NewzIntel.com

Category: US Senate

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall to HHS Nominee RFK Jr. in Senate HELP Hearing: America’s Farmers and Ranchers Fit Into MAHA

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. questioned President Trump’s Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) nominee, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. in his Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee confirmation hearing. 
    In the hearing, Senator Marshall asked RFK Jr. to share who he was fighting for and his top priorities as President Trump’s HHS Secretary. RFK Jr. described America’s dire chronic disease epidemic and emphasized the national security concerns related to our nation’s poor health. He shared how combating chronic disease and creating positive, long-term health outcomes for all Americans is necessary to secure America’s future for generations to come.  
    Growing up in 4H working on farms and having represented farmers as a litigatory, RFK Jr. shared his compassion for America’s food producers, and how America’s farmers and ranchers are at the heart of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement – stating that MAHA will not succeed without the help of America’s food producers. 

    [embedded content]

    You may click HERE or on the image above to watch Senator Marshall’s full line of questioning.
    Highlights from Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s Senate HELP Hearing Responses to Senator Marshall’s questions include: 
    RFK Jr. on combatting America’s chronic disease epidemic: 
    “When I was a 10-year-old boy and my uncle was in the White House, chronic disease among American children was 2% – today it’s 66%. The cost of chronic disease to our country when my uncle was president was zero. There were not even treatments for chronic disease at that time.”
    “The cost [of chronic disease] is $4.45 trillion and is bankrupting our country. 77% of American kids can’t qualify for military service. 38% of teens, according to NIH’s last report, which was three weeks ago, 38% are diabetic or pre-diabetic.”
    “The ship is sinking and nobody’s paying attention to it…We have 252 million Americans who are suffering from chronic disease, and none of them [Democrats] mentioned diabetes, didn’t mention heart disease, they didn’t mention cancers yesterday. We need to refocus if we’re going to save our country. This is existential. Our country is not going to be destroyed because we got the marginal tax rate wrong – is going to be destroyed if we get this issue wrong. And I am in a unique position to be able to stop this epidemic. 
    RFK Jr. on the importance of America’s farmers and ranchers to the MAHA movement:
    “MAHA will not succeed without the cooperation and partnership of agricultural producers, of farmers and ranchers across this country. I was a 4H kid. I grew up working on ranches, and I’ve worked for years representing farmers in various forms of litigation.”
    “Thomas Jefferson said that American democracy is rooted in 10s of 1000s of independent freeholds owned by farmers. We are losing farmers today, and we can’t afford to lose a single farmer. And on my watch, I do not want to lose a single farmer.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven Votes to Confirm Chris Wright as Secretary of Energy

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven

    02.03.25

    Senator Worked to Advance Wright through ENR Committee, Secure Support for Confirmation

    WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement after the U.S. Senate voted to confirm Chris Wright as Secretary of Energy. As a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Committee, Hoeven helped introduce Wright during his nomination hearing and worked to advance his nomination through the committee and full Senate. The senator secured commitments from Wright during his confirmation process to advance key priorities for North Dakota. Among other efforts, Hoeven stressed the need to support the development of new technologies like carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS), including Project Tundra. Such innovations will empower the U.S. to produce more energy from all of its abundant resources, including its vast coal, oil and gas reserves, while improving environmental stewardship.

              “Chris Wright is another great addition to the Trump administration, bringing a wealth of knowledge and real-world experience to the job of Energy Secretary,” said Hoeven. “He knows what it takes to develop new technologies and make them commercially-viable. In North Dakota, we’ve seen firsthand his success in the private sector with the growth in the Bakken. We look forward to working with him in his new role to build upon that record of innovation and unleash America’s energy potential, including through North Dakota’s leadership in CCUS technologies.”

    Securing North Dakota’s Leadership in CCUS

    Hoeven has worked over the past 15 years to advance North Dakota’s leadership in cracking the code on CCUS technologies to enable the next generation of clean, coal-fired electric power and ensure continued access to this reliable, affordable and abundant energy source. Among other priorities, his efforts have included:

    • Putting in place the legal, tax and regulatory requirements to advance CCUS.
    • Making North Dakota the first state to be granted regulatory primacy for Class VI wells, to ensure CO2 is safely and securely stored below the surface.
    • Securing a demonstration grant from the Department of Energy to advance Project Tundra, enabling the coal-fired Milton R. Young power plant to capture and store 4 million metric tons of CO2 per year.
    • Advancing Basin’s Dakota Gasification synfuels plant, the largest coal-based carbon capture project in the world, which is currently in operation and captures up to 2.25 million metric tons of CO2 per year.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven: Brooke Rollins Unanimously Approved by the Senate Agriculture Committee, Advances to Full Senate

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven

    02.03.25

    WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement after Brooke Rollins, President Donald Trump’s nominee to serve as Secretary of Agriculture, was approved unanimously by the Senate Agriculture Committee.

    “Brooke Rollins is an excellent choice to lead the Department of Agriculture. She received unanimous support from the Senate Agriculture Committee, and now the next stop is the Senate floor,” said Hoeven. “With her background growing up on a ranch and her commitment to support our producers, Brooke will be a great partner on behalf of our farmers and ranchers.”

    During Rollins’ hearing before the Agriculture Committee, Hoeven outlined a broad range of efforts to strengthen U.S. agriculture and secured commitments from Rollins to work with him on:

    • Passing a strong farm bill that makes needed investments in the farm safety net, among other producer priorities.
    • Implementing and quickly delivering the $33.5 billion in disaster assistance that he worked to secure for producers in the year-end funding legislation.
      • The assistance package addresses losses from both natural disasters and challenging markets and has funding specifically set aside for livestock losses due to wildfire.
    • Ensuring access for agriculture producers to U.S. Forest Service lands in North Dakota, including for grazing on the national grasslands.
    • Improving access to foreign markets for U.S. farmers and ranchers.
    • Visiting North Dakota to learn firsthand about precision agriculture efforts in the state, including the partnership between Grand Farm, North Dakota State University and the Agricultural Research Service.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murray, Schumer, Wyden, Schatz, Warren Sound Alarm Over Musk Forcing Way into Highly-Sensitive Government Payment System, Threatening to Choke Off Funding for the American People

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    Murray: “It’s already painfully clear that this is the most corrupt administration in our history, and it’s putting our economy, our government, and our most at-risk communities in serious jeopardy.”

    Murray: “Maybe Elon will decide he doesn’t like that Blue Origin—and not SpaceX—gets a contract, so he wants to gum up the works on their payments. Private corporations and competitors need to take note. And anyone who thinks that surely won’t happen has not been paying attention.”

    ***VIDEO HERE***

    Washington, D.C. — Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR), Brian Schatz (D-HI), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) to sound the alarm over Elon Musk and his team at the so-called “Department of Government Efficiency” being granted access to the federal government’s central payments system, which handles $6 trillion and the vast majority of all federal disbursements each year. Musk and his associates were granted access to the U.S. Treasury’s payment systems the same weekend they threatened their way into the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and seized Office of Personnel Management (OPM) computer systems. New reporting indicates they are now forcing their way into Small Business Administration (SBA) systems, as well. 

    Murray and her colleagues outlined the threat of Musk and the administration abusing the Treasury’s payment system to illegally block funding and payments, the danger of allowing Musk access to Americans’ most sensitive personal data, and how this administration’s historic corruption and illegal funding freezes are putting our country’s economy and national security in jeopardy. 

    Senator Murray’s remarks, as delivered, are below and video is HERE:

    “Well we’re two weeks in, and it’s already painfully clear that this is the most corrupt administration in our history, and it’s putting our economy, our government, and our most at-risk communities in serious jeopardy.

    “In particular, we learned that Elon Musk now has access to the Treasury Department’s most sensitive payment system handling six trillion dollars every year and managing nearly all federal disbursements. It’s a system that contains extremely sensitive personal and commercial information, and I’ve been hearing from people across my state who are truly alarmed about what Musk and his associates having access to this system could mean for their data—and for funding that they count on. 

    “Let’s not mince words here. An unelected, unaccountable billionaire—with expansive conflicts of interest, deep ties to China, and an indiscreet axe to grind against perceived enemies—is hijacking our nation’s most sensitive financial data system and its checkbook so that he can illegally block funds to our constituents, based on the slightest whim or wildest conspiracy. Funds—mind you—that Congress passed on a bipartisan basis. 

    “Some Republicans are trying to suggest that Musk only has ‘viewing access’ to Treasury’s highly sensitive payment system as if that’s acceptable either. But why on earth should we believe that—particularly when he is saying the exact opposite loudly and repeatedly for everyone to see? 

    “What funds will Elon target next—life-saving medical research? Housing assistance? Food banks? We already know he is falsely attacking faith-based organizations that help people—and promising to cut off funds based off conspiracy theories.

    “The world’s richest man has vowed to cut off funding that helps the least among us. Think about that. And next—think about how many dollars he himself makes from government contracts. And the Trump Administration is handing the keys of the Treasury over to him? It does not get more blatantly corrupt than that. 

