NewzIntel.com

Category: US Senate

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tillis Introduces Legislation to Protect Law Enforcement Officers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Carolina Thom Tillis
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis recently reintroduced the Protect and Serve Act and the Justice for Fallen Law Enforcement Act, legislation to protect law enforcement officers and create strong federal penalties for criminals who target law enforcement officers.
    “Law enforcement officers in North Carolina and across the country are heroes who risk their lives every day to protect our communities,” said Senator Tillis. “Those who commit senseless acts of violence against law enforcement officers must be held accountable for their actions, which is why I am proud to reintroduce these bills that create federal penalties for criminals who target law enforcement. They put their lives on the line to protect us, and we should do the work in Congress to protect them.”  
    “The attack on officers in San Antonio, Texas on January 22, during which seven officers were shot as they responded to a call for help, once again highlights the dangerous profession law enforcement officers have and the risks they face when serving and protecting their communities,” said Bill Johnson, Executive Director, National Association of Police Organizations. “The shooting of those seven brave officers is just adding to the ever-increasing number of officers being shot in the line of duty. NAPO is calling on Congress to take up and pass the Protect and Serve Actand the Justice for Fallen Law Enforcement Act to demonstrate that the killing or the attempted killing of our nation’s law enforcement officers is unacceptable and those who commit these heinous crimes must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. We thank Senator Tillis for his longstanding commitment to and support for the law enforcement community.”
    “We believe the Senate needs to act now and pass the Protect and Serve Act,” said Patrick Yoes, President, National Fraternal Order of Police. “This would be a strong show of support for the men and women in the line of fire and send a clear message to those who would seek to do them harm.” 
    Background: 
    The Protect and Serve Act would give federal prosecutors more tools to go after those who deliberately target law enforcement officers by creating a federal crime to knowingly cause, or attempt to cause, bodily injury to a law enforcement officer. Offenders are subject to imprisonment for up to 10 years. An offender could receive a life sentence if a death results from the offense, or the offense includes kidnapping, attempted kidnapping, or attempted murder.
    The Justice for Fallen Law Enforcement Act would create a criminal penalty for the murder of a federal, state, and local enforcement officer of life imprisonment or the death penalty. In addition, it would create a criminal penalty for assault resulting in serious injury to a federal, state, and local law enforcement officer of 20 years in prison. Lastly, it would require a study after 36 months to report to House and Senate Judiciary Committees about prosecutions as the result of the act. 
    The National Fraternal Order of Police reported that as of midnight of December 31, 2024 there were 342 officers shot in the line of duty in 2024. Of those officers shot, 50 of them were killed. In 2024, there were 61 ambush-style attacks on law enforcement officers. These ambush-style attacks resulted in 79 officers shot, 18 of whom were killed.
    The Protect and Serve Act is endorsed by The National Fraternal Order of Police and The National Association of Police Organizations.  
    Full text of the Protect and Serve Act is available HERE.
    Full text of the Justice for Fallen Law Enforcement Act is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, Daines, Cruz, Hirono Renew Bipartisan Push to Better Protect Parents Traveling with Breast Milk

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
    January 27, 2025
    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to make it easier for parents to safely embark on air travel with breast milk and breastfeeding supplies. The Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening (BABES) Enhancement Act, co-led by U.S. Senators Steve Daines (R-MT), Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), would require the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to clarify and regularly update guidance on the safe handling of breast milk and breastfeeding supplies, baby formula and other related products in consultation with nationally recognized maternal health organizations. This reintroduction comes after the bipartisan legislation passed the Senate by unanimous consent late last year in the 118th Congress.
    “Far too often, traveling moms are mistreated and wrongfully denied access to their breast milk and the breastfeeding equipment they need to pump and feed their babies,” said Senator Duckworth. “Ensuring that the TSA keeps its employees up to speed on their own policies and updates those policies as necessary is the least we can do to help parents travel through airports with the dignity and respect they deserve. After our bipartisan legislation passed the Senate by unanimous consent last Congress, I’m proud to work with Senators Daines, Cruz and Hirono to reintroduce the bill, and I’ll continue to do everything I can to get this done for traveling moms everywhere.”
    “Supporting moms and families will always be one of my top priorities. I’m proud to join my colleagues in supporting this bipartisan legislation that will make it easier for mothers to safely and easily travel with breast milk and formula for their babies, and I’ll continue to fight for ways to support our families in Montana and across America,” said Senator Daines.
    “Far too often, families traveling with infants and young children are subjected to inconsistencies when going through TSA’s screening, causing inconveniences that can make traveling together even more difficult. This simple legislation to update the TSA’s compliance guidance for the 3-1-1 liquids will help families travel without added hassles,” said Senator Cruz.
    “On any given day, thousands of families travel by air with milk and the supplies they need to keep their babies fed,” said Senator Hirono. “The BABES Enhancement Act will require TSA to clarify and regularly update its guidance on handling breast milk and baby formula, helping to ensure that parents and their young children can travel with peace of mind. I’m glad to join my colleagues in reintroducing this legislation to keep families and their children safe and healthy.”
    The bipartisan BABES Enhancement Act would help keep breastfeeding parents and their kids safe and healthy while traveling by air. Mishandled breast milk can become contaminated, which puts children at risk. Moreover, parents who lactate typically need to breastfeed or pump once every few hours. Failure to do so can result in a clogged milk duct, or a painful infection called mastitis. The legislation would better protect families by requiring TSA to:
    Issue guidance promoting the hygienic handling of any breast milk, baby formula and other infant nutrition products, as well as accessories required to preserve these products;
    Consult with nationally recognized maternal health organizations in establishing and communicating this guidance; and
    Update guidance every five years to respond to emerging needs of parents and to account for developments in technology.
    This legislation would also direct an independent government watchdog to conduct an audit of compliance with TSA screening policies for passengers traveling with breast milk and other infant nutrition products, providing lawmakers with information related to violations of policies. U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell (D-CA-14) is the lead sponsor of bipartisan companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.
    “As a husband and father, my wife and I know how challenging traveling can be for new parents. TSA screening is already stressful enough without the added anxiety and humiliation of having your breast milk or formula heavily scrutinized and mistreated,” said Congressman Eric Swalwell. “The BABES Act will ensure TSA handles these screenings with care, consulting maternal health experts to establish proper hygienic standards while maintaining robust security measures. This bill is about giving parents peace of mind so they can focus on their families while they travel.”
    A copy of the bill text is available on the Senator’s website.
    Duckworth has been a strong advocate in ensuring moms receive the dignity and respect they deserve while traveling. In 2022, Duckworth pressed TSA Administrator David Pekoske for improved treatment of new mothers and Americans with disabilities from employees of the TSA. That same year, Duckworth also called on TSA to address inconsistent implementation of the 3-1-1 Liquids Rule Exemption travel policy for breast milk and formula at airport security checkpoints as well as ensure new moms and their infants can travel safely without fear of harassment.
    Duckworth has also championed several policies that help make air travel easier for new moms. Her bipartisan Friendly Airports for Mothers (FAM) Improvement Act, which was signed into law in 2020, is helping ensure our small airports across the country support new moms and promote breastfeeding-friendly environments. The legislation builds on Duckworth’s success in enacting a law that ensures all large and medium airports provide a clean, private space where moms can breastfeed or pump. As a result of her legislation, O’Hare and Midway Airports both installed free-standing lactation pods.
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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, Durbin Statement On Trump’s Mass Deportation Actions In Chicago

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
    January 26, 2025
    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, (D-IL) today issued the following statement after President Donald Trump’s administration started mass deportation actions in and around Chicago: 
    “We can all agree that we must remove any dangerous individuals from our country who are here illegally. But the mass deportation actions being undertaken by President Trump’s administration go far beyond those important goals. These actions have the potential to sweep up Dreamers who came to the United States as children, Veterans who have served our nation, and essential workers who care for our family members, build our homes, and ensure we have food on our tables.
    “Instead, we should focus on deporting those who pose a danger to our country. And we should give the rest a chance to earn legal status. They would have to register with the government, pay their dues, and submit to background checks. 
    “We stand with the immigrant community in Chicago and across the country, and our offices and caseworkers are ready to help those who are improperly caught up in these raids.”
    Last month, as Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Durbin held a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing entitled “How Mass Deportations Will Separate American Families, Harm Our Armed Forces, and Devastate Our Economy.” The hearing examined the consequences of mass deportations, as well as stressed the need to shift congressional efforts toward sensible solutions that bring order to the border and provide a path to citizenship to longtime residents with no serious criminal convictions.
     
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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Risch, Britt Introduce Bill to Finish Southern Border Wall, Eliminate Taxpayer-funded Entitlement Benefits for Illegal Immigrants

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho James E Risch
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Katie Britt (R-Ala.) introduced the WALL Act to finish construction of the southern border wall and protect American families.
    “Now is the time to finish the southern border wall. The WALL Act helps President Trump complete what he started in his first term and does it all without adding a dime to our national debt,” said Risch. “For the last four years, millions of illegal immigrants flooded across our southern border, exploiting open-border policies and wasting vast sums of taxpayer dollars. Those days are over.”
    “President Donald Trump and the Republican majorities in the House and Senate have not just a mandate but an obligation to secure the border and protect American families,” said Britt.“The United States needs a completed border wall—it is just common sense to have a physical barrier in place to ensure only lawful entry into our country. The WALL Act would ensure the completion of America’s border wall without raising taxes on U.S. citizens or increasing the national debt by a single penny. It would accomplish this by eliminating taxpayer-funded entitlement benefits for illegal aliens, which would further deter illegal migration.”
    The WALL Act would appropriate $25 billion to finish building a wall on our southern border without raising taxes on U.S. citizens or increasing the national debt. It would be funded by closing loopholes and eliminating taxpayer-funded entitlements and tax benefits for people who are in the U.S. illegally. The bill also imposes monetary fines on people who enter the country illegally or overstay their visas. The Joint Committee on Taxation estimated in 2018 that enacting the provisions in this bill would save $33 billion of taxpayer dollars over ten years.
    Risch and Britt are joined by U.S. Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Mike Rounds (R-S.Dak.), and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) in introducing the legislation.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Coons statement of support for Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) released the following statement announcing that he would vote to confirm Scott Bessent as the next Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Treasury:
    “I support Mr. Bessent’s nomination to lead the Department of the Treasury because of his decades of experience in the financial sector and his conviction that American strength is built on a stable, innovative, and growing economy. While I disagree with many of his policy positions, particularly his support for extending tax cuts for the wealthy and President Trump’s tariff threats, I hope that he will focus the Treasury Department on bringing down costs for middle-class Americans. I am particularly encouraged by his commitment to continue U.S. investment in international financial institutions, which are essential tools for advancing global prosperity and demonstrating U.S. leadership.”  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst Names Small Business of the Week, Myers Tree Farm

