Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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

NEPTUNE, N.J. – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today presented long-overdue military service medals to Highlands resident and U.S. Army Air Force veteran William “Bill” Tikiob Ward during a ceremony at Harold Daley VFW Post 1333 in Neptune. The event, held in honor of Veterans Day, recognized Ward’s dedicated service to the nation and celebrated the arrival of decorations he earned more than five decades ago but never received. 

 

“Every veteran deserves to receive full recognition for their service,” said Pallone. “Mr. Ward served his country with honor, and I’m proud that our office was able to help him finally obtain these medals. His story is a reminder of the deep gratitude we owe to all who have worn our nation’s uniform.” 

 

Ward, a lifelong New Jersey resident, enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1969 and served on active duty from 1970 to 1974, rising to the rank of sergeant. He completed basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, before being assigned to the 354th Supply Squadron under the Tactical Air Command at Myrtle Beach Air Force Base in South Carolina. As a fuels specialist, Ward was responsible for managing and supplying critical aircraft refueling operations that kept the Tactical Air Command’s training and combat-ready aircraft in the air. 

 

By 1972, his unit supported A-7D Corsair II fighter-bombers and F-4 Phantom II aircraft being readied for deployment to Southeast Asia. With only four days’ notice, Ward’s squadron was deployed within the Vietnam Theater of Operations, where he worked to maintain fueling and logistics support under difficult conditions. 

 

For his service, Ward earned multiple commendations, including the Air and Space Outstanding Unit Award with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster and V Device for Valor, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with Bronze Leaf, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. These awards recognize both individual valor and exceptional performance by his unit in support of U.S. operations during the Vietnam War. 

 

Despite his distinguished record, Ward never received many of these medals due to administrative delays. After reaching out to Congressman Pallone’s district office, constituent services staff worked with the Air Force Personnel Center and the National Personnel Records Center to locate and verify the documentation needed to correct Ward’s military file. Their inquiry prompted the Air Force to issue his long-overdue honors after more than 50 years. 

 

“I’m overjoyed to see this issue finally brought to fruition,” Ward wrote in a letter of gratitude to Congressman Pallone’s office. “I can now raise my head proudly along with my fellow veterans who honorably served our country in defending its foreign allies at a time when it was extremely unpopular to wear a military uniform. I want to thank Congressman Pallone and all the folks in his office for their unwavering support of veterans like myself.”

 

The ceremony drew family, friends, and members of the Neptune veterans’ community who gathered to celebrate Ward’s service and the long-delayed recognition of his courage and commitment. 

 

 

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

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today issued the following statement in response to Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) announcing her retirement at the end of the 119th Congress:

“Bonnie Watson Coleman blazed trails for New Jersey. She leaves behind a legacy of fighting for working families, from securing paid leave in the General Assembly to her fight to expand health care for pregnant women, as the first Black woman elected to the U.S. House from New Jersey. Bonnie’s fierce commitment to her constituents and warm smile will be deeply missed by myself, our delegation, and people across our country.”

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today issued the following statement:

“The shutdown exposed Republicans for who they are and who they’ve always been. The billionaires and big corporations got permanent tax cuts. What do families with out-of-control health care costs get? An empty promise for a Senate vote Republicans have designed to fail. When it gets to the House, I’m voting HELL NO, and I will continue to wage an aggressive battle to lower costs for American families and extend the ACA tax credits that make health care affordable for millions.” 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi Representing the 12th District of California

Washington, D.C. – Today, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi delivered remarks on the House Floor condemning Republicans’ latest effort to dismantle health care protections for millions of American families.

In her speech, Pelosi underscored that not a single Republican voted for the Affordable Care Act to protect Americans with pre-existing conditions, keep young adults on their parents’ insurance plans or prevent discrimination against women in health care. She detailed how Republicans have repeatedly sought to strip away health care access for families, seniors and people with disabilities.

Watch Speaker Emerita Pelosi’s Floor remarks in opposition to the bill here.

Read the transcript of Speaker Emerita Pelosi’s Floor remarks below:

Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro. I have the greatest honor of yielding two minutes’ time to the the gentlewoman from California, the distinguished Speaker Emerita, Ms. Pelosi. Probably the epitome of the best Speaker the nation has ever had, in addition to which millions of Americans have health care coverage through the Affordable Care Act because of Speaker Pelosi.

Speaker Emerita Pelosi. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the gentlewoman for yielding—Madam Chair, once and future Chair of the Appropriations Committee—and I thank her for her leadership and her kind words.

