Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressional Wine Caucus Co-Chairs Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) and Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04), alongside Rep. Doug LaMalfa (CA-01), Rep. Andrea Salinas (OR-06), and Rep. Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) introduced the Specialty Crop & Wine Producer Tariff Relief Act, legislation to provide direct support to specialty crop growers and wine producers facing economic losses from tariffs.

“Farmers and wine producers in our district are being hit hard with rising costs at home and retaliatory tariffs abroad,” said Thompson. “Northern California agriculture feeds our country and fuels our local economy. When our producers are targeted with tariffs, families here at home feel it immediately. This bill gives them targeted relief they need to stay competitive. California’s agricultural and wine community are cornerstones of our local economies, from family farms to world-class producers. Ensuring they can weather sudden tariff hikes isn’t just an economic necessity, it’s a commitment to protecting the livelihoods that make our district and community special.”

“While many crops are struggling in farm country, specialty crops are at a breaking point,” said Newhouse. “For too long, specialty crops have been left out of the conversation when financial relief for farmers is on the table, and it is essential that we begin to balance the scales. This bipartisan legislation directs USDA to establish a program that delivers much needed relief to our producers who grow some of the highest quality specialty crops in the world. If we want to continue to boost our specialty crop industry, then the federal government must make it a priority when planning for financial assistance for farmers.”

“The agricultural economy is suffering, and dividing farm country isn’t the solution,” said LaMalfa. “Row crop and specialty crop growers in my district are struggling just alike, and this bill ensures all of farm country is supported. We can’t make Americans healthy again if we continue to let tree nut, fruit, and vegetable growers fall behind in bad years while only boosting the safety net for a limited number of crops. I appreciate Reps. Thompson, Newhouse, Salinas, and Panetta for joining me in leading this effort.”

“Oregon’s wine producers and specialty crop growers make world-class products, but as countries impose tariffs in response to Trump’s trade policies, our farmers are facing higher costs, shrinking export opportunities, and real economic pain,” said Salinas. “Specialty crops and wine producers have been harmed by tariffs just like row crops, and the federal government has a responsibility to provide equal relief. This bill ensures they get the support they need to weather the economic hardship tariffs have caused. Ultimately, we need to get rid of Trump’s barriers to trade so our world-class products can truly be enjoyed all over the world, but in the meantime, Congress must step up to help our farmers where the Trump Administration has failed them.”

“This Administration’s tariff policy has significantly impacted farmers of all types of crops from all across the country,” said Panetta. “That’s why as proud representatives of regions that produce specialty crops, we must ensure that that type of agriculture is protected and included in any relief type of package. Our bipartisan Specialty Crop & Wine Producer Tariff Relief Act will provide specialty crop farmers with the direct payments program that’s needed to ensure that they continue to play a vital part of our nation’s agriculture.”

BACKGROUND

Our specialty crop growers and wine producers rely on robust export markets around our world. With the enactment of new tariffs and trade barriers, our agricultural communities have suffered significant losses. Foreign competitors are filling the gap left by declining U.S. exports, strengthening their position while American producers are struggling with new market uncertainties.

This key agricultural sector is experiencing significant volatility, raising prices and reduced competitiveness. Producers are facing significant challenges accessing once reliable markets and seeing input costs skyrocket. This legislation would provide much needed relief to this key agricultural sector and ensure they are provided the financial resources necessary to whether the current market while Congress does its work to negotiate and implement trade agreements.

The Specialty Crop & Wine Producer Tariff Relief Act will support our local growers and producers by:

• Creating a direct pay program through USDA for specialty crop growers and wine producers experiencing “covered losses” caused by increased foreign tariffs.
• Allows USDA to purchase surplus specialty crops for use in nutrition programs such as school meals and SNAP.
• Authorizes funds to be made available through 2030.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank Pallone (6th District of New Jersey)

RoadWatch is an initiative to enhance road safety and address infrastructure issues

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

Pappas leads efforts to stop predatory claim sharks scamming veterans under the guise of helping them file for VA disability benefits

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

Today Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) joined Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a senior member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, and Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander (NH-02) in welcoming more than $9 million in federal funding for Granite State projects through the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC). Today’s awards are funded through NBRC’s Fall 2025 Catalyst, Timber for Transit and Forest Economy programs.

