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Category: US Senate

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto and University of Nevada, Reno President Sandoval Discuss Democracy & Latino Civic Engagement During Hispanic Heritage Month

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto

    Reno, Nev. – Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) President Brian Sandoval participated today in a “Discussions in Democracy” fireside chat moderated by Jon Ralston and Vanessa Vancour in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. Joined by students, faculty, and staff on UNR’s campus, Cortez Masto and Sandoval — two of Nevada’s highest ranking Latino officials — talked about working together across the aisle to deliver for Nevada, their shared background, and encouraging the Latino community and all Nevadans to partake in civic engagement.
    “I’ve known Brian for a long time, so I was honored to join him to honor Hispanic Heritage Month and discuss the growing power of our Latino communities,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “From our days combatting human trafficking at the state level to ensuring that UNR continues to be a top research institution, Brian and I have always worked together across the aisle to uplift all Nevadans. Our voices matter now more than ever, and I’m proud to come together to celebrate Latino culture and highlight our contributions to the Silver State.”
    “Today’s ‘Discussions in Democracy’ event at the University of Nevada highlighted the vital role that Latino voices play in shaping our political landscape,” said Brian Sandoval, President of the University of Nevada, Reno. “Engaging our diverse communities in meaningful dialogue not only strengthens our democracy, but also enriches the future of Nevada. I’m grateful to Senator Cortez Masto for her leadership and commitment to fostering civic participation among all Nevadans, starting right here at the University of Nevada. I would also like to thank Jon Ralston and Vanessa Vancour for moderating today’s discussion.”
    Born and raised in Las Vegas, Cortez Masto graduated from University of Nevada, Reno in 1986. She served two terms as Nevada’s Attorney General before becoming the first woman from Nevada and the first Latina ever elected to the U.S. Senate, as well as the highest ranking Hispanic Senator in the Democratic Caucus. She passed a bipartisan resolution recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month in the Senate this year. She helped create a new series of commemorative circulating coins highlighting remarkable American women trailblazers in the U.S.—including Latinas like Celia Cruz, Nina Otero-Warren, and Jovita Idar. And she’s leading the charge in the Senate to build the National Museum of the American Latino on the National Mall.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch, Hawley Introduce Bipartisan Bill Increasing Public Transparency and Accountability into Corporate Criminal Settlement Agreements

    US Senate News:

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

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) introduced the Hold Corporate Criminals Accountable Act, bipartisan legislation to increase public transparency and accountability by allowing courts to consider the public interest in approving corporate criminal settlement agreements that don’t involve a conviction. The bipartisan bill will also provide more prosecutorial tools to combat corporate criminal actors by extending statutes of limitations and requiring more cooperation by wrongdoers in order to receive a reduction in punishment. 
    In recent years, the country has seen a rise in deferred and non-prosecution agreements—which allow corporations to resolve criminal liability without a conviction in exchange for fines or other smaller punishments. Yet, the FBI estimates the annual cost of corporate crime —$300 billion—is 20 times greater than the cost of street crime. At least 40 Fortune 500 companies have received a deferred and non-prosecution agreement, including recently Citigroup, Boeing, and Monsanto. 
    “All wrongdoers should be held accountable for their actions—plain and simple. Yet federal prosecution of white-collar crimes has fallen to record lows in recent years, making it easier for ultra-wealthy executives to game the system and avoid responsibility when they hurt hardworking people. It’s also making it harder for the victims of corporate crimes to get justice, and that’s unacceptable,” said Senator Welch. “Our bipartisan bill will ensure a level playing field and provide needed accountability.”  
    “More and more big businesses are receiving a slap on the wrist by the DOJ for corporate misbehavior, allowing corporations to skirt litigation fees while incentivizing repeated offenses. This bipartisan legislation has the teeth to hold Corporate America accountable and would crack down on DOJ’s sweetheart deals,” said Senator Hawley. 
    In order to ensure public accountability for corporate wrongdoing in our judicial system, the Hold Corporate Criminals Accountable Act would: 

    Require more judicial scrutiny of deferred or non-prosecution agreements to ensure these agreements are in the public’s interest. 
    Require corporations placed in one of these agreements or on probation to use effective compliance monitoring instead of skirting monitoring, as in the case of Boeing’s recent agreement. 
    Require federal agencies keep a public list and copy of these deferred and non-prosecution agreements they enter so the public can see the contents of them. 
    Extend all statutes of limitations related to corporate criminal offenses by five years to provide prosecutors more time to bring complex cases. 
    Redefine substantial assistance for a sentencing reduction in the context of corporate criminal offenders to require actual assistance in identifying and prosecuting individual bad actors within a corporation. 

    The Hold Corporate Criminals Accountable Act is endorsed by Professor Brad Garrett, author of Too Big to Jail. 
    Learn more about the Hold Corporate Criminals Accountable Act. 
    Read the full text of the bill. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Collins’ Bipartisan SIREN Reauthorization Act Signed into Law

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a member of the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, announced that her bipartisan Supporting and Improving Rural EMS Needs (SIREN) Reauthorization Act, which she co-authored with Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), has been signed into law. The legislation will extend funding for five additional years for SIREN Act grants to rural fire and EMS agencies nationwide. This funding from the the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) supports rural EMS agencies in training and recruiting staff, conducting certification courses, and purchasing equipment, including naloxone to address the opioid overdose epidemic.

    “It is vital that Americans who live in rural parts of Maine and across the country have access to lifesaving emergency medical services, which is why I have long advocated for funding to support access to quality rural health care,” said Senator Collins. “I thank my colleagues for supporting this critical bipartisan legislation that will help to alleviate staffing shortages, upgrade training and equipment, and ultimately boost response times when seconds count. This program will continue to make a real difference for recruiting and retaining EMS personnel in Maine’s rural communities.”

    The bipartisan SIREN Act was initially signed into law in 2018 as part of the Farm Bill. Since then, Senators Collins and Durbin have led the appropriations effort to grow the program from $5 million annually to $11.5 million this year, resulting in a total of $40 million in grants nationwide to 42 states. The SIREN Act has resulted in new funds to rural EMS/fire agencies in Maine, most recently for the Brooks Ambulance Service, MaineHealth, the Northern Oxford Regional Ambulance Service, and the United Ambulance Service.

    A decline in primary care and hospital service availability, workforce shortages exacerbated by the pandemic, great distances between health care facilities, and low insurance reimbursement for transport and emergency treatment have all strained rural EMS agencies. At the same time, EMS agencies today are tasked with ever-greater responsibilities— preparing for natural and manmade disasters and bioterror threats, supporting the chronic and emergency care needs of an aging population, and responding on the front lines of the opioid epidemic.  These first responders are often the only health care providers in their area and face difficulty in personnel recruitment and retention, and securing expensive equipment.

    The SIREN Reauthorization Act is endorsed by the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians, International Association of Fire Fighters, International Association of Fire Chiefs, National Rural Health Association, National Volunteer Fire Council, and National Fire Protection Association.

    The complete text of the legislation can be read here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Collins’ Two Bills to Combat Alzheimer’s Signed into Law

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a member of the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, announced that two bipartisan bills she authored—the National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA) Reauthorization and the Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act (AAIA)—have been signed into law. These bills will cement and build on the important progress that has been made to prevent and effectively treat Alzheimer’s disease.

    “We have made tremendous progress in recent years to boost funding for Alzheimer’s research, which holds great promise to end this disease that has had a devastating effect on millions of Americans and their families,” said Senator Collins, a founder and co-chair of the Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer’s Disease. “These two bills will maintain our momentum and make sure that we do not take our foot off the pedal just as our investments in basic research are beginning to translate into potential new treatments. We must not let Alzheimer’s to be one of the defining diseases of our children’s generation as it has ours.”

    “The bipartisan NAPA Reauthorization Act and the Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act being signed into law today represents a major step forward in the fight against this devastating disease,” said Robert Egge, Alzheimer’s Association chief public policy officer and AIM president. “On behalf of the Alzheimer’s Association, thank you to Sen. Collins for your continued, outstanding leadership in advancing these critical bills through the legislative process and getting them signed into law today. Together they will build on the progress made in the fight against Alzheimer’s and other dementia for years to come.”

    “With the bipartisan NAPA Reauthorization Act and the Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act being signed into law, our nation has renewed its commitment to the fight against Alzheimer’s and other dementia,” said Drew Wyman, executive director, Alzheimer’s Association Maine Chapter. “Thank you to Sen. Collins for your leadership in introducing and advancing these pivotal bills, and for your longstanding dedication to the Alzheimer’s community in Maine and across the nation.”

    “These two bills are incredibly important to the work we are doing to end the scourge of Alzheimer’s,” said George Vradenburg, chair and co-founder of UsAgainstAlzheimer’s. “By reinforcing our national commitment to fighting this crisis and requiring accountability for every federal dollar spent, these bills help ensure that our country will keep its foot on the gas to stop this disease. We look forward to working with Health and Human Services on establishing new national goals for 2035 and engaging the business community in those conversations so we can address the enormous economic impact of Alzheimer’s. We’re also grateful for the leadership of Senators Collins, Markey, Warner, and Capito and for every member of the Senate who joined them in getting these bills across the finish line.”

    More than six million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s costs our nation an astonishing $360 billion per year, including $231 billion in costs to Medicare and Medicaid. If we continue along this trajectory, Alzheimer’s is projected to claim the minds of 13.8 million seniors by 2060 and nearly surpass $1 trillion in annual costs by 2050. In 2022, family caregivers provided 18 billion hours of unpaid care for loved ones with dementia.

    In 2011, Senator Susan Collins authored the National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA) with then-Senator Evan Bayh (D-IN).  NAPA convened a panel of experts, who created a coordinated strategic national plan to prevent and effectively treat Alzheimer’s disease by 2025. The law was set to expire and needed to be reauthorized to ensure that research investments remain coordinated, and their impact maximized.

    The NAPA Reauthorization Act will:

    • Reauthorize NAPA through 2035 and modernize the legislation to reflect strides that have been made to understand the disease, such as including a new focus on promoting healthy aging and reducing risk factors.
    • Update language in recognition of the need to include underserved populations, including individuals with Down syndrome, who are at increased risk for Alzheimer’s as they age.

    This bill is endorsed by the National Down Syndrome Society, the National Down Syndrome Congress, and LuMind IDSC Foundation.

    The Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act will:

    • Continue through 2035 a requirement that the Director of the National Institutes of Health submit an annual budget to Congress estimating the funding necessary to fully implement NAPA’s research goals.
      • Only two other areas of biomedical research – cancer and HIV/AIDS – have been the subject of special budget development aimed at speeding discovery.

    Senator Collins authored the NAPA Reauthorization Act with Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) and the Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act with Senator Ed Markey (D-MA). Both bills are cosponsored by Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI).

    The NAPA Reauthorization Act and the Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act are endorsed by the Alzheimer’s Association and UsAgainstAlzheimer’s.

    The complete text of the NAPA Reauthorization Act can be read here.

    The complete text of the Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act can be read here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Shaheen Statement on Iran’s Attack on Israel

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen

    (Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), senior member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations and Armed Services Committees, released the following statement in response to Iran’s direct attack on Israel and the escalating violence across the region:

    “Iran’s attack on Israel is a dangerous, reckless escalation that risks innocent lives in Israel and across the region. Through its terrorist proxies, Iran continues to try to destabilize the region and preserve its own authoritarian agenda.

