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Category: US Senate

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senate’s Annual Defense Bill Includes Senator Hassan’s Bipartisan Legislation to Support Gold Star Families

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Maggie Hassan
    WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate’s proposed National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) includes two bipartisan bills which U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) helped introduce to expand access to job training services for Gold Star and surviving spouses and help guarantee readmittance to higher education for National Guard and Reserve students.
    “We can never fully repay our debt to those who gave their lives in the service of our country, but we can work to ensure that their loved ones do not walk alone,” Senator Hassan said. “Gold Star families deserve nothing less than our full support, and one way we can do this is by providing job training for surviving spouses. I am also glad that the Senate’s package includes legislation I pushed for to help make it easier for National Guard and Reserve members to complete their higher educations. This year’s annual defense bill will support and honor those who help keep America safe, secure, and free, and I will continue to work with my colleagues in the House and Senate to get it passed into law.”
    This year, the NDAA put forward by the Senate includes the following Hassan-led bipartisan bills:
    The bipartisan Gold Star and Surviving Spouse Career Services Act, which Senator Hassan introduced with Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), and Eric Schmitt (R-MO). The legislation – which has been endorsed by American Legion, Military Officers Association of America, National Partnership for Women and Families, and Tragedy Assistance Programs for Survivors (TAPS) – would increase access to job counseling services through the Disabled Veterans Outreach Program to spouses of members of the Armed Forces who died while serving in the military or of a service-connected disability. The program provides every state with funding to hire specialists who provide individualized career counseling services to eligible veterans, and this bill would expand the program so that surviving spouses can also use these services.  
    The bipartisan SERVE Act, introduced by Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) and Senator Hassan, would ensure that students who serve in the National Guard and Reserve are guaranteed readmission to their schools following a mobilization. Under current law, the readmission requirements for service members only guarantee readmittance to an educational institution if the student is deployed for more than 30 days. The SERVE Act would remove the “more than 30 days” stipulation and guarantee a student will be readmitted promptly at the same academic status.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 09/20/2024 Blackburn, Graham, Rubio, Colleagues Condemn Palestinian Effort Targeting Israel at UN

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)
    NASHVILLE, Tenn. – U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), and 27 of their Republican colleagues issued a joint statement in response to the Palestinian Mission to the United Nations (UN) submitting a disgraceful and flagrant resolution. This resolution was submitted ahead of the UN General Assembly and targets the Jewish State of Israel and its rightful control over its historic homeland.
    The Senators wrote, “This proposal introduced by the Palestinian delegation, ahead of the United Nations’ General Assembly, is an absolute disgrace that rewards terrorism. It is a clear insult to the Jewish people and anyone who understands history.”
    Senators continued, “As we approach the one-year anniversary of the barbaric terrorist attack by Hamas and affiliated Palestinian terrorist groups against innocent Israeli civilians, which involved murder, mutilation, and sexual violence, the international community must unequivocally unite against this evil, one-sided effort to delegitimize Israel. Instead of proposing biased and counter-productive initiatives, which will do nothing to advance a lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians, the international community must focus its energy and resources on ensuring Hamas and other terrorist groups are completely destroyed. We must remain firm to ensure every single hostage held by these terrorists is safely returned to their loved ones.”

    CO-SIGNERS:

    U.S. Senators Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), John Kennedy (R- La.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Kevin Cramer (R- N.D.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), and Katie Boyd Britt (R-Ala.) joined this statement.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Risch Statement on Northwest Energy Planning Project

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho James E Risch
    BOISE, Idaho – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) released the following statement upon the launch of the Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest Regional Energy Planning Project.
    “The last thing Idahoans need is the Biden-Harris administration forcing its extreme mandates on our energy planning, transmission, and infrastructure decisions. This is another thinly veiled attempt to push for breaching the lower Snake River dams. We need more reliable, baseload power, not less. Fortunately, this administration has absolutely no authority to remove these dams. That power rests with Congress alone. These dams aren’t going anywhere.”
    Risch has been a staunch defender of the lower Snake River dams and introduced the Northwest Energy Security Act to protect the operation of the Federal Columbia River Power System.
    In 2022, the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) released a draft report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) advocating for breaching at least one of the Lower Snake River dams to improve salmon populations. It also published a study commissioned by the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) laying out scenarios to replace power generated by the dams.
    Following four years of comprehensive scientific study of the Columbia River System Operations, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation and Bonneville Power Administration released a record of decision in September 2020 affirming the four dams’ critical importance to the region.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 09/18/2024 Blackburn, Blumenthal Statement on House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Passage of Kids Online Safety Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) released the following statement on the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s passage of the bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act:
    “Children are dying every single day at the hands of social media companies. The House Energy and Commerce Committee’s passage of KOSA is a positive step towards protecting our children online. While we still have more work to do on KOSA, we are pleased that we are one step closer to having this legislation signed into law before the end of the 118th Congress. We applaud Chairwoman McMorris-Rodgers (R-Wash.) for moving forward with the Kids Online Safety Act and thank her and her staff for their hard work on this legislation, along with Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.) and Kathy Castor (D-Fla.).” – Senators Blackburn and Blumenthal

    BACKGROUND:

    In July 2024, the Senate passed the bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act, 91-3, the first major reform to the tech industry since 1998.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SULLIVAN & KAINE INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE “BLUE STAR WELCOME WEEK”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Dan Sullivan
    09.20.24
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.), members of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), announced the introduction of a bipartisan resolution to designate September 21-29, 2024, as “Blue Star Welcome Week.” Blue Star Welcome Week is a nationwide campaign to build a better sense of belonging and community for military families, many of whom face frequent moves and transfers. 
    “Alaska’s military members and their families sacrifice so much on behalf of our state and our country,” said Sen. Sullivan. “Frequent moves can put strain on families trying to establish ties in the communities in which they serve. Blue Star Welcome Week is an opportunity to reach out and connect with our brave men and women in uniform and their loved ones who serve our country to make them feel welcomed and supported by their fellow Americans.”
    “Many servicemembers and their families are stationed in Virginia, and I’m proud that the Commonwealth has welcomed them into our communities,” said Sen. Kaine. “Blue Star Welcome Week is an opportunity to thank military families for their sacrifices, connect with our neighbors, and help military families feel at home in their new communities.”
    Full text of the resolution is available here.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden, Merkley Announce $200,000 Federal Award for Farmers Conservation Alliance in Central Oregon

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)

    September 20, 2024

    Washington D.C.— U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced the Farmers Conservation Alliance in Bend has earned a $200,000 Energizing Rural Communities award from the U.S. Department of Energy.  

    “In my meetings and town halls throughout Oregon, I hear regularly from farmers and ranchers about the negative impacts the climate crisis is wreaking on their land and crops,” Wyden said. “Organizations like Farmers Conservation Alliance that work to optimize irrigation and energy resources are crucial to help our farmers continue to produce the fresh, local bounty we enjoy here in Oregon.”   

    “Climate chaos continues to make the West hotter and dryer, depleting water resources for people, farms, and wildlife,” said Merkley. “This federal funding is great news for the Farmers Conservation Alliance in Bend to modernize irrigation systems. I will keep fighting to make sure our water systems are sustainable, reliable, and climate smart.” 

    “Farmers Conservation Alliance works with rural communities to improve their water and energy infrastructure,” said Julie Davis O’Shea, Executive Director, Farmers Conservation Alliance. “The recognition and financial support from the Department of Energy’s Energizing Rural Communities Prize supports our continued ability to build energy resiliency in some of the nation’s most underserved communities.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Remarks by Vice President Harris at a Campaign Event | Atlanta,  GA

