Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Diana DeGette (First District of Colorado)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Diana DeGette (CO-01) released the following statement regarding her decision to not attend Donald Trump’s address to a Joint Session of Congress:

“Trump’s childish and shameful actions in the Oval Office towards Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, as well as his barrage of illegal attacks against public servants and vulnerable groups, have disgraced and embarrassed our country. His actions are beneath the office of the President and do not merit my attendance at this Joint Address.

“As Trump undermines our democracy and assaults the values we hold dear, he continues to ignore his promise to lower costs and make life better for the American people. 

“Trump and his billionaire pal Elon have made life worse for countless Denverites and Americans, many of whom call my office every day expressing their frustration and fear that the Trump administration is doing nothing to help them. 

“His extreme actions, including his reckless disregard for the rule of law, are an insult to my constituents and the American people. They deserve so much more than his hateful rhetoric, blatant lies, and lack of meaningful progress on improving their quality of life.

“While I won’t be attending the Joint Address in person, I will be watching closely. And I will continue to call out Trump’s lies and stand up for the truth. Our democracy deserves no less.” 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Diana DeGette (First District of Colorado)

WASHINGTON D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Diana DeGette (CO-01) along with Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-01), Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10),U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI), and U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), reintroduced the Keep Americans Safe Act (KASA) to reinstate a nationwide ban on the sale, transfer, possession, import, or manufacture of high-capacity gun magazines that hold more than fifteen rounds.

“By continuing to allow these weapons of destruction in our streets, we are enabling individuals to unleash a hail of bullets, turning any public space into a potential warzone,” Rep. DeGette said. “The impact of high-capacity gun magazines is not an abstract concept for us Coloradans—it is a painful reality etched into the fabric of our communities. From Aurora to Boulder to Columbine, high-capacity magazines have enabled shooters to inflict more damage and kill more innocent people. Americans deserve a Congress that acts decisively to protect their safety, and it is our duty to deliver on that promise.”

“We in Las Vegas know all too well what happens when a mass shooter is armed with a weapon equipped with a high-capacity magazine,” Rep. Titus said, referring to the 2017 Harvest Festival shooting that claimed the lives of 60 people. “As a gun owner myself, I know these are not for sport or hunting, they are killing machines. The Keep Americans Safe Act would protect families, law enforcement, and community members from this deadly form of gun violence.”

“Two and a half years ago, on July 4th, 2022, in the span of 60 seconds, a deranged gunman fired 83 rounds from high-capacity magazines attached to a semiautomatic rifle into the crowd at the Highland Park Independence Day Parade. The gunman murdered 7 beautiful people and wounded more than 40 others, traumatizing an entire community. High-capacity magazines are designed to maximize lethality—allowing a shooter to kill en masse without having to pause to reload. Firearms equipped with high-capacity magazines are frequently used in mass shootings and are responsible for the deaths of countless innocent people. I’m proud to join Reps. DeGette and Titus to reintroduce the Keep Americans Safe Act, to ban high-capacity magazines and help reduce the devastation of gun violence,” Rep. Schneider said.

“As we work to combat our nation’s gun violence crisis, banning high-capacity magazines is a crucial step toward combatting senseless acts of gun violence and protecting our communities,” said Senator Hirono. “Everyone deserves to live their lives free from the scourge of mass shootings and this commonsense legislation will help to keep dangerous, high-capacity magazines out of our communities and keep Americans safe.”

“The common denominator in nearly every mass shooting is large-capacity magazines (LCMs), dangerous accessories that allow shooters to continuously fire without reloading, robbing victims of an opportunity to flee or intervene. Regardless if they are paired with handguns or assault weapons, when LCMs are used in shootings, 155% more people are shot and twice as many people are killed. Brady is grateful to Sen. Blumenthal, Sen. Hirono, and Rep. DeGette for their leadership and is proud to endorse the Keep Americans Safe Act to regulate these dangerous accessories and make America safer.” — Mark Collins, Director of Federal Policy at Brady: United Against Gun Violence

“High-capacity magazines enable shooters to cause devastating harm in a short amount of time and restricting them will help prevent mass shootings that have tragically become too common. If enacted, the Keep Americans Safe Act would save lives because it is working in states who’ve adopted similar laws. When a mass shooting occurred, states with a large-capacity magazine ban had 38 percent fewer fatalities and 77 percent fewer nonfatal injuries.” — Nick Wilson, senior director of gun violence prevention at Center for American Progress.

