Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ted Lieu (33 District of California)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congress Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) announced that his guest for President Donald Trump’s Joint Address to Congress will be Shannon Whaley, Ph.D., Director of Research and Evaluation at PHFE WIC. PHFE WIC, a program of Heluna Health, is the largest nonprofit WIC nutrition network in the United States, serving more than 190,000 low-income individuals each month in Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino counties. 

WIC is a special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants and children funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which provides health foods at no-cost to families and caretakers of babies and young children who are nutritionally vulnerable. WIC also benefits farmers by encouraging participants to enjoy fresh, unprepared, locally grown fruits and vegetables. Nearly 80 percent of families served by WIC also benefit from healthcare coverage provided through Medicaid. 

“Shannon and her colleagues offer vital services at PHFE WIC that help meet the nutritional and health needs of vulnerable women and young children throughout our community,” Rep. Lieu said. “WIC relies on federal funding through the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide healthy and nutritious foods to babies, toddlers, and their mothers. The vast majority of WIC beneficiaries also receive Medicaid. Together, WIC and Medicaid help to ensure the baseline needs of these vulnerable populations are met. Shannon’s work underscores how important federal funding is in helping to make our community nourished and healthy. Indiscriminate cuts to Medicaid and other vital federal funding will have a devastating impact on those in need of help, including the people that PHFE WIC serves. I am pleased that Shannon is joining me for the Joint Address so that we can uplift the stories of WIC recipients and underscore how vital federal funding is.”

About Dr. Whaley: 

Shannon E. Whaley, Ph.D.,is the Director of Research and Evaluation for PHFE WIC, a program of Heluna Health.  PHFE WIC is the largest local agency WIC program in the nation, serving over 190,000 women, infants, and children every month with healthy food, nutrition education, breastfeeding support and linkages to health care. Dr. Whaley’s expertise is in the planning, development and evaluation of programs designed to optimize the healthy development of children and families served by WIC. During her 26 years with WIC, her work has spanned a broad range of topics including childhood nutrition and obesity, promotion of early literacy for low-income children, and the impacts of nutrition education, breastfeeding support and the WIC food package on WIC participants. Her research team demonstrated that for every $1 invested in WIC, taxpayers save $2.48 in later health care expenditures, and her current work is focused on documenting the positive impacts of the important efficiencies brought to the WIC program during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Dr. Whaley served on the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine Committee to Review the WIC Food Packages (2014-2017) and continues to focus on how WIC services positively impact not only the health outcomes of the women, infants and children served by the program, but the economic stability of surrounding communities.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Courtney (2nd District of Connecticut)

David Axe’s comment piece on the Aukus security agreement published recently was inaccurate in several respects. I welcome the chance to offer a more accurate account of this extraordinary security agreement. 

Last March, when the three heads of government from the US, Australia, and the UK gathered at Naval Base Point Loma in San Diego California, they laid out the “Optimal Pathway” to execute Aukus’ goal: strengthen deterrence from Chinese coercion in the Indo-Pacific by accelerated strategic technology sharing amongst the three nations. The centerpiece of this arrangement is the commitment to share nuclear propulsion technology for the Australian Navy’s submarine fleet, which needs recapitalisation. For the US and UK, this amounts to the first such enterprise since 1958, when the US Congress modified its ban on nuclear technology transfer, known as the McMahon Act, to enable the British Navy to build its nuclear-powered submarines. 

Axe was correct to note that under the Optimal Pathway, the first Australian built submarines won’t launch until the late 2040s, based on that nation’s underdeveloped submarine industrial base, particularly in the domain of nuclear power. All three countries explicitly recognize that given the age and condition of Australia’s Collins-class submarines, there needs to be a plan to provide Australia with new submarine capability until it is able to build its own boats. 

Here’s where Axe loses the thread. 

He incorrectly claims that US Virginia-class nuclear subs will be “based” in Australia starting in 2027 as part of the bridge. Wrong. Both US Virginia and British Astute-class submarines will begin regular rotations to Perth, Australia starting in 2024. They will not be “based” there or homeported there, but rather will be doing regular, persistent joint patrols there as part of a new Submarine Force West. The difference is not semantic. These allied submarines are not replacements for the Collins vessels, rather they are a significant undersea force multiplier to the Indo-Pacific region.

