Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Judy Chu (CA2-27)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28), joined by Reps. Nikema Williams (GA-05) and Pete Stauber (MN-08), announced the reintroduction of the Convening Operations Assistance for Childcare Heroes (COACH) Act. Senator Amy Klobuchar (MN) and Senator John Curtis (UT) are leading reintroduction in the Senate.

The COACH Act would task the U.S. Small Business Administration with maintaining an updated resource guide on how childcare providers can start and grow their small businesses. The guide, updated at least every five years, would be made publicly accessible on the Small Business Administration’s website. This bill would also task resource partners of the Small Business Administration – small business development centers, women’s business centers, veterans’ business outreach centers, and SCORE – with conducting outreach to childcare small businesses to make them aware of this guide and other existing resources.

“As our nation faces a childcare crisis, I am proud to join Rep. Williams in reintroducing the COACH Act, to increase our investment in our childcare providers. By giving our nation’s small childcare businesses the tools and support they need to succeed, this bill will help bolster the childcare workforce and close the growing gap in childcare availability across America. Parents should be able to go to work knowing their children are safe, learning, and thriving, and the COACH Act will help ensure that more families can access reliable, high-quality childcare,” said Rep. Judy Chu. 

“Childcare is infrastructure — and childcare professionals, many of whom are women of color, are essential workers. The COACH Act will make childcare more accessible to working families while delivering resources to hardworking childcare providers to help their businesses thrive. As a working mama, I know that childcare is a must for parents who need to work with the confidence that their children are receiving the best care possible. As working families continue to face rising costs, we must do everything in our power to help parents get ahead of the curve and support the small businesses that best support them,” said Rep. Nikema Williams. 

“I am proud to co-lead the bipartisan, bicameral COACH Act with Rep. Williams. This bill empowers small child care providers with essential SBA resources on operations, finances, and compliance, supporting families and jobs in Minnesota and nationwide,” said Rep. Pete Stauber.

“When we invest in child care, we invest in our future. Our bipartisan legislation will give child care providers resources to support their businesses and bolster their workforce, while making quality child care more affordable for working families and allowing more parents to enter the workforce. It’s a win-win,” said Senator Klobuchar. 

“In Utah, we believe in investing in the next generation and that starts with making sure families have access to high-quality, affordable childcare. The COACH Act will help small childcare providers better serve hardworking parents in their communities and will give families more options to access the care they need,” said  Senator John Curtis.

The COACH Act is endorsed by: First Five Years Fund, Georgia Child Care Association, Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Students (GEEARS), Main Street Alliance, Save the Children, Small Business Majority

“Our research shows that small businesses are struggling to access affordable childcare, a growing concern that’s making it increasingly difficult for small businesses to thrive. We support legislation that would provide valuable resources to entrepreneurs and would help alleviate a problem plaguing small businesses throughout the United States,” said John Arensmeyer, Small Business Majority Founder and CEO.

“Child care is essential infrastructure, just as critical to our economy as housing, transportation, and utilities. It’s like a road—you can’t get to work without it. Nearly 1 in 3 Georgia parents with young children say they or a parent/caregiver in their home has had to leave, not take, or greatly change a job in the last year because of child care challenges. Child care challenges in Georgia lead to at least $2.52 billion in losses in economic activity annually and an additional $131.7 million in lost tax revenue. We urgently need creative solutions like the COACH Act,” said Mindy Binderman, Executive Director of GEEARS: Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Students.

“Our research shows that small businesses are struggling to access affordable childcare, a growing concern that’s making it increasingly difficult for small businesses to thrive. We support legislation that would provide valuable resources to entrepreneurs and would help alleviate a problem plaguing small businesses throughout the United States,” said Shawn Phetteplace, National Campaigns Director of Main Street Alliance.

“Every day, child care providers across the country make sure young children receive the care, learning, and stability they need to thrive. The COACH Act would ensure these dedicated providers can receive the resources and support they need from the Small Business Administration to sustain and strengthen their programs. We appreciate Congresswoman Williams, Congressman Stauber, and Congresswoman Chu for their bipartisan leadership in championing this important effort to support providers and ensure more families have access to quality child care,” said Sarah Rittling, Executive Director, First Five Years Fund.

