NewzIntel.com

Category: US Senate

  • MIL-OSI USA: READOUT: Heinrich, Luján Meet with New Mexicans Affected by Severe Flooding in Ruidoso

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)
    PHOTOS & VIDEO
    RUIDOSO, N.M. – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) met with New Mexicans affected by severe flash flooding in Ruidoso, received an update on the disaster and future recovery efforts, and delivered supplies to flood victims.
    PHOTO: U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) meet with local leaders in Ruidoso, July 11, 2025. 
    “What we saw yesterday was devastation – to businesses, properties, and families whose lives changed overnight. But we also saw enormous community strength. It will take time, resources, and work to rebuild, and this community is ready. Talking with the local leaders and impacted residents, it’s clear that we can all support their work, and we must,” said Heinrich. “I am grateful to all those, on the ground and from afar, who are working to support Ruidoso in this critical time. My thoughts are with the families who lost loved ones in this tragedy. And I will keep urging President Trump to approve a full Major Disaster Declaration to unlock all the federal support needed to rebuild.”
    “Seeing the devastation from the flooding in Ruidoso firsthand is heartbreaking and tragic,” said Luján. “My prayers are with the families who lost loved ones, and with those who were injured or forced from their homes. I’m deeply grateful to the first responders whose quick action saved lives, and to the local leaders whose tireless work is guiding the community through this crisis. With more rain projected this weekend, I encourage residents to stay vigilant. The road to recovery is just getting underway, but the approval of an emergency declaration is a critical first step. I’ll keep working with our Congressional Delegation to push for a Major Disaster Declaration and to deliver the federal support that Ruidoso families need to rebuild.”
    Earlier this week, Heinrich, Luján, and the rest of the N.M. Congressional Delegation welcomed the President’s granting of an emergency declaration for Chaves, Lincoln, Otero, and Valencia Counties, while renewing their call for President Trump to grant a Major Disaster Declaration in the wake of severe flooding that took the lives of three people and damaged homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure.
    The emergency declaration opens up access to specific FEMA funds for immediate disaster response, including support for search and rescue and incident management efforts. An emergency declaration does not preclude a subsequent Major Disaster Declaration. Therefore, the N.M. Delegation will continue to push President Trump to approve a Major Disaster Declaration request from Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham.
    Through a Major Disaster Declaration request, the State of New Mexico has requested Public Assistance, Category A through G, including Direct Federal Assistance for Lincoln County, Chaves County, Otero County, and Valencia County, as well as Individual Assistance, including Housing Assistance, Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance, Disaster Case Management, Transitional Sheltering Assistance, Serious Needs Assistance, Crisis Counseling, Disaster Legal Services, Disaster Unemployment, and Displacement Assistance for Lincoln County and Valencia County. The State also requested Hazard Mitigation statewide, as facilitated by New Mexico’s Natural Disaster Hazard Mitigation Plan.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Following Paramount’s $16 Million Settlement with President Trump, Luján, Markey Urge FCC to Hold Full Commission Vote on Paramount Merger

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)
    Senators Send Letter to Commissioner Olivia Trusty Urging Her to Support a Full Commission Vote on the Merger
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Telecommunications and Media Subcommittee, and Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, wrote to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Commissioner Olivia Trusty, urging the FCC to hold a full Commission vote on the pending Paramount Global and Skydance Media merger. On July 2, Paramount Global, the parent company of CBS, agreed to pay $16 million to settle a frivolous lawsuit brought by President Donald Trump. In May 2025, as Paramount was reportedly pushing for the settlement to help facilitate approval of its merger, Senators Luján and Markey wrote to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr requesting that the FCC hold a full Committee vote on the Paramount-Skydance merger.
    In the letter, the lawmakers wrote, “As we explained in a letter to Chairman Brendan Carr in May, the Paramount-Skydance merger is unique in the FCC’s storied history, with the sitting President actively litigating against a news organization whose parent is seeking FCC approval of a major media merger. In that baseless lawsuit, Trump falsely alleged that CBS had violated state consumer protection laws through its editorial decisions around an interview of then-Vice President Kamala Harris. Although the transcript of the interview indisputably showed that Trump’s claims were a flagrant attempt to intimate the media, Paramount has nevertheless agreed to settle that lawsuit for $16 million. This settlement casts a shadow over the proposed Paramount-Skydance merger and raises serious questions about the editorial independence of one of the nation’s largest media organizations. The Commission cannot turn a blind eye to this context.”
    The lawmakers conclude, “For that reason, in our May letter, we urged Chairman Carr to hold a vote on the merger by the full Commission, instead of unilaterally directing the Media Bureau to approve it on its delegated authority. Commissioner Anna Gomez has similarly called for a full Commission vote on the merger. We respectfully request you to join her and encourage Chairman Carr to schedule a full Commission vote. The FCC owes the public a transparent, deliberative process on such a high-profile and controversial issue.”
    As Ranking Member of the Telecommunications and Media Subcommittee, Senator Luján has pushed back against attacks on news organizations. In February, Senators Luján, Markey, and Peters wrote to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr and Commissioner Nathan Simington condemning actions taken by the FCC under the Trump administration demonstrating that the FCC is weaponizing its authority over broadcasters and public media for political purposes. In March, Senators Luján, Markey, and Rosen introduced the Broadcast Freedom and Independence Act, legislation that would prohibit the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from revoking broadcast licenses or taking action against broadcasters based on the viewpoints they broadcast. In May, Senators Luján and Markey wrote to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr requesting that the FCC hold a full Committee vote on the Paramount-Skydance merger.
    Read the full letter here or below:
    Dear Commissioner Trusty,
    Congratulations on your recent confirmation to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). We write today regarding the proposed merger between Paramount Global and Skydance Media now pending before the FCC. Paramount’s recent agreement to settle for $16 million a frivolous lawsuit brought by President Donald Trump against CBS — a Paramount subsidiary — over its editorial decision-making raises serious questions about Paramount’s rationale for the settlement and its implications for media independence. For that reason, we urge you to insist that the FCC conduct its merger review with the utmost transparency, including holding a full Commission vote on any order to approve the merger.
    As we explained in a letter to Chairman Brendan Carr in May, the Paramount-Skydance merger is unique in the FCC’s storied history, with the sitting President actively litigating against a news organization whose parent is seeking FCC approval of a major media merger. In that baseless lawsuit, Trump falsely alleged that CBS had violated state consumer protection laws through its editorial decisions around an interview of then-Vice President Kamala Harris. Although the transcript of the interview indisputably showed that Trump’s claims were a flagrant attempt to intimate the media, Paramount has nevertheless agreed to settle that lawsuit for $16 million. This settlement casts a shadow over the proposed Paramount-Skydance merger and raises serious questions about the editorial independence of one of the nation’s largest media organizations. The Commission cannot turn a blind eye to this context.
    For that reason, in our May letter, we urged Chairman Carr to hold a vote on the merger by the full Commission, instead of unilaterally directing the Media Bureau to approve it on its delegated authority. Commissioner Anna Gomez has similarly called for a full Commission vote on the merger. We respectfully request you to join her and encourage Chairman Carr to schedule a full Commission vote. The FCC owes the public a transparent, deliberative process on such a high-profile and controversial issue.
    Thank you for your attention to this matter. We look forward to working with you to ensure that our media and communications systems serve the public interest, uphold democratic values, and reflect the highest standards of transparency and accountability.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murray, Sanders, Baldwin, Colleagues Demand Vought, McMahon Stop Blocking Funding for Afterschool Programs, K-12 Schools Across America

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
    32 senators demand Trump admin stop blocking funding signed into law by President Trump in March and end freeze that has sent districts scrambling just weeks out from the new school year
    Washington, D.C. — Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), and Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, led a letter to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russ Vought and Education Secretary Linda McMahon demanding the immediate release of nearly $7 billion in funding for K-12 schools and adult literacy programs across America that the Trump administration abruptly let states and school districts know it would indefinitely block last week.
    The Trump administration’s decision to withhold the funding has sent school districts nationwide scrambling to determine how they could fill the, in many cases, massive budget hole and whether they’ll have to lay off teachers or end after school programs in the coming weeks. School districts have made clear they will have to end afterschool programs, already told parents to prepare backup options, and adult literacy programs have already been forced to lay off staff.
    In addition to Senators Murray, Sanders, and Baldwin, the letter was also signed by Senators Schumer, Hirono, Booker, Blunt Rochester, Reed, Blumenthal, Fetterman, Coons, Wyden, Shaheen, Hickenlooper, Durbin, Heinrich, Van Hollen, Kim, Hassan, Markey, Slotkin, Schatz, Padilla, Smith, Whitehouse, Warren, Kaine, Cantwell, Peters, Alsobrooks, Duckworth, and Merkley.
    “We are writing to demand an immediate end to the illegal withholding of nearly $7 billion in federal education formula grant funds our states and communities are expecting for the coming school year, which is set to begin in just a few weeks in some communities,” write the Senators. “These funds were made available by the bipartisan Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025, signed into law on March 15, 2025. Yet, instead of supporting the tens of millions of students and adult learners intended to benefit from these investments, the administration has chosen to continue an unprecedented and opaque ‘programmatic review’ of these formula grant funds past the July 1, 2025, date these funds became available for allotment to states.”
    The lawmakers blasted the administration for its abrupt notice and illegal freeze of the funds, which has sent school districts and programs nationwide scrambling: “We are shocked by the continued lack of respect for states and local schools evidenced by this latest action by the administration.”
    They note that blocking funding for before and after school programs, as well as summer learning programs, is already hurting families nationwide: “By withholding these funds from states, the Department will impact programs for nearly 1.4 million students served by 10,000 summer and before and afterschool programs around the nation, which the Department’s latest performance report showed supported significant improvements in student attendance, grades, and teacher reports of student engagement in learning.  These centers also help working parents by providing a safe and productive place for their children to be after the school day ends and during the summer months. It is beyond comprehension why the administration would want to jeopardize these outcomes.”
    Warning of how denying these funds will cause schools to lay off teachers and cut back on teacher training, they write: “This rash decision will only worsen school working conditions and teacher shortages.”
    The lawmakers also detail how the move affects adult learners nationwide: “This pause could jeopardize services to more than 1.2 million adult learners working to develop foundational literacy and numeracy skills needed to enter and succeed in workforce training and health, financial, digital, and information literacy skills necessary for full participation in community and civic life. The withholding will have an even more significant impact on 12 states that rely on these funds for 70 to 75 percent of their adult education programs.”
    The Trump administration has confirmed it is blocking funding for the following programs—all of which are programs President Trump has requested to eliminate in his budget request, raising serious concerns about this administration’s intentions to simply impound the funding:
    Supporting Effective Instruction State Grants (Title II-A), which support professional development and other activities to improve the effectiveness of teachers and school leaders, including reducing class size.
    21st Century Community Learning Centers (Title IV-B), which support high-quality before and after-school programs focused on providing academic enrichment opportunities for students.
    Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants (Title IV-A), which provide flexible funding for school districts for a wide range of activities including supporting STEM education, accelerated learning courses, college and career counseling, school-based mental health services, and improving school technology, among many others.
    English Language Acquisition (Title III-A), which supports language instruction to help English language learners become proficient in English.
    Migrant Education (Title I-C), which supports the educational needs of migratory children, including children of migrant and seasonal farmworkers.
    Adult Basic and Literacy Education State Grants (including Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education State Grants), which support adult education and literacy programs to provide the basic skills to help prepare adults and out-of-school youth for success in the workforce.
    Full text of the letter is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER DEMANDS TRUMP ADMIN IMMEDIATELY REVERSE RIPPING AWAY FUNDING FOR UALBANY’S MESONET, NEW YORK’S STATE OF THE ART WEATHER TRACKING SYSTEM THAT HELPS KEEP UPSTATE NY COMMUNITIES PREPARED & SAFE…

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer
    Trump’s DHS Abruptly Cut Funding For NY’s Mesonet Program, Based At UAlbany, Which Covers Storm Tracking For Every County In NY & Plays Critical Role In Storm Data Gathering For Emergency Response & Safety Across The State
    After Devastating Flooding In Texas, Schumer Says We Need More – Not Less – Investment In Weather Tracking To Warn And To Mitigate Damage When Disaster Strikes; Senator Slams Dangerous Cuts That Risk Ongoing Project To Improve Storm Monitoring
    Schumer: Cutting Funding For NY Weather Tracking Is A Recipe For Disaster
    After Trump abruptly canceled a $3 million grant project for New York State’s advanced regional weather early warning systems program, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer slammed the unexplained cuts and demanded the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reverse this harmful decision, which will weaken New York State’s ability to track and monitor extreme weather. As New York faces more extreme weather than ever, and in the wake of devastating flooding in Texas, Schumer said the federal government should invest more, not less, in systems that keep regions like Upstate NY safe and prepared for extreme storms.
    “Cutting funding for New York’s weather tracking system is a recipe for disaster. With a record-breaking tornado season last summer and New York seeing more extreme weather than ever, we can’t afford to rip away resources for the program that tells us when a storm is going to hit and how bad it’s going to be,” said Senator Schumer. “Our state-of-the-art network of weather observation stations gathers real-time hyper-local data that keeps New Yorkers across the state safe and informed. We need to make sure New Yorkers are prepared for whatever punches Mother Nature delivers, to hinder their advancement. I’m calling on Secretary Noem to immediately reverse these cruel unexplained cuts to keep New Yorkers safe when the next storm comes.”
    Schumer explained University at Albany’s Mesonet program was awarded a $3 million grant program in 2023 to support its Exploitation of Mesonets for Emergency Preparedness and Response in Weather Extremes (EMPOWER) program. The EMPOWER program is a partnership between researchers, higher education, emergency managers, and the federal government. This program works to upgrade technology to produce better, more accurate weather hazard impact warning and emergency response capabilities to keep New Yorkers—and ultimately the nation—safe.
    Schumer explained the University at Albany hosts NYS’s Mesonet Program, a network of weather observation stations which unlock key data from the clouds using advanced instruments at 127 sites around New York, with at least one station located in each of New York’s 62 counties, and laser technology to monitor the atmosphere. Schumer said amid record-breaking extreme weather, including devastating flooding in Texas, we need sharper forecasts to better understand storms as they develop and approach communities. Schumer warned that without upgrades or with delayed investment in NY’s system, local forecasting ability could be hampered by deferred systems maintenance and decreased federal operations support, which could impact both storm prediction and public safety. These are not the first cuts to weather forecasting in NY under the Trump Administration, earlier this year it was revealed that firings and staff reductions at the National Weather Service offices in Albany would mean they would not be able to fly all their weather balloons, among other cuts.
    According to the University at Albany, data from the NYS Mesonet informs forecasters and emergency managers (including those at the NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services) to help mitigate the harmful effects from high-impact, extreme weather-related disasters. The NYS Mesonet provides real-time data to operational forecasters and emergency managers from across the state with updates every five minutes and an average station spacing of about 19 miles. These data points are combined with data from other surface networks, weather radars, and satellites to provide real-time weather information and to improve numerical weather prediction models for even greater accuracy and precision than ever before, giving emergency managers, first responders, and forecasters much greater confidence in their warning products and in subsequent protective action.
    Schumer’s letter can to DHS Secretary Noem can be found HERE or below:
    Dear Secretary Noem:
    I write to urge you to swiftly reinstate the $3 million Department of Homeland Security (DHS) grant supporting the Exploiting Mesonets for Emergency Preparedness and Response to Weather Extremes (EMPOWER) project.  DHS Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) has partnered with the University at Albany (UAlbany) since 2023 to build out a better, more accurate weather hazard impact warning and emergency response capability to keep New Yorkers—and ultimately the nation—safe.  Until yesterday, the project focused on extreme weather, such as rapid and severe flooding, similar to what communities in Central Texas are tragically dealing with today, and any funding that is rescinded or stalled could put lives at risk.  
    Just last week, you acknowledged in remarks that “everybody wants more warning time, and that’s why we’re working to upgrade the technologies that have been neglected for far too long, to make sure that families have as much advanced notice as possible.”   This project – a regional pilot with the potential to be deployed nationwide – does just that.  It has been considered highly successful by DHS S&T, already having significant operational impact.  Co-developed with the NY Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (among many other engaged end-users), the EMPOWER prototype extreme weather decision support dashboard is currently operational within the New York State Office of Emergency Management Watch Center.  Furthermore, the project has brought direct access to high fidelity, real-time weather data covering all of New York State to the FEMA Geospatial Response Office for the first time.
    The New York State Mesonet is a network of 127 weather stations across the state that supplement National Weather Service modeling and observations to provide more accurate and real-time weather information, helping improve forecasts and inform weather alerts. The EMPOWER project utilizes the Mesonet’s real-time data to develop cutting-edge tools designed specifically for emergency managers and first responders. In a world with increasingly frequent and unpredictable severe weather, these new tools will provide our community safety professionals with unparalleled information to make the fastest, most well-informed decisions when disasters strike, helping to alert communities of imminent threats and better protect lives and property. 
    The EMPOWER program exemplifies a successful partnership between researchers, higher education, emergency managers, and the Federal government. This program has tangible outcomes – emergency alert systems greatly benefit the public and upgrading our technology is necessary to mitigate risk and loss of life when disaster strikes. I cannot underline how important this program is to New York’s emergency response, as well as to the entire Nation. As our researchers better develop emergency management technology, we can count on the implementation of this technology across America in the near future to save lives. Not only does the public benefit, but improved emergency warning system technology and data about weather events helps our first responders, who put their lives on the line for their communities, better determine the risk to the area they serve. This $3 million grant is essential to supporting the completion of this vital work.
    In the wake of the devastating flooding in Texas we have a responsibility to do everything we can to mitigate the risks of extreme weather and ensure that tragedies like this never happen again. The federal government should be investing in better technologies to improve hazard impact warning systems and provide emergency managers more timely and accurate information to ensure they can put out emergency alerts and evacuation orders to save lives and take other crucial actions to protect community lifelines. Cancelling this grant does exactly the opposite, and stifles emerging tools and technologies that have the potential to save lives. 
    I urge you to reinstate the $3 million DHS EMPOWER grant to support the project and its researchers so they can deliver groundbreaking technology to save Americans from avoidable weather-related harm. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. Please do not hesitate to contact my staff if you have any questions.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEWS: Sanders, Welch, Van Hollen Issue Statement of Solidarity with MK Ayman Odeh Following Expulsion Efforts from the Israeli Parliament