Next, Axe got it wrong on the next phase of Aukus, namely the transfer of US Virginia subs to Australia in the early 2030s. He strangely characterized the transfer as a “lease” and, even worse, a “giveaway” which is false. The Optimal Pathway was very clear that the transfer will be a purchase by Canberra, in which the legal title for the submarines will be conveyed to the Australian Navy. These subs will in fact replace decommissioned Collinssubmarines and will operate under Australian command and control as part of its own sovereign fleet not subject to any ownership interest (i.e., lease) by the United States. 

Mr Axe might dismiss these two points as mere technicalities, but they display a pattern that undermines the credibility of his third claim, namely that the Aukus transfer of Virginia submarines will result in a zero-sum loss of submarines for the US Navy. 

Under this narrative, he asserts that the sale of the US submarines will cause harm to America’s Navy which, today, is below its ideal fleet size. He also cites a low COVID-level production rate of 1.2 submarines per year as further proof that Aukus will aggravate a shortfall in the US undersea fleet. This superficial claim ignores the fact that submarine manufacturing – like all manufacturing across the globe – did suffer a downturn in production caused by the pandemic’s workforce and supply chain disruption from 2019-2022. If he looked closer, however, he would see that in 2022, two Virginia-class submarines were commissioned, USS Oregon and USS Montana; and, in 2023, two more, USS Rickover and USS New Jersey, are slated for commissioning as well.

On top of that, the USS Iowa and USS Massachusetts were christened in 2023 which is the prelude for full launch. New hiring at the primary submarine shipyards in Southern New England and Virginia is brisk and the US Congress has approved historic levels of funding for job training and supply chain development to expand the capacity of the US submarine industrial base, drawing on talent and companies from across the country. In addition, one of the key components of the Aukus plan Axe failed to mention is Australia’s commitment to invest $3 billion into the United States industrial base to further grow production. This funding will also provide a pathway to “skill up” Australian shipbuilders which the country will need so it can take on the highly specialized stewardship of nuclear-powered submarine production. 

So, what does all this mean? Will Aukus demand too much from America’s Navy and its industrial base as Mr Axe suggests? Or will it instead be a force multiplier to ensure credible, persistent deterrence in the Indo-Pacific that benefits all three naval forces? I think a closer examination of not just where the Aukus nations are today in 2023, but rather where the Aukus Optimal Pathway plans to go (and already is going) in the next decade emphatically affirms the latter. 

Representative Courtney serves as the Ranking Member of the US House Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, Co-Chair of the ‘Friends of Australia Caucus’, and Co-Chair of the ‘Aukus Working Group’

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Courtney (2nd District of Connecticut)

Telephone Town Hall

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Join Rep. Courtney & Connecticut’s Attorney General William Tong for a live telephone town hall on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at 7:15PM.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Earl L Buddy Carter (GA-01)

Headline: Carter introduces bill removing regulatory barriers to broadband deployment

Carter introduces bill removing regulatory barriers to broadband deployment

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Earl L Buddy Carter (GA-01)

Headline: Carter among most effective lawmakers 10 years in a row

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) was recognized by the Center for Effective Lawmaking (CEL) for “exceeding expectations” in the 118th Congress, continuing his career-long streak and ranking among the top 10 most consistently effective members of Congress.

According to CEL, scores are “based on the combination of fifteen metrics capturing the bills that each member of Congress sponsors, how far they move through the lawmaking process, and how substantial their policy proposals are.” Lawmakers “exceed expectations” when they outperform the benchmark by 50% or more.

“I am humbled to be recognized by the Center for Effective Lawmaking (CEL) as one of the most consistently effective members of Congress. Throughout my time in Washington, I’ve prioritized building bipartisan coalitions to achieve meaningful policy wins for the people of the First Congressional District of Georgia, and the results speak for themselves,” said Rep. Carter. “There’s a lot of good work being done in D.C. that never makes headlines, and I appreciate CEL for highlighting these critical efforts.”

“Our analysis found that Representative Carter ranked as having one of the longest streaks of ‘exceeding expectations’ over consecutive congresses in the entire House. We congratulate the Representative for his hard work and setting an example for promoting the importance of effective lawmaking,” said Craig Volden and Alan Wiseman, Co-Directors of the Center for Effective Lawmaking.

View lawmaker scores here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Earl L Buddy Carter (GA-01)

Headline: Carter leads bill reversing Biden’s jobs-killing air quality standards

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) today introduced a bill reversing the Biden-Harris Administration’s unnecessary, jobs-killing rule setting overly restrictive National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for fine particulate matter (PM 2.5).

Original cosponsors include: Reps. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), August Pfluger (R-TX), and Randy Weber (R-TX).

This bill will return the acceptable PM 2.5 standards to 12 micrograms per cubic meter, the standard previously set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and deemed protective of public health. Since its implementation in 1980, total emissions of criteria air pollutants dropped 73 percent.

“The Biden Administration’s irresponsible and unnecessary PM 2.5 standard will make it almost impossible to build in the United States. This includes the construction of new semiconductor manufacturing facilities, allowing international competitors with more practical environmental standards to outpace us,” said Rep. Carter. “America has the best environmental standards and wonderful economic potential. We must maintain both by rolling back this burdensome, unnecessary Green New Deal rule.”

“The Biden Administration’s NAAQS Rule was part of their assault on America’s industries and economy,” said Congressional Western Caucus Chairman Doug LaMalfa (CA-01). “This decision hit farmers, foresters, and manufacturers the hardest, threatening to dole out punishments despite the new air quality standards being completely infeasible. I’d like to thank Representative Carter for leading this important legislation to nullify the rule. It’s time to undo the damage from the Biden Administration’s war on rural economies and restore common sense.”

“The PM 2.5 standard is yet another example of the Biden administration’s overreaching and unnecessary regulations that have imposed unworkable standards on builders and developers. These kinds of mandates not only drive-up costs but also delay critical projects that our communities rely on. I’m proud to support this legislation as we work to unleash American production and strengthen our economy,” said Rep. August Pfluger (TX-11). 

Read full bill text here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Earl L Buddy Carter (GA-01)

Headline: Carter introduces bill banning use of autopens for presidential pardons

Carter introduces bill banning use of autopens for presidential pardons

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Earl L Buddy Carter (GA-01)

Headline: Carter conducts oversight after reports that money for soldiers’ food went to unrelated programs

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth calling for oversight of a Biden-Harris Administration decision to divert $151 million collected from junior enlisted soldiers’ pay for food costs to other uses within the Army’s budget.

According to a Military.com report published February 14, 2025, at Fort Stewart, Georgia, $17 million was collected from soldiers, yet only $2.1 million was allocated for food, leaving $14.9 million unaccounted.

In the letter, Rep. Carter writes, “This is unacceptable. These practices raise serious concerns about the management and oversight of funds deducted from soldiers’ Basic Allowance for Subsistence…The failure to properly allocate these resources undermines trust in military leadership and directly impacts the well-being and morale of service members.”

Rep. Carter continues: “Unfortunately, this is just another example of how the Biden-Harris Administration has failed our troops…Under [Secretary Hegseth’s] leadership, I trust the Department of Defense will thoroughly investigate this issue. Our service members dedicate their lives to protecting our freedoms, and they should never have to question whether they will have access to a proper meal.”

Read the full letter here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David Scott (GA-13)

WASHINGTON – Today, Representatives David Scott (GA-13), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), Nikema Williams (GA-05), and Dan Crenshaw (TX-02) filed a bipartisan measure to increase education, awareness and recognition of Endometriosis—a painful chronic condition impacting as many as 10 percent of women.

“We know that the effects of endometriosis go well beyond those with the condition to include significant others, parents, extended family members, and close friends.” said Rep. David Scott (GA-13). “Paired with a lack of public awareness and educational research, this has contributed to delayed diagnosis and misdiagnosis for millions of women living with the disease. While we continue the fight for a cure, our bipartisan resolution reaffirms the importance of seeking access to early diagnosis and effective treatments. Forging strong partnerships between stakeholders, researchers, academic institutions, and medical providers that are actively involved in research can help to identify effective models of endometriosis prevention, diagnosis, treatment, care, as well as increased infertility for women living with endometriosis.”

“As a physician and a mother, I know how important it is to advocate for awareness of Endometriosis,” said Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01). “While there is no cure, we can make strides to ensure women have awareness and get the treatment needed to help manage symptoms. In Congress, I will continue to work with colleagues on both sides in our fight against Endometriosis.”

“I have battled excruciating endometriosis pain since I was 14 years old,” said Rep. Nikema Williams (GA-05). “Endometriosis Awareness month is a reminder that we still have work to do to champion the estimated 6.5 million women in this country impacted by this disease. Awareness drives action, and the Endometriosis Awareness Month comes as our public health institutions need our continued support. When we invest in research and care, we all thrive.”

“Endometriosis impacts millions of Americans,” said Rep. Dan Crenshaw (TX-02). “We must continue to push for a cure and treatment for the women and families who are impacted by this terrible disease.”

