Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05) issued the following statement:  

“Transportation Secretary Duffy and Congressional Republicans should be ashamed of themselves for manufacturing this completely avoidable aviation crisis. With the holidays around the corner, Americans should not have to face mass delays and canceled flights at 40 major airports across the country.

“Republicans control every branch of government, yet they’ve let the longest shutdown in American history drag on. Instead of showing up to do their jobs and find a solution, Speaker Mike Johnson has sent the House home for a month and a half, abandoning their responsibilities while the country suffers. Republicans could end the government shutdown right now and pay air traffic controllers who keep our skies safe, along with other hardworking federal employees. But instead of working with Democrats to solve the ongoing health care crisis, Republicans have been enjoying a taxpayer-funded vacation since September 19.

“Let’s be clear: Since day one of this Republican shutdown, Democrats have been ready to negotiate a bipartisan funding deal that lowers health care and makes life more affordable for the American people. We are fighting for you, the people and we’re not backing down!”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Grace Meng (6th District of New York)

WASHINGTON – U.S. Reps. Grace Meng (D-NY) and Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL), as well as U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Ron Johnson (R-WI) led the bipartisan, bicameral reintroduction of the Pray Safe Act, to establish a federal clearinghouse through which faith-based organizations, houses of worship, and other nonprofits could access information on safety and security best practices, available federal security grant programs, and safety training opportunities. 

“No one should ever have to fear for their safety while practicing their faith,” said Congresswoman Meng. “However, we have seen an alarming rise in vandalism, violence, and terror targeting houses of worship, faith-based organizations, and other nonprofit organizations. It is vital that these organizations have the security resources they need, and ensuring their protection should always be a bipartisan priority. The Federal government should not sit idly by while faith communities experience attacks on their houses of worship. The security needs are only increasing and creating a dedicated resource for communities to improve their security would help stop these incidents before they happen. I am proud to have championed efforts to better protect houses of worship and nonprofits, and I’m pleased to continue doing so by joining my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to introduce this legislation. I look forward to working with them to deliver this bill to the President’s desk.” 

“Freedom to practice one’s religion is central to our nation’s founding. Americans must be protected in their place of worship,” said Congresswoman Salazar. “I’m proud to co-lead the Pray Safe Act, which will establish a federal repository of best security practices and grant opportunities to better protect Miami’s churches, synagogues, and religious organizations.” 

“Americans must be able to worship in peace, knowing that they are secure and free as they do. As our country witnesses a deeply troubling increase in the number of violent incidents and attacks that target places of worship, including this weekend’s horrible attack in Michigan, we need to do more to help houses of worship stay safe,” said Senator Hassan. “Our bipartisan bill is an important step to safeguard these sacred spaces, ensuring that faith-based organizations, houses of worship, and other nonprofits can access more support and federal resources so that their congregations can pray free from the fear of violence.”  

“Similar to my Luke and Alex School Safety Act, the Pray Safe Act would codify a federal clearinghouse for best safety practices to help secure faith-based organizations and defend our religious freedoms. I am happy to cosponsor this legislation in light of recent attacks on churches across the country,” said Senator Johnson. 

“As ADL’s research has shown, antisemitism and other forms of hate continue to fuel threats against faith-based organizations and houses of worship,” said Jonathan Greenblatt, ADL CEO and National Director. “We are grateful to Representatives Grace Meng and Maria Salazar, as well as Senators Maggie Hassan and Ron Johnson, for reintroducing the bipartisan Pray Safe Act. This legislation will help ensure that synagogues, churches, mosques, and other faith communities have the resources, training, and best practices they need to stay safe and secure.” 

“Jewish Federations strongly support the introduction of the Pray Safe Act, a piece of legislation which would strengthen security for all faith communities at this critical moment in our nation’s history. This weekend’s attack on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan, so soon after the attack on the Church of the Annunciation in Minneapolis, make painfully clear the urgent need for this bipartisan bill. At a time of rising antisemitism and escalating threats to houses of worship, the Pray Safe Act would provide essential resources, training, and support to help keep synagogues, churches, mosques, and other sacred spaces safe. Protecting religious freedom begins with ensuring that every faith community can gather in peace and security,” said the Honorable Eric D. Fingerhut, CEO and President Jewish Federations of North America 

The Pray Safe Act directs the Department of Homeland Security to establish a Federal Clearinghouse on Safety and Security Best Practices for Nonprofit Organizations, Faith-Based Organizations, and Houses of Worship. This centralized location will provide organizations information about best practices and recommendations to enhance safety and security. In addition, the Clearinghouse will direct users to available federal resources and grant programs relevant to the safety and security of faith-based organizations and houses of worship.   