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Vermont – Bernie Sanders
    WASHINGTON, July 13 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) today issued a statement of solidarity with MK Ayman Odeh, the chairman of the Arab-majority Hadash-Ta’al party, after lawmakers in the Israeli Knesset House Committee voted to impeach him.
    We strongly condemn the effort to expel MK Ayman Odeh from the Israeli Knesset.
    All over the world, democracy is under assault. If Israel is going to call itself a democracy, it must tolerate peaceful dissent.
    For over a decade, MK Odeh has been a leading advocate for peace, justice, and Jewish-Arab partnership. The current expulsion effort is a direct response to MK Odeh’s outspoken and brave calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, an end to the occupation, and a political solution between Israelis and Palestinians.
    This effort is not merely a personal attack on one parliamentarian – it is a grave assault on democracy, pluralism, and freedom of expression. In any free society, elected representatives must be able to speak their conscience without fear of expulsion or punishment. Suppressing dissent does not strengthen a democracy; it weakens its legitimacy.
    And this expulsion effort sends a chilling message to millions of Palestinian citizens of Israel: that their representation is conditional and their rights revocable. Such a message has no place in any democratic society.
    We strongly condemn this anti-democratic maneuver and urge all members of the Knesset to reject the petition for MK Odeh’s expulsion.
    At a time when many remain silent or resort to inciting rhetoric, MK Odeh has continued to call for an end to the violence, the protection of innocent lives, and a just and lasting peace for both peoples. He deserves the support of all those committed to democracy and freedom of expression.
    We stand in solidarity with MK Odeh and with the right of all lawmakers, Arab and Jewish, to speak freely and without fear of political retribution.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEWS: Sanders, Welch, Van Hollen Issue Statement of Solidarity with MK Ayman Odeh Following Expulsion Efforts from the Israeli Parliament

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Vermont – Bernie Sanders

    WASHINGTON, July 13 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) today issued a statement of solidarity with MK Ayman Odeh, the chairman of the Arab-majority Hadash-Ta’al party, after lawmakers in the Israeli Knesset House Committee voted to impeach him.

    We strongly condemn the effort to expel MK Ayman Odeh from the Israeli Knesset.

    All over the world, democracy is under assault. If Israel is going to call itself a democracy, it must tolerate peaceful dissent.

    For over a decade, MK Odeh has been a leading advocate for peace, justice, and Jewish-Arab partnership. The current expulsion effort is a direct response to MK Odeh’s outspoken and brave calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, an end to the occupation, and a political solution between Israelis and Palestinians.

    This effort is not merely a personal attack on one parliamentarian – it is a grave assault on democracy, pluralism, and freedom of expression. In any free society, elected representatives must be able to speak their conscience without fear of expulsion or punishment. Suppressing dissent does not strengthen a democracy; it weakens its legitimacy.

    And this expulsion effort sends a chilling message to millions of Palestinian citizens of Israel: that their representation is conditional and their rights revocable. Such a message has no place in any democratic society.

    We strongly condemn this anti-democratic maneuver and urge all members of the Knesset to reject the petition for MK Odeh’s expulsion.

    At a time when many remain silent or resort to inciting rhetoric, MK Odeh has continued to call for an end to the violence, the protection of innocent lives, and a just and lasting peace for both peoples. He deserves the support of all those committed to democracy and freedom of expression.

    We stand in solidarity with MK Odeh and with the right of all lawmakers, Arab and Jewish, to speak freely and without fear of political retribution.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEWS: Sanders: ‘No, Mr. President. Climate Change is Not a Hoax’

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Vermont – Bernie Sanders

    BURLINGTON, Vt., July 13 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) today released the following statement:

    In the midst of everything else going on, it’s easy to ignore the extraordinary planetary crisis we face from climate change. But we just can’t allow ourselves to do that.

    The past 10 years have been the warmest 10 years on record. 2024 was the warmest year in recorded history. January 2025 was the hottest January on record. Western Europe just had its hottest June on record. The recent heat wave in the United States put nearly 190 million Americans under heat advisories and broke heat records in more than 280 locations. Over the past 60 years, the frequency of heat waves in the United States has tripled. According to a new study from Yale University, 64% of Americans think global warming is affecting the weather in the U.S. and almost HALF say they have personally experienced its effects.

    From May 2024 to May 2025, 4 billion people — half of the world’s population — experienced at least one extra month of extreme heat due to climate change. Climate change exacerbated Hurricane Helene last fall in the American Southeast, flooding in Texas this past week and in Vermont and Brazil last summer, recent wildfires in Canada and Los Angeles, and health waves in the United States, Europe, India and Pakistan.

    And what is President Trump’s response? He just fired the last remaining State Department employees who work on climate change, which is undoubtedly one of the greatest threats to our national security.

    Donald Trump is putting the planet and future generations at risk for the short-term profits of his fossil fuel executive friends.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: WATCH: Padilla Slams Homan on California ICE Raids, Pushes for New Bill Demanding Immigration Agents Display ID on “State of the Union”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    WATCH: Padilla Slams Homan on California ICE Raids, Pushes for New Bill Demanding Immigration Agents Display ID on “State of the Union”

    WATCH: Padilla reinforces his VISIBLE Act would make both Americans and law enforcement officials safer

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, joined CNN’s “State of the Union” this morning to criticize the Trump Administration’s cruel immigration raids in California and across the nation, and pushed for new legislation to require immigration enforcement officers to display clearly visible identification during public-facing enforcement actions.

    As Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officers, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), enact President Trump’s cruel mass deportation agenda, Padilla’s VISIBLE Act would strengthen oversight, transparency, and accountability for the Administration’s indiscriminate and alarming immigration enforcement tactics that have terrorized communities across California and the nation.

    He discussed the recent ruling by a federal judge ordering the Trump Administration to stop carrying out indiscriminate immigration enforcement in Southern California, emphasizing that there is “a mountain of evidence” that agents are illegally arresting people solely based on their race, accents, or occupation. Padilla criticized Trump’s Border Czar, Tom Homan, for dismissing the federal judge’s order and maintaining the Administration’s un-American racial profiling policy.

    Padilla also slammed Trump’s plan to enact a 35 percent tariff on Canada and a 30 percent tariff on Mexico, starting on August 1, emphasizing that these tariffs will amount to a tax on the American people by raising prices.

    Key Excerpts

    On a federal judge’s order to stop the Trump Administration’s indiscriminate, racially biased immigration sweeps:

    • “Wouldn’t be the first time the Trump Administration tries to just dismiss a court order, and so it’s our job to ensure that we uphold the law, uphold the Constitution. I mean, Homan has said it very clearly in other interviews: they’re not even asking for significant findings to detain people. They’re going based on appearance. His words, not mine, based on occupation, his words, not mine, based on accents, physical appearance. Dana, what if I was outside of Home Depot, because I like to do some work around the house, not dressed in a suit, would I be a target of ICE enforcement under Tom Homan? Probably.”
    • “It’s just wrong. It’s not just due process rights that have become the concern, but racial profiling. When federal agents involved in immigration enforcement are using racial profiling, they’re not enforcing the law. They are breaking it.”
    • “He claims to be prioritizing those violent, dangerous criminals. We’ve been hearing this ad nauseam from the Trump Administration going back to the campaign trail. The numbers suggest otherwise: the vast majority of people that have been detained, and even those deported, have no serious criminal conviction history. If it was only going after dangerous criminals, there would be no debate, no discussion. I agree with that. But the fact of the matter is, the vast majority of those being detained are the same people who were deemed essential workers at the end of the first Trump Administration at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s a cruel, cruel irony.”

    On the VISIBLE Act and federal immigration agents lacking identification:

    • “I do have concern when there are no requirements for ICE agents or other federal agents involved with the immigration enforcement actions to even identify themselves. I mean, if you’re a member of a working-class immigrant community, and you see unmarked cars roll into your community, people getting out of those cars with no identifiers that they are law enforcement, and literally not just detaining, in your mind, maybe kidnapping.”
    • “So that’s why Senator Booker and I have this bill to require that identification for ICE agents or anybody involved with immigration enforcement. It’s for the safety of the officers and agents, as well as safety for the community and to protect against people exploiting the circumstances, impersonating ICE agents, and getting involved with burglary, theft, kidnapping, sexual assault, and worse.”

    On Ventura County immigration raid leading to the death of a migrant farm worker:

    • “Again, if all they’re doing is going after serious violent criminals, that would be one thing, but because of these artificial quotas established by, whether it’s Donald Trump or Stephen Miller or somebody in the Administration, it’s causing ICE to get more aggressive, more cruel, more extreme, and these are the results. It’s people dying because of fear and terror caused by this Administration. It’s not just undocumented immigrants. There’s lawful immigrants that are being rounded up. There’s United States citizens that are being detained. There are military veterans that are being detained.”

    On Trump’s tariffs on Mexico and Canada:

    • “Both Canada and Mexico aren’t just the largest trading partners for the state of California, they’re among the largest trading partners for the United States of America. And so let’s remember what happens when tariffs take effect. First of all, costs will increase, and the people who pay that price increase are United States consumers. It’s U.S. companies importing products from those countries that will pass along the cost to the American consumer. So in effect, it’s a tax increase on the American people brought to you by Donald Trump.”

    Video of Senator Padilla’s full interview is available here.

    Earlier this week, Senators Padilla and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) released a video on Instagram calling out Trump’s lies and explaining the facts about how their legislation, the VISIBLE Act, would make Americans and law enforcement officials safer. Padilla also led 13 Democratic Senators in a letter criticizing ICE for engaging in counterproductive, theatrical enforcement activities — including raids on courthouses and restaurants — and requesting information from the agency on its mask and uniform policies.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: President Trump, First Lady See Unbreakable Spirit in Texas

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Whitehouse
    Yesterday, President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump traveled to Kerr County, Texas, in the aftermath of last weekend’s catastrophic floods. The President and First Lady surveyed the devastation, met with community members and local officials, thanked heroic first responders, and pledged the Administration’s ongoing support as the community recovers.
    President Trump delivered remarks during a roundtable discussion with first responders and local, state, and federal officials:
    “As a nation, we mourn for every single life that was swept away in the flood and we pray for the families that were left behind. It’s amazing — the incredible spirit from those families. I don’t even know how they do it.” Watch
    “The people here — first responders, the sheriff’s office, all of police, law enforcement — they’ve done an unbelievable job.” Watch
    “We just were making a little tour of the area. It’s hard to believe the devastation — trees that were 100 years old just ripped out of the ground. I’ve never seen anything like this … We just visited with incredible families. They’ve been devastated.” Watch
    “A lot of young angels at the girls’ Christian summer camp known as Camp Mystic … They were there because they loved God — and as we grieve this unthinkable tragedy, we take comfort in the knowledge that God has welcomed those little beautiful girls into his comforting arms in heaven.” Watch
    “My Administration is doing everything in its power to help Texas … We’ve deployed over 400 first responders and assisted or enabled more than 1,500 rescues … Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Coast Guard have deployed numerous search and rescue crews.” Watch
    “Two words: unity and competence, if you were to ask me two words that I’ve seen here … The way everyone has just pulled together. It’s rare that you see this.” Watch
    Officials and members of the community praised the Trump Administration’s response:
    Gov. Greg Abbott: “We cannot thank you enough for deploying the Coast Guard, deploying the resources … When I made a request for a disaster declaration, you and your Administration granted that. This is the fastest that I’m aware of — of any Administration responding.”
    Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick: “You and Madam First Lady — the two of you being here sends a message. It paints a picture that words can’t express, and it gives them hope … You and the federal government will help us get through everything — all the debris that has to be taken, all the rebuilding — and I know we can count on you. So, from the bottom of my heart, on behalf of all of these families, thank you.”
    Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief W. Nim Kidd: “Your immediate declaration for individual assistance and public assistance will help us rebuild and recover … 19 other states have sent resources to us. Secretary Noem, thank you for the coordination and the effort on that. Your team has been phenomenal … Thank you for really great job you’ve done — and the coordination has been incredible.”
    Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem: “What we are doing here, sir, is empowering the state and the local officials to make the best decisions for their people — because they know their people, they know their community… Thank you for being a President who trusts people.”
    Rep. Chip Roy: “I can’t thank you enough. When I called you on Friday, you said, ‘whatever you need’ … I’ve never seen such a quick response and such a focus on delivering for the people.”
    Texas State Trooper: “I want to thank you, too, sir — because if we didn’t have a secure border, we wouldn’t have this many assets to move. I wanted to say that to you personally.”
    Local resident: “This is devastating. It’s horrible, but our President is here. He’s supporting us. He’s sending whatever support he can for us.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth Secures Several Key Priorities in Committee-Passed NDAA To Expand IVF Coverage, Strengthen Oversight of Domestic Military Deployments, Boost American Manufacturing and More

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

    July 11, 2025

    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] — Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—who served in the Reserve Forces for 23 years and is a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC)—secured several important provisions to support servicemembers and boost American competitiveness and national security in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that SASC approved this week and the full Senate will now consider. Among the provisions that the Senator secured in the Committee-passed legislation, Duckworth successfully led a provision to expand IVF access for uniformed servicemembers and ensure military families have the same level of coverage that Members of Congress and other federal employees already have. As President Donald Trump continues to misuse our military to intimidate American citizens across our nation, Duckworth also successfully secured provisions that would safeguard Americans’ civil rights when servicemembers assist law enforcement on U.S. soil.

