Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Levin (CA-49)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. – On the 30^th anniversary of the Oklahoma City Bombing, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement:

“On April 19, 1995, an awful act of domestic terrorism occurred at the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City. Today, thirty years later, we remember the 168 precious lives that were brutally taken from us that day and pray for those who still mourn a loved one whose days were cut short,” said Congressman Cole.

“As I reflect on this tragic day, I will also never forget the way our state responded to this horrific event. Oklahoma was launched onto the worldwide stage without any warning. Yet, we responded so strongly, swiftly, and compassionately – one of the many reasons I am proud to be an Oklahoman,” said Congressman Cole.

“In conclusion, today, on the 30^th anniversary of the Oklahoma City Bombing, we mourn the innocent lives that were prematurely taken from us, grieve with those who lost a loved one on that heartbreaking day, thank our first responders and governing officials who responded so honorably, and stand strong with our fellow Oklahomans. They will not be forgotten,” said Congressman Cole.

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

U.S. Representative Don Beyer (D-VA), who represents a Northern Virginia district in the U.S. House that includes the Pentagon, again called for the resignation or termination of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth today after New York Times reporting revealed that Hegseth sent sensitive, and potentially classified, information about military strikes in Yemen in a separate Signal group chat that included his wife, brother and personal lawyer:

“As we have seen in the weeks since reporting by The Atlantic’s Jeffrey Goldberg first revealed the Secretary’s reckless violation of national security procedures, this was not an isolated incident nor was it a mistake. He has shown a pattern of flagrant disregard for the rules and responsibilities entrusted to his office and made clear that he is unfit and unqualified to serve as our Secretary of Defense. Such repeated lapses in judgement not only disprove Hegseth’s claims of ‘100% operations security,’ but also actively put our servicemembers at home and abroad in harm’s way.

“The Secretary has not shown the discretion nor the sound judgement needed to manage his own communications or his front office. As he has previously stated himself: Any security professional ‘would be fired on the spot for this type of conduct and criminally prosecuted for being so reckless with this kind of information.’ The Secretary of Defense is not above the law. He is not exempt from the standards every servicemember serving in the Department of Defense is held to.

“At minimum, Hegseth must resign immediately. If he refuses, President Trump must remove him without delay. Every day he remains in office is a threat to American national security.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jerrold Nadler (10th District of New York)

WASHINGTON, DC –  Today, Congressman Jerrold Nadler (NY-12) made the following statement in response to the Trump Administration’s reported plan to slash over $40 billion from the Department of Health and Human Services and eliminate all dedicated domestic HIV prevention programs: 

“It is unconscionable that the Trump Administration has proposed cutting over a third of the Department of Health and Human Services’ budget. As a proud, longtime champion for federal HIV prevention and assistance programs, I am appalled that the administration’s proposed budget would eliminate all federal HIV prevention efforts and devastate funding for HIV research. This is yet another exceptionally cruel and reckless move by the Trump Administration, and it would have devastating consequences for our nation’s public health.

“Over a million people in this country are living with HIV/AIDS, including more than 100,000 in New York State and over 60,000 in New York City alone. Young people, gay and bisexual men, and people of color are being disproportionately affected. Eliminating our nation’s HIV/AIDS prevention programs would mean many of the most vulnerable among us would lose access to HIV testing, prevention, and care. Simply put, Americans will die as a direct result of the Trump Administration’s cuts.

“Trump’s budget proposal would eliminate the Ending the HIV/AIDS Epidemic Initiative, the CDC’s Division of HIV Prevention, and the Minority AIDS Initiative. It also eviscerates funding for the Ryan White HIV/AIDS program and slashes the NIH’s budget by 40%. NIH funds the vast majority of research driving breakthroughs in HIV treatment. Trump’s proposed budget cuts compound Republican proposals to slash Medicaid in the upcoming budget reconciliation process, as 40% of adults with HIV are covered by Medicaid.

“We’ve seen this kind of cruelty before. In the 1980s, we had a President who ignored an epidemic and a Congress reluctant to devote resources to finding its cure. The federal government turned its back on people fighting HIV/AIDS, and as a result, we lost a generation of young men and women far too soon. Nearly half a century later, the administration has put forth a budget proposal that once again abandons Americans who are fighting HIV/AIDS.

“However, Trump can’t unilaterally make these cuts; he needs the consent of Congress. I vow to continue to fight for full funding for our nation’s HIV/AIDS prevention and research programs in the congressional appropriations process. I’ve led the congressional effort to increase funding for the Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS program, or HOPWA, for over 3 decades. Since its inception in 1992, HOPWA has provided critical housing support to low-income people living with HIV. Linking individuals living with HIV to stable, supportive housing leads to an 80% reduction in mortality from AIDS.

“New York has always led the fight against HIV/AIDS, and we will not turn our backs now. It is up to this Congress to ensure that Trump’s devastating cuts never become reality. Congress must summon the resolve of the generations who came before us—activists like the founders of ACT UP and Gay Men’s Health Crisis—and fight with everything we have to protect the progress we’ve made.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative James E (Jim) Clyburn (6th District of South Carolina)

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA. – U.S. Congressman James E. Clyburn (S.C.-06), Chair of the Democratic Faith Working Group, released the following statement on the passing of Pope Francis:

“I join in the worldwide mourning of the passing of Pope Francis. 

“He was a leader of the faithful and a champion of human freedom. He lived a life marked by deep faith and was a world voice of conscience. Compassion and forgiveness were hallmarks of his life’s work and his Papacy will be remembered for reconciliation and unity. Pope Francis devoted himself to the sacred mission bestowed upon him.

“His advocacy for the “least of these” will prevail as a source of inspiration to millions of people around the world. We grieve for the loss of this great and holy man.”

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

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03)

LOWELL, MA – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) issued the following statement after the passing of Pope Francis:
“I join the millions of people around the world mourning the passing of Pope Francis, a transformational leader whose humility, compassion, and moral clarity touched the lives of so many.
Born in Argentina to an immigrant family, Pope Francis brought a unique and powerful perspective to the papacy – one grounded in empathy for the marginalized and a deep understanding of the struggles facing ordinary people. His decision to become the first pope to choose St. Francis of Assisi as his papal namesake was a profound reflection of his commitment to humility, peace, and care for the poor, values that guided every step of his leadership.
Whether advocating for the most vulnerable, calling on global leaders to act on climate change, or urging the Church to be a more welcoming place for all, Pope Francis led with a spirit of love and service. His legacy will endure in the countless lives he uplifted and the hope he brought to those who have too often felt unseen.
May he rest in peace.”
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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Riley Moore (WV-02)

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Riley M. Moore issued the following statement on the passing of Pope Francis, Bishop of Rome and head of the Catholic Church:

“Mina and I join fellow Catholics in West Virginia and across the globe in mourning the loss of Pope Francis and praying for the repose of his soul.

“In his final message – shared just yesterday for Easter – the Holy Father wrote: ‘Christ is risen! These words capture the entire meaning of our existence, for we were not made for death but for life.’ A fitting end to a papacy focused on joy.

“I encourage all Catholics to join me in praying and fasting for the Holy Father and for the Catholic Church as She begins to select a new successor to St. Peter.

“Eternal rest grant unto him, o Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) issued this statement following the death of Pope Francis.

“Today, I join my fellow Catholics in mourning the loss of Pope Francis. Throughout his papacy, he symbolized and championed peace and a better world for all. May we continue the Pope’s mission in our daily lives,” said Rep. Kelly.

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

Latta Statement on Passing of Pope Francis