    “Thanks to U.S.-supported Israeli defense systems, Iran’s attack on civilian populations was rebuffed.

    “The current conflict is on the verge of spiraling into all-out war, with the people of Israel, Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon and other innocent civilians bearing the consequences of escalation.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy Meets Employees at CF Industries and Essential Federal Credit Union

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy

    BATON ROUGE – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) visited CF Industries’ ammonia production facility in Donaldsonville, and later the Essential Federal Credit Union in Baton Rouge. During both visits, he learned how Louisianans are supporting small businesses and both the local and global economies.

    At CF’s Donaldsonville Complex, Cassidy learned about its capability of producing nearly 8 million tons of nitrogen products for agricultural and industrial use. CF uses the facility’s access to the Mississippi River and other modes of transportation to ship its products to major crop-producing states in the interior of America. They also utilize ocean-going vessels to Europe, South America, and Asia. 
    CF is also working to produce green ammonia and sequester carbon that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere as it produces its products. Thanks to their efforts, they will capture and sequester up to 2 million metric tons of carbon dioxide from its Donaldsonville Complex by 2025. This is in line with Cassidy’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which provided $5.1 billion to invest in carbon capture, utilization, and storage technology.
    “CF Industries and its employees have done more than anyone else in the world to make clean products,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Efforts like this help put the United States at a competitive advantage. We need to do more of this to create more jobs and make a competitive economy.”

    CF’s Donaldsonville Complex supports 566 permanent employees and 640 contractors, generates $16.8 million in annual state and parish sales taxes, and provided $430 million to local suppliers last year. Cassidy was welcomed there by Mr. Morris Johnson, General Manager for the facility.
    “At CF Industries, our mission is to provide clean energy to feed and fuel the world sustainably,” said Mr. Johnson. “To achieve this mission, we are investing in the decarbonization of our network with significant projects underway right here in Ascension Parish at our Donaldsonville Complex, located in the heart of this community we’ve called home for nearly 60 years. We thank Senator Cassidy for his visit to our site and his work on behalf of Donaldsonville and Louisiana through forward-leading competitiveness, energy and trade policies.”

    Later, Cassidy visited the Essential Federal Credit Union, which was chartered in 1972 by a group of Dow Chemical employees and now has more than 46,000 members and $378 million in assets. Cassidy met with Essential’s employees, and also with executives from other local credit unions who discussed how they’re serving their members. He discussed his efforts to preserve the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, make flood insurance rates affordable, and invest in high-speed broadband and water and sewer projects for Louisiana’s rural communities.
    “Our credit unions always know how their communities are doing, since people go to them to finance a house or a small business,” said Dr. Cassidy. “By making flood insurance affordable and investing in rural broadband, we can help more families buy a home or grow their business, which makes our credit unions stronger.”

    Cassidy participated in a roundtable with credit union directors from across Louisiana. He was welcomed by Mr. Anthony Ware, II, Director of Legislative Advocacy for the Louisiana Credit Union Association, of which the Essential Federal Credit Union is a member.
    “Thank you, Senator Cassidy, for taking the time to meet with the Louisiana Credit Union Association powered by Luminate, and visiting Essential Federal Credit Union today,” said Mr. Ware. “We truly appreciate you taking the time to hear from credit unions on the issues that are important to us and vital to helping Louisiana residents. We value your continued support of credit unions as we serve our members and strengthen our communities.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER ANNOUNCES $9.4 MILLION TO HELP SMALL BUSINESSES GROW & TAP INTO THE BOOMING SEMICONDUCTOR SUPPLY CHAIN ACROSS UPSTATE NY

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer

    Funding Will Help Grow NY’s Semiconductor Supply Chain By Providing Technical Assistance To Small Businesses Growing In The Semiconductor Industry Across Upstate NY Supporting Ongoing Work With The Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse Tech Hub, Mohawk Valley Edge, The Capital Region CEG & Empire State Development

    Schumer: Fed $$$ Will Supercharge Upstate NY’s Growing Semiconductor Superhighway!

    U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today announced New York State has been awarded $9.4 million, with $1.5 million in matching funds from Empire State Development (ESD), to help small businesses across Upstate NY tap into and grow in the semiconductor and microelectronics industries. Schumer said this new program will help maximize the local impact of the billions in investment we are seeing across Upstate NY from companies like Micron, GlobalFoundries, and Wolfspeed thanks to his CHIPS & Science Law by breaking down barriers to help small businesses enter and expand into the semiconductor supply chain.  

    “Small businesses across Upstate NY want to enter the booming semiconductor industry, but they can’t do it alone. This major $9.4 million in federal funding will help provide critical technical assistance to boost effort to make it happen. This is how we maximize the benefit of companies like Micron, GlobalFoundries, and Wolfspeed’s expansions in Upstate NY, helping existing businesses grow and adapt to lead in the next frontier of technology. This will help boost efforts along the I-90 Tech Hub I secured and help Upstate NY build a robust supply chain from Buffalo to Utica to Albany that further positions the region as a global center for chip manufacturing,” said Senator Schumer. “I fought to secure historic funding for the State Small Business Credit Initiative in the American Rescue Plan and urged Secretary Yellen to prioritize funding for supply chain development, including in the semiconductor industry, because I know that support for small businesses is critical to our efforts to bringing manufacturing back home to America. Today’s federal investment further supercharges Upstate NY’s growing semiconductor superhighway!”

    With this funding, New York will implement the Semiconductor Growth Access Program (SGAP). The program will provide technical assistance – including legal, financial, and accounting services – to existing small businesses to grow in or pivot to the semiconductor and microelectronic supply chain. This will help those businesses upgrade and expand their equipment, building a chip manufacturing cluster across Upstate New York. Additionally, SGAP will create a shared regional purchasing roundtable of large manufacturers and tier 1 suppliers, designed to provide regular access to purchasing opportunities for participating businesses.

    The SGAP program will work alongside the Supply Chain Activation Network (SCAN), a project of the Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse NY SMART-I Corridor Tech Hub, which Schumer fought to secure and has already delivered $40 million of federal funding to support. It will also support critical semiconductor supply chain growth with partners at the Mohawk Valley Economic Development Growth Enterprises Corporation (EDGE), and the Capital Region Center for Economic Growth (CEG).

    “New York has become a global leader in high-tech manufacturing – and we’re just getting started,” Governor Hochul said. “This $9.4 million investment from the State Small Business Credit Initiative will be critical as we work to connect underserved and very small businesses with the resources they need to succeed. Working with the Biden-Harris Administration, we’re creating even more jobs and opportunities for all New Yorkers.”

    Schumer previously led 15 senators in urging U.S. Department of Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen to use State and Small Business Credit Initiative funding to bring manufacturing back to the United States to strengthen domestic supply chains, including in the semiconductor industry. The American Rescue Plan Act reauthorized and expanded SSBCI, which provides nearly $10 billion to support small businesses and empower them to access the capital needed to invest in job-creating opportunities. Schumer supported state and local capital and technical assistance initiatives for small businesses to rebuild the economy coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Thanks to Schumer’s CHIPS & Science Law, Upstate New York has seen a major revival in tech manufacturing. Micron has announced plans for a historic $100+ billion investment to build a cutting-edge memory fab in Central New York with the support of an over $6 billion preliminary CHIPS agreement. GlobalFoundries plans to invest over $12 billion to expand and construct a second, new state-of-the-art computer chip factory in the Capital Region, with support of a $1.5 billion preliminary CHIPS agreement. Wolfspeed has opened the first, largest, and only 200mm silicon carbide fabrication facility in the world in the Mohawk Valley, with plans to further expand their operations. TTM Technologies, a printed circuit board manufacturer, plans to invest up to $130 million to expand their facilities in Onondaga County, creating up to 400 good-paying jobs. Menlo Micro will invest $150 million to build their microchip switch manufacturing facility in Tompkins County, creating over 100 new good-paying jobs. In addition, Upstate New York is home to semiconductor supply chain companies like Corning Incorporated, which manufactures glass critical to the microchip industry at its Canton and Fairport, NY plants, and following Schumer’s advocacy, Edwards Vacuum has announced a $300+ million investment to build a dry pump manufacturing facility, creating 600 good-paying jobs to support the growing chip industry in Western New York.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Marshall, Ernst Fight to Protect Americans and Deport Illegal Immigrants Convicted of Sex Crimes

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    New report finds 16,320 illegal immigrants with sexual assault convictions are currently in the country.
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. joined Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) in introducing the Better Enforcement of Grievous Offenses by unNaturalized Emigrants (BE GONE) Act, a bipartisan bill that will allow America to deport sexual offenders currently in the country and block those seeking to enter. This legislation follows a shocking report that revealed 16,320 illegal immigrants with sexual assault convictions are in the country. 
    Specifically, the BE GONE Act will amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to include sexual assault and aggravated sexual violence as crimes that are defined as “aggravated felonies.”
    “Kamala Harris and Joe Biden’s open borders agenda is flooding our communities with dangerous individuals who are putting American citizens in harm’s way,” Senator Marshall said. “Until we get a new sheriff in Washington, Congress must act with legislation that will block this administration’s free-for-all open border policies, stop threats before they enter over the southern border, and ensure Americans’ safety and security above all else.”
    “These violent criminals never would have entered America in the first place if we had real border security, but now that they’re in our communities, they need to BE GONE,” Senator Ernst said. “Since Border Czar Kamala Harris won’t protect this country, then I will. My legislation will combat sexual violence by ensuring predators are identified, stopped, and deported.”
    “I am honored to amplify and support the incredible efforts of Senator Joni Ernst on this bill. Senator Ernst has been the tip of the spear when it comes to enhancing our public safety. This bill will hold accountable those who commit the most heinous crimes and ensure they are dealt consequences. That is something this country not only demands but expects from our representatives and as always Joni Ernst comes through for America,” Retired Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Tom Homan said.
    “We are grateful to Senator Ernst for introducing the BE GONE Act which will deport immigrants who have committed heinous acts. This is common sense legislation that Congress must pass, so criminals are identified and stopped to protect Americans,” NumbersUSA Director of Federal Affairs Michael Hough said. 
    “The Biden-Harris Administration has created an historic crisis at our borders. Under this administration’s policies, tens of thousands of criminal aliens are being apprehended attempting to enter illegally and shocking new data shows that there are now 16,320 aliens in the U.S. convicted of sexual assault. Congress must work to ensure that criminal aliens are quickly removed from our country and this bill will help to accomplish exactly that. FAIR is proud to support the BE GONE Act and keeping American communities safe from illegal alien crime,” Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) President Dan Stein said.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall On Newsmax: Trump gave us peace through strength, Biden-Harris continue to give war through weaknesses

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Wichita, KS – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. joined Newsmax to discuss Iran’s attack on Israel and the growing conflict in the Middle East. President Trump delivered peace through strength, with tough policies on Iran that left the county’s economy in shambles. In contrast, the Biden-Harris Administration’s foreign policies have emboldened adversaries like Iran and enabled the largest state-sponsor of terrorism to finance violent attacks like the one it carried out on Israel yesterday. 
    Additionally, Senator Marshall reacted to last night’s Vice Presidential debate and discussed the Trump-Vance ticket’s policies that will restore a thriving American economy and protect our citizens’ safety and security. 

