Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04)

In a historic moment for our nation’s farmers, ranchers, small businesses, and landowners, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Zeldin announced a new proposed ruling to define Waters of the United States (WOTUS) under the Clean Water Act. This common-sense regulation protects our state’s waters while also unleashing American economic prosperity, and it was an honor to be in attendance and provide a few words of my support.

For too long, our federal government has weaponized the definition of our nation’s waterways to seize our states’ ability to determine what is best for their landowners, farmers, small businesses, and more. Letting our states determine what’s best for their own resources shouldn’t be a complicated issue, but decades of bureaucracy have certainly made that into a reality.

As a sitting member on the Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee, this is an issue that I have been focused on for quite some time that deeply affects Arkansas, its waterways, and the folks who are responsible for keeping our economy growing. For years, I have worked extensively to ensure the rights of our states, farmers, small businesses, and local communities are protected.

Since the 1972 Clean Water Act, the term Waters of the United States (WOTUS) has been long debated. However, the Obama-era 2015 Clean Water Rule muddied the waters and has since abused the rule-making process of the executive branch, creating clear overreach of federal authority on our waterways by allowing federal agencies to essentially act as zoning and land czars with little-to-no checks or balances on their power. This week’s commonsense ruling puts our states back in the driver’s seat, prioritizes Arkansas farmers and business owners, and takes a step toward reining in federal overreach.

There is no doubt that Administrator Zeldin has everyday Americans in mind, and I look forward to working with him in both of my roles on the T&I Waterways and Resources subcommittee and as Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee to enact commonsense regulations that protect our navigable waterways, hardworking Arkansans, and constitutional separation of powers. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)

Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (D-Va.) and Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) reintroduced the ATF Improvement and Modernization (AIM) Act, legislation to strengthen the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives’ (ATF) ability to combat gun crime in our communities. The lawmakers’ effort comes as the Trump Administration seeks to undermine the ATF, including by working to eliminate it as a standalone agency – merging it with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) – and proposing a nearly 30 percent decrease in its budget. In the face of these actions, the lawmakers’ legislation would reassert the ATF’s authority to keep our communities safe, including by removing irresponsible statutory restrictions that stand in the way of the ATF’s mission to protect the public from violent offenders, criminal organizations, and the illegal use and trafficking of firearms.

“Too many American lives have been torn apart by gun violence in our country – yet gun industry hardliners have conspired to put up roadblocks that hamper law enforcement efforts to combat this deadly scourge. Our legislation eliminates these barriers and strengthens the ATF’s ability to crack down on gun crime and illegal firearm trafficking that allows deadly weapons to fall into dangerous hands. This is a common-sense way to tackle the gun violence epidemic and save lives,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“The gun violence epidemic continues to take a huge toll on our country, killing nearly 50,000 Americans every year,” said Rep. Don Beyer. “We cannot accept Trump’s efforts to stop law enforcement from addressing gun violence, which includes mass transfers of agents away from the ATF. Congress owes it to American families to take decisive action to ensure the ATF has the tools it needs to make American communities safer, and our AIM Act would do just that by removing barriers that hamper the ATF’s mission. I appreciate Senator Van Hollen, Ranking Member Raskin, and the gun violence prevention leaders who worked with us to craft this important bill, and I urge my colleagues to support it.”

“The AIM Act will revitalize the ATF’s ability to crack down on gun traffickers and ‘bad apple’ gun dealers and overhaul outdated regulations that hinder the Bureau’s ability to protect our communities,” said House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Jamie Raskin. “I’m proud to join this important effort to combat gun trafficking and violent crime.”

The AIM Act removes irresponsible statutory restrictions that impede ATF’s mission to protect the public from violent criminals, criminal organizations, and the illegal use and trafficking of firearms, as well as its ability to support law enforcement and other public safety partners in communities nationwide. The bill modernizes ATF processes to help law enforcement officials in tracing firearms involved in crimes. Permitting ATF to consolidate and centralize the records it receives from firearms dealers will improve its current non-searchable system, which unnecessarily stalls criminal investigations. With a centralized, searchable digital database, law enforcement will be better able to detect patterns that indicate gun trafficking. The AIM Act also allows the FBI to maintain background check information longer than the current 24-hour limit. This change helps to deter fraud and facilitate firearms retrieval actions if the agency learns, after the fact, that a gun sale was improper.

This legislation also enhances ATF’s capability to crack down on “bad apple” gun dealers. Permitting stricter compliance requirements and reforming the rules governing federal license revocation will ensure that firearms dealers comply with laws and regulations that protect the public from dangerous weapons. Lastly, the AIM Act will make ATF more responsive to the public, including journalists, researchers, and potential litigants, whose access to ATF gun trace data is currently restricted.

