Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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

FRESNO, Calif. – Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) released the following statement after the death of a Marine from Fresno who was identified as one of the victims in a fatal crash during a convoy in New Mexico.
“We mourn the tragic loss of Lance Corporal Marcelino M. Gamino, a proud son of Fresno who gave his life in service to our nation. At just 28, he served with honor in the 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division. Our hearts are with his family, friends, and fellow Marines as they grieve this profound loss. His memory will endure as a testament to the strength, service, and spirit of the San Joaquin Valley,”said Congressman Costa.
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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

FRESNO, Calif. – Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) is leading the charge to rein in presidential overreach on trade by cosponsoring and actively pushing H.R. 407 –  Prevent Tariff Abuse Act, legislation to block the President of the United States from using national emergencies as a loophole to impose tariffs without Congressional approval. “Tariffs are a tax on American producers and consumers — plain and simple. In the San Joaquin Valley, where folks are already stretched thin by high costs, the last thing we need is a hidden tax making gas and groceries even more expensive. The Constitution gives Congress, not the President, the power to set trade policy. This bill is about restoring that authority and standing up for the people who are paying the price,” said Congressman Costa. BACKGROUNDCalifornia is the nation’s leading agricultural state, supplying roughly one-third of fresh fruit and vegetables, while exporting more than $23.6 billion in agricultural goods annually. The San Joaquin Valley is at the heart of this export economy, producing almonds, dairy, citrus, grapes, and dozens of other crops that are shipped around the world. The American Farm Bureau estimates that new retaliatory tariffs from Canada, Mexico, and China alone could impact nearly $30 billion in agricultural exports. The U.S. Department of Agriculture found that California lost roughly $683 million in crop revenue due to President Trump’s 2018 tariffs. This significantly impacted processed/fresh fruits ($374 million), tree nuts ($199 million), and dairy products ($68 million), all of which are major commodities grown in Congressman Costa’s District and the San Joaquin Valley. The Yale Budget Labestimates that Trump’s tariffs will raise costs for American consumers by $3,400 to $4,200 a year. Tariffs imposed by President Trump in 2018 led to higher prices across the country for consumer goods, like washing machines and solar panels, and for intermediate goods, like aluminum and steel. The Prevent Tariff Abuse Act would stop the President from bypassing Congress to impose tariffs or quotas that raise costs on families. Current law allows the President to declare a national emergency under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), originally meant to target hostile foreign threats with financial sanctions. However, it was never meant to let a President declare an “economic emergency” and impose tariffs on our allies without congressional approval.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brendan Boyle (13th District of Pennsylvania)

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02) has been selected to be part of the official bipartisan congressional delegation attending the funeral of His Holiness Pope Francis on Saturday, April 26 in St. Peter’s Square. The United States Delegation is one of 170 countries sending official delegations.

“It is a tremendous honor to represent our nation at the Papal Funeral Mass and to carry the sentiments of my constituents from Pennsylvania as we pay tribute to a leader whose legacy of humility and kindness will resonate for generations. Pope Francis was an inspiring leader whose profound compassion for the marginalized and steadfast dedication to justice transformed countless lives across the globe,” said Congressman Boyle. “Pope Francis embodied true moral leadership, consistently reminding us of our collective responsibility to protect every member of society.”

In 2015, Congressman Boyle attended Pope Francis’ historic address to a joint session of Congress and met the Pontiff during his visit to a prison located in the congressman’s congressional district in Philadelphia.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brendan Boyle (13th District of Pennsylvania)

PHILADELPHIA, PA – Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02) issued the following statement on the passing of Pope Francis:

“I am tremendously saddened by the passing of Pope Francis, a leader whose deep compassion for the poor and commitment to justice touched countless lives. In 2015, he made history as the first Pope to address a joint session of Congress, delivering a powerful message of moral responsibility and reminding us of our commitment to all in society.

I was honored to meet Pope Francis during his visit to Philadelphia that same trip. His presence here was a moment of great pride for our community and will never be forgotten.

For Catholics and non-Catholics alike, his work around the world was a constant reminder to love our neighbors as ourselves. Pope Francis’ legacy will endure as a guiding light for all who seek justice and peace.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA)

Northridge, California – On April 26th, Congressman Brad Sherman welcomed over 1,000 residents of California’s 32nd Congressional District to an in-person Town Hall at California State University, Northridge (CSUN).

The event drew a packed and passionate crowd as Congressman Sherman addressed critical issues impacting both the district and the nation. Topics ranged from the chaos and recklessness of the Trump administration’s agenda, its dismantling of critical services — from Social Security to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau – our recovery efforts from the Los Angeles wildfires and much more.

Passions ran high throughout the evening as constituents voiced deep concerns about national political trends and the erosion of public trust. Despite the charged atmosphere, the meeting showcased the district’s strong civic engagement and commitment to holding leaders accountable.

“I am proud to represent a district that cares deeply about the future of our democracy and isn’t afraid to speak out,” said Congressman Sherman. “Our challenges are serious, but our passion and involvement are stronger.”

Today’s Town Hall was part of Sherman’s long-standing tradition of maintaining open and direct communication with the residents he serves during critical periods in our nation’s history.

During the Town Hall, Sherman requested input from residents by asking a series of survey questions about their thoughts and concerns.

The results of the survey questions are as follows:

1) Do you approve of President Trump’s performance as President so far?

– Approve: 10%
– Disapprove: 88%
– Unsure: 2%

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2) Should your Member of Congress vote for legislation that they think is good for the country, or should they vote NO on everything that Republican Speaker Johnson is willing to propose and Trump is willing to sign?

– Obstruction & Resistance: Vote NO on all of Speaker Johnson and President Trump’s legislation: 44%

– Negotiate with Republicans but only vote for a bill Democrats think is good: 42%

– Vote with Republicans: 10%

-Unsure: 4%

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3) Since October 7th, 2023, we’ve provided aid to Israel of $14.1 billion, which is about one-tenth of what we have provided Ukraine, whichwas also attacked a couple of years ago. Should we continue to provide arms aid to Israel?

– Yes, provide arms aid to Israel: 30%
– No, do not provide arms aid to Israel: 55%
– Unsure: 15%

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4) Should U.S. tax dollars be used to purchase Bitcoin, Dogecoin, or Trump coin?

– Yes, take our tax dollars and buy cryptocurrency: 1%
– No, do not buy crypto with tax dollars: 98%
– Unsure: 1%

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn)

SAINT PAUL, Minn. — Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) reintroduced the Mississippi River Restoration and Resilience Initiative (MRRRI) Act (H.R. 2977) on Tuesday, aiming to establish a non-regulatory initiative to coordinate restoration and resilience opportunities along the Mississippi River corridor. MRRRI is modeled on the highly successful Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI). Upon reintroducing the legislation for the 119^th Congress, Congresswoman McCollum issued the following statement:

 “I grew up along the Mississippi River in South St. Paul, where I learned to cherish this world-class waterway,” said Congresswoman McCollum. “The river was a vital channel for commerce then, and it still is today. But back then, nobody cared for the Mississippi – and the quality of the water suffered, as did the ecosystem that relies on it. Thanks to those who stepped up to protect it, the Mississippi River remains a working river for the wildlife, families, recreationists, and businesses that depend on it.

“Earth Day is the ideal time to assess the great progress we’ve made, but at the same time, understand the growing risks. From the northernmost headwaters in Lake Itasca to the Middle Mississippi where it meets the Ohio River, and all the way down to the Mississippi Delta, the health of this great river continues to be at risk. Just days ago, the Mississippi River was named ‘America’s Most Endangered River’ by conservation organization American Rivers.

“Flooding and other extreme weather events, pollution, and runoff threaten the river and surrounding communities. The health of the river is critical not just for the sake of the natural beauty, wildlife, and climate change-fighting capabilities of these resources, but for our economy and so our communities can thrive as well. That’s why I’m proud to introduce the Mississippi River Restoration and Resilience Act. Future generations are counting on us. We must act with urgency.”

The Mississippi River Restoration and Resilience Initiative would:

• Improve community resilience to climate change and reduce flood risk by restoring floodplains, riverine wetlands, delta and coastal wetlands, and backwaters
• Improve drinking water quality in the Mississippi River and Gulf of Mexico by reducing polluted runoff
• Protect and restore wildlife habitat throughout the river corridor
• Prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species in the river system

Background:

McCollum first introduced the MRRRI Act in the U.S. House of Representatives in the 117^th Congress.

The Mississippi River Restoration and Resilience Initiative (MRRRI) would invest in building resilience to increased flooding and storms, improving water quality, restoring wildlife habitat, and stopping the spread of aquatic invasive species. MRRRI would also improve coordination at the federal level around the challenges of protecting and improving the Mississippi River and make additional federal investments all along the Mississippi River Corridor. The initiative would fund community-driven projects, guided by an action plan that is shaped by state, tribal, and local government partners with the input of stakeholders working together to improve the health of America’s River and the communities that rely on it.

The changes to the bill for the 119^th Congress are:

• Adding reference to the Hypoxia Task Force as a consulting entity and making clear that MRRRI is not to supplant the functions of the Hypoxia Task Force;
• Removal of the findings section
• Changing the wording of eligible activity (xi) to emphasize building capacity within communities to undertake MRRRI projects
• Removal of funding set-asides and related definitions
• Changing the number of Mississippi River Science Centers to 3 (A National, Upper, & Lower center).

Additional Resources:

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn)

SAINT PAUL, Minn. — Congresswoman Betty McCollum, Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, issued the following statement after news reports of another improper Signal group chat involving Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth:

“Starting with the moment Pete Hegseth was nominated to lead the Department of Defense, my fellow Democrats and I have warned the American people that Mr. Hegseth was grossly unqualified to serve as Secretary of Defense,” said Congresswoman McCollum. “Now in office, it has become clear that not only is Secretary Hegseth completely incompetent, but his actions are jeopardizing the national security of the United States. 

“Secretary Hegseth has demonstrated a clear pattern of repeatedly mishandling classified information. In March, he disclosed detailed information in a Signal chat about impending U.S. military operations in Yemen which was clearly classified. Now it has come to light that Secretary Hegseth initiated his own Signal chat on his personal phone where he shared classified information on U.S. military operations with personnel not authorized to access that information. This included the Secretary’s family. This type of conduct by a Secretary of Defense is completely unprecedented, unbecoming of the office, and dangerous. If anyone else in the military did what Secretary Hegseth did, they would be fired immediately, could be dishonorably discharged, and certainly would lose their security clearance.

“Republicans in Congress are failing to do their job to hold oversight hearings into the Secretary’s conduct and the conduct of President Trump’s national security team. They must do so immediately – our national security is at risk.

“The time has come for Secretary Hegseth to resign.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today on Arbor Day, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA) and Congressmen Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) reintroduced the TREES Act, a bill that will help homeowners lower energy costs, increase tree canopy in underserved communities, and help mitigate the effects of climate change through residential tree planting.   

The TREES Act would create a cost-share grant program at the Department of Energy to provide $50 million in funding to plant a minimum of 300,000 trees annually in residential neighborhoods through 2028. The program seeks to prioritize low wealth communities as well as areas with low tree canopy and heat islands.

“Urban forests are critical to addressing climate change and air pollution,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “Sacramento is the City of Trees—and through the proactive efforts of local organizations and partners we are working hard to build out a more equitable urban tree canopy across our city. The benefits at the local level are clear: we can lower energy costs, reduce temperatures on our streets, improve air quality, reduce stormwater runoff, and beautify our neighborhoods—all leading to healthier and more climate resilient communities. The TREES Act incentivizes successful programs like ours and scales them to the national level. By creating a competitive federal tree-planting grant program, we can empower communities to improve access to green space and clean air, reduce consumer costs, and help fight climate change.”

“Kansas Citians know all too well that extreme heat waves are becoming increasingly frequent, costly, and dangerous to communities in the urban core due to the heat island effect exacerbating the historic rise in temperatures we’re seeing around the globe,” said Congressman Cleaver. “By providing states and municipalities the resources necessary to expand tree canopy in cities, we can not only boost the beautification and restoration of places like Kansas City, but we can also lower energy costs and temperatures to the benefit of local residents. That’s precisely what the TREES Act will do, and why I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation with Congresswoman Matsui.”

