Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David G Valadao (CA-21)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) joined Reps. Scott Peters (CA-50), Josh Harder (CA-09), and Darrell Issa (CA-48) to reintroduce the Providing Child Care for Police Officers Act. This bipartisan bill aims to address the nationwide police staffing shortages by making it easier for parents to enter the field. Police shortages have been especially harmful to rural communities, like the Central Valley, who have struggled to recruit and retain enough qualified officers.

“Our Central Valley police departments continue to face staffing shortages, and we need real solutions to support the people who put their lives on the line to keep us safe,” said Congressman Valadao. “By making childcare more accessible for officers working long, irregular hours, this bipartisan bill reduces a major barrier for working parents in law enforcement and helps improve public safety in our communities.”

“Access to quality, reliable childcare is essential to recruitment and retention of the best, most representative police force we can have,” said Rep. Peters. “Our officers go out every day and ensure our children are safe — the least we can do is make sure there is someone to watch their kids when they are on duty. San Diego is leading the way to expand childcare opportunities for police officers, and I am working to support those efforts at the federal level.” 

“This is a no brainer – keeping our families safe starts by recruiting and retaining top-tier police officers,” said Rep. Harder. “Making sure our officers have access to quality, affordable child care means we increase the pool of talented, diverse recruits and keeps officers on the streets helping our communities.” 

“We have a responsibility to provide our police officers with the tools, training, and equipment they need to safeguard our streets and protect our communities,” said Rep.  Issa. “This bill represents a creative and innovative approach to not only advance law and order everywhere it is needed, but allowing these brave men and women on the front lines to be both parents and police.” 

Supporting organizations include: 30×30 Initiative, International Union of Police Associations (IUPA), National Association of Police Organizations, Fraternal Order of Police, and Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC).

The Providing Child Care for Police Officers Act would:

• Establish a pilot program under the Administration for Children and Families to supply grants to law enforcement agencies to provide child care benefits to their officers. 
• Authorize $24 million in funding for each of the next five fiscal years. Law enforcement agencies will be able to use this funding to construct or operate new center for police departments’ exclusive use, offer scholarships to subsidize the cost of care, or provide assistance for care for children with disabilities.  
• Allow law enforcement agencies, local governments, and child care providers to determine each of their responsibilities while requiring local entities to contribute a scaled matching requirement over a three-year grant period. 
• Set aside 20% of the total grant funding for police departments employing fewer than 200 officers. 
• Require HHS to report to Congress the grant recipients, corresponding law enforcement agencies, employee retention and recruitment data, and the unmet child care needs of other first responder sectors. 

Read the full bill here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL)

WASHINGTON – Rep. Brad Schneider (IL-10) released the following statement in response to a May 7th protest at Columbia that the university said caused “substantial chaos” and resulted in the arrest of nearly 80 people: 

“Last night’s library occupation at Columbia is another example of people crossing the line from legitimate protest to unacceptable violence and illegality.

“Free speech is a right that must always be respected and jealously protected. The right to free speech is not, however, a license to violence or occupation of public spaces. Columbia has appropriately established time, place, and manner policies to ensure students’ rights to both free speech and to be safe and secure in their studies and campus experience.

 “The arrested students have the right to due process and if found guilty of violating university policies or New York laws should face the consequences, including expulsion if appropriate.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL)

WASHINGTON – Rep. Brad Schneider (IL-10), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and co-chair of Abraham Accords Caucus, led 27 fellow House Democrats on a letter to President Trump urging him to call on Prime Minister Netanyahu to immediately restore the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. 

The letter notes Israel is fighting an existential war. “Israel has the right and obligation to defeat Hamas and rescue the hostages,” the members wrote. “At the same time, it is critical that Israel enables entry of lifesaving humanitarian aid into Gaza. We respectfully urge you to call on Prime Minister Netanyahu to immediately address this humanitarian crisis and promote lasting peace”

“There will not be peace as long as Hamas reigns terror over Gaza and seeks to destroy Israel,” added Rep. Schneider. “As Israel works to defeat and dismantle Hamas, it must also facilitate the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. Just as it is crucial for food, water, and medicines to get to civilians, it is imperative that Hamas, and gangs affiliated with Hamas, are not allowed to hijack future aid entering the Strip.” 

Members who signed the letter include Reps. Wesley Bell (MO-01), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Gilbert Cisneros (CA-31), Steve Cohen (TN-07), Angie Craig (MN-02), Danny Davis (IL-07), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), Laura Friedman (CA-30), Steny Hoyer (MD-05), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Robin Kelly (IL-02), George Latimer (NY-16), John Mannion (NY-22), Seth Magaziner (RI-02), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08), Kelly Morrison (MN-03), Frank Mrvan (IN-01), Johnny Olszewski (MD-02), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Chris Pappas (NH-01), Brittany Petterson (CO-07), Kim Schrier (WA-08), Greg Stanton (AZ-04), Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), and Eugene Vindman (VA-07).

The full letter text is below.

Dear President Trump: 

On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a brutal and unprovoked war on Israel, murdering civilians and kidnapping hundreds of hostages. More than 40 Americans were killed, 13 were taken hostage, and five still remain unaccounted for. Presently, 59 hostages are still held in Gaza, of which 24 are presumed living and languishing in Hamas’s tunnels, enduring unspeakable abuse and terror. 

Israel has the right and obligation to defeat Hamas and rescue the hostages. At the same time, it is critical that Israel enables entry of lifesaving humanitarian aid into Gaza. We respectfully urge you to call on Prime Minister Netanyahu to immediately address this humanitarian crisis and promote lasting peace.  

You recently highlighted the ongoing humanitarian suffering in Gaza, where Hamas uses Palestinian civilians as human shields. We appreciate your recognition of the urgent need for food, water, and medicine to reach civilians — and we agree. The World Food Program recently announced that its warehouses are now empty, and many civilians are suffering from lack of access to food and clean water. It is vital for humanitarian assistance to again get to those in need, even amid the ongoing conflict. We also urge you to keep your recent commitment “to help the people of Gaza get some food.” 

We recognize that restoring humanitarian aid must coexist with the campaign to return the hostages and defeat Hamas. Failing to ensure aid reaches civilians risks greater humanitarian catastrophe, strengthens Hamas’s false narratives, risks Israel’s international standing, and undermines the moral clarity of the need to dismantle Hamas and bring hopes for peace and prosperity to the region. The United States must both stand with our allies and uphold our values, including protecting civilian life. Ensuring the safe and sustained delivery of humanitarian aid, while continuing to stand shoulder to shoulder with Israel in its fight against terrorism, is essential to returning the hostages while preserving our shared commitment to security, justice, and human dignity.  

We respectfully urge you to continue speaking out about the importance of restoring humanitarian assistance and to encourage Prime Minister Netanyahu to enable the delivery of life-saving food, water, and medicine to civilians in Gaza without delay. Your leadership at this critical moment can help save lives, reinforce America’s steadfast support for both our values and our allies, and support Israel’s vital mission to dismantle Hamas and bring every hostage home. 

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

Rep. Larsen Releases Report on His Work in Congress This Year

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

Congresswoman Convenes Roundtable and Presser at Boston Museum of African American History

Pressley Recently Demanded Investigation into Trump’s Attack on Smithsonian and Museums, Brazen Attempt to Whitewash History

Roundtable Video | Press Conference Video | Photos

BOSTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) convened a roundtable and press conference at the Museum of African American History in Boston to uplift the vital role of museums in preserving our shared history amid Donald Trump’s attack on cultural institutions and his attempts to erase the documented histories of marginalized communities.

Last week, Congresswoman Pressley and Rep. Tonko (NY-20), Co-Chair of the Congressional Museum Caucus, led 69 of their colleagues in demanding an investigation into the impact of Trump’s harmful Executive Order attacking Smithsonian museums – namely, the American Art Museum, the American Women’s History Museum, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

“I want every single person to walk into our museums—from the Smithsonians in Washington to the African American History Museum in Boston, to other museums in Massachusetts and beyond—and see our collective, accurate history on full display,” said Congresswoman Pressley. “With occupant Trump and Republicans carrying out a coordinated assault on Black history and the histories of marginalized communities, it’s imperative that we support our local museums in preserving the integrity of American history and culture. I’m so grateful to the African American History Museum and our local leaders for their partnership in pushing back against these harmful attacks and telling this hostile White House: hands off our museums.”

