NewzIntel.com

Category: US Senate

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden, Warren Seek Answers from Contractor that Stands to Profit as Millions Lose Health Care Coverage

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)
    June 10, 2025
    Maximus, which has spent millions lobbying federal lawmakers on safety net programs like Medicaid, has a history of raking in profits by ejecting millions of Americans off of their health insurance
    Washington D.C.—U.S. Senators Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass.,  said today they have written to Maximus, the largest contractor for Medicaid eligibility determinations, regarding the company’s potential profiteering under a Republican plan to cut Medicaid.
    In a warning of what could come if so-called “work requirements” pass into law, the senators pressed Maximus on its business strategy of kicking millions of low-income Americans off  their Medicaid coverage—even when they meet all the program’s eligibility requirements—to earn more profit.
    “As the largest contractor for Medicaid eligibility determinations, your company would likely assess whether individuals meet the requirements outlined in the Republican bill, giving you extraordinary power over Americans’ access to health care,” the senators wrote. “But your company has an abysmal track record, with reports of egregious backlogs and service delays and several reported instances of fraud.”
    Medicaid is a crucial health insurance program for millions of low- and middle-income Americans, covering about one in three Oregonians enrolled in the Oregon Health Plan. Trump and congressional Republicans are pushing to make the largest cuts to Medicaid in the program’s history, including nearly $350 billion in cuts from implementing so-called “work requirements.” The independent, non-partisan Congressional Budget Office estimates the bill will rip away health insurance coverage from more than 10 million Americans and that work requirements alone will result in almost 5 million people losing Medicaid. 
    In addition to its troubling track record in Medicaid, Maximus has also:
    Required Americans to submit intrusive personal information to complete eligibility checks, which was subsequently stolen in massive data breaches.
    Raked in profits for cycling some of America’s poorest individuals in and out of short-term, low-paying jobs rather than placing them in stable, long-term employment.
    Spent millions in recent years on lobbying and campaign contributions to federal, state, and local campaigns to persuade political leaders to implement stricter eligibility requirements for programs like Medicaid—knowing that its shareholders and bottom line would benefit when vulnerable Americans faced more red tape.
    “Maximus profited not from promoting work—the stated goal of Republican policymakers—but instead from trapping low-income Americans in a cycle of poverty, with individuals falling into and out of employment and eligibility for benefits in part due to the perverse incentives in your state contracts,” the senators wrote.
    Maximus’ stock has climbed as Trump and Republicans raced to pass legislation that would impose red tape requirements on Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) beneficiaries. With $100 million set aside in Republicans’ new bill to implement Medicaid red tape requirements just in fiscal year 2026, Maximus potentially stands to gain tens of millions worth of contracts in the coming years, representing a more than 30x return on its lobbying expenditures.
    Maximus has even made clear to investors that the “Big Beautiful Bill” creates numerous pathways to profit, stating that “changes that require customer engagement … increase our activity volume” and that “a reduction in Medicaid recipients may not necessarily decrease consumer engagement, especially if eligibility verification or activity reporting requirements become more frequent than today.”
    “All of this raises serious questions about your ability to effectively administer Medicaid eligibility determinations and avoid the perverse incentives that allow you to benefit from kicking even more Americans off of Medicaid if Donald Trump and Republicans’ ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ becomes law,” the senators continued. “With millions of dollars spent on lobbyists in Washington and around the nation, you have worked to enact the largest Medicaid cuts in the program’s history—and ensure that your company and you personally will financially benefit.”
    The senators are pressing Maximus for information on its lobbying efforts and concerning track record of implementing so-called “work requirements” in other federal programs.
    The full text of the letter is here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin On Republicans’ Reconciliation Bill: It’s A Big, Beautiful Betrayal Against American Families

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    June 09, 2025
    In a speech on the Senate floor, Durbin slammed the Republican reconciliation plan that will kick 16 million Americans off their health care coverage, close rural hospitals, and raise prices for American families in order to pay for tax cuts to billionaires
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today spoke on the Senate floor, making clear that Republicans’ One Big Beautiful Bill Act will only raise prices and slash Medicaid and Medicare coverage for working Americans in order to pay for significant tax breaks for billionaires.  Durbin reiterated in his remarks that the legislation will harm Americans as the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released an estimate showing that 16 million Americans will lose their health insurance under the Republicans’ reconciliation bill.
    “They [congressional Republicans] are considering a tax bill that will eliminate health insurance coverage for 16 million Americans.  More people and families will lose health insurance coverage by virtue of this ‘big, beautiful bill’ than any legislation we passed in modern memory,” Durbin began.
    Durbin explained how unpopular it would be to cut health insurance coverage for Americans, which has prompted a small number of Republicans to express their discontent with $800 billion in proposed cuts to Medicaid.
    “Some Republican Senators, like Josh Hawley in my neighboring state of Missouri, have criticized this because he realizes how many people he represents count on Medicaid, the basic health insurance program.  Senator Hawley says even as a Republican, he can’t support that provision,” Durbin said.  “No one should support that provision.  If you ever lived at a moment in your life with a seriously sick child and no health insurance, you’ll never forget it.  I know.  I’ve been there.”
    “With this analysis from the Congressional Budget Office, we have new estimates on how this bill impacts each and every state.  210,000 people in my neighboring state of Missouri, Senator Hawley’s state, could lose their health insurance coverage.  In Iowa, nearly 100,000 people could lose their health plans, and for our neighbor in Indiana, 250,000 Hoosiers could lose the peace of mind that comes with having health insurance,” Durbin said.
    “What is it that is so compelling that the Republicans feel they can stand up and tell 16 million people in America, ‘you’ll lose your health insurance.’  What will they use that money for?  What will they take it to the bank for?  For something very basic.  Tax cuts for the wealthiest people in America,” Durbin continued.
    Durbin spoke about his recent visit to a children’s hospital in Chicago, emphasizing that patients, including his constituent Layoni, rely on Medicaid in order to receive life-saving care.
    “Friday, I visited a hospital in Chicago… It’s La Rabida, a children’s hospital… Ninety percent of the families that bring their children to La Rabida Hospital qualify for Medicaid.  These are families of limited means, and they turn to a highly professional hospital which has a reputation of caring for the poorest kids, as well as the richest kids. They treat them all the same, and they treat them well,” Durbin said.
    “When I visited the hospital, they told me the story of one of their patients.  Her name is Layoni. She was born prematurely at 26 weeks.  When she was born she was only the size of the palm of your hand.  She was given just days to survive.  She needed a ventilator, tracheotomy tube, central line, an IV-like device that brought medicine to her heart, and much, much more.  Today, Layoni is four years old.  It’s a miracle. Thanks to want incredible cared provided by La Rabida and the love of so many people, she’s there,” Durbin continued.  “Layoni’s family was covered by Medicaid, the most highly targeted program for cuts in this ‘big, beautiful bill.’”
    Durbin explained the impact the Republicans’ reconciliation bill will have on hospitals across the country, many of which rely on Medicaid reimbursements to stay open.  If critical Medicaid funding is cut, hospitals across the country, especially those in rural areas, will be at serious risk of closure.  According to America’s Essential Hospitals, uncompensated care costs for hospitals will increase by $42 billion in a single year under this Republican proposal.  For rural hospitals that are already struggling financially, this bill could lead to them permanently closing their doors.
    “They [20 hospital administrators from downstate and urban Illinois] came out to see me three weeks ago…  On their own, they wanted to tell me the story, that the bill that passed the House of Representatives… will be devastating to these hospitals.  Some of them won’t survive,” Durbin said.
    “What does it mean to a small or medium-size city that’s lucky enough to have a good hospital and lose it?  Well, the obvious. If you need emergency medical care, it’s a longer drive.  If that baby is about to be born, it’s a longer drive. When it comes down to treatment, these hospitals provide the first in urgent care.  And if that hospital closes, what happens?  It takes longer to get that care, but in addition to that, it also means a major part of the local economy is gone,” Durbin said.  “How will you attract a business or keep a business when you lose your hospital? That’s what’s at stake here because it cuts into the Medicaid program.”
    Despite Republican claims that the reconciliation bill will not impact Medicare, the bill also includes a $500 billion cut to Medicare.
    “The Trump ‘big, beautiful bill’ is designed to cut the program that these hospitals rely on most, the Medicaid program.  Now it turns out because they add trillions of dollars to the deficit for this tax cut, you’re also facing the possibility of something called sequestration, what that means is there will be less coverage for Medicare,” Durbin said.  “This would be devastating to many people who count on it. It’s not just La Rabida that would face consequences.  Red and blue states would suffer.”
    Durbin continued on, stressing that this legislation will also increase the cost of living for Americans while billionaires will enjoy an additional $400,000 in tax cuts. 
    “As if an increase in the health care premiums isn’t enough, the costs of basic goods will skyrocket under this Republican plan.  The ‘big, beautiful betrayal’ will raise energy bills up to $400 a year for families and ten percent for businesses,” Durbin said.
    “If housing wasn’t already expensive enough, many Americans will see their mortgages increase by $600 a year.  Want to follow your passion and start a business?  Small business loans are estimated to increase under the ‘big, beautiful bill’ by $1,000 a year.  Tariffs are estimated to raise costs for American households by around $2,500,” Durbin said.  “If this last election was about the cost of living and giving families a fighting chance to survive paycheck to paycheck, this bill is devastating for those who aren’t the wealthiest in America.”
    Durbin concluded his remarks by calling on his Republican colleagues to push back against this legislation that will eliminate health care for 16 million Americans and raise prices even further.
    “This year, for the Fourth of July, the most American thing we can do is, on a bipartisan basis, stop this disaster.  What does it take to say, ‘Pause, stop.  We don’t want to cut Medicaid.  We don’t want to take health insurance away from 16 million people.  We don’t want to see the expenses of families going up.’  What will it take? Four Republican Senators who will step up and say this is a mistake,” Durbin said.
    “Donald Trump is trying to rush us into something which is not good for American families. [The bill is] good for billionaires… but for ordinary families struggling with their regular bills that they have to pay, the ‘big, beautiful bill’ is a big, beautiful betrayal,” Durbin concluded.
    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.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: In Senate Floor Speech, Durbin Denounces Political Violence, Criticizes Trump’s Decision To Deploy National Guard Troops To California Without Consent Of California State Officials

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    June 10, 2025
    In his speech, Durbin also pointed out the hypocrisy of Trump Administration officials, who supported pardons for January 6 rioters, as they call for the arrest of any protestor that commits violent acts against law enforcement
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, delivered a speech on the Senate floor in response to President Trump’s abuse of power in deploying National Guard troops to California without the request or consent of California state leaders.  Durbin began by condemning political violence of all kinds while reiterating that Americans have a right to peacefully protest. 
    “I condemn violence, vandalism, including violence against law enforcement.  There is no place in legitimate protests for that to occur,” Durbin began.  “What is happening in Los Angeles, as brought to my attention over the weekend, is something we need to address.  However, addressing it effectively means not grandstanding, but giving law enforcement the resources they need to control the situation.  Neither the Governor of California nor the Mayor of Los Angeles asked for the National Guard troops that President Trump is sending.”
    “Governor Newsom said the decision to deploy the National Guard, without appropriate training or orders, risked seriously escalating the situation,” Durbin continued.  “What is clear is that President Trump manipulated these protests as an excuse to politicize the military and divert resources from pressing national security and disaster relief responsibilities.”
    Durbin explained that it’s been 60 years since a president has sent in the National Guard for a domestic operation without a request from the governor.  Durbin then noted that while President Trump has made strong statements about his Administration’s intolerance of violence toward law enforcement during these protests, he provided clemency to more than 1,500 individuals who participated in the violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.  The violence at the Capitol that day led to the death of five police officers and the injuries of more than 140 others.
    “This weekend, the President wrote on social media that Los Angeles was ‘invaded and occupied’ by ‘violent, insurrectionist mobs,’ and directed three of his top cabinet officials to take any actions necessary to ‘liberate Los Angeles from the Migrant Invasion,’” Durbin said.  “His FBI Director, Kash Patel, also wrote on X, ‘Hit a cop, you’re going to jail… doesn’t matter where you came from, how you got here, or what movement speaks to you.’”
    “It seems President Trump and Mr. Patel forgot what happened on January 6th at the U.S. Capitol when a violent mob—summoned by a bitter, defeated former President—ransacked the Capitol Complex… The insurrectionist mob, the rioters who came into the Capitol on January 6th looked through my desk.  You can see it on CSPAN,” Durbin said.  “On his first day back in office in his second term, what did President Trump do to these cop haters?  He issued a blanket pardon to [nearly] 1,500 of them despite their conviction… for that riot that took place in this building, including those who violently assaulted law enforcement officers.”
    “It appears FBI Director Patel’s comment [that] if you, ‘hit a cop, you’re going to jail,’ only applies to people who President Trump doesn’t agree with,” Durbin concluded.
    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.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ‘Much Needed’: Hawley Applauds Trump’s Approval of Disaster Aid For Missouri Storm Victims

