NewzIntel.com

Category: US Senate

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cotton Statement on Senate Confirmation of CIA Director

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas Tom Cotton
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Caroline Tabler or Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353January 23, 2025
    Cotton Statement on Senate Confirmation of CIA Director
    Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) released the following statement after the Senate confirmed John Ratcliffe as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency: 
    “We need a Director of Central Intelligence who understands the gravity of the threats our nation faces. John Ratcliffe is the right man, with the right experience for the job. I was proud to support his nomination and look forward to working with him as Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cotton, Colleagues Reintroduce Bill to Sanction Palestinian Leadership and Institutions That Reward Terrorism

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas Tom Cotton
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Caroline Tabler or Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353January 23, 2025
    Cotton, Colleagues Reintroduce Bill to Sanction Palestinian Leadership and Institutions That Reward Terrorism
    Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today reintroduced the PLO and PA Terror Payments Accountability Act, legislation that would impose sanctions on foreign persons and entities that provide payments to Palestinian terrorists and the families of terrorists as part of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and Palestinian Authority’s (PA) system of terror compensation. 
    Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska), Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), Eric Schmitt (R-Missouri), Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), Rick Scott (R-Florida), Tim Scott (R- South Carolina), and Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) are cosponsoring the legislation. Congressman Mike Lawler (New York-17) will be introducing companion legislation in the House. 
    “The Palestinian Authority and the Palestine Liberation Organization continue to support terrorism against Israel by providing hundreds of millions of dollars per year in their reprehensible ‘pay-for-slay’ program. Anti-Semitic Palestinian terrorists know they can expect payment as a reward for killing Israelis and Americans–with thousands of Palestinian terrorists tied to October 7 eligible for these terror payments. Our bill will ensure that the PA, PLO and their institutions that reward acts of terrorism are punished,” said Senator Cotton.
    Text of the bill may be found here.  
    The PLO and PA Terror Payments Accountability Act would impose sanctions on:
    Foreign persons who serve as an employee of the PLO and PA that has facilitated the payments, provided payments themselves, or knowingly provided significant financial, technological, or material support and resources as part of the PLO and PA’s system of compensation supporting acts of terrorism. 
    Entities that facilitate the PLO and PA system of compensation supporting acts of terrorism including the Commission of Prisoners and Released Prisoners, the Institute for the Care of the Families of the Martyrs and the Wounded, the Palestine National Fund, and National Association of the Families of the Martyrs of Palestine.
    Foreign financial institutions that participate in a financial transaction that is part of the PLO and PA’s system of compensation supporting acts of terrorism. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: VIDEO: Cornyn Applauds Nominees Tasked with Enacting Pres. Trump’s Economic Agenda

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn
    WASHINGTON – Today on the floor, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) expressed his support for President Trump’s nominees chosen to help implement his economic agenda, including Scott Bessent at the Department of the Treasury, Howard Lutnick for Secretary of Commerce, and Russ Vought to lead the Office of Management and Budget. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn’s remarks are below, and video can be found here.
    “These three gentlemen bring a wealth of experience and expertise, and I have no doubt that America will be better off with them at the helm, assisting President Trump during his administration.”
    “We all remember the tragic story of 9/11, what happened that day. More than two-thirds of Cantor Fitzgerald’s employees—Howard Lutnick’s company—including his own brother, were killed that day.”
    “In the midst of this personal tragedy and with the future uncertain, Howard picked up the pieces and rebuilt Cantor Fitzgerald. This is a man unlike most men, a person of heroic character.”
    “Last week, I had the pleasure of speaking with Scott Bessent in the Senate Finance Committee on which I serve.”
    “Mr. Bessent rightly noted last week that China has one of the most unbalanced economies in the history of the world, and they’re using their surpluses to fund their military machine to modernize and threaten the peace.”
    “Mr. Bessent is going to be a great partner because he understands how the economy works and how it’s intertwined with our national security.”
    “Finally, I had the pleasure of speaking once again to Russ Vought, who was formerly the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, a job he held previously under President Trump during his first administration. Mr. Vought led the OMB then, and so he’s had extensive experience to build on in President Trump’s second term.” 
    “It’s no secret that the American people were profoundly disappointed at the Biden administration’s handling of the U.S. economy, but I have no doubt that with President Trump, Howard Lutnick, Scott Bessent, and Russ Vought on President Trump’s team, we will be in good shape to get the economy and our national security back on track.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn Introduces Texan Brooke Rollins at USDA Secretary Nomination Hearing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) introduced Texan and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary nominee Brooke Rollins at her nomination hearing in the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. Excerpts from his remarks are below, and video can be found here.
    “This one is a no-brainer.”
    “I first met Brooke years ago when serving in state government in Texas, but it was when she was the policy director for then-Governor Rick Perry that I began to see what a truly dedicated public servant she was and still is.”
    “Brooke’s agricultural roots will serve her well as Secretary of Agriculture to give farmers and producers from the Lone Star State and across the country a clarion voice when it comes to President Trump’s Cabinet.”
    “I’ve worked with Brooke in a number of roles and seen her as she’s helped advance bipartisan legislation both in Austin and here in the nation’s capital, and I know she will bring that experience and that temperament to her job at USDA.”
    “The Texas A&M football team, of which Brooke is a devoted fan, says their student body is the 12th Man who propels them to victory. I know Brooke is honored to step up now and become the 12th Woman for the farmers and ranchers of America.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn Meets with SBA Nominee Kelly Loeffler

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) met today with former U.S. Senator Kelly Loeffler (R-GA), whom President Trump has nominated to lead the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Please see photo below.

    This image is in the public domain, but those wishing to do so may credit the Office of U.S. Senator John Cornyn.
    Senator John Cornyn, a Republican from Texas, is a member of the Senate Finance, Judiciary, Intelligence, Foreign Relations, and Budget Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn Votes to Confirm John Ratcliffe for CIA Director

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement after former Congressman representing Texas’ 4th congressional district and Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe was confirmed as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA):
    “I’ve known John Ratcliffe for a number of years, even before he came to Congress, and worked closely with him as part of the Texas delegation. Throughout his time in elected office and as director of National Intelligence, John has fiercely advocated for our national security and defended the Trump administration. John is an outstanding pick by President Trump, and I was glad to support his nomination.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Boozman, Sheehy, Van Hollen Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Assist Veterans with Home Ownership

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas – John Boozman
    WASHINGTON––U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR), Tim Sheehy (R-MT) and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) introduced the bipartisan VA Home Loan Awareness Act to help more veterans take advantage of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Home Loan program and achieve home ownership. 
    The VA Home Loan program offers veterans no down payment, no private mortgage insurance and interest rates that are often lower than rates for conventional FHA loans. Despite these benefits, only 13 percent of veterans access the VA Home Loan program. Among veterans who don’t use the VA Home Loan program, 33 percent say they are not aware of the program.
    “By making extra effort to inform veterans of the benefits they have earned, we can help the men and women who have served fulfill the American dream of home ownership,” said Boozman. “The VA Home Loan program has been historically underutilized, and I am pleased to see bipartisan support to increase awareness about its potential to help improve the lives of our veterans and their families.”
    “For decades, owning a home has been the bedrock of the American Dream, but too often, those who have put their lives on the line for our country have been hampered by a lack of information from their own government. I’m proud to join Senator Van Hollen and my other colleagues in introducing this commonsense measure to empower our veterans with the knowledge and resources necessary to secure a VA Home Loan and achieve the same dream they fought to defend,” said Sheehy.
    “After serving our country in uniform, our veterans deserve the support of a grateful nation. The VA Home Loan Program is one way we provide that support – by helping veterans purchase homes. But far too many of our veterans are unaware of this program and what it has to offer. Our bipartisan bill will help ensure more veterans and their families have the opportunity to use it to achieve their goal of homeownership,” said Van Hollen.
    The VA Home Loan Awareness Act will help better inform veterans of opportunities provided by the VA Home Loan program by adding a disclosure to the Uniform Residential Loan Application (URLA) informing veterans they may be eligible for a VA Home Loan, directing applicants to consult their lender for more information about the VA Home Loan program, and instructing the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a review and report to Congress on lenders’ adoption of these URLA updates.
    The legislation is also cosponsored by Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Ted Budd (R-NC), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Peter Welch (D-VT), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), John Kennedy (R-LA), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Bernie Moreno (R-OH), Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN).
    Click here to read the text of the legislation.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Hawley Urges President Trump to Pardon Pro-Life Prisoners: Right the Wrongs of the Biden Administration

