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Category: US Senate

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy, Blackburn, Colleagues Introduce Bills to Make Federal Government More Efficient, Slash Wasteful Spending

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and colleagues introduced two bills to hold the federal government accountable for managing taxpayer dollars. The Commission to Relocate the Federal Bureaucracy Act would establish a commission to send a report to Congress on moving non-national security related agencies out of the Washington D.C. metropolitan area based on a variety of factors and instruct the commission to develop the report with an aim of relocating at least 100,000 federal employees out of the D.C. metro area.
    “Just like agencies such as the FAA is in Oklahoma City, and CDC is in Atlanta, then other federal agencies can be scattered across our nation,” said Dr. Cassidy. “That will work better to connect those agencies with the Americans they are serving and also help other communities benefit from the economic development of having highly skilled workers in their community.”
    “Under President Trump’s leadership, Republicans have the opportunity to slash wasteful spending and rein in outsized bureaucracy,” said Senator Blackburn. “The DOGE Acts would get the federal government back on track by requiring federal employees to return to the office, move federal agencies into the heartland of America, cut bloated federal spending, lower taxes on social security for seniors, and freeze federal hiring and salaries until we can right size the federal government.” 
    The Stopping Home Office Work’s Unproductive Problems (SHOW UP) Act would require government agencies to reinstate their pre-COVID telework policies within 30 days and direct agency heads to submit to Congress a report on the adverse impacts of agencies’ expansion of telework policies for employees during COVID. Further, it would prevent federal agencies from permanently expanding telework without submitting to Congress details on how remote work policies will bolster agency mission performance.
    “When someone calls the Social Security office and is put on hold and stays on hold and then the call drops, they understandably believe that if workers were in the office, there would be more oversight and quality control,” said Dr. Cassidy.
    Cassidy and Blackburn were joined by U.S. Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Pete Rickets (R-NE) in introducing the Commission to Relocate the Federal Bureaucracy Act.
    Cassidy and Blackburn were joined by U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-ID), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) in introducing the SHOW UP Act.
    Background
    In January, Cassidy introduced the Federal Employee Return to Work Act would exclude certain federal employees who telework at least one day a week from receiving raises and special locality bonuses for their office location being in a high-cost-of-living area despite working from home.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy, Cramer Reintroduce Fair Access to Banking Act to Protect Legal Industries from Debanking

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), and 39 Republican colleagues reintroduced the Fair Access to Banking Act, which protects fair access to financial services and ensures banks operate in a safe and sound manner. The legislation requires that lending and services decisions must be based on impartial, risk-based analysis, not political or reputational favoritism. 
    “It’s wrong for banks to single out individuals or industries for political and social reasons,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This legislation guarantees fairness for essential employers in Louisiana, such as oil and gas development.”
    “When progressives failed at banning these entire industries, what they did instead is they turned to weaponizing banks as sort of a backdoor to carry out their activist goals,” said Senator Cramer. “Financial institutions are backed by taxpayers, for crying out loud! They should be obligated to provide services in an unbiased, risk-based manner. The Fair Access to Banking Act ensures that banks provide fair access to services and enacts strict penalties for categorically discriminating against legal industries and individuals.”
    In recent years, prominent American banks have engaged in a discriminatory practice, referred to as debanking. Banks and financial institutions use their economic standing to categorically exclude law-abiding, legal industries by refusing to lend or provide services to them. This includes industries such as firearms, ammunition, crypto, federal prison contractors, as well as energy producers. 
    Specifically, this legislation penalizes banks and credit unions with over $10 billion in total consolidated assets, or their subsidiaries, if they refuse to do business with any legally compliant, credit-worthy person. It also prevents payment card networks from discriminating against any qualified person because of political or reputational considerations. The bill requires qualified banks to provide written justification for why they are denying a person financial services. Further, the Fair Access to Banking Act would penalize providers who fail to comply with the law by disqualifying institutions from using discount window lending programs, terminating status as an insured depository institution or credit union, or imposing a civil penalty of up to $10,000 per violation. 
    The bill is based on President Trump’s Fair Access Rule, which was introduced during his first administration and required financial institutions to make individual risk assessments rather than broad decisions regarding entire industries or categories of customers. The Fair Access to Banking Act codifies these protections. The Biden administration paused the rule’s implementation in early 2021.
    The legislation is a response to United States banks and financial institutions increasingly using their economic standing to categorically discriminate against legal industries and conservatives. For example, Citigroup instituted a policy in 2018 to withhold project-related financing for coal plants, and in 2020, five of the country’s largest banks announced they would not provide loans or credit to support oil and gas drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, despite explicit congressional authorization. Such exclusionary practices also extend to industries protected by the Second Amendment, with Capital One, among other banks, previously including “ammunitions, firearms, or firearm parts” in the prohibited payments section of its corporate policy manual, and payment services like Apple Pay and PayPal denying their services for transactions involving firearms or ammunition. First Lady Melania Trump and technology companies alike allege banks have debanked them or refused to do business. During his address to the World Economic Forum in January, President Trump highlighted big banks and their discriminatory practices of targeting conservatives.  
    Cassidy and Cramer were joined by U.S. Senators Jim Banks (R-IN), John Barrasso (R-WY), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), John Boozman (R-AR), Katie Britt (R-AL), Ted Budd (R-NC), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), John Cornyn (R-TX), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Ted Cruz (R-TX), John Curtis (R-UT), Steve Daines (R-MT), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), John Hoeven (R-ND), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Jim Justice (R-WV), John Kennedy (R-LA), James Lankford (R-OK), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Dave McCormick (R-PA), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Bernie Moreno (R-OH), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Jim Risch (R-ID), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Rick Scott (R-FL), Tim Scott (R-SC), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), and Roger Wicker (R-MS) in cosponsoring the legislation. U.S. Representative Andy Barr (R-KY-06) introduced similar legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives. 
    Support for the Fair Access to Banking Act has grown every Congress. At the state level, Florida and Tennessee passed Fair Access laws and similar legislation was introduced in Louisiana, Arizona, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, and South Dakota. Banks have dropped membership in discriminatory groups which were aimed at starving specific industries.
    The Fair Access to Banking Act is endorsed by the National Shooting Sports Foundation, National Rifle Association, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, The Digital Chamber, Blockchain Association, Independent Petroleum Association of America, Online Lenders Alliance, Day 1 Alliance, GEO Group, Lignite Energy Council, National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors, and National Mining Association.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin, Duckworth Join Kaine In Raising Alarm Over Trump Administration Chaos At Critical National Security Agencies

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    February 05, 2025

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, joined U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-IL), along with 34 of their Senate colleagues, in sending a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressing their deep concern regarding the growing chaos and dysfunction at the U.S. Department of State and the Trump Administration’s illegal attempt to destroy the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). 

    USAID is a critical pillar of U.S. national security strategy, providing lifesaving aid and development support around the world to help ensure stability.  Earlier this week, personnel at USAID were not permitted to enter the agency’s headquarters, and Elon Musk announced that President Donald Trump agreed to close the agency and move it under the State Department – which Trump has no legal authority to do.  The Trump Administration, led by Musk, has also furloughed thousands of senior career civil servants, including two top security officials who denied Musk and the so-called Department of Government Efficiency access to classified documents and systems.

    “We are deeply concerned by reports of not only growing chaos and dysfunction at the Department of State, but the Administration’s brazen and illegal attempts to destroy the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).  Mass personnel furloughs of dubious legality and abrupt, blanket stop-work orders without regard to relevant appropriations laws are causing immediate harm to U.S. national security, placing U.S. citizens at risk, disrupting life-saving work and breaking the U.S. government’s contractual obligations to private sector partners,” wrote the Senators.

    The Senators continued, “The Administration’s failure to consult with Congress prior to taking these steps violates the law and impedes Congress’s constitutional duty to conduct oversight of funding, personnel and the nation’s foreign policy.  The Administration’s failure to expend funds appropriated on a bipartisan basis by Congress would violate the Impoundment Control Act.”

    “Foreign assistance is critical to supporting U.S. strategic interests around the world.  Foreign assistance protects U.S. national security, advances U.S. values, and ensures the U.S. is the partner of choice for everything from defense procurement to cutting edge scientific research.  China, Russia and Iran are already moving rapidly to exploit the vacuum and instability left by the U.S.’s sudden global retreat,” wrote the Senators.

    They continued, “Every Administration has the right to review and adjust ongoing assistance programming.  However, attempting to arbitrarily turn off core functions of a critical U.S. national security agency, without Congressional consideration or any metric-based review and absent legal authority to do so, is unprecedented and deeply disturbing.”

    The letter is signed by U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Gary Peters (D-MI), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Angus S. King (I-ME), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Jack Reed (D-RI), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Chris Coons (D-DE), and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI).

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

    February 4, 2025

    Dear Secretary Rubio:

    The effective administration of U.S. foreign assistance is critical to advancing core U.S. national security priorities, including countering the influence of China, Russia and Iran. As you acknowledged at your confirmation hearing, pushing back on China in particular is a top bipartisan priority. 

    As such, we are deeply concerned by reports of not only growing chaos and dysfunction at the Department of State, but the Administration’s brazen and illegal attempts to destroy the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Mass personnel furloughs of dubious legality and abrupt, blanket stop-work orders without regard to relevant appropriations laws are causing immediate harm to U.S. national security, placing U.S. citizens at risk, disrupting life-saving work and breaking the U.S. government’s contractual obligations to private sector partners.

    The Administration’s failure to consult with Congress prior to taking these steps violates the law and impedes Congress’s constitutional duty to conduct oversight of funding, personnel and the nation’s foreign policy. The Administration’s failure to expend funds appropriated on a bipartisan basis by Congress would violate the Impoundment Control Act.

    Foreign assistance is critical to supporting U.S. strategic interests around the world. Foreign assistance protects U.S. national security, advances U.S. values, and ensures the U.S. is the partner of choice for everything from defense procurement to cutting edge scientific research. China, Russia and Iran are already moving rapidly to exploit the vacuum and instability left by the U.S.’s sudden global retreat.

    Every Administration has the right to review and adjust ongoing assistance programming. However, attempting to arbitrarily turn off core functions of a critical U.S. national security agency, without Congressional consideration or any metric-based review and absent legal authority to do so, is unprecedented and deeply disturbing.

    We request immediate clarification on the following:

    Status of USAID:

    1. Confirmation of your understanding that any effort to abolish USAID or merge USAID into the Department of State absent Congressional consultation and approval is illegal.
    2. Confirmation of your understanding that adversaries such as China, Russia and Iran are quickly moving into the vacuum left by suspended USAID programs. 
    3. The Department of State’s assessment of Mr. Elon Musk’s financial ties to China and the impact of these ties to the decision-making process of Mr. Musk and his employees.
    4. Confirmation that neither you nor any member of your leadership team are taking direction from Mr. Musk with regards to the work of the Department of State or USAID, personnel or financial decisions for either agency, or any other matters relevant to U.S. national security. 
    5. Confirmation of the names and employment status of individuals directed by Mr. Musk to engage with USAID staff, the qualifications of these individuals, and the level of their security clearances – if any.