“High-capacity magazines were designed for war, but have become a favored tool for mass shooters looking to inflict maximum carnage. We applaud Senator Hirono for introducing this legislation, which will keep high-capacity magazines out of civilian hands.” — John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety.

According to Everytown, in mass shootings with four or more people killed between 2015 and 2022, high-capacity magazines led to more than twice as many people killed, and nearly 10 times as many people wounded per incident on average.

Rep. DeGette previously introduced KASA in 2023 alongside Rep. Titus and Rep. Schneider. In 2024, she and Gun Violence Prevention Task Force Chair Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) led a discharge petition, attempting to circumvent House Republicans’ inaction and force a vote on KASA.

The Keep Americans Safe Act would:

1. Ban the sale or transfer of high-capacity gun magazines capable of holding more than 15 rounds to anyone other than law enforcement.
2. Ban the possession of a high-capacity gun magazine manufactured after the date of enactment by anyone other than law enforcement.
3. Authorize high-capacity magazine buyback programs; and
4. Authorize law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and ATF, to seize and destroy high-capacity magazines possessed illegally.

A federal law prohibiting semiautomatic assault weapons and high-capacity magazines was in place from 1994 to 2004. While research showed this regulation reduced the likelihood of mass shooting fatalities by 70 percent, this federal law has not been renewed since 2004.

Read the full bill text here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Stephanie Murphy (D-Fla)

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D.’s legislation, H.R. 1336, the Veterans National Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment Act, passed the House Veterans’ Affairs Health Subcommittee. This bipartisan bill would establish a pilot program at the Department of Veterans Affairs to furnish hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for veterans who have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or a traumatic brain injury (TBI).

“Providing innovative treatment solutions for our veterans has been a priority of mine since taking office,” said Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. “Sadly, this nation loses more than 17 veterans a day from suicide. One of the greatest reasons for this is TBI/PTSD. Our veterans need new therapies to help combat the suicide epidemic. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a well-proven intervention that helps veterans suffering from TBI/PTSD and our veterans should have access to this at their VA. I’m honored to announce that the U.S. House Veterans’ Affairs Health Subcommittee has passed my Veterans National Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment Act, paving the way for national reform. I’m deeply grateful for the support of my colleagues and look forward to continuing my advocacy on behalf of this lifesaving treatment.”

Cosponsors
Reps. Marilyn Strickland (D-WA), Jennifer Kiggans (R-VA), Don Davis (D-NC), Addison McDowell (R-NC),  Deborah Ross (D-NC), Derrick Van Orden (R-WI), Josh Harder (D-CA), Sherri Biggs (R-SC), Rob Wittman (R-VA), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), and Del. Kimberlyn King-Hinds (R-MP AL).

Background
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy accelerates the brain’s healing process by providing the bloodstream with elevated oxygen to reach and repair damaged tissue and restore normal function.

Studies demonstrate that HBOT is an effective treatment for veterans suffering from PTSD and TBI. Authors of one such study described HBOT as having “one of the greatest reductions in PTSD symptoms in a four-week period with any reported treatment.”

Despite its proven efficacy and requests by Members of Congress, the Department of Veterans Affairs currently does not employ HBOT.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Stephanie Murphy (D-Fla)

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D., introduced the Down East Remembrance Act, alongside Senators Thom Tillis and Ted Budd, to honor the six victims of a tragic plane crash in Carteret County in 2022. The legislation identifies the exact latitudes and longitudes of creeks’ locations which will be named after the victims.

“We remember and honor the six victims of the devastating plane crash in Carteret County on February 13th, 2022,” said Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. “Eastern North Carolina continues to mourn the loss of these individuals. Through this legislation, we memorialize their lives and legacies, and may God grant peace to their families.”

Background
On February 13th, 2022, Eastern North Carolina witnessed a tragic plane crash off the coast of Carteret County. The Down East Remembrance Act gives the exact latitudes and longitudes of six creeks on federal land and renames them after six of the following passengers: Noah Styron, age 15; Hunter Parks, age 45; Kole McInnis, age 15; Stephanie Fulcher, age 42; Jacob Taylor, age 16; and Daily Shepherd, age 15.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Stephanie Murphy (D-Fla)

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D., issued the following statement in response to the plane crash and fatalities near Pitt-Greenville Airport:

“I am deeply heartbroken by the tragic loss of life in the plane crash in Greenville this morning,” said Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D.“We mourn and pray for peace for their family and loved ones in this very difficult time. Thank you to the Greenville Police Department and emergency responders for your immediate response to this devastating event.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Stephanie Murphy (D-Fla)

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D., issued the following statement after voting in favor of H.R. 1968, the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act.

“Shutting down the government helps no one and would hurt President Trump’s impressive pace of action in turning our country around,” said Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. “While funding our federal government through continuing resolutions is not ideal, I voted in favor of the funding package and look forward to our important work ahead to enact an agenda that puts Americans first. Further, Congress cannot delay protecting Medicare beneficiaries’ access to affordable, high-quality care any further. I appreciate Speaker Johnson’s leadership and his commitment to addressing these harmful cuts through budget reconciliation.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Stephanie Murphy (D-Fla)

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D., introduced the Protect Our Military Families’ 2nd Amendment Rights Act, alongside Senator Mike Rounds (SD), to ensure the spouses of our service members are afforded the same constitutional rights as those in uniform.

“I will always fight to protect the constitutional rights of my constituents and support our service members and their families,” said Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. “Too often, military families are overlooked when Congress tackles challenges facing our warfighters. We must ensure that military spouses’ Second Amendment protections are protected and equal to those serving our country in uniform. I am grateful to Senator Rounds for introducing companion legislation in the U.S. Senate and look forward to working together to advocate for this meaningful reform.” 
 

Background
Under current law, active-duty service members of the United States Armed Forces may purchase firearms at their assigned duty station with proper documentation. However, their spouses are not granted this same constitutional right.

This bill would amend chapter 44 of title 18, United States Code, to provide that a member of the Armed Forces and the spouse of that member shall have the same rights regarding the receipt of firearms at the location of any duty station of the member.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Frederica S Wilson (24th District of Florida)

Today, Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, Senior Member of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Education and Workforce, released the following statement following the executive order to abolish the U.S. Department of Education:

“I am a lifelong educator. It is who I am, and I am proud of it. I served as an elementary school teacher, a Head Start Coordinator, a school principal, and a member of the Miami-Dade County School Board. Have Republicans ever been to a PTA meeting? Have they ever greeted children as they enter the school doors every morning? Have they even talked to public school teachers or students recently? I have seen firsthand how important public education is for bettering the lives of all students. But this is not just another executive order. This is something that will change the heart and fabric of America.

“Closing the doors to the Department of Education is closing the doors to opportunities for our youth. The Republicans’ inability to understand why education is crucial to the future of America is laughable and shows how out of touch they are. They are trying to break down our public education system and attack children of color. Public education serves everyone, regardless of the color of their skin: the gifted, students with disabilities, the wheelchair-bound, the mentally challenged, the sick, the shut-in, the orphan, the ungovernable, everyone! Our country will not be an international leader if its government leaves its children behind.

“Think about the implications of this decision. If we gut public schools like Republicans want to do, where are our children supposed to go? A quality education is the number one preventer of crime, and we can’t just have kids being thrown out of a public education. What is the plan for these children? What is the plan for all the teachers that will be fired? I demand to know today! How would abolishing the Department of Education affect schools in Miami-Dade and Broward County Public Schools? Do schools know the plan? Do states know the plan? And you know what, I wish I could ask someone in the Department of Education these questions, but there are no staff to ask since they have already been gutting the Department. I demand to have answers today on what the plan is because I know damn well the administration doesn’t have a plan.

“And let’s not forget, Congress is the only branch of government authorized to create or destroy agencies, not an unelected billionaire who doesn’t know a damn thing about education. All Congressional Republicans should stand up and take immediate action to safeguard the Department of Education’s crucial functions. Providing students with resources to help pay for higher education is not wasteful spending. Funding Head Start programs are not wasteful spending. Making sure schools enforce anti-discrimination laws is not wasteful bureaucracy. This is the bare minimum we owe our children.

“These actions will not lower everyday living costs. They will not make our lives any easier. When Republicans strip away our access to public education, to student loans, and to Pell Grants, who is impacted? Who suffers? Our children, plain and simple. We cannot allow anyone who abuses the Constitution to control the fate of American education. This executive order ignores the voices of everyday American families.”

Congresswoman Frederica Wilson is a former public-school teacher, public school principal, school administrator, and Miami-Dade County school board member.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Frederica S Wilson (24th District of Florida)

This week, Congresswoman Frederica Wilson introduced the ‘Transportation Equity Act.’ The bill aims to re-establish an advisory committee that would independently advise the Secretary of Transportation to help advance equity in transportation planning and policy through collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

Congresswoman Frederica Wilson said, “While the Administration is busy eliminating programs aimed at increasing equal opportunity for all, I am focused on empowering communities to have a greater say in how transportation policies and investments are implemented. All Americans deserve a seat at the table in shaping their transportation futures. Whether it’s folks who don’t live near any public transit, those who can’t afford the fares, or people with disabilities who need extra support to get around, our government should all be in the business of providing better transportation resources to every single person. That is why I’m introducing the ‘Transportation Equity Act’ to reinstate the Transportation Equity Advisory Committee. This bill will empower stakeholders from diverse backgrounds to collaborate on solutions that promote accessibility, reduce disparities, and create fair opportunities for all Americans.”

The bill is also cosponsored by Henry C. “Hank” Johnson Jr (GA-04), André Carson (IN-7), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), and LaMonica McIver (NJ-10).

This bill is supported by the Transportation Choices Coalition, Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network, The Alliance – Blue Line Coalition, Alliance for Metropolitan Stability, CNT, America Walks, Madison Area Bus Advocates, Detroit Greenways Coalition, National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO), The Equiticity Racial Equity Movement, Freedom to Move Youth Movement, formerly National Organizations for Youth Safety (NOYS), Vehicles for Change, and Local Initiatives Support Corporation.

The bill does the following:

·       Re-establishes the Transportation Equity Committee: The bill mandates the creation of an advisory committee to provide independent advice to the Secretary of Transportation on issues related to transportation equity.

·       Focuses on Diverse Perspectives: The bill ensures balanced representation from a wide variety of stakeholders, including community groups, academia, industries, and marginalized communities, to guarantee a comprehensive approach to transportation planning.

·       Develops Strategic Recommendations: The committee will create a strategic plan that will include recommendations on national transportation metrics and assess the impacts of transportation on economic development and public engagement.

·       Evaluates and Enhances Community Connectivity: The bill empowers the committee to evaluate the Department of Transportation’s efforts in connecting individuals to economic opportunities, with the aim of revitalizing communities through equitable transportation policies.

For the bill text, click here.

For a one-pager bill description, click here.

For the section-by-section, click here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Frederica S Wilson (24th District of Florida)

This week, Congresswoman Frederica Wilson reintroduced the ‘American Teacher Act’ with 80 cosponsors. This bill seeks to raise teacher salaries across the country to a minimum of $60,000 to address the nationwide teacher shortage crises and ongoing attacks on public education.

“It’s about damn time we give our public-school teachers a raise. With the ongoing teacher shortage worsening each year, we fail to raise teacher salaries while prices rise; it’s no surprise that talented educators are leaving the profession. Speaking as a former public-school teacher and principal, I know firsthand how important our teachers are and how hard they work. Yet, despite teachers’ hard work, they often go unnoticed and are underpaid, forcing them to juggle multiple jobs just to make ends meet,” Congresswoman Frederica Wilson said. “That is why I am once again introducing the American Teacher Act to ensure every teacher across America makes at least $60,000. Once we start respecting our educators, we can expect better student outcomes and watch our teacher shortage shrink.”

According to a survey, 86% of public schools are struggling to hire educators, with high-poverty districts experiencing even more severe understaffing issues.

“The average starting salary for teachers is just $41,000, which is why the American Teacher Act is urgently needed,” said AFT President Randi Weingarten. “It is time to stop relying on teachers’ goodwill—they need a living wage to pay the rent and feed their families, and they deserve to live in the places in which they teach. I can’t thank Rep. Wilson enough for her deep commitment to valuing educators and raising salaries to a minimum of $60,000. Let’s pass this bill and honor and respect America’s teachers for all that they do for our children and our country.”

National Education Association President Becky Pringle said, “Students of every color, background and ZIP code deserve qualified and caring educators who are dedicated and have the resources to uncover the full potential of every child. Unfortunately, today, we continue to find ourselves in a 5-alarm crisis, with staffing shortages in schools across the country.  Moreover, we have a shortage of professional pay, basic dignity, and respect for the professionals they are. Educators proudly support the American Teacher Act, which will meet the goal of addressing educator shortage with long-term solutions, not band-aid approaches.  We must recruit large numbers of diverse educators into the profession and retain qualified and experienced educators in our schools to support our students in learning recovery and thriving in today’s world. We are grateful to Congresswoman Wilson for standing by our educators and fighting for our students.” 

“Every day teachers go beyond the call of duty in and out of the classroom for every child, lighting the way to brighter futures. It is critical that we elevate and support our teachers, invest in them and hold them with high public esteem,” said Yvonne Johnson, president of National PTA. “The American Teacher Act will help strengthen the teaching profession and address teacher shortages currently facing our nation, and we applaud Representative Wilson for introducing the bill.” 

Nínive Calegari, Co-Founder of the Teacher Salary Project, said, “The American Teacher Act is essential to closing the gap between how we pay teachers today and how we must pay them as professionals. We are so grateful to Congresswoman Wilson for her insight and courage on this issue that is so important to us all. Teachers are the most important part of any school and we must respect that importance with competitive pay.”

Ranking Member of the Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education subcommittee, Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, said, “Teachers should be fairly compensated for their important work to help prepare today’s students to be the leaders of tomorrow. Providing grants to incentivize states to raise teacher pay is a commonsense policy that will help schools recruit and retain talented educators, leading to better outcomes for students and the country. I’m pleased to join my colleague Congresswoman Wilson in leading this effort to invest in America’s educators.”

The American Teacher Act does the following:

• Minimum Salary Requirement: It establishes a framework for teacher salary incentive grants, mandating a minimum annual salary of $60,000 for full-time teachers in qualifying schools, along with provisions for inflation adjustments in subsequent years.

·       State Grant Application: State educational agencies can apply for four-year grants to ensure compliance with the minimum salary requirement, with an emphasis on sustainability and the allocation of funds to local educational agencies, particularly those serving high-need areas.

·       Cost-of-Living Adjustments: The bill includes provisions for cost-of-living adjustments to teacher salaries based on the Consumer Price Index, helping to ensure that salaries remain competitive and reflective of economic conditions.

• Awareness Campaign: It authorizes a national campaign to raise awareness about the teaching profession’s importance, encourage students to consider careers in teaching, and promote diversity within the teaching workforce.

The bills cosponsors include Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY), Rep. Al. Green (TX), Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY), Rep. Alma Adams (NC), Rep. Andre Carson (IN), Rep. Andrea Salinas (OR), Rep. Ayanna Pressley (MA), Rep. Bennie Thompson (MS), Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ), Rep. Chellie Pingree (ME), Rep. Chris Deluzio (PA), Rep. Danny Davis (IL), Rep. Debbie Dingell, Rep. Deborah Ross (NC), Rep. Donald Norcross (NJ), Rep. Dwight Evans (PA), Rep. Dwight Evans (PA), Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (District of Columbia), Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (MO), Rep. Emilia Sykes (OH), Rep. Eric Sorensen (IL), Rep. Frank Mrvan (Indiana)*, Rep. Grace Meng (NY), Rep. Greg Casar (TX), Rep. Greg Landsman (OH), Rep. Gwen S. Moore (WI), Rep. Hank Johnson (GA), Rep. Hayley Stevens (MI), Rep. Henry Cuellar (TX), Rep. Hillary Scholten (MI), Rep. Ilhan Omar (MN), Rep. Jahan Hayes (CT), Rep. James Clyburn (SC), Rep. James McGovern (MA), Rep. Jamie Raskin (MD), Rep. Janice Schakowsky (IL), Rep. Jared Moskowitz (FL), Rep. Jill Tokuda (HI), Rep. Joe Courtney (CT), Rep. Joe Neguse (CO), Rep. John Garamendi (CA), Rep. Jonathan Jackson (IL), Rep. Josh Gottheimer (NJ), Rep. Judy Chu (CA), Rep. Kevin Mullin (CA), Rep. LaMonica McIver (NJ), Rep. Linda Sanchez (CA), Rep. Lucy McBath (GA), Rep. Madeleine Dean (PA), Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA), Rep. Mark Pocan (WI), Rep. Mark Takano (CA), Rep. Mark Takano (CA), Rep. Maxwell Frost (FL), Rep. Mike Quigley (IL), Rep. Mikie Sherrill (NJ), Rep. Nikema Williams (GA), Rep. Nikki Budzinski (IL), Rep. Nydia Velasquez (NY), Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA), Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL), Rep. Rashida Tlaib (MI), Rep. Raul Grijalva (AZ), Rep. Robert Menendez (NJ), Rep. Rosa DeLauro (CT), Rep. Salud Carbajal (CA), Rep. Sean Casten (IL), Rep. Seth Magaziner (RI), Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL), Rep. Shontel Brown (OH), Rep. Shri Thanedar (MI), Rep. Stephen F. Lynch (MA), Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (OR), Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA), Rep. Ted Lieu (CA), Rep. Terri Sewell (AL), Rep. Val Hoyle (OR), Rep. Valerie Foushee (NC), Rep. William Keating (MA), and Rep. Yvette Clarke (NY).

For the bill text, click here.

For the section-by-section, click here.

For the one-page summary of the bill, click here.‘

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