Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank Pallone (6th District of New Jersey)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today applauded the federal court’s dismissal of the cases against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James. The judge found that Lindsey Halligan’s appointment as interim U.S. Attorney violated federal statute, rendering every action she took, including the indictments, invalid.

 

“Today’s ruling makes clear that Donald Trump tried to manipulate the justice system by installing an unconfirmed loyalist who had no legal authority to bring these charges,” Pallone said. “The statute I helped pass in 2007 was written to prevent exactly this kind of political misuse of federal prosecutors, and the court correctly enforced it. This decision is a win for checks and balances, a win for the rule of law, and a reminder that no president is above the appointment process. NJ’s sham Acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba is next.”

 

Last month, Pallone filed an amicus brief in U.S. v. Comey challenging Halligan’s unlawful appointment under the Preserving United States Attorney Independence Act of 2007, legislation he helped pass to ensure Senate-confirmed U.S. Attorneys and protect the integrity of federal charging decisions.

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

Letter calls for answers following reports of detainees being denied basic hygiene products

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Reps. Grace Meng (D-NY) and Celeste Maloy (R-UT) today, introduced the Good Samaritan Menstrual Products Act – a bipartisan bill addressing period poverty in American communities by supporting donations of menstrual products.

Currently, certain menstrual products like tampons are considered “Class 2” medical products, and this designation deters the donation of these items. Liability concerns, even for products donated in good faith, limit both the variety and availability of menstrual products for those in need.

This legislation would provide liability protection for individuals, manufacturers, and distributors that donate menstrual products in good faith, as well as for the nonprofit groups that receive and distribute them. It is modeled after the Good Samaritan Food Donations Act, a bill enacted in 1996 that created a liability exemption for food and household donations.

“Period poverty is an unthinkable challenge for far too many Americans,” said Congresswoman Meng. “It impacts individuals’ self-perception, mental health, educational opportunities, and economic well-being. It can also be detrimental to their physical health, as the risk of infections increase with use of substitutions, such as paper towels or toilet paper, or because of an inability to change products as frequently as recommended. Today, one in four teenagers and one in three adults report struggling to secure menstrual products. Every day costs are continuing to rise, and it is more important than ever that we ensure everyone who needs menstrual products can access them. Our Good Samaritan Menstrual Products Act would help address this need by easing restrictions on charitable donations of these products. I’m proud to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle as we fight to end period poverty once and for all.”

“Donating essential hygiene products is a meaningful way to support women and girls who rely on nonprofit partners,” said Congresswoman Maloy. “This bill ensures donors can contribute openly and without legal risk, strengthening the network of help in our communities.”

Many organizations nationwide distribute menstrual products, including at least 140 nonprofits that are active members of the Alliance for Period Supplies. This change to the law would enable these organizations to give more and different types of menstrual products to people in need. This no-cost bill would make a small but impactful technical fix that would increase access to menstrual products nationwide.

“We know that 2 in 5 people in the U.S. have struggled to afford the menstrual supplies they need,” said Lacey Gero, Director of Government Relations at the Alliance for Period Supplies. “Unfortunately, the lack of legal protection has prevented companies from donating some trusted products, specifically tampons. That’s why the Alliance for Period Supplies has championed and worked directly with legislators to draft this much-needed reform.”

This legislation is cosponsored by Representatives Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ), Julia Brownley (D-CA), Sean Casten (D-IL), Judy Chu (D-CA), Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Steve Cohen (D-TN), Chris Deluzio (D-PA), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Veronica Escobar (D-TX), Maxwell Frost (D-FL), Pablo Hernandez Rivera (D-PR), Julie Johnson (D-TX), Tim Kennedy (D-NY), Sarah McBride (D-DE), Terri Sewell (D-AL), Melanie Stansbury (D-NM), Jill Tokuda (D-HI), Paul Tonko (D-NY), Ritchie Torres (D-NY), Nydia Velázquez (D-NY), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ).

It is supported by the Alliance for Period Supplies, Period Law, IGNITE National, Helping Women Period, Days for Girls International, Unicorn, #HappyPeriod Organization, Period Education Project, Advocates for Youth, PERIOD., Girls Inc., ISSA, The Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association, Aunt Flow, Period Product Provider, The Flow Initiative, Mujeres and Menstruators United, National Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Center for Baby and Adult Hygiene Products, National Association of School Nurses, and Kimberly-Clark.

Now introduced in the House, the bill must be approved by the House Judiciary Committee before it can be brought to the House floor for a vote.

A copy of the legislation can be viewed here. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (3rd District of Ohio)

The Housing Financial Literacy Act of 2025 would promote housing affordability, incentivize financial literacy, and help prevent foreclosures

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 18, 2025 | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) announced the names of the 2026 Service Academy Nominees from Oklahoma’s Fourth District, who will be considered for a full offer appointment to either the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, the U.S.  Military Academy at West Point, or the U.S. Naval Academy.

The congressional nomination process for these academies is highly competitive. Applicants are evaluated for academic performance and standing, including class rank, SAT/ACT scores, and school records. Other criteria considered by Congressman Cole and the recommendation panel include athletics, physical fitness, extracurricular activities, recommendations, and leadership potential. Upon congressional nomination, students become eligible for consideration to receive an appointment to the service academy (or academies) to which they applied.

“The want to serve our country in uniform is deserving of all our respect,” said Congressman Cole. “I am honored to recommend these distinguished young men and women from the Fourth District for appointment to one of our nation’s esteemed military academies. They are truly so impressive and, regardless of what path they end up taking, I am sure that each one of them have bright futures ahead of them.”

The list below includes the names and high school information of the students, as well as the academies to which they have been nominated. Many of the students received nominations to multiple academies. Note that applications are still being considered by the selection committee for admission at the various academies. 

U.S. Air Force Academy

Jax Birth – Ardmore High School 

Julianna Chesnut – Rush Springs High School 

Braden Evans – MacArthur Senior High School 

Brandon Heckethorn – Lone Grove High School

Christopher Hilz – Lawton High School 

Jonah House – Lone Grove High School 

Tessa Inman – Lindsay High School 

Simon Marchesano – Moore High School 

Jakob Reece  – Epic Charter School 

Ezekiel Stoda – Blanchard High School 

Nathan Walls – Blanchard High School 

Gregory Williams – Norman North High School

Nicklas Wolfgram – Bridge Creek High School

United States Merchant Marine Academy

Julianna Chesnut – Rush Springs High School 

Joseph McCormick – McCormick Home School

U.S. Military Academy at West Point

Julianna Chesnut – Rush Springs High School 

Jesse-Anne Oberle – Seton Home Study School 

Ezekiel Stoda – Blanchard High School 

Gage Streater – Byng High School

U.S. Naval Academy

Jax Birth – Ardmore High School 

Julianna Chesnut – Rush Springs High School 

Christopher Hilz – Lawton High School 

Stephen Kerl – Midwest City High School 

Simon Marchesano – Moore High School 

Joseph McCormick – McCormick Home School 

Gracie Ragland – Byng High School 

Ezekiel Stoda – Blanchard High School 

Gage Streater – Byng High School 

Nathan Walls – Blanchard High School 

Gabriel Ward – Mount Saint Mary Catholic High School 

Gregory Williams – Norman North High School

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Suzanne Bonamici (1st District Oregon)

WASHINGTON, DC [11/20/25] – Today Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) introduced bipartisan legislation to grow the economy and expand the reach of arts organizations, local arts agencies, and museums.

The Capital, Repairs, and Employment for Art Talent to Improve Visibility Everywhere (CREATIVE) Act, HR 6165, will help revitalize communities by supporting arts organizations that build new facilities, improve existing facilities, hire staff, and produce art. 

“Arts organizations enrich communities, bring people together, and provide jobs,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “The CREATIVE Act will help arts organizations hire staff and make needed improvements to best serve their neighborhoods.” 

The legislation has been endorsed by: Americans for the Arts, Americans for the Arts Action Fund, Grantmakers in the Arts, American Alliance of Museums, American Circus Alliance, Association of Art Museum Directors, Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon, National Assembly of State Arts Agencies, National Association for Music Education, National Association of Music Merchants, Professional Non-Profit Theatre Coalition, and the South Carolina Arts Alliance.

“Americans for the Arts strongly supports Rep. Bonamici’s CREATIVE Act. This legislation addresses critical infrastructure needs for cultural facilities while creating direct employment opportunities for artists and creative professionals when arts organizations need this support more than ever,” said Erin Harkley, President and CEO of Americans for the Arts. “By prioritizing rural and underserved communities that need arts access most, this bill tackles both immediate workforce needs and long-term capacity building. Rep. Bonamici is a tireless champion of the arts, and we celebrate the introduction of this critical legislation during National Arts and Humanities Month.” 

“It is essential that community voice informs the development of cultural facilities,” said Eddie Torres, President and CEO, Grantmakers in the Arts. “It is more important than ever that we support workers, including those who work in cultural facilities. This includes our supporting the maintenance and repair of cultural facilities as well as their workers. Representative Bonamici’s proposed legislation aims to give community members agency and voice and to ensure that they are paid as workers.”

The CREATIVE Act would:

1. Expand Access to Capital for Facilities: Provides local arts agencies (LAAs), museums, and 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and performance organizations with the eligibility to apply for and receive one of three grants of up to $5 million from a newly authorized, $700 million program to construct and acquire new facilities, maintain and improve existing facilities, or hire staff or produce art at existing facilities;
2. Seek Community Input: Requires eligible entities to include in their application information about how their arts programs will benefit the community served by the eligible entity, how the entity will solicit input from diverse stakeholders, and how the entity will continue to operate its facility once grant funds have expired;
3. Reach Underserved Communities: Assigns grant priority based on factors such as having limited accessibility to the arts, expressing a desire to produce art that is underrepresented in popular culture, having limited financial means to self-fund such projects, and proposing to further art education for the population served by the eligible entity;
4. Create Strong Guardrails: Promotes accountability for grant funds by instituting reporting requirements and a procedure for returning unused or misspent funds to the Department of Commerce; and
5. Prioritize Rural Outreach: Directs the Secretary of Commerce to reserve up to 25 percent of total grant funds for distribution to eligible entities located in rural communities. 

The CREATIVE Act is cosponsored by Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), and Mike Carey (R-OH). 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Julia Brownley (D-CA)

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (CA-26) and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06) sent a letter to American Battle Monuments Commission Chairman Michael X. Garrett expressing concern about the removal of two displays focused on Black American soldiers from the visitor center at the Netherlands American Cemetery.

“More than 10,000 U.S. troops who fought in World War II are commemorated at the Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial, including 172 Black service members. The cemetery visitor center, where the displays about Black service members were, shares the history of those Americans commemorated at the cemetery,” wrote the lawmakers. “One display that was removed told the story of George H. Pruitt, a Black soldier in the 43rd Signal Construction Battalion, who died trying to save a comrade. The other display described how Black American service members fought to protect freedom abroad while still fighting for their own civil rights at home. We are confused why the displays were removed given they were just added to the visitor center in September 2024. Further, we are concerned that with the removal of these displays there will be no information provided about Black troops at the cemetery.

“We are frustrated to learn that Dutch politicians, including the mayor of Eijsden-Margraten, where the cemetery is, and the governor of Limburg, the Dutch province containing the cemetery, have reached out to you and have not yet heard back on their requests for the two displays to be reinstated,” the lawmakers continued. 

Brownley and Dingell requested answers to the following questions: 

1. When were the two displays on Black service members removed from the cemetery visitor center? Were any other displays removed from the visitor center when either of these two displays were removed? 
2. Why were these displays removed?
3. What steps will the cemetery take to ensure the stories of Black service members who are buried on the grounds continue to be told? 
4. Will the cemetery restore the displays to their appropriate place in the visitor center?

The full text of the letter is available here and below.  

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November 24, 2025

Michael X. Garrett
Chairman
American Battle Monuments Commission
2300 Clarendon Blvd, Suite 500
Arlington, VA 22201

Dear Chairman Garrett:

We write to express our shock at the removal of two displays focused on Black American soldiers from the Netherlands American Cemetery’s visitor center. Those commemorated at the cemetery gave their lives for our nation, for our future, and for our freedom. They deserve to be honored, and their stories and sacrifices tell a history we must never forget.

More than 10,000 U.S. troops who fought in World War II are commemorated at the Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial, including 172 Black service members. The cemetery visitor center, where the displays about Black service members were, shares the history of those Americans commemorated at the cemetery. One display that was removed told the story of George H. Pruitt, a Black soldier in the 43rd Signal Construction Battalion, who died trying to save a comrade. The other display described how Black American service members fought to protect freedom abroad while still fighting for their own civil rights at home. We are confused why the displays were removed given they were just added to the visitor center in September 2024. Further, we are concerned that with the removal of these displays there will be no information provided about Black troops at the cemetery.

We are frustrated to learn that Dutch politicians, including the mayor of Eijsden-Margraten, where the cemetery is, and the governor of Limburg, the Dutch province containing the cemetery, have reached out to you and have not yet heard back on their requests for the two displays to be reinstated. In light of this, we request a response to the following questions within the next two weeks.

1. When were the two displays on Black service members removed from the cemetery visitor center? Were any other displays removed from the visitor center when either of these two displays were removed?
2. Why were these displays removed?
3. What steps will the cemetery take to ensure the stories of Black service members who are buried on the grounds continue to be told?
4. Will the cemetery restore the displays to their appropriate place in the visitor center?

Thank you for your consideration in this important matter and for ensuring that all our troops are honored appropriately.

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Issues: 119th Congress, Veterans’ Affairs

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21), Ranking Member of the Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Subcommittee, Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Congressional Chicken Caucus, and senior member of the House Agriculture Committee, and Congresswoman Sarah McBride (DE-00) led dozens of Members of Congress in a letter calling on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to immediately restore full avian influenza surveillance and coordination amid renewed outbreaks across the country.The request comes as poultry farmers nationwide confront a sharp rise in bird flu outbreaks — with more than 90 new detections in the last 30 days, and over 1.6 million birds infected, according to USDA data. In the State of California, the poultry and egg industry supports over 120,305 jobs and contributes nearly $121 billion to the national economy. Continued High Path Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreaks threaten producers in the San Joaquin Valley, disrupt farm operations, and endanger local and national food supply chains. 
The economic impact is already reaching consumers: this year, Thanksgiving turkey prices have risen sharply, with wholesale prices surging 75% since October 2024 to $1.71 per pound. This follows a temporary dip from 2023 to 2024 and reflects the ongoing effects of HPAI, which first appeared in 2022. 
“We write to express our deep concern about the recent rise in avian influenza—a now seasonal epidemic impacting poultry farmers and driving up grocery prices across the United States…And as we approach the holiday season, it is concerning that without avian influenza surveillance at full capacity, families across America may eat without traditionally American-produced centerpieces on their holiday dinner tables.” the Members wrote.  
Costa warned that California’s poultry farmers—especially those in the San Joaquin Valley—are facing some of the most severe impacts from the current avian flu crisis. 
“The San Joaquin Valley is the heart of California agriculture, and our poultry farmers are on the front lines of the avian flu crisis. When they face challenges, we all pay the price—from farms to grocery stores,”said Rep. Costa.“Restoring full avian flu surveillance is essential to protecting our food supply and ensuring that the farmers who feed America get the coordinated support they deserve.” 
In the letter, Members sounded the alarm of reduced surveillance efforts, highlighting reports that the USDA-coordinated National Animal Health Laboratory Network had suspended its weekly calls, “reducing appropriate coordination and critical information sharing that is imperative to combating avian influenza.”
The letter also points out that furloughs and Reduction in Force actions (RIFs) at USDA and CDC are limiting real-time reporting capacities, hampering farmers’ ability to respond to outbreaks in real time and save their flocks from infection. 
The Members conclude with a clear request to the USDA: “We respectfully call on the Department to reestablish avian influenza surveillance and research programs to their prior level of excellence—and strengthen them further—to protect all poultry, dairy, and livestock farmers from further impact. Without swift action to reduce viral loads, the economic toll—from farm losses to rising grocery costs—will continue to grow.”  
The full letter is available here.

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

November 24, 2025 | Press Releases

Watch Rep. Steube’s Remarks Here
PUNTA GORDA — U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) and Senator Ashley Moody (R-Fla.) joined local officials at a press conference today at the Punta Gorda Weigh Station Northbound highlighting their Safer Truckers Act.  This bill would create lawful U.S. residency requirements for the issuance of commercial drivers licenses (CDLs) and establish reporting requirements for the adherence of English proficiency standards with penalties for states that fail to meet said standards.
“Commercial truck drivers bear an enormous responsibility in keeping our roadways safe for commuters,” said Rep. Steube. “If you are unable to comprehend the rules and signs of the road, you have no business behind the steering wheel of a truck. My Safer Truckers Actwill ensure our highways and streets are safe for drivers and commercial truckers, free from dangerous and incompetent individuals.”

“Getting behind the wheel of a car can be one of the most dangerous things Floridians do every day—and we must do all we can to make sure our roads are as safe as possible,” said Senator Moody. “That is why I’m fighting to pass my Safer Truckers Act. We’ve seen across the country how reckless sanctuary policies allowing illegal aliens to operate commercial trucks can be deadly and endanger other motorists. The time for action is now, and I want to thank Congressman Steube for joining me today to get this legislation across the finish line.” 

The Safer Truckers Act has the support of the American Trucking Association and the Florida Trucking Association.
“On behalf of Florida Trucking Association, I applaud the introduction of The Safer Truckers Act of 2025 by Florida’s own Senator, Ashley Moody,” said Alix Miller President and CEO of Florida Trucking Association. “The number one priority for the trucking industry is safety. Senator Moody’s proposal will close loopholes that have allowed unauthorized and unqualified drivers to operate heavy commercial vehicles and reinforce the integrity of our licensing system; improving security on America’s highways.”
The Safer Truckers Act establishes two new requirements to existing federal standards for issuance of Commercial Drivers Licenses. First, CDLs may only be issued to U.S. citizens, permanent legal residents, and individuals with a valid work visa. Second, states are required to provide accurate reporting to the federal government on the effectiveness of their English proficiency requirements for individuals applying for a CDL. Should a state fail to meet this new requirement, the Department of Transportation may revoke said state’s eligibility for federal highway funds. 
Along with the Safer Truckers Act, Representative Steube joined with Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.) last week to introduce the Commercial Motor Vehicle English Proficiency Act. This bill would require all commercial learner’s permit (CLP) tests to be administered in English, reinforcing President Trump’s executive order of April 28, 2025, concerning English-language proficiency requirements for commercial motor vehicle drivers.  
Read the Safer Truckers Act text here.
Read the Commercial Motor Vehicle English Proficiency Act text here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI)

For Immediate Release                             Contact: Tionee Scotland
November 24, 2025                                                  202-808-6129

PRESS RELEASE

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT LEADS CONGRESSIONAL CALL FOR IMMEDIATE EXTENSION OF TEMPORARY PROTECTED STATUS FOR HAITIAN NATIONALS

Washington, D.C.— Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) led 48 of her colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem urging the immediate extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian nationals beyond the February 3, 2026, expiration date. The letter highlights Haiti’s dire humanitarian crisis, recently compounded by Hurricane Melissa, which killed at least 43 people and brought catastrophic flooding and infrastructure damage to the island nation.

“Haiti represents the most acute humanitarian crisis in the Western Hemisphere. The ongoing political and security crisis, fueled by violent gangs and now exacerbated by Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact, makes the continuation of these protections both statutorily appropriate and essential to America’s moral values and national security interests,” said Congresswoman Plaskett. “Haitian TPS recipients have maintained full compliance with all legal requirements, contribute $4.4 billion annually to the United States economy, and pay over $1 billion a year in federal taxes. They are integral members of American communities working in healthcare, construction, agriculture, transportation, and countless other sectors that keep our nation running.”

The letter details the catastrophic conditions in Haiti, where violent gangs have killed more than 3,000 civilians this year and displaced over 1.4 million Haitians—more than 10 percent of the country’s population. Half the country’s population is experiencing life-threatening hunger. Hurricane Melissa further devastated the nation by destroying homes, contaminating water supplies and agricultural land, damaging healthcare facilities, and eliminating critical infrastructure needed for humanitarian aid.

The signers wrote, “If the Trump administration does not renew TPS for Haitians by February 2026, it will deal a significant blow to both the American and Haitian economies. Beyond the economic impact, allowing TPS to lapse would further destabilize Haiti, creating opportunities for adversary nations, including China and Russia, to establish greater footholds in a region of vital importance to American security. We are deeply concerned that the Administration is actively deporting Haitians back to life-threatening conditions and gang-controlled territory.”

The congressional letter requests an 18-month extension of Haiti’s TPS designation, a comprehensive review of conditions in Haiti incorporating assessments from multiple federal agencies and humanitarian organizations, and engagement with Congress to explore legislative solutions providing more durable protections for Haitian nationals and other vulnerable populations.

“As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday—a time that reminds us of the importance of community and caring for our neighbors—we are called to act on those values year-round,” Congresswoman Plaskett added. “Haitian TPS recipients have complied with all legal requirements, contributed meaningfully to American communities, and provide essential support to their families in Haiti. Extending TPS is consistent with the statute’s purpose, reflects the reality of conditions on the ground, and serves both our humanitarian values and our national security interests. I would like to thank my Democratic colleagues for joining my call to extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian nationals beyond February 2026.”

The Members of Congress who joined Congresswoman Plaskett’s letter are:

 Joyce Beatty