    “And let me underscore just how dangerous this is—because now that Trump has handed over Treasury’s checkbook, what if Elon decides he doesn’t like how Ford is getting federal funds to build an EV battery plant, what’s next? All Elon has to do is say ‘oh, they’re woke,’ and he can convince Trump to illegally cut off those funds.

    “Maybe Elon will decide he doesn’t like that Blue Origin—and not SpaceX—gets a contract, so he wants to gum up the works on their payments. Private corporations and competitors need to take note. And anyone who thinks that surely won’t happen has not been paying attention.

    “Now, make no mistake: Trump and Musk have absolutely zero legal authority to hold up any federal payments that are law, but that has not stopped them so far.

    “This country is still reeling from the chaos of last week’s blanket spending freeze and Trump’s illegal executive orders to withhold funds are still not yet revoked. Trump and Musk have yet to find a law they think applies to them.

    “That is not how things work in this country. We have a democracy. We have checks and we have balances—where the President is accountable to Congress, where we pass the laws, and he implements them.

    “But some of my colleagues across the aisle seem to be forgetting that our democracy does not work by magic. We have to do our part to hold the President accountable. Our job is not to say ‘yes’ to everything any President does—no matter how lawless or harmful. 

    “Democrats are pushing back with the tools that we have. We will speak out, we will press this administration, we will open investigations, and we will demand accountability. The one tool we do not have is the majority in this Congress. 

    “So that means our Republican colleagues have to say ‘enough.’ We need them to join us. We need them to stand up to the corruption and lawlessness and stand up for the people they represent.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murray, Cantwell, Join Senators in Bipartisan Push to Permanently Repeal the Global Gag Rule

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    ICYMI: Senator Murray Statement on Trump Reinstating Expanded Global Gag Rule, Targeting Reproductive Health Care

    Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) joined Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and other colleagues in reintroducing their Global Health, Empowerment and Rights (HER) Act, bipartisan legislation to permanently repeal the harmful Global Gag Rule or “Mexico City Policy,” which bans U.S. federal funding for foreign non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that use their own, non-U.S. funds to provide abortion services or information about abortion. Recently, the Trump administration reinstated its expanded Global Gag Rule, after the Biden administration had rescinded the policy in 2021.

    The Global Gag Rule forces clinics to choose between providing limited reproductive health services while accepting U.S. foreign aid, or providing inclusive family planning and reproductive health care while forgoing U.S. aid. It means organizations that receive U.S. international aid for other reasons—such as HIV prevention, maternal health, or fighting diseases like malaria—cannot educate their communities on pregnancy options, including safe abortion care, or their funding will be pulled.

    In addition to reinstating the harmful Global Gag Rule, President Trump signed an executive order on his first day in office to freeze all U.S. foreign assistance for 90 days. Notably, in response to widespread public backlash, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on January 28th a waiver for “life-saving humanitarian assistance”—but the waiver explicitly excludes lifesaving family planning programs. If these programs remain shut down for the full 90-day review period, 11.7 million women and girls will be denied birth control, resulting in 4.2 million unintended pregnancies, and 8,340 will die from complications during pregnancy and childbirth. The Trump administration and billionaire Elon Musk are now illegally attempting to shut down the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which provides critical humanitarian aid overseas that supports U.S. national security interests.

    “When we invest in a safer and healthier world, that pays dividends for America. Make no mistake: the Global Gag Rule prevents NGOs from using their own resources to provide lifesaving reproductive health services, and it forces organizations to make impossible choices that restrict access to care for some of the most desperate people across the globe—that’s why I’m glad to once again join my colleagues in introducing legislation to repeal this dangerous policy,” said Senator Murray.“It is unsurprising, but extremely telling, that some of the very first moves of Donald Trump’s second administration prioritize attacking reproductive health care and targeting vulnerable women and girls around the world.”

    “The Trump administration is stripping U.S. funding from international aid groups that even just discuss abortion with their patients. Congress must permanently repeal the global gag rule — these organizations provide essential health care and save lives,” said Senator Cantwell.

    Senators Murray and Cantwell have long supported the Global HER Act and pushed to repeal the Global Gag Rule, including speaking out forcefully against the expanded Global Gag Rule Donald Trump issued at the beginning of his first administration.  

    Among other things, the Global HER Act:

    • Ensures that eligible foreign NGOs can continue to operate U.S.-supported health programs abroad, particularly those that provide legal health services to women — including counseling, referral and legal abortion services — with their own, non-U.S. funds;
    • Guarantees that foreign NGOs will not be forced to sacrifice their right to free speech in order to participate in U.S.-supported programs abroad; and
    • Expands access to health programs for women around the world to improve health and development outcomes for entire families, communities and developing countries.

    Full text of the Global HER Act is available HERE.

    In addition to Senators Murray, Cantwell, Shaheen, and Murkowski, the Global HER Act is also cosponsored by Senators Merkley (D-OR), Warnock (D-GA), Durbin (D-IL), Cortez Masto (D-NV), Welch (D-VT), Murphy (D-CT), Reed (D-RI), Blumenthal (D-CT), Hirono (D-HI), Bennet (D-CO), Whitehouse (D-RI), Kaine (D-VA), Rosen (D-NV), Schatz (D-HI), Hickenlooper (D-CO), King (I-ME), Padilla (D-CA), Klobuchar (D-MN), Booker (D-NJ), Baldwin (D-WI), Coons (D-DE), Ossoff (D-GA), Sanders (I-VT), Warren (D-MA), Slotkin (D-MI), Duckworth (D-IL), Wyden (D-OR), Smith (D-MN), Kelly (D-AZ), Markey (D-MA), Lujan (D-NM), Alsobrooks (D-MD), Warner (D-VA), Hassan (D-NH), Gillibrand (D-NY), Van Hollen (D-MD), Schiff (D-CA), Schumer (D-NY) and Gallego (D-AZ). Companion version is being led in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representative Lois Frankel (D, FL-22).

    The Global HER Act is endorsed by 58 organizations representing global health, women’s reproductive rights, women’s equality, civil rights and other relevant advocacy constituencies.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy Releases Statement on President Trump’s New Sovereign Wealth Fund

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy

    U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) issued the following statement after President Trump signed a new executive order creating a sovereign wealth fund.
    “Let’s use it to save Social Security!” said Dr. Cassidy. “I have been advocating for years to create a new fund—separate from the Social Security Trust Fund—that invests in the growth of the American economy. President Trump’s new sovereign wealth fund is an excellent step in that direction. We must keep the trust of the American people. Americans don’t want this being used on just anything. Social Security is a dedicated process that can free money for other priorities and preserve seniors’ benefits.”
    Background
    Cassidy led a bipartisan working group to preserve and protect Social Security. In 2023, he released the inaugural Bill on the Hill video where he asked Capitol Hill visitors from across the country their thoughts on the looming benefit cuts to Social Security and presented his “Big Idea.”
    In December, Cassidy successfully demanded a vote on the Social Security Fairness Act, leading to the bill being signed into law. In July and again in December, Cassidy spoke on the U.S. Senate floor urging Congress to repeal WEP and GPO as part of his “Big Idea.”
    Last March, Cassidy grilled U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on President Biden’s plan to address Social Security, to which Secretary Yellen admitted “the president doesn’t have a plan,” to save Social Security.
    Cassidy has discussed the “Big Idea” at a public forum with AARP on the future of Social Security, outlined his Social Security plan in a fireside chat with the Bipartisan Policy Committee, and authored op-eds in the Washington Examiner in July, the Wall Street Journal in March, and State Affairs and Washington Post in May. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed Blasts Dangerous & Unprecedented Move by Trump Admin. That Puts U.S. Economy and National Security At Risk and Jeopardizes Americans’ Personal Data

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed

    WASHINGTON, DC — Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) Subcommittee, which oversees funding for the U.S. Department of Treasury, sounded the alarm that the Trump Administration is putting the U.S. economy and national security at risk; needlessly turning Americans’ sensitive personal information over to Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who also owns the social media platform known as X (formerly Twitter); and creating a pathway for the Trump Administration to potentially block payments to any individual or entity perceived as a political opponent of President Donald Trump.

    Reed is seeking answers from new Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent following reports that he granted access to a highly sensitive Treasury Department payment system to personnel affiliated with Mr. Musk’s so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) taskforce. 

    In a letter, Reed urged Bessent: “To protect our national security and public confidence in our fiscal and economic system, you should immediately reverse this action.”

    The U.S. Treasury’s federal payment system, which is maintained by non-political civil servants, disperses trillions of dollars each year, such as Social Security and Medicare benefits, defense spending and servicemember pay, interest on government bonds, tax refunds, federal grants, and nearly all other obligations owed by the government.  No previous Treasury Secretary has ever allowed Treasury’s payment system and the goldmine of sensitive personal data it processes to be accessed by a partisan task force.  Trump loyalists could use this information to illegally manipulate or operationally shut down individual U.S. government payments to any disfavored entity or perceived opposition of the President’s.

    “Your actions have placed our national security at risk because unvetted individuals, potentially including foreign nationals, now have full access to these systems. According to press reports, these individuals include corporate executives of multinational companies with extensive international operations. Access to this system includes the ability to view American’s most sensitive personally identifiable information, such as social security numbers, bank account numbers, home addresses, and more. It also gives Mr. Musk and his allies outside the federal government the ability to unilaterally and illegally cut off federal payments,” Reed wrote.