The text of the AIM Act is available here.

The AIM Act is supported by March For Our Lives, Marylanders to Prevent Gun Violence, GIFFORDS, Brady: United Against Gun Violence, Newtown Action Alliance, Everytown for Gun Safety, and Enough of Gun Violence.

“The gun industry has enjoyed decades of special protections at the expense of public safety –  and young people are paying the price. The ATF Improvement and Modernization Act is a critical step toward accountability. By giving the ATF the tools it needs to trace crime guns, hold reckless dealers accountable, and modernize outdated systems, this bill helps protect communities from the daily toll of gun violence. We’re proud to support this legislation and grateful to Senator Van Hollen and Representative Beyer for continuing to lead with urgency and moral clarity,” said Jaclyn Corin, Executive Director, March For Our Lives.

“For far too long, the agency charged with overseeing gun laws in this country has been underfunded and hamstrung by antiquated systems. This was by design, preventing the ATF from adequately overseeing critical components of the gun industry. We applaud Senator Van Hollen and Representative Beyer for reintroducing The ATF Improvement and Modernization Act (AIM) Act this session. This much needed Act will help bring the ATF into the 21st century,” said Karen Herren, Executive Director, Marylanders to Prevent Gun Violence.

“For too long, ATF has been forced to operate with one hand tied behind its back, unable to fully enforce our country’s gun laws and hold bad actors accountable. The AIM Act would change that, reversing outdated restrictions and ensuring ATF has the authority and resources it needs to crack down on illegal gun trafficking, shut down rogue gun dealers, and modernize systems that hinder efforts to trace crime guns. We commend Senator Van Hollen and Representative Beyer for their leadership in strengthening this critical agency and improving public safety,” said Vanessa Gonzalez, Vice President of Government & Political Affairs at GIFFORDS.

“One of the major causes of American gun violence is the unique and unprecedented protections from oversight that the gun industry has been provided,” said Brady President Kris Brown. “The ATF Improvement and Modernization Act will allow ATF to more effectively and efficiently oversee the corporate firearms industry and hold accountable those actors who are engaging in negligent, irresponsible, or illegal business practices which fuel the criminal gun market. Brady is proud to endorse this legislation and applauds Sen. Van Hollen and Rep. Beyer for their leadership on this issue.”

“As a neighbor of the Sandy Hook shooter and someone who has spent more than a decade working with families devastated by gun violence, I know the deadly cost of tying law enforcement’s hands. For too long, reckless restrictions have stopped the ATF from protecting the public from gun traffickers and bad-apple dealers. Senator Van Hollen’s AIM Act removes those barriers—modernizing gun tracing, strengthening background checks, and restoring transparency—so law enforcement can save lives and protect our children and families,” said Po Murray, Chairwoman of Newtown Action Alliance.

“Gun Violence is a Public Health Emergency and the #1 leading cause of death for children in our communities across the United States. We can no longer allow the gun lobby to hold the lives of American people in their hands. We are endorsing the ATF Improvement and Modernization Act being re-introduced by Senator Chris Van Hollen and Representative Beyer because we deserve to live free from Gun Violence. Accountability to the gun industries is key,” said Celeste Iroha, Founder and President of Enough of Gun Violence.

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

Rep. Bacon Announces Chamber Support for Legislation to Restore Congress’ Constitutional Role in Trade

Omaha, Neb. – Today, Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02) announced he has received support from the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Omaha Chamber of Commerce and Lincoln Chamber of Commerce for his bipartisan legislation to return Congress’ constitutionally authorized role in setting and approving U.S. trade policy. H.R. 2665 The Trade Review Act of 2025 requires that unilateral tariffs proposed by the executive branch receive congressional authority.

“By requiring clear justification and timely review of new tariffs, the Trade Review Act of 2025 helps prevent disruptive cost swings and strengthens Nebraska companies’ ability to keep Nebraska’s economy competitive and growing,” said Todd Bingham, President and CEO of the NE Chamber of Commerce & Industry. “This legislation delivers real benefits for Nebraska businesses by bringing greater stability and predictability to U.S. trade policy. Nebraska Chamber members across industries – from agriculture to manufacturing – depend on consistent markets and manageable input costs. We thank Rep. Bacon for being a strong advocate for Nebraska and its world-class businesses.”

