Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative David Kustoff (TN-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Reps. David Kustoff (R-TN), Dale W. Strong (R-AL) and Tracey Mann (R-KS) introduced the Winter Canola Study Act in the House of Representatives. This legislation would request that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Risk Management Agency (RMA) conduct a study investigating the gap in crop insurance coverage for double crop grown winter oilseeds, such as canola. Additionally, the bill recognizes the economic and environmental benefits of rotationally and double crop grown canola and emphasizes the importance of investing in lower carbon-intensity renewable fuels to enhance rural communities, create jobs, and bolster energy security.

“America’s farmers keep our economy going by putting food on the shelves and fuel in our tanks,” said Congressman Kustoff. “By allowing our farmers to plant winter canola in the off season, the Winter Canola Study Act will expand opportunities for growers and producers across the nation.”

“The Winter Canola Study Act would give North Alabama farmers crucial new information and broaden the opportunity to plant winter canola as an alternative double crop option,” said Congressman Strong. “I am proud to work on behalf of farmers by joining Representative Kustoff and my colleagues in introducing this legislation. This research would help create a more competitive market for farmers while supporting the hard work they do to provide our food, fiber, and fuel.”

“Harnessing the potential of American-grown commodities like winter oilseed supports the entire agriculture and energy supply from grower to consumer,” said Congressman Mann. “I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this legislation to help facilitate the growth of energy-abundant and sustainable fuel feedstocks by supporting access to risk management tools, research into yield improvements, and the environmental benefits of new crop rotations.”
 

Click here for the full text of the bill.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (15th District of Texas)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) released a statement following his vote against the Senate Amendment to H.Con.Res. 14, which cuts crucial services for South Texans, including vital Medicaid for children and seniors, the Affordable Care Act, Head Start, Pell Grants, the National School Lunch program, SNAP benefits for low-income families, and vital infrastructure funding. 

“As Americans are left reeling from the man-made economic crisis created by President Trump’s tariffs — which is raising prices and hurting the retirement security of all Americans — House Republicans decided to bring a partisan Budget Resolution that will harm the most vulnerable. This will require $880 billion in cuts to Medicaid. For thousands in South Texas, Medicaid is not a safety net, it is a lifeline that cannot be cut. We must work together to ensure we pass a budget that is fiscally responsible without harming the well-being of vulnerable South Texans and Americans.” 

According to the House Budget Committee, 204,977 of people in the 34^th Congressional District of Texas on Medicaid (also known in Texas as STAR+PLUS) are at risk of losing their health care under the Republican budget resolution. This includes 166,379 children and 32,000 seniors.  

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)

Washington, DC – Today, Representatives Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY), Ranking Member of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Lois Frankel (D-FL), Ranking Member of the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State and Related Programs, and U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Brian Schatz (D-HI), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs, sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio objecting to the Trump Administration’s proposed reorganization of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The lawmakers expressed a willingness to work with the Secretary on reforms but stated concern that the current plan violates federal law, further endangers lifesaving global health and humanitarian programs, overburdens the State Department, and damages U.S. credibility. They urged Secretary Rubio to testify before Congress and commit to a lawful and transparent reform process. 

“It is critical that the Department of State and USAID undertake any reform or realignment in a transparent manner that adheres to applicable laws so that implementation is effective and sustainable. Unfortunately, that is not how you have pursued reforms and realignment to date, including through this CN. Not only has the process that produced the CN been unlawful, but its implementation would render it impossible for the Administration to lawfully comply with authorizing laws and spending directives enacted in recent appropriations bills and meet other statutory requirements,” wrote the lawmakers. 

“In addition, we have serious concerns about the legal, financial, and national security risks the proposal will create.  The CN also does not address the proposed process for consolidating USAID operations into the State Department, including the requisite staffing, contracting, vetting, and oversight that would be required to maintain critical USAID programs, including lifesaving humanitarian and global health programs, without interruption.  The concurrent plan to fire all USAID staff — and therefore all expertise — raises further concern about disruptions to lifesaving programs and other critical harm to American workers, businesses, and implementing partners and increases the risk of waste, fraud, and abuse,” continued the lawmakers. 

“The fundamental goal of any reform effort should be to strengthen the effectiveness of U.S. foreign policy, including by enhancing our capabilities. As proposed, this plan will overburden the State Department, jeopardize the continuity of programs that save lives and keep Americans safe at home, and further undermine U.S. credibility and reliability. We remain open to working with you on reforms, including reorganization proposals, pending your testimony before our committees on the foreign assistance review and related reorganization, responses to the questions and requests we have sent in prior letters regarding these matters and a demonstrated commitment to a transparent process that protects and advances U.S. national security interests,” concluded the lawmakers. 

Full text of the letter is provided below. 

Dear Secretary Rubio:  

We write to object to the Congressional Notification (CN) submitted to the Appropriations Committees, Senate Foreign Relations Committee and House Foreign Affairs Committee on March 28, 2025, notifying your intent to undertake a reorganization that would realign or discontinue all functions of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).  

We do not believe that the State Department, USAID or the broader foreign assistance enterprise should be immune from reform. In fact, we have supported many reform initiatives designed to maximize impact and ensure we have the best diplomatic and development agencies in the world. These efforts have included increasing burden sharing, expanding the implementing partner base, better leveraging the private sector and holding partners more accountable for delivering results and controlling costs, among others.  

We also recognize that the Trump Administration will have different foreign policy priorities than prior Administrations.  

However, it is critical that the Department of State and USAID undertake any reform or realignment in a transparent manner that adheres to applicable laws so that implementation is effective and sustainable. Unfortunately, that is not how you have pursued reforms and realignment to date, including through this CN. Not only has the process that produced the CN been unlawful, its implementation would render it impossible for the Administration to comply with authorizing laws and spending directives enacted in recent appropriations bills and meet other statutory requirements.  

In addition, we have serious concerns about the legal, financial and national security risks the proposal will create. The CN also does not address the proposed process for consolidating USAID operations into the State Department, including the requisite staffing, contracting, vetting and oversight that would be required to maintain critical USAID programs, including lifesaving humanitarian and global health programs, without interruption. The concurrent plan to fire virtually all USAID staff — and therefore lose all expertise — raises further concern about disruptions to lifesaving programs and other critical harm to American workers, businesses and implementing partners and increases the risk of waste, fraud and abuse.  

The fundamental goal of any reform effort should be to strengthen the effectiveness of U.S. foreign policy, including by enhancing our capabilities. As proposed, this plan will overburden the State Department, jeopardize the continuity of programs that save lives and keep Americans safe at home and further undermine U.S. credibility and reliability.  

That is why we object to any implementation of your proposal at this time. 

We remain open to working with you on reforms, including reorganization proposals, pending your testimony before our committees on the foreign assistance review and related reorganization, responses to the questions and requests we have sent in prior letters regarding these matters and a demonstrated commitment to a transparent process that protects and advances U.S. national security interests.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05) issued the following statement after being on a plane that was clipped by another aircraft on the runway at Ronald Reagan National Airport.

“My colleagues and I are safe after the minor accident between two planes on the taxiway at Ronald Reagan Airport this afternoon.

“This unsettling event is a clear reminder of the dangerous effects of the Trump Administration’s DOGE-era cuts to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Undermining the agency’s staffing and operational capacity jeopardizes the safety of the flying public and the integrity of our air traffic systems. These cuts have strained the remaining workforce, potentially compromising the safety of the flying public and the integrity of our air traffic systems.

“I will be calling on my colleagues in the relevant House Committees to hold a hearing to thoroughly investigate this incident and restore confidence in our air traffic safety.” 

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

WASHINGTON –Today, Representatives Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Jared Huffman (D-CA), and Pablo José Hernández (D-PR) urged the Department of Energy (DOE) to accelerate solar installations under Puerto Rico Energy Resilience Fund’s (PR-ERF) programs, warning that continued delays could have severe consequences for vulnerable communities across the island.

“Every hurricane season we fail to act, we risk lives,” the lawmakers wrote. “The funding has been obligated, the technology exists, and the urgent need for these programs is clear. We call on the Department to move swiftly to fulfill the intent of Congress and protect the people of Puerto Rico.”

Congress established the PR-ERF with $1 billion through the FY2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act, thanks to the leadership of the late Representative Raúl M. Grijalva. Lawmakers were explicit that the funding support rooftop solar and battery storage systems for last-mile communities and individuals with electricity-dependent disabilities and medical conditions.

“This request was made in response to both the proven reliability of rooftop solar and battery systems, which consistently preserved power during major storms, and to direct appeals from residents across Puerto Rico urging Congress to lower the cost barriers for acquiring these systems,” the Members wrote. “These stakeholders specifically emphasized the need for rooftop solar systems to mitigate the disproportionate health impacts and mortality for elderly residents and residents with disabilities, as was seen during Hurricane María in 2017 and Hurricane Fiona in 2022.”

In the letter, the lawmakers applauded the launch of the DOE’s Solar Access Program and call on the Department to accelerate installations without delay. They also urged immediate action on the Resilient Communities Program, which remains stalled, noting that the Department has not yet finalized agreements to release $365 million intended to enhance energy security in multi-family housing properties and community healthcare facilities.

“With hurricane season quickly approaching, any further delay risks severe consequences,” continued the lawmakers. “In Puerto Rico, where power outages are frequent and backup power is often out of reach for many, the failure to deploy decentralized energy systems puts lives at risk.”

The letter underscores that rooftop solar with battery storage is the most practical and proven way to improve energy security in Puerto Rico. Tens of thousands of systems already in use produce 1.1 gigawatts of power and help prevent up to 56 hours of outages each year by supplying electricity directly to homes. The PR-ERF will expand this network and strengthen the island’s ability to avoid blackouts during peak demand.

In the letter, the Members request a briefing from DOE on the PR-ERF’s progress, including a timeline for finalizing agreements and launching installations. 

For a full copy of the letter, click here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Dwight Evans (2nd District of Pennsylvania)

WASHINGTON (April 11, 2025) – Congressman Dwight Evans (D-PA-3) and House and Senate colleagues have reintroduced what Evans calls “poverty-busting” legislation to expand the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit.

Evans is sponsoring the House bill to expand the EITC, the Tax Cut for Workers Act (H.R. 2764). 

Evans said, “I’m proud to join with Representative Ro Khanna (D-CA) and our Senate colleagues to introduce this bill to expand the Earned Income Tax Credit. The EITC is one of the most effective poverty-busting tools that we have, and expanding it is something that members of Congress from both parties should support!”

Evans’ bill would benefit an estimated 14 million Americans. It would:

• Virtually triple the maximum value of the EITC for so-called “childless workers” from about $540 to about $1,500. These are workers not raising children in their home who are currently taxed into or further into poverty.
• Extend the credit to both younger and older workers who are currently ineligible for the credit because of their age – delivering the credit to people ages 19 to 24 as well as 65 and older.
• Make the credit more accessible for adults aging out of the foster youth system.

A more detailed one-page fact sheet about the bill is available here.

In addition to co-lead sponsor Khanna, House co-sponsors of Evans’ bill include Reps. Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA-5), Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ), Jasmine Crockett (D-TX), Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Valerie Foushee (D-NC), Steven Horsford (D-NV), Jim McGovern (D-MA), Jerry Nadler (D-NY), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Delia Ramirez (D-IL), Linda Sánchez (D-CA), Terri Sewell (D-AL), Lateefah Simon (D-CA), Shri Thanedar, (D-MI), Dina Titus (D-NV) and Rashida Tlaib (D-MI). 

Organizations endorsing the bill include: Americans for Tax Fairness, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), Coalition on Human Needs, Economic Security Project Action, Golden State Opportunity, National Council of Jewish Women, National Women’s Law Center Action Fund, RESULTS, UnidosUS, and Young Invincibles.

Evans is also co-sponsoring the American Family Act in the House. That bill would make permanent the expanded, monthly Child Tax Credit that was passed in 2021. 

“We know from recent experience that this can lift millions of children out of poverty. I’m going to keep pushing for this too!” Evans said.

The Child Tax Credit bill would:

• Increase the value of the CTC from the current level of $2,000 per child to $6,360 for newborns, $4,320 for children ages 1 through 6, and $3,600 for children age 6 through 17;
• End the longstanding, discriminatory policy that reduces the value of the Child Tax Credit for low-income families, ensuring that the families of 17 million low-income children left out of the CTC under current law would receive the same credit as families in the middle class;
• Provide for monthly delivery of the credit so families would have access to it as bills arrive; and
• Index the CTC for inflation to preserve the value of the credit moving forward.

Evans represents the 3rd Congressional District, which includes Northwest and West Philadelphia and parts of North, South, Southwest and Center City Philadelphia. He recently announced that his office returned to or saved $4.5 million for constituents in 2024 in cases involving federal agencies such as the IRS, Social Security Administration and Department of Veterans Affairs. The 2024 figure brings Evans’ office’s total to more than $45.5 million returned to or saved for constituents during his first eight years in Congress.

Evans serves on the influential House Ways and Means Committee, including its Subcommittee on Health. In addition to taxes, the committee also oversees trade, Social Security and Medicare. Evans’ website is evans.house.gov and his social media handle is @RepDwightEvans on Youtube, Bluesky, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Threads.

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

“Black brilliance exists in every corner of this nation – from the stage, to the court, to the classroom, to the halls of Congress.”

“I want every single person – certainly every single child – who calls this nation home to walk into our Smithsonian museums, including our beautiful Blacksonian, and see our collective history, accurate history, on display.”

Video (YouTube)

WASHINGTON – In a speech on the House floor, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) slammed Trump’s Executive Order attacking Smithsonian museums – namely the National Museum of African American History and Culture, or Blacksonian – and his blatant attempt to erase Black history. In her remarks, Rep. Pressley affirms Black history is American history, and our nation’s museums should uphold these truths.

A full transcript of the Congresswoman’s remarks, as delivered, is available below and the full video is available here.

Transcript: Pressley Slams Trump for Attacking Smithsonian Museums, Affirms Black History is American History
U.S. House of Representatives
April 9, 2025

Mr. Chair,

I rise today in vigorous opposition to occupant Trump’s hostile attacks – hostile and insecure attacks – on Black history. 

Black history is American history.

Dictators try to shutter museums, censor history, and white wash the truth. But we know the truth.

We hold these truths to be self evident:

That centuries of bondage and enslavement brutalized black bodies and tore apart Black families;

That Black women have been the mothers of movements;

That Black folks have endured redlining and pay disparities;

And yet still we rise.

Black brilliance exists in every corner of this nation – from the stage, to the court, to the classroom, to the halls of Congress.

I want every single person – certainly every single child – who calls this nation home to walk into our Smithsonian museums, including our beautiful Blacksonian, and see our collective history, accurate history, on display.

I want them to see themselves in our struggles and our triumphs. 

I want them to be inspired by the lyrics of Etta, and the speeches of Malcolm, and the leadership of Fannie Lou.

It is through studying our history that we learn how to overcome the systems of oppression, the whims of petulant men thirsty for power, and the will of dictators.

My blackness is beautiful and Black history is American history.

I yield back.

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

ICYMI: Stefanik Joined The Chris Salcedo Show on Newsmax to Discuss Delivering on President Trump’s America First Agenda in Congress | Press Releases | Congresswoman Elise Stefanik

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

Know Your Immigration Rights

If you or a loved one encounter immigration enforcement officials, it is essential that you know your rights and have prepared your household for all possible outcomes.

Ask for a warrant: The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution protects you from unreasonable search and seizure. You do not have to open your door until you see a valid warrant to enter your home or search your belongings.

Your right to remain silent: The Fifth Amendment protects your right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. You are not required to share any personal information such as your place of birth, immigration status or criminal history.

Always consult an attorney: You have a right to speak with an attorney. You do not have to sign anything or hand officials any documents without speaking to an attorney. Try to identify and consult one in advance.

The New York City Office of Civil Justice and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) support a variety of free immigration legal services through local nonprofit legal organizations. To access these resources, dial 311 and say “Action NYC,” call the MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline at 800-354-0365 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or visit MOIA’s website.

Learn more here: KNOW YOUR IMMIGRATION RIGHTS  – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries

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

For Immediate Release                                          Contact: Tionee Scotland

April 11, 2025                                                           202-808-6129

PRESS RELEASE

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT SHARES UPDATE ON TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S PROPOSED FEES AT U.S. PORTS

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett shared the following update regarding President Trump’s executive order on the maritime industry:

“This week, President Trump announced an executive order which doubles down on previous tariff directives and provides a structure to move ahead with the administration’s Section 301 tariff actions which will impose significant port fees on maritime transport operators with fleets comprised of Chinese-built vessels. If the order comes into full effect, it will result in significant port fees on maritime transport operators servicing the United States Virgin Islands. The order also directs the U.S. Trade Representative to consider imposing fees on Chinese-built cranes and other cargo-handling equipment, an action which could affect almost every port in America.

“These actions will cause increased shipping costs, shipping delays and, in some cases, the wholesale termination of service by cargo carriers to impacted locations throughout the coast of the United States and especially places like the Virgin Islands.

“I am particularly concerned for coastal and island communities, including the Virgin Islands, where the imposition of these punitive measures will skyrocket costs of food and other everyday items that must be imported by the maritime industry.

“My team and I have been highly engaged with the Virgin Islands maritime industry, as well as stakeholders, including meeting with the ambassadors to the Caribbean nations, to track the implications of President Trump’s executive order on ship owners, operators, and builders.

“Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to question US Trade Relations Ambassador Jameison Greer during a Ways & Means Committee hearing and urged the ambassador to consider the practical impacts of tariff actions on the US outlying areas and ultimately reconsider these actions. Our communities would bear tremendous undue cost, which makes clear the need for an exemption. I am also leading a letter to USTR Ambassador Greer and the Administration to make the case for this exemption and underscore the impact of these fees on the Virgin Islands, which will permeate through the Caribbean region.

“Under the order, transport operators with fleets comprised of Chinese-built vessels will be charged up to $1.5 million per vessel entrance to an American port, as well as an ‘additional fee’ of up to $1 million per vessel entrance to an American port if the number of foreign-built vessels in the operator’s fleet is equal to or greater than 25 percent. Even vessels under the U.S. flag, operated and owned by a U.S. entity that are Chinese-built would be subject to the fees in USTR’s proposal. We continue to urge the Trump Administration to heed the feedback of elected officials, the maritime industry, and stakeholders even amidst the imposition of these actions that will have radically negative consequences for our corner of the American experience.

“I will continue to collaborate in a bipartisan manner with my colleagues, stakeholders, and the Virgin Islands community to advance the interests of the Virgin Islands.”

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