Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO-02)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Chair of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Capital Markets, released the following statement on this week’s Financial Services Committee markup:

“As Chairman of the Capital Markets Subcommittee, I am beyond proud of the 19-bill agenda advanced yesterday, on a bipartisan basis, through the Financial Services Committee. This strong, pro-growth package of legislation is the result of countless months of collaboration, negotiation, and refinement that will cut out unnecessary bureaucratic red tape, expand access for retail investors, and bolster the financial future of all Americans. Strong and sustainable capital formation is the heart of a growing and prosperous economy. I look forward to ushering all 19 of these bills to the floor of the House, and continuing my Subcommittee’s record of delivering substantive results for constituents in Missouri and across the nation.”

Read more on the 19 bills here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO-02)

Ballwin, MO – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) released the following statement after President Donald Trump granted two Major Disaster Declarations for Missouri that cover the storms from March 14-15 and March 30-April 8:

“Our communities have been severely impacted by dangerous weather events, and we have seen a tragic loss of life here in Missouri. These Major Disaster Declarations are good news for Missourians who need help recovering and rebuilding, and I thank President Trump for acknowledging our deep losses and ensuring our state gets the help we need. I have been working with local officials and people on the ground to provide as much assistance as we can, and if anyone in MO-02 needs help from the federal government, you can call my Ballwin office at 636-779-5449 or go to Wagner.House.Gov.  I also joined my colleagues in the Missouri delegation this week, led by Rep. Wesley Bell, in preparing to support Governor Kehoe’s request for further federal assistance for the tornado that just hit St. Louis, and I continue to pray for those who lost their lives and those in need.”

Public Assistance Approval for MO-02 for March 14-15 storms:

Franklin County

Individual Assistance Approvals for MO-02 for March 14-15 storms:

Franklin County
St. Louis County

Missouri has recently been impacted by four series of major weather events.  The first two declarations were approved by President Trump today.  The third, covering the April 29th storms, was submitted by Governor Kehoe this week and is currently under review by the Administration.  The tornado that struck areas of St. Louis on May 16th is under review by FEMA officials on site as we speak, and once their review is complete, the Governor will submit a new request to the Administration for federal support.  As she has for each of the three previous storms, Wagner will sign a congressional letter of support, led by Rep. Wesley Bell, for the forthcoming gubernatorial disaster request covering the May 16th tornado.

Individuals in Franklin and St. Louis Counties can apply for assistance with FEMA the following ways:

1.         Apply online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. 

2.         Call the FEMA phone number at 1-800-621-3362.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO-02)

Ballwin, MO – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) today joined her Missouri colleagues in supporting Governor Mike Kehoe’s request for federal support to aid disaster recovery from the May 16^th tornado.

“Missourians are still recovering from the recent tornado, and our communities are in desperate need of federal assistance.  I fully support Governor Kehoe’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration that would unlock that vital aid, and I will continue to work with my colleagues in the federal government and our state and local officials to ensure those working to rebuild have everything they need.  I have seen this damage on the ground firsthand and talked with many victims of this tragedy, and I will keep working to help them however I can.”

Read the full support letter here.

You can read about Rep. Wagner’s past support for Missourians’ access to federal disaster assistance here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro , Zac Donley

Washington, D.C. – Today, Co-Chairs of the Congressional Native American Caucus, Congressman Tom Cole (R-OK) and Congresswoman Sharice Davids (D-KS), announced the new Vice Chairs of the Caucus. Congressman Nick Begich (R-AK) will serve as the Republican Vice Chair and Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury (D-NM) will serve as the Democrat Vice Chair.

After selecting the Vice Chairs, the Representatives released the following statements:

“I am excited to welcome Representatives Begich and Stansbury to the leadership team of the Congressional Native American Caucus. With their help, Congresswoman Davids and I will be able to better educate and inform Members of Congress on the unique issues concerning Native Americans and the constitutional rights of tribes. I look forward to all working together on this vital mission, which will improve the lives of tribes across the country” said Congressman Cole.

