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Category: US Senate

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Markey Statement on Supreme Court Birthright Citizenship Ruling: “None of Us Are Safe”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    Washington (June 27, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) released the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Trump v. Casa, Inc. that district court judges lack the authority to grant nationwide injunctions.

    “This ruling is what happens when the Supreme Court is packed with right-wing extremists who are not only unwilling to stand up to Donald Trump, but are happy to bend over backwards for him,” said Senator Markey. “Since retaking office, Donald Trump has issued unconstitutional policy after unconstitutional policy, and it has been the federal district courts that have been doing the job of upholding our Constitution and holding Trump to account, especially the judges on the Massachusetts federal district court. Today’s ruling in the birthright citizenship case preventing a federal district court judge from protecting individuals all across the country undermines our democracy. With decisions like this, it is becoming clearer every day that none of us are safe from this administration’s attacks. We must continue to stand up, speak out, and fight the Trump administration’s authoritarian march.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Markey Statement on Supreme Court Ruling to Uphold the E-Rate Program

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    Washington (June 27, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, released the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Federal Communications Commission v. Consumers’ Research that the Universal Service Fund (USF) is constitutional. The USF funds broadband programs, including the E-Rate program, which provides funding to connect schools and libraries to the internet.

    “Today’s ruling reaffirms that the E-Rate program is the essential broadband lifeline for education in the twenty-first century, benefitting millions of students in Massachusetts and across the country. Without it, too many classrooms would fall into digital darkness and too many students would be left offline and unable to compete. Thanks to this ruling, E-Rate will continue serving as a great technological equalizer for millions of students. I will continue fighting to protect and expand the E-Rate program, so that every child — regardless of their zip code — has access to the internet.”

    Senator Markey is the House author of the original E-Rate program, which has invested more than $62 billion to connect schools and libraries to the internet across the country. Massachusetts schools and libraries have received more than $930 million from the E-Rate program and another $97 million from the Emergency Connectivity Fund, a $7 billion program that Senators Markey and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) created within the American Rescue Plan to provide devices and connectivity for students and educators at home.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy Joins Bill to Protect Striking Workers’ Health Care

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    June 27, 2025

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) joined the Striking and Locked Out Workers Healthcare Protection Act, legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) to protect workers’ health care benefits and prevent retaliatory employers from using their power to cancel or alter health insurance for workers exercising their right to strike.
    “Cutting off health insurance is not some negotiating tactic for companies to bully striking workers into accepting a bad deal. It’s retaliation. I’m proud to stand with workers and support a bill that would make sure their health and their families’ health are never put at risk when fighting for better pay and working conditions,” said Murphy.
    The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) established the right to strike as a protected activity, and employees cannot be fired for exercising that right. However, employers can, and often do, threaten to cut workers’ health care as a tactic to end strikes and intimidate workers. In many cases, this forces workers to decide whether they should exercise their right to strike or accept poor wages or working conditions in order to protect their health care for themselves and their families. 
    This legislation would create a separate unfair labor practice category for when employers cut or alter workers’ health insurance while they are on strike or locked out, and violators would be subject to increasing levels of civil penalties. Creating a new unfair labor practice would allow workers to bring cases with the NLRB when employers cancel or change their health coverage while they are on strike.
    In addition to Murphy, Gallego, and Baldwin, the bill is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.).
    The legislation is supported by the AFL-CIO, United Steelworkers (USW), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Teamsters, United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW), International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), United Automobile, Aerospace & Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW), Communications Workers of America (CWA), United Mine Workers of America (UMWA), International Association of Iron Workers (IW), American Guild of Variety Artists (AGVA), Transport Workers Union (TWU), Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, National Education Association (NEA) International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Workers (SMART), Bakery, Confectionary, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers (BCTGM), and NewsGuild-CWA.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy Joins Bill to Protect Striking Workers’ Health Care

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    June 27, 2025

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) joined the Striking and Locked Out Workers Healthcare Protection Act, legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) to protect workers’ health care benefits and prevent retaliatory employers from using their power to cancel or alter health insurance for workers exercising their right to strike.
    “Cutting off health insurance is not some negotiating tactic for companies to bully striking workers into accepting a bad deal. It’s retaliation. I’m proud to stand with workers and support a bill that would make sure their health and their families’ health are never put at risk when fighting for better pay and working conditions,” said Murphy.
    The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) established the right to strike as a protected activity, and employees cannot be fired for exercising that right. However, employers can, and often do, threaten to cut workers’ health care as a tactic to end strikes and intimidate workers. In many cases, this forces workers to decide whether they should exercise their right to strike or accept poor wages or working conditions in order to protect their health care for themselves and their families. 
    This legislation would create a separate unfair labor practice category for when employers cut or alter workers’ health insurance while they are on strike or locked out, and violators would be subject to increasing levels of civil penalties. Creating a new unfair labor practice would allow workers to bring cases with the NLRB when employers cancel or change their health coverage while they are on strike.
    In addition to Murphy, Gallego, and Baldwin, the bill is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.).
    The legislation is supported by the AFL-CIO, United Steelworkers (USW), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Teamsters, United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW), International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), United Automobile, Aerospace & Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW), Communications Workers of America (CWA), United Mine Workers of America (UMWA), International Association of Iron Workers (IW), American Guild of Variety Artists (AGVA), Transport Workers Union (TWU), Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, National Education Association (NEA) International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Workers (SMART), Bakery, Confectionary, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers (BCTGM), and NewsGuild-CWA.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Shaheen Introduces Legislation to Boost Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency Investments in Rural Communities

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen

    (Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) introduced the Energy Circuit Riders Act to help ensure communities in rural America can take advantage of cost savings from energy efficiency and clean energy projects. Shaheen’s bill would establish a new grant program within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development to help eligible entities hire local, on-the-ground experts that travel to rural communities and provide assistance on projects that can help save energy, cut costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

    “Granite State communities are facing sky-high electricity prices and investing in energy efficiency and clean energy is an important tool for bringing these costs down,” said Senator Shaheen. “Energy Circuit Riders will help small towns and rural communities make improvements to become more energy efficient, reduce emissions and lower their energy bills.”

    The Energy Circuit Riders Shaheen’s bill supports would work with local governments in rural areas to provide assistance, such as energy planning, energy audits, grant writing, identifying federal, state, local and utility-based energy incentives and more. The legislation is modeled after a successful Energy Circuit Rider program in New Hampshire run by Clean Energy NH, a nonprofit based in Concord, New Hampshire.

    “Rural communities often face the highest energy costs and the fewest resources to do something about it. The Energy Circuit Riders Act gives local governments access to practical, technology-neutral technical assistance—helping them cut energy waste, lower bills, and make smarter investments with taxpayer dollars. This is about common-sense support for towns that want to do more with less.” said Sam Evans Brown, Executive Director of Clean Energy New Hampshire.

    Shaheen’s legislation is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Peter Welch (D-VT) and Ron Wyden (D-OR). The legislation is also endorsed by the National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO) and American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE).

    Shaheen leads legislative action in the U.S. Senate to support energy efficiency projects and initiatives. Last month, Shaheen pushed back on the Trump administration’s plans to scrap the Energy Star Program, which helps Americans save on energy costs.