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    Cobb Energy Performing Arts CentreAtlanta, Georgia
    3:21 P.M. EDT
     THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Can we please hear it for Dr. Reddick?  Please.  (Applause.)
    Please have a seat, everyone.  Please have a seat. 
    It’s so good to be back in Atlanta.  Thank you all.  (Laughs.)  (Applause.)  Thank you. 
    You know, I — I just want to say —
    AUDIENCE MEMBER:  (Inaudible) to have you.
    THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.  (Laughter.)
    I just — I want to say about Dr. Reddick — you know, I — some of you may have seen I did a — an event last night with Oprah Winfrey and — (applause) — and that — it highlighted so many tragic stories, but it also highlighted so many important issues, which is why everyone has taken time out of your busy lives to be here this afternoon.  And it highlighted the importance of a Dr. Reddick.  
    AUDIENCE:  Yes.
    THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Because the courage, Dr. Reddick, that you are showing in the face of these arcane and immoral laws, to stand so publicly and talk about your commitment to your oath and to the health and well-being of people who need to be seen and treated with dignity is so extraordinary. 
    And I do believe, in moments of crisis, the world has a way of revealing the heroes among us.  (Applause.)  And I would say, Dr. Reddick, you are one of them.  Thank you very much.  Thank you.  (Applause.)  Thank you, thank you, thank you. 
    And thank you to all of the elected and community leaders who have joined us today.  (Applause.)  Thank you, thank you, everybody — everybody who is here.
    So, Georgia, the- — this election right here is a fight for the future.  (Applause.) 
    AUDIENCE:  Yes!
    THE VICE PRESIDENT:  It is a fight for the future, and it is a fight for freedom — for freedom. 
    And we know, in America, freedom is not to be given.  It is not to be bestowed.  It is ours by right.  (Applause.)  It is ours by right, and that includes the fundamental freedom of a woman to be able to make decisions about her own body and not have her government telling her what to do.  (Applause.)  Yes, we must trust women.
    And we all know how we got here.  When Donald Trump was president, he hand-selected three members of the United States Supreme Court — the court of Thurgood and RBG — with the intention that they would overturn the protections of Roe v. Wade.  And as he intended, they did.
    And now more than 20 states have Trump abortion bans — extremists that have passed laws that criminalize health care providers, doctors and nurses, and punish women.  In two states of those states, they provide for prison for life — prison for life for health care providers for simply providing reproductive care, the care they so earnestly and rightly believe must be delivered.  All Trump abortion bans. 
    And think about this: Many of these bans make no exception even for rape and incest. 
    Now, many of you know I started my career as a prosecutor specializing in crimes of violence against women and children.  What many of you may not know is why. 
    So, when I was in high school, my best friend, I learned, was being molested by her stepfather.  And I said to her, “Look, you’ve got to come and stay with us.”  I called my mother.  She said, “Of course she does.”  And she came and she stayed with us. 
    And so, I made the decision early in my life that I wanted to do the work that was about protecting the most vulnerable among us and doing the work that was about giving them dignity in the process. 
    AUDIENCE MEMBER:  Thank you.
    THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And so — well, thank everybody here for being here, standing in solidarity around the importance of that.  (Applause.)
    And so, I say to you, then, from that experience and from the work that I’ve done, the idea that someone who survives a crime of violence to their body — a violation of their body — would not have the right to make a decision about what happens to their body next, that’s immoral.  That’s immoral.
    And let us agree, and I know we do: One does not have to abandon their faith or deeply held beliefs to agree the government should not be telling her what to do.  (Applause.)
    If she chooses — if she chooses, she will talk with her pastor, her priest, her rabbi, her imam.  But it should not be the government or Donald Trump telling her what to do with her body.  (Applause.)
    And think about it — the stories that Dr. Reddick shares with us, the stories we heard last night, the stories we’ve been hearing for two years. 
    One in three women in America lives in a state with a Trump abortion ban.  This includes Georgia and every state in the South except Virginia. 
    Think about that when you also combine that with what we know has been long-standing neglect around an issue like maternal mortality.  Think about that when you compound that with what has been long-standing neglect of women in communities with a lack of the adequate resources they need for health care — prenatal, during their pregnancy, postpartum.  Think about that. 
    And these hypocrites want to start talking about “this is in the best interest of women and children.”  (Applause.)  Well, where you been?  Where you been — (applause) — when it comes to taking care of the women and children of America?  Where you been? 
    How dare they?  How dare they?  Come on. 
    And — and we understand the impact of these bans and the horrific reality that women and families — their husbands, their partners, their parents, their children are facing as a consequence every single day. 
    Since Roe was overturned, I have met women who were refused care during a miscarriage — wanted to have a child, suffering a miscarriage.  I met a woma- — a woman — I’ve actually met several who were turned away from the emergency room.  One, at early stages after the Dobbs decision came down, told me with tears — she was with her husband — about how only when she developed ses- — sepsis did she receive emergency care.  Only when she developed sepsis did she receive emergency care. 
    And now we know that at least two women — and those are only the stories we know — here in the state of Georgia died — died because of a Trump abortion ban. 
    One — and we heard about her story last night — a vibrant, 28-year-old young woman.  She was ambitious.  You know, we — I talked with her mother and her sisters about her, and they described such an extraordinary life of a person.  She was excited.  She was working hard.  She was a medical assistant.  She was going to nursing school, raising her six-year-old son. 
    She was really proud that she had finally worked so hard that she gained the independence.  Her family was telling me that she was able to get an apartment in a gated community with a pool for her son to play in.  She was so proud, and she was headed to nursing school. 
    And her name — and we will speak her name —
    AUDIENCE:  Yes.
    THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Amber Nicole Thurman. 
    AUDIENCE:  Amber Nicole Thurman.
    THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Amber Nicole Thurman.
    AUDIENCE:  Amber Nicole Thurman. 
    THE VICE PRESIDENT:  That’s right. 
    And she had her future all planned out, and it was her plan.  You know, let’s understand — just take pause on that for a moment.  She had her plan, what she wanted to do for her son, for herself, for their future.  And so, when she discovered that she was pregnant, she decided she wanted to have an abortion, but because of the Trump abortion ban here in Georgia, she was forced to travel out of state to receive the health care that she needed. 
    But when she returned to Georgia, she needed additional care, so she went to a hospital.  But, you see, under the Trump abortion ban, her doctors could have faced up to a decade in prison for providing Amber the care she needed. 
    Understand what a law like this means.  Doctors have to wait until the patient is at death’s door before they take action. 
    You know, on the other side of my — you know, the — the other folks, th- — Trump and his running mate, and they’ll talk about, (deepens voice) “Oh, well, yeah, but I — you know, I — I do believe in the exception to save the mother’s life.”  (Laughter.)  Okay.  All right.  Let’s break that down.  Shall we? 
    AUDIENCE:  Yes!
    THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Let’s break that down.  (Applause.)  Let’s break that down. 
    So, we’re saying that we’re going to create public policy that says that a doctor, a health care provider, will only kick in to give the care that somebody needs if they’re about to die? Think about what we are saying right now.  You’re saying that good policy, logical policy, moral policy, humane policy, is about saying that a health care provider will only start providing that care when you’re about to die? 
    And so, Amber waited 20 hours — 20 hours, excruciating hours — until finally she was in enough physical distress that her doctors thought they would be okay to treat her.  But it was too late.  She died of sepsis.  And her last words to her mother — which her mother, as you know, tears up and cries every time she speaks it — last words to her mother, “Promise me you’ll take care of my son.” 
         So, I met last night and I spent time with Amber’s mother and her sisters, and they spoke about Amber — a daughter, a sister, a mother — with the deep love that you can imagine and how terribly they miss her.  And their pain is heartbreaking.  It’s heartbreaking. 
     Amber’s mother, Shanette, told me that the word “preventable” is over and over again in her head when she learned about how her child died — the word “preventable.”  She cannot — she can’t stop thinking about the word that they spoke to her.  It was “preventable.” 
    Because, you see, medical experts have now determined that Amber’s death was preventable.  And through the pain and the grief of her mother, who courageously told her story, I promised her, as she has asked, that we will make sure Amber is not just remembered as a statistic — (applause) — that she will not just be remembered as a statistic, so that people will know she was a mother and a daughter and a sister and that she was loved and that she should be alive today — (applause) — and that she should be alive today.
    And many of us remember — there’s so many leaders here — from two years ago when the Dobbs decision came down, we knew this could happen.  There is a word “preventable,” and there is another word: predictable. 
    AUDIENCE:  Yes!
    THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And the reality is for every story we hear of the suffering under Trump abortion bans, there are so many other stories we’re not hearing but where suffering is happening every day in our country, an untold number of people suffering.
         Women who are also being made to feel as though they did something wrong.  The judgment factor here is outrageous — being made as though to feel as though they are criminals, as though they are alone. 
    So, to those women, to those families, I say on behalf of what I believe we all say: We see you, and you are not alone, and we are all here standing with you.  (Applause.)  Standing with you.  You are not alone.  You are not alone.  (Applause.)
    So, Georgia —
    AUDIENCE MEMBER:  We will not be silent.
    THE VICE PRESIDENT:  We — and we will not be silent.
    AUDIENCE:  We will not be silent.
    THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And we will not be silent.  But this is a health care crisis. 
     AUDIENCE:  Yes!
    THE VICE PRESIDENT:  This is a health care crisis, and Donald Trump is the architect of this crisis.  He brags about overturning Roe v. Wade.  In his own words, quote, “I did it, and I’m proud to have done it,” he says.  He is proud. 
    Proud that women are dying?  Proud that doctors and nurses could be thrown in prison for administering care?  Proud that young women today have fewer rights than their mothers and grandmothers? 
    How dare he?  How dare he?
    And in our debate last week — (laughter and applause).  Well, that was fun.  (Laughs.) 
    But — and I know everyone here paid attention to the words, though — the words, right? 
    AUDIENCE MEMBER:  (Inaudible.)
    THE VICE PRESIDENT: (Laughs.)  I’m trying to get another debate.  We’ll see.  (Laughter.)
    But in our debate last week, remember when he said: Everyone wanted Roe v. Wade to be overturned.
    AUDIENCE MEMBER:  I don’t know where “everyone” is.
    THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Well, exactly.  I don’t know where everyone is either, because — (laughter and applause) — women have been arrested and charged for miscarriages.  They didn’t want that. 
     AUDIENCE:  No!
    THE VICE PRESIDENT:  I — I was speaking with a physician who is here, who has, in her professional experience, been administering care to girls.  And what we know is that 12- and 13-year-old survivors of assault are being forced to carry a pregnancy to term.  They didn’t want this. 
    AUDIENCE:  No!
    THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And couples just trying to grow their family being cut off in the middle of IVF treatments, they didn’t want this. 
    AUDIENCE:  No!
    THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And on that last point, you probably saw, this week, for the second time, Republicans in the United States Senate blocked a bill that would protect access to IVF treatment. 
    Now, consider among the multitude of ironies the fact that, on the one hand, these extremists want to tell women they don’t have the freedom to end an unwanted pregnancy, and on the other hand, these extremists are telling women and their partners they don’t have the freedom to start a family.  Okay.  And they want to restrict access to contraception as well.
    And now Donald Trump says that he would personally cast his vote in Florida, which is where he now lives, to support their extreme abortion ban, just like the one that is here in Georgia.  And —
    AUDIENCE MEMBER:  Felons can’t vote!  (Laughter and applause.)
    THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Well, that’s a whole different policy discussion that we’ll have for another day.  (Laughter.)
    But let’s understand, if he is — if he is elected again as president, Donald Trump will go further.  (Applause.)  But we know what we’re up against, and we must — we must speak of the stakes.  We must remind — everybody here knows, but we got to remind our friends, our neighbors, our coworkers: The stakes are so high. 
    Because, if he is elected again, I am certain he will sign a national abortion ban, which would outlaw abortion in every single state.  And he would create a national anti-abortion coordinator — look at Project 2025 — and force states to report on women’s miscarriages and abortions.  It’s right there.
    I can’t believe they put that Project 2025 in writing.  (Laughter.)  I — I — they — they put it — they literally put it in writing.  They bound it.  (Laughter.)  They handed it out.  I mean, they are simply out of their minds.  (Laughter and applause.)
    And it’s clear that they just don’t trust women. 
    AUDIENCE:  They don’t.
    THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Well, we trust women.  We trust women.  (Applause.)
    And like Dr. Reddick said, when Congress passes a bill to restore reproductive freedoms, as president of the United States, I will so proudly sign it back into law.  (Applause.)  I will so proudly sign it into law.  Proudly sign it into law.  (Applause.)
    So, 46 days to go.  And let us remember that momentum on this and so many issues — momentum is on our side.  (Applause.)
    Let’s remember, since Roe was overturned, every time reproductive freedom has been on the ballot — from Kansas to California to Kentucky; in Michigan, Montana, Vermont, and Ohio — the people of America have voted for freedom.  (Applause.)  The people of America have voted for freedom — and not just by a little but by overwhelming margins, from so-called red states to so-called blue states, providing and making clear, also, this is not a partisan issue.  This is not a partisan issue.  And it is proving that the voice of the people has been heard and will be heard again — and will be heard again.  (Applause.)
    So, 46 days to go in probably the most consequential election of our lifetime. 
         And with that, then, today, I ask: Georgia, are you ready to make your voices heard?  (Applause.)
         Do we trust women?  (Applause.)
         Do we believe in reproductive freedom?  (Applause.)
         Do we believe in the promise of America?  (Applause.) 
         And are we ready to fight for it?  (Applause.) 
         And when we fight —
         AUDIENCE:  We win!
         THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — we win.  (Applause.)
         God bless you.  And God bless the United States of America.  (Applause.)
         Thank you.  Thank you.  Thank you all for being here.  (Applause.)
                                 END                3:44 P.M. EDT

