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Category: US Senate

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tillis Introduces Kash Patel at Nomination Hearing to be Director of the FBI

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Carolina Thom Tillis

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Thom Tillis, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, introduced Kash Patel at his nomination hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee to be the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

    Watch the introduction here.

    Read Senator Tillis’ statement below:

    Chairman Grassley, Ranking Member Durbin and my colleagues on the Senate Judiciary Committee, it’s my honor to introduce Kash Patel, President Trump’s nominee to be FBI Director. I’ve completed due diligence on his life and career, and I’m convinced Kash possesses significant expertise and an ironclad commitment to justice. I have concluded he’s an outstanding choice to lead the FBI. 

    Kash’s parents are Indian immigrants of Gujarati ancestry. The Gujarat state is a melting pot of religions, including Hinduism, Islam, and Jainism, with temples, mosques, and other religious sites scattered across the state.  His father was raised in Uganda, but his family fled the country to escape repression under Idi Amin. His mother was born and raised in Tanzania. They met and married in India and ultimately made their way to New York City by way of Canada, where his parents along with 7 brothers and sisters, their spouses, and at least a half dozen kids lived under the same roof. His parents raised Kash in the Hindu faith, and they instilled in him the values of hard work and education.  Kash is a devout Hindu, and consistent with his faith, he has shown respect to people of all faiths.

    Kash attended the University of Richmond, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and history. He went to Pace University School of Law, where he earned his JD and an International Law Certificate from the University College of London, Faculty of Laws.

    Kash began his career as a public defender in Florida where he led or co-led more than 60 jury trials to verdict in state and federal courts. Kash has clearly demonstrated devotion to upholding the rule of law and defending the rights of individuals.

    Kash led the defense of Jose Buitrago in United States v. Buitrago, a high-profile drug case in Florida in 2015.  Buitrago was one of the Colombian nationals arrested in a major drug bust involving Operation BACRIM. Kash and his co-counsel successfully argued that key evidence was withheld by the prosecution, leading to Buitrago’s release. I suspect some of Kash’s disdain for prosecutorial misconduct stems from this firsthand experience. 

    Kash was hired as senior counsel on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence in 2017. He told me he distinctly remembers my friend Trey Gowdy’s comment shortly after they were introduced. He said, “Kash, Congress is where righteous investigations go to die, I hope you’re ready.” Kash wasready and he went on to establish a solid reputation for pursuing the facts. From there, he held senior posts at the NSC, DoD, and DNI.

    Since leaving the administration after 2020, Kash has written articles and books on national security, law, and governance. Through his work as an author, Kash continues to advocate for justice and transparency and to be ever vigilant in defending our great democracy and the rule of law.

    Colleagues, I’ve created a Kash BINGO that is available to any of my colleagues who would like on the other side of the aisle. Some may view this as an unserious caricature and not appropriate for this committee, but sadly I consider it a serious caricature of what I expect to be witnessed today. I think we will have words like “enemies list” and “deep state”, but the fact of the matter is some people will be here to substantiate a false narrative. At worst, they may just be going through an unfounded litany of quote and half quote and half-truths, some that have already been dispelled in the Chairman’s opening statement. 

    In my 10 years in the Senate, I hope I have established a reputation for being fair, doing my homework, and taking tough positions that have been met with harsh criticism. Heck, I’ve been censured by my party for taking tough positions, and I stand by those positions today and my position to support Kash Patel. 

    When President Trump announced his intent to nominate Kash, I contacted Trey Gowdy and others who’ve worked with Kash, and they gave glowing recommendations. So, I called Kash on December 2nd and offered to help with his nomination. Since then, we’ve spent hours together in person and on the phone.

    I’ve asked him difficult questions and I’ve urged him to reach out to members across the aisle. He’s met with 60 members of the U.S. Senate, including several members of this committee.

    Chair Grassley, Ranking Member Durbin, friends, and colleagues on the committee. I’ve completed my due diligence on Kash Patel, and I am honored to provide my strongest recommendation for his confirmation.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Coons, Lankford introduce bill to incentivize charitable giving through tax code

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and James Lankford (R-Okla.) reintroduced the Charitable Act to reward Americans who give to charity and incentivize more people to donate to worthy causes. Under this new bill, Americans who donate to charities, houses of worship, religious organizations, and other nonprofits of their choice would be able to deduct that donation from their federal taxes, even if they take the standard, non-itemized deduction.

    A similar provision was first enacted in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which passed in 2020. As a result of that legislation, 90 million taxpayers benefitted from the deduction, and households making between $30,000 and $100,000 increased their charitable giving the most. Charitable organizations received $30 billion in increased donations. 

    “Delawareans have always risen to the occasion in support of our communities,” said Senator Coons. “Last year, Americans demonstrated our generosity by donating a collective $557 billion to charities, houses of worship, and nonprofits. I am proud to reintroduce the Charitable Act with Senator Lankford to help the federal government encourage even more Americans to embrace the civic virtue of giving to those in need.”

    “America’s first safety net should never be the government—government is the least efficient caregiver by far. Our families, churches, and other nonprofits do incredible work to lift up those who need it most. Updating the tax law to incentivize giving empowers Americans to make an even bigger impact for the homeless, hurting, and hungry,” said Senator Lankford. 

    This bill is supported by numerous organizations, including The National Council of Nonprofits (25,000 member organizations), Charitable Giving Coalition (175 member organizations), the Nonprofit Alliance, Faith & Giving Coalition, Leadership 18, Independent Sector, YMCA, Council on Foundations, American Endowment Foundation, Philanthropy Southwest, Christian Alliance for Orphans, Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, United Philanthropy Forum, National Association of Charitable Gift Planners, Association of Art Museum Directors, the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability, Association of Fundraising Professionals, Council for Advancement and Support of Education, Americans for the Arts, American Heart Association, Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits, Delaware Alliance for Nonprofit Advancement, Maryland Nonprofits, Boys and Girls Club of America, March of Dimes, and Habitat for Humanity.

    In addition to Senators Coons and Lankford, the Charitable Act is supported by Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), John Curtis (R-Utah), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), and Tim Scott (R-S.C.).

    “Nonprofits are the backbone of our communities, addressing critical needs and enhancing the quality of life for all. The Charitable Act is a vital step in restoring a proven incentive that encourages generosity and empowers nonprofits to meet growing demands, even in challenging times. We applaud Senators Lankford and Coons for their leadership and steadfast commitment to strengthening the nonprofit sector, ensuring we can continue to deliver essential services and drive positive change,” said Sheila Bravo, President and CEO, Delaware Alliance for Nonprofit Advancement.

    “Bravo to Senators Lankford and Coons on this much-needed support for America’s nonprofits. They both understand from personal experience the key role the nonprofit sector plays both as a provider of critical services to millions of Americans and as a major employer in Oklahoma and nationwide. In this era of historic inflation and ever-rising costs, the need for nonprofit services has not declined—in fact, we are needed more than ever. The Charitable Act will help recreate an environment of years past where charitable givers at every level can feel incentivized and appreciated—after all, we are all in this together,” said Marnie Taylor, President & CEO, Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits. 

    “Faith & Giving heartily thanks and commends Senators James Lankford and Chris Coons for reintroducing the Charitable Act to restore a charitable deduction for taxpayers who do not itemize. Giving by individuals is the financial lifeblood of many thousands of American faith communities and faith-based organizations. Yet since 2017 individual giving to religion has fallen billions of dollars short of keeping pace with inflation. No single policy is more important for restoring the health of individual giving and faith-based charities than a non-itemizer charitable deduction like the one Congress created to stimulate giving in 2020 and 2021,” Brian Walsh, Executive Director, Faith & Giving. 

    “Nonprofits need tools like the nonitemizer deduction proposed by the Charitable Act to meet growing and changing community needs,” said YMCA of the USA President and CEO Suzanne McCormick. “We saw this policy unlock more giving when it was enacted temporarily during the pandemic, and we know that making it permanent will help YMCAs serve and support more neighbors every day. Senators Lankford and Coons recognize the important role nonprofits play in communities and understand that the universal charitable deduction helps nonprofits like the Y make their communities stronger. I’m grateful for their leadership.”

    “The temporary non-itemizer charitable deduction implemented in 2020 and 2021 led to an additional $18 billion in donations to nonprofits. As nonprofits are faced with higher demand for services, increased costs, workforce challenges, and declining donations, the Charitable Act presents an opportunity to reinstate that incentive and provide nonprofits with more resources to carry out their mission. The networks of the National Council of Nonprofits enthusiastically endorse this vital legislation and appreciate leaders like Senator Lankford and Senator Coons who continue to be stalwart champions for these efforts and the nonprofit sector,” said Diane Yentel, President & CEO, National Council of Nonprofits.

    “Generosity is a core American value that should be incentivized to help meet the evolving needs of communities,” said Kathleen Enright, Council on Foundations President and CEO. “The temporary non-itemizer deduction in the CARES Act successfully sparked more people to give. We hope Congress will cement this effective policy into law and inspire many more generous Americans to give charitably to support one another and the causes they value. We thank the House and Senate sponsors of the Charitable Act for their leadership on this issue.”

    For quotes from other organizations and non-profit leaders, please click here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Under questioning from Senator Coons, FBI Director nominee Patel refuses to assert FBI’s independence or demonstrate willingness to resign over illegal directives

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) questioned President Donald Trump’s nominee for FBI Director, Kash Patel, at his Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing today, where he pressed him on whether his allegiance to President Trump would mean the end of the Bureau’s independence and whether he’d resign if asked by the White House to do something illegal.

    Senator Coons pressed Patel on several issues at the hearing today. Under questioning, Patel stated that, as FBI Director, he would answer to the President. In contrast, Attorney General nominee Pam Bondi said that, if confirmed, she would answer directly to the Constitution and the American people.

    Senator Coons also asked Patel, as he asked FBI Directors Chris Wray and James Comey during their own confirmations, about whether Patel would resign rather than carry out an illegal order from Trump, as Wray and Comey committed to doing. Patel repeatedly refused to make the same commitment.

    A video and full transcript of Senator Coons’ comments are available below.

    WATCH HERE.

