Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Baird (R-IN-04)

Today, Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) announced the beginning of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition. The competition is open to all qualifying students grades 7-12 in Indiana’s 4^th Congressional District who are looking to display their artistic passions.

“I am proud to announce my office is currently accepting submissions for the 2025 Congressional Art Competition,” said Rep. Baird. “This is an incredible opportunity for young artists in the Fourth Congressional District to showcase their artistic talent and have their work showcased in the U.S. Capitol Building. Each year, I am impressed by the exceptional artistic talent our students have, and I look forward to seeing even more outstanding submissions this year.”

The winner of the 2025 competition will have their artwork on display in the U.S. Capitol for an entire year and earn a free trip to Washington, D.C. to see their work on display. The winning artwork is also featured on the U.S. House of Representatives Congressional Art Competition Page.

How to Participate:

Students, teachers, and parents are encouraged to submit one piece of original art to the Office of Congressman Jim Baird in Danville, IN along with their student release form. All entries MUST include the Student Information and Release Form for the competition. The submission deadline is Friday, April 25, 2025, at 5 PM ET. Please visit our website for more information.

Submissions can be mailed or dropped off at the office. As the winner will be displayed in Washington, D.C. for a full year, students should submit a piece that will not be needed for other purposes.

Office of Congressman Jim Baird
355 S. Washington Street
Suite 210
Danville, IN 46122

Eligibility Requirements:

All students in Indiana’s Fourth Congressional District in grades 7 through 12 are eligible to submit their work. Artwork must be two-dimensional. Each framed artwork can be no larger than 26 inches high, 26 inches wide, and 4 inches deep. Even when framed, it must still measure no larger than the above maximum dimensions. No framed piece should weigh more than 15 pounds.

Accepted mediums for the two-dimensional artwork include:

• Paintings: oil, acrylics, watercolor, etc.
• Drawings: colored pencil, pencil, ink, marker, pastels, charcoal (it is recommended that charcoal and pastel drawings be fixed).
• Collages: must be two dimensional.
• Prints: lithographs, silkscreen, block prints.
• Mixed Media: use of more than two mediums such as pencil, ink, watercolor, etc.
• Computer-generated art.
• Photographs.

Each entry must be original in concept, design, and execution and may not violate U.S. copyright laws. Any entry that has been copied from an existing photo or image (including a painting, graphic, or advertisement) that was created by someone other than the student is a violation of the competition rules and will not be accepted. Work entered must be in the original medium (that is, not a scanned reproduction of a painting, drawing, etc.).

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Baird (R-IN-04)

 Today, Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) released the following statement regarding the vote on H.R. 1968, the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act of 2025:

“While this bill is not perfect, I voted for this Continuing Resolution (CR) because it freezes spending levels, prevents a costly shutdown, and ensures critical programs and services such as Medicare, Social Security, and Veterans’ benefits can continue without disruption. This CR provides Congress and President Trump with a path to focus on delivering real results for Hoosier families, including historic tax cuts, securing our borders, and rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse in our federal agencies. House Democrats are playing absurd political games and voted to shut down the government to thwart the President’s successful America First agenda. House Republicans are unlocking the ability to make lasting changes to Washington, D.C. so that the government works for the American people, not the other way around.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Baird (R-IN-04)

Today, Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) released the following statement after President Donald J. Trump’s Joint Address to Congress:

“For four years, Hoosiers were buckling under the numerous crises caused by President Biden and Congressional Democrats’ failed leadership. Tonight, President Trump laid out his bold agenda to renew the American dream and restore American excellence.

“President Trump has been working at a rapid pace to deliver on his successful America First agenda. The president is already reclaiming our leadership on the world stage and will restore peace in the Middle East and Eastern Europe. This is a far cry from President Biden’s failed foreign policy of appeasement.

“In his first month in office, the President took executive action to secure our southern border and sign the Laken Riley Act into law. As a result, we have seen the lowest number of monthly illegal border crossings on record. The Trump Administration is also taking historic action to unleash American energy dominance, rescind burdensome regulations, drive investment in American industries, root out waste, fraud, and abuse in our federal government, and lower costs for Hoosiers to ensure the American Dream is more achievable than ever.

“President Trump’s Joint Address made it clear: under President Trump and House and Senate Republicans’ leadership, this is truly the beginning of the Golden Age of America, and we will work hard to make the American Dream a reality once again.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Baird (R-IN-04)

Rep. Baird Applauds Secretary Rollins’ Plan to Lower Egg Prices, Combat Avian Flu

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14)

WASHINGTON – Today, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee passed Rep. Lauren Underwood’s Baby Changing on Board Act (H.R. 248). The legislation is co-led by Rep. Jeff Van Drew (NJ-02), Senators Peter Welch (D-VT), and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and would require new Amtrak trains to be equipped with baby changing stations in all restrooms, providing essential amenities for families traveling across the country.