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Remarks as Prepared for Delivery by First Lady Jill  Biden at a Celebration of the 25th Anniversary of The West  Wing

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    The Rose Garden
    “Tell her where you are.”
    That was President Bartlet’s suggestion to Donna.
    For the entire episode, Donna had been trying to find a way to recognize her high school English teacher, Mrs. Morello—who went above and beyond for her school in Wisconsin.
    In the end, President Bartlet calls Donna into the Oval Office. Charlie has Mrs. Morello on the phone. And Donna doesn’t know what to say.
    “Tell her where you are.”
    And Donna says: “Mrs. Morello, I’m in the Oval Office with the President of the United States, and it’s because of you.”
    Now, I teach writing at a community college not too far from here—so I might be a little biased in bringing up this moment. And I want to thank Aaron and everyone who contributed to that episode for that beautiful tribute to educators everywhere.
    We just came from the Oval.
    Because even though Joe is away hosting the leaders of Australia, India, and Japan in Delaware, he wanted to make sure President Bartlet and his staff had a chance to see the Oval Office again.
    I often talk to my students about the power of good storytelling—because it can inspire and shape our world.
    When The West Wing lights up our screens, every swell of the opening theme, every fast talking, fast walking journey through seemingly endless halls—every performance—changes how we see the public servants behind these white walls, striving for a better tomorrow.
    Thank you to Warner Brothers for making today possible.
    And I’m glad to have so many wonderful members of Joe’s Cabinet joining us.
    I’m grateful to everyone on stage for taking the time to be here, because your work inspired so many to step forward and serve our country—maybe even some of the people here today: working in Congress, at non-profits and on political campaigns, or at the White House.
    That’s the power of storytelling—to inspire the Donnas and Charlies of the world who know they have something to give to this country—and the Mrs. Morellos, who may not serve in Washington, but change us for the better all the same.
    So anytime we begin to slip into cynicism or apathy—we just have to remember Jed Bartlet’s White House. A place where there are big blocks of cheese and everyone belongs.
    Where you do good.
    That’s the story The West Wing showed the nation: this family we create here, dedicated to a purpose greater than any one of us.
    I see it every day.
    It’s something that’s close to my heart, because, with every new hire, the Biden family grows too.
    Yes, the work is hard and the days are long. Yes, there are times when the weight of all we have before us can feel too heavy to carry. But that’s where the heart lies, where the future is created, side by side with our family of true believers—hope pushing us forward each step, each day, until the world is as it ought to be.
    Now, it’s my pleasure to introduce, President Bartlet—or as he’s sometimes known, Martin Sheen.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Q&A: Healthy Moms and Babies

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    Q: How are you supporting families who are struggling with infertility?
    A: According to recent federal statistics, more than 13 percent of women under age 49 are affected by infertility. Coping with infertility, miscarriages and stillbirths takes a painful, emotional toll on families. I’m co-sponsoring legislation that affirms support for those facing infertility and fosters solutions to make meaningful medical advances in reproductive care. The Reproductive Empowerment and Support through Optimal Restoration (RESTORE) Act would expand access to restorative reproductive medicine within existing federal programs. Americans struggling with the anguish and uncertainty of infertility deserve better testing, diagnoses and treatment that a whole-of-government approach can bring. As a co-sponsor of the RESTORE Act, I support marshalling federal resources to promote research on the leading causes of infertility and provide training for medical professionals to learn how to diagnose and treat infertility. Let’s do what’s possible to ensure aspiring parents have information about evidence-based treatments to address underlying medical issues related to their fertility challenges.
    Unfortunately, the issue of reproductive health has been turned into a political football during this presidential election year. Specifically, the Democrat Majority Leader has scheduled votes twice in four months to manufacture a crisis about access to in vitro fertilization (IVF), which is not in question. Democrats intentionally loaded up their bill with poison pills like expensive programs and mandates that go well beyond simply protecting access to IVF while rejecting Republican alternatives to further support families utilizing IVF. The Democrat Majority is needlessly creating anxiety for people who already shoulder burdens of loss and despair. The RESTORE Act seeks to beef up the medical community’s focus on underlying reproductive health issues, such as endometriosis, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids and more. Treating underlying conditions causing infertility is a common sense solution. Learning more about the causes of infertility will help find cures and answer the prayers of so many Americans who want to be called “Mom” and “Dad.” Although IVF is one example of the miracles of modern medicine, we also must pursue robust holistic approaches to reproductive care and infertility, including education, testing, diagnosis and treatment. Let’s also be clear on one important fact: Access to IVF is not in jeopardy. It’s legal in all 50 states. I know many families, including pro-life families, who have benefitted from IVF. I support IVF and am proud to advocate for pro-life, pro-family and pro-mother policies in the United States Senate.
    Q: What other priorities are you pushing to improve maternal health?
    A: This summer Rep. Ashley Hinson and I scored a victory for expectant moms across America when our bill to help reduce stillbirths was signed into law. Tragically, approximately 21,000 babies are stillborn every year in the United States. The Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act paves the way for Title V funds of the Social Security Act to be used for stillbirth prevention activities and programs. It will help curb infant mortality by enabling evidence-based stillbirth initiatives to qualify for federal funding. The tragedy of losing a baby to stillbirth after 20 weeks of pregnancy delivers immeasurable pain and heartache to families. What’s more, women who experience a stillbirth are more likely to die and have increased morbidity. Our bill will help improve maternal health and save babies by expanding resources for health care providers to proactively talk to their patients about stillbirth prevention strategies. I give a lot of credit to Iowa grassroots advocates for their leadership and commitment to help get this bill across the finish line. It’s an example of government of, by and for the people. For the third consecutive year, I co-sponsored the bipartisan National Stillbirth Prevention Day resolution to recognize those who have endured loss through stillbirth. Raising public awareness will lend urgency to public health efforts to help save lives.
    As an outspoken advocate for rural health care, I’m aware of the challenges faced by expectant moms living in rural areas to access prenatal and OB care. A lack of obstetric services and shortages in the health care workforce put patients and quality of care in rural areas at risk. I’ve introduced the Healthy Moms and Babies Act to address the maternal health crisis that particularly affects women of color and mothers living in rural America. In Iowa, more than 20 labor and delivery units have closed in the last decade. I’ll continue working with stakeholders to push for community-driven solutions and supports, including expanding telehealth services. My Healthy Moms and Babies Act would expand telehealth access for expectant and postpartum mothers to help lower mortality rates and improve patient outcomes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 80 percent of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable. I’ll continue pushing at the federal level to improve access to high-quality care for moms and babies, including my long-time support for the Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program.
    National Stillbirth Prevention Day is September 19, 2024. Sen. Grassley delivered remarks at a reception hosted by Iowa-based Healthy Birth Day, Inc. to celebrate congressional progress on stillbirth awareness and prevention measures.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden, Merkley Announce Federal Investment in Manufacturing Equipment for Columbia Gorge Community College

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)

    September 20, 2024

    Washington D.C.— U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced a nearly $300,000 federal investment for Columbia Gorge Community College to add manufacturing equipment to its Advanced Manufacturing and Technology program. 

    “In my nearly 1,100 town halls throughout Oregon, I hear regularly about the need for local workforce development and creating avenues of success for young Oregonians,” Wyden said. “I’m gratified this federal investment in the Gorge combines both those objectives by giving Oregon’s future workforce and entrepreneurs the practical tools they need to help them blaze their own trails.” 