The Endometriosis Awareness Month Resolution expresses support for the designation of March 2025 as Endometriosis Awareness Month and recognizes the need for early detection and treatment, increased education for health care providers, and continued research for more effective treatment for women suffering from the disease.

Endometriosis impacts 1 in 10 women of reproductive age in the United States and an estimated 200 million women worldwide. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that up to 50 percent of women with endometriosis experience infertility. Symptoms are often so severe that women stay home from work and miss time with friends and family. Despite its prevalence, federal endometriosis research equates to just $1.10 per year for each diagnosed woman.

The text of the resolution can be found HERE. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David Scott (GA-13)

Washington D.C. – Today, Representatives David Scott (GA-13), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Don Bacon (NE-02), and Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) reintroduced a bipartisan measure recognizing the seriousness of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and supporting the designation of the month of September as “PCOS Awareness Month.”

“There is an urgent need to increase education, research, and public awareness for PCOS to help millions of women and girls living with the disease,” said Rep. David Scott. “PCOS remains a leading cause of infertility, metabolic disorders, and increased risks for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and mental health conditions, yet federal funding for research and treatment lags behind other similarly common conditions. Congress must allocate increased funding for PCOS research and support services—precisely what our bipartisan resolution calls for. New funding will help improve early diagnosis, advance treatment options, and provide better resources for those affected. It is past time we prioritize PCOS as the public health crisis it has always been and ensure that those living with the condition receive the care and support they deserve.”

“PCOS impacts millions of women and girls, yet remains one of the most misunderstood, misdiagnosed, and underfunded health conditions. Despite its well-documented links to infertility, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, research and medical training have not kept pace with the urgency of this issue,” said Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick. “Our bipartisan resolution serves as a call to action, demanding increased investment in research, enhanced medical education, and improved access to care. It’s long past time we give this disease the attention and resources it deserves.”

“Polycystic Ovary Syndrome affects as many as one in seven women, and half go undiagnosed, especially African Americans. Worse, there’s no cure for PCOS and health care providers often misdiagnose it, leaving critical gaps in our understanding around its severe comorbidities, like infertility, heart disease, diabetes, and more,” said Rep. Wasserman Schultz. “Like so many disorders that affect women, PCOS has gone ignored and undetected for far too long. But we’re working to change that. I’m proud to join my colleagues in leading this bipartisan resolution to change that narrative and offer hope to all women facing PCOS.”

“Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a serious and often overlooked condition impacting over 10 million women in the United States. PCOS is frequently underdiagnosed, yet it carries significant symptoms, including insulin resistance, menstrual irregularities, weight gain, thinning scalp hair, and depression during puberty and throughout a person’s life,” said Rep. Don Bacon. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in reintroducing this bipartisan measure to designate September as PCOS Awareness Month. We must bring more awareness to address PCOS and ensure women affected by this condition receive the recognition and support they need.”

“For decades, women of all races, ethnicities, ages, and socioeconomic groups have been underrepresented in biomedical research. Millions of women across the United States live with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), which can lead to pregnancy complications and infertility, among many other serious health issues. There is currently no cure for this condition and that is why it is crucial that we raise awareness and invest in research to discover new treatments,” said Rep. Jan Schakowsky. “I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this resolution because we must do all we can to support women’s health and promote PCOS awareness, education, and innovation.”

PCOS affects over 10 million women and girls in the United States, yet it remains widely underdiagnosed and misunderstood. Too few healthcare providers are adequately trained to recognize symptoms, leading to frequent misdiagnosis and delayed treatment. According, to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 50% of women with PCOS develop Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes by age 40, with increased risks for cardiovascular disease, uterine cancer, liver disease, and mental health challenges–including higher risk of suicide.

Beyond its immediate health impacts, PCOS is a major contributor to female infertility and maternal health disparities. Women with PCOS are at higher risk of pregnancy-related complications, such as preeclampsia and emergency C-sections.

The bipartisan PCOS Awareness Month Resolution recognizes the seriousness of PCOS, urges health care professionals to increase their understanding of PCOS, and calls on states, territories, and localities to support the goals of PCOS Awareness Month, which include:

·         Increasing awareness and education about PCOS and its connection to comorbidities,

·         Improving diagnosis, treatment, and care of the disorder,

·         Disseminating information regarding diagnosis, treatment, and management of PCOS, and

·         Improving the quality of life and outcomes for women and girls with PCOS.

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