Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Democrats across the country, as well as health care providers and advocates, are highlighting the negative impacts that face seniors, children, and working parents if the House Republican budget becomes law. Republicans’ budget sets up billions of dollars of cuts to Medicaid in order to pay for tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans and large corporations.

“House Republicans are using their majority to serve their wealthy donors at the expense of working families, children, and seniors,” said Congresswoman McCollum. “The budget Republicans passed in February could cut Medicaid by as much as $880 billion, which would weaken a critical healthcare lifeline that over a million Minnesotans rely on.”

“Nearly 1.3 million Minnesotans—about one quarter of our state—rely on Medicaid,” said Congresswoman McCollum in a

statement

following a vote on the budget in February. “A cut of this magnitude would have severe consequences for our entire population. Here in

To highlight the importance of Medicaid to East Metro residents and Minnesotans living in every corner of the state, Congresswoman McCollum called upon leaders in healthcare, homecare, labor unions, and disability advocacy to share how Medicaid cuts would impact their work and harm Minnesotans who rely on Medical Assistance.

“Cutting federal Medicaid funding will have a significant impact on Minnesota children with complex medical conditions and disabilities,” said Barbara Joers, President and CEO of Gillette Children’s Hospital. “These children often rely on Medicaid for access to necessary healthcare services, therapies, medications, medical equipment, and home-based care. Cuts to Medicaid would result in reduced coverage, limited access to specialists, longer wait times for services, and decreased quality of care for these at-risk populations.”

Congresswoman McCollum visited President Joers at Gillette Children’s on Tuesday morning for a discussion on how Medicaid cuts could impact patients.

Click here to watch.

“Medicaid plays a crucial role in ensuring that every child has access to the quality healthcare they need,” said Dr. Marc Gorelick, President and CEO of Children’s Minnesota. “At Children’s Minnesota, we see firsthand the profound impact of Medicaid. Nearly half of the patients we serve rely on Medicaid, which helps set up kids for a lifetime of success by providing access to essential preventative care, such as check-ups and vaccines, and effective treatment for chronic conditions. This proactive approach prevents more serious health issues that ultimately cost society more in the long run. Cutting Medicaid threatens access to these essential services for the kids and families we serve. An investment in Medicaid is an investment in our children, and ultimately an investment in a healthier future for all.”

“Many older adults and people with disabilities count on support through the Medicaid program when they’re unable to receive life-sustaining supports elsewhere,” said Kathy Messerli, Executive Director, MN Home Care Association (MHCA). “Chronic underfunding of these essential home and community-based services has already led to the closure of agencies in Minnesota and resulted in worse and at times no access to care for people who need it. Further cuts will lead to more Minnesotans without access to care or turning to safety net hospitals, which shifts the government costs to a more expensive setting.” 

Medicaid is a lifeline for Minnesotans with disabilities. Sumer Spika, a mother and home care worker from St. Paul with SEIU Healthcare MN & IA, shared what Medicaid cuts would mean to thousands of families like hers.

“As a mother and a longtime home care worker who provided support for a wonderful young woman named Jayla for over a decade, when I think of potential cuts I think, ‘what would Jayla do without Medicaid?’ If there was no funding, it would mean there would be no care for her and no access to equipment that allowed her to live her life,” said Spika. “Medicaid meant not just a person to help with her care, it meant things like hearing aids and fire alarms that have flashing lights because she can’t hear. It meant getting care for a heart disorder. It means a lifeline and coverage for millions of people. The thought of cutting even one penny to give tax breaks for billionaires is so offensive I can’t believe it is even being considered.”

“Medicaid allows people with disabilities to work, participate in community activities, volunteer and do everything other people often take for granted,” said Linda Wolford, M.S., Government Relations Director at the Minnesota Council on Disability. “Also, the direct care workers who provide care to people with disabilities contribute to the economy as Medicaid funding provides them with jobs. The unemployment rate would also likely increase if Medicaid payments are reduced or cut off as there are thousands of people who work in the service delivery system for people with disabilities and seniors.”