“We hear from businesses every day that unexpected tariff actions are driving up costs, delaying investments, and threatening the long-term competitiveness of Nebraska. H.R. 2665 introduces the level of transparency, accountability, and congressional oversight that our employers urgently need,” said Heath Mello, President & CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber. “By requiring timely economic impact assessments and ensuring Congress has a meaningful role, this legislation provides a more predictable environment for companies planning major capital investments. The Greater Omaha Chamber strongly supports this effort that gives employers the stability they need to grow and we thank Rep. Bacon for his leadership on this critical issue.”

“The Lincoln Chamber appreciates Congressman Don Bacon’s leadership on trade and his assertion of congressional authority. Congressman Bacon’s Trade Review Act of 2025 gets it right. Congressional authority and pro-active engagement is vitally important in developing trade policies, which are so important to Nebraska’s economy.” – Jason Ball, President & CEO of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce.

“This administration has overstepped by imposing tariffs that are bad for American consumers and businesses alike. It’s time to return tariff authority back to Congress and the people by passing this legislation,” said Rep. Bacon. “I’m thankful for the support of Nebraska’s businesses as we work to return the power of imposing tariffs to the legislative branch, where it belongs.” 

Rep. Bacon has publicly stated his support for some tariffs imposed by the Trump Administration while also maintaining that the Constitution gives Congress the task of imposing tariffs under Article I Section 8. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David Scott (GA-13)

Read Letter PDF

ATLANTA, GA – Yesterday, Congressman David Scott (GA-13) and Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-4), sent a letter to Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) Director, Jeff Cowan, callingon him to hold chronic environmental polluters accountable and take decisive action to revoke the permits of repeat offenders. The letter highlights EPD’s inability to conduct meaningful oversight of companies who routinely fail to comply with state and federal environmental laws as they continue to jeopardize the health and safety of our metro-Atlanta communities.

The lawmakers pointed to multiple incidents across Georgia where industrial facilities, including those operated by Dérivés Résiniques et Terpéniques (DRT) and BioLabs, have repeatedly violated state and federal clean air and water laws—as evidence of a systemic breakdown in enforcement within EPD. They emphasize that Georgia’s environmental enforcement lag continues to expose neighborhoods—particularly vulnerable and low-income communities—to dangerous levels of air pollution and contaminated waterways.

“Georgians deserve clean air, safe water, and an environmental regulator that puts their health and safety first,” said Congressman David Scott. “For too long, chronic polluters have operated with minimal accountability, and the Georgia Environmental Protection Division’s inaction has allowed dangerous practices to continue unchecked. These failures don’t fall evenly. Black and brown communities are too often the ones forced to bear the brunt of toxic air, contaminated water, and the constant fear of industrial accidents. No community should live with these preventable threats because oversight fell short.”

“For years, corporate polluters have endangered Georgia communities with fires, toxic releases, and repeated violations,” said Congressman Johnson. “This pattern of disregard for public health and safety is unacceptable. No company is entitled to operate in our state if it cannot follow the law. EPD must act decisively and revoke these permits until these facilities can demonstrate they are no longer a threat to the health and safety of our residents.”

Both DRT and BioLabs have amassed years of serious violations, including dangerous chemical leaks in Effingham County and multiple fires and toxic releases at the BioLabs facility in Rockdale County. Additionally, a disastrous 2024 explosion forced 17,000 evacuations and sent over 1,000 Georgians to emergency rooms with serious injuries. However, the EPD has repeatedly failed to issue timely penalties, conduct rigorous inspections, enforce consent decrees, or provide the public with transparent and accessible information. In addition to calling for the revocation of all active permits held by DRT and BioLabs until they can demonstrate full, sustained compliance, the letter requests Director Cowan provide detailed responses regarding:

• Criteria the EPD uses to determine when a “pattern of violations” warrants stronger enforcement, and why that threshold is rarely met.
• Concrete changes EPD is making to ensure companies with a long record of repeated violations are not allowed to expand or continue operations without proving long-term compliance.
• Support for the creation of a publicly available “repeat violators list” for Georgia industries, including a comprehensive review of historical company violations, corrective actions, and risk management practices, similar to other states.
• Steps EPD has taken to establish a clear enforcement timeline and improve communication with impacted communities; ensuring Georgians have a voice when the Division reviews environmental permits for repeat offender.
• Efforts to strengthen internal EPD transparency around investigations, penalties, and interagency coordination with federal partners.

The letter was endorsed by: Georgia WAND, Science for Georgia.

Full letter can be accessed HERE.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Baird (R-IN-04)

Congressman Baird Applauds USDA for Opening Applications for America First Trade Promotion Program

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

Pressley Has Sounded the Alarm on Pushout of Black Women from Workforce Under Trump, Demanded Action from Federal Reserve

Unemployment for Black Women is Now at 7.5%, Alarming Spike from 6.7% Reported Month Prior

Roundtable | Press Conference | Photos

BOSTON – As the unemployment rate for Black women continues to rise, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), a member of the House Financial Services Committee, and YW Boston convened Black women, economists, civil rights leaders, and community members for an urgent discussion about the unemployment crisis facing Black women and its impact in Massachusetts and beyond. The roundtable and press conference followed the Trump Administration’s release of the September jobs report, which revealed a 7.5% unemployment rate for Black women—an alarming spike from the 6.7% unemployment rate following the August jobs report and well above the 4.4% national rate.

In Congress, Rep. Pressley has repeatedly sounded the alarm on the rising number of Black women forced out of the workforce in the United States and called on the Federal Reserve to take action. This week, Rep. Pressley issued a statement after the Trump Administration finally released the September jobs report.

“Black women in Massachusetts and across the country are facing a shameful crisis of high unemployment that has everything to do with the racist and fiscally irresponsible economic policies of the Trump White House,” said Congresswoman Pressley. “This is not just a crisis for Black women—it’s an alarming indicator of the state of our economy that has dangerous consequences for Black women, Black families, and Black futures. Our policy response must always be informed by those directly impacted, which is why I was proud to convene this timely discussion. I am grateful to the women and leaders who joined us.”

Among those joining Congresswoman Pressley at the convening were Secretary Lauren Jones, Massachusetts Secretary of Labor & Workforce Development; Lori Nelson, Chief Resilience Officer, City of Boston; Aba Taylor, President & CEO, YW Boston; Alyssa Benalfew-Ramos, Chief of Policy, Black Economic Council of Massachusetts; economist and award-winning author Anna Gifty; Theresa Alphonse; Sonya Dhanpat; Helen Joseph, LMHC; and others.

We the canaries ask you to look at who is struggling and who is thriving right now? Who are getting bigger paychecks and who are living check to check? Who are remodeling their big houses and who are trying to figure out how to get food on the table? In all these instances, women and people of color, and Black women in particular (as the canaries in the coal mine), are pawns in these destructive ideologies and systems that are specifically designed to keep most of us down, fighting against each other and turning away from each other. How easy is it to dismiss this unemployment crisis and turn our backs on women of color and especially Black women, because we have always been the punching bag for this country’s sins. What those in power are counting on is that society will ignore and dismiss the injustices of Black women, because we are Black women, not realizing that those same injustices are at everybody’s doorstep and already at the table for some.  If we want real progress, then we the canaries must sing and be heard. We help build this economy and we belong in this economy just like everyone else.  Until Black women and all women, people of color, immigrants, trans and gender expansive folks, those with different abilities, and all those who are pushed to margins can enjoy the birthrights of safety, security and mobility like everyone else, we are all at risk—because none of us are free until we are all free,” said Aba Taylor, President & CEO, YW Boston

“This is a fraught moment, and the rising unemployment rates among Black women are another important issue that demands our time, attention, and expertise,” said Nicole Obi, President and CEO of BECMA. “At BECMA, we understand that policy at the state and federal level can directly affect economic equity – and in our ten years – we’ve also come to know that discussion among community is a key driver in addressing these systemic barriers and identifying solutions. Thank you to Representative Pressley for your quick work convening women directly experiencing the economic and personal impact of these policies, as well as leaders at the forefront of initiatives alleviating that burden.” 

“What the current crisis demonstrates is that when the double tax-the compounded cost of racism and sexism- is left unaddressed, everyone suffers. There is no world where Black women lose and everyone else wins. Either we all win or we all lose. The decision is ours,” said Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman, Award-Winning Economist and Author of The Double Tax

“Today’s roundtable made clear what many of us already know: when Black women are pushed out of the workforce, the impact on our mental health and the damage to the well-being of our families and communities is profound. Speaking today reminded me that the well-being of Black women must be at the center of both economic policy and organizational change. Protecting Black women at work and in business is essential to safeguarding our mental health and stability, and it is also critical to securing the future and strength of this nation,” said Helen Joseph, LMHC

“Today was stupendous. Any space where we gather is bound to connect us on an ancestral level. Today we questioned why so many Black women have such similar stories. As we dug deep, we concluded that we are not a monolith but ecosystems, holding our loved ones and communities down even when there is no solid ground. Black women deserve to be seen and soft,” said Sonya Dhanpat

“Today was a day of community and story telling. We want our stories to reach beyond this room and into the structures and systems that are being upheld to keep us out. We will keep speaking, sharing the data and talking about the effects that this attack on Black women is having on everyone in our ecosystem,” said Theresa Alphonse

Footage of the roundtable discussion is available here and footage of the press conference is available here. For photos from the event, click here.

In September, Congresswoman Pressley wrote to Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell sounding the alarm on the rising unemployment rate for Black women in the United States and demanding the Fed take immediate action to uphold its mandate of maximum employment for all. The Congresswoman’s letter comes as the Trump Administration’s mass federal workforce layoffs and anti-DEI policies disproportionately impact Black women and as Donald Trump attempts to seize control of the Fed by illegally firing Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook.

A copy of the Congresswoman’s letter is available here.

Later in September, Congresswoman Pressley convened a press conference with a coalition of Black women activists and civil rights leaders to continue sounding the alarm on the rising number of Black women forced out of the workforce in the United States.

Rep. Pressley has consistently advocated for race-conscious policies to help close the racial wealth gap in America, uplift Black, brown, and other marginalized communities.

• Building on the legacy of Black women in the civil rights movement, Rep. Pressley led a historic resolution calling for a federal job guarantee.  
• In a House Financial Services Committee hearing, Congresswoman Pressley questioned Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell on the issue of full employment and the Civil Rights history of the Federal Reserve’s dual mandate. Powell conceded, for the first time in Federal Reserve history and on the Congressional record, that the Fed alone cannot get the United States to full employment.
• Congresswoman Pressley, along with Senator Cory Booker, is the lead co-sponsor of the American Opportunity Accounts Act—also known as Baby Bonds—legislation that would create a federally-funded savings account for every American child in order to make economic opportunity a birthright for every child and help close the racial wealth gap.
• Rep. Pressley introduced the Equity in Government Act to codify racial equity across federal agencies and improve government services for underserved communities.
• Rep. Pressley has also called on the five largest banks in America to provide a detailed update on the racial equity commitments the institutions made following the murder of George Floyd in 2020.
• Rep. Pressley was also a leading voice in Congress urging President Biden to cancel student debt. Following years of advocacy by Rep. Pressley—in partnership with colleagues, borrowers, and advocates like the NAACP—the Biden-Harris Administration announced a historic plan to cancel student debt that stands to benefit over 40 million people.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joaquin Castro (20th District of Texas)

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

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) and Congressman Neal Dunn, M.D. (R-FL) introduced the AI Fraud Deterrence Act, which would enhance penalties for those who use artificial intelligence to commit fraud. The AI Fraud Deterrence Act would increase the maximum penalties for various kinds of fraud that could be committed with the assistance of AI, including for the impersonation of a federal official. Recently, bad actors have reportedly used artificial intelligence to impersonate federal officials including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the President’s Chief of Staff, Susie Wiles.

“AI technology has exploded in recent years and we’ve seen incredible opportunities to make life better, but we’ve also seen new and dangerous ways AI can be used for harm,” Rep. Lieu said. “AI has lowered the barrier of entry for scammers, which can have devastating effects. Both everyday Americans and government officials have been victims of fraud and scams using AI, and that can be ruinous for people who fall prey to financial scams, and can be disastrous for our national security if government officials are impersonated by bad actors. I am pleased to work with Congressman Dunn on increasing penalties for those who use AI to commit fraud.”

“As AI technology advances at a rapid pace, our laws must keep up,” Rep. Dunn said.“When criminals use AI to steal identities or defraud Americans, the consequences should be severe to match the crime. The AI Fraud Deterrence Act strengthens penalties for crimes related to fraud committed with the help of AI. I am proud to co-lead this legislation to protect the identities of the public and prevent misuse of this innovative technology.”

READ THE FULL TEXT OF THE BILL

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Sean Casten (IL-06)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Greg Steube (FL-17)

November 25, 2025 | Press ReleasesWASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) sent a letter to the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works last week, requesting the Army Corps of Engineers provide both support and funding for repairs to the Venice, Florida, South Jetty. 
“As any resident of Southwest Florida knows, the Venice South Jetty is a critical component of our state’s economy and infrastructure. Repairing one of the few accessways to the Gulf of America for boaters, recreators, and coastal industries must be a top priority both in Florida and Washington, D.C.,” said Rep. Steube. “With my letter to Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Adam Telle, I am calling on the Army Corps to step up and deliver the vital resources and attention needed to restore the Venice Jetty to its pre-storm condition.”
Background: Representative Steube’s letter formally requests the Army Corps of Engineers allocate $100,000,000 in federal funding in its Fiscal Year 2026 Work Plan for the Venice, Florida, South Jetty repairs. These funds would be used to repair the catastrophic damage inflicted on the South Jetty during Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Read the letter here.