Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)

Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Jimmy Panetta, a member of the House Ways and Means and Budget Committees, and House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) introduced the Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2025.  This bipartisan bill would prevent future government shutdowns and force Congress to stay in Washington, D.C. until they reach an agreement on a budget. Companion legislation was introduced in the Senate by U.S. Senator James Lankford (R-OK).

“As I’ve seen throughout my limited time in Congress, and as our nation has seen this past month, federal government shutdowns hurt working families,” said Rep. Panetta.  “The Prevent Government Shutdowns Act would prevent either party from walking away from the negotiating table and ensure that Congress works together to fund our government. It’s a commonsensical and straightforward piece of bipartisan legislation that, unfortunately, is needed at times like this to ensure that Congress does its job.”

Rep. Panetta’s bill comes as the federal government is in the 5th week of a shutdown after Congress failed to come to an agreement on FY2026 appropriations bills. The Prevent Government Shutdowns Act would require all Members of Congress to stay in Washington, D.C., until work on the spending bills is completed. The legislation would remove the threat of future government-wide shutdowns, guarantee continued critical federal services for Americans, and prevent federal employees from being furloughed or being required to work without pay.

Background on the Prevent Government Shutdowns Act:

Upon a lapse in government funding, the Prevent Government Shutdowns Act would implement an automatic continuing resolution (CR), on rolling 14-day periods, based on the most current spending levels enacted in the previous fiscal year.  This would prevent a shutdown and continue critical services and operations.

During the covered period of an automatic CR, the following restrictions are put in place:

• No taxpayer-funded travel allowances for official business (except one flight to return to Washington, DC) for the following:
  • White House OMB staff and leadership
  • Members of the House and Senate
  • Committee and personal staff of the House and Senate
• No official funds may be used for CODEL or STAFFDEL travel
• No use of campaign funds by congressional offices to supplement official duties or travel expenses
• No motions to recess or adjourn in the House/Senate for a period or more than 23 hours

In addition, under the bill, no other votes would be in order in the House and Senate unless they pertain to passage of the appropriations bills, lifting the debt limit, or mandatory quorum calls in the Senate.  However, after 30 days under the automatic CR, certain expiring authorization bills and executive calendar nominations would be eligible for consideration on the Senate floor, including a nomination for a Justice of the Supreme Court or a Cabinet Secretary, and narrow reauthorization legislation for programs operating under an authorization that has already expired or will expire within the next 30 days.

These restrictions can be waived by a two-thirds vote in either chamber but not for longer than seven days.  Additionally, the bill provides for expedited consideration of bipartisan funding bills if appropriations have not been enacted after 30 days after the start of the fiscal year.  This further incentivizes Congress to process bipartisan spending bills and fund the government on time.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)

San Jose, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta led his colleagues in a letter to the President, urging him to reconsider his September 19th proclamation on H-1B visas in light of the decision’s potentially negative impacts on the U.S.-India relationship.

“The H-1B visa program is an important part of why the United States continues to lead in technological innovation, and is needed now more than ever with the recent sharp rise of artificial intelligence,” said Representative Panetta. “Although 75% of current H-1B visa recipients come from India, the program still needs to be enhanced and increased rather than limited to a select amount of people or corporations that can pay exorbitant amounts of money to get a visa. My congressional colleagues and I wrote and sent this letter to the Administration so that they not only preserve, but also expand the H-1B visa program as a key factor for the United States to remain competitive in the 21st century.”

The Representatives argued that their constituents on H-1B visas contribute to the local economy and help the United States stay competitive in industries, like tech, on the global stage. They also noted the importance of a robust visa program in shoring up national security and maintaining a strong partnership with India, the country of origin for 71% of all H-1B holders last year.