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
    RED OAK, Iowa – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, today announced her Small Business of the Week: Myers Tree Farm of Des Moines County. Throughout the 119th Congress, Chair Ernst plans to recognize a small business in every one of Iowa’s 99 counties.
    “For over 35 years, Myers Tree Farm has rooted itself in the Sperry community, sprucing things up with their variety of houseplants, succulents, and home decor,” said Chair Ernst. “Home to over 5,000 Christmas trees, this family-owned and operated small business continues to bring holiday joy to families across Iowa!”
    In 1987, Robert and Patti Myers planted a group of Christmas trees on an acre of land in hopes to sell them and pay for their kids college education. After Chad graduated from Iowa State University in 1993 with a degree in horticulture, he joined the business full-time and eventually took over with his wife. The couple expanded Myers Tree Farm to include full-service landscaping and a potting shed that houses flowers, garden and vegetable plants, and succulents. In 2019, the Myerses fully renovated their barn to host weddings ceremonies. The business hosts an annual Fourth of July fireworks celebration that attracts over 5,000 people to the family farm. This year, Myers Tree Farm will celebrate 38 years in Iowa. 
    Stay tuned as Chair Ernst recognizes more Iowa small businesses across the state with her Small Business of the Week award.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden, Merkley Co-sponsor Climate Resolution

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)
    January 27, 2025
    Senators fight back against Donald Trump’s day-one withdrawal of the United States from Paris Climate Agreement
    Washington DC—U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced they have joined 20 U.S. Senate colleagues to reintroduce the We Are Still In resolution in response to Donald Trump’s withdrawal of the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement through a day-one executive order.  
    “With increasingly severe weather consistently threatening Oregon and the wildfires now ravaging southern California, it’s clear the climate is in crisis and it’s no time to retreat on clean energy policies,” Wyden said. “With the passage in 2022 of the largest climate and clean energy investment in history, the United States has led on  international climate policy to create an economically and environmentally viable future for our children. The We Are Still In resolution would keep our country on track of refusing to sacrifice good-paying, forward thinking jobs and the future our children deserve by appeasing a few big oil billionaires.” 
    “Climate chaos is a global problem, and it requires global solutions,” Senator Merkley said. “Our communities are ravaged by wildfires and smoke, hurricanes and extreme flooding – all exacerbated by climate chaos. To address the worsening crisis, we need strong international partnerships and the United States has both a moral and a strategic responsibility to lead the world in climate action.”
    The We Are Still In resolution signals ongoing support for U.S. climate ambition by leaders in Congress continuing to work with and highlighting local, state, regional, Tribal, and nongovernmental climate partners. The resolution underscores significant climate and clean energy actions by local and state governments, critical investments made through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act, and widespread support for the Paris climate agreement. With Trump’s withdrawal, the United States joins Iran, Yemen, and Libya as the only countries in the world not party to the Paris climate agreement. 
    Full text of the We Are Still In resolution is here.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murkowski and Chemnitz: Greenland “Ally, not an Asset”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Lisa Murkowski
    01.27.25
    Washington, DC – Today, United States Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska and Co-Chair of the Standing Committee of Parliamentarians of the Arctic Region) and Aaja Chemnitz (Member of Danish Parliament representing Greenland for Inuit Ataqatigiit and Chair of the Standing Committee of Parliamentarians of the Arctic Region), released the following joint statement:
    “In recent weeks, as President Trump has suggested the U.S. should purchase Greenland from the Kingdom of Denmark, attention has rapidly turned to what the future may hold. The appeal of Greenland is easy to understand. It is strategically located for defense, shipping, and more. It is also a storehouse for all sorts of minerals, the building blocks of society that will determine who leads—and controls—the industries of the future.
    “Of course, a businessman turned president would be interested. But Greenland is not for sale. The question has been asked and firmly answered by the government of Greenland, Naalakkersuisut.
    “As legislators representing Greenland in Denmark and the United States, we see a better path forward. The United States, like Denmark, should recognize that the future will be defined by partnership, not ownership. To ensure our alliance reaches its full potential, Americans must view Greenland as an ally, not an asset. Open for business, but not for sale.
    “From our work on Arctic Parliamentarians, we are certain that U.S. ambitions for national security can be achieved without altering Greenland’s autonomy. We see that in Pittufik Space Base. Dialogue and cooperation can strengthen our ties; diplomacy can pave the way for a relationship and alliance that fulfills our mutual interests. 
    “We can also affirm that Greenland welcomes increased cooperation with the U.S. on defense, mineral development, trade, and our common values of freedom and democracy. The U.S. should embrace that. And it should be paired with a larger acceptance of the Arctic as a region of shared responsibility whose opportunities cannot be seized, and whose challenges cannot be overcome, by any one nation on its own.
    “Let’s remember that the U.S. portion of the Arctic—Alaska—shares more than lines of latitude with Greenland. Whether you’re in Nuuk or Nome, you will see and hear familiar words, a reflection of our Inuk and Iñupiaq peoples’ common history. Alaska has the same advantages as Greenland, from strategic location to abundant resources. We can form the heart of this union throughout the 21st century and beyond.
    “We work hard to ensure prosperity, peaceful and respectful collaboration and protection of our people. We do so through international cooperation including through the Arctic Council which is the main Arctic cooperative governance body. We call on continued support and engagement in the peaceful dialogue through the Arctic Council, and we look forward and support the incoming chairship of Kingdom of Denmark, and recognize the leading role of Greenland in the chairship.
    “The future does not require us to redraw the borders on that map, but to work harder than ever across them. The respectful, consensus partnership is the only way to truly foster the ties that will bind Greenland and the United States together for the long haul. We call the Arctic our home. We work hard to ensure prosperity, peaceful and respectful collaboration and protection of our people. We believe in a stronger partnership for a brighter future across the Arctic.”
    Yesterday, the Standing Committee of Parliamentarians of the Arctic Region (SCPAR) met in Tromsø, Norway, for the organization’s winter meeting. Senator Murkowski participated virtually.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin: RFK Jr. Is Dangerously Unqualified To Serve As HHS Secretary

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    January 27, 2025
    In a speech on the Senate floor, Durbin warns that Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s dangerous and irresponsible views could jeopardize children’s health
    WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today spoke out against the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., to lead the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), citing the nominee’s false and irresponsible views on vaccines.  In his remarks, Durbin pointed to specific examples of Kennedy spreading lies about vaccines, fluoride, and other measures with proven scientific history of safety and improving health.
    “Every day HHS makes life or death decisions. That [department] oversees the Food and Drug Administration to make sure that what we eat is safe, to make sure the drugs that are sold to us are effective and safe as well. The National Institutes of Health, the premier medical research agency in the world, with $48 billion spent each year to find cures, to find new drugs, to move us toward a better America.  And the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to make sure that whatever is going around, as they say, doesn’t hit our families. We count on them every single day. It’s a big job, it requires responsible leadership and honesty,” Durbin began. 
    Durbin acknowledged that he has some common ground with Kennedy, specifically related to curbing pharmaceutical advertisements, which mirrors a policy laid out in Durbin’s DTC Act.
    “There may be some certain areas where we agree, such as curbing drug ads or improving the quality of food supply… I can work with him on those issues,” Durbin said.
    “But on the fundamentals… his leadership is troublesome.  Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is dangerously, dangerously unqualified and entirely irresponsible in his judgement.  He embraces quack science and cherry-picks information to fulfill his numerous conspiracy theories,” Durbin said.
    Durbin spoke to Kennedy’s record of spreading lies about the efficacy and safety of vaccines.  Durbin quoted Kennedy directly during his remarks, reiterating that Kennedy has said as recently as July 2023 that, “there’s no vaccine that is safe and effective.”
    “His decades-long crusade to spread lies about vaccines is just one example,” Durbin said.  “Contrary to scientific fact, he has also said that ‘I do believe that autism does come from vaccines.’”
    Durbin explained that Kennedy helped to publish, promote, and wrote the foreword for a book called Cause Unknown, which included faulty, unsubstantiated claims linking COVID-19 vaccines and deaths in children.  The book’s cover features the face of 12-year-old Braden Fahey, implying that COVID-19 vaccines played a role in Braden’s death.  However, Braden never received a COVID-19 vaccine—he died at football practice due to a malformed blood vessel in his brain, but the book included Braden’s photo without the knowledge or consent of his grieving parents.
    “The height of irresponsibility.  Mr. Kennedy pushes facts aside when he wants to tell us about his agenda.  The Hippocratic Oath for doctors states: first, do no harm.  But I am fearful that if we put Robert F. Kennedy Jr., in charge of our nation’s health, innocent children will die,” Durbin continued.
    “It’s no secret what he would do.  Mr. Kennedy himself petitioned the FDA to rescind authorization of all COVID vaccines in 2021.  And a key associate of his has petitioned to remove the polio vaccine,” Durbin said.
    “In 1952, polio paralyzed more than 21,000 Americans and killed more than 3,000.  But thanks to researcher Jonas Salk, a vaccine was discovered and studied among 1.3 million children… It was proven safe,” Durbin said.
    As Durbin points out, Kennedy has travelled internationally to spread doubt and falsehoods about the safety and efficacy of the measles vaccine.
    “Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has spread conspiracy theories to discourage uptake of the measles vaccine, for example – including travelling to Samoa to spread lies about its safety, fueling an outbreak that took 80 lives,” Durbin continued.  “Before the measles vaccine, 48,000 people were hospitalized each year—with thousands experiencing life-threatening brain swelling.  By 2000, measles was declared eliminated because of vaccines.”
    Durbin then spoke about Kennedy’s unsupported claims that fluoride in water is unhealthy despite clear scientific evidence proving that fluoride helps prevent cavities and dental surgery.
    “Mr. Kennedy’s dangerous, anti-science views don’t stop… He has also targeted the fluoride in drinking water.  We’ve been adding… fluoride in our drinking water for over 70 years in the United States.  We have tested it every way you can imagine, as we should, to make sure that it is safe for all of us to drink,” Durbin said.
    “This man is not a scientist… He has no special knowledge or authority when it comes to these issues and sadly, [he] buys into a myriad of conspiracy theories,” Durbin said.  “God forbid we encounter another pandemic or infectious disease threat.  Do you really want this vaccine denier, Robert Kennedy Jr., at the helm?”
    Durbin concluded his floor speech by calling on his Senate colleagues to stand against Kennedy’s nomination for the sake of public health.
    “I issue a challenge to my 99 Senate colleagues: go ask your local children’s hospital if they think this nominee, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., would help or harm their work to treat sick children,” Durbin said.  “The United States Senate is better than this.  I urge my colleagues to think twice before voting for this irresponsible nominee…  This is the wrong nominee for this critical agency.”
    Video of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.
    Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.
    Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations.
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  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Highlights Bill To Halt U.S. Investment In Venezuela’s Energy Sector Until Legitimate 2024 Election Results Are Elected

