Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Richard Neal (D-MA)

Letter Text PDF

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Richard E. Neal, Ranking Member of the House Ways and Means Committee, and the entire Massachusetts Congressional delegation – Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), and Representatives Jim McGovern (MA-02), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Jake Auchincloss (MA-04), Katherine Clark (MA-05), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), and Bill Keating (MA-09) – demanded answers from the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. after the abrupt shuttering of the entire HHS Regional Office (RO) in Boston, Massachusetts, on April 1, 2025.

In the letter, the lawmakers write, “It is impossible to overstate the lasting consequences this reckless action will have on every single person in this region—whether the families who rely on Region 1 employees dutifully overseeing child care licensing systems to ensure they deliver quality care to our children, or the coordination these civil servants conduct with state survey agencies to make sure all our nursing homes meet federal safety standards. Through steadfast commitment to the programs they oversee, employees of ROs provide a service to all of us whether we know it or not.”

The HHS Boston RO employs hundreds of workers who serve Americans from Maine to Connecticut. As the economic catastrophe caused by Trump’s Tariff Tax devastates communities and businesses across the country, the administration continues to make senseless layoffs, adding even more individuals to the ranks of the unemployed. These job losses will have trickle-down effects on other businesses in the area during an already challenging time.

The Boston RO specializes in health care innovation, partnering with drug companies, biotech groups, and other innovators to ensure gaps in research are being filled and the cures of tomorrow come to fruition. Eliminating the Boston RO will both deny the people of New England access to public health officials with expertise in our local communities and halt innovation in its tracks, with ramifications felt by the whole country for generations to come.

The ROs are also on the front lines of fighting fraud, waste, and abuse alongside local law enforcement, as well as the vanguard coordinating responses against disease and outbreaks. Its closure will leave our communities and our programs less safe.

The lawmakers continue, “It could open our region to massive risks of fraud and abuse of our vital federal programs. And it could provide the pathway for another pernicious disease to sweep the nation, absent vital on-the-ground detection and coordination among public health experts. We do not take lightly this attack on the health of our constituents and the unceremonious termination of thousands of experts living in our communities who make us all safer.”

The Boston Regional Office property is desirable real estate and appeared on an early list of properties Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) group wished to “auction off”, raising questions about whether this action has ulterior motives – enabling Trump acolytes to cash in on real estate deals while ordinary Americans suffer from loss of services. The Trump Administration has shown a complete disregard for Americans’ needs, closing Social Security offices and curtailing customer service. This RO closure is just another effort to make it more difficult for our constituents to access the health and safety protections they count on the federal government to provide.

The lawmakers are demanding detailed answers as to the basis of this decision, its effect on constituent health, and how HHS will continue serving individuals in the region. They request answers to the following questions by April 18:

·       Please provide a list of each division within the Boston RO that was eliminated, a description of its core functions, a summary of staff expertise, program staff caseloads for each overseen program at the time of closing, and all documentation justifying the Department’s decision to close each division within the RO.

·       Please provide the Department’s analysis of the impact this regional closure will have on costs and health outcomes for the 15 million residents of New England, as well as the local economy.

·       Please provide a detailed analysis of how the remaining five ROs will take over the responsibilities of the Boston RO, including total caseloads, in beneficiaries served and dollars managed, for the staff taking over New England responsibilities, and any anticipated hirings or training to offset the caseload inundation and loss of regional expertise.

·       Please provide a detailed analysis of anyways responsibilities of the Boston RO which will be absorbed by HHS headquarters, including the current and new responsibilities of any headquarters staff assuming responsibilities and any anticipated hirings to offset the caseload inundation and loss of regional expertise.

·       Please provide a detailed analysis of the anticipated additional wait times for services previously provided by staff at the Region 1 RO, such as the approval of Medicaid State Plan Amendments, enrollments of new providers into Medicare, surveys of nursing homes, child care licensing inspections, state plan approvals, and cost allocation agreements.

·       Please explain the Administration’s plan for the now-vacant real estate that previously housed the Boston RO.

###

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

WASHINGTON, DC — As Speaker Mike Johnson and Washington Republicans continue to enable President Trump’s unprecedented attacks on federal judges, Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) re-introduced legislation to prevent right-wing manipulation of the court system through a tactic known as “judge shopping.” Judge shopping is utilized by Republican activists, like anti-abortion advocates, to cherry-pick ultra-conservative judges — and guarantee favorable decisions — by filing lawsuits in single-judge divisions of United States District Courts. 

Meanwhile, House Republicans brought legislation to the floor for a vote — the No Rogue Rulings Act — that would limit district court judges from issuing nationwide injunctions, curbing their constitutional authority, and pairing back our system of checks and balances. 

“House Republicans are abdicating their constitutional responsibility to serve as a check on the illegal actions of the Trump administration. Instead, they are attempting to strip federal judges of their authority to stop the President’s unlawful orders. If Washington Republicans were serious about addressing court manipulation, they would support my bill to crack down on judge shopping, a tactic deployed to obtain favorable decisions from hand-picked judges.

“Judge shopping was the tool right-wing extremists used to attack access to mifepristone, a form of medication abortion — along with other health and safety regulations conservatives opposed. My bill would end this unfair practice, because I refuse to let conservative activists weaponize the court to further their agenda and strip away our fundamental rights,” said Rep. Sherrill.

“There will always be some gamesmanship by parties when deciding which federal court to file their lawsuit in. But there’s forum-shopping and then there are guaranteed judge draws, the latter of which are assured in single-judge divisions and are antithetical to the American legal system’s goal of fairness. Thankfully, Congress possesses the constitutional authority to modify the structure of the federal courts, and I commend Rep. Sherrill’s legislation to do so by restoring the veil of ignorance to judicial assignments, thereby making our courts more trustworthy and impartial,” said Gabe Roth, Executive Director, Fix the Court. 

“A litigant should not be able to handpick the judge who will hear their case,” said Debra Perlin, Vice President for Policy at Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington. “But no federal law prevents judge shopping, thus allowing litigants to effectively choose who will oversee their litigation by filing actions in divisions with only a single judge. By preventing cases of nationwide consequence from being filed in a single-judge division, however, Rep. Sherrill’s End Judge Shopping Act prevents this manipulation of the judicial system. CREW applauds Rep. Sherrill for reintroducing this commonsense legislation to restore public faith in the independence and impartiality of our judiciary.”

In February, the American Bar Association adopted a resolution supporting congressional action to address judge shopping, and in a recent publication, the Harvard Law Review highlighted Rep. Sherrill’s bill in discussing the benefits of restricting judge shopping. 

Rep. Sherrill is a former federal prosecutor and has been a strong champion for abortion rights. In the wake of the Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine v. FDA case in Texas, Rep. Sherrill gathered leaders from Planned Parenthood, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), and Agile Therapeutics for a panel discussion on the threat to abortion access in New Jersey. She has also introduced legislation on protecting the reproductive rights of servicewomen and access to emergency abortion care. 

###

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

WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) are raising the alarm over escalating violence in the West Bank, especially following the violent assault of Palestinian filmmaker Hamdan Ballal, an Oscar-winning co-director of the documentary, No Other Land. The letter demands President Trump reinstate sanctions against individuals who perpetrate violence that undermines regional stability and security in the West Bank.

“The assault on Mr. Ballal occurred against the backdrop of intensified Israeli military operations across the West Bank,” wrote the Members. “Given the gravity of this attack and its implications on the ability of Palestinian civilians to advocate for self-determination peacefully, the U.S. must put pressure on the Israeli government to hold perpetrators accountable.”

On March 24, 2025, Ballal was attacked by a group of Israeli settlers in the village of Susiya in the occupied West Bank. The account of the attack from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) differs greatly from witness reports, which also claim that the IDF did not intervene and instead handcuffed Ballal after he sustained serious injuries.  

“Given Mr. Ballal’s platform, we are especially concerned that this violent attack and failure to hold his

perpetrators accountable suppresses his freedom of speech and those who tell Palestinian stories,” continued the Members. “While it is important to dismantle militant cells in the West Bank that

threaten the security of the Israeli people, we are concerned recent Israeli operations have

disproportionately impacted Palestinian civilians.”

This assault occurred as tensions continue to rise in the occupied West Bank during intensified military operations by the IDF forces. Since January, operations have displaced more than 40,000 Palestinians. 

Ballal is a director of the Oscar-winning documentary, No Other Land, which chronicles how difficult life is for Palestinians under occupation. 

The full letter can be read here.

The letter was also signed by Bernard Sanders (I-VT) and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) as well as Representatives Becca Balint (VT-AL), André Carson (IN-07), Greg Casar (TX-35), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Jesús G. “Chuy” García (IL-04), Jonathan L. Jackson (IL-01), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson Jr. (GA-04), Seth Magaziner (RI-02), Betty McCollum (MN-04), James P. McGovern (MA-02), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Janice D. Schakowsky (IL-09), Melanie A. Stansbury (NM-01), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07), Maxine Waters (CA-43), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12).

It is also endorsed by Endorsing Organizations: American Friends of Combatants for Peace, CAIR Action, Center for Jewish Nonviolence, Church Women United in New York State, Christian-Jewish Allies for a Just Peace for Israel/Palestine, Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), Friends Committee on National Legislation, Friends of Sabeel North America (FOSNA), IfNotNow Movement, J Street, Jahalin Solidarity, MARUF CT, Medglobal, Minnesota Peace Project, MPower Change Action Fund, Muslim Civic Coalition, Muslims United PAC, New Jewish Narrative, Oasis Legal Services, Partners for Progressive Israel, Peace Action, Peace, Justice, Sustainability NOW!, ReThinking Foreign Policy, RootsAction, Upte Members for Palestine, Voices for Justice in Palestine, WILPF, Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, US Section (WILPF US), and Win Without War.

Issues: Foreign Affairs & National Security

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

WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) are introducing a resolution honoring library workers during National Library Week.

“Libraries and library workers are vital to every single community in this country. They facilitate our access to information, provide often lifesaving social resources, and host critical educational programming,” said Jayapal. “As the Trump administration seeks to eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services, libraries and library staff across the country are facing threats to their jobs. Today, I am proud to reaffirm my support for these dedicated workers and thank them for the critical work they do for our communities.”

“From accessing books to providing safe spaces for people to work and learn, the resources that libraries provide are essential to our communities,” said Senator Hirono. “I’m proud to lead this resolution with Congresswoman Jayapal, commemorating National Library Week in recognition of our country’s libraries and their dedicated staff. As the Trump Administration and Republicans work to systemically erase diverse voices from our history, schools, and libraries, it is crucial that we reaffirm our right to free and unfettered access to books and information without obstruction. Libraries are an important hub for information exchange and learning, and I will keep working to protect the indispensable services they provide.”

Over 350,000 public servants work at an estimated 120,000 libraries across the nation. Library workers provide the public with a host of critical services, from access to books, media, and the internet, to offering high-quality educational and cultural programming geared toward visitors of all ages, including connecting visitors to social services. These services are often essential to meeting the needs of underserved communities, including low-income and unhoused individuals and families. Overall, the public highly values libraries, 69 percent of U.S. adults age 16 or older felt their local libraries substantially contributed to providing a safe place for people to spend time, and 58 percent felt they substantially contributed toward creating educational opportunities. 

Unfortunately, libraries and library staff across this country are currently facing unprecedented challenges that harm their ability to provide critical resources, especially in rural, Tribal, and other underserved communities. In the wake of President Trump’s executive order to eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services, libraries across the country are already starting to receive notice of their federal grants being terminated. 

“Library workers are always there for us—offering knowledge, support, and safe spaces for all,” said AFSCME President Lee Saunders. “This National Library Week, we not only thank these dedicated public service professionals—we recognize the serious threats they’re up against. They are facing a disturbing rise in intimidation, censorship, and even violence, all while the Trump administration works to defund libraries and undermine their essential work. We proudly stand with Senator Hirono and Representative Jayapal in fighting for their rights, and we’ll continue organizing alongside library workers to secure the respect, safety, and stability that only a union contract can provide.”

