Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David G Valadao (CA-21)

Congressman Valadao Reintroduces Legislation to Recognize the Armenian Genocide

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24)

U.S. Representatives Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24), David Valadao (R-CA-22), Jim Costa (D-CA-21), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01) introduced bipartisan legislation to reduce wildfire risks this week. Rep. Carbajal’s Fire Safe Electrical Corridors Act would reduce the procedural steps needed for removing hazardous vegetation near power lines, cutting red tape to allow for a more streamlined process to combat wildfire risk.

“As California continues to recover from catastrophic wildfires that ravaged the region earlier this year, we are reminded of the importance of responsible forest management to reduce future wildfire risk,” said Rep. Carbajal. “Our bipartisan bill will expedite the removal of hazardous trees near power lines and is a common sense solution to protect our communities.”

“Far too often bureaucratic red tape gets in the way of proper forest management, contributing to the destructive wildfires we see throughout our state,” said Rep. Valadao. “When dead trees aren’t cleared, wildfires burn more intensely, causing widespread devastation and directly impacting air quality across the Central Valley. This bill is a common sense, bipartisan step towards reducing wildfire risk, and I’m proud to join Congressman Carbajal in support.”

“As our communities recover from wildfires, we must take action to strengthen our infrastructure and reduce the risk of future disasters,” said Rep. Costa. “This bipartisan legislation streamlines efforts to remove hazardous fuels and safeguard our homes, and businesses.”

“The increasing threat of wildfires has become one of the most critical public safety and environmental challenges of our time. Wildfires take lives, destroy communities, and place immense pressure on our brave first responders. As Co-Chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, I’ve prioritized advancing practical, preventative solutions to stop these disasters before they start. The Fire Safe Electrical Corridors Act does just that—a commonsense measure to streamline the removal of hazardous trees on federal lands, help us better protect lives, safeguard property, and preserve the vital natural resources our communities depend on,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick.

More specifically, the legislation would allow the U.S. Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management to approve the removal of hazardous trees near power lines on federal land – including national forests like Los Padres National Forest – without requiring a timber sale, easing a serious threat that has in the past been a major cause of destructive wildfires.

Currently, utility companies are required to keep trees and branches away from powerlines on federal land. But fallen or dead trees cannot be cleared currently without a timber sale, creating an administrative step that can slow clearing of hazardous fuel and potential triggers for a wildfire on federal land.

The bill was adopted as an amendment to the bipartisan Fix Our Forests Act.

The bill was first introduced in 2023 with California Representatives Carbajal, Jim Costa (D-CA-21), and David Valadao (R-CA-22) leading in the House and U.S. Senators Dianne Feinstein and Alex Padilla leading in the Senate. 

The bill was approved by the House Natural Resources Committee unanimously in September 2024.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24)

U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24), Senior Member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement on the heels of new reporting revealing National Security Advisor Mike Waltz’s extensive use of Signal to communicate highly sensitive national security information. 

“This new reporting confirms my concern that the Trump Administration’s previous mishandling of sensitive information was not a one-time error but a troubling pattern of negligence,” said Rep. Carbajal. “These sloppy and careless actions are irresponsible and undermine the safety of our servicemembers. The Administration must be held accountable for its consistent disregard for protecting sensitive and classified information. We cannot allow this reckless conduct to continue.” 

On March 27, 2025, Rep. Carbajal led a group of 69 House Democrats in a letter to National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio over the incredible incompetence displayed by their use of Signal to communicate highly sensitive national security information.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24)

Today, Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24), a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, authored a resolution to honor civil rights and labor leader César E. Chávez.

“César Chávez was a champion for justice, dignity, and the rights of workers everywhere,” said Rep. Carbajal. “His legacy of resilience and unity continues to inspire us as we reject the divisive policies of the Trump Administration. Today, we honor his legacy by reaffirming our commitment to fairness, equality, and the belief that ‘Sí, se puede’—yes, we can—create a more just future for all.”

“César Chávez fought for the dignity of workers and immigrants and reminded us that their contributions to our country are just as valuable as anyone else’s,” said Congresswoman Rivas. “We will reject the Trump Administration’s attempts to erase the history and contributions from our communities that have made this country stronger. I’m honored to join Representative Salud Carbajal and my colleagues on César Chávez’s birthday to stand with our communities, continue his fight for justice, and build a country that upholds its values of fairness and equality for all.”

“César Chávez’s legacy is one of courage, resilience, and an unshakable belief in justice. His fight for fair wages, dignity, and respect for farmworkers transformed the labor movement and inspired generations to stand up for their rights,” said Rep. Barragán. “This resolution reaffirms our commitment to the values Chávez championed – ensuring every worker is treated with dignity, protected under the law, and given a fair shot at the American Dream.”

“As a fellow US Navy veteran, I’ve always admired Cesar Chavez’s service in the Western Pacific in addition to his legacy of championing civil rights. As a union leader and labor organizer, Chavez dedicated his life to improving treatment, pay, and working conditions for our farm workers, a cause that is more important than ever in the face of Trump Administration attacks on workers and unions.  Cesar Chavez showed us what the power of organizing can accomplish and his legacy continues to live on,” said Rep. Cisneros.

“I’m glad to join a resolution honoring labor rights hero César Chávez,” said Rep. Jimmy Gomez. “As a former labor organizer, I carry on his fight for better wages and benefits every day. With workers’ rights under attack by the Trump administration, defending the right to organize is more important than ever.”

“As the son of a Bracero and a proud Mexican American, I have long been inspired by César Chávez’s tireless work. I had the privilege of working with him when he brought his fight for labor rights to Chicago, and I remain deeply motivated by his belief in the power of organizing and putting workers first,” said Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García. “At a time when labor and civil rights are under unprecedented attack by the Trump administration, this César Chávez Day is not only a recognition but a call to action—to fight for justice and stand with workers everywhere.”

César E. Chávez was born in 1927, and as a child, he worked alongside his family laboring in the fields and vineyards of America’s Southwest. After serving with distinction in the U.S. Navy, he returned to California and began advocating for safer working conditions and reasonable wages for farm workers and for outlawing child labor. 

He became National Director of the Community Service Organization, a Latino civil rights group, and later established the National Farm Workers Association, which would become the United Farm Workers of America.

Through non-violent protests, Chávez successfully fought for pension benefits, health care coverage, and fair wages for workers and became an inspiration for human rights causes globally.

A copy of the resolution can be found here.

Reps. Luz Rivas, Nanette Díaz Barragán, Gil Cisneros, Jimmy Gomez, and Jesús “Chuy” García joined as original cosponsors.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Judy Chu (CA2-27)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, President Trump signed an executive order that placed tariffs on every single country in the world, including our closest allies. Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28), a member of the House Ways and Means Committee that that has jurisdiction over international trade, released the following statement:

“Days ago, President Trump told Americans that ‘he couldn’t care less’ if his tariffs on cars raised prices for Americans. Today, he is extending the same treatment to millions of products, immediately imposing the largest tax increase in history and raising costs for every single American. His actions will mean higher prices for lifesaving medications, for groceries, for gas at the pump, and for the materials needed to rebuild the homes in my own congressional district after the Eaton Fire. 

“These tariffs aren’t liberation; they’re stupidity and the clearest sign Trump cares more about being a bully than helping Americans. 

“Tariffs can be a tool to address unfair trade practices, protect national security, and give American workers a fair playing field. But President Trump’s tariffs, implemented with no strategy and no transparency, will move us further away from all three of these goals – all while costing the average family thousands of dollars a year. The President’s own economic advisor estimates this plan will raise prices for American families by as much as $6 trillion, with Trump and Congressional Republicans plowing ahead with their plan to give a $4.5 trillion tax giveaway to ultra-wealthy individuals and corporations that don’t need it. 

“Americans deserve better. Republicans in Congress could join Democrats to pass legislation that would rein in presidential abuse of tariff power, restore authority over trade to the legislative branch, and protect Americans’ pocketbooks. Instead of standing up to Trump on behalf of their constituents, however, Republicans continue choosing obedience and submissiveness. They should be held accountable.” 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Judy Chu (CA2-27)

VIDEO: Rep. Chu’s Floor remarks before passage of H.R. 517, Filing Relief for Natural Disasters Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 517, Filing Relief for Natural Disasters Act, introduced by Reps. Judy Chu (CA-28) and David Kustoff (TN-08) by a vote of 388-0. 

This bill would provide relief for impacted taxpayers in states that have issued state-level disaster declarations. Currently, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has the authority to postpone filing deadlines in the event of a presidentially-declared federal disaster, but this does not extend to state-level emergencies.

Each year, states like California declare state-level emergencies for disasters like wildfires, floods, or earthquakes. Under current law, Californians are not eligible for federal filing relief for these disasters until they’re also declared by the President of the United States. Those declarations can take days or even weeks, which was the case in 2020 after devastating wildfires, including the Bobcat Fire in the San Gabriel Mountains, ravaged the state. That means taxpayers who just suffered a disaster might face two separate tax deadlines for state and federal returns. This legislation would ensure that victims can get the instantaneous federal filing relief they need to recover from natural disasters as soon as the Governor declares a state-level emergency. 

“While President Biden immediately declared a federal disaster for the Los Angeles fires that devastated my district in January, that was unusually fast. That means that if disaster strikes during filing season, taxpayers run the risk of missing federal filing deadlines through no fault of their own. And, there may be serious natural disasters that affect taxpayers’ ability to file, but don’t ever get declared as a federal disaster,” said Rep. Chu.

“Our bill solves these problems by giving Treasury and the IRS authority to postpone federal filing deadlines in response to a request by a governor that has declared a state-level disaster. And, it would double the minimum duration of these filing extensions from 60 to 120 days. 

“I am proud that our bipartisan bill passed the House, and I continue to urge my colleagues to work with me to support the victims of January’s Los Angeles Fires, including the Eaton Fire in my district, by passing a supplemental disaster appropriations package with no strings attached.” 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Judy Chu (CA2-27)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On the last day of National Nutrition Month, Reps. Judy Chu (CA-28), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) Paul Tonko (NY-20), and Don Bacon (NE-02) introduced the Nutrition Counseling Aiding Recovery for Eating Disorders (Nutrition CARE) Act of 2025. This bipartisan bill would expand access to care for seniors with eating disorders by including coverage of outpatient medical nutrition therapy through Medicare Part B. Medical nutrition therapy (MNT) is the process of providing treatment and recovery around food and nutrition from a registered dietitian to address the complex nature of eating disorders.

Successful and comprehensive treatment of this mental illness includes psychiatric, therapeutic, medical, and medical nutrition therapy services. However, MNT is not currently covered for eating disorders under Medicare Part B. This lack of coverage leaves the full scope of treatment out of reach for seniors and people with disabilities with eating disorders.

“While eating disorders are often thought of as a young person’s disease, they affect seniors at rates similar to the general population. Left untreated, these disorders can lead to severe health complications such as heart failure, kidney failure, diabetes, and hypoglycemia,” said Rep. Chu. “We know this can be prevented with treatment and therapy, but only if those are made accessible to seniors. That’s why I’m joining my colleagues on a bipartisan basis to introduce the Nutrition CARE Act to provide patients with Medicare coverage a more comprehensive, specialized approach to combating eating disorders.”

“The Nutrition CARE Act corrects a long-standing gap in Medicare by extending coverage of medical nutrition therapy to include eating disorders—putting it on par with other serious conditions like diabetes and kidney disease. This bipartisan legislation brings federal policy in line with modern clinical standards and recognizes the full continuum of care required to treat eating disorders effectively. It’s a critical reform that modernizes Medicare, strengthens our healthcare system, and ensures recovery is within reach for all who need it,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. 

“As with any illness, individuals living with eating disorders should be able to access affordable, quality, and compassionate care,” Rep. Tonko said. “The Nutrition CARE Act delivers comprehensive nutrition counseling coverage and provides needed treatment for Medicare beneficiaries. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan legislation that ensures access to lifesaving care.”

“I am pleased to join this bipartisan legislation that increases access to necessary treatments for Medicare beneficiaries suffering from eating disorders,” said Rep. Bacon. “Complete care is necessary when treating these disorders, and Medical Nutrition Therapy for seniors and persons with disabilities is needed, in addition to three other cornerstones of treatment: psychiatry, psychological and medical.”

“I am deeply grateful to Congresswoman Chu for her unwavering leadership in championing the Nutrition CARE Act, saidMolly Perlman, Chief Medical Officer of Monte Nido with treatment programs California, New York, and Pennsylvania. “This legislation recognizes the essential role that nutrition plays in recovery, expands access to critical care, and bridges the gaps in treatment that many individuals face. For those battling eating disorders, specialized nutritional support is not just important—it is a cornerstone of healing and long-term recovery. By removing longstanding barriers to access, the Nutrition CARE Act ensures that everyone, regardless of their background, can receive the comprehensive care they deserve. This is a monumental step forward in the fight against eating disorders, and we applaud Rep. Chu for her dedication to making recovery accessible for all.”

Click here to read the bill text in full.

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

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mark Takano (D-Calif)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mark Takano (D-Calif)