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    January 27, 2025
    WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today highlighted a bill he introduced terminating all U.S. petroleum cooperation and petroleum-related trade with Venezuela until the legitimate results of the recent Venezuelan election are respected. On July 28, 2024, more than 10 million Venezuelans peacefully voted in the presidential election, with results meticulously compiled by credible election monitors showing an overwhelming victory for opposition candidate, Edmundo González, over President Nicolás Maduro. The regime issued an arrest warrant forGonzález and brazenly refused to swear him in as President on January 10, the country’s Inauguration Day. The Maduro regime currently uses oil revenues dependent on U.S. involvement to maintain its police state. Durbin filed the bill as an amendment to the annual defense authorization bill last year. A bipartisan companion bill was reintroduced in the House earlier this month by Representatives Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (D-FL-25) and Maria Salazar (D-FL-27).  
    “In 2018, I had the opportunity to visit Venezuela—it was a once prosperous, albeit imperfect, democracy suffering from terrible economic and political decline. I told then-President Maduro that if he rigged the upcoming election, Venezuelans would be more isolated and endure unnecessary suffering. It didn’t stop him for a minute. He went ahead with a discredited election. The result was as predicted. The economy of Venezuela started descending into chaos. People were literally starving. There was an exodus of millions of people from Venezuela,” Durbin said.
    “Last July, Venezuela held another presidential election during which the regime arbitrarily blocked leading opposition candidates from the ballot and tried to undermine the electoral process. Nonetheless, more than 10 million Venezuelans actually voted and the results were meticulously documented by credible election monitors showed a sweeping victory for Edmundo González—his opponent,” said Durbin. “I was glad to see that one of newly confirmed Secretary of State Rubio’s first calls was to President-elect González.”
    “Yet, despite his clear victory, the Maduro Administration has refused to give up the office of presidency and refused to recognize the legitimate election result. …. [it] announced that it had won actually… which is becoming a common trick by these dictators, and refused to swear him in on their inauguration day,” Durbin said. “So, today, I am reintroducing a short, simple bill terminating all U.S. petroleum cooperation and related trade with Venezuela until the legitimate results of the election are respected. It’s pretty simple—the entrenched regime clings to power using oil revenues dependent on the U.S. Under my bill, that will end. President Trump and Secretary Rubio could also take this step right away without my legislation.”
    Durbin concluded, “Lastly, I appeal to our democratic allies in the region, including the democracies of the Caribbean, to stand resolute in defense of a sweeping and clear vote by their exhausted Venezuelan neighbors. They cannot sit idly by for another six years of regime-inflicted suffering and collapse in Venezuela.”
    Durbin traveled to Venezuela in April 2018, during which time he met with then National Assembly Member Juan Guaidó as well as Nicolás Maduro, warning him that pursuing a sham election the following month would further isolate his autocratic regime.
    Video of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.
    Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.
    Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations.
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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall, Kansas State Senators Announce $41 Million Savings to Kansas Taxpayers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    WICHITA, KS – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D., and Kansas State Senators Michael Fagg and Rick Billinger are pleased to announce more than $41 million in savings to Kansas taxpayers through a reduction in the state’s federal debt payments.
    “I was honored to work with long-time friend, Senator Mike Fagg, to deliver important debt relief to Kansas taxpayers,” said Senator Marshall. “This was a simple but impactful change that will save the state millions of dollars.” 
    “I’m excited and proud of how all of our federal and state officials worked together to guide this project through to a successful finish,” said State Senator Mike Fagg, R-El Dorado. “This is a great deal for Kansas and will financially help towards the water challenges in our state.” 
    I would like to thank Senator Roger Marshall for leading the way in the Us Senate and making the forgiveness of the compounding interest his number one priority,” said State Senator Rick Billinger, R-Goodland. “I also thank Senator Jerry Moran for making the forgiveness of the compounding interest his number one priority. Thank you Representative Tracy Mann for leading the charge in the US House and voting for the bill. Thanks to Representatives Ron Estes and Sharice Davids, who both voted for the bill. I would like to thank Governor Kelly for having the Kansas water office write a letter asking forgiveness for the compounding interest. I would also like to thank Senator Mike Fagg for all his hard work in making this savings to the state of Kansas happen. Mike and Senator Marshall had worked together to have the compounding interest forgiven. They also worked on a loan at El Dorado lake a few years earlier.”
    Background: 
    The State of Kansas has a water storage agreement with the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) for water storage at 14 Kansas reservoirs. However, Milford Lake and Perry Lake still have contracts that date back to the 1970s and require the state to pay compound interest to USACE. Through the 2024 Water Resource Development Act (WRDA) passed by Congress in December, Senator Marshall was successful in changing the compound interest payments to simple interest payments, saving the state more than $40 million over the course of the contracts. 
    In 2022, Senator Marshall was successful in changing the City of El Dorado’s debt payment to USACE for water storage in El Dorado Lake from compound to simple, saving the city millions of dollars. Senator Fagg, who previously served as mayor of El Dorado, reached out to Senator Marshall’s office asking for assistance in making the same changes to the state’s debt agreements with USACE. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Joins Newsmax National Report: RFK Jr. Will Execute President Trump’s Agenda

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. joined Newsmax: National Report to discuss CIA Director John Ratcliffe’s recent release of declassified COVID-19 origins documents confirming the intelligence community’s long-suspected lab leak theory, as well as former President Joe Biden’s preemptive pardoning of Covid Czar Dr. Anthony Fauci. Senator Marshall has been an advocate in calling for transparency around the lab leak theory and the Biden Administration’s lack of transparency. 
    Additionally, Senator Marshall shared his support for President Trump’s Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Nominee, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., as he prepares for his confirmation hearings this week in the Senate Finance and Health Committees. As the leader and founder of the Senate Make America Healthy Again Caucus, Senator Marshall discussed how RFK Jr. will combat America’s chronic disease epidemic. 
    You may click HERE or on the image above to watch Senator Marshall’s full interview. 
    Highlights from Senator Marshall’s interview include:
    On CIA Director John Ratcliffe Releasing Classified Covid Origin Reports: 
    “I think number one is this is a sign of President Trump’s more transparency model. But look, most of the evidence, the preponderance of the evidence, supports that this virus came from a lab in Wuhan China, partially funded by Dr Fauci. We’ve known that for years. Look, China’s had five years to show us some type of an intermediate species, how this virus could have came from a bat, to some type of an animal, and then to humans. We’ve known from day one that this was very suspicious.”
    “This is just transparency. Promises made, promises kept. President Trump has promised that he would make everything more transparent. Here’s John Ratcliffe implementing that plan.” 
    On President Biden’s pre-emptive pardoning of Dr. Fauci: 
    “Once again, what are they hiding? And of course, he did this with the entire Biden cartel as well. He pardoned them from future charges, which is just unheard of.”
    “I think there’s going to be a preponderance of evidence coming out showing that Dr. Fauci is partially responsible for the 1 million Americans that died due to COVID, that he funded the research to develop this COVID virus, and it was then accidentally leaked from a lab in Wuhan, China. It’s a horrible, horrible [precedent] for the President to do this.”
    On President Trump’s Nominee for HHS Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.: 
    “I don’t agree with RFK Jr. on everything, but I fully support him. I think he’s absolutely going to be a game-changer. I think there’s a groundswell of people, Americans who support RFK Jr. as well – and we need those people to reach out to their senators this week as RFK Jr. goes into nomination hearings. He actually has two hearings going forward, so we need folks to reach out and say ‘this is why we support him.’”
    “Look, RFK Jr. is going to execute the President’s agenda. There’s some things in the past that RFK Jr. and I disagree with, but he’s going to put those beside him and focus on making America healthy again, and that’s all President Trump’s goal is here.”
    “60% of Americans have some type of a chronic disease, and mostly that’s determined by what they eat and the toxins they’re exposed to. So I’m just looking forward to working with RFK Jr. again. He’s going to be a game changer and is going to give us an opportunity to address some of these challenges. He’s going to do a great job.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Marshall, Johnson Introduce Legislation To Require Federal Agencies to Make Regulatory Guidance Publicly Accessible

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington, D.C. –  U.S. Senators Roger Marshall, M.D., Ron Johnson (R-WI) and 14 of their Senate colleagues introduced the Guidance Out Of Darkness (GOOD) Act. The GOOD Act requires federal agencies to publish their regulatory guidance on the Internet in an easily accessible location. This bill will help impacted entities — including small businesses, workers and households — be fully informed of regulatory requirements in order to take any necessary actions for compliance.
    “There must be full transparency between government bureaucrats and the American taxpayers who pay their salaries. Requiring federal agencies to publish their regulatory guidance on the internet in an easily accessible location should be a no brainer,” said Senator Marshall. “I’m shocked we’ve come far without this basic step being taken, I am proud to join Senator Johnson in introducing the GOOD Act, which would introduce common-sense reforms to our governing system to improve transparency and efficiency.”
    Senators Marshall and Johnson were joined by Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Joni Ernst (R-IA), James Lankford (R-OK), Mike Lee (R-UT), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Rick Scott (R-FL), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), John Hoeven (R-ND), Ted Budd (R-NC), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), and James Risch (R-ID). 
    The full text of the legislation can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER: STANDING AT ALTON’S RESTAURANT IN CHEEKTOWAGA WITH EGG & GROCERY PRICES RISING DUE TO BIRD FLU OUTBREAK CALLS ON FEDS TO SURGE ‘BIOSECURITY’ AND GET ALL HANDS ON DECK TO HELP FARMS CONTAIN…