“It’s an important moment for the bipartisan Congressional Native American Caucus as we welcome Representatives Melanie Stansbury and Nick Begich as new Vice Chairs. Their dedication to Tribal communities and commitment to bipartisan collaboration will help us continue advancing policies that respect Tribal sovereignty and improve the lives of Native people across the country,” said Congresswoman Davids.

“I am honored to be selected as a Co-Vice Chair of the Native American Caucus. Representing Alaska – home to over 200 federally recognized Tribes – I recognize the importance of advocating for the voices of Alaska Natives in Congress and many of the challenges tribal communities face. I look forward to working closely with my colleagues to advance lasting solutions that reinforce self-determination and well-being for Native Americans across the nation,” said Congressman Begich.

“I am honored and humbled to have the opportunity to serve as Vice Chair for the Native American Caucus. It is our duty to ensure that the United States partners with and upholds its trust and treaty responsibilities to Tribal Nations. This bipartisan caucus is integral to that work and the fight to protect and strengthen partnerships with Indigenous communities across the country. I look forward to continuing to do this work in the 119th Congress,” said Congresswoman Stansbury.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. – Through his legislation, The American Relief Act, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) secured $50 million in competitive grant funding for the Historic Preservation Fund. This funding will allow areas, such as Historic Downtown Sulphur Commercial District, to be able to reconstruct and rehabilitate resources that were damaged or destroyed by natural disasters occurring in 2023 and/or 2024. After securing the funding, Congressman Cole released the following statement:

“As a lifelong Oklahoman, I know just how much devastation and destruction natural disasters, like tornadoes, can cause. This past Spring, multiple tornadoes devastated parts of my district, including the Town of Sulphur and its Historic Downtown Commercial District. Therefore, today, I am proud to announce that $50 million secured in my legislation is now available to apply for to help rebuild and support the local downtowns, businesses, and historic areas that have been crushed,” said Congressman Cole. “As the representative for the Fourth District of Oklahoma, I will always ensure that I am fighting for my local communities, and I look forward to seeing this funding be put to good use.”

How to apply for assistance:

Entities will be able to apply for two types of funding needs – preservation and capacity.

PRESERVATION:

For this grant, eligible applicants are state governments, city of town governments, county governments, Native American tribes, certain nonprofits, special district governments, public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, independent school districts, Native American tribal organizations, and private institutions of higher education. The funding can be used for construction and rebuilding efforts of Historic Preservation Funding sites that have incurred damage in a natural disaster in 2023 and/or in 2024.

To apply for the emergency supplemental historic preservation fund for preservation needs, click here. The application period is now open and will close on July 15, 2025.

CAPACITY:

For this grant, eligible applicants are nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status, Native American tribes, and state governments. This funding can be used for capacity building, completing compliance requirements, survey, planning, and design.

To apply for the emergency supplemental historic preservation fund for capacity needs, click here. The application is now open and will close on June 12, 2025.

Please stay tuned for future announcements as additional disaster assistance is released and available to Oklahomans.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) and Subcommittee Chairman Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-26) led a budget hearing on the Department of State, where they collected testimony from Secretary of State Marco Rubio. After the hearing, Congressman Cole released the following statement:

“Peace through strength is not a matter of chance. It is the result of effective policy, national focus, and marshaling resources to where they drive the maximum impact – and the America First agenda advances that critical doctrine. Under the Trump Administration, weakness and the detrimental policies of the previous administration will no longer harm our nation. U.S. taxpayer dollars will not be funneled to extreme agendas and initiatives that have undermined trust in foreign assistance programs. The Trump Administration has been clear about a new path forward, and I thank and support Secretary Rubio for his efforts to reorganize and streamline State Department operations to better integrate programs with our nation’s diplomatic and strategic objectives,” said Congressman Cole.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after voting in favor of the House Republican Reconciliation bill, also known as the One Big, Beautiful Bill, which will codify President Trump’s agenda:

“Last November, we were given a clear mandate by 77 million Americans who voted for change. The American people overwhelmingly voted for a secure border, the resurgence of American energy dominance, strong national security, an extension of the Trump tax cuts, and a more efficient federal government that roots out fraud, waste, and abuse of taxpayer dollars. Now, today, in passing this Reconciliation bill, House Republicans have codified President Trump and the American people’s full agenda,” said Congressman Cole.

“This legislation will deliver resources to secure our border and complete the border wall, make generational investments in America’s defense, and unleash our domestic energy potential, which will lower costs, create jobs, and protect national security. It will provide permanent tax relief for families, workers, and mom-and-pop businesses by making the 2017 Trump tax cuts permanent and protecting the average taxpayer from a 22 percent tax hike,” said Congressman Cole.

“Despite the lies that dishonest Democrats engaging in fearmongering are spreading, the One Big, Beautiful Bill will actually strengthen, secure, and sustain Medicaid by reestablishing Medicaid as a program that provides vital healthcare to vulnerable Americans and stopping the subsidization of illegal immigrants and capable adults who are just choosing not to work. Therefore, this is not Republicans cutting Medicaid. It is common-sense policy that will simply root out waste, fraud, and abuse within the program,” said Congressman Cole.

“I am proud to have voted for the Republican Reconciliation legislation today, as it fulfills the promises we made to the American people, and I encourage the United States Senate to help us to deliver the result that the majority of Americans voted for,” said Congressman Cole.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Oklahoma – Today, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) announced the winners of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition for Oklahoma’s Fourth District:

Lillian Dai of Norman, Oklahoma has been named the first-place winner. Dai attends Norman North High School and studies art under her teacher, Sheila Hunter. For the Congressional Art Competition, Dai submitted a piece titled “Outside World,” which is a colored pencil drawing of a girl troubled by her mundane responsibilities and reminded of her own exhaustion merely by the things in her room. The drawing will be brought to Washington, D.C. and hang in the United States Capitol Building for an entire year.

“I am thrilled to congratulate Lillian on being selected as the Fourth District’s overall winner for the 2025 Congressional Art Competition,” said Congressman Cole. “Her colored pencil drawing is unique, intriguing, and very colorful. It is clear that Lillian is very talented, and I am sure she has a bright future in the arts ahead of her.”

When asked about her artwork, Dai said, “My artwork for the Congressional Art Competition is inspired by the common emotions and feelings that both I and my peers at high school typically feel as we take on harder classes and have increased responsibilities. It is not uncommon for us to spend late nights working. Exhaustion mingles with imagination, as we dream of a new environment or situation that will allow us a break. The indigo shadows envelop her form, reminding her of the work she needs to put in to accomplish her dreams, but for a moment the illumination of the fantastical scenery in her cup gives her the chance to daydream the world outside her room.”

“Lillian has made significant strides in the art world during her high school career. This year, she garnered notable recognition by winning two silver keys, a gold key, and a gold medal for her exceptional drawings in the Scholastic Art and Writing competition. In addition to her recent achievements, Lillian secured second place in last year’s Congressional Art competition and is proud to represent Oklahoma’s 4th district this year. As her mentor, I have thoroughly enjoyed assisting Lillian in preparing for various art competitions and exhibitions. She shows a remarkable understanding of composition and color; her colored pencil pieces take many dedicated hours to complete. I eagerly anticipate her continued growth as an artist in her upcoming senior year,” said Hunter, Norman North High School Art Teacher.

In addition to naming Lillian the winner, two runner-up winners were named through a “People’s Choice” contest online, which was conducted through Congressman Cole’s social media channels and website with votes collected over the course of a week. Out of the 1,112 votes cast, artwork by Katelyn Estes and Emily Shields received the most. Both students’ artwork will be displayed in Congressman Cole’s Oklahoma office for the next year.

“Every year, so many accomplished high school students from across the Fourth District submit beautiful pieces of artwork to my office for consideration for the Congressional Art Competition. While only one piece can make its way to D.C., I think it is only right to recognize the other gifted artists by holding the People’s Choice competition. Congratulations to Katelyn and Emily for being selected as this year’s second and third-place winners. I am excited to have their beautiful art hanging in my Oklahoma office for the next year,” said Congressman Cole.

Katelyn Estes, the second-place winner, resides in Stratford, Oklahoma and attends Stratford High School, where she studies art under her teacher, Shea Meyer. For the contest, she submitted a piece titled “All Sass, All Heart,” which is a pencil drawing of a barrel horse turning around barrel with the rider partly visible.

“This drawing was inspired by my barrel horse, Jaz. She gives everything she has every time we race, and I wanted to reflect that in this piece – along with the bold, sassy personality that makes her who she is. That’s why I titled it All Sass, All Heart – Jaz,” said Estes.

“Katelyn is a great student. She works hard and takes any advice that I give to her and applies it to her work. She not only works in class, but she works on projects at home, especially when she is trying to get something done for a show or contest. I wish I had a class full of students like her. I am very proud of all she has accomplished so far, and I look forward to what she will do in the future,” said Meyer, Stratford High School Art Teacher.

Emily Shields of Purcell, Oklahoma is the third-place winner. She attends Purcell High School, where she studies art under her teacher, Jon Corea. For the Congressional Art Competition, Shields submitted artwork titled “Before the Storm,” which is an acrylic painting of a wild stallion observing the “calm before the storm” sunset in the Wichita Mountains while standing in a valley of Indian Paintbrushes.

When asked about her artwork, Shields said, “I was inspired by all of the incredible western paintings I see with the massive, golden storm clouds on the horizon. Those paintings always invoke such a sense of foreboding in me while also being breathtaking. I also wanted to include a homage to Oklahoma and my mother who loves Indian Paintbrushes. Overall, this painting was one of the first I have encouraged myself to see through to the end, and I am pleasantly satisfied with the results.”

“Emily is a remarkably talented and driven young artist. Her dedication to her craft is evident in the intense focus she brings to each piece she creates. Whether she’s working with bold colors, intricate details, or exploring new techniques, Emily consistently produces work that is thoughtful, expressive, and technically strong. Her creativity and commitment to improvement have always impressed me, and I continue to be amazed by the quality and originality of her artwork,” said Corea, Purcell High School Art Teacher.

For information on the Congressional Art Competition, click here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Alma Adams (12th District of North Carolina)

WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12), Senior Member of the House Agriculture Committee and House Education & Workforce Committee, released a statement on the House passage of the Republican reconciliation budget.

“Republicans have shown today that billionaires are their top priority, not the millions of people who will be harmed by the reckless GOP reconciliation budget,” said Congresswoman Adams. “This bill does nothing to combat waste, fraud, and abuse like they claim. Instead, it will cause average Americans across the country to suffer. More children will go to bed hungry. More working Americans will lose their healthcare. More families will face eviction and homelessness. More veterans and seniors will lose access to lifesaving basic needs programs. Americans will die because Republicans are choosing to place greed over our country.”

“In North Carolina, this bill would mean putting the food security of 1.4 million SNAP recipients in jeopardy,” Adams continued. “656,000 North Carolinians covered under Medicaid expansion could lose their lifesaving healthcare. Our farmers and small business owners, the backbone of North Carolina’s economy, will find it even harder to make ends meet. My constituents will suffer so Republicans can make people like Elon Musk even richer.”

“My office will continue working closely with state and local governments, non-profits, community and civic groups, and local leaders to support our community when Republicans in Congress won’t. I also encourage every North Carolinian to contact all members of Congress—Democrats and Republicans, House and Senate—to voice their concern and disapproval over this budget. This bill will hurt a lot of beautiful people. Now, more than ever, we need to fight to protect our basic needs programs and our futures,” Adams concluded.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04)

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Robert Aderholt proudly voted in favor of the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” landmark legislation that delivers critical wins for American families, strengthens national security, and ensures responsible government spending.

“I’m voted yes because hardworking families deserve tax relief, a secure border, and a government that lives within its means,” said Congressman Aderholt. “This bill delivers real results while continuing to support our most vulnerable.”

The legislation includes a wide array of reforms and investments aimed at promoting economic stability and restoring public trust in federal governance. It also includes a provision championed by Congressman Aderholt: a new $5,000 adoption tax credit to ease the financial burden for families opening their hearts and homes to children in need.

“I’m especially proud to have helped secure an adoption tax credit in this bill,” Aderholt added. “This provision will provide meaningful relief to adoptive families and reflects our commitment to protecting life and supporting loving homes.”

The “One Big Beautiful Bill” now heads to the Senate for consideration.

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