NewzIntel.com

Category: US Senate

  • MIL-OSI USA: U.S. Sens. Warner & Kaine Applaud Senate Reapproval of VA Medical Facility Leases

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) issued the following statement after the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works voted to approve updated authorizations for 18 Veterans Affairs (VA) major medical facility leases, including a proposed lease for an outpatient clinic in Hampton Roads:

    “We are very encouraged to see the Senate EPW Committee heed our request to quickly reauthorize 18 VA medical facility leases, including one for a new outpatient clinic in Hampton Roads. This facility would fill a critical gap, providing broader access and more convenient services for veterans on the south side of the region, who currently represent over 60 percent of the Hampton VA Medical Center’s patient base. We will continue to press our colleagues in the House of Representatives to finalize the reauthorization process and ensure that our nation’s veterans are not forced to endure unacceptable wait times or travel burdensome distances to access the high-quality care they have earned through their sacrifice and dedication.”

    While these leases were originally authorized under the PACT Act, which both senators strongly supported, updated cost estimates and rent bids prompted the VA and the General Services Administration (GSA) to seek reauthorization from four congressional committees. To date, the leases have been reapproved by the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, and the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. One final approval, from the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, remains.

    Sens. Warner and Kaine have long fought to expand health care and benefits for Virginia’s nearly 700,000 veterans. Sens. Warner and Kaine began raising the alarm about the significant backlog of unapproved VA leases in 2016. After putting significant pressure on officials across the federal government, Congress unanimously passed the Providing Veterans Overdue Care Act, legislation written by Sen. Warner and supported by Sen. Kaine, to cut the backlog and get over two dozen delayed VA medical facilities’ leases approved.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy Meets with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to Discuss Peace in the Middle East

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) released the following statement after meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss U.S. support for Israel. The meeting comes after President Trump’s successful efforts to secure a ceasefire between Israel and Iran.
    “Prime Minister Netanyahu forcibly put forward his case of how peace in the Middle East can result from a successful raid upon Iran, and how the Iranian government is oppressing its own people and destabilizing the region. He was very convincing,” said Dr. Cassidy.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell Pushes Energy Nominee to Uphold Hanford Tri-Party Agreement & Consent Decree

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell

    07.09.25

    Cantwell Pushes Energy Nominee to Uphold Hanford Tri-Party Agreement & Consent Decree

    Questions Timothy Walsh, nominee to be Assistant Secretary of Energy for Environmental Management, on support for Hanford cleanup plan

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, pushed Timothy Walsh, nominee to be Assistant Secretary of Energy for Environmental Management, to prioritize Hanford cleanup and uphold the Tri-Party Agreement and the Consent Decree milestones.

    Sen. Cantwell questioned Mr. Walsh today during a hearing of the committee.

    Sen. Cantwell: Do you commit to upholding the Tri-Party Agreement and the Consent Decree milestones that are part of this process?

    Walsh: Yeah. Thank you for that question. Senator Cantwell, and you know, before I really look forward to getting out to Hanford, meeting you out there, and digging into this. It’s a critically important mission. The people of Washington state and indeed, all Americans deserve to live in a safe, clean environment. I know this has been an ongoing process.

    Cantwell: This is a federal responsibility, right?

    Walsh: It is.

    Cantwell: So, it’s the federal government’s responsibility. We just are a little more of a watchdog just because we’re there. Yes, and we have to be.

    Walsh: And I’m a man of action. I understand the consent agreement. I understand the Tri-Party Agreement. It has outlined the framework of the cleanup and responsibilities, and has, it’s a living document that’s been modified a few times over the last 20 years, and you have my commitment that we’re going to work together and that it’s going to be a priority in the Office of Environmental Management.

    Cantwell: What nuclear waste understanding and technical expertise would you bring to the situation?

    Walsh: Well, I can tell you that I’m a quick learner [and have] an engineering background. I’m a sort of an engineering geek, and like anything I’ve accomplished in my life, whether it was building a complex semiconductor plant, you rely on the experts. And I think what Washington, you know, Hanford site needs is really leadership and a good, solid plan that’s well executed, and that’s what I intend to bring.

    The negotiated agreement, which includes the Tri-Party Agreement, spells out how the State of Washington, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), and the U.S.. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must cooperate to ensure that cleanup of the radioactive nuclear waste at Hanford remains in compliance with federal law.

    Sen. Cantwell has long championed Hanford clean-up and played a leading role in overseeing the DOE’s cleanup efforts, fighting numerous Administration proposals to cut Hanford budgets. 

    Throughout the first Trump administration, Sen. Cantwell repeatedly led the charge in opposing drastic cuts to the Hanford budget, and in 2020 she led a successful effort to defeat a provision in the annual National Defense Authorization Act that could have diverted billions in funding from ongoing clean-up projects.

    In January 2021, at the nomination hearing for former Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm, Sen. Cantwell secured a pledge to fully fund Hanford cleanup from the nominee. Secretary Granholm visited the DOE’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Richland and the Hanford site with Sen. Cantwell in August 2022 and they discussed the need for increased and sustained funding.

    Sen. Cantwell also questioned Audrey Robertson, nominee to be Assistant Secretary of Energy for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, about cuts to that department that could affect battery technology research at Pacific Northwest National Labs (PNNL). The administration’s proposed budget for DOE would require PNNL to conduct significant layoffs.

    Video of today’s committee hearing is available HERE, and a transcript HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NOAA Nominee Claims Critical Services Like Weather Forecasting Won’t Suffer Under Trump’s Proposed 27% Budget Cut. Cantwell: “I Think We’re In A Disagreement.”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell

    07.09.25

    NOAA Nominee Claims Critical Services Like Weather Forecasting Won’t Suffer Under Trump’s Proposed 27% Budget Cut. Cantwell: “I Think We’re In A Disagreement.”

    Proposed NOAA head voiced support for Trump budget that would cut $2.2B from lifesaving agency, eliminate research arm

    WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, questioned Dr. Neil Jacobs, President Donald Trump’s nominee to head the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), about his plans to preserve the agency’s crucial weather forecasting, research, fisheries management, and other core functions in the face of an administration that continues to hack away at NOAA’s budget, workforce, and programs.

    President Trump’s proposed budget would cut $2.2 billion from the agency and eliminate NOAA’s Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR), which is NOAA’s R&D arm that performs and coordinates weather, climate, and other core research. That research directly impacts NOAA’s ability to predict and respond to extreme weather events, enabling the agency to develop better forecasting technology and issue earlier warnings for natural disasters.

    NOAA is responsible for studying and monitoring the ocean and atmosphere, weather forecasting including the National Weather Service, coastal habitat restoration, conservation of marine protected species such as salmon and orcas, and managing our nation’s fisheries.

    “NOAA does play an incredibly important role in preserving life and property,” Sen. Cantwell said in her opening remarks. “I’m going to ask today about the cuts to NOAA — and how, as a science agency, you preserve the core mission of an agency when we’re cutting so much of the science and the science budget.”

    “The budget eliminates the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research R&D arm, which is critical to improving lead times and accuracy of information. NOAA’s R&D is at the cutting edge of science and projects like Warn-on-Forecast, which will give communities more notice about tornadoes and other severe weather events by using prediction models instead of waiting to detect weather,” Sen. Cantwell continued.

    “While the Administration seeks to slash NOAA’s budget, it has also taken a sledgehammer to its workforce. Since the start of the year, NOAA’s workforce has been gutted by 2,000 employees. The agency currently has over 3,000 vacant positions, most of which cannot be filled due to the hiring freeze.  For example, Pendleton, Oregon, the forecast office serving Central Washington, no longer has 24/7 local coverage because of their 44% vacancy rate. And in my opinion, that is unacceptable in the height of fire season.”

    During a later Q&A portion, Sen. Cantwell pressed Dr. Jacobs on how, exactly, he plans to preserve and advance the lifesaving core functions of NOAA – including critical research that keeps the United States at the forefront of weather forecasting technology – with no R&D arm, thousands of positions unfilled in the hiring freeze or axed altogether, and a multi-billion dollar budget cut.

    “You said you supported the 27% budget cut to NOAA. Is that correct? So how do you keep your science mission, and particularly in atmospheric and oceanic areas? How do you keep that science mission if we’re cutting that budget?”  Sen. Cantwell asked.

    “It’s a lot of these priorities, particularly, you know, weather forecasting and things we’ve been discussing all day, some of that’s being transferred to the weather service. It’s my hope for certain things that that we’re looking at to basically fulfill the mission requirements of the forecasting capabilities that the weather service takes over a lot of that, some other aspects transfer to the ocean service,” Dr. Jacobs responded.

    Sen. Cantwell: “Okay, so you think that the missions are going to be preserved, just preserved somewhere else.”

    Dr. Jacobs: “I mean, yes, that’s, it’s my objective to make sure that NOAA fulfills their mission requirements.”

    Under the Trump Administration’s proposal, most of the programs run by the OAR will not be transferred to the National Weather Service; a list of programs on the chopping block is HERE.

    “I think we’re in a disagreement on this. I think we like this office. I don’t think we want to be zeroed out. We think it’s the key to NOAA doing its job overall,” Sen. Cantwell said. “And I get [that] you’re nominees by this administration, so you’re going to generally agree with their budget. We disagree with it. But I think more importantly, let’s look at these programs that are going to be cut […] I have serious concerns about our ability to do the job.”

    Video of Sen. Cantwell’s opening remarks is HERE; video of her first round of questioning is HERE; and video of her second round of questioning is HERE. A transcript is HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall: Farm Security is National Security

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall
    Senator Marshall Joins Vince Coglianese to Talk About the Trump Administration’s Action Plan to Ban U.S. Farmland Purchases by China
    Washington – On Wednesday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), joined Vince Coglianese on The VINCE Show to discuss the importance of protecting American farmland from hostile foreign nations, Joe Biden’s doctor being subpoenaed before the House Oversight Committee, and how the Senate will go after leftist institutional programs via the recissions package.
    Click HERE or on the image above to watch Senator Marshall’s full remarks.
    On China buying American farmland and the threat it poses:
    “… Farm security, food security, is national security – we take it for granted. China, their nationals, their people, have purchased only about 300,000 acres of land. It’s not the land, but it’s the location that matters. They have land right next to Whiteman Air Force Base. That’s where our B-2 bombers took off from for their mission to Iran. Back home, Fort Riley, Kansas, is near and dear to my heart – they have land close to that. So, it looks like they strategically purchased land next to military bases. So that in and of itself, they can keep track of what’s coming and going, what new drones do we have, all sorts of things, as you can imagine. So, it’s a national security issue.
    “But beyond that, let’s talk about the other pieces of national security when it comes to agriculture. It’s the food supply chain, so foreign nationals hold about 1/4 of the protein processing in America, pork processing, and beef processing, to be particular. They’re constantly stealing our intellectual property. We have Chinese nationals in our laboratories, at our universities, so they are a constant threat. The one that really scares me is bioterrorism. You know, the next COVID virus, the next thing that they make in a lab in China, you couldn’t imagine that you’d ever have a hot air balloon floating across America… that could be dropping some type of viral particles that would kill all the cattle in America. So that’s the big concern.”
    On the Biden Administration’s failure to act:
    “Let’s talk about why the Biden administration just ignored this. I begged them to make the Secretary of Agriculture part of CFIUS. That’s the committee that assesses foreign investments in the United States from a national security standpoint. Yesterday, President Trump made Secretary Rollins part of CFIUS so she can evaluate each one of these purchases on a case-by-case basis. You know who’s really purchasing the land, right? Is it some proxy, or are they really connected to a country of concern as well?
    “It is absolutely common sense. We brought this to the Biden Administration as we saw this acceleration of these land purchases. The President has the ability to appoint her, Congress can codify it, and we do have legislation that would codify that appointment, make it permanently legal, so that if, heaven forbid, we have another Joe Biden in office, that he wouldn’t take the Secretary of Agriculture off that off that post.”
    On how China has used the land they have purchased:
    “I don’t have any insider information, except to say obviously they’re spying on us. It’s an easy spy spot. But I think what’s more important is what the Trump Administration is going to do here. Basically, they’re going to have an executive order that says China, country of origin, cannot buy any further agricultural land in the United States, period. And they’re going to start a program to start taking land back from them. And you know, Governor Huckabee Sanders, down in Arkansas, has already done that. So, states can do things as well. The state laws, the state governors, can move a little bit more quickly on this. So, I would encourage them to get behind this situation as well. So, I think that the Trump administration is moving again, moving agriculture up to a level of national security.”
    On Secretary Rollins’ statements around ‘No Amnesty’:
    “No amnesty. Period, full stop, end of paragraph, end of sentence, no amnesty. The President made that very clear, and Secretary Rollins reiterated that five times yesterday. Republicans in the Senate are not in favor of amnesty.
    “But two points I’d like to make, though. Number one, we could not have ever even had this discussion until the border was secure. It’s amazing, the border is secure again, The One Big, Beautiful Bill is going to build 2000 miles of barrier, and it’s going to fund that border security for the next four years. Usually, we have to fight every year with the Democratic senators on funding that. But we’re going to double the number of ICE removal agents. I think what we heard Secretary Rollins say yesterday is that they’re going to continue to prioritize the 400,000 violent illegal criminals in this country. And that’s why, I think that’s why you saw DHS Secretary Noem there, and you know, all the different secretaries, the Attorney General, were there saying, look, this is all the above problem that we’re trying to solve. We want to make our farmland secure, and we want to make your family safer as well.
    On Joe Biden’s physician testifying about the former President’s mental decline:
    “You know, I’m a physician as well. I practiced obstetrics and gynecology for 25 years, and maybe I can share a couple analogies from there. Look, this doctor has a legal obligation to come and testify, just like if I had a legal obligation. Let’s say again, I’m an obstetrician. I see a patient in the morning, and she goes out and kills somebody that night. And I’m subpoenaed to the court to come and testify – they would ask me questions. What was her mental status? I’d be obligated to talk about that. Did she say anything that she was interested in killing somebody or herself? I would testify to that.
    “Now, if they ask me if she ever had herpes, has she ever had an STD, has she ever had a miscarriage, I would say, look, that’s patient doctor privilege. It has nothing to do with this case, right? But in this situation, this doctor has every obligation to come talk about the, you know, national security issues regarding the neurogenerative decline of one Joe Biden and how there was an abuse of power with the auto-pen. So, I think that’s fair game, that the law trumps his ethical obligation.
    On the obligation to know who was really in charge during the Biden-Harris Administration:
    “I want my good friend Jamie Comer to go through with this trial. I’m just telling us not to overplay our hand. We cannot stop talking about all the great victories under President Trump, that we’re doing as well. We cannot make this the focus of the Republican Party, but absolutely this doctor absolutely has an obligation to talk about the neurodegenerative decline of one Joe Biden… this is an impact on national security. I think that Congressman Comer is well within his constitutional rights to come in and say, did this President put us at some type of national security threat level? Who was really planned this Afghanistan evacuation debacle? Are there any types of notes? I want to see the notes as the auto pin signed all these pardons. Is there a discussion, you know, with the President that records some of those as well? That would be minimal that I would want to see. So, where there’s smoke, there’s fire, full speed ahead. But we got a great story to tell beyond just Joe Biden’s decline.”
    On the legislation to cut funding to PBS and NPR:
    “I think it’ll come to the floor next week, but I’m embarrassed to tell you that there’s people, Senate Republicans, that are having heartburn about it. Look to your point, $37 trillion of national debt, a trillion dollars a year on interest, and the Senate doesn’t have the kahones to cut $9 billion of total waste, fraud, and abuse. When I sat down with Elon Musk the first time, I gave him a list of the top 10 things that Doge should do, USAID was the top of it, and I put beside it, ‘burn it to the ground.’ Based upon my experiences traveling, seeing what USAID was doing, I knew that there was a lot of fraud and abuse going on with it.
    “And this is also going to defund National Public Radio, Television as well. Look, Kansans back home are tired of their taxpayer money being spent on basically one propaganda unit for the left, right. So, but, but it’s we’ve got some heartburn going on here. Hopefully, we can get it through.”
    On why it’s time to cut funding to USAID, NPR, and PBS:“For over 20 years, we have spent billions of dollars treating people for AIDS in Africa. And I’m so glad we got to do it, but do we need to keep spending a billion dollars a year on that? When does Africa take care of their own problems? When are they going to realize what’s causing AIDS, that there’s ways to prevent it, other than taking a medicine that costs tens of thousands of dollars a month as well. So that’s one piece, the humanitarian part of it as well.
    “And look, there are some moderates within the Republican Party that think National Public Radio should be funded by the government. I disagree. And with today’s media opportunities. I don’t see why the federal government needs to be subsidizing anybody out there in the media, let alone someone who’s so biased as NPR is.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murray Sounds Alarm Over RFK Jr. Postponing U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Meeting, Threat to Coverage of Preventive Care

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    ICYMI: Senator Murray, Former ACIP Member from WA State Raise Alarm Over Purge of Entire CDC Vaccine Advisory Committee

    ICYMI: Murray Calls for Kennedy to Reinstate Fired ACIP Members or Delay Meeting Until New Members Appropriately Vetted

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Senator Patty Murray, a senior member and former chair of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, released the following statement regarding the postponement of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) meeting that was scheduled to take place tomorrow. USPSTF is an independent advisory panel of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The USPSTF is made up of 16 unpaid, volunteer members serving four-year terms. USPSTF is supported by Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) staff, but that agency has lost roughly half of their support staff due to President Trump and Secretary Kennedy’s mass firings across HHS.

    The Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision in Kennedy v. Braidwood Management, Inc. on June 27th ruled that USPSTF members are “inferior officers” consistent with the Appointments Clause to the Constitution, therefore affirming their authority to determine coverage of preventive services. The Affordable Care Act Democrats passed gave USPSTF recommendations the force of law for the first time—ensuring that mammograms, colonoscopies, and screenings for depression, osteoporosis, lung cancer, and other recommended preventive care would be covered by insurance at no cost to patients.

    “The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force is essential to ensuring cancer screenings and other lifesaving preventive services are covered by insurance at no cost to patients—and the abrupt postponement of tomorrow’s task force meeting should set off alarm bells for everyone worried about what our conspiracy-promoting Health Secretary is up to next. I’m concerned Secretary Kennedy may be taking the first steps to dismantle the Preventive Services Task Force and attack its mission and commitment to scientific evidence, just like he has done at the CDC’s vaccine advisory committee and across our nation’s public health agencies.

    “The Preventive Services Task Force is made up of independent national experts in preventive medicine and primary care—they are volunteers who serve the public interest. In no world should experts be replaced with unqualified anti-science cronies of RFK Jr. who will make preventive health care more expensive and harder to get over baseless conspiracy theories or debunked disinformation.

    “I implore every one of my colleagues who believes Americans should be able to get lifesaving preventive care without worrying about cost to speak out now, and to my Republican colleagues: pick up the phone and tell Secretary Kennedy to keep his hands off preventive care.”

    Senator Murray forcefully opposed RFK Jr.’s nomination to lead HHS and has been a leading voice in the Senate pushing back against his systematic dismantling of our nation’s premiere public health agency, from the unprecedented mass firing of qualified HHS employees and the closure of critical regional offices, to Secretary Kennedy’s purge of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Last month, Senator Murray called on Secretary Kennedy to reinstate the fired ACIP members and held a press call with Washington state-based Dr. Helen Chu, one of the 17 ACIP members abruptly fired by Secretary Kennedy without cause.

    Senator Murray has sent countless oversight letters and hosted numerous press conferences and events to lay out how the administration’s reckless gutting of HHS is risking Americans’ health and safety and will set our country back decades—and lift up the voices of HHS employees who were fired for no reason and through no fault of their own.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: AS SENATE GOP MOVES TO RIP AWAY FUNDING FOR UPSTATE NY PUBLIC TV & RADIO, SCHUMER DEMANDS CONGRESS BLOCK TRUMP’S CLAW BACKS THAT WOULD HURT RURAL AREAS, EDUCATION, & EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS IN EVERY…

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer

    Schumer Says The GOP Plan To Gut Funding Would Eliminate $45+ Million From Over A Dozen NY Public TV & Radio Stations That Provide Critical Services Like Emergency Weather Alerts, Educational Content For Children, Essential Coverage Of Rural Areas, That Otherwise Wouldn’t Exist & More

    Senate Republicans Are Preparing For A Vote On Trump’s Request To Claw Back Funding For The Corporation For Public Broadcasting– And Without It Locally-Owned PBS TV & NPR Stations In Every Region Of The State Could Face Major Cuts To Community Programs & Layoffs

    Schumer: We Must Protect NY’s Public TV & Radio

    As the Senate prepares to vote on Trump’s plan to claw back over $1 billion in federal funding for America’s public radio and television stations, which could devastate communities across Upstate NY, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today demanded the GOP block cuts that would hurt children, rural areas, and emergency preparedness in every corner of New York.

    Schumer said that the GOP plan to strip funding from America’s public broadcasting would decimate funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which supports more than 1,500 locally-owned public radio and television stations including dozens in New York State. The senator broke down the impact of these cuts for Upstate NY public news outlets that receive funding from the CPB and vowed to lead the fight in the Senate against these alarming cuts.

    “Our public TV and radio stations are the glue that keep so many of our communities connected & informed across Upstate NY and targeting them for radical funding cuts hurts all of Upstate. PBS and NPR and others are more than stations, they are a public service networks providing life-saving emergency alerts, educational content to children, and so much more at no cost. But right now, the GOP’s devastating proposal to claw back federal funding for our public TV and radio stations could devastate these vital services ripping away millions leading to layoffs and cuts to beloved programs,” said Senator Schumer. “Like so many New Yorkers. my daughters grew up watching Sesame Street. I know the tremendous value public media provides. Rescinding this funding would take away the programming people love and isolate Upstate NY’s rural communities, jeopardizing their access to information they rely on every day. I will be leading the fight to save public media in the Senate and we need all New Yorkers and Americans to make their voices heard to protect this essential public service.”

    Funds for public broadcasting supports educational initiatives, rural areas, and disaster preparedness efforts across New York State. New York’s public TV and radio stations send emergency alerts during natural disasters, develop educational content, license music from local artists, and more. These services are critical for New York’s communities. For example, with more severe weather across the country, timely weather alerts can save lives. In addition, for children not enrolled in formal pre-school, educational programming from public television ensures they can access educational content regardless of their families’ ability to pay, and teachers use worksheets and videos in local classrooms.

    Below is a list of recipients in Upstate NY that received funding from CPB, according to the NYS Association for Public Broadcasting that would be at risk if the plan to defund public media were to become law with much of this funding making up a major percentage of these stations’ budgets:

    City-Region

    Recipient

    Amount

    Binghamton-Southern Tier

    WSKG

    $1,317,231

    Western NY

    Buffalo Toronto Public Media

    $2,014,441

    Albany

    WAMC

    $422,724

    Oswego

    WRVO

    $166,192

    Watertown

    WPBS

    $1,283,561

    North Country

    North Country Public Radio

    $396,951

    Geneva

    WEOS

    $109,401

    Jeffersonville

    Radio Catskill

    $289,350

    Plattsburgh

    Mountain Lake PBS

    $922,826

    Rochester-Finger Lakes

    WXXI

    $1,913,857

    Syracuse-Central NY

    WAER

    $154,962

    Syracuse-Central NY

    WCNY

    $1,267,218

    Troy

    WMHT

    $1,597,703

    Schumer broke down how these cuts will hurt every corner of Upstate NY:

    • In the Southern Tier, WSKG (NPR) receives approximately $1.3 million, more than a fifth of its total budget, from the CPB to cover its predominantly-rural 21-county region. WSKG’s services include beloved free educational programs that include student writing challenges, creative events for students, lesson plans and interactive classroom resources for NY teachers, and more.
    • In the North Country, North Country Public Radio (NPR) would lose approximately $315,000 each year, approximately 12% of its annual budget. This funding enables NCPR to cover news across the North Country. For many rural areas in the North Country, NCPR is the only local news outlet, which is especially important for receiving local updates and timely weather alerts. Mountain Lake PBS also receives nearly $1 million, making up about 35% of its annual budget. Mountain Lake PBS provides local news including life-saving emergency alerts to the Adirondacks and Champlain Valley that might not otherwise have local coverage and says cuts of this magnitude would threaten its existence.
    • In the Capital Region, WAMC (NPR) receives approximately $500,000 in support from CPB. The station is headquartered in Albany with 29 towers covering a region that reaches the North Country, Hudson Valley, and Central New York, and the Mohawk Valley. WAMC offers coverage every day of the year and reaches many rural areas that don’t otherwise have reliable internet coverage. WAMC also collaborates with 12 other public radio stations across the state to share resources and reporting to ensure local journalism is reaching as many people as possible.
    • In Western New York, WBFO (NPR) and BTPM, Buffalo Toronto Public Media (NPR) would lose approximately 15% of its annual budget. WBFO and BTPM stream educational shows for kids on topics including science and civics and offers how-to programming on cooking, home improvement, and more.
    • In the Rochester-Finger Lakes Region, WXXI (PBS) would lose approximately $2 million, roughly 16% of its total annual budget of $12.9 million. WXXI is one of the few remaining local news sources in the region and offers free local programs for civic engagement. Other local stations including WEOS in Geneva and WXXY in Houghton rely on WXXI-produced content to deliver local news to rural areas.
    • In Central New York, WCNY (PBS) receives over $1 million annually from CPB. Originally known as “The Education Station,” WCNY offers renowned educational services including Enterprise America, a hands-on learning center for middle and high school students to learn about entrepreneurship. WRVO (NPR) receives approximately $165,000 which accounts for approximately 8% of its annual operating budget. WRVO said it depends on federal grant funding to pay salaries for WRVO, including local journalists.
    • In the Hudson Valley, Radio Catskill could lose $170,000, nearly 25% of its annual budget if these cuts go through. Local organizations, events, and businesses in the Catskills community relies on Radio Catskill for emergency alerts, local news, and cultural programming.

    In New York State, dozens of recipients last year received more than $45 million in through the CPB, generating a significant local economic impact. According to NPR, the public broadcasting sector in New York supports nearly 4,000 jobs, including 1,125 direct positions, 1,271 indirect jobs through supply chain activity, and 1,321 induced jobs driven by household spending. This generated $122 million in direct labor income and added nearly $750 million to the state’s GDP. The public broadcasting sector also contributed an estimated $177.1 million in tax revenue, including $33 million in state taxes and nearly $116 million in federal taxes.

    The CPB distributes nearly 70 percent of its funding directly to more than 1,500 locally-owned public radio and television stations – many of which are NPR or PBS affiliates – with the remaining going to shared infrastructure and services that benefit all public TV and radio stations. According to Northwestern University, nearly 55 million Americans have limited to no access to local news. According to PBS, 60 percent of its audience lives in rural communities, and its programming reaches more children than any of the children’s TV networks in a year. If passed, the GOP proposal would further limit access to local news for communities who depend on information from their local radio and television stations for vital information and services, devastating local communities who would get hit first and hardest.

    Though historically funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting has been approved with bipartisan support, the House GOP last month passed legislation at President Trump’s request that would claw back more than $1 billion in bipartisan federal investments in the CPB. Trump also issued an executive order stating no money from CPB can go to NPR, PBS, or their affiliates which is currently being challenged in court. Trump’s FY 2026 budget request completely eliminates federal funding and closeout CPB.

    Schumer and Senate Democrats will hold the Senate floor tonight to highlight why this bill would be devastating for New York and all of America.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján, Boozman Reintroduce Legislation to Prevent Physical Therapy Interruptions

    US Senate News:

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

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-Ark.) reintroduced the Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act to prevent the interruption of physical therapy services nationwide. For many senior Medicare patients, physical therapy services can help restore mobility and patient’s ability to function and live independently with a higher quality of life. But too often, services can be interrupted if a practitioner is not available leaving seniors without care.

    The Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act builds on previous legislation passed into law in the 21st Century Cures Act that enables physical therapists in rural, medically underserved, and health professional shortage areas to ensure their patients continue to receive quality care during a temporary absence. This bill would extend the same flexibility to all physical therapists and patients nationwide. 

    “Nationwide, there are millions of Americans, myself included, who have benefited from physical therapy and received the care they needed to get stronger and better,” said Senator Luján. “As patients embark on their journey to recovery, any interruption in physical therapy can be damaging to a patient’s long-term recovery and health. I’m proud to reintroduce bipartisan legislation to bridge those interruptions and allow physical therapists and patients the flexibility that benefits the provider and the patient.”

    “Physical therapy is an important part of the care seniors in Arkansas and around our country rely on, but disruptions in treatment can hinder recovery as well as compound burdens and costs,” said Senator Boozman. “I am pleased to work on a bipartisan solution to help ensure Medicare patients can continue receiving this essential care conveniently from qualified providers while keeping their healing process on track.”

    This bill is endorsed by the American Physical Therapy Association. 

    Full text of the bill is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján, Boozman Reintroduce Legislation to Prevent Physical Therapy Interruptions

    US Senate News:

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

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-Ark.) reintroduced the Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act to prevent the interruption of physical therapy services nationwide. For many senior Medicare patients, physical therapy services can help restore mobility and patient’s ability to function and live independently with a higher quality of life. But too often, services can be interrupted if a practitioner is not available leaving seniors without care.

    The Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act builds on previous legislation passed into law in the 21st Century Cures Act that enables physical therapists in rural, medically underserved, and health professional shortage areas to ensure their patients continue to receive quality care during a temporary absence. This bill would extend the same flexibility to all physical therapists and patients nationwide. 

    “Nationwide, there are millions of Americans, myself included, who have benefited from physical therapy and received the care they needed to get stronger and better,” said Senator Luján. “As patients embark on their journey to recovery, any interruption in physical therapy can be damaging to a patient’s long-term recovery and health. I’m proud to reintroduce bipartisan legislation to bridge those interruptions and allow physical therapists and patients the flexibility that benefits the provider and the patient.”

    “Physical therapy is an important part of the care seniors in Arkansas and around our country rely on, but disruptions in treatment can hinder recovery as well as compound burdens and costs,” said Senator Boozman. “I am pleased to work on a bipartisan solution to help ensure Medicare patients can continue receiving this essential care conveniently from qualified providers while keeping their healing process on track.”

    This bill is endorsed by the American Physical Therapy Association. 

    Full text of the bill is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: July 9th, 2025 N.M. Congressional Delegation Calls on President Trump to Grant State’s Major Disaster Declaration Request in Response to Severe Flooding

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    N.M. Delegation: “It is imperative that the federal government provides full support needed for New Mexico communities to respond and recover. Anything less would leave families vulnerable and prolong the suffering of those already facing unimaginable loss”

    RUIDOSO, N.M. — As families mourn the loss of the three lives taken in severe flash flooding, and as many New Mexicans are being forced to evacuate their homes and businesses, U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) are calling on President Donald Trump to approve a Major Disaster Declaration request from Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham.

    In a letter to President Trump, New Mexico’s Congressional delegation wrote, “We respectfully request that you take immediate action on the recent request for a major disaster declaration from the State of New Mexico in response to the severe weather system that produced unprecedented monsoonal rain statewide, causing severe thunderstorms and devastating flash flooding across multiple jurisdictions.

    “Yesterday and throughout the night, we watched Ruidoso leaders and staff, National Weather Service-Albuquerque staff, utility crews, first responders, medical providers, and rescue teams rally to save lives and help New Mexicans affected by the devastating flash flooding. We are immensely grateful for their heroic efforts.  

    “The scale of this disaster demands an immediate and robust response. Lives, homes, and critical infrastructure have been upended by this devastation, and New Mexico should not have to face it alone. We urge you to act without delay and approve the State of New Mexico’s request for a major disaster declaration.”

    A Major Disaster Declaration would open up access to Public Assistance and Individual Assistance funds from FEMA. Public Assistance supports the restoration and reconstruction of public infrastructure and lands. Individual Assistance supports families from losses suffered due to the flash flooding.

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

    The lawmakers added, “It is imperative that the federal government provides full support needed for New Mexico communities to respond and recover. Anything less would leave families vulnerable and prolong the suffering of those already facing unimaginable loss.”

    Read the full text of the letter below or by clicking here.

    Dear President Trump,  

    We respectfully request that you take immediate action on the recent request for a major disaster declaration from the State of New Mexico in response to the severe weather system that produced unprecedented monsoonal rain statewide, causing severe thunderstorms and devastating flash flooding across multiple jurisdictions. 

    Yesterday and throughout the night, we watched Ruidoso leaders and staff, National Weather Service-Albuquerque staff, utility crews, first responders, medical providers, and rescue teams rally to save lives and help New Mexicans affected by the devastating flash flooding. We are immensely grateful for their heroic efforts. 

    The scale of this disaster demands an immediate and robust response. Lives, homes, and critical infrastructure have been upended by this devastation, and New Mexico should not have to face it alone. We urge you to act without delay and approve the State of New Mexico’s request for a major disaster declaration.

    The State is requesting Public Assistance, Category A through G, including Direct Federal Assistance for Lincoln County, Chaves County, Otero County, and Valencia County, as well as Individual Assistance, including Housing Assistance, Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance, Disaster Case Management, Transitional Sheltering Assistance, Serious Needs Assistance, Crisis Counseling, Disaster Legal Services, Disaster Unemployment, and Displacement Assistance for Lincoln County and Valencia County. The State is also requesting Hazard Mitigation statewide, as facilitated by New Mexico’s Natural Disaster Hazard Mitigation Plan. We ask that you expeditiously grant the declaration and make this federal assistance available as soon as possible for the State to have all the resources they need to mitigate and recover from the devastation of this weather system. 

    Beginning on June 23, 2025, a weather system swept across New Mexico, producing monsoonal rain patterns and causing overwhelming damage across the state. Exacerbated by the severe to exceptional drought conditions across much of the state, as well as the number of interacting burn scars in much of the impacted area, the heavy rains and thunderstorms led to devastating flash flooding. Since this weather system started, it has impacted approximately 675 homes, with hundreds more under immediate threat of ongoing flooding in burn scars, and tragically caused at least three fatalities. Additionally, 70 distinct pieces of critical infrastructure have been damaged, including roads and bridges having been blown out by the floods and debris flow and drainage systems, water control facilities, and at least eight public buildings being destroyed or receiving severe damage. Many New Mexicans have been forced to evacuate their homes and businesses, often with livestock and pets.

    It is imperative that the federal government provides full support needed for New Mexico communities to respond and recover. Anything less would leave families vulnerable and prolong the suffering of those already facing unimaginable loss. 

    Thank you for your consideration of this important request. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Schiff Announce Over $81 Million to Upgrade California Airport Infrastructure

    US Senate News:

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

    Padilla, Schiff Announce Over $81 Million to Upgrade California Airport Infrastructure

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.) announced that 18 California airports were awarded a combined $81.3 million in grant funding from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to bolster aviation infrastructure. The funding comes through the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which invests in airport infrastructure projects such as runways, taxiways, noise cancellation, airport signage, airport lighting, and airport markings.

    “Californians and the millions of people who visit our state each year deserve a safe and easy airport travel experience,” said Senator Padilla. “That starts with modernizing and rehabilitating outdated airport infrastructure. These critical investments will not just make travel smoother for passengers, but will reduce noise pollution in neighboring communities.”

    “These grants will allow us to make critical investments in our airport infrastructure that will enhance the travel experience for millions of visitors and travelers, improve safety, create more jobs, and boost our local economies,” said Senator Schiff.

    California airports receiving funding include:

    • Los Angeles International Airport — $22.80 million: This project acquires and installs full noise mitigation measures for 400 residences affected by airport noise exposure.
    • Van Nuys Airport — $19.45 million: This project reconstructs 3,138 feet of existing paved Taxiway connectors C, D, E, F, H, M, N, P, and Q pavement that have reached the end of their useful lives. This grant is associated with an Airports Infrastructure Grant which funds the remaining eligible portion of the project. This grant funds a portion of the final phase, which consists of reconstruction of 1,788 feet.
    • San Diego International Airport — $15 million: This project acquires and installs full noise mitigation measures for 250 residences affected by airport noise exposure.
    • San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport — $8.71 million: This project rehabilitates 6,101 feet of existing paved Taxiway A to maintain the structural integrity of the pavement and to minimize foreign object debris to extend its useful life. This grant is associated with an Airport Infrastructure Grant that funds the remaining eligible portion of the project. This grant funds a portion of the total project.
    • Hollywood-Burbank/Bob Hope Airport — $7.92 million: This project constructs a new 105,816 square yard Terminal Apron to bring the airport into conformity with current standards. This grant funds the final phase, which consists of construction of 74,071 square yards.
    • March Air Reserve Base — $3.27 million: This project reconstructs 13,950 square yards of the existing Golf Apron pavement that has reached the end of its useful life. This grant is associated with an Airport Infrastructure Grant that funds the remaining eligible portion of the project. This grant funds a portion of phase 2, which consists of construction.
    • Chino Airport — $1.05 million: This project rehabilitates 500 feet of existing paved Taxiway G to maintain the structural integrity of the pavement to extend its useful life. It also extends existing Taxiways H and L an additional 1,800 feet in length to bring the airport into conformity with current standards, while constructing new 1,800-foot Taxiways K, S, and T to bring the airport into conformity with current standards. This grant funds phase 1, which consists of design.

    A complete list of AIP awards for California airports is available here. Last year, Senator Padilla announced $219.5 million in grant funding from the FAA through the AIP to upgrade aviation infrastructure. He also announced $89.3 million from the FAA’s Airport Terminal Program, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Padilla and the late Senator Dianne Feinstein previously announced a combined $528 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for airport upgrades and modernizations across California.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn Discusses Catastrophic Floods in Central Texas, Holds Moment of Silence on Senate Floor

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

    WASHINGTON – Today on the floor, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) discussed the catastrophic floods that have devastated communities across Central Texas and taken more than 100 lives thus far, highlighted some of the heroic rescue and recovery efforts after seeing the damage firsthand during his visit to Kerrville on Saturday, and held a moment of silence with Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) to honor the lives lost and those still unaccounted for. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn’s remarks are below, and video can be found here.

    “As most Texans were sleeping on the morning of July the 4th, a 100-year flood event caused the waters of the Guadalupe River to rise an astonishing 26 feet in 45 minutes, and the loss of life was horrific.”

    “More than 100 people died in Central Texas from this flooding, including 27 young campers, young girls ranging down to the age of eight years old, as well as counselors at Camp Mystic.”

     “This is a sad time for Texas, and it’s brought the Lone Star State to our knees in grief and in prayer.”

     “When I was in Kerrville this last Saturday, I participated in an aerial tour, as I mentioned, and a car tour of the flooded areas. The damage I witnessed was nothing short of devastating.”

    “I’m beyond grateful to the efforts of Governor Abbott, President Trump, and Secretary Noem for their quick response… approving a Federal Disaster Declaration and ensuring that every available resource is being put forward in the rescue and recovery efforts throughout Central Texas.” 

    “As a father of two daughters myself, my heart breaks. My heart breaks for all those who are grieving, and especially those who are holding out hope that somehow, some way their loved one may still be found.” 

    “While we try to wrap our heads around this heart wrenching disaster, we can find some solace, some encouragement in the bravery exhibited by the heroes – some of whom died to help saving these young girls.”

     “Among these is Dick Eastland, who was the Director of Camp Mystic with his wife for many decades. Dick died while trying to save the lives of his young campers.” 

    “We can find hope and strength in the stories of those who gave their all to help their fellow Texans and the first responders who’ve miraculously saved 850 lives in high-water rescues.”

    “One of those Coast Guard responders was a young man named Scott Ruskan, a rescue swimmer with the United States Coast Guard, who single-handedly saved nearly 170 people.”

    “As Texans, we are all united in offering our prayers and support for all of the families who have lost loved ones and those who still remain unaccounted for. My wife and I, Sandy, will especially keep the parents grieving the loss of their precious children in our prayers.” 

    “I would now invite the Senate to observe a moment of silence in honor of the flooding victims, their families, all who died, suffered injuries, or are still unaccounted for after these terrible floods.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn Discusses Catastrophic Floods in Central Texas, Holds Moment of Silence on Senate Floor

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

    WASHINGTON – Today on the floor, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) discussed the catastrophic floods that have devastated communities across Central Texas and taken more than 100 lives thus far, highlighted some of the heroic rescue and recovery efforts after seeing the damage firsthand during his visit to Kerrville on Saturday, and held a moment of silence with Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) to honor the lives lost and those still unaccounted for. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn’s remarks are below, and video can be found here.

    “As most Texans were sleeping on the morning of July the 4th, a 100-year flood event caused the waters of the Guadalupe River to rise an astonishing 26 feet in 45 minutes, and the loss of life was horrific.”

    “More than 100 people died in Central Texas from this flooding, including 27 young campers, young girls ranging down to the age of eight years old, as well as counselors at Camp Mystic.”

     “This is a sad time for Texas, and it’s brought the Lone Star State to our knees in grief and in prayer.”

     “When I was in Kerrville this last Saturday, I participated in an aerial tour, as I mentioned, and a car tour of the flooded areas. The damage I witnessed was nothing short of devastating.”

    “I’m beyond grateful to the efforts of Governor Abbott, President Trump, and Secretary Noem for their quick response… approving a Federal Disaster Declaration and ensuring that every available resource is being put forward in the rescue and recovery efforts throughout Central Texas.” 

    “As a father of two daughters myself, my heart breaks. My heart breaks for all those who are grieving, and especially those who are holding out hope that somehow, some way their loved one may still be found.” 

    “While we try to wrap our heads around this heart wrenching disaster, we can find some solace, some encouragement in the bravery exhibited by the heroes – some of whom died to help saving these young girls.”

     “Among these is Dick Eastland, who was the Director of Camp Mystic with his wife for many decades. Dick died while trying to save the lives of his young campers.” 

    “We can find hope and strength in the stories of those who gave their all to help their fellow Texans and the first responders who’ve miraculously saved 850 lives in high-water rescues.”

    “One of those Coast Guard responders was a young man named Scott Ruskan, a rescue swimmer with the United States Coast Guard, who single-handedly saved nearly 170 people.”

    “As Texans, we are all united in offering our prayers and support for all of the families who have lost loved ones and those who still remain unaccounted for. My wife and I, Sandy, will especially keep the parents grieving the loss of their precious children in our prayers.” 

    “I would now invite the Senate to observe a moment of silence in honor of the flooding victims, their families, all who died, suffered injuries, or are still unaccounted for after these terrible floods.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn Discusses Catastrophic Floods in Central Texas, Holds Moment of Silence on Senate Floor

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

    WASHINGTON – Today on the floor, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) discussed the catastrophic floods that have devastated communities across Central Texas and taken more than 100 lives thus far, highlighted some of the heroic rescue and recovery efforts after seeing the damage firsthand during his visit to Kerrville on Saturday, and held a moment of silence with Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) to honor the lives lost and those still unaccounted for. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn’s remarks are below, and video can be found here.

    “As most Texans were sleeping on the morning of July the 4th, a 100-year flood event caused the waters of the Guadalupe River to rise an astonishing 26 feet in 45 minutes, and the loss of life was horrific.”

    “More than 100 people died in Central Texas from this flooding, including 27 young campers, young girls ranging down to the age of eight years old, as well as counselors at Camp Mystic.”

     “This is a sad time for Texas, and it’s brought the Lone Star State to our knees in grief and in prayer.”

     “When I was in Kerrville this last Saturday, I participated in an aerial tour, as I mentioned, and a car tour of the flooded areas. The damage I witnessed was nothing short of devastating.”

    “I’m beyond grateful to the efforts of Governor Abbott, President Trump, and Secretary Noem for their quick response… approving a Federal Disaster Declaration and ensuring that every available resource is being put forward in the rescue and recovery efforts throughout Central Texas.” 

    “As a father of two daughters myself, my heart breaks. My heart breaks for all those who are grieving, and especially those who are holding out hope that somehow, some way their loved one may still be found.” 

    “While we try to wrap our heads around this heart wrenching disaster, we can find some solace, some encouragement in the bravery exhibited by the heroes – some of whom died to help saving these young girls.”

     “Among these is Dick Eastland, who was the Director of Camp Mystic with his wife for many decades. Dick died while trying to save the lives of his young campers.” 

    “We can find hope and strength in the stories of those who gave their all to help their fellow Texans and the first responders who’ve miraculously saved 850 lives in high-water rescues.”

    “One of those Coast Guard responders was a young man named Scott Ruskan, a rescue swimmer with the United States Coast Guard, who single-handedly saved nearly 170 people.”

    “As Texans, we are all united in offering our prayers and support for all of the families who have lost loved ones and those who still remain unaccounted for. My wife and I, Sandy, will especially keep the parents grieving the loss of their precious children in our prayers.” 

    “I would now invite the Senate to observe a moment of silence in honor of the flooding victims, their families, all who died, suffered injuries, or are still unaccounted for after these terrible floods.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn Discusses Catastrophic Floods in Central Texas, Holds Moment of Silence on Senate Floor

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn
    WASHINGTON – Today on the floor, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) discussed the catastrophic floods that have devastated communities across Central Texas and taken more than 100 lives thus far, highlighted some of the heroic rescue and recovery efforts after seeing the damage firsthand during his visit to Kerrville on Saturday, and held a moment of silence with Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) to honor the lives lost and those still unaccounted for. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn’s remarks are below, and video can be found here.
    “As most Texans were sleeping on the morning of July the 4th, a 100-year flood event caused the waters of the Guadalupe River to rise an astonishing 26 feet in 45 minutes, and the loss of life was horrific.”
    “More than 100 people died in Central Texas from this flooding, including 27 young campers, young girls ranging down to the age of eight years old, as well as counselors at Camp Mystic.”
     “This is a sad time for Texas, and it’s brought the Lone Star State to our knees in grief and in prayer.”
     “When I was in Kerrville this last Saturday, I participated in an aerial tour, as I mentioned, and a car tour of the flooded areas. The damage I witnessed was nothing short of devastating.”
    “I’m beyond grateful to the efforts of Governor Abbott, President Trump, and Secretary Noem for their quick response… approving a Federal Disaster Declaration and ensuring that every available resource is being put forward in the rescue and recovery efforts throughout Central Texas.” 
    “As a father of two daughters myself, my heart breaks. My heart breaks for all those who are grieving, and especially those who are holding out hope that somehow, some way their loved one may still be found.” 
    “While we try to wrap our heads around this heart wrenching disaster, we can find some solace, some encouragement in the bravery exhibited by the heroes – some of whom died to help saving these young girls.”
     “Among these is Dick Eastland, who was the Director of Camp Mystic with his wife for many decades. Dick died while trying to save the lives of his young campers.” 
    “We can find hope and strength in the stories of those who gave their all to help their fellow Texans and the first responders who’ve miraculously saved 850 lives in high-water rescues.”
    “One of those Coast Guard responders was a young man named Scott Ruskan, a rescue swimmer with the United States Coast Guard, who single-handedly saved nearly 170 people.”
    “As Texans, we are all united in offering our prayers and support for all of the families who have lost loved ones and those who still remain unaccounted for. My wife and I, Sandy, will especially keep the parents grieving the loss of their precious children in our prayers.” 
    “I would now invite the Senate to observe a moment of silence in honor of the flooding victims, their families, all who died, suffered injuries, or are still unaccounted for after these terrible floods.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: N.M. Congressional Delegation Calls on President Trump to Grant State’s Major Disaster Declaration Request in Response to Severe Flooding

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Senator for New Mexico Ben Ray Luján
    N.M. Delegation: “It is imperative that the federal government provides full support needed for New Mexico communities to respond and recover. Anything less would leave families vulnerable and prolong the suffering of those already facing unimaginable loss”
    RUIDOSO, N.M. — As families mourn the loss of the three lives taken in severe flash flooding, and as many New Mexicans are being forced to evacuate their homes and businesses, U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) are calling on President Donald Trump to approve a Major Disaster Declaration request from Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham.
    In a letter to President Trump, New Mexico’s Congressional delegation wrote, “We respectfully request that you take immediate action on the recent request for a major disaster declaration from the State of New Mexico in response to the severe weather system that produced unprecedented monsoonal rain statewide, causing severe thunderstorms and devastating flash flooding across multiple jurisdictions.
    “Yesterday and throughout the night, we watched Ruidoso leaders and staff, National Weather Service-Albuquerque staff, utility crews, first responders, medical providers, and rescue teams rally to save lives and help New Mexicans affected by the devastating flash flooding. We are immensely grateful for their heroic efforts.  
    “The scale of this disaster demands an immediate and robust response. Lives, homes, and critical infrastructure have been upended by this devastation, and New Mexico should not have to face it alone. We urge you to act without delay and approve the State of New Mexico’s request for a major disaster declaration.”
    A Major Disaster Declaration would open up access to Public Assistance and Individual Assistance funds from FEMA. Public Assistance supports the restoration and reconstruction of public infrastructure and lands. Individual Assistance supports families from losses suffered due to the flash flooding.
    The State is requesting Public Assistance, Category A through G, including Direct Federal Assistance for Lincoln County, Chaves County, Otero County, and Valencia County, as well as Individual Assistance, including Housing Assistance, Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance, Disaster Case Management, Transitional Sheltering Assistance, Serious Needs Assistance, Crisis Counseling, Disaster Legal Services, Disaster Unemployment, and Displacement Assistance for Lincoln County and Valencia County. The State is also requesting Hazard Mitigation statewide, as facilitated by New Mexico’s Natural Disaster Hazard Mitigation Plan.
    The lawmakers added, “It is imperative that the federal government provides full support needed for New Mexico communities to respond and recover. Anything less would leave families vulnerable and prolong the suffering of those already facing unimaginable loss.”
    Read the full text of the letter below or by clicking here.
    Dear President Trump,  
    We respectfully request that you take immediate action on the recent request for a major disaster declaration from the State of New Mexico in response to the severe weather system that produced unprecedented monsoonal rain statewide, causing severe thunderstorms and devastating flash flooding across multiple jurisdictions. 
    Yesterday and throughout the night, we watched Ruidoso leaders and staff, National Weather Service-Albuquerque staff, utility crews, first responders, medical providers, and rescue teams rally to save lives and help New Mexicans affected by the devastating flash flooding. We are immensely grateful for their heroic efforts. 
    The scale of this disaster demands an immediate and robust response. Lives, homes, and critical infrastructure have been upended by this devastation, and New Mexico should not have to face it alone. We urge you to act without delay and approve the State of New Mexico’s request for a major disaster declaration.
    The State is requesting Public Assistance, Category A through G, including Direct Federal Assistance for Lincoln County, Chaves County, Otero County, and Valencia County, as well as Individual Assistance, including Housing Assistance, Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance, Disaster Case Management, Transitional Sheltering Assistance, Serious Needs Assistance, Crisis Counseling, Disaster Legal Services, Disaster Unemployment, and Displacement Assistance for Lincoln County and Valencia County. The State is also requesting Hazard Mitigation statewide, as facilitated by New Mexico’s Natural Disaster Hazard Mitigation Plan. We ask that you expeditiously grant the declaration and make this federal assistance available as soon as possible for the State to have all the resources they need to mitigate and recover from the devastation of this weather system.  
    Beginning on June 23, 2025, a weather system swept across New Mexico, producing monsoonal rain patterns and causing overwhelming damage across the state. Exacerbated by the severe to exceptional drought conditions across much of the state, as well as the number of interacting burn scars in much of the impacted area, the heavy rains and thunderstorms led to devastating flash flooding. Since this weather system started, it has impacted approximately 675 homes, with hundreds more under immediate threat of ongoing flooding in burn scars, and tragically caused at least three fatalities. Additionally, 70 distinct pieces of critical infrastructure have been damaged, including roads and bridges having been blown out by the floods and debris flow and drainage systems, water control facilities, and at least eight public buildings being destroyed or receiving severe damage. Many New Mexicans have been forced to evacuate their homes and businesses, often with livestock and pets.
    It is imperative that the federal government provides full support needed for New Mexico communities to respond and recover. Anything less would leave families vulnerable and prolong the suffering of those already facing unimaginable loss. 
    Thank you for your consideration of this important request. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: N.M. Congressional Delegation Calls on President Trump to Grant State’s Major Disaster Declaration Request in Response to Severe Flooding

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Senator for New Mexico Ben Ray Luján

    N.M. Delegation: “It is imperative that the federal government provides full support needed for New Mexico communities to respond and recover. Anything less would leave families vulnerable and prolong the suffering of those already facing unimaginable loss”

    RUIDOSO, N.M. — As families mourn the loss of the three lives taken in severe flash flooding, and as many New Mexicans are being forced to evacuate their homes and businesses, U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) are calling on President Donald Trump to approve a Major Disaster Declaration request from Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham.

    In a letter to President Trump, New Mexico’s Congressional delegation wrote, “We respectfully request that you take immediate action on the recent request for a major disaster declaration from the State of New Mexico in response to the severe weather system that produced unprecedented monsoonal rain statewide, causing severe thunderstorms and devastating flash flooding across multiple jurisdictions.

    “Yesterday and throughout the night, we watched Ruidoso leaders and staff, National Weather Service-Albuquerque staff, utility crews, first responders, medical providers, and rescue teams rally to save lives and help New Mexicans affected by the devastating flash flooding. We are immensely grateful for their heroic efforts.  

    “The scale of this disaster demands an immediate and robust response. Lives, homes, and critical infrastructure have been upended by this devastation, and New Mexico should not have to face it alone. We urge you to act without delay and approve the State of New Mexico’s request for a major disaster declaration.”

    A Major Disaster Declaration would open up access to Public Assistance and Individual Assistance funds from FEMA. Public Assistance supports the restoration and reconstruction of public infrastructure and lands. Individual Assistance supports families from losses suffered due to the flash flooding.

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

    The lawmakers added, “It is imperative that the federal government provides full support needed for New Mexico communities to respond and recover. Anything less would leave families vulnerable and prolong the suffering of those already facing unimaginable loss.”

    Read the full text of the letter below or by clicking here.

    Dear President Trump,  

    We respectfully request that you take immediate action on the recent request for a major disaster declaration from the State of New Mexico in response to the severe weather system that produced unprecedented monsoonal rain statewide, causing severe thunderstorms and devastating flash flooding across multiple jurisdictions. 

    Yesterday and throughout the night, we watched Ruidoso leaders and staff, National Weather Service-Albuquerque staff, utility crews, first responders, medical providers, and rescue teams rally to save lives and help New Mexicans affected by the devastating flash flooding. We are immensely grateful for their heroic efforts. 

    The scale of this disaster demands an immediate and robust response. Lives, homes, and critical infrastructure have been upended by this devastation, and New Mexico should not have to face it alone. We urge you to act without delay and approve the State of New Mexico’s request for a major disaster declaration.

    The State is requesting Public Assistance, Category A through G, including Direct Federal Assistance for Lincoln County, Chaves County, Otero County, and Valencia County, as well as Individual Assistance, including Housing Assistance, Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance, Disaster Case Management, Transitional Sheltering Assistance, Serious Needs Assistance, Crisis Counseling, Disaster Legal Services, Disaster Unemployment, and Displacement Assistance for Lincoln County and Valencia County. The State is also requesting Hazard Mitigation statewide, as facilitated by New Mexico’s Natural Disaster Hazard Mitigation Plan. We ask that you expeditiously grant the declaration and make this federal assistance available as soon as possible for the State to have all the resources they need to mitigate and recover from the devastation of this weather system.  

    Beginning on June 23, 2025, a weather system swept across New Mexico, producing monsoonal rain patterns and causing overwhelming damage across the state. Exacerbated by the severe to exceptional drought conditions across much of the state, as well as the number of interacting burn scars in much of the impacted area, the heavy rains and thunderstorms led to devastating flash flooding. Since this weather system started, it has impacted approximately 675 homes, with hundreds more under immediate threat of ongoing flooding in burn scars, and tragically caused at least three fatalities. Additionally, 70 distinct pieces of critical infrastructure have been damaged, including roads and bridges having been blown out by the floods and debris flow and drainage systems, water control facilities, and at least eight public buildings being destroyed or receiving severe damage. Many New Mexicans have been forced to evacuate their homes and businesses, often with livestock and pets.

    It is imperative that the federal government provides full support needed for New Mexico communities to respond and recover. Anything less would leave families vulnerable and prolong the suffering of those already facing unimaginable loss. 

    Thank you for your consideration of this important request. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: N.M. Congressional Delegation Calls on President Trump to Grant State’s Major Disaster Declaration Request in Response to Severe Flooding

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Senator for New Mexico Ben Ray Luján

    N.M. Delegation: “It is imperative that the federal government provides full support needed for New Mexico communities to respond and recover. Anything less would leave families vulnerable and prolong the suffering of those already facing unimaginable loss”

    RUIDOSO, N.M. — As families mourn the loss of the three lives taken in severe flash flooding, and as many New Mexicans are being forced to evacuate their homes and businesses, U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) are calling on President Donald Trump to approve a Major Disaster Declaration request from Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham.

    In a letter to President Trump, New Mexico’s Congressional delegation wrote, “We respectfully request that you take immediate action on the recent request for a major disaster declaration from the State of New Mexico in response to the severe weather system that produced unprecedented monsoonal rain statewide, causing severe thunderstorms and devastating flash flooding across multiple jurisdictions.

    “Yesterday and throughout the night, we watched Ruidoso leaders and staff, National Weather Service-Albuquerque staff, utility crews, first responders, medical providers, and rescue teams rally to save lives and help New Mexicans affected by the devastating flash flooding. We are immensely grateful for their heroic efforts.  

    “The scale of this disaster demands an immediate and robust response. Lives, homes, and critical infrastructure have been upended by this devastation, and New Mexico should not have to face it alone. We urge you to act without delay and approve the State of New Mexico’s request for a major disaster declaration.”

    A Major Disaster Declaration would open up access to Public Assistance and Individual Assistance funds from FEMA. Public Assistance supports the restoration and reconstruction of public infrastructure and lands. Individual Assistance supports families from losses suffered due to the flash flooding.

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

    The lawmakers added, “It is imperative that the federal government provides full support needed for New Mexico communities to respond and recover. Anything less would leave families vulnerable and prolong the suffering of those already facing unimaginable loss.”

    Read the full text of the letter below or by clicking here.

    Dear President Trump,  

    We respectfully request that you take immediate action on the recent request for a major disaster declaration from the State of New Mexico in response to the severe weather system that produced unprecedented monsoonal rain statewide, causing severe thunderstorms and devastating flash flooding across multiple jurisdictions. 

    Yesterday and throughout the night, we watched Ruidoso leaders and staff, National Weather Service-Albuquerque staff, utility crews, first responders, medical providers, and rescue teams rally to save lives and help New Mexicans affected by the devastating flash flooding. We are immensely grateful for their heroic efforts. 

    The scale of this disaster demands an immediate and robust response. Lives, homes, and critical infrastructure have been upended by this devastation, and New Mexico should not have to face it alone. We urge you to act without delay and approve the State of New Mexico’s request for a major disaster declaration.

    The State is requesting Public Assistance, Category A through G, including Direct Federal Assistance for Lincoln County, Chaves County, Otero County, and Valencia County, as well as Individual Assistance, including Housing Assistance, Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance, Disaster Case Management, Transitional Sheltering Assistance, Serious Needs Assistance, Crisis Counseling, Disaster Legal Services, Disaster Unemployment, and Displacement Assistance for Lincoln County and Valencia County. The State is also requesting Hazard Mitigation statewide, as facilitated by New Mexico’s Natural Disaster Hazard Mitigation Plan. We ask that you expeditiously grant the declaration and make this federal assistance available as soon as possible for the State to have all the resources they need to mitigate and recover from the devastation of this weather system.  

    Beginning on June 23, 2025, a weather system swept across New Mexico, producing monsoonal rain patterns and causing overwhelming damage across the state. Exacerbated by the severe to exceptional drought conditions across much of the state, as well as the number of interacting burn scars in much of the impacted area, the heavy rains and thunderstorms led to devastating flash flooding. Since this weather system started, it has impacted approximately 675 homes, with hundreds more under immediate threat of ongoing flooding in burn scars, and tragically caused at least three fatalities. Additionally, 70 distinct pieces of critical infrastructure have been damaged, including roads and bridges having been blown out by the floods and debris flow and drainage systems, water control facilities, and at least eight public buildings being destroyed or receiving severe damage. Many New Mexicans have been forced to evacuate their homes and businesses, often with livestock and pets.

    It is imperative that the federal government provides full support needed for New Mexico communities to respond and recover. Anything less would leave families vulnerable and prolong the suffering of those already facing unimaginable loss. 

    Thank you for your consideration of this important request. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst Works to Mitigate Flood Risks

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), members of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, are working to mitigate flood risk and improve water quality by ensuring farmers, landowners, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) can work together to restore and maintain floodplains.
    The bipartisan Restoring America’s Floodplains Act would make clear that the USDA can assist landowners in maintaining floodplain easements in the Emergency Watershed Protection Program by taking part in restoration activities like removing levees and replanting native species that are critical for reducing flood risk and improving natural habitat.  
    “I’ve seen firsthand the devastating impacts flooding can have on our communities in Iowa, and my heart goes out to all those who have been impacted by destructive natural disasters,” said Senator Ernst. “I’m proud to be working on a bipartisan solution to proactively reduce these impacts that will use existing tools at no additional cost to taxpayers while also improving water quality and protecting our valuable land.”
    “The Restoring America’s Floodplains Act will give USDA the tools it needs to help Colorado farmers and landowners reduce flood risk across the state,” said Senator Bennet. “The growing weather challenges we face are putting more pressure on our watersheds and farmland. Investing in natural infrastructure is a common-sense way to mitigate damage and improve our floodplains for future generations.”
    “The Restoring America’s Floodplains Act is a real opportunity for farmers and landowners working to restore impacted floodplains and enhance stewardship of vulnerable landscapes to provide wildlife habitat, flood mitigation, and cleaner water,” said Anna Gray, Public Policy Director and Counsel at Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation. “INHF supports the Restoring America’s Floodplains Act because it will provide producers critical relief in the face of flooding disasters and options for recovery and restoration that have cascading benefits for Iowa’s land, water, wildlife and communities.”
    “As Iowans look for solutions to mitigate flood impacts and improve water quality, we need look no further than nature,” said Amber Markham, Director of External Affairs for The Nature Conservancy in Iowa. “Nature-based solutions like floodplain restorations provide countless benefits to Iowans and we support legislation that advances these goals.” 
    “Floodplain easements are voluntary, incentive-based tools that enable landowners to restore natural floodplains that lower the risk of flooding, improve water quality and soil health, and preserve waterfowl habitat,” said Chris Fox, Ducks Unlimited Iowa State Policy Chair. “It’s a perfect example of natural infrastructure solutions that benefit people, our communities, and wildlife, and we thank Sens. Ernst and Bennet for introducing the Restoring America’s Floodplains Act.”
    Background:
    While in the Iowa National Guard, Ernst deployed multiple times to help Iowans recover from devastating floods and has long worked to cut government red tape so disaster victims can better access the tools they need. Most notably, she called for a one-stop shop that connects America’s rural communities to federal resources, now known as the Rural Partnership Network, a direct line of communication that helps coordinate hundreds of rural-focused federal support programs. Following last year’s flooding in Iowa, Ernst called for full resources to support thoseimpacted. She visited the Iowa communities affected and met directly with local leaders and emergency response officials to support recovery efforts. She also conducted oversight of FEMA to ensure recovery efforts remain free from politicization.
    Ernst has long held that farmers are the original conservationists and pushed to remove red tape from USDA conservation programs to make these tools more accessible.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst Works to Mitigate Flood Risks

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), members of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, are working to mitigate flood risk and improve water quality by ensuring farmers, landowners, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) can work together to restore and maintain floodplains.
    The bipartisan Restoring America’s Floodplains Act would make clear that the USDA can assist landowners in maintaining floodplain easements in the Emergency Watershed Protection Program by taking part in restoration activities like removing levees and replanting native species that are critical for reducing flood risk and improving natural habitat.  
    “I’ve seen firsthand the devastating impacts flooding can have on our communities in Iowa, and my heart goes out to all those who have been impacted by destructive natural disasters,” said Senator Ernst. “I’m proud to be working on a bipartisan solution to proactively reduce these impacts that will use existing tools at no additional cost to taxpayers while also improving water quality and protecting our valuable land.”
    “The Restoring America’s Floodplains Act will give USDA the tools it needs to help Colorado farmers and landowners reduce flood risk across the state,” said Senator Bennet. “The growing weather challenges we face are putting more pressure on our watersheds and farmland. Investing in natural infrastructure is a common-sense way to mitigate damage and improve our floodplains for future generations.”
    “The Restoring America’s Floodplains Act is a real opportunity for farmers and landowners working to restore impacted floodplains and enhance stewardship of vulnerable landscapes to provide wildlife habitat, flood mitigation, and cleaner water,” said Anna Gray, Public Policy Director and Counsel at Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation. “INHF supports the Restoring America’s Floodplains Act because it will provide producers critical relief in the face of flooding disasters and options for recovery and restoration that have cascading benefits for Iowa’s land, water, wildlife and communities.”
    “As Iowans look for solutions to mitigate flood impacts and improve water quality, we need look no further than nature,” said Amber Markham, Director of External Affairs for The Nature Conservancy in Iowa. “Nature-based solutions like floodplain restorations provide countless benefits to Iowans and we support legislation that advances these goals.” 
    “Floodplain easements are voluntary, incentive-based tools that enable landowners to restore natural floodplains that lower the risk of flooding, improve water quality and soil health, and preserve waterfowl habitat,” said Chris Fox, Ducks Unlimited Iowa State Policy Chair. “It’s a perfect example of natural infrastructure solutions that benefit people, our communities, and wildlife, and we thank Sens. Ernst and Bennet for introducing the Restoring America’s Floodplains Act.”
    Background:
    While in the Iowa National Guard, Ernst deployed multiple times to help Iowans recover from devastating floods and has long worked to cut government red tape so disaster victims can better access the tools they need. Most notably, she called for a one-stop shop that connects America’s rural communities to federal resources, now known as the Rural Partnership Network, a direct line of communication that helps coordinate hundreds of rural-focused federal support programs. Following last year’s flooding in Iowa, Ernst called for full resources to support thoseimpacted. She visited the Iowa communities affected and met directly with local leaders and emergency response officials to support recovery efforts. She also conducted oversight of FEMA to ensure recovery efforts remain free from politicization.
    Ernst has long held that farmers are the original conservationists and pushed to remove red tape from USDA conservation programs to make these tools more accessible.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst Works to Mitigate Flood Risks

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), members of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, are working to mitigate flood risk and improve water quality by ensuring farmers, landowners, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) can work together to restore and maintain floodplains.
    The bipartisan Restoring America’s Floodplains Act would make clear that the USDA can assist landowners in maintaining floodplain easements in the Emergency Watershed Protection Program by taking part in restoration activities like removing levees and replanting native species that are critical for reducing flood risk and improving natural habitat.  
    “I’ve seen firsthand the devastating impacts flooding can have on our communities in Iowa, and my heart goes out to all those who have been impacted by destructive natural disasters,” said Senator Ernst. “I’m proud to be working on a bipartisan solution to proactively reduce these impacts that will use existing tools at no additional cost to taxpayers while also improving water quality and protecting our valuable land.”
    “The Restoring America’s Floodplains Act will give USDA the tools it needs to help Colorado farmers and landowners reduce flood risk across the state,” said Senator Bennet. “The growing weather challenges we face are putting more pressure on our watersheds and farmland. Investing in natural infrastructure is a common-sense way to mitigate damage and improve our floodplains for future generations.”
    “The Restoring America’s Floodplains Act is a real opportunity for farmers and landowners working to restore impacted floodplains and enhance stewardship of vulnerable landscapes to provide wildlife habitat, flood mitigation, and cleaner water,” said Anna Gray, Public Policy Director and Counsel at Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation. “INHF supports the Restoring America’s Floodplains Act because it will provide producers critical relief in the face of flooding disasters and options for recovery and restoration that have cascading benefits for Iowa’s land, water, wildlife and communities.”
    “As Iowans look for solutions to mitigate flood impacts and improve water quality, we need look no further than nature,” said Amber Markham, Director of External Affairs for The Nature Conservancy in Iowa. “Nature-based solutions like floodplain restorations provide countless benefits to Iowans and we support legislation that advances these goals.” 
    “Floodplain easements are voluntary, incentive-based tools that enable landowners to restore natural floodplains that lower the risk of flooding, improve water quality and soil health, and preserve waterfowl habitat,” said Chris Fox, Ducks Unlimited Iowa State Policy Chair. “It’s a perfect example of natural infrastructure solutions that benefit people, our communities, and wildlife, and we thank Sens. Ernst and Bennet for introducing the Restoring America’s Floodplains Act.”
    Background:
    While in the Iowa National Guard, Ernst deployed multiple times to help Iowans recover from devastating floods and has long worked to cut government red tape so disaster victims can better access the tools they need. Most notably, she called for a one-stop shop that connects America’s rural communities to federal resources, now known as the Rural Partnership Network, a direct line of communication that helps coordinate hundreds of rural-focused federal support programs. Following last year’s flooding in Iowa, Ernst called for full resources to support thoseimpacted. She visited the Iowa communities affected and met directly with local leaders and emergency response officials to support recovery efforts. She also conducted oversight of FEMA to ensure recovery efforts remain free from politicization.
    Ernst has long held that farmers are the original conservationists and pushed to remove red tape from USDA conservation programs to make these tools more accessible.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hagerty Introduces Kimberly Guilfoyle, Trump’s Nominee to be U.S. Ambassador to Greece

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Tennessee Bill Hagerty
    WASHINGTON—Today, United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, introduced Kimberly Guilfoyle, President Donald Trump’s nominee to be U.S. Ambassador to Greece, at a nomination hearing.

    *Click the photo above or here to watch*
    Remarks as prepared for delivery:
    It is my honor to introduce my good friend, Kimberly Guilfoyle, who is President Trump’s nominee to be the U.S. Ambassador to Greece.
    Kimberly is a deeply experienced attorney, a nationally-respected commentator on politics and public policy, and strategist.
    Throughout her career, she has excelled in both the private sector and in public service roles.
    Indeed, her distinguished background and long-standing commitment to public engagement make her an excellent candidate to serve as the next U.S. Ambassador to Greece.
    Ms. Guilfoyle worked as a broadcaster at Fox News where she co-hosted The Five and Outnumbered and previously appeared as a legal analyst on CNN, ABC News, and Court TV.
    Earlier in her career, Kimberly served as a prosecutor in the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office and as Deputy District Attorney in Los Angeles, where she garnered national recognition for her legal acumen.
    Her academic and civic credentials further support her nomination—having graduated magna cum laude from the University of California, Davis, and earned a J.D. from the University Of San Francisco School Of Law.
    She is also the recipient of multiple awards recognizing her legal work, public service, and advocacy—including the Heritage of Hope Award from the New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children and the Special Civil Rights Award from the City of New York.
    Most recently, in January she was awarded what’s known as an Emblematic Icon by the Archbishop of the Greek Orthodox Church of America commemorating the spiritual and cultural bonds between Greece and the United States.
    Ms. Guilfoyle’s strong expertise and experience—as well as her deep ties to the Greek-American community—make her extremely well-qualified to represent the United States in Greece.
    On a very personal note, as I moved from my prior post as U.S. Ambassador to Japan and into the U.S. Senate, Kimberly was there for me.
    She joined me for the kick off of my senate campaign in my small hometown in Tennessee, so I feel like she has been with me since the very beginning of this current chapter in my life.
    I am honored to support her as she opens the next chapter in hers!
    I urge my colleagues on this Committee to support her nomination as well.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hagerty Introduces Kimberly Guilfoyle, Trump’s Nominee to be U.S. Ambassador to Greece

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Tennessee Bill Hagerty

    WASHINGTON—Today, United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, introduced Kimberly Guilfoyle, President Donald Trump’s nominee to be U.S. Ambassador to Greece, at a nomination hearing.

    *Click the photo above or here to watch*

    Remarks as prepared for delivery:

    It is my honor to introduce my good friend, Kimberly Guilfoyle, who is President Trump’s nominee to be the U.S. Ambassador to Greece.

    Kimberly is a deeply experienced attorney, a nationally-respected commentator on politics and public policy, and strategist.

    Throughout her career, she has excelled in both the private sector and in public service roles.

    Indeed, her distinguished background and long-standing commitment to public engagement make her an excellent candidate to serve as the next U.S. Ambassador to Greece.

    Ms. Guilfoyle worked as a broadcaster at Fox News where she co-hosted The Five and Outnumbered and previously appeared as a legal analyst on CNN, ABC News, and Court TV.

    Earlier in her career, Kimberly served as a prosecutor in the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office and as Deputy District Attorney in Los Angeles, where she garnered national recognition for her legal acumen.

    Her academic and civic credentials further support her nomination—having graduated magna cum laude from the University of California, Davis, and earned a J.D. from the University Of San Francisco School Of Law.

    She is also the recipient of multiple awards recognizing her legal work, public service, and advocacy—including the Heritage of Hope Award from the New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children and the Special Civil Rights Award from the City of New York.

    Most recently, in January she was awarded what’s known as an Emblematic Icon by the Archbishop of the Greek Orthodox Church of America commemorating the spiritual and cultural bonds between Greece and the United States.

    Ms. Guilfoyle’s strong expertise and experience—as well as her deep ties to the Greek-American community—make her extremely well-qualified to represent the United States in Greece.

    On a very personal note, as I moved from my prior post as U.S. Ambassador to Japan and into the U.S. Senate, Kimberly was there for me.

    She joined me for the kick off of my senate campaign in my small hometown in Tennessee, so I feel like she has been with me since the very beginning of this current chapter in my life.

    I am honored to support her as she opens the next chapter in hers!

    I urge my colleagues on this Committee to support her nomination as well.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hagerty Introduces Kimberly Guilfoyle, Trump’s Nominee to be U.S. Ambassador to Greece

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Tennessee Bill Hagerty

    WASHINGTON—Today, United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, introduced Kimberly Guilfoyle, President Donald Trump’s nominee to be U.S. Ambassador to Greece, at a nomination hearing.

    *Click the photo above or here to watch*

    Remarks as prepared for delivery:

    It is my honor to introduce my good friend, Kimberly Guilfoyle, who is President Trump’s nominee to be the U.S. Ambassador to Greece.

    Kimberly is a deeply experienced attorney, a nationally-respected commentator on politics and public policy, and strategist.

    Throughout her career, she has excelled in both the private sector and in public service roles.

    Indeed, her distinguished background and long-standing commitment to public engagement make her an excellent candidate to serve as the next U.S. Ambassador to Greece.

    Ms. Guilfoyle worked as a broadcaster at Fox News where she co-hosted The Five and Outnumbered and previously appeared as a legal analyst on CNN, ABC News, and Court TV.

    Earlier in her career, Kimberly served as a prosecutor in the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office and as Deputy District Attorney in Los Angeles, where she garnered national recognition for her legal acumen.

    Her academic and civic credentials further support her nomination—having graduated magna cum laude from the University of California, Davis, and earned a J.D. from the University Of San Francisco School Of Law.

    She is also the recipient of multiple awards recognizing her legal work, public service, and advocacy—including the Heritage of Hope Award from the New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children and the Special Civil Rights Award from the City of New York.

    Most recently, in January she was awarded what’s known as an Emblematic Icon by the Archbishop of the Greek Orthodox Church of America commemorating the spiritual and cultural bonds between Greece and the United States.

    Ms. Guilfoyle’s strong expertise and experience—as well as her deep ties to the Greek-American community—make her extremely well-qualified to represent the United States in Greece.

    On a very personal note, as I moved from my prior post as U.S. Ambassador to Japan and into the U.S. Senate, Kimberly was there for me.

    She joined me for the kick off of my senate campaign in my small hometown in Tennessee, so I feel like she has been with me since the very beginning of this current chapter in my life.

    I am honored to support her as she opens the next chapter in hers!

    I urge my colleagues on this Committee to support her nomination as well.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FACT CHECK: Social Security War Room Debunks Latest Social Security Administration Lies

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    July 09, 2025
    Social Security leadership touts false “milestones” while beneficiaries struggle with long wait times, tech glitches
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), part of Senate Democrats’ Social Security War Room, debunked misleading claims that Donald Trump’s Social Security Administration (SSA) touted in a recent press release.
    “Donald Trump’s Social Security Administration is a customer service disaster. Commissioner Bisignano should stop rewriting history and focus on making it easier for Americans to get help with their monthly checks,” said Senator Warren.
    The SSA claimed it “achieved key milestones” in a so-called “customer service transformation.” In reality, beneficiaries have struggled with hours-long wait times, online glitches, and persistent threats of mass staff firings and field office closures.
    SSA CLAIM #1: “Complet[ed] over 3.1 million payments to all who were entitled under the Social Security Fairness Act (SSFA) five months ahead of schedule.”
    FACT: Reporting revealed that SSA forced employees to stop working on critical issues including overpayment reconsideration, updating direct deposit information, checking on monthly payment rates, and Medicare billing related issues in order to complete SSFA payments. Employees warned that thousands of Americans could see delays or even stopped checks as a result of the backlog.
    SSA CLAIM #2: “Continuing to upgrade SSA’s telephone technology nationwide, deploying the platform to 841 field offices, representing 70 percent of field offices nationwide.”
    FACT: SSA’s new phone system has created new challenges for Americans trying to get help. Beneficiaries have reported AI doom loops and glitches that have prevented them from getting help.
    SSA CLAIM #3: “Reducing the average speed of answer (ASA) on the 800 Number to 13 minutes, a 35 percent reduction compared to this time last year and over a 50 percent reduction compared to last year’s annual average.”
    FACT: A recent Social Security War Room investigation revealed that SSA’s public claims about wait times are false — the actual average wait time on the 800 number is 102 minutes, nearly eight times higher than SSA’s claims. SSA’s claim that call times are just 13 minutes is even inconsistent with its own data, which shows that just 7.6 % of callers wait less than 15 minutes, and over half of callers wait more than two hours—if their call gets answered at all. 
    SSA CLAIM #4: “Optimizing technology on the 800 Number so that 90 percent of calls handled are now served via automated self-service options or convenient callbacks, minimizing hold times.”
    FACT: SSA’s own data shows only 40.7% of calls are currently handled through automation — not 90%.
    SSA CLAIM #5: “Upgrading the mySocial Security online portal to provide uninterrupted, 24/7 access to customers starting mid-July.”
    FACT: This “upgrade” comes after months of intermittent service blackouts — including glitches that told millions of beneficiaries that they were no longer receiving benefits.
    Senate Dems’ Social Security War Room is a coordinated effort to fight back against the Trump administration’s attack on Americans’ Social Security. The War Room coordinates messaging across the Senate Democratic Caucus and external stakeholders; encourages grassroots engagement by providing opportunities for Americans to share what Social Security means to them; and educates Senate staff, the American public, and stakeholders about Republicans’ agenda and their continued cuts to Americans’ Social Security services and benefits.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FACT CHECK: Social Security War Room Debunks Latest Social Security Administration Lies

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    July 09, 2025

    Social Security leadership touts false “milestones” while beneficiaries struggle with long wait times, tech glitches

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), part of Senate Democrats’ Social Security War Room, debunked misleading claims that Donald Trump’s Social Security Administration (SSA) touted in a recent press release.

    “Donald Trump’s Social Security Administration is a customer service disaster. Commissioner Bisignano should stop rewriting history and focus on making it easier for Americans to get help with their monthly checks,” said Senator Warren.

    The SSA claimed it “achieved key milestones” in a so-called “customer service transformation.” In reality, beneficiaries have struggled with hours-long wait times, online glitches, and persistent threats of mass staff firings and field office closures.

    SSA CLAIM #1: “Complet[ed] over 3.1 million payments to all who were entitled under the Social Security Fairness Act (SSFA) five months ahead of schedule.”

    FACT: Reporting revealed that SSA forced employees to stop working on critical issues including overpayment reconsideration, updating direct deposit information, checking on monthly payment rates, and Medicare billing related issues in order to complete SSFA payments. Employees warned that thousands of Americans could see delays or even stopped checks as a result of the backlog.

    SSA CLAIM #2: “Continuing to upgrade SSA’s telephone technology nationwide, deploying the platform to 841 field offices, representing 70 percent of field offices nationwide.”

    FACT: SSA’s new phone system has created new challenges for Americans trying to get help. Beneficiaries have reported AI doom loops and glitches that have prevented them from getting help.

    SSA CLAIM #3: “Reducing the average speed of answer (ASA) on the 800 Number to 13 minutes, a 35 percent reduction compared to this time last year and over a 50 percent reduction compared to last year’s annual average.”

    FACT: A recent Social Security War Room investigation revealed that SSA’s public claims about wait times are false — the actual average wait time on the 800 number is 102 minutes, nearly eight times higher than SSA’s claims. SSA’s claim that call times are just 13 minutes is even inconsistent with its own data, which shows that just 7.6 % of callers wait less than 15 minutes, and over half of callers wait more than two hours—if their call gets answered at all. 

    SSA CLAIM #4: “Optimizing technology on the 800 Number so that 90 percent of calls handled are now served via automated self-service options or convenient callbacks, minimizing hold times.”

    FACT: SSA’s own data shows only 40.7% of calls are currently handled through automation — not 90%.

    SSA CLAIM #5: “Upgrading the mySocial Security online portal to provide uninterrupted, 24/7 access to customers starting mid-July.”

    FACT: This “upgrade” comes after months of intermittent service blackouts — including glitches that told millions of beneficiaries that they were no longer receiving benefits.

    Senate Dems’ Social Security War Room is a coordinated effort to fight back against the Trump administration’s attack on Americans’ Social Security. The War Room coordinates messaging across the Senate Democratic Caucus and external stakeholders; encourages grassroots engagement by providing opportunities for Americans to share what Social Security means to them; and educates Senate staff, the American public, and stakeholders about Republicans’ agenda and their continued cuts to Americans’ Social Security services and benefits.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FACT CHECK: Social Security War Room Debunks Latest Social Security Administration Lies

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    July 09, 2025

    Social Security leadership touts false “milestones” while beneficiaries struggle with long wait times, tech glitches

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), part of Senate Democrats’ Social Security War Room, debunked misleading claims that Donald Trump’s Social Security Administration (SSA) touted in a recent press release.

    “Donald Trump’s Social Security Administration is a customer service disaster. Commissioner Bisignano should stop rewriting history and focus on making it easier for Americans to get help with their monthly checks,” said Senator Warren.

    The SSA claimed it “achieved key milestones” in a so-called “customer service transformation.” In reality, beneficiaries have struggled with hours-long wait times, online glitches, and persistent threats of mass staff firings and field office closures.

    SSA CLAIM #1: “Complet[ed] over 3.1 million payments to all who were entitled under the Social Security Fairness Act (SSFA) five months ahead of schedule.”

    FACT: Reporting revealed that SSA forced employees to stop working on critical issues including overpayment reconsideration, updating direct deposit information, checking on monthly payment rates, and Medicare billing related issues in order to complete SSFA payments. Employees warned that thousands of Americans could see delays or even stopped checks as a result of the backlog.

    SSA CLAIM #2: “Continuing to upgrade SSA’s telephone technology nationwide, deploying the platform to 841 field offices, representing 70 percent of field offices nationwide.”

    FACT: SSA’s new phone system has created new challenges for Americans trying to get help. Beneficiaries have reported AI doom loops and glitches that have prevented them from getting help.

    SSA CLAIM #3: “Reducing the average speed of answer (ASA) on the 800 Number to 13 minutes, a 35 percent reduction compared to this time last year and over a 50 percent reduction compared to last year’s annual average.”

    FACT: A recent Social Security War Room investigation revealed that SSA’s public claims about wait times are false — the actual average wait time on the 800 number is 102 minutes, nearly eight times higher than SSA’s claims. SSA’s claim that call times are just 13 minutes is even inconsistent with its own data, which shows that just 7.6 % of callers wait less than 15 minutes, and over half of callers wait more than two hours—if their call gets answered at all. 

    SSA CLAIM #4: “Optimizing technology on the 800 Number so that 90 percent of calls handled are now served via automated self-service options or convenient callbacks, minimizing hold times.”

    FACT: SSA’s own data shows only 40.7% of calls are currently handled through automation — not 90%.

    SSA CLAIM #5: “Upgrading the mySocial Security online portal to provide uninterrupted, 24/7 access to customers starting mid-July.”

    FACT: This “upgrade” comes after months of intermittent service blackouts — including glitches that told millions of beneficiaries that they were no longer receiving benefits.

    Senate Dems’ Social Security War Room is a coordinated effort to fight back against the Trump administration’s attack on Americans’ Social Security. The War Room coordinates messaging across the Senate Democratic Caucus and external stakeholders; encourages grassroots engagement by providing opportunities for Americans to share what Social Security means to them; and educates Senate staff, the American public, and stakeholders about Republicans’ agenda and their continued cuts to Americans’ Social Security services and benefits.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Kennedy in the New York Post: The clock is ticking on the Senate to chop $9.4 billion of waste

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)

    WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) penned this op-ed in the New York Post urging the Senate to approve President Trump’s rescission request to permanently cut funding to wasteful foreign aid programs and public broadcasting.

    Key excerpts of the op-ed are below:

    “Under former President Joe Biden, our federal government agreed to spend $3 million on an Iraqi version of ‘Sesame Street,’ $3 million on circumcisions and vasectomies in Zambia, $500,000 on electric buses in Rwanda and $67,000 to feed insect powder to children in Madagascar. You read that right. Insect powder.

    “It wasn’t all bugs, though. A group of male prostitutes in Haiti got $3.6 million to run free pastry-cooking classes, cyber cafés and ‘dance focus groups.’

    “These spending decisions make Americans want to jump out of a moving car.”

    . . . 

    “The House of Representatives already approved these spending cuts. It’s the Senate’s turn now — and we must move quickly: The Impoundment Control Act only gives Congress 45 days to approve a rescission request. We need to get this to the president’s desk by July 18. 

    “If my colleagues still think this spending is necessary, they should vote no on his request. But here on planet Earth, the American people know they could be spending this money far better than the deeply weird, woke bureaucrats they’ve already voted out of office.”

    Read Kennedy’s op-ed here.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven: One Big Beautiful Bill Will Help Make U.S. Energy Dominant

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven

    07.07.25

    Senator Outlines OBBB Policies to Help Stabilize the Grid, Secure the Future of American Energy

    BISMARCK, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today held a press conference with Representative Julie Fedorchak and Senator Kevin Cramer, where Hoeven outlined how the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) will help make the U.S. energy dominant. The senator discussed how the legislation incentivizes the coal and oil and gas industries to work together to help stabilize the electrical grid and produce more energy from America’s abundant resources. The bill:

    • Unlocks access to taxpayer-owned oil, gas and coal reserves. To this end, the legislation requires the Interior Department to:
      • Hold quarterly lease sales for oil and gas.
      • Take prompt action on new coal lease applications.
      • Open for leasing an additional 4 million acres of known recoverable federal coal reserves.
    • Rolls back Green New Deal policies imposed under the Biden administration, including:
      • Stopping the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) fee on oil and gas production, also known as the Natural Gas Tax, for 10 years. Hoeven led the effort in the Senate to block implementation of President Biden’s Natural Gas Tax.
      • Reducing federal royalty rates for oil, gas and coal production to their pre-IRA levels.
      • Aligning incentives to encourage partnerships between coal and oil producers, helping coal-fired power plants to stay online longer, while maximizing the potential of oil and gas wells, including in the Bakken.

    “Between the regulatory and tax relief we’ve provided in President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill, we’re securing the future of energy production in North Dakota, supporting the stability of our electrical grid by keeping our coal plants online and helping make the U.S. truly energy dominant,” said Hoeven. “Importantly, we’re stopping the Green New Deal policies from the last administration and taking the handcuffs off of energy production on federal lands. At the same time, we’re supporting partnerships between coal, oil and gas producers that will secure the future of energy production in North Dakota and across the nation. That’s how you ensure we can meet the demands of emerging industries, like AI, while ensuring affordable and reliable energy for American consumers and businesses.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven: USDA to Begin Accepting Applications for Weather-Related Ag Disaster Assistance On July 10

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven

    07.09.25

    Senator Secured Funding to Help Producers Recover from Wildfire, Disaster Losses in 2023 and 2024

    WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee and a senior member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, today announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will begin accepting applications on July 10 for the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP), which will provide $16 billion to help producers recover from weather-related losses occurring in 2023 and 2024. The program comes as part of the $33.5 billion in disaster relief funding that Hoeven secured in the year-end legislation passed in December.

    SDRP stage one is open to producers with eligible crop losses who received assistance either under crop insurance or the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) during 2023 and 2024.

    • Prefilled applications are being mailed to producers today, which then may be submitted in person at county Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices starting tomorrow.
      • This follows Hoeven’s work encouraging Agriculture Secretary Rollins to utilize a streamlined application process to help ensure an efficient and timely process.
    • Stage one payments are based on the coverage level the producer purchased for the crop.
      • A payment factor of 35% will be applied to all stage one payments. If additional SDRP funds remain, FSA may issue a second payment.
    • Eligible disasters include wildfires, floods, winter storms, excessive moisture and qualifying drought, among other events.

    SDRP stage two covers eligible shallow or uncovered losses, with signup beginning in early fall. Additional information on the weather-related assistance can be found on FSA’s website here.

    “Our farmers faced severe hardship from disasters over the past two years, which are compounded by the difficulties resulting from challenging markets and trade negotiations. As such, this weather-related disaster assistance that we worked to fund and advance will be a welcome relief,” said Hoeven. “At the same time, the improvements we secured to the farm safety net will build upon this assistance, while reducing the need for future ag disaster funding. That’s a win for both producers and taxpayers over the long-term.”

    Today’s announcement builds upon the market-based assistance and livestock assistance that Hoeven worked to fund and advance, for which applications and payments continue to be processed. North Dakota producers have since received more than $570 million under the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) and more than $11 million under the Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP).

    MIL OSI USA News –