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer
    Schumer Says Egg Prices Already Increased $2 Per Dozen In Last Two Months And Could Get Worse If New Admin Doesn’t Surge Efforts To Beat Bird Flu; Farmers Do Not Have Resources To Contain Bird Flu Alone, Says Feds Must Ramp Up Efforts NOW Before Prices Climb Higher
    With Millions Of Birds Impacted Last Month, And More Bird Flu Being Found In NY Just Last Week, Schumer Says Biosecurity And Increased Fed Response Is Key To Isolate & Contain Bird Flu And Lower Grocery Costs
    Schumer: With New Admin, We Can’t Afford To Scramble To Keep Bird Flu Mitigation Going—Or Egg & All Grocery Prices Could Surge
    Amid the increasing price of eggs in Western NY and across Upstate New York amid the bird flu outbreak, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today stood at Cheektowaga’s beloved Alton’s Restaurant and called on HHS and the USDA to surge funding and get all hands on deck for coordinated federal response to stop the spread causing sky-rocketing egg prices and lower costs for families, diners, and local bakeries.
    “Alton’s has been a staple in Western New York for over 40 years, but recently restaurants like Alton’s and families in Buffalo have been shell-shocked by higher egg and grocery prices. Egg prices are skyrocketing because of bird flu, driving costs up for families, farms, diners, and small businesses. In November, a dozen eggs cost about $4 in NY which is already high, but now the average is nearly $6, and with bird flu getting worse this problem could quickly spiral into a crisis,” said Senator Schumer. “Last year I secured millions to help contain this disease and we need the new administration to surge biosecurity efforts to beat back bird flu. We need a robust, coordinated federal response to crack down on bird flu and I am committed to working in a bipartisan way with the new administration to get grocery prices lower and that starts with getting a handle on bird flu. The health of our livestock, our restaurants, and Western NY families’ wallets depend on it.”
    For decades, Alton’s has been a beloved cornerstone of Western New York’s culinary scene, serving hearty Greek-American comfort food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Since opening its doors in 1982, the Cheektowaga-based restaurant, owned by Milton Koutsandreas, has built a loyal following with its warm atmosphere and home-cooked meals. However, like many local businesses across the region, Alton’s has felt the strain of rising costs, particularly the significant increase in egg prices. Just a few months ago they were able to get 30 dozen eggs for $50 a case, and now the diner is seeing prices climb to $180 a case.
    Some grocery stores are limiting the number of egg cartons consumers can purchase, and the price of eggs in New York State has increased from $4.23 in November to $6.10 as of January 10 according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Roughly 8% of egg supply has been affected by the avian flu nationwide, and experts say prices could increase an additional 20% in 2025 if the bird flu keeps spreading.
    Schumer added, “I’ll be pushing for more federal resources in the upcoming budget bill to stop the bird flu, and the feds need to continue prioritizing biosecurity, get all hands on deck for containing bird flu. This will give farmers the resources to isolate, sanitize, and purchase the protective equipment they need.”
    More than 20 million egg-laying chickens died last quarter because of bird flu, and last week Long Island’s last commercial duck farm was forced to kill thousands of ducks after health officials detected cases of bird flu, forcing the farm to cease operations. An outbreak in Georgia last week showed how the virus can spread, and Schumer highlighted the need for federal coordination to prevent further spread and support farms in New York and across the country. With infections across the country, there have been fewer eggs available, and decreased supply has led to increasing prices at grocery stores.
    “As a restaurant manager, I know firsthand how crucial affordable ingredients are to keeping our business running and our customers happy. Eggs are a staple in so many of the dishes we serve, and rising prices significantly affect our costs and prices – something we always try to avoid,” said Alton’s Restaurant General Manager Audrea Arricale. “I want to thank Senator Chuck Schumer for taking the issue of excessively high food costs seriously.”
    “Stable egg prices are critical for the success of Cheektowaga’s local businesses, especially restaurants and grocery stores, which are already navigating the challenges of inflation,” said Cheektowaga Chamber of Commerce President and CEO James Burns. “Senator Schumer’s push to strengthen biosecurity and support farmers in fighting bird flu is essential to keeping costs down for both businesses and families in our community.”
    “I thank Senator Schumer for standing up for basic, common sense public health efforts. As the COVID-19 pandemic showed, we need everyone, from global partners and academia to local health departments in the fight together against illnesses like H5N1 highly pathogenic avian flu, which is a looming threat to the public’s health, our economy and our food security,” said Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz.
    “I thank Senator Schumer for his efforts to advance a practical solution to an issue that has a concrete impact on all of us. Resources are already in the federal budget and should be expended to address the issue,” said Cheektowaga Town Supervisor Brian Nowak.
    Schumer said that the federal government must invest in biosecurity efforts including isolation, sanitation, and more personal protective equipment (PPE). The senator called on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and National Institutes of Health, among other federal agencies, to engage in a coordinated federal response to manage this bird flu outbreak. HHS invested $300+ million dollars before the new administration took office and the USDA has said that preparedness is the key to keeping Americans healthy and our country safe. Schumer said that as Congress continues to negotiate the Farm Bill, which regulates the federal budget for agricultural-related programs, the new Congress and the new administration must continue to prioritize investing in helping farms detect and contain bird flu.
    “The bottom-line here is that we do not want farmers, the feds, or consumers at the grocery store to scramble with this threat of bird flu sustaining into 2025. We want to try and keep grocery prices in check, and that means keeping the new Congress and the new administration laser-focused on ending this latest bird flu outbreak,” said Schumer.
    Under the Biden administration, the CDC made plans to award approximately $111 million in funding to enhance our ability to monitor the bird flu at the local, state and national levels, including $103 million to increase monitoring of individuals exposed to infected animals, testing, and outreach to high-risk populations (such as livestock workers) and $8 million to manufacture, store, and distribute influenza diagnostic test kits for virologic surveillance. The NIH made plans to award approximately $11 million in funding for additional research into potential medical countermeasures for the bird flu.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER: STANDING AT ROCHESTER’S JINES RESTAURANT WITH EGG & GROCERY PRICES RISING DUE TO BIRD FLU OUTBREAK CALLS ON FEDS TO SURGE ‘BIOSECURITY’ AND GET ALL HANDS ON DECK TO HELP FARMS CONTAIN BIRD…

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer
    Schumer Says Egg Prices Already Increased $2 Per Dozen In Last Two Months And Could Get Worse If New Admin Doesn’t Surge Efforts To Beat Bird Flu; Farmers Do Not Have Resources To Contain Bird Flu Alone, Says Feds Must Ramp Up Efforts NOW Before Prices Climb Higher
    With Millions Of Birds Impacted Last Month, And More Bird Flu Being Found In NY Just Last Week, Schumer Says Biosecurity And Increased Fed Response Is Key To Isolate & Contain Bird Flu And Lower Grocery Costs
    Schumer: With New Admin, We Can’t Afford To Scramble To Keep Bird Flu Mitigation Going—Or Egg & All Grocery Prices Could Surge
    Amid the increasing price of eggs in the Rochester-Finger Lakes region and across Upstate New York, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today stood at Rochester’s beloved Jines Restaurant and called on HHS and the USDA to surge funding and get all hands on deck for coordinated federal response to stop the spread causing sky-rocketing egg prices and lower costs for families, diners, and local bakeries.
    “Everyone in Rochester has eaten at Jines at some point, but diners like Jines and families in Rochester have been shell-shocked by higher egg and grocery prices. Egg prices are skyrocketing because of bird flu, driving costs up for families, farms, diners, and small businesses. In November, a dozen eggs cost about $4 in NY which is already high, but now the average is nearly $6, and with bird flu getting worse this problem could quickly spiral into a crisis,” said Senator Schumer. “Last year I secured millions to help contain this disease and we need the new administration to surge biosecurity efforts to beat back bird flu. We need a robust, coordinated federal response to crack down on bird flu and I am committed to working in a bipartisan way with the new administration to get grocery prices lower and that starts with getting a handle on bird flu. The health of our livestock, our restaurants, and Rochester families’ wallets depend on it.”
    Jines Restaurant serves thousands of eggs per week, and says the cost of egg cases has increased at unprecedented rates since the start of the avian flu. The restaurant is used to a dozen eggs costing $1.50 a dozen, but now sees prices at $6.50 a dozen and above. With the price of eggs continuing to rise steeply in Rochester and across the country, local diners like Jines are being forced to decide between absorbing the costs and raising prices for customers.
    Some grocery stores are limiting the number of egg cartons consumers can purchase, and the price of eggs in New York State has increased from $4.23 in November to $6.10 as of January 10 according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Roughly 8% of egg supply has been affected by the avian flu nationwide, and experts say prices could increase an additional 20% in 2025 if the bird flu keeps spreading.
    Schumer added, “I’ll be pushing for more federal resources in the upcoming budget bill to stop the bird flu, and the feds need to continue prioritizing biosecurity, get all hands on deck for containing bird flu. This will give farmers the resources to isolate, sanitize, and purchase the protective equipment they need.”
    More than 20 million egg-laying chickens died last quarter because of bird flu, and last week Long Island’s last commercial duck farm was forced to kill thousands of ducks after health officials detected cases of bird flu, forcing the farm to cease operations. An outbreak in Georgia last week showed how the virus can spread, and Schumer highlighted the need for federal coordination to prevent further spread and support farms in New York and across the country. With infections across the country, there have been fewer eggs available, and decreased supply has led to increasing prices at grocery stores.
    Peter Gines, Jines Restaurant Owner said, “Eggs are used in nearly every dish that we serve and when you need thousands of eggs a week, every cost increase multiplies quickly.  As a small business owner, and on behalf of our employees and customers, we appreciate Senator Schumer’s attention to addressing this issue.”
    Schumer said that the federal government must invest in biosecurity efforts including isolation, sanitation, and more personal protective equipment (PPE). The senator called on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and National Institutes of Health, among other federal agencies, to engage in a coordinated federal response to manage this bird flu outbreak. HHS invested $300+ million dollars before the new administration took office and the USDA has said that preparedness is the key to keeping Americans healthy and our country safe. Schumer said that as Congress continues to negotiate the Farm Bill, which regulates the federal budget for agricultural-related programs, the new Congress and the new administration must continue to prioritize investing in helping farms detect and contain bird flu.
    “The bottom-line here is that we do not want farmers, the feds, or consumers at the grocery store to scramble with this threat of bird flu sustaining into 2025. We want to try and keep grocery prices in check, and that means keeping the new Congress and the new administration laser-focused on ending this latest bird flu outbreak,” said Schumer.
    Under the Biden administration, the CDC made plans to award approximately $111 million in funding to enhance our ability to monitor the bird flu at the local, state and national levels, including $103 million to increase monitoring of individuals exposed to infected animals, testing, and outreach to high-risk populations (such as livestock workers) and $8 million to manufacture, store, and distribute influenza diagnostic test kits for virologic surveillance. The NIH made plans to award approximately $11 million in funding for additional research into potential medical countermeasures for the bird flu.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Commemorates International Holocaust Remembrance Day, 80 Years Since the Liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today released the following statement on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, 80 years since the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp: 
    “As we mark International Holocaust Remembrance Day, 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz, we grieve the six million Jews and millions of other innocent victims murdered at the hands of Nazi regime and those who enabled their hate. We pay respect to the victims and survivors and recognize the incredible bravery of all who fought against unspeakable evils and horrific injustice. As antisemitism rises and survivors of the Holocaust’s terror become fewer, we must honor their legacy by keeping our vow to never forget, and by rejecting hate, always.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Convenes Businesses, State Officials to Talk Trump’s Tariffs Threats and the Impact on Vermont’s Local Economy, Hardworking Families 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    ST. ALBANS, VT – Today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, convened Vermont businesses and state and local leaders for a roundtable discussion on President Trump’s threats to reignite a trade war with Canada and other U.S. trade allies by imposing dramatic tariffs on goods imported from Canada. Senator Welch advocated for a ‘Do No Harm’ policy approach and warned against imposing tariffs that get passed on to the consumer—Vermont families. 
    “We saw the harmful impact of the Trump Tariffs during his first term, and we can’t accept a return to that chaotic trade policy. Canada is Vermont’s biggest trading partner, and one of our most important allies nationally. Our trade relationship needs to be strong, because the success of hardworking families, businesses, farms, and manufacturers depends on it,” said Senator Welch. “President Trump’s plans are still unknown, but what we do know today is that a trade war is not the answer. We need a ‘Do No Harm’ policy. This is about jobs, and this is about the consistency Vermont businesses deserve. I’ll advocate in Washington for Vermonters, and push for open markets, which are necessary to keep our economy strong.”  
    Senator Welch was joined by leaders in the technology, agriculture, energy, services, construction and manufacturing industries. Participants talked about the importance of Canada as an economic partner for Vermont’s local communities, and how the proposed Trump Tariffs could be detrimental to the state’s businesses, farms, and manufacturers, leading to higher costs for hardworking families.  
    View photos from the event below:  
    Sen. Welch was joined today by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce; the Vermont Association of General Contractors; Manufacturing Solutions, Inc.; H20 Innovation; A.N. Deringer, Inc.; Poulin Grain; Green Mountain Power; Vermont State Treasurer Mike Pieciak; Brett Long, Deputy Commissioner, Vermont Department of Economic Development; and Tim Smith, Mayor, St. Albans. 
    Attendees at the roundtable spoke about the impact of the tariffs on their businesses and their concerns regarding President Trump’s rhetoric regarding trade since taking office last week. In many cases, Vermont manufacturers buy inputs from Canada to manufacture into products. However, the ability of Vermont’s small manufacturing businesses to absorb a 25% increase in costs on parts or raw materials is limited. If President Trump follows through on his threats of a 25% tariff on Canada and Mexico, Vermonters could see higher homebuilding costs, increased costs of grain for farmers, more expensive equipment for maple producers, and costlier electricity.   
    The tariffs could also further exacerbate inequalities found within the current U.S. tax system. As trade wars accelerate, some families—especially those with young children—end up being disproportionately impacted by high tariffs, as the U.S. imports 97% of clothing, and infant formulas are hit by tariffs of 17.5%. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hickenlooper, Colleagues Reintroduce Bill to Curb AI Deepfakes, Protect Our Children