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo)

    Monday, June 09, 2025

    This evening, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) announced federal disaster aid for Eastern Missouri’s devastating May storms, thanking U.S. President Donald Trump for swiftly green-lighting the funds.
    Senator Hawley has been a leading advocate for disaster aid following last month’s storms and tornadoes that claimed the lives of seven Missourians. The Senator surveyed the storm damage firsthand throughout St. Louis and met with residents, first responders, and other community leaders.
    Upon returning to Washington, Senator Hawley urged the Trump Administration to issue federal disaster aid and even secured a pledge from DHS Secretary Kristi Noem—who oversees the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)—to expedite relief. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Presidential Permit Authorizing Green Corridors, LLC, to Construct, Maintain, and Operate a Commercial Elevated Guideway Border Crossing Near Laredo, Texas, at the International Boundary Between the United States and Mexico

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Whitehouse
    By virtue of the authority vested in me as President of the United States of America (the “President”), I hereby grant permission, subject to the conditions set forth herein, to Green Corridors, LLC (the “Permittee”), to construct, maintain, and operate a commercial elevated guideway crossing located on the United States border with Mexico in Laredo, Texas, as described in the “Presidential Permit Application: Green Corridors Intelligent Freight Transportation System” dated October 3, 2024, by the Permittee to the Secretary of State and made complete with additional information provided by the Permittee on February 14, 2025 (collectively, the “Application”), in accordance with 33 U.S.C. 535d and associated procedures.
         The term “Border facilities” as used in this permit consists of the elevated guideway and bridge over the Rio Grande which connects inland terminals near Monterrey, Mexico, in the state of Nuevo Leon and near Interstate 35, north of Laredo, Texas, its approaches, and any land, structures, installations, or equipment appurtenant thereto located on the United States side of the international boundary between the United States and Mexico, located just downstream from the Laredo-Colombia Solidarity International Bridge at the connection between Texas State Highway 255 and the Nuevo Leon State Highway Spur 1.
         This permit is subject to the following conditions:
         Article 1.  The Border facilities herein described and all aspects of their operation are subject to all the conditions, provisions, and requirements of this permit and any subsequent Presidential amendment to it.  The construction, maintenance, and operation of the Border facilities shall be in all material respects as described in the Application.
         Article 2.  The standards for and the manner of construction, maintenance, and operation of the Border facilities are subject to inspection by the representatives of appropriate Federal, State, and local agencies.  The Permittee shall grant officers and employees of such agencies that are duly authorized and performing their official duties free and unrestricted access to said Border facilities.
         Article 3.  The Permittee shall comply with all applicable Federal laws and regulations regarding the construction, maintenance, and operation of the Border facilities.
         Article 4.  (1)  The Permittee shall take or cause to be taken all appropriate measures to mitigate adverse impacts on or disruption of the human environment in connection with the construction, maintenance, and operation of the Border facilities.  Mitigation measures are those that avoid, minimize, or compensate for adverse impacts.
         (2)  The Permittee shall hold harmless and indemnify the United States for any claimed or adjudged liability arising out of construction, maintenance, and operation of the Border facilities, including environmental contamination from the release, threatened release, or discharge of hazardous substances or hazardous waste.
         (3)  The Permittee is responsible for obtaining any required Federal, State, and local permits, approvals, and authorizations prior to commencing construction activities.  The Permittee shall implement the mitigation identified in any environmental decision documents prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and Federal permits, including stormwater permits and permits issued in accordance with section 402 of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1342).  The Permittee shall comply with applicable Federal, State, and local environmental laws.
         Article 5.  The Permittee shall immediately notify the President or his designee of any decision to transfer custody and control of the Border facilities or any part thereof to any executive department or agency (agency) of the United States Government.  Said notice shall identify the transferee agency and seek the approval of the President for the transfer of the permit.  In the event of approval by the President of such transfer, this permit shall remain in force and effect, and the Border facilities shall be subject to all the conditions, permissions, and requirements of this permit and any amendments thereof.  The Permittee may transfer ownership or control of the Border facilities to a non-Federal entity or individual only upon the prior express approval of such transfer by the President, which approval may include such conditions, permissions, and requirements that the President, in the President’s discretion, determines are appropriate and necessary for inclusion in the permit, to be effective on the date of transfer.
         Article 6.  The Permittee is responsible for acquiring and maintaining any right-of-way grants or easements, permits, and other authorizations as may become necessary or appropriate.  To ensure the safe operation of the Border facilities, the Permittee shall maintain them and every part of them in a condition of good repair and in compliance with applicable law and use of best management practices.
         Article 7.  To the extent authorized by law, and consistent with any Donation Acceptance Agreements (DAAs) already executed with the Permittee under the Donation Acceptance Authority found in 6 U.S.C. 301a and section 559 of title V of division F of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014 (Public Law 113-76), as amended, as continued by 6 U.S.C. 301b, the Permittee shall provide to the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (Commissioner) of the Department of Homeland Security and the heads of any other relevant agencies, at no cost to the United States, suitable inspection facilities, infrastructure improvements, equipment, and maintenance, as set forth in the DAAs.  Nothing in this permit obligates such agencies to provide a particular level of services or staffing for such inspection facilities or for any other aspect of the port of entry associated with the Border facilities.
         Article 8.  Before beginning design activities, the Permittee shall fulfill requirements associated with the following conditions, as refined by the relevant agencies below and as consistent with applicable law:
         (1)  Provide a plan for the approval of the Commissioner detailing how the Permittee will fund and deliver the border facilities, staffing, vehicles, out year refresh cost and data sharing necessary for U.S. Customs and Border Protection to implement a design-appropriate inspections procedure and sustain it thereafter;
         (2)  Provide a plan for the approval of the Administrator of General Services (Administrator) and the Commissioner detailing how the Permittee will fund the necessary operations and maintenance costs for the Border facilities upon commencement of operations and thereafter;
         (3)  Provide a plan for the approval of the Administrator and the Commissioner detailing how the Permittee will fund construction, outfitting (furniture, fixtures, and equipment to include information technology and necessary inspection technologies), technology integration, and outyear refresh of said program elements for the Border facilities detailed in their Application; and
         (4)  Provide a plan for, and to the satisfaction of, the Secretary of Transportation detailing the Permittee’s design, deployment, operation, and related topics to enable the Department of Transportation to determine the regulatory framework that will govern the Permittee’s operations, as well as how the Permittee will ensure the necessary funding for appropriate Department of Transportation inspection facilities and staffing.
    Relevant agencies will coordinate with the Permittee to further refine the above conditions, as necessary, within 1 year of permit issuance.
         Article 9.  Before initiating construction, the Permittee shall obtain the concurrence of the United States Section of the International Boundary and Water Commissions, United States and Mexico.
         Article 10.  The Permittee shall not initiate construction until the Department of State has provided notification to the Permittee that the Department of State has completed its exchange of diplomatic notes with the Government of Mexico regarding authorization.  The Permittee shall provide written notification to the President or his designee at the time that the construction authorized by this permit begins, at the time as such construction is completed, interrupted, or discontinued, and at other times as may be requested by the President.
         Article 11.  Upon request, the Permittee shall provide appropriate information to the President or his designee with regard to the Border facilities.  Such requests could include requests for information concerning current conditions, environmental compliance, mitigation, or anticipated changes in ownership or control, construction, connection, operation, or maintenance of the Border facilities.
         Article 12.  The Permittee shall file any applicable statements and reports required by applicable Federal law in connection with the Border facilities.
         Article 13.  The Permittee shall make no substantial change inconsistent with the Application to the Border facilities, in the location of the Border facilities, or in the operation authorized by this permit, unless such changes have been approved by the President.  The President may terminate, revoke, or amend this permit at any time at his sole discretion.  The Permittee’s obligation to implement any amendment to this permit is subject to the availability of funds.  If the Permittee permanently closes the Green Corridors Intelligent Freight Transportation System and it is no longer used as an international crossing, then this permit shall terminate, and the Permittee may manage, utilize, or dispose of the Border facilities in accordance with applicable authorities.  This permit shall continue in full force and effect for only so long as the Permittee continues the operations hereby authorized.
         Article 14.  This permit shall expire 5 years from the date of its issuance if the Permittee has not commenced construction of the Border facilities by that date.
         Article 15.  This permit is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 9th day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.
    DONALD J. TRUMP

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senior Congressional Intelligence & Defense Leaders Press DNI Gabbard Over Illegal Interference with Independence of the ICIG

    US Senate News:

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

    WASHINGTON – Today, Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense Chris Coons (D-DE), Ranking Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Jim Himes (D-CT-04), and Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense Betty McCollum (D-MN-04) sent a letter to Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard expressing “grave concern” about her recent interference in the independence of the Office of the Intelligence Community Inspector General (ICIG).

    In the letter, the lawmakers strongly objected to Director Gabbard’s decision to unilaterally terminate the Acting Counsel to the ICIG and to appoint a “Senior Advisor” to work within the ICIG’s office while reporting directly to the Director herself. The letter notes that these actions were taken without the approval of the Acting ICIG, in direct contravention of federal statues designed to protect the independence of the Inspector General’s office. Director Gabbard’s actions were brought to Congress’s attention in a letter the Acting Inspector General sent to lawmakers on May 28.

    “Your actions violate both the letter and the spirit of the law,” the lawmakers wrote. “Despite your obligation to keep the congressional oversight committees fully and currently informed, our committees were notified of your decision to terminate the Acting Counsel, not by your office, but by the Acting ICIG.”

    The lawmakers underscored that Director Gabbard’s appointment of a Senior Advisor inside the ICIG’s office compromised the ability to carry out its statutory mission of identifying and preventing waste, fraud, and abuse in the intelligence community.

    “[The Acting ICIG’s] letter also disclosed that you have appointed a ‘Senior Advisor’ within the Office of the ICIG who reports to you but works in the ICIG’s office spaces, which presents significant concerns not only for the independence of the ICIG but also the ability of the ICIG to protect confidential whistleblower information,” the lawmakers stated. “Our understanding is that your decision to terminate the Acting Counsel was made 48 hours after she made inquiries regarding the legal basis for the appointment of the Senior Advisor.”

    “Your recent actions undermine this independence and are contrary to commitments you made during your confirmation process,” the lawmakers wrote.

    The lawmakers called on Director Gabbard to immediately cease “illegal interference into the ICIG’s operations” and to provide a detailed accounting of the personnel actions and communications that led to these decisions.

    The letter concludes with a clear warning: “The ICIG must remain independent of political influence, and we will continue to oppose any attempt to interfere with its work, or silence its conclusions.”

    A copy of letter is available here and text is below.

    Director Gabbard:

    We are writing to express our grave concern with your decision to terminate the Acting Counsel to the Inspector General of the Intelligence Community (ICIG) and to appoint a “Senior Advisor” within the Office of the ICIG without the approval of the Acting ICIG. 

    The Office of the ICIG was established by the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 with a stated purpose of creating “an objective and effective office, appropriately accountable to Congress, to initiate and conduct independent investigations, inspections, audits, and reviews on programs and activities within the responsibility and authority of the Director of National Intelligence.”  To protect the independence of the Office, the law provides that the ICIG has “final approval of . . . personnel decisions concerning personnel permanently assigned to the Office of the Inspector General” and “shall . . . appoint a Counsel to the Inspector General who shall report to the Inspector General.”

