Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) released the following statement on the end of the government shutdown: 

“I just voted to reopen the government, a vote that includes full-year funding for veteran’s healthcare and the VA. It includes billions of dollars for SNAP, billions of dollars for food stamps and the National School Lunch Program, and billions of dollars for the Women, Infants, and Children program. It’s sad that so many Democrats couldn’t bring themselves to vote for such a good, simple bill that keeps families fed and safe. 

“Senate Democrats never should have put the American people through this reckless government shutdown in the first place.  This was all political. They wanted to use the suffering of the American people as leverage, but thank God it’s now coming to an end so Missouri families and workers across the country can finally have certainty and stability in their lives.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Norman, OK – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after attending Turning Point USA’s event at the University of Oklahoma:

“Charlie Kirk truly believed in the importance of civil discourse and public debate. When Charlie visited college campuses, he was there to respectfully engage with students – no matter their political views – and find mutual understanding with one another. I was really looking forward to welcoming him to the University of Oklahoma for what would have been a stop on his ‘Prove Me Wrong’ tour,” said Congressman Cole.

“However, while the event was not originally what it was supposed to be, it still amplified Charlie’s message. It honored his legacy though speeches on faith and hope for the future. It proved that civil discourse and free speech are still very much alive and well. It spread Charlie’s strong conservative views and reminded everyone to not back down from their beliefs,” said Congressman Cole.

“I thank the University of Oklahoma and Turning Point USA for welcoming me to attend this event. It was a privilege to have the opportunity to honor Charlie, and I look forward to seeing Turning Point continue to spread his mission, as I am sure that is what Charlie would have wanted,” said Congressman Cole.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after hearing that former Vice President Dick Cheney passed away:

“I was saddened to learn of the passing of former Vice President Dick Cheney. While we did not always agree on everything, Cheney was a man I worked with on and off for over forty years in politics and government.

“Dick Cheney was a controversial and often divisive political figure, but he was deeply loyal to his family, his country, his political party, and his conservative convictions. As a former Secretary of Defense, Cheney was a proud and effective proponent for the United States military. He always believed that American leadership was indispensable in a dangerous and chaotic world.

“Even though Cheney served with distinction in the House of Representatives, he was a proponent of a strong and active executive branch. As Gerald Ford’s Chief of Staff, George H.W. Bush’s Secretary of Defense, and George W. Bush’s Vice President, he urged the presidents he worked for to robustly use their constitutional powers at home and abroad – and more often than not they followed his advice.

“Dick Cheney was a friend to Oklahoma. When he headed up Haliburton, a company originally founded and headquartered in Duncan, Oklahoma, he saw to it that the company gave generously to the construction of the dome on Oklahoma’s capital building – a project conceived and spearheaded by former Governor Frank Keating.

“During my own fiercely contested first race for Congress, Cheney and former President George W. Bush were at the height of their political popularity. At President Bush’s instruction, Cheney flew to Oklahoma City and personally campaigned for me alongside Governor Keating. This is something I will never forget, as it made a difference in a contest that was fought hard and close.

“I extend my deepest sympathy to Vice President Cheney’s beloved and brilliant wife, Lynn, and to the entire Cheney family. They have lost a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Additionally, America has lost a great patriot who championed American exceptionalism at home and on the world stage. May Dick Cheney rest in peace,” said Congressman Cole.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04)

IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Contact: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C.– Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after voting in favor of reopening the government: 

“History reminds us that shutdowns never change the outcome — only the cost paid by the American people. This Democrat-led crisis proved just that. Minority Leaders Jeffries and Schumer have inflicted real pain across the nation for weeks. And for what? The funding extension we passed today reflects our position from the start. Democrats manufactured chaos, delayed paychecks, and disrupted vital services — only to end up exactly where Republicans, President Trump, and the American people said we should be all along. Forty-three days later, they gained nothing but the damage they caused: missed paychecks, lapsed nutrition assistance, stalled programs, and shaken public trust. Today, that ends. We have reopened the government, restored stability, and will continue the hard work of delivering full-year appropriations through a transparent, line-by-line process. I hope Democrats remember this lesson: true courage is taking responsible action for the nation even when politics makes it inconvenient,” said Congressman Cole. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Suzanne Bonamici (1st District Oregon)