“We thank Congresswoman Jayapal for giving voice to the many library workers in Washington state who provide our communities something special – a free place where all are invited to read, think, gather, connect, and grow.” said Tom Fay, Chief Librarian and Executive Director of The Seattle Public Library. “At a time when division and isolation are impacting many Americans, libraries provide an antidote by bringing people together to explore and celebrate a diversity of ideas. At a time when goods and services are costing more, libraries provide tremendous value, boosting educational and economic community outcomes. We need more of this, not less, if we are to foster a healthy and flourishing democracy.”

The resolution is sponsored by Representatives Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Brendan Boyle (PA-02), Greg Casar (TX-35), Angie Craig (MN-02), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Summer Lee (PA-12), Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-At-Large), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), and Linda Sánchez  (CA-38) and Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD)..

The resolution is endorsed by The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Issues: Arts & Education

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Bennie G Thompson (D-MS)

BOLTON, MS – Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) is pleased to announce that the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) has been awarded $2,458,383 through a Performance Partnership Grant (PPG) from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This funding, part of a larger $16,187,623 approved amount, will support the State of Mississippi’s continuing environmental programs (CEP) aimed at protecting public health, restoring ecosystems, and improving environmental quality.

The grant, authorized under the 1996 Appropriations Act (PL 104-134) and the 1998 Appropriations Act (PL 105-65), will provide MDEQ with greater flexibility to address its highest environmental priorities, enhance performance, and strengthen its partnership with the EPA. The funds will be used for a variety of activities, including:

• Monitoring, inspections, permitting, and enforcement to ensure compliance with federal environmental regulations.
• Ambient air and water quality monitoring to detect and mitigate pollution.
• Cleanup and revitalization of contaminated areas to promote safe and productive land use.
• Technical assistance to government and the private sector to reduce pollution and protect natural resources.

The expected outcomes of the project include improved water quality, reduced contamination risks, enhanced air quality standards, and restored land for productive use. These efforts will ultimately support a healthier environment and stronger communities for all Mississippians.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Bennie G Thompson (D-MS)

April 2, 2025

BOLTON, MISSISSIPPI – Today, United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) announced the Second Congressional District’s “Artistic Discovery” Art Competition. The competition is open to high school students in the Second District.  WHO:       Congressman Bennie G. Thompson  WHAT:     Second Congressional District’s “Artistic Discovery” Art Competition WHEN:    11:00 a.m., CST, Friday, April 11, 2025 WHERE:   419 Robertshaw St., Greenville, MS 38701 For more information, please contact Ashley Beale, at 662-335-9003.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Bennie G Thompson (D-MS)

BOLTON, MS – Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) will host a town hall to address Trump’s cuts to the Department of Education, Department of Health & Human Services, Social Security Administration, and other key government programs in Mississippi’s Second Congressional District.  The discussion will cover how these proposed cuts could impact students, seniors, and low-income families who depend on federal programs.

• WHO: Congressman Bennie G. Thompson   
• WHAT: Town Hall Events – Federal Budget Cuts and Other Key Programs

• WHEN & WHERE: 

  Tuesday, April 15, 2025, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (CT) 

                                   New Beginnings M.B. Church

                                   35 Triumph Ln

                                   Natchez, MS 39120

                 Thursday, April 24, 2025, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (CT)

                                    New Hope First Baptist Church

                                    705 Nelson Street

                                    Greenville, MS 38701

Members of the media who wish to attend are asked to RSVP by emailing Stephanie Booker at stephanie.booker@mail.house.gov .

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO-02)

Washington, D.C. –Rep. Ann Wagner (MO-02), Co-Chair of the bipartisan, bicameral Abraham Accords Caucus, hosted His Excellency Nasser Bourita, Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Morocco for a closed-door roundtable with members of Congress on Tuesday, April 8. The discussion focused on Morocco’s growing role, under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, in advancing regional peace, economic integration, and security cooperation, particularly within the framework of the Abraham Accords.

The event was co-hosted by Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Brad Schneider (IL-10) and provided Members an opportunity to engage directly with one of the region’s most active and strategic diplomatic leaders.

“The Kingdom of Morocco has been a vital partner with the United States in pursuit of peace, stability, and prosperity in Africa and the Middle East,” said Rep. Wagner. “As co-chair of the Abraham Accords Caucus, I have worked to deepen the economic, diplomatic, and security relationships between the United States, Morocco, Israel, and Arab nations in the region as well as address Iran’s efforts to undermine and destabilize the historic normalization agreement.  Today’s roundtable with Foreign Minister Bourita advances those shared interests and I appreciated the Foreign Minister’s vital perspective on our efforts.”

“The U.S.-Morocco relationship is centuries old and has never been more relevant,” said Rep. Schneider. “From joint military exercises to trilateral cooperation with Israel, Morocco plays a vital role in advancing our shared interests in stability, prosperity, and peace. We were grateful for the chance to have an open and strategic dialogue with Foreign Minister Bourita about the opportunities and challenges facing the region.”

Coming up on 5 years since Morocco established full ties with Israel and the US recognized Moroccan sovereignty over the Western Sahara, Members of Congress and the Foreign Minister discussed the future of the bilateral relationship, as well as the trilateral relationship with Israel.

The roundtable highlighted recent progress in the U.S.-Morocco-Israel trilateral dialogue, which serves as a platform for collaboration on issues such as trade, energy, water, and regional security. Members also discussed the deepening U.S.-Morocco bilateral relationship, which includes robust military, economic, and diplomatic cooperation.

Morocco’s hosting of African Lion, the largest annual joint military exercise on the African continent, was spotlighted as a key example of U.S.-Morocco defense partnership and multilateral coordination in North Africa.

Members also discussed US recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Western Sahara, the evolving international diplomatic context, and the potential consequences for long-term regional stability.

The Abraham Accords Caucus is committed to advancing normalization, supporting U.S. diplomacy, and fostering long-term partnerships that contribute to peace, opportunity, and integration across the Middle East and North Africa.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Suzanne Bonamici (1st District Oregon)

Lawmakers press Trump’s Department of Education about its abrupt halt of funding for state governments and school districts that adds an unnecessary hurdle to reimbursement and will harm students following the pandemic.

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

PHILADELPHIA, PA – Yesterday, Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02) held a press conference to sound the alarm about the catastrophic consequences that the Medicaid cuts proposed by President Trump and Republicans in Congress would have in Philadelphia. He was joined by Susan Post, Chief Executive Officer of Esperanza Health Center, and Suzanne O’Grady Laurito, Director of Catholic Housing and Community Services at the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

At the press conference, Congressman Boyle, Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee, warned that the Republican budget would make the largest Medicaid cuts in US history, even as it proposes massive handouts for billionaires. The event also spotlighted the story of a 64-year-old Navy veteran from Northeast Philadelphia who receives in-home care through Medicaid, allowing him to live with dignity.

“In Philadelphia, well over half a million people get their health care from Medicaid. This is the greatest threat to Medicaid in the history of its existence. And why? To pay for tax cuts for the top 1% — it is absolutely unconscionable,” said Congressman Boyle. “The bill that already passed out of the House of Representatives included over $800 billion worth of cuts to Medicaid — the largest cuts to Medicaid in American history. Now the good news is that that was just the beginning of the process, not the end of it. As soon  as we’re done here, I will be hopping on a train to go to Washington, DC, where as the Ranking Member of the Budget Committee, I have been asked to lead the opposition to these Medicaid cuts.”

“In the geographical area that Esparanza takes care of, which is about a three-mile radius from here, we have a population that’s almost 400,000 people. And of those 400,000, almost 200,000 of them rely on Medicaid insurance for all of their health care needs,” said Susan Post, Chief Executive Officer of Esperanza Health Center. “I also live in North Philly. I’ve lived here 25 years. These are not just a statistic, these are actual people, people that I love … thank you so much, Congressman Boyle, for your concern about this important, devastating situation for us here in North Philadelphia.”

“Medicaid is not just a health care program, although that is critical, but it is a lifeline for many we serve. It’s the thread that holds stability, independence, and dignity together,” said Suzanne O’Grady Laurito, Director of Catholic Housing and Community Services at the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. “We stand with Congressman Boyle today to protect and preserve Medicaid. It’s not just a program. It’s a promise.”

###