Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)

House Republicans Receive Official Request to Codify DOGE Cuts

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)

WASHINGTON — Speaker Johnson, Leader Scalise, Whip Emmer, and Chairwoman McClain released the following joint statement after Congress officially received the Trump Administration’s rescissions request:

“Today, the House has officially received the rescissions request from the White House to eliminate $9.4 billion in wasteful foreign aid spending at the State Department and USAID and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which funds NPR and PBS. 

“Now that this wasteful spending by the federal government has been identified by DOGE, quantified by the Administration, and sent to Congress, House Republicans will fulfill our mandate and continue codifying into law a more efficient federal government. This is exactly what the American people deserve.

“Next week, we will put the rescissions bill on the floor of the House and encourage all our Members to support this commonsense measure.” 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)

WASHINGTON — This morning, Speaker Johnson joined Kristen Welker on NBC’s Meet the Press to further dispel myths about the One Big Beautiful Bill.

“The One Big Beautiful Bill is a big first step to provide relief for the American people, to give everybody more take home pay, more money in their pocket, and to change the trajectory of the country,” Speaker Johnson said. “And again, it’s the first of a number of steps. And President Trump is committed to doing this.”

Watch the full interview here

On the CBO discounting economic growth:

The CBO sometimes gets projections correct, but they’re always off every single time when they project economic growth. They always underestimate the growth that will be brought about by tax cuts and reduction in regulations. When we did this in 2017, the first two years of the Trump administration, we literally brought about the greatest economy in the history of the world, not just the US. Because we got the government off the backs of the people who create the jobs. And we’ve allowed hardworking Americans to have more money in their pocket that they could take home. We’re doing that again. Remember in this big beautiful bill, the reason we call it that is because there’s benefits for everybody. It’s geared for hardworking Americans, lower and middle income Americans. No tax on tips, no tax on overtime, no tax on interest on car loans if you buy products made in the USA.

We’re going to give relief to seniors on social security. There’s so many benefits and features in this bill, and it’s going to allow everybody to do better. And at the same time, projecting and ensuring the largest amount of savings literally in history. There’s no government on planet Earth that’s ever saved over $1.6 trillion in a piece of legislation. This one does. And so when you reduce government spending and you allow people to keep more of their hard-earned money, the economy grows. And that’s exactly what’s going to happen here.

On Republican efforts to strengthen Medicaid:

There are no Medicaid cuts in the big beautiful bill. We we’re not cutting Medicaid. What we’re doing is strengthening the program. We’re reducing fraud, waste, and abuse that is rampant in Medicaid to ensure that program, which is essential for so many people, ensure that it’s available for the most vulnerable. It’s intended for young, single pregnant women and the disabled and the elderly. But what’s happening right now is you have a lot of people, for example, young men, able-bodied workers who are on Medicaid. They’re not working when they can; that drains resources from the people that need it most. And so, what we’re doing here is an important and frankly, heroic thing to preserve the program so that it doesn’t become insolvent. This is not going to hurt rural hospitals. There’s a lot of flex flexibility built into this.

They keep saying that, you know, 7.6 million people is the figure that are supposedly going to be affected by this. But when you look at those numbers and you break them down, this is high on public opinion polling, you’re talking about 1.4 million illegal aliens that are receiving Medicaid right now. They’re not entitled to that. This is for US citizens in those vulnerable populations. There’s about 4.8 million people that they’re referring to that are able-bodied workers. If you are able to work and you’re not, and you are riding on the public wagon, you need to help pull it. And by the way, Kristen, this is no draconian requirement. All we are requiring in the legislation is 20 hours a week. You can volunteer in your community. You can be in a job training program or you can get to work.

On Democrat lies about “millionaire” tax cuts:

That’s a Democrat talking point. This is not giving tax cuts to millionaires. It’s the opposite. The people in the tax bracket that you’re referring to, many of them are small business owners. They are the people that provide the jobs in every community in America. They use pass through taxation. And, we don’t want to to get in the weeds, we don’t have time to get into the complications of it, but we are the party that reduces taxes for all Americans. And I’m telling you, the one big beautiful bill is geared for hardworking Americans. The biggest beneficiaries of this will be low and middle income Americans. That’s what we did in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. That’s what we’ll do again, by extending those tax cuts in perpetuity and making them permanent. That was a major promise of the president on the campaign trail. It’s a major promise of ours and we are going to fulfill it. The Republican Party is doing right by the American people and they’re going to feel the effects of that soon.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21)

Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Lois Frankel (FL-22), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Subcommittee, released the following statement after the Trump Administration submitted a plan to Congress that guts U.S. foreign assistance and eliminates funding for NPR and PBS.

“President Trump’s move to isolate the United States from the rest of the world will cost us vital trading partners, invite conflict and terrorism worldwide, and leave us more susceptible to disease. It leaves the door wide open for China, Russia, and our other adversaries to fill the void,” said Rep. Frankel.

“By eliminating funding for NPR and PBS, President Trump is attacking the very institutions that keep Americans informed, educated, and connected. These trusted, nonpartisan outlets provide everything from in-depth news and investigative journalism to children’s education, science, culture, and the arts. For many communities—especially in rural and underserved areas—this is more than just programming; it’s a lifeline.”

“These funding cuts represent only a tiny fraction of our federal budget but threaten severe consequences for our country. Peace and stability are in the interest of the American taxpayer, not misinformation, culture wars, and the sidelining of people’s elected representatives.”   

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

QUEENS, NY – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) recently visited with Queens firefighters from Squad 288/HazMat 1 at their firehouse in Maspeth, Queens.

Also joining Meng for the visit were Fire Commissioner Robert Tucker, Chief of Department John Esposito and other FDNY officials.

 “I thank the members of Squad 288/HazMat 1 for welcoming me to their firehouse,” said Congresswoman Meng. “It was an honor to meet with them and thank them for working tirelessly to keep many of my constituents safe. I am always proud to be a friend of the FDNY and support the work they do so that New York’s Bravest can continue saving lives and protecting our communities.”

During her visit, Meng toured the firehouse and its equipment, talked with firefighters and officials and discussed funding for the firehouse. She also had lunch with the firefighters. In addition, she remembered the nineteen firefighters from the firehouse who were killed while responding to the World Trade Center attack on 9/11, which was the most of any New York City firehouse.

Squad 288 and HazMat 1 share the same firehouse in Maspeth which is located at 56-29 68th Street. HazMat 1 also serves as the HazMat headquarters for the FDNY.

Meng also supports efforts to designate the firehouse as a city landmark in honor of its historical significance and the loss of many firefighters.

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) announced that she reintroduced her Menstrual Equity for All Act, a bold, whole-of-government approach to eradicating period poverty and improving access to menstrual products.

Menstruation is a natural part of life for roughly half of the world’s population at one point or another. Yet, today, millions of people in the United States continue to experience period poverty. In fact, one in three American adults who menstruate report struggling to afford menstrual products, and one-third have missed school or work because they could not access these products. An estimated 86% of people who menstruate use tampons, up to 72% use pads, and 75% use panty liners. Most of them use these products on a monthly basis. It is estimated that an individual will spend over $6,000 on menstrual products in their lifetime. 

“Period products are essential for millions of people who menstruate,” said Congresswoman Meng. “Access to these products is not only a health care right, but also a human right. It is unacceptable that they are still out of reach for more than half the population. This legislation takes critical steps toward ending period poverty by expanding access to menstrual products for individuals across a range of populations, such as in schools and universities, workplaces, and correctional and detention facilities, and through existing federal programs like the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, and Social Services Block Grants. Without it, women, girls, and menstruators will continue to miss out on educational and career opportunities simply because they cannot afford period products. We must keep fighting for them.”

Specifically, Meng’s Menstrual Equity for All Act would:

• Give states the option to use federal grant funds to provide students in elementary and secondary schools with free menstrual products;
• Incentivize institutions of higher education to create pilot programs that provide free menstrual products to students;
• Ensure incarcerated individuals and detainees in federal, state, and local facilities (including immigration detention centers), have access to free menstrual products;
• Allow homeless assistance providers to use grant funds that cover shelter necessities (such as blankets and toothbrushes) to also use those funds to purchase menstrual products;
• Require Medicaid to cover the cost of menstrual products;
• Direct large employers (with 100 or more employees) to provide free menstrual products for their employees in the workplace;
• Require all public federal buildings to provide free menstrual products in the restrooms;
• Provide states and localities with funds through the Social Services Block Grant program to support free menstrual products programs;
• Eliminate the federal sales tax on period products; and
• Create a pilot program within the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program to help families in need access menstrual products.

“We know that period supplies are basic essentials that all people who menstruate require to participate in daily life – going to work, school, and engaging in everyday events,” said Joanne Goldblum, CEO of the Alliance for Period Supplies. “The Menstrual Equity for All Act ensures equitable access to period supplies so that millions of people can earn, learn, and thrive. We thank Congresswoman Meng for championing the Menstrual Equity for All Act and fully support the bill as it offers a comprehensive solution to a major public health issue. Its passage is long overdue.”

“The fact of the matter is that nearly 1 in 4 students across the country are unable to afford period products and a quarter of students are unable to do their schoolwork due to a lack of access to these products,” said Michela Bedard, Executive Director of PERIOD. “The Menstrual Equity for All Act will improve student success in and out of the classroom through expanded menstrual health education and period product access.”

“Women’s Voices for the Earth applauds Congresswoman Meng for her longstanding commitment and leadership on menstrual equity,” said Debra Erenberg, Co-Executive Director, Women’s Voices for the Earth. All people who menstruate need and deserve access to safe and healthy intimate care products. We look forward to working with the Congresswoman to pass this groundbreaking piece of commonsense legislation.”

Meng originally introduced her Menstrual Equity for All Act in 2017. Since then, she has led numerous efforts to improve access to menstrual products and promote menstrual health. Earlier this month, she introduced a resolution to designate May as “National Menstrual Health Awareness Month.” The resolution recognizes the impact that the stigmatization of menstruation has on the lives of women, girls and people who menstruate.

This legislation was introduced with 61 cosponsors. It is supported by the Alliance for Period Supplies, The Center for Baby and Adult Hygiene Products, Days for Girls, The Flow Initiative, Helping Women Period, ISSA – The Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association, Mass NOW, Mujeres and Menstruators United, National Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Period Education Project, PERIOD., and Period Law.

The full text of the bill can be found here.

 

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

Congresswoman holds listening session with local residents and borough organizations that stand to be affected by the President’s changes

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

QUEENS, NY – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) today issued the following statement on the passage of legislation pushed by the President and Congressional Republicans that makes extreme cuts to health care, food assistance and more. 

“I stayed in the Capitol all night to vote NO on the GOP’s bad budget bill that will slash health care and food assistance for millions of children, seniors and families – just to put more money in the pockets of billionaires.

Americans deserve better than this. My constituents in Queens deserve better than this.

We will keep fighting to stop this bill from becoming law.”  

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi Representing the 12th District of California

Washington, D.C. – Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi released the following statement on the reported decision by the Trump Administration to rename the USNS Harvey Milk and other Navy ships in the John Lewis-class:
 
“Harvey Milk proudly served as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy and was a formidable force for change – not just in California, but in our Country. While he is remembered for his LGBTQ+ advocacy, Harvey fought for the dignity and worth of every person. In San Francisco, we take great pride that our Harvey’s name adorns a mighty ship among a new class of Navy vessels – named for the conscience of the Congress, John Lewis – which honor titans in the fight for freedom. The names of those who fought for civil rights and human rights bring luster to these ships – as their leadership brought luster to America.
 
“The reported decision by the Trump Administration to change the names of the USNS Harvey Milk and other ships in the John Lewis-class is a shameful, vindictive erasure of those who fought to break down barriers for all to chase the American Dream. Our military is the most powerful in the world – but this spiteful move does not strengthen our national security or the “warrior” ethos. Instead, it is a surrender of a fundamental American value: to honor the legacy of those who worked to build a better country.
 
“As the rest of us are celebrating the joy of Pride Month, it is my hope that the Navy will reconsider this egregious decision and continue to recognize the extraordinary contributions of Harvey Milk, a Veteran himself, and all Americans who forged historic progress for our nation.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24)

U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) released the statement below following House passage of the Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act. Earlier this year, Carbajal joined Reps. Dan Newhouse (R-WA-04), Jake Ellzey (R-TX-06), and Gabe Vasquez (D-NM-02) in introducing this legislation to improve our nation’s aerial firefighting capabilities through expanded use of excess military aircrafts and parts. The legislation will now go to the President’s desk to be signed into law. 

“As wildfires continue to threaten communities across the Western U.S., we must expand the resources available to fire departments,” said Rep. Carbajal. “This bipartisan legislation will boost our firefighting aircraft fleet and ensure first responders have the air support they need to combat severe fires.”

“This legislation is a huge step in mitigating the impacts of wildfires and gives our firefighters the tools they need to keep our communities safe,” said Rep. Newhouse. “Utilizing the Department of Defense’s excess aircraft gives aerial firefighters an upper hand while leveraging the assets we already have at our disposal. I thank Senator Sheehy from Montana for his leadership as we send this legislation to the president’s desk.”

“This year is the most dangerous and expensive wildfire year in history, and the Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act will give wildland firefighters the tools they need to protect communities and save lives. Eliminating bureaucratic obstacles to fight wildfires more quickly and aggressively is America First common sense, and I appreciate my colleagues in the House and Senate for their support. I look forward to seeing this bipartisan bill cross the finish line so we can better support the brave first responders on the front lines fighting wildfires across the country,” said Sen. Sheehy (R-MT).

“10 Tanker Air Carrier supports and thanks the bipartisan efforts of Congress to help the many operators involved with aerial firefighting to purchase at fair market value excess, retired military spare parts, particularly desperately needed engines and brakes. This commonsense approach will ensure that our aging fleet will remain available to the United States to battle the devastating wildland fires of today and well into the future.  We are pleased that the Department of Defense and the Air Force also support the national security mission of companies like ours,” said Joel Kerley, President and CEO of 10 Tanker Air Carrier.

“Billings Flying Service is grateful to Rep. Carbajal and Rep. Newhouse for their leadership in introducing the Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025. As an operator providing aerial wildfire suppression services across the United States, maintaining BFS fleet readiness is ever so critical to our mission. This Act opens up direct access to U.S. Armed Forces surplus parts, allowing operators to keep their aircraft in the air and deployed on life-saving missions. We are proud of the advancements Congress has made in protecting the sustainment of aerial wildfire resources, and we look forward to the Aerial Firefighter Enhancement Act becoming law,” said Bridger Blain, President of Billings Flying Service.

“Firehawk Helicopters is encouraged by the passing of the Aerial Firefighting and Enhancement Act and would like to thank Rep. Newhouse, Rep. Carbajal, Sen. Tim Sheehy and Sen. Martin Heinrich for leading the efforts in seeing this bill passed. Since 20017 the aerial firefighting community has lost access to a critical aircraft and parts supply source. Taxpayers have lost hundreds of millions of dollars as valuable aircraft and aircraft parts were no longer made available for commercial sale.  The law will save these critical aircraft and parts from being scrapped. By making these aircraft and parts available for commercial sale again, the taxpayers will reap the maximum return on their original investment, but more importantly, see these aircraft and parts utilized in a second life that prioritizes the protection of the public from the growing threat of devastating wildfires,” said Bart Brainerd, CEO Firehawk Helicopters.

This bipartisan bill aims to improve our country’s ability to combat wildfires year-round by enabling the use of military surplus aircrafts, sold at fair market value, for the aerial firefighting fleet. Additionally, the sale of aircraft parts will help maintain the current fleet of firefighting aircrafts.

The bill reauthorizes the Secretary of Defense to sell excess Department of Defense aircrafts and parts, which are deemed suitable for commercial sale, to individuals or entities contracted by the government for the aerial delivery of fire retardants or water to fight wildfires, provided the aircraft and parts are used solely for wildfire suppression. The original authority expired in 2005, was reauthorized from 2012 to 2017, and has since lapsed again.