The full letter to the President can be found here and is copied below:

Dear President Trump:

We write to urge your Administration to maintain and strengthen the H-1B visa program, and to share our concerns regarding the proclamation made on September 19, 2025, impeding the entry of workers under this program. As members of a recent delegation to India, we recognize the importance of the H-1B program not just to the United States economy, national security, and competitive advantage, but also to our relationship with India, and to the Indian-American communities that we represent. We respectfully request that you suspend the September 19 proclamation and reconsider any policy that would decrease appropriate access to the H-1B program. 

The H-1B program is a cornerstone of U.S. competitiveness in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Research consistently shows that H-1B professionals boost U.S. innovation, patent production, and business formation, complementing rather than displacing American workers. Indian nationals, who make up the largest share of H-1B recipients, are central to U.S. leadership in information technology and artificial intelligence. Many of America’s most successful companies were founded or led by former H-1B holders, who drive new businesses, job creation, and keep the United States at the forefront of technological progress. Indian-Americans and other H-1B holders also comprise a thriving constituency in each of our districts, enhancing our local economies, contributing to our academic and civic institutions, and strengthening our communities.

At a time when China is investing aggressively in artificial intelligence and advanced technologies, America must continue attracting the world’s best talent to maintain our innovation ecosystem, strengthen the defense industrial base, and preserve our long-term competitive edge. In the case of India, the country of origin for 71 percent of H-1B holders last year, attracting this talent also reinforces our strategic partnership with a key democratic partner in the Indo-Pacific.

The H-1B program is not simply about addressing labor needs; it is about securing U.S.  leadership in the industries that will define global power in the 21st century. For these reasons, we respectfully urge you to preserve and expand the H-1B program to strengthen America’s technological leadership, create jobs for American workers, and safeguard our national security. 

Thank you for your attention to our request; we look forward to working with you on this important matter.

Sincerely,

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)

Santa Cruz, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta convened community leaders in opposition to the Administration’s leaked Five-Year Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Leasing Program Draft Proposal, which would open up the California coast to new offshore oil and gas drilling and seabed mining.

“Our oceans and coastline represent far more than just beauty here on the central coast of California, as they’re our economic engine, our legacy, and our gift to the next generation,” said Rep. Panetta. “During the first Trump Administration, we successfully fought back to protect our home from offshore oil drilling, and this time won’t be any different as long as we work together. Although there are certain protections already in place, we always must be ready to stand shoulder-to-shoulder so that we can go toe-to-toe with any administration or corporation that threatens our oceans, coastlines, and way of life.”

Raising the alarm that the U.S. Department of Interior’s leaked draft proposal could harm the central coast of California, Rep. Panetta hosted a roundtable with local community leaders and environmental stakeholders. The roundtable was followed by a press conference at the Santa Cruz Wharf where Rep. Panetta and local leaders called on the community to stand together against this Administration’s leasing plans for offshore oil drilling and emphasized the necessity of pushing back against new offshore drilling and mining in our protected waters.

The local leaders who stood together with Rep. Panetta included City of Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keeley, State Senator John Laird, a representative from Assemblymember Gail Pellerin’s office, Santa Cruz County Supervisor Justin Cummings, City of Santa Cruz Vice Mayor Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson, Executive Director of Save Our Shores Katie Thompson, and community advocate Dan Haifley.

“For nearly fifty years, Californians have united to protect our coast from the dangers of offshore drilling,” said Katie Thompson, the Executive Director of Save Our Shores. “The Trump Administration’s proposal ignores both science and the will of the people. Save Our Shores is grateful for Representative Panetta’s leadership in standing up for our ocean and our coast.”

“Thank you, Congressman Panetta, for standing up for our coast and our communities,” said Assemblymember Dawn Addis (AD-30). “I’ve worked tirelessly to make sure local voices are heard when oil production threatens our health and well-being, and I’ll continue to do so. Californians have made it clear: we reject any effort to open our coast to offshore drilling. We won’t stand by while the President endangers our economy or our pristine environment. I look forward to continue to work alongside Congressman Panetta to protect the Central Coast.”