    US Senate News:

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

    Thursday, January 23, 2025

    Senator Hawley (R-Mo.) delivered a speech on the Senate floor urging President Trump to pardon the pro-life prisoners who were incarcerated during Joe Biden’s anti-Christian administration. 

    Earlier today, Senator Hawley discussed the urgent need to pardon these individuals with President Trump.

    [embedded content]

    WATCH

    “President Trump can turn the chapter on this dark period of our history. He can right the wrongs that this last administration perpetrated. . . . He can, again, renew the commitment that is found right there in our constitution. That commitment to honor liberty of conscience. To honor the right to follow God, to live out our faith peaceably—which is exactly what these pro-life prisoners, still prisoners, were doing,” said Senator Hawley.

    He continued, “I urge President Trump, now from this floor, to pardon these Americans—unjustly persecuted, unjustly prosecuted, unjustly condemned—I urge him to pardon them. And to provide, once again, the moral clarity and the moral leadership for which this country is known. And to provide that moral clarity and moral leadership, without which, we cannot hope to lead the free world.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hawley Announces Advisory Committee on Judicial Nominations

    US Senate News:

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

    Thursday, January 23, 2025

    U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) announced the first members of his new advisory committee to help advise him on judicial nominations in the 119th Congress and Trump Administration.

    “One of the Senate’s most important roles is providing advice and consent for judicial nominations. I’m looking forward to continuing to fulfill that role as President Trump begins his second term as President,” said Senator Hawley. “I am excited to work closely with this new advisory committee, leaning on their wealth of knowledge and experience, to ensure we are nominating and confirming judges who will faithfully follow the Constitution.”  

    Senator Hawley named the following individuals to his advisory committee today, with more to follow:

    • W. Terrence Kilroy 
    • Jerry M. Hunter 
    • Jennifer K. Bukowsky 
    • The Honorable Stephen N. Limbaugh, Sr. 
    • Joseph C. Blanton, Jr.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: On Senate Floor, Rosen Celebrates Agreement Reached Between Israel and Hamas to Free Hostages, Praises Hostages’ Families for Advocacy and Strength

    US Senate News:

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

    Last Week, Senator Rosen Released A Statement Applauding The Agreement To Free The Hostages And Pause The Fighting 

    Watch Senator Rosen’s Full Remarks HERE.
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) took to the floor of the Senate to celebrate the deal reached between Israel and Hamas to begin releasing the hostages that have been held captive by Hamas since October 7, 2023. In her speech, Senator Rosen praised the resiliency and strength of the hostages’ families for their relentless advocacy for the release of their loved ones in the face of unimaginable pain and suffering.
    Below is an excerpt from her speech:
    Let’s be clear: This agreement was possible because of the United States’s steadfast and unwavering support for Israel. 
    And it was brought about because, because of the advocacy of the hostage families, together with bipartisan, diplomatic leadership.
    So now I’m going to take a moment, I’m going to speak directly to all of the families who have been waiting for nearly five hundred days – waiting for news, waiting for a phone call, waiting for a moment that they could embrace their loved ones once again. 
    Your pain, your perseverance, your strength in the face of heartbreak and tragedy, and your tireless efforts pushing forward for a deal, pushing forward for progress – you got us to this point. You did.
    You have made the difference. 
    And, though nothing can undo the devastation in the past fifteen months, I can only hope that this agreement can begin to provide some form of relief. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lummis: Trump Executive Order is Huge Win for the West 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wyoming Cynthia Lummis

    January 23, 2025

    Washington, D.C.— Senate Western Caucus Chair Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) released the following statement celebrating President Trump’s executive order revoking a Clinton administration directive that increased red tape and consumer prices by unlawfully inserting environmental justice standards in the federal decision-making process.

    “President Trump continues to spend the first days of his presidency rolling back superfluous executive orders issued by previous administrations focused on pandering to climate change extremists with no regards for the policies’ impact on western states,” said Lummis. “This executive order is a huge win for the west, and I look forward to partnering with President Trump to continue removing obstacles that stand in the way of our energy dominance.”

    Last August, Senator Lummis introduced the REG Act to repeal this Clinton administration-era order.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Collins’ Statement on Confirmation of John Ratcliffe as Director of the CIA

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins issued a statement following her vote to confirm John Ratcliffe as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

    “As a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, I participated in two hearings where I had the opportunity to question Mr. Ratcliffe on several classified and unclassified matters.  I appreciated his commitment to strengthening critical capabilities of the Intelligence Community including his focus on core intelligence assessments and collection.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Collins, King Announce More Than $6 Million for Targeted Economic Development Projects in Maine

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Angus King announced that 10 state and local agencies and organizations throughout Maine have been awarded a total of $6,121,792 through the Northern Border Regional Commission’s (NBRC) Catalyst Program and Forest Economy Program. This funding will support projects aimed at strengthening economic opportunity in communities across five Maine counties.

    “From replacing aging infrastructure to expanding child care availability and resources for business development, these targeted investments will strengthen the local economies of numerous communities in Maine,” said Senators Collins and King. “We are proud to support the NBRC, which continues to play a vital role in creating jobs, expanding economic opportunities, and laying a strong foundation for long-term growth across our state.”

    Specifically, the funding is allocated as follows:

    • Dover-Foxcroft Water District (Piscataquis County) – $1,000,000: To replace and relocate the Dover-Foxcroft water main, which is approximately 100 years old and does not reach a developing commercial area of the town.
    • Danforth Water District (Washington County) – $1,000,000: To replace a 4,500-foot failing and unlined iron water main serving households and businesses throughout downtown Danforth.
    • Town of Greenville (Piscataquis County) – $1,000,000: To construct a new childcare center on the Greenville Consolidated School campus that will provide more than 30 additional childcare slots.
    • Loring Development Authority of Maine (Aroostook County) – $1,000,000: To construct an anaerobic digester to produce biofuel from organic material, while enhancing the development of the Loring Commerce Centre in Limestone.
    • Maine TREE Foundation (Kennebec County) – $998,925: To scale the Maine TREE Foundation’s six-week summer Forestry Immersion Program for Maine high school students.
    • City of Bangor (Penobscot County) – $500,000: To support the Central Kitchen, a shared-use commercial kitchen incubator for start-up businesses to prepare, package, and market local food products.
    • Passamaquoddy Tribe (Washington County) – $250,000: To rehabilitate the Eastern Surplus Superfund Site and the Eastern Maine Electric Cooperative site, and restore and rewild N’tolonapemk, an ancestral Passamaquoddy village on the shores of Meddybemps Lake through improvements to fish passage and re-establishment of an alewife run at Meddybemps Lake.
    • City of Presque Isle (Aroostook County) – $240,000: To upgrade the commercial kitchen at The Forum—a year-round, multi-use building—to allow the city to expand the number and types of events possible at the venue.
    • City of Augusta (Kennebec County) – $82,867: To renovate the HVAC system at the Buker Community Center’s Child Care Center, allowing the Center to avoid scaling back their hours of operation due to extreme weather conditions.
    • RSU 38 (Kennebec County) – $50,000: To develop a driving range for commercial driver licensing, decreasing the training cycle from four months to three.