“Smart investments into New Hampshire communities through the Northern Border Regional Commission help drive economic and community development. This federal funding is headed to local projects that will strengthen our child care workforce and services, expand health care access, bolster workforce housing, support our outdoor recreation and tourism economy, upgrade our water infrastructure, and more,” said Congressman Pappas. “I’ll always support projects like these that boost our communities and economy, create more good-paying jobs, and invest in our future.”

“The Northern Border Regional Commission is an essential partner helping to ensure that rural communities across the Granite State get their fair share of federal resources,” said Senator Shaheen. “The awards announced today will improve rural health care facilities, bolster and grow the northern outdoor economy, strengthen access to child care and much more. I’m proud to have helped secure this funding for New Hampshire and increased funding for NBRC programs in the recently passed Agriculture-FDA appropriations bill that I lead.”

“I’m glad to see federal funding heading to New Hampshire’s rural communities to expand health care facilities, hire more child care providers, and support other critical projects that will improve our economy,” said Senator Hassan. “The Northern Border Regional Commission’s investments in communities across our state will help more Granite Staters get the resources that they need to thrive.”

“Granite Staters work hard and show up for one another. These investments reflect that same spirit and are a big win for communities across New Hampshire,” said Congresswoman Goodlander. “From protecting our rural hospitals and expanding childcare access to supporting our farmers, foresters, small businesses, historic centers, and outdoor heritage, these awards will help keep New Hampshire vibrant and our economy strong. I will continue fighting to make sure every community across our state has the tools it needs to thrive.”

NBRC encourages business retention and expansion, invests in public infrastructure and promotes tourism across northern Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and New York. This vital federal-state partnership for economic and community development provides grant funding to communities within Belknap, Carroll, Cheshire, Coos, Grafton and Sullivan counties.

NBRC’s Catalyst program supports a broad range of economic development initiatives including projects that modernize and expand access to public water and wastewater services, revitalize transportation infrastructure, establish workforce development programs and facilities, grow the outdoor recreation economy and provide access to new childcare and health care facilities. The Timber for Transit program funds efforts to advance the use of wood-based materials in transportation and transportation infrastructure. The Forest Economy Program supports efforts to advance the region’s forest-based economy.

A list of the New Hampshire projects awarded funding in today’s announcement is available below. 

NBRC Catalyst Program Awards

Forest Economy Program Awards

NBRC Timber for Transit Program Awards

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In recognition of Computer Science Education Week, U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-09) announced the winner of the 2025 Congressional App Challenge for North Carolina’s 9th District.

“The Congressional App Challenge is a great opportunity for our region’s middle and high school students to showcase their creativity and computer skills on the national level,” said Rep. Hudson.“Congratulations to this year’s winner from Alamance County for his innovative app design bring communities together and thank you to all of our region’s students who participated in this year’s competition.”

Below is the winning selection for North Carolina’s 9th District:

·    Finn Outwater of Mebane, NC (Eno River Academy)

·    Farmly: An app designed to make it easy for users to discover local farms in their area where they can enjoy authentic experiences and purchase fresh produce conveniently while minimizing their carbon footprint and supporting local businesses.

The Congressional App Challenge was launched by the U.S. House of Representatives to encourage student innovation and engagement in computer science and STEM. This national effort seeks to inspire students from every corner of the country to explore coding and computer science through hands-on practice by creating an app. 

The winner was chosen by Rep. Hudson’s selection committee, a panel of technology professionals that evaluated submissions earlier this fall. The winning app will be featured on the House.gov website and the CongressionalAppChallenge.us website.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Richard Hudson (R-NC) and Troy Carter (D-LA) introduced the Next Generation 9-1-1 Act, bipartisan legislation to modernize the nation’s emergency communications systems, strengthen public safety, and ensure first responders have access to real-time information during emergencies. 

“Every family deserves the peace of mind that all the best and most updated technology is being utilized when they dial 9-1-1, but too many call centers are still relying on outdated, legacy systems,” said Congressman Richard Hudson. “Our bipartisan legislation takes a commonsense step to modernize 9-1-1 technology, support the first responders who protect our communities, and ensure families across North Carolina and the country get the help they need when seconds matter.”

“We have fully entered the digital age, and it only makes sense that our 9-1-1 systems evolve with it. The Next Generation 9-1-1 Act is innovative, common-sense legislation that moves our nation’s legacy 9-1-1 call centers into the modern era. People rely on smartphones, tablets, and other devices in every part of their daily lives. They should be able to use them when it matters most. Public safety must remain a top priority, and it’s time to fully embrace the technology we have to save lives,” said Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr.

Bill Overview

The Next Generation 9-1-1 Act updates and reauthorizes federal support for Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) systems nationwide. The legislation establishes a program at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) that creates a clear federal framework for upgrading legacy 9-1-1 infrastructure as appropriations become available.

The bill strengthens ongoing efforts by ensuring state and local agencies have a defined pathway to adopt advanced NG9-1-1 capabilities such as real-time location data, multimedia messaging, enhanced cybersecurity, and interoperable communications.

This modernization is essential for communities like Fort Bragg, rural regions across North Carolina facing vulnerabilities highlighted by natural disasters like Hurricane Helene, and fast-growing areas seeing higher emergency call volumes.

Why the Bill Is Needed

Research found that only 13 percent of the nation is served by NG-9-1-1-capable services, and most 9-1-1 services are relying on systems designed decades ago. These outdated platforms cannot process text messages, images, or video, even though over 85 percent of Americans now own a smartphone.

Without this legislation, emergency communications will continue to face delays, dropped calls, and limited situational awareness for first responders. With the Next Generation 9-1-1 Act, local agencies will be able to deploy modern, secure, data-driven systems that improve emergency response, protect first responders, and save lives.

Stakeholder Support

Capt. Jack Varnado, President of APCO International: “Modernizing America’s 9-1-1 systems is both a public safety necessity and a national security imperative. This legislation represents the comprehensive, forward-looking approach needed to ensure that our emergency communications system is secure, interoperable, and capable of supporting the lifesaving work 9-1-1 professionals perform every day. APCO thanks Representatives Hudson and Carter for their steadfast leadership on this critical issue.”

“We are grateful for Rep. Hudson’s leadership in promoting Next Generation 9-1-1 in the U.S. Congress,” said NENA CEO John Provenzano. “We look forward to working with Reps. Hudson and Carter (D-LA) on this important bipartisan effort as we work to ensure deployment of a nationwide Next Generation 9-1-1 system.”

“Advancing NG9-1-1 is critical to our national security and the security of our public safety network,” said Brian Davenport, Chief Strategy Officer of Intrado, the nation’s largest 9-1-1 provider. “Far too many Americans are relying on outdated technology to get the help they need when it matters most. Congressional action is necessary to ensure we can complete the transition across the country, and we applaud Congressman Hudson for his continued leadership on this issue.”

Read the full bill text [here].

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

December 11, 2025 | Press Releases

Watch Representative Steube’s Remarks Here
WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) announced that the Taxpayer Notification and Privacy Act, introduced with Senator John Barrasso, has advanced out of the Ways and Means Committee. Rep. Steube’s bill, which would address inadequacies with federal laws requiring the IRS to provide notice to taxpayers of third-party contacts, was approved unanimously by the Committee in a vote of 41-0. 
“This legislation is about building a healthier relationship between taxpayers and their government, one that respects privacy and due process while still ensuring the IRS can do its job,” said Rep. Steube in his remarks. “For law-abiding Americans, compliance is already complicated enough. The least we can do is ensure that when the IRS intends to go outside the taxpayer to gather information the taxpayer can provide, the taxpayer gets clarity—what exactly is being sought—and a fair chance to respond.”
“I want to thank Representative Steube for his leadership in advancing our bipartisan Taxpayer Notification and Privacy Act through the Ways and Means Committee,” said Senator Barrasso. “This bill will safeguard the rights of hardworking Americans and small businesses by preventing the IRS from going behind their backs to solicit personal financial information.”
“Fairness is the cornerstone principle of tax administration,” said Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (R-Miss.). “When the IRS contacts third parties seeking information, taxpayers have the right to know what the government is looking for and deserve a fair chance to respond first. Thanks to Representative Steube’s leadership, the Taxpayer Notification and Privacy Act will rein in the IRS from contacting those close to a taxpayer and first allow citizens the first opportunity to resolve questions from the IRS without risking reputational harm.”
Joining Rep. Steube as a co-lead on the Taxpayer Notification and Privacy Act is Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.). The bill also has the support of the National Taxpayers Union. 
Background: While current law requires the IRS provide taxpayers advance notice before contacting third parties (banks, employers, customers, etc.), the federal government has failed to provide sufficient notice to the respective individuals concerning the nature of the information being sought from said third parties. The Taxpayer Notification and Privacy Act would ensure the IRS identify each specific item of information it intends to seek in its third party contact notice to the taxpayer. It would also require the IRS provide said individual a reasonable amount of time to review and respond to the third party contact notice before the agency can proceed. 
Read the full bill text here.

