Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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

Funding was announced for the State of Minnesota, as well as an award specific to the City of Saint Paul

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO-02)

 

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), along with Congressman Brad Schneider (D-IL), Congressman Craig Goldman (R-TX), and Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) today announced the relaunch of the House Abraham Accords Caucus in order to build on the success of the historic Abraham Accords. For decades, Congress has played a key role in promoting peace between Israel and its neighbors.  The Caucus provides an opportunity to strengthen the Abraham Accords by encouraging deeper partnerships among the existing Abraham Accords countries and expanding the agreement to include countries that do not currently have diplomatic relations with Israel.

The Abraham Accords, which were signed on September 15, 2020, resulted in peace and normalization agreements between Israel, the UAE, and Bahrain, and have since been expanded to include Sudan, and Morocco—transforming the region, enhancing security, creating economic opportunities, and advancing vital US national security interests. The Accords built on the success of previous peace normalization agreements with Egypt and Jordan.

Wagner said: “I am once again proud to join my colleagues in co-chairing this important caucus as we work to advance the historic Abraham Accords and promote prosperity and stability in the region.  Because of the strength of these relationships between Israel and its Arab neighbors, Iran and its so-called “axis of resistance” has been greatly weakened.  President Trump’s negotiation of the Accords nearly five years ago was a massive step forward for Middle Eastern stability, and I am committed to working closely with the President so we can strengthen and expand these agreements, open new economic opportunities, and ensure Iran and its terrorist proxies can never again threaten peace in the region.”

Schneider said: “The initial Abraham Accords were a historic crossroads, for the first time fully normalizing relations between Israel and Arab states. Strengthening and building upon them offers a path to durable peace for the entire the Middle East, which is why Congress must stay engaged with the process.  I once again am proud to co-chair this bipartisan, bicameral effort to further Congress’s work toward ensuring a safe, strong Jewish and democratic Israel living side by side with its neighbors—including the Palestinian people—with security, prosperity, and peace for all peoples.”

Goldman said: “Alongside my colleagues, I am honored to co-chair the House Abraham Accords Caucus as we continue the vital work of strengthening U.S. national security while advancing peace and prosperity across the world. Nearly five years ago, President Donald Trump led the historic and monumental Abraham Accords—uniting nations once divided by conflict in a shared commitment to peace, mutual respect, and religious freedom. I look forward to working with my colleagues and President Trump to foster greater peace and cooperation between Israel and its neighboring Arab states.”

Wasserman Schultz said: “Strengthening and expanding the Abraham Accords is critical to advancing peace in the Middle East. I am proud to join my colleagues as co-chair of this vital caucus. We will be laser-focused on fostering broad bipartisan coalitions within the U.S. Congress to provide the resources and tools needed to promote the normalization efforts between Israel and its Arab neighbors. Achieving peace in the region will strengthen the security and economic opportunities for all.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO-02)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) issued the following statement after reintroducing the Protecting Investors’ Personally Identifiable Information Act in the 119th Congress.

Rep. Ann Wagner (MO-2) said, “While I welcomed the SEC’s recent decision to exempt the reporting of Personally Identifiable Information (PII) in the Consolidated Audit Trail, Congress must go even further. We must make this protection permanent and ensure the privacy of our fellow Americans. No one should be forced to endanger their personal information just to invest and save for their family’s future, and this legislation will give greater confidence to Main Street investors.”

Rep. Barry Loudermilk (GA-11) said: “The SEC’s collection of personal financial information through the Consolidated Audit Trail is unconstitutional and entirely unnecessary; and it exposes American investors to serious cybersecurity risks from foreign adversaries and criminal hackers. This is why I developed the Protecting Investors’ Personally Identifiable Information Act in the House. The bill would effectively eliminate the potential for both accidental and intentional breaches by restricting the SEC’s automatic collection of investors’ PII. Among its provisions, the SEC will only be permitted to request this data in cases directly tied to investigating or enforcing violations of federal securities law. I appreciate Senator John Kennedy for introducing the Senate companion to this important bill.”

Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) introduced the U.S. Senate companion bill, S. 658.