    The NBRC was established by Congress in 2008, with Senator Collins’ and King’s support, to fund a broad range of development projects in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York aimed at alleviating economic distress and encouraging private sector job creation.

    Senators Collins and King were instrumental in establishing the Forest Opportunity Roadmap (FOR/Maine) Initiative, an industry-led initiative that is helping to diversify the state’s wood products businesses, attract investments, and develop greater economic prosperity for rural communities impacted by mill closures. The FOR/Maine Initiative was funded in part by the Economic Development Assessment Team (EDAT) requested by the Senators in 2016 in order to create strategies for job growth and economic development in Maine’s rural communities. The EDAT recommended the development of new markets for Maine’s forest resources, including the strengthening of existing forest products manufacturing, the attraction of investment in emerging technology, and the utilization of forest products residuals in CHP biomass plants, microgrids, modern thermal systems, and new forest products development.

    In 2023, Senator Collins introduced and Senator King co-sponsored a bill to reauthorize and strengthen the NBRC.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Collins’ Statement on Nomination of Pete Hegseth to Serve as Secretary of Defense

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins issued a statement on the nomination of Pete Hegseth to serve as Secretary of Defense.

    “After careful consideration, I have decided to vote against Pete Hegseth’s nomination for Secretary of Defense. While I appreciate his courageous military service and his ongoing commitment to our servicemembers and their families, I am concerned that he does not have the experience and perspective necessary to succeed in the job.

    “Our military is under tremendous pressure right now. Active conflicts in the Middle East and Europe combined with escalating threats in the Pacific, all against a backdrop of severe financial challenges and four years of ineffective leadership by the Biden Administration, make this an especially critical time for those who lead our military. The next Secretary of Defense will be responsible for managing a massive bureaucracy that includes nearly three million employees and a budget of nearly $850 billion. In addition, our next Secretary faces long-standing procurement and supply issues that continued to worsen under the Biden Administration.

    “In sum, the Secretary is going to be facing a number of incredibly complex problems that are going to require highly skilled management ability. I am concerned that Mr. Hegseth does not have the management experience and background that he will need in order to tackle these difficulties. His limited managerial experience involved running two small non-profit organizations that had decidedly mixed results.

    “I am also concerned about multiple statements, including some in the months just before he was nominated, that Mr. Hegseth has made about women serving in the military. He and I had a candid conversation in December about his past statements and apparently evolving views. I am not convinced that his position on women serving in combat roles has changed.

    “Women comprise nearly 18 percent of our active-duty military. They continue to make critical and valuable contributions to our national defense. I have long advocated that women who wish to serve in and can meet the rigorous standards of combat roles should be able to do so. And numerous women have proved that they can accomplish this difficult feat.

    “Currently, thousands of women are serving in combat roles and many others serve in non-combat functions.  Their service is essential to the success of our military.

    “Mr. Hegseth also appears to lack a sufficient appreciation for some of the policies that the military is required to follow because they are codified in the laws of the United States of America. While I understand his points on the importance of up-to-date and workable rules of engagement, our prohibitions against torture come from American laws and treaties ratified by the United States, including the Geneva Conventions.

    “Therefore, I will vote against the nomination.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden Votes No on Advancing DOE and DOI Nominees in Energy and Natural Resources Committee

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)
    January 23, 2025
    Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., issued the following statement after voting no to advance the nominations of Doug Burgum to be Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Chris Wright to be Secretary of the Department of Energy:
    “After years and years of Republicans standing in the way, Congress finally passed my technology neutral clean energy tax credits as a centerpiece of the Inflation Reduction Act. The clean energy tax credits are the biggest investment in American competitiveness and clean energy in history. 
    “Donald Trump’s determination to roll back this law is unilaterally disarming America while we are embroiled in an energy arms race with China. Clean energy investments will not stop. They will go to China, and our energy security will be undermined. Repealing the Inflation Reduction Act is, at best, a sign of Donald Trump’s incompetence and recklessness and, at worst, a sign of his willingness to line the pockets of his uber-wealthy fossil fuel friends at the expense of every American’s energy bill. And the Americans who will suffer the most are in rural areas where the bulk of our booming clean energy investments are going today to create jobs and infrastructure that Trump will blithely dismantle. 
    “Trump may say over and over again that he wants to beat China. I can say with absolute certainty that gutting clean energy tax credits is not the way to do that. I cannot support these nominees who will carry out Trump’s policies that throw out America’s greatest advantages.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Johnson, Pro-Life Lawmakers Encourage Trump to Reinstate Life-Affirming Policies

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Ron Johnson
    WASHINGTON – On Tuesday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) joined U.S. Senators Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), and more than 140 members of Congress in issuing a letter that encourages President Trump to reinstate and broaden the life-affirming pro-life policies in the early days of his new administration. 
    The letter sent to President Trump signed by 36 Senators and 108 Representatives, in addition to encouraging President Trump, also strongly condemned the Biden administration’s unprecedented and illegal pro-abortion policies.
    “Over the last four years, President Biden, Vice President Harris, and their administration systematically weaponized the government against the unborn, their mothers and pro-life Americans—doing their very best to erase every trace of life-affirming victories from your first administration,”the lawmakers wrote.  
    In addition to reasserting adherence to the long-standing policies restricting the use of taxpayer dollars to promote abortion domestically and internationally, the lawmakers also sought the return of Trump anti-discrimination conscience policies, the pardon of peaceful protesters, and the investigation of potential illegal late-term abortion.
    The letter encouraged President Trump to seize the opportunity to examine federal programs across the government to maximize their impact for the benefit of pregnant and parenting women and their children, before and after birth, with housing, childcare, transportation, addiction recovery, and life-affirming health care.
    “We are grateful that the Trump administration can bring an end to the weaponization of the United States government against pro-life Americans and unborn children,” the lawmakers wrote.  “We believe there is a better way forward for our Republic.  We are hopeful for a future where women are given real choices and real support: a future that gives pregnant and parenting women the resources they need to embrace life without feeling the pressure to abort their child. We urge you to seek ways to provide this future to all Americans. The life, safety, freedom and health of the millions of Americans, born and unborn, depend on it.”
    Sens. Johnson, Hyde-Smith, and Lankford were joined by Senators Steve Daines (R-Mont.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), James Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kan.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.).
    The lawmakers’ letter is endorsed by the American Association of Pro-Life OBGYNs, Americans United for Life, CatholicVote, Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, Family Research Council, March for Life Action, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, Students for Life Action, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, and the Vitae Foundation.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sens. Johnson, Grassley Launch Congressional Investigation into Deadly New Year’s Day Attacks