    Personnel:

    1. Confirmation of your understanding that any unauthorized access by or disclosure of classified information to individuals without appropriate security clearance could be considered a criminal offense.
    2. The legal authority and rationale under which, on January 28, more than 50 senior career civil and foreign service USAID officials were placed on administrative leave. This move was not only unprecedented, but also inconsistent with the Office of Personnel Management’s own guidelines for the use of administrative leave.
    3. The legal authority under which, on January 28, approximately 390 USAID Institutional Support Contractors (ISCs) were given stop-work orders, and clarification of which Administration official directed the implementation of this termination.
    4. Whether any Department of State career civil and foreign service or contractors have been placed on administrative leave or removed from their roles as a result of or relating to the assistance freeze or any directives from the Office of Foreign Assistance.
    5. Clarification of which Administration official directed the implementation of this mass furlough.
    6. Clarification of whether these individuals were directed to be terminated without cause.
    7. Confirmation that personnel will not face retaliation or retribution for performing their duties under the previous Administration’s policy direction.
    8. Under what authorities and by which official’s directive career civil service, foreign service, and Personal Services Contractors (PSC), and those under other hiring authorities have been removed from their roles or limited in their ability to execute their work.
    9. Confirmation that further career civil service, foreign service and USAID contractors will not be removed from their roles without cause or receive stop work orders.
    10. Whether, upon full resumption of legally mandated foreign assistance activities, the Administration intends to re-hire contractors who have been removed from their roles.
    11. Any additional guidance provided to State and USAID staff regarding the foreign assistance freeze, including confirmation of whether direct hires, contractors, or implementing organizations have been directed not to speak publicly about the foreign assistance freeze.
    12. Public identification of the individual currently serving as the Director or Acting Director of the State Department’s Office of Foreign Assistance and as Acting Deputy Administrator of USAID, and the dates upon which this individual was appointed to each position.
    13. Confirmation of your understanding that the State Department’s Director of Foreign Assistance has no authority to issue personnel directives for USAID.

    Resumption of Foreign Assistance:

    1. The specific process and anticipated timeframe for activities to receive exemptions or waivers, as referenced in your January 28, 2025 directive to State and USAID staff.
    2. The mechanisms and metrics established for this waiver process.
    3. The timeline for full resumption of legally mandated foreign assistance activities.
    4. Clarification of what risk assessment or analysis of potential risk to U.S. national security interests were conducted prior to the decision to freeze foreign assistance activities.
    5. Confirmation of the Department of State’s obligation to comply with U.S. contract law and your responsibility as Secretary of State ensure the Department honors its commitments to contracting partners.

    We welcome your urgent attention to these questions. We and our staff stand ready to work with you to ensure U.S. foreign assistance funding continues to be deployed effectively to protect American citizens, at home and abroad.

    Respectfully,

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 02/5/2025 Blackburn, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Protect Supreme Court Justices from Intimidation

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), and Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) introduced the Protecting Our Supreme Court Justices Act to increase the maximum term of imprisonment for those who attempt to intimidate and influence the decision-making process of a judge.

    Introduction of this bill follows a recent report detailing new and concerning information about a suspect who hatched a plan to kill Justice Brett Kavanaugh. Prior to the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision, then-Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) attempted to intimidate Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh by name on the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court.

    “Supreme Court Justices must be able to do their jobs without fear of intimidation, harm, or violence against them or their families,” said Senator Blackburn. “The Protecting Our Supreme Court Justices Act will deter intimidation of our Justices and send a clear message that anyone who attempts to harm them will be punished to the fullest extent of the law.”

    “The integrity of our judicial system is dependent on justices being able to interpret the law freely and impartially,” said Senator Cruz. “I am proud to join my colleagues in re-introducing the Protecting Our Supreme Court Justices Act to ensure that those who attempt to coerce or intimidate Supreme Court justices face penalties for interfering in the administration of justice. No member of the Court should fear for their or their family’s safety while carrying out their constitutional duty.”

    “Supreme Court Justices have faced a disturbing number of threats seeking to change the outcomes of cases for political ends,” said Senator Lee. “This assault on the rule of law and an independent judiciary cannot stand. Congress must be crystal clear: attempting to intimidate justices and their families will land you in prison for a long time.”

    “It is essential that the judicial branch be able to perform its duties free from threats, fear, intimidation, or coercion,” said Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith. “Threats and protests against Supreme Court justices and federal judges are blatant attempts to undermine their independence. I’m proud to once again support this legislation that sends a crystal clear message that these actions will not be tolerated and those responsible will face serious legal consequences.”

    “Supreme Court Justices continue to be a target of politically motivated violence and threats of violence,” said Senator Cotton. “This bill makes clear that anyone who engages in this unlawful activity will face the full extent of the law.”

    BACKGROUND:
    • In the aftermath of the unprecedented May 2022 leak of the draft opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, far-left protesters immediately began demonstrating outside of the private residences of Supreme Court Justices. Subsequently, a map with the home addresses of five Republican-appointed Justices—Justices Thomas, Alito, Gorsuch, Kavanaugh, and Barrett—was posted online.
    • Federal law explicitly prohibits attempts at influencing the decision-making process of a judge. Specifically, 18 U.S.C. § 1507 states that any individual who, “with the intent of influencing any judge . . . in the discharge of his duty, pickets or parades . . . in or near a building or residence occupied or used by such judge” is subject to criminal monetary penalties or a maximum of one year of imprisonment, or both. Section 1507 was intended to enable our judges to carry out their duty to uphold the rule of law, without fear of intimidation or retribution for doing so.
    • Under President Biden and Attorney General Garland, following the Dobbs leak, zero protesters outside of Supreme Court Justices’ homes were arrested for violating Section 1507. Just as troubling, the Biden Department of Justice did not issue any guidance on enforcing this statute. The Supreme Court Marshal, as well as Virginia Governor Youngkin and then-Maryland Governor Hogan, implored Attorney General Garland to enforce Section 1507.
    • With President Trump back at the helm, the Justice Department will finally return to focusing on law and order and enforcing our criminal laws. Nevertheless, it’s still critical that Congress act to deter this intimidation of our federal judiciary.

    PROTECTING OUR SUPREME COURT JUSTICES ACT:
    • The Protecting Our Supreme Court Justices Act would increase the maximum term of imprisonment for violation of Section 1507 from one year to five years. Increasing the maximum jail time for a protester under Section 1507 is an effective way to deter this intimidation of our Supreme Court Justices.
    • Additionally, now that we have a presidential administration that is committed to enforcing federal law, increased criminal penalties will send a strong message to these far-left protesters that Supreme Court Justices must be allowed to do their jobs without fearing for the safety of themselves or their families.

    Click here for bill text.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Marshall, Blackburn Introduce Bill to Reduce Excessive Taxation on Social Security Benefits

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Roger Marshall, M.D. and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) introduced the Reducing Excessive Taxation and Inefficiencies by Reforming Elder Exemptions to Support Fairness, Inflation Relief, and Simple Taxes (RETIREES FIRST) Act. This legislation will lower the tax burden on Social Security benefits for seniors and offset this tax relief by redirecting funds from inefficient non-security discretionary programs, safeguarding the Social Security and Medicare trust funds while prioritizing retirees.
    Historically, Social Security benefits were entirely exempt from federal income tax. Current tax exemptions have not been adjusted for inflation, causing “bracket creep” that increasingly taxes middle-income retirees. Today, nearly 56% of retirees pay taxes on their Social Security benefits, compared to less than 10% in 1984. Many retirees rely on Social Security as their primary source of income. The added tax burden on Social Security benefits reduces their quality of life, especially as inflation erodes the value of their benefits.
    “After four years of record-high inflation, the current tax on Social Security has been devastating to America’s retirees,” said Senator Marshall. “By cutting taxes on Social Security, this bill will ensure America’s seniors can keep more of their hard-earned money and fix a fundamental flaw in our tax system.” 
    To read the full text of the bill, click HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall on Newsmax: President Trump is Protecting Women’s Sports, Another Promise Made, Promise Kept

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. joined National Report on Newsmax to discuss the Senate advancing the nomination of RFK, Jr. to be Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the National Prayer Breakfast, and National Girls and Women in Sports Day.

    [embedded content]

    You may click HERE or on the image above to watch Senator Marshall’s full interview.
    Highlights from Senator Marshall’s interview include:
    On HHS Secretary nominee RFK, Jr. getting across the finish line:
    “I think that he’ll make it across the finish line. This may be down partisan lines, but I just want to thank all the people that reached out to their Senators in support of Bobby Kennedy, Jr. Look, he’s going to be a great disruptor. He’s going to focus on chronic health and trying to make people healthy again by preventing these diseases, by focusing on proper nutrition, by decreasing the toxins we are exposed to. I think he’s going to be a game-changer.” 
    “So, yeah, the Democrats are going to bring out all the all the tools that they’ve got. They’re just really hung up on a couple issues. It feels like a barroom brawl here in DC right now, but we’ll get him across the finish line.”
    On history, importance of the National Prayer Breakfast:
    “America’s faith has provided a moral compass for this nation since its beginning. This country was founded by people of faith, and from President Washington to President Lincoln and then President Eisenhower, who really kicked this thing off in 1953 have all been people of faith that have turned to their faith in those most crucial moments in history.” 
    “And I just want to take people back to 1953 President Eisenhower, former five-star Supreme Allied Commander, is now the president of the United States, and a senator from Kansas reaches out to the President. Says, How are you doing, Mr. President? And he says, Look, this is the loneliest job in the world right now. They invite him to a prayer breakfast that turns into this National Prayer Breakfast, a day when this country gets on our knees and says, Look, God, we’ve fallen short. We’ve drifted away. We need you. We want to be on your side. And I think that’s the theme you’re going to hear tomorrow is that America is on God’s side, and we’re just so grateful, and just want to be that shining city on the hill again. So faith a very important his part of this nation’s history.” 
    On President Trump protecting women and girls in sports:
    “I just appreciate the President leadership’s once again, that he’s doing what he said he was going to do. Promises made, promises kept.”
    “I was in middle school when Title IX was passed, 1972 and I think many people, everyone would agree with me that it was day and night when that happened, and all of a sudden there were more opportunities for young ladies to compete in sports.”
    “I have yet to meet a person that thinks it’s okay for boys to compete against girls, let alone boys be in the girls’ locker rooms…It’s not safe for boys to compete in girls’ sports, and it’s not fair. This country was built on fairness enough. So I appreciate President Trump’s leadership. Once again, promises made, promises kept from Donald J. Trump.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Introduces Bill to Cut Regulatory Red Tape for Main Street Grocery Stores

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Senator Marshall introduced a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution of disapproval to block the implementation of the Biden Administration’s EPA “management” rule related to phasing out hydrofluorocarbons used in refrigeration units. The EPA’s rule goes way too far and would raise operational costs for Main Street grocery stores, which are already facing high labor, utility, and merchandise costs. Representative Dunn introduced a similar bill in the House.
    “My Main Street grocers are already operating on tight margins,” said Senator Marshall. “The massive increase in costs associated with this rulemaking will force grocers to increase their prices, or in more dire circumstances, close completely. Gone are the days of the Biden Administration’s inflationary, burdensome rules and the heavy hand of the federal government hounding our mom-and-pop shops.”
    “I’m incredibly thankful to Senator Marshall for introducing this important resolution,” said Jenny Osner, owner of Hired Man’s Grocery & Grill in Conway Springs, Kansas. “As the only grocer in town, people depend on us to help feed their families. The financial strain from these regulations will put our dependability and community’s ability to access fresh food in jeopardy.”
    “The EPA’s refrigeration regulations put the viability of our nation’s independent supermarkets in significant danger,” cautioned Chris Jones, NGA’s chief government relations officer. “These mandates will inflict crippling costs upon an industry that already operates on razor-thin margins. This kind of overreach will inevitably translate to higher food prices for consumers and, in the direst of circumstances, could force the closure of community grocery stores. NGA wholeheartedly applauds Senator Marshall’s defense of independent community grocers and his strong commitment to averting these potentially catastrophic consequences.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn Fact-checks Democrats’ Hysteria on Deportations