    “If we don’t make things in America, we won’t have a middle class in America, and when Oregon’s manufacturing industry does well, all Oregonians benefit,” said Merkley, who secured funding for this community-initiated project as a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “This Columbia Gorge Community College program helps set a path for young Oregonians to reach high-paying careers in manufacturing—opportunities they may not see in the traditional classroom setting. This is the exact kind of project that Senator Wyden and I are pushing to fund, and we’ll keep pushing to ensure CGCC has the necessary equipment to support its programs.” 

    This funding from the National Institute of Standards and Technology  will allow the community college to add milling and additive manufacturing equipment into its Columbia Gorge Regional Skills Center, aligning student training with the needs of the industry while fostering small business growth by providing public access to the equipment.

    “The Columbia Gorge Regional Skills Center is an exemplification of Columbia Gorge Community College’s (CGCC) commitment to fostering inclusive prosperity in our region through education and innovation,” said Dr. Kenneth Lawson, Columbia Gorge Community College President. “By providing access to state-of-the-art 3D printing, CNC milling, and welding equipment, we are empowering students, local, and statewide small and medium businesses alike to transform their ideas into tangible products. This initiative aligns perfectly with CGCC’s mission to ensure that everyone in our community has the opportunity to succeed. We are incredibly grateful for Senator Ron Wyden’s and Senator Jeff Merkley’s unwavering support in again securing this vital grant from NIST, which enables us to continue offering these invaluable resources and programs.” 

    “The impact of the Regional Skills Center extends far beyond the classroom, driving economic growth by supporting local entrepreneurs and small businesses,” said Robert Wells-Clark, Lead Instructor of Advanced Manufacturing & Fabrication at Columbia Gorge Community College. “Our ‘Community Fridays’ initiative shows how CGCC is bridging the gap between great ideas and their realization, providing access to essential tools and guidance at minimal cost. This approach not only democratizes access to advanced manufacturing technology but also strengthens our regional economy by fostering innovation right here at home. We deeply appreciate Senators Wyden’s and Merkley’s assistance in securing this grant, which allows us to continue this important work and further enhance the skills and capabilities of our community.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Following Apalachee High School Shooting, Senator Reverend Warnock Spotlights Harmful Impact of Gun Violence on Nation’s Youth

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia

    ICYMI: Following Apalachee High School Shooting, Senator Reverend Warnock Spotlights Harmful Impact of Gun Violence on Nation’s Youth

    Senator Reverend Warnock hosted a panel discussion titled “Youth Under Fire: Addressing Gun Violence in Our Communities” during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 53rd Annual Legislative Conference (ALC)

    The forum followed a deadly school shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia that took the lives of two students and two teachers

    Senator Reverend Warnock previously examined the impact of gun violence in the Black community during a forum at last year’s ALC

    This year’s panel discussion featured Greg Jackson, the Deputy Director of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, Congresswoman Lucy McBath, and several other gun violence activists

    Senator Reverend Warnock: “This public health crisis is undoubtedly stealing generations of youth from the Black community, and the American people are crying out for action on this issue”

    Above left to right: Senator Reverend Warnock, Dr. Roger Mitchell, Jr., Armani White

    Washington, D.C. – Last week, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) convened survivors and gun safety advocates for a forum aimed at addressing the dangerous, deadly consequences of the nation’s gun violence epidemic on young people, particularly Black youth, during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 53rd Annual Legislative Conference (ALC) in Washington, D.C. The panel discussion, titled “Youth Under Fire: Addressing Gun Violence in Our Communities”,was Senator Warnock’s second session focused on efforts to curb gun violence at the ALC, and was held in the wake of the shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, GA that claimed the lives of two teachers and two students. 500 conference participants and community members, including high school students, attended the session.

    “This public health crisis is undoubtedly stealing generations of youth from the Black community, and the American people are crying out for action on this issue,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “They want commonsense gun safety reform, but there’s a growing chasm between what the people want and what they can get from their government.”

    Above Left: The Youth Under Fire: Addressing Gun Violence in Our Communities panel discussion

    Above Right: Gregory Jackson, Deputy Director of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention & Senator Reverend Warnock

    Senator Warnock moderated the discussion, which included remarks from Gregory Jackson, Deputy Director of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention and Special Assistant to the President; Dr. Roger Mitchell, Jr., President of Howard University Hospital; Congresswoman Lucy McBath (D-GA-07), who lost her son, Jordan, to gun violence in 2012, Maciah King-Brooks, a gun violence student advocate in the DMV and partner for Guns Down Friday; Zoe Touray, a survivor of the 2021 Oxford High School shooting in Michigan that killed four students, youth activist, founder of S.E.E (Survivors Embracing Each Other), and a March For Our Lives national spokesperson; Hip-Hop artist Armani White, Mariah Cooley, Midwest Advocacy Associate with the Community Justice Action Fund; and Angela Ferrell-Zabala, Executive Director of Moms Demand Action.

    Above Left: Maciah King-Brooks, student advocate and partner for Guns Down Friday & Senator Reverend Warnock

    Above Right: Zoe Touray, founder of Survivors Embracing Each Other & Senator Reverend Warnock

    Senator Warnock has vocally championed efforts to address the gun violence crisis in the United States, as a pastor and legislator. Following the tragic shooting in Winder, Senator Warnock met with students and families from the Apalachee High School community, and honored the victims on the Senate floor while calling for Congress to come together to pass popular gun safety reforms supported by broad swaths of the American public, regardless of political ideology; the Senator’s speech marked his third time lamenting a mass shooting in Georgia on the Senate floor.

    Additionally, since arriving to the Senate, Senator Warnock has championed several pieces of legislation to curb rampant, routine gun violence and help make communities safer, including cosponsoring bills to ban assault weapons, institute universal background checks on firearms, and the bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the first gun safety reform legislation passed by Congress in over 30 years.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fischer Announces Advancement of Nearly Half Billion in NE Broadband Funding

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nebraska Deb Fischer

    U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, announced that the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has accepted Nebraska’s proposal for $405,281,070 in broadband deployment funding through the BEAD program.

    The funding for this program was initially provided by the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law, which Senator Fischer     supported. However, the Biden-Harris administration rejected Nebraska’s earlier proposals to access this funding due to its own agency rules, which deviated from the law Congress passed. Those rejections, combined with a slow rollout at NTIA, delayed funding delivery.

    Senator Fischer has worked with NTIA and Nebraska’s Broadband Office to facilitate better communication from the federal agency and ensure acceptance of the State’s proposal, which was finally announced on Wednesday.

    Ultimate release of funding to the state still depends on a final proposal that will detail the funding distribution process.

    “All Nebraskans need internet access, so I’m very pleased that Nebraska’s proposal for this broadband buildout funding has finally been accepted. I’d like to thank Patrick Haggerty and the Nebraska Broadband Office for their hard work in reaching this milestone. I will continue to support the advancement of Nebraska’s final proposal in the upcoming year so that we can finally bring this funding home,” said Senator Fischer.

    “This is a historic federal investment for our state, and the Nebraska Broadband Office carefully gathered feedback statewide to draft this proposal. We are grateful for Senator Fischer’s dedication to expanding broadband access for every Nebraskan, and we are confident that this proposal will achieve that shared goal,” said Patrick Haggerty, State Broadband Director, Nebraska Broadband Office.

    Background:

    During a Senate Appropriations Committee Hearing in May, Senator Fischer pressed Commerce Department Secretary Gina Raimondo on NTIA’s misguided rate regulation efforts, which caused the proposal rejections. 

    Senator Fischer also joined her Senate colleagues in sending a letter to Vice President Kamala Harris regarding her mismanagement of federal broadband initiatives, which President Biden specifically tasked her to manage.

    Senator Fischer also sent letters to NTIA and the Commerce Department voicing concerns with the Biden-Harris administration’s additional barriers and hurdles to federal broadband deployment programs. The additional requirements not only went beyond Congress’ direction, but also delayed internet services to unserved and underserved Americans.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murkowski presents Chief Reverend Dr. Trimble Gilbert with nation’s highest honor in folk and traditional arts

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Lisa Murkowski

    09.20.24

    Washington, DC – This week, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) was honored to present Chief Reverend Dr. Trimble Gilbert the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) National Heritage Fellowship in a ceremony in Washington, D.C. Chief Gilbert is a traditional chief from Arctic Village in Alaska, and is a master Gwich’in Athabascan fiddler and renowned culture bearer. The fellowship is the nation’s highest honor in folk and traditional arts. Ten recipients from around the country were presented with this prestigious honor by the Chair of the NEA, Maria Jackson at the Library of Congress. 

    In January of this year, Senator Murkowski traveled to Arctic Village to personally deliver the news to Chief Gilbert that he was being honored and present him with the certificate of recognition.

    “To see this luminary, this master who hails from tiny Arctic Village in northern Alaska receive this recognition on a national stage, was truly special,” said Senator Murkowski. “Chief Reverend Dr. Gilbert taught himself the fiddle by watching, listening, and then adding his own heritage and culture to create a style that is truly unique and Alaskan. He has made it his life’s mission to share his craft, his culture and his wisdom with his people and you can see the effect it has in Arctic Village through their vibrant community events. Alaskans know the treasure they have in this extraordinary elder – and now the whole country knows of Chief Gilbert’s gift as well.”

    Upon acceptance of the award in Washington D.C., Chief Gilbert shared his motivation for fiddling and hosting fiddle dances as a pathway to sobriety and individual and community wellness.

    “One of the reasons we do that [fiddle dancing], is because we love each other and life is very important to us, and we don’t want to suffer with alcohol… We’ve been using our traditional way of life for thousands of years, and sharing is the number one in our country…Alcohol is a tough situation, but we stand together and try to help each other for the future generations.”