The legislation is also co-sponsored by Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), James Lankford (R-OK), Rick Scott (R-FL), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) in the Senate, and Representatives Daniel Goldman (D-NY), Max Miller (R-OH), Dave Min (D-CA), Mike Lawler (R-NY), Brad Schneider (D-IL), Don Bacon (R-NE), Lou Correa (D-CA), Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA), Andre Carson (D-IN), and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL).   

  

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nydia M Velázquez (D-NY)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement after the House voted to pass a continuing resolution that does not renew desperately-needed health care tax credits:
 
“Today, Republicans denied tens of millions of Americans the right to live a healthy life. They have created an unprecedented health care crisis. By refusing to extend the Affordable Care Act’s premium tax credits, Republicans are putting affordable coverage out of reach for more than 20 million Americans, forcing families to pay an average of 75 percent more for their health insurance.
 
“They are creating a reality where only those with high incomes can access quality care, while working families are left to choose between going to the doctor or putting food on the table.
 
“The deal passed today does nothing to stop these premium hikes or to protect families from losing their coverage. More than 5 million New Yorkers rely on ACA coverage, and in New York’s 7th District alone, more than 8,000 families could see their health care premiums rise if these tax credits are allowed to expire.
 
“They have created a ticking time bomb that will send health care costs soaring on New Year’s Day. The bill passed today does nothing to address this. It ignores the pain families are facing, and that is why I did not support it.
 
“Those who voted in favor bent the knee to the President as he works to destroy the ACA and our nation’s health care system. In the new year, they will have to face their constituents when asked how they allowed this to happen, and they will have no good answer.
 
“In the face of that betrayal, Democrats will not stay silent. We will keep fighting to extend these critical tax credits and protect access to affordable health care for every American.”
 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)

Washington, D.C. – Today Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Chair and Co-Chair of the U.S.-Japan Caucus Adrian Smith (R-NE) released the following statement after President Donald Trump announced increased economic cooperation with Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and South Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung.

“Months of diligent work by President Trump and Ambassador Jamieson Greer are bringing about mutual prosperity and investment with our East Asian allies. I am particularly encouraged to see increased cooperation in innovation and technology advancements, including Japan’s assurances digital regulations will be implemented in a nondiscriminatory manner. As we work to strengthen our alliances with Japan and South Korea, this week’s progress marks significant progress for shared economic growth and regional security.”

BACKGROUND:

On October 24, Smith led 20 House Republicans in sending a letter urging President Trump to address fair treatment of American digital companies under Japan’s Mobile Software Competition Act (MSCA) during his visit to Japan.

On July 1st Smith and Rep. Carol Miller (R-WV) led 41 of their colleagues in sending a letter commending the Trump administration for its efforts in trade negotiations and urging it to address barriers imposed by the South Korean government unfairly targeting American service providers and innovators in digital industries.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)

Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) released the following statement today regarding the passing of former Vice President Richard Cheney.

“Born in Lincoln, Nebraska, Vice President Richard Cheney was a patriot who dedicated his life to service. From the Capitol, to the Pentagon, to the White House, he left an indelible mark on history, overseeing consequential action to defend American prerogatives and promote democracy around the globe. His leadership across five Presidential administrations was critical in addressing our nation’s starkest challenges.

“Andrea and I send our condolences to the Cheney family and we will hold them in our prayers.”
 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) released the following statement upon publication of a Department of the Treasury report on suspending and replacing the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Direct File tax filing program. 

“IRS Direct File was an expensive, duplicative program which was never authorized or funded by Congress, and I want to express my appreciation to President Trump, Secretary Bessent, and CEO Bisignano for bringing this chapter to a close. 

“American families and family businesses by-and-large pay their taxes accurately and on time. The Biden administration and congressional Democrats’ vision of a supercharged IRS monitoring Americans’ bank accounts, assessing tax, and targeting anyone who disagrees, especially farmers, ranchers, and small businesses, for audits, is inconsistent with our longstanding voluntary compliance system and with basic standards of fairness. 

“As part of today’s report, the Department of Treasury has correctly identified the need to improve access to new and existing free file options for basic family tax returns, and I look forward to working with the Trump administration and my congressional colleagues to ensure it happens.”

BACKGROUND: 

In January 2023, Reps. Adrian Smith and Michelle Steel’s (R-CA) bill to repeal the Biden Administration’s $80 billion IRS expansion, the Family and Small Business Taxpayer Protection Act, became the first bill passed by the House in the 118th Congress. This bill would have also repealed the IRS’s controversial initial study of providing direct file services.

In 2024 and 2025, Smith led his Ways and Means Committee colleagues in writing to the House Appropriations Committee asking them to defund the Direct File program. In June 2024, Smith led Ways and Means colleagues in sending a letter to Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service Daniel Werfel raising concerns about IRS’ announced expansion of the Direct File program and asking Commissioner Werfel to respond to questions regarding statutory authority and the origin of funds allocated for development and advertisement of the program.

Smith, along with Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-NC), introduced legislation in July 2024 to terminate the IRS’s unauthorized Direct File program. In December, Smith and Edwards led a letter asking President Trump to end the Direct File pilot program upon taking office in January. 

In January 2025, Smith, Edwards, and Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) introduced updated legislation, which became the basis for language requiring the discontinuation of Direct File which was enacted as part of July’s Working Family Tax Cuts package.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Dwight Evans (2nd District of Pennsylvania)

Bill fails to prevent looming price spike for 24 million Americans’ health insurance

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Dwight Evans (2nd District of Pennsylvania)

WASHINGTON (October 24, 2025) — Representatives Dwight Evans (PA-03), Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Summer Lee (PA-12), and Chris Deluzio (PA-17) issued the following statement:

“Every day this Republican shutdown drags on, the harm to Pennsylvania families grows deeper. We urge our 10 Republican House colleagues from Pennsylvania to join us in calling on Speaker Mike Johnson to bring the House back to Washington. We stand ready to work together on a bipartisan solution that reopens the government and protects affordable health care for Pennsylvanians in all 17 congressional districts who now face skyrocketing premiums or the loss of coverage altogether.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08)

Letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum & U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Director Brian Nesvik details threats to endangered species, habitat, and Moore County’s long-term water security.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-09) called on the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) to stop the proposed removal of the High Falls Dam in Moore County.  In a letter sent October 23 to USFWS Director Brian Nesvik, Rep. Hudson warned that dismantling the historic structure would devastate one of the most ecologically unique sections of the Deep River and ignore the will of the local community. 

“The High Falls Dam has played a vital role in the Moore County community for hundreds of years, and its impending removal poses a significant threat to countless local species of fish and wildlife. Removal of the dam would unleash years of accumulated sediment downstream, suffocating spawning grounds and permanently destroying what remains of their limited habitat.”

Hudson also emphasized that the reservoir supports a “rich community of migratory and semi-aquatic species — including Osprey, Great Blue Heron, Hooded Merganser, River Otter, and American Beaver — all of which rely on the High Falls impoundment for food, nesting, and denning.” 

He warned that “by removing the dam, we would be replacing a stable, thriving habitat with an unpredictable, degraded ecosystem where these species cannot survive.”

Hudson’s letter further notes the plan is “heavily backed by the Southern Environmental Law Center, which has a long track record of ignoring science and the negative impact dam removals have on local species of fish and wildlife.” 

He continued, “They are an outside organization with no ties to the local area, and in a short period of time will begin deconstruction on the dam despite universal condemnation from the local community. To put it simply, this plan comes at the direct expense of local fish and wildlife, public safety, water security, and the expressed will of the local community.”

More than 2,200 residents have signed a petition opposing the dam’s removal. Hudson wrote that “local leaders from both parties have unanimously voiced their opposition to the plan, and the community is united in its desire to preserve this historic structure.”

“For these reasons, I respectfully urge you to prevent the current dam removal,” Hudson concluded. “Protecting the High Falls ecosystem means protecting one of the last remaining refuges for multiple endangered species in the Cape Fear River Basin.”

Background:

In July, Rep. Hudson visited the High Falls Dam with Moore County Commissioner Jim VonCannon to review the site and meet with local stakeholders. The dam has served Moore County families for more than two centuries as a vital piece of local infrastructure and habitat.

Next steps:

In the letter, Rep. Hudson urges Director Nesvik along with Secretary Burgum to prevent deconstruction from moving forward and to protect one of the last remaining refuges for multiple endangered species in the Cape Fear River Basin.

Read the full letter here:

 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (3rd District of Ohio)

COLUMBUS, OH – Tonight, U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) released the following statement on the Senate’s budget vote that fails to protect health care for millions of Americans:

“Throughout this historic Republican shutdown, House Democrats have stood unwavering in our fight to protect health care for millions of Americans.
And I will continue to stand strong for the people.

“This Senate vote betrays that fight and the people who depend on it. As Americans lose access to affordable care and face skyrocketing costs right now, that suffering falls squarely on Republicans in power who have failed the nation they swore to serve.

“Republicans have one job: to govern. They control the House, the Senate, and the White House, yet they continue to sow chaos, break promises, and fail the American people.”

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