I take heed, Mr. Speaker, of your comment to address my remarks to you and not to your colleagues.

So I can say to you, and perhaps you can tell them, either they don’t know what they’re talking about, or they don’t care about meeting the needs of the American people.

Did any one of them vote to eliminate the need for pre-existing conditions in health care? Not one of them.

Did any one of them vote to say that children can stay on their parents’ policies until they are 26? Not one of them.

Did any of them vote to eliminate being a woman as a pre-existing medical condition? Not one of them.

The list goes on and on.

Did any one of them vote for the Affordable Care Act—which, Mr. Speaker, you can tell them was paid for?

And then later, when we decided that we could extend the tax credits further so that more people could have more access to care, did any one of them vote for that? No.

All they have done is try to eliminate access to health care in our country. The public is catching on to them.

You might tell them: if a woman gives birth to a child that has a heart condition, she’s out of luck with what they are proposing.

If a father gets a stroke, forget about it.

If you have a sibling with a disability, they don’t care.

And if your wife has breast cancer, you’ve got big bills to pay, because they want to take away health care.

Whether it’s Medicaid—tens of millions of people—or a half-trillion dollars from Medicare for seniors and people with disabilities, or millions of dollars added to the costs families pay for access to the Affordable Care Act, the list goes on and on.

Either they don’t know, or they don’t care.

I’ll say one more thing as a grandmother and mother: how about the President of the United States on Halloween night having a Halloween party and saying to the Supreme Court, ‘Please don’t make me feed the children or the poor people in our country,’ going to the Supreme Court for that?

Cruelty is not even close to the word needed for that kind of behavior.

The worst president for children America has ever seen. I’ll yield back.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi Representing the 12th District of California

Washington, D.C. – Today, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi announced that her longtime Chief of Staff, Terri McCullough, will transition into a Senior Advisor role in order to spend more time with her family. Pelosi also announced that Deputy Chief of Staff Patti Ross will assume the Chief of Staff role.

 

“Terri McCullough has been a steadfast, visionary, and deeply respected leader — an indispensable partner in advancing our mission For The People,” Speaker Emerita Pelosi said. “Terri’s service has been defined by her wisdom, her warmth, and her unwavering belief in the power of public service to improve people’s lives. From her beginnings as an intern in my San Francisco district office more than thirty years ago, to her outstanding leadership as Chief of Staff in the Speaker’s Office, Terri has embodied the very best of our team’s values: integrity, excellence, and compassion.”

 

“Terri made history as the first woman to serve as Chief of Staff to the Speaker of the House — a testament not only to her extraordinary capabilities, but to her trailblazing example for women across our institution and the nation. Her leadership helped guide our work through times of enormous challenge and change — from rebuilding our Majority and strengthening our institution to delivering historic progress for working families. Her judgment, strategic insight, and care for every member of our team have been essential to our success. While we will miss her daily leadership, we are so grateful that she will continue to share her experience and perspective as a Senior Advisor. We wish her every happiness in this next chapter, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration, friendship, and shared mission in new ways.”

 

Pelosi continued: “I am also proud to announce that Patti Ross will serve as our new Chief of Staff. Patti has been a trusted counselor, a steady hand, and a respected colleague to all who have had the privilege of working with her. With nearly fifteen years of service in both the executive and legislative branches — including her tenure in the Biden Administration as Assistant Secretary for Congressional and Legislative Affairs at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — Patti brings unmatched experience and a profound dedication to the men and women who serve our country.”

 

“Since rejoining my office earlier this year, Patti has played an essential role as Deputy Chief of Staff in strengthening our operations, mentoring our staff, and ensuring that our work is always rooted in the needs and aspirations of the people of San Francisco. She combines a mastery of policy and process with a genuine spirit of kindness and collaboration. Our office and our mission will be in excellent hands under her leadership.”

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative for Western Samoa Congresswoman Aumua Amata

Headline: Amata Welcomes Solution to End 41-Day Shutdown

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is welcoming a likely end later this week to the government shutdown that reached 41 days on Monday.

“The end of this shutdown is in sight, and the Senate and House will need to see it through and fund our government as soon as possible,” said Congresswoman Aumua Amata. “I am very happy that it appears our military, air traffic controllers, and professionals across the federal government can expect to soon be paid, and full SNAP/NAP benefits will resume. Senate Leader Thune did the right thing in keeping the Senate working through the weekend, and I appreciate the negotiators on both sides of the aisle. That said, this agreement could have been put in place 41 days ago, and prevented this disruption and delayed pay for so many families.”