“The TREES Act brings together environmental stewardship and economic relief—lowering energy costs while making our communities cleaner, healthier, and more vibrant,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “This is about investing in where we live—expanding green spaces, improving air quality, and creating lasting value for families in Bucks County, Montgomery County, and beyond. It’s a smart, bipartisan solution that delivers where it matters most: at the roots of our neighborhoods.”

“We support the TREES Act and all it does to benefit communities across the country,” said SMUD CEO & General Manager Paul Lau. “Today we celebrate our trees and our continued partnership with the Sacramento Tree Foundation which has planted more than 630,000 trees in our local neighborhoods. This urban canopy helps to cool our cities and homes, and clean our air through carbon sequestration. The value they add is immeasurable. The TREEs Act will continue to foster our ability to create cleaner, healthier and more sustainable communities for everyone. Thank you for this continued effort.”

“Trees help to create livable and loveable communities,” said Jessica Sanders, Executive Director of the Sacramento Tree Foundation. “We applaud the TREES Act for recognizing that we need action now to create a collaborative community focused on making our communities healthier and more resilient. The TREES Act will allow our children to grow up in tree lined communities with healthy air and healthy neighborhoods.”

“This bill isn’t just about planting trees—it’s about improving lives,” said Joel Pannell, American Forests Vice President of Urban Forests Policy. “The bipartisan TREES Act delivers local benefits that communities will feel for generations—from cleaner air to lower utility bills—proving that smart, shared solutions can still bring people together. We thank Rep. Matsui, Rep. Fitzpatrick and Rep. Cleaver for introducing this critical and timely legislation.”

Full text of the bill is available HERE.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA)

WASHINGTON, D.C – Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07), Co-Chair of the bipartisan National Service Caucus, led 149 lawmakers in sending a letter to President Donald Trump defending AmeriCorps and NCCC AmeriCorps members and calling on him to reverse cuts to the program made last week by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). 

The letter was also led by U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-DE), Co-Chair of the bipartisan National Service Caucus, U.S. Senator  Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Vice Chair of the bipartisan National Service Caucus, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12), Ranking Member of the Education and Workforce Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development. 

 The Trump Administration placed a majority of AmeriCorps employees on leave last week as part of DOGE’s broader spending cuts. Programs such as AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors deploy more than 200,000 Americans annually to carry out results-driven projects at over 35,000 locations across the country. Working in partnership with thousands of non-profit, faith-based, and community organizations, these dedicated volunteers and workers help promote employment opportunities, strengthen the workforce, and support those in need.  

“We are deeply concerned these actions will prevent the agency from continuing to deliver critical services, which include supporting veterans, fighting wildfires, tutoring in schools, combatting the fentanyl epidemic, and much more,” the lawmakers wrote. 

The lawmakers highlighted the program’s benefits to society, to AmeriCorps members, and to the federal government—pointing to a non-partisan study showing that there are an estimated $17 in benefits returned for every taxpayer dollar spent. Additionally, the recently passed Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act of 2025 maintains AmeriCorps funding at its Fiscal Year 2024 level and serves as a continuing resolution to extend federal government funding through the end of Fiscal Year 2025. The lawmakers emphasized that the administration is expected to implement the law in a manner consistent with the funding levels enacted in Fiscal Year 2024. Failure to do so would be a violation of the law.

 “If not reversed, these recent actions will both stop current programs and prevent timely and efficient execution of the agency’s Fiscal Year 2025 appropriations, delaying or even halting the recruitment and deployment of new AmeriCorps members around the country,” the lawmakers continued.

 AmeriCorps programs serve communities nationwide, including in California, where roughly 7,000 AmeriCorps members provide intensive service at AmeriCorps programs in over 1,000 locations, including schools, non-profits, public agencies, and community centers across the state. If the Trump Administration’s actions aren’t reversed, these critical services could come to a halt.

 “We are deeply concerned that this is the goal: to eliminate AmeriCorps, in direct conflict with recently enacted appropriations. However, even delays will disrupt programs Americans rely on for their health, education, and safety. We urge you to reverse these actions and instead work with Congress on bipartisan improvements to AmeriCorps so that more Americans have the opportunity to serve their communities,” the lawmakers concluded. 

  You can read the full text of the letter here and below.

Dear President Trump:

We write to express our strong support for AmeriCorps and urge you to reverse both the recall of all NCCC AmeriCorps members and the recently implemented drastic reductions in force across the AmeriCorps agency. We are deeply concerned these actions will prevent the agency from continuing to deliver critical services, which include supporting veterans, fighting wildfires, tutoring in schools, combatting the fentanyl epidemic, and much more.

For more than thirty years, AmeriCorps has been our nation’s leading provider of grants that support and promote national service and volunteerism. Through programs like AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors, more than 200,000 Americans participate in results-driven service projects at more than 35,000 locations across the country each year. Working hand in hand with thousands of nonprofit, faith-based, and community organizations, these dedicated Americans recruit and manage millions of additional volunteers as they work to promote employment opportunities, prepare a better-trained workforce, and provide essential services to veterans, children, and seniors. AmeriCorps’ track record of delivering for Americans has earned broad and longstanding support from business leaders, mayors, and governors of both parties.

AmeriCorps is a public-private partnership that leverages approximately $1 billion in matched resources from the private sector, foundations, and local agencies to support organizations across the country working in creative ways to tackle our most persistent and costly challenges. While it is important the agency continues to make measurable progress toward an improved audit performance, federal investments in AmeriCorps already deliver returns for the American people. A 2020 study found that for every one dollar that Congress appropriates to AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors programs, they return over $17 in benefits to society, program members, and the government. Further, the AmeriCorps programs are a smart investment in our country’s future. AmeriCorps service allows members to gain marketable job skills in high-demand fields and pursue higher education, preparing more Americans to succeed in the workforce.

We have seen firsthand the critical impact these programs have across the states we represent. We urge the administration to continue implementing the statutory requirements of the national service laws:

• Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973, Public Law 93-113.
• National and Community Service Act of 1990, Public Law 101-610.
• National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993, Public Law 103-82.
• Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act of 2009, Public Law 111-13.

Additionally, Congress recently passed the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act of 2025, which maintained funding for AmeriCorps at its Fiscal Year 2024 level. We expect that the administration will implement this law in a manner consistent with the allocations enacted in Fiscal Year 2024. However, we have grave concerns that significant reductions in force will prevent AmeriCorps from being able to effectively and efficiently award appropriated funding to programs operating in communities across the country.

We are deeply concerned by reports that a majority of AmeriCorps staff have been placed on administrative leave and that more than 750 NCCC members have already been recalled from their field assignments. Many of these volunteers were working in disaster response roles, including building homes for individuals who lost theirs in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. If not reversed, these recent actions will both stop current programs and prevent timely and efficient execution of the agency’s fiscal year 2025 appropriations, delaying or even halting the recruitment and deployment of new AmeriCorps members around the country. We are deeply concerned that is the goal: to eliminate AmeriCorps, in direct conflict with recently enacted appropriations. However, even delays will disrupt programs Americans rely on for their health, education, and safety. We urge you to reverse these actions and instead work with Congress on bipartisan improvements to AmeriCorps so that more Americans have the opportunity to serve their communities.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)

SCHAUMBURG, IL – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, issued the following statement in response to a new report revealing that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth installed an unsecured internet line in his Pentagon office to bypass security protocols and use the insecure Signal messaging app, through which he has repeatedly exposed sensitive national security details, on a personal computer:

“The report that Secretary Hegseth deliberately installed an unsecured internet line in his office to bypass Pentagon safeguards and use Signal to transmit sensitive information is yet another reckless breach of our national security that demands his immediate firing.

His willful disregard for security protocols has repeatedly exposed classified information to our adversaries, jeopardized military operations, and endangered service members. Secretary Hegseth’s continued presence is a direct threat to the safety of our troops and the security of our nation.”