    Sen. Coons: We had a constructive conversation last week, I appreciate your taking the time. In particular, a conversation about the prosecution of the World Cup bombing in Uganda that took the life of a Delawarean whose family I knew, I found moving. But the role you have been nominated for is central – central to our security as a nation, central to the protection of our constitutional rights, and I voted to confirm Trump’s previous FBI director, Chris Wray. I believe he’s lived up to the bureau’s motto of serving with fidelity, bravery and integrity, and I also think my vote for him and for many of Trump’s cabinet in the first term shows I take my constitutional advice and consent rule seriously and do not reflexively vote against his nominees.

    I look at three factors when I assess a nominee. Qualifications and experience; policy views and whether they are in the best interest of the American people; and character and capacity to do the job independently where called for. My colleagues have referenced quotes from Attorney General Barr, National Security Advisor Bolton.

    The FBI is enormous: 38,000 agents, $9 billion budget. I am troubled by your lack of senior law enforcement leadership. We disagree on some important policy views. But the thing that bothers me the most is a whole series of statements you have made in a variety of settings that suggest you would struggle to be independent from White House direction or control, as has long been the modern history of the FBI.

    Who does the director of the FBI work for, Mr. Patel?

    Mr. Patel: Senator, thank you for that question. The immediate report for the Director of the FBI is into the Office of the Deputy Attorney General. Then, that report is taken into the Office of the Attorney General and ultimately the White House in the chain of command there.

    Sen. Coons: So the FBI works for the White House?

    Mr. Patel: No, the FBI is a member of the Department of Justice, and has been the long-standing application—

    Sen Coons: And who does the Department of Justice work for?

    Mr. Patel: They are in the executive branch, as all members do at the White House.

    Sen. Coons: Attorney General Bondi gave a different answer when I asked her the same question— that they work for the Constitution and the American people. President Trump has made clear in public statements he wants to use the FBI to persecute political adversaries. He has publicly said that folks ranging from Liz Cheney, to Adam Kinzinger, to former Vice President Harris should be investigated and criminally prosecuted. If President Trump were to order you to open an investigation into any of these individuals, let’s say, Vice President Harris, would you?

    Mr. Patel: Senator, this question speaks directly to my ability to leave political bias and allow independent behavior to be the only guiding light. As a public defender, I learned that in the harshest of arenas. And any law enforcement investigation, if I’m confirmed at the FBI, will only be launched on the following qualification: a factual, articulatable, legal basis to do so. The president has said publicly that he will allow the FBI to remain independent, and I have said as much as well.

    Sen. Coons: So, if FBI agents brought to you a factual legal basis, a predication, and you are about to refer it to a prosecutor, and you get a call from the White House saying, “don’t proceed, this is a major donor, this is someone close to the president, this is inappropriate.” What would you do?

    Mr. Patel: Simple. You – I think you answered it partially in your, in your question. The line agents, the brick agents who are trained to bring investigations on behalf of the FBI will make that decision-making process, and they will only have my full support so long as it upholds absolutely every value of the Constitution, and that’s it.

    Sen. Coons: So your predecessor – I went back and looked, and I asked the same questions of Director Comey and Director Wray. Director Wray, quoting former Attorney General Bell, said you should be willing to resign if necessary over conduct if you are pressed to engage in it that’s unethical, illegal or unconstitutional. If pressed by the president, would you resign?

    Mr. Patel: Senator, my answer simply is I would never do anything unconstitutional or unlawful, and I never have in my 16 years of government service.

    Sen. Coons: Would you be willing to resign the post of FBI Director if pressed and given no choice but to obey the order or resign?

    Mr. Patel: Senator, I will always obey the law.

    Sen. Coons: Does obeying the law require you to – as Attorney General Bell said, as FBI Director Wray said – refuse the order or resign?

    Mr. Patel: I don’t – I’m not familiar with the extent of the law you are referring to, but my answer is simple in my 16 years of government service. We will simply follow the law, and I have done that in Obama Justice Department [sic], Republican Justice Departments, in the Obama military, in Republican civilian capacity. I have never once wavered from my constitutional oath of office.

    Sen. Coons: Mr. Patel, your predecessors in this role have been clear that they would be willing to resign if forced or directed to do something unethical or illegal. I’ll proceed.

    One of your past statements that is concerning me – it’s both a post on Truth Social and something you said in a podcast, The Sean Morgan Report: that your predecessor, Chris Wray, has broken the law. We need to prosecute him. The FBI should go after people like him. And the month before this, in July 2023, you said there should be a criminal referral for FBI Director Wray. If confirmed, are you going to follow through on these previous statements that Director Wray needs to be prosecuted?

    Mr. Patel: Senator, this reminds me of the conversation you and I had, which I greatly appreciated. There is enough violent crime in this country, and enough national security threats to this country, that the FBI is going to be busy going forward preventing 100,000 overdoses, 100,000 rapes, and 17,000 homicides.

    Sen. Coons: We agree that prosecuting violent crimes should be the principal focus of the FBI. What I’m trying to get to, Mr. Patel, is a whole series of very troubling – to me and many others – statements you’ve made about instead using it to pursue those who might be viewed as political opponents.

    Mr. Patel: And as I told you in your office, I have no interest, no desire, and will not if confirmed, go backwards. There will be no politicization at the FBI, there will be no retributive actions taken by any FBI, should I be confirmed as the FBI director. I told you that in your office, and I will tell you that again today.

    Sen. Coons: Thank you for that statement. As the Co-chair of the Law Enforcement Caucus with Senator Cornyn, one of the things I’ve worked hard on and I hope to continue to being able to work hard on with this administration is partnership between federal, state, and local law enforcement to pursue violent crime. You did say, as my colleague asked, and I’d look for a longer answer, that you want to close the FBI’s bureau headquarters on day one.

    How would shutting down the FBI headquarters impact its ability to prosecute violent crime and drug traffickers? How is that possibly a serious proposal, Mr. Patel?

    Mr. Patel: Thank you for bringing that up and allowing me to answer. It was to highlight the significantly greater point that I was actually making in that interview, which is well documented over and over again. 38,000 FBI employees – 7,500 FBI employees work in the Washington field office and Hoover Building alone. If you increase the aperture just slightly to encompass the National Capital Region, that is 11,000 FBI employees working in the National Capital Region. A third of the workforce for the FBI works in Washington, D.C. I am fully committed to having that workforce go out into the interior of the country where I live, west of the Mississippi, and work with sheriff’s departments and local officers and having one agent prevent one homicide and having one agent in Washington prevent one rape, and I will do that over and over and over again, because the American people deserve the resources not in Washington D.C., but in the rest of the country.

    Sen. Coons: And Mr. Patel, frankly, if that had been your statement, that would be something that would be defensible. It’s the rest of it, saying you’re going to turn it into a Museum of the Deep State, that causes repeated questions and concerns from people like myself. Thank you, Mr. Patel.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján, Wyden, Finance Democrats Press RFK Jr. to Reject Big Pharma Pause on Medicare Negotiation

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)

    Following Noncommittal Answer in Committee and Statement by CMS, Finance Democrats Press for Commitment to Continuing Medicare Drug Price Negotiation on Schedule

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and all Democratic members of the Senate Committee on Finance sent a letter to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. pressing him to answer nearly a dozen questions regarding his views on Medicare drug price negotiation and confirm he will not pause negotiations, as CEOs representing the largest pharmaceutical companies have requested.

    “As a result of the Inflation Reduction Act, which passed without a single Republican vote, Medicare drug price negotiation is a powerful tool available right now to President Trump to make good on his long-standing promise to stand up to Big Pharma,” the Senators wrote. “On behalf of the tens of millions of Americans who count on Medicare, Democrats on the Senate Finance Committee want to know whether the Trump Administration will follow through on negotiating with Big Pharma to deliver the lower costs promised to the American people.” 

    The letter, sent to Kennedy in his capacity as the nominee to be secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), asks whether he will follow the Inflation Reduction Act’s statutory requirements related to Medicare drug price negotiation, whether the Trump administration will continue to defend the law in court against attacks by Big Pharma, and other questions. Yesterday, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a concerning statement that appeared to open the door to Big Pharma’s requests.

    “Contrary to what you suggested in today’s hearing, the Trump Administration’s statement is far from an embrace of drug price negotiation and appears to be opening the door to changes that could undermine Medicare’s ability to get the best price possible on drugs,” the Senators continued.

    The full letter can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden, Bonamici Reintroduce Bill to Connect Child Care with Affordable Housing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)
    January 30, 2025
    Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., with five colleagues in the Senate, reintroduced legislation to help working families access affordable housing and child care. U.S. Representative Suzanne Bonamici, D-Ore., introduced companion legislation in the House.
    The Build Housing with Care Act would invest $500 million to construct child care centers co-located in affordable housing developments and cover the costs of retrofitting to help family child care providers operate in housing developments. The bill prioritizes projects that are located in child care deserts or rural communities, as well as projects that include qualified Head Start providers and providers primarily serving low-income children.
    “Working families across Oregon are struggling to put food on the table and pay their rent on time. When you add the cost of child care to the equation, families are forced to shoulder an impossible choice,” Wyden said. “Increasing supply of both housing and child care will help lower costs so that caregivers and parents can more easily afford basic necessities and keep their families healthy and safe.”
    “Too many families in Oregon and across the country struggle to find affordable housing and affordable child care,” Bonamici said. “Co-locating child care centers with affordable housing is a proven strategy that increases benefits for children, families, and the economy. I’m pleased to partner with Senator Wyden on this common sense effort that will create more opportunities and a better future for American families.”
    It is estimated that funding from the Build Housing with Care Act could build more than 120 new co-located child care centers, supporting the development of critical care supply in connection with affordable housing. A report from the Low Income Investment Fund, Including Family Child Care in Affordable Housing, highlights the many policy opportunities and benefits of co-location as “an opportunity to respond to severe housing and child care shortages simultaneously.”
    The Senate legislation is cosponsored by Senators Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., Alex Padilla, D-Calif., Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., and Cory Booker, D-N.J.  
    The Building Housing with Care Act is endorsed by the Low Income Investment Fund; Local Initiatives Support Corporation; Oregon Housing and Community Services; Family Forward Oregon; First Five Years Fund; National Housing Law Project; National Association of Counties; National Partnership for Women & Families; UnidosUS; National Association for Latino Community Asset Builders; Purpose Built Communities Foundation, Inc; National Women’s Law Center; Early Care & Education Consortium; ZERO TO THREE; National Association for County Community and Economic Development; National Children’s Facilities Network; Family Values @ Work; Center for Law and Social Policy; National Association for the Education of Young Children; and the First Focus Campaign on Children.  
    “We all deserve the opportunity to provide for our families,” said Candice Vickers, Executive Director of Family Forward Oregon. “When child care is an afterthought in economic developments and investments, parents and caregivers — and those they care for — suffer. Our future suffers. Child care must be at the forefront of planning, and the Build Housing with Care Act does just that. Ensuring parents and caregivers have access to affordable child care in their neighborhoods allows families to not only survive but thrive.”
    Wyden has been a longtime advocate for increasing affordable housing in Oregon and across the nation. In May 2023, Senator Wyden and his colleagues reintroduced a bipartisan bill to address the housing crisis by building two million affordable homes over the next decade. In July 2024, Wyden and Bonamici wrote a letter to the Biden administration to invest in affordable housing following the criminalization of homelessness in Grants Pass v. Johnson. In March 2023, Wyden reintroduced legislation to solve the housing crisis by increasing supply, and expanding homeownership opportunities, especially for young people, by creating a new down payment tax credit for first-time homebuyers. 
    The Building Housing with Care Act bill text is here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: In Intelligence Hearing, King Raises Questions About Director of National Intelligence Nominee’s Judgement