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

Congresswoman Reaffirms Support for Immigrant Neighbors, Welcomes Home Allston Car Wash Workers Unlawfully Detained

Press Conference (YouTube) | Photos (Dropbox)

BOSTON – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) convened and welcomed home the workers and families impacted by the cruel and unlawful ICE raid at an Allston car wash in November. Last week, Congresswoman Pressley delivered a floor speech condemning the raid, where rogue federal agents harassed and abducted employees at Allston Car Wash, denying them their right to show their work permits. Among them were five women and a 67-year-old man who was disappeared for days without access to his medication.

Congresswoman Pressley’s office has been in close touch with the families and has worked with them to track down their loved ones and connect them with legal counsel.

“In communities like Allston and all across the country, workers and families are being ripped apart and having their lives disrupted by the occupant of the White House and rogue federal agents who mean harm to everyone who calls this country home. It is cruel, it is unlawful, and we must condemn, resist, and reject this hostility at every turn,” said Congresswoman Pressley. “I’m deeply grateful to the families and advocates who joined us today to share their stories. We cannot allow this cruelty to be normalized—and uplifting their experiences will be critical as we push back against the Trump Administration’s mass deportation agenda. While Trump and ICE continue their campaign of terror, I’ll always stand up for our immigrant neighbors.”

Joining Congresswoman Pressley at the convening were City Councilor Liz Breadon, Pietra Adami, LUCE Volunteer Network; Todd Pomerleau, Mass Deportation Defense; Brooke Simone, Lawyers for Civil Rights; Gladys Ortiz, Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants; Hannah Davila, Boston Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Advancement; Liz Sweet, Executive Director at MIRA Coalition; and Allston Car Wash workers and families.

“These individuals were wrongfully taken from their workplace, families, and community, even though many had valid work permits and were contributing members of our community,” said Boston Mayor Michelle Wu. “Boston stands with them and with every worker who deserves safety, dignity, and fair treatment under the law.”

“Allston-Brighton is a community of immigrants, immigrants who deserve to live without fear. I am relieved that the majority of our neighbors who were unjustly kidnapped by ICE have been reunited with their loved ones. I want to thank our local immigrant rights organizations, LUCE, and our elected officials for their tireless work,” said Allston-Brighton City Councilor Liz Breadon. “Allston-Brighton will continue to resist the Trump Administration through collective action and support for our immigrant community members.”

“Our Office for Refugees and Immigrants receives calls almost every day depicting the desperation and anxiety of the immigrants living, working, and studying in Massachusetts. Our office will continue working with the community, organizations, and lawyers to help families in need,” said Susan Church, Chief Operating Officer for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Office for Refugees and Immigrants. “What happened in Allston is beyond a nightmare, and it’s the cruel reality many communities are facing at this time in our country. I feel proud of the work the community here in Massachusetts did to get workers from the Allston Car Wash back to their neighborhood.”

“ICE’s racially-motivated targeting of the car wash workers was an abuse of power and a violation of their most basic rights. Lawyers for Civil Rights is committed to using every tool available to pursue justice for the workers who were targeted and to hold the government accountable,” said Brooke Simone, an attorney with Lawyers for Civil Rights. “Racial profiling is unconstitutional, unlawful, and immoral. We will not allow these abuses to go unanswered.”

Footage of the press conference is available here.

For photos from the event, click here.

Last month, Rep. Pressley delivered a powerful speech on the House floor condemning the Allston ICE raid and defended the vibrant immigrant communities who are being maliciously stolen from their homes, ripped from their families, and unlawfully detained and deported by the Trump Administration and Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

In June, Congresswoman Pressley convened immigrant justice advocates, local leaders, and impacted families to tell Donald Trump and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): Hands off our immigrant neighbors. 

Rep. Pressley has been a vocal advocate for our immigrant neighbors and everyone harmed by Donald Trump’s unlawful, anti-immigrant, and anti-free speech agenda. Congresswoman Pressley, who serves as Co-Chair for the House Haiti Caucus and represents one of the largest Haitian diaspora communities in the country, has also been an outspoken critic of the Trump Administration’s ending of Temporary Protected Status for Haiti, Venezuela, El Salvador, and other countries grappling with humanitarian crises.