“Working together to oppose a proposed plan that may include leases off California is one of the most important steps that can be taken to protect our ocean and our coastal communities,” said Julie Packard, the Executive Director of the Monterey Bay Aquarium. “We have learned devastating lessons from the impacts of offshore oil development off California, in the Gulf, and elsewhere. We know that the foundation of thriving coastal communities and their economies is a healthy, vibrant ocean. We hope Californians can act together, once again, to ensure a future free of the threat of offshore drilling.”

Rep. Panetta continues to advocate in Congress to protect the Central Coast from offshore drilling. Following the leak of the Administration’s draft proposal last week, he joined several of his colleagues in calling on the Administration to halt their plans to drill along the California coastline. Rep. Panetta also continues to carefully monitor Administration involvement in oil drilling off of California’s coast. In 2019 after the Trump Administration’s first attempt to open up oil drilling on the Central Coast, he introduced the Central Coast of California Conservation Act to prevent new leasing for the exploration, development, or production of oil or natural gas in the Central California Planning Area, spanning the entire coastline of California’s 19th Congressional District. He also led his colleagues in a multi-state effort to ban offshore drilling along thousands of miles of U.S. coastline, citing the negative impacts of oil-related disasters and accidents on climate change and natural ecosystems.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)

Monterey, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) joined his colleagues in urging U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins to utilize the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program’s (SNAP) contingency reserve to fully fund November SNAP benefits, which are at risk of not being delivered if the federal government is still shut down on November 1st. 

“Working families could face even more uncertainty about whether they will be able to put food on the table next month,” said Representative Panetta. “We call on Secretary Rollins to act quickly to give them peace of mind by ensuring that SNAP benefits are delivered without delays. The wellbeing of our community is my priority during the federal government shutdown, and why I continue to push the Administration to ensure that there’s the proper assistance for working families.”

SNAP’s contingency reserve was previously appropriated by Congress for scenarios like the current federal government shutdown to make up for gaps in federal funding. Currently, USDA has not issued any guidance to states on how to navigate the upcoming November 1st lapse in SNAP benefits, leading to significant anxiety and uncertainty for families who depend on SNAP to afford food.

Approximately 21,000 households in CA-19 depend on SNAP benefits on a monthly basis. With the additional needs of furloughed federal workers, food banks and food assistance programs in the district are expecting an influx of demand in November. Governor Newsom has set aside an additional $81 million to ensure food banks across the state remain stocked and will deploy the National Guard to pack and deliver meals for families. 

Representative Panetta has been a fierce advocate for families in CA-19 experiencing food insecurity for years. In March of this year, following devastating cuts to programs that improved food access, Representative Panetta and Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff led the California Democratic Congressional delegation in demanding USDA reverse their harmful federal program cancellations and freezes that impacted state food banks and farmers. He has also launched efforts to address and reduce hunger and food insecurity among military servicemembers and their families. Representative Panetta and Representative Jimmy Gomez have also pursued legislation to expand SNAP benefits for college students experiencing food insecurity in California. 

Full text of the letter to USDA Secretary Rollins can be viewed HERE and below:

 

Dear Madam Secretary,

Right now, millions of Americans are struggling to afford food due to the Administration’s ill-conceived trade war. Just this year, we’ve seen household staples like eggs, coffee, and ground beef hit record high prices. Now more than ever, millions of families across the country depend upon the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to make ends meet. For far too many veterans, seniors, and children, SNAP benefits are the difference between having food or not. Now, due to the government shutdown, they are facing crippling levels of uncertainty about whether they will be able to afford food next month.  

A potential lapse in benefits would be felt by Americans of all ages and affect every corner and congressional district in the country. As the largest food assistance program in the United States, SNAP serves 42 million people. That includes 16 million children, 8 million seniors, 4 million people with disabilities, and 1.2 million veterans. 

That is why we were deeply concerned to see your comments suggesting that SNAP will run out of funding in two weeks and that no SNAP benefits will be issued in November. USDA’s shutdown plan acknowledges that “Congressional intent is evident that SNAP’s operations should continue since the program has been provided with multi-year contingency funds…” USDA still has significant funding available in SNAP’s contingency reserve – which Congress provides precisely for this reason – that can be used to fund the bulk of November benefits. 

We urge USDA to use these funds for November SNAP benefits and issue clear guidance to states on how to navigate benefit issuance. Additionally, while the contingency reserve will not cover November benefits in full, we urge USDA to use its statutory transfer authority or any other legal authority at its disposal to supplement these dollars and fully fund November benefits. 

There are clear steps the administration can and must take immediately to ensure that millions of families across the country can put food on their table in November. Choosing not to ensure SNAP benefits reach those in need this November would be a gross dereliction of your responsibilities to the American people. We appreciate your consideration of these requests.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05)

Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) released the following statement on the announced Senate deal:

“This deal fails on the one thing we promised to deliver for the American people. Millions of Americans are about to see their health care costs skyrocket, and we have nothing more to reassure them with than the hope that Senate Republicans and Speaker Johnson will do the right thing. History has shown us that Republicans cannot be trusted to protect health care. For that reason, I am a no on the Senate deal.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05)

Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) released the following statement after Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi announced she would not seek another term in the House of Representatives:

“There will never be another Nancy Pelosi. As the first woman to serve as Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi will go down in history as having broken Congress’s marble ceiling, but her incredible career of accomplishments doesn’t end there. Speaker Pelosi was a masterclass in leading the House of Representatives and held together a unified Democratic party for over two decades.

“As Speaker, she oversaw the passage of landmark legislation, like the Affordable Care Act, the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Every corner of American democracy has been changed for the better by her actions, from the economy to health care to LGBTQ+ and gender equality.

“In her roles as Speaker and Speaker Emerita, I often sought out Nancy Pelosi’s advice, and I know I am far from the only member of Congress to do so. Generations of elected officials have been influenced by her career and wisdom. Her decision to step aside as leader of the Democratic Party also sets an example for political leaders across the country, gracefully passing the torch while continuing to play a major influential role.

“I am deeply grateful to Speaker Pelosi for her lifetime of public service and the years I have been fortunate to serve alongside her. She has more than earned a restful retirement and the eternal gratitude of our entire nation.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05)

Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) demanded that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of the Inspector General (IG) launch an investigation into the numerous reports of dangerous, often violent conduct of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal law enforcement during their operations in the Chicagoland area. 

Quigley and the entire Illinois House Democratic delegation documented repeated abuses by ICE, including detaining U.S. citizens, making warrantless arrests, deploying tear gas in direct contravention of court orders, conducting operations at sensitive locations such as schools, hospitals, and places of worship, and many more instances of misconduct. Their demand for accountability comes after ICE dramatically escalated its activities over recent weeks, deploying teargas in Lakeview and Old Irving Park in Quigley’s district, terrorizing residents of Little Village, and disrupting a Halloween parade being held for children at a local school.

The Members wrote, “Since the beginning of the year, multiple credible reports indicate that immigration enforcement arrests and raids have involved significant violations of due process rights. Dozens of individuals – including American citizens – have been detained without judicial warrants, legal notification, or access to legal counsel.”

They also highlighted the impact of recent federal immigration enforcement actions on children in Illinois.

“In addition to conducting warrantless arrests, ICE operations are also having a severe impact on children in our communities. At schools in and around Chicago, classes are being disrupted, and students are being traumatized by ICE arrests … Chicago Public Schools set up a District Command Center in response to fear and anxiety due to federal immigration enforcement operations. School leaders report students unable to sleep, losing appetite, general fear, and anxiety. A number of parents have expressed concern about sending kids to school. And the reports of the treatment of children at the South Shore raid who were dragged from their beds into U-Hauls and zip-tied in the middle of the night is completely unacceptable and must be investigated and never allowed to occur again,” the Members continued.

The letter co-signers include U.S. Representatives Jan Schakowsky, Robin Kelly, Eric Sorensen, Sean Casten, Nikki Budzinski, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Danny Davis, Jonathan Jackson, Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, Delia Ramirez, Bill Foster, Lauren Underwood, and Brad Schneider.

A copy of the letter demanding that DHS launch an IG investigation is available HERE. To rewatch Congressman Quigley’s press conference, click HERE.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05)

Today, Congressman Mike Quigley (IL-05) and Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) led every Democratic member of the Illinois congressional delegation in a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins expressing concerns with the implementation of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) changes enacted through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. They urged the administration to provide states maximum flexibility to ensure that eligible individuals do not lose critical food assistance due to rushed or unclear federal requirements.

The lawmakers emphasized that new paperwork requirements for veterans, young adults who have aged out of foster care, caregivers of children ages 14 to 17, and adults ages 55 to 64 will worsen food insecurity in Illinois and nationwide.

The members wrote, “In Illinois, an estimated 360,000 people who rely on SNAP will be affected by these and other changes from the new law—nearly one in five current participants. These are Illinoisans in rural and urban communities alike. Research consistently shows that SNAP’s harsh work requirement does not increase employment or earnings. Instead, losing access to food assistance will deepen food insecurity, worsen health outcomes, and increase poverty for the affected populations.”

They also emphasized concerns with the cost and feasibility of implementing these changes according to the timeline laid out by the Trump administration.

“Expecting states to overhaul their SNAP systems in a matter of weeks, absent sufficient guidance and while facing an impending 25 percent cut to administrative funding, places an unrealistic burden on state agencies and the families they serve. The immediate result will likely be delays, confusion, and preventable loss of benefits for eligible individuals at a time when budgets are already stretched thin due to rising costs,” the members continued.

The letter is signed by Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Congressman Mike Quigley (IL-05), Congressman Jesús G. “Chuy” García (IL-04), Congresswoman Laura Underwood (IL-14), Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Congresswoman Robin L. Kelly (IL-02), Congressman Bradley Scott Schneider (IL-10), Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Congressman Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Congressman Bill Foster (IL-11), Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson (IL-01), Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17), and Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06).

The full text of the letter can be found HERE.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank Pallone (6th District of New Jersey)

Pallone Challenging Unlawful Appointments of Lindsey Halligan and Alina Habba as Interim U.S. Attorneys

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank Pallone (6th District of New Jersey)

LONG BRANCH, N.J. – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today blasted Governor Murphy’s Department of Health and RWJBarnabas Health for once again manipulating the public hearing process on their plan to move Monmouth Medical Center’s hospital license out of Long Branch. The Administration has rescheduled the hearing for Thursday, November 13 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. in Eatontown instead of in Long Branch, the community losing its hospital.

 

“This is as underhanded as it gets,” Pallone said. “RWJBarnabas and the Murphy Administration already got caught breaking state notice laws to keep the public in the dark, and now they’ve doubled down by holding the hearing during the workday and miles away from the people most affected. They know this plan is indefensible, so they’re trying to bury it. But Long Branch residents see exactly what’s going on: the Murphy Administration is helping a corporate hospital system chase profits and abandon the very people who built this institution. It’s disgraceful.”

 

Pallone said moving the hearing to Eatontown, while still keeping it at an hour that excludes working people, is part of a pattern of secrecy and disregard for the community’s needs.

 

“Every New Jerseyan should pay attention to this,” Pallone said. “If they can do this here, they can do it anywhere, walk away from a community that needs care and pocket the profits elsewhere. We’re not going to let that happen without a fight.”

 

********NEW PUBLIC HEARING INFO******

 

Date: Thursday, November 13, 2025

Time: 4:00–6:00 p.m.

Location: Anne Vogel Family Care and Wellness Center, 200 Wyckoff Road, Eatontown (moved from Ocean Place Resort in Long Branch)

 

More info here.