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — In an open cabinet confirmation hearing of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (SSCI) considering the nomination of former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) questioned the candidate’s decision-making in the past. In the conversation with Gabbard, King questioned her about a House resolution she introduced in 2020 calling for all charges to be dropped against Edward Snowden, a former National Security Agency (NSA) intelligence contractor who was indicted on espionage charges before fleeing to Russia where he was granted asylum.
    “You introduced a bill in 2020 that was essentially a pardon. It basically said all charges should be dropped. You had a lot of ‘whereas’s’ is in that bill, where did the factual basis for those whereas clauses come from,” asked Senator King.
    “Senator if I recall, in that bill, came from publicly available information,” said Gabbard.
    “I see. And were you aware that there was a bipartisan committee report from the House Intelligence Committee in 2016 on Snowden activities,” questioned Senator King.
    “I don’t recall specifically at that time, but I am aware of that committee’s report and executive summary that was reported publicly. I did not have access to the classified report that that summary was based on,” replied Gabbard.
    “Did you read that report prior to filing your bill in 2020,” asked Senator King.
    “Senator, I don’t recall specifically. I remember reading a lot of materials prior to filing that bill,” responded Gabbard.
    “Well, the bipartisan committee report, the first item: ‘Edward Snowden perpetrated the largest and most damaging public release of classified information in U.S. intelligence history and goes on to say Snowden caused tremendous damage to national security, and the vast majority of the documents he stole have nothing to do with programs impacting individual privacy.’ But you don’t recall ever seeing the work of that committee,” asked Senator King.
    “I’m aware of those conclusions drawn,” said Gabbard.
    “You are aware now; were you aware at the time,” questioned Senator King “You introduced a bill in Congress, along with Congressman Matt Gaetz, to essentially pardon him, so he broke the law, but it wasn’t all that serious. Is that what you thought in 2020.”
    “I take very seriously upholding our Constitution, and have sworn an oath to support and defend that Constitution over eight times in my life, my statements in the past have been reflective of the egregious and illegal programs that were exposed in that leak,” replied Gabbard.
    “But you ignore the vast majority, as the committee found bipartisan. I think Devin Nunes was the chair. Adam Schiff was the Vice Chair. The conclusion was that the vast majority of these things that he released had nothing to do with Constitutional rights, the Fourth Amendment, but indeed were enormous compromises of our national security,” said Senator King.
    A member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator King is recognized as a thoughtful voice on national security and foreign policy issues. In addition to his committee work, Senator King serves on the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, the Senate North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Observer Group, and is co-chair of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission — which has had dozens of recommendations become law. He has introduced bipartisan legislation to establish a commission tasked with developing a comprehensive whole-of-government approach for how the United States should address the economic, security and diplomatic challenges posed by China.
    Recently, Senator King published an Op-Ed and spoke with CNN regarding his positions on the advise and consent process of Cabinet-Level nominees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: In Senate Hearing, RFK Jr. Refuses to Say HPV Vaccine is Safe to Sen. Patty Murray, Pressed on Credible Accusation of Sexual Assault

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
    Murray: “There are political realities, we all get that—but there is also right and wrong, fact and fiction. And there’s also people staying healthy, or people dying pointlessly from diseases we can prevent because they thought Congress took its job vetting our health care secretary seriously.”
    Murray, a longtime congressional leader on health care who has led hearings on addressing vaccine hesitancy, has been a leading vocal opponent of RFK Jr.’s nomination—speaking out on the Senate floor, holding events, raising the alarm after meeting with him
    *** VIDEO of Senator Murray’s FULL questioning with RFK Jr. HERE***
    Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former Chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, questioned RFK Jr. at the Senate HELP Committee hearing on his nomination for Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS)—pressing him forcefully on whether he stands by false statements he made about the HPV vaccine and asking about credible accusations of sexual harassment and assault against him.
    RFK Jr. has long been one of the anti-vaccine movement’s loudest, proudest champions—peddling dangerous, debunked views and funding anti-vaccine causes—and there is much he could do as HHS Secretary to cause chaos and real harm to families,  from firing top scientists and researchers, to ripping away the approval or insurance coverage of all kinds of vaccines and medicines, to ending our focus on infectious disease research, as he has threatened to do.
    Murray began her questioning at today’s hearing by reiterating that HHS has broad and critical responsibilities to protect and preserve health care and social services, from advancing women’s health, to improving child care, to bolstering biomedical research—all priorities of hers—but she would use her limited time for questioning to ask about vaccines. Also noting the tragic plane crash last night in DC, Murray called it “a painful reminder that we need competent people running our federal agencies to respond when a crisis strikes.”
    “I think we can agree that cancer is particularly a nefarious chronic disease. And the American Cancer Society reported earlier this month that women under 50 are experiencing a dramatic increase in incidence of the disease. Fortunately, there is clear data showing that the HPV vaccine has saved lives and cut cervical cancer rates dramatically. You have called the HPV vaccine ‘dangerous and defective’ and said it ‘actually increases the risk of cervical cancer.’ Do you stand by those statements? Yes or no?”
    Kennedy filibustered, refusing to answer directly—Murray pressed him to answer the question, then continued, “You said that: ‘no loving parents would allow their daughter to receive this vaccine.’ If confirmed as HHS Secretary, would you recommend that parents get their children vaccinated against HPV? Yes or no?”
    “I’ll just remind everybody—parents look to our health leaders for advice on these decisions; you would be a health leader,” Murray said, asking unanimous consent to enter Mr. Kennedy’s numerous statements disparaging the HPV vaccine and others into the record.
    Murray continued by asking Mr. Kennedy about accusations of sexual harassment and assault by Eliza Cooney, who was hired as a part-time babysitter by his family. “When you were confronted about this accusation, you said you were ‘not a church boy’ and that you ‘have so many skeletons in my closet,’ Murray said. “You then texted Miss Cooney an apology and indicated you had no memory of what she described. Mr. Kennedy, I’m asking you to respond to those accusations seriously in front of this committee. Did you make sexual advances towards Miss Cooney without her consent?”
    Kennedy denied the allegations, calling them “debunked,” despite credible reporting to the contrary, when pressed on why he apologized, Kennedy claimed he texted Cooney an apology for a separate reason—in contrast to the published texts. Mr. Kennedy then told the full committee that he had never made any unwanted sexual advances towards any individual without their consent.
    “My time is almost up, but having read a lot and listened a lot, I just want to remind all my colleagues that by voting to confirm Mr. Kennedy, we would be telling our constituents he is worth listening to,” Murray said. “That alone will get people killed—before he even lifts a finger. Because he does not even need the levers of power to influence people, as we saw in Samoa—all he needs is a megaphone.
    “To affirm his views by voting to confirm him as our highest health official—we should not mince words about what that will mean. When babies die from whooping cough because parents weren’t sure if the vaccine was safe, we will have to look them in the eye. When measles sweeps through schools, hospitals, nursing wards—will this be worth it?”
    “There are political realities, we all get that—but there is also right and wrong, fact and fiction. And there’s also people staying healthy, or people dying pointlessly from diseases we can prevent because they thought Congress took its job vetting our health care secretary seriously,” Murray concluded.
    When President-elect Donald J. Trump first announced his intention to select Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of HHS, Murray immediately and forcefully condemned the move—and she has consistently spoken out and laid out for her colleagues the case against his nomination since, including in a lengthy Senate floor speech earlier this month—VIDEO HERE. Murray met with RFK Jr. on January 15th and released a statement afterward reiterating her opposition to his nomination and urging her colleagues, “to be honest with themselves about the stakes of putting one of the anti-vaccine movement’s loudest, proudest champions in charge of HHS and join me in opposing RFK Jr.’s nomination.”  In December, Murray held a roundtable discussion at UW Medicine on the importance of scientific research and vaccines—especially for children—and spoke about how having RFK Jr. lead HHS would threaten Americans’ health and safety.
    As a longtime appropriator and former Chair of the Senate HELP Committee, Murray has long fought to boost biomedical research, strengthen public health infrastructure, and make health care more affordable and accessible. Over her years as a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, she has secured billions of dollars in increases for biomedical research at the National Institutes of Health, and during her time as Chair of the HELP Committee she established the new ARPA-H research agency as part of her PREVENT Pandemics Act to advance some of the most cutting-edge research in the field. As Chair of the HELP Committee, Murray was also instrumental in crafting the American Rescue Plan Act, including its landmark investments in public health and health care. Senator Murray was also the lead Democratic negotiator of the bipartisan 21st Century Cures Act, which delivered a major federal investment to boost NIH research, among many other investments. Murray is also the lead sponsor of the Public Health Infrastructure Saves Lives Act (PHISLA), legislation to establish $4.5 billion in dedicated, annual funding for a grant program to build up and maintain the nation’s public health system across the board. 
    In 2019, Senator Murray co-led a bipartisan hearing in the HELP Committee on vaccine hesitancy and spoke about the importance of addressing vaccine skepticism and getting people the facts they need to keep their families and communities safe and healthy. Ahead of the hearing, as multiple states were facing measles outbreaks in under-vaccinated areas, Murray sent a bipartisan letter with former HELP Committee Chair Lamar Alexander (R-TN) pressing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director and HHS Assistant Secretary for Health on their efforts to promote vaccination and vaccine confidence.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján Calls Out Trump Administration Chaos and Confusion, Exposes Threat of Budget Office Nomination