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn
    WASHINGTON – Today on the floor, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) singled out Democrats for scaremongering and praised the Trump administration’s deportation of dangerous criminals and gang members who are in the United States illegally. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn’s remarks are below, and video can be found here.
    “Last summer in Houston, Texas, a 12-year-old girl named Jocelyn Nungaray disappeared on her way to the grocery store. She was found dead in a creek, having been strangled and killed by two men from Venezuela who entered the country illegally. Both of these men had been apprehended by Customs and Border Protection months earlier, but they’d been given a court date and then released.”
    “ICE—Immigration and Customs Enforcement—have now arrested criminals who’ve committed sexual assault, domestic violence, and drug and weapon-related crimes.”
    “To the Democrats who would decry these arrests, would you want these criminals to be your neighbor? I’m going to guess the answer’s no.”
    “There are more than 1.5 million immigrants who’ve exhausted their legal remedies in a court of law and are under final orders of deportation, but the Biden administration simply did nothing about it.”
    “Deporting them is a commonsense next step, and one that is long overdue.”
    “When the mainstream media and our Democratic colleagues engage in fearmongering about these so-called mass deportations, I hope people remember we’re talking primarily about criminals, and we’re talking about people who have no legal right to remain in the United States.” 
    “Removing and deporting, en masse, the criminals and gangs that entered our country illegally over the last four years and face no consequences means that Americans will have less to fear.”
    “They no longer will have to fear that their daughter will go on a run around her college campus or walk to the grocery store and never return home because they’ve been abducted and murdered by somebody who had no legal right to be here in the first place.”
    “By ending President Biden’s open-border policies and deporting criminals and gang members and people under final orders of deportation, President Trump is making our nation safe again, and that’s not something we should fear.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden, Merkley Demand Answers and Actions from Feds as Many Head Start Programs in Oregon and Nationwide Still Face Funding Disruptions

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)
    February 05, 2025
    Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley said today they are joining colleagues to demand answers and action from the Trump administration about the acute financial impacts and lingering uncertainty faced by Head Start programs in Oregon and nationwide following the Office of Management and Budget’s memo that froze funding government-wide, and as many Head Start programs continue to be locked out of their funding.
    The letter signed by Wyden, ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, and Merkley, ranking member of the Senate Budget Committee, went to Acting Secretary of Health and Human Services Dorothy A. Fink, M.D. and Acting Director of the Office of Head Start Captain Tala Hooban.
    “Head Start programs cannot pay their teachers and staff and continue normal operations without the assurances of payment processing and notices of grant renewals and awards,” wrote the senators. “This will impact children, families, and communities across the country, particularly the rural communities where these programs represent a large share of the child care options.”
    While the White House later clarified that Head Start would not be targeted by the funding freeze and the OMB later rescinded its memo, Head Start programs temporarily could not access the Payment Management System to use their allocated federal funds, with many still facing disruptions. As a result, Head Start programs nationwide have not had funding disbursed in a timely manner – imperiling their ability to pay staff and keep educational and child care programs up and running.
    “Even if this issue extends beyond the Office of Head Start, we urge you to do everything in your power to ensure these programs receive transparent and frequent communication on the progress of their funds being released. Head Start programs operate on razor-thin margins and cannot survive without timely intervention. Children, families, employees, and educators all depend on these critical federal funds,” the senators continued.
    In addition to Wyden and Merkley, Senator Tim Kaine, D-Va., led lawmakers in the letter, which was signed by U.S. Senators Lisa Blunt Rochester, D-Del., Tina Smith, D-Minn., Mark R. Warner, D-Va., Jack Reed, D-R.I., Charles E. Schumer, D-N.Y., Bernard Sanders, I-Vt., Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., Edward J. Markey, D-Mass., Ben Ray Luján, D-N.M., Dick Durbin, D-Ill., Alex Padilla, D-Calif., Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., Catherine Cortez Masto D-Nev., Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., Peter Welch, D-V.t., Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., Cory Booker, D-N.J., Mazie Hirono, D-Hawai’i., Angela Alsobrooks, D-M.d., and Andy Kim, D-N.J.
    The letter text is here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: King Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Improve Financial Security for Military Families

    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 and Armed Services Committees, is introducing bipartisan, bicameral legislation to improve financial security for servicemembers, veterans, and their families. The Fairness for Servicemembers and their Families Act would ensure life insurance packages for servicemembers and veterans adjust for increases in cost of living and inflation.
    From 2006 to 2023, the maximum insurance value available for service members and veterans remained fixed, sliding behind inflation rates. King’s legislation would improve the financial safety net for veterans, service members and their families by helping to ensure coverage rates keep up with the rising cost of living. It would also improve reporting requirements to prevent the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs, the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs from going years without assessing inflation rates.
    “Our servicemembers, veterans and their families make countless sacrifices every day to protect our nation, and we are indebted to their selfless service,” said Senator King. “With the bipartisan Fairness for Servicemembers and their Families Act, we can ensure life insurance packages for military members adjust with the rising cost of living — giving more peace of mind to military families when they face difficult times. I’m grateful to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for coming together to honor our commitment to the brave men and women who have given so much to our country.”
    This legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Ted Cruz (R-TX), and U.S. Representatives Marilyn Strickland (D-WA) and Keith Self (R-TX).
    Representing one of the states with the highest rates of military families and veterans per capita, Senator King has been a staunch advocate for America’s servicemembers and veterans. Last year, he led the bipartisan Military Spouse Employment Act — pieces of which passed into law in the FY2024 NDAA — which allows military spouses to have a remote work career with any federal agency and helps them to maintain consistent employment should they move with their spouse. He also introduced the Improving Access to Prenatal Care for Military Families Act to expand military family care to cover critical health care during pregnancies.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lummis Applauds Trump Administration for Bringing Transparency to FDIC

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wyoming Cynthia Lummis

    February 5, 2025

    Washington, D.C.—  Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) released the following statement in response to a Trump-led Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) releasing 790 pages of previously hidden documents relating to the FDIC’s conduct in Operation Chokepoint 2.0.

    “The days of an administration that operates in the dark are over,” said Lummis. “I appreciate the Trump administration for ensuring the federal government is transparent and beholden to the American people it serves. I look forward to working with Acting Chairman Hill to restore the FDIC’s mission to serving American businesses, not shielding unelected bureaucrats.”

    In January, Senator Lummis sent a letter to FDIC Chair Marty Gruenberg after her office was contacted by whistleblowers alleging the FDIC was destroying materials with respect to the digital asset activities of the agency and threatening retaliation against staff for speaking out.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: McConnell Proud to Confirm Turner as HUD Secretary

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Mitch McConnell

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) issued the following statement today regarding the confirmation of Scott Turner as U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development:

    “Scott Turner is another positive addition to the President’s cabinet at the Department of Housing and Urban Development. His experience spearheading creative solutions, like Opportunity Zones, will be needed to cut bureaucratic red tape and reform our failed federal housing policies. I look forward to working with Secretary Turner to help the agency better serve the American people, particularly improving its delivery of resources to distressed communities.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ahead of Hearing, Warren Pushes Trump Trade Representative on Tariff Policy

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    February 05, 2025

    Warren Questions Greer on Trade Agenda, Tariff Exemptions for Trump’s Allies and Special Interests

    “Tariffs are an important strategic economic tool, but Donald Trump’s desire to start and stop random trade wars will not protect jobs, keep Americans safe, or bring down costs for families.”

    Text of Letter (PDF)

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs (BHUA) and member of the Senate Finance Committee, wrote to Jamieson Greer, nominee to be U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), ahead of his February 6, 2025 confirmation hearing, probing his views on trade. Senator Warren asked Mr. Greer to address her concerns with the administration’s tariff strategy, corporate influence over trade agreements, corporations offshoring of jobs, and other trade-related concerns. 

    The USTR is responsible for developing and promoting the U.S. trade agenda and leading trade negotiations on behalf of the U.S., playing a critical role in the economy. This week, the Trump administration announced new tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China. During the last Trump administration, corporations and their lobbyists abused tariff exclusion loopholes to receive secretive exemptions from President Trump and his trade team. The Commerce Department’s Inspector General found that the process for receiving an exemption was “neither transparent nor objective.”

    “(T)he President does not appear to have a strategic plan in place to ensure that his proposed tariffs are implemented in a way that secures wins for hardworking Americans and precludes carveouts for special interests,” wrote Senator Warren. “Instead, he has threatened, and withdrawn tariff threats in a chaotic and haphazard manner that has only resulted in uncertainty for American consumers, workers, and manufacturers, as well as our allies.”

    Large multinational companies have also gained outsized influence in trade negotiations and trade disputes. For decades, membership of the trade advisory committee has leaned heavily in favor of billionaire corporations and their industry associations, and Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) provisions have allowed corporations to sue governments—including the United States—for pursuing public policies they may disagree with. Senator Warren encouraged Mr. Greer to pursue the removal of ISDS provisions from trade agreements with U.S. allies. 

    Senator Warren also wrote that she believes large corporations have too many incentives to move jobs and manufacturing abroad. “In order to reverse the negative effects offshoring has had on the American economy, the Administration must invest in domestic industry and eliminate incentives for corporations to hide their profits abroad,” the senator wrote. 

    Senator Warren also expressed support for the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program to help American workers whose jobs are displaced by trade. “Renewing TAA is a no-brainer, and I hope you will support it to make sure that workers at home get a fair deal,” said Senator Warren.

    In order to better understand Mr. Greer’s approach to trade, Senator Warren asked him to prepare to answer questions on his vision for the Trump administration’s trade agenda on February 6, 2025, the date of his confirmation hearing. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sens. Markey, Cruz Statement on Commerce Committee Vote to Advance AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    Washington (February 5, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) member of the Science, Commerce, and Transportation Committee, and Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chairman of the Science, Commerce, and Transportation Committee today released the following statement on the committee’s vote to advance the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, bipartisan and bicameral legislation that would direct federal regulators to require automakers to include AM broadcast radio in their new vehicles at no additional charge.

    “Today’s vote to advance the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act broadcasts a clear message to car manufacturers that AM radio is an essential communication tool for millions of Americans across the country. From emergency response to sports, entertainment, and news, AM radio is a lifeline that must be protected. Our bill ensures that no one is cut off from their communities and that AM radio stays a part of our constituents’ daily lives.”

    In May 2023, Senators Markey and Cruz led their colleagues in introducing the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act.  The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act passed through the Senate Commerce Committee in July 2023 and passed through the House Energy and Commerce Committee in September 2024.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lankford Applauds POTUS’ Push to Hold FEMA Accountable, Advocates for Reform

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Oklahoma James Lankford

    WASHINGTON, DC – Senator James Lankford (R-OK) sent a letter to President Donald J. Trump to applaud his recent Executive Order to hold the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) accountable for their failed responses to disasters and to advocate for robust reforms.

    “I write to commend your recent Executive Order establishing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Review Council. The current federal framework for responding to disasters is insufficient, and major reforms are necessary to ensure Americans are best supported in times of need,” Lankford wrote in the letter.

    Lankford also introduced four bills to continue to build on President Trump’s work to address FEMA’s failures and inadequacies. The Expediting Hazard Mitigation Assistance Projects Act gives the FEMA Administrator the authority to cut red tape on unnecessary environmental and historic preservation review requirements. The Direct Property Acquisitions Act creates a pilot program for communities to avoid lengthy delays by applying directly for property acquisitions. The Investing in Community Resilience Act with Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) incentivizes communities to create readiness and resilience measures before a disaster. The Stopping Political Discrimination in Disaster Assistance Act will prohibit discrimination based on political affiliation in federal disaster relief. This bill is cosponsored by Senators Roger Marshall, MD (R-KS), Rick Scott (R-FL), Ted Budd (R-NC), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and Thom Tillis (R-NC).

    View the letter here or below. 