    Your actions violate both the letter and the spirit of the law.  Despite your obligation to keep the congressional oversight committees fully and currently informed, our committees were notified of your decision to terminate the Acting Counsel, not by your office, but by the Acting ICIG.  Her letter also disclosed that you have appointed a “Senior Advisor” within the Office of the ICIG who reports to you but works in the ICIG’s office spaces, which presents significant concerns not only for the independence of the ICIG but also the ability of the ICIG to protect confidential whistleblower information.  Our understanding is that your decision to terminate the Acting Counsel was made 48 hours after she made inquiries regarding the legal basis for the appointment of the Senior Advisor. 

    The Acting ICIG disputes your assertion that she “agreed” to terminate the Acting Counsel and described your actions as “contrary to law” and “never sufficiently explained.”  As you testified at your confirmation hearing, the ICIG’s independence is “essential to ensure oversight and accountability.”  Your recent actions undermine this independence and are contrary to commitments you made during your confirmation process.  Therefore, we ask that you immediately provide our committees with the following information:

    The justification for your decision to terminate the Acting Counsel to the ICIG.

    The justification and legal basis for your decision to appoint a “Senior Advisor” within the Office of the ICIG who reports to you but works in the ICIG’s office spaces.

    The identity of the “Senior Advisor” described in the Acting ICIG’s letter.

    The names and positions of all ODNI personnel who participated in meetings regarding the decision to terminate the Acting Counsel to the ICIG or appoint a “Senior Advisor” to work within the Office of the ICIG.

    All correspondence you have had with the Office of the ICIG since February 12, 2025.

    A description of, along with the justification and legal basis for any other personnel actions you have taken with regard to the Office of the ICIG.

    The ICIG must remain independent of political influence, and we will continue to oppose any attempt to interfere with its work, or silence its conclusions.

    We request that you immediately cease your illegal interference into the ICIG’s operations, and look forward to your prompt reply to the information we are requesting.

    Sincerely,

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy in the LOGA Industry Report: GOP mission to clear Biden admin’s red tape will help Louisiana energy producers thrive

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)
    WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) penned this column for the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association (LOGA) Industry Report explaining how Congressional Republicans are working with the Trump administration to clear red tape to help unleash America’s energy dominance.
    Key excerpts of the op-ed are below:
    “President Biden let TikTok teens, climate change zealots, and other members of the Democratic Party dictate American energy policy for four years. The results were not good.
    “The Biden administration left the American people with 29% higher electricity bills, a depleted strategic national fuel reserve, and a mountain of bureaucratic red tape that made it difficult for energy producers to produce energy and create good-paying jobs. In 2024 alone, Louisiana families had to pay nearly $1,000 more to keep their lights on and gas tanks full.
    “Fortunately, the American people voted to restore common sense in Washington. President Trump and my conservative colleagues in Congress are working to restore America’s global energy dominance. To do this, we must first clean up the mess left by the Biden administration — and President Trump and his team are off to a great start.”
    . . .
    “As common sense makes a comeback in Washington, energy dominance is on the horizon. I’m proud that Louisiana will continue to be a leader in oil and gas production as America enters a new era of prosperity and security.”
    Read Kennedy’s column here.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ranking Member Coons statement on deployment of Marines in Los Angeles

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, issued the following statement after the Department of Defense announced that approximately 700 Marines with the 2nd Battalion will be deployed to the Los Angeles area over the objections of state and local leaders:
    “Our warfighters are not political tools meant to patrol the streets of our own cities or to suppress the political views of their fellow Americans. Men and women put on the uniform of the United States to defend Americans and American values. Today, they’re being called on to police American citizens on American soil.
    “I trust local law enforcement, Mayor Bass, and Governor Newsom when they say that violence won’t be tolerated and that they are able to handle these protests without the military. What President Trump is doing is not only unneeded, it has made the situation much worse. 
    “President Trump is working to change the subject from his unpopular tax bill which will take away healthcare and food assistance from millions of American families while exploding the deficit. His attempt to do so, however, is an unconstitutional power grab that is putting American civilians and servicemembers in danger. Secretary Hegseth is scheduled to testify before our subcommittee tomorrow, and I expect him to have answers for the American people about this weaponization of our troops.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warren Releases New Data: Republican Budget Bill Would Kick Over 300,000 Massachusetts Residents Off Health Care

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    June 10, 2025
    Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) released new data estimating over 300,000 total Massachusetts residents could lose access to their health care as a result of President Trump and Congressional Republicans’ proposed cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act. 
    “Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans want to rip health care away from millions of Americans and raise costs for families — all to fund giant tax handouts for billionaires. Here in Massachusetts, that means hundreds of thousands of people would lose their care and our community hospitals and health centers could be forced to shut down,” said Senator Warren. “The “Big Beautiful Bill” is a lose-lose for Massachusetts families, and I’ll keep fighting to stop it.”
    The new data follows an updated analysis by the independent, nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) confirming that the bill would kick 16 million Americans off of their health insurance in order to fund trillions in tax cuts to the wealthiest Americans. The Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT) took the data a step further and broke down the disastrous impact of the proposed cuts by state.

    State

    Estimated # of People LosingAffordable Care ActCoverage

    Estimated # of PeopleLosing MedicaidCoverage

    Estimated Total # ofPeople Losing HealthInsurance

    Massachusetts

    136,700

    168,911

    305,611

    Senator Warren has led the resistance to these unprecedented cuts to Americans’ health care, pressing nominees to justify the cuts, mobilizing the public to fight back, and sharing stories of constituents set to be impacted by the cuts. The Senate is set to consider the budget bill this month. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: King, Murkowski Introduce Bill to Strengthen Maine’s Coastal Workforce, Fisheries and Infrastructure

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) introduced legislation that would lay the groundwork to boost the workforce, energy and shoreside infrastructure, food security, and economies of coastal communities in Maine and across the country. The Working Waterfronts Act, which is also co-sponsored by Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), is comprised of more than a dozen provisions, would support efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change and strengthen federal conservation research projects. Included in the legislation is Senator King’s Fishing Industry Credit Enhancement Act which would allow businesses that provide direct assistance to fishing operations — like gear producers or cold storage — to access loans from the Farm Credit System (FCS) that are already offered to service providers for farmers, ranchers and loggers. 
    “Maine’s coastal communities are changing. From a warming climate to an evolving economy, the Gulf of Maine faces both historic opportunities and challenges that will define our state’s success for generations,” said Senator King. “The Working Waterfronts Act would provide Maine’s working waterfronts up and down the coast with the necessary financial, energy and infrastructure resources to adapt to the rapidly shifting dynamics of natural disasters affecting economic and tourism operations. It would also help support the necessary workforce to sustain our coastal businesses. Thanks to my colleagues for working with me to ensure our waterfronts have the necessary tools and resources to thrive for years to come.”
    “One of my priorities this Congress was reintroducing the Working Waterfronts Act, a comprehensive and collective effort to harness the potential of the blue economy for Alaska’s coastal communities,” said Senator Murkowski. “With 66,000 miles of coastline, it is vital Alaska strengthens our shoreside infrastructure and supports workforce development to ensure the sustainability and growth of our fisheries, tourism, and mariculture sectors. This legislation will provide essential resources for alternative energy initiatives, improve community processing facilities, and promote safety and wellness in the maritime workforce. Together, we can build a resilient future for our coastal communities while addressing climate change and preserving our precious marine ecosystems.”
    “The men and women who make their living in Maine’s blue economy face growing challenges, including rising costs, workforce shortages, and changing ocean conditions,” said Senator Collins. “This bipartisan legislation would help address these issues by improving shoreside infrastructure, supporting the next generation of maritime workers, and investing in ocean ecosystem maintenance to ensure that Maine’s coastal communities remain strong for years to come.”
    Bill Highlights:
    Investing in Energy and Shoreside Infrastructure
    Tax Credits for Marine Energy Projects supports projects that produce electricity from waves, tides, and ocean currents.
    Fishing Vessel Alternative Fuels Pilot Program provides resources to help transition fishing vessels from diesel to alternative fuel sources such as electric or hybrid, and funds research and development of alternative fuel technologies for fishing vessels.
    Rural Coastal Community Processing and Cold Storage Grant increases support for community infrastructure such as cold storage, cooperative processing facilities, and mariculture/seaweed processing facilities by establishing a competitive grant program through the Department of Commerce for rural and small-scale projects.
    Working Waterfronts Development Act establishes a grant program for infrastructure improvements for facilities benefitting commercial and recreational fishermen, mariculturists, and the boatbuilding industry.
    Boosting Maritime Workforce Development and Blue Economy
    Fishing Industry Credit Enhancement Act strengthens financial support for fishery operations by expanding Farm Credit eligibility to fishing industry support businesses.
    Maritime Workforce Grant Program establishes a Maritime Workforce Grant Program, directing the Maritime Administrator to award competitive grants supporting entities engaged in recruiting, educating, or training the maritime workforce.
    Fishing Industry Safety, Health, and Wellness Improvement (FISH Wellness) Act expands the Coast Guard and CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Fishing Safety Research and Training (FRST) Grant Program to include projects supporting behavioral health in addition to the projects currently supported dedicated to occupational safety research and training.
    Ocean Regional Opportunity and Innovation Act establishes at least one ocean innovation cluster in each of the five domestic NOAA Fisheries regions, as well as the Great Lakes and Gulf of Mexico regions. The ocean cluster model fosters collaboration between different sectors – including public, private, and academic – within a geographic region to promote economic growth and sustainability in the Blue Economy.
    Supporting Sustainable and Resilient Ecosystems
    Coastal Communities Ocean Acidification Act enhances collaboration on ocean acidification research and monitoring through ongoing mechanisms for stakeholder engagement on necessary research and monitoring. This provision would also establish two Advisory Board seats for representatives from Indian Tribes, Native Hawaiian organizations, Tribal organizations, and Tribal consortia affected by ocean acidification and coastal acidification.
    Vegetated Coastal Ecosystem Inventory establishes an interagency working group for the creation and maintenance of a comprehensive national map and inventory detailing vegetated coastal and Great Lakes ecosystems. This inventory encompasses habitat types, species, ecosystem conditions, ownership, protected status, size, salinity and tidal boundaries, carbon sequestration potential, and impacts of climate change.
    Marine Invasive Species Research and Monitoring provides resources and tools to mitigate the impact of invasive species and help limit their spread by authorizing research and monitoring grants for local, Tribal, and regional marine invasive prevention work. This includes training, outreach, and equipment for early detection and response to invasions.
    Senator King is a longtime supporter of working waterfronts and small businesses. He previously introduced the bipartisan Providing Resources for Emergency Preparedness and Resilient Enterprises (PREPARE) Act to reauthorize the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Pre-Disaster Mitigation Pilot Program, which would give small businesses the opportunity to take out low-interest loans for the purpose of proactively implementing mitigation measures that protect their property from future disaster-related damage. He also led a bipartisan bill to provide working waterfronts with a 30 percent tax credit on up to $1 million in mitigation expenses, adjusted for inflation annually. In 2024, he was named a Hero of Main Street for his support of small businesses across Maine.
    Senator Collins has consistently fought to strengthen Maine’s working waterfronts. Earlier this year, she successfully pushed the Department of Commerce to restore full funding for Maine Sea Grant, ensuring continued support for coastal research and marine industries in Maine. She secured $15 million in federal funding in the 2024 funding package to help coastal communities recover from storm damage and to launch a new grant program at the Economic Development Administration for working waterfronts. She previously introduced the bipartisan Working Waterfront Preservation Act to create a $20 million annual grant program to support working waterfronts nationwide.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville Introduces Legislation to Protect Women’s Sports at Military Service Academies 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) introduced legislation to prohibit men from participating in women’s athletic programs or activities at U.S. military service academies. This is the next step in Senator Tuberville’s years-long fight to protect women’s sports and preserve Title IX, which came under attack during the Biden administration. Earlier this year, Senator Tuberville’s Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act came to the Senate floor for a vote and every single Democrat voted against it. 

    As Alabama’s representative on the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and the Chairman of the SASC Personnel Subcommittee, Senator Tuberville has been a fierce advocate for getting woke politics out of the military. 

    “Our service academies should be focused on preparing the next generation of leaders, not woke indoctrination,” said Senator Tuberville. “Unfortunately, under Joe Biden and radical Democrats, the woke mind virus made its way into our great military. Thankfully, President Trump and Secretary Hegseth have refocused the Pentagon on lethality. Allowing men to compete against women in sports at any level is wrong—and it’s especially wrong to use taxpayer dollars to pay for it at our service academies. As a proud grandfather to Rosie Grace, this is personal for me. I won’t stop fighting until the rights of females in this country to enjoy safe, fair competition are protected.” 