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)

    Vought as Budget Director Would Fuel Chaos and Confusion of Trump Administration Efforts to Withhold Approved Federal Funding, Hurt New Mexico Families
    WATCH HERE: Senator Luján Warns How Russell Vought Would Hurt New Mexicans
    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of Senate Committee on the Budget, was joined by Budget Committee Ranking Member Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), along with Budget Committee Democrats, to call out the threat of Russell Vought’s nomination to be Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Russell Vought would add to the Trump administration’s unprecedented chaos and confusion. Reporting shows that he worked behind the scenes to orchestrate the halt to all federal funding including grants and loans, upending trillions of dollars and creating cruel and unnecessary chaos for child care centers, firefighters, domestic violence shelters, law enforcement, health care providers, seniors and veterans, and American families.
    “This week, the Trump administration created chaos and confusion across New Mexico with the threat of withholding vital federal funding to every community in America. Russell Vought has not been confirmed, and yet, his fingerprints are all over the Trump administration’s unlawful and dangerous funding freeze. Mr. Vought wrote Project 2025 and now we are seeing the playbook in action,” said Senator Luján. “I’ve heard from New Mexicans in all corners of the state worried about how the chaos and confusion of this administration will impact their daily life. Mr. Vought will only fuel this mayhem and devastate the lives of New Mexico families.”
    “Given the chaos and confusion of this week, I am disappointed that Budget Committee Republicans did not delay this vote,” continued Senator Luján. “The American people deserve answers – not more confusion.”
    Through Senator Luján’s role on the Senate Committee on the Budget, he has expressed his concerns regarding the nomination of Russell Vought to be OMB Director. During the nomination hearing for Russell Vought, Senator Luján called out the nominee’s clear record of proposing drastic cuts to vital programs for pregnant mothers, babies, and early childhood education. Senator Luján also urged the Chairman of the Committee on the Budget to postpone the nomination of Russell Vought.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján Meets with Hermit’s Peak Fire Victims to Address Unsettled Claims and Push for Urgent Improvements

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)
    Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) convened a meeting with claimants who have unsettled total loss claims from the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire and Claims Office Director Jay Mitchell. The meeting provided an opportunity for claimants to share their concerns about the process and allow Director Mitchell to provide a direct update on the progress of claims. 
    “I am thankful to all of the total loss victims who joined us today to tell their devastating stories. Each one of your stories is unique, and we need to hear them. What has become clear in these discussions is the urgent need to make people whole again as quickly as possible,” Senator Luján said in the meeting.
    “I have worked hard in Congress to secure $5.45 billion for recovery efforts, but FEMA must improve the claims office process to get victims the compensation they are owed and to speed up the process. New Mexicans are hurting,” said Senator Luján following the meeting. “In our meeting, I am glad that FEMA shared that funding will not be impacted by President Trump’s efforts to freeze federal funding. I continue to urge FEMA to provide clarity to New Mexicans during this chaotic and stressful time.”
    Senator Luján has pressed FEMA to fully compensate the victims of the fire. Earlier this month, Senator Luján met with Director Mitchell to address ongoing issues with the claims process, particularly concerning total loss claims. Senator Luján emphasized the need for immediate action to improve the system, including:
    Confirming the total number of individuals who lost their primary homes and have not yet received substantial payments.
    Reducing the frequency with which claimants are reassigned to new navigators.
    Ensuring that partial payments are sufficient to help families start rebuilding or purchase new homes.
    Senator Luján and the New Mexico delegation have secured more than $5.45 billion for recovery efforts following the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire. The fire, which was started by the U.S. Forest Service, caused widespread damage and uprooted the lives of many New Mexicans.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: VIDEO: Ricketts Celebrates President Trump’s Signing of Laken Riley Act with Sarah’s Law

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE)celebrated President Trump’s signing of the Laken Riley Act, with Sarah’s Law included. Ricketts made the comments while on a conference call with Nebraska media.
    “Today, President Trump signed the Laken Riley Act into law. This is landmark legislation,” Ricketts said. “It’s a turning point in our fight to secure our border and keep Americans safe. It’s the strongest immigration legislation signed into law in decades. It closes the dangerous loopholes that have allowed criminal illegal aliens to roam our country and hurt innocent Americans.”
    Ricketts highlighted the inclusion of Sarah’s Law in the legislation. Sarah’s Law is named in honor of Sarah Root. In 2016, Sarah was killed in Omaha by a drunk driver illegal alien named Eswin Mejia. She was killed just hours after graduating from Bellevue University.Due to a loophole in federal law, Mejia posted bail, was released from jail, and was never held accountable for his crime. Sarah’s Law, named in honor of Sarah Root, eliminates that loophole.
    “Sarah’s Law – originally introduced by Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa – requires Immigration and Customs Enforcement – or ICE – to detain illegal aliens criminally charged with killing or seriously injuring another person,” Ricketts continued. “It also requires that ICE must make reasonable efforts to notify victims’ families when they encounter a illegal alien covered by the law. Sarah’s Law puts the safety and security of Americans first.”
    “Last November, Americans spoke loudly and clearly,” Ricketts closed. “They demanded change. They demanded border security. Thanks to President Trump and Senate Republicans, Americans are getting what they voted for. Sarah’s Law is now the law of the land.”
    [embedded content]
    TRANSCRIPT:
    Senator Ricketts: “Today, President Trump signed the Laken Riley Act into law.
    “This is landmark legislation.
    “It’s a turning point in our fight to secure our border and keep Americans safe.
    “It’s the strongest immigration legislation signed into law in decades.
    “It closes the dangerous loopholes that have allowed criminal illegal aliens to roam our country and hurt innocent Americans.
    “The inclusion of Sarah’s Law is a crucial component of this legislation.
    “Nine years ago, Sarah Root was killed in a car crash in Omaha by an illegal alien named Eswin Mejia (Meh-he-uh).
    “Just hours before, Sarah had graduated from Bellevue University. She was 21 years old.
    “She had her whole life ahead of her. She had her life taken from her by an illegal alien drunk driver.
    “Her killer’s blood alcohol level was three times the legal limit.
    “Due to a loophole in federal law, he posted bail, was released from jail, and was never seen again.
    “He was never held accountable for the tragedy he caused.
    “That’s wrong. It should have never happened.
    “Sarah’s Law will end that loophole.
    “Sarah’s Law – originally introduced by Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa – requires Immigration and Customs Enforcement – or ICE – to detain illegal aliens criminally charged with killing or seriously injuring another person.
    “It also requires that ICE must make reasonable efforts to notify victims’ families when they encounter a illegal alien covered by the law.
    “Sarah’s Law puts the safety and security of Americans first.
    “For years, members of the Nebraska and Iowa delegations pushed for this law.
    “For years, Senate Democrats blocked it.
    “Last November, Americans spoke loudly and clearly.
    “They demanded change. They demanded border security.
    “Thanks to President Trump and Senate Republicans, Americans are getting what they voted for.
    “Sarah’s Law is now the law of the land.
    “The tragic stories of Laken Riley and Sarah Root are painful reminders of the consequences of failed open border policies.
    “These women had bright futures ahead of them.
    “Laken was a dedicated nursing student.
    “Sarah was a recent college graduate.
    “Both were taken from their loved ones far too soon.
    “Both were killed by illegal aliens who should never have been allowed in our country.
    “By passing the Laken Riley Act with Sarah’s Law included, we’ve taken action to prevent such tragedies from happening again.
    “It will put Americans first and keep Americans safe.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Statement on Tragic Collison Near DCA Airport