    You may click HERE or on the image above to watch Senator Marshall’s full interview.

    Highlights from Senator Marshall’s interview include: 
    On last night’s Vice Presidential Debate:
    “I’m so proud of JD… JD Vance mopped the floor with Tim Walz. JD was an excellent professional, and I tell you who clearly won the debate last night, and that was the American people. For the first time on a legacy news channel, America got to hear policy for about an hour and a half, and JD got to brag on the accomplishments of what Donald Trump did, that Donald Trump gave us a secure border and a strong economy.”
    “He pointed out, once again, that Kamala, who cannot be separated from Joe Biden’s policies, that she was an abject failure. So, exciting day for us last night. America wins, and I can’t wait until November 5th.”
    “What I thought was interesting, by about 30 minutes into the debate, Tim Walz was beat red, but he was nodding in agreement with JD. So as JD laid out the policies and laid out the defense, it looked like Tim Walz was agreeing with him, like we’d won him over.”
    “It was like JD walked in there with a full house of aces and queens, and got to share the policy of Donald Trump victories on the southern border, keeping a safe a strong economy, versus Tim Walz, all he had were twos and threes, had nothing that he could share, nothing he could point to as success. And by the way, Kamala, you had three and a half years to fix some of these problems.”
    On Iran’s attack on Israel and growing conflict in the Middle East: 
    “Don’t listen to what they say, watch what they do. Donald Trump gave us peace through strength. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris continue to give war through weaknesses.”
    “What we need is leadership in the White House, someone that will stand up and say, number one, Israel has unequivocally the right to defend themselves. Number two is that America is steadfast in our friendship to our great ally, Israel, and there needs to be a very, very significant response to Iran, much like President Reagan responded when they attacked some of our ships. We sunk some of their ships and attacked some of their offshore oil platforms.”
    “We need to empower Israel to do what they need to do. We need to tell the rest of the world to stand up and let Israel defend themselves. They have every right to do it. And because of Kamala Harris and their policies, Iran is just weeks away from having a nuclear weapon.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Graham Visits Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative in Pickens

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Lindsey Graham

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today met with leadership and employees at Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative in Pickens, South Carolina.

    Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative is a customer-owned electric utility company that has been operating in South Carolina since 1940. Graham is a customer of Blue Ridge.

    CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS

    Graham gave an update with Blue Ridge President and CEO Jim Lovinggood during his visit.

    • LOVINGGOOD: “This storm was historic in every way you choose to measure it. We had about 90 percent of our customers out of power Friday morning at 10:00 AM… So far we’ve been able to get about 70 percent of those back on. So we’re down now to about 30 percent of our customers without power.” https://youtu.be/vTY7g3AqZwQ?si=MaDIT-YOP2UWp52C&t=69
    • GRAHAM: “This is Hurricane Hugo for the Upstate, if you’re old enough to remember that…We got flattened up here, folks. I wanted to come by and thank the co-ops and all the line crew out there and the people working out in the field. You know it’s a team sport here.” https://youtu.be/vTY7g3AqZwQ?si=5LSZOZI3CNz8NLEa&t=167
    • LOVINGGOOD: “We are working around the clock. We’ve set up in both of our campuses to house up to 700 outside workers. We have over 500 currently in the field and we’re hoping to get more help as the days go by.” https://youtu.be/vTY7g3AqZwQ?si=YdQY-t_gt1KbejXG&t=116
    • GRAHAM: “Just be patient. The people who are trying to restore your power lost their power. They haven’t seen their families, they are out there working 16 to 18-hour days working under very dangerous conditions. So to the extent you can be patient, please do. I know it’s frustrating, but the people trying to help you have suffered like you have.” https://youtu.be/vTY7g3AqZwQ?si=f_7q90Lk6sX3VLer&t=193

    Click here to watch the entire video

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner, Kaine, and Griffith Welcome Expedited Major Disaster Declaration for Virginia

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) and Representative Morgan Griffith (R-VA-09) welcomed the approval of Virginia’s request for an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in Southwest Virginia. The lawmakers wrote a letter urging President Biden to approve this request to surge federal resources to impacted areas and help Virginia more quickly respond to and recover from Hurricane Helene’s impacts.

    “I’m glad to see President Biden step in and approve the Commonwealth’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration in response to the heartbreaking destruction caused by Hurricane Helene. This declaration opens the door to various avenues for assistance to help the region recover. As Southwest Virginia continues to hurt, I’m going to be pushing for Congress to pass needed disaster supplemental funding as soon as possible,” said Warner.

    “I’m grateful President Biden approved Virginia’s request for an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration following our bipartisan advocacy. This declaration will bring more federal support to the impacted areas,” said Kaine. “Over the past few days, I’ve visited residents, business owners, local officials, and first responders in Southwest Virginia and seen firsthand the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene. I’m committed to continuing to work with local, state, and federal partners to help these communities recover.”

    “The impacts of Hurricane Helene on Southwest Virginia have been devastating,” said Griffith. “I appreciate Governor Youngkin working tirelessly to support disaster relief efforts, and I will continue to work alongside Senators Warner and Kaine to bring more relief to the region.”

    This Expedited Major Disaster Declaration grants emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance under the Public Assistance and Individual Assistance Programs for impacted areas. Under this declaration, Individual Assistance is made available for the counties of Giles, Grayson, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, and Wythe, and the City of Galax. Individual Assistance provides financial support and direct services for eligible individuals and households impacted by a disaster. Public Assistance for all categories is made available for the counties of Bedford, Bland, Buchanan, Carroll, Craig, Dickenson, Giles, Grayson, Montgomery, Pittsylvania, Pulaski, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise, and Wythe, and the cities of Bristol, Covington, Danville, Galax, Norton, and Radford. Public Assistance provides resources to local governments for eligible response and recovery work, such as repairing roads and bridges, water control facilities, public buildings and equipment, and public utilities. Hazard Mitigation Grant program assistance was also granted statewide, which will help keep Virginians safe from future floods.

    Warner, Kaine, and Griffith continue to track Hurricane Helene’s devastation and advocate for Southwest Virginia at the federal level. The senators and Griffith wrote to President Biden in support of Virginia’s request for an Emergency Declaration for the Commonwealth of Virginia – a request that was approved on Sunday. Yesterday, Warner and Kaine joined a bipartisan group of their colleagues in urging Congress to quickly pass disaster relief legislation. On Monday and Tuesday, Kaine met with Virginians impacted by Hurricane Helene.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: N.M. Delegation Welcomes $21 Million to Tackle Crime, Keep Communities Safe

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Senator for New Mexico Ben Ray Luján

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) are welcoming $20,706,897 from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to help New Mexico’s law enforcement solve crimes, support survivor services, improve violence prevention, and keep communities safe. 

    The grants will be distributed through the DOJ’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) and the Office of Justice Programs (OJP). 

    “I’m proud to announce over $20 million to better equip New Mexico’s law enforcement with the tools and resources needed to keep our communities safe. This significant investment will help tackle crime, hold dangerous criminals accountable, and deliver justice and support for survivors,” said Heinrich. “A safer New Mexico depends on solving crimes and supporting survivors, and I will continue to fight for the resources we need for both.” 

    “This nearly $21 million in federal funding will deliver critical resources to help law enforcement solve crimes, support victims of violent crime, and boost violence prevention across New Mexico,” said Luján. “I’m proud to welcome this federal funding and I will keep fighting for federal resources to keep New Mexico communities safe.” 

    “1 in 4 women have been beaten by an intimate partner in their lifetime. This funding from the Department of Justice focuses on providing more services to the survivors of domestic violence  survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking,” said Leger Fernández. “To effectively investigate and prosecute these crimes, the grants also increase the resources going to law enforcement.  I’m pleased that the funding benefits communities across my district, from the Pueblos to Santa Fe to Hobbs to our state agencies. Together we keep New Mexico safe.” 

    “This almost $21 million investment into our communities is crucial in making New Mexico a safer place for everyone,” said Stansbury. “Victims of crimes deserve justice, and law enforcement needs the tools to give victims that justice. This funding is pivotal in achieving that goal.” 

    “I’m proud to welcome over $20 million for law enforcement organizations across our state and Tribal communities. This funding will support law enforcement’s ability to reduce crime, make our neighborhoods safer and ensure justice for victims,” said Vasquez. “Our law enforcement officers and community organizations are working tirelessly, and this investment will help them continue to protect and serve New Mexicans. I’m committed to fighting for more federal resources to keep us safe.” 

    Recipient  City  Project Title  Grant  Award Amount 
    Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women  Albuquerque  OVW Fiscal Year 2024 Grants to Tribal Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Coalitions Invitation to Apply  OVW  $414,147 
    County of Bernalillo  Albuquerque  Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office CAST Unit Expansion Project  OJP  $376,078 
    Enlace Comunitario  Albuquerque  OVW Fiscal Year 2024 Grants to Enhance Culturally Specific Services for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking Program  OJP  $450,000 
    New Mexico Asian Family Center  Albuquerque  OVW Fiscal Year 2024 Grants to Enhance Culturally Specific Services for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking Program  OJP  $475,000 
    New Mexico Asian Family Center  Albuquerque  OVW Fiscal Year 2024 Legal Assistance for Victims  OVW  $600,000 
    New Mexico Immigrant Law Center  Albuquerque  OVW Fiscal Year 2024 Legal Assistance for Victims  OVW  $750,000 
    City of Albuquerque  Albuquerque  BJA FY24 Formula DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR)  OJP  $490,190 
    La Casa  Las Cruces  OVW Fiscal Year 2024 Rural Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Program  OVW  $500,000 
    Mescalero Apache Tribe  Mescalero  SMART FY 2024 Support for Adam Walsh Act Implementation Grant Program  OJP  $288,368 
    New Mexico Department of Public Safety  Santa Fe  New Mexico FY24 NCHIP     $2,224,200 
    New Mexico Department of Public Safety  Santa Fe  BJA FY24 Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program Formula Solicitation  OJP  $1,633,050 
    NM Department of Public Safety  Santa Fe  BJS FY24 National Criminal History Improvement Program  OJP  $2,224,200 
    Santa Fe Dreamers Project  Santa Fe  OVW Fiscal Year 2024 Legal Assistance for Victims  OVW  $750,000 
    New Mexico Department of Public Safety  Santa Fe  BJA FY24 Project Safe Neighborhoods Formula Grant Program  OJP  $167,378 
    New Mexico Department of Public Safety  Santa Fe  BJA FY24 Formula DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR)  OJP  $300,437 
    New Mexico Department of Public Safety  Santa Fe  BJA FY24 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program- Formula  OJP  $294,696 
    Pueblo of Acoma  Pueblo of Acoma  FY 2024 CTAS Purpose Area 6 Award: Pueblo of Acoma  OJP  $450,000 
    Pueblo of Acoma  Pueblo of Acoma  FY24 U.S. Department of Justice Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation  OJP  $450,000 
    Pueblo of Acoma  Pueblo of Acoma  OVC FY24 Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside Formula Program – Invited to Apply  OJP  $254,413 
    Pueblo of Acoma  Pueblo of Acoma  FY24 U.S. Department of Justice Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation  OJP  $900,000 
    Pueblo of Isleta  Isleta  FY24 U.S. Department of Justice Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation  OJP  $900,000 
    Pueblo of Isleta  Isleta  BJA FY24 Rural and Small Department Violent Crime Reduction Program  OJP  $300,000 
    Pueblo of Jemez  Jemez Pueblo  FY24 U.S. Department of Justice Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation  OJP  $900,000 
    Pueblo of San Felipe  Algodones  OVC FY24 Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside Formula Program – Invited to Apply  OJP  $229,973 
    Pueblo of Taos  Taos  OVC FY24 Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside Formula Program – Invited to Apply  OJP  $229,973 
    Pueblo of Zuni  Zuni  Empowering Tribal Resilience: Enhancing Zuni Tribal Justice Systems (Tribal Youth Programs)  OJP  $76,000 
    Pueblo of Zuni  Zuni  FY24 U.S. Department of Justice Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation  OJP  $76,000 
    Pueblo of Zuni  Zuni  FY24 U.S. Department of Justice Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation  OJP  $394,498 
    Pueblo of Zuni  Zuni  OVC FY24 Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside Formula Program – Invited to Apply  OJP  $282,632 
    Pueblo of Zuni  Zuni  FY24 U.S. Department of Justice Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation  OJP  $885,691 
    Santo Domingo Pueblo  Santo Domingo  OVC FY24 Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside Formula Program – Invited to Apply  OJP  $229,973 
    Sexual Assault Services of Northwest New Mexico  Farmington  OVW Fiscal Year 2024 Rural Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Program  OVW  $700,000 
    Sexual Assault Services of Northwest New Mexico  Farmington  OVW Fiscal Year 2024 Tribal Sexual Assault Services Program  OVW  $610,000 
    Sheris House of Hope  Hobbs  OVW Fiscal Year 2024 Transitional Housing Assistance Grants for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking Program  OVW  $400,000 
    Valencia Shelter Services  Los Lunas  OVW Fiscal Year 2024 Rural Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Program  OVW  $500,000 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy Announces Grant for Small Business Incubator in Jefferson Parish