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Colorado John Hickenlooper
    TAKE IT DOWN Act would crack down on malicious uses of AI and protect victims of “deepfake porn”
    WASHINGTON – Last week, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper joined a bipartisan group of Senate colleagues to reintroduce the Tools to Address Known Exploitation by Immobilizing Technological Deepfakes on Websites and Networks (TAKE IT DOWN) Act. The legislation would criminalize the publication of non-consensual, intimate imagery (NCII), including AI-generated “deepfakes,” and require social media platforms and online sites to remove NCII within 48 hours of notice.
    “It’s too easy for someone to misuse AI to generate harmful fake images depicting real people – including minors,” said Hickenlooper. “This bill will protect our children’s privacy and safety.”
    New generative artificial intelligence tools are able to create lifelike, but fake, imagery depicting real people, known as deepfakes. Deepfakes have recently been used to target minors, including incidents where classmates used AI tools to create sexually explicit images of other classmates that they then shared on social media.
    The TAKE IT DOWN Act protects Americans by making it unlawful for a person to knowingly publish sexually explicit deepfake images of an identifiable individual, and requiring social media companies and websites to remove the images promptly.
    Specifically, the TAKE IT DOWN Act would:
    Criminalize the publication of NCII in interstate commerce. The bill makes it unlawful for a person to knowingly publish NCII on social media and other online platforms. NCII is defined to include realistic, computer-generated pornographic images and videos that depict identifiable, real people. The bill also clarifies that a victim consenting to the creation of an authentic image does not mean that the victim has consented to its publication.
    Protect good faith efforts to assist victims. The bill permits the good faith disclosure of NCII, such as to law enforcement, in narrow cases.
    Require websites to take down NCII upon notice from the victim. Social media and other websites would be required to have in place procedures to remove NCII, pursuant to a valid request from a victim, within 48 hours. Websites must also make reasonable efforts to remove copies of the images. The FTC is charged with enforcement of this section.
    Protect lawful speech. The bill is narrowly tailored to criminalize knowingly publishing NCII without barring lawful speech. The bill respects first amendment protections by requiring that computer-generated NCII meet a “reasonable person” test. Meaning, it must appear to realistically depict an individual.
    Hickenlooper previously cosponsored the bill in the 118th Congress. Last Congress, the TAKE IT DOWN Act passed both the Senate Commerce Committee and the full Senate. It has widespread support from over 100 organizations, including victim advocacy groups, law enforcement, and tech industry leaders.
    Full text of the bill available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville Gets Gavel to Key Armed Services Subcommittee

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) was announced as Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel. As the leader of this subcommittee, Sen. Tuberville will lead the charge on staffing key Department of Defense (DOD) military and civilian personnel, policies, compensation and benefits, and military nominations. He will provide oversight on a wide range of military budget accounts and various DOD offices and agencies. His work will ensure servicemembers are taken care of both while in service and in the years following.
    Alabama is home to over 13,000 active-duty military members, over 25,000 National Guard and reserve members, nearly 400,000 veterans, and five military bases. As Chairman, he will be an advocate for these servicemembers by ensuring they have the best resources and care possible.
    Sen. Tuberville made the following statement about his appointment as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Personnel:
    “As Alabama’s voice on the Senate Armed Services Committee, I’m honored to be the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Personnel. As the son of a World War II veteran, I know firsthand the sacrifices that our men and women in uniform make for our country. I will see to it that military personnel are well-compensated and get the benefits they deserve—it’s the least we can do. As Pete Hegseth assembles his team at the Pentagon, we will work tirelessly to make sure they have the support and personnel they need to implement President Trump’s America First agenda and restore peace through strength. As Chairman, I will be laser-focused on enhancing the quality of life for our brave military personnel both during and after their time in service so we can ensure our military remains the most lethal fighting force in the world.”
    Subcommittee on Sea Power:
    As a member of the Subcommittee on Seapower, Sen. Tuberville will continue his work to restore America’s naval superiority and promote Alabama’s shipbuilding and maritime industries. The United States Constitution charges Congress with providing and maintaining a Navy, which our founders saw as critical to the nation’s economic power and the freedoms we enjoy.
    Sen. Tuberville’s position on these subcommittees will enable him to work on these Alabama-related issues:
    Bolstering Alabama’s maritime investment in the Port of Mobile.
    Advancing his work to build our Navy fleet to compete with foreign adversaries.
    Utilizing key shipbuilding industries like Austal in Mobile.
    Subcommittee on Strategic Forces:Since the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces has jurisdiction over U.S. Space Command (SPACECOM), retaining his role on this subcommittee was one of Sen. Tuberville’s top priorities. Sen. Tuberville has led calls for the U.S. Air Force to act on its recommendation to place SPACECOM at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, and he is well-positioned to lead the entire Alabama delegation in supporting a smooth transition. This subcommittee also oversees America’s Missile Defense Agency, a responsibility Sen. Tuberville will leverage to protect every American.
    Responsibilities: Nuclear and strategic forces; arms control and non-proliferation programs; space programs; Department of Energy defense nuclear and defense environmental management programs; and ballistic missile defense.
    Oversight of budget accounts: Procurement and RDT&E for DOD nuclear and strategic forces, missile defense, space systems, Department of Energy defense and non-proliferation programs.
    Oversight of DOD and DOE officials: Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear and Chemical and Biological Defense Programs; National Nuclear Security Administration; and Assistant Secretary of Energy (Environmental Management).
    Oversight of agencies, commands, and activities: U.S. Strategic Command; U.S. Space Command, U.S. Space Force as well as other components of the military departments; Space Development Agency; Missile Defense Agency; National Nuclear Security Administration; Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board; and Defense Threat Reduction Agency.
    Sen. Tuberville’s service on all three subcommittees will be crucial in empowering Alabama’s military installations across the state.
    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: Graham Statement on New Army Corps Funding for South Carolina Water Infrastructure Projects

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Lindsey Graham
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement after the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced it will provide $28 million in funding for a North Myrtle Beach project to help prevent flooding and improve water quality, $7.9 million for the Lakes Marion and Moultrie water infrastructure project, and $7.6 million for stormwater and drainage systems in Charleston. These funds were allocated from the recent disaster supplemental, American Relief Act of 2025, which Senator Graham advocated for and supported.
    Graham said, “I appreciate the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers listening to South Carolina’s needs. Each of these projects will be necessary and beneficial when it comes to defending our state against natural disasters and improving water quality and infrastructure.”
    Graham recently led a letter to the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works encouraging them to prioritize funding for the North Myrtle Beach project. Graham is also a long-standing supporter of the other projects that will receive funding. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, over the years he has made several congressionally directed spending requests to fund the projects in the City of Charleston and Orangeburg County.
    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced it will fund the following projects:
    $28 million for North Myrtle Beach and vicinity to initiate and complete design and construction of the Ocean Outfalls and Stormwater Mitigation Project (Phase I).
    $7.9 million for Orangeburg County to initiate and complete design and construction of the Lodge Hall Reach Water Transmission Pipeline for the Lakes Marion and Moultrie water infrastructure project.
    $7.6 million for the City of Charleston to initiate and complete design and construction to rehabilitate the Brick Arches Stormwater System and Dupont Wapoo Drainage Outlet.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fischer Introduces Legislation to Strengthen U.S. Telecommunications Against Foreign Adversaries