MINNESOTA MEDICAID SNAPSHOT:

• 1,184,597 Minnesotans are enrolled in Minnesota’s Medicaid program, known as Medical Assistance

• 33% of births in Minnesota are covered by Medicaid

• 1 in 3 Minnesota children are covered by Medicaid

• 5 in 9 nursing home residents are covered by Medicaid

• 1 in 3 working age adults are covered by Medicaid

• In MN-04, the 172,477 people on Medicaid are at risk of losing their health care under Republican budget. This includes 89,871 children under the age of 19 and 14,000 seniors over 65 in MN-04.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Linda Sanchez (38th District of CA)

WASHINGTON – House Ways and Means Committee members Congresswoman Linda Sánchez (D-Calif.) and Congressman Mike Carey (R-Ohio), along with Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), today reintroduced the Credit for Caring Act, a bipartisan bill that would create a new tax credit of up to $5,000 for working family caregivers.

“Caring for both of my parents after they were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s has given me a personal understanding of the emotional, physical, and financial challenges families face when caring for a loved one,” said Congresswoman Sánchez. “Family caregivers – two-thirds of whom are women – often juggle work, family responsibilities, and the time and financial demands of caregiving. The Credit for Caring Act will ease some of these challenges by providing much-needed financial relief through a tax credit for home care and adult day care.”

“We know that families want to support their loved ones through illness, disability and aging in place. The Credit for Caring Act offers relief to caregivers, allowing them to prioritize their loved ones and worry less about the effects on their family budget,” said Congressman Carey. “This tax credit would offset costs American families have to bear to care for their loved ones and provides flexibility to care for them in the way that works best for their family’s situation. I hope my colleagues join me in the effort to pass it.”

“The Credit for Caring Act is a great tool to help ease the financial burden caregivers face, and I am proud to join with my colleagues in reintroducing this bill that aims to accomplish that,” said Senator Capito. “Like so many Americans, I helped care for both of my parents as they battled Alzheimer’s at the end of their lives, and therefore, I understand the emotional and physical toll it can take on individuals and families. By passing this bill, we can help caregivers focus more on their loved ones and less on how much it will cost them.”

“Family caregivers play a critical role in the lives of their loved ones, often at a significant financial cost to themselves. They have to balance jobs and family responsibilities, and still make ends meet at the end of the month,” said Senator Bennet. “Congress should make things a little easier for them. Our bipartisan bill will help ease the financial burden that many caregivers face in Colorado and across the country, and I’m grateful for the support of my colleagues in both chambers of Congress.”

“America’s family caregivers put family first, helping their parents, spouses and others stay at home,” said Nancy LeaMond, executive vice President and chief advocacy and engagement officer, AARP. “They spend thousands of dollars every year on this care, while juggling work and family responsibilities. We urge Congress to put money back into the pockets of hardworking family caregivers by passing the Credit for Caring tax credit.”

“This crucial legislation offers much-needed financial relief for the invaluable contributions of family caregivers, who often sacrifice their own financial stability to care for loved ones, while juggling work and caregiving responsibilities,” said Jenny Carlson, state director, AARP. “This act also represents a significant step towards supporting our aging population and ensuring that families can continue to provide high-quality care at home. It also benefits employers by reducing the financial strain on employees who balance work and caregiving responsibilities, leading to a more productive and engaged workforce. We urge Congress to pass this vital legislation, which will have a profound impact on the well-being of families, the economy, and the overall health of our communities.”

“AMAC Action, the advocacy affiliate of the Association of Mature American Citizens – with over 2 million members nationwide, proudly supports the Credit for Caring Act because family caregivers are the foundation of our nation’s long-term care system. Millions of Americans selflessly provide care for their loved ones, often at great personal and financial sacrifice. This legislation is a commonsense solution that provides much-needed relief to those who shoulder this responsibility. By easing the financial burden on caregivers, we can help ensure seniors receive the care they need while preserving their independence and dignity,” said Andy Mangione, senior vice president, AMAC Action.

“With over 11 million Americans caring for a loved one living with Alzheimer’s, our nation must take action to help with the staggering financial toll of caregiving,” said Robert Egge, president, AIM and chief public policy officer, Alzheimer’s Association. “Thank you to Rep. Carey and the other lead sponsors for introducing the bipartisan Credit for Caring Act, which will provide real help to family caregivers across the nation. We look forward to working with you to ensure this critical legislation is signed into law.”

BACKGROUND

Caregiving is time-consuming, physically taxing, and it can also be expensive. Currently, family caregivers spend over $7,200 a year, on average, on out-of-pocket on caregiving expenses.

The Credit for Caring Act is supported by a number of groups, including AARP, Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s Impact Movement, Home Care Association of America, AMAC Action, Family Business Coalition and American Seniors Housing Association.

The full text of the bill can be found HERE.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Linda Sanchez (38th District of CA)

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Linda T. Sánchez (D-Calif.) released the following statement in response to President Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress:

“Between the self-congratulatory nonsense, the hate-filled rhetoric and the outright lies, President Trump didn’t bother to tell the American people how he was going to improve their lives.

“He had the audacity to stand before the country and claim he’s restoring the American dream.’ Are you kidding me? The chaos he’s unleashed since taking office has pushed that dream further out of reach for hardworking families.

“Republicans in the chamber might have cheered as he smugly laid out his plan to gut everything this country stands for, all so the rich can get another tax break. But the American people aren’t buying it. 

“Americans have had enough of the empty words, the hollow promises and the constant division. They’re tired of a president who only cares about himself.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Linda Sanchez (38th District of CA)

WASHINGTON – Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Ranking Member Linda T. Sánchez (D-Calif.) today introduced the Closing the De Minimis Loophole Act, the most comprehensive bill to close a loophole that has harmed American consumers and families and gutted U.S. manufacturing by allowing illicit goods—like fentanyl, counterfeit products, and items made with forced labor—to enter the United States through relaxed import requirements for low-value packages. 

Foreign bad actors are exploiting a customs process known as “de minimis” entry, which allows packages valued under $800 to enter the country without tariffs and through a simplified process. As the number of these shipments has surged in recent years, Customs and Border Protection has struggled to identify and block packages containing illicit drugs, counterfeit goods, items produced with forced labor and other illegal products.

“Closing the de minimis loophole is essential to protecting American manufacturing and shielding families from fentanyl and other dangerous products,” said Ranking Member Sánchez. “Countries like China are exploiting this loophole to bypass our trade laws and ship harmful or low-quality goods directly to homes. By closing the loophole, we can level the playing field for American workers, keep families safe from fentanyl, and prevent other dangerous products from entering our communities undetected.”

The Closing the De Minimis Loophole Act is endorsed by the National Council of Textile Organizations, the National Association of Police Organizations, Facing Fentanyl and the United Steelworkers.

“On behalf of the U.S. textile industry, I want to sincerely thank Congresswoman Sánchez for her leadership in introducing critical legislation today aimed at permanently closing the destructive de minimis loophole to commercial shipments from China and notably all countries,” said Anderson Warlick, chairman and CEO of Parkdale Mills. “Over 4 million de minimis packages valued at $800 or less are now entering the United States every day with virtually no scrutiny or inspection – half are estimated to be textile and apparel products. De minimis is a black-market duty-free superhighway of goods hiding forced labor and illegal products and putting our essential industry out of business. Congresswoman Sánchez’s bill would finally stop the abuse of this loophole. This legislation would also help restore a level playing field for the U.S. textile industry, which has lost 27 plants in the past 20 months. We believe the congresswoman’s bill is the strongest, most comprehensive legislation to date that will counter global predatory trade practices and address the de minimis crisis we are all facing. This bill has our strongest support, and we will do all we can to get this bill over the finish line.”