    The previous person in charge of Treasury’s payment system, the Fiscal Assistant Secretary of the United States Treasury, who served in that position since 2014 — and who President Donald Trump named as acting Treasury Secretary while Mr. Bessent went through the nominations process — was put on paid administrative leave and then resigned after refusing to do what Bessent did: spark an unprecedented payment system crisis by turning over the keys to America’s payment system to an unelected billionaire with significant foreign business ties and his partisan cronies and potentially empowering DOGE to go after President Trump’s perceived enemies.

    Reed warned that Secretary Bessent’s departure from long-standing Treasury procedure could endanger the nation’s financial well-being and harm ordinary citizens.  Granting Elon Musk’s team the single most comprehensive dataset on virtually every American with no checks, transparency, or accountability is extremely dangerous and unprecedented. 

    “It is longstanding Treasury Department procedure to restrict access to this system to a handful of individuals who have undergone a full background investigation evaluating criminal history, foreign ties, trustworthiness, and finances, among other issues. This process is essential to protect Americans’ personal information and benefits from being compromised by hostile nations, to protect taxpayer funds from being pilfered by untrustworthy individuals, and to ensure that payments owed to the American people are made reliably and on time. This deviation from Treasury practice follows an emerging pattern of DOGE impeding fundamental government functions, placing taxpayer funds at risk, and intruding on Americans’ privacy—actions that have placed the special interests of a small group of well-connected individuals above American families. Indeed, the individuals who have just received access to government payment systems have not sworn an oath to the Constitution and have no obligation to act in the general interest,” Reed wrote.

    Reed urged Treasury to take four key steps immediately, including:

    •           Revoking the access to U.S. government payment systems that you provided to surrogates of Mr. Musk, who have not been property vetted;

    •           Appointing a new Fiscal Assistant Secretary who is a nonpartisan expert with experience working in the Bureau of the Fiscal Service across Administrations of both parties;

    •           Refusing to honor any requests by Mr. Musk’s surrogates or the DOGE to block disbursements of any funds; and

    •           Taking steps to protect Americans’ personal information from being exploited for commercial purposes by individuals who were granted access to U.S. government payment systems.

    Reed also demanded written responses to the following questions no later than February 10, 2025:

    •           Which individuals have you allowed to access to the federal payment systems and why?

    •           Do all those who have access to the systems hold security clearances? If not, why not?

    •           Have you provided any non-federal employees or any individuals working at the behest of Mr. Musk, as part of DOGE or any other entity, with source code information related to the federal payment systems?

    •           Do any non-federal employees have access to the systems or authority to direct or withhold payments? If so, on what authority?

    •           How many foreign nationals have been granted access to the federal payment systems or been given authority over payments?

    •           What are you doing to prevent unauthorized access to the systems?

    •           What assurances are there that Mr. Musk will not be able to use access to the Federal government’s payment system to advance his own business interests or penalize his competitors or critics?

    •           What are you doing to ensure that political interference will not affect Americans’ access to their Social Security benefits and other critical payments the Bureau of Fiscal Service makes?

    •           Are you planning to allow the same DOGE cohort access to the Internal Revenue Service’s information technology?

    Full text of the letter follows:

    February 3, 2025

    The Honorable Scott Bessent, Secretary

    U.S. Department of the Treasury

    1500 Pennsylvania Ave. NW

    Washington, DC 20220

    Dear Secretary Bessent:

    On Friday, January 31, you provided full access to the federal government’s payment systems to surrogates of Elon Musk and representatives of the so-called “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE), which operates under the de-facto control of Mr. Musk, a private citizen. To protect our national security and public confidence in our fiscal and economic system, you should immediately reverse this action.

    The Treasury Department through the Bureau of the Fiscal Service executes payments on behalf of agencies across the federal government. Last year, Treasury distributed $5.4 trillion in payments for the American public, including Social Security benefits, defense spending and servicemember pay, interest on government bonds, tax refunds, federal grants, and nearly all other obligations owed by the government. Your actions have placed our national security at risk because unvetted individuals, potentially including foreign nationals, now have full access to these systems. According to press reports, these individuals include corporate executives of multinational companies with extensive international operations. Access to this system includes the ability to view American’s most sensitive personally identifiable information, such as Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, home addresses, and more. It also gives Mr. Musk and his allies outside the federal government the ability to unilaterally and illegally cut off federal payments.

    It is longstanding Treasury Department procedure to restrict access to this system to a handful of individuals who have undergone a full background investigation evaluating criminal history, foreign ties, trustworthiness, and finances, among other issues. This process is essential to protect Americans’ personal information and benefits from being compromised by hostile nations, to protect taxpayer funds from being pilfered by untrustworthy individuals, and to ensure that payments owed to the American people are made reliably and on time. This deviation from Treasury practice follows an emerging pattern of DOGE impeding fundamental government functions, placing taxpayer funds at risk, and intruding on Americans’ privacy—actions that have placed the special interests of a small group of well-connected individuals above American families. Indeed, the individuals who have just received access to government payment systems have not sworn an oath to the Constitution and have no obligation to act in the general interest.

    You should immediately reverse the actions that you took on January 31:

    •           Revoke access to U.S. government payment systems that you provided to surrogates of Mr. Musk, who have not undergone full background investigations and have not been property vetted;

    •           Appoint a new Fiscal Assistant Secretary who is a nonpartisan expert with experience working in the Bureau of the Fiscal Service across Administrations of both parties;

    •           Refuse to honor any requests by Mr. Musk’s surrogates or the DOGE to block disbursements of any funds; and

    •           Protect Americans’ personal information from being exploited for commercial purposes by individuals to whom you have granted access to U.S. government payment systems.

    In addition, because you have already have given individuals operating at the behest of Mr. Musk access to U.S. government payment systems, please provide written answers to the following questions no later than February 10, 2025:

    •           Which individuals have you allowed to access to the federal payment systems and why?

    •           Do all those who have access to the systems hold security clearances? If not, why not?

    •           Have you provided any non-federal employees or any individuals working at the behest of Mr. Musk, as part of DOGE or any other entity, with source code information related to the federal payment systems?

    •           Do any non-federal employees have access to the systems or authority to direct or withhold payments? If so, on what authority?

    •           How many foreign nationals have been granted access to the federal payment systems or been given authority over payments?

    •           What are you doing to prevent unauthorized access to the systems?

    •           What assurances are there that Mr. Musk will not be able to use access to the Federal government’s payment system to advance his own business interests or penalize his competitors or critics?

    •           What are you doing to ensure that political interference will not affect Americans’ access to their Social Security benefits and other critical payments the Bureau of Fiscal Service makes?

    •           Are you planning to allow the same DOGE cohort access to the Internal Revenue Service’s information technology?

    Finally, please keep in mind that all executive branch agencies must proactively alert the Appropriations and other appropriate House and Senate Committees when apportionments are not made in required time periods, are approved only with conditions, or may hinder the prudent obligation of apportionments or the execution of a program, project, or activity. Agencies are also required to report all violations of the Impoundment Control Act to Congress. Finally, agencies may not prohibit or prevent any federal employee from having direct communication with any Member, committee, or subcommittee of Congress. All federal employees must be free to communicate directly with Congress, whether Congress has requested that communication or not.

    Thank your attention to this matter, and I look forward to your prompt response.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: RI Delegation Calls on Trump Administration to Swiftly Implement New Law Increasing Social Security Benefits for Public Service Employees

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed

    CRANSTON, RI – U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse along with Congressmen Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo today joined with union officials to call on the Trump administration to swiftly implement a new law that increases Social Security benefits for public service employees.  The event took place at National Education Association Rhode Island’s headquarters.

    “Thousands of hardworking Rhode Islanders who have dedicated their lives to serving our communities deserve the reassurance that they won’t be short-changed on their Social Security benefits. That’s why I worked for years with my colleagues to pass this legislation and ensure that millions of teachers, postal workers, firefighters, police officers, and other dedicated civil servants get the benefits they have earned,” said Reed.  “I’m glad we were able to finally deliver this correction and it is imperative that the Trump Administration acts urgently to implement this law.  We will be watching closely.  I’m committed to protecting and strengthening Social Security to ensure all Americans are able to retire with the dignity and financial security they have earned.”

    “We worked for years to pass this law to finally increase Social Security benefits for retired teachers, police officers, and firefighters across Rhode Island,” said Whitehouse, a founding member of the Expand Social Security Caucus and a longtime cosponsor of the Social Security Fairness Act.  “This change will strengthen the middle class, and we are going to keep after the Trump administration to swiftly implement it.  I will continue doing everything in my power to protect and expand the benefits seniors have earned over a lifetime of hard work.”

    “For too long, public servants—teachers, firefighters, and police officers—have been unfairly shortchanged on the Social Security benefits they have rightfully earned,” said Magaziner. “With the passage of the Social Security Fairness Act, we’ve corrected this injustice and delivered long-overdue relief to thousands of Rhode Islanders.”

