Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Earl L Buddy Carter (GA-01)

Headline: Carter lands critical funding recommendation for Ports of Brunswick, Savannah

SAVANNAH – As part of President Trump’s FY26 budget, Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) today successfully included a $63 million recommendation for operations and maintenance projects at the Ports of Brunswick and Savannah. 

In this Army Corps of Engineers’ budget recommendation, the Port of Brunswick will receive $10.6 million for channel operations and maintenance. The Port of Savannah will receive $39.8 to maintain its harbor, $12.1 million for the Savannah Harbor Disposal Area, and $500,000 to begin a feasibility study into the Savannah Harbor Deepening project.

“I am proud to have secured this critical funding recommendation for the economic engines of the southeast, the Savannah and Brunswick Ports. We are blessed to have these two world-class institutions right here in the First Congressional District of Georgia. Our district is growing every single day, and with it so does the demand for these transportation hubs. For two of the fastest growing ports in the nation, these funds are vital to maintaining operations and maintenance so that their excellence can continue for decades to come,” said Rep. Carter.

“The Georgia Ports Authority is again grateful to the Administration and the Georgia Congressional delegation for their leadership in seeing that Georgia’s ports are properly maintained and that critical future expansions are prioritized and funded. This budget recommendation demonstrates such leadership, and we look forward to partnering with the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers to see that this is work successfully and expeditiously completed,” said Griff Lynch, President and CEO of the Georgia Ports Authority.

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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 – Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Friday, May 30, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) joined President Donald J. Trump at a U.S. Steel facility in West Mifflin, Pa., just outside of Pittsburgh, in support of the President’s announcement of a new partnership between U.S. Steel and Japanese-owned Nippon Steel.

The announcement comes after Rep. Kelly recently led a group of lawmakers during a meeting with President Trump at the White House to discuss the importance of U.S. Steel and the American steel industry in Western Pennsylvania.

“During the meeting with President Trump, I emphasized the important role U.S. Steel and the American steel industry play in Western Pennsylvania. On Friday, the President came to Pittsburgh with a clear message: U.S. Steel is here to stay,” said Rep. Kelly. “From day one, President Trump has put American industry and American workers first. This is a win for Pennsylvania and for America.”

Rep. Kelly addressed steel workers during Friday’s event. You can watch a clip of his remarks here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Marc Veasey (33rd District of Texas)

Headline: Congressman Veasey Release Statement Following Attack in Boulder, CO

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Veasey released the following statement regarding the antisemitic terror attack in Boulder, CO on June 1, 2025:

“I am deeply horrified by the heinous antisemitic terror attack in Boulder. This disturbing incident is not an isolated case. It is part of an uptick of antisemitic attacks in the nation, that started just after the October 7th massacre. We must remain united in the fight against hate in all its forms and unequivocally condemn antisemitism wherever it appears. My heart is with the victims and their families, and I stand in solidarity with the people of Boulder and Jewish community.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Norma Torres (35th District of California)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Levin (CA-49)

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 – Representative Ilhan Omar (DFL-MN)

WASHINGTON – Education and Workforce Subcommittee on Workforce Protections Ranking Member Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Ranking Member Linda T. Sánchez (D-Calif.), Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (D-Mich.), co-chair of the Child Labor Prevention Task Force and Congressman Steven Horsford (D-Nev.), co-chair of the Labor Caucus, led 68 of their colleagues in calling on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies to protect Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB) funding in fiscal year 2026 funding bill.

ILAB promotes a fair global playing field for workers in the United States and around the world by enforcing trade commitments, strengthening labor standards and combating international child labor, forced labor and human trafficking.

“ILAB plays a critical role in helping U.S. workers compete in a global economy,” the members wrote. “No other U.S. government agency has the expertise and mandate to effectively carry out this mission. We urge you to provide no less than the FY25 enacted level for ILAB so the Bureau can continue its mission to improve the working conditions and rights of workers around the world.”

 In addition to Sánchez, Omar, Scholten and Horsford, the letter was signed by Ways and Means Ranking Member Richard E. Neal (D-Mass.) and Representatives Yassamin Ansari (D-Nev.), Gabe Amo (D-R.I.), Nanette Barragán (D-Calif.), Donald Beyer (D-Va.), Brendan Boyle (D-Pa.), Julia Brownley (D-Calif.), Nikki Budzinski (D-Ill.), André Carson (D-Ill.), Greg Casar (D-Texas), Joaquin Castro (D-Texas), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.), Judy Chu (D-Calif.), Danny Davis (D-Ill.), Diana DeGette (D-Colo.), Mark DeSaulnier (D-Calif.), Suzi LeVine DelBene (D-Wash.), Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas), Dwight Evans (D-Pa.), Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.), Laura Friedman (D-Calif.), Chuy García (D-Ill), Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.), Jahana Hayes (D-Conn.), Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), Jonathan Jackson (D-Ill.), Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), Hank Johnson (D-Ga.), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Calif.), Robin Kelly (D-Ill.), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.), Rick Larsen (D-Wash.), John Larson (D-Conn.), Summer Lee (D-Pa.), Seth Magaziner (D-R.I.), John Mannion (D-N.Y.), Sarah McBride (D-Del.), Morgan McGarvey (D-Ky.), James McGovern (D-Mass.), LaMonica McIver (D-N.C.), Gwen Moore (D-Wisc.), Donald Norcross (D-N.J.), Eleanor Norton (D-D.C.), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), Johnny Olszewski (D-Md.), Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.), Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.), Delia Ramirez (D-Ill.), Janice Schakowsky (D-Ill.), Bradley Schneider (D-Ill.), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-Pa.), Terri Sewell (D-Ala.), Mikie Sherrill (D-N.J.), Lateefah Simon (D-Calif.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), Haley Stevens (D-Mich.), Thomas Suozzi (D-N.Y.), Mark Takano (D-Calif.), Mike Thompson (D-Calif.), Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.), Nikema Williams (D-Ga.) and Frederica Wilson (D-Fla.).

 Full text of the letter is available is available HERE and follows:

 

May 22, 2025

 

The Honorable Robert Aderholt

Chair

Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,

Education, and Related Agencies

House Committee on Appropriations

H-310, The Capitol

Washington, DC 20515

 

The Honorable Rosa DeLauro

Ranking Member

Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,

Education, and Related Agencies

House Committee on Appropriations

1036 Longworth House Office Building

Washington, DC 20515

 

Dear Chairman Aderholt and Ranking Member DeLauro,

As the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies develops its Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 appropriations bill, we write to ask for your support in funding the Department of Labor (DOL)’s Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB). We request no less than the Fiscal Year 2025 enacted level for ILAB to ensure that it can continue to carry out its congressionally mandated mission. We also urge you to encourage ILAB to continue allocating balanced funding for programs that address labor rights and promote freedom of association, as well as exploitative child labor and forced labor internationally.

As you know, ILAB’s mission is to promote a fair global playing field for workers in the United States and around the world by enforcing trade commitments, strengthening labor standards, and combating international child labor, forced labor, and human trafficking. ILAB works to ensure that fully enforceable labor standards are at the core of our trade agreements and programs, and that trade partners’ laws and practices align with those commitments. The need to continue increasing these capacities across international supply chains and in workplaces around the world remains evident.

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) in 2014 found that limited resources have prevented DOL from more proactively monitoring trade partner compliance under 14 U.S. free trade agreements with 20 countries and monitoring of trade preference programs with about 120 countries (GAO 15-160). As a result, GAO found that DOL “systematically monitor[s] and enforce[s] compliance with FTA labor provisions for only a few priority countries.” Moreover, GAO also found that ILAB lacks sufficient capacity to carry out the timely investigation of formal submissions regarding violations of trade agreements. The requested funding aims to continue to remedy the weaknesses identified by GAO and to address the historical imbalance in the allocation of ILAB programming activity.

We also want to stress our support for ILAB’s work enforcing the USMCA. Through the novel Rapid Response Labor Mechanism (RRM), ILAB has taken labor enforcement actions and worked to ensure compliance of our USMCA partners, especially Mexico, with the commitments of the agreement. Further, ILAB’s labor attaché program is crucial in monitoring working conditions on the ground and ensuring trading partners uphold internationally recognized labor rights and comply with labor-related trade obligations. We hope ILAB will continue to spend at least $30 million annually of USMCA appropriated funds on worker organizing and union capacity building in Mexico. 

USMCA’s implementing legislation included $180 million for ILAB over four years to support unprecedented reform of the labor justice system in Mexico, worker-focused capacity building, and other implementation efforts in addition to $30 million over eight years for ILAB to monitor compliance with USMCA labor obligations. Given this four-year annual appropriation expired in December 2023 and the increased workload for ILAB expected with the upcoming 2026 USMCA review, we stress the importance of robust funding for ILAB.

We also reject attempts to cut ILAB’s program funding and reaffirm the critical role that ILAB plays in ensuring our trade relationships strengthen and uphold worker rights around the world. Gutting ILAB does not put America first. It undermines American workers, distorts markets in favor of unscrupulous businesses and regimes, strips our trade and customs officials of critical enforcement tools, and accelerates a global race to the bottom on workers’ rights. ILAB is one of the only U.S. government entities with the infrastructure, expertise, and on-the-ground partnerships necessary to effectively counter forced labor

ILAB must continue to fulfill the various aspects of mission—enforcing our trade commitments, strengthening labor standards, and combating international child labor, forced labor, and human trafficking. Accordingly, we request inclusion of the following language in the committee report that will accompany the FY 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies appropriations bill:

Of amounts appropriated to the International Labor Affairs Bureau (ILAB), the Secretary is directed that the amount allocated in grants to promote labor rights and freedom of association, and to build the capacity of independent trade unions and countries to enforce labor rights and to promote a more level playing field for U.S. workers shall be at least equal to the amount allocated in grant funding for combatting child labor. ILAB is directed to continue its work on three key reports including DOL’s Findings on the Worst Forms of Child Labor; the List of Goods Produced by Child Labor or Forced Labor; and the List of Products Produced by Forced or Indentured Child Labor.

ILAB plays a critical role in helping U.S. workers compete in a global economy. No other U.S. government agency has the expertise and mandate to effectively carry out this mission. We urge you to provide no less than the FY25 enacted level for ILAB so the Bureau can continue its mission to improve the working conditions and rights of workers around the world.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

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

MINNEAPOLIS – Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) released the following statement on the five year anniversary of the murder of George Floyd.

“Five years.
For five years we have carried the weight of George Floyd’s murder.
For five years we have called for a system that values Black life and ensures public safety.

“I am proud of the progress we’ve made, from organizing in our streets to the changes in local policy. I am grateful for the courage of our community in Minneapolis, and for the continued efforts of advocates fighting for justice every day. Because of these advocates, the world was forced to confront the violence embedded in our policing systems.

“But five years after George Floyd was murdered, there is still so much more work to do. Communities in Minneapolis and across this country continue to be over-policed and under-resourced. Too many families live with the fear that an encounter with law enforcement could turn deadly. And now, we face the horrifying possibility that Derek Chauvin could be pardoned. His pardon would be an insult to George’s memory and to the millions who took to the streets demanding change. Justice undone is still justice denied.

“This anniversary is a reminder that we need lasting police reform. We need the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act and we need investments in our communities, not more militarized policing. George Floyd should be alive today and we will keep fighting in his name until we build a system that guarantees dignity and safety for all.”

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

WASHINGTON—Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) released the following statement after voting “no” on the GOP budget bill.

“The GOP budget bill is a win for billionaires at the expense of working people. This immoral bill is historic: it is the largest transfer of wealth from the poor to the rich in U.S. history and includes the largest cuts to Medicaid and SNAP we have ever seen.

“My Republican colleagues will tell you that they are just going after waste, fraud, and abuse. But let’s be clear: the only way to slash safety net spending is by making it harder for people to survive. Right now, families across my district are struggling to put food on the table and keep a roof over their heads. This budget will kick thousands of Minnesotans off their healthcare and nutrition assistance. Over 164,000 Minnesotans in my district are on Medicaid–now their healthcare coverage will be at risk. 90,000 Minnesotans in my district are on SNAP and their food benefits will be in jeopardy. That means more untreated illnesses, more hungry children, and more preventable deaths. These aren’t just line items in a budget; these are people’s lives.

“This bill also includes plenty of other harmful giveaways. It contains new mining leases on our public lands, including the Boundary Waters Wilderness. It repeals and restricts nearly all of the clean energy tax credits afforded by the Inflation Reduction Act. It more than doubles the funding to ICE as it disappears innocent people. It also adds more money to line the pockets of military contractors. All of these harmful provisions run counter to the values of the Fifth District.

“All of these devastating cuts pave the way to shower billionaires with tax cuts. Not only are these tax cuts egregious, they are permanent for the wealthy and temporary for working people. At a time of massive wealth and income inequality, it is unconscionable this bill will widen the gap by hurting the poorest 10% of Americans while benefiting the top 10%. This budget is a slap in the face to working people.

“There is no doubt this budget is a greenlight for authoritarianism and for inequality to run rampant. History will remember those who chose to stand with the working people of this nation and who chose to serve the powerful. And for those reasons, I voted NO on the GOP budget bill.”