    Dear President Trump:

    I write to commend your recent Executive Order establishing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Review Council. The current federal framework for responding to disasters is insufficient, and major reforms are necessary to ensure Americans are best supported in times of need. As the Council engages with leaders to discuss potential reforms, I respectfully request that the Council consider the following:

    1. Reforming FEMA’s responsibilities and/or consolidating the federal disaster framework more generally. FEMA has two core responsibilities: managing security grants and serving as the leading agency for federal disaster relief. While both roles can be vested in a single agency, I am concerned that FEMA’s dual responsibilities are hampering its emergency response capabilities. At the same time, the current federal disaster framework involves too many agencies with a variety of other, non-emergency response duties, including the US Department of Commerce, US Department of Housing and Urban Development, US Department of Health and Human Services, US Department of Agriculture, the Small Business Administration, and the Environmental Protection Agency, among several others. I ask that your Council consider whether more federal emergency response capabilities should be consolidated under FEMA, which would reduce the number of agencies constituents need to work through when seeking federal disaster assistance, and whether other, current responsibilities should be placed elsewhere.
    1. Reassessing the federal government’s role in disasters. Under current law, the default federal assistance for major disasters is 75%, with opportunities to increase the federal cost share. The federal cost share is often increased to 100%. It is paramount that all levels of government involved in emergency response and recovery have skin in the game. I urge the Council to consider the benefits and drawbacks of a sliding cost share that begins at a lower percentage for federal support but can be increased based on the needs and capacity of the community in question. I also urge the Council to consider recommending how to limit ad hoc federal cost share increases and eliminate the possibility of a 100% federal cost share as it relates to FEMA’s disaster aid.
    1. Conducting an in-depth review of all federally funded disaster activities conducted by FEMA. The federal government’s labyrinthine disaster response and recovery programs have not been subject to the scrutiny needed to assess whether it is achieving its goals or whether its funding would be better spent with limited strings attached at the state and local levels. I ask that the Council provide a comprehensive analysis of these programs and make a formal, performance-based recommendation on how the funding for these programs should be spent.
    1. Exploring ways to speed up FEMA-led disaster projects. Federal funding for disaster relief comes with countless conditions, many of which unnecessarily prolong the duration of projects. I urge the Council to assess whether conditions on federal disaster aid, including conditions such as Environmental and Historic Preservation (EHP) reviews, harm the disaster recovery process for communities. 

    Lastly, it is essential that the Council solicit feedback from leaders with substantial knowledge of disaster recovery efforts. Oklahoma is no stranger to natural disasters, and we are often forced to grapple with the ensuing wreckage and trauma. Despite these challenges, Oklahomans have consistently risen above the fray to help one another in recovery. Given our experience with natural disasters, I respectfully request that the Council solicit feedback from emergency management leaders in Oklahoma.

    In God We Trust,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Boozman, Tillis, Murray Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Support Purple Heart Families

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas – John Boozman

    WASHINGTON––U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) joined Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) to introduce the Purple Heart Veterans Education Act, legislation allowing veterans who received their Purple Heart after their service to transfer their educational benefits to one or more of their dependents

    “I’m proud to support policies that honor the promises made to the brave men and women who have worn our nation’s uniform,” said Boozman. “Ensuring that veterans, and especially Purple Heart recipients, are able to access the benefits they have earned for themselves and their families is a duty that Congress should always prioritize.”

    “Purple Heart veterans have made tremendous sacrifices to defend our freedoms, and we as a nation should do everything we can to support them and their families when they return—that includes ensuring all Purple Heart veterans have the full benefits they have earned,” said Murray. “As the daughter of a Purple Heart Veteran, this is personal to me—and I’m grateful to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for joining me in this effort.”

    “Purple Heart recipients are heroes who honorably served our country at great costs, and this oversight that prevents servicemembers who received this distinguished award after their service from transferring their GI bill benefits to their dependents needs to be corrected immediately,” said Tillis. “I am proud to co-introduce this commonsense legislation to close this loophole and ensure every Purple Heart recipient and dependents are able to further their education.”

     Specifically, the Purple Heart Veterans Education Act would:

    • Permit an individual awarded the Purple Heart after their service in the Armed Forces to transfer their post-9/11 educational benefits to one or more of their dependents.
    • Allow flexibility by permitting the veteran to allocate different amounts, totaling 36 months of benefits, to their dependents. For example, one dependent may be designated 20 months and the other 16 months. 
    • Protect the veteran’s right to their benefits by prohibiting the use of their educational benefits to be treated as marital property or the asset of a marital estate. 
    • Honor the veteran’s legacy by allowing their dependents to continue using the unused benefits after their death. 

    The legislation is also cosponsored by Senators Rick Scott (R-FL), Angus King (I-ME), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Steve Daines (R-MT), Ron Wyden (D-OR), John Cornyn (R-TX), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Michael Bennet (D-CO).

    Congressmen Mike Levin (D-CA-49) and Greg Murphy (R-NC-03) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

    The Purple Heart Veterans Education Act is endorsed by Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).

    Click here for full text of the legislation.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Boozman, Grassley, Welch Work to Provide Hospitals with Financial Stability and Security

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas – John Boozman

    WASHINGTON––U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR), Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Peter Welch (D-VT) introduced the Rural Hospital Support Act to prevent rural hospital closures by extending and modernizing critical Medicare programs. 

    “Hospitals are one of the last community pillars still standing in rural America. They not only offer accessible, vital health care but also provide key economic benefits that cannot be replicated. As these institutions continue to face headwinds threatening their viability, we can help sustain them by supporting fair and adequate reimbursement for their services,” Boozman said. 

    “As a lifelong resident of rural Iowa, I know the importance of having access to health care services close to home. In addition to providing life-saving care, rural hospitals are a source of economic security for many rural communities,” Grassley said. “Our bipartisan bill will ensure the continuity of these vital programs and help keep rural hospitals’ doors open.”

    “Rural hospitals provide essential care to patients in rural communities, including to folks who rely on Medicare and Medicaid. In Vermont, rural hospitals are also job creators and economic drivers. But across the country, rural hospitals are struggling to stay open, and they need a lifeline,” Welch said. “Our bipartisan legislation will help ensure rural hospitals are reimbursed for resources they need to continue delivering vital care in our rural communities.”

    Specifically, the Rural Hospital Support Act would:

    • Permanently extend the Medicare-Dependent Hospital (MDH) program to ensure eligible rural hospitals are reimbursed for their costs;
    • Permanently extend the Low-Volume Hospital (LVH) program to level the playing field for rural hospitals whose operating costs often outpace their revenue; and
    • Update the rebasing year for Sole Community Hospitals (SCH) and MDHs to allow hospitals to tie reimbursement estimates to more recent trends in costs.

    The bipartisan legislation is also cosponsored by Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Tina Smith (D-MN), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), John Fetterman (D-PA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS) and Gary Peters (D-MI). 

    The Rural Hospital Support Act has garnered support from stakeholders including the Alliance for Rural Hospital Access, the American Hospital Association and the National Rural Health Association.

    Background

    Rural hospitals provide critical care for patients, many of whom rely on Medicare and Medicaid. These hospitals also serve as economic anchors – accounting for around 14 percent of total employment in rural areas.

    The MDH and LVH programs have supported rural communities for decades. The programs were last extended as part of the Continuing Resolution on December 20, 2024, and would expire on March 31, 2025, without congressional action. The Rural Hospital Support Act does not change other rural hospital Medicare programs including critical access hospitals (CAH), rural referral centers (RRC), Rural Community Hospital Demonstration or the new voluntary rural emergency hospitals (REH). Each of these rural programs offer unique flexibilities to ensure health care services are accessible in rural America.

    Find bill text here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crapo: Scott Turner Committed to Lifting Up Stories of Forgotten Americans

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo
    Published: February 05, 2025

    Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) issued the following statement after the Senate confirmed, by a vote of 55-44, E. Scott Turner to be Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD):
    “Scott Turner has the business and personal acumen to serve him well as head of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.  He overcame early childhood adversity to become a successful professional football player, state legislator, businessman and politician.  He has the pedigree of someone who knows what it takes to achieve the American Dream.  Mr. Turner has committed to lift up the stories of forgotten Americans, ensuring every citizen, regardless of creed or background, will have the same access to strong communities and quality, affordable housing.  He has promised to focus on maximizing resources, putting successful policies at the forefront, not simply spending more to achieve less.  I congratulate Scott Turner on his confirmation.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Top Appropriators: Trump Administration’s “Deferred Resignation” Scheme is Deceptive, Legally Questionable, & Puts Vital Taxpayer Services At Risk

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, in an effort to protect taxpayers and federal workers and uphold the law, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), the House Appropriations Committee Ranking Member, along with U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) and U.S. Representative Steny Hoyer (D-MD), the Ranking Members of both the Senate and House Financial Services and General Government Subcommittees, sent a letter to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) pointing out that the Trump Administration’s so-called buyout program is “deceptive,” “legally dubious,” would “undermine” a host of vital government services people rely on, and “should be rescinded immediately.”

    “Federal workers take an oath to defend the Constitution and to work on behalf of the American people. OPM’s legally dubious and intentionally misleading offer is a disservice to these dedicated men and women, and it should be retracted immediately,” the four lawmakers wrote to the acting head of OPM.

    The Trump Administration’s proposal, which gave federal workers just a few days to consider the offer before a February 6 deadline to accept the terms alleging to pay them through September of 2025, incurs a multi-billion dollar cost on behalf of the federal government that has not been authorized or appropriated by Congress. If implemented, it would negatively impact taxpayers, who would be paying workers not to provide the public with critical services.

    “If federal workers are enticed or coerced to accept this ‘offer,’ the services that average Americans rely on will be undermined,”the lawmakers wrote.“Federal employees inspect nursing homes to give families and caregivers peace of mind. They stem the supply of fentanyl and illegal contraband at our nation’s ports of entry. They approve patent applications to bolster American innovation. They ensure that seniors can access Social Security benefits that they have worked their entire lives to earn, and they work to provide health care service to our nation’s veterans.”

    The appropriators asked a series of specific questions about OPM’s compliance with the Privacy Act, OPM’s legal authority to extend this offer, and whether paying people not to work through September 30 violates the Anti-Deficiency Act, a law that prevents the federal government from promising or spending money in excess of what Congress has made available. Congress has funded the government only through mid-March, not through the end of the fiscal year, which runs through September.

    Specifically, the letter asks OPM:

    1. Please provide documentation detailing OPM’s compliance with the Privacy Act, section 552a of title 5, United States Code, section 522.224 of title 48 of the Code of Federal Regulations, and the E-Government Act of 2002.  In addition, please provide a copy of all contract agreements associated with the development of this distribution list.
    2. Please provide a reference for the specific statutory authorities OPM is relying upon to make its deferred resignation offer, given that this widespread communication seems to violate 5 U.S.C. 301-302, which places authority for excusing employees from duty with pay under each individual agency.
    3. Please explain how the deferred resignation offer complies with the Administrative Leave Act of 2016 (P.L.114-315), which places clear limits on the number of days that an employee may be placed on administrative leave to protect taxpayer dollars.
    4.  OPM’s FAQ document regarding deferred resignation explicitly encourages employees to “find a job in the private sector as soon as you would like to do so.” However, federal employees are prohibited by law (5 CFR Part 2635) from engaging in outside employment or activities that conflict with official Government duties and responsibilities. Further, federal employees are required to notify their supervisor of any additional employment in order to further protect from conflicts of interest or ethical violations. Please explain how OPM intends to uphold the law to prevent widespread conflicts of interest and ethical violations.
    5. The Anti-Deficiency Act (31 U.S.C. 1341 and FAR 32.702) prohibits federal agencies from creating or authorizing funds in advance or in excess of a Congressionally-provided appropriation. OPM has, in writing, suggested to employees that they will receive pay and benefits after the end of the current continuing resolution, which expires on March 14, 2025. Please explain how this complies with the Anti-Deficiency Act.