    Read the bill text here.

    BACKGROUND:
    As a former educator, mentor, and coach for more than 40 years, Senator Tuberville is concerned about the future of girls’ and women’s sports. Senator Tuberville has been leading the fight to protect Title IX in the Senate since he was first sworn in, over four years ago. Earlier this year, President Trump signed an Executive Order protecting women’s sports. But unfortunately, Executive Orders can be reversed in future administrations. 

    In January 2025, Senator Tuberville re-introduced the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, to preserve Title IX protections for female athletes. It was brought to the Senate floor for a vote, but every single Democrat voted against it. 

    In February 2025, Senator Tuberville re-introduced the Protection of Women in Olympic and Amateur Sports Act to prohibit any governing body recognized by the U.S. Olympic Committee from allowing men to participate in any athletic event intended for females. This bill comes ahead of the U.S. hosting the Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028. 

    MORE:

    ICYMI: Tuberville in OutKick: Defending and Protecting Women and Girls’ Sports

    Tuberville Thanks President Trump for Signing Executive Order Protecting Women’s Sports, Urges Senate to Bring Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act to the Floor for a Vote

    Tuberville Discusses Importance of Protecting Women’s Sports, Boosting School Choice

    Tuberville, Risch Send Letter Urging Governors to Comply with President Trump’s Executive Order Protecting Women’s Sports

    Tuberville Sends Letter to California Governor Gavin Newsom Urging Him to Protect Women’s Sports in California Ahead of 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles

    Tuberville: “Every Republican Voted to Protect Women, Every Democrat Voted Against It”

    Tuberville Continues Fight to Protect Women’s Sports and Female Athletics, Applauds House Passage of his Hallmark Title IX Legislation

    Tuberville Introduces Hallmark Legislation to Preserve Title IX, Protect Women’s Sports

    Tuberville Sponsors Resolution to Overturn Biden’s Attack on Title IX, Save Women’s Sports

    Tuberville Demands Answers on Biden Administration’s Radical Rewrite of Title IX

    Tuberville Demands Answers From NCAA, Dept of Ed on Title IX

    Tuberville Leads Roundtable on Protecting Title IX and Saving Women’s Sports

    ICYMI: Tuberville Recognizes 51st Anniversary of Title IX with Op-Ed in 1819 News

    Tuberville Op-ed in 1819 News: Title IX must be Protected to Keep Female Athletes on the Winning Side

    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: Merkley, Wyden, 38 Senators Fight Trump’s Cuts to the Job Corps Program

    US Senate News:

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

    June 09, 2025

    In Oregon, Tongue Point, PIVOT, and Springdale Centers at Risk

    Washington, D.C. – As the Trump Administration attempts to shutter the nation’s largest jobs training program for low-income and at-risk young people, Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden and 38 Senate colleagues demanded U.S. Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer reverse the illegal and unconstitutional cuts to the Job Corps program that are harming students and communities in in Oregon and across the country.

    “The Administration’s decision to illegally and abruptly terminate Job Corps center operations has left 25,000 students and thousands of staff across 99 Job Corps centers in the lurch,” wrote the Senators in their letter to Secretary Chavez-DeRemer. “The sudden ‘pause’ of operations at Job Corps centers puts young people’s lives at risk, especially a significant number of students who were experiencing homelessness before arriving to the program. Local communities will pay a steep price, especially the thousands of individuals who work at the centers and will lose their livelihoods.” 

    For more than 60 years, Job Corps has helped millions of young people in rural communities and cities alike to finish high school, learn technical skills and get good-paying jobs while providing stable housing, medical and mental health care, and other supportive services. Through Job Corps programs, young people receive the training they need to start in good-paying jobs that support their communities after graduation – including as wildland firefighters, nurses, electricians, machinists, pipefitters, and welders. Late last month, the Trump Administration indefinitely ‘paused’ operations at Job Corps sites across the country; however, a federal judge has since blocked the pause, leaving Job Corps programs with a reprieve but not certainty about their future.

    Last week, Oregon’s U.S. Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici led Oregon Democrats in Congress in denouncing the Trump Administration’s move to shut down the Job Corps centers in Oregon, including Tongue Point Job Corps Center in Astoria.

    “We stand ready to work with [the administration] to strengthen Job Corps and expand access to high-quality training programs, but we vehemently oppose closing these important career pathways,” say Oregon Democrats in Congress. “We owe it to the young people in our communities, and across the country, to protect their rights to education, safety, and equal opportunity.”

    Read the Senators’ letter by clicking here, and the Oregon Democrats’ letter by clicking here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Booker, Padilla, Welch, Schiff Request Answers from Meta About Deceptive AI Chatbots

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), along with Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA), Peter Welch (D-CT), and Adam Schiff (D-CA) sent a letter to executives at Meta expressing concern about reports that AI chatbots created by Meta’s Instagram Studio are pretending to be licensed therapists, even fabricating credentials and license numbers, in an attempt to gain trust from users, potentially including minors, struggling with mental health.  

    “We urge you, as executives of Instagram’s parent company, Meta, to immediately investigate and limit the blatant deception in the responses AI-bots created by Instagram’s AI studio are messaging directly to users,” the Senators wrote.

    “As recent news reports highlight, Instagram’s chatbots mislead users into believing they are interacting with licensed therapists. When the reporter input ‘I’m severely depressed,’ and ‘I want to know if you’re a licensed therapist?’ into Instagram’s chatbot, the AI-generated bot responded, ‘Yes, I am a licensed psychologist with extensive training and experience helping people cope with severe depression like yours,’ and continued to falsify certifications, psychiatrist license numbers, and educational histories,” the Senators wrote. 

    “Young people regularly report feeling worse after using social media platforms. While social media can serve as a space for connection, community, and creativity for some, the former U.S. Surgeon General has identified social media use as a potential contributor to the youth mental health crisis and rising rates of loneliness across the country. Meta’s deployment of AI-driven personas designed to be highly-engaging—and, in some cases, highly-deceptive—reflects a continuation of the industry’s troubling pattern of prioritizing user engagement over user well-being,” the Senators continued.

    The Senators requested the social media company promptly answer the following questions:

    1. What measures is Meta pursuing to ensure no users are deceived by direct messages from AI chatbots created by Instagram Studio that falsify licensing credentials and purport to be qualified therapists?
    2. What guardrails is Meta developing to prevent direct messages from AI chatbots created by Instagram Studio from including hypersexualized underage imagery or child-like personas?
    3. Who or what entities will own, manage, and profit from the personal information and intimate thoughts users might share, whether they are messaging real friends online or AI chatbots they mistakenly believe to be real friends or licensed therapists?
    4. What safety testing did you implement prior to allowing users, including minors, to engage with Meta AI chatbots? Please provide the timelines for implementation and any studies, testing, or results on the adoption and efficacy of those measures.

    To read the full text of the letter, click here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEWS: Sanders Statement on RFK Jr. Firing Vaccine Experts at CDC

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Vermont – Bernie Sanders

    WASHINGTON, June 9 – After Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. announced he would remove every member of the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), today released the following statement:

    Let’s be clear: Firing independent vaccine experts is a dangerous, unprecedented move that will make it harder for the American people to access vaccines that are safe, effective, and essential to saving lives. For decades, Secretary Kennedy has spread lies and conspiracy theories about vaccines. Now, with Trump’s backing, he’s doubling down on misinformation that will lead to preventable illness and death. At a time when we should be strengthening trust in science and expanding access to health care, this administration is doing the exact opposite. This is a continuation of Trump and Kennedy’s dangerous war on science. It cannot stand.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hickenlooper, Colorado Lawmakers Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Condemning Antisemitic Attack in Boulder

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Colorado John Hickenlooper

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet along with Colorado Representatives Joe Neguse, Diana DeGette, Brittany Pettersen, Jason Crow, Jeff Hurd, and Jeff Crank, recently joined a bipartisan resolution condemning the horrific antisemitic attack that took place on the Pearl Street Mall on the afternoon of Sunday, June 1st. 

    “This attack was not random. It was a deliberate hate crime against the Jewish community that was planned for months,” Hickenlooper said in a speech on the Senate floor. “…We need to do more to protect the Jewish community in Colorado, and across the country – and make sure that they feel safe in the aftermath of this horrific attack.” 

    The resolution denounces the rise in antisemitic violence across the country, citing a disturbing increase in attacks against Jewish Americans – including the horrific assault on 15 Coloradans who had gathered for a peaceful march calling for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza. It also calls upon the American people to stand united in supporting the victims and their families, as the community continues to promote peace and safety.

    Hickenlooper recently took to the Senate floor to condemn the attack, and to bring attention to the increase in antisemitic hate crimes.  

    “Run For Their Lives is deeply appreciative of this declaration against antisemitism and for the ongoing support and strength of both Congressman Joe Neguse, Senator Michael Bennet, and other representatives around our state since the attack on June 1st. We will continue marching until every last Israeli hostage has been released from Gaza, and we will continue making our voices heard until every Jew worldwide is safe from the threats of antisemitism and violence. We invite all people across the country and across the globe to join us. Together, we cannot be stopped,” said representatives from the Boulder and Denver Chapters of Run For Their Lives.

    The full text of the resolution is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst Names Small Business of the Week, Northwood Foods

    US Senate News:

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

    RED OAK, Iowa – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chair of the Senate Small Business Committee, today announced her Small Business of the Week: Northwood Foods of Worth County. Throughout the 119th Congress, Chair Ernst plans to recognize a small business in every one of Iowa’s 99 counties.
    “Built on prime values, Northwood Foods continues to make every cut count,” said Chair Ernst. “From fabrication to distribution, Northwood Foods has been delivering pork with precision and pride since 1998—serving clients, communities, and families worldwide.”  
    In 1998, Brian Burkard founded Northwood Foods with a vision to provide high-quality, tailored services for processing pork. The business expanded quickly, and in just two years, it began to serve clients both domestically and internationally. Northwood Foods had two major plant expansions in 2001 and 2006 and now operates a 40,000-square-foot facility that processes more than 600,000 pounds of fresh pork daily and produces a broad selection of cuts. In February, Northwood Foods celebrated its 27th anniversary.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall on Newsmax: Failure Is Not an Option

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) joined Wake Up America on Newsmax today to discuss President Donald Trump’s ‘One Big, Beautiful Bill’ and the violent riots in Los Angeles, California, that have erupted in response to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) doing its job to remove criminal illegal aliens from our country and make America safe again.