    “The Social Security Fairness Act is a critical new law that expands earned benefits for Rhode Islanders for the first time in over 20 years,” said Amo. “It fixes an oversight where public employees — including teachers, firefighters, and police officers — paid into Social Security but received far less than what they planned for in retirement. I promised to work to get it across the finish line upon arriving in the House. I proudly signed a discharge petition that forced House Republicans to bring the Social Security Fairness Act to the floor — and I was thrilled to vote yes when it passed the House in November last year.”

    All four members of Rhode Island’s congressional delegation cosponsored the Social Security Fairness Act, which President Biden signed into law in January. 

    The Social Security Fairness Act eliminated the Windfall Elimination Provision, which reduced Social Security benefits for retired or disabled workers if they also receive pensions from public sector jobs that are not covered by Social Security.

    The bill also eliminated the Government Pension Offset, which reduced Social Security spousal benefits for retired public servants who receive pensions from employment that was not covered by Social Security.

    More than 8,600 Rhode Islanders who receive government pensions but also contributed to Social Security through private-sector employment stand to benefit from the legislation.

    “This hard-fought, long-awaited legislation exemplifies government working for the people by correcting a provision that unfairly penalized workers for their public service,” said National Education Association Rhode Island President Val Lawson. “The Social Security Fairness Act will significantly improve the lives of our educators and education support professionals.”

    “The labor movement has been organizing for this victory for decades.  It shows that we will never give up, no matter how long it takes,” said Patrick Crowley, President of the Rhode Island AFL-CIO. “Thank you to the entire Congressional Delegation for their support for Rhode Island public services workers.”

    Today, we stand united in this victory, honoring the countless hours of advocacy, resilience, and unwavering determination it took to repeal the WEP/GPO legislation. This journey has been long, but together, we’ve fought for fairness and justice for every worker who dedicated their life to public service. Our success is a testament to the strength of solidarity and the belief that when we stand together, we can change the course of history,” said Maribeth Calabro, President of the RI Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals. “We are grateful for the support of our Congressional delegation, to ensuring that members have these benefits.”

    “On behalf of the national Repeal WEP/GPO Task Force committee, and as one of the three founding committee members along with John Pernorio, RI ARA and Roger Boudreau, RIAFT-R, I extend our sincerest thanks and appreciation to our RI federal House of Representatives members and Senators for their sponsorships and continued support to achieve passage of the Social Security Fairness Act,” said Rose Marie Cipriano, President of the RI Association of Retired Principals. “After forty-two years penalizing public service workers, predominantly educators, fairness was achieved January 5, 2025, when former President Biden signed HR 82 into law.  Over three million retirees will no longer have to endure a sixty percent reduction to their owed Social Security benefits.  Our RI Congressional delegation’s commitment and respect for all public service workers will forever be acknowledged.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: New York Times: Warren Questions Bessent Over Musk Access to Treasury Payment System

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    February 03, 2025

    Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts sent a letter on Monday to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent demanding answers for why the so-called Department of Government Efficiency was granted access to the federal payments system, giving Elon Musk and his team a powerful tool that could be used to track and potentially limit government spending.

    The letter is a sign of mounting outrage among Democrats over the unorthodox efforts that the Trump administration and Mr. Musk are preparing to take control of how congressionally approved funds are spent. The questions come after a career civil servant named David Lebryk abruptly resigned on Friday after requests to grant Mr. Musk’s lieutenants access to Treasury’s payment system.

    “It is extraordinarily dangerous to meddle with the critical systems that process trillions of dollars of transactions each year, are essential to preventing a default on federal debt, and ensure that tens of millions of Americans receive their Social Security checks, tax refunds and Medicare benefits,” wrote Ms. Warren, the top Democrat on the Senate Banking Committee.

    …

    Read the full article here.

    By:  Alan Rappeport
    Source: New York Times

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Warren Sounds Alarm on Threat Elon Musk Poses to Government Payment Systems

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    February 03, 2025

    “Donald Trump and his billionaire buddies are determined to take over this government to make it work better for themselves and worse for everyone else.” 

    “[T]his is not business as usual…We are living a nightmare created by Donald Trump and Elon Musk, and we need to wake up.” 

    Video of Press Conference (YouTube) 

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs (BHUA), delivered remarks on the danger of Elon Musk having access to the federal government’s critical payment systems, which includes the sensitive personal information of millions of Americans.

    Transcript: Press Conference – Democrats Sound Alarm Over Musk Forcing Way into Highly Sensitive Central Government Payment System
    February 3, 2025
    As Delivered

    Senator Elizabeth Warren: I want to be clear about what’s going on here.

    The system that makes sure that your granddad gets his Social Security check. The system that makes sure your mom’s doctor gets a Medicare payment to cover her medical appointment. And the system that makes sure you get the tax refund you’re owed, has been taken over by Elon Musk. And every organization from your state government that uses federal money on that bridge project to the local Head Start that takes care of little kids while their mommies and daddies go to work is now at the mercy of Elon Musk. Maybe you get paid, or maybe you don’t—because now it appears that all of us work for Elon Musk.

    Elon just grabbed the controls of that whole payment system, demanding the power to turn it on for his friends or turn it off for anyone he doesn’t like. One guy deciding who gets paid and who doesn’t. It is not the law, but it is the reality. 

    Now, there’s a second problem here. It’s not just payments from the federal government that are now in Elon’s control. Elon and his handful of friends now have full access to your personal and financial information that’s in the system. Your payment history. Your social security number. Your bank account numbers. Elon now has the power to suck out all that information for his own use. Now, whether it’s to boost his finances or expand his political power, it is all up to Elon. 

    And there’s a third problem. In order for this handful of programmers to gain access to our $6 trillion payment system, we don’t know what safeguards were pulled down. Are the gates wide open now for hackers from China, from North Korea, from Iran, from Russia? Heck, who knows what black hat hackers all around the world are finding out about each one of us and copying that information for their own criminal uses. 

    Donald Trump and his billionaire buddies are determined to take over this government to make it work better for themselves and worse for everyone else. And this is just the start. As we gear up for the tax fight, it will become even clearer that Trump will open the doors for billionaires and giant corporations to find more ways to loot the government at your expense. Meanwhile, everyone else pays more for groceries, more for housing, more for prescription drugs, and more for healthcare.

    When unelected billionaires start ransacking our government offices, this is not business as usual. Nope. Nothing is normal. We are living a nightmare created by Donald Trump and Elon Musk, and we need to wake up. We need to use every tool we have to fight back, and in the Senate, we can start by saying NO to dangerous Trump nominees like Tulsi Gabbard or Russ Vought. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Washington Post: Senators urge tougher chip controls to stymie Chinese AI advance

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    February 03, 2025

    Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts) and Josh Hawley (R-Missouri) have issued a populist appeal to Commerce Secretary-designate Howard Lutnick to toughen chip export controls against China, in response to the country’s surprise DeepSeek AI breakthrough.

    “Multiple administrations have failed — at the behest of corporate interests — to update and enforce our export controls in a timely manner. We cannot let that continue,” they wrote in a letter provided exclusively to The Washington Post, calling DeepSeek “an export control failure.”

    The pair laid out an anti-Big Tech line in arguing that “corporate lobbying” resulted in loopholes to Biden administration export controls, allowing DeepSeek to acquire — and more pointedly Nvidia to sell — the chips it needed to train its AI model.

    The senators also asked Lutnick to “insulate” the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security from industry lobbying by hiring senior staffers without existing connections to industry or lobbying firms.

    …

    Read the full article here.

    By:  Eva Dou
    Source: Washington Post

    Previous Article

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NBC News: Democratic senators say they have ‘grave concerns’ over RFK Jr.’s potential financial conflicts

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    February 03, 2025

    Two Democratic senators on the committee that will get to decide whether to advance Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination say his recent financial disclosure filing gave them “grave concern” about whether he should become the next health and human services secretary.

    In a letter to Kennedy dated Sunday, Sens. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Ron Wyden, D-Ore., said his recently amended ethics disclosure form only raised additional questions about the scope of his potential financial conflicts of interest.

    “What is clear is that your involvement and financial interests in vaccine litigation are broad and extensive. It seems possible that many different types of vaccine-related decisions and communications—which you would be empowered to make and influence as Secretary—could result in significant financial compensation for your family,” wrote Warren and Wyden, who are on the Finance Committee.

    “These conflicts, combined with your decades-long career casting doubt about the safety and efficacy of life-saving vaccines, give us grave concern about your fitness to serve as Secretary,” they continued. 

    …

    Read the full article here.

    By:  Natasha Korecki
    Source: NBC News

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Barrasso Votes to Confirm Chris Wright as Secretary of Energy

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wyoming John Barrasso

    WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Senate Majority Whip, released the following statement after voting to confirm Chris Wright, President Donald J. Trump’s nominee to be the Secretary of Energy.

    The Senate confirmed Chris Wright’s nomination by a vote of 59 to 38.

    “Secretary Chris Wright will help usher in the golden age of American energy dominance. He understands that affordable, abundant energy is the source of American strength. Under his leadership, we will use all of our nation’s vast energy resources to lower prices for families and grow our economy. I look forward to working with Secretary Wright and Secretary Doug Burgum to promote energy projects in Wyoming and across the country.”

