Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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Watch: Carter denounces the horrors of socialism

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

Headline: Watch: Carter denounces the horrors of socialism

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) today spoke in favor of Representative Maria Elvira Salazar’s (R-FL) resolution, Denouncing the Horrors of Socialism, which overwhelmingly passed the House of Representatives.

Watch Rep. Carter’s remarks here

Read Rep. Carter’s full remarks, as prepared for delivery, in favor of this resolution:

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this resolution denouncing the horrors of socialism, and there are horrors.

“Socialism has no place in our country. 

“Unfortunately, the so-called ‘woke’ liberals in New York City don’t seem to understand that socialism is nothing more than mutually assured poverty and recently voted to bring these failed policies to their own once great city. 

“While I am saddened that New Yorkers will be willing victims of Zohran Mamdani’s designed-to-fail socialist policies, I have filed legislation ensuring not one dime goes to fund his un-American agenda. 

“The rest of the country should not be forced to subsidize one mayor’s destructive actions. 

“Today’s resolution builds on those efforts, making it clear that the United States does not stand for, does not support, does not condone a system of government that makes people poorer, less free, and less safe. 

“With this resolution, we reiterate our nation’s commitment to remaining a free, a prosperous society. 

“Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I yield back.”

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Beyer, Bacon Introduce Bipartisan Resolution to Fix Broken House Disciplinary Process

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)

Reps. Don Beyer (D-VA) and Don Bacon (R-NE) today introduced a bipartisan resolution that would raise the required vote threshold to punish Members of the House with censure, disapproval, or removal of committee assignments from a simple majority to 60 percent. This measure would reform the process by which the House disciplines its Members, in response to the sharp increase in introductions of punitive resolutions in the House.

“The process of censures and disciplinary measures in the House is broken, and all of us know it. These measures were historically reserved for rare and exceptional cases after a lengthy process that allowed time for investigations and due process, but that precedent has deteriorated. Our resolution would break the cycle of censures to help return focus in the House to solving problems for the American people,” said Rep. Beyer. “The proliferation of resolutions to punish our fellow Members with censure, disapproval, or the revocation of committee assignments has become unsustainable, to the point that they now impair our ability to work together to address serious issues. I fear this is inflicting lasting damage on this institution. Our legislation would implement desperately needed reform by creating a threshold high enough to require significant consensus between the parties that the process has been fair and that any wrongdoing rises to the level of the punishment. I thank my colleague, Congressman Bacon, for working with me on this solution  and urge my colleagues to support this measure and raise the level of sanity in the People’s House.”

“A U.S. House ruled by mob mentality cannot function. The institution and American people deserve better than what we’ve seen this week. The vast middle must stand up to the extremes and put commonsense safeguards in place,” said Rep. Bacon. “This resolution with Rep. Beyer, which requires a 60 percent threshold before the House can censure or penalize a Member, will force future censures to have bipartisan support, restore stability, protect the institution, and get the House back to working for the American people.” 

Article I of the Constitution establishes that “Each House may determine the Rules of its Proceedings, punish its Members for disorderly Behaviour.”  Historically measures punishing Members of the House were reserved for rare, unique cases following investigations; during the 20th Century the House voted to censure its members just six times, most after lengthy ethics investigations that established criminal activity or serious misconduct. At least five resolutions to punish Members of the House have been brought forward just this week, and dozens of Members have been targeted with such measures this year.

Full text of the resolution is available here. 

In addition to Congressmen Beyer and Bacon, the legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), Mike Lawler (R-NY), Angie Craig (D-MN), Kevin Kiley (R-CA), Brendan Boyle (D-PA), Michael Turner (R-OH), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), Tom McClintock (R-CA), Jared Moskowitz (D-FL), Sarah McBride (D-DE), Hillary Scholten (D-MI), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Nikema Williams (D-GA), James Walkinshaw (D-VA), Kelly Morrison (D-MN), Ami Bera (D-CA), Betty McCollum (D-MN), Hank Johnson (D-GA), Jill Tokuda (D-HI), Glenn Ivey (D-MD), Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Henry Cuellar (D-TX), Sanford Bishop (D-GA), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Andrea Salinas (D-OR), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), and Jared Huffman (D-CA).

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Larsen Secures More than $50 Million for Northwest Washington Transit Agencies

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)

This week, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) awarded more than $50 million in grant funding to four Northwest Washington transit agencies to transition to low emission buses, improve service reliability and invest in paratransit services.

“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues to deliver cleaner and greener bus service to Northwest Washington,” said Larsen, the lead Democrat on the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee. “This critical funding will allow local transit agencies to reduce carbon emissions and maintenance costs while ensuring riders continue to have reliable, accessible transportation options.”

The grant funding comes from FTA’s Low- or No-Emission Vehicle and Buses and Bus Facilities initiatives. As co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Bus Caucus, Rep. Larsen has long worked to increase federal funding for bus transit, including low-emission buses. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invested $5.6 billion through Fiscal Year 2026 in the Low-No Program – more than six times greater than the previous five years of funding combined – and nearly $2 billion in Buses and Bus Facilities.

Grants for Local Transit Agencies

Northwest Washington transit agencies were awarded more than $50 million in grant funding: 

What Transit Agencies are Saying

Northwest Washington transit agencies celebrated the grant funding and highlighted their importance to local communities and commuters.

“This is great news,” said Everett Transit Director Mike Schmieder. “The $10.07 million awarded to Everett Transit by the FTA will support the purchase of nine diesel-electric hybrid buses and ensure the continued delivery of safe, clean, and reliable transit service in our community. We appreciate our community partners, as well as U.S. Reps. Rick Larsen and Suzan DelBene, U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, and Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers in helping secure this invaluable funding.”

“Skagit Transit is grateful to Congressman Larsen for his leadership in securing this critical federal investment. These new vehicles will replace aging buses, expand our capacity, and allow us to increase service to meet growing demand across Skagit County,” said Skagit Transit CEO Crystle Stidham. “This grant funding strengthens regional connections, improves reliability for riders, and fuels local job and economic growth.”

“We are grateful for Congressman Larsen’s support securing this critical Federal Transit Administration funding,” said Community Transit CEO Ric Ilgenfritz. “Adding new hybrid electric buses to Community Transit’s fleet will help us keep our region’s people, economy and environmental sustainability moving in the right direction.”

“WTA is thankful for this opportunity to improve the safety and reliability of our service while also lowering our carbon emissions,” said Whatcom Transportation Authority Board Chairperson and Ferndale City Council Member Ali Hawkinson. “This funding represents an important win for our riders, for our entire community, and for our environment.”

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Latta, Kaptur Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Rename US Navy Vessel in Honor of Rear Admiral Alene B. Duerk

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green Ohio)

Yesterday, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-05) and Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) introduced the bipartisan Rear Admiral Alene Duerk Ship Renaming Act of 2025, legislation to honor one of Northwest Ohio’s most distinguished trailblazers in military history, Rear Admiral Alene Bertha Duerk, the first woman in United States Navy history to achieve Flag Rank, achieving the rank of Rear Admiral.

Rear Admiral Duerk, born in Defiance, Ohio, and raised in Holgate, Ohio charted a path of extraordinary service and groundbreaking leadership over her 32-year naval career. After graduating from the Toledo Hospital School of Nursing in 1941, she entered the Navy Nurse Corps during World War II, caring for wounded service members at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth and later treating newly-liberated American prisoners of war aboard the USS Benevolence in the Pacific.

Her service continued during the Korean War as a nursing instructor, and in 1970, she was appointed Director of the Navy Nurse Corps. In 1972, she shattered a historic barrier, becoming the first woman in Navy history to attain Flag Rank.

“Rear Admiral Alene Bertha Duerk, the first woman to achieve the rank of Rear Admiral in the US Navy, deserves to be honored for breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of men and women in uniform,” Latta said. “More than a hometown hero, she continues to inspire us through her service and sacrifice, and naming a vessel in her honor will ensure her legacy is remembered for years to come. I am proud to co-lead this bill with Congresswoman Kaptur and work together to honor Admiral Duerk’s groundbreaking legacy.”

“Rear Admiral Alene Duerk embodied the highest ideals of service, sacrifice, and patriotism,” Kaptur said. “Her courage when treating servicemembers, steadfast advocacy for improved medical care and fair treatment for those in uniform, and her pioneering leadership opened doors for generations of women who followed. It is long past time that the United States Navy honor her trailblazing legacy by naming a naval vessel in her memory.”

Throughout her career, Admiral Duerk championed better medical care for service members, advocated for equal pay, and pushed for expanded opportunities for women across the armed forces. Even in retirement, she continued her life of service, teaching English to Vietnamese immigrants and volunteering with organizations such as Meals on Wheels.

NOTE: In 2020, a bill was signed into law naming the Ohio State Route 108 in Henry County, “RDML Alene Duerk Memorial Highway.” In 2021, Congressman Latta attended a dedication for the designation.

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Slotkin, Stevens Push Democrats to Abolish Presidential Pardon [WLNS]

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – After voting to release the long-blocked Epstein Files, Congresswoman Haley Stevens joined Senator Elissa Slotkin’s calls to “push Democrats to abolish [the] Presidential Pardon.” With Trump considering pardons for Ghislaine Maxwell and others involved in Epstein’s child sex trafficking ring, Congresswoman Haley Stevens also released a new video outlining why the abuse of power must end, and the presidential pardon must go.

Here’s what Michiganders are seeing and reading about Haley standing up to Donald Trump’s abuses of power:

WLNS: Slotkin, Stevens push Democrats to abolish presidential pardon

Brad LaPlante

November 19, 2025

For the last two months, U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin has been leading an effort to curb President Donald Trump’s use of executive power. During a town hall in August, the Democrat from Holly called it a “quirk of history that does not make sense in America for either party any longer.” She said lawmakers should revoke the power.

U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Birmingham) joined Slotkin Tuesday in her calls to end the presidential pardon, criticizing Trump for weighing a decision to pardon Jeffrey Epstein’s sex-trafficking co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell, who is reportedly planning to seek a commutation of her federal prison sentence, according to the Independent.

A judge sentenced Maxwell to 20 years in prison for enabling sex offender and disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein in the sexual exploitation of more than 250 underage girls.

“It’s time to stop protecting Donald Trump and to start protecting survivors,” Stevens posted to social media platform X on Tuesday. “The presidential pardon power has been used to reward political allies. Trump has done it again, and again, and again. And now he could even pardon a person who helped run a child sex trafficking ring with Jeffrey Epstein. That’s unacceptable.”

In a video posted to social media this week, Slotkin said the presidential pardon “doesn’t make sense in the modern world.” She said she doesn’t support it for either political party.

…

On Nov. 9, Trump issued a pardon for 16 individuals accused of scheming to certify Michigan’s electoral votes for Trump in the 2020 election. While charges against 15 of those individuals were dismissed in September, the 16th reached a cooperation agreement with the Michigan attorney general’s office. His charges were dropped.

Trump has also issued blanket pardons for those involved in the events at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. He pardoned Ross William Ulbricht, who had been serving a life sentence in prison for running a website that acted as a marketplace to trade narcotics.

In Trump’s first term, he pardoned former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who was charged with crimes related to selling former President Barack Obama’s vacated Senate seat, among other “pay to play” schemes. The Illinois House voted 114-1 to impeach him, and he was removed from office and prohibited from ever holding office in the state again by two separate unanimous votes in the Illinois Senate. Blagojevich was released from prison at least four years early in 2020 after Trump commuted his sentence. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have been eligible for early release until at least March 2024.

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Torres Joins DeLauro and Clyburn in Sending a Letter to HUD Secretary to Prevent 170,000 People from Losing Homes in Dead of Winter

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

November 21, 2025

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Norma torres joined House Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) and Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Subcommittee Ranking Member James Clyburn in sending a letter to Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner, requesting the Department work with Congress to prevent 170,000 people from losing their homes in the dead of winter.

On top of the more than 770,000 people currently without housing throughout the United States, 170,000 more people would be pushed out of their homes as a result of the Trump administration’s significant and unnecessary delay in making applications available for Continuum of Care (CoC) grants – known as a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) – coupled with new restrictions within the CoC program.

“Nearly $3.7 billion in CoC grants awarded nationally during the FY24 cycle will begin expiring on December 31, 2025. The timing of the FY25 CoC NOFO represents the most delayed issuance of a NOFO for the CoC Program over the last 10 years, and consequentially, will result in the most prolonged funding gap for this critical homelessness prevention program,” the letter states. “We believe that the timing of the issuance of the NOFO, combined with major policy changes for the FY25 competition, will cause major disruptions to homeless services at the local level through the Winter and into Spring 2026, threatening housing assistance for at least 170,000 people currently served through the CoC Program.”

HUD’s Continuum of Care program is one of the nation’s largest and most effective programs in combatting homelessness. More than 750,000 veterans, unaccompanied youth, people with disabilities, victims of domestic violence, and other struggling Americans rely on its support across the country.

“These grants serve as a lifeline for more than 400 communities across the country and we are prepared to work with you to help ensure resources appropriated by this Congress continue to serve those most in need without delay,” the letter concludes. “We appreciate your attention to this critical and timely matter.”

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Congresswoman Torres Condemns Trump Administration for Slashing Funding for Addressing Student Hunger, Homelessness & Basic Needs

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

November 21, 2025

Washington D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Norma Torres, a member of the House Appropriations Committee that oversees government funding, condemned the Trump Administration’s decision to cruelly eliminate the FY25 Basic Needs Grants, a program she secured funding for to help students afford food, housing, transportation, and other essentials needed to stay in school.

“Cutting Basic Needs Grants is a direct hit to students who are already stretched to the breaking point,” said Congresswoman Torres. “These grants helped keep students housed, fed, and enrolled. Killing them makes college even more unaffordable and it pulls support from the very students who need it most.”

The Department of Education cancelled the Basic Needs for Postsecondary Students Program for Fiscal Year 2025 last week after reallocating funds from the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education, against Congressional intent, leaving colleges without vital resources to address rising student hunger and housing insecurity.

Since Rep. Torres first secured a pilot program for Basic Needs Grants in Fiscal Year 2021, the Basic Needs Grants have reached colleges and universities in 22 states and Puerto Rico, including both rural and urban areas in Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Minnesota, North Carolina, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin and the program has received applications from many more states.

“At a time when tuition, rent, and the cost of living keep climbing, the Trump Administration chose to walk away from struggling students,” Torres added. “I’m going to keep fighting to restore these funds and to advance my BASIC Act so students aren’t forced to choose between their education and basic survival.”

Nearly one in four (23%) undergraduate students across the country experience food insecurity, a rate twice that of all other U.S. households, meaning more than 4.3 million undergraduate and graduate students who have low or very low food security. Furthermore, 3 in 5 students do not have enough to eat or a safe place to live.

Students who confront other challenges and limited access to opportunities, such as Pell Grant recipients, parenting students, first-generation students, veterans, former foster youth, students with disabilities, and students at community colleges and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) typically experience the highest levels of basic needs insecurity.

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Subcommittee on Modernization and Innovation Requests Funding for FlagTrack 2.0 Program

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

November 20, 2025

WASHINGTON D.C – Today, Ranking Member Norma Torres (CA-35) and Subcommittee on Modernization and Innovation Chairwoman Stephanie Bice (OK-05) announced a new modernization project the Subcommittee has recommended for Modernization Initiatives Account (MIA) funding. 

The Subcommittee has requested MIA funding to support the development and implementation of FlagTrack 2.0, enhancing the portal that streamlines the process of ordering and tracking flags for constituents. The system connects all entities involved in the process, including the Architect of the Capitol’s Flag Office, House Mailing Services, and the House Office Supply Store, making it easier for staff to manage flag requests. The funding will improve the design and workflow of FlagTrack, allowing checks and refunds to be processed directly through the portal instead of the current manual paper process, and providing the option for a flag to be sent back to member offices, or shipped directly to the constituent. Finally, a new public-facing portal will also give constituents the ability to track their flag requests.

“Flag requests are a meaningful way for constituents to honor special events, ceremonies, and celebrations with American flags that have flown over the Capitol,” said Ranking Member Torres. “Updating FlagTrack would allow constituents to track their flag requests, allowing the American people we represent to be part of the operation, as well as help simplify the process for both constituents and House staff.”

“FlagTrack 2.0 will simplify and streamline the process of getting flags flown over the Capitol to constituents,” said Chairwoman Bice. “This new program improves communication and brings the flag request process into the digital age.”

Background:
The MIA was established in the FY 2021 Appropriations Act to fund initiatives to modernize House operations.

Funding for this modernization initiative is subject to the approval of the House Appropriations Legislative Branch Subcommittee and the House Appropriations Committee.

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REP LIEU ANNOUNCES FEDERAL FUNDING FOR CRITICAL STORMWATER INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS IN ROLLING HILLS ESTATES

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ted Lieu (33 District of California)

LOS ANGELES – Today, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D–Los Angeles County) issued the following statement after a community project he advocated for was included in the government funding bill signed into law last week. The goal of the funded project is to improve stormwater infrastructure in and around Rolling Hills Estates following years of unprecedented rainfall and flooding. Southern California has been heavily impacted by recent severe storms that have stressed critical infrastructure designed to mitigate flooding in the area. This project will help Rolling Hills Estates repair storm drains and install a dry-well system to divert stormwater from entering the Los Angeles Harbor. 

“Southern California has been getting hammered by severe rainstorms, which is stress testing our region’s critical infrastructure,” said Rep. Lieu “Heavy rains in communities like Rolling Hills Estates can lead to dangerous and destructive flooding and land movement. This is why I fought for and secured the federal funding for Rolling Hills Estates to improve their storm water infrastructure. By repairing old storm drains and installing a new system to divert storm water, we can curb the harmful impacts of the unprecedented rainfall and flooding we’ve seen in the last few years.”

“This project reflects the City’s commitment to both public safety and environmental stewardship,” said Mayor Debby Stegura. “By investing in our stormwater infrastructure, we are reducing flood risks, preventing system failures, and protecting waterways from storm-driven pollution. We are proud to advance this work with strong federal partnership and are grateful to Congressman Ted Lieu for his leadership in securing funding for this project in Rolling Hills Estates.”

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REPS. PLASKETT, FITZPATRICK, RILEY, AND BRESNAHAN INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN FARM TO SCHOOL ACT

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

For Immediate Release                             Contact: Alayah Phipps 

November 21, 2025                                                    202-813-2793 

PRESS RELEASE 

REPS. PLASKETT, FITZPATRICK, RILEY, AND BRESNAHAN INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN FARM TO SCHOOL ACT 

Washington, D.C. – This week, Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) and her colleagues, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Congressman Josh Riley (D-NY), and Congressman Rob Bresnahan (R-PA), introduced the Farm to School Act of 2025, H.R. 6065. This bipartisan legislation would double federal funding for farm-to-school programs from $5 million to $10 million annually. The bill would expand access to fresh, locally sourced foods in schools nationwide while strengthening local agricultural economies and supporting small-scale farmers, ranchers, and fishermen. 

“The Farm to School Act is a blueprint for nourishing our children while invigorating our local economies. Since its inception, this program has channeled more than $52 million into projects across all states and territories, including the U.S. Virgin Islands, benefiting nearly 21 million students in 47,000 schools. This legislation doubles funding for a program that works, providing an essential economic lifeline to our small farmers, ranchers, and fishermen, while ensuring millions of students have access to nutritious, locally sourced meals. I am proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation alongside Reps. Fitzpatrick, Riley, and Bresnahan to support our nation’s schools and local communities,” said Congresswoman Plaskett.  

“When local farmers and local schools work hand-in-hand, the whole community benefits. The Farm to School Act expands that partnership — increasing federal support, cutting red tape, and opening the door for more of our small and socially disadvantaged farmers to supply the fresh, local food our kids deserve. This bill brings healthier meals into our classrooms and stronger economic opportunity to our farms. It’s a win for our farmers. It’s a win for our kids. And it’s exactly the kind of bipartisan, community-driven progress that defines Pennsylvania’s First District,” said Fitzpatrick. 

“In Upstate New York, fresh, local food shouldn’t be a luxury — it should be what our kids get at school every day,” Rep. Riley said. “The Farm to School Act helps connect our family farms with the cafeterias that feed our students and keeps more of our food dollars close to home. It strengthens our schools and ensures that Upstate New York farms feed Upstate New York kids. I’m proud to support it.” 

“From Northeastern Pennsylvania farms to our school cafeterias, keeping it local matters,” said Rep. Bresnahan. “Farm to School grants and investments in our region have helped our students eat healthier and kept our family farms growing strong. The Farm to School Act will expand and improve these efforts so more of our kids can eat food grown by farmers right in their own backyards.”   

Congresswoman Plaskett continued, “As food assistance programs face continued attacks, the Farm to School Grant Program is increasingly critical. The program enables schools, nonprofit organizations, and local, state, and tribal governments to purchase and serve fresh food directly from local farms to school cafeterias. Ensuring that every child and every family has access to nutritious food is at the heart of my legislative agenda. 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. No family should face the uncertainty of not knowing where their child’s next meal will come from. I am grateful to my colleagues for their partnership on this critical legislation, and I am thankful for the opportunity to work together across party for our children.”