Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05)

Today, the House of Representatives passed legislation to end the longest shutdown in American history. Congressman Andy Biggs (R-AZ) issued the following statement:

“Tonight, I voted to reopen the federal government—ending 43 days of unnecessary pain inflicted by Democrats. They shut down the government, held Americans hostage, and walked away with nothing. This is the same deal that was available before their shutdown stunt began. The Left’s political stunt accomplished only one thing: it reminded the country that Washington Democrats will always put power and partisanship above the American people.

“While reopening the government is the right decision, we cannot return to business as usual. Washington’s size and power continue to suffocate our states and citizens. We must seize this moment to permanently shrink the federal bureaucracy, restore constitutional limits, and return power to the states—just as President Trump is doing through his executive actions.

“It’s time to rein in Washington and put our Republic back on the foundation our Framers intended.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05)

Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05) introduced three bills reaffirming America’s commitment to those who served our nation. The legislation strengthens care, accountability, and dignity for veterans and their families by reforming outdated systems and expanding access to benefits without increasing taxpayer costs.

• The Veterans’ Cremation Certainty Acteases a long-standing financial and emotional burden on military families by allowing veterans to pre-designate direct cremation as part of their VA burial benefits. The bill extends the VA’s pre-approval process, currently limited to burials, to include cremation services and enables the VA to pay cremation providers directly, reducing or eliminating out-of-pocket costs.
• TheHSAs for Heroes Actallows all veterans to open and use Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) while maintaining their VA benefits. The bill also broadens the range of eligible expenses—incorporating language from Congressman Biggs’s existing Freedom for Families Act—to include caregiving costs.
• The Claims Legitimacy and Evaluation Accountability Nationwide for VA (CLEAN VA) Act strengthens oversight, ethics, and accountability within the Department of Veterans Affairs to protect both taxpayer dollars and veterans’ benefits. This bill:
  • Enforces time-limited disciplinary processes and streamlined appeals for misconduct;
  • Increases penalties for fraud and abuse, expands whistleblower safeguards, and incentivizes reporting through disclosure rewards;
  • Directs integration of AI tools to identify fraud vulnerabilities and ensure accurate, fair disability determinations; and
  • Requires annual department-wide training under Inspector General oversight to reinforce a culture of integrity and compliance.

“This Veterans Day, Congress must recommit to honoring our nation’s heroes not just in word, but in deed,” said Congressman Biggs.

“Veterans deserve more than speeches and ceremonies — they deserve action. These bills deliver meaningful reforms that ease financial burdens, expand healthcare freedom, and hold the VA accountable to the men and women it serves. We owe our veterans the dignity of a government that keeps its word, honors their sacrifices, and works as hard for them as they did for us.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05)

Today, Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05) sent a letter to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Mehmet Oz urging the approval of Arizona’s application for the federal government’s Rural Health Transformation Program. Congressman Biggs also invited Dr. Oz to visit Arizona’s rural communities to see firsthand the distance, limited resources, and unique challenges that rural residents face in accessing care.

The letter highlights Arizona’s vast geography and the significant challenges rural communities face in accessing healthcare. More than 500,000 Arizonans live over 30 minutes from a hospital—among the highest rates in the nation—and many rely on limited Critical Access Hospitals rather than full-service facilities.

The Rural Health Transformation Program was created through President Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill, which expanded resources to strengthen healthcare delivery and infrastructure in rural America. Arizona’s application seeks to utilize these funds to expand access and develop innovative local care models for underserved areas.

Congressmen Eli Crane (AZ-02), Paul Gosar (AZ-09), and Juan Ciscomani (AZ-05) joined in signing the letter. 

“Arizona’s rural communities are the backbone of our state,” said Congressman Biggs. “Many residents live more than thirty minutes from the nearest hospital, and for some, it can take close to an hour just to reach a critical care facility. That distance can determine whether or not a patient receives timely care.

“President Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill made important investments to strengthen local communities and improve access to essential services, including healthcare. Arizona is uniquely positioned to lead the way in advancing these reforms and setting a standard for rural healthcare innovation.

“I’m inviting Dr. Oz to visit our great state and witness firsthand the challenges faced by Arizona’s rural communities. Arizona is ready to lead in this effort, and I urge CMS to afford our state the opportunity to do so.”

Congressman Eli Crane said,“Rural Arizona matters, and I’m proud to join my colleagues to advocate for these critical needs. We all passed the working families tax cut, which included a historic investment in rural hospitals.”

“Access to quality healthcare remains one of the most pressing challenges facing rural America. The Working Families Tax Cut, passed by Congress and signed into law by President Trump, helps address the provider shortages, limited facilities, and resource gaps that rural communities in Arizona face.  Arizona’s healthcare providers continue to lead with innovative solutions—demonstrating why sustained federal partnership and investment are vital to ensuring quality care for all Arizonans,”stated Congressman Paul Gosar.

The letter may be read here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05)

Congressman Andy Biggs (R-AZ) introduced a resolution allowing the U.S. House of Representatives to  accept and prominently display a statue of Charlie Kirk in the U.S. Capitol, honoring his enduring legacy as a conservative leader, devoted husband and father, and unapologetic man of faith.

Charlie Kirk founded Turning Point USA in 2012, inspiring an entire generation of young Americans to embrace the principles of free markets, limited government, and the God-given rights enshrined in our founding documents. Under his leadership, millions were drawn to civic engagement, debate, and faith-based action rooted in love of country. Charlie’s message was simple but powerful: America is worth fighting for. He believed in the promise of this nation and never hesitated to challenge young people to stand boldly for truth. His voice bridged divides, encouraged peaceful dialogue, and reminded us that the health of our Republic depends on moral courage and open debate. Charlie’s work transcended politics—it was a ministry of conviction and purpose.

“In September, we lost a tremendous leader and a dear friend,” said Congressman Biggs. “A cowardly, deranged assassin—radicalized by left-wing ideology—murdered Charlie Kirk for his beliefs. He was targeted for speaking truth, for defending faith, family, and freedom. This resolution ensures that his courage and conviction will never be forgotten.

“Charlie’s assassination was meant to silence a conservative voice, but we will not be silenced. We will double down on the work Charlie dedicated his life to—defending liberty, strengthening families, and speaking truth boldly. His life reminds us that the Republic depends on peaceful debate, the rule of law, and the courage to stand firm in the face of evil.

“Charlie changed the course of our country—and his legacy will now stand in the Capitol as a permanent reminder that light is stronger than darkness, and truth will prevail.”

Cosponsors of the resolution include: Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), Rep. Eric Burlison (R-MO), Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ), Rep. Barry Moore (R-AL), Rep. Tom Tiffany (R-WI), Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA), Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ), Rep. Keith Self (R-TX), Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN), Rep. Michael Cloud (R-TX), Rep. Mary Miller (R-IL), Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-GA), Rep. Clay Higgins (R-LA), Rep. Marlin Stutzman (R-IN), Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX), Rep. Sheri Biggs (R-SC), Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL), and Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO).

Breitbart News covered the legislation here.

The resolution may be read here. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05)

Today, Congressman Andy Biggs (R-AZ) introduced the Deportation Disclosure Act. The bill would require the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to make public the name, photograph, aliases, and last known state of residence for all illegal aliens with final removal orders from the United States. 

In September, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested Guyana national Ian Roberts, who was serving as Des Moines Public Schools superintendent despite having a final order of deportation. Roberts, an illegal alien with an extensive criminal history, falsely claimed U.S. citizenship and American work authorization to gain employment. The Des Moines School Board’s failure to use E-Verify allowed his ineligibility to go unnoticed. Congressman Biggs’s legislation will increase transparency and accountability to the United States’ immigration enforcement and removal processes, ensuring such a situation will never happen again.

“President Trump’s Administration is working tirelessly to undo the chaos caused by the radical Biden-Harris-Mayorkas regime’s reckless border policies,” said Congressman Biggs. 

“At the end 2024, more than a million illegal aliens, including Ian Roberts, had final orders of removal against them, but were roaming freely in the United States. Instead of enforcing our immigration laws and deporting illegal aliens who had due process in our immigration courts, the Biden administration focused on making it as easy as possible for illegal aliens of any and every criminal background to enter and stay in our nation. Making final orders of removal readily accessible to the public will only increase public safety and ensure incidents like this one don’t happen again.”

“The Deportation Disclosure Act would bring much-needed transparency and accountability to our immigration enforcement process. By making final orders of removal accessible, this bill would empower communities and law enforcement, ensuring that individuals who have already received due process in our courts cannot hide in plain sight,” said Grant Newman, Director of Government Relations at Immigration Accountability Project.

Fox News covered the legislation here.

The legislation may be read here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mark DeSaulnier Representing the 11th District of California

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) released the following statement upon voting “no” on final passage of the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026 (H.R. 5371) in the United States House of Representatives.

“This Republican spending bill is an assault on the health care, wallets, and wellbeing of the constituents I represent and the American people. Since the start of the year, I have promised to stand up against Republican attacks and protect Americans’ health care. Rather than work with Democrats to negotiate a bipartisan spending bill that keeps care affordable, Republicans shut down the government. After playing politics with Americans’ lives and livelihoods for over a month, nothing in today’s so-called “deal” will make life better for working people than it was before the shutdown started. I continue to hear every day from people who are worried about how to get by and whether they will be able to afford quality health care for themselves and their families. My vote today was in support of and solidarity with these members of our community and millions more across the country whose livelihoods and health will suffer as a direct result of this cruel and reckless bill. Despite this outcome, I will continue to fight on to lower costs, protect health care, and preserve the rule of law.” 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mark DeSaulnier Representing the 11th District of California

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) released the following statement on air safety amid the ongoing government shutdown and in response to the Trump Administration’s decision to cancel thousands of flights beginning today.

“The safety of the flying public is something that cannot be compromised. But it’s also something that shouldn’t be used as a political maneuver. Cancelling thousands of flights per day should not have been a decision that was made lightly, but still we’re left with a lot of unanswered questions, like why now, why this many flights, why these airports, what was the danger, and more. The American people deserve to know what motivated this decision.

I have been engaged with aviation stakeholders throughout the shutdown and one thing is clear—they are more committed than ever to the safety of the system, but the shutdown needs to end so the hardworking air traffic control professionals, who are already overworked, get paid. We in Congress should all be working every minute of every day to address health care costs and end the shutdown.”

Congressman DeSaulnier is a senior member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, where he serves on the Aviation Subcommittee, and the Education and Workforce Committee. As part of his ongoing effort to improve aviation safety, Congressman DeSaulnier authored provisions that were included in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2024 (H.R. 3935), which reauthorizes the FAA for five years while creating a safer, cleaner, more sustainable, and more accessible U.S. aviation system. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mark DeSaulnier Representing the 11th District of California

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) made the following statement upon the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors’ unanimous passage of a measure to proclaim a local emergency caused by the disruption of funding for CalFresh food assistance benefits and allocate up to $21,000,000 for CalFresh to benefit eligible households for the month of November.

“As President Trump uses hunger as a political tool to hurt the American people by illegally withholding previously allocated SNAP funding, I am pleased our community has stepped up and voted to provide funds that will help keep tens of thousands of members of our community from going hungry this month. Once again, the Bay Area leads with compassion and logic.

Throughout the shutdown, I have engaged with community partners, advocates, and organizations on the issue of hunger to highlight how Republicans’ reckless shutdown is affecting our community. I have also joined my colleagues in urging the Agriculture Department to use the authority and money it has to continue SNAP payments during a shutdown and help prevent 42 million people across the country from going hungry.

I continue to call on my Republican colleagues and the Trump Administration to work with Democrats to end this government shutdown, and in the interim to release the more than $5.5 billion in contingency funds for food assistance, as is required by law.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mark DeSaulnier Representing the 11th District of California

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) announced he will host a town hall in Martinez on Thursday, October 30^th from 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. to provide updates on Democrats’ efforts to reopen the government, recent Administration actions, and news of the day. At this event, Congressman DeSaulnier will also discuss why Republicans, who control both chambers of Congress and the White House, must negotiate with Democrats to reopen the government while protecting the health care of the American people.

Town Hall in Martinez
Thursday, October 30^th
6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. PT
Martinez, CA
RSVP for Location

The event is RSVP only and capacity is limited. To reserve your spot or request special accommodations, visit https://desaulnier.house.gov/town-hall-rsvp or call (925) 933-2660. 

This will be Congressman DeSaulnier’s 251^st town hall and mobile district office hour since coming to Congress in January 2015.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mark DeSaulnier Representing the 11th District of California

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA-10) and Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Adam Schiff (D-CA) sent a letter to the Acting Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service expressing concern about the Post-of-Duty (POD) closure of the Walnut Creek Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC) and strong opposition to further closures of TACs in the Bay Area. TACs provide critical free, in-person assistance from trained professionals and are particularly helpful to taxpayers without access to the internet and the elderly. 

In the letter, the members wrote, “As you know, the Walnut Creek TAC was recently selected as one of nine centers to be closed this year pursuant to the President’s Executive Order 14222, Implementing the President’s “Department of Government Efficiency” Cost Efficiency Initiative. While we appreciate your agency’s assurances that this particular closure will not affect in-person services nor employment, we remain concerned about the lack of clarity in your decision-making as well as any further actions that could limit TAC access for Bay Area residents.”

They continued, “In order to ensure that Bay Area taxpayers are well served by the IRS, we ask that you provide answers to the following questions by November 10, 2025.

1. Why was the Walnut Creek TAC selected for closure?
   1. What methodology was used to select this TAC for closure?
   2. Was a cost/benefit analysis performed on the decision to permanently close this TAC before the closure was announced?
   3. Has the IRS studied the impact on taxpayers of having to travel to the next closest TAC?
2. Our understanding is that the Walnut Creek TAC has been closed since at least June 2025.
   1. Why was it closed originally?
   2. How many appointments per month were booked at this TAC during peak usage before the June closure?
3. Does the IRS have plans to close other TACs in the San Francisco Bay Area, including the Oakland and San Franciso TACs?
   1. If so, how will the agency adequately serve the needs of taxpayers in the East Bay?”

 

The full text of the letter can be found here.