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy
    BATON ROUGE – This morning, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) joined officials from JEDCO (Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission), Greater New Orleans, Inc., and the Louisiana Department of Economic Development to announce the launch of the GNO Food and Beverage Incubator at the Churchill Technology and Business Park. Nearly half of the incubator’s start-up costs were provided by a U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant.
    “Louisiana’s food is the best in the world and this incubator will help keep it that way,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Chefs and caterers will use its kitchen space to serve new clients. They’ll grow their businesses and add to our culinary legacy.”
    JEDCO recently was awarded $4.2 million from various agencies to launch the GNO Food and Beverage Incubator, including $2 million from the EDA. This incubator was made necessary after the closing of Edible Enterprises, the only food and beverage incubator in the Greater New Orleans area, which sustained severe damage from Hurricane Ida.
    The food and beverage industry already has an enormous impact on Louisiana’s economy, especially via tourism. According to Oxford Economics in 2022, over $4.7 billion in direct, indirect, and induced food and beverage sales were generated by visitors to Louisiana. Additionally, the National Restaurant Association says there were 11,275 restaurants last year in Louisiana, supporting over 200,000 jobs.
    The incubator will provide small food and beverage businesses and start-ups with commercial kitchen space and technical assistance, in order for them to grow and service their clients. It will include three commercial kitchens and training and demonstration space, totaling 15,000 square feet.
    Cassidy praised everyone involved with the incubator for their efforts and was thanked for his support in a statement by JEDCO President and CEO Jerry Bologna.
    “It was an honor to welcome Senator Cassidy to Churchill Technology and Business Park today to announce the development of the Greater New Orleans Food + Beverage Incubator,” said Mr. Bologna. “JEDCO received a $2 million EDA grant and matching state and local dollars that will fund the design, engineering and construction of the facility, which fulfills a critical regional need. This incubator will be the only facility of its kind in the area, further solidifying Jefferson Parish and all of Greater New Orleans as a destination for culinary manufacturing and innovation. This project would not be possible without the support of our federal delegation. We are tremendously grateful for Senator Cassidy’s support.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Casey, Fetterman, Boyle, Evans Secure More Than $15.4 Million to Retrofit Housing in Philadelphia, Lower Energy Costs for Seniors, Families, People with Disabilities

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Pennsylvania Bob Casey
    Funding will support more resilient and energy efficient housing for lower income Philadelphians
    St. George Athenagoras Manor, Cobbs Creek, and Inglis Gardens will receive funding
    Awards, made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act, will bring down energy and housing costs for seniors, working families, people with disabilities
    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA) and U.S. Representatives Brendan Boyle (D-PA-2) and Dwight Evans (D-PA-3) secured $15,440,000 in federal funds to improve units in three housing developments in Philadelphia: St. George Athenagoras Manor, Cobbs Creek, and Inglis Gardens. The funds come from grants and loans under the Green and Resilient Retrofit Program (GRRP) which was made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act.
    “Every family deserves a safe, reliable, and affordable home,” said Senator Casey. “This funding will upgrade communities to ensure safer and more resilient and energy efficient housing in Philadelphia that will bring down costs for our families, seniors, and people with disabilities. I will always fight for investments that lower costs and expand the stock of reliable, affordable housing in our Commonwealth.”
    “With this funding, the Biden-Harris administration is again making clear that it understands the need to invest in housing in the Commonwealth,” said Senator Fetterman. “These funds will improve utility efficiency and make housing more resilient for working families across Philadelphia. I’m proud to have helped bring these federal dollars to the commonwealth.”
    The Inflation Reduction Act, that I voted for, will support the Green and Resilient Retrofit Program—a truly forward-thinking initiative that modernizes buildings while prioritizes sustainability and energy efficiency,” said Congressman Boyle. “By integrating green technology and resilient infrastructure, it ensures long-term benefits for both the environment and residents. This program sets a strong example of how we can work together to create healthier, more durable communities while reducing our collective carbon footprint.”
    “I was proud to vote for the Biden-Harris administration’s historic investment in our environment, also known as the Inflation Reduction Act, which is delivering this more than $15 million in federal funding for more sustainable housing in Philadelphia,” said Representative Evans.
    The Green and Resilient Retrofit Program (GRRP), awarded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), provides grant or loan funding to support housing development projects that reduce carbon emissions, improve energy efficiency, implement renewable energy generation, enhance indoor air quality, or improve the climate resilience of HUD-assisted multifamily properties. St. George Athenagoras Manor, an assisted living facility for seniors, will receive $7,520,000 to improve 94 housing units, Cobbs Creek will receive $6,800,000 to make improvements in 85 housing units for working families, and Inglis Gardens will receive $1,120,000 to improve 14 units for residents with disabilities.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed Delivers $250,000 for Saint Antoine Alzheimer’s Disease & Dementia Care

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed
    NORTH SMITHFIELD, RI – In an effort to ensure more Rhode Islanders who need memory care can access the support they need and comfortably ‘age in place’ while receiving top-notch services, U.S. Senator Jack Reed has teamed up with the Saint Antoine Community to deliver a $250,000 federal earmark for a new, state-of-the-art Assisted Living Memory Care Unit.
    Saint Antoine’s newly renovated memory care unit features 24 home-like suites for patients with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia and has helped develop a new model of care for seniors with cognitive needs. The memory care unit brings together elements of more skilled health care, rehab, and behavioral support services to residents on the same campus, rather than transferring the resident to a different environment.
    Senator Reed hopes that Saint Antoine’s new model of care can be applied elsewhere to help aging Americans across the country safely and comfortably ‘age in place’ and create a better model to advance treatment and improve care for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
    “Alzheimer’s is a devastating disease that impacts millions of Americans and their families. This federal earmark for the Saint Antoine Community is helping to create a new environment of compassion and support for Rhode Islanders with developing cognitive needs and will pioneer a new model of care that hopefully can assist other seniors across the country,” said Senator Reed, who recently helped pass major legislation to combat Alzheimer’s disease and invest in finding new treatments and a cure.  “I’m grateful for the team and service providers at Saint Antoine who are working every day to support Rhode Islanders with Alzheimer’s and helping them age with dignity and comfort.”
    Saint Antoine’s new model being employed at the Assisted Living Memory Care Unit allows for greater flexibility in the use of its facility, improved cost-effectiveness, and the ability for residents to ‘age in place.’ The new care unit has transformed two wings in an existing part of Saint Antoine Residence into a supportive community of hope and care for seniors.
    “Saint Antoine Community stands out above all else when it comes to our continuum of care,” said Tammy Summiel, Executive Director of Primrose Lane Memory Care Assisted Living & The Villa Assisted Living.  “Our population is living longer and memory care can place such an added burden on families who cannot manage all their needs at home. With the addition of Primrose Lane, Saint Antoine Community can further emphasize the importance of family above all else, and allow residents and their families to enjoy each other’s company without extra stress. We have further strengthened our continuum, while addressing a growing need for affordable memory care in Northern Rhode Island.”
    Founded in 1913, Saint Antoine Community remains the largest long-term care facility in northern Rhode Island. All located on one campus, Saint Antoine Community provides access to rehabilitative services, assisted living, short/long term skilled care, and two tiers of residential memory care. Saint Antoine Community is located at 10 Rhodes Avenue, North Smithfield.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray Delivers $5 Million in Workforce Training Funds for Central Washington