In a late Sunday vote, the Senate achieved the necessary 60th vote to move forward with a bill to temporarily fund government through January, and three of the 12 total full-year appropriations bills. Those first three appropriations include Veterans funding, military construction, and agriculture. Passage would ensure VA funding and nutrition programs, including SNAP nationally and American Samoa’s nutrition program block grant. 

“These are some of our highest priorities: ensuring care for our veterans, programs affecting military families and housing, and needed nutrition assistance,” continued Congresswoman Amata. “I strongly hope that common sense lessons are learned from this unnecessary shutdown to prevent these harmful shutdowns in the future. Congress has much to do in a short time in order to pass not only all 12 appropriations, but especially the NDAA defense authorization, Coast Guard authorization, and the content of the South Pacific Tuna Treaty Act that I sponsored to codify our diplomacy for our tuna production.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative for Western Samoa Congresswoman Aumua Amata

Headline: Amata Salutes Speaker Emerita Pelosi’s Historic Career

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is applauding the historic congressional career of Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, the first woman Speaker of the House in U.S. history, who led her Democratic colleagues in the House for 20 years, including serving twice as Speaker for eight total years. Former Speaker Pelosi has announced she will fulfill her current term in the 119th Congress, but not seek reelection in her California district, meaning her historic tenure in Congress will end in early January of 2027 after 40 years in the House, when she will be 86 years of age. 

“Many of my colleagues have paid tribute to Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi upon the announcement of her retirement at the end of this Congress, including my friends Speaker Johnson and Leader Jeffries. I have had the pleasure of traveling with Speaker Pelosi on congressional delegations and left with good memories of those occasions, and mementos in my DC office. I admire her vitality, her strength in leadership, and her passion for legislative efforts. I have a very bipartisan track record, without agreeing with her on everything. Instead, when I disagree, I try to understand my colleague’s viewpoint and constituency, and maintain my respect, as my colleagues tend to genuinely have the needs of their constituents in mind.

“She is the first woman to become Speaker of the House, second in line to the presidency in an emergency situation (which thank God we’ve never had), and has demonstrated to women everywhere that there are no limits to women in public service.  She wielded tremendous influence in the position and set new milestones for women in leadership. Over four decades, she has demonstrated the value of seniority in Congress through friendships and contacts in all corners of Congress, the executive branch and official Washington, enabling her to be effective whether she held the majority or not.

“My best wishes and friendship, and I am sure the good wishes of the people of American Samoa, for Speaker Pelosi and her well-earned retirement in 2027. She will remain a key figure in American history especially for the 20 years she led her Democratic colleagues in the House.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative for Western Samoa Congresswoman Aumua Amata

Headline: Amata Cosponsors Resolution Honoring Veterans for Veterans Day 2025

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata, who serves as Vice Chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee (HVAC), is honoring U.S. Veterans and highlighting American Samoa’s Veterans for Veterans Day 2025, and is an original cosponsor of a House bipartisan Resolution to honor veterans for their service and their ongoing role in the country.

“Our people deeply appreciate our Veterans, with their strength and leadership for our islands. Thank you to each one for your service and patriotism. You are a blessing to our country and to our territory in many ways. We respect your dedication and look to you for wisdom. Thank you to our Toa o Samoa serving now in our Reserves right here at home, or as Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen, or Coast Guardsmen. You are all future veterans, and part of our considerations in veterans’ policies,” Congresswoman Amata said.

Vice Chairman Amata is a cosponsor of the bipartisan Resolution, introduced by Rep. Michael Guest (R-MS) that honors veterans and their sacrifice, and calls on the American people to come together in observing Veterans Day this year in recognition of their service in the cause of freedom.

“We have a national commitment to our veterans of every age, whether transitioning out of the Armed Forces, pursuing jobs or higher education, in need of health care or other services, through end of life hospice, burial services and funeral honors, so survivors are provided benefits, comfort and dignity. The VA is a major bureaucracy with many challenges but we can never rest until reforms and improvements provide the best possible lifelong care and services,” Amata continued. “I am strongly opposed to every day this long, unnecessary shutdown has gone on, as our veterans and the American people should not pay the price for partisan disputes in Washington. Our Veterans must be at the top of the priority list and the government should urgently restore funding, and fulfill federal responsibilities.”

“Thank you to our Veterans for having put country before self. May God bless and strengthen you,” she concluded.

In 2025, Vice Chairman Amata has been an original cosponsor at introduction of a number of bipartisan veterans’ bills, including the Veterans Service Recognition Act, the TRAVEL Act (to add a traveling VA physician for the insular areas), legislation to pair more veterans with service dogs, and other efforts. During the shutdown, Congresswoman Amata has voluntarily delayed her pay until the government reopens and veterans’ funding is restored.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative for Western Samoa Congresswoman Aumua Amata

Headline: Amata Honors the 250th Birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is honoring the United States Marine  Corps on the occasion of their historic 250^th birthday, November 10, 2025.

The history of the U.S. Marine Corps parallels the entire history of the United States, as the origins of the U.S. Marine Corps began in 1775, early in the Revolutionary War, the year prior to the Declaration of Independence. 

“Happy 250th birthday to the United States Marine Corps! Congratulations for 250 years of proud and selfless service to our great country, and defending the enduring cause of freedom. We take pride in knowing some of our own Toa o Samoa are part of the distinguished Marine Corps. Thank you for your honor, courage, and sacrifice. May God bless the United States and all our Marines. Semper Fidelis!”

Congresswoman Amata looks forward to attending the Marine Corps Ball in American Samoa. Nationwide, this year will include national commemorations, a Presidential Proclamation and other White House recognitions, and a Resolution in the U.S. Congress. Each year, the Marine Corps Ball is a favorite event, and this year includes a Commandant’s 250^th Birthday Ball in Washington, D.C. Throughout this year, the anniversary has been hailed in Marine Weeks in various major U.S. cities. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative for Western Samoa Congresswoman Aumua Amata

Headline: Amata’s Letter to USTR Ambassador Greer Urges Prioritizing U.S. Tuna in Trade Agreement  

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata has written the United States Trade Representative, Ambassador Jamieson Greer, congratulating him and his USTR team on the announced U.S.-Thailand trade agreement, and urging that U.S. tuna be a priority in determining which products to exempt from the tariff. 

“The administration’s commitment to rebalancing trade relationships, defending American workers, and strengthening the competitiveness of U.S. industries is clearly reflected in this achievement. Your work underscores a vital principle: that trade policy must reinforce – rather than undermine – the economic foundations of our nation,” stated Congresswoman Amata. 

She noted that the administration will determine which products from Annex III to Executive Order 14346 will be exempted from the current 19 percent reciprocal tariff. “I am writing to express my deep concern that tuna products could be included among those exemptions. While we appreciate the goal of expanding trade opportunities, eliminating tariffs on tuna imports from Thailand would have serious and unintended consequences for U.S. producers,” she warned. 

“American Samoa is dependent on its tuna canning industry, the territory’s largest private employer and economic driver. With roughly 2,300 workers, the tuna cannery in Pago Pago is the largest private sector employer in American Samoa. The presence of the cannery is crucial to the vitality of American fishing in the Western Pacific, as countries such as China and Thailand look to expand their operations in the region. Thailand is now the world’s largest processor and exporter of canned tuna, largely due to its substantially lower labor costs and regulatory standards. Over the past two decades, these advantages have driven much of the global industry offshore, resulting in the closure of U.S. facilities, the loss of American jobs, and a diminished domestic fishing fleet. This trend has weakened our nation’s seafood production capacity, undermined food security, and resulted in tuna companies leaving American Samoa,” said Aumua Amata.

“Eliminating the 19 percent tariff on Thai tuna would further disadvantage U.S. producers, incentivize additional offshoring, and run counter to the goals outlined in President Trump’s April 17, 2025, Executive Order on Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness. That order rightly emphasizes the importance of bolstering domestic production, ensuring a reliable supply of American-caught and American-processed seafood, and maintaining good-paying jobs here at home,” she continued.

“I recognize that trade negotiations involve balancing many priorities. However, maintaining the existing tariff on Thai tuna is essential to ensuring a level playing field for American seafood producers. This issue extends far beyond one company or one product, it affects an entire sector that supports thousands of jobs, anchors the financial stability of our community, and contributes directly to our nation’s food independence,” Amata concluded. “I urge you to maintain the 19 percent tariff on Thai tuna as part of the recently announced trade agreement with Thailand. Doing so is crucial to maintaining America’s seafood competitiveness in a critical region of the world. Thank you for your leadership, your openness to stakeholder input, and your continued commitment to strengthening American competitiveness.”

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