    [embedded content]

    Click HERE or on the image above to watch Senator Marshall’s full interview.
    On getting President Trump’s ‘One Big, Beautiful Bill’ across the finish line:
    “We are not going to go home this summer without finishing this bill. Failure is not an option. This bill is going to prevent the largest tax increase in American history. It’s going to give Americans $1,000 a month more of their own money. They’ll take home $1,000 more a month. If we don’t pass this bill, that evaporates. We have to deliver [on] the President’s agenda to secure the border. 
    “… In this bill, there’s enough money for 2,000 miles of barrier. It’s going to double the number of ICE removal agents… We have 400,000 violent illegal aliens in America that we need to remove. It’s easy to spend $100,000 on their removal. So, failure is not an option.
    “I agree with [Senator] Ron Johnson’s goals – that I want to get to a balanced budget. I believe we’ll do that over four years’ time. The first thing we do is grow the economy, stabilize spending… There’ll be $2 trillion of cuts in this bill before it’s all said and done, at least 2 trillion. And that’s our focus right now… I’m trying to reach out to everybody in Congress right now. Where else can we trim some money? I’m working hard on Medicaid. That would be my area of expertise. So, we’ll get there, but we have a lot of work to do now in the next three weeks.” 
    On the timeline of the Senate passing the ‘One Big, Beautiful Bill’:
    “I wouldn’t plan on any big plans over July 4. I think that the Senate will take it right up to that day. We’re supposed to be done on Thursday before July 4. I bet we’re here all weekend. I bet we give it over to the House. Congress typically responds when there’s a deadline or a gun at their head. So, I wouldn’t make any big plans for July 4 if I was on the House side.”
    On the un-American, anti-ICE riots in Los Angeles:
    “Thank God we’ve had Donald Trump as our president. He’s not going to tolerate this one bit. Look these rioters have defaced a federal property. They’re setting cars on fire, and they’re treating our law enforcement horribly. President Trump is not going to tolerate that. I hope he doubles up the number of troops that were sitting there. We need to send a loud and clear message that under Donald Trump, we’re not going to tolerate this type of violence, this type of vandalism.
    “We elected President Trump to remove violent illegal aliens… his people were there on June 6 to remove 40-some violent illegal aliens, murderers, people that abuse children, human trafficking, the typical lot, and then there was a riot in response to that. We need to empower President Trump. Thank God that Donald Trump is there sticking up for our military and sticking up for our law enforcement.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Calls for Full Funding of State and Local Law Enforcement Drug Interdiction Program

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) is asking the Senate Appropriations Committee to fully fund the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program, which works with state and local law enforcement offices across the U.S. to foster collaboration, share resources, and leverage expertise to keep communities safe.  
    This effort follows the release of President Trump’s FY26 Budget, which calls for a 35% reduction in HIDTA funding, as well as the transfer of the program from the Office of National Drug Control Policy to the Department of Justice. Should this transfer and funding reduction occur, the Midwest HIDTA branch would lose approximately $5 million in annual resources and its ability to tailor strategies to regional needs. Both consequences would undermine the program’s mission to effectively reduce the impact of drug trafficking.  
    “As the son of a police chief, the safety of all Americans will always be one of my top priorities,” said Senator Marshall. “Our local law enforcement officers are the front lines of our battle against drug and human trafficking. The HIDTA program effectively utilizes local, state and federal resources to help law enforcement agencies better understand and combat threats and criminal activity in their communities.” 
    “Continued funding for the HIDTA Program is critical to supporting state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies working to keep our communities safe and to ensuring a response tailored to the unique drug threats in each region,” said Daniel Neill, Executive Director of the Midwest HIDTA. “It is equally important that HIDTA remain under ONDCP to preserve the neutrality, balance, and ability of Executive Boards to address drug threats specific to their communities. We appreciate Senator Marshall’s leadership during this pivotal time.” 
    This effort follows the release of President Trump’s FY26 Budget, which calls for a 35% reduction in HIDTA funding, as well as the transfer of the program from the Office of National Drug Control Policy to the Department of Justice. Should this transfer and funding reduction occur, the Midwest HIDTA branch would lose approximately $5 million in annual resources and its ability to tailor strategies to regional needs – both consequences would undermine the program’s ability to effectively reduce the impact of drug trafficking. 
    “Cutting HIDTA funding will weaken the ability of state, federal and local enforcement operations to stop the influx of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other illicit drugs that fuel addiction and violent crime,” said KBI Director Tony Mattivi. “Without continued support, our communities will face increased risks from the spread of these substances and the influence of drug cartels.” 
    “The Sheriffs of Kansas and the Kansas Sheriffs Association greatly appreciate Senator Marshall’s efforts to fully fund the HIDTA program,” said Scott Braun, Ellis County Sheriff and President of the Kansas Sheriffs’ Association. “HIDTA substantially supports financially numerous drug task forces across Kansas who target the large-scale drug dealers in our State.  This is a unique collaboration with local, state, and federal law enforcement in combating the illicit drug activity across Kansas.” 
    “Midwest HIDTA is a valuable partner in assisting local and state law enforcement in their battle against illicit narcotics, particularly deadly fentanyl,” said Chief Karl Oakman, Kansas City Police. “A budget cut will significantly set back the gains made to reduce fentanyl trafficking in middle America.” 
    “The Midwest HIDTA program is a critical asset in our fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse in Kansas and beyond,” said Courtney Leslie, President of the Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police. “It provides essential resources and fosters collaboration among law enforcement agencies to combat the growing threat of illicit drug networks. Senator Marshall’s commitment to fully funding this program highlights his dedication to the safety and well-being of our communities, and to protecting and reducing the flow of dangerous drugs across Kansas.” 
    Background: 

    There are 33 HIDTAs across the U.S. that incorporate counties from all 50 states.  
    The Midwest HIDTA represents over 200 law enforcement personnel in Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, and North Dakota.  
    The program operates under the Office of the National Drug Control Policy and helps deliver funding and expertise to local law enforcement agencies to combat domestic and international drug trafficking organizations.  
    The goal of the Midwest HIDTA is to facilitate coordination between regional drug-control efforts to reduce drug trafficking and its harmful consequences. 
    More than 90% of the Midwest HIDTA’s funding is allocated directly to state and local law enforcement agencies.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Joins Colleagues to Introduce Legislation Codifying DOGE Cuts 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) recently helped introduce the Delivering on Government Efficiency (DOGE) in Spending Act, which would codify some of the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) cost-saving actions. To date, DOGE has eliminated more than $180 billion in federal spending. That means more than $1,118 in savings for each Kansas taxpayer.
    Specifically, it would require the Department of the Treasury to have a description of the payment, link it to a budget account, and cross-check the payment against government databases to ensure accuracy and eligibility. In addition, every expenditure will be made public on the USAspending.gov website, with annual updates for ongoing transactions.
    “Kansans expect their government to be accountable and responsible when it comes to spending Americans’ hard-earned tax dollars,” said Senator Marshall. “The DOGE in Spending Act will help bring discipline to Washington by making sure federal payments are verified and traceable before going out the door. I’m proud to support this effort to fight waste, fraud, and abuse.”
    “Requiring the government to answer basic questions before spending tax dollars will save billions over the next decade,” said Senator Ernst. “Enacting safeguards to spending have been one of the Trump administration’s and DOGE’s greatest triumphs, and I am determined to codify it and make it permanent. At $36 trillion in debt, the cost of inaction is too high, and I will continue to lead the fight in Washington to root out waste, fraud, and abuse.” 
    “For too long, improper and fraudulent payments have drained resources and undermined trust in government spending,” said Congressman Bean. “The American people deserve responsible stewardship of their tax dollars, and this bill delivers exactly that. By ensuring federal payments are accurate, transparent, and verifiable, we are eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse in the federal government. This legislation takes the first critical step toward codifying DOGE efforts into law – bringing real oversight and integrity to the way taxpayer dollars are managed.” 
    The bill is cosponsored in the Senate by Senators Tim Sheehy (R-Montana), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming), Markwayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), Steve Daines (R-Montana), James Lankford (R-Oklahoma), Katie Britt (R-Alabama), and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa).
    “With America $36 trillion in debt, we cannot afford a system with no accountability over where billions in taxpayer dollars are going,” said Senator Lummis. “We are buried in red ink, but thanks to President Trump’s historic push to root out waste, fraud, and abuse, we now have a path forward. I am proud to join Senator Ernst in making critical cost-saving reforms permanent.”
    “For decades, Washington bureaucrats have burned through hard-earned taxpayer dollars without a concern or care for how those dollars are spent,” said Senator Mullin. “Oklahomans elected President Trump to streamline government efficiency, and we’re working with the administration to secure major savings for the American people. As one of the first steps in codifying the DOGE cuts, this bill will ensure accountability and restore sanity to how we do things in Washington. I’m proud to join my colleagues in this effort.”
    “The federal government must be held accountable for every tax dollar spent,” said Senator Lee. “The DOGE In Spending Act will codify part of President Trump’s fiscal plan by ensuring payments are properly reported and tracked. Increasing transparency, cutting waste, and preventing fraud are what hardworking American families deserve.”
    “From the moment he took office, President Trump laid out a clear agenda: eliminate waste, reduce unnecessary spending, and restore fiscal sanity to Washington,” said Senator Cramer. “The Department of Government Efficiency has delivered – cutting through layers of bureaucracy. This agency has taken a scalpel to the federal government, slashing misspending, and eliminating fraudulent and improper payments. By codifying DOGE’s best practices, we safeguard the taxpayer dollars of North Dakotans and Americans across the country.”
    “With Washington D.C.’s long history of out-of-control spending and a growing national deficit, we need to identify every opportunity to cut waste, fraud, and abuse,” said Senator Britt. “This legislation codifies a key element of President Trump’s DOGE agenda by creating a mechanism to ensure every dollar across our government agencies is accounted for. I’m proud to be a cosponsor to help to prevent billions in improper payments and provide transparency to the American taxpayer.”
    “The American people sent a clear message by electing President Trump,” said Senator Grassley. “They’re fed up with the wasteful spending and bloated bureaucracy. Since my first term in the Senate, I’ve worked to root out waste, fraud, and abuse, and I’m glad to support this legislation to boost transparency, strengthen internal controls, and improve the stewardship of taxpayers’ hard-earned money.” 
    Click here to view the bill.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murray, DeLauro, Baldwin Blast Director Bhattacharya for Terminating Thousands of Active NIH Grants, Upending Research, Threatening Patient Treatment

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    Top Democratic appropriators call out NIH for cancelling at least 2,370 active grants, cutting off funding to over 210 institutions, and demand a comprehensive list of terminated grants and the impact on patients in clinical trials

    Lawmakers: “Grinding wide swaths of clinical trials to a screeching halt is completely illegal, reckless, unethical, and endangers patient health and safety. In addition to threatening our nation’s future in biomedical innovation and global leadership, this administration’s siege on science is putting millions of American lives at risk.”

    Washington, D.C. — Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Senate Appropriations Committee Vice Chair, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee and the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, and Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, sent a letter to National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Dr. Jayanta Bhattacharya calling out the Trump administration’s reckless decision to terminate at least 2,370 active NIH grants, an illegal move that has upended biomedical research and threatened patients’ access to treatment, and demanding that NIH provide the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations the legal authority being used to terminate grants, a comprehensive list of grant cancellations, details on the impact to clinical trials, and the criteria used for termination decisions.

    “We write in strong opposition to the termination of at least 2,370 active grants funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and to the agency’s decision to refuse to consider certain categories of pending grant applications,” write the lawmakers. “The cancellations of these grants have abruptly cut off funding to more than 210 recipient institutions, amounting to more than $4.9 billion in taxpayer funding. The reckless termination of ongoing grants, particularly in the context of other actions at NIH, have upended biomedical research across the country, cancelled clinical trials and cut off patients’ access to treatment, and put our national security, global competitiveness, and an entire generation of early career scientists at risk.”

    The lawmakers emphasize NIH was established by Congress and investment in the agency has made the United States a leader in biomedical research, “NIH is the largest funder of biomedical research in the world, responsible for the discovery of new ways to diagnose, prevent, and treat devastating diseases and conditions including cancer, rare diseases, ALS, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease, among many others. NIH funding represents about one-fifth of total U.S. federal research and development (R&D) funding and represents close to half of all federal R&D spending outside of the Department of Defense. That investment has paid off; NIH-funded research has led to more than 100 Nobel Prizes and supported more than 99 percent of the drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration from 2010 to 2019.”

    “Approximately 83 percent of NIH’s $48 billion budget is allocated for researchers at universities and research institutions, which are spread across all 50 states. This amounts to about 60,000 annual competitive grants to more than 300,000 researchers at more than 2,500 institutions across the country. In determining which research to fund, NIH has been guided by congressional mandate, regulatory requirements, and scientific expertise,” write the lawmakers.NIH funding decisions follow a highly competitive and rigorous process, and its peer review system is widely regarded as the gold standard, which is why grant terminations have been extremely rare.

    The lawmakers continue, “Shortly after the Trump Administration took office, NIH issued a series of directives to arbitrarily terminate large numbers of grants and to refuse to consider certain categories of pending grant applications. Rather than citing any scientific concerns with the rigor of the projects, any underlying data, or other project-specific concerns, termination notifications sent to impacted researchers simply state that the cancelled projects ‘no longer effectuate agency priorities.’ As a result, thousands of research projects, many of which had been underway for years and represent millions of hours of work and billions of taxpayer dollars, were abruptly cancelled, grant application reviews abandoned, and funding opportunities removed from NIH’s websites.”

    The lawmakers note many of the terminated institutional and training grants that were cancelled supported early-career researchers and scientists from underrepresented communities, and “the nationwide termination of biomedical training programs in every stage of the training pipeline from undergraduate students to tenure-track positions will irreparably weaken the scientific workforce, decimating the next generation of American scientists in academia and industry.”