“Facing Fentanyl strongly supports Congresswoman Sánchez’s Closing the De Minimis Loophole Act,” said Andrea Thomas, founder, Facing Fentanyl. “This critical piece of legislation takes a significant step toward closing the dangerous loophole that has allowed deadly fentanyl and other illicit substances to enter the United States undetected, putting our communities and families at grave risk. 

“As an organization representing over 200 fentanyl awareness groups and thousands of families who have lost loved ones to fentanyl poisoning, Facing Fentanyl knows firsthand the devastating impact of this epidemic. This bill is a necessary and urgent measure to protect future generations from the same tragic fate. We thank Congresswoman Sanchez for her leadership and urge Congress to act quickly to pass this bill and bring an end to the flow of fentanyl into our communities.”

“Law enforcement is battling the trafficking of illegal narcotics on multiple fronts, including the international mail system. The de minimis loophole is severely exacerbating the opioid crisis by allowing fentanyl and other illegal opioids to enter our country largely uninspected. The closure of this trade loophole is vital to removing significant fentanyl trafficking routes into this country and is essential to any national strategy to end the fentanyl crisis,” said Bill Johnson, executive director of the National Association of Police Organizations. “NAPO supports the Closing the De Minimis Loophole Act and the efforts of Congresswoman Sánchez to ensure the de minimis trade exemption will no longer be a gateway for illicit drugs and goods to cross our borders.”

“As a member of the bicycle industry I strongly support the efforts of Congresswomen Sanchez to close the de minimis loophole,” said Patrick Cunnane, Stoker Strategies, bicycle industry consultant and advisor to Hyper Bicycles. “I learned while CEO of the largest specialty retailer of bicycle products how harmful the de minimis loophole was to my business. Today’s bill levels the playing field for USA based retailers while protecting consumers from counterfeit and unsafe products. At the same time generating revenue by collecting tariffs that all USA based companies must pay.”

The Closing the De Minimis Loophole Act:

• Immediately ends de minimis treatment for packages from China and phases out de minimis for all other countries after a four-month transition period.
   
• Directs the Treasury Secretary to oversee a rulemaking process during the four-month transition, ensuring that U.S. Customs and Border Protection has the necessary tools and procedures to implement the termination of de minimis for all countries smoothly and efficiently.
   
• Directs the Treasury Secretary to consult with the Postmaster General to establish appropriate fees and entry procedures, aiming for consistency between postal and other shipments wherever feasible.

Ranking Member Sánchez was joined by supporters of the bill at a press conference earlier today. That press conference can be viewed HERE.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Linda Sanchez (38th District of CA)

WASHINGTON – Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Democrats released the following joint statement in response to President Trump’s 25 percent tariffs against Canada and Mexico that went into effect today:

“President Trump is threatening our economy with these damaging, unnecessary tariffs. He is on the verge of sparking several trade wars that will be fought on multiple fronts, including against some of our closest friends and allies, upending the international trading system the United States worked to create. 

“The consequences will be devastating – costs will increase on everything from gas to groceries, making it even harder for American families to make ends meet. At the same time, that he’s raising prices at the supermarket, President Trump is jeopardizing hundreds of thousands of American jobs. President Trump is starting a trade war and American families are caught in the cross-fire.

“Americans simply cannot afford to be caught in endless trade wars. Democrats on the Trade Subcommittee are united in rejecting these irresponsible tariffs designed to increase revenue for more tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy. We also call on our Republican colleagues to work with us to reassert Congress’ role in setting strategic, stable trade policies and to invest in the American economy, instead of abdicating their responsibilities to President Trump and Elon Musk.”

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

Pressley Affirms Medicaid Patients’ Right to Choose their Provider for Routine Rare

“Make no mistake, our most vulnerable and marginalized communities will suffer the most if the Supreme Court doesn’t stand with the people.”

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Co-Chair of the Reproductive Freedom Caucus, rallied with Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA), colleagues, and advocates outside the U.S. Supreme Court during oral arguments in Medina v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, which could allow states to block Medicaid patients from accessing routine care at Planned Parenthood health centers.

Rep. Pressley rallied to support Medicaid patients – especially Black, brown, indigenous, disabled and queer folks – who are most at risk of losing their access to essential health care services, including cancer screenings, birth control, STI testing and treatment, and more.

Congresswoman Pressley also shared a deeply personal story about her experience receiving health care from Planned Parenthood as a college student, and underscored the critical role of Planned Parenthood in providing essential, routine healthcare.

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

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Andy Barr – (Kentucky 6th District)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Greg Steube (FL-17)

April 01, 2025 | Press ReleasesWASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) today reintroduced the Iranian Terror Prevention Act, legislation that requires the Secretary of State to designate and codify 29 Iranian-backed militias and terror groups as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) under section 219(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as well as any foreign entity or organization controlled by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The bill is part of the Republican Study Committee’s broader initiative to counter Iran’s global terror network and hold its proxies accountable. Among the designated groups are the Badr Organization, Kata’ib al-Imam Ali, Sarayya al-Jihad, Ansarallah (also known as the Houthis), and other militias linked to the IRGC.
“For far too long, Iran has employed proxy militias to carry out its terrorist agenda across the Middle East. These groups are responsible for attacking American forces, threatening our allies, and destabilizing the region,” said Rep. Steube. “My bill directs the State Department to formally recognize the threat these groups pose and treat them as the terrorists they are.”
The bill directs the Secretary of State to designate each listed group as an FTO within 90 days of enactment. It also requires the President to determine, within 60 days, whether sanctions under Executive Order 13224 should be imposed on any of these entities or their affiliates, agents, or proxies.
Additionally, the legislation requires ongoing reporting to Congress. The Secretary of State must submit a report every 180 days identifying any new entities that meet the criteria for FTO designation or sanctions under Executive Order 13224. The President must also report to Congress with a detailed explanation of any listed organizations not sanctioned.
The Iranian Terror Prevention Act holds Iran’s terror network accountable and directs U.S. policy to confront the growing threat of IRGC-linked militias operating in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and beyond.This legislation is cosponsored by Rep. Ben Cline (R-Va.), Rep. Eli Crane (R-Ariz.), Rep. Gabe Evans (R-Colo.), Rep. Brad Finstad (R-Minn.), Rep. Craig Goldman (R-Texas), Rep. Abe Hamadeh (R-Ariz.), Rep. Mike Haridopolos (R-Fla.), Rep. Pat Harrigan (R-N.C.), Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa.), Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.), Rep. Mark Messmer (R-Ind.), Rep. Gary Palmer (R-Ala.), Rep. Derek Schmidt (R-Kan.), Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-N.Y.), Rep. Mike Turner (R-Ohio), Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.), and Rep. Rudy Yakym (R-Ind.).Read the bill text here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Gus Bilirakis (FL-12)

Washington, DC: Earlier today, Congressional Vision Caucus Co-Chairs, U.S. Representatives Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) and Marc Veasey (TX-33), reintroduced the Bipartisan Early Detection of Vision Impairments for Children (EDVI) Act. The EDVI Act will establish grants for states and communities to improve children’s vision and eye health through screenings, early interventions, and coordinated systems of care. Despite the presence of numerous public health programs that support early childhood development, including children’s hearing and oral health, there is currently no federally funded program in the United States that specifically addresses children’s vision or that fosters a cohesive and integrated system of eye health for children.

“As an American who has suffered from poor vision since childhood, I have a first-hand understanding of how critical early detection and treatment is when it comes to ensuring that all children have the best possible start in life,” said Rep. Bilirakis. “Our landmark bill will ensure all children get the screening and care they need at the right age by creating the first-ever federally funded program to address children’s vision and eye health. This legislation will empower states and communities, like mine, to improve systems of care for our youngest citizens and their families.”

“When I was in elementary school, I struggled to see the board, and it made learning incredibly difficult. It wasn’t until I had a vision screening and got the right pair of glasses that everything changed for me,” said Rep. Veasey. “I know from personal experience that vision issues can hold a child back, and how something as simple as a pair of glasses can unlock their potential. No child should fall behind simply because they can’t see. The Early Detection of Vision Impairments for Children Act will ensure all children, in Texas and across the country, have access to the screenings they need to see clearly and reach their full potential.” 

“More than one in every four children in America, or roughly 19.6 million, have a vision problem requiring treatment,” said Jeff Todd, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness. “We know access to education, screenings, examinations, diagnosis, and treatment are critical to preventing vision loss, and this legislation is an important step in providing children and their families with those services and the healthcare they need and deserve.”

“The EDVI Act promotes a strong system of care for children’s vision and eye health that fosters early detection and treatment, thus ensuring that children can access vision and eye care services that can set the foundation for a lifetime of good vision,” Dr. Stacey Coulter, OD Vice Chair, National Center for Children’s Vision and Eye Health.

“Early detection of eye problems in children can improve treatment effectiveness, enable better outcomes and ensure children have their best chance of academic success and lifelong good vision. We applaud Rep. Bilirakis and Rep. Veasey for working to provide states and communities with resources to expand and improve vision screening programs,” said Michael Repka, MD, pediatric ophthalmologist, and President, American Academy of Ophthalmology.

“Pediatricians recognize the vital importance of early detection and treatment when it comes to supporting children’s overall health and development. The EDVI Act will help promote positive eye health in young people by catching vision concerns early so they can get the care they need to succeed, while supporting their lifelong vision health. We applaud Representatives Bilirakis and Veasey for introducing this important bipartisan legislation and urge Congress to pass it into law,”said Susan Kressly, MD, FAAP, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Increasing awareness and identifying vision concerns early will save money in the long run and improve outcomes for patients throughout their lives. If left untreated, common vision disorders in childhood, such as amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (crossed eyes), myopia (nearsightedness), or hyperopia (farsightedness), may continue to affect health and well-being throughout the child’s life. State laws to address children’s vision vary widely in approaches and often lack the necessary resources to adequately capture data on rates of received eye care, leading to challenges in addressing and treating ocular disease and eye conditions in children.  

Under the EDVI Act, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, will award grants and cooperative agreements for states and communities to implement approaches (such as vision screenings) for the early detection of vision concerns in children, referrals for eye exams, and follow-up mechanisms, establish a coordinated public health system for vision health and eye care diagnosis and treatment, and develop state-based data collection and performance improvement systems. Resources will also be made available through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to provide technical assistance and guidance to states and communities to implement children’s vision screening and early intervention programs. Over 100 organizations nationally have endorsed the EDVI Act.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Jenniffer González-Colón (Puerto Rico)

Washington, D.C – Yesterday, Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43) and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) sent a letter to the U.S. Office of Government Ethics demanding an ethics investigation into Commerce Secretary Lutnick for potentially violating federal ethics laws. This letter comes on the heels of Secretary Lutnick urging Fox News viewers to purchase Tesla Stock.

Executive Branch employees are barred from using their public position for their own private gain. In the letter, the lawmakers highlighted several ways that Secretary Lutnick potentially violated the law. Cantor Fitzgerald is Secretary Lutnick’s family firm, and it has hundreds of millions of dollars in Tesla stock.

“Perhaps more concerning, Cantor Fitzgerald upgraded Tesla stock to a “buy” rating the same day Mr. Lutnick urged the public to buy shares in the company. Mr. Lutnick’s apparent attempt to manipulate Tesla’s share price in a manner potentially benefiting his family’s and friend’s financial position could violate applicable ethics law,” wrote the lawmakers. 

The lawmakers conclude that ethics officials at the Commerce Department should investigate and take any appropriate disciplinary action against Secretary Lutnick.

Read the full letter here.

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