Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today voted against the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act.

The measure passed the House on a 222 to 209 vote. It now goes to the president to be signed into law. 

Congressman Cohen explained his vote in the following statement:

“I certainly want to see the federal government reopened. I want to see air traffic controllers and all other federal employees paid and SNAP benefits restored. But the Republican compromise reached this week did not include provisions for extending health care subsidies for Affordable Care Act (ACA) premiums. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. called health care a fundamental civil right. My father was a doctor and I was stricken with polio at the age of five, spent months in the hospital and more months on crutches. To this day, I have health problems related to polio. I understand how important health care is. As a county commissioner, I put together the coalition of votes to create the Regional Medical Center in Memphis which we used to call ‘The Med,’ now Regional One. One of my proudest votes in Congress was for passage of the ACA. Everyone should have affordable health care. Senate Democrats should have stood firm on extending ACA subsidies. By not extending the ACA subsidies, millions of Americans will not be able to afford health coverage. I will always fight for health care. That’s why I cast a ‘no’ vote on the Continuing Resolution tonight.

“There are other good reasons to oppose the bill we considered tonight, including a requirement that telecommunications companies alert senators if their data has been requested for any legal process. It allows the eight Republicans whose phone records were seized as part of Special Counsel Jack Smith’s investigation of the January 6 attack on the Capitol to receive at least $500,000 each of taxpayer money from legal challenges stemming from the probe, even though the substance of their calls was not sought by the subpoenas, only the parties to the calls on the day before, January 6, and the following day, a legitimate inquiry under the circumstances. Both of Tennessee’s senators could benefit from that provision.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) joined 125 Congressional colleagues calling on Secretary of State Marco Rubio to ensure desperately needed humanitarian aid reaches Gazan civilians. Nearly one month into the ceasefire agreement, there are still no details from the Trump administration on what aid is allowed into Gaza and what role the United States will play in aid delivery.

Congressman Cohen also joined more than 100 lawmakers in a letter to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demanding that he immediately halt plans to demolish the West Bank village of Umm al-Kheir. 

“We are gravely concerned that any further actions by settlers, vigilantes or the government to destroy the village…will traumatize this peaceful community and jeopardize the prospect of long-term peace,” the letter states. See that letter HERE.

In the letter to Rubio, the lawmakers write:

“Two years after Hamas’ brutal attack on Israel on October 7, we are encouraged by the ceasefire announced on October 8, 2025, and urge all parties to embrace this opportunity to create lasting peace and security in the region. While we welcome the news that humanitarian aid is entering Gaza after the October 8 ceasefire agreement, we seek clarity on your plan to ensure desperately needed humanitarian aid reaches Palestinian civilians in Gaza.

“After over two years, there remains an insufficient supply of food, water, baby formula, medicine, and other essential humanitarian supplies needed to support life for Palestinian civilians in Gaza. People are dying of starvation, including over 100 children since the start of the war, with an additional 320,000 children at risk of acute malnutrition.

“We are encouraged that more aid is being delivered following the recent ceasefire agreement, and we urge that aid distribution to be conducted by reputable international institutions. We hope that amidst the challenges of maintaining the ceasefire, there remains a robust commitment to all parties involved to continuing the flow of aid into Gaza. However, several questions remain about the implementation of this ceasefire and the State Department’s plan to increase humanitarian aid into Gaza for civilians.

“How will the State Department ensure that there is not only a sufficient amount but also a proper combination of humanitarian aid, such as food, water, baby formula, medicine, and housing supplies, to meet the needs of Palestinian civilians in Gaza?” 

Read the full text of the letter HERE.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

MEMPHIS — Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) will observe Veterans Day on Tuesday’s November 11 national holiday. He made the following statement: 

“Every Veterans Day, we pause to pay tribute to the brave men and women who have served our country in uniform and to thank them for their service. On this 107th anniversary of the Armistice that ended World War 1 on the 11^th day of the 11^th month of the year, we honor that tradition. We must also keep our promises to our veterans by providing the best medical care at Department of Veterans Affairs facilities, including at the Lieutenant Colonel Luke Weathers Jr. VA Medical Center in Memphis, so they receive the state-of-the-art treatment and services they have earned and deserve. For those transitioning from the active-duty armed services to civilian life, we need to ensure they have good-paying jobs and meaningful educational opportunities. I am always proud to support funding the VA and legislation to improve veterans’ lives.

“Although we are not at war, we have thousands of sailors, soldiers, airmen and Marines at home and abroad, including thousands serving in or near active conflict zones and off the coast of South America. For those who are deployed, I look forward to their safe return home to families, friends and colleagues.

“On this Veterans Day, I thank all who have served for their sacrifice. I hope everyone will take the opportunity the holiday affords to express appreciation to veterans and active-duty service members for the sacrifices that they and their families have made or are making.”  