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nebraska Deb Fischer
    Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, introduced the Foreign Adversary Communications Transparency (FACT) Act.
    The legislation would require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to publicly identify entities that hold FCC licenses, authorizations, or other grants of authority that are owned, wholly or partially, by foreign adversarial governments. This includes the governments of China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.
    U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) joined Senator Fischer as original cosponsors of the bipartisan bill.
    U.S. Representatives Thomas Kean (NJ-07), Rob Wittman (VA-01), Kathy Castor (FL-14), and Ro Khanna (CA-17) will lead companion legislation in the House.
    “Authoritarian regimes like China and Russia are actively working to undermine the security of our domestic communications. My bill will better position the FCC to evaluate the risks foreign ties pose to America’s national security so that we can respond to these network infrastructure threats,” said Senator Fischer.
    “The U.S. must protect our telecommunications systems from global adversaries that are trying to do us harm,” said Senator Rosen. “That’s why I’m helping to introduce this bipartisan bill to increase transparency and publicly keep track of companies with influence from adversaries, including China, Russia, and Iran. I’ll always work to support our national security.”
    “It’s no secret that foreign adversaries threaten our national security by exploiting both legal and illegal access to technology and communication infrastructure,” said Senator Cornyn. “The FACT Act would shine light on these vulnerabilities by identifying foreign entities that hold FCC licenses, helping to reduce national security risks and strengthen oversight.”
    “Securing our telecommunications systems is crucial for our country’s national security,” said Senator Luján. “The FACT Act is a critical step to promote transparency and boost the FCC’s ability to detect risks posed by our adversaries. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan bill with my colleagues to safeguard our telecommunications networks.”
    Background:Until now, there has been no mandated public disclosure of companies linked to foreign adversaries operating within U.S. technology and telecommunication markets.
    Although the FCC is prohibited from granting licenses or authorizations deemed a national security threat, some entities with ties to adversarial foreign governments continue to hold certain approvals. As a result, more transparency is necessary.
    Click 
    here to read the text of the bill.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Reverend Warnock, Ossoff, Colleagues Condemn Pardons of January 6 Capitol Attackers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia

    Senators Reverend Warnock, Ossoff, Colleagues Condemn Pardons of January 6 Capitol Attackers

    The resolution condemning the pardons comes after Trump pardoned over 1,500 Jan 6 insurrectionists – including those convicted of violently assaulting police officers
    The Senators will seek unanimous consent to pass the resolution this week
    Senator Reverend Warnock: “Pardoning violent criminals who carried out this unabashed and unembarrassed assault on our democracy is not only an immense injustice but blatant disrespect to the courageous law enforcement officers who protected our Capitol and fought to preserve our republic that day”
    Senator Ossoff: “I condemn in the strongest terms President Trump’s disgraceful pardon of more than 1,000 criminals, many of them violent, who overran the U.S. Capitol, desecrated the seat of our democracy, and assaulted law enforcement in their failed attempt to prevent the peaceful transfer of power”
    Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), and 45 colleagues introduced a new resolution condemning the pardons of individuals who were found guilty of assaulting U.S. Capitol Police Officers. 
    The resolution follows President Trump’s decision to, on the first day of his second term, grant full, complete, and unconditional pardons to over 1,500 people charged with committing crimes in the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol, and to commute the sentences of 14 others, including leaders of the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers, far-right militias. Among those pardoned by Trump were 169 people who pled guilty to assaulting police officers on January 6th. During the siege of the Capitol that day, over 80 U.S. Capitol Police Officers were assaulted, as well as over 60 officers from the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department.
    “Pardoning violent criminals who carried out this unabashed and unembarrassed assault on our democracy is not only an immense injustice but blatant disrespect to the courageous law enforcement officers who protected our Capitol and fought to preserve our republic that day,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “These pardons create a permission structure to excuse political violence and further endanger our law enforcement.”
    “I condemn in the strongest terms President Trump’s disgraceful pardon of more than 1,000 criminals, many of them violent, who overran the U.S. Capitol, desecrated the seat of our democracy, and assaulted law enforcement in their failed attempt to prevent the peaceful transfer of power,” Senator Ossoff said.
    The senators’ resolution, Condemning the pardons for individuals who were found guilty of assaulting Capitol Police Officers, simply states: “Resolved, That the Senate disapproves of any pardons for individuals who were found guilty of assaulting Capitol Police officers.” The Senators will seek unanimous consent on the Senate floor this week to pass the resolution.
    According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, approximately 1,572 defendants have been federally charged with crimes associated with the attack of the U.S. Capitol on January 6th. This includes approximately 598 charged with assaulting, resisting, or impeding law enforcement agents or officers or obstructing those officers during a civil disorder, including approximately 171 defendants charged with using a deadly or dangerous weapon or causing serious bodily injury to an officer.
    In addition to Senators Warnock and Ossoff, the resolution was authored by Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), and Andy Kim (D-NJ), and cosponsored by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR). In total 47 senators signed the resolution.
    The resolution can be viewed HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: WATCH: Senator Reverend Warnock Pushes for Key Commitments from Agriculture Nominee to Support Georgia Farmers and Families

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia

    WATCH: Senator Reverend Warnock Pushes for Key Commitments from Agriculture Nominee to Support Georgia Farmers and Families

    At today’s Senate Agriculture committee hearing, Senator Reverend Warnock questioned Brooke Rollins, President Trump’s nominee to run the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
    Senator Reverend Warnock pushed for key commitments to ensure disaster assistance is distributed both swiftly and equitably, Georgia farmers are protected from the high costs associated with trade wars, and more
    Following the catastrophic damage of Hurricane Helene in September 2024, Senator Reverend Warnock helped secure nearly $21 billion in disaster relief funding for farmers as well as $10 billion in economic assistance for row crops farmers, including cotton and peanut farmers in Georgia; if confirmed, Ms. Rollins will oversee the distribution of this funding
    Senator Reverend Warnock also pushed Rollins on how she would protect Georgia farmers from high costs associated with trade wars and expanding market access 
    Senator Reverend Warnock: “Farmers, as you know, do incredible work. It’s a tough business. There’s so much you don’t control. The margins are narrow, and so I do everything I can to protect my growers in Georgia. I cannot overstate how critical it is for USDA to distribute this assistance, this disaster assistance to Georgia farmers as quickly as possible–but also as equitably as possible. If confirmed, how will you work to ensure disaster assistance is distributed both swiftly and equitably?”
    Senator Reverend Warnock: “Farmers in Georgia are already concerned about potential retaliatory actions following President Trump’s promises to levy heavy tariffs. They are already dealing with slim margins due to high input costs, and the last thing they need is to be caught in the middle of a trade war that could drive-up food prices for all of us”