Joining Congresswoman Pressley at the convening were Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, Dr. Noelle Trent of the Museum of African American History, Lydia Lowe of the Chinatown Community Land Trust and the Immigrant History Trail, Barry Gaither of the National Center of Afro-American Artists, Bethann Steiner and Marc Carroll of the Mass Cultural Council, and local leaders and community members.

“Boston’s cultural institutions and museums are anchors in our communities and critical in fostering belonging for all. I’m grateful to Congresswoman Pressley for her bold leadership in bringing leaders across our cultural sector together and challenging these attacks against our institutions,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Our cultural institutions here in Boston and across the country remind us where we have been, where we are now and where we are going. We will continue to partner with Congresswoman Pressley and our Museum leaders to protect and preserve our shared history. Boston has always been a city that stands up for our communities and we will continue our work to make our city a home for everyone.” 

“The Museum of African American History Boston | Nantucket stands as a powerful reminder of the indispensable contributions Black Americans have made to our nation’s history,” said Dr. Noelle Trent, President and CEO of the Museum. “I’m grateful for elected officials like Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, Mayor Michelle Wu, Governor Maura Healey, the Boston City Council, as well as community leaders, who are committed to standing with us in this ongoing effort. We will not be erased—we will continue to safeguard our truth and honor our legacy, because our stories are foundational to the American story.”

“As the Commonwealth’s state arts agency, Mass Cultural Council thanks Congresswoman Pressley for convening this morning’s conversation. We believe in the power of culture and that the arts, humanities, and sciences are a public good. Public investment at the federal level is threatened in our sector and today the Congresswoman shined a light on the dangers of this decision. This is a $29 billion economic sector in Massachusetts. Arts and culture means creativity, good health, and a strong and vibrant economy,” said Marc Carroll, Chair, Mass Cultural Council.

“As an Asian American member of Boston’s Commemoration Commission, which is focusing on sharing the untold stories of our nation’s 250th anniversary, I am grateful to Congresswoman Pressley and Mayor Wu for standing up for truth telling and a national story that includes us all,” said Lydia Lowe of the Chinatown Community Land Trust and the Immigrant History Trail. “We need to learn from our history in order to make a better future.”

To view photos from today’s convening, click here. For video of the roundtable, click here. For video of the press conference, click here.

Last month, Rep. Pressley spoke out on the House Floor condemning the Executive Order and affirming that Black history is American history. Rep. Pressley has also joined Rep. Dina Titus (NV-01) and 126 of their colleagues urging President Trump to reconsider his executive order dismantling the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Congresswoman Pressley also joined Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and their Massachusetts delegation colleagues demanding answers about the Trump Administration’s staffing cuts at the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and attempts to cancel NEH grants in Massachusetts and across the country.

Rep. Pressley has been an outspoken champion for intellectual freedom and diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, and she has been on the front lines of the fight against Trump and Republicans’ efforts to ban books and erase Black history.

In April, Rep. Pressley delivered a floor speech slamming Trump’s attack on Smithsonian museums and affirming that Black history is American history.

Rep. Pressley is also the author of the Books Save Lives Act legislation to confront the rise of book bans in America and ensure inclusive learning environments.

Earlier this year, amid the unprecedented onslaught against diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives from the Trump Administration, Congresswoman Pressley re-introduced H.R. 40, legislation to establish a federal commission to examine the lasting legacy of slavery and develop reparations proposals for African American descendants of enslaved people.

Last year, Rep. Pressley and House Oversight Ranking Member Jamies Raskin introduced the Federal Government Equity Improvement Act and the Equity in Agency Planning Act to codify racial equity across federal agencies and improve government services for underserved communities.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11)

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill released the following statement after Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested outside of the private, for-profit prison Delaney Hall: 

“The scene outside of Delaney Hall today and the arrest of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka is an absolute outrage. He needs to be released immediately. 