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Readout of President  Biden’s Meeting with Prime Minister Albanese of  Australia

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. met Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia today in Wilmington, Delaware. The President thanked the Prime Minister for his partnership and highlighted the progress made in strengthening bilateral ties since the Prime Minister’s Official Visit to Washington, D.C., last October.  The leaders underscored that the U.S.-Australia Alliance remains the core of the bilateral relationship, and welcomed the depth of cooperation across its three pillars: defense and security, economic, and climate and clean energy. The leaders noted the recent Australia-United Kingdom-United States (AUKUS) Joint Leaders Statement reaffirming their shared commitment to advance this historic trilateral partnership and promote a free and open Indo-Pacific that is secure and stable.  The leaders reflected on the strength of the economic relationship and discussed progress over the past two years to modernize the Alliance in the face of new challenges, including addressing climate change and the clean energy transition. They also reaffirmed their commitment to expand cooperation to build more diverse and resilient critical minerals supply chains and accelerate the transition to clean energy in accordance with the “Compact” they signed in Hiroshima, Japan, in May 2023. The two leaders also discussed their support for maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, their continued assistance to Ukraine as it defends itself against Russia’s brutal aggression, and their support for a sustainable ceasefire and increased humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. The leaders discussed their respective diplomacy with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and their shared concerns about the PRC’s coercive and destabilizing activities, including in the South China Sea. The President welcomed Australia’s contributions to the Quad, its growing partnership with Japan, and its active engagement in the Pacific region, where the United States intends to provide $1.5 million to support the World Bank’s efforts to strengthen correspondent banking relationships in Pacific Island countries.    The leaders committed to continue deepening the bilateral partnership to advance their shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Casey Pushes for Confidential Briefing on Questions Related to Charleroi Pyrex Plant

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Pennsylvania Bob Casey

    In letter to Senate Finance Committee Chair, Senator Casey asked for a confidential briefing from the Federal Trade Commission about the failed acquisition of Charleroi plant by private equity company that preceded eventual takeover by Anchor Hocking

    Anchor Hocking has since announced plans to close the plant, threatening over 300 jobs in Charleroi

    Casey: ‘Shutting down this factory will not only cost over 300 hardworking Pennsylvanians their jobs, but for a community of over 4,000 residents—it will be devasting to morale and to all the families who call Charleroi ‘home’”

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey, member of the Senate Finance Committee, sent a letter to Senate Finance Committee Chair Senator Ron Wyden to request a confidential briefing from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on questions concerning Anchor Hocking’s assumption of control over the Pyrex manufacturing operation in Charleroi. Specifically, Casey requested a briefing on the failed acquisition of Instant Brands’ Houseware division, which included the Charleroi plant, by Centre Lane Partners during Instant Brands’ chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings in 2023. After the failed acquisition, a Centre Lane company, Anchor Hocking, assumed control of the Charleroi Pyrex plant and is now planning to close the facility.

    “After this failed acquisition, I have been informed that Anchor Hocking, a Centre Lane company, assumed control over the Charleroi Pyrex plant in March.  This raises questions, especially given the subsequent actions taken by Anchor Hocking,” wrote Senator Casey. “Earlier this month, Anchor Hocking informed the over 300 employees at the Charleroi plant that it would be closing the factory’s doors after 132 years of operations. Glass manufacturing in Charleroi has a proud legacy, and this plant has served as the backbone of this community for generations. Shutting down this factory will not only cost over 300 hardworking Pennsylvanians their jobs, but for a community of over 4,000 residents—it will be devasting to morale and to all the families who call Charleroi ‘home.’”

    Immediately upon learning of Anchor Hocking’s plans to close the plant on September 5th, Senator Casey’s office reached out to the plant’s union leadership and Charleroi Borough officials, connecting them with federal and state authorities. Casey’s office also helped convene a task force of county commissioners, borough officials, and local economic development leaders. Casey’s staff also alerted the White House Interagency Working Group on Coal and Power Plant Communities and Economic Revitalization to the situation, leading to a plant visit by federal officials on September 11th. On September 19th, Senator Casey sent a letter to Anchor Hocking’s CEO demanding an explanation for the closure and urging the company to reconsider its actions.

    Casey has long been a fierce advocate for Mon Valley workers and businesses. Last year, Casey successfully advocated for the inclusion of the Monongahela and Allegheny Rivers as part of the U.S. Marine Highway System, which opened up new federal opportunities along the corridors that can benefit local Southwestern Pennsylvania communities like Charleroi. In November 2023, Casey pushed to increase and diversify the flow of American-made goods along major Southwestern Pennsylvania waterways. Earlier this year, he secured language in the FY 2024 spending bill l directing the Interagency Working Group on Coal and Power Plant Communities and Economic Revitalization to convene stakeholders to discuss waterway freight diversification and economic development in the Ohio, Allegheny, and Monongahela River Corridor. This task force will help connect riverfront communities with federal resources from laws like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act.

    Read the full letter HERE and below:

    September 20, 2024

    The Honorable Ron Wyden

    Chairman

    Committee on Finance

    United States Senate

    Washington, DC 20510

    Dear Chairman Wyden:

    I write to request that you, as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, request a confidential briefing from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for both our offices on the failed acquisition of Instant Brands’ housewares division—including the Pyrex manufacturing operation in Charleroi, Pennsylvania—by the private equity firm, Centre Lane Partners (“Centre Lane”) during Instant Brands’ chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings in 2023, and any other actions the FTC has considered related to this facility.

    After this failed acquisition, I have been informed that Anchor Hocking, a Centre Lane company, assumed control over the Charleroi Pyrex plant in March.[1] This raises questions, especially given the subsequent actions taken by Anchor Hocking.  Earlier this month, Anchor Hocking informed the over 300 employees at the Charleroi plant that it would be closing the factory’s doors after 132 years of operations.[2] Glass manufacturing in Charleroi has a proud legacy, and this plant has served as the backbone of this community for generations. Shutting down this factory will not only cost over 300 hardworking Pennsylvanians their jobs, but for a community of over 4,000 residents—it will be devasting to morale and to all the families who call Charleroi “home.”

    Yesterday, I sent a letter to the Anchor Hocking CEO demanding answers on how Anchor Hocking came to control the Charleroi Pyrex plant, as well as his decision to close it.[3] With the livelihoods of hundreds of Pennsylvanians hanging in the balance, however, we must have all the information available to demand answers and exhaust all federal avenues to fight for these Pennsylvania workers.

    Pursuant to the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act’s disclosure clause,[4] I understand the sensitivity of such matters, and I can assure you that neither I nor my staff will disclose any non-public information provided during the briefing. Thank you for your assistance in this matter.

    [1] https://www.monvalleyindependent.com/2024/09/06/glass-making-is-important-part-of-charlerois-history/

    [2] https://www.cbsnews.com/pittsburgh/news/charleroi-glassmaking-plant-shutting-down/

    [3] https://www.casey.senate.gov/news/releases/casey-to-ceo-keep-glass-plant-jobs-in-charleroi

    [4] 15 U.S.C. § 18a(h)

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Casey, Fetterman, Scanlon, Boyle, Evans Secure More than $217 Million for PhilaPort

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Pennsylvania Bob Casey

    Funding will expand port to increase shipping capacity and efficiency

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA) and U.S. Representatives Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA-5), Dwight Evans (D-PA-3), and Brendan Boyle (D-PA-2) announced the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority (PhilaPort) is receiving a total of $217,000,000 in funding to expand the operational capacity of the SouthPort terminal. The operational expansion will create a new space for ships and expand onloading and offloading capacity and efficiency. This award is from the National Infrastructure Project Assistance (MEGA) Program, which was created and funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).

    “The infrastructure law is helping the port transport more goods, which will create good jobs in Southeastern Pennsylvania. This game-changing investment in PhilaPort will ensure that the port remains a critical force in the Nation’s supply chain and the Commonwealth’s economy.” said Senator Casey. “I will always fight to improve our shipping hubs to ensure that the Commonwealth’s waterways boost economic growth and create and sustain good jobs.”

    “I’m proud to see this $217 million funding coming to the SouthPort terminal. By expanding the terminal and increasing capacity, the Department of Transportation is investing in Pennsylvania as a leader in trade and infrastructure and supporting the communities that rely on these jobs every day. I thank the Biden-Harris Administration for their continued investment in Pennsylvania’s future,” said Senator Fetterman.  

    “The Port of Philadelphia is a critical driver of good-paying jobs for our regional economy. I’m so pleased to see this critical funding coming to our region to bring more cargo to the Port,” said Representative Scanlon.

    “This funding will improve Philadelphia port infrastructure and will allow greater efficiency in handling and transporting goods. Most of all, this funding will create jobs by increasing trade, and enhancing global competitiveness. Philadelphia ports must always be kept updated and modernized to remain competitive in both the regional and global supply chain economy,” said Congressman Boyle.

    “I was proud to vote for the Biden-Harris administration’s infrastructure and jobs law, and it’s again delivering for Philadelphia and the region with $217 million in federal funding – that is a major investment in our future!” said Congressman Evans.

    The $217,200,000 investment from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is made possible by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). This funding will expand the port’s operational capacity by creating more space to for vessels to dock at the port and increasing on and offloading efficiencies. Specifically, this funding will support the construction of a second berth which will improve the port’s ability to on and offload goods from ships. Additionally, the funding will support infill construction, which will expand the port by approximately ten acres. This port expansion will ensure that the port can remain a competitive and efficient shipping hub.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rubio, Colleagues to Garland: Tren De Aragua Continues to Terrorize Our Nation

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Florida Marco Rubio

    Rubio, Colleagues to Garland: Tren De Aragua Continues to Terrorize Our Nation
    Sep 20, 2024 | Press Releases

    Tren de Aragua, a criminal Venezuelan transnational organization known for committing major international crimes such as human trafficking, drug-trafficking, arms trafficking, and money laundering, continues to terrorize communities across our nation. Following calls from members of Congress, in July 2024, the Biden-Harris Administration designated Tren de Aragua as a Transnational Crime Organization (TCO). 
    U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) and colleagues sent a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland asking the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate the TCO and requesting measures to protect the American people. 
    “We are extremely concerned with recent reports that U.S.-designated transnational criminal organization (TCO), Tren de Aragua, is expanding its presence within the United States. Given the damaging consequences of their violent crimes on the American people, we write to urge the Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate Tren de Aragua’s rapid expansion to various states and localities.
    “After my Republican colleagues and I stressed the heinous and bold crimes committed by Tren de Aragua in American cities, the administration finally designated and sanctioned Tren de Aragua as a TCO. Nevertheless, it appears these efforts occurred too late to prevent the current tragedy that is unfolding across our country – even in communities far from the border.”
    Joining Rubio were Senators Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), and John Hoeven (R-ND) as well as U.S. Representatives María Elvira Salazar (R-FL), Carlos Giménez (R-FL), Jenniffer González-Colón (R-PR), and Mario Díaz-Balart (R-FL).
    The full text of the letter is below. 
    Dear Attorney General Garland:
    We are extremely concerned with recent reports that U.S.-designated transnational criminal organization (TCO), Tren de Aragua, is expanding its presence within the United States. Given the damaging consequences of their violent crimes on the American people, we write to urge the Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate Tren de Aragua’s rapid expansion to various states and localities. After urging President Biden to designate Tren de Aragua as a TCO in March 2024, we welcomed the Treasury Department’s decision to sanction Tren de Aragua as a TCO in July 2024. However, recent reports reveal a disturbing trend across the United States.
    From day one of this administration, President Biden and Vice President Harris have made disgraceful decisions that have directly contributed to more than 8.5 million illegal aliens crossing the border. Not only has this crisis caused significant burdens for states as resources are stretched to the limit to accommodate illegal aliens, but it also undercuts the stability and security of our local communities. Tren de Aragua engages in particularly vicious activity in victimizing populations and maintaining sources of income, such as sex and migrant trafficking and the distribution of illegal drugs.
    The administration’s weak enforcement of immigration laws allows gangs, like Tren de Aragua, to control routes and exploit migrants en route to the border. After my Republican colleagues and I stressed the heinous and bold crimes committed by Tren de Aragua in American cities, the administration finally designated and sanctioned Tren de Aragua as a TCO. 
    Nevertheless, it appears these efforts occurred too late to prevent the current tragedy that is unfolding across our country – even in communities far from the border. When President Biden took the oath of office, he swore to not only faithfully execute the Office of the President, but to also “preserve, protect and defend the Constitution.” Implicit in this oath is the understanding that the President will defend this country and to execute its laws. With our communities falling prey to Venezuelan and other criminal organizations – who not only willfully violate the laws of the land, but also now threaten American citizens – the President and the executive branch are failing in its responsibilities laid out in the Constitution. 
    As such, we urge the DOJ to investigate Tren de Aragua’s presence across the country. We also request answers to the following questions: 
    What cities or locations, across the United States, is the DOJ is concerned about the presence or influence of Tren de Aragua?
    Since the designation of Tren de Aragua as a TCO, has the DOJ allocated resources or assistance to local law enforcement anywhere in the country?
    Moving forward, what additional steps will DOJ take to counter the continued infiltration and activities of Tren de Aragua across the country?
    Is the DOJ coordinating with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Department of State about known Tren de Aragua members and networks in the U.S., and overseas, in order to prevent such members from obtaining visas to the United States or being granted parole at a U.S. port of entry? 
    Thank you for your prompt attention to this important matter. 
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sens. Scott, Booker Spearhead Legislation to Increase Access to Comprehensive Care for Sickle Cell Patients

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott
    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) introduced the Sickle Cell Disease Comprehensive Care Act. The legislation would allow State Medicaid programs to provide comprehensive care to sickle cell disease (SCD) patients through a health home model. Health homes have been used by state Medicaid programs to provide coordinated care through a provider team model to patients with chronic conditions. Health home services include care management, care coordination, and patient-family support services.
    “Nearly 100,000 Americans have sickle cell disease—many of whom are left without access to consistent care,” said Senator Scott. “I am glad to work on this bipartisan legislation to help treat this disease that affects thousands of Americans from minority communities. Creating access to high-quality comprehensive care to avoid costly emergency room visits continues to be a top priority of mine for folks facing diseases like SCD.”
    According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), around 50% of people with sickle cell disease are on Medicaid. Due to limited access to care, many SCD patients have difficulty managing their symptoms which ultimately results in costly emergency department visits and worsened health outcomes. The senators’ legislation directs CMS to establish a SCD Health Home to improve access to high-quality, outpatient care for Medicaid beneficiaries with SCD in states that submit a state plan amendment (SPA).
    The text of the legislation can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Cramer: Department of Energy Awards $200,000 to SAGE Development Authority

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
    BISMARCK, N.D. – The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) announced an award of $200,000 to SAGE Development Authority, a federally chartered Section 17 Corporation created by the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. This award, funded through OCED’s Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas (ERA) Program, will support clean energy projects. 
    The ERA Program was established by the fully-paid-for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. It seeks to improve the resilience, reliability, safety, availability, and environmental performance of energy systems serving the nation’s rural or remote areas with populations of less than 10,000 people. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: U.S. Department of Defense Awards Grand Sky Over $11 Million to Build a New Fire Station

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
    BISMARCK, N.D. – The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) announced an award of $11,600,000 to Grand Sky in Grand Forks to enhance emergency response capabilities and improve safety for its growing community by building a new fire station. The new facility will serve as the primary fire response unit for Grand Sky, in addition to the southern portion of Grand Forks Air Force Base (GFAFB).
    This award, provided under the Defense Community Infrastructure Program, will ensure GFAFB’s ability to respond adequately and swiftly to emergencies, protect valuable assets, maintain missions, and safeguard the health and well-being of personnel. The groundbreaking of the fire station will commence once all environmental requirements have been met.
    U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), issued the following statement regarding the announcement:
    “The partnership between Grand Sky and Grand Forks Air Force Base is essential to our state’s defense ecosystem, and with rapid growth comes infrastructure challenges,” said Cramer. “The completion of this fire station will protect our airmen and Grand Sky by improving resiliency and response time. Meeting these infrastructure needs will ensure safety, while supporting the partnership’s potential.”  
    Cramer has used his seat on SASC to support military installations and defense ecosystem partnerships in North Dakota. In August, Cramer flipped the switch to bring the Space Development Agency (SDA) Operations Center North online at GFAFB, participated in a Grand Forks Base Retention Committee meeting, toured the University of North Dakota (UND) National Security Corridor, and announced new Navy personnel at GFAFB. Cramer also joined E-Space CEO Greg Wyler in meeting with UND faculty and SDA staff to discuss workforce development and initiatives, and announced educational initiatives between SDA and UND.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy, Bonamici Introduce Bicameral Resolution Designating Malnutrition Awareness Week

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    September 20, 2024

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and U.S. Representative Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.-1) on Friday introduced a resolution designating the week of September 16 through September 20, 2024, as “Malnutrition Awareness Week.” Food insecurity and malnutrition affect over 40 million Americans, disproportionately impacting older adults, children, and other vulnerable populations. In 2023, an estimated seven million American children lived in food-insecure households. Meanwhile, disease-associated malnutrition in older adults alone costs the United States more than $51.3 billion each year.
    The resolution recognizes registered dietitian nutritionists and other nutrition professionals, health care providers, social workers, and advocates for their efforts to advance awareness and prevent malnutrition. It also highlights the cyclical relationship between poverty and malnutrition and recognizes the disproportionate effect felt by communities of color. By raising awareness and promoting better access to nutritious foods and healthcare, this resolution seeks to support nationwide efforts to improve health outcomes.
    “Malnutrition is a public health crisis, and it disproportionately impacts communities of color and the most vulnerable amongst us—seniors, kids, and people with chronic illness. We must continue expanding access to affordable, healthy food through federal nutrition programs like the Older Americans Act, SNAP, and Meals on Wheels. I’m proud to introduce this resolution to bring awareness to this serious problem and recognize those working on frontlines to ensure every family can put nutritious food on the table,” said Murphy.
    “No one should go hungry because of financial distress,” said Bonamici. “Each year we recognize Malnutrition Awareness Week to draw attention to the many nutrition programs that are addressing food insecurity at all stages of life and to highlight what more can be done to finally end hunger. I’m committed to continuing to strengthen proven programs like Meals on Wheels, SNAP, and school nutrition programs.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy Statement On Approval Of Major Disaster Declaration For Counties Impacted By Last Month’s Flooding

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    September 20, 2024

    HARTFORD–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Friday released the following statement on President Biden’s approval of a major disaster declaration due to last month’s flooding in western Connecticut.
    “Last month’s flooding was catastrophic for so many towns, families, and local businesses, and it will require the might of the federal government to begin to recover and rebuild. I spoke with FEMA Administrator Criswell about the magnitude of devastation and dire challenges Connecticut would face without federal assistance, and my staff and I have stayed in contact with FEMA and the White House to make sure those who suffered losses get the support they need. I’m grateful to the Biden administration for approving a partial major disaster declaration that will begin to unlock millions of dollars for FEMA Individual Assistance Program (IA) applicants in Fairfield, Litchfield, and New Haven Counties. My office will continue to closely monitor the Governor’s request for Public Assistance (PA) federal funding for municipalities and local businesses and work to ensure that the FEMA IA funding is released as quickly as possible.”
    Murphy, along with the rest of the congressional delegation, sent a letter urging President Biden to approve this declaration.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FTC Sues Pharmacy Benefit Managers for Inflating Insulin Prices