Amtrak serves millions of families as a reliable and affordable transportation option, but many trains still lack basic facilities such as baby changing stations, creating unnecessary challenges for parents and caregivers. Under the Baby Changing on Board Act, Amtrak would utilize existing funds to install baby changing stations in new train cars, ensuring all trains meet a minimum service standard for family amenities.

“Parents and caregivers shouldn’t have to worry about whether there’s a safe and clean place to care for their kids while traveling,” said Rep. Underwood. “This legislation is a practical, necessary step to make sure families have access to the amenities they need on Amtrak. This is common-sense, bipartisan legislation to support families, and I look forward to it passing the House.”

“Ensuring families have access to baby changing stations in Amtrak train cars is a simple, common-sense solution that will make a world of difference,” said Congressman Van Drew. “As a parent myself, I know how important it is for families traveling with young children to feel comfortable and supported during their journeys. By tapping into existing funding to put in these stations, we are meeting a real need and making travel a lot easier for parents and their little ones. Every family deserves that kind of support on their journeys.” 

The Baby Changing on Board Act represents a significant step forward for families, especially those undertaking long journeys on Amtrak routes. By ensuring new trains are equipped with basic, family-friendly facilities, this legislation promotes a more inclusive and accessible travel experience for parents and caregivers nationwide.

The Baby Changing on Board Act is supported by leading organizations, including A Better Balance, MomsRising Together, and the National Women’s Law Center.

With committee approval secured, the bill now moves to the full House for consideration.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Sean Casten (IL-06)

April 03, 2025

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Congressmen Sean Casten (D-IL-06) and Pete Stauber (R-MN-08) introduced two bipartisan bills to improve access to health care for pilots and air traffic controllers.

“Pilots and air traffic controllers should not be unfairly penalized for seeking health care by a system that perpetuates a culture of silence,” said Rep. Sean Casten. “I’m proud to introduce these bipartisan bills to help bolster the availability of mental health care for aviators, require the FAA to eliminate significant barriers to care, and ensure everyone is given full information about what medications they may take. These commonsense changes will enable pilots and air traffic controllers to access help, should they need it.”

“Our aviators help our friends and families conduct business, visit loved ones, and explore the world, and they do so with safety as their top priority,” said Rep. Stauber. “Mental health care is an important part of the safety mission, and we must not create barriers that deter aviators from seeking treatment. I am proud to introduce these two bills with Congressman Casten to ensure our aviators get the care they need while keeping our skies safe.”

The first bill, the Mental Health in Aviation Act, is co-sponsored by Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA-02) and Representative Tracey Mann (R-KS-01). The legislation would eliminate barriers to mental health care for aviators and require the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to implement recommendations of the Mental Health and Aviation Medical Clearances Rulemaking Committee within two years. 

“At such a trying time for U.S. aviation, we must support the mental health of the dedicated aviation workforce who, every day, help ensure the traveling public reach their destination safely,” Ranking Member Larsen said. “That’s why I’m so proud to support the Mental Health in Aviation Act, legislation from Representatives Casten, Stauber and Mann to modernize the FAA’s mental health policies and remove barriers in access to critical care.”

“Our nation’s pilots, air traffic controllers, and flight crews carry an overwhelming weight of responsibility in upholding the Gold Standard of American aviation while simultaneously keeping passengers safe,” said Rep. Mann, a co-sponsor of the Mental Health in Aviation Act. “As these talented professionals work tirelessly to maintain American aviation as the standard for the world, it’s important that they have access to resources and information to help care for their mental health and manage stressors appropriately. When the country is already facing an imminent pilot shortage, this legislation encourages more individuals to pursue careers in aviation by providing them with the tools they need to be successful.” 

The second bill, the Aviation Medication Transparency Act, would require the FAA to publish and regularly update a list of approved medications for aviators.

For a list of quotes from organizations who support the Reps. Casten and Stauber’s legislation, please click here.

If you or someone you know is struggling, there are resources to help you. Call or text 988 to connect with a trained professional and receive support 24/7.

Mental Health in Aviation Act

Currently, pilots and air traffic controllers who seek mental health care are unfairly penalized by a system that perpetuates a culture of silence. While aviation professionals are mandated to report if they seek mental health care, once they take that step, they are faced with delays, confusion, and overbroad regulation in the process of returning to work. This often means that relatively minor mental health concerns result in long wait times and derailed careers for safe and well-trained pilots and air traffic controllers, which exacerbate the culture of silence that is rooted in fear for their livelihoods.

In December 2023, the FAA recognized the need to reform its current policies and established the ARC to identify barriers to mental health care for aviators and present recommendations to the FAA to address these challenges. 

To address these barriers, the ARC coalesced around a list of 24 recommendations to eliminate some of the main barriers to care. The Mental Health in Aviation Act requires the FAA to take the following steps:

Regulations for Individuals Carrying Out Aviation Activities

• In consultation with stakeholders, implement the recommendations of the ARC within two years
• Report to Congress on its plans to implement recommendations to improve pilot mental health care from the National Transportation Safety Board, and a description of relevant clinical studies, manuals, and other protocols.

Annual Review of Mental Health Special Issuance Process

• Annually review and update process related to mental health-related special issuance for pilots and air traffic controllers to: reclassify and approve the use of additional medications, improve mental health knowledge and training to Aviation Medical Examiners, as appropriate defer additional authority to Aviation Medical Examiners, and improve the special issuance process; and report to congress. 

Authorization of Appropriation for Additional Medical Examiners

• Authorizes $13.74 M for each of the next three years to recruit, and train additional Aviation Medical Examiners and fund and expand capacity in the Flight Surgeon’s Office.

Public Information Campaign

• Authorizes $1.5M for each of the next three years to destigmatize mental health care among aviators, and make pilots and air traffic controllers aware of available services to help.
• Report to Congress.

Text of the Mental Health in Aviation Act can be found here.

The legislation is endorsed by the Pilot Mental Health Campaign,  Air Line Pilots Association, Airlines for America, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, National Flight Training Alliance, the National Business Aviation Association, and NetJets Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots (NJASAP).

Aviation Medication Transparency Act

Currently, the FAA provides Aviation Medical Examiners with specific guidance on medications that are safe for aviators and those that necessitate grounding for various periods. However, this crucial information is not made accessible to pilots, non-aeromedical physicians, or air traffic Controllers.

As a result, an aviator may unknowingly take prescription medications that could potentially jeopardize their career. If both the aviator and their physician had access to information regarding permissible medications, they could opt for similar medications that would not pose such risks. To make sure pilots and air traffic controllers have full information, the Aviation Medication Transparency Act requires the publication of a list of approved medications. Further, this bill requires that the FAA:

• Publish and maintain this list of medications that are safe for pilots and air traffic controllers to take while working within one year of enactment.
• Maintain this list in consultation with various stakeholders
• Ensure that this list is comprehensive and drafted in a user-friendly and accessible manner.
• Indicate what, if any, period of time aviators must have limited duties while taking this medication
• Indicate a list of medications that the FAA has designated as “Do Not Issue”
• Include any other clarifications it deems necessary
• Update this list annually
• Include a mechanism for doctors to seek information from the FAA should they have any questions

Text of the Aviation Medication Transparency Act can be found here.

The legislation is endorsed by the Pilot Mental Health Campaign, Airlines for America, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, the National Business Aviation Association, and the National Flight Training Alliance.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

Funding freeze comes as Trump’s tariffs are significantly increasing costs for the more than 350 maple producers in New Hampshire, most of whom source production equipment from Canada.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

Congressmen Chris Pappas (NH-01) and Doug LaMalfa (CA-01) reintroduced the Modern, Clean, and Safe Trucks Act which would repeal the 12% federal excise tax on heavy trucks. Representatives Darin LaHood (IL-16), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), and Max Miller (OH-07) joined in introducing this bipartisan legislation.

The 12% excise tax on heavy trucks is the highest excise tax levied on any product in the country and could add $15,000 to $30,000 to the cost of new heavy trucks, trailers, semitrailer chassis, and tractors for highway use. Off-highway equipment such as agriculture, earthmoving, forestry, and mining machinery is exempt from the tax. This tax is paid at the time of sale and is not levied on used truck sales, consequentially encouraging the purchase of older, less safe, and less fuel efficient vehicles.

“Every potential saving we can deliver to businesses makes a difference to help them operate and lower costs for families,” said Congressman Pappas. “Cutting the federal excise tax on heavy-duty trucks and trailers will help America’s Main Street economy grow and strengthen our supply chains, while also supporting the adoption of newer, safer, and cleaner trucks. This legislation is bipartisan and commonsense, and I’ll keep fighting for Congress to take it up to provide immediate relief to small businesses and consumers alike.”