To see the full text of the COACH Act, click here.
To see a one-pager on the COACH Act, click here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Judy Chu (CA2-27)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the House of Representatives passed the Senate Amendment to H.R. 5371, Republicans’ government funding legislation, by a vote of 222-209. Rep Judy Chu (CA-28) voted no and released the following statement:

“Donald Trump and Republicans have completely betrayed their promise to lower costs,” said Rep. Chu. “They have used every single opportunity to enrich themselves and raise costs for the American people, and this legislation is no exception.

“For the past eight weeks, House Republicans have been on a taxpayer-funded vacation while refusing to lift a finger to solve the catastrophic health care crisis they created. Now, 24 million Americans across the country—who are already suffering from higher prices because of the Trump administration’s disastrous policies—are seeing their health care premiums double, triple, and even quadruple in cost. A 60-year-old couple in the San Gabriel Valley making $80,000 a year would see their premiums soar by 283 percent—thousands of dollars more, for the same plan. 

“This is a deliberate choice by Trump and Republicans, who just four months ago gladly kicked 15 million people off their health care so they could give trillions of dollars in tax cuts to the ultra-wealthy through their Big Ugly Law. Now, they are choosing to inflict even more pain on working families rather than extend the Affordable Care Act’s premium tax credits that keep coverage affordable. Democrats repeatedly offered legislation to extend the ACA tax credits, but Republicans rejected it every single time.

“Instead of working with Democrats, President Trump spent the government shutdown – the longest in U.S. history – demolishing the East Wing of the White House, hosting lavish parties at his private club, and golfing. While he and House Republicans vacationed, his administration illegally withheld SNAP food benefits from 42 million Americans—including 75,000 households across California’s 28^th Congressional District. And in a final insult to the American people, Senate Republicans quietly snuck in a provision allowing Senators who had their phone records subpoenaed for the January 6th insurrection to line their own pockets with millions in taxpayer dollars. 

“At every step, Trump and Republicans chose to serve themselves at the expense of the millions of Americans struggling to afford groceries, rent, and health care. For these reasons, I voted no.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Judy Chu (CA2-27)

WASHINGTON, DC – Ahead of Veterans Day, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28) joined Rep. Mike Flood (NE-01) in leading a bipartisan group of lawmakers in introducing H.R. 5945, a bill honoring the 74 sailors who lost their lives in the fatal accident of the USS Frank E. Evans during the Vietnam War by having their names memorialized on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.

In 1969, the USS Frank E. Evans sank off the coast of Vietnam after being accidentally sliced in half by an Australian aircraft carrier. Because the Department of Defense maintains the sinking of Frank E. Evans took place outside of the declared war zone, the sailors who perished have been deemed ineligible for inclusion on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C., despite the fact that these men were deployed to the region for the war. Several sailors and their families were from Los Angeles County including Jon Kenneth Stever from Altadena, CA.  

“I am proud to join Rep. Flood and Senators Schiff, Schumer, and Cramer in introducing the bipartisan USS Frank E. Evans Act to honor the 74 sailors, including 22 Californians, whose ultimate sacrifice must not be forgotten,” said Representative Chu. “I have heard from the families and survivors who have long sought this recognition for their loved ones and am committed to supporting these efforts. These brave Americans deserve to be honored alongside their fellow service members at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.”  

“The tragedy of the USS Frank E. Evans’ sinking in 1969, closely following missions in the Vietnam combat zone, should never be forgotten,” said Congressman Mike Flood (NE-01). “For decades, the names of the 74 crew members lost in the accident, which includes four sons of Nebraska, have remained absent from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC. I want to thank Congresswoman Judy Chu of California for joining me in ensuring that these brave sailors receive the recognition they have long deserved for their sacrifice in service to our country, and so many of their families have fought for.”

“The 74 service members who sacrificed their lives during the Vietnam war while aboard the USS Frank E. Evans deserve the same honor and recognition as all others on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial,” said Senator Schiff (CA). “The sailors aboard the Frank E. Evans were true patriots who made the ultimate sacrifice. Their families should be able to visit and pay tribute to them on the Capitol Mall like the thousands of other families that lost a loved one half a century ago. In their memory, I am proud to continue this bipartisan push for recognition in the U.S. Senate.” 