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
    ICYMI: Senator Murray advocates for the reauthorization of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)
    Murray authored the bill that established the grant program providing OIC with $5 million in 2014 and has funded it ever since
    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former Chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, announced a $5,048,619  million grant for the Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC) of Washington to provide training, support, and career services to help migrant and seasonal farmworkers and their dependents develop skills to pursue careers in agriculture or non-agriculture sectors.
    “I hear all the time from businesses across our state who need more skilled workers, and workers who want to set themselves and their families up for success,” said Senator Murray. “With this grant the OIC will be able to provide comprehensive workforce and educational training for our farmworkers and their families in Central Washington. Investing in this kind of workforce training not only helps us build a strong economy for our state and nation, but helps make life better for people in Washington state.” 
    The OIC is an economic development and career training agency in Yakima, Washington that educates, trains, and provides supportive services to low-income and rural communities. The Center has hosted programs on job skills training, high school completion, energy assistance, emergency food assistance, energy conservation, and youth and seniors in the region for over 50 years. 
    Murray secured funding to the OIC from the National Farmworker and Jobs Program within the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. The grant delivered is authorized through the bipartisan Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act(WIOA)—landmark legislation Murray authored and led passage of in 2014 to strengthen the nation’s workforce development programs, help Americans–including youth and those facing significant barriers to employment–acquire high-quality jobs and careers, and assist employers in hiring and retaining skilled workers. 
    Senator Murray has been a consistent advocate for federal investments to strengthen our workforce and support workers and employers across Washington state. In Congress, Murray is advocating for the reauthorization of WIOA. As Senate Appropriations Chair, Murray prioritizes protecting investments in workforce training and development, securing $2.9 billion in FY 2024 for WIOA formula grants and $285 million for Registered Apprenticeships. In the Senate FY 2025 funding bill she passed out of committee, Murray protected essential investments made in recent years by providing $2.9 billion for WIOA formula grants, $290 million for Registered Apprenticeships, and $110 million for YouthBuild while she sustained funding for other programs—such as Reentry Employment Opportunities.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Law Enforcement Endorses Casey’s Stop Fentanyl at the Border Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Pennsylvania Bob Casey
    The Stop Fentanyl at the Border Act will increase staffing and technology to detect and stop the flow of fentanyl coming across the border
    Bill has now been endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police, National Association of Police Organizations, and other law enforcement organizations
    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced growing support from law enforcement organizations for his Stop Fentanyl at the Border Act, which would reduce the flow of fentanyl by providing much-needed resources to secure the southwest border. The bill, which would increase staffing capacity and technology to detect illicit drugs and other contraband being smuggled through ports of entry along the border, has now been endorsed by four major police organizations: the Fraternal Order of Police, the National Association of Police Organizations, Major County Sheriffs of America, and the National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition. The bill is also now backed by the National Treasury Employees Union, which represents U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) employees.
    “Pennsylvania law enforcement can’t tackle the fentanyl crisis when so much of the fentanyl devastating our families and communities is being smuggled across our southwest border,” said Senator Casey. “This bill will help provide the hardworking law enforcement officers at the border with the resources, technology, and support they need to stop the flow of fentanyl into Pennsylvania communities. I’m proud to have law enforcement support and I won’t stop until we’ve passed this commonsense legislation.”   
    “Our law enforcement members are the first line of defense against the scourge of fentanyl that comes across the American border each day,” said Patrick Yoes, National President of the Fraternal Order of Police. “Now more than ever, our country must invest in methods to stem the flow of fentanyl into our communities. This legislation will support our members by giving them the tools they need to support border operations and drug interdiction efforts.”
    “Fentanyl is now the drug most associated with overdoses in the United States,” said Bill Johnson, the Executive Director of the National Association of Police Organizations. “This deadly poison is being mixed with other illicit drugs, hidden in counterfeit drugs, and being peddled at alarmingly high rates to our nation’s youth. The Stop Fentanyl at the Border Act provides much needed support, resources, and funding to the southwest border to help federal, state, and local law enforcement fight the trafficking of fentanyl and other illicit drugs into the country. Law enforcement at all levels of government have long been asking for these resources to support their efforts to prevent and detect fentanyl coming into this country and our communities. NAPO stands with Senator Casey in support of this important bill.”
    The Stop Fentanyl at the Border Act would enable CBP to hire more officers and border patrol agents to increase capacity to stop illicit smuggling over the border. The bill also provides funding to purchase Non-Intrusive Inspection systems, which scan vehicles and cargo at the border to provide detailed images of their interiors, which leads to the detection of fentanyl and other illicit drugs. Additionally, the bill would create an inspection program to increase seizure of firearms, which Mexican cartels frequently purchase in the United States and smuggle into Mexico to support their fentanyl production operations and other violent criminal enterprises.   
    Senator Casey has been a leader in the Senate on efforts to prevent the spread of fentanyl into the United States. He has traveled around Pennsylvania meeting with law enforcement and families of victims of fentanyl overdoses as he pushed for passage of the FEND Off Fentanyl Act. In July, Senator Casey applauded the Senate passage of the Preventing the Financing of Illegal Synthetic Drugs Act, a bill that will direct the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) to investigate how transnational criminal organizations finance synthetic drug trafficking and help the federal government target them more effectively. In August, Casey led his colleagues in introducing the bipartisan Fighting Illicit Goods, Helping Trustworthy Importers, and Netting Gains (FIGHTING) for America Act to help CBP prevent fentanyl from entering the country undetected. In September, Casey introduced the Interdiction of Fentanyl at Federal Prisons Act, which would protect prison officers, staff, and inmates from fentanyl and other illicit substances entering the Federal Prison System through inmate mail.
    Read more about the Stop Fentanyl at the Border Act here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ricketts, Ernst Introduce Bill to Deport Illegal Immigrants Convicted of Sex Crimes

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)

    October 2, 2024

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) joined Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) to introduce the Better Enforcement of Grievous Offenses by unNaturalized Emigrants (BE GONE) Act. The bill, led by Ernst, would allow the U.S. to deport sexual offenders currently in the country and block those seeking to enter.

    The introduction comes after a shocking Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) report revealed that 16,320 illegal immigrants with sexual assault convictions are in the U.S. This legislation would also amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to include sexual assault and aggravated sexual violence as crimes that are defined as “aggravated felonies.”

    “The Biden-Harris administration’s open borders policies have allowed violent sexual offenders to cross our border illegally then roam undeterred across America,” said Senator Ricketts. “They should have never set foot in our country. Our bill will make sure these criminals are deported or stopped from ever crossing our border.”

    “These violent criminals never would have entered America in the first place if we had real border security, but now that they’re in our communities, they need to BE GONE,” said Senator Ernst. “Since Border Czar Kamala Harris won’t protect this country, then I will. My legislation will combat sexual violence by ensuring predators are identified, stopped, and deported.”

    “I am honored to amplify and support the incredible efforts of Senator Joni Ernst on this bill. Senator Ernst has been the tip of the spear when it comes to enhancing our public safety,” said Retired Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Tom Homan. “This bill will hold accountable those who commit the most heinous crimes and ensure they are dealt consequences. That is something this country not only demands but expects from our representatives and as always Joni Ernst comes through for America.”

    “We are grateful to Senator Ernst for introducing the BE GONE Act which will deport immigrants who have committed heinous acts,” said NumbersUSA Director of Federal Affairs Michael Hough. “This is common sense legislation that Congress must pass, so criminals are identified and stopped to protect Americans.”

    “The Biden-Harris Administration has created an historic crisis at our borders. Under this administration’s policies, tens of thousands of criminal aliens are being apprehended attempting to enter illegally and shocking new data shows that there are now 16,320 aliens in the U.S. convicted of sexual assault,” said Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) President Dan Stein. “Congress must work to ensure that criminal aliens are quickly removed from our country and this bill will help to accomplish exactly that. FAIR is proud to support the BE GONE Act and keeping American communities safe from illegal alien crime.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Warnock Joins Bipartisan, Bicameral Push for Agricultural Disaster Relief Funding Following Hurricane Helene

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia

    Senator Warnock Joins Bipartisan, Bicameral Push for Agricultural Disaster Relief Funding Following Hurricane Helene

    Senator Reverend Warnock is a key member of the Senate Agriculture committee and longtime champion of Georgia’s agriculture community 
    Senator Reverend Warnock is urging congressional leadership to ensure disaster relief resources are made available to agricultural producers following the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene
    Senator Reverend Warnock has previously pushed Congress to approve additional disaster relief for Georgia’s farmers
    Senator Reverend Warnock and lawmakers: “To prevent deep and lasting economic damage to the agricultural industry in the southeastern United States, it is imperative that Congress make appropriations as soon as possible upon the completion of damage assessments to fully fund unmet agricultural disaster relief needs in our states and across the nation”

    Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), a key member of the Senate Agriculture committee, joined 34 of his colleagues in a bipartisan, bicameral effort to push Congressional leaders to approve urgent disaster relief funding that will help prevent deep and lasting economic damage to the agricultural industry in the southeastern United States following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. Last week, Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida as a devastating Category 4 hurricane before making its way through Georgia and downgrading to a tropical storm affecting South Carolina, North Carolina, Kentucky, and Tennessee—with deep, disastrous impacts across agricultural sectors. In a new letter led by U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) and U.S. Representative Austin Scott (R-GA-08), Senator Warnock and a bipartisan group of lawmakers representing southeastern U.S. states urged Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) to work with Congress and the Biden Administration to ensure disaster relief resources are made available to agricultural producers following the damaging impacts of Hurricane Helene to the state’s crops and livestock.

    “To prevent deep and lasting economic damage to the agricultural industry in the southeastern United States, it is imperative that Congress make appropriations as soon as possible upon the completion of damage assessments to fully fund unmet agricultural disaster relief needs in our states and across the nation,” Senator Warnock and colleagues wrote to congressional leadership. “Farmers and growers nationwide, not only those damaged by Helene, have now faced multiple growing seasons without sufficient federal support. Our constituents are counting on us to act swiftly.”

    Warnock, Ossoff and Scott were joined in their letter by U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) and U.S. Representatives Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA-01), Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-GA-02), Drew Ferguson (R-GA-03), Hank Johnson (D-GA-04), Nikema Williams (D-GA-05), Rich McCormick (R-GA-06), Lucy McBath (D-GA-07), Andrew Clyde (R-GA-09), Mike Collins (R-GA-10), Barry Loudermilk (R-GA-11), Rick Allen (R-GA-12), David Scott (D-GA-13), Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA-14), Darren Soto (D-FL-09), Maxwell Frost (D-FL-10), Kathy Castor (D-FL-14), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL-20), Jared Moskowitz (D-FL-23), Frederica Wilson (D-FL-24), Morgan McGarvey (D-KY-03), Don Davis (D-NC-01), Deborah Ross (D-NC-02), Greg Murphy (R-NC-03), Kathy Manning (D-NC-06), Dan Bishop (R-NC-08), Chuck Edwards (R-NC-11), Alma Adams (D-NC-12) Wiley Nickel (D-NC-13), Jeff Jackson (D-NC-14), and Diana Harshbarger (R-TN-01).

    “Federal agricultural disaster assistance is essential to help our states and our Nation recover. We urge you to work with the administration to ensure disaster relief resources are made available to our growers. Thank you for your support, and we look forward to working with you to secure these critical resources,” Senator Warnock and the lawmakers continued.

    Senator Warnock has been a vocal proponent for additional disaster aid and resources for Georgia’s farmers. Prior to Hurricane Helene, Senator Warnock pushed the Biden Administration to support Georgia’s agricultural industry following natural disasters, including urging the Administration to provide funding for agricultural disaster assistance in the President’s supplemental appropriations requests to Congress, noting the particular impact of Hurricane Idalia and the early freeze in March 2023 on Georgia’s key agricultural industries. Following Hurricane Idalia, Senator Warnock also successfully passed legislation strengthening funding for Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Small Business Administration to address storm damage. In December 2023, Senator Warnock traveled to Albany and joined local growers on a pecan farm damaged by severe storms to highlight his commitment to South Georgia farmers—including his focus on securing federal disaster assistance to Georgia farmers impacted by these storms, and protecting permanent disaster assistance to provide relief following future natural disasters and stronger storms. The Senator has also championed improving safety net programs for Georgia’s specialty crops and securing federal relief for producers following natural disasters, previously introducing the bipartisan Protecting America’s Orchardists and Nursery Tree Growers Act to reform the Tree Assistance Program (TAP) so it will work more efficiently, improve margins for producers, and help them compete with foreign imports. In 2021, Senator Warnock joined Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) to introduce legislation that will help America’s landowners recover from the loss of timber after natural disasters; the Disaster Reforestation Act improves the tax code to allow forest owners to deduct the value of their timber prior to the loss caused by a natural disaster.

    Read the bipartisan, bicameral letter HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Reverend Warnock Champions Bipartisan Push for Quick Passage of Disaster Relief Legislation

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia

    Senator Reverend Warnock Champions Bipartisan Push for Quick Passage of Disaster Relief Legislation

    Senator Reverend Warnock is urging congressional leadership to act urgently to meet needs of Georgians and Americans impacted by Hurricane Helene
    Effort follows Senator Reverend Warnock’s previous push to congressional leadership to ensure disaster relief resources are made available to agricultural producers following the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene 
    ICYMI: Senator Reverend Warnock Meets with Community Leaders, Surveys Damage in Augusta Following Hurricane Helene 
    Senator Reverend Warnock and lawmakers: “Although the true level of devastation is still unfolding, it is clear that Congress must act to meet the unmet needs in our states and address the scope and scale of destruction experienced by our constituents. This may even require Congress to come back in October to ensure we have enough time to enact legislation before the end of this calendar year”

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and 11 of his colleagues made a bipartisan push urging Senate leadership to quickly pass supplemental government funding legislation to support the millions of Georgians and Americans affected by Hurricane Helene. In a letter to addressed to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Senate Appropriations Chair Patty Murray (D-WA), and Senate Appropriations Vice Chair Susan Collins (R-ME), Senator Warnock and his colleagues lamented the loss of life across the southeast, destruction of communities, and ongoing impacts following Hurricane Helen’s landfall as recovery efforts continue. In the letter, Senator Warnock and his colleagues also indicated that Congress may need to return into session in October to ensure enough time to enact disaster relief legislation this year.

    “The devastation from Hurricane Helene across the southeastern United States is simply inconceivable…Because of a lack of cell service, we anticipate even greater tragedy to unfold in the days and weeks ahead as communications and power are restored and we can understand the full scope of this disaster,” Senator Warnock and his colleagues wrote.

    “Even preliminary damage assessments indicate that, at a minimum, the total damage and economic loss will be in the tens of billions of dollars. This amount will likely soar as recovery efforts continue and the full picture of this ruinous disaster becomes clear,” Senator Warnock and his colleagues continued.

    The letter was led by U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) and, in addition to Senator Warnock, was signed by U.S. Senators Ted Budd (R-NC), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Tim Scott (R-SC), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Rick Scott (R-FL), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Mark Warner (D-VA), and Tim Kaine (D-VA).

    Senator Warnock has been a vocal proponent for additional disaster aid and resources for Georgians, including successfully passing legislation strengthening funding for Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Small Business Administration to address storm damage.

    Text of the full letter is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lankford Issues Joint Statement with Bipartisan Task Forces for Combating Antisemitism on FBI Hate Crime Statistics Report

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Oklahoma James Lankford
    OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) along with Representatives Kathy Manning (NC-06) and Chris Smith (NJ-04), co-chairs of the Senate and House Bipartisan Task Forces for Combating Antisemitism, respectively, released the following statement in response to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) 2023 Hate Crime Statistics Report. The FBI data shows anti-Jewish hate crimes increased in 2023 by nearly 63 percent from 2022, which is the highest number recorded in almost three decades.
    “We are deeply alarmed by the dramatic increase in hate crimes targeting Jewish Americans over the past year, as noted in the FBI’s 2023 Hate Crimes Statistics Report,” said the Members. “With antisemitism skyrocketing across the United States following Hamas’s October 7 terrorist attack on Israel, a whole-of-government approach is needed to protect Jewish communities from violence and hate.”
    Anti-Jewish hate crimes rose from 1,122 to 1,832 incidents from 2022 to 2023. According to the FBI, a total of 16,009 law enforcement agencies, which represent 95.2 percent of the agencies enrolled in the hate crime data collection program, participated in hate crimes reporting for 2023.
    They continued: “As the co-chairs of the House and Senate Bipartisan Task Forces for Combating Antisemitism, we remain steadfast in our commitment to root out the scourge of antisemitism. We’ll continue working across party lines to ensure the federal government keeps Jewish Americans safe from discrimination.”
    Jewish Americans make up around two percent of the US population, yet antisemitic hate crimes accounted for 15.4 percent of all hate crimes reported by the FBI. Anti-Jewish incidents comprised a little over two-thirds of all religion-based hate crimes. 
    As co-chair of the Senate Bipartisan Taskforce for Countering Antisemitism, Lankford has been leading the fight against rising antisemitism. Lankford, along with the co-chairs of the Senate and House Bipartisan Task Forces, introduced a bill to take historic action to counter antisemitism in the United States by establishing a first-ever National Coordinator to Counter Antisemitism. In May, Lankford and Rosen sent a letter urging the Department of Education to designate a senior official to oversee efforts to combat antisemitism on college campuses. They also called on the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee to hold a full hearing on rising antisemitism on college campuses.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Baldwin Introduces Bill to Prevent Fentanyl Trafficking Through U.S. Transportation Networks

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) introduced new legislation to crack down on the trafficking of illicit synthetic drugs, like fentanyl, using the U.S. transportation network. The bill would create first-ever inspection strategies to stop drug smuggling by commercial aircraft, railroads, vehicles, and ships. The legislation would boost state, local and tribal law enforcement resources, deploy cutting edge non-intrusive detection technologies, and increase inspections at ports of entry.

    “I’ve heard from parents who lost children, law enforcement fighting on the front lines, and advocates – all demanding we do more to stop the scourge of fentanyl,” said Senator Baldwin. “I’m fighting this crisis on all fronts – from stopping the precursor chemicals being manufactured in China, to boosting access to overdose reversal drugs, and everything in between. I’m proud to lead this legislation to give our law enforcement the tools they need to stop drug traffickers from using American airports, railways, ports, and roads to smuggle fentanyl into our communities.”

    According to U.S. Government authorities, drug traffickers exploit the U.S. transportation network to smuggle fentanyl, precursor chemicals and other illicit drugs into and throughout the country. Once drugs have entered the country, drug traffickers continue to rely on the national transportation network—trucks, trains and commercial aircraft—to move their product to its final destination.

    Senator Baldwin introduced this legislation with Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Jon Tester (D-MT), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM). The Stop Smuggling Illicit Synthetic Drugs on U.S. Transportation Networks Act of 2024 would:

    • Create a National Prevention Plan: Directs the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) to develop a comprehensive national strategy that examines the entire U.S. transportation network and ports of entry to prevent the smuggling of illicit synthetic drugs.
    • Boost Illegal Drug Detection by Air, Sea, Rail and Road: The bill establishes four new transportation-specific inspection programs—private and commercial aircraft, railroads, commercial vehicles and maritime vessels—to expand detection across all transportation modes and prevent interstate smuggling. State, local, tribal and territorial law enforcement would carry out inspections using non-intrusive technologies and canines, in coordination with federal law enforcement authorities – and without unduly delaying the movement of goods or interrupting interstate commerce.
    • Deploy High-Tech Detection Tools: Directs the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and the ONDCP to accelerate new emerging, non-intrusive technologies, including integrating AI and quantum, to detect illicit synthetic drugs. National laboratories, including Pacific Northwest National Laboratories, are already developing next-generation technologies for fentanyl detection. AI could help increase capacities to integrate multiple sources of data and overcome challenges in identifying fentanyl when it is mixed with other opioids to evade detection.
    • Increase Port of Entry Drug Detections: Currently, only 1-2 percent of passenger vehicles and 15-17 percent of commercial vehicles are scanned at U.S. ports of entry. The bill requires Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to inspect 100 percent of motor vehicles and railroads entering the country through a port of entry within five years, and all civil air cargo and maritime cargo within ten years.
    • Support Law Enforcement Workforce, Technology and Training: Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to provide grants to state, local, tribal and territorial law enforcement to acquire new technology and canines and support overtime and other program-related expenses. It would also increase federal support to state and local crime scene investigators and forensics laboratories to process evidence related to fentanyl crimes and deaths.
    • Improve Data and Information Sharing to Prevent Drug Trafficking: Requires the Director of ONDCP to create a public-private task force to improve intelligence and information sharing among federal, state and local authorities and the private sector to combat drug trafficking.

    “The National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition applauds Senator Cantwell for her work on the Stop Smuggling Illicit Synthetic Drugs on U.S. Transportation Networks Act. The surge in drug poisoning deaths, especially from fentanyl, shows that more needs to be done. We know that a large portion of illegal narcotics are trafficked through our transportation systems, and this legislation will provide the needed resources such as advanced detection technology and canines to enhance law enforcement’s ability to conduct inspections on our nation’s transportation systems,” said Eric Brown, President of the National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition.

    “The Major Cities Chiefs Association thanks Senator Cantwell for taking an innovative approach to fentanyl interdiction with the Stop Smuggling Illicit Synthetic Drugs on U.S. Transportation Networks Act. In cities across the country, resources are strained and the fentanyl crisis is a factor. Federal support is welcome as MCCA member agencies work to curb this crisis and promote safer communities and public health. We look forward to additional engagement on the matter as it moves forward in Congress,” said Laura Cooper, Executive Director of the Major Cities Chiefs Association.

    “Deaths and adverse events from illicit synthetic drugs continue to be at epidemic proportions, yet funding for forensics labs remains stagnant.  This bill prioritizes resources for the professionals on the front lines of the fight against illicit drugs, including fentanyl and other novel psychoactive substances.  We commend members of the Commerce Committee for taking this approach to ensure our forensic experts have the necessary resources and data to combat this epidemic,” said Matthew Gamette, Chair of the Consortium of Forensic Science Organizations.

    “The Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies (ASCIA) appreciates Senator Cantwell’s introduction of the Stop Smuggling Illicit Synthetic Drugs on U.S. Transportation Networks Act of 2024. While recent figures show progress in reducing drug poisoning deaths in the U.S., we are nowhere near where we need to be to protect Americans from the ongoing threat.  This bill would strengthen the ability of agencies at all levels of government to detect and disrupt drug trafficking,” said Drew Evans, President of the Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies.

    “The National High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Directors Association appreciates Senator Cantwell’s efforts to combat the fentanyl crisis and her support for providing critically needed tools and resources for state, local, tribal and federal law enforcement to interdict fentanyl shipments before negatively impacting the communities across the country. Given the profound impact fentanyl has had on families, schools, and communities, this bill will be instrumental in enabling law enforcement agencies participating in the HIDTA program to develop new and innovative strategies to tackle this crisis,” said F. Mike McDaniel, President of the National High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Directors Association.

    “The Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA) strongly supports the Stop Smuggling Illicit Synthetic Drugs on U.S. Transportation Networks Act of 2024. This vital legislation will equip law enforcement with effective tools to combat drug smuggling and the fentanyl crisis, while also enhancing data sharing in the fight against drug trafficking. We extend our gratitude to Senators Cantwell, Tester, Baldwin, Rosen, and Luján for their leadership in advancing this important initiative,” said Megan Noland, Executive Director of Major County Sheriffs of America.

    Senator Baldwin has been fighting to combat the fentanyl and opioid crisis, disrupting supply chains and bolstering support for prevention and recovery services. As Chair of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee that oversees the U.S. Coast Guard, Senator Baldwin held a hearing in September  on the Coast Guard’s role in combatting the fentanyl crisis and stemming the flow of drugs into the United States. She worked to pass the FEND Off Fentanyl Act to stem the flow of the drug from coming into the U.S. by cracking down on Chinese chemical suppliers and Mexican cartels. Senator Baldwin also fought to pass a bipartisan bill that would have helped bolster border security and technology and reform parts of the immigration system.

    As Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (LHHS), Senator Baldwin wrote the government funding bill that funds the opioid response program and successfully fought to get it signed into law. Senator Baldwin also led the charge to improve the reach of the funding through her State Opioid Response Grant Authorization Act, giving Wisconsin increased funding and more flexibility in administering federal investments.

    A one-pager on this bill is available here. Full text of this legislation is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: King Street Rail Yard to Receive Major Upgrades, Allowing State-of-the-Art Trains to Service Seattle

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
    10.02.24
    King Street Rail Yard to Receive Major Upgrades, Allowing State-of-the-Art Trains to Service Seattle
    Upgrades will remove final obstacle to Washingtonians enjoying brand-new Amtrak Airo trainset; Seattle will be first city in the U.S. to deploy Airo trains
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) announced that Amtrak will invest nearly $300 million in conducting major upgrades to the King Street Station rail yard. The project will support the introduction of new, state-of-the-art Amtrak Airo trains, which are set to enter service in 2026.
    “These federal funds will enable Seattle to become the first place in America to host Amtrak’s new Airo trains, which will offer Washingtonians a more environmentally friendly and modern ride along the I-5 corridor. Building more capacity at Seattle’s King Street Yard will not only create full-time construction jobs, it means decades of jobs security for the dedicated train mechanics already working there,” Sen. Cantwell said.
    Amtrak’s Airo trains feature redesigned interiors with improved comfort and accessibility, and will produce 90% less particulate emissions than their predecessors. They will also eliminate the need for engine changes at certain stations, resulting in reduced downtime at those stops. Seattle will be home to the first Airo trains in the country.
    The King Street Coach Yard employs 135 mechanical workers, and the upgrade project will support 120 construction jobs.
    In addition to supporting the new trains, the upgraded rail yard will enable modern, more efficient maintenance practices. Trains for the Cascades, Coast Starlight, Empire Builder, and Sounder routes are all maintained in Seattle. The renovated yard will operate without the use of fossil fuels for heating, allowing it to take advantage of the Pacific Northwest’s abundant renewable energy.
    Thanks to Sen. Cantwell’s leadership, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provided $58 billion for passenger rail, including $22 billion for Amtrak – the largest bipartisan investment in passenger rail in history.
    Following route cancellations during the pandemic, Sen. Cantwell urged the Amtrak CEO and director nominees to commit to the full-service restoration of the Amtrak Cascades route. Due to her advocacy, the Seattle to Vancouver, B.C., service has been open since September 2022. And in March 2023, Sen. Cantwell announced that a second daily trip was restored, bringing service back to pre-pandemic levels. Recently, in December 2023, Amtrak fulfilled another promise to Sen. Cantwell and added two more daily roundtrips between Seattle and Portland for a total of seven daily round trips.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: WA Law Enforcement & Tribes Receive $6.9M From DOJ For Resources to Fight Fentanyl Crisis, Gun Violence, Violence Against Women

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
    10.02.24
    WA Law Enforcement & Tribes Receive $6.9M From DOJ For Resources to Fight Fentanyl Crisis, Gun Violence, Violence Against Women
    Grants go to municipal police departments across the state, as well as the Quileute, Kalispel, & Colville Tribes; Money to help prosecution of sex & domestic violence crimes, speed ID of fentanyl overdoses, reduce sex crime DNA testing backlog
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) announced that several state and municipal law enforcement agencies, tribal justice departments and programs, and medical examiner offices will receive a total of $6,915,941 from the Department of Justice to help address some of the State of Washington’s most pressing public safety challenges. 
    “Washington state has made tremendous progress over the past decade in nearly eliminating its 30,000 rape kit backlog, but we can’t let up — this funding will help police labs test more DNA samples faster,” Sen. Cantwell said. “These federal resources will also help us better identify fatal drug overdoses, and provide more services to support and protect women in our cities and in tribal communities.”
    The money will be used to, among other things, process DNA evidence faster, prosecute violence against women and children cases, identify fatal overdoses, ease inmates’ transitions upon release, and mitigate the impact of juvenile gun violence.
    The grants announced by DOJ today include:
    $2,459,640 for the Washington State Patrol (WSP) in FY24 Formula DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction funding. This grant will provide additional training, supplies, equipment, and wages for the five existing casework DNA laboratories in the WSP Crime Laboratory Division. These resources will help increase the number of samples analyzed, as well as shorten the turnaround time for sample analysis.
    $1,710,078 for the Quileute Indian Tribe in FY24 Office on Violence Against Women Special Tribal Criminal Jurisdiction Grant Program funding. This grant will help support the tribe in prosecuting domestic and sexual violence, trafficking, stalking, violence against children, violation of a protection order, and assault of a tribal officer. The project also aims to help the tribe maintain sovereignty, including when a crime is committed by a non-tribal member on tribal land.
    $863,977 for the Lummi Indian Business Council in FY24 Office on Violence Against Women Special Tribal Criminal Jurisdiction Grant Program funding. This grant will help support the tribe in prosecuting domestic and sexual violence, trafficking, stalking, violence against children, violation of a protection order, and assault of a tribal officer. The project also aims to help the tribe maintain sovereignty, including when a crime is committed by a non-tribal member on tribal land.
    $610,000 for the Kalispel Indian Community in Office on Violence Against Women FY24 Tribal Sexual Assault Services Program funds. This grant will help the Kalispel Indian Tribe hire a full-time sexual assault advocate to provide crisis intervention, emergency services, advocacy and referrals; spread awareness for resources that support survivors of sexual assault; and manage an emergency hotline.
    $473,385 for the Washington State Patrol (WSP) in FY24 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program formula funding. This grant will be divided up across multiple law enforcement agencies to improve post-mortem exams, reduce backlogs, and better identify fatal drug overdoses. Recipients will include:
    $211,257 for the King County Medical Examiner to support a statewide fatal drug overdose surveillance network;
    $67,358 for the Pierce County Medical Examiner to outsource postmortem toxicology testing to a private laboratory;
    $33,500 to the Chelan County Coroner to purchase a mortuary cooling system and powered body lift with a scale;
    $22,700 for the Franklin County Coroner to purchase a yearlong maintenance contract for a drug identifying system, a body lift, and roller rack;
    $1,895 for the Lewis County Coroner to purchase a generator and battery for a mass fatality trailer and six scene lights;
    $19,972 for the Skagit County Coroner to purchase a fingerprint scanner, two elevated autopsy carts, and a scissor lift;
    $58,225 for the Spokane County Medical Examiner to purchase testing kits for a drug identifying system and adult body bags;
    $8,120 for the Yakima Valley Local Crime Laboratory to help obtain accreditation for the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network Program;
    $14,067 for the WSP Missing Persons and Unidentified Persons Unit to fund travel and registration for training and consultants to reduce the backlog;
    $31,249 for the WSP Toxicology Laboratory to outsource evidence kits to coroners and medical examiners across the state.
    $424,623 for the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation in FY24 Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation funding. This funding will aid the tribe in hiring a new Reentry Coordinator to monitor inmates before their release, while in transition, and the following six months. The coordinator will help with identifying housing needs, employment, education, mental health and substance abuse counseling services, and more. 
    $268,588 for the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC) in FY24 Project Safe Neighborhoods Formula Grant Program funding. This grant will help WASPC foster strategic partnerships with state and local partners across the Pacific Northwest, with the goal of reducing juvenile gun violence.
    $105,650 for the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC) in FY24 Project Safe Neighborhoods Formula Grant Program funds. This grant will help the Kennewick Police Department continue under the Project Safe Neighborhood initiative for the Eastern District of Washington. KPD launched their Project Safe Neighborhood project one year ago to focus on improving data-informed procedures for deploying police and reducing violent crime – the first year focused on establishing a strategic plan, and the second year will focus on data-informed efforts specific to gun violence.
    For decades, Sen. Cantwell has remained a steadfast supporter of municipal and tribal law enforcement across Washington state, and has advocated for technology that helps investigators use DNA to solve crimes faster. Last year, she reintroduced a bill to reauthorize the Debbie Smith Act through 2029, which would provide state and local law enforcement agencies with resources to reduce the national backlog in analyzing DNA evidence from untested rape kits. In 2002, Sen. Cantwell cosponsored the Advancing Justice Through DNA Technology Act, which unanimously passed in the Senate. This bill included key provisions of the Debbie Smith Act and authorized $275 million over five years.
    Sen. Cantwell has pushed for more resources to help combat violence against women and children — as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives at the time, Sen. Cantwell voted to pass the Violence Against Women Act in 1994. She has continued to support reauthorizing and expanding this important law, such as by strengthening protections for indigenous women and children. According to the National Institute for Justice, over 1.5 million or 84% of American Indian and Alaska Native women report experiencing violence in their lifetime. To help tribal communities protect against domestic violence, Sen. Cantwell championed key provisions in the 2013 and 2022 VAWA reauthorizations, which secured a tribe’s power to seek justice against non-native perpetrators of domestic violence against Native women and children.
    Sen. Cantwell also drafted legislation that would help municipalities adopt a real-time mapping software that keeps track of overdoses  — helping first responders, law enforcement, and public health professionals better direct resources to places experiencing spikes. She introduced the Opioid Overdose Data Collection Enhancement Act last month.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Coons, Risch, Shaheen, Young to introduce Sudan Accountability Act to protect the Sudanese people and hold perpetrators of war crimes accountable

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 2, 2024

    CONTACT: Will Baskin-Gerwitz at 202-224-5042 or Will_Baskin-Gerwitz@coons.senate.gov

    Senators Coons, Risch, Shaheen, Young to introduce Sudan Accountability Act to protect the Sudanese people and hold perpetrators of war crimes accountable

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Jim Risch (R-Idaho) today announced their intention to introduce the Sudan Accountability Act to respond to the civil war in Sudan that has been raging since April 2023. In addition to Senators Coons and Risch, this legislation is cosponsored by Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Todd Young (R-Ind.).

    Fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has created the world’s worst ongoing humanitarian crisis. More than 20,000 Sudanese have been killed since fighting broke out last April. Ten million people have been displaced – 2 million of whom have had to leave the country as refugees – and more than 25 million people are suffering from severe hunger. Massacres in Darfur and other regions across the country by RSF militias have become regular occurrences. A peace process still seems far away, as both sides and nations across Africa and the Middle East focus more on securing access to Sudan’s natural resources. Democratic prospects have dimmed since a 2021 coup by General Abdel Fattah Burhan and the SAF, who had proceeded to consolidate their control and shut out civil society before the war broke out.

    “It is time for Congress to act on Sudan,” said Senator Coons. “Failing to act as the Sudanese people are forced to flee or die in their homeland is a choice that we do not accept. The Sudan Accountability Act will advance and protect the rights of all Sudanese, hold the perpetrators of war crimes and their supporters accountable, expand humanitarian access, and support efforts to bring an end to this disastrous conflict.”

    “The Sudanese people continue to suffer unspeakable atrocities, including genocide and war crimes,” said Senator Risch. “It is past time the perpetrators of these atrocities be held accountable. While securing a cease-fire and addressing humanitarian needs are crucial, protecting civilians and preventing further atrocities must also be a priority. This legislation requires a clear strategy, resourcing, and leadership on Sudan by the U.S. government to protect civilian welfare, particularly that of women and children. Congress will oversee these efforts to ensure accountability is adequately pursued.”

    “The war in Sudan has created the most devastating humanitarian crisis in the world, including record rates of sexual- and gender-based violence committed in large part by the Rapid Support Forces,” said Senator Shaheen. “The international community must support the Sudanese people’s demands for protection and justice and the warring parties must come to the table to end this war. I’m proud to introduce this legislation that sends an unmistakable, bipartisan message that the United States will seek accountability for any individual, state, or entity that commits war crimes or crimes against humanity in Sudan and perpetuates this awful conflict.”“The situation in Sudan is heartbreaking and one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world,” said Senator Young. “The United States and the international community cannot ignore this situation, nor can we stand silent as external actors fuel the conflict. Our bipartisan legislation will shed a light on these atrocities, help hold the perpetrators of war crimes in Sudan accountable, and support a broad humanitarian response.”

    The Sudan Accountability Act is the most comprehensive bill in the Senate to date to address the ongoing war in Sudan. The legislation takes important steps to shed light on the atrocities occurring in Sudan and determine if they constitute genocide; hold perpetrators and their supporters accountable; offer services to innocent civilians; and support the protection of the Sudanese people. It will:

    • Advance and protect the internationally recognized human rights of all Sudanese, regardless of ethnicity, religion, gender, or geographic area of origin;
    • Document war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide and hold perpetrators accountable;
    • Mandate a strategy to ensure unrestricted humanitarian access to vulnerable populations and prevent human trafficking, sexual and gender-based violence, and the recruitment of child soldiers; 
    • Authorize assistance to support victims of atrocities;
    • Enhance civilian protection and evaluate options to deter attacks on civilians and humanitarian workers;
    • Support mechanisms for dialogue and conflict resolution and ensure inclusion of Sudanese women in these efforts.

    The full text of the bill is available here.   

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto, Rosen Announce Over $20 Million to Improve Public Safety

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto
    Grant funding breakdown available here.
    Las Vegas, Nev. – Today, U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) announced more than $20 million in new federal funding they secured to improve public safety in Nevada. These funds from the Department of Justice (DOJ) will support state, local, and Tribal law enforcement, courts, and services for victims of crime and abuse across Nevada. The full list of DOJ grants Sens. Cortez Masto and Rosen helped secure is available here.
     “Every Nevadan deserves to feel safe in their home and in their community, and that’s what this funding is about,” said Cortez Masto. “I will always stand proudly with law enforcement and advocates in Nevada to hold criminals accountable, keep our communities safe, and deliver the support and justice that victims deserve.”
    “One of my top priorities in the U.S. Senate is to deliver the resources to keep Nevada families safe,” said Senator Rosen. “This funding will help advance public safety, support victims, and fight crime across our state – including in our rural and Tribal communities. I’ll always work across the aisle to support our law enforcement and public safety.”
    Senators Cortez Masto and Rosen consistently push for the resources Nevada’s law enforcement community needs. Last week, they announced nearly $1 million in COPS funding for Nevada police, on top of the $1 million in COPS funding they secured in 2023. Recently, they also highlighted nearly $1 million in federal community project funding to provide mental health training and support to thousands of firefighters, law enforcement officers, and first responders. Both Senators also helped reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act last year, which provides critical support to victims of domestic violence across the country.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Shaheen, Collins Applaud Senate Passage of Bipartisan Resolution to Establish October 2nd as Energy Efficiency Day

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen
    (Washington, DC) – U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Susan Collins (R-ME) announced their bipartisan resolution to designate today, October 2, 2024, as Energy Efficiency Day passed the Senate unanimously. The resolution celebrates and promotes the economic and environmental benefits gained from investing in energy efficiency.
    “Investing in energy efficiency benefits our environment, our businesses and Granite State families,” said Senator Shaheen. “I’m proud the Senate passed our bipartisan resolution designating today as Energy Efficiency Day and celebrating the key role energy efficiency programs play in creating jobs, lowering costs for families and reducing our carbon footprint.”
    “The adoption of energy efficient practices saves consumers in Maine and across the country money,” said Senator Collins. “This resolution is an important reminder of the significant advancements we have made in energy efficiency over the past decade, most recently through the bipartisan infrastructure law.”
    The text of the Senators’ resolution can be found HERE.
    Co-sponsoring the resolution are U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-DE), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Jack Reed (D-RI), Joe Manchin (I-WV), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Angus King (I-ME), Tina Smith (D-MN), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Ed Markey (D-MA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Mark Warner (D-VA) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN).
    Shaheen has championed work to secure federal investments in clean energy and energy efficiency initiatives and to lower energy costs across New Hampshire. In the FY24 government funding bills, Shaheen helped defend key efficiency programs at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) from cuts, including securing $366 million for weatherization efforts and $66 million for the State Energy Program, which works to bring down energy bills for families and communities. Shaheen also secured continued support for the annual U.S. Energy and Employment Report (USEER) that tracks key jobs data in the energy sector.
    Recently, Shaheen, as Chair of the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, hosted a field hearing and resource fair at the University of New Hampshire in Manchester on  investments in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act that can help small businesses lower their energy costs, transition to the clean energy economy and build resilience. Following the field hearing, small businesses participated in a resource fair and met with federal agencies and state business support programs.
    Shaheen was a lead negotiator of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which made huge investments in energy efficiency, including $550 million for Industrial Research and Assessment Centers and assistance for small- and medium-sized manufacturers to implement efficiency upgrades based upon her longstanding bipartisan legislation with former U.S. Senator Rob Portman. Granite Staters looking for energy efficiency resources can check out Senator Shaheen’s Federal Energy Resource Guide.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn, Colleagues’ Bill to Strengthen Cross-Border Trade, Guard Against Terrorism Signed Into Law

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Tom Carper (D-DE), James Lankford (R-OK), and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) released the following statements after their legislation to create a pilot program to strengthen the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) program was signed into law:
    “In order for America to remain competitive in global markets, we must ensure our ports are open, efficient, and secure,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This law will allow additional trusted trading partners to expedite shipments important to Texas’ economy while protecting against illegal goods and national security threats.”
    “I am proud that the bipartisan Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) Pilot Program Act has been signed into law,” said Sen. Carper. “This commonsense bill will improve the reliability and efficiency of our supply chains in expediting the customs clearance process for trusted merchants. Now that it’s become law, the CTPAT Pilot Program will help reduce congestion at ports of entry and strengthen our national security.”
    “America’s supply chain security is essential to keeping food on the table and businesses up and running,” said Sen. Lankford. “This bill will create a new pilot program to strengthen standards for border security while streamlining our trade with other nations.”
    “I am glad that President Biden has signed this commonsense, bipartisan bill into law to help strengthen our supply chains and keep our country safe, secure, and free,” said Sen. Hassan. “This bill will help our economy continue to thrive and stay competitive in today’s ever changing world.” 
    The legislation was introduced in the House by Representatives Morgan Luttrell (TX-08), Elissa Slotkin (MI-07), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), and Robert Menendez (NJ-08).
    Background:
    CTPAT was created as a part of the SAFE Port Act of 2006 to support secure cross-border trade through a fast-track, customs clearance process for trusted merchants who voluntarily submit themselves to enhanced security screening measures. The legislation would create a pilot program that would allow up to 20 trusted non-asset and asset based, third-party logistic providers (3PLs) to become CTPAT certified. The carrier companies would work with Customs and Border Protection to become CTPAT certified by meeting additional security requirements and participating in inspections throughout the cargo transit process.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Klobuchar, Smith Announce Federal Funding for Todd Field Airport

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn)
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced they secured significant federal funding for Todd Field Airport for infrastructure improvements. The grant provides $214,749 to resurface 3,501 feet of Runway 16/34, 1,340 feet of taxiway, 278 feet of other surfaces, and 9,320 square yards of general aviation apron pavement. The funding will also be used to rehabilitate 400 square feet of the parking lot and 1,000 feet of the terminal entrance access road. 
    “Todd Field Airport is an essential link for residents and businesses in Long Prairie and beyond,” said Klobuchar. “This federal grant will make needed infrastructure updates to ensure the airport can continue serving travelers for years to come.”
    “I’m glad to see the Biden-Harris administration once again delivering for travelers in Minnesota and around the country,” said Smith. “Small and regional airports like the Todd Field Airport are vital parts of their communities and this funding will go directly towards repaving the runway and other important surfaces.”
    This funding is from the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which provides federal grants for airport infrastructure projects such as runways, taxiways, signage, lighting, and markings.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: PHOTOS: Capito, Archivist of the United States Visit West Virginia University

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito
    MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – At the invitation of U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Dr. Colleen Shogan, 11th Archivist of the United States, joined Senator Capito for a series of visits at West Virginia University (WVU) in Morgantown, W.Va. to highlight the special and historical collections at WVU Libraries. Dr. Shogan’s visit to WVU comes during American Archives Month.
    Senator Capito and Dr. Shogan’s visits included a tour of the Libraries Depository and the Modern Congressional and Political Papers Collection at the WVU Libraries Depository and a roundtable discussion they hosted with WVU students to discuss the work of the Archives, as well as Dr. Shogan’s unique career path and her success as the first woman appointed to lead the National Archives and Records Administration. Additionally, Senator Capito and Dr. Shogan both separately toured the West Virginia & Regional History Center (WVRHC).
    “I appreciate Dr. Shogan for following up on her promise to me that she would come to West Virginia to see the extensive and historical efforts being done by WVU Libraries. We had a productive visit and saw firsthand how the work happening at WVU Libraries will benefit generations of historians, educators, and students for years to come,” Senator Capito said. “The National Archives is home to our nation’s most important documents and the ideas and inspirations that emanate from them. Today’s visit helped shine a light on the significant role academic institutions—like WVU—play in helping preserve our history, while informing the future.”
    “I’m thrilled to have joined Senator Capito in conversation at West Virginia University, and I loved my tour of the incredible work being accomplished at WVU Libraries,” Archivist of the United States Dr. Colleen Shogan said. “It is always a privilege to speak before tomorrow’s leaders, and especially to discuss the work of the National Archives, where we preserve, protect, and share the stories of all Americans.”
    Dr. Shogan is the 11th Archivist of the United States, and is the first woman appointed to lead the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). A noted author and political scientist, Dr. Shogan is deeply committed to civic education and public engagement, and she has made it a priority to expand the reach of National Archives to a wider audience.
    Following Dr. Shogan’s nomination to serve as Archivist, Senator Capito has strongly supported her. Senator Capito personally introduced Dr. Shogan at her nomination hearing in front of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee in September 2022. With Senator Capito’s support, Dr. Shogan was confirmed by the Senate on May 10, 2023 and sworn in to the position in September 2023, with Senator Capito in attendance at her swearing in ceremony.
    Photos from today’s visit are included below:

    U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Dr. Colleen Shogan, Archivist of the United States, visit West Virginia University (WVU) in Morgantown, W.Va. on Wednesday, October 2, 2024.

    U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Dr. Colleen Shogan, Archivist of the United States, visit West Virginia University (WVU) in Morgantown, W.Va. on Wednesday, October 2, 2024.

    U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Dr. Colleen Shogan, Archivist of the United States, pictured with West Virginia University (WVU) students in Morgantown, W.Va. on Wednesday, October 2, 2024.

    MIL OSI USA News –