Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)

Washington, DC – Representatives Rep. Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee; Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee; Gerald E. Connolly (D-Va.), Ranking Member of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform; and Jim Himes (D-Conn.), Ranking Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence sent a letter to President Trump’s National Security team demanding answers to questions stemming from a report in The Atlantic that asserts the team texted sensitive and potentially classified information, including plans for the United States’ military action against Houthi targets on March 15th two hours before the operation, over an unclassified messaging app.
 
In the letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Director of National Security Tulsi Gabbard, and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, the Ranking Members wrote: “We are deeply troubled by the report in The Atlantic that you and other Trump Administration officials conferred about highly sensitive national security matters, including ‘precise information about weapons packages, targets, and timing’ concerning pending military actions against the Houthis, via the open-source Signal messaging service. We are especially concerned that the reported deliberations may have constituted a security breach…These actions could have compromised the operational security of, and by implication the safety of the service members involved in, the related military activities.”
 
The Ranking Members called for answers to multiple questions, including whether the information from the March 15th action was disclosed as reported and, if so, by whom. The Members asked whether any information shared could have compromised the operational security or capabilities of the U.S. armed forces or those of a U.S. ally or partner. The Members further asked what measures have been taken to ensure any disclosures are preserved, in accordance with federal law, and what steps have been taken to ensure such a breach “will not occur again.”
 
A copy of the letter can be found here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representatives Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY), Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee; Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee; Jim Himes (D-Conn.), Ranking Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence; and Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ranking Member (D-Ill.) of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party issued the following statement in response to President Trump’s repeated annexation threats and the risk that poses to U.S. national security.

“President Trump’s ongoing threats to annex Greenland, the Panama Canal, and Canada present profound dangers to U.S. national security. The President’s tilt toward authoritarian rhetoric and policy undermines the rules-based order that the international community has spent decades building since World War II and that has benefited U.S. security and economic prosperity.

“The President of the United States has adopted a blatant ‘might makes right’ view in which anyone, anywhere is simply there for the taking. This sends a horrible message to Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping, condoning their disregard for the rules-based order. President Trump is pushing our country into territory that threatens to leave us alone to face other challenges we cannot overcome on our own.

“We urge all Members of Congress, especially our Republican colleagues, to reject these irresponsible threats against allies and partners as dangerous and unprincipled attacks on the international system and our own national security.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Grace Meng (6th District of New York)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies, today issued the following statement on the March 14 executive order to shut down the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA).

“Since the agency’s founding under President Nixon and strengthening under President Reagan, the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) has been a lifeline for thousands of American entrepreneurs who are building businesses, creating jobs, and strengthening our communities. With relatively modest annual funding, every year the MBDA helps American businesses secure billions in contracts and financing and support tens of thousands of jobs. This isn’t government waste – it’s a smart down payment on economic opportunity and American competitiveness, with a fantastic return on investment.

 In recognition of MBDA’s decades of success as an engine of opportunity, Congress permanently authorized MBDA in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and appropriated $68,250,000 for the agency for fiscal year 2025, which was signed into law by President Trump just last Saturday. This contradicted an action he took one day earlier: when urged on by Elon Musk, President Trump signed an executive order to unlawfully shut down MBDA’s services for small businesses. The executive order isn’t just illegal – it’s an attack by billionaires on vital programs that power the American dream for business owners and workers in every state. I expect President Trump and his Administration to abide by and implement the funding for MBDA that he approved and signed into law last Saturday.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Grace Meng (6th District of New York)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens), a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on National Security, State Department, and Other Related Programs, announced that she sent a bipartisan letter urging the President to nominate a qualified Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism.

The Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism is a Senate-confirmed State Department position dedicated to advancing US foreign policy on antisemitism. The Special Envoy’s work is critical to countering antisemitism around the world. Antisemitism has been on the rise for years. However, Jewish communities worldwide have experienced a significant increase in antisemitism following Hamas’s October 7 terrorist attack against Israel. In synagogues, schools, sporting venues, and daily life, Jewish people have increasingly faced exclusion, demonization, and physical threats, including fire-bombings and even premeditated pogroms.

In the letter, the members wrote, “The United States must continue sending a strong message that antisemitism has no place in our world—and that those who engage in illegal antisemitic conduct must be held accountable. Since the first appointment of a Special Envoy in 2006, all have received strong, bipartisan support through both Republican and Democratic administrations. We urge you to nominate a qualified Special Envoy as soon as possible to maintain U.S. leadership in this fight.”

Thanks to the Office of the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism, the United States has a dedicated entity within the State Department to counter this hate. Under the Biden Administration, the office developed initiatives like the Global Guidelines for Countering Antisemitism – a set of principles that provide a roadmap for responsiveness and accountability. 42 countries and international bodies have already signed on to the guidelines to date. 

The letter was led by Rep. Meng, a co-chair of the House Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism, with eight House Democrats and Republicans co-chairs including Don Bacon (R-NE), Dan Goldman (D-NY), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Ted Lieu (D-CA), Randy Weber (R-TX) Marc Veasey (D-TX), Haley Stevens (D-MI), and Rep. Dan Meuser (R-PA). In total, 62 members from both parties joined the letter.

It is supported by the American Jewish Committee, Anti-Defamation League, Orthodox Union, National Council of Jewish Women, Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Agudah Israel, B’nai B’rith International, National Council Supporting Eurasian Jewry, Union for Reform Judaism, and Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations.

In January, Meng introduced a bipartisan resolution on International Holocaust Remembrance Day commemorating 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz and recommitting to combatting all forms of antisemitism.  

A copy of the letter can be viewed here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Grace Meng (6th District of New York)

Congresswoman’s district includes Social Security facilities in Rego Park and Flushing

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Grace Meng (6th District of New York)

Congresswoman’s constituent, Luke Graziani, who worked at a local VA hospital, will be her guest to stand against mass terminations of federal employees

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Grace Meng (6th District of New York)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS), released the following statement on the firing of weather forecasters and other employees at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA):

“Once again, the reckless Trump Administration is inflicting tremendous harm upon the American people. Today, hundreds of employees at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), including weather forecasters at the National Weather Service (NWS), were given termination notices for no good reason. This is unconscionable. These are dedicated, hardworking Americans whose efforts help save lives and property from the devastating impacts of natural disasters across the country. This action will only endanger American lives going forward.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nydia M Velázquez (D-NY)

WASHINGTON- Today, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement on the passing of Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ):
 
“I am devastated by the passing of my dear friend and longtime colleague, Congressman Raúl Grijalva. Raúl fought a courageous battle against cancer, and his loss leaves a void in Congress and the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
 
“For over two decades, I had the honor of serving alongside Raúl in the House. He led the charge on so many fights for justice, for the environment, and for the most vulnerable among us. As Chair of the Natural Resources Committee, Raúl was a fearless champion in the battle against climate change. He always centered the voices of frontline communities and demanded accountability from corporate polluters. He worked tirelessly to secure historic investments in climate action and environmental justice, and the positive impact of his work will endure for generations.
 
“Raúl was deeply committed to the people of Puerto Rico. His leadership was essential in passing the Puerto Rico Status Act, working tirelessly to bring together voices from all sides to find common ground on the island’s future. With a steady hand and a deep respect for self-determination, he helped push the conversation forward when it mattered most.

“Above all, Raúl was my friend. His kindness and humor made him a joy to know. He believed in treating all people with dignity and respect. His legacy will continue to inspire us to fight for a better, fairer, and more just world.
 
“My heart is with Raúl’s family, his staff, the people of Arizona, and all who mourn his passing. May he rest in peace.”
 

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nydia M Velázquez (D-NY)

WASHINGTON – Today, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement after the implementation of President Trump’s 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico:
 
“Trump’s tariffs are nothing more than a tax hike on hardworking families and small businesses. Instead of fighting inflation, this policy will drive up costs for the American people while hurting the economy.  
 
“Today’s broad, senseless tariffs will increase costs by an estimated $800 in 2025 alone. The burden will fall the heaviest on lower-income families, who already spend a greater share of their income on goods more susceptible to tariffs.
 
“And the damage won’t stop there. Trump’s tariffs will move the dream of homeownership further away for millions of Americans. With 70% of the United States’ lumber and gypsum imports coming from Canada and Mexico, construction costs will rise, further squeezing potential homeowners. Small businesses, already struggling with supply chain challenges, will be forced to either absorb rising costs or pass them on to customers.
 
“Democrats have been fighting to protect families and small businesses from these destructive policies. We believe that strengthening domestic manufacturing and building resilient supply chains cannot come at the cost of punishing consumers.
 
“Unlike Trump’s misguided tariffs, which act as an indirect tax on American households, Democrats have delivered real solutions. The Inflation Reduction Act has lowered energy and healthcare costs, while the CHIPS and Science Act is revitalizing American manufacturing and reducing reliance on volatile foreign markets. Unlike Trump’s tariff-driven tax hikes, Democrats are committed to economic policies that put working families and small businesses first.”
 

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nydia M Velázquez (D-NY)

WASHINGTON – Today, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) announced that Denise Gutierrez Robles will be her guest to tonight’s Joint Address to Congress by President Trump.
 
Denise Gutierrez Robles, originally from El Salvador and a longtime New York resident, is a passionate advocate for transgender and immigrant communities. She serves as the Program Manager for the Transgender Family Program at Community Healthcare Network (CHN) in Brooklyn, where she has spent the past five years working to expand access to inclusive healthcare, legal services, mental health support, and other essential resources for transgender individuals. CHN provides critical healthcare services to many patients who rely on Medicaid, making its work especially vital as the Trump administration threatens to cut the program.
 
“At a time when the Trump administration is attacking Medicaid and targeting the transgender community, voices like Denise’s are more important than ever,” said Congresswoman Velázquez. “Her tireless work ensures that transgender individuals of all backgrounds have access to the care and support they deserve. I’m honored to have her as my guest so we can send a clear message: this administration must keep their hands off Medicaid and respect the rights of trans Americans.”
 
Denise’s advocacy began in 2014 with LGBTQ+ organizations in Long Island, focusing on empowerment and expanding opportunities for the transgender community. Her passion for inclusion, education, and equality continues to drive her work today.
 
Congresswoman Velázquez has been raising the alarm about the Trump administration’s plans to cut Medicaid and has been pushing back against its attacks on the transgender community. She has long fought to protect healthcare access for all and continues to advocate for policies that ensure transgender individuals can live freely and with dignity.
 

###