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Ron Johnson
    WASHINGTON – On Tuesday, Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations Chairman Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) and Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) called for answers in the aftermath of the tragic New Year’s Day attacks in New Orleans and Las Vegas. 
    Sens. Johnson and Grassley are demanding the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Department of Defense (DOD), and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) provide further information on the backgrounds and motives of the ISIS-inspired New Orleans attacker, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, and Las Vegas perpetrator, Matthew Alan Livelsberger. 
    Additionally, the chairmen are requesting records from Meta regarding Jabbar’s Facebook activity leading up to his deadly assault in New Orleans’ French Quarter. Jabbar posted five videos to his Facebook page in the hours before the attack describing his ISIS allegiance and harmful intent.
    “The public deserves complete transparency and the truth regarding the New Orleans terrorist attack and the Las Vegas car explosion,” the chairmen wrote. “While we understand the investigation into both of these incidents is ongoing, we expect your agencies to be forthcoming and responsive to oversight requests from Congress on this very serious matter.”
    The senators are also following up on legally protected whistleblower disclosures that the FBI Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the New Orleans field office was on vacation during the New Year’s attack. Since receiving the senators’ letters, the FBI has confirmed the New Orleans SAC was on vacation at the time and did not return to New Orleans until January 2.
    “These are major public events that a SAC should be present for. The FBI failed to note this in any of the joint briefings it provided to Congress and must provide more information,” the chairmen noted.
    Sens. Johnson and Grassley’s letters are linked below:

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: King Stresses that “All of the Above” Energy Policy Means Exploring All Power Sources

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a hearing of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee (ENR) to consider the nominations of Chris Wright to be Secretary of Energy and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum to be Secretary of Interior, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) noted the omission of wind and solar technologies in recent Executive Orders despite public statements pledging an “all of the above” approach to energy. Senator King began his remarks by reiterating his support for the two nominees, while also making clear the need to recognize the value of renewable energy sources like wind and solar power.
    “Thank you so much. I supported both nominees. I don’t expect to agree with everything any nominee holds, but I think that both of these nominees understand these issues — the issues before us — quite well. I will echo Senator Hickenlooper’s comments, I look forward to working with both of them. I think they will make a significant contribution. I wanted to make a more general comment. In this committee I have heard the phrase “all of the above” 100 times. Unfortunately, in the last couple of days it appears that “all of the above” doesn’t include wind and solar. Anybody who thinks wind power doesn’t produce real electricity, I would advise them to go to a project to put their tongue on the bus bar of a wind turbine to see if it’s real energy. Of course, it is. The development of those technologies — which, by the way, wind and solar are the cheapest electrical generation technologies available today, three cents per kilowatt hour is the average across the country, lower than anything else. Combined cycled natural gas is close. The intermittency problems we discussed are solvable. They are solvable by natural gas as a potential backup that can be ramped up and ramped down as needed. It can be solved, of course, by the incredible development of battery technology which Senator Heinrich mentioned,” said Senator King.
    Speaking to the urgency of climate change, Senator King echoed the importance of keeping every option on the table to help deliver sustainable and economically viable energy solutions.
    “So, all I want to do is reiterate my belief that ‘all of the above’ includes all of the available technologies, as well as those still in development: small modular reactors, geothermal. There are tremendous opportunities out there, but to try to say that there is only one source of energy and that it lies beneath the surface of the Earth and is not geothermal, that’s not accurate, nor does it take cognizance to the real effects that both witnesses acknowledge of climate change. We can argue whether it causes a particular disaster or not, but no one can argue that the climate is changing and that it is having an effect. We see it in Maine in our forests, in our oceans — the Gulf of Maine is warming faster than any other body of water on Earth with the exception of the Arctic Ocean. I think it’s ironic by the way, the sudden interest in Greenland, and it’s strategic value rests upon the 75% reduction in Arctic Ocean ice over the last 40 years. Either climate change is real or it isn’t, but it is certainly real in many areas of the country and to argue to the contrary is not realistic. It is a challenge that we have to meet and I hope that we don’t take tools out of our toolbox that can contribute to the solution of that problem, as well as sustainable and economically viable energy. Thank you, Mr. Chairman,” concluded Senator King.
    As a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Senator King has advocated for climate solutions that deliver on the clean energy potential of the historic Inflation Reduction Act. He has repeatedly emphasized the importance of permitting reform to deliver carefully considered, timely approvals of sorely-needed clean energy projects. Senator King has also been one of the Senate’s most vocal advocates for improving energy storage technologies and development and worked to include significant storage investments in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act. 
    Recently, Senator King published an Op-Ed and spoke with CNN regarding his positions on the advise and consent process of Cabinet-Level nominees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy, Shaheen Reintroduce Bill to Help Small Businesses Lower Costs, Fight Inflation 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) reintroduced the Helping Small Businesses to Hedge Risk and Insure against Volatile Expenses (Helping Small Businesses THRIVE) Act. The bill would direct the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to create a new program that helps small businesses lock in the cost of commodities, like gasoline or lumber, in order to protect against the future volatile price of energy and other expenses. 
    “Small businesses are the first to be hurt by high inflation costs,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Let’s give small businesses in Louisiana the tools to create jobs, expand operations, and compete with large companies.” 
    “In the Granite State and across America, small businesses are the bread and butter of our economy – but for too many entrepreneurs, inflation and volatile expenses harm their ability to grow and maintain their businesses,” said Senator Shaheen. “Our bipartisan bill would level the playing field so that small businesses can better compete with big corporations and create good-paying jobs in our communities. I urge my colleagues to support this effort so we can keep costs under control and help small businesses thrive for generations.” 
    To help lower costs for small businesses, the Helping Small Businesses THRIVE Act would give them the cost-certainty, time, and confidence to build and grow their endeavors. The bipartisan legislation would direct SBA to create a program that would allow small businesses to hedge their cost exposure from commodities, like diesel or electricity. The program would offer small businesses options for how to lock in their prices going forward – with a focus on inputs that already have liquid markets and technical assistance to help businesses take full advantage of the program. Along with that guidance, SBA would conduct outreach to small businesses to ensure they are aware of the program and can benefit from it. 
    The program would first start to lock in costs for gasoline, diesel, and up to three additional commodities, with special attention given to standard utilities like natural gas or electricity. Additional commodities and utilities whose costs could be locked in could be added to the program after surveys and feedback from small businesses to assess which products would be most beneficial to them. Eligible small businesses would exclude traders and financial businesses to ensure this program focuses on small businesses and is not a tool for speculators. 
    Large businesses already protect themselves from inflation by locking in costs through hedging transactions. The Helping Small Businesses THRIVE Act gives small businesses the ability to access those same tools to protect against the volatile price of gasoline and other expenses. 
    A one pager on the bill is available here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Dr. Rand Paul Honors 2025 March for Life, Reintroduces Defund Planned Parenthood Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Rand Paul

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
    January 23, 2025
    Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, ahead of the 2025 March for Life tomorrow in Washington, D.C., U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) released the following statement honoring the event and reintroduced his Defund Planned Parenthood Act.
    “As a physician, I took an oath to do no harm. As a father and grandfather, I’ve witnessed the miracle of life firsthand,” said Dr. Paul. “My commitment to protecting life isn’t just personal, it’s rooted in both science and principle. Life begins at conception, and I’ve spent my time in the Senate fighting to protect the right to life.”
    The Defund Planned Parenthood Act would ensure federal tax dollars aren’t going to organizations, like Planned Parenthood, to perform abortions. 
    The Defund Planned Parenthood Act is cosponsored by Senators Roger Marshall (R-KS), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Ted Budd (R-NC), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Ted Cruz (R-TX). 