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) made the following statement after learning that Congresswoman and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will not seek re-election:

“My first vote in Congress, in January 2007, was to elect Nancy Pelosi the first woman Speaker of the House, and it was one of the votes I’m most proud to have cast. Nancy called me the ‘conscience’ of my freshman class of lawmakers elected in 2006. She is the reason we have the Affordable Care Act, which I dubbed Pelosicare. I wish her well in retirement.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08)

Today, Congresswoman Schrier released the following statement on today’s government shutdown vote.

“I know Washingtonians have felt the impacts of this shutdown each day it has gone on. I have wanted nothing more than for Congress to get back to work and pass a deal that reopens the government and addresses the needs of millions of Americans across the country. From my recent conversations with constituents, it is clear that they are deeply concerned about rising costs, particularly with regard to healthcare. 

“As a pediatrician, I have seen firsthand how access to healthcare can quite literally be a life or death situation. That is why I’ve been fighting day in and day out for a solution that protects healthcare and brings down costs for my constituents. Unfortunately, the partisan spending bill we voted on today fails to meet the moment. As a result of Republicans’ refusal to negotiate a bipartisan path forward, millions of Americans are already seeing their health insurance costs skyrocket, and may be forced to drop coverage. I cannot vote for a bill that fails to address this healthcare crisis.

“I will keep fighting to expand access to affordable healthcare and lower costs for everyone in my district.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV)

Washington, D.C. – Last night, the House of Representatives passed a Continuing Resolution (CR) to fund the federal government into the new year along with three full-year Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bills. Through the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, Congresswoman Miller successfully secured funding for important West Virginia projects. This includes over $2.5 million for the Rivers Health Emergency Department Expansion Project and $1.75 million for the Minnie Hamilton Hospital Renovation Project.

These investments are significant victories for West Virginia and will strengthen vital healthcare infrastructure, ensuring that the state’s hardworking first responders and medical professionals have the resources they need to continue serving their communities.

“I am grateful that I was able to secure funding for the Rivers Health Emergency Department Expansion Project and the Minnie Hamilton Hospital Renovation Project through the Agriculture Appropriations Bill. These facilities are in critical need of updated infrastructure to ensure patients receive the highest quality of care and resources available. I will continue working with my colleagues in Congress and the Trump Administration to deliver the support West Virginians need and deserve every day,” said Rep. Carol Miller. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV)

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) voted in favor of the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2026. This legislation includes a continuing resolution and three full-year Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bills. Upon signage by President Donald Trump, the continuing resolution will reopen the government immediately by extending funding through January 30th. The resolution will also provide back pay to all federal workers. Congresswoman Miller released the following statement following the bill’s passage: 

“I was happy to join my House colleagues in ending the Democrats’ hostage takeover of the federal government leading to the longest shutdown in our nation’s history. For 43 days, our service members have gone without pay, thousands of federal workers were furloughed, and essential programs, such as SNAP, were left unfunded.

The American people deserve a government that works for them. Instead, Democrats used our citizens’ safety and security as a bargaining chip for their $1.5 trillion demands. This is disgraceful. House Republicans acted responsibly by passing the original Continuing Resolution in September and continue to put Americans first by passing this new funding bill today,” said Rep. Carol Miller.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV)

Washington, D.C. – This week, Representatives Carol Miller (R-WV) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), together with Senators Steve Daines (R-MT), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Jim Risch (R-ID), and Chris Murphy (D-CT) introduced bipartisan and bicameral legislation that eliminates the outdated Jackson-Vanik Amendment, restoring normal trade relations with key Central Asian partners.  

“It is essential we strengthen America’s trade relationships with Central Asian countries to ensure that all of our nations can thrive economically. The Jackson-Vanik Amendment is a relic of the Cold War that hinders our growing partnerships in the region. Granting Central Asian allies Permanent Normal Trade Relations reaffirms our commitment to building lasting economic agreements grounded in shared prosperity and a collective vision for a more stable and interconnected global economy. I look forward to continuing these conversations with President Trump and my colleagues in Congress,” said Rep. Miller.

“The Jackson-Vanik Amendment is an antiquated law that no longer applies to many countries, like Kazakhstan, that could be key to America’s economic and strategic interests in Central Asia. By rolling back this outdated policy, we could modernize our trade practices, promote greater economic cooperation, increase investment opportunities, and strengthen our relationships in the region. It’s long past time we got rid of Jackson-Vanik and brought U.S. trade partnerships in Central Asia into the 21st century,” said Rep. Panetta. 

“What was once a useful tool to coerce the Soviet Union into improving its treatment of Soviet Jews and minority groups, today the Jackson-Vanik amendment is an outdated policy that is holding back our partnerships with important countries in Central Asia. This bipartisan legislation is an opportunity to redefine our relationship with the region and advance America’s economic and national security interests,” said Sen. Murphy. 

“Central Asia is rich in natural resources and is a strategically critical region for the U.S. Unfortunately, Central Asia is still subject to outdated, Cold War-era trade restrictions that prevent any permanent investment and hinder American trade and prosperity. It’s past time that we get rid of these outdated restrictions and I’m proud to work with my colleagues on a bill that will repeal Jackson-Vanik and unleash the full potential of American relationships with Central Asia,” said Sen. Daines. 

“As a volatile Russia and an increasingly aggressive China pursue their own interests across the globe, the U.S. offers Central Asian nations the opportunity to work with an equal partner. Removing outdated Jackson-Vanik restrictions on our partners will pave the way for a new era of economic cooperation in Central Asia. I am proud to introduce this bill in support for President Trump’s efforts to build a secure and prosperous future for the U.S. and our C5+1 partners,” said Sen. Risch. 

“America’s partnerships with the strategically vital economies of Central Asia are strong and growing, but we also must incentivize long-term U.S. investments as China and Russia continue to pursue malign tactics and predatory programs. That is why I am proud to cosponsor this bipartisan bill to terminate trade restrictions that have long hindered America’s engagement in this region. I look forward to helping unlock the full potential of our collaboration with Central Asia,” said Sen. Shaheen. 

Background 

• The Jackson-Vanik Amendment, part of the 1974 Trade Act, is a Cold War–era policy that restricts normal trade relations with certain former nonmarket economies based on outdated emigration rules. Countries subjected to the Jackson-Vanik Amendment must be granted normal trade relations on an annual basis.
• Although Congress has repealed its application for most nations, it still applies to several Central Asian countries, including Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, despite broad support for its removal. Since their liberation from the Soviet Union, Central Asian nations have made overhauling reforms to establish good governance and join the global economy.
• Central Asia is rich with natural resources that we currently largely source from China and Russia. Repealing Jackson-Vanik will give U.S. investors more certainty to forge robust partnerships with these nations to strengthen our supply chains and reiterate our commitment to forge healthy partnerships.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) penned the below op-ed discussing the ongoing federal government shutdown and the effect it is having on West Virginians. 

“All too often in Washington, politicians make decisions without understanding the real-world consequences for everyday Americans. We are witnessing that in real time with the ongoing government shutdown led by Senator Schumer and the Democrats, who have once again chosen to put political agendas ahead of the livelihoods of their constituents.

Instead of working to fund essential programs that keep our government agencies running, they have prioritized policies that benefit illegal immigrants over hardworking Americans. Meanwhile, men and women across the nation, especially in rural West Virginia, are bearing the cost. With government operations stalled, families are losing access to vital services, paychecks are being delayed, and small businesses and farms are struggling to make ends meet as support programs remain frozen.

Mountaineers, in particular, will bear the burden of the left’s misplaced priorities, facing delays or even denials in flood insurance and disaster assistance. After the severe flooding that struck West Virginia earlier this year, it’s deeply concerning that so many families and farmers are now left without the coverage and support they need to protect their homes and livelihoods. This failure will directly harm family-owned farms and rural landowners who depend on these programs to recover and rebuild when disaster strikes.

The current, clean Continuing Resolution (CR)  passed by the House prioritizes the needs of our farmers and ensures that resources stay where they belong, which is supporting hardworking Americans, not illegal immigrants. While House Republicans have done our job, Democrats in the Senate would rather play political games and punish American workers than pass the same type of measure they supported more than a dozen times under the Biden Administration.

On top of the lack of flood insurance and other disaster relief resources, tens of thousands of Mountaineers are now going without pay. West Virginia is home to more than 37,000 federal employees, with over 25,000 of them living right here in my district. As long as the government remains shut down, these dedicated public servants will continue to miss paychecks and struggle to support themselves and their families. This nonsense must end. We need to reopen the government and stand up for the people who work tirelessly to serve our communities.

Small businesses will also feel the devastating impact of this shutdown. West Virginia is proud to be home to more than 100,000 small businesses, making up over 98% of all businesses in our state. These entrepreneurs are the backbone of our communities, driving local economies and creating jobs. Yet during uncertain times like this, they’re losing access to critical SBA loans, federal contracts, and other forms of support they rely on to stay afloat. Without this assistance, local economies across West Virginia face serious risk, and hardworking small business owners are left to bear the burden of the left’s dysfunction.

West Virginians know the value of hard work, faith, and community. They show up every day, even when Washington doesn’t. This shutdown is far more than a political standoff,  it’s a failure to put the American people first. It’s time to restore common sense and reopen the government so we can focus on the principles that built this nation.”
 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Bryan Steil (Wisconsin-1)

Janesville, WI – Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) announced he will be holding a telephone town hall on Monday, November 17, at 12:00 p.m. CT. Congressman Steil has held numerous in-person listening sessions this year across the 1st District, including in Beloit, Bristol, Elkhorn, Janesville, and Mount Pleasant. This is Congressman Steil’s ninth telephone town hall of the year.

“One of my top priorities is to be available and accessible to Wisconsin families,” said Steil. “I look forward to hearing from residents about the challenges they are facing, discussing recent events in Washington, and having a productive conversation about how we can move our nation forward.”

Residents of the 1st Congressional District can sign up for Congressman Steil’s telephone town hall by going to Steil.house.gov/live or calling his office at (608) 752-4050.