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) released the following statement on last night’s tragic crash involving a plane and military helicopter at Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA): 
    “The collision at DCA of an American Airlines flight and a military helicopter is a shocking tragedy, and my condolences are with the victims and their families. We don’t yet know the specifics of how this happened, and we are awaiting more details. The National Transportation Safety Board, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the Department of Defense have already announced investigations into this terrible incident, which will take time. As we wait, I want to express my gratitude to the emergency responders and dive teams who are on the scene. 
    “Congress has worked to fund and bolster aviation safety measures as well as strengthening Air Traffic Controller (ATC) staffing and training with last year’s passage of the FAA Reauthorization Act, which was a focus of mine as a member of Senate Commerce Committee. That’s now under threat by the Trump Administration. We need to ensure that our aviation safety and staffing measures are as strong as possible to build back the trust of the flying public. We cannot have leaders making detrimental, rash decisions to overhaul critical aspects of our national transportation network for the sake of irrelevant culture wars. We need to immediately confirm a qualified FAA Administrator who is committed to safety and staffing.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth Join Durbin, Schakowsky in Introducing Mentoring to Succeed Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
    January 29, 2025
    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) in introducing the Mentoring to Succeed Act in recognition of January as National Mentoring Month.  U.S. Representatives Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09), Jesús “Chuy” García (D-IL-04) and Lori Trahan (D-MA-03) introduced companion legislation in the House earlier this week.  This legislation would create a strong, sustainable support system through mentorship to help ensure that children who experience barriers like poverty, disability, adverse childhood experiences or drug or alcohol abuse, can successfully transition to high school, college and the workforce.  The Mentoring to Succeed Act would strengthen investments in mentorship programs to help youth facing risk develop the academic, social and workforce skills that lead to success. 
    “Too many young people, particularly young people of color, don’t have access to the academic or economic opportunities that everyone deserves,” said Senator Duckworth.  “At the same time, too many struggle with violence in their communities and other obstacles that stifle their dreams and their ambitions.  Our nation’s children deserve a chance to reach their full potential, and mentoring programs have been proven to help students do just that.  I’m proud to join my colleagues in re-introducing this legislation to help ensure every child gets the guidance and resources they need to succeed in school, in the workforce and in life.”
    “Across Illinois and the country, young kids, especially from underserved communities, face obstacles like community violence and underfunded schools that have a dramatic impact on their ability to graduate from high school and transition to college and the workforce.  But with the guidance of a mentor, youth could lean on a trusted adult to help them navigate these challenges,” said Senator Durbin.  “I’m introducing the Mentoring to Succeed Act to ensure that our most vulnerable children have the opportunity to succeed and achieve their full potential with the guidance of a mentor.”
    “Across the country, young kids lack access to the resources they need to thrive academically and succeed post-graduation,” said Senator Booker.  “Mentorship programs have a proven track record of helping young people stay on track and achieve their dreams by providing a stable support system for the kids who don’t have one at home.  The Mentoring to Succeed Act will expand access to high quality, trauma-informed mentorship programs and help at-risk kids receive the help, support, and skills they need to pursue their aspirations.”
    “In celebration of National Mentoring Month, I am proud to reintroduce the Mentoring to Succeed Act in the House of Representatives,” said Congresswoman Schakowsky.  “Whether it be the gun violence epidemic, the ongoing threat of climate change, the rising cost of college education, or anything in-between, today’s students are dealing with a lot and deserve access to a support system.  The Mentoring to Succeed Act will give students that support system – through a mentor – helping them get the resources and support they need to thrive in school, the workforce, and beyond.”
    A study by MENTOR found that 70 percent of today’s young people could remember a time when they wanted a mentor for support but did not have one.  As a result, these youth missed out on the powerful effects of mentoring that have been shown to make a child more likely to enroll in college, participate regularly in sports and extracurricular activities, volunteer in their communities and hold leadership positions.  Researchers at the University of Chicago found that Youth Guidance’s school-based mentoring program, Becoming a Man, reduced rates of arrests for violent crime, improved school engagement and increased high school graduation rates.
    Mentoring programs help youth develop valuable workforce skills that employers are seeking and prepare young people for future apprenticeships, internships and workforce-based learning opportunities.  A 2024 study found that 84 percent of employers say job candidates must demonstrate social and emotional skills, such as communication and problem-solving—with the majority of employers stating that these types of skills were the most important.  The federal government can strengthen investments in mentoring programs to help youth facing significant barriers develop the academic, social and workforce skills that lead to success in career and life.
    The Mentoring to Succeed Act would:
    Invest in Mentoring Programs. Establish a three-year, competitive grant program that provides federal funding to establish, expand, or support mentoring programs.
    Help Youth Overcome Adversity and Trauma. Provide grant recipients with funding to train mentors in trauma-informed practices and interventions to increase resilience in youth and reduce juvenile justice involvement.
    Strengthen Workforce Readiness.  Support partnerships with local businesses and private companies to help youth facing risk with hands-on career training and career exploration.
    Close the Opportunity Gap.  Give preference to applicants that develop a plan to help prepare youth facing barriers for college and the workforce.
    Support Capacity Building.  Support partnerships with nonprofit, community-based, and faith-based organizations to increase the number of youth facing risk served.
    Enhance Youth Success.  Provide grant recipients with funding for program evaluation and identification of successful strategies.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth Votes Against Lee Zeldin’s Nomination to Be EPA Administrator

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
    January 30, 2025
    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—co-founder of the U.S. Senate’s first-ever Lead Task Force and Environmental Justice Caucus—released the following statement after the Senate confirmed former Rep. Lee Zeldin by a vote of 56-42 to serve as Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
    “Every American deserves the right to breathe safe air, drink clean water and live on uncontaminated land regardless of their race, income or zip code—and the EPA Administrator plays a critical role in protecting that right. In order to help preserve our environment for generations to come, I cannot support someone who has a track record of voting against critical, bipartisan environmental protection and clean energy job investments. Today, I voted against Mr. Zeldin’s nomination as he lacks substantial experience in environmental policy, science and management—all of which are critical qualifications needed to successfully lead EPA.”
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth Pressed Commerce Department Nominee Howard Lutnick on Trump’s Dangerous Pause on Federal Grants That Would Jeopardize U.S. Trade and Innovation

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
    January 29, 2025
    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation (CST)—pressed Howard Lutnick, President Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Commerce, on whether he would obey an illegal order from President Trump, such as following through on the President’s dangerous freeze of billions in federal grant funding. In her remarks, Duckworth underscored that the chaos and confusion caused by pausing these legally obligated funds to grant recipients would ultimately make America less globally competitive, stifle innovation and hurt businesses and jobs. Duckworth’s full remarks can be found on the Senator’s YouTube.
    “Businesses, tech hubs and other grant recipients should not have to tune in each week to learn whether the funding Congress appropriated for them will actually come through,” said Duckworth. “I made it clear to Mr. Lutnick that this kind of chaos that President Trump unleashed will make America less globally competitive, not more. Any Secretary of Commerce must understand how critical it is that grant funding is disbursed on time, without delay, to support our farmers, boost manufacturing and keep our economy strong.”
    Duckworth highlighted that the Economic Development Administration recently awarded $51 million to the Illinois Fermentation and Agriculture Biomanufacturing (iFAB) Tech Hub, which would support its work to strengthen American innovation and ensure our country remains a global leader in the agricultural sector while growing good-paying jobs across the Midwest. This is just one example of the many kinds of critical grants the Department of Commerce is in charge of distributing.
    Duckworth is a proven leader in securing international investments that drive commerce and job growth in Illinois—all while strengthening economic ties with Indo-Pacific nations and improving security in the region. As a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Duckworth led a bipartisan delegation of her Senate colleagues to Taiwan last year to further enhance our bilateral economic ties, including deepening our trade ties on chip manufacturing and agricultural investments.
    In 2023, Duckworth traveled to Japan where she met with government, trade and economic leaders as well as corporate and business officials to highlight how Illinois is uniquely positioned for greater investment and increased exports with international partners as a hub of agriculture manufacturing and technology. Specifically, Duckworth advocated on behalf of Illinois farmers to increase Japan’s importation of ethanol, corn, soybean, pork and other goods. As a result of her advocacy, Duckworth also helped secure Japan’s open market to all U.S. biofuels as well as Japan’s commitment to double Japan’s ethanol imports from the U.S. by 2030.
    Duckworth also led an official visit to Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines to meet with government and business leaders and discuss opportunities that would increase cooperation in areas of mutual interest, such as economic investments, regional stability and national security. In 2022, Duckworth led a Congressional delegation to Taiwan and South Korea to help strengthen economic ties between our people, specifically highlighting how Illinois is uniquely positioned for greater investment and increased exports with international partners as a hub of agriculture, manufacturing and technology.
    Duckworth championed the Inflation Reduction Act, which was signed into law in 2022, providing $500 million to expand the number of service stations that offer low-carbon ethanol and biodiesel, made from Illinois corn and soybeans and also has incentives to make these low-carbon biofuels even lower-carbon than today. These climate-smart investments in Midwestern-grown fuels will also reduce our reliance on foreign oil.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Risch, Crapo, Blackburn Introduce Bills to Protect Women in Sports

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho James E Risch
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) introduced several pieces of legislation to stand up for women and girls in sports. 
    This effort includes a bill to assess and prevent violence against women in athletics, a resolution calling on the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) to revoke its transgender student-athlete eligibility policy, and a resolution declaring October 10 as ‘American Girls in Sports Day.’ 
    “Life isn’t fair, but sports should be. Allowing biological men to compete in women’s sports undermines the years of hard work and dedication of our female athletes,” said Risch. “I’m proud to introduce legislation to ensure a safe and even playing field for women and girls in sports.” 
    “Our female athletes have invested immense time and effort to excel in sports,”said Crapo. “Allowing biological males to compete in women’s categories undermines both safety and fairness for female athletes. I will continue to do all I can to counter attempts to undermine the integrity of women’s sports.”
    To protect Title IX and women’s sports, Risch, Crapo, and Blackburn introduced: 
    The Fair Play for Girls Act to require the U.S. Attorney General to submit an analysis of violence against women in athletics to Congress as well as policy recommendations to support these young women.  
    A Resolution Calling on the NCAA to Protect Women in Sports: This resolution calls on the NCAA to revoke its transgender student-athlete eligibility policy; urges the NCAA to require its member conferences to conform to this biological sex-based policy across all sports and all divisions; and calls on all sports-governing bodies in the U.S. to protect the category of women’s sport for biological women and girls. 
    ‘American Girls in Sports Day’ Resolution: This resolution would recognize October 10 as ‘American Girls in Sports Day’ to celebrate the accomplishments of female athletes.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crapo, Wyden Issue Discussion Draft to Improve IRS Administration

    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 Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) released a discussion draft of bipartisan legislation making an array of common-sense fixes to Internal Revenue Service (IRS) procedure and administration. 
    “As the tax filing season gets underway, this draft legislation suggests practical ways to improve the taxpayer experience,” Crapo and Wyden said. “These adjustments to the laws governing IRS procedure are designed to facilitate communication between the agency and taxpayers, streamline processes for tax compliance and disputes and ensure taxpayers have access to timely expert assistance.”    
    “This bipartisan draft bill, several years in the making, would significantly strengthen taxpayer rights in nearly every facet of tax administration,” said Erin Collins, the National Taxpayer Advocate.  “I encourage taxpayers and the tax professional community to carefully review the draft and provide feedback to refine it, and I encourage Congress to prioritize the passage of this common sense bill to ensure stronger protections for taxpayers and a more fair and transparent tax system.”
    The discussion draft includes policies that would:
    Require the IRS to improve “math error” notices so that taxpayers are better positioned to timely respond to them;
    Streamline review of offers-in-compromise to facilitate the taxpayers’ resolution of tax debts;
    Simplify foreign bank account report (FBAR) compliance so that fewer taxpayers will fail to file key forms;
    Clarify and expand Tax Court jurisdiction so that more taxpayers can pursue their claims in an appropriate venue;
    Expand the independence of the National Taxpayer Advocate (NTA) from the IRS;
    Increase civil and criminal penalties on tax professionals that deliberately take actions to harm their clients;
    Expand taxpayer access to the IRS Independent Office of Appeals;
    Extend the so-called “mailbox rule” to electronic submissions so that taxpayers have certainty their materials are submitted on time;
    Protect taxpayers by adopting reasonable standards and due process for issuing and revoking return preparer identification numbers (PTINs);
    Strengthen the IRS whistleblower program while protecting the confidentiality of taxpayer information;
    Protect hostages from unfair tax processes and penalties.
    Proposals in the discussion draft largely reflect nonpartisan legislative proposals recommended by the National Taxpayer Advocate, as well as standalone tax administrative bills introduced by congressional members.  The provisions are centered on seeking to reduce or eliminate challenges faced by taxpayers and other stakeholders within the current federal tax administrative system. 
    The text of the discussion draft is available here.
    A section-by-section of the legislation is available here.
    Comments on this discussion draft are requested by March 31, 2025, and can be sent to discussiondraft@finance.senate.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville: “America is facing a public health crisis; We must confirm Robert F Kennedy Jr.”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) penned an op-ed supporting President Trump’s nominee to be Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Sen. Tuberville’s op-ed comes ahead of Kennedy’s hearing before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee this morning. In the piece, Sen. Tuberville makes the case for why Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the perfect person to end the chronic disease epidemic in this country and help Americans live longer, healthier lives.