    You can read the bill in its entirety HERE, and watch Dr. Paul’s full message on the 2025 March for Life HERE.
    The Defund Planned Parenthood Act is supported by the following organizations:
    “Senator Rand Paul’s Defund Planned Parenthood Act is a critical step in the direction of protecting taxpayer dollars from supporting the abortion industry, specifically, Planned Parenthood, our nation’s largest abortion provider. We at March for Life Action will continue to work towards enacting legislation like this bill that is in the best interest of women’s health, protects the most vulnerable unborn child, and seeks to support mother and child,” said Jeanne F. Mancini, President of March for Life Action.
    “Sen. Rand Paul’s bill to prohibit federal funding of Planned Parenthood represents a significant effort to enact President Trump’s stated agenda of reducing the role of the federal government on the issue of abortion. As long as taxpayers underwrite the nation’s largest abortion vendor, abortion is federal. In mandates and money, the federal government has acted with prejudice against pro-life people and for abortion. In a completely partisan way, Planned Parenthood also has worked to defeat Republicans to replace them with radical pro-abortion Democrats, who have ensured that the checks keep coming. America’s healthcare dollars should be invested in care that takes care of every patient, in and outside of the womb, and this bill also makes no exceptions for Planned Parenthood, as they should be debarred and defunded as bad actors in the healthcare space.  Students for Life Action supports the Defund Planned Parenthood Act and will score both the votes and co-sponsorship of the measure,” said Kristan Hawkins, President of Students for Life of America & Students for Life Action.
    “Planned Parenthood is one of our nation’s largest purveyors of abortion and cross-sex hormones. They do not deserve any taxpayer dollars. Thank you to Senator Paul for leading the effort in defunding Planned Parenthood,” said Ryan T. Anderson, PhD, President of the Ethics and Public Policy Center.
    “Americans rejected Democrats’ extremist abortion-on-demand and radical gender ideology agenda at the ballot box. The Defund Planned Parenthood Act is an opportunity for conservatives to finally deliver on their decade-old promise to stop taxpayer dollars from funding abortion, and now dangerous experimental medical procedures on minors. Heritage Action commends Senator Paul for spearheading the fight to deliver real results to protect unborn babies, confused children, and their mothers. Senators who believe in the sanctity of life and defending the vulnerable should support and enact this bill,” said Janae Stracke, Vice President of Outreach and Advocacy at Heritage Action.
    “Americans should not be forced to fund an organization that profits from killing unborn children. Killing America’s future does nothing to advance the interest of the American people. We are grateful to Dr. Paul for his work to protect American dollars from being used to kill innocent unborn babies,” said Mary Szoch, Director for the Center of Human Dignity, Family Research Council.
    “Not a cent of taxpayer dollars should be going to Planned Parenthood. They don’t care about women’s healthcare; they care about making money. And they do it through the murder of innocent babies and preying on vulnerable, confused children. It’s long past time to end the abominable lie that Planned Parenthood needs federal funds in order to function. It’s time to prove that America is a nation that truly cares about women by defunding this organization that has taken advantage of them for decades,” said Penny Nance, CEO and President of Concerned Women for America. 
    “Senator Rand Paul continues to champion constitutional policies with his vital bill to end federal funding for Planned Parenthood. Taxpayers should not be compelled to fund over $1.5 billion annually for an organization that performs nearly 400,000 abortions each year,” said George Landrith, President of Frontiers of Freedom Institute. “Despite its claims of providing comprehensive healthcare, Planned Parenthood has seen rising abortion numbers and declining other health services. The Hyde Amendment once protected taxpayers from funding abortions—it’s time to reinstate this sensible safeguard. Thank you, Senator Paul, for your principled leadership!”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Schatz: Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Whose Dangerous Lies Fueled Measles Outbreak in Samoa & Caused Preventable Deaths, Unqualified To Lead HHS

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Hawaii Brian Schatz
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) took to the Senate floor today to detail how President Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., spread dangerous lies about vaccines which directly led to disease outbreaks and caused preventable deaths. Schatz recounted the story of how Kennedy traveled to Samoa in 2019 to discourage people from taking the measles vaccine which ultimately led to an outbreak in which thousands of people were infected and 83, mostly children, died.
    “In 2019, he flew to Samoa to discourage people from taking the measles vaccine, deepening hesitancy that was already building. And it worked,” said Senator Schatz. “Vaccination rates for eligible 1-year-olds fell to lower than 33%. And just 5 months later, Samoa found itself in the middle of a measles outbreak. Over 5,000 people got the measles. 83 people died.”
    Senator Schatz added, “Yes, this is a question of character and competence. But it is also a question of life or death. And who we want in charge, making decisions, when lives are on the line. And it’s our job, here in the Senate, to make damn sure that person isn’t RFK Jr.”
    The full text of Senator Schatz’s remarks, as prepared for delivery, is below. Video is available here.
    You’d think the person nominated to lead our nation’s top health department – an agency with a budget of over 2 trillion dollars and responsible for running everything from Medicare to vaccine trials. You’d think that person would at least be interested, if not experienced, in curing diseases and promoting public health. That they’d follow science and work to build the public’s trust in it. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is none of those things.
    For the first time ever, we might have a health secretary who’s actively fueled disease outbreaks. He’s literally made a career out of lying about the safety of basic vaccines. And it is not an exaggeration to say: lives will be lost if this man gets confirmed. He has cost lives pretending to be a public health expert before. And he will do it again if he becomes the next health secretary.
    This is not some random dude with his buddies kicking around wacky ideas for the hell of it. He’s a Kennedy, with an enormous fortune, parachuting into countries to tell flat out lies and stop people from taking life-saving vaccines.
    In 2019, he flew to Samoa to discourage people from taking the measles vaccine, deepening hesitancy that was already building. And it worked. Vaccination rates for eligible 1-year-olds fell to lower than 33%. And just 5 months later, Samoa found itself in the middle of a measles outbreak. Over 5,000 people got the measles. 83 people died.
    Aside from spreading baseless lies about vaccines, RFK Jr. has regularly spouted all kinds of deranged conspiracy theories, including that COVID-19 was “targeted to attack Caucasians and black people. The people who are most immune are Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese.” He’s also claimed – without any evidence – that antidepressants are to blame for mass shootings and that chemicals in our water are turning kids gay.
    His plans to remake the Department of Health and Human Services are equally terrifying. He wants to revoke approvals for the polio and Hepatitis B vaccines for children and roll back guidance on other vital vaccines. There’s a reason we haven’t had to think about these awful, painful diseases in a long, long time. It’s because we’ve successfully vaccinated our way out of outbreaks.
    He’s also vowed to fire hundreds of federal health researchers and scientists and stop all research into infectious diseases and vaccine development. Because “we’re going to give infectious disease a break for about eight years.” We’re going to give diseases a break.
    This man, in his views and his actions, is as dangerous as they come. You wouldn’t put him in charge of a local clinic – let alone our country’s entire health system.
    And look, I get it. Some people hear his critiques of our food system and agree with him. Our food system is broken. And people are getting sick because of it. We’ve subsidized the wrong things for so long that you can find an unhealthy meal faster and for cheaper than a healthy one. Ultra-processed foods are everywhere. Healthy, hearty meals are harder to come by. And that has to change. But we don’t fix that problem by inviting a measles or mumps outbreak. We don’t have to voluntarily conjure up the horrors of polio in the name of cleansing our diet. That’s a false choice I refuse to make.
    There are many people – including my friend, Senator Cory Booker – who are working to solve this problem with the seriousness and the thoughtfulness it demands. To reign in factory farms, empower family farmers, and make healthy food more readily available and affordable. We can and must do all of that. But RFK Jr. is not the man to do it.
    The medical profession, at it’s best, is about helping people. I think about doctors like my dad, Dr. Irv Schatz, aboard a hospital ship – the SS Hope – providing free medical care to people in Latin America. So many like him put their lives and careers on hold to travel far and wide and care for the less fortunate. Helping kids with cleft palates…distributing mosquito nets…delivering babies…treating and preventing diseases. It’s hard and unglamorous and unselfish work.
    And so it takes a special kind of person to do the exact opposite. To do what RFK Jr. did, which is to fly halfway around the world, and cause pain. Cause disease. Cause death. So yes, this is a question of character and competence. But it is also a question of life or death. And who we want in charge, making decisions, when lives are on the line. And it’s our job, here in the Senate, to make damn sure that person isn’t RFK Jr.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Schatz Discusses Strengthening Security, Economic Ties With Philippine Ambassador, Reaffirms Commitment to Alliance