    Full text of the letter is available HERE and below:

    February 5, 2025

    Mr. Charles Ezell

    Acting Director

    U.S. Office of Personnel Management

    1900 E St NW

    Washington, DC 20415

    Dear Mr. Ezell,

    On January 28, 2025, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) sent a so-called “Fork in the Road” email to more than two million federal employees offering the opportunity to take “deferred resignation” by February 6, 2025.[1]  Additional documents published by the agency, including a “Frequently Asked Questions” webpage that is updated on an almost daily basis, as well as further communications regarding collective bargaining agreements, have caused confusion and concern among the federal workforce.  There is at best, questionable legal authority for the Administration to offer this type of program to federal workers, and it is not contemplated in appropriations law.  It should be rescinded immediately.

    OPM’s deceptive “offer” has been orchestrated by Elon Musk, a billionaire with significant business interests with the federal government who has used his influence to force out federal officials – including the former FAA Administrator – who have worked to ensure that his companies follow the law.   

    If federal workers are enticed or coerced to accept this “offer”, the services that average Americans rely on will be undermined.  Federal employees inspect nursing homes to give families and caregivers peace of mind.  They stem the supply of fentanyl and illegal contraband at our nation’s ports of entry.  They approve patent applications to bolster American innovation.  They ensure that seniors can access Social Security benefits that they have worked their entire lives to earn, and they work to provide health care service to our nation’s veterans.

    All of these services and more are at risk.  In light of OPM’s recent communications to federal employees, we write to request answers no later than February 7th to the following questions:

    1. Please provide documentation detailing OPM’s compliance with the Privacy Act, section 552a of title 5, United States Code, section 522.224 of title 48 of the Code of Federal Regulations, and the E-Government Act of 2002.  In addition, please provide a copy of all contract agreements associated with the development of this distribution list.
    2. Please provide a reference for the specific statutory authorities OPM is relying upon to make its deferred resignation offer, given that this widespread communication seems to violate 5 U.S.C. 301-302, which places authority for excusing employees from duty with pay under each individual agency.
    3. Please explain how the deferred resignation offer complies with the Administrative Leave Act of 2016 (P.L.114-315), which places clear limits on the number of days that an employee may be placed on administrative leave to protect taxpayer dollars.
    4. OPM’s FAQ document regarding deferred resignation explicitly encourages employees to “find a job in the private sector as soon as you would like to do so.” However, federal employees are prohibited by law (5 CFR Part 2635) from engaging in outside employment or activities that conflict with official Government duties and responsibilities. Further, federal employees are required to notify their supervisor of any additional employment in order to further protect from conflicts of interest or ethical violations. Please explain how OPM intends to uphold the law to prevent widespread conflicts of interest and ethical violations.
    5. The Anti-Deficiency Act (31 U.S.C. 1341 and FAR 32.702) prohibits federal agencies from creating or authorizing funds in advance or in excess of a Congressionally-provided appropriation. OPM has, in writing, suggested to employees that they will receive pay and benefits after the end of the current continuing resolution, which expires on March 14, 2025. Please explain how this complies with the Anti-Deficiency Act.
    6.  How will OPM implement the Executive Order “Reforming the Federal Hiring Process and Restoring Merit to Government Service”?
      1. How does the federal hiring plan outlined in Sec. 2 interact with existing government hiring preferences, including for veterans? Is the Administration aware of the existing hiring preferences for veterans?
      2. How will you be assessing an individual’s commitment to “improving the efficiency of the Federal Government, passion for the ideals of the American republic, and commitment to the Constitution”? Please provide any relevant questionnaires for federal employees, beyond any existing competencies or job assessments that agencies already require.  
    7. How will OPM implement the EO “Restoring Accountability to Policy-Influencing Positions within the Federal Workforce”?
      1. Please clarify your intended timeline for formal rulemaking under Sec. 4. As of February 3, 2025, no documents have been published in the Federal Register. 
      2. Approximately how many employees per agency do you anticipate will be rescheduled based on the guidance shared on January 27, 2025?

    Federal workers take an oath to defend the Constitution and to work on behalf of the American people. OPM’s legally dubious and intentionally misleading offer is a disservice to these dedicated men and women, and it should be retracted immediately. Pending that, we ask for a response to these questions by Friday, February 7, 2025.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray, Ecology Director Sixkiller, Councilmember Zahilay, WA Head Start Association Director Call Out How Trump’s Ongoing Illegal Funding Freeze is Hurting WA State, Putting Critical Projects and Jobs at Risk

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, led a virtual press conference highlighting how President Trump’s ongoing, illegal funding freeze is hurting people and organizations across Washington state—forcing them to make impossible choices, costing jobs, and putting critical projects and hundreds of millions of dollars for everything from infrastructure improvements to culvert removal at risk. Joining Senator Murray for the press call were King County Councilmember Girmay Zahilay, Washington State Department of Ecology Director Casey Sixkiller, and Joel Ryan, Executive Director of the Washington State Association of Head Start and ECEAP.

    “People need to understand the Trump administration is still holding up billions of dollars, under Trump’s illegal Day One Executive Orders. We’re talking about funding Congress passed into law—funding that is owed to communities in Washington state and across the country,” Senator Murray said on this morning’s press call, outlining some of the ways President Trump’s ongoing illegal funding freeze from his Day One Executive Orders is putting critical projects and jobs in Washington state at risk:

    • “The Washington State Department of Transportation has told me Trump is blocking money to repair electric chargers, to install heavy duty chargers for trucks, to make critical repairs to bridges in order to protect the safety of millions of drivers, and to install new chargers along major roads like I-90, US-97, US-2, US-195, and US-395.
    • “Trump is holding up road projects to make streets safer for pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers—a safe streets project in Richland, critical safety barriers in Spokane are just a few of the examples.
    • “Trump’s illegal freeze is, as we speak, blocking wildlife preservation work all over our state, and critical culvert replacement projects to help save our salmon.
    • “There are port projects right now on hold across Washington state, including for electrical infrastructure, and shore power for vessels. Absolutely essential electric transmission and distribution projects are on hold and in jeopardy.
    • “World class organizations in Washington state have told me they may have to lay people off this week—hundreds of people—because of Trump’s illegal funding freezes.

    “Make no mistake: the chaos is not over. There are still billions of dollars being illegally held up—and so many jobs in Washington state that are on the line I am going to continue fighting this and pressing the administration every way I can to get them to end these illegal funding freezes,” Murray concluded. “I’m going to continue doing everything I can as Vice Chair of the Appropriations Committee to stand up and hold this administration to account, so we can get the money Congress passed into law flowing again to folks back home in Washington state.”

    “This is money that should be flowing into our communities, creating jobs, protecting public health, and improving the environment. Instead, it is being delayed at the expense of the people who need it most,” said Casey Sixkiller, director of the Washington State Department of Ecology.

    “King County is already grappling with a $150 million budget shortfall, putting essential services at risk. A freeze in federal funding would make this crisis even worse, threatening vital programs like healthcare, housing support, transportation, and services for veterans and seniors. For the people who depend on these services every day, these cuts aren’t just numbers—they’re lifelines that keep our community safe, healthy, and connected. Without immediate action and support, many of our most vulnerable neighbors will face even greater hardship,” said King County Councilmember Girmay Zahilay.

    “This past week and half have been chaotic and disruptive roller coaster ride for Head Start programs here in Washington State. The half day shutdown caused by the Trump Administration caused confusion and nearly led to thousands of children and families losing access to childcare. Yesterday we continued to receive reports that Head Start programs were struggling to access their federal grant dollars with one program as of today still unable to gain access. Across the country there remains over 40+ Head Start programs impacting more than 20,000 children dealing with this ‘rolling blackout’ putting very low income children and families at risk of losing services,” said Joel Ryan, Executive Director of the Washington State Association of Head Start and ECEAP.

    TIMELINE OF EVENTS

    January 20th: Within his first hours in office, President Trump signed a number of executive orders that illegally block funding that was signed into law to rebuild America’s infrastructure, lower families’ energy costs, create new, good-paying jobs, strengthen our national security, and more.

    January 27th: Trump expanded his funding freeze dramatically when the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued a sweeping, illegal memo directing a near-blanket freeze on virtually all federal funding, with carveouts for Social Security, Medicare, and “assistance provided directly to individuals.” Senator Murray immediately wrote a letter to OMB alongside House Appropriations Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) raising alarms about the sweeping directive and calling the acting director to restore funding, as the law requires.

    January 28th: Senator Murray joined millions of Americans in decrying the chaos and pain President Trump’s freeze caused—as reports poured in from across the country about how it risked shuttering Head Start programs, cutting off disaster relief, jeopardizing cancer research, and much more. The White House, in trying to clarify the scope of the memo, instead created more chaos, confusion, and headaches for the American people.

    January 29th: Senator Murray again slammed Trump’s devastating freeze cutting off funding families count on—noting that even programs the administration said were back online were, in fact, still shuttered, and she called on Trump to stop withholding funding. Then, facing nationwide backlash, President Trump had his OMB revoke its memo. But President Trump vowed to keep his freeze of hundreds of billions of dollars in funding tied up by his executive orders in place—and his aides continued their vows to block more funding signed into law.

    RIGHT NOW: President Trump continues to hold up vast swaths of funding implicated by his illegal executive orders—and chaos and confusion pervade over whether funding implicated by his now-rescinded OMB memo has been fully restored.

    His executive orders direct agencies to, among other things, halt disbursement of funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, foreign development assistance, and virtually any funding his administration deems “woke.”

    President Trump’s ongoing freeze is holding up funding Congress delivered—often on a bipartisan basis—to:

    • Rebuild America’s roads and bridges.
    • Connect families to high-speed internet access.
    • Upgrade transit and transportation infrastructure.
    • Lower Americans’ energy costs.
    • Create new, good-paying clean energy jobs.
    • Strengthen America’s national security.
    • Much more.

    President Trump must rescind his executive orders—and stop blocking funding the American people are counting on. His failure to do so will:

    • Kill good-paying American jobs.
    • Delay—or altogether scrap—infrastructure projects all across the county.
    • Raise American families’ energy costs.
    • Create more chaos, confusion, and uncertainty that hurt families, businesses, small businesses, and local organizations and governments.
    • Gut efforts to tackle the climate crisis and ensure every American has clean air and water.
    • Halt work cleaning up Superfund sites contaminated with hazardous waste and substances.
    • Undermine our national security and credibility on the world stage.
    • Much more.

    A fact sheet on the issue of impoundment—Trump’s unconstitutional scheme to withhold federal funding headed to communities across America—is HERE.

    Senator Murray’s full remarks, as delivered on today’s press call, are below and video is HERE:

    “Thank you everyone for joining us today. Last week, we saw a level of chaos and recklessness from the Trump administration that’s truly unlike anything I have seen in my lifetime, when the administration moved to brazenly and illegally freeze federal grants across government and across the country. 

    “The panic and the confusion were widespread. Because there was a long, long, list of programs President Trump tried to put on the chopping block.

    “Then, less than 48 hours later, in the face of intense public backlash and outrage from people all over the country—they admitted they were disastrously wrong and revoked the OMB memo.

    “But it’s really important that this fight is far from over. Not only is there still significant confusion—funding that was supposed to be turned back ‘on’ that is still not, it’s still locked up—but, just as importantly, people need to understand the Trump administration is still holding up billions of dollars, under Trump’s illegal Day One Executive Orders.

    “We’re talking about funding that Congress passed into law—funding that is owed to communities in Washington state and across the country.

    “Now, the harm they are causing with these funding freezes is hard to overstate, because this has never been done before. 

    “And we’ve been working around the clock to figure out exactly what all of this means, and who is affected—because they have been far from clear.

    “But today I want to give you all a sense of what folks across our state have told me about what Trump’s ongoing, illegal funding freezes have meant for them.

    “The Washington State Department of Transportation has told me that Trump is blocking money to repair electric chargers, to install heavy duty chargers for trucks, to make critical repairs to bridges in order to protect the safety of millions of drivers, and to install new chargers along major roads like I-90, US-97, US-2, US-195, and US-395.

    “Trump is still holding up road projects that make streets safer for pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers—a safe streets project in Richland, critical safety barriers in Spokane are just a few of the examples.

    “Trump’s illegal freeze is, as we speak, blocking wildlife preservation work all over our state, and critical culvert replacement projects to help save our salmon. 

    “There are port projects right now on hold across Washington state, including for electrical infrastructure, and shore power for vessels. Absolutely essential electric transmission and distribution projects are on hold and in jeopardy.

    “And there are many other projects, organizations, and people—who are being harmed right now by the President’s reckless funding freeze.

    “Medical researchers in Washington state who are worried that their work will somehow be considered ‘woke,’ when in reality, it’s actually pretty darn important we understand the roots of health disparities—things like why the maternal death rate is so much higher for Black and Native American women.

    “Trump’s executive orders also froze lifesaving foreign assistance for people all around the globe.

    “And world class organizations in our state, in Washington state, have told me they may have to lay people off this week—hundreds of people—because of Trump’s illegal funding freezes.

    “It is just completely unclear when, or if these projects are going to get the funds they are counting on, and owed, from the bills Congress passed into law long before Trump came into office. 

    “So, make no mistake: the chaos is not over. There are still billions of dollars being illegally held up—and many jobs in Washington state are now on the line.

    “I am going to continue fighting this and pressing the administration every way I can to make them end these illegal funding freezes.

    “Democrats will speak out, we will challenge Trump’s illegal actions in the courts, we will demand accountability, and we will put the pressure on the administration and on our Republican colleagues. 

    “But we also need our Republican colleagues to say ‘enough.’ We need them to join us. 

    “Now, we learned something extremely important last week: that when the American people–all across our state, all across the country–speak out with one voice, and when regular people stand up, it makes a difference. 

    “So this fight is far from over—and I’m going to continue doing everything I can as Vice Chair of the Appropriations Committee to stand up and hold this administration to account, so we can get the money Congress—by both parties, Republicans and Democrats–passed into law flowing again to folks back home in Washington state.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin, Duckworth Meet With Illinois University Leaders

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    February 05, 2025

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) yesterday met with the leadership and members of the Federation of Independent Illinois Colleges and Universities (FIICU), which represents 53 private non-profit colleges across Illinois.  During their meeting, Durbin and Duckworth spoke about what the federal funding freeze would mean for universities who rely on federal grants to conduct critical research, as well as how the Trump Administration’s agenda could impact student aid programs, including Pell Grants and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

    “One of the greatest gifts we can give the next generation is an education.  But for many Americans, financial constraints are a barrier to earning a college degree or a professional certification,” said Durbin.  “Senator Duckworth and I had meaningful conversations with higher education leaders about ensuring that education remains accessible during a turbulent Trump Administration that is threatening federal programs students rely on.”

    “From Carbondale to Chicago, Illinois has some of the best schools in the country,” said Duckworth. “I enjoyed meeting with the presidents of so many Illinois colleges and universities.  Senator Durbin and I will keep working to support our postsecondary schools at the federal level so that every Illinoisan—regardless of their income, race or zip-code—has access to higher education.”

      

    A photo of the meeting with ICCTA is available here.

    Universities represented at the meeting included:

    • Aurora University
    • Blackburn University
    • DePaul University
    • Dominican University
    • East-West University
    • Illinois College
    • Loyola University Chicago
    • Lewis University
    • Northwestern University
    • Rosalind Franklin University

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 02.05.2025 Cruz, Fetterman, Slotkin Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Prohibit Strategic Petroleum Reserve Sales to Foreign Adversaries

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas Ted Cruz

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), John Fetterman (D-Penn.) and Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) introduced theBanning SPR Oil Exports to Foreign Adversaries Act. The bipartisan bill prohibits the sale or export of oil from the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, or any entity owned or controlled by those nations.
    Upon introduction, Sen. Cruz said, “The Strategic Petroleum Reserve is meant to protect the U.S. during crises, not supply our adversaries. Under President Biden, part of this reserve was sold, benefiting China’s strategic interests. There is strong bipartisan consensus around preventing such a sale from being repeated. I’m proud to work with Senator Fetterman and Senator Slotkin on this legislation, which will prevent U.S. oil reserves from being sold to adversarial nations.”
    Sen. Fetterman said, “The Strategic Petroleum Reserve protects America’s energy, economic, and national security. We must prioritize the safety of America and our allies – we cannot allow our adversaries to purchase oil from our critical energy reserves. This is a commonsense bill with strong bipartisan support. I’m proud to introduce it with Senator Cruz, Senator Slotkin, and my colleagues in the House. I look forward to getting it signed into law this congress.”
    Sen. Slotkin said, “Our Strategic Petroleum Reserve is meant to bolster our national security, and it should never be sold to hostile nations like Russia, Iran or China. This bipartisan bill prevents hostile nations from buying oil from our Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Energy security shouldn’t ever be a partisan issue, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this bill and fortify our energy security as a nation.” 
    The companion legislation was introduced in the House by U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-Penn.-6).
    Rep. Houlahan said, “When I heard there was a loophole enabling our foreign adversaries to purchase oil from our strategic reserves, I was shocked and outraged. When gas prices rise, releases from the strategic reserve are meant to ease the financial burden for working families—not potentially end up in the hands of those who wish our service members, country, and NATO Allies harm. Closing this loophole requires a Congressional fix, and I’m proud to partner with Reps. Don Bacon and Jay Obernolte to do just that. We’ve seen support for it in the past; it’s time to get this bill across the finish line and signed into law.”
    Read the bill text here.
    BACKGROUND
    Sen. Cruz previously led a bipartisan effort to have an amendment similar to the bill included in the FY24 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The amendment was agreed to by the Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support. The House companion bill, introduced by Representatives Houlahan (D-PA) and Don Bacon (R-NE), also passed the House unanimously as a part of the FY24 NDAA.
    The SPR, which was established by Congress in 1975 in response to OPEC’s oil embargo against the United States, exists to minimize the impacts of oil supply shocks on the United States. Today, as the world’s largest supply of emergency crude oil, it continues to protect and strengthen U.S. national, economic, and energy security. The U.S. Department of Energy manages the SPR and regularly conducts public sales of excess crude oil to the highest bidders through competitive public auction. During both the Biden and Trump Administrations, foreign companies with direct ties to our adversaries have won these auctions, giving anti-democratic regimes access to critical energy reserves.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Collins, Bipartisan Group Introduce Legislation to Expand Rural Access to Maternal Health Care

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins, Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Katie Britt (R-AL), and Tina Smith (D-MN) introduced legislation to support rural health care facilities in providing urgent obstetric care. Their bipartisan Rural Obstetrics Readiness Act would help prepare rural hospitals and practitioners to handle the obstetric emergencies that come through their doors as more delivery units, particularly those in rural areas, are being forced into closing.

    Between 2011 and 2021, more than 260 rural hospitals in the U.S. shut down their obstetrics services, representing one in four of the nation’s rural obstetric units. Ten of Maine’s 25 rural hospitals do not have obstetric services. Nationally, this trend has left more than 2 million women in a maternity care desert, meaning that they live in a county without a provider offering obstetric care such as labor and delivery. This can lead to longer driving times for care and increased health risks.

    “The closure of labor and delivery units in rural Maine and throughout the nation is an urgent issue that threatens the health and safety of mothers and babies,” said Senator Collins. “By creating new opportunities to improve obstetric readiness in rural communities through skills training, workforce development, and telehealth partnerships, this bipartisan legislation would help reduce care gaps and better ensure that more rural Maine communities have access to the maternal care they need.”

    The Rural Obstetrics Readiness Act would help rural hospitals and doctors prepare to handle the obstetric emergencies that come through their doors by:

    • Creating training programs to help non-specialists respond to emergencies like labor and delivery;
    • Providing federal grants for rural facilities to buy better equipment to train for and handle these emergencies; and
    • Developing a pilot program for teleconsultation services, so that a doctor at a rural facility helping an expecting or postpartum mother facing an emergency can quickly consult with maternal health care experts.

    Improving access to health care in rural areas has been a focus of Senator Collins’ efforts throughout her Senate service. Last year, Senator Collins secured $2,397,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending for projects that will help to improve access to health care throughout Maine in the Fiscal Year 2024 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education appropriations bill. 

    The complete text of the bill can be read here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth Votes Against Doug Collins’ Nomination to Serve as Secretary of Veterans Affairs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

    February 04, 2025

    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC) who still receives her own health care services through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)—released the following statement after voting against Doug Collins’ nomination to serve as VA Secretary. The U.S. Senate confirmed Rep. Collins by a vote of 77-23.

    “Before Donald Trump initiated a series of illegal power grabs, I was prepared to vote to confirm Rep. Collins. I remain hopeful that we can find common ground to improve the lives of our Veterans and am glad he agreed with me that we must oppose any dangerous efforts to privatize the VA—which I still plan to hold him to. However, in light of Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s illegal attack on USAID and their efforts to freeze funding that would support Veterans, I cannot vote to confirm this Administration’s nominee to lead our VA. So long as this Administration continues this rampant lawlessness, I’ll keep using my power as a U.S. Senator to push back and prevent Trump and Musk from destroying our democracy as we know it.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, Durbin Join Shaheen, Colleagues in Statement Condemning Department of Defense’s Decision to End Policy Allowing U.S. Servicemembers to Access Non-Covered Reproductive Health Care Services

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

    February 04, 2025

    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee—and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) joined U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and their colleagues in releasing the following statement on the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DoD) rescission of policy that allowed servicemembers to get reimbursed for travel and transportation for non-covered reproductive care. Last week, the Senators obtained a memo that updates the Joint Travel Regulations to rescind this policy. 

    “This decision strips away service members’ ability to access the reproductive care they need, which is nothing short of abhorrent. It runs contrary to a core goal of the Department of Defense—to ensure the health and wellbeing of all our service members so that our force remains ready at all times to protect Americans and keep this nation safe. 

    “U.S. service members have no control over where they are stationed and what state laws may govern their bodies. The policy that the Department of Defense took away from our servicewomen and military families provided them the ability to travel to another state to seek out the care they need. Rescinding that does nothing to enhance military readiness. 

    “At a time when we are already facing military recruitment and retention challenges, we should do all we can to assure those who answer the call to serve America that we will do everything in our power to support them and their families. Instead, this extreme action does the opposite and sends a message to servicewomen—who make up more than 17 percent of our military’s active duty—that they are not as valuable as their male counterparts. 

    “We will do everything in our power to mitigate the impact that this extreme decision will have on members of our military and ensure their health and safety comes first,” the Senators said.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hassan, Cornyn, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Help Adjust Military Life Insurance for Inflation

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Maggie Hassan

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH), John Cornyn (R-TX), Ted Cruz (R-TX), and Angus King (I-ME) and Representatives Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) and Keith Self (TX-03) today introduced the Fairness for Servicemembers and their Families Act, which would help ensure life insurance packages for service members and veterans account for increases in cost of living and inflation:  

    “While we can never fully repay the debt that we owe to those who serve our country, we should work each and every day to get them the benefits that they deserve,” said Sen. Hassan. “This bipartisan legislation will help ensure that the life insurance offered for our veterans and servicemembers is keeping pace with real-world costs to help protect the financial security of the families of those who serve.”

    “As the nation continues to feel the effects of inflation, we need to make sure service members, veterans, and their families have the financial support they need and deserve,” said Sen. Cornyn. “Our bill would help ensure the Veterans Affairs Department can offer competitive life insurance packages that keep pace with the current cost of living.” 

    “Our nation’s service members and veterans put their lives on the line to protect America and defend our freedom,” said Sen. Cruz. “I am proud to partner with my colleagues to honor and provide for those who bravely sacrificed to serve the United States of America. Adjusting the value of the life insurance policies of servicemembers and veterans in line with inflation will ensure that America rightly honors their memory and cares for their loved ones after they are gone.”

    “Our servicemembers, veterans and their families make countless sacrifices every day to protect our nation, and we are indebted to their selfless service,” said Sen. King. “With the bipartisan Fairness for Servicemembers and their Families Act, we can ensure life insurance packages for military members adjust with the rising cost of living — giving more peace of mind to military families when they face difficult times. I’m grateful to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for coming together to honor our commitment to the brave men and women who have given so much to our country.”

    “When we ask servicemembers to put their lives on the line for our country, we promise to have their backs. We must take care of their families and loved ones in the event of tragedy,” said Rep. Strickland. “This bill makes it clear that Congress stands by our military families.”

    “We must ensure our veterans receive the benefits they’ve rightfully earned,” said Rep. Self. “This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to review and adjust the maximum coverage for servicemembers’ and Veterans’ Group Life Insurance programs to keep pace with inflation, ensuring these benefits keep pace with rising costs.”

    Background:

    The Fairness for Servicemembers and their Families Act would help ensure the maximum group insurance available to service members and veterans account for increases in cost of living. From 2006 to 2023, the maximum insurance value available for service members and veterans remained static, lagging far behind inflation rates. This bill would strengthen the financial safety net for veterans, service members, and their families by requiring a report to the U.S. Veterans Affairs Department, the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, and the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs regarding cost of living increases and inflation rates every five years to ensure they don’t go years without assessing inflation rates.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cramer Reintroduces Fair Access to Banking Act to Protect Legal Industries from Debanking

    US Senate News:

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

    ***Click here for audio.***

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – In recent years, prominent American banks have engaged in a discriminatory practice, referred to as debanking. Banks and financial institutions use their economic standing to categorically exclude law-abiding, legal industries by refusing to lend or provide services to them. This includes industries such as firearms, ammunition, crypto, federal prison contractors, as well as energy producers. 

    U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), a member of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, reintroduced his Fair Access to Banking Act, which protects fair access to financial services and ensures banks operate in a safe and sound manner. The legislation requires that lending and services decisions must be based on impartial, risk-based analysis, not political or reputational favoritism. U.S. Representative Andy Barr (R-KY-6) introduced similar legislation in the House of Representatives. 

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

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

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

    Cramer’s legislation is a response to United States banks and financial institutions increasingly using their economic standing to categorically discriminate against legal industries and conservatives. For example, Citigroup instituted a policy in 2018 to withhold project-related financing for coal plants, and in 2020, five of the country’s largest banks announced they would not provide loans or credit to support oil and gas drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, despite explicit congressional authorization. Such exclusionary practices also extend to industries protected by the Second Amendment, with Capital One, among other banks, previously including “ammunitions, firearms, or firearm parts” in the prohibited payments section of its corporate policy manual, and payment services like Apple Pay and PayPal denying their services for transactions involving firearms or ammunition. First Lady Melania Trump and technology companies alike allege banks have debanked them or refused to do business. During his address to the World Economic Forum in January, President Trump highlighted big banks and their discriminatory practices of targeting conservatives.  

    In the years since Cramer first introduced the Fair Access to Banking Act, support has grown every Congress. At the state level, Florida and Tennessee passed Fair Access laws and similar legislation was introduced in Arizona, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, and South Dakota. Banks have dropped membership in discriminatory groups which were aimed at starving specific industries.

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

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

    Click here for bill text. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell Takes to Senate Floor to Oppose Trump’s Trade Philosophy: No to Tariffs, Yes to Innovation, Collaboration & Growth

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell

    02.05.25

    Cantwell Takes to Senate Floor to Oppose Trump’s Trade Philosophy: No to Tariffs, Yes to Innovation, Collaboration & Growth

    In speech on Senate floor, Cantwell advocates for new U.S. trade agreements with Southeast Asia, the Middle East, & the Americas to strengthen ties with allies & grow the economy at home; Cantwell slams proposed Trump tariffs: “The payers in this dispute are never the government leaders … it’s the workers who lose their job.”

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), the ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, delivered a speech on the Senate floor calling for the United States to establish new trade agreements with Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America – and to repudiate the trade philosophy of President Donald Trump, whose proposed tariffs on goods from Canada, Mexico, and China would spark a trade war, drive up costs for American consumers, harm domestic businesses across hundreds of industries, and compromise the United States’ global leadership in the free trade ecosystem.

    “It’s better to have a job than be attracted to join a terrorist organization. It’s better to create economic stability than fueling poverty and migration […] Last week, I spoke about additional investments the United States needs to make in Panama, Latin America, and others, to link and modernize bilateral agreements that help us counter China,” Sen. Cantwell said. “Free trade agreements are a way for us — not tariffs — to gain the leverage we want. South Asia could play an important role in this coalition building, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. But I want us to go further. I want us to understand that U.S.-led negotiations in a Middle East free trade agreement to build on the momentum of a ceasefire in Gaza could further stabilize that region.”

    In her speech, Sen. Cantwell railed against President Donald Trump’s tariff’s proposal, likening his isolationist trade policies to an attempt to make time stand still – a futile goal at any point, but especially during the modern information age, when countries are more interconnected than ever and the United States is locked in an innovation race in artificial intelligence and quantum technology. She also called on the United States to invest in its workforce, research & development, science, and capital investment to modernize its manufacturing and stay competitive.

    “To outcompete our adversaries, we need coalitions, not go-it-alone strategies. Why do we fear this if we think our principles are correct? But somehow the current administration thinks that we’ve been hurt more than we’ve been helped in this global equation, and they want us to believe that somehow there is a win-win situation on tariffs that they can deliver on,” Sen. Cantwell said.

    “Tariffs are a distortion of markets. Tariffs mean we disagree. It very rarely means the disagreement will be resolved quickly. It usually means people will retaliate, and the escalation of that retaliation will hurt consumers so much so that eventually someone will blink,” she continued. “The payers in this dispute, though, are never the government leaders. No, it’s the workers who lose their job. It’s the family that pays higher cost. It’s the community that loses their economic activity and tax revenue.”

    In Washington state: Two out of every five jobs are tied to trade and related industries. In 2023, the state imported $19.9 billion of goods from Canada – primarily oil, gas, lumber, and electrical power — making our northern neighbors Washington state’s largest trade partner. Also in 2023, the state imported $1.7 billion in goods from Mexico, including motor vehicles, vehicle parts, and household appliances. More information about how President Trump’s proposed tariffs will impact businesses and consumers in the State of Washington is HERE.

    Sen. Cantwell has remained a steadfast supporter of free trade to grow the economy in the State of Washington and nationwide. Sen. Cantwell was the leading voice in negotiations to end India’s 20% retaliatory tariff on American apples, which devastated Washington state’s apple exports.  India had once been the second-largest export market for American apples, but after then-President Trump imposed tariffs on steel and aluminum in his first term, India imposed retaliatory tariffs in response and U.S. apple exports plummeted.  The impact on Washington apple growers was severe:  apple exports from the state dropped from $120 million in 2017 to less than $1 million by 2023.  In September 2023, India ended its retaliatory tariffs on apples and pulse crops following several years of Sen. Cantwell’s advocacy, which was welcome news to the state’s more than 1,400 apple growers and the 68,000-plus workers they support.

    In May 2023, Sen. Cantwell sent a letter urging the Biden Administration to help U.S. potato growers finally get approval to sell fresh potatoes in Japan. In June 2023, Sen. Cantwell hosted U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), then-chair of the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, in Washington state for a forum with 30 local agricultural leaders in Wenatchee to discuss the Farm Bill.

    In 2022, Sen. Cantwell spearheaded passage of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act, a law to crack down on skyrocketing international ocean shipping costs and ease supply chain backlogs that raise prices for consumers and make it harder for U.S. farmers and exporters to get their goods to the global market.

    In August 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Sen. Cantwell sent a letter to then-Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue requesting aid funds be distributed to wheat growers. In December 2018, Sen. Cantwell celebrated the passage of the Farm Bill, which included $500 million of assistance for farmers, including those who grow wheat.

    In 2019, Sen. Cantwell helped secure a provision in the $16 billion USDA relief package, ensuring sweet cherry growers could access emergency funding to offset the impacts of tariffs and other market disruptions.

    Video of today’s speech is available HERE; and a transcript of Sen. Cantwell’s remarks is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: RELEASE: Mullin, Cramer, Colleagues Reintroduce Fair Access to Banking Act to Protect Legal Industries from Debanking

    US Senate News:

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

    RELEASE: Mullin, Cramer, Colleagues Reintroduce Fair Access to Banking Act to Protect Legal Industries from Debanking

    Washington, D.C. – In recent years, prominent American banks have engaged in a discriminatory practice, referred to as debanking. Banks and financial institutions use their economic standing to categorically exclude law-abiding, legal industries by refusing to lend or provide services to them. This includes industries such as firearms, ammunition, crypto, federal prison contractors, as well as energy producers. 

    U.S. Senators Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), a member of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, and 39 of their Senate GOP colleagues reintroduced the Fair Access to Banking Act, which protects fair access to financial services and ensures banks operate in a safe and sound manner. The legislation requires that lending and services decisions must be based on impartial, risk-based analysis, not political or reputational favoritism. U.S. Representative Andy Barr (R-KY-6) introduced similar legislation in the House of Representatives. 

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

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

    The senators’ legislation is a response to United States banks and financial institutions increasingly using their economic standing to categorically discriminate against legal industries and conservatives. For example, Citigroup instituted a policy in 2018 to withhold project-related financing for coal plants, and in 2020, five of the country’s largest banks announced they would not provide loans or credit to support oil and gas drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, despite explicit congressional authorization. Such exclusionary practices also extend to industries protected by the Second Amendment, with Capital One, among other banks, previously including “ammunitions, firearms, or firearm parts” in the prohibited payments section of its corporate policy manual, and payment services like Apple Pay and PayPal denying their services for transactions involving firearms or ammunition. First Lady Melania Trump and technology companies alike allege banks have debanked them or refused to do business. During his address to the World Economic Forum in January, President Trump highlighted big banks and their discriminatory practices of targeting conservatives.  

    In the years since the first introduction of the Fair Access to Banking Act, support has grown every Congress. At the state level, Florida and Tennessee passed Fair Access laws and similar legislation was introduced in Arizona, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, and South Dakota. Banks have dropped membership in discriminatory groups which were aimed at starving specific industries.

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

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

    Read exclusively about the Fair Access to Banking Act in the Daily Wire.

    Click here for bill text. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fischer, King Reintroduce Legislation to Help America’s Working Families

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nebraska Deb Fischer

    Today, U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Angus King (I-Maine) reintroduced the Paid Family and Medical Leave Tax Credit Extension and Enhancement Act. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation will make the Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) Employer Tax Credit permanent, helping companies of all sizes offer PFML plans to their employees. 

    Senators Fischer and King established the country’s first-ever nationwide PFML policy, which wasincluded in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and implemented in 2018. The Senators’ legislationbuilds on the 2017 law to better serve working families and hourly workers. It also provides additional ways for businesses to qualify for the paid leave tax credit, such as paying for PFML insurance products, and requires greater outreach efforts to raise awareness about the credit. 

    U.S. Representatives Randy Feenstra (IA-04), Stephanie Bice (OK-05), and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) will introduce identical companion legislation in the House.

    “America’s working families drive our economy forward and strengthen our communities. They shouldn’t have to choose between earning a paycheck and caring for their loved ones. That’s why Senator King and I passed the first-ever nationwide paid family leave law. Now, we need to make our legislation permanent and expand access to ensure that even more businesses can provide paid family leave to the workers who keep them running. I’m determined to get this key legislation included in whatever tax package Congress considers this year,” said Senator Fischer.

    “I have often said that Maine is one big town with long roads and when a member of our community is hurting, we drop everything to take care of our own. However, no one should have to choose between caring for our families or receiving the next paycheck to put food on the table,” said Senator King. “That’s why I’ve been working with my Republican colleague, Deb Fischer of Nebraska, to introduce the Paid Family and Medical Leave Tax Credit Extension and Enhancement Act which makes the PFML tax credit permanent. When families have access to care, they are able to succeed both at home and in their professional careers. Child care is more than a household priority; child care means business!”

    “Paid family and medical leave (PFML) is a lifeline for workers when facing a medical condition or welcoming a newborn into the world. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act recognized the importance of PFML by helping American small businesses offer these benefits to their employees through the creation of a targeted tax credit specifically for small businesses. However, along with many other policies, this provision expires at the end of the year without action from Congress,” said Congressman Feenstra. “That’s why I introduced legislation to extend and improve this tax credit for our small businesses so that they can provide their workers with up to 12 weeks of PFML without missing a paycheck. As a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, I believe that, by making this policy permanent, we can deliver certainty for our small businesses, keep our workers healthy and employed, and grow our economy and rural communities.”

    “The 45S tax credit, first implemented under the Trump administration, has been instrumental in helping many employers expand paid family leave benefits for their workers. However, awareness and uptake of this credit have been lower than we’d like. This legislation, which I’m pleased to introduce alongside my colleagues, will improve the credit, make it more flexible, increase employer awareness, and make the tax credit permanent,” said Congresswoman Bice.  

    “Taking care of your health, newborn, or family when they’re most in need shouldn’t come at the cost of paying the bills. Strong families mean strong communities and local economies,” said Congresswoman Gluesenkamp Perez. “With the paid family and medical leave tax credit due to expire, our bipartisan legislation will make this successful credit permanent and expand access for Washington-based businesses and newer employees, so more families can feel the benefits.”

    Nebraska Stakeholder Support: 

    “The Nebraska Chamber is committed to making Nebraska the best place to own, operate and grow a business, and this bill brings us one step closer to achieving that. The Paid Family and Medical Leave Tax Credit represents Nebraska business owners’ desire to strengthen the state’s overall workforce. The NE Chamber and businesses across the state appreciate Senator Fischer’s continued leadership on this issue,” said President of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce Bryan Sloane. 

    “The Lincoln Chamber of Commerce appreciates Senator Fischer’s leadership in her efforts to empower small businesses to provide paid family and medical leave. Senator Fischer’s continued efforts by way of introducing her Paid Family and Medical Leave Tax Credit Extension and Enhancement Act is a continuation of her commitment to employers, employees, families, and communities. We view this crucial policy initiative as something that should be included in any larger pro-growth tax policy package that might be considered,” said Lincoln Chamber of Commerce President Jason Ball.

    “The Greater Omaha Chamber is grateful to Senators Fischer and King for introducing this important legislation. While a broad representation of our membership offers various types of paid leave, incentives will matter to companies and businesses who have greater barriers to offering paid leave, especially our smallest members. This proposed legislation allows us greater opportunities to care holistically for employees the way we strive to, and aligns with the Chamber’s mission,” said Greater Omaha Chamber President and CEO Heath Mello. 

    “The Nebraska Grocers and all our affiliates thank Senator Fischer for her commitment to businesses, families, and communities. By embracing incentives, rather than imposing burdensome and impractical mandates, this Act recognizes that business owners want to provide flexibility to their most valuable resource – their dedicated employees. The Paid Family and Medical Leave Tax Credit Extension and Enhancement Act is genuinely helpful, responsible policymaking which empowers both employers and employees,” said Nebraska Grocery Industry Association Executive Director Ansley Fellers. 

    Full List of Nebraska Endorsements:

    Nebraska Chamber of Commerce, Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, Mutual of Omaha, Nebraska Grocery Industry Association, Nebraska Hospitality Association, and Nebraska Retail Federation.

    National Stakeholder Support:

    “AARP, which advocates for the more than 100 million Americans age 50 and older, is pleased to endorse the bipartisan Paid Family and Medical Leave Tax Credit Extension and Enhancement Act. This legislation will provide consistency and certainty to businesses by making tax credit 45S permanent. In addition, the proposed enhancements to the credit will encourage more employers to provide this important benefit to support working family caregivers with low to moderate incomes,” said AARP Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Bill Sweeney.

    “Too many people today face the difficult choice between earning a paycheck and caring for themselves or family member. Senators Fischer and King are offering a bipartisan solution that will go a long way toward helping working families facing this dilemma. The enhanced tax credit will enable more employers—especially small employers— to offer their workers a paid family and medical leave benefit. It also will help more people access this benefit by making it easier for employers to qualify for the credit. Most important, the legislation gives people peace of mind knowing they’ll be protected from economic loss when taking time off from work to care for themselves or a loved one. We applaud Senators Fischer and King for advancing this legislation that offers working Americans the help they want and need,” said American Council of Life Insurers President & CEO David Chavern.

    “Over the last year, the AICPA has worked closely with staff from both Senator Fischer and Senator King‘s offices on important legislation that would help families and middle income households by allowing more employers to offer the benefit of paid family and medical leave to their employees by making the tax credit permanent. We applaud Senators Fischer and King for their thoughtful and consistent leadership on this bill and offer our strong support,” said American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Vice President of Tax Policy & Advocacy Melanie Lauridsen.

    “Benefits like paid family leave help restaurant operators recruit skilled hospitality professionals. Making the Paid Family, Medical Leave tax credit program pilot permanent would support the growth of the small business operators who are considering or offering PFML. In the current economy, we appreciate Sens. Fisher and King’s efforts to support small business restaurant owners and their employees by continuing this program,” said National Restaurant Association Executive Vice President of Public Affairs Sean Kennedy. 

    “NFIB thanks Senator Fischer and Senator King for introducing the Paid Family and Medical Leave Tax Credit Extension and Enhancement Act. Incentivizing small business owners to offer paid family and medical leave rather than penalizing them for failing to provide a benefit that they cannot afford is a wise policy for the small business owners,” said National Federation of Independent Businesses Vice President Federal Government Relations Jeff Brabant.

    “BPC Action is proud to endorse the Paid Family and Medical Leave Tax Credit Extension and Enhancement Act to make permanent and expand the employer tax credit for paid family and medical leave, known as 45S, and applauds Sens. Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Angus King (I-ME) for their bipartisan leadership on this bill. As BPC has found, ‘In an ever-changing economy and tight labor market, paid family and medical leave can importantly encourage workers to stay in the labor force, support household finances, and help businesses compete for workers.’ This bill is critical to helping businesses provide paid leave benefits to more hardworking American families. We urge Congress to take up this proposal, originally enacted as part of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act,” said Bipartisan Policy Center President Michele Stockwell. 

    “We the People send Americans into the halls of government with the opportunity to do the Will of the People, to do good. As such, it is perpetually our hope that our elected officials will execute such Will and enact laws that will serve the People, especially in cases where it is feasible in order to ease the burdens that life sometimes thrusts upon us where loved ones, families and businesses are most affected. The PFML Tax Credit Bill provides a judicious antidote for a malaise that has existed for far too long for so many Americans and businesses. More specifically, the PFML Bill effectively eliminates the decision of having to choose between family and a paycheck. In short, it gives individuals, families and employers the relief and peace of mind that they desperately need. On behalf of the American Caregiver Association, I encourage all those who are willing, to support U.S. Senators Deb Fischer and Senator Angus King and their continuing efforts to make the PFML Tax Credit Bill permanent,” said American Caregiver Association President Vincent S. Pettis. 

    “At SHRM, we are committed to advancing smart, practical policies that strengthen workplaces, empower HR professionals, and maximize human potential. As employers innovate to provide leave options that support well-being and family care, public policy must keep pace—offering incentives that encourage organizations to expand access to leave while maintaining the flexibility needed to design and sustain these programs. A balanced approach ensures that more workers can benefit from this critical support. At SHRM, we prioritize policy over politics and view this effort as a strong example of bipartisan collaboration and constructive policymaking in Congress,” said Society for Human Resource Management Chief of Staff and Head of Government Affairs Emily M. Dickens, J.D.

    “On behalf of our nation’s 2.95 million Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) business owners and entrepreneurs, National ACE applauds Senators Fischer and King for their leadership in reintroducing the Paid Family and Medical Leave Tax Credit Extension and Enhancement Act. Access to paid family and medical leave is vital for small business owners and their employees, particularly within the AAPI community, where caregiving responsibilities often extend across generations. This bipartisan effort provides much-needed support for entrepreneurs striving to balance business success with the well-being of their workforce. We are proud to support this legislation and look forward to working together to ensure small businesses have the resources they need to thrive,” said National Asian Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship President and CEO Chiling Tong.

    “The Paid Family and Medical Leave Tax Credit Extension and Enhancement Act is essential to help ensure that more small business owners can offer paid family medical leave to their employees. Policies that include support for business owners and working families through programs like paid family leave help address the economic needs of our small businesses and workforce while at the same time making sure small business owners can compete against their larger counterparts. We thank Senators Fischer and King for their bipartisan leadership in introducing this important legislation and applaud the efforts to both expand access to this credit and ensure that the tax credit is permanent,” said National Association of Women Business Owners Board Chair Dr. Janis Shinkawa.

    “We are pleased to see the reintroduction of this legislation by Senators Fischer and King and thank them for their leadership on this critical issue. This legislation will encourage employers around the country to offer paid leave to their employees, increasing the number of Americans with paid leave coverage. Paid leave strengthens families and the economy by enabling workers to keep their jobs when they need to care for themselves or a loved one, while helping businesses retain valued employees,” said Sun Life U.S. President Dan Fishbein, M.D. 

    Full List of National Endorsements:

    AARP, Alzheimer’s Impact Movement (AIM), American Council of Life Insurers, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), National Restaurant Association, National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB), Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC), American Caregiver Association, Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), National Asian Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship, National Association of Women Business Owners, and Sun Life U.S.

    Background: 

    The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) created a two-year general business tax credit for employers that voluntarily offer up to 12 weeks of PFML to employees. Congress has extended the credit through 2025. The credit also includes an income cap for eligible employees to ensure that it remains targeted to those who need it the most. 

    Under current law, an employer must meet the following criteria to claim the credit: offer all qualifying employees at least two weeks of PFML, have a written PFML policy in effect, and pay at least 50 percent of an employee’s normal wages while the employee is on PFML. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), only 19 percent of those working for employers with less than 50 employees have access to PFML.

    Senators Fischer and King’s legislation builds on the existing credit by making the following changes:

    Making the Credit Permanent:

    • Provides certainty to businesses taking the leap to offer paid family and medical leave.

    Updating the Treatment of Paid Leave Required by State or Local Mandates:

    • Allows eligible employers to receive the credit for leave provided in states without PFML mandates or for leave offered in excess of any state or local mandate. 
      • Currently, employers providing PFML under state or local government mandates are ineligible for the credit, meaning that some employers with operations in both non-mandate and mandate states are ineligible for the credit.

    Supporting Coverage of PFL Insurance Premiums:

    • Allows employers to claim the credit for premiums paid for PFML insurance products that cover qualifying employees. The structure mirrors the current credit, enabling employers to receive up to a 25 percent credit towards yearly premiums, depending on the percentage of wages the insurance plan replaces.

    Reducing the Minimum Employment Period Requirement:

    • Provides employers the option to offer PFML to employees at six months and better target the credit towards younger workers.

    Requiring Greater Outreach and Awareness:

    • Requires the Small Business Administration and Internal Revenue Service to conduct targeted outreach, education, and technical assistance to assist in increasing awareness of the credit.

    Click here to read a summary of the bill.
     

    Click here to read the text of the bill.

    MIL OSI USA News –