    Senator Barrasso recently spoke on the Senate floor about Secretary Wright’s nomination.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Leads All Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats IN Letters Demanding Answers From FBI, DOJ Nominees, Acting Attorney General, And Acting FBI Director On Trump Administration Forcing Out DOJ And FBI Officials

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    February 03, 2025

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today led all Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats in letters to President Trump’s nominee to be the Attorney General of the Department of Justice (DOJ), Pam Bondi; nominee to be the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Kash Patel; nominee to be Deputy Attorney General, Todd Blanche; as well as the Acting Attorney General,  James McHenry; and Acting FBI Director, Brian Driscoll, about the removal or reassignment across DOJ and FBI of career law enforcement officials. Last week, the Trump Administration reportedly purged dozens of DOJ and FBI officials involved in prosecuting Donald Trump and the January 6 rioters and is now threatening additional action against thousands of employees across the country who worked on investigations related to the attack on the Capitol.

    In addition to Durbin, the letters were signed by U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Chris Coons (D-DE), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Adam Schiff (D-CA).

    The Senators wrote, “We have grave concerns about the removal or reassignment across the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) of senior career civil servants who have served honorably under multiple administrations, regardless of the President’s party. The removals and reassignments from their positions of a significant number of experienced, nonpartisan Department officials with invaluable national security expertise without any comparable replacements one day into the second Trump Administration presents an alarming threat to national security. As many as 20 senior Department officials were reassigned or removed, including the veteran career deputy assistant attorneys general in the Department’s National Security Division.”

    The Senators continued, “Our alarm has only grown in the past two weeks as this purge of experienced career prosecutors and agents has expanded to include the removal or forced retirement of all six Executive Assistant Directors (EADs), including the EADs who oversee the National Security Branch, Intelligence Branch, and the Criminal, Cyber, Response, and Services Branch; as well as the Assistant Directors and the Special Agents in Charge of at least four major field offices. Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove ordered these actions in a January 31, 2025 memo, stating, ‘I do not believe the current leadership of the Justice Department can trust these FBI employees to assist in implementing the President’s agenda faithfully.’ Similarly, more than a dozen senior Department prosecutors were fired after receiving memos from Acting Attorney General McHenry stating: ‘Given your significant role in prosecuting the President, I do not believe that the leadership of the Department can trust you to assist in implementing the President’s agenda faithfully.’ Retaliating against these career public servants who were simply doing the work assigned to them is outrageous and unacceptable.”

    Over the weekend, thousands of FBI personnel across the country were asked to complete a questionnaire by today, Monday, February 3, at 3pm. The survey asks for their job title, whether they worked on a case related to the January 6th attack on the Capitol, “if they were involved in the arrest of a Jan. 6 suspect, if they testified at a trial, if they interviewed witnesses, if they conducted surveillance on suspects and more.” It has also been reported that the Acting FBI Director is being advised by an advisory committee comprised of partisan political operators, including an Elon Musk affiliate. This is a stark departure from the longstanding tradition that the FBI Director is the only political appointee in the Bureau.

    “As America faces a heightened threat landscape, these shocking removals and reassignments deprive DOJ and the FBI of experienced, senior leadership and decades of experience fighting violent crime, espionage, and terrorism. As the FBI Agents Association stated in response to reports about the removal of FBI officials: ‘Dismissing potentially hundreds of Agents would severely weaken the Bureau’s ability to protect the country from national security and criminal threats and will ultimately risk setting up the Bureau and its new leadership for failure,’” the Senators wrote. “Moreover, the firing of dozens of federal prosecutors and hundreds of agents will cripple FBI field offices and U.S. Attorney’s offices across the country. We can only assume these decisions are intended to prevent the Department from investigating national security and public corruption, while also serving as political retribution against the President’s perceived enemies and stoking fear among the dedicated and talented workforce in our nation’s premier law enforcement agency.”

    In the letter, the Senators state that the Senate Judiciary Committee has a constitutional obligation to perform oversight over the Department and its components, and to provide advice and consent on the nominations of officers to lead it. To that end, they request various information to be returned to the Committee in response to the removal of FBI and DOJ officials. They also request answers from these individuals about their involvement.

    The full letter to AG nominee Pam Bondi can be found here.

    The full letter to FBI Director nominee Kash Patel can be found here.

    The full letter to Deputy AG nominee Todd Blanche can be found here.

    The full letter to Acting AG McHenry and Acting FBI Director Driscoll can be found here.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Joins Stonecrop Meadows in Middlebury for Groundbreaking 

    US Senate News:

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

    Welch nominated the project for federal funding through Congressionally Directed Spending Process 
    MIDDLEBURY, VT – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today joined Vermont Governor Phil Scott, community members, and partners to celebrate the groundbreaking of Stonecrop Meadows in Middlebury. The new housing project will provide rental and owner-occupied housing at all income levels. Senator Welch nominated Stonecrop Meadows for Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) as part of the Fiscal Year 2025 CDS process, which is currently in-progress.  
    “Ambitious initiatives like the Stonecrop Meadows project are essential to tackle our housing challenges in Vermont and across the country. I’m excited to celebrate the groundbreaking of this community-driven project, which I nominated to receive Congressionally Directed Spending. I’ll continue to fight for passage of this upcoming budget to ensure these funds make it to this critical project,” said Senator Welch. 

    The Stonecrop Meadows project is being built on 35 acres of Middlebury College-owned land off Seminary Street Extension. Phase 1, called the “Core Village” will be 80 units. At full buildout, this project will create 254 new homes. 
    Sen. Welch was joined by Vermont Governor Phil Scott; Vermont State Treasurer Mike Pieciak; Alex Farrell, Commissioner of the Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD); Maura Collins, Executive Director of the Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA); Gus Seelig, Executive Director of the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board (VHCB); Representatives from Middlebury College; community members; and Representatives from the Offices of Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Rep. Becca Balint (VT-At-Large).   

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Collins’ Statement on Nomination of Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, issued the following statement on the nomination of Tulsi Gabbard to serve as Director of National Intelligence (DNI):

    “After extensive consideration of her nomination, I will support Tulsi Gabbard to be the Director of National Intelligence. As one of the principal authors of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 that established this coordinating position, I understand the critical role the DNI plays in the Intelligence Community. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence, however, has become far larger than it was designed to be, and Ms. Gabbard shares my vision of returning the agency to its intended size. In response to my questions during our discussion in my office and at the open hearing, as well as through her explanation at the closed hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee, Ms. Gabbard addressed my concerns regarding her views on Edward Snowden. I look forward to working with Ms. Gabbard to strengthen our national security.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Collins’ Statement on Pause of Canadian Import Tariffs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins issued the following statement on the White House’s decision to pause proposed tariffs on all Canadian imports:

    “I am pleased that the Trump Administration is pausing the tariffs on Canada to evaluate the economic impact on both our nations. In my many conversations with Administration officials over the weekend, I sought to make them aware of the potential costs of these tariffs. From home heating oil, gasoline, and petroleum products, to Maine’s paper mills, forest products businesses, and agricultural producers, the proposed tariffs on Canada would be detrimental to Maine families and our local economies. As the Administration assesses next steps, I’ll work to ensure Mainers have a seat at the table.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy reintroduces bill to keep administrative state in check, ensure agency regulation oversight

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)
    WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today reintroduced the Bureaucratic Limitation and Overreach Control (BLOCK) Act to establish guardrails for executive agencies’ major rulemaking.
    The bill would lower the economic impact requirements of the Congressional Review Act (CRA) for major rules from $100 million to $50 million per year. Rules that the Comptroller General predicts meet or exceed the threshold would require a joint resolution of approval by Congress before the they could go into effect. 
    “Bureaucratic rulemaking has run rampant and is burdening Americans with too many costly regulations. My BLOCK Act would make sure that Congress keeps the administrative state in check,” said Kennedy. 
    The BLOCK Act would permit a major rule to go into effect if the president determined that it is necessary for national security or disaster response but would still require congressional approval within 15 session days. The rule would become invalid if a joint resolution of approval had not passed within the timeframe.
    Six months after the bill becomes law, every federal agency would have to submit 20% of the major rules that it currently had in effect to Congress for approval. Following that six-month period, those agencies would have to submit another 20% of their major rules for congressional approval annually. Within five years of the bill’s enactment, Congress would have had the opportunity to approve or disapprove all major rules that were in effect when the BLOCK Act became law.
    The BLOCK Act would allow minor rules, which include those that the Comptroller General predicts would have an economic impact of less than $50 million, to go into effect upon publication in the Federal Register. Congress would still have the authority to pass a joint resolution of disapproval under the CRA to reverse minor rules that an agency had published.
    The full bill text is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Finance Committee Members Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Ensure Medicare Patients’ Access to Cancer Detection Technologies

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo

    Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Finance Committee member Michael Bennet (D-Colorado), with Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) and Finance Committee member Tim Scott (R-South Carolina), reintroduced the Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) Screening Coverage Act that would ensure Medicare beneficiaries’ access to cutting-edge tests capable of detecting multiple types of cancer before symptoms appear.  Bipartisan companion legislation (H.R. 842) was also introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. 