    Shaheen was a lead negotiator of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provided an approximately $6 billion investment in energy efficiency, including funding for residential, municipal, industrial and federal entities to implement efficiency upgrades based upon her longstanding bipartisan legislation with former U.S. Senator Rob Portman.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Statement On Supreme Court Decision Allowing For LGBTQ+ Discrimination In Public Schools

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    June 27, 2025

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement after the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 against freedom of speech, public education, and LGBTQ+ rights in Mahmoud v. Taylor:

    “This is a loss for public education, freedom of speech, and LGBTQ+ rights.

    “LGBTQ+ stories matter. Kids deserve to see themselves in the books they read. Tragically, the same zealots who try to ban books from libraries are now trying to limit what kids can learn, read, and hear from teachers in their classrooms.

    “We must put love and acceptance over hate and division. As Pride Month comes to a close, it’s clear we still have a fight ahead of us.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Outlines Harmful Judiciary Committee Provisions Included In Republicans’ Reconciliation Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    June 27, 2025

    In speech on Senate floor, Durbin also spoke against Senator Cruz’s provision that would leave the U.S. AI industry an unregulated wild west

    WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, spoke about some of the harmful Judiciary provisions included in Republicans’ so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which aims to slash Medicaid and Medicare coverage for hardworking Americans in order to pay for significant tax breaks forbillionaires. According to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, 16 million Americans will lose their health insurance under Republicans’ reconciliation bill.

    Durbin began by highlighting several harmful Judiciary provisions Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats have successfully challenged and removed from the Republicans’ legislation.

    “One example: the Republicans included a provision that would have limited the ability of individuals to challenge the Trump Administration’s executive actions by potentially putting them on the hook for millions of dollars when they try to defend their constitutional rights and go to court. Fortunately, the Senate Parliamentarian stuck this provision,” Durbin said. “Now I’m proud of what we accomplished in eliminating some harmful provisions, but there is a lot of problems with the ‘Big Beautiful Bill.’ The more we learn about this bill, the worse it looks. Perhaps that is why there is a hurry to get this done before the Fourth of July and people can take a close look at the details. And I cannot stand idly by as my Senate Republican colleagues try to steamroll this bill through Congress because the President wants to do something before the Fourth of July.”

    Durbin then outlined Republicans’ wish-list of policy changes included in the reconciliation package to help carry out mass deportations of immigrants who have lived in our country for years and pose no threat to our safety.

    “These policies of mass deportation of immigrants are cruel and mean. And they go beyond any question of public safety. This bill would impose exorbitant fees that would make it impossible forvulnerable immigrants to access humanitarian relief in the United States,” Durbin said. “This includes a $1,000 fee on asylum and a $5,000 bond for parents seeking to be reunited with their child. The fees also place barriers on due process—a $900 dollar fee for an appeal in immigration court. These fees are not just unconscionable—they are unfair.”

    Durbin then discussed how the Republican bill prohibits using grant funds for community violence intervention and prevention programs, which are proven, evidence-informed strategies to reduce violence.

    “We have a gun violence epidemic in America. Currently guns are the number one cause of death for American children and teens. Let me repeat that. In America, guns are the number one cause of death for American children and teens. Not auto accidents, not cancer. Guns. We need to support and strengthen community violence intervention and prevention programs. I’ve seen them. And I’ve seen them work in the City of Chicago and all around my state of Illinois to stop violent incidents before they happen. And we need to connect people with treatment and tools that decrease the risk of future violence,” Durbin said. “Instead of supporting valuable public safety measures, the Republicans’ ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ removes taxes and regulations on certain rifles, shotguns, and gun silencers. This is just what we need in America, isn’t it? Cheaper guns. Combatting this epidemic takes ingenuity and funding—not the reversal of lifesaving gun violence prevention policies. But Republicans’ reckless reconciliation bill will jeopardize the progress that’s been made in our communities.”

    Durbin then spoke against Senator Ted Cruz’s (R-TX) provision that would leave the U.S. artificial intelligence (AI) industry an unregulated wild west. The provision would give states the choice between regulating AI or accepting federal funding under the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program. This means states would have to choose between freezing all regulations on AI for the next decade or giving up specific federal funding. In addition to preventing new state regulations, it would make many of the laws already passed by states unenforceable regarding issues such as political deepfakes, face recognition, and algorithmic discrimination.

    “We are currently living with the results of our failure to regulate Big Tech when it came to social media. Let’s not make the same mistake when it comes to AI,” said Durbin. “This provision by Senator Cruz will allow Big Tech and bad actors to prey on the lack of regulations in the AI space and develop deceptive, biased, and potentially dangerous tools that hurt ordinary Americans and diminish trust in technology… I promise to support any amendment that will remove the AI pause provision from this bill. And I hope my Republican colleagues will do the same.

    Durbin concluded, “So now is the real test for my Senate Republican colleagues. Will they stand with President Trump and provide tax breaks for millionaires and billionaires? Or will they stand with their hardworking constituents and reject this betrayal? What’s more important, a tax break for Elon Musk or the health insurance of 16 million in America? What’s more important, a tax break for the wealthiest people in America or your rural hospital? I think people know that when it comes to the quality of life, the hospital is more important and health insurance is critical. I hope for the sake of our country, four Republican Senators will have the courage to step up and choose their constituents over special interest groups.”

    Video of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.

    Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.

    Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden, Merkley Demand Trump Administration Explain Changing VA Hospital Guidelines in Secret

    US Senate News:

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

    June 27, 2025

    The changes include potentially hiring medical professionals and giving veterans health care based on certain protected traits such as political affiliation and sexual orientation

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, both D-Ore., said today they have joined their Senate colleagues in demanding answers from the Trump administration for secretly changing language in the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) health facilities’ bylaws that could lead to discrimination against veteran patients and health care providers.

    A recent report detailed the Trump administration’s secret plan to change guidelines that would leave VA providers and patients with ambiguity about whether certain protected traits – including political affiliation or sexual orientation – can serve as reasons for denying certain veterans health care and prohibiting medical professionals from being hired.

    “We write today to request information regarding recent changes to patient and staff policies governing medical facilities within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Having reviewed past and current versions of bylaws for multiple medical facilities within the Department, we have confirmed the Department made changes, in secret and without notification to the veterans you serve or to Congress, that could allow for discrimination in treating patients and hiring medical professionals,” the senators wrote to VA secretary Doug Collins.

    The VA previously required providers to care for veterans regardless of politics, marital status, age, national origin, and disability. Language that ensured decisions for who could be a part of VA’s medical staff were made without regard to political affiliation, marital status, age, national origin, disability, gender, sexual orientation, and union membership has been removed from certain VA facilities’ medical bylaws.

    The senators continued, “Allowing, let alone encouraging, this ambiguity opens the door for widespread discrimination. These changes invite uncertainty as to whether a patient can be denied access to their earned health care or whether a provider is considered unfit to serve veterans based on anything other than their expertise and credentials. Even the appearance  of allowing discrimination directly violates VA’s own mission … It is your duty to answer to veterans, the public, and Congress as to why VA is sowing confusion and potentially putting veterans at risk and jeopardizing the Department’s medical workforce, clinicians’ licensure, and accreditation of its medical facilities nationwide.”

    The letter was led by Senator Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn. In addition to Wyden and Merkley, the letter was signed by Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and U.S. Senators Patty Murray, D-Wash., Bernard Sanders, I-Vt., Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., Mazie Hirono, D-Hawai’i, Angus King, I-Maine, Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich.., Dick Durbin, D-Ill., Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., Adam Schiff, D-Calif., Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., Michael Bennet, D-Colo., Alex Padilla, D-Calif., Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., Gary Peters, D-Mich., Tim Kaine, D-Va., John Fetterman, D-Pa., Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., Angela Alsobrooks, D-Md., and Mark Warner, D-Va.

    The full text of the letter is here,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Following Pressure From Wyden and Colleagues, Trump Administration Confirms No Frontline Workers Have Been Recategorized as “Schedule F” at Social Security

    US Senate News:

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

    June 27, 2025

    The recategorization of Social Security workers would pave the way for mass firings

    Washington, D.C. – Following U.S. Senator Ron Wyden sounding the alarm on the Trump administration stripping civil service protections at the Social Security Administration, the administration has confirmed that no frontline workers have been reclassified at the agency.

    Social Security Administration Commissioner Frank Bisignano confirmed that the agency has not yet reclassified any workers as Schedule F policy-making employees. 

    “The Trump administration’s plan to reclassify Social Security staff is nothing but a ploy to make it easier to install his cronies in a government agency vital to millions of people in Oregon and nationwide receiving benefits they’ve earned in a timely fashion,” Wyden said. “I’m proud of the work we’ve done to make sure the Administration’s disastrous plan hasn’t moved forward, and I won’t take my foot off the gas.” 

    Schedule F workers is a new category of government employees who can be fired at any point and who lack the same rights that protect other federal workers from being terminated. Additionally, it is unclear whether Schedule F employees are included in collective bargaining units or eligible for union representation.

    “SSA’s broad reclassification of employees under seemingly false pretenses appears to be a deliberate effort to allow DOGE to purge SSA of the employees who work dutifully to make sure Americans receive their earned benefits,” Wyden and other Democratic lawmakers wrote in a letter to Bisignano in May.

    The Social Security War Room is an effort by Senate Democrats to fight back against the Trump administration’s attack on Social Security. The War Room coordinates messaging across the Senate Democratic Caucus and external stakeholders,encourages grassroots engagement, and educates Senate staff, the American public, and stakeholders about Republicans’ agenda and their continued cuts to Social Security services and benefits.

    The text of the SSA’s response is here.

    The text of the original letter is here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Merkley, Wyden Announce Over $31 Million in PILT Payments to Support Vital Services in Oregon

    US Senate News:

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

    June 27, 2025

    Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden today announced counties throughout Oregon will receive a combined total of $31,027,890 in Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) funding for 2025. Because local governments cannot tax federal lands, annual PILT funding helps to defray the costs associated with maintaining important community services in counties with federal lands.  

    “Rural communities shouldn’t have to wonder if they will have the resources they need to pay for essential services and infrastructure,”?said Merkley, who serves as Ranking Member of the Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee which funds PILT.?“PILT funds firefighters, law enforcement, schools, and road construction—I will keep working to fully fund PILT so communities and families across Oregon have the stability they deserve.” 

    “Oregonians count on these federal investments to provide key support for road and bridge maintenance, public safety including firefighters and law enforcement, and more throughout our state,” said Wyden. “I’m gratified that Oregon will be receiving more than $31 million this year to strengthen those community priorities, and I’ll keep battling to ensure each county gets its fair share of this longstanding and proven financial lifeline.” 

    PILT compensate counties for tax-exempt federal lands administered by federal agencies, including the Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Forest Service, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.?Payments are calculated based on the number of acres of federal land within each county or jurisdiction and the population of that county or jurisdiction.?  

    Individual payments may vary from year to year as a result of changes in acreage data, prior-year federal revenue-sharing payments reported annually by the governor of each state, and inflationary adjustments using the Consumer Price Index and population data. Senators Merkley and Wyden continue to monitor PILT allocations closely and will continue to ensure fair payments for every county.?  

    Here is a breakdown of PILT payments per Oregon county: 

    Oregon County

    2025 Payments

    Total Acres of Federal Land

    Baker 

    $1,647,739 

    1,016,406 

    Benton 

    $176,932 

    74,430 

    Clackamas 

    $744,207 

    617,455 

    Clatsop 

    $8,165 

    1,578 

    Columbia 

    $37,902 

    10,961 

    Coos 

    $784,444 

    244,052 

    Crook 

    $2,298,509 

    940,423 

    Curry 

    $1,043,286 

    687,737 

    Deschutes 

    $3,927,415 

    1,445,487 

    Douglas 

    $829,456 

    1,659,923 

    Gilliam 

    $154,886 

    45,757 

    Grant 

    $882,252 

    1,765,580 

    Harney 

    $1,435,664 

    4,462,615 

    Hood River 

    $292,405 

    205,855 

    Jackson 

    $2,010,989 

    909,852 

    Jefferson 

    $676,388 

    305,317 

    Josephine 

    $1,738,589 

    714,226 

    Klamath 

    $1,115,636 

    2,232,634 

    Lake 

    $1,522,671 

    3,692,647 

    Lane 

    $868,540 

    1,738,140 

    Lincoln 

    $96,432 

    192,982 

    Linn 

    $280,573 

    561,487 

    Malheur 

    $3,646,793 

    4,299,181 

    Marion 

    $112,978 

    226,094 

    Morrow 

    $400,885 

    150,971 

    Multnomah 

    $153,211 

    82,322 

    Polk 

    $142,440 

    41,984 

    Sherman 

    $199,610 

    57,726 

    Tillamook 

    $68,203 

    136,490 

    Umatilla 

    $1,007,272 

    420,242 

    Union 

    $1,579,842 

    624,214 

    Wallowa 

    $690,395 

    1,171,213 

    Wasco 

    $169,906 

    220,074 

    Washington 

    $48,314 

    13,972 

    Wheeler 

    $150,948 

    302,080 

    Yamhill 

    $84,013 

    58,758 

    Total

    $31,027,890

    31,330,865

    A full list of funding by state and county is available on the Interior Department’s?PILT?page.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Cheapest Summer Gas Prices in Four Years

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Whitehouse
    Americans are seeing the cheapest summertime gas prices since 2021 — more than 20 cents lower than one year ago — as President Donald J. Trump delivers on his promises of lower prices, stable inflation, and higher wages.
    The Fake News was wrong (again).
    From The New York Times: “Summer road trips appear to be safe from a big spike in gasoline prices. The national average price of gasoline has hovered around $3.20 a gallon this week after Israel and Iran agreed to a cease-fire … And it is more than 20 cents lower than a year ago. The last time the cost for drivers was lower in late June was in 2021.”
    From The Wall Street Journal: “Hitting the road this summer won’t bring as big of a hit to your wallet. The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline, $3.21, is about 23 cents cheaper than this time last year … Reduced prices would be a boon for consumers during the warmer months when Americans drive more. Low energy prices so far this year have already contributed to the economy’s resilience and helped keep inflation in check.”
    From NBC News: “Looking at gas prices that are the best in four years — and this is so important for all of those millions of people who will be hitting the roads … 20 cents less than it was a year ago, so that’s six or seven bucks extra when you fill up. That’s real money.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ricketts Hosts Mobile Office Hours in all 93 Counties

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)

    June 27, 2025

    Omaha, NE – Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) announced his constituent casework staff have hosted Mobile Office Hours in each of Nebraska’s 93 counties this year.

    “I am in Washington to serve Nebraskans and renew opportunity,” said Ricketts.  “I know that rural and hard-working Nebraskans might not be able to take the time to drive to one of our district offices if they need assistance from their senator.  That’s why my team is committed to traveling to every part of the state to ensure every Nebraskan has a chance to seek help from my office.”

    At Mobile Office Hours, Ricketts’ staff are available on-site to assist Nebraskans with their casework needs.  If Nebraskans can’t get an answer in a timely manner from federal offices, Ricketts and his staff may be able to help resolve the issue or help them get in touch with the correct people.

    For more information about Ricketts’ constituent services, please visithttps://www.ricketts.senate.gov/services. 

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  • MIL-OSI USA: News 06/27/2025 VIDEO: Blackburn Pays Tribute to Life, Achievements, and Legacy of FedEx Founder and Tennessean Fred Smith

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) delivered remarks on the Senate floor remembering the life of FedEx founder and fellow Tennessean, Fred Smith. Following her remarks, the Senate unanimously passed her resolution honoring his incredible life, achievements, patriotism, and legacy.

    Click here to download Senator Blackburn’s remarks on the Senate floor.
    Click here to read the full text of the resolution.
    REMARKS AS PREPARED
    Thank you, Mister President. Last week, our nation lost a revolutionary business leader, committed philanthropist, and incredible Tennessean: Fred Smith.
    Like all great leaders, Fred had a vision for a better future—and did everything possible to make it happen.
    That’s why, in 1973, he founded FedEx with a simple yet bold idea: overnight delivery.
    Today, we take instant shipping for granted. In many ways, it’s the engine of our global economy. But back then, it was considered far from practical. 
    It took someone like Fred to make it happen—pioneering innovations in transportation and logistics that have defined the industry ever since.
    It wasn’t easy. But with his commitment to excellence, he grew FedEx into a $53 billion company that employs half a million people, connects more than 220 countries and territories, and moves more than 17 million shipments each day.
    Even with his global accomplishments, Fred never lost sight of home. He based his company in his hometown of Memphis, turning the city into a center for global logistics.
    And through his philanthropic support for education, community programs, arts, health care, and more, he always found ways to give back to his community and make Memphis a better place.
    In many ways, service defined his life.
    Before founding FedEx, Fred served for four years in the United States Marine Corps, including two tours in Vietnam.
    He was decorated with the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and two Purple Hearts. But for Fred, the greatest honor was serving alongside his troops as a company commander.
    In an interview last year, Fred recounted a time when the men in his company dug his foxhole for him so he could get more rest:
    “They were as tired or more tired, but they took their energy to take care of me. And it was one of the best things that ever happened to me, because it told me they cared for me, they appreciated my leadership.”
    We should all be grateful that Fred Smith chose a life of leadership and service.
    On behalf of all Tennesseans, I extend my heartfelt condolences to Fred’s beloved wife Diane, his 9 children, and his entire family.
    To celebrate this great American, I am asking for unanimous consent to pass my resolution that honors his incredible life, achievements, patriotism, and legacy.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE OVER $40 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR 16 AIRPORTS ACROSS NEW YORK STATE

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer

    Region

    Recipient

    Project Description

    Award

    Capital Region

    Albany International Airport

    Reconstructing 60,000 square feet of existing terminal, including main entrance, lobby, security, baggage areas, canopies, and sidewalks

    $21,915,184

    Capital Region

    Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport

    Taxiway reconstruction  

    $210,803

    Capital Region

    Schenectady County Airport

    Conducting an airport drainage study and updating the airport master plan study

    $658,540

    Central NY

    Cortland County/Chase Field Airport

    Replacing snow removal equipment

    $369,550

    Central NY

    Griffiss International Airport

    Reconstructing airfield signage and updating navigational aids 

    $580,367

    Central NY

    Hamilton Municipal Airport

    Constructs a new 1,350 square foot terminal to accommodate the movement of passengers and baggage. This grant funds the final phase, which consists of interior construction including architectural, plumbing, mechanical and electrical

    $190,935

    Central NY

    Oswego County Airport

    Replacing snow removal equipment

    $513,750

    Finger Lakes

    Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport

    Reconstructing the existing terminal by replacing six vestibule doors, three elevators and fire alarm system

    $6,371,281

    Finger Lakes

    Canandaigua Airport

    Rehabilitating pavement

    $320,150

    Hudson Valley

    Columbia County Airport

    Weather system replacement

    $87,252

    Hudson Valley

    Columbia County Airport

    Terminal parking lot reconstruction

    $87,058

    Hudson Valley

    Hudson Valley Regional Airport

    Runway extension to enhance safety 

    $78,185

    Hudson Valley

    Joseph Y Resnick Airport

    Automated weather system replacement

    $87,639

    North Country

    Potsdam Municipal Airport

    Constructing 15,400 feet of wildlife fencing and four manual gates to enhance safety

    $96,258

    North Country

    Potsdam Municipal Airport

    Rotating beacon replacement

    $171,707

    NYC

    LaGuardia Airport

    Runway reconstruction

    $6,264,504

    Southern Tier

    Elmira Corning Regional Airport

    Snow removal equipment

    $615,943.00

    Southern Tier

    Elmira Corning Regional Airport

    Replacing terminal roof

    $1,580,131

    Western NY

    Cattaraugus County-Olean Municipal Airport

    Parking lot construction 

    $313,813

    Western NY

    Cattaraugus County-Olean Municipal Airport

    Replacing terminal septic system 

    $87,400

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner & Kaine Statement on Resignation of Jim Ryan As President of UVA

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
    Published: June 27 2025

    WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (D-VA) released the following statement after Jim Ryan resigned as President of University of Virginia following pressure from the Department of Justice (DOJ):
    “Virginia’s economy and prosperity depend on the strength and integrity of our higher education system. It is outrageous that officials in the Trump Department of Justice demanded the Commonwealth’s globally recognized university remove President Ryan—a strong leader who has served UVA honorably and moved the university forward—over ridiculous ‘culture war’ traps. Decisions about UVA’s leadership belong solely to its Board of Visitors, in keeping with Virginia’s well-established and respected system of higher education governance. This is a mistake that hurts Virginia’s future.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Hassan Launches Investigation into GSK on Impact of Its Discontinuation of Children’s Asthma Inhaler

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Maggie Hassan
    WASHINGTON – One year after GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) pulled the Flovent HFA inhaler from the market, U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Subcommittee on Health Care, is continuing her oversight of the company by launching an investigation into its decision to discontinue the inhaler – which had been the most prescribed controller inhaler for young children with asthma. 
    After its discontinuation, GSK worked with a different company, Prasco Laboratories, to distribute the same inhaler under a different name – which not only created a greater expense for many patients, but also allowed GSK to avoid an estimated $367.6 million in rebates to Medicaid in 2024 alone. With fewer and more expensive inhaler options available in the year following the discontinuation of Flovent HFA, children across the country faced life-threatening medical challenges, with reports noting significant increases in asthma-related hospitalizations and ICU admissions. 
    “As families continue to battle sky-high prescription drug costs, we must not only lower costs, but also ensure that companies cannot abuse the system to enrich their profit margins and rip off taxpayers,” said Senator Hassan. “One year later, GSK’s decision to discontinue the most prescribed inhaler for young children with asthma and allow a different company to sell the same product in a more expensive form has threatened the lives of children in New Hampshire and across the country. GSK has a responsibility to answer for its actions, and we need to ensure that other companies can’t follow their lead in evading Medicaid payments. As I launch this investigation, I also continue to urge GSK to restore Flovent HFA to the market and work with Prasco to lower the price of the inhaler available today so that individuals suffering from asthma can access this life-saving treatment.” 
    Senator Hassan’s new investigation into GSK and Prasco follows her May 2024 push to get GSK to restore Flovent HFA and explain why it decided to discontinue Flovent HFA while leaving other brand-name inhaler products on the market and capping their prices. As Senator Hassan writes today, GSK’s response “failed to offer a convincing explanation for why it decided to discontinue Flovent HFA while leaving other brand-name inhaler products on the market and capping their prices.” Since discontinuing Flovent HFA, GSK and Prasco have not offered the same discounts and rebates for the authorized generic, leading major insurers and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to delay or deny coverage of the authorized generic. 
    In addition to adverse outcomes for patients, GSK’s decision to discontinue Flovent HFA has resulted in significant economic consequences, as outlined in Senator Hassan’s request to GSK: 
    GSK avoided an estimated $367.6 million in rebates to Medicaid in 2024 alone by discontinuing Flovent HFA. Instead of receiving these rebates, Medicaid spent an estimated $551.8 million on the authorized generic for 2024. 
    Physicians have reported that even individuals with insurance coverage for the authorized generic have paid as much as $150 for a single inhaler. 
    The overall burden of childhood asthma costs the U.S. health care system an estimated $6 billion per year. 
    Click to read Senator Hassan’s letters to GSK and to Prasco Laboratories.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Statement of U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine on Resignation of Jim Ryan as UVA President

    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) released the following statement after Jim Ryan resigned as President of University of Virginia following pressure from the Department of Justice (DOJ):
    “Virginia’s economy and prosperity depend on the strength and integrity of our higher education system. It is outrageous that officials in the Trump Department of Justice demanded the Commonwealth’s globally recognized university remove President Ryan—a strong leader who has served UVA honorably and moved the university forward—over ridiculous ‘culture war’ traps. Decisions about UVA’s leadership belong solely to its Board of Visitors, in keeping with Virginia’s well-established and respected system of higher education governance. This is a mistake that hurts Virginia’s future.”
        

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: “A BIG WIN”: Supreme Court Ends Excessive Nationwide Injunctions

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Whitehouse
    class=”has-text-align-center”>“Today’s decision restores the proper separation of powers between the branches of government. Ending nationwide injunctions is a tremendous victory for the American people and the rule of law.” — White House Counsel David Warrington
    No longer can rogue, activist judges abuse their authority to dictate the executive powers of the President of the United States, the Supreme Court ruled — a massive victory for the Constitution, the rule of law, and the presidency itself.
    Since the moment President Trump took office, low-level activist judges have been exploiting their positions to kneecap the agenda on which he was overwhelmingly elected. In fact, of the 40 nationwide injunctions filed against President Trump’s executive actions in his second term, 35 of them came from just five far-left jurisdictions: California, Maryland, Massachusetts, Washington, and the District of Columbia.
    Now, the Trump Administration can promptly proceed with critical action to save the country — like ending birthright citizenship, ceasing sanctuary city funding, suspending refugee resettlement, freezing unnecessary funding, stopping taxpayers from funding transgender surgeries, and much more.
    The Supreme Court’s commonsense decision was rightly hailed as a huge win:
    President Trump: “The Supreme Court has delivered a monumental victory for the Constitution, the separation of powers, and the RULE OF LAW in striking down the excessive use of nationwide injunctions … I was elected on a historic mandate, but in recent months, we’ve seen a handful of radical left judges effectively try to overrule the rightful powers of the president to stop the American people from getting the policies that they voted for in record numbers. It was a grave threat to democracy.”
    Attorney General Pam Bondi: “Americans are finally getting what they voted for. No longer will we have rogue judges striking down President Trump’s policies across the entire nation — no longer.”
    CNN chief legal affairs correspondent Paula Reid: “This is a big win for President Trump because he has been railing against these so-called nationwide injunctions … The justices are agreeing with Trump and limiting this power that judges have to block a policy for the entire country.”
    CNN senior legal analyst Elie Honig: “Such a big win for the Trump Administration and … the Office of the President.”
    Attorney Jonathan Turley: “I think that the Trump Administration has very good reason to celebrate. These district court judges have really tied down the administration.”
    Sen. John Kennedy: “Anybody who knows a law book from an L.L. Bean catalog knows that federal judges just made up this concept of universal injunctions … They just made it up because they don’t agree with what a President or Congress has done.”
    MSNBC legal analyst Melissa Murray: “This is a huge win for the Trump administration.”
    The New York Times: “A major victory for President Trump”
    NBC News: “A major win to the Trump administration”
    New York Post: “Major win”
    Reuters: “Win for Trump”
    Politico: “Supreme Court hands Trump major win”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville Introduces Legislation Imposing Term Limits on Senate Parliamentarian

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville

    WASHINGTON – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined U.S. Senators Roger Marshall (R-KS) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) in introducing a resolution imposing 6-year term limits on the Senate Parliamentarian, a key figure in the United States Senate who advises on rules, procedures, and precedents as it relates to Senate procedure. On Thursday, Senator Tuberville called for the Parliamentarian to be fired for willfully attempting to undermine the will of 77 million Americans who voted for President Trump and his agenda.

    “The woke, Radical Left Senate Parliamentarian, who was appointed by Harry Reid and was an advisor to Al Gore, is actively trying to undermine President Trump’s agenda,” said Senator Tuberville. “Unelected bureaucrats should not be able to overturn the will of the 77 million Americans who voted for President Trump and his agenda. This is exactly why Americans hate the swamp. Proud to join my friend Senator Roger Marshall in introducing this resolution imposing 6-year term limits for the Senate Parliamentarian.”

    Read the full text of the resolution here.

    BACKGROUND:

    The Parliamentarian of the Senate serves at the will of the Secretary of the Senate, who is chosen by the Senate Majority Leader. Since 1981, only three different individuals have served as Parliamentarian of the Senate. Each served, on average, for 15 years.

    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján, Fischer Statement on Supreme Court Ruling on Universal Service Fund

    US Senate News:

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

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Ranking Member of the Senate Telecommunications and Media Subcommittee, and Deb Fischer (R-NE), Chair of the Senate Telecommunications and Media Subcommittee, released the following statement after the United States Supreme Court issued a ruling on the Universal Service Fund (USF):

    “We’re encouraged by the Supreme Court’s ruling on the Universal Service Fund, and we look forward to working together to focus on long-term solutions for the USF, evaluate broadband programs, and help connect unserved and underserved communities across America.”

    In January, Senators Luján and Fischer filed an amicus brief to the Supreme Court in support of upholding the Universal Service Fund and arguing that Congress has established sufficient universal service policy and principles to direct the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) implementation of the Universal Service programs & contribution mechanism. Senators Luján and Fischer have long worked to support and improve the Universal Service Fund, launching a bipartisan, bicameral working group to evaluate and propose potential reforms to the USF with the goal of developing a forum to guide education, awareness, and policymaking.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warren, Collins, 44 Senators Team Up on Bill to Fight for Tax Equality for Married LGBTQ+ Couples

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    June 27, 2025
    Legislation would retroactively give refunds to same-sex married couples who were denied opportunity to lower tax bill by filing jointly
    Bill Text (PDF) | One Pager (PDF) 
    Washington, D.C. – On the ten-year anniversary of Obergefell v. Hodges, which recognized a constitutional right to same-sex marriage, and the twelve-year anniversary of U.S. v. Windsor, which struck down as unconstitutional the federal definition of marriage as between one man and one woman, U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) led the reintroduction of the bipartisan Refund Equality Act to ensure that married same-sex couples can amend their tax returns back to the date of their marriage, helping them secure an estimated total of $55 million in refunds. 
    The legislation will be reintroduced in the House by Rep. Judy Chu (D-Calif.) as part of the PRIDE Act, which combines the Refund Equality Act and Equal Dignity for Married Taxpayers Act. Senator Warren originally introduced this legislation with Representative Richard Neal (D-Mass.), along with 71 of their congressional colleagues, in 2017.
    “No one should ever have to pay more in taxes because of who they love,” said Senator Warren. “I’m fighting to reverse this discrimination and get couples the refunds they are owed.”
    “For years, legally married same-sex couples were not allowed to file joint tax returns and missed out on refunds they otherwise would have received,” said Senator Collins. “This bipartisan bill takes the practical step of giving those couples the opportunity to file amended returns and receive the full refunds they are entitled to.”
    “For years, same-sex married couples were denied the ability to file taxes jointly and claim tax refunds they had rightfully earned because of the Defense of Marriage Act. Twelve years ago, the Supreme Court’s Windsor decision corrected this injustice, but IRS rules about amending tax returns have prevented these couples from claiming all of the refunds they should have earned,” said Rep. Chu. “The PRIDE Act would finally address this by enabling same-sex couples to rightfully claim the tax refunds they deserve as well as update the tax code to promote dignity and equality by erasing gendered language of husband and wife that leaves out same-sex couples. This Pride Month, I am proud to join with my House and Senate colleagues in introducing this pro-equality legislation.”
    “My marriage with my wife Elizabeth would not be recognized across the country if not for Obergefell. This Supreme Court decision is fundamental to achieving equality and laid the foundation to address all the ways same-sex couples have been systematically discriminated against,” said Rep. Becca Balint (D-Vt.). “Change needs to be more than symbolic. I’m proud to co-lead this legislation to fight for tax equality for married LGBTQI+ couples and help to right the wrongs of the past.”
    “The fight for equality is always ongoing. This legislation embodies that fight by ensuring LGBTQ+ couples finally get the tax refunds they are owed. This is legislation long overdue – let’s get it done,” said Senator Alsobrooks.
    “For years, legally-married same-sex couples were denied the ability to file taxes jointly and missed out on the full refunds they earned, all because of who they love. This critical legislation corrects that injustice and provides same-sex couples with the opportunity to amend their tax returns and file jointly retroactively, ensuring same-sex couples can access the benefits that are rightfully theirs,” said Senator Blumenthal. 
    “It is absolutely unacceptable that same-sex couples are still being denied nearly a decade of tax refunds that they are rightfully owed,” said Senator Duckworth. “The bipartisan Refund Equality Act would right this wrong and reform our tax code to ensure same-sex couples receive the same protections and benefits for their marriage as everyone else.”
    “Our pursuit of equal justice for all requires us to admit to past wrongs. For years, LGBTQ+ couples were denied tax benefits offered to other married couples simply because of who they love. This bill would allow those couples to amend their tax returns to secure the benefits that they are owed, and passing this legislation will help us get a step closer to achieving equality,” said Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. 
    “In 2013, I was the first and only elected official in Western PA willing to officiate a gay marriage when it was still illegal.  It was one of the greatest honors of my career because every couple deserves dignity and respect,” said Senator Fetterman. “The Refund Equality Act applies to our tax code that same principle of not punishing anyone for who they are or who they love. It’s long past time for Congress to make this right and ensure same-sex couples get the tax refunds they’re owed.”
    “Every married couple deserves to be treated equally under the law. But for years, same-sex married couples across the country were denied their joint tax returns,” said Senator Gallego. “I’m proud to back this bill to give those couples the refunds they’re entitled to.”
    “Who you love shouldn’t determine how you’re taxed,” said Senator Hickenlooper. “Legally married same-sex couples deserve the tax refunds they were denied because of outdated laws.”
    “For too long, same-sex couples were unable to file taxes jointly, resulting in them losing out on tax refunds, simply because of who they love,” said Senator Hirono. “By enabling these couples to amend their tax returns, this long-overdue legislation would address this injustice, helping to promote equity in the tax filing system by allowing couples to receive the benefits that are rightfully theirs.”
    “In many states, same-sex couples were married for years before the 2013 Windsor decision, yet they were denied the legal right to file their federal taxes jointly. With this legislation, we’re fighting to right the wrongs these couples faced and ensure they are able to receive the refunds they have been unfairly denied,” said Senator Van Hollen.
    “It is time we right this egregious wrong and return money long owed to married LGBTQ+ couples,” said Senator Andy Kim. “Let’s get rid of this discriminatory red tape and stand up for the fairness and equality under the law every American deserves.”
    “For years, same-sex married couples were forced to file their taxes as individuals, which meant missing out on the benefits other married couples received,” said Senator Luján. “This legislation is an important step toward making things right by ensuring same-sex married couples get the tax refunds they are owed.”
    “On the anniversary of the landmark Obergefell v. Hodges decision, we must ensure same-sex couples receive the equal rights protections guaranteed to them by law,” said Senator Markey. The Refund Equality Act would correct a historic wrong and allow same-sex couples to claim tax refunds that discriminatory tax policies denied them previously. This bill is a step in the right direction to fully realize equality for same-sex couples across the country.”
    “Same-sex couples deserve to be treated as persons equal in dignity, equal in opportunity, and equal under the law,” said Senator Jeff Merkley, author of the Equality Act. “However, legally married same-sex couples were unfairly forced to file taxes as individuals for many years, oftentimes paying more in taxes than other legally married couples. Our bipartisan bill is a step forward for equality by ensuring that married same-sex couples can amend their tax returns and get the refunds they are owed.”
    “Every married couple deserves equal treatment under the law,” said Senator Padilla. “The discrimination of same-sex married couples in our tax code and denial of certain benefits — simply because of who they love — was deeply wrong and un-American. The Refund Equality Act would finally make these couples whole by providing tax refunds on hard-earned income that never should have been taken from them in the first place.”
    “For years, same-sex couples were discriminated against and unfairly denied the ability to file their taxes jointly or access the tax benefits afforded to other married couples,” said Senator Rosen. “I’m proud to cosponsor this legislation to help right that wrong and ensure that all married couples are treated equally under the law.”
    “Everyone deserves to be treated equally under the law, regardless of who they love,” said Senator Smith. “For years, our tax system unfairly discriminated against same-sex couples by making them file separately on their taxes, despite being legally married. The Refund Equality Act would help take an enormous step toward righting these wrongs and allow same-sex couples to access the tax benefits they should have always received.”
    “The right to marry whoever you love may be recognized as the law of the land, but the work toward true equality is far from over,” Senator Wyden said. “The opponents of marriage equality are working to roll back the clock on the progress we’ve made in recent years and decades. That’s all the more reason to root out the remnants of discrimination from the laws on the books, including in our tax code.”
    Specifically, the Refund Equality Act would:
    Allow same-sex couples who were married in jurisdictions that recognized same-sex marriage prior to 2013 – including Massachusetts, Connecticut, California, Iowa, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Washington, D.C – to file for income tax adjustments for those years, back to the date of their marriage; 
    Creates exceptions for two tax code limitations: Section 6013(b), which gives married couples three years to begin filing jointly after their most recent separate returns, and Section 6511(a), which requires a claim for tax credits or refunds to be filed within three years of the initial return; and   
    Creates exemptions including adjustments to capital loss carryback and adjustments for retired service members who receive an award of disability compensations. 
    According to a 2021 estimate by the Joint Committee on Taxation, this bill would return $55 million in refunds to taxpayers whose marriages were systematically discriminated against.
    The legislation is also co-sponsored by Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee Ron Wyden (D-Or.), and Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Haw.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angus King (I-Me.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Or.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Alex Padilla (D-Cal.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Haw.), Adam Schiff (D-Cal.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.).
    This legislation is being reintroduced alongside Senator Wyden’s Equal Dignity for Married Taxpayers Act, which Senator Warren co-sponsors and would protect LGBTQ+ Americans from inequality and discrimination by removing gender-specific references to marriage in the tax code. 
    The legislation is also endorsed by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders (SAGE), Children of Lesbians and Gays Everywhere (COLAGE), the Movement Advancement Project, and MassEquality.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: McConnell on War Powers Resolution: Divorced From Strategic And Constitutional Reality

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Mitch McConnell
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, issued the following statement ahead of today’s Senate vote on the Kaine War Powers Resolution: 
    “Iran’s war against the United States is decades old. Through direct and proxy attacks, it has killed and wounded thousands of Americans.
    “Five years ago, President Trump’s correct decision to remove Iran’s terrorist mastermind, Qassem Soleimani, from the battlefield restored a meaningful measure of deterrence. Within weeks, the Senate was forced to defeat an effort to constrain the President’s authority to take similar action in the future.
    “Regrettably, under the Biden Administration, this hard-won deterrence eroded away. With the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan came a sobering reminder that the perception of American retreat emboldens our adversaries. Iran and its terrorist network shrugged off empty threats of deterrence and spilled yet more American blood.
    “This weekend, the President seized a strategic opportunity to restore deterrence. In response to Iran’s ongoing war, U.S. forces dealt a devastating blow to the regime’s pursuit of nuclear weapons.
    “Now, less than a week later, the Senate will again need to defeat an attempt to limit the Commander in Chief’s authority. And once again, the restrainers behind this effort on both sides of the aisle face simple questions:
    “In what ways does this discrete and limited exercise of American power exceed the limits within which President Clinton directed operations in Kosovo or President Obama in Libya? In what ways does it differ from the strikes in Syria or Yemen for which President Biden invoked his Article II authorities?
    “Was degrading Iran’s nuclear capability without expanding the U.S. military footprint in the Middle East a mistake? Was it wrong to seize the rare opportunity made possible by Israel’s operations over the last 20 months? Did it not demonstrably advance U.S. interests in the region? Or are isolationists correct in suggesting that such interests do not exist?
    “I have not heard the frequent flyers on War Powers resolutions reckon seriously with these questions. Until they do, efforts like this will remain divorced from both strategic and constitutional reality.
    “I will oppose Senator Kaine’s resolution, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.”
     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fischer, Luján Statement on Supreme Court Ruling on Universal Service Fund

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nebraska Deb Fischer
     Today, U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Chair of the Senate Telecommunications and Media Subcommittee, and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ranking Member, released the following statement after the United States Supreme Court issued a ruling on the Universal Service Fund (USF):“We’re encouraged by the Supreme Court’s ruling on the Universal Service Fund, and we look forward to working together to focus on long-term solutions for the USF, evaluate broadband programs, and help connect unserved and underserved communities across America.”This month, Fischer and Luján announced the reconstitution of the USF Working Group. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warren, Garcia Renew Fight to Limit Flow of Ammunition Into American Communities

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    June 27, 2025
    Bill Text (PDF) 
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Representative Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) reintroduced the Ammunition Modernization and Monitoring Oversight (AMMO) Act, legislation that would restrict bulk sales of ammunition, require businesses that sell ammunition to obtain the same federal license as firearm dealers, and require businesses to conduct a background check on ammunition buyers.
    Currently, businesses are not required to possess licenses to sell ammunition and can sell to any buyer, in any quantity, without a background check and with no recordkeeping or data sharing.
    The bill would prohibit bulk sales of ammunition based on the type of ammo. It limits individuals to purchasing no more than 100 rounds of .50-caliber ammunition—the most deadly, potent military grade—and 1000 rounds for all other ammunition within a 5-day period. The AMMO Act would restrict individuals from purchasing ammunition to then sell illegally to others and require data sharing on ammunition sales. 
    “Our government needs to step up and limit access to ammunition if we want to stop the gun violence epidemic in this country,” said Senator Warren. “I’m going to keep fighting to keep our communities safe from potential mass shooters.”
    “It makes absolutely no sense that anyone in this country can walk into a business and buy as much ammunition as they want, with no background check and no questions asked,” said Congressman Robert Garcia. “We need to do everything in our power to prevent mass shootings and end our nation’s gun violence epidemic. During Gun Violence Awareness Month, I’m proud to help lead a bill that closes this loophole with a commonsense fix that will save lives and protect our communities.”
    The legislation is co-sponsored in the Senate by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii).
    The legislation is co-sponsored in the House by Representatives Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.), Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.), Stephen F. Lynch (D-Mass.), Shri Thanedar (D-Mich.), Melanie Ann Stansbury (D-N.M.), Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson Jr. (D-Ga.), Delia C. Ramirez (D-Ill.), Juan Vargas (D-Cal.), Becca Balint (D-Vt.-At Large), Janice D. Schakowsky (D-Ill.), Mike Quigley (D-Ill.), Terri A. Sewell (D-Ala.), Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.), Daniel S. Goldman (D-N.Y.), Julia Brownley (D-Cal.), Eric Swallwell (D-Cal.), Kevin Mullen (D-Cal.), Seth Magaziner (D-R.I.), Nanette Diaz Barragan (D-Cal.), Robin L. Kelly (D-Ill.), and Sean Casten (D-Ill.).
    The AMMO Act is endorsed by Everytown for Gun Safety, Brady, Community Justice Action Fund, Newtown Action, the National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform, Orange Ribbons, and Voters of Tomorrow.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Coons statement on Trump v. CASA, Inc.

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) issued the following statement in response to the Supreme Court’s decision in Trump v. CASA, Inc., which sided with the Trump administration’s request to limit universal injunctions issued by federal courts:

    “The Constitution created three branches of government with equal power: the courts, Congress, and the president. Today, the Supreme Court made clear that one branch – the executive – has free reign to do what it wishes without meaningful checks or review.

    “The Court’s ruling will only embolden President Trump and his illegal, dangerous dismantling of our federal government. It will create an unworkable patchwork of laws that shift depending on who you are or what state you’re in. It means courts will be flooded with case after case about the exact same thing – slowing our legal system and delaying justice for everyone. How will that work for those too poor to hire a lawyer? For children? For working parents? 

    “Barring further intervention by the Court, next month there will be children who will be citizens if they are born in Delaware, but if born in another state, might not be. This is as wrong as it is cruel. The Court has unleashed chaos and confusion. Children, their families, and our nation will pay the price.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Coons statement on Trump v. CASA, Inc.

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) issued the following statement in response to the Supreme Court’s decision in Trump v. CASA, Inc., which sided with the Trump administration’s request to limit universal injunctions issued by federal courts:

    “The Constitution created three branches of government with equal power: the courts, Congress, and the president. Today, the Supreme Court made clear that one branch – the executive – has free reign to do what it wishes without meaningful checks or review.

    “The Court’s ruling will only embolden President Trump and his illegal, dangerous dismantling of our federal government. It will create an unworkable patchwork of laws that shift depending on who you are or what state you’re in. It means courts will be flooded with case after case about the exact same thing – slowing our legal system and delaying justice for everyone. How will that work for those too poor to hire a lawyer? For children? For working parents? 

    “Barring further intervention by the Court, next month there will be children who will be citizens if they are born in Delaware, but if born in another state, might not be. This is as wrong as it is cruel. The Court has unleashed chaos and confusion. Children, their families, and our nation will pay the price.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Coons announces support for War Powers Resolution

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) issued the following statement announcing he would vote for the War Powers Resolution offered by Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.):

    “A week after President Trump’s strikes against Iran’s nuclear enrichment program, it is too early to conclude how far Iran’s dangerous nuclear program has been set back and whether it will continue to pursue nuclear weapons. American forces being called back into action for an extended period of time, unfortunately, remains a possibility. Congress, not the president, has the sole power to commit our troops to action. If President Trump chooses to do so, he must consult with Congress and seek our approval. This is why I will vote for Senator Kaine’s War Powers Resolution. We cannot afford risky military measures against an unpredictable adversary without a clear understanding of the costs and a plan for what comes next.”

    Senator Coons is Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Coons statement on Mahmoud v. Taylor

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) issued the following statement in response to the Supreme Court’s decision in Mahmoud v. Taylor, which decided that parents with religious objections can opt their children out of public school instruction that references same-sex marriage and gender identity:

    “The Supreme Court’s decision today will put an additional burden on our schools and teachers at a time when they are already underfunded and strained to the breaking point. 

    “This decision will be weaponized by the loudest voices in school districts across the country, forcing schools to appease them at the risk of silencing all other voices. Respecting one family’s religious liberty should not mean denying another family the freedom to learn.

    “The world around us will not simply disappear because we ban schools from teaching how it works. This decision tells Americans that certain families and certain kids don’t deserve the same respect as others. Instead of supporting those who most need it, the Court’s opinion pushes them further away. I will keep fighting for all Delawareans’ access to an education that prepares them to thrive.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Cotton to Introduce Bill to Reform, Improve, and Streamline ODNI

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas Tom Cotton
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Caroline Tabler or Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353June 27, 2025
    Chairman Cotton to Introduce Bill to Reform, Improve, and Streamline ODNI 
    Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, today will introduce the Intelligence Community Efficiency and Effectiveness Act, legislation that would realign resources to intelligence missions, eliminate duplicative efforts and inefficient, non-functioning bureaucracies across the intelligence community (IC) and return the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) to its original size, scope, and mission.
    Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Rounds (R-South Dakota), Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), and James Lankford (R-Oklahoma) are cosponsoring the legislation.
    “Created after the September 11th attacks, ODNI was intended to be a lean organization to align America’s intelligence resources and authorities, not the overstaffed and bureaucratic behemoth that it is today, where coordinators coordinate with other coordinators. These reforms will be vital to keeping our country safe from the wide range of threats that we continue to face,” said Senator Cotton. 
    Text of the Intelligence Community Efficiency and Effectiveness Act may be found here.
    The Intelligence Community Efficiency and Effectiveness Act would:
    Cap ODNI full-time staff at 650.
    Eliminate certain reporting requirements and the transfer of personnel authorities.
    Modify the National Intelligence Council’s duties and terminate the National Intelligence Managers’ positions.
    Terminate the National Counterintelligence and Security Center (NCSC) at ODNI and transfer its responsibilities to the FBI.
    Redesignate the National Counterterrorism Center as the National Counterterrorism and Counternarcotics Center, and limit its mission to foreign intelligence authorities. 
    Terminate the National Counterproliferation and Biosecurity Center (NCBC) at ODNI, transfer NCBC’s responsibilities to the CIA, and redesignate it as the National Counterproliferation Center.
    Repeal various positions (including the Director of the NCSC, the Director of the NCBC, and the Intelligence Community Chief Data Officer), and seven units, centers, councils, offices, and programs (including obsolete bureaucratic entities that have failed to function, such as the Joint Intelligence Community Council).  
    Prohibit National Intelligence Program funds from being used to outsource IC analytic efforts to organizations that take funds from foreign governments.  
    Require the DNI to wind down and terminate the National Intelligence University within 180 days.
    Prohibit use of National Intelligence Program funds to implement any diversity, equity, or inclusion practice in the intelligence community.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Cotton to Introduce Bill to Reform, Improve, and Streamline ODNI

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas Tom Cotton
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Caroline Tabler or Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353June 27, 2025
    Chairman Cotton to Introduce Bill to Reform, Improve, and Streamline ODNI 
    Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, today will introduce the Intelligence Community Efficiency and Effectiveness Act, legislation that would realign resources to intelligence missions, eliminate duplicative efforts and inefficient, non-functioning bureaucracies across the intelligence community (IC) and return the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) to its original size, scope, and mission.
    Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Rounds (R-South Dakota), Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), and James Lankford (R-Oklahoma) are cosponsoring the legislation.
    “Created after the September 11th attacks, ODNI was intended to be a lean organization to align America’s intelligence resources and authorities, not the overstaffed and bureaucratic behemoth that it is today, where coordinators coordinate with other coordinators. These reforms will be vital to keeping our country safe from the wide range of threats that we continue to face,” said Senator Cotton. 
    Text of the Intelligence Community Efficiency and Effectiveness Act may be found here.
    The Intelligence Community Efficiency and Effectiveness Act would:
    Cap ODNI full-time staff at 650.
    Eliminate certain reporting requirements and the transfer of personnel authorities.
    Modify the National Intelligence Council’s duties and terminate the National Intelligence Managers’ positions.
    Terminate the National Counterintelligence and Security Center (NCSC) at ODNI and transfer its responsibilities to the FBI.
    Redesignate the National Counterterrorism Center as the National Counterterrorism and Counternarcotics Center, and limit its mission to foreign intelligence authorities. 
    Terminate the National Counterproliferation and Biosecurity Center (NCBC) at ODNI, transfer NCBC’s responsibilities to the CIA, and redesignate it as the National Counterproliferation Center.
    Repeal various positions (including the Director of the NCSC, the Director of the NCBC, and the Intelligence Community Chief Data Officer), and seven units, centers, councils, offices, and programs (including obsolete bureaucratic entities that have failed to function, such as the Joint Intelligence Community Council).  
    Prohibit National Intelligence Program funds from being used to outsource IC analytic efforts to organizations that take funds from foreign governments.  
    Require the DNI to wind down and terminate the National Intelligence University within 180 days.
    Prohibit use of National Intelligence Program funds to implement any diversity, equity, or inclusion practice in the intelligence community.

    MIL OSI USA News –