    “The brave men and women in uniform who serve our nation at home and abroad deserve to know that our country fully supports them as they and their families sacrifice to defend our country and our Constitution,”?said Duckworth.?“While I don’t support every provision included in this bill, I’m proud that it includes several of my provisions to support our servicemembers and their families, boost American manufacturing, improve Americans’ faith in their military as well as rein in the Trump Administration. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to continue improving this NDAA and ensure Congress passes a strong final bill that lets our troops know we have their backs.”  

    NDAAs set our nation’s defense policy and laws, authorize funding for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and ensure that our servicemembers have the tools they need to defend our nation. Additionally, this year’s committee-passed legislation authorizes funding to support a 3.8 percent pay raise for military members.

    Key Duckworth-led provisions secured in this year’s Committee-passed NDAA would:

    • Expand access to IVF for military families by requiring TRICARE to cover fertility treatment services, including IVF, to ensure servicemembers and their families have the same level of coverage that Members of Congress already receive. This is the second time Senator Duckworth secured this provision in the committee-passed version of an NDAA bill.  
      • Regarding this provision, Duckworth said: “Even before I was wounded, I had made the difficult decision to delay building a family because I knew getting pregnant would impact my ability to be an Army aviator—and to advance in the career I loved. Because of the miracle of IVF—and my access to reproductive healthcare through the VA—I’m now a mom to two beautiful girls. The reality is that the men and women of the uniformed services face unique challenges when trying to start or build a family, and studies show that servicemembers and Veterans have higher rates of infertility compared to the general population. After successfully securing this provision in last year’s Committee-passed bill, I’m so proud my colleagues helped me build on this progress by including it in this year’s bill as well. It’s past time our nation provides our military families with the same access to IVF that all Members of Congress already have and ensure our heroes can start the families they’ve dreamed of.” 
    • Strengthen public trust of the military and enhance civil rights by requiring that servicemembers identify themselves as part of the military when assisting federal law enforcement in the United States. As the Trump Administration continues to send federal agents and our nation’s military into our communities to intimidate their fellow Americans, this provision ensures that servicemembers identify themselves properly—to avoid public misunderstanding about who is providing logistical support versus conducting arrests or law enforcement duties.  
      • Regarding this provision, Duckworth said: “In my own experience serving in the National Guard, I saw firsthand the difference drawing a bright line between the roles of our military and law enforcement can make in terms of maintaining public trust in our military. I’m proud my colleagues agreed that this is a necessary requirement to provide accountability to the public during tense moments when troops might be interacting with citizens, from protests to natural disasters to humanitarian crises, and I hope the rest of my colleagues in the Senate do too.” 
    • Ensure all servicemembers know their legal obligations during deployments both at home and abroad by mandating legal training to all servicemembers, including a refresher within 90 days of any mobilization or deployment, on their responsibilities under the law of armed conflict, rules of engagement, defense support for civil authorities and standing rules for the use of force within the United States. In light of the Trump Administration’s increasing use of troops to support law enforcement within the United States, this provision will ensure troops know how to responsibly operate within the bounds of domestic laws and protect American civil rights.
    • Establish a senior leader of DoD Programs for military to civilian transition efforts by directing DoD to appoint a senior official to oversee policy and programs related to the transition of servicemembers to civilian life or to the reserves. This would elevate and strengthen DoD’s attention on services to assist troops as they leave service and enter civilian life, providing a streamlined conduit for coordination with the Department of Veterans Affairs. 
    • Explore international co-production of auxiliary vessels by requiring DoD to identify opportunities to enter joint ventures between U.S. military, U.S. companies and foreign partners to co-produce auxiliary vessels and small boats. Senator Duckworth’s effort aims to increase our nation’s sealift capacity and shipbuilding workforce through leveraging the strengths of our allies and partners in constructing smaller vessels as well as building our ability to surge production of these vessels closer to the point of need in the event of conflict. 
    • Enhance Congressional oversight of the military justice system by requiring the President and DoD to notify Congress of any removal of Judge Advocates General, to ensure that military commanders have the legal advice they need to make their difficult decisions. In addition to notice, the President and DoD must provide a justification for the involuntary removal of any of the top Judge Advocates General (JAG) at least five days before the JAG is removed. This follows Secretary Hegseth’s unceremonious firing of JAGs, which are our military’s legal experts on everything from administrative and domestic protections to international law.  
    • Protect servicemembers from dangerous PFAS in their protective garments by requiring the DoD’s to articulate its plan for acquiring chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threat protective garments free from toxic PFAS chemicals as soon as possible. 
    • Enable the nonpartisan, Duckworth-created Afghanistan War Commission to finish its final report by authorizing DoD to provide non-reimbursable support services—like staff, facilities and funding—and authorizing the Commission to enter into contracts to obtain essential goods and servicesauthor, including the ability to publish its final report through a private publisher. These provisions align its authorities with similar commissions, including the 9/11 National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States. 
    • Expand the successful Southeast Asia Cyber Pilot Program to allow U.S. forces to work with the Pacific Island nations to improve their cyber capabilities and reduce vulnerabilities, building resilience against threats in DoD’s priority region. 
    • Expand exchange opportunities for allies and partners by authorizing DoD to offer exchange opportunities at universities with ROTC programs for servicemembers from partner nations, creating a cost-effective way to train future leaders of key partner militaries.  
    • Ensure fairness in Special and Incentive Pay for Reservists by directing DoD to deliver a special and incentive pay assessment framework – which was required in the FY24 NDAA — by June 1, 2026, and also requiring DoD to make a specific determination about the percentage of aviation incentive pay that goes to maintaining skill proficiency. This provision is essential to ensuring Reservists are paid fairly when they are required to maintain skills and certifications that are expensive to maintain. 
    • Direct a GAO Report on Aviation Safety to review DoD policies and procedures for data gathering, risk assessment and risk mitigation of U.S. military flights, especially as in U.S. domestic civilian airspace. This provision follows investigations into the tragic crash at Reagan National Airport and close calls with military flights throughout civilian airspace.  
    • Bolster our nation’s aviation supply chain by encouraging the use of domestically manufactured helicopters in Initial Entry Rotary Wing pilot training by the Army. 
    • Improve servicemember mental health services and confidentiality by emphasizing support for consistent compliance with suicide prevention policy and confidential access to mental health care without retaliation for all servicemembers and across all branches. The Senator helped secure this provision alongside U.S. Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ).  
    • Expand robotic enhancements for armaments manufacturing by authorizing an additional $5 million for the Secretary of the Army to expand prototyping and production capacity by integrating robotics, automation and digital manufacturing into the munitions industrial base. 
    • Use advanced manufacturing to improve the rapid repair of equipment in forward-based locations by authorizing digital manufacturing as part of the prototyping program for contested logistics and removing the sunset for the program. This provision would allow DoD to develop best practices regarding forward-based commercial, advanced digital manufacturing facilities for rapid, distributed parts production closer to the point of use. 
    • Elevate research on total force optimization by expressing support for investments in biomechanical, physiological, and psychological research to mitigate injury risks and improve physical resilience in combat operations.
    • Improve equipment connectivity for military airfields by encouraging the Air Force to integrate connectivity solutions for flightline support equipment, such as generators, light carts, and support vehicles, that are critical for ensuring our military aircraft can safely take off and land. This will improve equipment readiness to ensure our Airmen are prepared for expeditionary flightline operations in contested environments. 
    • Advance U.S. bio-industrial manufacturing innovation by supporting the innovative work being done at advanced facilities like the University of Illinois’s Fermentation and Agriculture Biomanufacturing Hub (iFAB) by requiring more information on how DoD is investing in this technology critical for national security. 
    • Illuminate gaps in the military footwear industrial base by requesting DoD provide data and analysis on the necessary war reserves for footwear and textiles, and the accompanying surge needs in the event of crisis or conflict. This report language is a modified version of the Senator’s Better Outfitting Our Troops (BOOTS) Act, which recognizes that our defense industrial base for combat boots needs investment in order for it to support our troops and help ensure they have the sturdiest and most protective boots in a possible war.  
    • Strengthen domestic suppliers of critical uniform components by prohibiting the DoD from sourcing clothing, fabrics or components from countries of concern—such as China, Iran, North Korea and Russia—when using domestic sourcing waivers under the Berry Amendment, to prevent further weakening of the U.S. clothing and textile industrial base.? 
    • Allow the Office of Strategic Capital (OSC) to explore investments in nuclear energy and Printed Circuit Board (PCB) manufacturing by authorizing inclusion of nuclear energy as a covered technology under Section 149 of Title 10 and directing OSC to explore the value of investments in PCBs. This change would enable DoD to explore new investments with these key industries critical for our national security.  
    • Accelerate commercially-useful Fault-Tolerant Quantum Computers (FTQC) by recognizing the importance of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI) program, which aims to build a commercially useful FTQC by 2033, and encouraging the Department to concurrently prepare algorithms to operate those machines, while the hardware is being built. This provision recognizes the importance of the development of the first FTQC, which is being built at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park in Chicago, Illinois. 
    • Improve cross-state medical license reciprocity for Title 32 National Guard medical providers by requiring DoD to analyze any barriers to ensuring medical license reciprocity for Guardsmen to train under Title 32 status. This follows reports from National Guardsmen medical providers that they struggle to get the permissions necessary to conduct essential training across state lines, especially in specialized hospitals for trauma care – vital kinds of training for combat care. 
    • Protect Rock Island Arsenal by restricting the Secretary of the Army from using any funds authorized for restructuring Army commands until the Army provides more information about their proposed plan to integrate Joint Munitions Command and Army Sustainment Command, ensuring operations at Rock Island Arsenal are not unnecessarily affected. 
    • Improve Arsenal Workload Sustainment by establishing a 5-year pilot program requiring DoD to give preference to public-private partnerships in arsenals, especially those non-public partners that ensure equitable workshare to DoD employees to protect critical skills. This provision is a modified version of the  Arsenal Workload Sustainment Act that Duckworth introduced alongside U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) as well as U.S. Representative Eric Sorensen (D-IL-17) to help ensure Army arsenals and factories remain active and viable while preserving the skilled workforce, equipment and production capacity critical to our nation’s defense industrial base. 
    • Improve the governance of the organic industrial base by directing the Army to analyze the effectiveness of their current governance and resourcing model for the Army’s arsenals, depots as well as ammunition plants and identify opportunities for changes to ensure the enterprise and its workforce can support the military’s munitions and sustainment requirements now and in the future. The Senator helped secure this provision alongside Senator Tom Cotton (R-AK).  
    • Improve predictive manufacturing analytics at Army Arsenals by urging the continued implementation of industrial control networks across our Army’s arsenals to enable the collection, aggregation and analysis of data associated with the manufacture and repair of equipment and supplies. 
    • Ensure Lovell Federal Health Care Center (FHCC)’s continued success by securing a one-year extension of the Joint Medical Facility Demonstration Fund, which supports the operations of the North Chicago-based Lovell FHCC. This provision, led with Senator Durbin, will help safeguard continued access to vital services for military families and Veterans in the area. 
    • Improve the “Warm Hand-off Process” for Servicemembers by changing the current “opt-in” option on the DD-2648 form for sending servicemembers’ information to state veterans’ agencies to an “opt-out” option, aiming to streamline information flow to state services and improve the “warm hand-off” process for servicemembers when they separate or retire from the military service. The Senator helped secure this provision alongside U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Kevin Cramer (R-ND). 
    • Support the construction of a Child Development Center at Rock Island Arsenal by authorizing $50 million in Major Construction funds for a new addition to the Child Development Center at Rock Island Arsenal and to consolidate the existing facilities into a single building and make upgrades to meet DoD guidelines and safety requirements. This project will provide a necessary service to the Arsenal and surrounding community.
    • Support the design of a new Aircraft Maintenance Hangar at Scott Air Force Base by authorizing $6 million in Planning and Design funds for the construction of a new aircraft maintenance hangar to support the training and operational mission of the 126th Aerial Refueling Wing at Scott Air Force Base. The current hangar was constructed in 1956, remains in disrepair and no longer meets Department of Defense standards or mission requirements, making a new hangar critical to the Wing’s mission.
    • Support the design renovation to General Jones Readiness Center by authorizing $5 million in Planning and Design funds for major alternations to the General Richard L. Jones National Guard Readiness Center in Chicago. This facility was built in 1931 and remains one of the largest readiness centers in the country. Renovating it to meet mission requirements is a top priority for the Illinois National Guard.
    • Improving the Tactical Vehicle Fleet by authorizing an additional $168 million to speed up replacement of Marine Corps HMMWVs with modernized vehicles to improve readiness for global missions.

    In addition to these provisions, Duckworth also successfully worked to protect Universities across the country from having their DoD funding for critical technological research cut unnecessarily. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: July 12th, 2025 Heinrich, Luján Meet with New Mexicans Affected by Severe Flooding in Ruidoso

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    PHOTOS & VIDEO

    RUIDOSO, N.M.– U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) met with New Mexicans affected by severe flash flooding in Ruidoso, received an update on the disaster and future recovery efforts, and delivered supplies to flood victims.

    “What we saw today was devastation – to businesses, properties, and families whose lives changed overnight. But we also saw enormous community strength. It will take time, resources, and work to rebuild, and this community is ready. Talking with the local leaders and impacted residents, it’s clear that we can all support their work, and we must,” said Heinrich. “I am grateful to all those, on the ground and from afar, who are working to support Ruidoso in this critical time. My thoughts are with the families who lost loved ones in this tragedy. And I will keep urging President Trump to approve a full Major Disaster Declaration to unlock all the federal support needed to rebuild.”

    “Seeing the devastation from the flooding in Ruidoso firsthand is heartbreaking and tragic,” said Luján. “My prayers are with the families who lost loved ones, and with those who were injured or forced from their homes. I’m deeply grateful to the first responders whose quick action saved lives, and to the local leaders whose tireless work is guiding the community through this crisis. With more rain projected this weekend, I encourage residents to stay vigilant. The road to recovery is just getting underway, but the approval of an emergency declaration is a critical first step. I’ll keep working with our Congressional Delegation to push for a Major Disaster Declaration and to deliver the federal support that Ruidoso families need to rebuild.”

    Earlier this week, Heinrich, Luján, and the rest of the N.M. Congressional Delegation welcomed the President’s granting of an emergency declaration for Chaves, Lincoln, Otero, and Valencia Counties, while renewing their call for President Trump to grant a Major Disaster Declaration in the wake of severe flooding that took the lives of three people and damaged homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure.

    The emergency declaration opens up access to specific FEMA funds for immediate disaster response, including support for search and rescue and incident management efforts. An emergency declaration does not preclude a subsequent Major Disaster Declaration. Therefore, the N.M. Delegation will continue to push President Trump to approve a Major Disaster Declaration request from Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham.

    Through a Major Disaster Declaration request, the State of New Mexico has requested Public Assistance, Category A through G, including Direct Federal Assistance for Lincoln County, Chaves County, Otero County, and Valencia County, as well as Individual Assistance, including Housing Assistance, Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance, Disaster Case Management, Transitional Sheltering Assistance, Serious Needs Assistance, Crisis Counseling, Disaster Legal Services, Disaster Unemployment, and Displacement Assistance for Lincoln County and Valencia County. The State also requested Hazard Mitigation statewide, as facilitated by New Mexico’s Natural Disaster Hazard Mitigation Plan.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley Pushes CMS to Crack Down on Obamacare Fraud

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA – U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a senior member and former chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, is renewing calls for accountability after receiving information that builds on independent reports of widespread Obamacare fraud. In 2024, taxpayers reportedly footed the bill for approximately $20 billion in improper Obamacare subsidies.  This number could exceed $27 billion in 2025. Based on information provided to Grassley’s office, insurance agents are also using targeted internet advertisements to fraudulently enroll consumers with false income verification extension requests. 
    Last year, Grassley pushed for answers from top leaders in the Biden administration regarding their efforts to eliminate waste, fraud and abuse in the ACA marketplace. The Biden administration failed to respond to Grassley’s request. 
    “The Biden administration’s failure to adequately oversee these subsidies has had expensive consequences … The Wall Street Journal reported that in 2024 five million consumers may have inappropriately received health insurance coverage through subsidized Affordable Care Act (ACA) federal marketplace plans based on falsified income information, which may have cost the taxpayer an estimated $20 billion,” Grassley wrote. 
    Background:
    In 2021, the Biden administration increased premium tax credits (PTCs) for higher-income earners and reduced cost sharing through 2025. As a result, individuals whose income is within 100 and 150 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL) are eligible for fully subsidized health insurance plans. This policy change has compromised program integrity, particularly in states that have not expanded Medicaid. 
    According to CMS and other reporting, fraudulent enrollments occurred because insurance agents and brokers exploited vulnerabilities in the ACA’s design. 
    In his letter, Grassley cites the Trump Department of Justice’s (DOJ) February 19th indictment of Cory Lloyd and Steven Strong for engaging in a $161 million ACA enrollment fraud scheme.  
    Grassley applauds the Trump administration’s program integrity measures through the marketplace integrity and affordability rule. The One Big Beautiful Bill also established some additional premium tax credit program integrity measures.
    Text of the letter can be found HERE or below. 
    July 7, 2025
    VIA ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION
    The Honorable Mehmet OzAdministratorCenters for Medicare & Medicaid Services 
    On June 20, 2024, The Wall Street Journal reported that in 2024 five million consumers may have inappropriately received health insurance coverage through subsidized Affordable Care Act (ACA) federal marketplace plans based on falsified income information, which may have cost the taxpayer an estimated $20 billion.[1]  According to CMS, as well as other reporting, these fraudulent enrollments occurred because insurance agents and brokers exploited vulnerabilities in the program’s design.[2]  On July 8, 2024, I wrote to CMS with concerns regarding fraudulent enrollments and requested information on how the Biden administration’s Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and CMS had taken steps to combat fraud, waste, and abuse related to these enrollments and associated subsidies.[3]  Unfortunately, the previous administration failed to provide a response. 
    The Biden administration’s failure to adequately oversee these subsidies has had expensive consequences.  For instance, on February 19, 2025, the Trump Department of Justice (DOJ) indicted Cory Lloyd and Steven Strong for engaging in a $161 million ACA enrollment fraud scheme.[4]  According to the DOJ, “Lloyd and Strong targeted vulnerable, low-income individuals experiencing homelessness, unemployment, and mental health and substance abuse disorders, and, through ‘street marketers’ working on their behalf, sometimes offered bribes to induce those individuals to enroll in subsidized ACA plans.”[5]  Further, the two individuals used “misleading sales scripts and other deceptive sales techniques to convince consumers to state that they would attempt to earn the minimum income necessary to qualify for a subsidized ACA plan, even when the consumer initially projected having no income.”[6]
    Based on information provided to my office, I’ve been made aware of a similar type of fraud scheme used within the ACA marketplace.[7]  This scheme involved targeted internet advertisements for free health insurance.  These advertisements were used to entice consumers to fill out a webform with personal information which was then used by insurance agents to sign consumers up for healthcare in targeted zip codes.  Those zip codes were in states that use the federally-facilitated marketplace (FFM), rather than state-based exchanges, and where preferred insurance companies had $0 premium plans.[8]  Using information from the webforms, agents used HealthSherpa, one of the ten federally-approved private sector ACA federal marketplace enrollment websites, to sign consumers up.  During open enrollment periods, agents entered hundreds of applications per day and if the consumer noted on the webform that their income wasn’t between 100-150% of the federal poverty level (FPL), agents would fraudulently swap it out for a number to obtain maximum ACA federal marketplace plan premium subsidies and special enrollment period (SEP) eligibility.  To keep fraudulent enrollments on the books for as long as possible, agents allegedly submitted false income verification extension requests and prepopulated income explanation forms rather than submitting actual proof of income.
    So that Congress may conduct independent oversight of the ACA federal marketplace program, please provide the following information no later than July 21, 2025:
    Explain in detail the steps CMS has taken to detect, combat and deter the fraud scheme described above.
    What is CMS’s estimate of:
    the number of fraudulent enrollments in subsidized ACA federal marketplace plans occurring from 2019-2025; 
    the number of months fraudulently enrolled customers spent in subsidized ACA federal marketplace plans; and 
    the cost of these fraudulent enrollments.  Provide this information at the insurance agent, insurance agency, and health insurance company level.
    What efforts has CMS taken in coordination with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to recoup excess advanced premium tax credit payments?  How much money has been recovered annually from 2019 to 2025?
    What steps does CMS take after it terminates an agent’s ACA federal marketplace registration?  Who does CMS communicate termination information to and does CMS provide those entities with any guidance in relation to managing the termination?  Provide all records.
    Do insurance agencies face any consequences from CMS when their affiliated agents are terminated for improper activities or when they have disproportionately high rates of potentially fraudulent ACA federal marketplace plan enrollments?  If yes, describe the consequences and any associated investigative processes.
    How many agents did CMS terminate for improper enrollment behaviors from 2019 to 2025?  How many of those terminations has CMS rescinded?  List the data by year and state.  
    Thank you for your prompt review and response.  If you have any questions, please contact Tucker Akin with Committee staff at (202) 224-5225.
    Sincerely,
    Charles E. Grassley
    Chairman
    Committee on the Judiciary
    -30-

    [1] Brian Blase, The $20 Billion ObamaCare Subsidy Fraud, WSJ (June 19, 2024), https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-20-billion-obamacare-subsidy-fraud-abd89b0d; Brian Blase and Drew Gonshorowski, The Great Obamacare Enrollment Fraud, Paragon Health Inst. (June 2024), https://paragoninstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/The-Great-Obamacare-Enrollment-Fraud_FOR_RELEASE_V2.pdf.
    [2] Id.; 2025 Marketplace Integrity and Affordability Proposed Rule (CMS-9884-P), Cntrs. for Medicare & Medicaid Srvcs. (Mar. 10, 2025), at 4 & 86, https://www.cms.gov/files/document/MarketplacePIRule2025.pdf, (183,553 complaints were related to enrollments without consent and 90,863 were related to switches without consent); Julie Appleby, ACA Plans Are Being Switched Without Enrollees’ OK, KFF Health News (Apr. 2, 2024), https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/aca-obamacare-plans-switched-without-enrollee-permission-investigation/; Julie Appleby, Rising Complaints of Unauthorized Obamacare Plan-Switching and Sign-Ups Trigger Concern, KFF Health News (Apr. 8, 2024),  https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/aca-unauthorized-obamacare-plan-switching-concern/; Julie Appleby, After Public Push, CMS Curbs Health Insurance Agents’ Access to Consumer SSNs, KFF Health News (Apr. 9, 2024), https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/aca-marketplace-ssn-social-security-numbers-agents/; Julie Appleby, When Rogue Brokers Switch People’s ACA Policies, Tax Surprises Can Follow, KFF Health News (April 15, 2024), https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/aca-obamacare-plans-unauthorized-enrollment-tax-problems/.
    [3] Letter from Senator Charles E. Grassley to Secretary Xavier Becerra, U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Servs., and Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, Cntrs. for Medicare & Medicaid Servs. (July 8, 2024), https://www.grassley.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/grassley_to_hhs_and_cms_-_aca.pdf. 
    [4] Press Release, Department of Justice, President of Insurance Brokerage Firm and CEO of Marketing Company Charged in $161M Affordable Care Act Enrollment Fraud Scheme (Feb. 19, 2025), https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/president-insurance-brokerage-firm-and-ceo-marketing-company-charged-161m-affordable-care.
    [5] Id.
    [6] Id.
    [7] Documents on file with Committee Staff.
    [8] Notes and Documents on file with Committee Staff.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: What They Are Saying: Wind and Solar Advocates Laud Grassley Efforts to Advance Iowa’s Clean Energy Future

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    WASHINGTON – Clean energy advocates are applauding Sen. Chuck Grassley’s (R-Iowa) leadership to support the wind and solar energy industries in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
    Grassley successfully got the wind energy industry off the ground by instituting America’s first-ever federal wind energy tax credit in 1993, earning him recognition as the “father” of wind energy production.
    In the One Big Beautiful Bill, Grassley fought hard to improve the transition period for planned wind and solar projects by providing a 12-month runway after the bill’s enactment for projects to begin construction, allowing them to qualify for years-worth of tax credits by meeting this one requirement within a calendar year. This will supercharge near-term growth for the industry and protect workable standards for projects.
    Grassley secured another significant victory for the wind and solar industries by striking a punitive new tax on wind and solar from the final version of the bill. Renewable energy is critical to Iowa, which generates 60 percent of its energy from wind power alone.  
    Here’s what they’re saying:
    Alliant Energy:
    “Senator Grassley’s leadership in advancing the legislation reflects a strong, principled commitment to securing America’s energy future by securing a financially viable phase out for the clean energy tax credits over the next few years. The provisions secured by Senator Grassley demonstrates his commitment to supporting customer affordability and [are] critical in preventing electric rate increases. His leadership also provides energy companies with electric generation resource planning certainty – a critical requirement to meet the growing energy demands of Iowa, and the nation.
    “As the law moves toward its implementation’s phase, we look forward to working with Senator Grassley and the Administration on the customer benefits of this law. His focus on practical, pro-growth energy solutions honors the intent of President Trump’s executive actions—prioritizing energy independence, reliability, and affordability for American families and businesses. We applaud Senator Grassley for championing policies that strengthen our energy infrastructure while supporting job creation and long-term investment in the heartland and across the country.”
    MidAmerican Energy:
    “Improvements made to the final budget reconciliation bill will give MidAmerican a pathway to execute on clean energy projects in our development pipeline for the benefit of our customers – and those improvements simply would not have happened without the leadership of Senator Grassley working in strong partnership with Senator Ernst. Planning certainty is critical for a business like ours, and their collective efforts will help us maintain safe, reliable and affordable service in Iowa and across our entire service area.”
    American Clean Power:
    “Senator Grassley has once again shown leadership protecting jobs and ensuring a cost-effective, reliable, and diverse power mix for Iowa. His leadership remains more important than ever to ensure that the administration implements the legislation fairly, and in a manner consistent with congressional intent.”
    The Business Council for Sustainable Energy:
    “The Business Council for Sustainable Energy thanks Senator Chuck Grassley for his leadership and support of the energy tax credits under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Thanks to his actions, the law adopts a more workable transition for many energy tax credits, enabling businesses to plan, invest and create jobs.”
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: What They Are Saying: Biodiesel Advocates Applaud Grassley Efforts to Strengthen Iowa’s Renewable Fuels Industry in the One Big Beautiful Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    WASHINGTON – Biodiesel producers, farmers and renewable fuel stakeholders say the One Big Beautiful Bill will revitalize and strengthen Iowa’s renewable fuels industry and deliver for Iowa farmers. 
    On July 4, President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act into law. It improves and extends the Clean Fuels Production Tax Credit through 2029, including the small agri-biodiesel tax credit – which provides transition relief to small biodiesel producers. After the Biden administration failed to release functional guidance to implement the credit, many small producers, including four in Iowa, shut down operations.  
    The legislation also protects Iowa farmers by eliminating tax subsidies for renewable fuels produced from imported feedstocks, such as used cooking oil from China or tallow and sugar cane from Brazil. Without this change, the tax code would subsidize foreign farmers at the expense of corn and soybean farmers in Iowa. ? 
    Here’s what they’re saying:
    Iowa Biodiesel Board/Iowa Soybean Association 
    “Senator Grassley’s leadership on ensuring the incorporation of biomass-based diesel in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act reinforces his decades-long commitment to Iowa agriculture and renewable fuels. In particular, by extending and enhancing the Small Agri-Biodiesel Producer Credit led by the senator, this bill provides much-needed certainty for Iowa’s small biodiesel producers—many of which are farmer-owned. That stability directly supports rural jobs, strengthens soybean oil demand and keeps biodiesel production thriving across our state.” 
    Iowa Renewable Fuels Association
    “Led by Sen. Chuck Grassley, the final bill includes a restoration of the small biodiesel producer tax credit for 2025 and 2026. We are hopeful this provision, along with the robust RFS blending levels proposed by President Trump’s EPA, will be enough to get our biodiesel plants running again.” 
    Clean Fuels Alliance America
    “Clean Fuels thanks Congress for working overtime to provide certainty for biodiesel and renewable diesel producers – especially small companies – so they can resume production and industry growth. Clean Fuels especially thanks Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) for securing an enhancement to the Small Agri-Biodiesel Producer Credit to help small producers as they make the transition to the §45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit.” 
    National Oilseed Processors Association
    “We applaud Senator Grassley for his tireless efforts to improve 45Z to ensure it is effective for U.S. farmers, oilseed processors, and biofuel producers. This is a meaningful win for Iowa’s farmers and the broader ag economy. Coupled with strong RVOs, this new tax policy positions the industry for continued growth by prioritizing feedstocks grown and produced here in the U.S.” 
    American Soybean Association
    “ASA is pleased that the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit has been extended and strengthened in the budget reconciliation legislation. The improvements to 45Z will provide critical support to U.S. soybean farmers and bolster the biofuel industry by supporting domestic energy production using domestic resources. The addition of the North American feedstock ringfence and removal of indirect land use change penalties on farmers ensure that the credit will support American agriculture rather than foreign countries. We commend the lawmakers who prioritized this important policy and look forward to its successful enactment.” 
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley Report Concludes Secret Service Failure to Share Threat Information Allowed for Preventable Tragedy in Butler, Identifies Path Forward for Agency Improvements

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA – U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today released a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report compiled at his request in the wake of the attempted assassination of President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13, 2024.
    The Grassley-requested report states senior-level U.S. Secret Service (USSS) officials received classified intelligence regarding a threat to President Trump’s life ten days before the rally in Butler, but failed to relay the information to federal and local law enforcement personnel responsible for securing and staffing the event.
    Per the GAO, “the Secret Service had no process to share classified threat information with partners when the information was not considered an imminent threat to life.” GAO offered eight recommendations to improve USSS functionality; chief among them is a recommendation for USSS to proactively share threat information among USSS personnel and its law enforcement partners.
    The report further exposes a litany of USSS procedural and planning errors, including misallocation of resources, lack of training and pervasive communication failures, all of which contributed to an unsecure environment and ultimately allowed for Thomas Matthew Crooks to fire a near-fatal shot at President Trump and take the life of a spectator.
    The GAO is the U.S. government’s primary auditor and is a nonpartisan, wholly independent legislative branch agency. GAO’s audit, conducted over the course of nearly a year – from August 2024 to July 2025 – is the longest review of the attempted assassination in Butler that has been completed to date.
    Grassley said the following regarding the report’s release:
    “One year ago, a series of bad decisions and bureaucratic handicaps led to one of the most shocking moments in political history. The Secret Service’s failure on July 13th was the culmination of years of mismanagement and came after the Biden administration denied requests for enhanced security to protect President Trump. Americans should be grateful that President Trump survived that day and was ultimately reelected to restore common sense to our country.
    “Naturally, the American people wanted answers and accountability in the aftermath of this tragedy, and so I worked hard to provide that. The information I’m releasing today is a comprehensive overview of the failures that occurred prior to and on July 13th. More importantly, this report offers a clear path forward for the Secret Service to improve, so it can prevent another Butler from ever happening again. This information would not have been possible without congressional oversight, and my work will continue.
    “As Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, which has jurisdictional oversight over the Secret Service, I’m committed to working closely with the agency to ensure they’re properly equipped to repair what’s broken. As an important step, I allocated $1.17 billion in the One Big Beautiful Bill to provide the Secret Service with additional funding. I’m hopeful this significant injection of resources will go a long way in bringing the agency up to speed.”
    Grassley is additionally making public a letter from Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Inspector General (IG) Joseph Cuffari to then-DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas discussing credible whistleblower accounts that USSS personnel frequently rely on their personal cell phones for official communication, which creates serious security and legal risks. According to these allegations, USSS in 2021 instituted “functional limitations on government phones” that prevent USSS personnel from participating in groups texts or sending or receiving photos via text.
    Read the DHS IG letter HERE.Read the GAO report HERE.
    KEY FINDINGS OF THE GAO REPORT
    Threat Information Sharing On July 3, 2024, one day after the USSS Pittsburgh field office was notified of the scheduled Butler rally, high-level USSS officials were briefed on a classified threat to President Trump. Per GAO, “once those officials reviewed the intelligence, they could have then requested that personnel within their chain of command be briefed on the specific information.” USSS had multiple opportunities to share this information over the course of the following ten days, but repeatedly failed to do so.
    As a result of USSS’s siloed information-sharing, federal and local law enforcement entities planning and staffing the event were unaware of the active threat, including members of the Donald Trump Protective Division. Local law enforcement interviewed by GAO attested that, if they had received threat information, they “would have requested additional assets” for the Butler rally.
    Timeline of when Secret Service Personnel Obtained but did not Appropriately Share Threat Information

    Roles and Responsibilities The USSS’s Office of Protective Operations (OPO), which is responsible for issuing documents outlining USSS personnel’s respective roles, prescribed overly-broad policies that failed to clearly communicate USSS personnel’s responsibilities. As a result, five of the 14 USSS agents GAO interviewed, who “performed key roles on July 13th,” stated they relied on their own varying-levels of protective experience in executing this event.  
    At the time of the Butler rally, OPO did not require the USSS advance team to review local law enforcement partners’ operational plans or participate in USSS’s central command center at the event.
    Further, the assigned site agent on July 13th, who was responsible for “identif[ying] site vulnerabilities,” was new to her role. The Butler event was “her first time planning and securing a large outdoor event as the site agent.”
    On-Site Decision-MakingAt the time of the Butler event, USSS also lacked a formal policy for communicating protectee staff’s requested changes to on-site security plans.
    Ahead of July 13th, a Trump campaign staffer asked the USSS advance team, who was unaware of the active threat to Trump, “not to use large farm equipment to address line-of-sight concerns near one of the buildings – the AGR building” so as not to interfere with campaign press photos. In response to the request and without consulting senior-level USSS officials who could have changed the decision, the USSS advance team independently made the decision to use a “jumbotron and a large flag to address the line-of-sight vulnerability,” rather than the large farm equipment.
    Per the GAO, “not using the farm equipment possibly created an opportunity for the gunman to use the AGR’s elevated rooftop to fire several shots at then former President Trump and kill and injure other rally participants.”
    AssetsThe USSS’s “War Room” is responsible for allocating resources for protectees and protectees’ events. The War Room makes these decisions “primarily based on availability and efficiency assessments” without knowledge or input of current risk assessments.
    Due to limited resources, the War Room denied the Donald Trump Protective Division’s request for enhanced counter Unmanned Aerial Surveillance (cUAS) equipment at the Butler event, as “these resources had already been allocated for the Republican and Democratic National Conventions.”
    However, senior OPO officials with knowledge of the threat against Trump stepped in to approve counter sniper assets for the Butler rally, a decision which was described as “inconsistent with and separate from War Room practices for making resource decisions.” Per GAO, “[a]bsent OPO senior executives’” action, President Trump “would likely not have received the counter sniper assets that ultimately took out [Crooks].”
    TechnologyThe USSS’s limited cUAS technology used on July 13th malfunctioned, and while repairs were being made, Crooks flew a drone – undetected – over over the event site hours before the rally. The USSS agent assigned to operate the cUAS was severely inexperienced; this agent reported receiving just one hour of training on cUAS capabilities and noted, “in retrospect, [he] did not have enough training to confidently operate the equipment.”
    Additionally, many USSS agents and local law enforcement who relied on cell phones to communicate the day of the event encountered limited service, hampering their ability to share information in real-time. Despite knowing the event would garner significant attendance, the USSS had no policy in place to proactively troubleshoot “potential audio and data communication challenges.” The agency has yet to require agents to perform such an assessment.
    Background: Grassley’s oversight provided the “most detailed picture” of USSS security failures in the immediate aftermath of the Butler assassination attempt. Grassley contacted the USSS, DHS, DHS IG, Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation within days of the rally to begin investigating. He was the first to release bodycam footage and text messages from local law enforcement who responded to Crooks at the event.
    As Chairman of the Judiciary Committee this Congress, Grassley allocated $1.17 billion in funding for USSS as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Sec. 100057).
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Q&A: Wins for Rural America Signed into Law

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    Q: How did you leverage your leadership for alternative energy?
    A: More than three decades ago, I helped launch Iowa’s rise to dominance in alternative energy with the first-ever federal wind energy tax credit. Wind energy supports more than 9,000 jobs in Iowa and generates more than 60% of our state’s electricity, making it the largest source of electricity in Iowa. During negotiations on the One Big Beautiful Bill, I fought tooth and nail to secure a 12-month runway that allows planned wind and solar projects to begin construction after the law’s enactment. This victory prevented a devastating blow to alternative energy that would have stunted investment, innovation and production when there’s growing demand for clean, affordable electricity. My efforts will help accelerate near-term growth in these projects to get them from the drawing board to installation and production while also providing the industry a sensible pathway to self-sustainability. It puts wind and solar on a level playing field with other technologies with respect to imported materials and components. Specifically, I led efforts to strike a punitive new tax on wind and solar projects that would have sunk domestic production and investment, as well as job creation here at home.
    Q: What new measures will boost Iowa’s renewable fuels industry?
    A: Iowa’s farm economy drives the state economy, employing nearly one in five Iowans in agriculture or ag-related industries. Family farmers across the state take pride in growing crops that feed and fuel the world. As a lifelong family farmer and tireless champion for the livelihoods and way of life for farm families, I brought the concerns of Iowa farmers to the policymaking tables during negotiations on the One Big Beautiful Bill. That includes expanding domestic markets for feedstock. The renewable fuels industry adds value to homegrown corn and soybean crops. I successfully fought to eliminate tax subsidies for renewable fuels produced from imported feedstocks, such as used cooking oil from China or tallow and sugar cane from Brazil. In 2023, the U.S. imported three billion pounds of used cooking oil that exploited tax incentives and clean fuel policies. The U.S. taxpayer should not foot the bill for subsidies that benefit foreign farmers at the expense of corn and soybean farmers from Iowa. Ensuring our nation’s renewable fuel policies benefit American farmers was my top priority as I fought to improve and extend the Clean Fuels Production Tax Credit through 2029.  I also successfully secured transition relief for small biodiesel producers who shut down operations during the previous administration due to a lack of workable guidance implementing this credit. Taken together, this is a victory for Iowa farmers and Iowa renewable fuel producers.
    Q: What’s in the new law for Iowa farmers?
    A: Iowa farmers waited two years for Congress to update the five-year Farm Bill. High input costs for seed, fertilizer, fuel, machinery and rent were cutting into the bottom line, making it difficult for farming operations to make ends meet, let alone turn a profit. The farm safety net needed to reflect the double-digit increase to farm production costs. With President Trump’s signature on July 4, the new law increases reference prices and boosts the effective reference price escalator for the 2025 through 2031 crop years. That raises the benchmark for farm payments, such as the Price Loss Coverage (PLC) and Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) programs, to help ensure the farm safety net reflects higher input costs. The law also improves crop insurance for beginning farmers for the first decade of their operations, increasing the coverage level and affordability of certain crop insurance policies. Iowa’s agrarian heritage is not only the backbone of our state’s economy, it’s a way of life. Iowans should not be punished for wanting to keep a family farm in the family. For nearly two centuries, Iowa families have handed the reins of their farming operation to their kids and grandkids. An unfair, punitive death tax would force sons and daughters to sell the family land to pay the federal estate tax liability. I’ve long championed efforts to repeal the death tax and was glad to support provisions in the new law that permanently boost the death tax exemption, raising it to $15 million for individuals and $30 million for couples. In addition, the new law provides critical investments in conservation, ag research, trade promotion and animal health to help fight disease outbreaks, such as New World screwworm (NWS), Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and African swine fever (ASF), to support livestock producers and protect the food supply.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crapo and Bipartisan Senators Introduce Bill to Empower States and Communities to Reduce Homelessness

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo

    Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Mike Rounds (R-South Dakota), Tina Smith (D-Minnesota) and Jack Reed (D-Rhode Island) introduced the Reducing Homelessness Through Program Reform Act, legislation to cut red tape and create local solutions for addressing homelessness.

    “With rising rates of homelessness sweeping across America, nonprofit organizations on the front lines deserve maximum support as they stretch limited donations and funding to provide shelter, food, skills training, addiction recovery and hope to our friends and neighbors who need it most,” said Crapo.  “This bipartisan legislation is urgently needed to strengthen the Housing Choice Voucher Program, remove burdensome regulations and better coordinate between diverse agencies serving unhoused individuals.”

    As of January 2024, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) reported approximately 771,480 people experiencing homelessness during the annual point-in-time count.  The 2024 count represented an all-time high, which was an 18 percent increase from 2023.  The 2025 point-in-time count results have not been released by HUD. 

    Specifically, the Reducing Homelessness Through Program Reform Act:

    Eases the bureaucratic burdens for Continuum of Care organizations by moving the time intensive annual application process for funding to every other year.

    • Empowers local communities by cutting federal red tape and allowing homeless service providers to respond more quickly and effectively to local needs.
    • Removes unnecessary federal barriers that prevent individuals from accessing housing and support services in a timely manner.
    • Makes commonsense reforms to the Housing Choice Voucher Program by streamlining unit inspections, income verification and allowable uses of funds–reducing waste and inefficiency.
    • Studies the hiring, retention and compensation of staff at all levels of homeless service organizations.
    • Authorizes specific and targeted funding to upgrade the outdated software used for applications and grant management of the CoC Program. 
    • Improves coordination between local healthcare systems, law enforcement, veterans’ programs and job training services to deliver integrated support and reduce repeat homelessness or justice system involvement.
    • Supports better use of data–including advanced tools like artificial intelligence–to making sure resources are going where they are needed most.
    • Establishes more feedback mechanisms for service providers and people with lived experience of homelessness to advise HUD on the effectiveness of federal homelessness policies and programs.
    • Continues the work of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness and increases congressional oversight of the council.

     
    “Despite record levels of federal funding, homelessness continues to rise.  It’s clear that a one-size-fits-all approach isn’t working,” said Rounds.  “The challenges we face in South Dakota are not the same as those in California or New York.  This legislation takes a conservative approach by shifting power back to the states and communities closest to the problem.  This commonsense bill cuts red tape and enables local leaders to deliver faster, more effective and more appropriate solutions for the people they serve.”

    “Without a safe, affordable place to live nothing else in your life works–not your job, health, family or education,” said Smith.  “This bipartisan bill makes commonsense reforms to federal homelessness programs: cutting red tape for homeless service providers, streamlining and improving federal housing vouchers, reducing administrative burden and modernizing out-of-date software systems.  It will reduce homelessness while using taxpayer dollars more efficiently.  We know that the best ideas come from those closest to the issues, and that’s why our legislation gives local leaders in Minnesota and across the country the tools and flexibility they need to address homelessness no matter the ZIP code.”

    “At a time when more Americans are facing homelessness and there are fewer federal resources available, we must do everything we can to make programs more effective and assist people by connecting them to housing, local health systems and behavioral health programs that can offer the ongoing, community-based support they need,” said Reed.

    This legislation is endorsed the Bipartisan Policy Center; National Low Income Housing Coalition; the Council of State Community Development Agencies, whose members include the Idaho Department of Commerce and the Idaho Housing and Finance Association; the National Alliance to End Homelessness; Catholic Charities USA and the Mayors and CEOs for U.S. Housing Investment.

    “Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) Action is proud to endorse the Reducing Homelessness Through Program Reform Act and applauds Senators Mike Rounds, Tina Smith, Mike Crapo and Jack Reed for their bipartisan leadership.  The bill’s focus on cutting red tape, streamlining the Housing Choice Voucher program and improving data coordination aligns closely with the proposals put forth by BPC in its American Housing Act,” says Michele Stockwell, president of Bipartisan Policy Center Action.  “These practical reforms will help communities more effectively address homelessness and connect people with housing and services.”

    “Streamlining systems isn’t just good governance–it’s what’s needed to meet the urgent housing needs of people across the country,” said National Low Income Housing Coalition President and CEO Renee Willis.  “The bipartisan Reducing Homelessness Through Program Reform Act enacts common-sense reforms to improve coordination between government agencies and the private sector, ensuring programs more effectively serve people with the most urgent housing needs.” 

    Read the full text of the bill here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI— Hagerty joins Varney & Co. on Fox Business to Discuss Iran Threat, Crypto Regulation Reform

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Tennessee Bill Hagerty

    NASHVILLE, TN—Today, United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and former U.S. Ambassador to Japan, joined Varney & Co. on Fox Business to discuss the national security implications of Iran’s nuclear ambitions, as well as his legislative push to create a clear regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies and digital assets.

    *Click the photo above or here to watch*

    Partial Transcript

    Hagerty on the threat posed by Iran’s nuclear program: “One thing to keep in mind is the intent of the Iranian regime. If you go back to the agreement President [Barack] Obama signed, they promised under the JCPOA not to continue their enrichment program. The Israelis uncovered the fact that they violated that agreement, and they’ve continued to do it. Why in the world would they build deep underground facilities if they weren’t trying to hide something? They’ve clearly had the intent to weaponize nuclear material. They’ve been enriching it. We’ve known that. This absolute obliteration, which has been widely documented, has taken out these facilities. Is it possible that some material could still remain? Yes, that is a possibility. That’s what the Israeli intelligence is reporting right now. But it’s obvious this regime has intent, and certainly if they have the intent, they’d like to have the ability to weaponize it. What’s happened is that the weaponization capability has been completely destroyed. It takes months, if not years, to rebuild even parts of these facilities. At minimum, what has happened is we’ve bought multi-year protection from what the Iranians could do.”

    Hagerty on concerns about Iran using nuclear material in a terrorist attack: “In a hypothetical sense, there is the potential to create something like a dirty bomb. That’s not close to the type of weaponization they were geared toward, but again, the Iranian regime has been put on notice. President [Donald] Trump was very deliberate and very clear: They violated his timeline, they violated his red line, and they suffered the consequences. The most important thing to keep Iran in check is the resolve of America and Israel. We demonstrated that clearly the time has come now for Iran to come to the table and for us to put this completely to an end.”

    Hagerty on his cryptocurrency legislation and the need for regulatory clarity: “The problem is longstanding. Over the last four years of the Biden administration, they utilized a tool called Regulation by Enforcement. Rather than creating a legal framework for cryptocurrencies, for the technology, for the stable coin bill, the Genius Act that I just got passed out of the Senate and should come out of the House of Representatives next week, the [Securities and Exchange Commission], the [Commodity Futures Trading Commission], and all the regulatory bodies kept this industry guessing. The bad outcome of that is that if you guess wrong, you will be incarcerated. You’ll wind up being persecuted, and you’ll wind up having enforcement action launched against you that could be very expensive. The net result of that is that we pushed innovation overseas, pushing it offshore because developers did not know what the liability might be here. No one knew how to register or properly adhere to the laws because the laws weren’t made clear. Our aim right now is to make a clear regulatory framework available here in the United States so developers can thrive here and so innovation can happen here. That’s exactly what I want to see with my stablecoin legislation, The Genius Act, that will take our payment system into the 21st century. It will have an enormous economic impact on America and create greater demand for U.S. Treasury securities, because every stablecoin has to be backed up 1-1, dollar for dollar, by the U.S. Security.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville Champions Conservative Values in NDAA, Supports Alabama’s Troops and Defense

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) released the following statement after the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) was reported out of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC). During the committee’s markup process, Sen. Tuberville fought to get key conservative wins included in the bill, which will strengthen our military, protect taxpayers, and make sure Alabama continues leading the way in defense.

     “Since being elected to the U.S. Senate, I’ve been fighting to get woke politics out of the military. Under Joe Biden, the Pentagon became ground zero for Democrats’ craziest ideas. Thankfully, President Trump and Secretary Hegseth are working to purge the Pentagon of woke policies and restore focus on lethality and readiness. I’m proud to have secured key conservative wins in this year’s NDAA, which will support the great work the Trump administration is already doing. My amendments eliminate DEI at the Pentagon, make sure men can’t compete in women’s sports at service academies, prohibit military resources from being used to censor conservative outlets, and ban sex change procedures from taking place in taxpayer-funded military facilities.

    I am also proud of the wins I was able to secure for the great state of Alabama. In addition to providing a 3.8% pay raise for our troops, this year’s NDAA will make housing more affordable and safer for our military families. The bill supports Alabama’s defense industrial base by directing the DOD to fully support the development of all quantum computing technologies. It also makes key investments in surface ship sustainment and readiness that will boost Alabama shipbuilding. Importantly, the NDAA provides funding for the Golden Dome, which Alabama will play a critical role in building and supporting. As the state’s senior senator, I’ve been fighting every day to get Alabama’s military installations and defense contractors the resources and support they deserve. This year’s NDAA will ensure Alabama continues punching well above our weight.”

    BACKGROUND:

    As Alabama’s representative on the Senate Armed Services Committee, Sen. Tuberville is proud to have secured the below wins in this year’s NDAA:

    Conservative Wins:

    • Eliminates the existence of DEI-related requirements within the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD).
    • Prohibits males from taking roster positions that belong to females at U.S. service academies.
    • Strengthens language to prohibit DOD recruiting funds from being used to censor and disadvantage conservative media sources.
    • Restricts any DOD money from being spent on sex change surgeries and prohibits these surgeries from taking place at military treatment facilities.

    Alabama Wins:

    • Secures 3.8% pay raise for troops.
    • Improves quality-of-life and makes housing safer for our servicemembers by encouraging all military commissaries to carry at-home mold test kits.
    • Supports Alabama’s defense industrial base by directing the DOD to fully develop the use of all quantum computing technologies. 
    • Encourages DOD to continue to leverage the benefits of the military-civilian partnership that helps further medical research initiatives for the DOD.
    • Directs DOD to accelerate the conversion and testing of successful air-launched weapon systems for ground employment.
    • Improves servicemembers’ quality of life by improving the accuracy and transparency of housing allowance calculations.
    • Supports procurement of MH-139 Grey Wolf helicopters to modernize aging rotary wing aircraft fleet.
    • Improves advanced weapons systems by requiring the employment of advanced technologies and material improvements.
    • Continues investment in reactive target simulation and facility security enhancement to better meet evolving threats.
    • Makes important investments in surface ship sustainment and readiness, as well as shipyard optimization.

    Read more about FY2026 NDAA here.

    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: Ernst Builds Upon Trump Recruitment Success in Annual Defense Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
    Published: July 11, 2025
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), a combat veteran, secured meaningful provisions in in the Senate version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to build upon the historic military recruiting success happening under President Trump.
    “For me, choosing to serve our country opened the door for the American Dream, allowed me to afford college, and paved the way for a life of service,” said Ernst. “After years of slumping numbers under Biden, we have seen a resurgence under President Trump, but we cannot allow this to be a temporary victory. While patriotism plays an undeniable role in recruiting, boosting outreach efforts to young people and sharing the benefits of service will ensure that the momentum we have seen under President Trump continues, so our armed forces remain the most lethal fighting force the world has ever seen.”
    The provisions secured in the NDAA come directly from Ernst’s SERVE Act to:
    Increase military recruiter access in high schools, so students can know the benefits of service;
    Expand opportunities for students to get involved in Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC);
    Designate JROTC as a part of the military; and
    Create a “National Week of Military Recruitment” to further promote the benefits of service.
    Background: 
    After missing key recruiting goals under President Biden, there has been a dramatic turnaround under President Trump. The Army hit its recruiting goal four months early, the Navy hit its goal three months early, and the Air Force and Space Force also exceeded annual recruiting goals three months early.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Johnson Subpoenas FBI for Records on the July 13, 2024 Trump Assassination Attempt

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Ron Johnson

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), chairman of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, issued a subpoena to Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel for records relating to the July 13, 2024 assassination attempt of President Donald Trump in Butler, PA. 

    “One year following the assassination attempt of President Trump, the American people still do not have answers to all of their questions about the breakdown of security at the Butler campaign rally and detailed information about the would-be assassin, Thomas Crooks. I had expected the FBI to be more forthcoming with the public and provide my office with the records we have been seeking for months. I am issuing the subpoena to help prompt transparency and I look forward to Director Patel’s full cooperation,” Sen. Johnson stated. 

     The subpoena requires the FBI to provide, in part:  

    • Security camera footage obtained that may identify Crooks’ movements in advance of the shooting;
    • Forensic reports on the assassination attempt, including ballistics, trajectory, explosive, and drone analysis records; and
    • Records about Crooks including documents relating to his social media and email accounts, search history, call logs, and other communications.

    Following the July 13, 2024 assassination attempt, Sen. Johnson immediately began investigating the security failures surrounding the Butler campaign rally. On July 14, 2024, Sen. Johnson wrote to the FBI, the Department of Justice, and the Department of Homeland Security requesting records about Crooks and the security of the event. On July 21, 2024 and July 23, 2024, he released preliminary findings and provided the public updated timelines on July 30, 2024 and on Aug. 29, 2024 regarding law enforcement’s awareness of Crooks.

    On Sept. 25, 2024, Sens. Johnson, Rand Paul, Gary Peters, and Richard Blumenthal released an interim report detailing the security failures at the Butler campaign rally and outstanding requests connected to the assassination attempt.

    The deadline for Sen. Johnson’s subpoena is Aug. 1, 2025. The full text of the subpoena can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: As Member of Armed Services Committee, Peters Helps Advance Strong National Defense Bill to Bolster Michigan’s Defense Capabilities

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters
    WASHINGTON, DC – As a member of the Armed Services Committee, U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) helped advance the annual National Defense Authorization Act out of committee. Peters successfully authored and secured provisions in the bipartisan bill to strengthen U.S. national security, invest in Michigan’s military facilities and robust defense sector, support our nation’s long-term strategic efforts to combat aggression by adversaries like China and Russia, fund initiatives to clean up PFAS contamination, and give our servicemembers a pay raise. The bill now advances to the full Senate for consideration.
    “Across Michigan, our servicemembers, defense manufacturers, and top-notch military installations play an essential role in keeping our nation safe and secure,” said Senator Peters. “I was proud to secure investments in this bill to bolster those defense assets and capabilities, while supporting statewide economic growth. This bill also helps us meet the rising threats posed by our adversaries like China and Russia to protect both folks at home and our troops serving around the world.”
    The National Defense Authorization Act sets annual policy for the Department of Defense (DOD) and has been signed into law for more than 60 consecutive years. 
    Peters led or supported the following provisions, including authorizing more than $18 million in funding for Michigan’s military facilities: 
    Investing in Michigan’s Military Facilities
    $9 million for Runway Improvement at Selfridge Air National Guard Base: This funding would allow for runway improvements at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Macomb County to prepare for basing of future missions, including the KC-46 Tankers and F-15EX fighter jets that were announced for Selfridge following years of persistent work and advocacy by Peters. 
    $5.2 million to Construct Two New Taxiways at Selfridge: This funding would support the construction of two new taxiways at Selfridge to prepare for basing of future missions including Selfridge’s two missions. This includes $2.8 million for the construction of Taxiway Alpha and $2.4 million for the construction of Taxiway Bravo.
    $4.4 million for Camp Grayling All-Domain Warfighting Training Complex: This funding would kickstart the Camp Grayling All-Domain Warfighting Training Complex (ADWTC) critical for military training exercises like Northern Strike. The ADWTC provides a state-of-the-art facility where servicemembers can plan, lead, and execute realistic training. The ADWTC is critical for growing military training exercises like Northern Strike and ensuring this critical exercise remains the premier training exercise in the country.
    Permanent Funding for Northern Strike: Peters secured report language urging permanent funding for the annual Northern Strike Exercise, which is the largest all-domain reserve forces exercise. Northern Strike provides a realistic training environment and robust training experiences for units and leaders to strengthen joint all-domain warfighting – and helps keep Michigan central to our national defense operations.
    Bolstering Collaborative Combat Aircraft Production: Senator Peters secured language in the bill that directs the Air Force to move forward with initial full-scale production of Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). Peters has pushed forand secured language to support the development and integration of CCAs, including during a hearing last year with the former Secretary of Defense and a recent hearing with the current U.S. Air Force Secretary. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Peters has also secured language to help position Selfridge Air National Guard Base as a potential location for CCA fielding. He led a provision included in recent government funding legislation requiring a report regarding basing criteria of CCAs. This report will include an evaluation of whether existing Air National Guard bases with legacy fighter missions, such as Selfridge, may be appropriate locations for the basing of CCAs.
    Connected Vehicle Cybersecurity Center at Selfridge: Peters led a provision in the bill underscoring the growing threat of cyberattacks on both manned and unmanned military vehicles and platforms, as well as critical infrastructure that interacts with advanced vehicles. The provision recognizes the work of the Army Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC) in Warren, Michigan to identify cyber vulnerabilities to secure joint ground vehicle platforms and prevent cyberattacks on critical infrastructure. The bill encourages vehicle cybersecurity at places like GVSC who is working to establish its Connected Vehicle Cybersecurity Center, which will also be located in Michigan at Selfridge Air National Guard Base. In addition to supporting our Armed Forces and servicemembers, the Connected Vehicle Cybersecurity Center will support Michigan’s auto industry and help establish Southeast Michigan as a hub for all auto-cyber activity in the country. Peters has continuously used his role on the Armed Services Committee to support the GVSC, and recently warned DOD officials about the consequences of potential cuts at the GVSC.
    Emergency Response Authority Act: Peters successfully secured an amendment to give states more flexibility in deploying Army Guard and Reserve (AGR) personnel with specialized skills for emergency response. This proposal would allow AGR forces to respond to state declared emergencies, such as floods, hurricanes and other natural disasters, for a total of 14 days per person. This provision empowers states to respond to major disasters more quickly and effectively.
    Supporting Our Servicemembers and Their Families
    Pay Raise for Servicemembers: This bill includes pay raises of 3.8 percent for military servicemembers. 
    Addressing PFAS Contamination
    Improving Transparency of PFAS Cleanup & Remediation Efforts: Peters successfully included a provision that requires DOD to submit annual reports detailing site-specific funding, progress, and barriers for all interim PFAS remediation and cleanup efforts. This includes timelines, performance metrics, and the status of the actions. Peters’ provision also requires DOD to create a public online dashboard within one year to display updated PFAS cleanup data, funding, timelines, and community points of contact. Peters has worked with communities across Michigan for years on PFAS remediation efforts. Peters convened the first-ever hearing on PFAS contamination in the Senate, and convened a field summit in Grand Rapids in November 2018 to shine a light on how local, state and federal governments are coordinating responses to address PFAS contamination. He has also passed numerous bills into law to help address PFAS contamination and protect Michiganders. Michigan is home to a number of military installations where PFAS contamination has been detected, including Camp Grayling and the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Oscoda.
    Ensuring Access to Clean Drinking Water for Communities Affected by PFAS Contamination: The bill contains a Peters led initiative to direct DOD to provide bottled water to communities with private drinking water wells with high levels of PFAS contamination as a result of DOD activities. 
    Supporting Michigan’s Defense Sector
    Bolstering Infantry Squad Vehicle Production: The bill also authorized $34.4 million to maintain continued production and fielding of General Motors (GM) Defense’s Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV). GM Defense conducts its testing, research, and development of projects at the Milford Proving Ground in Oakland County, where two of its key programs of record were conceived, and employs over 50,000 people in Michigan.
    Supporting Munition Production in Grayling: The bill includes $31.9 million to support production of the Army’s Individual Assault Munitions (IAM), which will soon be made at a new production facility being constructed in Grayling, Michigan. This new facility is expected to employ 70 people in 2025 and expand to an estimated 100 employees by 2027. 
    Boosting Made in Michigan Ground Vehicle Production: The bill authorizes robust funding for the Army to produce new, modernized Strykers as well as Abrams tanks. This funding would help ensure that Made in Michigan testing and development of ground vehicles like the Strykers are operating with cutting edge technology designed to keep our servicemembers safe.
    Bolstering Military Aircraft Engine Industrial Base: Peters secured a provision that requires the Secretary of Defense to provide a roadmap for bolstering our military aircraft engine industrial base to support existing and planned platforms. 
    Expanding Fuel Cell Use: This provision Peters secured authorizes $5 million for research and development of multi-modular fuel cells, primarily to be used in electric vehicle charging stations and mobile generators. This research will help increase the reliability of power for military installations and improve DOD’s energy management and efficiency plans. 
    Strengthening Cybersecurity and Advanced Technology Capabilities
    Protecting Against Phishing Attacks: This report language, secured by Peters, requires DOD to issue a strategy on implementing the adoption of phishing-resistant authentication across the Department. There has been an increase in phishing attempts targeting officials at DOD to retrieve personal information that allows hackers and foreign adversaries to gain access to delicate national security information. This provision would ensure that DOD takes steps to protect sensitive national security information and protect American lives.
    Preventing Manipulation of DOD-Generated Media: Peters secured an amendment he led which would require DOD to implement digital content provenance across the Department. Digital content creation, editing, and distribution tools are increasingly more accessible, and can be easily weaponized against the U.S. by our foreign adversaries who seek to threaten our national security, spread anti-American propaganda, and weaken our institutions. The amendment would help prevent DOD media content from being manipulated and used maliciously against our country by creating a pilot program to implement authenticity information on DOD-generated media. This builds on Peters’ bipartisan Digital Defense Content Provenance Act, which he secured in a previous national defense bill and requires DOD to create a course at the Defense Information School to teach personnel about the threats posed by synthetic media such as deepfakes, as well as emerging technologies and key concepts of digital content provenance. The bill also created a pilot program at DOD to assess the feasibility of establishing content standard technologies on DOD-produced and owned media content.
    Strengthening U.S. Cyber Workforce: Peters secured a provision that would require a report on the implementation of the DOD Cyber Workforce Strategy. DOD has struggled to attract and retain a skilled cyber workforce. The DOD Cyber Workforce Strategy was designed to identify difficulties and provide specific activities to increase applications and retainment of the cyber workforce, both military and civilian. A skilled DOD cyber workforce benefits all Americans.
    Enhancing DOD Weapons Systems to Protect Against Real-Time Cybersecurity Threats: The bill includes specific directives for the DOD to enhances its weapons systems with technology to track cybersecurity threats. This will all for weapons systems at Military bases in Michigan and across the country to track cyber threats in real time and constantly update the health and security of their cybersecurity operations. 
    Developing U.S. Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Capabilities: The bill would provide increased funding for the development of new and innovative design and production of low-cost, uncrewed systems. The bill would also require a strategy to develop a secure domestic supply chain of critical components for small UAS systems.
    Advancing Counter-UAS Technologies: The bill would authorize increased funding for various counter-UAS activities, and require a strategy for countering drone technologies and assessing resources or authorities needed for drone incursion response to ensure we are equipped for the future of warfare. It would direct the Army, Navy, and Air Force to provide briefings on their respective service plans for counter-UAS capabilities. 
    Supporting U.S. Security Interests Around the World
    Planning for Enhanced Operations in Artic Region: The bill includes a provision authored by Peters that recognizes the current geopolitical challenges and opportunities presented by the Artic region, and supports efforts to better understand the emerging need to enhance operations in the region. Specifically, the bill encourages the Secretary of Defense to partner with interagency organizations, including the Center for Arctic Security and Resiliency and the Joint All Domain Weather Operations Center, to coordinate federal agency planning for Arctic operations as well as testing of systems to support Arctic operations.
    Support Israel’s Defense Against Emerging Threats: Peters secured funding in the bill to help increase U.S. collaboration with Israel to develop emerging defense technologies to meet the warfare challenges of the future. Peters also secured a provision that would establish a cooperative program between the U.S. and Israel for advancing C-UAS technologies and joint research. Peters introduced bipartisan legislation last Congress to bolster collaboration between the United States and Israel on emerging technologies.
    Strengthen Efforts to Combat Anti-Tunneling Activity: The bill authorizes additional funding to strengthen current collaborative efforts between the U.S. and Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to combat Hamas and strengthen anti-tunneling activity in the Gaza strip. As part of the DOD’s collaboration with the IDF, Israel shares its counter-tunnel technology with the DOD and Department of Homeland Security to combat growing threats at our borders, as well as similar threats faced on the Korean Peninsula and in multiple locations in the Middle East. 
    Support for Taiwan: This bill would strengthen security cooperation across the defense industrial bases of U.S. allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific, including Taiwan. The bill would support Taiwanese defense needs and strengthen U.S.-Taiwanese defense collaboration. The bill would also direct the Defense Department to assess Taiwan’s critical digital infrastructure and identify potential actions to help strengthen it.
    Counter Chinese Communist Party Aggression: The bill includes numerous provisions to counter aggression from the Chinese government, including a provision requiring a report on the intelligence capabilities of the People’s Republic of China and the Russian Federation in the Republic of Cuba.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: As Member of Armed Services Committee, Peters Helps Advance Strong National Defense Bill to Bolster Michigan’s Defense Capabilities

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters
    WASHINGTON, DC – As a member of the Armed Services Committee, U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) helped advance the annual National Defense Authorization Act out of committee. Peters successfully authored and secured provisions in the bipartisan bill to strengthen U.S. national security, invest in Michigan’s military facilities and robust defense sector, support our nation’s long-term strategic efforts to combat aggression by adversaries like China and Russia, fund initiatives to clean up PFAS contamination, and give our servicemembers a pay raise. The bill now advances to the full Senate for consideration.
    “Across Michigan, our servicemembers, defense manufacturers, and top-notch military installations play an essential role in keeping our nation safe and secure,” said Senator Peters. “I was proud to secure investments in this bill to bolster those defense assets and capabilities, while supporting statewide economic growth. This bill also helps us meet the rising threats posed by our adversaries like China and Russia to protect both folks at home and our troops serving around the world.”
    The National Defense Authorization Act sets annual policy for the Department of Defense (DOD) and has been signed into law for more than 60 consecutive years. 
    Peters led or supported the following provisions, including authorizing more than $18 million in funding for Michigan’s military facilities: 
    Investing in Michigan’s Military Facilities
    $9 million for Runway Improvement at Selfridge Air National Guard Base: This funding would allow for runway improvements at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Macomb County to prepare for basing of future missions, including the KC-46 Tankers and F-15EX fighter jets that were announced for Selfridge following years of persistent work and advocacy by Peters. 
    $5.2 million to Construct Two New Taxiways at Selfridge: This funding would support the construction of two new taxiways at Selfridge to prepare for basing of future missions including Selfridge’s two missions. This includes $2.8 million for the construction of Taxiway Alpha and $2.4 million for the construction of Taxiway Bravo.
    $4.4 million for Camp Grayling All-Domain Warfighting Training Complex: This funding would kickstart the Camp Grayling All-Domain Warfighting Training Complex (ADWTC) critical for military training exercises like Northern Strike. The ADWTC provides a state-of-the-art facility where servicemembers can plan, lead, and execute realistic training. The ADWTC is critical for growing military training exercises like Northern Strike and ensuring this critical exercise remains the premier training exercise in the country.
    Permanent Funding for Northern Strike: Peters secured report language urging permanent funding for the annual Northern Strike Exercise, which is the largest all-domain reserve forces exercise. Northern Strike provides a realistic training environment and robust training experiences for units and leaders to strengthen joint all-domain warfighting – and helps keep Michigan central to our national defense operations.
    Bolstering Collaborative Combat Aircraft Production: Senator Peters secured language in the bill that directs the Air Force to move forward with initial full-scale production of Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). Peters has pushed forand secured language to support the development and integration of CCAs, including during a hearing last year with the former Secretary of Defense and a recent hearing with the current U.S. Air Force Secretary. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Peters has also secured language to help position Selfridge Air National Guard Base as a potential location for CCA fielding. He led a provision included in recent government funding legislation requiring a report regarding basing criteria of CCAs. This report will include an evaluation of whether existing Air National Guard bases with legacy fighter missions, such as Selfridge, may be appropriate locations for the basing of CCAs.
    Connected Vehicle Cybersecurity Center at Selfridge: Peters led a provision in the bill underscoring the growing threat of cyberattacks on both manned and unmanned military vehicles and platforms, as well as critical infrastructure that interacts with advanced vehicles. The provision recognizes the work of the Army Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC) in Warren, Michigan to identify cyber vulnerabilities to secure joint ground vehicle platforms and prevent cyberattacks on critical infrastructure. The bill encourages vehicle cybersecurity at places like GVSC who is working to establish its Connected Vehicle Cybersecurity Center, which will also be located in Michigan at Selfridge Air National Guard Base. In addition to supporting our Armed Forces and servicemembers, the Connected Vehicle Cybersecurity Center will support Michigan’s auto industry and help establish Southeast Michigan as a hub for all auto-cyber activity in the country. Peters has continuously used his role on the Armed Services Committee to support the GVSC, and recently warned DOD officials about the consequences of potential cuts at the GVSC.
    Emergency Response Authority Act: Peters successfully secured an amendment to give states more flexibility in deploying Army Guard and Reserve (AGR) personnel with specialized skills for emergency response. This proposal would allow AGR forces to respond to state declared emergencies, such as floods, hurricanes and other natural disasters, for a total of 14 days per person. This provision empowers states to respond to major disasters more quickly and effectively.
    Supporting Our Servicemembers and Their Families
    Pay Raise for Servicemembers: This bill includes pay raises of 3.8 percent for military servicemembers. 
    Addressing PFAS Contamination
    Improving Transparency of PFAS Cleanup & Remediation Efforts: Peters successfully included a provision that requires DOD to submit annual reports detailing site-specific funding, progress, and barriers for all interim PFAS remediation and cleanup efforts. This includes timelines, performance metrics, and the status of the actions. Peters’ provision also requires DOD to create a public online dashboard within one year to display updated PFAS cleanup data, funding, timelines, and community points of contact. Peters has worked with communities across Michigan for years on PFAS remediation efforts. Peters convened the first-ever hearing on PFAS contamination in the Senate, and convened a field summit in Grand Rapids in November 2018 to shine a light on how local, state and federal governments are coordinating responses to address PFAS contamination. He has also passed numerous bills into law to help address PFAS contamination and protect Michiganders. Michigan is home to a number of military installations where PFAS contamination has been detected, including Camp Grayling and the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Oscoda.
    Ensuring Access to Clean Drinking Water for Communities Affected by PFAS Contamination: The bill contains a Peters led initiative to direct DOD to provide bottled water to communities with private drinking water wells with high levels of PFAS contamination as a result of DOD activities. 
    Supporting Michigan’s Defense Sector
    Bolstering Infantry Squad Vehicle Production: The bill also authorized $34.4 million to maintain continued production and fielding of General Motors (GM) Defense’s Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV). GM Defense conducts its testing, research, and development of projects at the Milford Proving Ground in Oakland County, where two of its key programs of record were conceived, and employs over 50,000 people in Michigan.
    Supporting Munition Production in Grayling: The bill includes $31.9 million to support production of the Army’s Individual Assault Munitions (IAM), which will soon be made at a new production facility being constructed in Grayling, Michigan. This new facility is expected to employ 70 people in 2025 and expand to an estimated 100 employees by 2027. 
    Boosting Made in Michigan Ground Vehicle Production: The bill authorizes robust funding for the Army to produce new, modernized Strykers as well as Abrams tanks. This funding would help ensure that Made in Michigan testing and development of ground vehicles like the Strykers are operating with cutting edge technology designed to keep our servicemembers safe.
    Bolstering Military Aircraft Engine Industrial Base: Peters secured a provision that requires the Secretary of Defense to provide a roadmap for bolstering our military aircraft engine industrial base to support existing and planned platforms. 
    Expanding Fuel Cell Use: This provision Peters secured authorizes $5 million for research and development of multi-modular fuel cells, primarily to be used in electric vehicle charging stations and mobile generators. This research will help increase the reliability of power for military installations and improve DOD’s energy management and efficiency plans. 
    Strengthening Cybersecurity and Advanced Technology Capabilities
    Protecting Against Phishing Attacks: This report language, secured by Peters, requires DOD to issue a strategy on implementing the adoption of phishing-resistant authentication across the Department. There has been an increase in phishing attempts targeting officials at DOD to retrieve personal information that allows hackers and foreign adversaries to gain access to delicate national security information. This provision would ensure that DOD takes steps to protect sensitive national security information and protect American lives.
    Preventing Manipulation of DOD-Generated Media: Peters secured an amendment he led which would require DOD to implement digital content provenance across the Department. Digital content creation, editing, and distribution tools are increasingly more accessible, and can be easily weaponized against the U.S. by our foreign adversaries who seek to threaten our national security, spread anti-American propaganda, and weaken our institutions. The amendment would help prevent DOD media content from being manipulated and used maliciously against our country by creating a pilot program to implement authenticity information on DOD-generated media. This builds on Peters’ bipartisan Digital Defense Content Provenance Act, which he secured in a previous national defense bill and requires DOD to create a course at the Defense Information School to teach personnel about the threats posed by synthetic media such as deepfakes, as well as emerging technologies and key concepts of digital content provenance. The bill also created a pilot program at DOD to assess the feasibility of establishing content standard technologies on DOD-produced and owned media content.
    Strengthening U.S. Cyber Workforce: Peters secured a provision that would require a report on the implementation of the DOD Cyber Workforce Strategy. DOD has struggled to attract and retain a skilled cyber workforce. The DOD Cyber Workforce Strategy was designed to identify difficulties and provide specific activities to increase applications and retainment of the cyber workforce, both military and civilian. A skilled DOD cyber workforce benefits all Americans.
    Enhancing DOD Weapons Systems to Protect Against Real-Time Cybersecurity Threats: The bill includes specific directives for the DOD to enhances its weapons systems with technology to track cybersecurity threats. This will all for weapons systems at Military bases in Michigan and across the country to track cyber threats in real time and constantly update the health and security of their cybersecurity operations. 
    Developing U.S. Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Capabilities: The bill would provide increased funding for the development of new and innovative design and production of low-cost, uncrewed systems. The bill would also require a strategy to develop a secure domestic supply chain of critical components for small UAS systems.
    Advancing Counter-UAS Technologies: The bill would authorize increased funding for various counter-UAS activities, and require a strategy for countering drone technologies and assessing resources or authorities needed for drone incursion response to ensure we are equipped for the future of warfare. It would direct the Army, Navy, and Air Force to provide briefings on their respective service plans for counter-UAS capabilities. 
    Supporting U.S. Security Interests Around the World
    Planning for Enhanced Operations in Artic Region: The bill includes a provision authored by Peters that recognizes the current geopolitical challenges and opportunities presented by the Artic region, and supports efforts to better understand the emerging need to enhance operations in the region. Specifically, the bill encourages the Secretary of Defense to partner with interagency organizations, including the Center for Arctic Security and Resiliency and the Joint All Domain Weather Operations Center, to coordinate federal agency planning for Arctic operations as well as testing of systems to support Arctic operations.
    Support Israel’s Defense Against Emerging Threats: Peters secured funding in the bill to help increase U.S. collaboration with Israel to develop emerging defense technologies to meet the warfare challenges of the future. Peters also secured a provision that would establish a cooperative program between the U.S. and Israel for advancing C-UAS technologies and joint research. Peters introduced bipartisan legislation last Congress to bolster collaboration between the United States and Israel on emerging technologies.
    Strengthen Efforts to Combat Anti-Tunneling Activity: The bill authorizes additional funding to strengthen current collaborative efforts between the U.S. and Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to combat Hamas and strengthen anti-tunneling activity in the Gaza strip. As part of the DOD’s collaboration with the IDF, Israel shares its counter-tunnel technology with the DOD and Department of Homeland Security to combat growing threats at our borders, as well as similar threats faced on the Korean Peninsula and in multiple locations in the Middle East. 
    Support for Taiwan: This bill would strengthen security cooperation across the defense industrial bases of U.S. allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific, including Taiwan. The bill would support Taiwanese defense needs and strengthen U.S.-Taiwanese defense collaboration. The bill would also direct the Defense Department to assess Taiwan’s critical digital infrastructure and identify potential actions to help strengthen it.
    Counter Chinese Communist Party Aggression: The bill includes numerous provisions to counter aggression from the Chinese government, including a provision requiring a report on the intelligence capabilities of the People’s Republic of China and the Russian Federation in the Republic of Cuba.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Capito Announces Funding for Statewide Truck Parking Project

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee and a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced a $24,837,048 grant for the West Virginia Department of Transportation (WVDOT) through the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) BUILD program. 
    This funding, which was made available through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, will construct truck parking capacity expansion improvements at three existing West Virginia Division of Highways (WVDOH) facilities along I-81, I-64, and I-79 in Berkeley, Cabell, Monongalia Counties. Chairman Capito authored a letter in support of the WVDOH’s application for this project earlier this year. 
    “Efforts to upgrade facilities along West Virginia portions of major interstates will enhance the safety of our drivers, support the regional and national movement of goods, and encourage economic investments across our state. As Chairman of the EPW Committee, I made this investment a priority and I’m thankful DOT recognized its importance. This support will help WVDOT and WVDOH continue their mission of safe and efficient transportation in West Virginia,” Chairman Capito said.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Capito Announces Funding for Statewide Truck Parking Project

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee and a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced a $24,837,048 grant for the West Virginia Department of Transportation (WVDOT) through the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) BUILD program. 
    This funding, which was made available through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, will construct truck parking capacity expansion improvements at three existing West Virginia Division of Highways (WVDOH) facilities along I-81, I-64, and I-79 in Berkeley, Cabell, Monongalia Counties. Chairman Capito authored a letter in support of the WVDOH’s application for this project earlier this year. 
    “Efforts to upgrade facilities along West Virginia portions of major interstates will enhance the safety of our drivers, support the regional and national movement of goods, and encourage economic investments across our state. As Chairman of the EPW Committee, I made this investment a priority and I’m thankful DOT recognized its importance. This support will help WVDOT and WVDOH continue their mission of safe and efficient transportation in West Virginia,” Chairman Capito said.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy, Foreign Relations Democrats Demand Answers From Secretary of State Rubio Regarding State Department Layoffs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    July 11, 2025

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, joined U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and his colleagues in writing a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressing deep concerns with imminent Reductions in Force (RIFs) at the State Department, and requested answers on the Trump administration’s process for carrying out these layoffs. 
    “RIFs should remain a tool of last resort, and if implemented must be conducted according to long-standing procedures that prioritize transparency and a merit-based process for both career civil service employees and Foreign Service Officers (FSOs). During a time of increasingly complex and wide-spread challenges to U.S. national security, this administration should be strengthening our diplomatic corps—an irreplaceable instrument of U.S. power and leadership—not weakening it. However, RIFs would severely undermine the Department’s ability to achieve U.S. foreign policy interests, putting our nation’s security, strength, and prosperity at risk,” the senators wrote. 
    Since January, the Foreign Service has shrunk by nearly 25 percent and the number of civil service employees has also decreased due to agency closures, early retirement, and buyouts. 
    “While every administration is entitled to set new priorities and engage in reorganization of executive agencies, we are deeply concerned by the breadth of these RIFs and the lack of clarity and transparency of the Department’s RIF process,” the senators continued. 
    The senators requested a response to the following questions by no later than July 18, 2025: 
    RIF Criteria:
    When were RIF lists created, by whom, and against what criteria?
    Is the Department choosing to RIF based on current office assignment rather than globally ranking FSOs and civil servants based on grade and skillsets?  If so, why?
    Are the lists being updated to reflect Permanent Changes in Station (PCS) or curtailments?
    How many veterans and consular coned generalists are included on the list?
    It can take years of training for an FSO or civil servant to master diplomatic and negotiation skills, including obtaining fluency in critical languages. Why are skilled officers, including those with specialized language skills not being reassigned? How will the Department fill these specialized skill and experience gaps?
    Foreign Service Officers:
    Why is the administration preventing FSOs from transferring into critical vacancies?
    Why is the administration preventing candidates who accepted a “handshake” from being paneled to a position they were chosen for based on merit?
    What is the rationale for conducting RIFs before the reorganization takes effect?
    How many vacant FSO positions will there be worldwide after RIFs are processed? How does the Department plan to fill mission critical posts?
    Why is the Department processing RIFs prior to determining the number of vacant positions remaining following your reorganization efforts?
    How is the Department protecting the pipeline of FSOs to ensure no critical skill gaps in the future?
    Civil Service:
    Civil service employees often come to the Department with specialized experience.  How is the Department working to retain critical, hard to replace employees in the civil service?
    How is the Department working to ensure key specialties, knowledge, and personnel are retained and transferred during the reorganization?
    Why is the Department refusing to process any lateral moves by civil service employees who have been offered other civil service positions within the Department?
    If reducing waste, fraud, and abuse is the goal of the reorganization, why is the Department not efficiently allowing these experienced civil service employees to laterally move into vacant positions they were chosen for based on merit?
    If remaining officers are going to be asked to take on additional work, how will they be remunerated for their time and effort? 
    Will the hiring and lateral transition freezes be lifted once RIFs are complete?
      
    Reassignment Process:
    Will there be a competitive reassignment for high-performing, mission-critical personnel following the RIFs?  If so, what is the timeline and criteria for this reassignment process?  How will the Department communicate these details with its employees?
    The letter is cosigned by Ranking Member Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), and Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.).
    To read the full text of the letter, click here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy, Foreign Relations Democrats Release Statement on State Department Personnel Cuts

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    July 11, 2025

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, joined U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and all Democrats on the Committee in a statement on announced plans by the State Department to terminate more than 1,300 personnel.
    “As the U.S. retreats, our adversaries—like the People’s Republic of China—are expanding their diplomatic reach, making Americans less safe and less prosperous. If this administration is serious about putting ‘America first,’ it must invest in our diplomatic corps and national security experts—not erode the institutions that protect our interests, promote U.S. values and keep Americans abroad safe.
    “The Administration’s decision to fire hundreds of members of the Civil Service and Foreign Service at the Department of State undermines our national security. While there are targeted reforms that our government can pursue to maximize the impact of every tax dollar, that’s not what this is. Blanket and indiscriminate cuts—the legacy from Elon Musk’s failed DOGE effort—weaken our government’s ability to deliver for the American people in a cost-effective manner. There are active conflicts and humanitarian crises in Ukraine, Sudan, Gaza, Haiti and Myanmar—to name a few. Now is the time to strengthen our diplomatic hand, not weaken it. From pursuing peaceful resolutions to out-competing China diplomatically and economically, we can’t afford to not have experienced diplomats at the table. 
    “We will continue to fight on behalf of the public servants and their families who now face job loss after careers spent advancing America’s interests and values in challenging and often high-risk environments. We call on Secretary Rubio to ensure that any proposed reorganization, including reductions in force, is carried out transparently and in full accordance with U.S. law.”
    The statement was signed by U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy Objects to Transfer of DHS Funds, Details ICE’s Rampant Overspending Under Secretary Kristi Noem

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    July 11, 2025

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, on Friday objected to the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) transfer notification that would move more than $430 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and other programs within DHS to cover costs relating to overspending and self-inflicted shortfalls, including $212 million to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In a letter to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, Murphy detailed her failure to properly manage DHS’ budget, which put the agency at risk of running out of money in violation of appropriations law.
    “Just as Americans are asked to do nearly every day – to live within their means – ICE is not free to spend more than Congress has authorized. Congress provided reprogramming and transfer authorities to the Department in acknowledgement that there may be circumstances when urgent and unforeseen issues arise that justify the shifting of resources outside of their original purpose. Yet, not one of the proposed purposes in this notification reflects an urgent and unforeseen need. In fact, most of these are self-inflicted shortfalls that were plainly foreseen given the department’s willful and consistent overspending. ICE doesn’t get to spend and spend without limitations and submit the bill to Congress. They must live within their means, just as American families must,” Murphy wrote.
    Murphy detailed how ICE has pillaged other DHS programs to cover its reckless overspending: “If DHS moves forward with this proposal, it means that in total, over $524 million has been moved from other critical programs to ICE alone. Combined with the additional $485 million ICE received in the FY25 full-year CR, ICE will have received over $1 billion in additional funding over their appropriated amount this fiscal year to cover the administration’s overspending – with clear indication that even that amount is insufficient. For example, at the time of the submission of this notice, ICE had approximately 55,000 detention beds, 13,500 above the FY24 funded level of 41,500, which costs American taxpayers an additional half a billion annually. By early July, the agency has now committed to fund over 60,000 beds, all without Congressional approval.”
    Murphy argued that DHS violated the law by misappropriating funds designated for the Shelter and Services Program: “Furthermore, earlier this year DHS transferred $32 million from SSP to ICE, the full amount permissible under law, and has recently asserted that “shelter” means “detention” (so that the entire fund can be raided for detention beds), and as I understand it, has plans to fund various immigration enforcement efforts with these humanitarian funds. The clear purpose of the shelter and services fund is to support humanitarian services – food, housing, and medical care for example – to non-federal entities supporting noncitizens released from custody. Therefore, using these funds to detain noncitizens, or to give to state and local law enforcement to arrest and detain noncitizens, is a patently clear purpose violation.”
    He concluded: “Since the start of this administration, the White House and DHS have directed ICE to spend at an indefensible and unsustainable rate to build a mass deportation army and acquire detention beds far above the level negotiated and funded by Congress…I strongly object to the reprogramming and transfer requests. As DHS acquires over $165 billion as a part of the Republican reconciliation package, it is my strong desire that more of the work of the Appropriations Committee is transparent so that Americans can understand how their government spends their tax dollars.”
    Full text of the letter is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy Objects to Transfer of DHS Funds, Details ICE’s Rampant Overspending Under Secretary Kristi Noem

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    July 11, 2025

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, on Friday objected to the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) transfer notification that would move more than $430 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and other programs within DHS to cover costs relating to overspending and self-inflicted shortfalls, including $212 million to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In a letter to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, Murphy detailed her failure to properly manage DHS’ budget, which put the agency at risk of running out of money in violation of appropriations law.
    “Just as Americans are asked to do nearly every day – to live within their means – ICE is not free to spend more than Congress has authorized. Congress provided reprogramming and transfer authorities to the Department in acknowledgement that there may be circumstances when urgent and unforeseen issues arise that justify the shifting of resources outside of their original purpose. Yet, not one of the proposed purposes in this notification reflects an urgent and unforeseen need. In fact, most of these are self-inflicted shortfalls that were plainly foreseen given the department’s willful and consistent overspending. ICE doesn’t get to spend and spend without limitations and submit the bill to Congress. They must live within their means, just as American families must,” Murphy wrote.
    Murphy detailed how ICE has pillaged other DHS programs to cover its reckless overspending: “If DHS moves forward with this proposal, it means that in total, over $524 million has been moved from other critical programs to ICE alone. Combined with the additional $485 million ICE received in the FY25 full-year CR, ICE will have received over $1 billion in additional funding over their appropriated amount this fiscal year to cover the administration’s overspending – with clear indication that even that amount is insufficient. For example, at the time of the submission of this notice, ICE had approximately 55,000 detention beds, 13,500 above the FY24 funded level of 41,500, which costs American taxpayers an additional half a billion annually. By early July, the agency has now committed to fund over 60,000 beds, all without Congressional approval.”
    Murphy argued that DHS violated the law by misappropriating funds designated for the Shelter and Services Program: “Furthermore, earlier this year DHS transferred $32 million from SSP to ICE, the full amount permissible under law, and has recently asserted that “shelter” means “detention” (so that the entire fund can be raided for detention beds), and as I understand it, has plans to fund various immigration enforcement efforts with these humanitarian funds. The clear purpose of the shelter and services fund is to support humanitarian services – food, housing, and medical care for example – to non-federal entities supporting noncitizens released from custody. Therefore, using these funds to detain noncitizens, or to give to state and local law enforcement to arrest and detain noncitizens, is a patently clear purpose violation.”
    He concluded: “Since the start of this administration, the White House and DHS have directed ICE to spend at an indefensible and unsustainable rate to build a mass deportation army and acquire detention beds far above the level negotiated and funded by Congress…I strongly object to the reprogramming and transfer requests. As DHS acquires over $165 billion as a part of the Republican reconciliation package, it is my strong desire that more of the work of the Appropriations Committee is transparent so that Americans can understand how their government spends their tax dollars.”
    Full text of the letter is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FAA Awards Over $31 Million to North Dakota Airports

    US Senate News:

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

    BISMARCK, N.D. – The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced an award of $31,255,696 through the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) for projects at several airports across North Dakota. The funding will be distributed to the following:

    • $10,325,656 to the Bismarck Municipal Airport to reconstruct the existing lighting on Taxiway D and connectors D1, D2, and D3, as well as rehabilitating 4,308 feet of pavement. It also rehabilitates 7,403 feet of the existing paved Taxiways D and connectors D1, D2, and D3 to maintain the structural integrity of the pavements, constructs Runway 3/21 safety area at both Runway ends to enhance safety, and reconstructs 3,483 feet of safety area and the Runway 21 blast pad.
    • $10,000,000 to Fargo’s Hector International Airport to construct 25,070 square yards of apron and reconstruct 37,526 square yards of the existing Terminal Apron pavement.
    • $3,409,869 to Fargo’s Hector International Airport to expand the existing terminal by 35,245 square feet including four new gates.
    • $1,317,035 to the Cooperstown Municipal Airport Authority to construct a new 164 foot South Taxilane to provide airfield access to a non-exclusive hangar development area and rehabilitate 3,500 feet of existing paved Runway 13/31 to maintain the structural integrity and minimize foreign object debris.
    • $1,266,560 to the Cavalier Municipal Airport Authority to rehabilitate 3,300 feet of existing paved Runway 16/34 to maintain the structural integrity and minimize foreign object debris.
    • $1,121,492 to the Langdon Municipal Airport Authority to construct 1,411 feet and the new 1,739-foot Taxiway B.
    • $818,010 to the Wahpeton Airport Authority to install new lighting on Taxiway A.
    • $676,540 to the City of Mohall to construct new underdrains, storm drain, and lift station to mitigate ponding.
    • $626,848 to the Lakota Airport Authority to reconstruct 5,506 square yards of the existing North Apron pavement.
    • $335,781 to the Grafton Municipal Airport Authority to construct a new 4,828 square foot sponsor-owned hangar for aircraft storage.
    • $300,000 to the Adams County Airport Authority to reseal 1,217 feet of existing Taxilane North and South pavement and joints, reseal 6,500 feet of existing Taxiway A, Taxiway B, and Taxiway C pavement and joints, reseal 4,652 feet of existing Runway 12/30 pavement and joints, and reseal 15,420 square yards of existing center apron pavement and joints.
    • $300,000 to the Kenmare Airport Authority to replace existing snow removal equipment.
    • $300,000 to the Watford City Municipal Airport Authority to construct a new 2,700 square foot snow removal equipment and sand storage building.
    • $207,736 to the Tioga Municipal Airport Authority to reseal 1,800 feet of existing Taxiway A and connectors pavement and joints, reseal 1,000 feet of existing hangar Taxilane pavement and joints, reseal 5,102 feet of existing Runway 12/30 pavement and joints, and to construct and reseal additional General Aviation Apron pavement.
    • $150,126 to the Walhalla Municipal Airport Authority to construct a new 5,600 square foot sponsor-owned hangar for aircraft storage and maintenance.
    • $100,043 to the Mercer County Regional Airport Authority to reseal 275 feet of existing Taxilane pavement and joints, reseal 13,708 square yards of the existing North and South apron pavement and joints, reseal 1,420 feet of existing Taxiway A and B pavement and joints, and reseal 5,000 feet of existing Runway 15/33 pavement and joints.

    The FAA AIP provides funding to airports nationwide for planning, capital, and safety enhancement projects.

    MIL OSI USA News –