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Hawaii Brian Schatz
    Published: 01.22.2025

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today released the following statement after meeting with the Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez.
    “Ambassador Romualdez and I had a constructive discussion about opportunities and challenges in the Indo-Pacific. We discussed how we can better coordinate and strengthen U.S. military and economic support to the Philippines and further elevate our alliance.
    “We have a long, close relationship with the Philippines and the Filipino people, and our commitment to the U.S.-Philippine alliance remains ironclad.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján Highlights the Importance of Protecting Nutrition Programs for Children and Families, Hermit’s Peak Recovery and Support for Small Farmers in Agriculture Secretary Nomination Hearing

    US Senate News:

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

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry,participated in the nomination hearing for Brooke Rollins, the nominee to be Secretary of Agriculture. Senator Luján raised the importance of programs that feed families and children, wildfire recovery, and cutting red tape for farmers and ranchers. 
    Video of Senator Luján’s exchange with Brooke Rollins is availablehere.
    “One of the areas I shared in our conversation is something that I hold deeply, as I expressed to you, which is that every American should be able to have food on their table. No one should go hungry in America, no matter what zip code or area code they live in, or no matter how much money they make,”Senator Luján said in the hearing.“I am always reminded that budgets are a reflection of values, depending on how those budgets are put forth as well, and I certainly hope that in America we all have a responsibility, a fiscal responsibility, that our priorities would say children shouldn’t go hungry in America. I hope that is something we can find some commonality on down the road.”
    “The other area I raised in our meeting was the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon fire. This is a fire that started a few years ago that became the largest fire in the state of New Mexico’s history. What surprises a lot of folks, and I appreciate my Republican and Democratic colleagues for supporting me and helping me create a fund specifically for this fire, is that this fire started as a prescribed burn,” Senator Luján continued. “There’s got to be a better way to ensure that the technology we can secure, that firefighters get paid properly, and that we follow this so this doesn’t happen anywhere in America again. I very much appreciate Mrs. Rollins’ commitment to working with Governor Noem and with FEMA and making sure that when these programs exist, that money gets out the door to the families that need it most.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: On Senate Floor, Hagerty Voices his Strong Support for Pete Hegseth, Blasts Democrats and Left-Wing Media for Smear Campaign Stalling Nomination

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Tennessee Bill Hagerty
    Hegseth should be confirmed immediately, but Democrats have chosen to put partisan politics over national security
    WASHINGTON—United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN) today spoke on the Senate floor strongly supporting Pete Hegseth’s nomination to be the next Secretary of Defense. He also blasted Senate Democrats for putting partisan, political games over national security.
    Mr. Hegseth needs to be confirmed immediately to begin implementing President Trump’s peace through strength agenda. Unfortunately, Senate Democrats have chosen to engage in political theater, delaying Pete’s critical confirmation.

    *Click the photo above or here to watch*
    Remarks as prepared for delivery:
    Thank you, Mr. President.
    I rise today to urge my colleagues to support the confirmation of my constituent and friend, Pete Hegseth, to be Secretary of Defense. 
    Last week, during his four-and-a-half-hour confirmation hearing, America saw exactly why President Trump nominated Pete Hegseth to lead the Department of Defense. Pete is a patriotic, smart, and energetic leader. His priority is our warfighters, and having their backs, by focusing the Department on lethality and competence—rather than extraneous political and social issues. He is the type of leader that can inspire, recruit and retain the best talent. 
    Despite Pete’s qualifications, the mainstream media—desperate to derail President Trump and his nominees—has gone after his character by airing false and unsubstantiated allegations. 
    Take for example the article published Tuesday by The New York Times.
    Despite the salacious and misleading headline, buried beneath 13 paragraphs of slanderous allegations, the Times disclaims the entire story with a direct quote from the supposed victim herself denying the allegations against Pete, saying: “There was no physical abuse in my marriage.”
    Take a moment to think about this. 
    The New York Times intentionally ran with the salacious and debunked account buried the truth and distorted  the lead simply to undermine President Trump and his nominee. 
    The New York Times is not alone, unfortunately; NBC News, The Hill, Politico, and even the Associated Press all chose to run the salacious, false headline instead of the facts.
    Unfortunately, I’m not surprised.
    This is the type of misleading—and often unequivocally false—reporting we’ve learned to expect from the left-leaning media.
    The American people remember that The New York Times is the same publication that denied and suppressed the Hunter Biden Laptop story leading up to the 2020 election. It’s the same paper that endorsed Joe Biden for President in 2020, and it’s the same outlet that endorsed Kamala Harris in 2024.
    The American people are sick and tired of the deception stemming from the alliance between Democrats and the so-called “mainstream media.” 
    This is yet another example of a story published, with an aim to do harm, despite evidence to the contrary. It’s why media has lost much of its credibility with the American people who see this article for what it is—a desperate last-minute attempt to generate controversy where none exists.
    Pete Hegseth is someone who is going to fix the Pentagon and deliver on President Trump’s vision of peace through strength. He is exactly the type of leader the Pentagon needs in the face of an increasingly complex and escalating security situation around the world.
    So, while I am disappointed, I am not surprised at this eleventh hour attempt by the media to raise debunked and completely discredited falsehoods simply with an aim to derail a confirmation.  I urge my colleagues to see through the noise and evaluate Pete’s nomination based on the merits—which is why I plan to vote to confirm Mr. Hegseth.
    I yield the floor.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Booker, Britt, Kim Reintroduce Resolution Designating January 23 as Maternal Health Awareness Day

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Katie Britt (R-AL), and Andy Kim (D-NJ) reintroduced a bipartisan resolution to officially designate January 23 as Maternal Health Awareness Day. The resolution emphasizes the importance of raising public awareness about maternal health outcomes and promotes initiatives to address and eliminate its disparities. 
    “The United States spends more on health care than any other country, but we still have the highest rate of maternal mortality among our peer countries,” said Senator Booker. “It’s disheartening that Congress has failed to pass comprehensive federal legislation to protect mothers and their babies, and ensure moms receive the essential care they need throughout their pregnancy and postpartum journeys. I remain committed to working across the aisle to create and implement effective policies that address the maternal mortality crisis and promote equitable maternal health care across our nation.”
    “Improving maternal care is not a red or blue issue, it’s an American issue,” said Senator Britt. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in recognizing National Maternal Health Awareness Day, while acknowledging we have more work to do to reduce maternal mortality. I will continue to work across the aisle with my colleagues to improve health outcomes for women throughout their pregnancy journeys and support moms across our nation.”
    “In a country of such great wealth and power, it is heartbreaking that we continue to let down expecting mothers who deserve to feel safe and supported,” said Senator Kim. “The pain of our country’s maternal mortality crisis is felt harshly in New Jersey, disproportionately hurting Black women and devastating too many families. With this resolution, I don’t just stand for awareness but call on my colleagues in Congress to see this urgency, understand the vast majority of maternal deaths are preventable, and help push forward on tangible action to protect lives and be there for growing families.”
    “As the maternal health crisis in the U.S. continues, it’s critical to continue to shine a spotlight and bring national attention to the importance of prioritizing maternal health. ACOG is grateful to Senator Booker and Senator Britt for their support in making sure that across the country, people learn about Maternal Health Awareness Day and understand the need for policies that will empower us to make a meaningful difference to improve maternal health outcomes,” Stella Dantas, MD, FACOG, president of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).
    Senator Booker’s resolution notes that as many as 60,000 women in the United States suffer from a severe maternal morbidity, which includes unexpected outcomes of labor and delivery that can result in significant short- and long-term health consequences, and recognizes community-based maternal health models that have been proven to improve the health of birthing people throughout the country. With one-third of maternal mortality cases occurring between one week and one year postpartum, expanding access to health care after delivery nationwide is a vital step to saving lives.
    In 2018, New Jersey led the way by becoming the first state to acknowledge Maternal Health Awareness Day, thanks to the tireless efforts of the Tara Hansen Foundation, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, and other essential organizations dedicated to raising awareness and combating maternal mortality. Since this historic recognition, numerous state entities, advocacy groups, community organizations, and others have united on January 23 to elevate awareness surrounding maternal health. This day serves as a platform to educate healthcare providers on maternal mortality, urging birthing individuals, families, and healthcare professionals to identify and discuss potential signs of emergencies.
    The resolution is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Peter Welch (D-VT), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD).
    The full text of the resolution can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin, Grassley Introduce Bill To Crack Down On Prescription Drug Advertisements, Boost Price Transparency

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    January 23, 2025
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), senior member and former chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, today introduced the bipartisan Drug-price Transparency for Consumers (DTC) Act, a bill that would require price disclosures on advertisements for prescription drugs in order to empower patients and reduce Americans’ colossal spending on medications.  The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has found that prescription drugs advertised directly to consumers accounted for 58 percent of Medicare’s spending on drugs between 2016 and 2018, while a 2023 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that two-thirds of advertised drugs offered “low therapeutic value.”  By requiring direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertisements for prescription drugs to include a disclosure of the list price, patients can make informed choices when inundated with drug commercials and pharmaceutical companies may reconsider their pricing and advertising tactics.  In recent years, the pharmaceutical industry has sued to keep the prices of their drugs out of their TV advertisements.
    “Pharmaceutical advertising is a uniquely American phenomenon that contributes to the astronomical cost of prescription drugs. With billions of dollars in targeted spending, patients are bombarded with commercials for the latest ‘wonder-drug’ but kept in the dark about one crucial factor—price.  This practice of pushing patients toward the most expensive drugs drives up the cost of health care while undermining the role of doctors.  A healthy dose of transparency is the prescription Big Pharma needs,” Durbin said.  “Senator Grassley and I have introduced the DTC Act to shine light on the real costs of medications in these outrageous commercials.”
    “Knowing what something costs before buying it is just common sense,” Grassley said.  “Disclosing the list price of prescription drugs in advertisements is a no-nonsense way to empower health care consumers to make informed decisions about their care.  It also spurs competition, which leads to lower prescription drug costs.”
    Each year, the pharmaceutical industry spends $6 billion in DTC drug advertising to fill the airwaves with ads, resulting in the average American seeing nine DTC ads each day.  Studies show that these activities steer patients to more expensive drugs, even when a patient may not need the medication or a lower-cost generic is available.  Studies show that patients are more likely to ask their doctor, and ultimately receive a prescription, for a specific drug when they have seen ads for it.  For these reasons, most countries have banned DTC prescription drug advertising—the United States and New Zealand are the only industrialized nations to permit this practice.
    Additionally, a Kaiser survey found that 88 percent of Americans support this price disclosure policy for advertisements.
    Below are some key findings from the GAO report:
    Two-thirds of pharma’s spending between 2016 and 2018 on DTC ads ($12 billion out of $18 billion total) was concentrated on just 39 drugs.  During this period, these advertised drugs accounted for 58 percent of Medicare’s spending on drugs ($320 billion out of $560 billion). 
    In 2019, Humira had $500 million in DTC advertising, contributing to $2.4 billion in Medicare costs.
    Among the top 10 drugs with the highest cost to Medicare, four were also in the top 10 for advertising spending (Humira, Eliquis, Keytruda, Lyrica).
    Cosponsors of the DTC Act include U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Peter Welch (D-VT), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI).
    The DTC Act is endorsed by AARP, American Medical Association, American Hospital Association, American Academy of Neurology, American College of Physicians, Patients for Affordable Drugs Now, and Campaign for Sustainable Rx Pricing.
    For years, Durbin and Grassley have advanced legislative proposals to require pharmaceutical companies to disclose the list prices of their prescription drugs when choosing to run DTC advertisements, including passing a bipartisan amendment through the Senate in 2018. 
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Meets With Former Congressman Sean Duffy, President Trump’s Nominee For Secretary Of Transportation

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    January 23, 2025
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today met with former U.S. Congressman Sean Duffy, President Donald Trump’s nominee to serve as the Secretary of Transportation.  During their meeting, Durbin asked Duffy about President Trump’s recent executive order directing agencies to immediately pause the disbursement of funds appropriated through the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and what that means for the future of transportation and infrastructure projects already underway.  Durbin also advocated for ongoing infrastructure projects in Illinois, including the Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) Red Line Extension and the Chicago Hub Improvement Project to modernize Chicago Union Station and its surrounding infrastructure. 
    Durbin also raised the importance of Amtrak funding, and emphasized how many freight railroads run through Chicago as the rail hub of North America.  Projects across the state, including the Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency (CREATE) Program in Chicago and the Springfield Rail Improvements Project in Springfield have sought to alleviate congested rail corridors and chokepoints.  Both projects received additional federal grant awards this past fall. 
    “Today, I had a productive meeting with former Congressman Sean Duffy, who has been nominated to serve as Secretary of Transportation,” Durbin said.  “I shared the importance of funding ongoing infrastructure projects in Illinois like the CTA’s Red Line Extension Project and the Chicago Hub Improvement Project.  If confirmed, I hope he will build upon the work started by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and ensure none of these projects are unnecessarily delayed.”
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  • MIL-OSI USA: Scott, Lankford, Foxx Introduce Bill to Protect Parents’ Rights

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott
    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.), member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, Senator James Lankford (R-Okla.), and Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.), member of the House Committee on Education and Workforce, today introduced the Families’ Rights and Responsibilities Act. The legislation would protect the right of parents to direct the upbringing, education, and health care of their children by applying the strict scrutiny test. 
    “Parents have a fundamental right to control the upbringing of their child, whether it’s in the classroom or at home,” said Senator Scott. “Yet, far too often, parents are being pushed out of their child’s lives, and kids are paying the price. I will always fight to put parents back in the driver’s seat and ensure they remain the lead decision maker in their child’s life.”
    “Parents deserve to raise their children without the looming threat of government infringement. The Families Rights and Responsibilities Act will shield parental rights while instituting a necessary, fundamental check against the government whenever it decides to enforce policies that fail to extend due deference to parental decision-making,” said Congresswoman Foxx. “I’m immensely proud to introduce this legislation alongside Senator Scott to further safeguard the rights of parents.”
    “Parents know and love their children best, and they have the right and duty to direct the upbringing and care of their children. Yet parental rights have been eroded by government actions that view children as the property of the state and that exclude parents from critical educational and health care decisions,” said Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) Senior Counsel Matt Sharp. “ADF applauds Sen. Scott, Sen. Lankford, and Rep. Foxx for introducing the Families’ Rights and Responsibilities Act, and stepping into the gap to protect the parent-child relationship that forms the bedrock of our society. This bill rightfully restrains federal government overreach by reaffirming the role of parents to guide the upbringing, education, and health care of their children. Now and always, it’s parents who know their children best, not the government.”
    The bill is cosponsored by Senate Republican Whip John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Senator Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), as well as Representatives Randy Weber (R-Texas), John Rose (R-Tenn.), Mary Miller (R-Ill.), Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.), Clay Higgins (R-La.), Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.), Brad Finstad (R-Minn.), Barry Loudermilk (R-Ga.), Rich McCormick (R-Ga.), and Mike Haridopolos (R-Fla.).
    BACKGROUND
    The Families’ Rights and Responsibilities Act works to:
    Affirm that parents have the fundamental right to direct the upbringing, education, and health care of their children;
    Prevent the federal government from substantially burdening this fundamental right, without first passing the strict scrutiny test; and
    Allow parents to raise a violation of the bill as a claim or defense in judicial or administrative proceedings at the federal and state levels.
    During the previous administration, proposed Title IX regulations would have allowed the federal government to require schools to treat boys as girls, and vice versa, without informing parents. This would have constituted a blatant violation of parental rights, and the Families’ Rights and Responsibilities Act would provide legal recourse for parents to challenge this violation.
    Full text of the legislation can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fischer Questions Brooke Rollins at Confirmation Hearing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nebraska Deb Fischer
    Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, questioned Brooke Rollins at the confirmation hearing on her nomination to be Secretary of Agriculture.
    During the hearing, Senator Fischer asked Rollins about her plans to hold America’s trading partners accountable, the role of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in creating new export markets, and the importance of the biofuels market for agricultural producers. Senator Fischer also asked Rollins to commit to working with her to complete the USDA Agricultural Research Service facility at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Innovation Campus.  

    Click the image above to watch a video of Sen. Fischer’s questioning
    Click here to download audio
    Click here to download video
    Senator Fischer questions Brooke Rollins:
    Senator Fischer: Mrs. Rollins, so good to see you. I really, really appreciated you coming to the office last month, and the great discussion that we had. As you know, the agricultural industry is the economic engine of Nebraska. We grow a lot of corn and beans and wheat and sugar beets and livestock. So, we understand the necessity of having that strong economy for our state, that food security, how important it is for our country.  And I look forward to working with you in the future on that. Brooke Rollins:  Thank you. Senator Fischer:  You noted in your testimony that we must demand strong and steady markets for our agricultural bounty. And this is a statement that I hear consistently from our producers as well. One of those really important markets for Nebraska’s agriculture is biofuels. 
    In his day one actions, President Trump emphasized the need for our country to be energy dominant. The President has long recognized that ag producers have a role to play in producing abundant homegrown energy. And he took steps in his executive order declaring a national energy emergency so that we can continue to allow for the sale of E15 year-round. And I’ve long led an effort to make this policy permanent, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to deliver on that part of the President’s agenda.
    We know that there’s going to be a number of other biofuel decisions that will be made in the coming months that will have significant impacts on the biofuel market. I know you’ve heard from a number of my colleagues on this committee about the importance of that. Can you just speak briefly about how you view the importance of biofuel markets for our farmers?Brooke Rollins: I will and Senator, thank you. Loved being in your office and meeting Fred Fisher. And really look forward to hopefully having more conversations in your office and in your home state of Nebraska, which is one of the shining stars of our country. 
    In the last few months, since the announcement was made that I was going to be hopefully, if confirmed, joining this administration and the Cabinet as the head of USDA, I have had multiple conversations with many of you on the committee and outside the committee. Your governor flew to Texas to give me a couple of hours of his time to make sure I understood specifically within your state, but frankly, how this affects so much of the Midwest and in our corn states.
    My commitment is to defend and protect and fight for all of American agriculture. Clearly, in the last administration, this issue was under the National Economic Council, Larry Kudlow, so I didn’t manage it under the Domestic Policy Council. But I was certainly in a lot of the meetings, which there were a lot of meetings. President Trump would tell you in the Oval Office about this. His executive order in the last few days, mentioning biofuels is a part of his all-of-the-above strategy to reclaim energy dominance across the world is important. Senator Fischer: President Trump was very generous with his time in his previous time in the Oval Office. And he’s correct, we had a lot of meetings in the Oval Office.Brooke Rollins: I think he said 27.Senator Fischer: Truly, and he would like to get this issue settled as well. I thought maybe we would in the CR, but we’ll continue to push for that. What we’ve seen over the last four years, and what I’ve heard has been a lot of disappointment from Nebraskans about the lack of any kind of trade agenda from the Biden Administration. 
    In fact, for the first time in decades, we’ve had an agricultural trade deficit. And as you said earlier, it’s projected to hit a record breaking $45 billion. I understand there can be a variety of factors that impact a trade deficit, but I am concerned that part of this stems from there not being really any kind of clear agricultural trade agenda from the last administration.
    We cannot see that happen again. Can you talk about how you would both hold our current trading partners accountable, and the role that you will or that you would want to see USDA play in developing these new export markets?Brooke Rollins: Yes, Senator, and that $45 billion, what’s remarkable about that is 42 percent of that is just in the last year. So, the wheels are falling off, and it is very, very important that the wheels get put back on as soon as possible.
    I think those that know me for a long time—but even Senator, you and I have just gotten to know each other in the recent months—know that I am a relentless cheerleader for whatever it is that I have been called to do. And for this moment in my life, and to me, this moment as Scripture says, I am called to take agriculture, to preserve our rural communities, and take our products to the world and work around the clock to ensure that that sort of trade deficit begins to peel back—and hopefully, by the end of our time here in the next four years, is completely gone. And in fact, we are back in the positive and I believe we can do that.
    I mentioned earlier, I think President Trump is the consummate deal maker. His heart, for rural America and for our farmers and ranchers, I think will hopefully lead the way. I certainly will be right next to him, whispering in his ear as we move forward on this and I think and hope and pray that we can begin to solve this immediately.Senator Fischer: Yes. Great. Another area that I focus on is how precision ag technology can help our farmers and ranchers to achieve better yields and reduce environmental impact, and improve economic returns.
    I’ve had a number of bills on that, and I’m going to be reintroducing and including, hopefully, in the Farm Bill that we work on. Additionally, myself and really the entire Nebraska delegation, along with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, have been working in a very close partnership with the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) on the National Center for Resilience and Regenerative Precision Agriculture at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Innovation Campus.
    And last May, we broke ground on that facility. And I hope that I can continue to work with you to make sure that we get that facility completed. Can I get your commitment to continue working with me on this facility? Can I get your commitment to come to Nebraska? We had Sonny Perdue out at the ranch and had a great barbecue with neighbors. We can do that and another trip we can get you to Lincoln to see the ARS facility, what we’re doing there.Brooke Rollins: That would be my great honor. Senator Fischer: Great, thank you. Brooke Rollins: Thank you, Senator.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Capito Votes to Confirm Ratcliffe for CIA Director

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, issued the following statement after voting to confirm John Ratcliffe to serve as Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director. Ratcliffe was confirmed by a vote of 74 to 25.

    “John Ratcliffe is a strong choice by President Trump to serve as CIA Director. The men and women of the CIA have some of the most difficult, most impactful jobs in our government. They need a leader to provide a steady hand as they carry out the dangerous work that keeps Americans safe. I have confidence that Mr. Ratcliffe will bring his valuable experience as Director of National Intelligence to this role, empowering our CIA to excel in its operations while trimming any bureaucratic hurdles that detract from its core missions. As a member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, I look forward to working with him to provide the CIA with the resources it needs to protect the American people,” Senator Capito said.

    Senator Capito previously met with Ratcliffe in December of 2024 to discuss his nomination and learn more about his vision to lead the agency.

    MIL OSI USA News –