestic and foreign markets for American farmers.  As you acknowledged at your confirmation hearing, one of your top priorities is to quickly and thoroughly assess and manage the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI or H5N1) outbreak.  The current HPAI outbreak is stressing poultry and egg producers’ ability to make a living, stretching the USDA’s budget through increasing indemnity payments to depopulate farms, and forcing working families to pay more at the grocery store.  It is clear that the American tax payer and the American consumer are now paying twice for the same problem.  The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average price for a dozen large grade A eggs jumped by 65 percent in 2024, from $2.52 to $4.15. As of February 2025, prices are around $7 per carton and the USDA Economic Research Service predicts that egg prices will continue to rise in 2025.

    As a U.S. Senator and member of the Appropriations Committee, my constituents have asked me to hold President Trump accountable for his promise to lower food prices for all Americans.  The USDA has many tools at its disposal to combat rising prices, including HPAI vaccines.  Vaccinating all laying hens in the United States against HPAI will help lower egg prices for consumers, decrease production losses for farmers, and ultimately decrease the cost to taxpayers through reduced indemnity payments.  While there are some technical, logistic, and trade related obstacles to the widespread vaccination of U.S. poultry flocks, there is an emerging consensus within the producer community that such action is necessary and you are seeking to join an Administration that prides itself on extracting concessions from trading partners.  I request that you respond in writing within two weeks with your plan to lower egg and poultry prices for consumers through vaccination efforts, while preserving export markets for American farmers. Specifically, I would like your answers to the following questions:

    • Your Plan to Lower Prices: Please share in detail your plan to lower egg and poultry prices through vaccination efforts and other means, including a complete vaccination strategy, use case, and plan to procure, stockpile, distribute, deploy, administer, and track the use of poultry H5N1 vaccines.
    • Deployment Considerations: What considerations need to be weighed while deploying H5N1 vaccinations to all laying hens in domestic egg production? Please provide specifics about how you propose to prioritize certain flocks or regions based on risk and export profile to maximize reductions in cost paid by American consumers for poultry and egg products?
    • Better Trade Agreements for American Farmers: Once you have reviewed our poultry trade agreements in consultation with the US Trade Representative (USTR), please provide a plan that describes the actions the Administration will take to renegotiate trade agreements to permit the export of poultry and poultry products derived from birds that have been vaccinated.  American farmers who want to keep their livelihoods intact and prices affordable for American families will look to you and the USTR to quickly renegotiate important trade agreements to maintain and expand foreign markets.
    • USDA Research Plan: What is your plan for the USDA research that is needed to best match vaccines to the current strain of the virus and to expand production and deployment of effective vaccinations for poultry against all currently circulating variants of H5N1?
    • Vaccination Logistics: How will you handle the logistics and costs associated with vaccination as well as enhanced surveillance and monitoring of flocks in a way that lowers prices for the American consumer?
    • Budget: What budget will you assign to the USDA’s efforts to manage the HPAI outbreak and lower egg and poultry prices for families, including through vaccination and other means?

    I welcome your urgent attention to these questions. I look forward to learning more about your plan to bring down food prices for American families, support domestic producers, maintain export markets, and tackle this highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hickenlooper, Bennet, Colleagues Reintroduce Bill to Prevent Muslim Ban

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Hickenlooper – Colorado

    NO BAN Act would prohibit discriminatory immigration bans like one President Trump implemented in 2017

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet joined their Senate colleagues to reintroduce the National Origin-Based Antidiscrimination for Nonimmigrants (NO BAN) Act, which protects against discriminatory immigration bans like those President Trump implemented during his first term. 

    Specifically, the NO BAN Act would prohibit religious discrimination in our immigration laws and ensure that any use of the President’s authority to suspend entry into the country would be based on specific and credible facts, and be narrowly tailored to address a compelling government interest.

    “During his first term, Trump’s Muslim ban stripped people of their rights and separated entire families,” said Hickenlooper. “Americans deserve real solutions on immigration, not prejudicial bans that cause chaos and suffering.”

    “For generations, immigrants and refugees have come to our country to flee religious persecution and seek a better life. My own family is part of this story – my mom’s family survived the Holocaust and came to the United States because it was the only country in the world where they believed they could rebuild their shattered lives,” said Bennet. “That’s why I’ll keep working with my colleagues to oppose efforts to shape our refugee program by religious or ethnic preferences that betray the values that have made our country strong.”

    As a candidate for president in 2016, Donald Trump promised to ban Muslim immigrants from the United States. Upon taking office, he tried to enact bans that were repeatedly struck down by the courts until the conservative majority of the Supreme Court ultimately upheld a version of the ban by a 5-4 vote. The discriminatory bans caused widespread harm, separating 1,545 children from their American parents and 3,460 parents from their American sons and daughters.

    President Biden reversed the discriminatory bans, but now that President Trump’s the threat of their revival remains. He already issued an executive order that requires government departments to identify nations whose migration and screening processes are “so deficient as to warrant a partial or full suspension on the admission of nationals from those countries.” The order lays the groundwork for another ban on migration from predominantly Muslim countries. This legislation is necessary to prevent such discriminatory actions.

    The NO BAN Act would:

    • Expand the nondiscrimination provisions in the Immigration and Nationality Act to include religious discrimination, and extend them to the issuance of nonimmigrant visas and benefits.
    • Require that any travel restriction imposed under the Immigration and Nationality Act be based on specific and credible facts, and be narrowly tailored to address a compelling government interest.
    • Require notice to Congress within 48 hours of instituting a ban and follow-up reporting.

    Full text of the bill is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murray, Baldwin, DeLauro Blast Trump Administration on Halt of Vital Work at Nation’s Largest Public Health Agency

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
    As fall out continues from Trump Administration’s funding freeze, legislators demand answers on HHS’s plan to do its job and keep Americans safe
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ranking Member of the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Related Agencies Senate Appropriations Subcommittee, joined Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, in calling out the Trump Administration for the chaos and confusion they have unleashed by pausing communications and critical work, groundbreaking research, and funding for programs Americans rely on at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The legislators also demanded answers from the Trump Administration on the funding freeze that has impacted Medicaid, Head Start and other vital services in their states.
    “The Department’s issuance of internal guidance combined with implementation of sweeping Executive Orders has unleashed significant confusion and hindered the Department’s mission to enhance the health and well-being of all Americans,” wrote the legislators in a letter to Dorothy A. Fink, M.D., Acting Secretary of HHS.
    The legislators outlined their concerns that HHS has paused external communications for weeks that give Americans basic information about the spread of diseases and viruses that impact their communities. As communities across the country deal with avian flu, the Centers for Disease (CDC) paused the release of a Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report from January 16 to February 6, the first time in decades that this basic public health communication for states and local communities did not go out. The National Institutes of Health was also forced to cancel over 50 critical meetings, resulting in delays for tens of thousands of grant applications and delaying lifesaving biomedical research and clinical trials across the country.
    Meanwhile on the ground in communities across the country, community health centers have been unable to reach anyone at the Health Resources and Services Administration who can help them access the federal funds that they are owed, while public health data that researchers and local doctors rely on was removed from CDC’s website.
    The legislators also rebuked the Trump Administration for the chaos and confusion caused by an Office of Management and Budget memo that called for a halt on federal funding of agency grant, loan, and other financial assistance programs. While that memo was later rescinded and courts stepped in to pause the freeze on spending, significant confusion and ongoing disruptions in federal funding remain. The legislators warned against continued efforts to override Congress, especially the delay or termination of grants through programs already secured and passed in bipartisan spending legislation.
    “The Department’s actions over the last two weeks have done nothing to improve the health of Americans. They have disrupted early childhood education for our youngest children. They have put at risk opioid prevention and treatment programs and led to domestic violence programs wondering how they can keep their doors open and phones on,” the legislators continued. “They have delayed biomedical research and clinical trials for lifesaving cures for deadly diseases. We are deeply concerned this is a precursor of actions to come from this Administration.”
    Given the lack of transparency or clear communication from HHS, the legislators concluded by demanding more information about the full scope of the HHS communications pause and further information on their plan to implement the flurry of Executive Orders from the Trump Administration in its first few weeks. The legislators requested a response by no later than February 10, 2025. A full list of their questions is available below.
    The full letter is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FACT SHEET: Trump Continues to Block Hundreds of Billions of Dollars Owed to Communities Across America

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
    ***READ FACT SHEET HERE***
    Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, released a new fact sheet detailing how, in his third week in office, President Trump is continuing to block hundreds of billions of dollars in enacted funding from making its way out to families and communities across America who are counting on investments that have been enacted into law. 
    In a statement, Senator Murray said:
    “President Trump is still illegally blocking hundreds of billions of dollars in investments that are owed to communities across the country.
    “The president’s sweeping freeze is causing real pain for people in every part of the country—in red states and blue states and everywhere in between—and it must end right now.
    “The uncertainty alone over the fate of these investments is putting jobs on the chopping block, hurting American businesses left wondering whether contracts they’ve inked mean anything, and jeopardizing entire local economies. What Trump is doing could shutter critical infrastructure projects in virtually every community, kill good-paying jobs, choke off funding for farmers, stop innovation in its tracks, leave massive holes in local communities’ budgets, and so much more.
    “Once again: if Donald Trump or Elon Musk want to gut funding that’s creating good-paying jobs all across America, they can take their case to Congress and win the votes they need to do it. Defying the constitution to unilaterally rip away your tax dollars is not how this works.”
    A table of estimated funding in jeopardy is below. Read the full fact sheet HERE.
    While the extent of Trump’s funding freeze remains uncertain as his administration refuses to clarify what is blocked, here is a non-exhaustive overview of what is frozen by Trump’s actions and in jeopardy:
    Trump Action
    Relevant Agencies
    Select Examples of Affected Programs
    Funding in Jeopardy*
    Executive Order Freezing IIJA & IRA Funding
    Department of Commerce
    High-speed broadband deployment.
    $40+ billion
    (EO 14154)
    Department of Energy
    Efforts to build and upgrade America’s energy infrastructure, lower costs for consumers.
    $98 billion
     
    Department of Housing and Urban Development
    Grants and loans to improve resiliency and energy efficiency of affordable housing.
    $830+ million
     
    Department of the Interior
    Tribal electrification, hazardous fuel reduction, National Parks maintenance and staffing, & more.
    $20+ billion
     
    Department of Transportation
    Funding to upgrade roads, bridges, transit, & more.
    $130+ billion
     
    EPA
    Funds for clean water infrastructure, tackling pollution, Superfund sites, & more.
    $100+ billion
     
    Forest Service
    Wildfire risk reduction, ecosystem restoration, & more.
    $10+ billion
     
    NOAA
    Funding for flood inundation mapping, coastal resilience projects, habitat restoration, ocean observations, fisheries management, & more.
    $1.5 billion
     
    USDA
    Grants for producers and rural small businesses to finance renewable energy projects, for farmers to improve climate resiliency, for watershed protection and flood prevention, rural broadband, & more.
    $25 billion
    Executive Order Blocking All Foreign Assistance (EO 14169)
    Department of State & USAID
    Life-saving aid, funding to monitor and prevent the spread of infectious diseases that can reach our shores,  counterterrorism programs, programs to give U.S. businesses an edge over Chinese and other companies in foreign markets, funds owed to U.S. businesses for services rendered, & more.
    $30 billion
    Executive Order Halting Funding for Anything Deemed “DEI” (EO 14151)
    All agencies
    Any programs or expenditures the administration deems “woke.”
      ???   The administration has provided little to no clarity over what programs it is blocking (or will block) funding for under this EO.  
    Elon Musk & DOGE Actions
    All agencies
    Open question. Reports confirm DOGE sought access to central payment system to halt disbursements.
      ???    
    Other actions  
    All agencies
    ???
    ???
    TOTAL
     
     
    At least $455 billion
    *Funding in Jeopardy: this reflects our best understanding, as of afternoon on February 7, of what funding is being illegally withheld. The administration has failed to provide clear answers—and the actual number could be higher. This lack of transparency and responsiveness to Congress, and thus the American people, is without precedent.
    FOR MORE DETAILS, READ THE FULL FACT SHEET HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Warns Defense Secretary Hegseth Against Politicization Of U.S. Military After Numerous Concerning Actions By Trump Administration

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    February 10, 2025
    “I am deeply alarmed that these actions may not only erode trust in our military as an institution, but also dangerously distract from where our focus ought to be on foreign adversaries and their capabilities,” Durbin wrote in his letter to Secretary Hegseth
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense (SACD), yesterday sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to warn him against the politicization of the Department of Defense (DoD).  Durbin’s letter comes after several thinly-veiled political orders by the Trump Administration related to the nation’s military, including removing protection from former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley, using the military for immigration enforcement, and impounding congressional approved DoD funding.
    “I write to express my concern that President Trump’s personal agenda is counter to defending against our country’s serious national security threats.  Since the President’s inauguration less than one month ago, the Trump Administration has pursued several dubious executive actions that threaten our military’s long-standing ethos to remain nonpartisan and promote merit, both of which you spoke to the importance of during your hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) prior to your confirmation,” Durbin began his letter.
    “I am deeply alarmed that these actions may not only erode trust in our military as an institution, but also dangerously distract from where our focus ought to be on foreign adversaries and their capabilities,” Durbin wrote.  “With China rapidly building its nuclear and naval forces, Russia fighting a war of aggression on the border of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and North Korea and Iran pursuing nuclear weapons and destabilizing actions, these erratic pursuits distract from the real threats to our nation.”
    Durbin then laid out the troublesome and political actions that the Trump Administration has taken since January 20. 
    Durbin referenced the “targeting [of] military officers such as… former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley… as part of an effort to go after individuals unceremoniously deemed unfit or considered political adversaries.” 
    In January, Secretary Hegseth removed General Milley’s security detail despite ongoing threats related to the 2020 drone strike that killed Iranian General Qusem Soleimani.  DoD also announced that there will be an investigation into General Milley for “undermining the chain of command,” but there has been no clear indication of what conduct would be investigated.  Rather, the investigation and threat of demotingGeneral Milley’s four-star rank appears to be a political reaction to General Milley’s public comments about being photographed at Lafayette Square after President Trump cleared the area of protestors using National Guard troops.  Similarly, Coast Guard Commandant Linda Fagan, the first woman to lead a  military service, was removed from her post on President Trump’s second day in office without warning and ahead of her scheduled departure.  
    Durbin also emphasized that the Trump Administration is “diverting DoD resources and critical warfighting personnel for contentious immigration enforcement, compromising our military assets and distracting from national security threats.” 
    Immediately upon being sworn in, President Trump signed an executive order stating that DoD would deploy troops to the southern border despite federal law prohibiting the use of military for law enforcement.  At the end of January, DoD announced that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) would use facilities at Buckley Space Force Base in Aurora, Colorado, as a detention center forundocumented immigrants.  Further, military planes typically used for missions such as providing security assistance to Ukraine and Israel or hunting Russian and Chinese submarines have been used to deport immigrants and provide surveillance on our southern border.  In addition, in an unprecedented move, the Trump administration began flying migrants on military aircraft from the U.S. for detention at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay.  
    In addition, Durbin decried the administration’s efforts to freeze congressionally-appropriated funding for programs such as defense medical research, which supports lifesaving treatment and prevention of illnesses for service members, veterans, and the civilian population.  Since Fiscal Year 2015, Durbin has boosted defense medical research funding by more than $1.4 billion or 82 percent through SACD.  
    Durbin also noted that administration efforts to overturn policies that “remove barriers and enhance opportunities for qualified recruits” ultimately “[undermines] force strength and readiness—in the midst of unprecedented recruitment and retention challenges.”  On January 27, President Trump issued an Executive Order effectively banning transgender troops from the military.  And on January 31, the Pentagon eliminated a Biden-era policy that would provide reimbursements for service members who travel out of state to get reproductive health care after the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade. 
    “America’s national security depends on the Department of Defense functioning as a stable institution that supports its personnel rather than being thrown into disarray.  Further, increasing politicization of our military risks diminishing the role of the United States on the international stage, sending a dangerous signal to our allies and adversaries alike,” Durbin said.
    “In the spirit of your promise before SASC to be a faithful partner to Congress, I urge you to defend the principles of the Department of Defense,” Durbin concluded his letter.
    Prior to Secretary Hegseth’s confirmation, Durbin made his concerns about his nomination clear.  In January, Durbin delivered a speech on the Senate floor explaining his objections to Hegseth’s nomination, including his inability to articulate a defense strategy in addressing threats to the U.S., his disparaging comments about women serving in the military, and troubling reports of financial mismanagement, alcohol abuse, and personal misconduct.
    The full text of the letter can be found here and below:
    February 9, 2025
    Dear Secretary Hegseth,
    I write to express my concern that President Trump’s personal agenda is counter to defending against our country’s serious national security threats.  Since the President’s inauguration less than one month ago, the Trump Administration has pursued several dubious executive actions that threaten our military’s long-standing ethos to remain nonpartisan and promote merit, both of which you spoke to the importance of during your hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) prior to your confirmation.  I am deeply alarmed that these actions may not only erode trust in our military as an institution, but also dangerously distract from where our focus ought to be on foreign adversaries and their capabilities.  With China rapidly building its nuclear and naval forces, Russia fighting a war of aggression on the border of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and North Korea and Iran pursuing nuclear weapons and destabilizing actions, these erratic pursuits distract from the real threats to our nation.
    The Trump Administration’s troubling actions have included, but are not limited to:
    Targeting military officers such as Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Linda Fagan and former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley, as well as civilian federal government employees within the Department of Defense (DoD), such as the Senate-confirmed Inspector General, as part of an effort to go after individuals unceremoniously deemed unfit or considered political adversaries;
    Diverting DoD resources and critical warfighting personnel for contentious immigration enforcement, compromising our military assets and distracting from national security threats;
    Unconstitutionally impounding congressionally approved DoD funding from a myriad of programs that protect and support our service members, including projects that boost defense medical research, reduce civilian casualties, provide infrastructure grants to municipalities near military installations, and promote investments in critical technologies, sowing mass confusion and chaos; and
    Undermining force strength and readiness—in the midst of unprecedented recruitment and retention challenges—by arbitrarily weaponizing programs and policies designed to remove barriers and enhance benefits and opportunities for qualified recruits.
    As you know, DoD is the largest federal government agency in the United States.  Your responsibilities include overseeing a nearly $900 billion budget, more than 3.5 million service members and civilian employees, and 750 military installations around the world.  America’s national security depends on the Department of Defense functioning as a stable institution that supports its personnel rather than being thrown into disarray.  Further, increasing politicization of our military risks diminishing the role of the United States on the international stage, sending a dangerous signal to our allies and adversaries alike.
    In the spirit of your promise before SASC to be a faithful partner to Congress, I urge you to defend the principles of the Department of Defense. 
    Sincerely,
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Discusses Harmful Impact of Trump’s Tariffs On Local Small Businesses

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    February 10, 2025
    CHICAGO—U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today joined local small business owners at Hop Butcher For The World to discuss the potential impact of President Trump’s proposed tariffs on imports and exports from Mexico and Canada. In 2023, Illinois, which ranks first among the 50 states in imports from Canada, exported a total of $20.55 billion in products to Canada. Additionally, Illinois exports to Mexico in 2023 totaled $12.93 billion.
    “The tariffs proposed by President Trump would drive up costs for manufacturers, disrupt our supply chains, and they already have inspired retaliatory tariffs, which will hurt small businesses and consumers even more,” said Durbin. “Illinois is a top trading partner of both Canada and Mexico, and our local businesses that rely on importing and exporting goods will face the brunt of this harmful proposal’s impact.”
    “The IRA supports getting the best deal possible for American workers and great restaurants across the state purchase food locally whenever possible, yet our produce and food supply is purchased from our trade partners in Canada and Mexico due to seasonality and necessity. Broad based tariffs on food will actually hurt the American worker and their families by making household and restaurant staples unaffordable and often unavailable. We ask that the Trump Administration works with Senator Durbin and Congress to tailor tariffs in a manner that allows the restaurant industry to stay approachable and affordable,” said Scott Weiner, Chair of the Illinois Restaurant Association Board.
    “What tariffs have created is uncertainty, and when there’s uncertainty, there’s risk. And risk in construction means money and delays in projects. Higher prices create real questions whether a project will be built, and whether that skilled union worker has a job to report to next week. Our hope is that these tariffs are short-lived. The impacts will be felt in construction and many other industries — and by the average consumer. Whether you’re buying a house or avocados, tariffs will affect how you spend your money,” said Tom Cuculich, Executive Director of the Chicagoland Associated General Contractors.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hickenlooper, Bennet, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Protect Sensitive Locations from ICE Raids 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Colorado John Hickenlooper

    Bill would prevent arrests from happening at schools, hospitals, and places of worship

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet along with 19 Senate colleagues introduced the Protecting Sensitive Locations Act to limit immigration arrests at sensitive locations like schools, hospitals, and places of worship.

    “We all want criminals off our streets and a more secure border,” Hickenlooper said. “Targeting kids and families who haven’t committed a crime – especially at their schools, hospitals, or places of worship – doesn’t get us any closer to fixing our broken immigration system.”

    “The Trump Administration’s efforts to allow ICE to take enforcement action in protected areas are deeply concerning and go against long-standing precedent,” said Bennet. “Every Coloradan should feel safe to go to school, church, and the doctor without fear of arrest.”

    On January 21, 2025, the Trump administration rescinded the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) existing policy that prevented Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials from entering certain locations, such as, schools, hospitals, food pantries, churches, domestic violence shelters, to conduct arrests.

    Last Wednesday, there were reports that ICE officials blocked school buses from picking up children and prevented families from leaving their homes in Metro Denver.

    The Protecting Sensitive Locations Act would reinstate DHS’s previous policy preventing arrests in sensitive locations and expand the protected locations to include courthouses and additional health care, educational, and religious facilities.

    The legislation includes exceptions for exigent circumstances and requires ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel receive training on carrying out enforcement activities. It also requires ICE and CBP to submit an annual report to Congress on their enforcement actions.

    Full text of bill is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI—Hagerty Joins Face the Nation on CBS to Discuss Trump’s Government Reform

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Tennessee Bill Hagerty

    PALM BEACH, FL—United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), a member of the Senate Appropriations, Banking, and Foreign Relations Committees and former U.S. Ambassador to Japan, today joined Face the Nation on CBS to discuss President Donald Trump reforming the Executive Branch through eliminating wasteful spending and unnecessary government programs.

    *Click the photo above or here to watch*

    Partial Transcript

    Hagerty on Trump’s buyout to federal workers: “Eventually, it will save taxpayers money. I think what President Trump is trying to do is be humane in the process of allowing them to make plans to find other employment. But I certainly think the government is far too big, far too bloated, and we’re on a path now to start to see it shrink. This is the first step only, but we’re moving in the right direction […] What we’ll see, Margaret is each agency go through a top to bottom review to decide exactly what they need to do to deliver on behalf of the American public. As you know, there’s been a lot of consternation and pearl clutching about the activities of Elon Musk and his team, but their charge, led by President Trump, is to go in and find efficiencies, find opportunities, and frankly, deliver more of taxpayer dollars to the actual programs that are intended, less to overhead an Administration […] I’m from the private sector, Margaret, my entire background has been in business. This is the way you do it. You come in, you look at the opportunities before you—President Trump has brought a new Administration in—this is not unusual to take a hard look at these programs and also to look for opportunities to cut bloat and waste. Look, we’re 36 trillion dollars in debt. Clearly, the American public Needs to see more accountability, more visibility, more performance for their taxpayer dollars.”

    Hagerty on bringing accountability to the CFPB: “I’ve had significant conversations with Russ Vought, who is our new [Office of Management and Budget] Director. The [Consumer Financial Protection Bureau] has been out of control for some time. The way it’s designed, I think is unconstitutional. It has no oversight; it’s been basically a reckless agency that’s been allowed to go way beyond any mandate that I think was originally intended. So, it’s time to rein it in, and I’m applauding anything that we can do to bring more stability, more control to the federal government, and take agencies like this back into some sort of sense of accountability and oversight […] It was established as an agency that does not have the jurisdiction of the Congress. Its funding source is separate from us. It has no accountability. This is not the type of agency I think that the founding fathers contemplated. We actually contemplated a balance of power. Yet, this rogue agency has been created, and frankly, it’s been used as a tool to come in and just hammer the American private sector and pursue initiatives that certain people like Rohit Chopra might have approved, or that Senator Elizabeth Warren might have approved, but this is not the way the American public should be funding and supporting programs of this nature.”

    Hagerty on the need to reform USAID funding: “I think there’s a tremendous appetite to do it, Margaret, because what we want to see is alignment of our programs with America’s National Security interest. USAID has been out of control. I’ve demanded accountability from [USAID], they’ve refused it. As an appropriator, I’ve asked them to be very clear about, for example, their role funding Hamas and Gaza. They would not comply. They will not tell us what they do. Now that we start to find out some of the programs that [USAID] has been funding—if you think about it, sex change operations in Guatemala, LGBTQ programs in Serbia […] And that is not true, Margaret. I couldn’t get the Secretary of State [Blinken]—I asked him three times to tell me that we were not funding Hamas through [USAID]. He couldn’t do it, and frankly, what we found is that we have been funding [terrorism] […] Certainly, the funds that have gone to UNRWA. You saw the UNRWA members who were also Hamas members […] [UNWRA is] supporting terrorist groups. And if you look at what UNRWA has done, it’s been so counter to our national interest. It’s unbelievable that we would fund it.”

    Hagerty on reciprocity in trade agreements: “I talked with President Trump on Friday about this broadly, Margaret. This is a concern that he has had for some time. As you know, I served in his previous Administration and worked my heart out to get two trade agreements executed with Japan. I was the U.S. Ambassador to Japan in his Administration. Here’s what we’re trying to deal with, and it goes all the way back to World War II, in the aftermath, we made very favorable terms of trade with countries whose economies have devastated in Europe and Japan. We should have time limited that. We should have put some type of GDP-per-capita limit on it, because what we have now are countries that have very unfavorable and unfair terms that are fully developed. So, it’s time to address this; it’s already begun to happen.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Eradicates Anti-Christian Bias

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    ERADICATING ANTI-CHRISTIAN BIAS: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order establishing a task force to end the anti-Christian weaponization of government and unlawful conduct targeting Christians.
    The task force, officially known as the Task Force to Eradicate Anti-Christian Bias, will be comprised of members of President Trump’s cabinet and key government agencies.
    The task force will review the activities of all departments and agencies to identify and eliminate anti-Christian policies, practices, or conduct.
    The task force will gather input from various stakeholders to ensure broad perspectives are considered, including faith-based organizations, State, local, and Tribal governments, and Americans affected by anti-Christian conduct.
    It will identify and address gaps in laws and enforcement that have contributed to anti-Christian conduct, including by remedying any failures to fully enforce the law against acts of anti-Christian hostility, vandalism, and violence.
    The task force will recommend further presidential or legislative actions necessary to rectify past wrongs and protect Americans’ religious liberties.
    The task force will submit an annual report on its progress, with a final report upon its conclusion.
    PROTECTING AMERICANS’ RELIGIOUS FREEDOM: The previous Administration engaged in an egregious pattern of targeting peaceful Christians while ignoring violent, anti-Christian offenses. President Trump will not tolerate this abuse of government and is taking action to ensure that any unlawful and improper anti-Christian conduct, policies or practices are identified, terminated, and rectified.
    The United States Constitution enshrines the fundamental right to religious liberty in the First Amendment.
    The Biden Department of Justice brought felony charges and obtained multi-year prison sentences against nearly two dozen pro-life Christians for praying and peacefully demonstrating outside abortion facilities.
    The Biden Department of Justice ignored hundreds of attacks on Catholic churches, charities, and pro-life centers.
    In 2023, a Federal Bureau of Investigation memo asserted that traditional Catholics were domestic-terrorism threats and suggested infiltrating Catholic churches as “threat mitigation.” 
    The Biden Department of Education sought to repeal religious-liberty protections for faith-based organizations on college campuses. 
    The Biden Equal Employment Opportunity Commission sought to force Christians to affirm radical transgender ideology against their faith.
    The Biden Department of Health and Human Services sought to drive Christians out of the foster-care system. 
    In 2024, the Biden Administration declared Easter Sunday as “Transgender Day of Visibility.”
    STANDING UP FOR RELIGIOUS LIBERTY: President Donald J. Trump is committed to protecting Americans’ fundamental right to religious freedom.
    On his fourth day in office, President Trump pardoned the Christians and pro-life activists who were persecuted by the Biden Administration for praying and peacefully living out their faith.
    Last week, President Trump signed an Executive Order to combat anti-Semitism on our campuses and in our streets.
    President Trump: “I will create a new federal task force on fighting anti-Christian bias. That’ll be done immediately.”
    This Executive Order also builds on the long list of accomplishments from the first Trump Administration:
    During his first year in office, President Trump signed an Executive Order upholding religious liberty and the right to engage in religious speech.
    President Trump signed an Executive Order recognizing the essential contributions of faith-based organizations and establishing the Faith and Opportunity Initiative.
    President Trump reversed the Obama-era policy that prevented the government from providing disaster relief to religious organizations.

    President Trump hosted a Global Call to Protect Religious Freedom event at the United Nations and called on the international community and business lead

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Addresses Human Rights Violations in South Africa

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    ADDRESSING HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS IN SOUTH AFRICA: On Friday, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order to address serious human rights violations occurring in South Africa.
    As encapsulated in its recent land confiscation act to seize disfavored citizens’ property without compensation, the government of South Africa blatantly discriminates against ethnic minority descendants of settler groups.
    As long as South Africa continues to support bad actors on the world stage and allows violent attacks on innocent disfavored minority farmers, the United States will stop aid and assistance to the country.
    The United States will establish a plan to resettle disfavored minorities in South Africa discriminated against because of their race as refugees.
    STANDING UP AGAINST INJUSTICE AND OPPRESSION: President Donald J. Trump is committed to holding South Africa accountable for its actions.
    South Africa has taken positions against the United States and its allies.
    Merely two months after the October 7th terrorist attacks on Israel, South Africa accused Israel, not Hamas, of genocide in the International Court of Justice.
    South Africa also strengthened ties with Iran, which supports terrorism globally.

    While championing terrorism and autocratic regimes abroad, South Africa has committed similar human rights violations at home. The recent Expropriation Act enables the government of South Africa to seize ethnic minority descendants of settler groups’ agricultural property without compensation.         
    The Expropriation Act follows countless government policies designed to dismantle equal opportunity in employment, education, and business, and hateful rhetoric and government actions fueling disproportionate violence against racially disfavored landowners.
    Years ago, the South African government disbanded volunteer forces defending rural farmers, turning a blind eye to the ensuing farm attacks.

    REAFFIRMING OUR COMMITMENT TO HUMAN RIGHTS: A commitment to human rights is central to President Trump’s America First agenda.
    President Trump: “South Africa is confiscating land, and treating certain classes of people very badly […] I will be cutting off all future funding to South Africa until a full investigation of this situation has been completed!”
    President Trump believes in sending a clear message to the world’s bad actors—and to their victims—by condemning human rights abuses in no uncertain terms.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Is Protecting Americans’ Second Amendment Rights

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    STOPPING FEDERAL INFRINGEMENT ON CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order to end the federal government’s violation of Americans’ fundamental Second Amendment right to protect themselves, their families, and their freedoms.
    This Executive Order will halt existing policies designed to curtail the clear right of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms.
    The order directs the incoming Attorney General to immediately complete a specific review of all orders, regulations, guidance, plans, and other actions by the Biden Administration regarding firearms—listing several specific documents to be reviewed—and deliver a plan of action to the President to eliminate all infringements on Americans’ Second Amendment rights. 
    ENDING THE ATTACKS ON LAW-ABIDING GUN OWNERS AND GUN BUSINESSES: The Biden Administration has flagrantly sought to eliminate Second Amendment rights. Among other infringements, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) was weaponized to end the livelihoods of law-abiding small business owners in an effort to limit Americans’ ability to acquire firearms:
    The so-called “zero tolerance” or “enhanced regulatory enforcement policy” put in place under the previous administration led to a nearly six-fold increase in enforcement actions against Federal Firearms Licensees (FFL’s), many of whom are mom-and-pop shop small businesses who made innocent paperwork errors.
    Firearms manufacturers have been de-banked or denied services simply because they make guns—which allow Americans to exercise a constitutional right.
    DEFENDING OUR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT TO KEEP AND BEAR ARMS: President Trump is standing up for our constitutional Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms, building on progress made during his first term:
    President Trump removed the United States from the United Nations (UN) misguided Arms Trade Treaty to protect Americans from the threat of global regulations of conventional firearms.
    President Trump’s Department of Justice narrowed the definition of “fugitive from justice” to more specific guidelines when determining who is prohibited from buying a gun.
    During the pandemic, President Trump designated the firearms industry “essential” in order to protect gun stores, shooting ranges, and ammunition dealers from being shut down.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Establishes White House Faith Office

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    ESTABLISHING A FAITH OFFICE: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order to establish the White House Faith Office.
    The White House Faith Office will empower faith-based entities, community organizations, and houses of worship to better serve families and communities.
    The Office will be housed in the Domestic Policy Council and will consult with experts within the faith community and make recommendations to the President regarding changes to policies, programs, and practices to better align with the American values.
    The Office will coordinate with agencies on religious liberty training and on identifying and promoting grant opportunities for non-profit faith-based entities, community organizations, and houses of worship.  
    The Office will work in collaboration with the Attorney General to identify failures to enforce constitutional and Federal statutory protections for religious liberty.
    DEFENDING RELIGIOUS LIBERTY: President Trump is committed to protecting the liberty and freedom of our religious communities, organizations, and students.
    In his first week, President Trump pardoned Christians and pro-life activists who were persecuted by the weaponized Biden Administration for praying and peacefully living out their faith.
    President Trump reinstated service members forced out of the military over the COVID-19 vaccine mandate, including those discharged over their religious objections to the vaccine.
    Last week, President Trump signed executive actions to ensure Federal overreach and taxpayer dollars will no longer force individuals to violate their commitment to life.
    Yesterday, President Trump signed an Executive Order establishing a task force to eradicate anti-Christian bias.
    PROMISES MADE, PROMISES KEPT: These actions build on President Trump’s longstanding commitment to safeguarding the fundamental right to religious freedom, as evidenced by his first term.
    In 2017, President Trump stopped the Johnson Amendment from interfering with pastors’ rights to speak their minds.
    In 2018, President Trump established the Faith and Opportunity Initiative which recognized and promoted the essential contributions of faith-based organizations.
    In 2018, President Trump reversed the Obama-era policy that prevented the government from providing disaster relief to religious organizations.
    In 2019, President Trump hosted a Global Call to Protect Religious Freedom event at the United Nations and called on the international community and business leaders to work to protect religious freedom around the world.
    In 2020, President Trump issued new guidance to protect religious liberty and expression in public schools.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy On ABC’s This Week: This Is A Red Alert Moment— Our Democracy Is At Risk

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    February 09, 2025

    [embedded content]
    WASHINGTON–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Sunday joined ABC’s This Week with Martha Raddatz to sound the alarm on Donald Trump’s corrupt power grab and the billionaire takeover of the U.S. government. Murphy slammed Trump’s move to eliminate USAID and vowed to keep fighting to protect American democracy.
    “I think this is the most serious constitutional crisis the country has faced, certainly since Watergate,” said Murphy. “The President is attempting to seize control of power, and for corrupt purposes. The President wants to be able to decide how and where money is spent so that he can reward his political friends, he can punish his political enemies—that is the evisceration of democracy. You stand that next to the wholesale endorsement of political violence with the pardons given to every single January 6th rioter— including the most violent, who beat police officers over the head with baseball bats— and you could see what he’s trying to do here. He is trying to crush his opposition by making them afraid of losing federal funding, by making them afraid of physical violence. So yes, this is a red alert moment when this entire country has to understand that our democracy is at risk—and for what? The billionaire takeover of government.”
    Murphy blasted Trump’s plan to cut USAID, calling it a gift to billionaires and a threat to global stability: “The military tells us that if you eliminate foreign aid, you will have to double the number of bullets you buy them. Why? Because we prevent conflict around the world through things like economic development and conflict resolution. I think the American public are learning about the scale of this corruption, how our foreign policy is being turned over to billionaires like Elon Musk to help them financially. As the American people are learning how much influence the billionaires have, how corrupt our policy has become, they are turning against this handover of government to the very few economic elites.”
    He continued: “Most of what USAID is doing is employing Americans, and often foreign nationals, to try to prevent instability and conflict. They are also working to try to reduce the reasons why young people join terrorist groups overseas. They are chasing Chinese and Russian influence. I mean, listen. The major question of the next 50 years is who will control the piping of the international economy: the United States or China? It’s USAID, not the U.S. military, that is working to try to blunt Chinese influence, so it’s ultimately American and European rules that control the global economy, not Chinese rules. So USAID is out there protecting American jobs and American interests, and if you roll up USAID, it is just a massive gift to China in particular, and that is very bad for U.S. national security interests, very bad for the U.S. economy and U.S. workers.”
    Murphy argued that Democrats shouldn’t shy away from forcefully defending our democracy: “I’m not going to calm down. I had 800 people at a rally with 24 hours’ notice in Connecticut this last weekend. This is a fundamental corruption. And democracies don’t last forever, and what those who are trying to destroy democracies want is for everyone to stay quiet, for everyone to believe that the moment isn’t urgent. They want to use violence and the threat of violence and the threat of arrest to keep the opposition at home. We are not going to do this. We see this as a crisis of epic proportions. We are watching the billionaires try to steal government from the people, and I think the broad cross-section of the American public, as you have seen in the last week, is going to rise up and say, enough.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Baldwin Slams Trump and Elon Musk’s Illegal Cut to Lifesaving Disease Research

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) released the following statement in response to President Donald Trump and Elon Musk announcing that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) will be making significant, illegal cuts to funding for lifesaving research at Universities. The NIH announced that it is arbitrarily capping indirect cost rates at 15%, which will slash funding that helps research institutions, like the University of Wisconsin, operate their facilities, operate labs, pay staff, and buy equipment needed for groundbreaking work to find cures for diseases and treatments for patients.

    “The President and Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, are illegally cutting funding that families rely on for groundbreaking research that is finding cures for diseases like cancer, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes,” said Senator Baldwin. “Abruptly slashing this funding will mean people might not get the treatments they are relying on, workers from custodians to research trainees to scientists are likely to be laid off, and we will be further away from finding the cures to diseases that plague all of our families. Elon Musk and Donald Trump are finding every which way they can to cut programs and funding that families in Wisconsin rely on – all in service to making room for their tax cut for the biggest corporations and themselves. Wisconsin families will pay the price for this illegal cash grab, and I’m going to fight it.”

    “UW-Madison is one of the world’s leading engines of biomedical research. This proposed change to NIH funding – UW-Madison’s largest source of federal support – will significantly disrupt vital research activity and delay lifesaving discoveries and cures related to cancer, Alzheimer’s Disease, diabetes, and much more,” said the University of Wisconsin-Madison. “In addition, these reductions will have an inevitable impact on student opportunities to engage in research activities, from undergraduates to Ph.D. and medical students. Medical innovation will be slowed, delaying the creation of new treatments, new technologies, and new health workers. The so-called ‘indirect costs’ go to support many aspects of the educational and research work of the university. Indirect costs contribute to everything from utilities charges to building out the laboratories where science is done, to infrastructure for clinical trials of new medicines and treatments. Drastic reduction to this funding will not only disrupt the day-to-day important work of the university but will ultimately harm the livelihoods of real people across Wisconsin and the country, harm the innovation economy and will make our nation less competitive.

    Indirect costs are necessary expenses for universities that support research, including paying key support staff, maintaining equipment, and operating labs, among other things. Slashing this funding will shift billions of dollars in burdens to states and their taxpayers, who often cannot afford to pay the difference. Research institutions in Wisconsin, including the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Medical College of Wisconsin, Marquette University, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, and Marshfield Clinic Research Institute, among other University of Wisconsin System schools, will be impacted by these funding cuts.

    As Ranking Member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Related Agencies, Senator Baldwin is responsible for writing the bill that funds the NIH, which explicitly prohibits NIH from taking this arbitrary action.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, Pritzker, Stratton Visit Illinois Veterans’ Home at Chicago to Reaffirm Support for Our Brave Heroes

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

    February 08, 2025

    [CHICAGO, IL] – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee who still receives her own health care services through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)—Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton visited the Illinois Veterans’ Home at Chicago (IVHC) to reaffirm their unwavering support for our state’s Veterans. After visiting with residents, Duckworth, Pritzker and Stratton held a roundtable discussion with leadership from the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) to talk about their shared goals for the facility as well as some of the ways we can better ensure our Veterans receive quality, timely care. Photos from today’s visit are available on the Senator’s website.

    “It was a pleasure to be back at the Illinois Veterans’ Home at Chicago—a dream of mine that I’m proud to have helped establish to care for our brave heroes,” said Senator Duckworth. “I’m thankful for the IDVA’s tireless work to help ensure the Veterans who reside here receive the high-quality support they’ve earned through their service, and I will continue to do everything I can at the federal level to assist in these efforts. Today, my message alongside Governor Pritzker and Lieutenant Governor Stratton was clear: We will always have our Veterans’ backs.” 

    “I was proud to join a hero of our state Senator Tammy Duckworth and my partner-in-governing Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton to thank the veterans and staff of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “As we visit the Illinois Veterans’ Home at Chicago, I continued to be inspired by the patriotism and sacrifice of Illinois veterans who deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. Taking care of our veterans is one our most important duties in public service and we will continue standing up for those who have always stood up for America.”

    “Our veterans answered the call to serve and brought safety, comfort and prosperity to so many,” said Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. “The very essence of duty is to put the needs of others before your own. For that, they deserve nothing less than the very best and in Illinois, we will continue to do everything possible to prioritize the care and support they receive.”

    “IDVA and Veterans across Illinois are grateful for the continued support of Senator Duckworth, Governor Pritzker, and Lt. Governor Stratton and for their commitment to Illinois Veterans,” said IDVA Director Terry Prince. “The investment in the Chicago Home and our homes in Anna, LaSalle, Manteno, and Quincy demonstrate the state’s gratitude and respect for Veterans’ service to our nation and our promise to protect them as they have protected us through their service.”

    Throughout her tenure in Congress, Duckworth has been a fierce supporter of and an effective legislator for our Veterans. During the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee’s confirmation hearing for President Trump’s VA Secretary nominee Doug Collins last month, Duckworth pressed Collins to oppose any effort to privatize VA health care, which would place many Veterans at risk of receiving less effective and less cost-efficient care. In her remarks, Duckworth underscored that VA health care professionals are better positioned to provide the best care possible for our Veterans due to specialized training that informs providers with a unique understanding of Veterans’ experiences and comprehensive medical needs—something that is not replicated in the civilian health care system. 

    In the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that was signed into law, Duckworth secured several important provisions that support our servicemembers and their families, enhance strategic partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region, improve logistics to bolster readiness and energy resiliency as well as continue to restore American competitiveness. 

    The IDVA founded the Illinois Veterans’ Home at Chicago in 2022, the first of its kind in Chicago by the IDVA and only one of five total in Illinois. This is a Long-Term Care Facility specifically for Veterans. Illinois Veterans and eligible spouses seeking skilled and domiciliary care are offered five Veterans’ homes located across Illinois: Anna, Chicago, LaSalle, Manteno and Quincy.

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    MIL OSI USA News –