“Americans assume their private information is secure when they invest money in the U.S. stock market. However, the SEC’s unlawful Consolidated Audit Trail could put their data in jeopardy. My bill would protect American investors from foreign enemies and bad actors by preventing the SEC from collecting personal information it doesn’t need and storing it on a dangerous database,” said Senator John Kennedy (R-LA).

“The SEC’s national registry makes every American investor and retirement saver’s personal and financial information an easy target for Russian and Chinese hackers,” said American Securities Association President & CEO Chris Iacovella. “We thank Congressman Loudermilk for his leadership and for standing up to protect America’s mom-and-pop investors and removing the personal and financial information of American investors from the SEC’s Consolidated Audit Trail.”

“SIFMA applauds Congressman Loudermilk and Senator Kennedy for re-introducing the Protecting Investors’ Personally Identifiable Information Act. Consistent with the recent exemption provided by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), this important legislation would protect investors’ PII from being reported to the Consolidated Audit Trail (CAT), which is the largest database of retail and institutional trading ever created and is a ripe target for cyber criminals. For a decade, SIFMA has consistently provided alternatives to collecting such data that still address the SEC’s enforcement concerns. We commend this bicameral effort to codify the SEC’s recent exemption from the requirement to report certain PII to the CAT, and we look forward to working with Congress to enact this critical bill and ensure investors’ PII is protected,” said Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association President and CEO Kenneth E. Bentsen, Jr.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO-02)

Washington, D.C. – Capital Markets Subcommittee Chair Ann Wagner (R-MO), House Financial Services Committee Chairman French Hill (R-AR), Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott (R-SC), and Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) sent a letter to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Acting Chairman Mark Uyeda to launch a comprehensive review of all aspects of the Consolidated Audit Trail (CAT).

Senator Boozman (R-AR), Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Senator John Kennedy (R-LA), Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-MI), and Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-GA) also signed the letter.

In part, the lawmakers wrote:

“The prohibition on collecting investor PII must be formally codified (rather than via rescindable exemptive relief) and already-collected PII must be expunged. Cybersecurity measures for the remaining data must be enhanced. And the CAT’s bloated out-of-control budget must be addressed… Further, it would appear appropriate for the Commission to pause and reconsider its position with respect to ongoing litigation related to the CAT, as it has done for other cases commenced during the Biden administration.”

Read the full letter here or below:

The Consolidated Audit Trail (CAT) has been a highly controversial endeavor that has raised many concerns from Members of Congress, including with respect to (i) the unwarranted collection of personally identifiable information (PII) from millions of American investors, (ii) potential cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and (iii) its inequitable funding structure.

We are pleased that you and fellow Commissioner Peirce have repeatedly acknowledged these longstanding concerns and applaud the Commission for its recent steps to protect the financial privacy of American investors.

However, there is more work to be done. The prohibition on collecting investor PII must be formally codified (rather than via rescindable exemptive relief) and already-collected PII must be expunged. Cybersecurity measures for the remaining data must be enhanced. And the CAT’s bloated out-of-control budget must be addressed.

Given these continuing concerns, the Commission should launch a comprehensive review that covers all aspects of the CAT. In doing so, the Commission should take additional steps to pause the CAT’s most controversial elements—not only the collection of customer PII, but also the problematic funding structure that a majority of the current Commission voted against. Further, it would appear appropriate for the Commission to pause and reconsider its position with respect to ongoing litigation related to the CAT, as it has done for other cases commenced during the Biden administration.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO-02)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), along with Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-VA) and Congressman Ted Lieu (D-CA), released the following statement after they introduced the Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act, legislation that passed the House in 2023:

“The People’s Republic of China is hell-bent on exerting power over Taiwan and expanding their hostile influence to the detriment of the entire world,” said Wagner. “Taiwan is a strong partner of the United States, and we cannot and we will not let the Chinese Communist Party threaten our allies and assets in the Indo-Pacific. The Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act will deepen the relationship between our countries and will signal to the world that the United States will never kowtow to Communist China.”

“Now more than ever, it is imperative for the United States to demonstrate its unwavering support for our friend and ally, Taiwan,” said Connolly. “In the face of an increasingly aggressive People’s Republic of China, our commitment to and partnership with Taiwan is paramount. I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan legislation that strengthens the deepening relationship between the United States and Taiwan.”

 “Taiwan is a key partner to the United States and the global community,” said Lieu. “As the Chinese government asserts more pressure on our regional partners and world, it’s critical our government works together to support Taiwan. I’m pleased to join my colleagues on this bipartisan bill to ensure the Administration consults Congress as it develops its Taiwan guidance. This will allow for a more unified approach in coordinating US-Taiwan relations and strengthen our essential partnership.”

Background

The Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act would require the Department of State to conduct periodic reviews of its guidelines for U.S. engagement with Taiwan. These regular reviews and updates must:

1. Explain how the guidance deepens and expands United States-Taiwan relations, and reflects the value, merits, and importance of the United States-Taiwan relationship;
2. Give due consideration to the fact that Taiwan is a democratic partner and a free and open society that respects universal human rights and democratic values;
3. Ensure that the conduct of relations with Taiwan reflects the longstanding, comprehensive, and values-based relationship the United States shares with Taiwan, and contribute to the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait issues.
4. Identify opportunities to lift any remaining self-imposed limitations on U.S.-Taiwan engagement and articulate a plan to do so.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO-02)

This contract will bolster our nation’s security and advance good-paying jobs in the St. Louis region

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II (5th District Missouri)

(Washington, D.C.) – This week, U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) and David Scott (D-GA), Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee, announced the reintroduction of the Jobs, On-the-Job ‘Earn While You Learn’ Training and Apprenticeships for Young African Americans Act. The legislation would encourage the U.S. Department of Labor to work with African American organizations and labor unions to recruit and hire African Americans in registered apprenticeship (RA) programs.

“The Biden-Harris Administration has made it a priority to bring good-paying jobs back to communities across the heartland by investing in critical infrastructure, manufacturing, and clean energy—but we must also ensure the pipeline of workers ready to help fill those jobs reflects the diversity of the nation at large,” said Congressman Cleaver. “Registered apprenticeship programs provide young Americans with the opportunity to gain valuable skills in high-earning industries while earning a paycheck, and our legislation seeks to expand those opportunities to communities that have historically been left out, which will ensure greater prosperity for all.”

Offering hands-on training opportunities, virtually zero student debt and the potential to advance in high-quality jobs, RA programs provide participants with the economic mobility needed to build wealth and a pathway toward high earning careers across a number of in-demand industries. However, according to data from the Department of Labor, African Americans have one of the lowest rates of participation in apprenticeship programs.

The Jobs, On-the-Job ‘Earn While You Learn’ Training and Apprenticeships for Young African Americans Act would:

• Create a Diversity and Inclusion Administrator position within the Employment and Training Administration at DOL responsible for promoting and assisting greater African American participation in RAs.
• Support the Recruitment, Employment, and Retention of African American and other nontraditional Black populations in programs under the national apprenticeship system in high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand industry sectors and occupations.
• Target High-Earnings Occupations in construction, welding, electrical engineering, plumbing, information technology, energy, green jobs, advanced manufacturing, health care, and cybersecurity.
• Update the RA Application process requiring new sponsors to include a plan to boost African American participation in their apprenticeship programs.
• Establish a Competitive Grant Program for eligible RAs to create, increase, or expand African American participation in traditional and non-traditional apprenticeship industries.

The Jobs, On-the-Job ‘Earn While You Learn’ Training and Apprenticeships Act is endorsed by International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART), International Brotherhood of Electrical Engineers (IBEW), Atlanta-North Georgia Labor Council, Institute for Policy Studies’ Black Worker Initiative (IPS-BWI), and 100 Black Men of Atlanta.

The Jobs, On-the-Job ‘Earn While You Learn’ Training and Apprenticeships Act is cosponsored by Reps. Juan Vargas (D-CA), Gregory Meeks (D-NY), Robin Kelly (D-IL), Suzan DelBene (D-WA), Kweisi Mfume (D-MD), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), Joyce Beatty (D-OH), Sanford Bishop (D-GA), Gwen Moore (D-WI), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Alma Adams (D-NC), André Carson (D-IN), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Dwight Evans (D-PA), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Bennie Thompson (D-MS), Jahana Hayes (D-CT), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Nikema Williams (D-GA), and Marilyn Strickland (D-WA).

Official text of the Jobs, On-the-Job ‘Earn While You Learn’ Training and Apprenticeships Act is available here.

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee’s Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II (5th District Missouri)

(Kansas City, MO) – Today, U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) is proud to highlight critical grant funding from the Department of Justice to the City of Kansas City to support the essential services provided through the Municipal Court’s Adult Drug Court Program. Today, the Department announced it would be awarding a number of grants nationwide to support community safety and recovery support services, including $656,925 that will support the reduction of misuse of opioids, stimulants, and other substances by people involved in the criminal justice system in Kansas City, Missouri.

“I am thrilled that the City of Kansas City has been selected to receive federal grant funding from the Department of Justice to support its drug court program and to provide programming specific to women experiencing substance use issues,” said Congressman Cleaver. “This investment underscores a commitment to addressing substance use disorders with compassion and effectiveness. By providing essential resources for treatment and rehabilitation, we can help individuals reclaim their lives and strengthen our community. This funding enables targeted resources and services to address the unique challenges faced by women in our community, focuses on rehabilitation and empowerment, and fosters a more just and equitable system that not only helps individuals recover, but also strengthens families and the community.”

The Adult Treatment Court Program supports state, local, and tribal efforts to plan, implement, and enhance the operations of adult treatment courts, including tribal healing to wellness courts. Adult treatment court programs are a tool for criminal court partners and the judiciary to facilitate coordinated approaches that address the needs of nonviolent individuals involved in the justice system who have substance use disorders and/or co-occurring mental health needs.

These courts effectively integrate evidence-based substance use disorder treatment, random drug testing, equitable sanctions and incentives, and recovery support services in judicially supervised court settings to reduce recidivism and substance use and misuse, as well as prevent overdoses. These initiatives can incorporate cultural elements and approaches.

More information on the Department of Justice’s Adult Treatment Court Program can be found here.

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee’s Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II (5th District Missouri)

(Kansas City, MO) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) joined Urban Neighborhood Initiative (UNI) leadership and community leaders to celebrate construction at the future site of nearly 100 affordable homes for families in underserved communities and present a check for $4 million in Community Project Funding the Congressman was able to secure. The federal funding will support UNI’s housing initiative intended to build community and unlock a path to homeownership.

“I am incredibly proud to highlight the $4 million in community project funding that I was able to secure for the Urban Neighborhood Initiative’s homeownership pilot program that will create 100 quality, affordable homes for families in underserved communities,” said Congressman Cleaver. “This initiative not only addresses the critical need for more housing in Kansas City, but also empowers hardworking families to build wealth through homeownership. By investing in these communities, we are fostering stability and opportunity, ensuring that every family has a chance to thrive and create a better future for themselves and generations to come.”

“We are grateful to Congressman Cleaver for helping to secure this vital Community Project Funding,” said Jamee Rodgers, president and CEO of the Urban Neighborhood Initiative. “These funds represent an important step forward in our mission to help energize the Wendell Phillips neighborhood and the urban core by continuing to support the aspirations of Kansas City families on their path to homeownership.”

The housing initiative is one of fifteen projects Congressman Cleaver championed in Congress in 2022, securing nearly $39,250,000 in federal funding for Fiscal Year 2023 that will directly benefit constituents in Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District.

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee’s Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II (5th District Missouri)

(Kansas City, MO) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) announced the introduction of H.Res. 1505, expressing support for the designation of September 2024 as “National Polycystic Kidney Disease Awareness Month” and raising awareness and understanding of polycystic kidney disease. Congressman Cleaver introduced the bipartisan resolution with fellow Missouri lawmaker Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO).

“I am proud to introduce this bipartisan resolution designating this month as National Polycystic Kidney Disease Awareness Month,” said Congressman Cleaver. “This initiative is vital not only to raise awareness about this often-overlooked condition, but also to support the millions affected by it. Together, we can enhance understanding, promote early detection, and encourage research that will lead to better treatments. The health of our communities knows no boundaries, and prioritizing education and advocacy ensures attention and resources for those living with polycystic kidney disease are accessible.”

Polycystic Kidney Disease is a progressive, genetic disorder of the kidneys that affects approximately 500,000 people in the United States. Of the individuals diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease, roughly 10 percent have no family history of the disease and there are currently few treatments and no cure, which is one of the four leading causes of kidney failure in the country.

Official text the resolution can be found here.

 

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee’s Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.