“The Trump administration’s decision to reopen Delaney Hall, a private, for-profit prison to detain immigrants won’t make New Jerseyans safer, and it won’t fix our broken immigration system.” 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (21st District of New York)

At Her Direct Invitation, Stefanik Proudly Hosts America 250 at Fort Ticonderoga | Press Releases | Congresswoman Elise Stefanik

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ron Estes (R-Kansas)

Rep. Estes Applauds UK Trade Deal, Encourages Action on DSTs

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

Pressley Has Fought for Öztürk’s Release, Constitutional Rights to Due Process and Free Speech Since She Was Abducted in March

Pressley, Markey, McGovern Met with Öztürk at Louisiana ICE Facility in April

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Congressman James P. McGovern (MA-02), and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) released the following statement after a district court ordered the immediate release of Rümeysa Öztürk after weeks of unlawful detention by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). On March 25, 2025, Ms. Öztürk, a PhD student at Tufts University, was abducted by six plainclothes ICE agents off the streets of Somerville, Massachusetts. She was quickly moved across state lines and shipped more than 1,500 miles away from her community to a for-profit, privately operated detention facility in Louisiana where she has been subjected to inhumane conditions.

“We are relieved that Rümeysa has finally been ordered released. Let us be clear: Rümeysa should have never been abducted off the streets of Somerville, had her visa revoked, and moved to a detention site more than 1,500 miles away, all in violation of her constitutional rights,” said Pressley, Markey, McGovern, Warren. “Rümeysa has been unlawfully detained for six weeks in an ICE facility in Louisiana, where she has suffered intolerable living conditions and multiple intense and worsening asthma attacks. We applaud the district court’s decision to grant bail and order her release from detention, while her habeas petition is resolved. Rümeysa is a cherished member of her community, and we are relieved that she can finally return to Massachusetts. This is a victory for Rümeysa, for justice, and for our democracy.” 

Last month, Pressley, Markey, and McGovern traveled to ICE facilities in Basile and Jena, where Rümeysa Öztürk and Mahmoud Khalil are being unlawfully detained and subjected to inhumane conditions in retaliation for their protected speech. Rep. Pressley, Senator Markey, and Rep. McGovern recounted their harrowing visit at a press conference in Boston.

This week, Congresswoman Pressley, along with Senator Markey, Ranking Member Bennie Thompson, Congressman Jim McGovern, and Congressman Troy Carter sent a letter to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) seeking more information on the detention conditions of immigrants held at the Central Louisiana ICE Processing Center (CLIPC) and the South Louisiana ICE Processing Center (SLIPC) after an oversight trip to the facilities last month.

On May 7, 2025, Pressley, Markey, and McGovern applauded the Second Circuit for ordering Rümeysa’s transfer from ICE custody in Louisiana to Vermont and rejecting the Trump administration’s attempt to delay complying with a lower court order to do so.

In a powerful New York Times op-ed, Pressley, Markey, and McGovern discussed their meeting with Ms. Öztürk in detention and warned the American people of the dangers posed by the Trump administration’s unlawful attacks on our constitutional rights to freedom of speech and due process. Full text of the op-ed is available here.

Rep. Pressley, along with Sens. Warren and Markey, have pushed for answers and action since Öztürk’s March arrest. In March, they led over 30 lawmakers in writing to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Acting Director for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Todd Lyons, demanding information about Öztürk’s arrest and detention as well as similar incidents across the country.

In April, the lawmakers sounded the alarm on Öztürk’s medical neglect in DHS custody and renewed urgent calls for her release. Last week, Pressley, Warren and Markey demanded Secretary of State Rubio released any documents related to her arrest after a recent report indicated that an internal State Department memo concluded that the key premise underlying Tufts graduate student Rümeysa Öztürk’s arrest and detention was false. Last month, Congresswoman Pressley issued a statement condemning reports that ICE arrested and detained Rumeysa Ozturk, an international student with legal status in a graduate program at Tufts University. Earlier in the week, Rep. Pressley issued a statement following reports of ICE activity in Boston and other municipalities in Massachusetts.

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