“For over a century, the federal excise tax on heavy-duty trucks has gone from a temporary wartime measure to fund World War I, to an outdated tax that punishes truck buyers,” said Congressman LaMalfa. “This is the highest percentage-based tax Congress imposes on any product, yet it fails to be a reliable source of funding for the Highway Trust Fund. This tax forces buyers to stick with older, less efficient models and makes it harder for truckers to modernize their rigs, holding back the trucking industry from updating. Let’s repeal this outdated tax and support the men and women who keep America moving.”

This bipartisan legislation has the support of leaders across the industry. 

“First implemented over a century ago to help finance America’s effort in World War I, the FET has become the largest excise tax on any product, adding $24,000 to the cost of each new clean-diesel tractor-trailer,” said American Trucking Associations President & CEO Chris Spear.  “Keeping this antiquated tax on the books imposes an enormous hardship, particularly for the small fleets, family businesses, and independent truckers who make up the overwhelming majority of trucking.  Removing this burden will allow motor carriers to replace their trucks with modern, safer, and cleaner equipment, which will in turn provide a boost to manufacturing jobs.  Our industry is grateful to Reps. LaMalfa, Pappas, LaHood, Carbajal, and Miller for their leadership on this issue to improve highway safety, reduce emissions, and strengthen our economy.”

“The Clean Freight Coalition (CFC) is grateful to Reps. LaMalfa, Pappas, LaHood, Carbajal, and Miller for their leadership on repealing the FET, which will incentivize motor carriers to refresh their fleets with cleaner and safer trucks,” said CFC’s Executive Director Jim Mullen. “There are many pathways to reducing truck emissions, and replacing old equipment with trucks equipped with the most advanced technology provides immediate benefits for the environment, and at the same time protects the resiliency of the supply chain and guards against rising freight costs which are ultimately paid by consumers. The stakeholders represented by the CFC applaud the Sponsors of this bill for their efforts to improve the environment and support the trucking industry.”

“The burdensome 12 percent Federal Excise Tax on the sale of new heavy-duty trucks and trailers is an outdated levy which drives up costs and slows the adoption of safer, more fuel-efficient vehicles,” said Scott Pearson, ATD Chairman and President of Peterbilt of Atlanta. “This onerous tax adds approximately $20,000 to the price of a new diesel truck, and $50,000 to the cost of a new electric truck. America’s truck dealers commend Reps. LaMalfa and Pappas for their leadership on this important issue, which will help motor carriers modernize their fleets and improve road safety.”

“The U.S. tank truck industry needs relief from the outdated Federal Excise Tax—originally imposed more than a century ago to fund World War I,” said Ryan Streblow, President and CEO of National Tank Truck Carriers. “Repealing this 12% tax would empower our industry to reinvest in the specialized equipment we need—equipment that features critical safety enhancements and cleaner-emission power units to serve the U.S. bulk segment. As costs continue to rise, this tax remains a significant barrier to upgrading our fleets and supporting a safer, more sustainable supply chain.”

Background: 

For more than a century, the Federal government has levied excise taxes on heavy duty trucks to raise money for wartime mobilization in WW1 and WW2, fund Great Depression-era programs, and for the Highway Trust Fund. The Senate previously attempted to repeal the tax in 1975, but the House failed to include it in their version of a broad tax bill. It was last increased in 1982 to twelve percent, and although it was set to expire in 1987 it was extended in 1987, 1991, 1998, 2005, 2012, and 2015.

Representatives Pappas and LaMalfa introduced similar legislation in the 117th Congress and the 118th Congress following a renewed appeal from the National Automobile Dealers Association. This legislation has received praise from New Hampshire small business leaders.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

Today Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01), member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee and Ranking Member of the Economic Opportunity Subcommittee, released the following statement on the news that the Trump Administration has moved to end collective bargaining rights for a wide ranging group of federal employees, including staff at the Department of Veterans Affairs:

“This latest Executive Order is a direct attack on workers’ rights to organize and collectively bargain for better wages, safe conditions, and full benefits. It will harm not only working families but also our security, defense, and the well-being of our veterans who receive benefits and care through the VA. I will fight this order and continue to do everything I can to protect workers who are under attack every day from this administration.”

“The right to collectively bargain is foundational. That’s why I also support the PRO Act which will help strengthen our middle class by ensuring workers have the ability to stand together and use their collective power to negotiate. Unions built the middle class in this country and play a critical role in advocating for all American workers. I am proud to support legislation that will ensure those who put in a hard day’s work have a seat at the table and a say in their future.”

Earlier this month, Congressman Pappas helped reintroduce H.R. 20, the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, a comprehensive, bipartisan proposal to protect workers’ right to come together and bargain for higher wages, better benefits, and safer workplaces.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

New Hampshire will lose $80 million in crucial public health funding from this decision by the Trump administration