Rep. Pressley has also been an outspoken critic against the unlawful detention of Rümeysa Öztürk, a Tufts PhD student, Somerville resident, and constituent of the Congresswoman’s who was unlawfully detained for weeks in retaliation for her protected speech. After weeks of advocacy and Congressional oversight, including a visit to detention centers in Louisiana, Rep. Pressley and Senator Ed Markey welcomed Ms. Öztürk to Massachusetts following her arrival from ICE detention in Louisiana.

Rep. Pressley has also spoken out against reports of ICE activity in Boston and other municipalities in Massachusetts.

In January 2025, Rep. Pressley joined her colleagues in reintroducing the Neighbors Not Enemies Act, legislation that would repeal the antiquated Alien Enemies Act of 1798, which has been used to target innocent immigrants based on nothing more than national origin without affording due process rights, and which Donald Trump has used in his plans for mass deportations.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA)

Washington, D.C.- Congressman Clay Higgins’ (R-LA) legislation, H.R. 2716, the Ending Improper Payments to Deceased People Act, passed through the House Ways and Means Committee during a markup today. 

The bill would ensure that deceased people are removed from government payment rolls by permanently requiring the Social Security Administration to share the “Death Master File” with the Treasury Department’s “Do Not Pay” system. In 2023 alone, the federal government sent $1.3 billion to deceased people. Read the bill text here.

“This legislation will immediately save American taxpayers billions of dollars. It’s unacceptable that the federal bureaucracy has grown to be so outrageously wasteful,” said Congressman Higgins. “As a fiscal conservative, I’m eager to see this bill, which reduces wasteful spending without expanding the size of the government, signed into law, and I’d like to thank the House Ways and Means Committee and Chairman Jason Smith for propelling this crucial effort forward.”

“Protecting taxpayers’ hard-earned dollars is one of government’s most basic functions – one it routinely fails to uphold,” said Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08). “For too long, bureaucratic mismanagement within the federal government has allowed payments to flow uninterrupted to deceased individuals, compromising the integrity of programs that are most vital to Americans. Representative Higgins has been a tireless fighter against government fraud, waste, and abuse, and now, thanks to his leadership, this legislation will ensure American taxpayer dollars are protected and that government works better for the people it serves.”

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

WASHINGTON – Today, the House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026 with Congressman David Valadao’s (CA-22) support. The FY26 NDAA authorizes funding for all discretionary military programs and activities, including personnel, operations, maintenance, procurement, research, and development. It also outlines critical policies and directives for the Department of Defense (DoD).

A portion of Congressman Valadao’s Strengthening Election Cybersecurity to Uphold Respect for Elections through Independent Testing (SECURE IT) Act was also included in the FY26 NDAA.

“Today, I was proud to vote to ensure our military has the resources needed to keep Americans safe while delivering meaningful quality-of-life improvements for our servicemembers and their families,” said Congressman Valadao. “The FY26 NDAA provides a well-deserved pay raise for our troops and improves housing, education, and access to childcare for military families. It also ensures the Department of Defense is prepared to confront growing global threats, promotes the development of new and innovative defense technologies, and deepens partnerships with our allies in the Indo-Pacific and Middle East. I’m especially proud that key provisions of my SECURE IT Act were included to help bolster confidence in our elections by requiring voting systems to undergo simulated cyberattacks to identify vulnerabilities. For over 60 years, the NDAA has been a bipartisan commitment to our national defense, and I’m glad to see the House and Senate once again came together to get this critical legislation over the finish line.”

Among other provisions, the FY26 NDAA:

• Provides enlisted servicemembers with a 3.8% pay raise.
• Improves housing, education, and access to childcare for military families.
• Authorizes over $355 million to renovate military hospitals and build new medical facilities to expand access to healthcare.
• Enhances U.S. defense initiatives in the Indo-Pacific to support Indo-Pacific allies and counter China’s growing reach.
• Strengthens U.S.-Israel military operations and cooperative missile defense programs.
• Enhances America’s nuclear deterrent and new nuclear power technologies.
• Accelerates the development and delivery of space capabilities to counter Chinese and Russian nuclear arsenals and space surveillance. 

Read the bill summary here.

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