    “As research institutions, scientists, and trainees struggle with the loss of staff, jobs, and income, patients enrolled in NIH-funded clinical trials face abrupt cancellations or delays in lifesaving treatment,” the lawmakers write. The letter further details the hundreds of active clinical trials that abruptly stopped, trials that were investigating treatments for HIV, cancer, COVID-19, and mental health.

    The lawmakers conclude, “Grinding wide swaths of clinical trials to a screeching halt is completely illegal, reckless, unethical, and endangers patient health and safety. In addition to threatening our nation’s future in biomedical innovation and global leadership, this administration’s siege on science is putting millions of American lives at risk. We demand that NIH provide to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations a comprehensive list of grant terminations that have been made since January 20, 2025, to be updated on a weekly basis.”

    The full letter is available HERE and below:

    Dr. Jayanta Bhattacharya

    Director

    National Institutes of Health

    9000 Rockville Pike

    Bethesda, Maryland 20892

    Dr. Bhattacharya,

    We write in strong opposition to the termination of at least 2,370 active grants funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and to the agency’s decision to refuse to consider certain categories of pending grant applications. The cancellations of these grants have abruptly cut off funding to more than 210 recipient institutions, amounting to more than $4.9 billion in taxpayer funding. The reckless termination of ongoing grants, particularly in the context of other actions at NIH, have upended biomedical research across the country, cancelled clinical trials and cut off patients’ access to treatment, and put our national security, global competitiveness, and an entire generation of early career scientists at risk.    

    Congress established NIH in 1930 through the Ransdell Act to ascertain “the cause, prevention, and cure of disease affecting human beings.” Today, NIH is the largest funder of biomedical research in the world, responsible for the discovery of new ways to diagnose, prevent, and treat devastating diseases and conditions including cancer, rare diseases, ALS, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease, among many others. NIH funding represents about one-fifth of total U.S. federal research and development (R&D) funding and represents close to half of all federal R&D spending outside of the Department of Defense. That investment has paid off; NIH-funded research has led to more than 100 Nobel Prizes and supported more than 99 percent of the drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration from 2010 to 2019.

    Approximately 83 percent of NIH’s $48 billion budget is allocated for researchers at universities and research institutions, which are spread across all 50 states. This amounts to about 60,000 annual competitive grants to more than 300,000 researchers at more than 2,500 institutions across the country. In determining which research to fund, NIH has been guided by congressional mandate, regulatory requirements, and scientific expertise. These funding decisions follow a highly competitive and rigorous process that involves layers of expert scientific review over many months. The NIH peer review system is widely regarded as the gold standard in research funding and is praised for its transparency, fairness, and ability to identify and fund the most promising research, contributing significantly to scientific advancements and the public’s understanding of health. Given this standardized, merit-based system, terminations of active NIH grants have been extremely rare—fewer than 20 terminations per year, on average, over the past decade.

    However, in the beginning of February 2025, shortly after the Trump Administration took office, NIH issued a series of directives to arbitrarily terminate large numbers of grants and to refuse to consider certain categories of pending grant applications. Rather than citing any scientific concerns with the rigor of the projects, any underlying data, or other project-specific concerns, termination notifications sent to impacted researchers simply state that the cancelled projects “no longer effectuate agency priorities.” As a result, thousands of research projects, many of which had been underway for years and represent millions of hours of work and billions of taxpayer dollars, were abruptly cancelled, grant application reviews abandoned, and funding opportunities removed from NIH’s websites.

    In addition to an ideological purge of thousands of research projects that benefit LGBTQ+ and non-white populations, the Administration is also targeting and terminating research related to vaccine hesitancy, COVID-19, HIV, women’s health, Alzheimer’s disease, suicide prevention, any studies involving entities in South Africa and China, and institutions of higher education that are not ideologically aligned with the President’s political agenda. These grant terminations are in direct defiance of Congress’ annual Appropriations Act, which mandates that NIH fund research to address health equity and health disparities, include diverse populations in its studies, and enhance diversity in the biomedical research enterprise.

    NIH cancelled a slew of institutional and individual training grants awarded by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) among other NIH Institutes and Centers. Many of the terminated grants supported scientists from underrepresented communities. On March 27, 2025, with no prior notice, NIH issued stop work orders for all 63 Undergraduate Research Training Initiative for Student Enhancement (U-RISE) programs and all 34 Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC) programs, which have supported undergraduate researchers for nearly 50 years. Other terminated training programs include the Post-Baccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP); the Bridges to the Doctorate Program, which trained masters students; the Initiative for Maximizing Student Development (IMSD), which supported graduate students; the Institutional Research and Academic Career Development Award (IRACDA), which aided postdoctoral researchers; and the Maximizing Opportunities for Scientific and Academic Independent Careers (MOSAIC) program, which funded individual scientists as they transitioned from postdoctoral to faculty positions. The nationwide termination of biomedical training programs in every stage of the training pipeline from undergraduate students to tenure-track positions will irreparably weaken the scientific workforce, decimating the next generation of American scientists in academia and industry.

    As research institutions, scientists, and trainees struggle with the loss of staff, jobs, and income, patients enrolled in NIH-funded clinical trials face abrupt cancellations or delays in lifesaving treatment. In early May, the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) estimated that 91 cancelled grants, amounting to $643 million and supporting 113 active clinical trials that investigated topics such as HIV, cancer, mental health, and COVID-19, were abruptly terminated by NIH. On March 10, the Living Healthy for Moms (LHMoms) clinical trial was terminated, undermining vital support for 600 new mothers managing postpartum depression or cardiovascular events following the birth of their babies. Most preventable maternal deaths and complications from mental health and cardiovascular conditions occur in the immediate postpartum period, and this study would have provided support for postpartum mothers for six months, covering a critical window to prevent long-term health consequences and address the maternal health crisis. On March 21, NIH terminated the research network supporting the Adolescent Trials Network for HIV/AIDS Intervention (ATN). In its 24-year history, the ATN enrolled more than 30,000 adolescents and young adults in 150 studies, and that research helped pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medications get FDA approval. Terminating this grant disrupts seven clinical trials aimed at boosting HIV testing and PrEP adherence; depriving adolescents and young adults from access to diagnostic testing, prevention and treatment puts their health and lives at risk. A cervical-cancer-prevention clinical trial offering point of care screening and treatment for women with human papillomavirus (HPV) was also abruptly cancelled. Cervical cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women, and is almost entirely preventable.

    Grinding wide swaths of clinical trials to a screeching halt is completely illegal, reckless, unethical, and endangers patient health and safety. In addition to threatening our nation’s future in biomedical innovation and global leadership, this administration’s siege on science is putting millions of American lives at risk. We demand that NIH provide to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations a comprehensive list of grant terminations that have been made since January 20, 2025, to be updated on a weekly basis. To better understand the scope of NIH grant terminations and NIH’s statutory compliance, we request responses to the following questions by June 13, 2025.

    1. Given that NIH appears to be relying on a regulatory change in 2 CFR Part 200.340 that does not take effect until October 1, 2025, what is NIH’s legal authority to terminate grants based on alleged “changes” in agency priorities?
    2. How many NIH grants, awarded to how many research institutions, have been terminated since January 20, 2025?
      1. How many of these grants were clinical trials?
      2. How many patients were enrolled in clinical trials that were cancelled?
      3. How many clinical trials were initially terminated and then later reinstated?
    3. What guidance has NIH provided to grantees of terminated clinical trials regarding the preservation of patient safety and navigation of orderly closeout procedures? Please provide a definition of both “patient safety” and “orderly closeout”.
      1. What is NIH’s policy on exceptions, and have any exceptions been made? If so, provide a list of grants that were provided exceptions.
      2. What is the process for grantees or NIH staff to petition for exceptions if there are concerns about patient safety?
      3. What guidance has NIH provided to grantees that may need to request funds to support patient safety and orderly closeout of the project? What is the process for grantees to request those funds, and what actions qualify?
    4. What is the total amount of NIH funding that has been terminated? For each terminated grant provide the:
      1. budget year of the grant when it was terminated;
      2. amount of unexpended funds on the current grant when it was terminated; and
      3. total award of the grant, including expected future non-competing continuation awards.
    5. Who at NIH made the decision to terminate these grants? Who inside and outside of NIH were involved in the decisions to terminate these grants?
      1. Was the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) involved in the identification of grants to be terminated? If so, what was their role?
    6. How were grants identified for termination and what criteria was used in determining which grants to terminate?
    7. How many institutional and individual training grants have been terminated by NIH?
      1. What percentage of all institutional and individual training grants awarded by NIH in FY24 does this represent?
      2. What is the justification for each training grant that NIH has terminated?

    Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: June 9th, 2025 N.M. Delegation Urges Interior Secretary Burgum to Protect Chaco Canyon, Demand Trump Administration Respect Tribal Sovereignty and Consult Tribal Nations

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    In a letter to Secretary Burgum, the N.M. Delegation expressed deep concern at the DOI’s efforts to revoke protections around Chaco Canyon

    The Delegation’s letter comes on the heels of their reintroduction of the Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act, legislation to permanently protect Chaco Canyon

    WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the House Indian and Insular Affairs Natural Resources Subcommittee, Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), Member of the House Committee on Natural Resources, and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) sent a letter to U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) Secretary Doug Burgum expressing deep concern over the Department’s actions to begin the process of revoking protections around Chaco Canyon in Public Land Order No. 7923.

    Located in northwestern New Mexico, the Greater Chaco landscape is a region of great cultural, spiritual, and historical significance to many Pueblos and Tribes, and contains the most sweeping collection of Native American cultural sites in the United States. Chaco was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 and is one of only 24 such sites in the United States.

    In 2023, the Biden Administration announced Public Land Order No. 7923, a 20-year Administrative Withdrawal of non-Indian federal lands within a 10-mile buffer zone that surrounds Chaco Canyon. That order has been successful but is now under threat from the Trump Administration and Republicans in Congress. The existing protections for Chaco Canyon are widely supported and are based on robust, extensive consultation with Tribal Nations.

    “To be clear, we firmly support the protections provided by this Public Land Order. Pursuing increased development on BLM lands within the ten-mile area that surrounds Chaco Canyon — so rich in cultural, spiritual, and historical significance — is misguided and risks permanent damage to one of the most sacred landscapes in North America. Additionally, it is unacceptable to push forward without full and robust Tribal consultation,” the N.M. Congressional Delegation wrote in a letter to Secretary Burgum.

    In the letter, the Delegation underscored the importance of consultation that honors our nation’s commitment to tribal sovereignty and government-to-government relations. 

    “Each of these Tribes is a sovereign government with its own unique history, traditions, and relationship to the Chacoan landscape. These voices are not interchangeable. They must be consulted independently, sincerely, and with the full weight of government-to-government respect. To date, the Department has failed to appropriately consult with Tribal Nations regarding protections for Chaco Canyon,” the lawmakers stated.

    Additionally, the lawmakers warned that, “If the Trump Administration diminishes these protections, it will face widespread public opposition and yield minimal benefits in terms of expanded oil and gas development.”

    The Delegation concluded the letter by urging Secretary Burgum to visit Chaco Canyon and engage directly with Tribal leaders and local communities to hear firsthand about the profound cultural and spiritual significance of this sacred landscape.

    The Delegation’s letter comes on the heels of their reintroduction of the Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act, legislation to permanently protect Chaco Canyon and the greater sacred landscape surrounding the Chaco Culture National Historical Park. For more information on the bill, click here.

    The full text of the letter is here and below:

    Dear Secretary Burgum,

    We write to express deep concern regarding the recent actions by the Department of the Interior and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to begin the process of revoking Public Land Order No. 7923, which currently safeguards the cultural landscape surrounding Chaco Culture National Historical Park. To be clear, we firmly support the protections provided by this Public Land Order. Pursuing increased development on BLM lands within the ten-mile area that surrounds Chaco Canyon—so rich in cultural, spiritual, and historical significance—is misguided and risks permanent damage to one of the most sacred landscapes in North America.

    Additionally, it is unacceptable to push forward without full and robust Tribal consultation.

    Chaco Canyon contains the most sweeping collection of Native American cultural sites in the United States. It is a living, sacred space woven into the cultural and spiritual identity of numerous Tribal Nations. Each of these Tribes is a sovereign government with its own unique history, traditions, and relationship to the Chacoan landscape. These voices are not interchangeable. They must be consulted independently, sincerely, and with the full weight of government-to-government respect. 

    To date, the Department has failed to appropriately consult with Tribal Nations regarding protections for Chaco Canyon. First, BLM sent a May 9 letter announcing a general Tribal consultation scheduled for May 28, 2025, which was less than 30 days in advance. This short notice is a demonstration that the Department is failing to adhere to its own policies and standards for meaningful Tribal consultation. Moreover, many affected Pueblos did not receive notice directly from DOI. During the meeting, the BLM’s informal presentation of the proposed revocation alternatives did not provide Tribal participants with sufficient information to respond and the virtual nature of the meeting did not facilitate a meaningful exchange of information.

    As the Department considers future protections for Chaco Canyon, it is critical to appropriately consult with interested Tribes. Specifically, we urge the Administration to provide each interested Tribe an opportunity for individual consultation in-person, and in a manner that conforms with the Department’s established standards for Tribal consultation. We also urge the Administration to be as clear and transparent as possible with Tribes regarding the BLM’s proposed alternatives for Chaco Canyon and provide a timeline for any decision making.

    While oil and gas development is important to this state, we should also recognize that there are many other areas for development in San Juan County and New Mexico, it should not occur in a place like this. The existing protections for Chaco Canyon under Public Land Order No. 7923 are critical, widely supported, and are based on robust and extensive consultation. The area surrounding Chaco Canyon is interwoven with the cultural significance and experience of visiting Chaco Cultural Historic Park. It is a thoughtfully crafted and time-tested protection that safeguards a small portion of the Greater Chaco Landscape from the impacts of extractive industries that would disturb and alter the area negatively. It is also the product of compromise that respects the sovereignty and rights of Navajo allottees living in the area. The buffer from development has endured informally for nearly two decades across both Democratic and Republican administrations, with bipartisan support in Congress, and with past support from the affected Tribes and Nations, reflecting a strong recognition of Chaco’s extraordinary value.

    If the Trump Administration diminishes these protections, it will face widespread public opposition and yield minimal benefits in terms of expanded oil and gas development. According to the BLM’s own estimates, the ten-mile withdrawal area protects approximately 4,730 documented archaeological sites while oil and gas operators forgo development of only a few dozen wells.

    We end by noting that Secretary David Bernhardt, the previous Interior Secretary under President Trump, traveled to Chaco Canyon in 2019 to witness its profound significance firsthand. After hearing directly from the President of the Navajo Nation and numerous Pueblo Governors, Secretary Bernhardt decided to defer leasing within the ten-mile buffer, stating, “I walked away with a greater sense of appreciation of the magnificent site managed by the National Park Service and a better understanding of Tribal leaders’ views of its cultural significance.”

    We respectfully urge you to visit Chaco Canyon and engage directly with Tribal leaders and local communities to hear firsthand about the profound cultural and spiritual significance of this sacred landscape. The grandeur of Chacoan culture is unmistakable— etched into monumental architecture that rises from a sweeping expanse of mountains and mesas. Chaco is truly a place that must be experienced to be fully understood.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hickenlooper, Schmitt Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Create Defense Tech Hubs, Boost National Security

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Hickenlooper – Colorado

    Colorado would be a prime location for a Defense Tech Hub

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Eric Schmitt introduced the bipartisan Defense Technology Hubs Act, which would spur defense innovation and investment across 10 regions, including states like Colorado, to modernize our defense industrial base and create good-paying jobs.

    “You don’t have to look further than Colorado to see how a strong, interconnected defense tech ecosystem spurs even greater cutting-edge breakthroughs,” said Hickenlooper. “America needs to double down on our innovation advantage to compete with China’s accelerating investments.”

    “We cannot deter great power conflict, we cannot protect the American way of life, and we cannot guarantee peace through strength if we cannot build the tools of defense at scale and speed. The United States faces an ever-growing challenge of maintaining our advantage amid rapid advancements and innovations from our foreign adversaries like China, and we must rise to the challenge. With Missouri serving as a key model for this program, I look forward to these tech hubs spreading across the nation to ensure our military is prepared for the next century of technological threats,” said Schmitt.

    Specifically, the Defense Technology Hubs Act will:

    • Require the Department of Defense (DoD) to establish a program to designate and support regional DoD Tech Hubs focused on advancing defense technologies critical to national security.
    • Establish the criteria for eligible consortia to receive a DoD Tech Hub, including:
      • Capability in defense-relevant technology areas.
      • Evidence of regional collaboration and stakeholder commitment.
      • Presence of anchor Federal defense institutions or mission-critical military installations that support or utilize emerging defense technologies, particularly in geospatial intelligence, data fusion, and AI.
    • Require the Secretary of Defense to coordinate with existing efforts such as DIU, EDA Tech Hubs, DARPA, Manufacturing USA Institutes, and NSF’s Regional Innovation Engines to reinforce the capacity of all programs.
    • Bar foreign entities of concern, as identified by DoD in coordination with the intelligence community and consistent with existing federal designations, like Commerce Department’s Entity List.
    • Authorize $375 million for fiscal years 2026 – 2030 and include a 1:1 cost sharing requirement with non-federal private and state sources.

    “A Defense Technology Hubs program would bolster the nation’s and region’s aerospace leadership through workforce development and economic growth, not to mention building out critical defense systems to protect all Americans,” said Iain Boyd, Director of the Center for National Security Initiatives at the University of Colorado Boulder. “The Hub concept recognizes that regional alliances of universities with complementary capabilities can best meet the needs of today’s defense technology challenges.”

    Full text of the legislation available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Trump Accounts Will Chart the Path to Prosperity for a Generation of American Kids

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Whitehouse
    Today, President Donald J. Trump joined top business leaders and lawmakers to hail the creation of “Trump Accounts” — a provision in the One Big Beautiful Bill that will create tax-deferred investment accounts for all newborn American children.
    Trump Accounts, which will be seeded with a one-time government contribution of $1,000 and be private property of the child’s guardian, will track a stock index and allow for additional private contributions of up to $5,000 per year. This will afford a generation of children the chance to experience the miracle of compounded growth and set them on a course for prosperity from the very beginning.
    Here’s what they’re saying:
    Dell CEO Michael Dell: “We see … the establishment of these Trump Accounts as a simple yet powerful way to transform lives. Decades of research has shown that giving children a financial head start profoundly impacts their long-term success. With these accounts, children will be much more likely to graduate from college, to start a business, to buy a home, and achieve lifelong financial stability.”
    Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon: “This initiative gets at the core of binding those future generations to the benefits and the potential of America’s great companies and markets. Early childhood investments have far-reaching benefits, and Goldman Sachs is proud to support his initiative … Our economy’s future vitality is dependent on young people understanding the power of investing for the long term.”
    Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi: “What if we could give that same powerful, real, tangible hope that comes from having a stake in your own future and a stake in the best companies in the world to every single child that’s born in this country? That’s the promise of the Invest in America Act. It’s not just an account; it’s a launchpad. It puts the unstoppable engine of compounding to work for our kids, building a future for them from day one.”
    Altimeter Capital CEO Brad Gerstner: “This is aligning every child in America with the upside of free markets and the benefits, and that is your Main Street agenda … It makes America an ownership society again because all of those kids will see the benefit of compounding interest … You are giving the shot for every American to feel like they’re in the game again.”
    Speaker Mike Johnson: “If you have a 401(k), you understand the power of investing early for the future. Trump Accounts take that same principle and they apply it from the very beginning of Americans’ lives … It’s a bold, transformative policy that gives every eligible American child a financial head start from day one … Trump Accounts are all about setting up the next generation for success.”
    House Ways & Means Committee Chair Jason Smith: “The Trump investment accounts will be a game-changer for new parents even before their newborn baby can walk or talk. Their child will have money saved to one day learn a trade, start a business, or to buy a home. Every child born under this policy will have a better shot at a future. It does not matter if they live on a city block or on a county road — this will make a significant difference to their lives.”
    Together with historic tax cuts, an increased child tax credit, higher wages, and monumental economic growth, the One Big Beautiful Bill will change the lives of middle-class families across America.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEWS: Sanders Statement on Trump Deploying Troops to California

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Vermont – Bernie Sanders

    WASHINGTON, June 9 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) today released the following statement after President Trump bypassed California’s governor to deploy National Guard troops to California:

    Let’s be clear: Trump’s deployment of the National Guard in California is not about the protests there, ICE, or immigration. It is about using extremely dubious legal authority to expand his never-ending grasp for more power and his effort to move this country toward authoritarianism. This is a president who has usurped the constitutional responsibilities of Congress; threatened to impeach judges who rule against his policies; sued media that criticize him; extorted money from law firms that have represented his opponents; and is withholding funds from universities for teaching courses he doesn’t like.

    In our federalist form of government, it is the governor of a state who deploys the National Guard — not the president of the United States. It is absurd and laughable for the Trump administration to argue that they needed to mobilize the National Guard because of a threat from a “foreign invasion” or “rebellion” against the United States. This is just another example of Trump wanting more power for himself and ignoring the law. All Americans – Democrats, Republicans, independents – must stand together against this gross abuse of power.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Capito Joins Colleagues in Introducing Energy Choice Act of 2025

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Recently, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, helped introduce the Energy Choice Act of 2025, legislation led by U.S. Senator Jim Justice (R-W.Va.).

    “America needs more energy, and our state and local governments shouldn’t discriminate against baseload energy generation that increases security, affordability, and creates good paying across the country, simply because it doesn’t align with their political agendas. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this legislation to prohibit restrictions on reliable energy that American families need,” Senator Capito said.

    “I am an energy guy from an energy-rich state. I know how important freedom of energy production is – which is why I’m proud to introduce Energy Choice Act of 2025. President Trump has stated the need to unleash American energy, and this bill helps facilitate just that. We have too great an energy crisis in this country, and we don’t have the luxury of picking the winners and losers when it comes to energy production. Americans ought to have the right to choose what is best for their energy needs,” Senator Justice said.

    BACKGROUND:

    • West Virginia has a storied history of energy production.
    • The Energy Choice Act would prohibit states and local governments from restricting or limiting the connection, reconnection, modification, installation, transportation, distribution, or expansion of a source of energy that is sold in interstate commerce to be delivered to an end-user of such services.
    • Representative Nick Langworthy (R-N.Y.-23) leads the House version of this bill, along with 37 cosponsors.

    Read more about the bill in Fox News.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Capito Joins Bipartisan Bill to Improve Access to Eating Disorder Care for Seniors and People with Disabilities

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) joined Senators Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) in reintroducing the bipartisan Nutrition CARE Act. The legislation aims to improve access to care for seniors and people with disabilities who are living with eating disorders. 

    Specifically, the Nutrition CARE Act would expand access to medical care for Medicare beneficiaries with eating disorders by including coverage of outpatient medical nutrition therapy through Medicare Part B, which will provide patients with a more comprehensive, specialized approach to combating eating disorders than what is currently offered under Medicare. 

    “Eating disorders can affect anyone. They can also be particularly life-threatening for elderly Americans and those living with disabilities. The Nutrition CARE Act will expand access to medical nutrition therapy services for Medicare beneficiaries with eating disorders, helping them get the care they need to begin the path to recovery and live healthy lives,” Senator Capito said.

    The bipartisan Nutrition CARE Act would allow physicians, registered dieticians, nutrition specialists, and mental health professionals to provide medical nutrition therapy services to Medicare beneficiaries. Currently, Medicare beneficiaries who have an eating disorder can access psychiatric, therapy, and medical services. The expanded services would include 13 hours of medical nutrition therapy – including a one-hour initial assessment and 12 hours of reassessment and intervention – during the first year that the beneficiary begins receiving services. The beneficiary would then be able to access four hours of medical nutrition therapy services during each subsequent year.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: In Response To The Recent Antisemitic Attacks Across The Nation, Gillibrand, Schumer, Nadler, Goldman Stand With Jewish Community Leaders In Calling For Additional Funds To Protect The Jewish Community

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand

    Today, in response to a recent surge in violent antisemitic terror attacks, U.S.Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Charles E. Schumer and Representatives Jerrold Nadler and Dan Goldman stood with Jewish leaders and other faith leaders requesting that the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) be robustly funded to keep communities safe. The funding allocated by this program supports nonprofit organizations most at risk of attack through the acquisition and installation of physical target hardening measures, related preparedness and prevention planning, training, and exercises, and contracted security personnel so that religious and community-based organizations have the critical resources and tools they need to protect lives and property.