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
    09.20.24
    FTC Sues Pharmacy Benefit Managers for Inflating Insulin Prices
    Drug pricing middlemen accused of anticompetitive practices that drive up costs for consumers who rely on common & lifesaving drug; Cantwell’s bipartisan Pharmacy Benefit Managers Transparency Act would hold PBMs accountable for deceptive practices
    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced that the organization filed a legal action against the country’s three largest prescription drug benefit managers (PBMs)—Caremark Rx, Express Scripts (ESI), and OptumRx—for engaging in anticompetitive and unfair practices that inflated the price of insulin drugs, blocked patients’ access to more affordable products, and shifted the cost of high insulin list prices to vulnerable patients.
    U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, applauded the FTC’s action.
    “Today’s FTC action against the three biggest PBMs for manipulating the price of insulin — a drug that millions of Americans cannot live without — is a big step to help patients. I know of Washingtonians who have had to choose between insulin or paying rent – while PBMs pocket billions. We cannot allow PBMs to raise prices to sky high levels. I hope the FTC will order the PBMs to stop their unfair practices that drive up insulin prices and I also hope that Congress will pass my Pharmacy Benefit Manager Transparency Act that will make PBMs’ unfair spread pricing and claw backs permanently unlawful,” Sen. Cantwell said.
    According to data from the American Diabetes Association, approximately 536,600 adults in Washington state, or 8.7% of the adult population, have been diagnosed with diabetes.
    PBMs were initially formed to process claims and negotiate lower drug prices with drug makers. Today, they administer prescription drug plans for hundreds of millions of Americans, and just three PBMs control nearly 80 percent of the entire prescription drug market. They serve as middlemen, managing every aspect of the prescription drug benefits process for health insurance companies, self-insured employers, unions, and government programs.
    Currently, PBMs operate out of the view of regulators and consumers — setting prescription costs, deciding what drugs are covered by insurance plans and how they are dispensed – pocketing unknown sums that might otherwise be passed along as savings to consumers and undercutting local independent pharmacies. This lack of transparency makes it impossible to fully understand if and how PBMs might be manipulating the prescription drug market to increase their profits and drive up drug costs for consumers.
    Sen. Cantwell introduced the Pharmacy Benefit Manager Transparency Act in May 2022 with Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and has continued to advocate for increased federal oversight of PBMs, including on the Senate floor in June, in a letter to FTC Chair Lina Khan in January, and in a press conference at a Seattle pharmacy last October.
    The bill has been endorsed by more than 200 organizations across the country, including AARP. The bill also has strong bipartisan support, with 10 Republican and four Democratic cosponsors. Last March, the bill passed the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, which Sen. Cantwell chairs, 18-9. The legislation awaits a full vote in the Senate.
    The Pharmacy Benefit Manager Transparency Act would:
    Prohibit unfair or deceptive practices.
    Block PBMs from engaging in spread pricing, unfairly reducing or clawing back drug reimbursement payments to pharmacies, and unfairly charging pharmacies more to offset federal reimbursement changes.

    Incentivize fair and transparent PBM practices.
    Provide exceptions to liability for PBMs that pass along 100% of rebates to health plans or payers and fully disclose prescription drug rebates, costs, prices, reimbursements, fees, and other information to health plans, payers, pharmacies, and federal agencies.

    Improve transparency and competition by requiring PBMs to report:
    The amount of money they obtain from spread pricing, pharmacy fees, and clawbacks.
    Any differences in the PBMs’ reimbursement rates or fees PBMs charge affiliated pharmacies and non-affiliated pharmacies.
    Whether and why they move drugs in formulary tiers to increase costs.

    Direct the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to report to Congress its enforcement activities and whether PBMs engage in unfair or deceptive formulary design or placement.
    Authorize the FTC and state attorneys general to enforce the bill.
    Protect whistleblowers from being fired or reprimanded for bringing violations to light.

    In Washington state and across the nation, PBMs are contributing to a hostile business ecosystem, especially for independent community pharmacies. In 2023, the state saw the closure of 60 pharmacies and in the last 18 months a record 83 pharmacies have closed in the state. These closures have a significant impact on Washington consumers.  A recent analysis by the Associated Press found that Washington state is the 6th worst in the nation pharmacy access. There are currently only three 24-hour pharmacies open in the entire western side of the state, none of which are in Seattle.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaine & Sullivan Introduce Bipartisan Resolution to Recognize “Blue Star Welcome Week”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK), members of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), announced the introduction of a bipartisan resolution to designate September 21-29, 2024, as “Blue Star Welcome Week.” Blue Star Welcome Week is a nationwide campaign to build a better sense of belonging and community for military families, many of whom face frequent moves and transfers. 
    “Many servicemembers and their families are stationed in Virginia, and I’m proud that the Commonwealth has welcomed them into our communities,” said Kaine. “Blue Star Welcome Week is an opportunity to thank military families for their sacrifices, connect with our neighbors, and help military families feel at home in their new communities.”
    “Alaska’s military members and their families sacrifice so much on behalf of our state and our country,” said Sullivan. “Frequent moves can put strain on families trying to establish ties in the communities in which they serve. Blue Star Welcome Week is an opportunity to reach out and connect with our brave men and women in uniform and their loved ones who serve our country to make them feel welcomed and supported by their fellow Americans.”
    As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the father of a Marine Reservist, Kaine has long championed policies to support military families. Kaine has introduced the bipartisan Military Spouse Hiring Act to incentivize businesses to hire military spouses, who consistently experience unemployment rates higher than the national rate.  The provisions of Kaine’s Military Spouse Employment Act that passed in the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act expanded hiring and career opportunities for military spouses, improved access to continuing education programs, expanded transition and counseling resources, increased small business opportunities for military spouses, provided more opportunities for family wellness programs on military bases, and addressed the constant transfers and moves military families experience. Following reports of dangerous and unsafe conditions at privatized military housing in Virginia and across the country, Kaine successfully pushed to pass reforms in the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act to improve housing conditions for military families.
    Full text of the resolution is available here.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley, Cantwell Introduce Bill to Drive Local Overdose Data Collection Efforts

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    WASHINGTON – Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) introduced the Opioid Overdose Data Collection Enhancement Act. The bill would direct the Justice Department (DOJ) to award grants to states, cities, law enforcement units or tribes that operate overdose data collection programs, such as the Overdose Detection Mapping Application Program (ODMAP).
    “The fight to end addiction and drug abuse in our communities requires a robust understanding of the problem at hand. By investing in local partners, we empower communities to more effectively track drug abuse trends and prevent future overdoses,” Grassley said. “I’m glad to support this cost-effective plan to expand this vital program.”
    “When responding to fentanyl overdoses, an extra minute can save a life,” Cantwell said. “Tracking fatal and non-fatal opioid overdoses will help our first responders, law enforcement, and public health professionals better target and prevent OD spikes and surge resources to communities that need them the most.”
    “We commend the efforts of Senators Cantwell and Grassley for their work on the Opioid Overdose Data Collection Enhancement Act. Developing a clear picture of where fatal and non-fatal drug poisonings and overdoses occur allows law enforcement and public health professionals to dedicate the needed resources to areas experiencing spikes in incidences,” Eric Brown, President of the National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition, said. 
    “The National High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Director’s Association (NHDA) would like to thank Senators Cantwell and Grassley, along with their colleagues in the Senate, for their strong commitment in getting the Opioid Overdose Data Enhancement Act drafted and introduced on the Senate floor.  This act will increase the public awareness on the dangers of synthetic opioids and address the crisis negatively impacting communities across the country. Your sponsorship of this legislation provides both crucial resources to the 33 [High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) programs] across the country, law enforcement, treatment, prevention, and public health to fight against alarming increases in overdose deaths from fentanyl. The NHDA thanks you for your leadership on this important issue,” F. Mike McDaniel, President of the National HIDTA Directors Association, said.
    Grassley and Cantwell are joined by Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas).
    Download bill text HERE.
    Background:
    ODMAP is a free, web-based platform that reports in near real-time suspected fatal and non-fatal overdose events, as well as incidents where overdose reversal medications like Naloxone were administered. ODMAP helps local agencies identify spikes and clusters of overdoses in communities, neighboring communities and nationwide. While ODMAP is a widely favored platform, DOJ would retain discretion in determining which data collection program is best for each grant applicant.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Iowa DOT Awarded Over $68 Million for Southwest Mixmaster Project

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA – U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) is announcing the Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) secured $68,662,000 to reconstruct the I-80, I-35 and I-235 interchange in Des Moines. The U.S. Department of Transportation will administer the awards through its Mega Grant Program, which is funded by the Grassley-backed Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).
    “This interchange has held up for many decades under significant traffic volume. But it’s past time for a revamp to enhance efficiency and ensure drivers’ safety. These federal dollars will help get the millions of people who pass through our capital city each year where they want to go,” Grassley said. “I voted for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law with Iowa’s future in mind, and I’m glad our state is seeing a return on that investment.” 
    These federal resources will enable IDOT to reduce congestion and increase navigability at the interchange, where reports indicate nearly 1,000 crashes occurred between 2018 and 2022.  
    Specific construction projects include: 
    New flyover bridges from southbound I-25/80 to eastbound I-235 and to westbound I-80; 
    A new bridge on westbound I-235; and 
    An additional lane on eastbound I-235 between 50th Street and Valley West Drive. 
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crapo, Risch, Daines Push Back Against Forest Service’s Red Tape Proposals

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo
    Published: September 20, 2024

    Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Steve Daines (R-Montana) sent a letter to the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) pushing back against a proposed amendment to the National Forest System’s 128 Forest Plans.  The amendment would add unnecessary red tape guidelines on local forests and halt necessary forest management work, increasing the risk of catastrophic wildfires.
    “Every fire season more acres of our western National Forests are scorched in catastrophic wildfires while needed management work is put on hold, the Senators.  “Drought, insects, and disease continue to make our forests more vulnerable to these wildfires.  Already this year 7.3 million acres have burned across the country.  Addressing this crisis should be the top priority of the Forest Service.
    “Instead the Forest Service has moved forward with an unprecedented proposal to amend all 128 Forest Plans at once without making it clear why these changes are needed or even that the proposed changes will address the real threats to old growth forests…  Unfortunately, the proposed Amendment will take staff time away from on-the-ground work to address the wildfire threat and refocus the agency’s limited capacity on deciding if the Forest Plan needs to be updated to comply with the new standards…  This is the opposite of what our forests need during this crisis.  The Forest Service should be focused on expediting needed on the ground work, not putting new hurdles in place to delay hazardous fuels mitigation work.  This new layer of guidelines will also open the door to additional litigation against proposed projects further slowing the process.”
    Read the full letter HERE.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Baldwin Successfully Pushes USPS to Pause Postage Pricing Increases

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) announced that the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) will not raise prices in January 2025 for Market Dominant products, which includes First-Class mail. This announcement comes after Baldwin called out USPS leadership for unsustainable price hikes and poor service.
    “Wisconsinites rely on the USPS to run their businesses, pay their bills, and communicate with loved ones,” said Senator Tammy Baldwin. “The proposed price hikes would have burdened hard working Wisconsinites, and I’m pleased to see they heeded my calls and will not be raising the price of stamps at the postal counter. I will continue to push the USPS leadership to halt rate increases, especially as Wisconsin families and small businesses continue to be hurt by unprecedented mail delivery delays.” 
    Senator Baldwin has repeatedly called on the USPS to address rate hikes and delays Wisconsinites are experiencing. Just this week, Senator Baldwin called on Postmaster General Louis Dejoy to immediately address costly mail delays suffered by Wisconsin newspapers that rely on the USPS. These delays have already resulted in lost revenue, customer complaints, and canceled subscriptions. In April, after USPS announced the price increase for First Class Mail stamps, Senator Baldwin questioned DeJoy’s leadership, which has resulted in higher prices for Americans and worse service. Despite the USPS enacting their new “Delivering for America” plan – which they promised would modernize and transform the Postal Service – customers continue to experience poor customer service and significant mail delays, including for rural newspaper delivery.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville’s Poison Control Centers Reauthorization Act of 2024 Signed into Law

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)
    WASHINGTON – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville’s (R-AL) bipartisan Poison Control Centers Reauthorization Act of 2024 was signed into law. Sen. Tuberville’s legislation reauthorizes the Poison Control Centers (PCC) Network program through 2029, providing lifesaving care to millions of families.
    “Poison Centers across the country play a critical role in keeping our families and kids safe,” said Senator Tuberville. “I’m particularly proud of Alabama’s Poison Center at Children’s of Alabama in Birmingham. In addition to providing life-saving treatments, these centers do a great job helping families in crisis, mitigating the burden on emergency rooms, and tracking valuable data about the flow of illicit drugs across the country. I’m glad to see this important bill signed into law.”
    “For more than 70 years Poison Centers have saved countless American lives and continued to keep communities and families safe from poison-related emergencies. By providing expert, confidential, and free guidance through the Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222) Poison Centers also save health care dollars and prevent unnecessary hospital visits,” said Richard Fogelson, CEO of America’s Poison Centers. “Today, Poison Centers are often the unsung heroes on the front lines of responding to emerging public threats. We thank and extend our appreciation to Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Sen. Ben Luján (D-NM), and Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT) for championing our mission and recognizing the critical role the nation’s 55 Poison Centers play in protecting the nation’s public health.”
    Full text of the bill can be found here.
    BACKGROUND:
    In May, Senator Tuberville introduced the Poison Control Centers Reauthorization Act of 2024 with U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), and Mitt Romney (R-UT). Following the introduction of the bill, Senator Tuberville and his colleagues passed the legislation unanimously out of HELP committee, 21-0.
    Identical legislation cleared the House Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously in March.
    The PCC Network program runs the Poison Control National Toll-Free hotline (1-800-222-1222) and 55 poison control centers nationwide, which are medical support facilities staffed by toxicologists, nurses, and other professionals operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The program is supported by a combination of public and private funding. In 2022, the PCC Network responded to more than 2 million human exposures—receiving an exposure case every 15 seconds on average. Alabama’s Poison Information Center is housed at Children’s of Alabama in Birmingham.
    The Poison Control Centers Reauthorization Act of 2024 reauthorizes the PCC Network program, Poison Control National Toll-Free phone number, and national media campaign, through 2029.
    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, and HELP Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Garamendi Introduce Legislation to Expand San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge

    US Senate News:

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

    Padilla, Garamendi Introduce Legislation to Expand San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Fisheries, Water, and Wildlife, and U.S. Representative John Garamendi (D-Calif.-08) introduced legislation to expand the San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge by approximately 5,658 acres.
    The expansion would include adjacent baylands owned by the State of California and nonprofit Sonoma Land Trust, with parcels in Solano County, Marin County, and Sonoma County. Representatives Jared Huffman (D-Calif.-02) and Mike Thompson (D-Calif.-04) are cosponsoring the bill in the House of Representatives.
    “The San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge hosts a rich wetland ecosystem and offers numerous recreational activities,” said Senator Padilla. “Expanding the refuge’s boundary by over 5,500 acres would both protect Northern California tidal marshes to support wildlife and advance California’s ambitious conservation goals.”
    “Conserving California’s special places has been a lifelong passion throughout my tenure in the state legislature, as Deputy Secretary of the Interior to President Clinton, and now as a member of Congress representing Solano County. San Pablo Bay is one of those special places. Our bill will help to restore the saltmarshes in San Pablo Bay for future generations. Expanding the National Wildlife Refuge is part of my ongoing work in Congress to support the redevelopment of historic Mare Island for Bay Area residents and visitors alike, while revitalizing its shipbuilding industry,” said Representative Garamendi.
    “The San Pablo Bay Wildlife Refuge is home to some of the North Bay’s most vital habitats — serving as a safe haven for threatened species, increasing the region’s climate resiliency, and providing outdoor recreation opportunities for folks in the Bay Area. As a time-tested proponent of land conservation, I think this area is the perfect candidate for expansion,” said Representative Huffman. “Our bill will restore and expand this land so it can thrive for generations to come.”
    “San Pablo Bay is an essential part of California, and protecting local saltmarshes and baylands is a priority for Bay Area lawmakers and communities,” said Representative Thompson. “I’m honored to introduce The San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge Expansion Act with Congressman Garamendi, Congressman Huffman, and Senator Padilla to ensure we protect the health and longevity of our region’s natural resources for generations to come.”
    The approximately 5,658 acres of state-owned and privately owned conservation land proposed for addition to the San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge are as follows:
    Parcel Name
    Ownership
    Acreage
    County
    District
    Bel Marin Keys Unit V
    Coastal Conservancy
    1,774
    Marin
    CA-02
    Mare Island Western Early Transfer Parcel (WETP) 
    Lands Commission
    2,449
    Solano
    CA-08
    Camp 4
    Sonoma Land Trust
    1,149.4
    Sonoma
    CA-04
    Camp 5
    Sonoma Land Trust
    285.6
    Sonoma
    CA-04
    TOTAL
     
    5,658
     
     
    The San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge Expansion Act would also direct the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to enter into cooperative agreements with state agencies, like California’s Department of Fish and Wildlife, to manage the federal National Wildlife Refuge and nearby state conservation lands within the San Pablo Bay watershed. As with all National Wildlife Refuges, the legislation ensures that federally owned land within the expanded San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge boundary remain open to the public for outdoor recreation, including hunting and fishing where permitted. The bill would not affect private land ownership or local land use decisions in any way and prohibits the use of eminent domain by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to expand the National Wildlife Refuge.
    The San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge currently encompasses 24,390 acres, much of which is over water. The proposed 5,658-acre expansion would increase the National Wildlife Refuge’s acreage by more than 23 percent, supporting President Biden’s “America the Beautiful” National Conservation Goal to protect and conserve at least 30 percent of the lands and waters in the United States by 2030 and Governor Newsom’s similar conservation goal for California.
    The bill is endorsed by organizations including Sonoma Land Trust, California State Coastal Conservancy, Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, CalWild, Sierra Club, Tuleyome, California Waterfowl Association, American Rivers, Friends of the Lost Coast, Great Old Broads for Wilderness, National Wildlife Refuge Association, Endangered Habitats League, Californians for Western Wilderness, Klamath Forest Alliance, Wilderness Society, Save Mount Diablo, Ocean Project, Latino Outdoors, and Resource Renewal Institute.
    Senator Padilla has secured millions of dollars to support San Pablo Bay. The $2.3 million he secured in the FY 2023 and FY 2024 appropriations packages for the Hamilton Airfields Wetlands Restoration project will help restore tidal and seasonal wetlands at the former Army airfield on San Pablo Bay in the city of Novato. He also announced $1.64 million for San Pablo Bay and Mare Island Strait to perform preliminary channel assessments in order to maintain the Mare Island Strait’s authorized width and depth, and to ensure a safe and navigable waterway for current and future economic development of Mare Island and the City of Vallejo.  
    A map of the proposed boundary expansion is available here.
    Full text of the legislation is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –