Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nydia M Velázquez (D-NY)

WASHINGTON – Today, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) announced that Denise Gutierrez Robles will be her guest to tonight’s Joint Address to Congress by President Trump.
 
Denise Gutierrez Robles, originally from El Salvador and a longtime New York resident, is a passionate advocate for transgender and immigrant communities. She serves as the Program Manager for the Transgender Family Program at Community Healthcare Network (CHN) in Brooklyn, where she has spent the past five years working to expand access to inclusive healthcare, legal services, mental health support, and other essential resources for transgender individuals. CHN provides critical healthcare services to many patients who rely on Medicaid, making its work especially vital as the Trump administration threatens to cut the program.
 
“At a time when the Trump administration is attacking Medicaid and targeting the transgender community, voices like Denise’s are more important than ever,” said Congresswoman Velázquez. “Her tireless work ensures that transgender individuals of all backgrounds have access to the care and support they deserve. I’m honored to have her as my guest so we can send a clear message: this administration must keep their hands off Medicaid and respect the rights of trans Americans.”
 
Denise’s advocacy began in 2014 with LGBTQ+ organizations in Long Island, focusing on empowerment and expanding opportunities for the transgender community. Her passion for inclusion, education, and equality continues to drive her work today.
 
Congresswoman Velázquez has been raising the alarm about the Trump administration’s plans to cut Medicaid and has been pushing back against its attacks on the transgender community. She has long fought to protect healthcare access for all and continues to advocate for policies that ensure transgender individuals can live freely and with dignity.
 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nydia M Velázquez (D-NY)

WASHINGTON— Today, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) introduced a resolution to designate February 28, 2025, as Community Arts Education Day to highlight the vital role of the arts in education and community development.
 
The resolution raises awareness of how community arts education in forms such as dance, music, theater, and literary arts enhances learning, inspires activism, and strengthens communities. It also underscores the need for continued federal support for the arts, particularly as proposed cuts by the Trump administration threaten these essential programs.
 
“Community arts education is a powerful tool for self-expression and cultural awareness,” said Congresswoman Velázquez. “For many, it provides a space to understand and navigate the world around them. This resolution affirms the importance of these programs in fostering inclusivity and equipping individuals with the skills they need to succeed in school, work, and beyond.”
 
This resolution is cosponsored by Rep. Jonathan Jackson (D-IL).
 
The National Guild for Community Arts Education is proud to collaborate with Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez’s office in reintroducing this critical resolution. Investing in community arts education is an investment in our future, ensuring that creativity, culture, and community-driven learning remain essential pillars of our society. At a time when the arts are increasingly marginalized, this resolution serves as a call to action to sustain and strengthen arts education for generations to come. We hope it garners the support needed to uplift the profession and empower the next wave of artists, educators, and cultural leaders,” says Dr. Quanice G. Floyd, Executive Director, National Guild for Community Arts Education. 
 
For a full copy of the resolution, click here.
 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)

Washington, DC — Today, Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE), Vice Chair of the Congressional Western Caucus, released the following statement on the joint memorandum issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers (USACE) on implementation of the Waters of the United States rule, known as WOTUS. Under the memorandum, EPA and USACE will work collaboratively to solicit stakeholder input toward a new WOTUS rule designed to provide needed clarity and reduce permitting barriers while ensuring EPA fulfills its mandate to protect navigable American waters.

“This is a great step toward putting WOTUS abuse to bed. The EPA has threatened property rights and livelihoods of rural Americans with bureaucratic overreach for far too long. The Biden administration’s failure to appropriately comply with the Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling or seek public input has only perpetuated uncertainty. EPA regulations must never put undue burdens on American farmers, ranchers, and small businesses and should properly reflect congressional intent in the Clean Water Act.”

BACKGROUND:
Read more about Smith’s efforts to stop WOTUS implementation here. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)

Washington, DC — Today Representative Adrian Smith (R-NE), released the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a historic set of actions to unleash American energy including reconsideration of the tailpipe emissions rule which effectively mandated consumer adoption of electric vehicles and the so-called “Clean Power Plan 2.0” on power plant production. 

“I appreciate President Trump and Administrator Zeldin’s bold and decisive action to rollback barriers to American energy abundance. The Biden administration’s EV mandate was unworkable for Americans living in rural areas like those in the Third District and promised to make us more dependent on supply chains controlled by the Chinese Communist Party. Those hurt the most by these misguided, job-killing policies are typically the ones who can afford it least. Options, not mandates, bring the best outcomes.

“The Biden administration’s crushing power plant rules not only undermined grid reliability, they threatened our economic growth. Nearly half of Nebraska’s electricity comes from coal, including the power supplying our EV charging stations. Innovation is fueled by abundance. The Biden-Harris war on affordable energy is over.”

BACKGROUND:

Rep. Smith has repeatedly spoken out against EPA policies harmful to energy consumers and producers. In February 2024, he sent a letter with a bicameral group of lawmakers urging President Biden to reject the EPA’s unworkable tailpipe rule.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)

Washington, DC — Today, in recognition of National Agriculture Trade Day, Representative Adrian Smith (R-NE) joined fellow Agricultural Trade Caucus co-chairs Reps. Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Jim Costa (D-CA), and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) to announce introduction of a resolution expressing a renewed commitment to supporting market access, robust trade enforcement, elimination of trade barriers, trade promotion programs, comprehensive agreements, and the pursuit of science-based standards in U.S. trade engagements.

“Over the last four years, American farmers and ranchers lost ground in international markets, moving from an agriculture trade surplus to a record trade deficit,” said Rep. Smith. “The U.S. must drive an aggressive agenda to level the playing field and ensure our hardworking producers, who have the capacity to meet demand, can sell their products globally. Through negotiation of USMCA and other advancements on trade in his first term, President Trump showed an ability to overcome trade barriers by working in consultation with Congress to increase market access. This resolution calls for similar efforts to ensure American agriculture has a place at the table as we craft trade policy.”

“Agriculture is the backbone of America and an essential part of our economy,” said Rep. Johnson. “South Dakota is no stranger to the agriculture way of life and the importance of ag trade. I’m proud to partner with the Ag Trade Caucus to highlight the value of ag trade for our country and our farming and ranching families and communities.”

“This bipartisan resolution emphasizes the vital role of ag trade, particularly in the San Joaquin Valley, where agriculture is at the heart of our economy. We must ensure that farmers have the tools and opportunities they need to succeed, while also building a sustainable food supply chain that will continue to feed future generations,” said Rep. Costa. 

“Producers in California’s 19th Congressional District and across the country are facing growing trade barriers, declining exports, and the loss of hard-earned global market share,” said Rep. Panetta. “That’s why, as co-chair of the Ag Trade Caucus, my colleagues and I are introducing this bipartisan resolution to push Congress and the administration to urgently pursue policies that open markets and enforce trade commitments.  By working together, we can protect our producers, support rural communities, and ensure the United States remains a global leader in feeding the world.”

The resolution is cosponsored by Representatives Adrian Smith (R-NE), Jim Costa (D-CA), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), Darin LaHood (R-IL), Don Bacon (R-NE), Josh Harder (D-CA), Claudia Tenney (R-NY), Brad Schneider (D-IL), Eric Sorensen (D-IL), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), Max Miller (R-OH), Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Greg Landsman (D-OH), Shri Thanedar (D-MI), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Stanford Bishop (D-GA), Jeff Hurd (R-CO), and Bennie Thompson (D-MS).

Read the full resolution here.

The Resolution is supported by: American Farm Bureau Federation, National Milk Producers Federation, U.S. Dairy Export Council, American Soybean Association, Corn Refiners Association, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, National Chicken Council, National Turkey Federation, Meat Institute, National Pork Producers Council, Meat Import Council of America, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, Fresh Produce Association of the Americas, Sweetener Users Association, USA Rice, American Feed Industry Association, Leather & Hide Council of America, Independent Bakers Association, Food Export-Midwest & Food Export-Northeast, North American Export Grain Association, California League of Food Producers

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)

Washington, DC — Today Reps. Adrian Smith (R-NE), Suzan DelBene (D-WA), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Kim Schrier (D-WA), Claudia Tenney (R-NY), and Maggie Goodlander (D-NH) introduced the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act, legislation extending a 30 percent investment tax credit (ITC) to American hydroelectric investments to improve power production, provide environmental benefits, or remove outdated dam infrastructure through 2031.

The members released the following statements:

“The ability to harness the power of moving water has paid tremendous dividends for Nebraska’s economy and many other regions of the country,” said Rep. Smith “To meet growing energy demands for the future, we must capitalize on the benefit of sustainable, affordable, and reliable energy sources like hydroelectricity. This legislation will promote development of hydropower and appropriate stewardship of our water resources. I thank my colleagues for joining me to reintroduce this important bill.”

“Washington is a leader in harnessing hydropower to provide reliable and affordable clean energy. This legislation builds on that progress by creating new incentives to improve dam safety, protect fish habitats, and enhance grid resilience. These changes will help Washington families save on energy costs while advancing our commitment to a cleaner future,” said Rep. DelBene.

“Hydropower is a powerful bridge between America’s energy past and its clean energy future. This bipartisan bill ensures we maximize its potential—investing in modern infrastructure, strengthening grid security, and restoring vital waterways. By pairing innovation with environmental responsibility, we are building a more resilient and sustainable energy system for generations to come,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick.

“Hydropower is the largest source of electricity in Washington state, comprising 67% of the energy generation mix. It’s important we invest in the safety of this reliable, affordable resource to achieve our emissions goals while restoring river health and safe passage for salmon and steelhead populations,” said Rep. Schrier.  “This legislation will incentivize safer hydroelectric energy production while also enhancing aquatic ecosystems, water quality, and public use upgrades.”

“Hydropower is at the heart of lowering energy costs for hardworking Granite Staters and making America the world’s clean energy superpower,” said Rep. Goodlander. “I’m proud to be working to get this important bipartisan legislation across the finish line.”

For text of the legislation click here.

Currently, the ITC covering hydropower only applies to investments that produce a marginal increase in power generation. Vital environmental and maintenance investments such as new fish passage to help enhance aquatic ecosystems, structural upgrades to ensure the safety of dams, and generator rewinds to improve grid resiliency that do not result in power increases are not currently eligible for this credit. With many decades-old hydroelectric dams facing costly upgrades to continue operating safely and economically, the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act of 2025 bridges the gap in current law. Examples of eligible investments include adding fish-friendly turbines or new fish ladders, managing river sediments to improve habitat, upgrading or replacing floodgates and spillways, and expanding access to public waterways impacted by existing dams.

The bipartisan bill would also support local efforts to remove non-power producing river barriers, including abandoned or obsolete dams, dikes, or embankments, allowing those rivers to run free and naturally once again. Private, state, local, and non-profit groups could use the 30 percent federal tax incentive, with a direct pay option, to support efforts to demolish and remove unnecessary barriers with the owner’s consent. Removing obsolete river obstructions that no longer meet their intended purpose nor benefit society can provide new outdoor recreation opportunities, create new fish and wildlife habitat, spur local economic development, and increase the resilience of rivers.

Industry leaders shared the following statements in support of the legislation:

“Our District sincerely thanks Congressman Adrian Smith for introducing the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration act,” said Kyle Shepherd, President of the Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District Board. “Lake McConaughy is one of Nebraska’s most vital pieces of water infrastructure, and this bill can help provide the necessary resources to maintain Kingsley Dam and ensure its safe operation far into the future for Nebraska and its people.”

“Hydropower is well-positioned to help America meet our bold energy goals — with the right federal support. America’s first electricity resource is reliable, dependable, domestically-sourced, and capable of bolstering our grid at a moment’s notice, but a lack of investment in these “forever assets” threatens those capabilities. NHA is proud to support this bipartisan legislation because we know that it will help preserve this critical resource at a time when America needs every megawatt to power our continued prosperity,” said Malcolm Woolf, President and CEO, National Hydropower Association.

“We support this bipartisan legislation which aligns well with President Trump’s previous comments on the importance of clean water. Rivers are the lifeblood of our nation, providing drinking water, sanitation, power generation, and the transport of millions of tons of American industrial and agricultural products. Hydropower plays a special role in safeguarding our waters and this legislation will help in that regard,” said Jeff Kupfer, President, ConservAmerica.

“We support legislation that incentivizes the removal of dams that no longer serve a beneficial purpose, while also promoting essential investments in fish passage, dam safety, public access to waterways, and overall river health improvements where dams continue to impact rivers,” said Thomas O’Keefe, Pacific Northwest Stewardship Director, American Whitewater.

“We applaud the bipartisan leadership behind this timely bill, which promotes dam safety and advances river restoration. This legislation is a testament to the hard work and collaboration between conservation groups and the hydropower industry to find common-sense solutions that benefit both river ecosystems and renewable energy generation while also lowering costs for consumers. We look forward to working with Congress to get this critical legislation across the finish line and enacted into law,” said Tom Kiernan, President, and CEO of American Rivers.

“We applaud the bipartisan leadership for this bill that provides critical incentives that will enable hydropower to invest in new energy generation, dam safety, and river health. Hydropower is an energy source that has been powering communities across America for generations and remains essential for a reliable and secure electricity grid. We are grateful to Reps. Smith and DelBene along with Sens. Cantwell and Murkowski for advancing solutions that will promote environmental stewardship, enhance public safety, and strengthen our energy security,” said Shannon Ames, Executive Director, Low Impact Hydropower Institute.

“Hydropower is a proven, reliable source of affordable energy for Americans. It is critical that we continue to improve, expand, and invest in this vital resource to meet future energy needs. The American Conservation Coalition Action and its over 60,000 grassroots members nationwide commend this bipartisan effort to unleash clean, American-made energy,” said Andrew Mills, Managing Director of American Conservation Coalition Action.

BACKGROUND:

Smith introduced the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act in December 2023. Smith has supported legislation to encourage development of hydroelectric and other renewable energy production since 2007.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)

Washington, DC — Today, Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE), released the following statement after President Trump signed an executive order directing the Secretary of Education to take steps necessary to facilitate the closure of the federal Department of Education.

“We owe it to American students to examine whether they are better off since the Department of Education’s inception more than a half-century ago. Just since 2000, federal spending has ballooned 649 percent while student proficiencies and the number of ED employees have declined. It’s clear such ineffectiveness is not worth such a monumental expense. Parents deserve a greater voice in the classroom, and the federal government should return this issue to the states.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)

Bacon Announces Community Leader and Gold Star Wife as His Presidential Address Guests

WASHINGTON – Every year, for the Presidential Address or State of the Union address before a joint session of congress, Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02) has invited a member of the community to join him as his guest. This year, Rep. Bacon is pleased to announce two guests who have accepted his invitation and ARE attending: Mark Ashton, Lead Pastor for Christ Community Church (CCC) in Omaha and Aldena “Dena” Yllescas Johnston. 

A man of strong faith and passion for service, Mark is married to his college sweetheart, Kelle, and they have four children. Mark holds two Bachelor of Science degrees, in economics and in marketing, and has completed graduate and seminary work. Since he is also an Ordained Minister of the Gospel, he likes to brag that his official title is “Rev. Mark Ashton, B.S., B.S., O.M.G.” Pastor Mark serves on the National Board of Directors for the Christian and Missionary Alliance. He is the founding leader of organizations such as CityCare Counseling, and Within Reach. He has taught leaders and led mission trips in fifteen countries on six continents. The international project closest to his heart is the Hospital for Women and Children in West Africa, where over 50,000 babies have been safely born since it opened in 2006.

“Pastor Mark has made an impact through his work at CityCare broadening access to mental health services, building collaborative networks like Within Reach to leverage resources to offer compassion, hope and faith,” said Rep. Bacon. “As leader of his congregation at Christ Community, Pastor Mark has helped the church bring aid to the hungry and marginalized victims of natural disasters around the globe; plant churches; launch schools and bring education to nations on three continents.”

On October 28, 2008, U.S. Army Capt. Robert J. Yllescas was injured by an IED (Improvised Explosion Device), losing both of his legs and suffering head injuries. Although there were moments of hope, he succumbed to his injuries on December 1, 2008. The attack occurred during one of the bloodiest American engagements in Operation Enduring Freedom, and was the subject of a 2019 film, The Outpost.

In addition to his wife Dena, Capt. Yllescas is survived by his two daughters.

“The bravery of Capt. Yllescas is well documented and was recognized in November 2008 when former president George Bush presented him with a Purple Heart,” said Bacon. “But the courage of his wife Dena, and all of our Gold Star Spouses, cannot be fathomed. As they are left to pick up the pieces and carry on for their families, after losing their loved one, cannot be described in enough details for people to comprehend. I am pleased Dena is able to join us.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)

Bacon Issues Statement on Trump’s Address

Washington, D.C. – Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02) issued the following statement after President Trump’s address to the joint session of Congress.

“President Trump ran and won on a platform of raising wages, lowering inflation, slashing government spending, securing the border, gaining energy independence, and increasing our national deterrence to foreign adversaries. Tonight, he spoke about his accomplishments including a 600% increase in arrests by ICE of illegal immigrants, securing over $1.7 trillion in historic investments, increasing energy production and leases, increasing transparency in government, and finding the waste we need to eliminate to lower our national debt.

“I applaud the audits on wasteful spending, but we should be cautious before we fire someone. I applaud our goal of securing peace and security for Ukraine.   

“Finally, we need to look at our decorum for the sake of our country, and on both sides. But tonight, I was extremely disappointed to not see members of the Democrat Party stand for a survivor of child brain cancer and murder victims.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)

Bacon Statement on CR Vote

Washington – Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02) issued the following statement after voting yes for the Continuing Resolution (CR) funding bill, H.R. 1968 – Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025:

“I voted for this CR to keep our government open, which enabled us to plus up our military and defenses. This bill funds the historic pay raise for those who protect our country that came out of the Quality-of-Life panel I chaired and got passed through the FY25 NDAA (National Defense Authorization Act). It allows our military to start new contracts that will enable us to build new warships. 

“This CR does not gut any programs. In fact, it provides an additional $6 billion for the Cost of War Toxic Exposure Fund, $30.242 billion for the Veterans Benefits Administration Compensation and Pensions, $4.864 billion for the Veterans Benefits Administration Readjustment Benefits, and increases WIC by $500 million.

“While I do not like CR’s, we cannot let the government shut down and not be there to serve the people.”

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