    “Breakthroughs in early cancer detection can drive more effective treatments and higher survival rates,” said Crapo.  “By providing a Medicare coverage pathway for multi-cancer early detection screening tests, this bipartisan bill would ensure seniors can receive lifesaving preventive care, a crucial step in combating the chronic disease epidemic.  With strong support from patients and families across the country, I look forward to advancing this legislation across the finish line and to President Trump’s desk.”

    “I know from personal experience that early cancer detection can make all the difference,” said Bennet.  “This bipartisan legislation will help save lives by ensuring Medicare beneficiaries across the country have access to the latest, breakthrough screening technologies.”

    “It should go without question that if we have the opportunity to implement more life-saving technology for diseases like cancer, we should do it,” said Scott.  “I am glad to join my colleagues on this important legislation to expand Medicare coverage for multi-cancer early detection tests to save more lives.”

    “The first step to beating cancer is by detecting it sooner than later,” said Wyden.  “This bipartisan bill will help more seniors in Medicare get preventive screening that enables a wider range of treatment options when cancer is detected early.  I look forward to working on a bipartisan basis on any effort to promote cancer treatment and prevention, including the use of the most up-to-date technologies in the Medicare program.”  

    The MCED would:

    • Establish a coverage pathway under Medicare for certain U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved MCED tests, which can screen for dozens of cancer types, many of which currently lack an effective screening option;
    • Authorize the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to provide Medicare coverage for FDA-approved MCED screening tests, enabling beneficiaries to access these technologies, which currently lack a viable coverage pathway under the program;
    • Maintain CMS authority to use an evidence-based process to determine coverage parameters for these new tests; and
    • State that new diagnostic technologies will supplement existing screenings and will not impact existing coverage and cost-sharing.

    The MCED also has the support of leading healthcare organizations across the United States.  Find quotes from the organizations here.

    Bill text can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Graham Statement on Committee Advancing Vought’s Nomination

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Lindsey Graham
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, today made this statement after the committee voted to advance Russ Vought’s nomination to be Director of the Office of Management and Budget to the floor.  
    “I was very pleased that Russ Vought was reported out of the Budget Committee unanimously by those in attendance — all Republicans. 
    “My Democratic colleagues decided to boycott, which is their right. The markup was short and pleasant. They were missed… Sort of.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley, Durbin Announce Senate Judiciary Subcommittee Assignments for the 119th Congress

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Ranking Member Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) today announced the establishment, leadership and membership of Senate Judiciary Subcommittees for the 119th Congress.

    “The Senate Judiciary Committee’s broad jurisdiction tasks us with important responsibilities, such as safeguarding Americans and our border, empowering consumers, pursuing justice against criminal offenders, vetting nominees to the federal judiciary and upholding the founding principles of our Constitution,” Grassley said. “Our work impacts nearly every aspect of Americans’ daily life. We have a strong roster of committee members, and I look forward to delivering for the American people this Congress.”

    “The Senate Judiciary Committee is arguably the workhorse of Senate committees. The list of historic hearings held before it is long and filled with memorable testimony,” Durbin said. “These are consequential times, but we have a talented group of Democratic members, and I look forward to them leading the national debate on the critical issues we face.”

    Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights

    Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), Chair             Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Ranking Member

    Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.)                       Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.)

    Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.)                       Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.)

    Sen. Kate Britt (R-Ala.)                           Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.)

    Sen. Ashley Moody (R-Fla.)                    Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.)

    Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.)

    Subcommittee on Border Security and Immigration

    Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), Chair    Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member

    Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.)               Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.)

    Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas)                        Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.)

    Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.)                      Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.)

    Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.)                    Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii)

    Sen. Kate Britt (R-Ala.)                          Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.)

    Sen. Ashley Moody (R-Fla.)

    Subcommittee on the Constitution

    Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Mo), Chair        Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member

    Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas)                  Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.)

    Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah)                         Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii)

    Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas)                        Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.)

    Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.)                      Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.)                     Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.)

    Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.)         

    Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism

    Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Chair       Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ranking Member

    Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.)              Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.)

    Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas)                  Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.)

    Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas)                       Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.)

    Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.)         Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.)

    Sen. Kate Britt (R-Ala.)

    Subcommittee on Federal Courts, Oversight, Agency Action and Federal Rights

    Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chair          Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Ranking Member

    Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.)               Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.)

    Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah)                         Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii)

    Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.)                      Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.)                    Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.)

    Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.)

    Subcommittee on Intellectual Property

    Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Chair         Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Ranking Member

    Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah)                          Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.)

    Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.)          Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.)

    Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.)                      Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii)

    Sen. Kate Britt (R-Ala.)                           Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.)

    Sen. Ashley Moody (R-Fla.)

    Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology and the Law

    Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Chair Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ranking Member

    Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.)                 Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.)

    Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas)                    Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.)

    Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.)                       Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.)                      Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.)

    Sen. Ashley Moody (R-Fla.)

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville Honors Stephen Woodfin of Harvest as February “Veteran of the Month”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) released a video honoring Navy Second Class Officer Stephen Woodfin as the February “Veteran of the Month.”

    Excerpts from Sen. Tuberville’s remarks can be found below, and his complete remarks can be found here.

    “America’s military is the greatest in the world because of men and women who take pride in their role to keep us safe. No one demonstrates this better than Petty Officer First Class Stephen Woodfin of Harvest, Alabama.

    After being drafted into the Navy in 1968, Stephen found himself far from his small-town Alabama farm at basic training in Nashville and San Diego. He describes this journey from the farm to the Navy as ‘a country boy in hog heaven.’ After basic training, he was shipped out to the South Pacific to serve his country for the next four years in the Vietnam War. Like many Vietnam veterans, Stephen saw firsthand the horrors of war.

    Yet, Stephen is still proud to say he served in the military and says his time in combat led him to meet some of the finest people he ever met. Shortly before returning home in 1972, Stephen met his wife, whom he describes as the best thing that ever happened to him. After their return back to the states, Stephen took on several different roles—including husband, father, postal serviceman, teacher, and many more.”

    Senator Tuberville recognizes a different Alabama veteran each month for their service and contribution to their community. Constituents can nominate an Alabama veteran and submit their information to Senator Tuberville’s office for consideration by emailing press_office@tuberville.senate.gov. 

    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP, and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy At USAID: Trump And Musk Are Shuttering Agencies To Turn Government Over To Billionaires

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    February 03, 2025

    WASHINGTON— U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, on Monday joined a press conference in front of the shuttered United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to raise the alarm about how President Trump’s decision – at the behest of Elon Musk – to illegally shut down the agency will have disastrous impacts on national security while strengthening China and Russia.

    Murphy highlighted USAID’s crucial role in global security and support for democracy: “USAID fights terrorist groups all across this world making sure that we address the underlying causes that lead to terrorism. USAID chases China all around the world, making sure China doesn’t monopolize contracts for critical minerals and port infrastructure all around the world. It supports freedom fighters everywhere in this world, up until yesterday, delivering firewood, for instance, to the brave Ukrainian defenders on the eastern front.”

    Murphy called out Trump’s closure of USAID as a play by Elon Musk and the billionaire class to hijack U.S. foreign policy for profit: “Elon Musk makes billions of dollars based off of his business with China. And China is cheering at this action today. There is no question that the billionaire class trying to take over our government right now is doing it based on self-interest–their belief that if they can make us weaker in the world, if they can elevate their business partners all around the world, that they will gain the benefit.”

    Murphy continued: “They are shuttering agencies and sending employees home in order to create the illusion that they are saving money in order to do what? Pass a giant tax cut for billionaires and corporations, right? This is all a smokescreen, a shell game, in order to turn this government over to a handful of unelected billionaires and corporate interests, and we are not going to let them do that.”

    Murphy concluded: “So we will use every power that we have in our disposal in the United States Senate. My colleagues will do the same thing in the House. This is a constitutional crisis that we are in today.  Let’s call it what it is. The people get to decide how we defend the United States of America. The people get to decide how their taxpayer money is spent. Elon Musk does not get to decide. We are weaker today than we were yesterday. China sees that, Russia sees that, and they will take advantage. Our job, and your job together, is to raise our voices, raise the alarm, so that this crisis, this emboldening of our enemies, doesn’t last a second longer than it has to.”

    A full transcript of his remarks can be found below:

    MURPHY: “So, Elon Musk has been floating all sorts of awful, terrible conspiracy theories about what happens at USAID. Let’s make it very clear that every single day America is safer because of what happens at USAID. 

    “USAID fights terrorist groups all across this world making sure that we address the underlying causes that lead to terrorism. USAID chases China all around the world, making sure China doesn’t monopolize contracts for critical minerals and port infrastructure all around the world. It supports freedom fighters everywhere in this world, up until yesterday, delivering firewood, for instance, to the brave Ukrainian defenders on the eastern front. 

    “But let’s not pull any punches about why this is happening. Elon Musk makes billions of dollars based off of his business with China. And China is cheering at this action today. There is no question that the billionaire class trying to take over our government right now is doing it based on self-interest–their belief that if they can make us weaker in the world, if they can elevate their business partners all around the world, that they will gain the benefit. 