    Watch Senator Reverend Warnock at Thursday’s Agriculture nominee hearing  HERE and  HERE
    Washington, D.C. – Today, during a U.S. Senate Agriculture committee hearing on the nomination of Brooke Rollins to lead the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) pushed for key commitments from Rollins to ensure disaster assistance is distributed both swiftly and equitably, Georgia farmers are protected from the high costs associated with trade wars, and more. The Senator also pushed Rollins to commit to protecting Fort Valley State’s partnership with USDA and to removing red tape from low-income children and families receiving nutrition benefits.
    If confirmed, Rollins would oversee USDA’s rollout of disaster funding for farmers Senator Warnock secured in December. Following the catastrophic damage of Hurricane Helene in September 2024, Senator Warnock fought for the inclusion of agricultural disaster funding in any end-of-year government funding package, which included nearly $21 billion in disaster relief funding for farmers as well as $10 billion in economic assistance for row crops farmers, including cotton and peanut farmers in Georgia.
    “Farmers, as you know, do incredible work. It’s a tough business. There’s so much you don’t control. The margins are narrow, and so I do everything I can to protect my growers in Georgia. I cannot overstate how critical it is for USDA to distribute this assistance, this disaster assistance to Georgia farmers as quickly as possible–but also as equitably as possible. If confirmed, how will you work to ensure disaster assistance is distributed both swiftly and equitably?,” Senator Reverend Warnock asked. 
    As a veteran member of the Senate committee overseeing federal agriculture policies, and as a senator representing a state with a proud and prosperous history of agriculture excellence, Senator Warnock is vigilant in defending programs that help Georgia farmers keep more profits in their pockets and keep the industry at the frontlines of Georgia’s success.
    “Farmers in Georgia are already concerned about potential retaliatory actions following President Trump’s promises to levy heavy tariffs. They are already dealing with slim margins due to high input costs, and the last thing they need is to be caught in the middle of a trade war that could drive-up food prices for all of us. If confirmed, what will you do from your position at USDA to ensure that Georgia’s farmers and families aren’t caught up in a trade war? It’s something I have worked on with Republicans, helping to get our farmers’ goods to market, it’s something we think about a lot,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. 
    Watch the first part of the Senator’s remarks  HERE and the second part  HERE.
    See below a transcript of key exchanges between Senator Warnock and USDA nominee Brooke Rollins (remarks have been lightly edited for clarity):
    On federal disaster assistance for Georgia farmers 
    SRW: Last year I worked hard with my colleagues in a bipartisan manner to provide $21 billion to help farmers recover from natural disasters like Hurricane Helene. Farmers, as you know, do incredible work. It’s a tough business. There’s so much you don’t control. The margins are narrow, and so I do everything I can to protect my growers in Georgia. I cannot overstate how critical it is for USDA to distribute this assistance, this disaster assistance to Georgia farmers as quickly as possible–but also as equitably as possible. If confirmed, how will you work to ensure disaster assistance is distributed both swiftly and equitably?
    Brooke Rollins (BR): Yes sir, thank you, and I’ll try to answer quickly so we can go on. The day I got the call from President Trump, it was Saturday, November 23rd. We were in our motorhome traveling across the country to an Aggie football game. Within a few hours of accepting the nomination, I began to immediately pivot to how we distribute this disaster and so important economic aid working with a few of the senators on this committee. Clearly I am not confirmed yet, so this is going to await my arrival. But in the meantime, sir, we’ve already announced the undersecretary who worked on this in the last Trump administration who is already building the team who distributed these funds so they know what they’re doing. We’re not reinventing the wheel.
    SRW: Will you work with our state agriculture commissioner to ensure Georgia producers, including our foresters, have the support they need from USDA to get that assistance without having to jump through a bunch of bureaucratic hoops?
    BR: Of course.
    SRW: And will you also commit to equitably getting that assistance to all eligible farmers, all eligible farmers, including those who’ve been historically left out of USDA assistance, often due to discrimination.
    BR: Sir, we will follow the law and ensure that that is the case.
    SRW: Is that a yes or a no?
    BR: Yes.
    On protecting Georgia farmers from costs of trade wars
    SRW: Farmers in Georgia are already concerned about potential retaliatory actions following President Trump’s promises to levy heavy tariffs. They are already dealing with slim margins due to high input costs, and the last thing they need is to be caught in the middle of a trade war that could drive-up food prices for all of us. If confirmed, what will you do from your position at USDA to ensure that Georgia’s farmers and families aren’t caught up in a trade war? It’s something I have worked on with Republicans, helping to get our farmers’ goods to market, it’s something we think about a lot.
    BR: When I was in your office last month we talked about your commitment to your farmers and what a priority this was to you. Georgia is a very important agricultural state. You’re obviously pastoring in a church and in the United States Senate, but I was impressed at your commitment to your ag community in your state and look forward to continuing to work with you. It’s very clear the coming tariffs, and I think there is no doubt President Trump has been very transparent that he believes this is an extremely important tool in his toolkit to put America first, to revive the economy, to get us back to a place where he believes we need to be, and I agree with him and hope to help him execute that vision. But it also should not be surprising that his heart and his commitment to our farmers and our agriculture community was certainly clear in the last administration. The number one answer from my perspective is working around the clock to expand market access and working on new trade deals and getting new partners from around the world. I already have an undersecretary named, hopefully get him confirmed, so we can begin to build those teams. The president is a consummate dealmaker, and I feel very confident we will be able to expand those markets, begin to peel back the trade deficit, and get back to trade surpluses. But immediately moving into the distribution of disaster relief, economic relief, the new farm bill that’s coming out, I’ve already announced the undersecretary and put the team in place to be able to deploy that.
    SRW: I agree with you that access to farm markets is critical and in Georgia we’ve got a lot of sectors that are relying on strong export markets: timber, poultry, pecans. Are you concerned that isolationist trade practices may harm our abilities, our farmers’ ability to access these foreign markets?
    BR: I have full confidence in President Trump’s ability to lead us on this, and, and hopefully he and many of you have confidence in my ability to help from the ag perspective.
    On supporting 1890 land grant institutions
    SRW: Ms. Rollins, good morning and welcome to you and to your family and all those who are here to support you and congratulations on your nomination. I enjoyed meeting with you last month to discuss your nomination and plans for USDA, and this morning I’d just like to follow up on some of the issues, many of which we’ve already discussed. But first, it has come to my attention that a recent executive order has led to the potential termination of USDA’s liaisons to our 1890 land grant institutions, institutions like Fort Valley State University in Fort Valley, Georgia. There’s strong bipartisan support for these institutions. They’ve done an incredible job, often doing so much for so many with so very little for such a long time that it’s lost on people the work these institutions do every day. I’m deeply concerned about this and the actions to shut out their voices at USDA. Ms. Rollins, if you are confirmed, will you commit to supporting our 1890 institutions?
    BR: I am not familiar with exactly what you’re speaking of, but my commitment to you is to find out and to continue a really important discussion and to learn more about the issue.
    SRW: Well the executive order could lead to the potential termination of USDA’s liaisons to these 1890 institutions which helped them to navigate their relationship with the USDA. Can I have your commitment to protect those who serve these institutions at the USDA?
    BR: Again, sir, I would want to know more and understand more before I can make that commitment, but clearly, those institutions are important. They are bipartisan supported, and you have my commitment to have a very robust dialogue at any moment, any time of day or night, to ensure that we have all the data as we’re making any decisions.
    SRW: I appreciate that. I’ve had good relationships and good work, bipartisan work, supporting these institutions, and I hope you’ll keep your eye on that issue.
    BR: I will.
    On fighting hunger and protecting nutritional benefits
    SRW: Fighting hunger has long been a part of my life’s work long before I was elected to the Senate. As you know, I’m a pastor, and the one miracle story that’s in all the gospels, all four, is the feeding of the 5000. And so I constantly hear from Georgia families about how their dollar just doesn’t go as far at the grocery store as it used to. The average Georgian participating in SNAP, a food assistance program that provides critical nutrition, aid to our most vulnerable families, has about $6.15 a day to spend on food. In your view, is $6.15 a day adequate to avoid hunger for Georgia families.
    BR: Sir, this is a supplemental program. I am just getting my arms around it. There are few that will be in my role, if confirmed, that have a passion for this more than I do. Serving those who are most in need, as you and I discussed in your office, is a driving force of my entire life. It almost sent me to seminary, but I ended up in public policy instead, so you have my wholehearted commitment to look and ensure that the people who need this the most are receiving it in the best way possible, but at the same time ensuring that all of the tax dollars that are spent on it are also spent in the best way possible.
    SRW: One of the things as these families struggle, one of the things that I’m concerned about are proposals to slash this critical assistance and create additional work verification red tape for families participating in these programs. Do you think creating more bureaucratic red tape for families will help them purchase nutritious food?
    BR: I think it’s extremely important that we take a wholesale look at every one of these programs and ensure that they are serving the people that are needing the programs and that they are the safety net that they truly set out to be. Obviously I do not like the words bureaucracy or red tape, but ensuring that we have set up the appropriate lifelines and the appropriate structure so that we can get these resources to the families that need them the most.
    SRW: As we talk about work requirements, and I support work, I was raised by a father and a mother who had a serious work ethic, but we want to help these families have a basic safety net. Most poor people are children. I think it’s important to remember that most poor people are children. SNAP lifts children, seniors, veterans, and folks with disabilities out of poverty, and it’s proven to reduce health care costs and stimulate our local economies. If you’re confirmed, I hope we can find ways to work together to ensure our most vulnerable families and our neighbors can afford groceries. I think, as someone who preaches the miracle of the feeding of 5000, I think it’s the right thing to do, but I also think it’s a smart thing to do.
    BR: Yes sir, you have my commitment.
    On combating the history of racial discrimination in USDA
    SRW: USDA has a long documented and unfortunate history of racial discrimination, even recent history. I was proud to have secured funding in the Inflation Reduction Act to provide financial assistance to farmers who had previously experienced discrimination at the hands of their USDA farm lending programs. This was a meaningful step in rebuilding trust. However, USDA still has a lot of work to do and this will only be more difficult following the new administration’s executive order aimed at rolling back all of this progress. I was proud Congress passed my legislation in 2021 to require USDA to create an equity commission, and the commission’s final report provides an excellent road map for continuing this work. Chair Boozman, without objection, I would like to enter the USDA’s 2024 equity report into the record. Thank you so much. When we met last month, you promised to read the equity report. Have you gotten a chance to read it yet?
    BR: 90 pages and 66 recommendations. Yes, sir. Now that has been about a little over a month ago, so please don’t ask me to quote page 66, but yes.
    SRW: I’m glad you got a chance to read it. I understand it’s been removed from the website or there’s no access to it. I’m glad you got a chance to read it. Will you seriously consider the recommendations of the equity commission’s report if you’re confirmed?
    BR: Senator, let me answer this way. I was really appreciative of the conversation. For me, more knowledge is always best, understanding where everyone comes from, whether I agree or disagree, recognizing what’s in the past is important, but also realizing the path ahead and how we forge the path…
    SRW: Will you consider the recommendations?
    BR: Sir, I will consider anything that’s on the table. I think that’s only fair, but also, President Trump won on the concept of removing the diversity, equity and inclusion, making sure that we are basing our decisions on merit, and I obviously support that 100% as well, but I look forward, Senator, to continuing to talk about this. My friend Alveda has long talked to me about the plight of black farmers in Georgia and other places around the country, and I’m always open to discussions, always, and may I say there is no room for racism at the United States Department of Agriculture. 
    SRW: In that regard, will you commit to recruiting more diverse employees who understand these communities, have relationships with these communities, so that we build trust between these communities and the lending office?
    BR: Sir, my commitment is to recruit the best workforce in the history of the United States Department of Agriculture, period, full stop. I believe that will include many members of all different corners of our country.
    SRW: Do you think a diverse workforce and a high-quality workforce are somehow oppositional objectives?
    BR: I think always hiring based on who is the best person for the job, who is gonna do the most excellent service, who is best equipped to execute on all of the promises is the promise of America, but I also believe to your point and have long held that ensuring that we give all people a chance to succeed and to thrive and for equal opportunity is a bedrock foundational principle of America.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Capito, Hickenlooper Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Protect Small Businesses Against Cyberattacks

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) reintroduced their bipartisan Insure Cybersecurity Actto protect consumers and small businesses against cyberattacks by providing clearer information surrounding cyber insurance policies. Specifically, the bill directs the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to create a dedicated working group to develop information for issuers, agents, brokers, and customers to improve communication over cybersecurity insurance coverage levels. It also directs the NTIA to publish resources on cybersecurity insurance that prospective customers can easily understand.
    “Cyberattacks across the world continue to grow in scope and scale, and it’s critical that we do what we can to identify and prevent them from occurring,” Senator Capito said. “I was glad to team up with Senator Hickenlooper once again to put forth a commonsense solution to this problem by reintroducing our Insure Cybersecurity Act. This legislation will assist businesses in better understanding the complex cyber insurance environment. It will also help lower the cost burden victims must bear when they are attacked by cyber-criminals so businesses can continue operations and pay their workers if they are targeted.”
    “Small businesses need cyber insurance to protect their businesses and guard their data. Unclear policies and ambiguous language can leave businesses stranded after a cyberattack,” Senator Hickenlooper said. “Easy to understand cyber insurance resources will help make sure businesses are secure, covered, and resilient.”
    “This legislation remains absolutely consistent with the Cyberspace Solarium Commission recommendations, and I believe the Working Group proposed in this legislation can help tackle some of the insurance industries’ underlying problems in cyber policies like a lack of standard terminology and lack of clarity in coverage limits,” Mark Montgomery, Executive Director of CSC 2.0 and Former Executive Director of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission (CSC), said.
    BACKGROUND:
    Cyberattacks can target anyone, from individuals to large organizations to small businesses. Cyber insurance is one tool that businesses can use to lower their risk from threats including ransomware, data theft, denial of service, and intellectual property theft. In the event of a successful attack, cyber insurance policies can help provide the necessary resources for a business to quickly recover and return to normal operations.
    However, the details of cyber insurance coverage are often hard to understand. A 2021 Government Accountability Office report found that ambiguity in policy language can result in misunderstandings and litigation between issuers and policyholders and that many customers, especially smaller businesses, may underestimate the coverage they need to protect against cyber risks. The Insure Cybersecurity Act would help clarify cybersecurity insurance for everyone involved.
    Senators Capito and Hickenlooper previously introduced the legislation in the 118th Congress. 
    Full text of the bill can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: WSJ Editorial Highlights Trump’s ‘Unleashing Alaska’ Executive Order