“For more than half a century, bureaucratic rules have stood in the way of honoring the brave men and women who nobly served their country and paid the ultimate sacrifice on the USS Frank E. Evans protecting the freedoms we hold dear. These heroes deserve to have their names added to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall,” said Senator Schumer (NY). “Withholding their names from the Memorial wall denies these servicemembers and their loved ones the honor and recognition they deserve and earned. I have long pushed the Department of Defense to add these names to the memorial, and will not stop fighting until we are able to see their names engraved on the wall where they belong to ensure their service and sacrifice are fully recognized.”  

“As the Vietnam War recedes further into history, we learn more about the important contribution of many service members whose original missions were shrouded in secrecy or minimized by a cold-hearted bureaucracy. The sailors who died on the USS Frank E. Evans were no less brave than those who fought and served in the many well-known or non-classified theaters of the Vietnam War. Recognizing these brave veterans sends a strong message to all the families of those who were lost fighting in the shadows of the war. The USS Frank E. Evans Act will honor the sacrifice of these heroes by finally memorializing their service on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall,” said Senator Cramer (ND).  

“It has been over 56 years since 74 sailors of USS Frank E. Evans DD 754 left our homeland to fight in the Vietnam War.  Words cannot express our frustration that we have waited this long for these heroes to be honored in their rightful place on the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial.  It is difficult to imagine that a select few continue to believe an imaginary line in the water can be used to distinguish between those that deserve recognition and those that do not.  The only reason USS Frank E Evans was in theater was to serve in the war.  Our 74 sailors gave up their lives just as those others listed on the Wall.  Today’s bipartisan legislation, sponsored by Senators, Kevin Cramer (R), Adam Schiff (D) and Chuck Schumer (D) is the roadmap for recognition for these honored heroes,” said Steve Kraus, President of the Frank E. Evans Association. 

“Vietnam Veterans of America supports the USS Frank E. Evans Act, which would authorize the inclusion of the 74 brave sailors lost on June 3, 1969, aboard the USS Frank E. Evans on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. These sailors served with honor during the Vietnam War and made the ultimate sacrifice while participating in operations connected to that conflict. Their names deserve a permanent place beside their brothers and sisters who gave their lives in the same war. This legislation is an act of long-overdue recognition and respect. It honors the service, sacrifice, and shared legacy of all who served during the Vietnam era.” said Tom Burke, Vietnam Veterans of America President

“The American Legion is proud to endorse the USS Frank E. Evans Act, which would add the names of the 74 sailors who lost their lives in a collision at sea on June 3, 1969, to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. Although these sailors had recently completed combat operations within the designated Vietnam combat zone, their sacrifice remains unrecognized because the collision occurred just outside the official boundary. The American Legion remains steadfast in its commitment to honoring and commemorating all servicemembers who make the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation.” saidJulia Mathis, National Legislative Director at The American Legion. 

Full text of the legislation is available here. The bill has 8 original cosponsors. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Judy Chu (CA2-27)

PASADENA, CA – On November 6, 2025, the Eaton Fire Residents United (EFRU), a local, grassroots group advocating for survivors of the Eaton Fire, released new findings showing that even after professional remediation, more than half of tested standing homes within the region where ash settled following the Eaton Fire still contain dangerous levels of lead, and one third of those homes have significant levels of asbestos contamination. This is despite remediation efforts designed to remove toxic substances from these homes. 

“I am deeply alarmed by the findings released by the Eaton Fire Residents United (EFRU), which show that despite remediation efforts, our neighbors and loved ones are still at risk of exposure to high levels of lead and asbestos that remain in their homes. Many of the homes tested have levels of contamination high enough for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to require further remediation efforts, and we know that exposure to these toxins can lead to serious health consequences like cancer and brain damage,” said Rep. Chu. “It is unacceptable that, as many survivors of the Eaton Fire see their compensation for temporary housing deplete, many of our neighbors are being forced to decide between a roof over their heads or risking exposure to deadly toxins. 

“These findings make it clear that we must take further action to protect the health and wellbeing of our neighbors, loved ones, and environment. That’s why I urge Governor Newsom, California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, and the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors to immediately adopt a Clearance Before Occupancy standard to ensure that survivors can feel safe from exposure to toxins before returning to their homes. I urge Commissioner Lara to call on the insurance companies to cover testing, and also do multiple remediations until the home is cleared. I also urge an immediate extension of Additional Living Expense (ALE) coverage so that survivors can have as stable roof over their heads as their homes continue to be remediated and tested. Finally, I urge Governor Newsom to declare an “Ash Zone” to provide a formal recognition of homes outside of a fire’s direct burn zone but nonetheless impacted by ash and smoke. This designation would protect the health and wellbeing of our community members, as well as make it easier for impacted households to demonstrate the impact they’ve experienced following a fire and receive the compensation and assistance needed.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Judy Chu (CA2-27)

PASADENA, CA  – Today, Reps. Judy Chu (CA-28), Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), Dina Titus (NV-01), and Sharice Davids (KS-03) led 100 of their Democratic colleagues in sending a letter to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy demanding the Trump administration to reinstate workers at the Office of Population Affairs (OPA), who were illegally fired on October 15. OPA administers key programs like Title X, which provides essential family planning services to 2.8 million people across the country. OPA also administers the Teen Pregnancy Prevention program and provides resources to expand access to embryo donation and adoption as a family building option for families with fertility obstacles. 

“We write to express our grave concern at the recent actions by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to terminate nearly the entire staff at the Office of Population Affairs (OPA),” the members wrote. “The OPA oversees the nation’s only federal program dedicated to family planning, the Title X program, among other vital reproductive health programs. These firings will severely undermine the functionality of the office, hindering the Title X program’s ability to operate effectively, and threatening the loss of health care for many of the millions of people that these programs support annually.”

“Undermining the federal government’s ability to effectively administer the Title X program funds will unquestionably result in the loss of health care for patients who depend on it,” the members continued. “The dismantling of the OPA threatens to rip away critical services from millions of Americans at thousands of health centers across the country. We urge you to immediately reinstate the OPA employees so they can continue to carry out their essential functions.”

In March, the Trump administration froze funding for Title X family planning that Congress had previously set aside for the program.  

To read the full text of today’s letter, click here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Linda Sanchez (38th District of CA)

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Linda T. Sánchez (D-Calif.) released the following statement after voting against the Republican government funding bill:

“I voted against the Republican government funding bill because it fails to protect the health care subsidies that prevent premiums in my district from doubling.

“My constituents are already struggling with rising health care premiums and grocery costs driven by Trump’s reckless tariffs. I refused to gamble their family budgets on a flimsy promise by the Senate to address these issues later — especially when Speaker Johnson has offered no such commitment.

“While reopening the government is important, this bill gives Republicans exactly what they wanted: higher health care costs and a green light to continue Trump’s tariffs, which are driving up prices on everyday goods.

“That’s why I led 11 fellow Democrats in introducing an amendment to block these tariffs. But instead of allowing a vote, Republicans on the Rules Committee adjourned to protect Trump’s unchecked power over trade policy.

“This vote makes it clear that Republicans stand with Trump, not the American people.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Hank Johnson (GA-04)

Picture above: Kathy Register, right, speaks with Congressman Johnson’s Outreach Director Eric Hubbard at a recent town hall meeting in May 2025 in Georgia’s Fourth District.

DECATUR, GA – This week, Congressman Johnson sadly announced the sudden, unexpected but peaceful passing away of Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson’s lifelong best friend and his own close friend and District Director Kathy (Gayle) Holt Register.

Kathy Register, 70, served as District Director from the day Congressman Johnson was first sworn in to Congress on January 3, 2007. Kathy oversaw an award-winning constituent services operation that has been largely responsible for Rep. Johnson’s reelection to Congress.

“When I first took office in 2007, I promised Georgians that I would take care of home first,” said Congressman Johnson. “Kathy Register made sure that that promise was kept. Under Kathy’s leadership, my district staff has helped tens of thousands of constituents solve seemingly intractable problems. She ran the office with professionalism and an eye for service. That is what she did every day for more than almost 19 years. She will be missed as our leader but also as a dear and close friend.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Danny K Davis (7th District of Illinois)

CHICAGO, IL – Congressman Danny K. Davis (IL-07) today sounded the alarm on looming health care premium increases and the termination of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits that threaten thousands of families in Illinois’s 7th Congressional District. In a press conference at Bethel Family Ministries, he also announced the addition of a new “Tell Your Story” feature on his congressional website, inviting residents to submit their experiences as the impact of the shutdown deepens.

Beginning October 27, many families will face sharp increases in health care premiums unless Congress acts to extend critical tax credits. Simultaneously, SNAP benefits for nearly 1.9 million Illinois residents will be cut off as early as November 1 if operations remain halted.

“On October 27, thousands of families in our district will see their health care premiums rise, and by November 1, many more will lose food assistance entirely if our government does not reopen. That’s why today I’m launching a new ‘Tell Your Story’ feature at davis.house.gov — so residents can speak about what this crisis truly means for their lives. Their voices must be heard, because real people are paying the cost of political gridlock.” – Congressman Danny K. Davis

The congressman highlighted key data illustrating the looming crisis:

• Approximately 19,000 residents in the 7th District stand to see their health care costs spike if tax credits disappear.

• Families of four earning $64,000 could face premium hikes of up to 243 percent; a 60‑year‑old couple earning $82,800 may see an increase of more than $13,000 annually.

• In the district, 64,091 households (roughly 19.9 percent) rely on SNAP — with benefits slated to end November 1 if the shutdown continues.

Congressman Davis reaffirmed his commitment to protecting vulnerable families, seniors, and children in the district. He said, “These are not statistics. They are our neighbors, our friends, our family members. When health care becomes unaffordable and food assistance disappears, our entire community suffers. We must put people ahead of politics.” 

State Representative La Shawn K. Ford, who joined Congressman Davis at the press conference, emphasized the local impact and called for bipartisan cooperation. He said, “This is not about party lines, it’s about the lives of the people we serve. Our families deserve stability, food, and affordable health care. I stand with Congressman Davis in calling on Congress to reopen the government and protect Illinois families.” 

Congressman Davis urged his colleagues in Congress to act immediately to reopen the government, protect SNAP benefits, extend health care tax credits, and prevent a tragic rollback of access for working families.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Danny K Davis (7th District of Illinois)

Every October we wear pink, but the truth is plain: awareness without access doesn’t save lives—screenings, treatment, and support do. Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers, and too many families in our communities are still losing mothers, daughters, sisters, aunties, and friends because they couldn’t get care in time or couldn’t afford it.

Early detection is powerful. If you’re due for a mammogram, get it scheduled. If you’ve never had one, talk to your doctor about when to start based on your age and risk. If cost or insurance is a barrier, contact our office—we will connect you with programs that provide low- or no-cost screenings.

We also have to face the hard reality of inequity. Black women are more likely to die from breast cancer despite similar rates of diagnosis. That’s not biology alone—that’s access, trust, and follow-up care. We can and must fix it.

In Congress, I’m fighting to:

• Expand funding for community health centers and the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program so cost never blocks a screening.
• Support research that advances earlier detection and more targeted, less toxic treatments.
• Improve coverage for genetic counseling and testing, and remove red tape that delays care.
• Back policies that give workers paid time to get preventive screenings.

This month, honor survivors, support those in treatment, and remember the loved ones we’ve lost—but let’s also act: schedule your screening, check on a friend, and share resources. My office stands ready to help you navigate options and get the care you need.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)

WASHINGTON – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi issued the following statement after voting against the government funding deal passed by the Republican-controlled Senate:

“I voted against this deal because it fails the basic test of protecting Americans’ health care. Too many families in Illinois are already stretched thin, and this agreement does nothing to stop premiums from skyrocketing even higher. The American people shouldn’t have to trust Donald Trump’s promises to keep their coverage affordable. We need real action that lowers costs and restores stability for working families, and I will continue to fight for it.”