    Read excerpts below or read the full op-ed here.

    “Despite his recent surge in popularity, RFK isn’t new to the scene when it comes to public health. For four decades, he worked in environmental law and in health care policy, specializing in issues like water pollution, vaccine efficacy, and food safety. He is an accomplished attorney who attended Harvard, the London School of Economics, and the University of Virginia.

    One of the most important things RFK has done is shine a light on the fact that we have a public health crisis in this country. As he said in his Senate Finance hearing earlier this week, over 70% of adults and one-third of our children are overweight or obese. The rate of diabetes is ten times more prevalent than it was in 1960. Cancer among our young people is rising by one or two percent each year. Autoimmune diseases, neurodevelopmental disorders, and addiction rates are on the rise—and meanwhile, more Americans are reliant on pharmaceutical drugs than ever before.

    To address some of these concerns, RFK Jr. has been an outspoken advocate for holistic, healthy living. As a result of his MAHA campaign, many Americans are now researching inexpensive and natural alternatives to medicine, which could end up saving taxpayers millions and helping Americans to live longer. While pharmaceuticals are certainly important and have saved millions of lives, we should also be looking to promote healthier lifestyles as part of our chronic disease prevention efforts.

    Both President Trump and RFK Jr. agree: the status quo isn’t working. Our national health agencies should be singularly focused on helping as many Americans be as healthy as possible. Health officials should want to heal our sick culture. Supporting transparency and consumer-choice in medications doesn’t make RFK anti-vax, anti-industry, or an enemy of food producers. He simply wants to help address America’s chronic disease epidemic. […]

    Sure, RFK may not be the typical pick for the job. But the American people issued a mandate in November: they want President Trump’s agenda, and that includes MAHA. As far as I’m concerned, RFK not being part of the health care establishment class is a good thing. Let’s answer the call of the American people by ushering in a New Golden Age of American Health.”

    MORE:

    Tuberville Joins Sen. Marshall in Launching Make America Healthy Again Caucus

    Tuberville, MAHA Caucus Celebrate FDA’s Decision to Ban Dangerous Red Dye No. 3 from Foods

    1819 News: Tuberville questions FDA over red dyes no. 40 and no. 3 in America’s food supply — ‘It’s not a conservative or a liberal standpoint’

    Tuberville Exposes Harmful Chemicals in American Food and Beverage Industry

    ICYMI: Tuberville Joins “National Report” on Newsmax

    Tuberville Meets with RFK Jr. and Todd Blanche

    Coach’s Monthly Column: All in for Trump’s America First nominees

    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: Tuberville Speaks on Importance of Boosting U.S. Economy to Help Struggling Seniors

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)

    WASHINGTON – Yesterday, during a Senate Special Committee on Aging hearing, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) asked about common misconceptions surrounding tariffs and how they can be used to stimulate the economy and create job growth. During the discussion, Sen. Tuberville also focused on the unprecedented amount of credit card debt in our country and how Congress can help Americans return to financial stability. Sen. Tuberville also addressed reining in the unsustainable expansion of the federal welfare system.

    Read Senator Tuberville’s remarks below or watch on YouTube or Rumble.

    TUBERVILLE: “Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thanks for being here this afternoon, fellas.

    Mr. Ferry, a lot of misconceptions about, floating around the media about tariffs and how they’ll hurt the American economy. Can you speak to how tariffs, if they’re done right, will boost the economy?”

    MR. JEFF FERRY: “Thank you for the question, Senator. That’s an absolutely true statement. Tariffs done right will stimulate our economy. I just want to say, following on from what Mr. Lawson said, that there is no money tree. The percentage of old people in our economy continues to grow, I’m sitting here as a living, breathing example of that. And we have fewer people in work earning, in a sense, less real wages than 50 years ago when we had four working people for every retired person. Now, we’re getting close to two, I think. So, we need to make this economy grow and we need to raise the real incomes and the value of the production of every single worker.

    Tariffs are a key way we can do that because what tariffs do is they handicap imports and they allow domestic production to grow. We want to tariff the high value, highly productive, high growth manufacturing sectors, which is roughly three quarters of the entire manufacturing sector in the United States. And by doing so, we will produce more cars, more computers, more machinery, more machine tools, more medical equipment, and more steel, and more aluminum and all of that. All those industries pay higher wages.

    As an example, the average large steel company is, today, paying its average steel worker over a hundred-thousand dollars a year. The average steel worker no longer works with hot molten metal. He works in a computer control room. And tariffs are a key way to stop the handicap this economy has due to an overvalued dollar and due to trade cheating, from countries like China and Germany. So, they’re an absolutely essential tool.”

    TUBERVILLE: “Do you do you see an increase in job opportunities with increased tariffs?”

    MR. JEFF FERRY: “Yes. I mean mathematically well, yes. We will see a higher labor force participation rate with increased tariffs because domestic production will rise, and those jobs will attract people to get off the sofa and go out and get those jobs. But most crucially, I see a transition from people working for places like Jimmy John’s at minimum wage, into high value jobs, which not only pay more today, but offer them career opportunities to get on a rising escalator.”

    TUBERVILLE: “Thank you. Mr. Antoni, Americans are upside down in credit card debt. 1.17 trillion dollars. Eighty-five percent of Americans have credit cards, eighty-five percent of Americans over 65 have a credit card. What can be done at the congressional level to encourage savings and keep more money in the pockets of Americans when it comes to credit.”

    MR. E.J. ANTONI: “Sir, thank you for the question. A big disincentive to save has historically been inflation because as your money is sitting there in the bank, or even if it’s in in equities, whatever the case may be, much of the growth that it’s experiencing is simply just the dollar losing value. So, it doesn’t really, there’s not really much of an incentive there. If you want to get rid of inflation and you want to not only incentivize people to save, but disincentivize them from borrowing, you got to get inflation down. And I think the way you have to do that is by cutting government spending.

    The only other thing I would add is to help the people who are already in so much credit card debt, who are suffering with the combination of high credit card debt and high interest rates, is you need to get the interest rates down. And the interest rate is simply a price. It’s the price to borrow money. If you want to reduce the price of something, reduce the demand. So, reduce the demand for borrowed money. All marginal spending by this congress is by definition borrowed. So, if you reduce that spending, you will also reduce the demand for borrowed money and help bring interest rates down.”

    TUBERVILLE: “Thank you. Mr. Bragdon, you talk a lot about this unsustainable expansion of the federal welfare programs that have caused massive increases in spending, particularly SNAP. SNAP spending has grown by more than seventy-three percent since the last Farm Bill. It’s predicted we’ll spend more on SNAP in the next ten years than we have in the last two decades. This is over the top.

    So, what’s your thoughts here on this massive increase in the TFP and what recommendation do you have to address this farm bill with SNAP?”

    MR. TARREN BRAGDON: “Senator, thank you for the question. I think it’s really twofold.

    One, the authority for setting the food stamp program, the SNAP program, really relies on Congress. And when you look at what the Biden administration did with the Thrifty Food Plan by just through guidance, literally, a bureaucrat with a pen and a power trip, dramatically increasing that benefit, and then that going, as my colleague said, into borrowed money and increasing interest rates.

    You also took away the incentive that people have to go into the workforce because it pays more not to work. And as I talked about, it drives even higher food inflation because SNAP benefits can only be used for food. And as we saw with the research that I cited, that drives increased demand and raises food prices.

    I think there’s really twofold things that need to be done within the SNAP program. One is greater anti-fraud measures. If you look at the improper payments, that’s fraud and waste within the SNAP program, that’s primarily driven by individuals who are receiving benefits, who are no longer eligible, either because an income change, they moved or some other benefit change or life change.

    The second piece is really looking at how do we effectively use work requirements for working age, able-bodied adults. We’ve seen this work well with adults with no kids and disabilities. We recommend that pro-work, anti-poverty policy be expanded to more working-age adults who have school age children.”

    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: Kash Patel Disparages Public Figures On A Regular Basis

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    January 30, 2025
    Kash Patel has frequently posted or reposted attacks on prominent public figures, both Republican and Democratic. The attacks go beyond mere policy disagreements and veer into personal attacks and suggestions of criminality.
    Among others, Kash Patel has publicly disparaged:
    Public servants, who he threatened with a “constitutional guillotine.”
    Journalists, including calling for specific reporters to be stripped of their credentials.
    Members of Congress, who he chainsawed in an AI-generated video of himself.
    Democrats, who he called “vindictive, evil, [and] vicious.”
    Elon Musk, at least eight separate times on Truth Social.
    …and many, many more.
    U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement:
    “On Truth Social, Kash Patel has frequently posted or reposted attacks on Democrats and Republicans—including some on this Committee. The posts go beyond mere policy disagreements and veer into personal attacks, and they do not reflect the integrity we expect from a top law enforcement officer.”
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Delivers Opening Statement In Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing For President Trump’s Pick To Be FBI Director, Kash Patel

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    January 30, 2025
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today delivered an opening statement during the Senate Judiciary Committee nomination hearing for Kash Patel, President Trump’s nominee to lead the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
    Key Quotes:
    “Mr. Patel has neither the experience, the temperament, nor the judgment to lead an agency of 38,000 [people] and 400 field offices around the globe. During the time I’ve served on this Committee, I’ve had the opportunity to consider four prior FBI Director nominations. Each one was a Republican, and I voted for all of them. So, my concerns about the Director of the FBI are not partisan.”
    “As much as Republicans claim that President Biden and former Attorney General Garland weaponized the FBI, let’s look at the record: President Biden kept the FBI Director, a lifelong Republican who had been appointed by President Trump. Contrast that with President Trump, who fired his first FBI Director, James Comey, and forced out his second FBI Director, Chris Wray, for being insufficiently loyal. With Mr. Patel, obviously the President has found a loyalist.”
    “Mr. Patel’s loyalty includes touting conspiracy theories and threaten[ing to go after President Trump’s enemies.] How do we know Mr. Patel’s theories? His beliefs, what motivates him, and what he really believes? He wrote it in a book. The book [is titled] Government Gangsters, and I urge all of you to read [it] before you cast a vote for [him]. In it, Mr. Patel has published an enemies list of 60 people who he calls, ‘members of the deep state.’ This list includes many distinguished public servants who have dedicated their lives to our nation.” 
    “Then there is Mr. Patel’s plan to ‘shut down the F.B.I. Hoover Building on Day 1 and reopen it the next day as a museum of the ‘deep state.’’ And he has said, ‘We’re going to come after the people in the media, we’re going to come after you, whether it’s criminally or civilly, [and] we’re putting you all on notice.’”
    “Does this sound like the kind of nonpartisan, law enforcement professional who should lead the FBI? Not to me. This is someone who has left behind a trail of grievances throughout his life, lashing out at anyone who disrespects him or doesn’t agree with him.”
    “Mr. Patel’s record is clear: he traffics in debunked conspiracy theories that serve or benefit his political beliefs. Let’s start with January 6… I will always be grateful to the U.S. Capitol police officers who risked their lives defending me, members of Congress, and visitors of the United States Capitol on that day. Mr. Patel posted on social media, ‘Jan. 6 never an insurrection: cowards in uniform exposed.’ Let me repeat that. ‘Cowards in uniform.’ Who was in the Capitol building on January 6 in uniform—the Capitol Police were. Do you think they were cowards?… And Mr. Patel claims that the FBI, the agency he aspires to lead, ‘was planning January 6 for a year.’ Mr. Patel has gone so far as to co-produce and sell musical recordings of a song performed by January 6 rioters who violently assaulted police officers.”
    “The FBI plays a critical role in keeping Americans safe from terrorism, violent crime, and other threats. Our nation needs an FBI Director who understands the gravity of this mission and is ready on day one, not someone who is consumed by his own personal political grievances. The American people deserve an FBI Director who is focused on keeping the public safe from terrorism, drug trafficking, and violent crime, not the checklist of personal grievances we find in this book. Mr. Patel, your record makes clear that you are not that person.”
      
    Video of Durbin’s opening statement is available here.
    Audio of Durbin’s opening statement is available here.
    Footage of Durbin’s opening statement is available here for TV Stations.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Takes Forceful and Unprecedented Steps to Combat Anti-Semitism

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    COMBATING ANTI-SEMITISM IN THE UNITED STATES: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order to Combat Anti-Semitism.
    Expanding on his Executive Order 13899, President Trump’s new Order takes forceful and unprecedented steps to marshal all Federal resources to combat the explosion of anti-Semitism on our campuses and in our streets since October 7, 2023.
    Every Federal executive department and agency leader will review and report to the White House within sixty days on all criminal and civil authorities and actions available for fighting anti-Semitism.
    Immediate action will be taken by the Department of Justice to protect law and order, quell pro-Hamas vandalism and intimidation, and investigate and punish anti-Jewish racism in leftist, anti-American colleges and universities.
    The Order demands the removal of resident aliens who violate our laws.
    GOING ON OFFENSE TO ENFORCE LAW AND ORDER AND TO PROTECT CIVIL RIGHTS: Immediately after the jihadist terrorist attacks against the people of Israel on October 7, 2023, pro-Hamas aliens and left-wing radicals began a campaign of intimidation, vandalism, and violence on the campuses and streets of America.
    Celebrating Hamas’ mass rape, kidnapping, and murder, they physically blocked Jewish Americans from attending college classes, obstructed synagogues and assaulted worshippers, and vandalized American monuments and statues.
    The Biden Administration turned a blind eye to this coordinated assault on public order; it simply refused to protect the civil rights of Jewish Americans, especially students. According to a December 2024 U.S. House of Representatives Staff Report on anti-Semitism, “the failure of our federal government departments and agencies is astounding.”
    PRESIDENT TRUMP KEEPS HIS PROMISES AND BUILDS ON HIS SUCCESS: In his first term, President Trump kept his biggest promises:
    He moved the American Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem: After decades of broken promises and despite much criticism, President Trump was the President who finally kept his commitment to Israel to move the American embassy from Tel-Aviv to Israel’s true and rightful capital: Jerusalem.
    He established the Abraham Accords: President Trump delivered the greatest breakthrough for peace in the Middle East in decades by brokering the normalization of ties between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco, protecting Israel and Jews and spreading security and prosperity to the entire region.
    Now, President Trump has promised that the Federal Government will:
    Protect the civil rights of our Jewish citizens: “My promise to Jewish Americans is this: With your vote, I will be your defender, your protector, and I will be the best friend Jewish Americans have ever had in the White House.”
    Aggressively enforce the law, protect public order, and prosecute anti-Semitic crimes: “I will issue clear orders to my Attorney General to aggressively prosecute terroristic threats, arson, vandalism and violence against American Jews.”
    Deport Hamas Sympathizers and Revoke Student Visas: “To all the resident aliens who joined in the pro-jihadist protests, we put you on notice: come 2025, we will find you, and we will deport you. I will also quickly cancel the student visas of all Hamas sympathizers on college campuses, which have been infested with radicalism like never before.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto, Cornyn Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Eliminate Tax Breaks for Businesses Dealing in Russia

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and John Cornyn (R-Tex.) introduced bipartisan legislation to prevent businesses from claiming a foreign tax credit or deduction against taxes paid to fund the Russian government’s war machine. Currently, businesses paying taxes in foreign countries are eligible to claim a tax credit or deduction in the United States to reduce the burden of double taxation. There are certain hostile countries to which this tax credit does not apply, including North Korea and Iran, and Cortez Masto’s HONOR Act would add Russia to that list.

    In September 2023, Russia President Vladimir Putin illegally suspended the U.S-Russia Tax Treaty. Following a letter from Senators Cortez Masto and Cornyn, the United States Department of the Treasury retaliated by suspending benefits for Russian businesses and investors. The HONOR Act would take this suspension one step further and prevent businesses funding Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine from receiving tax breaks in the United States. This bill would ensure U.S. taxpayers are not subsidizing Putin’s oppressive government.

    “We should not be giving tax breaks to businesses that are funding the Putin regime. It’s that simple,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “This bipartisan legislation expands upon current Treasury Department policy, holds Russia accountable for its criminal activity in Ukraine, and protects American national security.”

    “Businesses that continue to engage with Russia are enriching Putin’s oppressive regime,” said Senator Cornyn. “This commonsense bill would force these businesses to give up their foreign tax credits and deductions for taxes paid to Russia, which subsidize the Russian war apparatus.”

    Senator Cortez Masto has consistently advocated for the U.S. to stand up to Russian aggression and support Ukrainian sovereignty. She has voted to pass bipartisan legislation to support Ukraine and helped pass bipartisan economic sanctions that were signed into law to hold Russia accountable for its illegal invasion of Ukraine. She voted in support of sanctions against Russia and its Nord Stream 2 pipeline, and she supported similar sanctions in the 2020 and 2021 National Defense Authorization Acts.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: On Senate Floor, Shaheen Condemns Trump Administration Order to Stop all Federal Funding for Grants and Loans, Shares Granite Staters’ Stories to Detail Impact of Decision on Families, Seniors and Businesses

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen
    (Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a senior member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, 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. Click here to watch the Senator’s full speech. 
    Key quotes from Senator Shaheen: 
    “This is a decision that does not lower costs, it does not create jobs, it does not enhance public safety or keep our communities safe. It’s a decision that actually will hurt people in my state of New Hampshire and too many across the country who rely on services that are now in jeopardy.” 
    “People in our states can’t get the housing that they’re counting on. If they can’t get their funding, that means more people are forced to live in their cars, on the streets. It means more people can’t get the help they need with substance use disorders or finding work. It means more people are stuck without permanent housing. And these are veterans, they’re families, they’re victims of domestic violence – they’re all placed at risk because of this order.” 
    “Another of my constituents, Kathleen, lives in housing for seniors. She has debilitating medical issues that make it hard for her to leave her home. She gets all of her food from a local food bank. She called my office because she’s worried that if this funding stops, she’ll be on the street, and she doesn’t know where her meals will come from. That’s what this order and these cuts are threatening.” 
    “Common sense calls for all of us to work on a bipartisan basis to help our constituents and put an end to the chaos that has been created by this administration in only its second week. I hope we can do that.” 
    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: Cantwell Statement on Devastating Aviation Accident Wednesday

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
    01.30.25
    Cantwell Statement on Devastating Aviation Accident Wednesday
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, released the following statement on Wednesday’s collision between American Airlines flight 5342, operated by PSA Airlines, and a Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk helicopter, operated by the U.S. Army, over the Potomac River near Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA):

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell Presses Trump Nominee RFK Jr. on His Anti-Science Views: ‘Are You Aware of How Harmful These Issues Could Be For Our Public Health?’

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
    01.30.25
    Cantwell Presses Trump Nominee RFK Jr. on His Anti-Science Views: ‘Are You Aware of How Harmful These Issues Could Be For Our Public Health?’
    In Finance Committee confirmation hearing, Cantwell credits WA’s fast & robust COVID response to strong health care research & innovation; Cantwell also secures commitment from RFK Jr. to protect existing laws on stem cell research
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, a senior member of the Senate Committee on Finance, grilled Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. — President Donald Trump’s nominee to serve as Secretary of Health and Human Services – on his past anti-science statements, as well as his promise to cut 600 employees from the National Institute of Health.
    “I represent a very big innovation state – innovation in health care, specifically. Innovation like NIH funding to the Fred Hutch Cancer Center that helped develop the HPV vaccine, which has the potential to eliminate over 95% of cervical cancer. NIH also funds a lot of jobs and grants – nearly 11,000 people in the State of Washington and over $1.2 billion worth grants,” Sen. Cantwell said. “I definitely am troubled by the medical research side of innovation, and some of the things that you have said. In fact, this issue about laying off 600 employees at NIH.”
    “The most striking example of this is when COVID hit. We were the first in the nation – we had the first case – and it really was the fast response by the University of Washington that really helped save lives,” she continued. “Are you aware of how harmful these issues could be for public health? That public health in and of itself could be affected by these kinds of anti-science views?”
    In response, Kennedy responded that he believes in “evidence-based medicine and gold standard science.”
    Sen. Cantwell also grilled Kennedy on whether he supports the ongoing stem cell research being conducted in Washington state.
    “We’re making regenerative heart tissue now at the University of Washington. So yes or no, do you commit to protecting stem cell research for scientific agencies if confirmed?” Sen. Cantwell asked.
    He responded: “I will protect stem cell research.”
    Sen. Cantwell: “You’ll protect the laws that are on the books today and the research that’s done?”
    “My job is, Senator, to enforce the laws,” he said.
    For decades, Sen. Cantwell has remained a staunch supporter of medical innovation and evidence-based science, including treatments for fentanyl addiction, abortion, vaccinations, stem cell research, and more.
    Video of today’s hearing is available HERE; audio is HERE; and a transcript of Sen. Cantwell’s questioning is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: U.S. Senate Passes Booker, Lankford, Rosen, Cramer Resolution Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of Auschwitz

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), James Lankford (R-OK), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), and Kevin Cramer (R-ND) announced that the Senate unanimously passed their bipartisan resolution commemorating the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz in Nazi-occupied Poland and marking International Holocaust Remembrance Day. The resolution calls for the remembrance of the millions of innocent victims of the Nazi reign of terror, honors the legacy of the survivors of the Holocaust, and recommits to combatting all forms of antisemitism.
    “As we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz the Senate’s unanimous passage of this bipartisan resolution remembers the millions of lives lost in the Holocaust and honors the legacies of those who survived,” said Senator Booker. “I remain committed to combating antisemitism in all of its forms, and we must never forget how hatred, bigotry, and antisemitism created and exploited divisions that led to such atrocities. We must all work to ensure this incredibly dark chapter of history is never repeated.”
    “Today marks 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz, when thousands of lives were saved, and the world was finally exposed to the horrors behind those walls,” said Senator Rosen. “The U.S. Senate passed this bipartisan resolution to recognize the six million Jews and millions of others who were brutally murdered by Nazis during one of the darkest chapters in human history. At a time when antisemitism and Holocaust denial are on the rise around the world, it has never been more important to remind the world of the atrocities committed by rampant anti-Jew hate and discrimination. By remembering the past, we can ensure Never Again truly means never again.”
    “Eighty years ago today, good triumphed over the evil of the Holocaust as Allied Forces liberated Auschwitz,” said Senator Cramer. “We will never forget the atrocities of the Holocaust. In the wake of an alarming uptick in anti-semitism, we remember the murder of millions of Jews on this solemn day.”
    To read the full text of the resolution, click here.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Prepared Remarks: Sanders Opening Statement in Hearing to Consider RFK Jr. Nomination

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Vermont – Bernie Sanders
    WASHINGTON, Jan. 30 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pension (HELP), today delivered an opening statement at the committee’s hearing on the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to serve as Secretary of Health and Human Services.
    Sanders’ remarks, as prepared for delivery, are below and can be watched here.
    Thank you, Senator Cassidy. And Mr. Kennedy, thank you for being with us.
    I will discuss later the issue of vaccines, which Senator Cassidy raised, and is of concern I think for all of us. But before I go there, I wanted to congratulate you for the phrase “Make America Healthy Again.” I think that is a cry that all of us – a goal that all of us share – because, as you have indicated, we are a very unhealthy society.
    We are the richest country in the history of the world, but we rank far below every other major country in terms of our life expectancy. That’s outrageous. To me, equally outrageous is that, if you are working class in this country, you are going to live six or seven years shorter than if you are rich. In America today, 68,000 people die every year because they can’t afford to get to a doctor.
    Unbelievably, in this country, hundreds of thousands of people deal with cancer, struggling for their lives. You know what happens to them? They go bankrupt. They deplete their life’s savings.
    In other words, when we talk about making America healthy, we’ve got to talk about our broken, corrupt health care system.
    Your uncle, President Kennedy, and your father, Bobby Kennedy, a great senator from New York, both did the right thing. They said that health care is a human right. I’m not sure how we can move to making America healthy again unless we have the guts to take on the insurance companies and the drug companies and guarantee health care to all people. I’ll be asking you a question about that.
    Lowering the cost of prescription drugs. How do you make America healthy again if one out of four people in this country cannot afford the price of prescription drugs, which is far higher in America than any other country on Earth?
    Under President Biden, we made some progress and this committee played an active role in having Medicare begin, for the first time, negotiating the price of prescription drugs. And I’m going to ask you today whether or not President Trump will follow what we accomplished here.
    We are the only major country on earth not to guarantee paid family and medical leave. Mr. Kennedy, there are women today who are having babies and are forced to return to work in a week or two because they have no guaranteed paid family and medical leave. How do you have a healthy country when Americans get fired because they stay home taking care of their sick kids? That’s not making America healthy again.
    If you are working 50 to 60 hours a week making 13, 14 bucks an hour, can you be healthy? Will you join those of us who think that, in the United States, the wealthiest country in the world, people that work 40 hours a week should not live in poverty? We must raise the minimum wage to a living wage.
    Lastly, President Trump believes that climate change is a hoax. I happen to believe, most Americans believe and virtually the entire scientific community believes that it is an existential threat to this planet. I don’t know how you are going to make America healthy again or keep the world healthy when you have massive heat waves, droughts, floods and extreme weather disturbances. That’s not keeping America healthy. Now, that is not within the jurisdiction of HHS, but I surely hope that you will, if confirmed, demand that President Trump change his position and work with those of us who are trying to transform our energy system and keep America healthy by addressing the crisis of climate change.
    Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hawley Opens Hotline to Assist Missourians Impacted by DCA Plane Crash

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo)

    Thursday, January 30, 2025

    Last night a flight originating out of Wichita, Kansas crashed into the Potomac River in Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) is actively monitoring developments and released the following statements.

    “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
    Erin and I join so many others in prayer for the families of those lost last night at DCA
    — Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) January 30, 2025

    Missourians, if you had a family member or other loved one aboard Flight 5342 and need information, we have created a hotline to help you. Please contact us below. We will help however we can pic.twitter.com/lgcjb2zQAm
    — Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) January 30, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lummis Introduces Legislation to Delist the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem Grizzly Bear

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wyoming Cynthia Lummis

    January 30, 2025

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Western Caucus Chair Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) introduced the Grizzly Bear State Management Act alongside Senator John Barrasso, Montana Senators Steve Daines and Tim Sheehy, and Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch. 
    This bill would remove grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem from the Endangered Species List and  shift management of the grizzly bear populations to the states. The bill preserves federal oversight for population monitoring while giving states more flexibility in managing grizzly populations.
    “The Endangered Species Act is broken beyond repair, and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem Grizzly is the perfect example,” said Lummis. “Western states have proven track records of effectively managing their wildlife populations, and returning grizzly responsibility back to the local level ensures ignorant Washington bureaucrats keep their paws off of state matters.”
    To read the full bill, click here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warren Warns Hegseth Against Going After Former Joint Chiefs Chairman General Milley, Demands Reinstatement of Pentagon Watchdog

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    January 30, 2025
    “I am concerned that the removal of the Senate-confirmed IG will result in waste, fraud, and abuse of taxpayer funds, undermine accountability, and open the door to an unprecedented politicization of the Defense Department and the armed forces.”
    Text of Letter (PDF) 
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ranking Member on the Senate Armed Service Subcommittee on Personnel, wrote to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth with concerns following the removal of the Department of Defense (DoD) Inspector General (IG), Robert Storch. Senator Warren urged Secretary Hegseth to request President Trump rescind the decision to remove the IG and called out his abuse of power. 
    Mr. Storch was one of over a dozen IG’s that were reportedly fired by President Trump in an illegal “Friday night purge.” Before the president can fire an inspector general, he must provide notice to Congress within 30 days prior, including providing “substantial rationale” for the removal. Congress received no notice, and as of today, has not received a rationale. 
    In written responses to Senator Warren, Secretary Hegseth committed “to protecting the DoD IG’s independence.” During his confirmation hearing, he promised to be a “change agent” who would make sure that “[l]eaders—at all levels—will be held accountable.” These commitments will be impossible without an independent Inspector General. 
    “[N]ow that the IG has been removed, and less than 72 hours after your swearing in ceremony, you appear to be abusing your power to weaponize the government against the President’s political enemies,” wrote Senator Warren. 
    Senator Warren also wrote with concerns that Secretary Hegseth reportedly is stripping four-star General Mark Milley, the former chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, of his security detail and clearance, as well as directing the acting IG to conduct a review board to demote him. Members of Congress already asked the DoD IG to investigate this issue in 2022. After the IG reviewed “hundreds of pages of documents, including classified and unclassified records,” the IG concluded that “further inquiry…is not warranted.” 
    Retired General Milley is also among several officials provided security due to continued threats to his life from Iran.
    “It is reckless that your actions could pave the way for Iran’s revenge. Any reopening of General Milley’s administratively determined retired grade requires prior notice to Congress, due process for General Milley, and in the case of any redetermination, the advice and consent of the Senate,” said Senator Warren.
    “I am concerned that the removal of the Senate-confirmed IG will result in waste, fraud, and abuse of taxpayer funds, undermine accountability, and open the door to an unprecedented politicization of the Defense Department and the armed forces,” concluded Senator Warren. 

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