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Dan Sullivan
    01.27.25
    ‘Mr. Biden treated America’s largest state worse than he did Iran’
    WASHINGTON—The Wall Street Journal published an editorial recently highlighting President Trump’s Alaska-specific executive order (EO) rescinding a number of the Biden administration’s 70 executive orders and actions targeting Alaska, which amounted to an “assault” on Alaska’s economy, and reinstating many policies and actions of the first Trump administration. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), who worked closely with the Trump administration on this executive order, thanked President Trump for recognizing Alaska as a great strategic asset for the country and for sending the message to Alaskans, the rest of the country, and the world that unleashing Alaska’s energy and resources will be a top priority of his administration.
    ____________

    Editorial: Trump Lifts Sanctions on Alaska
    His executive order reverses Biden’s plan to make the state a natural museum.
    By: The Editorial Board
    January 24, 2025
    Speaking of sanctions (see nearby), one of President Trump’s good deeds this week was lifting Joe Biden’s economic punishment for Alaska. Mr. Biden treated America’s largest state worse than he did Iran. Mr. Trump on Monday signed an executive order to unlock the Last Frontier State’s “extraordinary resource potential.”
    That potential has been under wraps since Mr. Biden’s first day in office when he targeted the state with no fewer than six executive orders taking aim at drilling, roadbuilding and hunting.
    Over his term, he suspended and stymied Congressionally mandated lease sales in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, blocked oil and gas development in nearly half the National Petroleum Reserve, banned drilling in the northern Bering Sea, canceled lease sales in the Cook Inlet, slapped a roadless rule on millions of acres of forest, choked off mining projects, and denied Alaska Native veterans promised land allotments. Alaska’s GOP Sen. Dan Sullivan counts 70 Biden assaults on the state’s economy.
    ….
    Progressives want Alaska to be a natural museum untouched by humans. But the people who live in the state know that resource development is compatible with environmental stewardship. They also have the most to lose if the land is despoiled. Mr. Trump’s order seeks to restore this policy balance that Mr. Biden tried to erase.
    Click here to read the full editorial.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn, McCaul Op-Ed: President Trump Must Focus on CHIPS Act for Texas, U.S. Manufacturing Success

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) and Congressman Michael McCaul (TX-10) authored the following op-ed in the Austin American-Statesman highlighting the opportunity to strengthen and reclaim the nation’s CHIPS program created through their Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) for America Act, which was signed into law in 2022, to restore semiconductor manufacturing back to American soil.
    President Trump must focus on CHIPS act for Texas, U.S. manufacturing success
    Senator Cornyn and Congressman McCaul
    Austin American-Statesman
    January 27, 2025
    https://www.statesman.com/story/opinion/columns/guest/2025/01/27/trump-must-keep-focus-on-chips-act-to-fulfill-promise-opinion/77880435007/
    As President Donald Trump retakes the White House alongside Republican majorities in both chambers of Congress, the roadmap of policy priorities is quickly taking shape. One of his golden opportunities is to strengthen and reclaim the successful CHIPS program, a brainchild of his first administration that has transformed Texas and our national security posture.
    We were proud to lead the Chips for America Act, which was signed into law as part of the Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act. This legislation created programs to bring the production of advanced semiconductors back to American soil after decades of decline. In 2022, we successfully secured funding for the programs in the larger CHIPS & Science Act. Since then, Texas cities, colleges, and universities and companies, including Texas Instruments, Samsung, GlobalWafers, X Fab, IntelliEPI and Sumika, along with thousands of Texas workers, have seen immense benefits.
    The economic rewards from this law were so profound that the Texas Legislature followed suit. In 2023, Gov. Greg Abbott signed the Texas CHIPS Act, which builds on the law to further invest in semiconductor manufacturing capacity and expertise in the Lone Star State. This state law established the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Consortium (TSIC) and the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund (TSIF), important, complementary programs that incentivize Texas investment in the semiconductor industry. A recent study indicates the technology industry contributes more than $469 billion to the Texas economy. Today, Texas has the second largest semiconductor workforce in the nation totaling more than 42,000 Texans with more to come thanks to our joint efforts.
    As we see Texas companies, workers and communities benefit from this program, it would be a mistake to forget the impetus for this critical initiative. The vision for these successful programs originated in President Trump’s White House, and it was President Trump’s own national security team that first identified semiconductor chips as a vulnerability in American supply chains. Approximately 92% of the most advanced semiconductors are currently manufactured in Taiwan. Back in 1990, the United States produced nearly 40% of the world’s semiconductors. But by 2021, this figure decreased to 12%, and in 2024, our share represented only 8%. As demand for electronic goods dramatically increased during the pandemic, our supply chain vulnerabilities became more apparent.
    In response to the threat of the Chinese Communist Party, and to address vulnerabilities in U.S. supply chains, the first Trump administration asked Congress to address the chips issue with legislation and we took up this mantle. As part of this effort, President Trump’s team successfully persuaded Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. to bring their major operations back to the U.S.
    Four years later, with President Trump back in the White House and with Republicans in control of Congress, we have an opportunity to refocus the implementation of CHIPS and reclaim rightful credit for its successes. President Biden prioritized partisanship at every turn at the expense of national security during the law’s implementation, from divisive DEI requirements for grant recipients to endless red tape on environmental impact requirements for new projects. The Trump administration can roll back criteria for grant recipients and reprioritize funding for the best and most efficient manufacturing facilities, many of which are in Texas. In addition, by streamlining the stringent regulatory requirements on new projects, America will be better positioned to increase our production capacity for semiconductors at an even faster speed, making sure this critical supply chain is not subject to the whims of our adversaries overseas.
    We cannot let this program that has been so revolutionary for Texas job creators fall by the wayside. While President Biden’s misguided approach to implementation of the CHIPS and Science Act fell short of everything the law could be, we are optimistic that with President Trump back at the helm, Republicans can Make America Great Again by continuing to strengthen our investments in CHIPS.
    By reclaiming CHIPS, President Trump has an opportunity to fulfill a core campaign promise: increase domestic manufacturing and decrease our reliance on China. By continuing to prioritize domestic manufacturing of semiconductors, we can increase manufacturing jobs in the United States and strengthen America’s edge in our strategic competition with China.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Johnson Introduces the Guidance Out Of Darkness Act (GOOD) Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Ron Johnson
    WASHINGTON – On Friday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) and 14 of his Senate colleagues introduced the Guidance Out Of Darkness (GOOD) Act.The GOOD Act requires federal agencies to publish their regulatory guidance on the internet in an easily accessible location. This bill will help impacted entities — including small businesses, workers and households — be fully informed of regulatory requirements in order to take any necessary actions for compliance.
    Sen. Johnson was joined by Senators Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), and James Risch (R-Idaho). 
    The full text of the legislation can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed Statement on Firing of Coast Guard Commandant Linda Fagan

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed
    WASHINGTON, DC  — After President Trump abruptly fired Admiral Linda Fagan, the 27th Commandant of the Coast Guard and America’s first female Service Chief who was two-and-a-half years into her four-year term, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement:
    “Admiral Fagan is a consummate professional and a strong leader with a record of distinguished service.  During her time as Commandant, she successfully led more than 55,000 Coast Guard personnel in their critical missions and life-saving operations at sea.
    “I am troubled that this firing was based on politics, not performance. I urge my Republican colleagues to take a closer look at her unwarranted dismissal and speak out against the removal of high-achieving officers for partisan reasons.
    “Admiral Fagan’s removal is a loss for the Coast Guard.  She’s a trailblazer and mentor for many young officers.  Her legacy continues through them and we salute her for a job well done. 
    “Admiral Fagan earned her place in history and raised the bar for others to follow.  No one, not even President Trump, can take that away from her.”
    -end-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Shaheen Statement on the Confirmation of Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen

    Published: 01.24.2025

    (Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a senior member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement on the confirmation of Pete Hegseth to be Secretary of Defense: 
    “Since I’ve been a member of the U.S. Senate, I have had productive relationships with every Secretary of Defense from both Republican and Democratic administrations—even if we didn’t agree on every policy issue. I have voiced my concerns for our national security related to Mr. Hegseth’s nomination; however, now that he has been confirmed to this position, I sincerely hope we can work together in good faith to ensure the wellbeing of our service members. It’s critical we put the security of Americans and our nation above all else.” 
    Citing national security concerns in a Senate floor speech yesterday, Shaheen announced that she would oppose the President’s nominee for Secretary of Defense for the first time since joining the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee in 2011. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Schatz, Senators Introduce Resolution Warning of Serious Public Health Threats From Trump Administration Freeze on Critical Health Alerts, Including Disease Outbreaks and Food Contamination

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Hawaii Brian Schatz
    WASHINGTON – Following reports that the Trump Administration has paused critical communications from federal health agencies, including warnings on disease outbreaks and food contamination, U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.) Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) introduced a resolution calling for uninterrupted health warning services for the American people.
    “People deserve to have timely and accurate information about dangerous disease outbreaks or contamination in their food. This shouldn’t be controversial or political. It’s about keeping people healthy and safe,” said Senator Schatz.
    “Federal health agencies must be able to communicate timely and accurate information to health care providers and the public, especially as the devastating Southern California fires burn down community health centers and put hospitals and lives at risk,” said Senator Padilla. “President Trump’s dangerous order halting federal public health communications puts vulnerable California communities at even further risk in a time of crisis. I will keep fighting to protect public access to essential health information.”
    “Disease outbreaks and public health crises don’t stop during presidential transitions. Preventing health agencies from communicating with the public is flat out dangerous,” said Senator Van Hollen.
    “Avian flu is spreading, and the Trump Administration thinks it’s a good idea to stop federal health agencies from communicating with the public? This is dangerous and misguided,” said Senator Welch.
    “President Trump is playing politics with people’s health. At the very least, the federal government should be able to alert the public when it is aware of disease outbreaks or contaminated food.  The Trump Administration should not withhold this information from the public,” said Senator Reed.
    “Halting alerts about deadly disease outbreaks or food contamination serves no one. Just last year, ten people died after a listeria outbreak at a Boar’s Head facility – a number that might have been even higher if public agencies hadn’t been allowed to warn the public. Even in a time of deep political difference, we ought to agree that preventing the spread of deadly disease is a wise use of taxpayer dollars,” said Senator Blumenthal.
    The full text of the resolution is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –