Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ralph Norman (SC-05)

Washington, D.C. – On Thursday, Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC) issued the following statement after the House of Representatives passed President Trump’s One Big, Beautiful Bill Act with a vote of 215-214-1.

Statement:

“The House just secured BIG WINS for taxpayers in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” said Rep. Norman on Thursday. “This bill, while not perfect, secured the following wins for the American people:

A. Tax cuts for all American families are made permanent

B. Border security funding to enable the deportation of illegals

C. No tax on tips & overtime

D. Prohibits funds for transgender treatments

E. Protects life by restricting Medicaid funds for Planned Parenthood

Now let me be clear — I didn’t just cast a vote. I worked my tail off during this process to make this bill better for the American taxpayer. I fought tooth and nail to include key changes that were non-negotiable for me:

1. Work requirements for Medicaid recipients were moved up from 2029 to 2026

2. Biden’s Green New Scam tax credits for wind and solar repealed faster

Leadership isn’t about making the perfect the enemy of the good, but it’s about moving the ball forward without selling out your principles. My vote was about securing the wins we’ve fought for and continuing to move forward in the fight to rein in Washington’s cancerous spending.

South Carolinians expect results, and this bill is a step toward restoring trust, accountability, and common sense in government. The American people sent us here to stop reckless spending, and today we delivered.“

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ralph Norman (SC-05)

Washington, D.C. – On Tuesday, Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC) reintroduced H.R. 3377 to authorize the President to award the Medal of Honor to Major James Capers, Jr., a retired United States Marine and decorated combat veteran whose record of valor and sacrifice has inspired generations of servicemembers.

Rep. Norman has introduced legislation to award Major James Capers, Jr., the Medal of Honor during the 117th and 118th Congresses.

Background

The Medal of Honor is awarded to a military service member who: “distinguishes himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty

1) While engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States;

2) While engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or

3) While serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.”

Major James Capers, Jr., born in Lee County, South Carolina, exemplified actions above and beyond the call of duty, more than meeting the requirements for a Medal of Honor when he led his team of nine out of an ambush where they were outnumbered 3:1 during the Vietnam War.

Thanks to the selfless sacrifice by Major Capers, all nine members of the team were brought to safety and survived the attack, though all members of the team, including Major Capers, were injured.

During his career, Major Capers and his team conducted over 50 classified missions in Vietnam, amphibious assaults, covert missions to rescue POWs, and a recovery mission for a downed B-57 bomber, while enduring countless injuries, including a broken leg.

Major Capers was previously nominated for the Medal of Honor, but due to administrative shortcomings and delays, he never received the recognition he earned in combat. Despite receiving the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and many other commendations, the full measure of his heroism remains unjustly overlooked.

Rep. Norman remains committed to ensuring H.R. 3377 is passed to authorize the presentation of the Medal of Honor, correcting a decades-old oversight.

Statement

“Mr. James Capers, Jr. isn’t just a hero, he’s a living legend in every sense of the word,” said Rep. Norman in a statement on Tuesday. “His courage in Vietnam, his humility throughout life, and his unwavering devotion to this country are second to none. It’s an honor to reintroduce this bill, because a man like Major Capers deserves nothing less than the Medal of Honor.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ralph Norman (SC-05)

Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, Rep. Ralph Norman (SC-05) joined Rep. Chip Roy (TX-21) and 20 other House Republicans in sending a letter to their colleagues urging structural Medicaid reform to be included in the upcoming budget reconciliation package.

Background

Originally designed as a safety-net program for low-income children, pregnant women, seniors, and individuals with disabilities, Medicaid has drifted far from its 1965 mission. In recent years, structural flaws, a lack of eligibility enforcement, and continuous financial schemes have led to skyrocketing costs and inefficient spending.

The Congressional Budget Office now projects that from 2025 to 2034, Medicaid spending will be $1.2 trillion higher than forecasted in 2021. Much of this increase is not the result of improved care. Instead, it stems from flawed policies, including the Affordable Care Act’s expansion model, which rewards states with a 90% federal match for able-bodied, working-age adults, compared to just 60% for the truly vulnerable.

Improper payments have exceeded $1.1 trillion over the past decade, with many states exploiting loopholes such as provider taxes and intergovernmental transfers to artificially inflate federal contributions. Meanwhile, Medicaid now serves more individuals above the poverty line than below it. In California, federal funds have been used to expand coverage to illegal immigrants and eliminate asset tests, allowing even wealthy residents to qualify for taxpayer-funded care.

The letter outlines three guiding principles: prioritize the truly vulnerable, end the use of financial gimmicks, and strengthen state accountability. Without action, Medicaid will continue to drain federal resources, increase healthcare costs nationwide, and push the program further from its original intent.

Statement

“Medicaid was never meant to be a bottomless well of taxpayer money,” said Rep. Norman on Thursday. “It was created to help the most vulnerable, not to reward states for gaming the system or to cover able-bodied adults who can and should work. We’ve got to stop enabling waste and start restoring accountability. This reform is about protecting both patients and taxpayers, and I’m proud to support it.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ralph Norman (SC-05)

Washington, D.C. – On Thursday, Rep. Ralph Norman (SC-05) wrote a letter to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Director William Pulte, applauding the agency’s referral of New York Attorney General Letitia James for criminal prosecution related to her alleged involvement in mortgage fraud.

The letter also urges that the FHFA provide legislative recommendations to Congress on how to better combat fraud in the housing finance system, strengthen transparency, and restore public trust.

Background

FHFA referred Attorney General Letitia James for criminal prosecution following a broader initiative to root out corruption and fraud in government-backed mortgage lending. Reports indicate that Attorney General James may have repeatedly misrepresented her state of residence to fraudulently qualify for mortgage benefits reserved for owner-occupants under federally backed loan programs. Evidence suggests a pattern of misrepresentation that spans multiple states and applications. Director Pulte has vowed to work with lawmakers to prevent further abuses and ensure the housing system works for honest Americans, not political elites.

Rep. Norman’s letter called for a comprehensive FHFA-led review of the proposed actions:

• Stronger identity and occupancy verification for government-backed loans;
• Real-time data sharing between FHFA, HUD, federal law enforcement, and state attorneys general;
• Stricter penalties and automatic disqualification from public office for government officials found guilty of mortgage fraud;
• Strengthening the role of the FHFA Inspector General;
• Creation of a public mortgage fraud offender registry; and,
• Improved systems to recall fraudulently obtained loans.

The letter highlights the serious consequences of mortgage fraud, particularly when committed by elected officials entrusted with enforcing the law. Misconduct of this nature not only distorts underwriting practices and drives up housing costs but also undermines the integrity of taxpayer-funded programs. Rep. Norman reinforces his support for FHFA’s ongoing efforts and urges the agency to recommend legislative reforms that can be incorporated into upcoming financial oversight and housing reform packages.

Statement

“Letitia James is accused of deliberately falsifying her primary residence on a sworn mortgage application to obtain a preferential loan rate, potentially violating federal and state mortgage fraud statutes,” said Rep. Norman in a statement on Friday. “If true, this isn’t just fraud—it’s a betrayal of the public trust. I applaud Director Pulte and FHFA for taking decisive action.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Kevin Hern (OK-01)

Republican Policy Committee Chairman Kevin Hern (OK-01) celebrated the passage of the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act in the House of Representatives this morning. 

“President Trump and the American people gave us a clear mandate; today we delivered,” said Rep. Hern. “While Democrats have been demagoguing and fearmongering, spreading lies about what this legislation does or doesn’t do, Republicans have been working hard to deliver real relief to working families and small businesses. I am proud of the work we did on this legislation, and I look forward to seeing it signed into law.” 

Here are Rep. Hern’s remarks during floor debate. 

Included in the legislation were several priorities previously introduced by Rep. Hern, the WIRED Act and the Education and Workforce Freedom Act. 

Previously introduced as HR 6817, the WIRED Act establishes a fee on certain remittance transfers out of the country to target cartel activity and help fund border security. Last Congress, Rep. Hern led the House bill, and then-Senator J.D. Vance led the Senate version of the bill. The legislation is based on a similar policy enacted by the State of Oklahoma. 

“Republicans are delivering on President Trump’s agenda, and I’m proud to see my legislation included,” said Rep. Hern. “This bill was originally inspired by successful legislation happening right here in Oklahoma. I was able to take this great idea that our state legislature enacted and work with now-Vice President Vance to scale it up to the federal level. We must be using every tool at our disposal to combat the cartels.” 

The Education and Workforce Freedom Act, previously introduced as HR 8915, expands tax-advantaged 529 accounts to allow K-12 students from public, private, religious or home school settings to use those funds. It also allows the funds to be used for licensing and credentialing expenses, modernizing our tax code to meet the demands of the American workforce. 

“Any parent will tell you that they know what’s better for their kids than the government,” said Rep. Hern. “Parents should be allowed to use their 529 tax-advantaged accounts to get their children the education they deserve, according to their individual needs. Including this provision in our One Big, Beautiful Bill puts us one step closer to a stronger education system and better outcomes for students of all backgrounds.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Kevin Hern (OK-01)

Trump budget plan is a win for America

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Kevin Hern (OK-01)

Hern votes to advance Trump agenda

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Kevin Hern (OK-01)

Republican Policy Committee Chairman Kevin Hern (OK-01) celebrated the passage of HR 22, the SAVE Act, in the House of Representatives this morning. 

The SAVE Act amends the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to require proof of United States citizenship to register an individual to vote in elections for federal office. 

“The SAVE Act is simple: only American citizens can vote in our elections,” said Chairman Hern. “It’s not controversial, it’s just common sense! After four years of dangerous open border policies, I’m proud to work alongside the Trump Administration to secure our border and protect Americans from Biden’s failed policies.” 

This was a bipartisan vote, with four Democrats voting in favor: Rep. Ed Case of Hawaii, Rep. Henry Cuellar of Texas, Rep. Jared Golden of Maine, and Rep. Marie Glusenkamp Perez of Washington. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Kevin Hern (OK-01)

Hern applauds passage of CR to clear the runway for President Trump’s Agenda

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY)

Washington, D.C. – Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14) alongside Representative Laurel Lee (FL-15), Senator Richard J. Durbin (D-IL) and Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), reintroduced the Disrupt Explicit Forged Images and Non-Consensual Edits Act (DEFIANCE Act), bipartisan legislation that would grant survivors the right to take civil action against individuals who knowingly produce, distribute, solicit and receive or possess with the intent to distribute nonconsensual sexually-explicit digital forgeries, building on progress made by the passage of the TAKE IT DOWN Act signed into law earlier this week.

“We are reintroducing the DEFIANCE Act to grant survivors and victims of nonconsensual deepfake pornography the legal right to pursue justice,” said Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. “I am proud to lead this legislation with Representative Lee, and Senators Durbin and Graham to provide victims with the federal protections they deserve.”

“I am proud to co-lead the bipartisan DEFIANCE Act, which gives victims a civil right of action when predators attempt to use exploitative AI-generated intimate images—so-called deepfakes—to intimidate, shame, or harm them,” said Representative Laurel Lee. We’ve seen stories across the country of women and girls as young as 12 years old victimized by this new and growing form of sexual violence. The time for action is now. This legislation will complement the TAKE IT DOWN Act, which was recently signed into law. Together, they both create both accountability and recourse. I am grateful for my colleagues’ work on these issues, and look forward to moving this bill through Committee.”

“Sexually-explicit ‘deepfake’ content is often used to exploit and harass women and girls, and no one should have their privacy and autonomy violated by someone else generating explicit AI-generated content of them,” said Senator Durbin. “Although the imagery may be fake, the harm to the victims is very real. Victims have lost their jobs, their reputations, and many have suffered from life-altering depression or anxiety. By introducing the DEFIANCE Act, we’re giving power back to the victims; cracking down on the production, receipt, distribution, and possession of ‘deepfake’ images; and holding those responsible for the images accountable.”

Last summer, the Senate unanimously passed the DEFIANCE Act of 2024 to give survivors of digital abuse and exploitation the tools they need to seek justice.

The full bill text is available here. 

The DEFIANCE Act is led by U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), and U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Angus King (I-ME), Mike Lee (R-UT), Martin Heinrich (D-NV), and Peter Welch (D-VT), In the House, the legislation is co-sponsored by Representatives by Kat Cammack (FL-03), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Debbie Dingell (MI-12), Mike Lawler (NY-17), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Nancy Mace (SC-06), Max Miller (OH-07), Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), Jamie Raskin (MD-8), and Jeff Van Drew (NJ-02).

The legislation is endorsed by the National Women’s Law Center, National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE), Raven, Public Citizen, Sexual Violence Prevention Association, Democratic Women’s Caucus, UltraViolet, Joyful Heart Foundation, My Image My Choice, Reclaim Coalition, SIECUS: Sex Ed for Social Change, American Association of University Women (AAUW), End Rape on Campus, Foundation Ra, Explain the Asterisk, Protect America’s Daughters, Sexual Assault Response Coalition (SARC), Students Against Sexual Assault, What Were You Wearing, Rooting Movements, Recognize Violence, Change Culture (RVCC), and Street Grace.

“As a survivor of deepfake pornography, I know the trauma of having your body and identity manipulated and weaponized. It is a violation that leaves you feeling powerless. The DEFIANCE Act changes that. It empowers victims to seek justice through a civil right of action, finally giving us a path to hold perpetrators accountable. With the number of deepfakes doubling every six months—and over 98% of them being pornographic—we are in a crisis. This bipartisan bill addresses the creation, distribution, and solicitation of nonconsensual deepfake pornography. It’s not just necessary—it’s urgent. Survivors deserve justice. Congress must act swiftly to pass the DEFIANCE Act and take a meaningful stand against digital sexual violence.” – Omny Miranda Martone, Founder & CEO of the Sexual Violence Prevention Association (SVPA)

“Survivors of image-based sexual abuse deserve a clear path to civil justice,” said Stefan Turkheimer, VP of Public Policy at RAINN, the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization. “The DEFIANCE Act is the right solution — and now is the right time to build on the growing momentum to ensure survivors have real power to hold offenders accountable, including the ability to pursue civil remedies against those who use AI to create and spread sexually explicit images meant to cause harm.”

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