WASHINGTON, DC [11/12/25] – Today Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici released her statement for the Congressional Record on the continuing resolution to fund the government through January 30, 2026:

“I rise today in opposition to this Continuing Resolution. Although I support opening the government after this devastating 43-day shutdown, I will not support a bill that will continue the Republican’s assault on Americans and their pocketbooks. At a time when Oregonians and Americans are already struggling with rising costs, this bill locks in devastating cuts to health care and drives up the cost of health insurance – in many cases significantly. 

“Just a few months ago the Republicans passed a cruel budget in which they paid for tax cuts for billionaires by making the largest cuts to Medicaid and SNAP in history. Now they are continuing their heartless obsession with destroying the Affordable Care Act.

“These Republican policies are damaging to the entire health care system, but are especially harmful for rural hospitals and clinics. At home in Oregon, hospitals and health systems have described the consequences of this agenda as ‘catastrophic.’ Staff will be reduced, clinics will close, and we will go back to the day when people without insurance delayed care and ended up in emergency rooms.

“These cuts to health care – and the Republican shutdown more broadly – are further proof that the first ten months of this Trump administration have been chaotic, harmful, and completely out of touch with the needs of the American people. Donald Trump held an extravagant Great Gatsby party at Mar-a-Lago the night before SNAP benefits expired, and the administration and Republicans continue to ignore the needs of working families. That’s not governing; it’s a cruel and corrupt abdication of their promise and their responsibility to bring down costs and grow the economy. Oregonians and Americans deserve better. 

“During the shutdown I held three town hall meetings – something most Republicans still refuse to do – and heard from many constituents who are extremely worried about the already high cost of living. The Republican health care cuts and the increased costs the Republicans are locking in with this bill will make life harder, not easier, for the people we represent. The Republicans who crafted these policies might change their minds if they actually showed up to hear from their constituents. 

“Donald Trump claimed he would lower costs, but this bill, along with his chaotic tariff policies, are making costs rise – not fall. People across this country are struggling to pay for housing, groceries, child care, and other necessities. Too many families have already reached their breaking point, and this will drive them further into debt and despair.

“The Republican agenda would dramatically increase premiums for more than 198,000 Oregonians, including my constituent Teresa from Clatsop County. Teresa, a small business owner, runs a small flower and produce farm. Like many small business owners, she purchases her coverage on the Oregon health care exchange. Because of Republicans’ refusal to protect health care, her premium will soon be going from $230 a month to $1,077 a month.   

“This is unconscionable, unacceptable, and unnecessary. Teresa is about to turn 60; she works a tough, physical job. Running a small family farm is challenging even in a strong economy. She won’t be able to afford her premium, and yet she can’t afford to be without health care. One illness or one injury could threaten her health and her livelihood. Teresa could be forced to close her family business – a business that plays an important part in Oregon’s north coast economy.   

“Teresa is not alone. Americans across the country are receiving similar letters about dramatic premium increases, forcing them to make impossible decisions; if they keep their coverage, how will they pay for food and housing and child care? They can’t.   

“Teresa, and everyone in the United States, should feel secure, not fearful, when they get sick. They deserve better. 

“I am fighting to make health care accessible and affordable, and I’m asking Republicans to join House Democrats in this important work. We’ve had weeks to address the rising costs – to consider good-faith proposals that could prevent pushing millions off a health care cliff. But the Speaker of the House closed the United States House of Representatives for business for seven weeks. That’s no way to run government.

“This Continuing Resolution is a betrayal to the people we represent. Outrageously, at the last-minute Republicans included a provision in this bill that allows certain Republican Senators to sue the federal government for hundreds of thousands of dollars in connection with seizing their phone records regarding Jan. 6, 2021. This provision is a get-rich-quick scheme for Senators who attempted to overthrow democracy. It’s the epitome of corruption and has no place in Congress much less in a spending bill. I supported removing the language from the bill, but Republican leadership didn’t even let us vote on an amendment to do that. 

“I invite my colleagues to listen to their constituents, come back to the table, vote no, and join us in the work to make healthcare affordable and accessible for all.”

A video of her floor remarks on the vote can be found here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Suzanne Bonamici (1st District Oregon)

WASHINGTON, DC [11/7/25] – Today Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici issued the following statement celebrating the release of Hillsboro resident Victor Cruz from ICE detention. 

Cruz was released from the ICE detention facility in Tacoma, Washington on bond Friday afternoon following an order from a federal District Court judge. Victor Cruz is a well-respected grandfather with legal work authorization and a pending visa claim who was arrested in a case of mistaken identity and detained since October 14. Bonamici sent a letter to ICE leadership calling for his release, and on Monday of this week she visited Cruz at the Tacoma detention center.

“Victor Cruz is an upstanding member of the Hillsboro community who never should have been detained by ICE,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “I’m grateful that his wrongful detention has come to an end and that he is reunited with his family. I met with Victor at the ICE facility in Tacoma earlier this week and appreciated his kindness and strength despite his wrongful detention. I’m grateful to have worked with his family and friends in the Hillsboro community, as well as his legal team, to secure his release. It is unacceptable that ICE continues to terrorize communities and tear families apart. I will do everything I can to hold those responsible accountable.” 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Suzanne Bonamici (1st District Oregon)

Merkley, Schumer lead Senate resolution demanding Trump to open resources for millions of Americans

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Suzanne Bonamici (1st District Oregon)

PORTLAND, OR— Today, Congresswoman Maxine Dexter, M.D. (OR-03), Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, and Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) announced that Jackie Merlos has been released from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody following her prolonged and illegal detention. Her release came hours after Dexter announced that a petition for a writ of habeas corpus was filed on behalf of Merlos—an action challenging the legality of her continued detention in federal court.  

 

“Jackie’s freedom is proof that the power of the people is greater than the people in power,” said Dexter. “Oregonians refused to be silent, and because of that, Jackie is free and will be home with her children. This is a moment for celebration, but it’s also a painful reminder that justice was long delayed and actively undermined by the federal government. Jackie’s faith, her community, and her resilience got her home—but thousands of others will never see equal justice. That is un-American. Our community cannot let up now; we must keep using our power to protect our neighbors and keep families together.”

 

“I’m so grateful to have my freedom today. So many people have been by my side in this long journey. I’m so appreciative. I can’t wait to hug my babies. And then I will get to work for others like me,” said Jackie Merlos.

 

“Today is an important day. We picked up our dear friend after four months of cruelty and wrongful detention,” said Mimi Lettunich and husband Kris Wigger, who cared for the Merlos children since July. “Tenacity, heart and justice prevailed over the Trump administration’s egregious immigration policies. It took countless lawyers, members of Congress, national advocacy groups, friends and family from all political affiliations to make this possible. We look forward to celebrating Jackie’s release and using this example as momentum to fight for others. We’ve only just begun.”

 

“I’m glad our delegation’s teamwork has succeeded in helping to free this Oregon mom and reunite her with her four U.S. citizen children,” Wyden said. “Jackie Merlos should never have been cruelly separated from her kids and illegally imprisoned thanks to Donald Trump’s scattershot immigration schemes. I’ll never stop pushing back against this Trump madness so that due process and civil rights are upheld for everyone in America.”

 

“If we allow families to be torn apart and our neighbors to be detained by their government indefinitely without due process, we surrender the values that define our great republic,” said Merkley. “I joined my colleagues—Congresswoman Dexter, Senator Wyden, and Congresswoman Bonamici—to demand the release of Jackie Merlos, an innocent mother of four children who was held in ICE custody for over 100 days. Today, thanks to the voices of countless Oregonians and the tireless work of Jackie’s legal team and local organizations, Jackie is going home, though her experience isn’t an anomaly. Trump continues to shred our Constitution, allowing due process to be illegally denied and using ICE to stoke fear and uncertainty in our communities. We must keep ringing the alarm bells on his authoritarianism and fight for the rights of all our friends and neighbors.”

 

“It is encouraging that Jackie Merlos will finally be reunited with her four young children, but ICE never should have separated this family,” said Bonamici. “Many families, like Jackie’s, are being ripped apart by an out-of-control federal agency using cruel, violent, and often illegal enforcement tactics. My heart goes out to the entire Merlos family and to all of the families who are continuing to fight to be with their loved ones again. Thank you to my colleague, Rep. Maxine Dexter, for leading on this case with heart and persistence.”

Jackie Merlos is a Portland mother and small business owner who was disappeared and detained by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) with her four U.S. citizen children after a visit to Peace Arch Park last summer. 

  

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Suzanne Bonamici (1st District Oregon)

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden said today he is leading Senate and House colleagues in filing a bipartisan amicus brief before the U.S. Supreme Court in the consolidated case challenging Donald Trump’s unlawful use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose tariffs on imported goods. 

 

The sweeping tariffs imposed by Trump have raised average tariffs to their highest rate since the Great Depression and added more than $1,800 to costs for the average household. The brief in Learning Resources et al. v. Trump and Trump v. V.O.S. Selections et al. – signed as well by U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and U.S. Representatives Suzanne Bonamici, Andrea Salinas and Maxine Dexter – argues that the Constitution grants Congress, not the president, the sole authority to impose tariffs and regulate commerce with foreign nations. And the brief argues that IEEPA, enacted in 1977, does not authorize tariffs. It urges the Supreme Court to reaffirm Congress’s constitutional authority over tariff policy and to strike down Trump’s misuse of IEEPA.

 

“Congress passed IEEPA to respond to crises, not to create them. This law doesn’t even mention granting tariff authority to the president, let alone the power to slap sweeping tariffs on products from almost every country on earth,” said Wyden,  Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee. “I’m proud to support Oregon Attorney General Rayfield’s effort to strike down Trump’s illegal tariffs. The courts should follow the plain text of this law and strike down the global tariffs that are harming American families and threatening American jobs.”

 

“Senator Wyden’s leadership in rallying more than 200 members of Congress to support this brief marks an important turning point,” said Attorney General Dan Rayfield. “The constitutional balance of power isn’t up for debate, and Congress is making it clear that presidents can’t use emergency powers as a back door to raise taxes on American families.”

 

“Trump’s illegal and chaotic tariffs are harming American consumers and businesses, leaving them to foot the bill for Trumpflation’s rising prices,” Merkley said. “While Trump is doing all he can to make life more expensive for families across the country, we’re fighting back against the Trump tariff wrecking ball with every tool at our disposal.”

 

“The livelihood and economic stability of Oregonians should not be subject to Donald Trump’s whims or determined by his abuse of power,” said Bonamici. “We’re fighting against this dangerous and chaotic trade policy, which is increasing uncertainty and raising prices for people across the country.”

 

“President Trump’s sweeping tariffs are as reckless as they are unconstitutional. They have driven up prices, hurt American families, and eroded the Constitution’s separation of powers. The Constitution is clear: tariff power belongs to Congress alone. Federal courts have already confirmed that President Trump’s attempt to impose tariffs is unlawful, and now it’s time for the Supreme Court to do the same. I’m grateful to Attorney General Rayfield, as well as my Democratic colleagues in the House and Senate, for their work to put an end to this abuse of power,” Salinas said.

 

“Trump’s tariffs are a tax on working people who are already struggling to get by in an economy that is rigged against them,” said Dexter. “I stand firmly beside Attorney General Rayfield in his relentless fight against Trump’s illegal tariffs and am proud to join this amicus brief to support that effort in court.”

 

The Supreme Court filing follows consistent rulings from the Federal Circuit, the Court of International Trade and the District Court for the District of Columbia—all of which found the Trump administration’s use of IEEPA to impose tariffs unlawful. The lawmakers’ brief underscores that IEEPA’s narrow emergency powers do not authorize the President to impose duties, taxes or tariffs and that using IEEPA in this way undermines guardrails designed by Congress to prevent executive abuse of tariffs.

 

In June, Senators Wyden, Merkley, Shaheen, and Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., Senate Democratic Leader, led 33 senators in filing an amicus brief at an earlier stage of this case urging the immediate suspension of the tariffs imposed under IEEPA.

 

In July, Wyden and Shaheen, as well as House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and the ranking members of the House Foreign Affairs, Judiciary and Ways and Means Committees co-led a group of 191 Senate and House lawmakers in filing an amicus brief before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Oregon/V.O.S. Selections v. Trump, challenging President Trump’s unlawful use of emergency powers to impose tariffs under IEEPA. The brief argued that IEEPA is not a tariff statute and that the President lacks the constitutional authority to unilaterally impose taxes on imported goods.

 

In addition to Wyden, the brief was also led by U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., and Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, as well as House Litigation Task Force Chair Joe Neguse, D-Colo., House Judiciary Ranking Member Jamie Raskin, D-Md., House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., Ways and Means Ranking Member Richard E. Neal, D-Mass., and House Foreign Affairs Ranking Member Gregory Meeks, D-N.Y. In addition to Merkley, Bonamici, Salinas, and Dexter, the brief was signed by 33 Senators and 168 U.S. Representatives. 

 

The full brief is here. 

 

A web version of this release is here.

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brendan Boyle (13th District of Pennsylvania)

PHILADELPHIA, PA – Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02) today joined leaders from the Independence Historical Trust at the National Constitution Center to highlight $850,000 in new federal Community Project Funding he secured for improvements throughout Philadelphia’s Historic District. The announcement comes as Philadelphia prepares for the nation’s semiquincentennial (250th anniversary) and continues long-term work to strengthen and modernize the Historic District for decades to come.

“The idea that right behind me on Independence Mall, people from all over the nation, indeed all over the world, are going to be coming here — not just the United States, but coming to Philadelphia, to the heart of America’s founding — to celebrate our nation is truly inspiring,” said Congressman Boyle. “This is the most historic square mile in the nation. This is literally the nation’s birthplace, and I believe the $850,000 I’m presenting to you today will only help us enhance this area for all Philadelphians and indeed for all people throughout the nation to come and celebrate our nation’s history.”

“We are fortunate as Philadelphians that your district covers this remarkable square mile of historical assets,” said Bill Marrazzo, Independence Historical Trust Board Chair. “With this expression of financial support made possible by your sponsorship Congressman, the Independence Historical Trust, in partnership with so many other not-for-profits in this region, is gonna continue to invest in making it easy for people to get around this remarkable body of historical assets here in the city of Philadelphia.”

The funding delivered by Rep. Boyle supports two major improvement projects in the Historic District. The Gateway Project at 6th and Race Streets will deliver long-overdue streetscape upgrades to improve safety, walkability, and connectivity near Franklin Square Park and the northern edge of Independence Mall. The final phase of Tamanend Plaza at 2nd and Market Streets will deliver a revitalized public space honoring Lenni Lenape Chief Tamanend. The plaza will feature upgraded pedestrian crossings, new bike lanes, green space enhancements, and other improvements to support a safer and more welcoming environment.

At today’s event, Congressman Boyle announced that this funding brings the total amount he has secured for the Historic District to nearly $4 million over the past two and a half years. Leaders from the Independence Historical Trust—including Chair Bill Marrazzo, Executive Director Tom Caramanico, and Development Director Jonathan Burton—joined the Congressman in emphasizing the importance of sustained investment in the Historic District as the city approaches America’s 250th anniversary.

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