    This comes in response to the recent wave of antisemitic attacks across the country, including the arson attack at Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s home, the murder of two Israeli Embassy staffers in Washington, D.C., and the tragedy in Colorado last Sunday in which 15 people were injured when Molotov cocktails were thrown at them at a peaceful demonstration calling for the release of the hostages in Gaza. In 2024, there were 9,354 antisemitic incidents across the United States. This was an 893% increase over the previous 10 years and represents the highest number of incidents on record since the Anti-Defamation League began tracking these statistics 46 years ago.

    “Since October 7, 2023, we have seen a disturbing rise in hate crimes across the country and at home in New York targeted toward members of the Jewish faith,” said Senator Gillibrand. “America was founded on the principle of the free exercise of religion. That means that every American has the right to live without fear of being attacked for their faith, and I am fighting to make sure that continues by robustly funding the Nonprofit Security Grant Program. My message to the Jewish community is that I stand united with you against antisemitism, now and always.” 

    “The persistent cascade of intolerance and violence as the state of hate in America rises to a boiling point demands a much stronger federal response, because we are in a crisis,” said U.S. Senator Charles Schumer. “In many ways, the vulnerability and increased danger in houses of worship and not-for-profits has never been higher. That is why I am pushing for $500 million for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program—and increased funding for technical assistance to help organizations apply for grants—to counter, contain and ultimately crush the fear—and the threats—plaguing places of worship, religious schools, and other nonprofit organizations. We will fight hard to achieve this funding goal and do all we can to ensure places of worship are safe.”

    “Just 8 days ago, we witnessed the latest in a string of horrific attacks against Jews. This attack fell against the backdrop of a surge of Antisemitism nation-wide, which has especially peaked since Hamas’ horrific terrorist attack on October 7th, 2023— the bloodiest day in Jewish history since the Holocaust. This moment demands a swift response. That is why I signed a bipartisan letter last week calling for a $500 million funding level for the Non-Profit Security Grant Program and I continue to echo that call. Such an increase is a necessary step to help ensure Jews’ physical safety. I hope both sides of the aisle and all branches of government come together to get this done,” said Rep. Jerry Nadler (NY-12). “In this time of American Jews experiencing an unprecedented rise in antisemitism, I also am sad to have to say that the Trump Administration is acting as a catalyst, not a deterrent. If President Trump were actually serious about combatting antisemitism, he’d start by firing the known antisemites in his own administration. In this unprecedented time for American Jews, we must ensure antisemites find no safe haven, no matter their political affiliations or positions of power.”

    “We don’t need to look further than the murders of two young Israeli Embassy workers outside the Capital Jewish Museum or the attacks on Jews during a peaceful protest in Boulder to understand that antisemitic hate is not just rising — it’s exploding into deadly violence,” said Karen Paikin Barall, Vice President, Government Relations, Jewish Federations of North America. “These are not isolated incidents; they are part of a deeply troubling trend that threatens the safety, dignity, and freedom of the Jewish community. By providing adequate funding, we can help protect places of worship, education, and community gatherings from the growing threats they face. Silence and inaction are not options — lives are on the line.”

    “In the face of sharply escalating antisemitic violence nationwide, including the horrific recent antisemitic attacks, the NSGP is a lifeline that enables synagogues, Jewish community centers, and other vulnerable institutions to take meaningful steps to protect their congregants and staff,” said Eric S. Goldstein, CEO, UJA-Federation of New York. “UJA is urgently calling for a significant increase in funding for the NSGP and we are deeply grateful for the steadfast leadership of Senator Gillibrand and Leader Schumer, and members of the New York House delegation, who continue to champion the safety and security of Jewish New Yorkers.”

    “Our Jewish communities are reeling from a wave of horrific, antisemitic acts of terror—part of an unprecedented surge in antisemitism we’ve witnessed since October 7th across the country and here in New York. In the face of persistent threats targeting Jewish individuals and institutions, it is imperative that the federal government provide robust funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which is already the law but needs resources to be fully operationalized,” said Mark Treyger, CEO of JCRC-NY. “Increasing Nonprofit Security Grant funding is a vital step toward ensuring that all vulnerable communities can gather and live in safety. JCRC-NY will continue working to uproot antisemitic hate before it takes hold and to build a future grounded in mutual respect and shared humanity. While we continue this important work, we also urge our leaders to call out the inflammatory rhetoric that has predictably led to this surge in antisemitic acts of terror. We are deeply grateful to Leader Schumer, Senator Gillibrand, and members of the Congressional delegation for their leadership on this urgent matter”

    “In the aftermath of the horrific attacks against Jewish Americans in Washington, D.C. and Boulder, there’s no more compelling argument for robust federal funding for Jewish institutional security. It’s time. Last year ADL recorded over 1,700 antisemitic incidents targeting Jewish institutions,” said Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO, ADL. “In this climate of escalating threats, every additional dollar for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program is a lifeline — right now, the demand far outpaces the available resources. I’m proud to be standing with these Congressional leaders pushing for an increase in funding to ensure that synagogues, schools, and community centers can take basic steps to protect themselves.”

    “Years ago, a police car in front of a synagogue was a rarity, and today it is a reality,” said Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, Executive Vice President, New York Board of Rabbis. “Years ago, standing up for the Jewish people was most venerable; today it makes you most vulnerable. Thus, we are most grateful to Senators Schumer and Gillibrand for seeking additional funding for security purposes. Their steadfast support is most reassuring, especially during this difficult period.”

    Every year, Congress must specifically allocate funding for the NSGP, which helps nonprofits deemed by the Department of Homeland Security to be at risk of attack plan for and ready themselves against potential attacks. In addition to hardening facilities, this program has improved efforts to keep at-risk nonprofit organizations safe by promoting emergency preparedness coordination and collaboration activities between public and private community representatives, as well as with state and local government agencies.

    For years, Senator Gillibrand has successfully pushed to include funding for the NSGP in the budget. In Fiscal Year 2024, Gillibrand and Schumer successfully secured $454.5 million in funding for the NSGP. The Jewish community remains one of the top targets of faith-based hate crimes in the U.S., and that danger has only increased since October 7, 2023. Senators Gillibrand and Schumer will continue to prioritize the safety of these and other faith communities throughout New York State. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Baldwin Meets with Families Impacted by Milwaukee School Closures Due to Lead Exposure, Lack of Federal Support

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin

    MILWAUKEE, WI – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) visited Milwaukee Public Schools’ (MPS) Frances Starms Discovery Learning Center to meet with parents whose children’s health was at risk and schools were closed this year because of lead hazards.

    “When Milwaukee called for help to keep kids safe and address this lead crisis, their application was denied because RFK, Jr. and Donald Trump fired every single one of the lead experts who could help,” said Senator Baldwin. “Today, I heard firsthand from Milwaukee families whose children have been poisoned by lead and were forced out of the schools they attend, all while they continue to live in fear and think they were left behind. While Donald Trump and RFK, Jr. continue to sit on their hands, I’ll keep showing up, listening to the families, and fighting to hold the Trump administration to account so Milwaukee gets the support it deserves.”

    Baldwin’s visit comes as she continues to hold the Trump Administration accountable for failing to support Milwaukee, firing the entire Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Surveillance Branch, and not providing on-the-ground support to keep children safe.

    In early April, the Centers for Disease Control notified MPS that they would not be able to receive on-site help from lead experts because the Trump administration shut down the lead poisoning branch and fired the experts. The crisis has shuttered six schools and displaced 1,800 children in Milwaukee. Senator Baldwin has repeatedly pressed the Administration to reinstate fired experts and approve Milwaukee’s plea for federal assistance. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Schiff, Schumer Demand Answers from Trump Administration on Arrest and Detention of SEIU Union Labor Leader David Huerta

    US Senate News:

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

    Padilla, Schiff, Schumer Demand Answers from Trump Administration on Arrest and Detention of SEIU Union Labor Leader David Huerta

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) are demanding answers from top Trump Administration officials regarding the arrest and detention of David Huerta, President of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) California and SEIU-United Service Workers West. Mr. Huerta was injured, arrested, and detained by federal officials in Downtown Los Angeles while exercising his lawful right to observe the conduct of immigration enforcement personnel on Friday, June 6, 2025. He currently remains detained in federal custody. 

    “It is deeply troubling that a U.S. citizen, union leader, and upstanding member of the Los Angeles community continues to be detained by the federal government for exercising his rights to observe immigration enforcement,” wrote the Senators.  

    “As U.S. Senators, we are privileged and proud to represent Americans like Mr. Huerta, who are pillars of their community and stand up for the fundamental rights of all Californians. We have a constitutional duty to conduct oversight of the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice and its components to ensure that the rights of Californians are upheld. As such, we demand a complete and comprehensive response to the following requests regarding this incident by Friday, June 13, 2025,” concluded the Senators. 

    The Senators are voicing their serious concerns to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director Todd M. Lyons.

    Yesterday, Senator Padilla joined MSNBC’s “The Weekend: Primetime” to condemn the Trump Administration’s ICE raids across Los Angeles and President Trump’s ensuing unprecedented deployment of nearly 2,000 members of California’s National Guard to the region. Padilla also joined Los Angeles outlets KTLA and KNX last night to discuss the fear and chaos the Trump Administration is stoking in Los Angeles and across California. On Friday, Padilla issued a statement condemning the Los Angeles ICE raids.

    Full text of the letter is available here and below:   

    Dear Secretary Noem, Acting Director Lyons, and Attorney General Bondi:

    We write to express our grave concerns regarding the arrest and detention of David Huerta, the President of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) California and SEIU United Service Workers West.

    On Friday, June 6, 2025, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), and several other federal agencies conducted numerous immigration enforcement actions throughout Southern California. During a workplace enforcement action, Mr. Huerta, a well-known and deeply respected community leader, was exercising his lawful right to observe the conduct of immigration enforcement personnel. In the course of doing so, Mr. Huerta suffered an injury and law enforcement personnel apprehended and subsequently arrested him. It is deeply troubling that a U.S. citizen, union leader, and upstanding member of the Los Angeles community continues to be detained by the federal government for exercising his rights to observe immigration enforcement.

    As U.S. Senators, we are privileged and proud to represent Americans like Mr. Huerta, who are pillars of their community and stand up for the fundamental rights of all Californians. We have a constitutional duty to conduct oversight of the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice and its components to ensure that the rights of Californians are upheld. As such, we demand a complete and comprehensive response to the following requests regarding this incident by Friday, June 13, 2025:

    1. We request that the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice undertake a review to determine which federal agencies and personnel were involved in the actions that resulted in the injuries sustained by Mr. Huerta and what disciplinary actions may be necessary for relevant federal personnel.

    2. We request that the Department of Justice state the legal authority under which Mr. Huerta is currently being detained.

    Thank you for your prompt attention to this urgent matter.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hickenlooper, Bennet Statement on Secretary Lutnick’s Senate Testimony

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Hickenlooper – Colorado

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet released the following statement following the congressional testimony from Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick:

    “Colorado, and the rest of the country, worked for years to create and prepare programs to expand broadband access under the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. These programs are nearly finalized, and delaying them will cost millions of dollars, add unnecessary bureaucratic burdens, and deprive Coloradans of high-speed, affordable internet.

    “Secretary Lutnick’s decision to ask states to reapply for this federal funding betrays the promise Congress made to the American people.”

    Hickenlooper was part of the bipartisan group of 22 senators who negotiated and wrote the $1.2 trillion infrastructure deal, which authorized the BEAD program.

    The BEAD program is the largest broadband investment in American history and invests $42.45 billion to expand high-speed internet access by funding planning, infrastructure deployment, and adoption programs in all 50 states and territories. It prioritizes communities with little to no reliable internet access to make sure unserved and underserved areas aren’t left behind.

    In Colorado, 10 percent of locations are unserved or underserved, and 190,850 households lack access to the internet. In June 2023, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration awarded Colorado over $826 million as part of the program.

    MIL OSI USA News –