    “But there is another reason this is happening. They are shuttering agencies and sending employees home in order to create the illusion that they are saving money in order to do what? Pass a giant tax cut for billionaires and corporations, right? This is all a smokescreen, a shell game, in order to turn this government over to a handful of unelected billionaires and corporate interests, and we are not going to let them do that. 

    “So we will use every power that we have in our disposal in the United States Senate. My colleagues will do the same thing in the House. This is a constitutional crisis that we are in today.  Let’s call it what it is. The people get to decide how we defend the United States of America. The people get to decide how their taxpayer money is spent. Elon Musk does not get to decide. 

    “We are weaker today than we were yesterday. China sees that, Russia sees that, and they will take advantage. Our job, and your job together, is to raise our voices, raise the alarm, so that this crisis, this emboldening of our enemies, doesn’t last a second longer than it has to. Thank you everybody for being here today. Really, really important.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy, Blumenthal Reintroduce WEATHER Act To Protect Connecticut’s Farmers Against Extreme Weather

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    February 03, 2025

    WASHINGTON–U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) joined U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) in reintroducing the Withstanding Extreme Agricultural Threats by Harvesting Economic Resilience (WEATHER) Act, legislation that calls for the development of an index-based insurance policy more responsive to crop and income losses faced by farmers as a result of extreme weather. This would be especially beneficial to small farmers in Connecticut following unprecedented floods in July 2023 and July 2024.

    “Farmers in Connecticut are increasingly dealing with more extreme weather, and we need to make sure they don’t face extra burdens when the next disaster strikes,” said Murphy. “The WEATHER Act would simplify the recovery process by using weather data to trigger automatic insurance payouts, helping farmers get back on their feet quickly with less red tape.” 

    “A new normal of thousand-year storms every year has caused chaos for farmers across the country—ruining crops and destroying land—and in recent years, Connecticut farms have been devastated by extreme weather events, including severe flooding and unprecedented droughts. With this essential legislation, we work to improve our farm safety nets for producers in order to make sure they receive the support they need to weather the storm and keep their farms thriving,” said Blumenthal. 

    Unpredictable weather events exacerbate risks associated with farming, necessitating responsive crop insurance policies. However, producers often opt out of crop insurance due to administrative burdens, high premiums, and low payouts. The WEATHER Act works to better support farmers facing income losses after extreme weather events by reducing administrative hurdles and ensuring that insurance payouts are based on agricultural income losses. The legislation would direct the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to use its insurance research and development authority to research the possibility of developing an index-based insurance program that: 

    • Creates a multi-peril index insurance product for farmers based on weather indices correlated to agricultural income losses using data from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), satellites, climate models, and other data sources. 
    • Pays out within 30 days in the event of indices exceeding any of the pre-determined county-level thresholds for the following events: High winds, excessive moisture and flooding, extreme heat, abnormal freeze conditions, hail, wildfires, drought, and other perils the Secretary determines appropriate. 

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: After Weeks Of Paying For Knicks Games And Episodes Of Judy Justice Without Being Able To Watch, Murphy, Ryan Introduce The “Stop Sports Blackouts Act” To Force Cable Companies To Refund Customers For TV Blackouts

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    February 03, 2025

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and U.S. Representative Pat Ryan (D-N.Y.) introduced the Stop Sports Blackouts Act, legislation that would make cable companies refund customers who aren’t able to watch the channels they already pay for during television blackouts. For over four weeks, due to a dispute between Optimum and MSG Network, over a million customers in the Tri-State area have been unable to watch the Knicks, Rangers, Islanders, and Devils, while a separate blackout left Optimum customers unable to watch Judy Justice and local news for over 10 days. Tens of millions of Americans per year are victim to blackouts – with no requirement that they receive compensation.

    “Blackouts are a slap in the face to every customer paying their hard-earned money for TV shows they can’t even watch,” said Murphy. “It’s ridiculous the rest of us get stuck in the crossfire of negotiations between cable and broadcast companies. Our bill is simple: if cable companies can’t provide the service you’re paying for, they owe you a refund.”

    “It’s outrageous that millions of folks couldn’t watch the Knicks, Judy Justice, or dozens of other programs for weeks because of blackouts. And it’s even more ridiculous that we’re all still paying for the right to stare at black screens! I don’t see why this is even a debate – cable companies simply should not be able to advertise and charge for services they are not providing,” said Ryan. “On behalf of fans across the country, we’re putting down a marker: everyone will get their money back when a blackout stops them from watching TV, no questions asked. That means dollars back in your pockets, and, equally importantly, it provides a hell of an incentive to these billion dollar corporations to make sure these blackouts don’t happen in the future. They have teams of lobbyists looking out for them – I’m introducing this legislation because I fight for YOU.”

    This type of TV blackout occurs when distributors, including cable and satellite TV companies, are unable to reach an agreement with broadcasters over the rights to distribute their content. Until an agreement is reached, subscribers are unable to view the content they had paid for as part of their cable or satellite package.

    On January 1, 2025, Optimum and MSG Network announced that they were unable to renew their distribution agreement, leaving subscribers unable to watch NBA and NHL games in the middle of the season. On January 10, Optimum subscribers were subjected to an additional blackout when the company announced it had failed to come to an agreement with Nexstar Media, which owns WTNH, the syndication rights to popular show “Judy Justice,” starring Judge Judy Sheindlin, and the NewsNation network.

    The Stop Sports Blackouts Act would direct the Federal Communications Commission to require television distributors to provide rebates to subscribers for television blackouts that occur as a result of carriage disputes.

    Full text of the legislation is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: January 29th, 2025 Heinrich, Leger Fernández Demand Answers from Trump Administration on ICE Harassment of Native American Citizens

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representative Teresa Leger Fernández sent a letter to President Trump demanding immediate action to address reports of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents harassing, detaining, and questioning Native American Tribal members about their citizenship. The lawmakers condemned these actions as unconstitutional and a violation of Tribal sovereignty, calling for swift action to end racial profiling and protect Native communities. 

    In their letter, the lawmakers highlighted a confirmed incident in New Mexico where an ICE agent harassed a Tribal citizen at a convenience store, questioning their citizenship.

    “Native American Tribal members are United States citizens. Stopping people because of what they look like – with dark skin, Asian, Latino or Native American characteristics is never acceptable,” the lawmakers wrote. “ICE’s dangerous behavior of harassing American citizens, seemingly only due to the way they look, is unconstitutional and un-American.”

    The lawmakers also raised alarm about additional reports of ICE agents targeting Native Americans in multiple states, saying, “Your Administration’s actions and policies are quickly spreading fear in communities that have existed since time immemorial. It is unconscionable to question their citizenship and cause them to live in fear.”

    The lawmakers emphasized the historical and legal context, reminding the Administration that the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924 granted citizenship to all Native Americans. “Native communities are quintessentially American communities.”

    The lawmakers called on the Trump Administration to take immediate action to:

    The lawmakers also condemned President Trump’s recent statement suggesting that immigration enforcement should target people based on their appearance. “Your recent statement that you can tell an immigrant who is ‘trouble’ by the way they ‘look’ suggests that sending ICE agents after our communities is about the color of a person’s skin, not their immigration status,” the lawmakers stated in their letter.

    “It is unconscionable to question [Native Communities’] citizenship and cause them to live in fear,” the lawmakers wrote. “You must put a stop to ICE agents targeting Native Americans.”

    The letter was led by U.S. Representative Teresa Leger Fernández. Alongside Heinrich the letter was signed by U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representatives Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.), Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.), and Yassamin Ansari (D-Ariz.). 

    The text of the letter is here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Shaheen Speaks with New Hampshire Nonprofits to Hear Concerns about Impact of Trump’s Federal Funding Cuts to Services They Provide Granite Staters

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen

    (Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a top member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, spoke with representatives from New Hampshire nonprofits about the impacts the Trump administration’s order to stop federal grants and loans have on the key services they provide to children, students, seniors, veterans, people with disabilities and small businesses across the Granite State. Representatives from Easterseals New Hampshire, Families in Transition, the New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority (CDFA), Waypoint, the NH Center for Nonprofits, Granite United Way and other organizations attended the meeting. 

    “Because of the White House’s confusing, far-reaching order to stop federal grants and loans, New Hampshire nonprofits and community organizations are concerned that they won’t be able to provide their vital, often life-saving services to Granite Staters,” said Shaheen. “As we work to get answers about who and what will be affected, I was thankful to hear from many of our great partners on the ground.” 

    On Wednesday night, Shaheen spoke on the Senate floor to condemn the Trump administration’s order to take away federal grants and loans that families, seniors and small businesses in all 50 states rely on for critical, often life-saving services. Shaheen illustrated the chaos caused by the extreme order by sharing the stories of many Granite Staters she has heard from in the past two days. 

    On Monday, the Trump administration’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB) announced a sweeping executive order pausing almost all forms of federal assistance to states, nonprofits, non-governmental organizations and more. Senator Shaheen immediately condemned the move and emphasized the impact it will have on communities. The full list that agencies were directed to review encompasses over 2,600 assistance programs, including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP), Women, Infants and Children (WIC), community health centers, the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), transportation and highway funding, energy assistance programs, water infrastructure funding, State Opioid Targeted Response grants, GI Bill, veteran compensation for service connected disabilities, Section 8 vouchers, school breakfast and lunch, Title I education grants, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Head Start. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senate Passes Grassley-Klobuchar National Stalking Awareness Month Resolution

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) applauded the Senate’s unanimous passage of their resolution designating January as “National Stalking Awareness Month.” The bipartisan and bicameral effort aims to drive awareness of the dangers of stalking and encourage victims to seek help by reporting the crime. Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) and Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.) will introduce companion resolution in the House of Representatives. 

    “Far too many Americans have suffered physical and psychological trauma as a result of stalking. I’m glad to join my colleagues in raising awareness of this terrible crime and highlighting the essential work of advocates, law enforcement and service workers who support victims and survivors,” Grassley said. 

    “As a former prosecutor, I have seen firsthand the serious emotional and physical toll stalking can take on victims,” Klobuchar said. “Our bipartisan resolution raises awareness about the dangers of stalking, the need to protect victims, and the resources available to help survivors.” 

    “The severity of stalking cannot be understated – this dangerous and repugnant crime has resulted in severe physiological and physical trauma and it is imperative that we provide the necessary resources to protect victims from these heinous acts,” Fitzpatrick said. “Our bipartisan National Stalking Awareness Month resolution promotes awareness about stalking and recognizes the need to prevent this crime while continuing efforts to safeguard our communities from such threats.” 

    “Stalking is a serious crime that imparts unimaginable physical and psychological distress on its victims. No one should have to fear for their safety or for the safety of their loved ones, but it’s estimated over 13 million people are stalked in the United States every year. On top of this, we know stalking is a significant risk factor for intimate partner homicide,” Dingell said. “We recognize National Stalking Awareness Month to educate the public about the dangers of stalking, reaffirm our commitment to survivors, and continue working to identify new ways to keep communities safe.” 

    Read the resolution HERE. 

    Background:

    Approximately one in three women and one in six men in the U.S. have experienced stalking at some point in their lives. Iowans who suspect they may be victims of stalking should contact the?Crime Victims Assistance Division?of the Office of the Iowa Attorney General for resources and further assistance. 

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin, Castro Introduce Bill To Curb Firearms Trafficking From The United States To Mexican Drug Cartels

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    February 03, 2025

    The Stop Arming Cartels Act would stem the “iron river” of firearms trafficking enabled by weak American gun laws

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Representative Joaquin Castro (D-TX-20), Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, led the bicameral introduction of the Stop Arming Cartels Act.  The legislation is introduced as an estimated 200,000 to 500,000 American-made guns are trafficked into Mexico annually, largely attributable to unlicensed gun dealers, straw purchasers, and thefts from federal firearms licensees (FFLs).

    The bill would seek to stem this “iron river” of firearms trafficking from the United States to Mexico, enabled by weak American gun laws and dangerous gun industry practices. The deadly stream of firearms trafficking exacerbates violence, enables cartels who smuggle migrants to our southern border, and facilitates the illicit trade of narcotics, including fentanyl, across the border back into the United States.  According to a 2021 study from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), 70 percent of crime guns recovered in Mexico from 2014-2018 and submitted for tracing were U.S.-sourced.

    “Our country’s lax gun laws have created a deadly, vicious cycle of firearms trafficking that’s riddled with violence and chaos, resulting in a consistent transfer of fentanyl across our border.  Our gun laws and gun industry practices fuel an iron river of firearms trafficking that supplies Mexican drug cartels and other criminal elements in the region, and it’s time to cut off the iron river at its source.  With the Stop Arming Cartels Act, we can disarm cartels and help prevent the violence, drug trafficking, and irregular migration associated with cartel power and violence at home and abroad,” said Durbin.

    “For years, Republicans have taken an increasingly brutal approach to immigration while refusing to address the role that U.S. guns play in fueling the violence and instability that force families to flee from their homes.  When I meet with leaders in Latin America and the Caribbean, their number one request is for the United States to stop the gun trafficking that originates within our borders.  In Mexico, in particular, high-caliber weapons smuggled from the United States have allowed cartels to shoot down police helicopters, attack military convoys, and undercut public faith in law and order.  The Stop Arming Cartels Act will make important progress to stem the deadly flow of guns from the United States and build stability across the globe.  I appreciate Senator Durbin’s leadership on this issue in the Senate, and I hope that our Republican colleagues will join us as we work to pass this lifesaving bill into law,” said Castro.

    Specifically, the Stop Arming Cartels Act would:

    • Prohibit future nongovernmental manufacture, importation, sale, transfer, or possession of .50 caliber rifles;
    • Regulate existing .50 caliber rifles under the National Firearms Act, with a fee waiver and 12-month grace period for registration on the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record for those who lawfully possess them under current law;
    • Create an exception to the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA), allowing victims of gun violence to sue manufacturers and dealers who engage in firearm transactions prohibited under the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act (the “Kingpin Act”);
    • Prohibit the sale or transfer of firearms to individuals sanctioned under the Kingpin Act and add Kingpin Act designations to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS); and
    • Require firearms dealers to report multiple sales of rifles to state and local law enforcement agencies, as they must currently do for handguns.

    The bill is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Jack Reed (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

    The bill is endorsed by Brady United Against Gun Violence, Everytown for Gun Safety, GIFFORDS, March for Our Lives, Global Exchange, Global Action on Gun Violence, Amnesty International, and People’s Movement for Peace and Justice.

    The introduction of the Stop Arming Cartels Act continues Durbin’s efforts to strengthen American gun laws and combat firearms trafficking from the United States abroad.  In June 2022, the Senate passed and President Biden signed into law the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the most significant gun violence prevention reform in nearly three decades.  Among its many provisions, the law creates federal firearm straw purchasing and trafficking criminal offenses.

    In March 2022, the Senate passed the government funding bill that reauthorized the Violence Against Women Act, including provisions from the NICS Denial Notification Act.  These provisions require federal law enforcement to promptly notify state law enforcement within hours when a person fails a gun background check.

    In 2019, Durbin urged the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to update its reports on efforts to combat firearms trafficking from the United States to Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala and expand the report to include El Salvador and Honduras.  The report revealed that 40 percent of firearms recovered in those countries and submitted for tracing from 2015-2019 came from the United States.  Based on the immense value of that report, Durbinjoined colleagues in 2023 to successfully press GAO to expand the study further to include the Caribbean.

    Bill text is available here. A one-page summary of the bill is available here.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Protect Consumers in the Online Ticket Marketplace

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Senator for New Mexico Ben Ray Luján
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), members of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, & Transportation, reintroduced the Mitigating Automated Internet Networks for (MAIN) Event Ticketing Act, legislation that would and better protect consumers in the online ticket marketplace. The MAIN Event Ticketing Act boosts enforcement of the Better Online Ticket Sales (BOTS) Act of 2016, a law that prohibits ticket scalpers from using software to purchase high volumes of tickets.
    “Far too many Americans face excessive price-gouging for tickets from online bots and resellers, and I am committed to ensure Americans can enjoy live entertainment without the fear of being scammed,” said Senator Luján. “I’m proud to join Senator Blackburn in reintroducing our MAIN Event Ticketing Act which will strengthen protections for consumers and artists from scammers. I look forward to working with my colleagues to get this legislation signed into law.”
    “As a cultural institution dedicated to making the performing arts accessible to all, the Santa Fe Opera applauds this bipartisan effort to better combat and enforce unfair ticketing practices and protect consumers and artists from exploitation,” said Santa Fe Opera General Director Robert K. Meya. “The MAIN Event Ticketing Act addresses critical challenges, ensuring that access to live performances remains fair and equitable to all audiences. We are grateful for Senator Luján and Senator Blackburn’s leadership on this important issue and fully support their efforts to enhance transparency and fairness in the online ticket marketplace.”
    “We are fully behind this legislation,” said Lensic 360 Director Jamie Lenfestey. “Enforcement of the existing law is a great approach. In high sales season we can see as many as 96,000 bot hits on our sales website daily. Any efforts in enhancing consumer protection and helping promoters and presenters best engage their audiences directly much needed step in the right direction.”
    “As a small venue owner, the health of my business relies heavily on food, beverage, and merchandise sales to complement ticket revenue. When bots and scalpers purchase tickets en masse, it not only drives up prices but also prevents true fans from attending events. This results in empty seats at my venue, leading to a significant loss—up to 75% of my projected revenue from concessions and merchandise sales,” said Jayson Wylie, President and CEO of Taos Mesa Brewing and Musich Entertainment.
    Specifically, the MAIN Event Ticketing Act would:
    Creating reporting requirements whereby online ticket sellers have to report successful bot attacks to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC);
    Creating a complaint database so consumers can also share their experiences with the FTC, which in turn is required to share the information with state attorneys general;
    Enacting data security requirements for online ticket sellers and requires the sharing of information between the FTC and law enforcement; and
    Requiring a report to Congress on BOTS enforcement.  
    This legislation is endorsed by the Recording Academy, Recording Industry Association of America, Live Nation Entertainment, and the National Independent Venue Association.
    Bill text is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –