Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI)

For Immediate Release                             Contact: Tionee Scotland
January 24, 2026                                                    202-808-6129

PRESS RELEASE

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES ON PASSING OF DR. RALPH DECHABERT

ST. CROIX, USVI—Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement on the passing of Dr. Ralph A. DeChabert, a pioneering physician and dedicated community servant in the U.S. Virgin Islands:

“It is with great sadness that I join the people of the Virgin Islands in mourning the loss of Dr. Ralph A. DeChabert, a visionary physician whose contributions left an indelible mark on healthcare in our territory.

“Dr. DeChabert was more than a skilled obstetrician – he was a compassionate healer and innovator who understood the critical health needs of our people. His obstetric practice at Juan F. Luis Hospital during a crucial period in our history, brought countless Virgin Islanders into the world with expert care. His work establishing the March of Dimes on St. Croix through the Sickle Cell Clinic demonstrated his commitment to addressing the specific health challenges facing our community.

“The people of the Virgin Islands have lost a quiet giant whose impact resonates through generations. My thoughts and prayers are with Dr. DeChabert’s family, (which includes my own Chief of Staff, Angeline Muckle-Jabbar) friends, and the countless lives he touched throughout his distinguished career.

“His service will not be forgotten.”

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Source: {United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bobby Scott (3rd District of Virginia)

Headline: Scott Statement on Reports of Federal Agents Shooting and Killing an Individual in Minneapolis

NEWPORT NEWS, VA – Congressman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement on news reports that Federal agents have shot and killed an individual in Minneapolis, MN today:

“I am saddened and deeply concerned by reports that a person was shot and killed today in Minneapolis during an encounter with federal law enforcement agents, including ICE, amid the ongoing immigration enforcement operations in the city. I am closely monitoring the situation as details continue to emerge. It is critical that there be a thorough, transparent and independent investigation to establish the facts and ensure accountability.

“My thoughts are with the individual’s family, loved ones, and all those directly affected by this tragedy. Every life lost is a profound loss, and no community should be placed in a position of fear during law enforcement actions.

“This latest incident underscores the urgent need for Congress to exercise robust oversight over federal immigration enforcement operations, including clear standards for use-of-force, training, and accountability mechanisms. All Americans deserve to know that constitutional rights and human life are being respected.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn)

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Democratic members of the Minnesota Congressional delegation issued the following joint statement in response to the fatal shooting of a 37-year-old man, a U.S. citizen, by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis:

“Federal agents including ICE and Border Patrol who are roaming Minnesota’s streets must leave our state immediately. The presence of masked, militarized federal agents is not making our communities safer — it is making them less safe. It is leading to increased danger and violence.

“We call on Republicans to speak up for the safety of all Minnesotans. Silence is complicity.

“Minnesotans have every right to be angry, but we must continue to show the world our North Star — our values of respect and dignity for everyone in our community — through peaceful protest.”

The Democratic members of the Minnesota Congressional delegation are Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04), Senator Amy Klobuchar, Senator Tina Smith, Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Congresswoman Angie Craig (MN-02), and Congresswoman Kelly Morrison (MN-03).

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN)

Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03), Chairman of Energy and Water Appropriations, released the following statement following President Donald J. Trump signing Rep. Fleischmann’s Fiscal Year 2026 Energy and Water Development bill into law. President Trump’s signature follows overwhelming support for Chairman Fleischmann’s Energy and Water bill in the House, when it passed 419-6.

“When the American People elected President Trump to return to the White House and Republicans to control Congress, we vowed to change the status quo in Washington and make real changes that put Americans First after years of being ignored by DC politicians. With President Trump’s strong support and under the leadership of our Chairman, Tom Cole, we have done what the naysayers said was impossible – pass all 12 appropriations bills, including my historically strong FY26 Energy and Water Appropriations Act,” said Rep. Fleischmann. “The FY26 Energy and Water bill puts America First by unleashing American-made energy dominance, expanding new nuclear nationwide, investing in modernizing our waterways infrastructure from coast to coast, strengthening our nuclear arsenal and Nuclear Navy, and keeping America as the global scientific leader as our National Labs carry out President Trump’s GENESIS Mission.”

“I thank President Trump, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, Speaker Johnson, and all my colleagues for their support and collaboration to make my FY26 Energy and Water bill one of the best ever for the American People. The Golden Age of Appropriations is here!”

More Information on FY26 Energy and Water Development Bill:

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)

Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) joined the New Democrat Coalition in mourning the killing of Alex Pretti carried out by federal agents in Minneapolis and calling for Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to be fired immediately or resign in disgrace.

The New Democrat Coalition’s full statement is here and below:

“We are heartbroken and outraged by the news of yet another killing of an American citizen carried out by federal agents in Minneapolis. We mourn this needless death alongside the victim’s family, the Minneapolis community, and every American who is rightly horrified by the Administration’s indefensible actions.

“The Trump Administration’s brutal occupation of American communities with armed, masked agents must end immediately. Emboldened by President Trump, Stephen Miller, Kristi Noem, Speaker Johnson, and Congressional Republicans, these agents have not focused on removing hardened criminals from our streets, but rather targeted hardworking individuals, killed American citizens, beaten and brutalized peaceful protestors, and spread chaos and fear across the country.

“We demand a full, independent investigation of this killing – along with the killing of Renee Nicole Good and other DHS-related shootings – and full accountability for the officers involved. Secretary Kristi Noem is ultimately responsible and should be fired immediately or resign in disgrace.

“Congress has a responsibility to defend the American people from this lawlessness. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle must unite in this effort and assert our constitutionally mandated congressional oversight authority to hold the Administration accountable. We must stop this violence before more lives are lost.”

Earlier this week, Rep. Larsen voted no on a bill funding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and demanded more accountability and oversight of DHS operations. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

Know Your Immigration Rights

If you or a loved one encounter immigration enforcement officials, it is essential that you know your rights and have prepared your household for all possible outcomes.

Ask for a warrant: The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution protects you from unreasonable search and seizure. You do not have to open your door until you see a valid warrant to enter your home or search your belongings.

Your right to remain silent: The Fifth Amendment protects your right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. You are not required to share any personal information such as your place of birth, immigration status or criminal history.

Always consult an attorney: You have a right to speak with an attorney. You do not have to sign anything or hand officials any documents without speaking to an attorney. Try to identify and consult one in advance.

The New York City Office of Civil Justice and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) support a variety of free immigration legal services through local nonprofit legal organizations. To access these resources, dial 311 and say “Action NYC,” call the MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline at 800-354-0365 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or visit MOIA’s website.

Learn more here: KNOW YOUR IMMIGRATION RIGHTS  – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ted Lieu (33 District of California)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) issued the following statement calling for ICE and CBP interior operations to stand down its operations across the country following another immigration enforcement-related shooting in Minnesota. 

“The way CBP and ICE are conducting themselves in Minnesota and across the country is untenable and increasingly deadly. While we wait for more facts from this morning’s killing of a civilian by CBP agents in Minneapolis, it is clear tensions are reaching a boiling point. To calm tensions, the White House must withdraw ICE and CBP interior operations from Minneapolis and commit to immediate and transparent investigations into the killing. 

“I am calling for an immediate nationwide stand down of ICE and CBP interior operations. Civilians are repeatedly getting shot and assaulted in the streets, and there has been a failure to conduct thorough investigations, ensure proper accountability, or commit to policy, procedural, and training reforms. These kinds of actions in Minnesota and in communities across the country are making our communities less safe and putting Americans at risk.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)

Bacon Announces Nebraska Priorities Included in Bipartisan FY26 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations

Washington – Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02) today announced that more than $21 million for several key Nebraska projects and funding priorities were included in the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) section of the FY26 Consolidated Appropriations Act.

Rep. Bacon joined in the overwhelming 341-88 House vote to pass the minibus on January 22, which now heads to the Senate for consideration. Several of Rep. Bacon’s key priorities were included in the legislation. Such priorities include funding requests to modernize transportation infrastructure, improve roadway and pedestrian safety, upgrade water and sewer systems, strengthen stormwater management, and major investments in the continued expansion of Eppley Airfield.

“I am pleased to announce that this bipartisan appropriations package includes more than $21 million for priorities across the district. A major focus is the continued investment at Eppley Airfield, which is transforming Omaha’s front door and positioning our region to meet the needs of a growing metropolitan area, including expanded air service and international travel,” said Rep. Bacon. “The package also includes investments in safer roads and bridges, upgraded water and sewer infrastructure, and community development projects. I thank Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole and THUD Subcommittee Chairman Steve Womack for their leadership and bipartisan cooperation in advancing this legislation and ensuring these important Nebraska projects were included.”

Nebraska projects included in the THUD section of the FY26 Consolidated Appropriations Act:

Title: Improvements at Eppley Airfield

Recipient: Omaha Airport Authority

Amount: $7,000,000 (Requested: $10,000,000)

Description: The Eppley Airfield Build OMA program includes enhancements to the terminal, roadway, airfield, and supporting infrastructure of Eppley Airfield. Terminal Modernization Program will be completed in multiple phases and includes a new central utility plant, additional aircraft gates, consolidated security checkpoint, a unified concourse, a federal inspection services facility for international arrivals, and new baggage systems. An important element of the Terminal Modernization Program is relocating ticketing to the second level of the terminal where there is a new consolidated security screening checkpoint located in the center of the terminal.  Access to the second level for ticketing and the checkpoint will be provided through covered overhead pedestrian walkways, spanning the roadway, and with added vertical circulation.

Title: Omaha Urban Core Renewal Phase 2

Recipient: City of Omaha, Nebraska

Amount: $3,500,000 (Requested: $10,000,000)

Description: This Urban Renewal project will provide pedestrian pathways, bicycle route connectivity, stormwater management, utility relocation, landscaped areas, parking relocation, and will add approximately 1.5 acres of green space to the urban core. This project will replace and/or improve 3.5 acres of streets and alleys. Lighting will be improved, and sidewalks will be repaired, replaced, or widened to improve safety and walkability. The streetscape portion of this project envisions improvements to pedestrian safety on 20th Street between Cuming Street and Cass Street. This project will improve pedestrian safety by slowing traffic and improving pedestrian crossing locations in a heavy pedestrian traffic area. Vehicular traffic control measures (such as improved pedestrian crossings and center-planted medians with areas of refuge) will slow speeds, providing a main street experience. Bus shelters and bike lanes will be added to encourage multimodal travel and transit-oriented development.  

Title: 38th Street Viaduct in Omaha

Recipient: Nebraska Department of Transportation

Amount: $5,000,000 (Requested: $6,000,000)

Description: Funding would be used for the construction of a viaduct, replacing the existing structure, which is essential to regional mobility and economic resilience. The project includes replacement of an 87-year-old viaduct that supports regional and national freight. Structure is deteriorating to include sidewalk closures, recurring emergency deck repairs. Carrying four lanes of traffic and pedestrian access between 42nd and 36th Streets, the 38th Street Viaduct serves as a vital east-west route along Highway 275 (L Street) in Omaha, Nebraska.

Title: Gretna Hwy 6/31 Overpass

Recipient: City of Gretna

Amount: $1,500,000 (Requested: $2,800,000)

Description: Hwy 6/31 currently serves as a physical barrier that cuts through the heart of the community, limiting access to these key public assets for residents located on the west side of the highway. The City is therefore requesting federal assistance to design and construct a pedestrian overpass that will restore safe, non-vehicular access across this critical corridor. Without such an investment, the growth and functionality of Gretna’s public infrastructure will remain constrained by mobility and safety challenges.

Title: Water Main Replacement

Recipient: City of Valley

Amount: $1,280,000 (Requested: $1,600,000)

Description: The City of Valley is seeking funding for the replacement of water mains in various locations within Valley. The funds will be utilized to replace old and deteriorated water main pipes. The segments selected were determined by the number of previous water main breaks from the City Operator and historical records of age and material. The new pipes will improve water quality within specific areas, improve water flow capacity, and increase the number of fire hydrants for fire protection.

Title: Burlington Economic Development Infrastructure Project

Recipient: City of Ralston

Amount: $2,000,000 (Requested: $4,000,000)

Description: The sewer reconstruction is a critical infrastructure project for residents of both Ralston and central Omaha. The sewer provides service to over half of the area of Ralston and an equal amount of area in Omaha. Together, it serves an equivalent population of over 13,000 people, consisting of residents and businesses in both cities. The continued degradation of the line threatens properties with potential sewer back-ups. The sewer situation is impeding further economic development efforts.

Title: Bluestem Stream Improvement Project

Recipient: City of Omaha

Amount: $1,000,000 (Requested: $1,820,000)

Description: The City of Omaha is seeking funding for the improvement of approximately 1,200 linear feet of storm sewer drainageway that runs directly through the center of Bluestem Prairie Phase 2, a new 64-home affordable housing development currently under construction by HFHO in North Omaha. This open-channel drainageway has eroded significantly into a steep, 22-foot drop that is filled with debris, posing a safety and structural concern for the affordable housing developed for families. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)

Bacon Announces Nebraska Priorities and National Security Investments Included in Bipartisan FY26 Defense Appropriations

Washington – Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02) today announced the inclusion of more than $508 million in critical Nebraska priorities and $233 million in other defense and national security priorities he supported in the Defense Appropriations section of the FY26 Consolidated Appropriations Act. The bill also includes a 3.8 percent military pay raise for junior enlisted service members, a long-standing priority Rep. Bacon has championed to improve the quality of life for service members and their families. Rep. Bacon joined in the overwhelming 341-88 House vote to pass the minibus on January 22, which now heads to the Senate for consideration.  

“The passage of the Defense Appropriations bill is a major win for our national security and for Nebraska’s proud military community. Our state plays an outsized role in America’s defense, from the strategic missions at Offutt Air Force Base to the thousands of Nebraska service members and civilian workers who support our armed forces every day,” said Rep. Bacon. “I thank Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole and Defense Subcommittee Chairman Ken Calvert for their leadership and bipartisan cooperation in advancing this legislation and ensuring these important projects were included.”

Nebraska Defense Priorities

• $474 million for two additional EC-37B Compass Call aircraft for the 55th Wing
• $26 million for USSTRATCOM’s NC3 Enterprise Center’s rapid engineering architecture collaboration hub (REACH) program
• $5 million to upgrade RC-135 aircraft based at Offutt AFB
• $3 million for contingency planning for extreme health events supporting University of Nebraska Medical Center and the needed military-civilian support

Additional Defense and National Security Priorities

• $200 million for Baltic Security Initiative, a key security cooperation with Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania to deter Russian aggression and bolster long‑term regional defense capabilities
• $20 million for joint military-civilian medical surge, an effort that rapidly combines military and civilian healthcare capabilities to expand emergency treatment capacity during major crises
• $8 million for Global HF relay stations providing a network of high‑frequency radio sites enabling long‑range, resilient communications for military and government users
• $5 million scaling of rare earth separation capabilities, expanding and modernizing processes to extract and enable larger, more reliable supplies for defense and high‑tech manufacturing

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Ilhan Omar (DFL-MN)

WASHINGTON – Ranking Member Ilhan Omar (MN-05) delivered the following opening statement at a Workforce Protections Subcommittee hearing entitled, “Examining the Policies and Priorities of the Mine Safety and Health Administration.”

“Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Good morning, everyone. 

“And thank you, Assistant Secretary Palmer, for being here today. 

“Since its inception in 1977, the Mine Safety and Health Administration, or MSHA, has strived to protect America’s miners from occupational hazards and negative health impacts, and prevent disasters through inspection and oversight.

“MSHA sets vital health and safety standards, such as rules on dust levels, posting warning signs, and controls for explosive hazards. 

“To set those standards, MSHA heavily relies on the research capacity of other agencies, such as the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, which identifies hazards and conducts health research.

“MSHA’s work is critical in keeping miners healthy and alive.

“Unfortunately, after declining for decades, black lung disease is now on the rise.

“X-ray surveillance data indicated that the prevalence of black lung disease had doubled from 2007 to 2017.

“Nearly one in five long-tenured miners in Appalachia have been diagnosed with black lung disease.

“The most severe form, called Progressive Massive Fibrosis (PMF) is now at epidemic levels.

“PMF, or complicated black lung, is caused by the inhalation of coal and silica dust.

“In fact, silica dust is 20 times more toxic than coal dust alone and has been identified as one of the main causes of the spike in black lung. 

“Black lung can be a devastating disease. 

“Miners gradually lose the ability to breathe, causing them to wheeze and gasp for air.

“For some with PMF, survival requires a lung transplant, but even then, life expectancy does not usually exceed five years.

“Even more troubling, PMF is now afflicting miners at far earlier ages, with cases being documented in miners in their 30s and 40s.

“And sadly, there is still no cure for black lung disease.

“The relationship between silica and black lung among coal miners is particularly well known, but silica dust is also a significant threat to workers in metal and nonmetal mines, which make up more than 90 percent of active mines in the country.

“These miners also face the risk of chronic lung disease and cancer.

“Recognizing this longstanding danger, the Biden Administration made one of the most significant updates to mine safety standards in decades to protect miners from exposure to silica dust.

“In 2024, the Biden-era Department of Labor issued a rule to protect workers from serious health threats by lowering the allowable levels of silica exposure in mines and extending operator-funded respiratory screenings to miners.

“But now the Trump Administration is reversing course on this progress by refusing to defend this new rule in court.

“We often hear our colleagues on the other side of the aisle accuse regulatory agencies in Democratic administrations of what they call “sue and settle”.

“But right now, this Administration appears to be working hand-in-hand with the mining companies to weaken this important silica rule.

“Also of critical concern is MSHA’s ability to hold bad operators accountable for injuring or killing miners. 

“MSHA now has only six hundred and fifty-four inspectors.

“I look forward to hearing more from the Assistant Secretary about his plans to restore the agency to full force.

“Staffing, ultimately, is the agency’s capacity to get its job done, to protect miners. 

“I worry that the current status is not serving miners well.

“In 2025 alone, there was a 21 percent increase in mine fatalities – driven by a 44 percent increase in deaths in metal/nonmetal mines.

“Ranking Member Scott and I sent two letters early last year, inquiring about the extent and impact of firings at DOL and MSHA.  

“The Administration has so far failed to provide a substantive response to these letters, leaving Congress and the miners who rely on the services of MSHA in the dark.

“By firing staff at MSHA and NIOSH, refusing to enforce safety regulations, and closing dozens of regional MSHA offices— the Trump Administration is failing to protect the health and safety of hardworking miners and sabotaging decades of efforts to prevent black lung.

“As healthcare costs skyrocket, miners should not have to worry about workplace exposures forcing them into hospitals.

“Assistant Secretary Palmer, I look forward to our conversation today, and I hope that we can work together to keep miners safe and prevent future tragedies.

“Thank you again, Mr. Chairman, and I yield back.”