Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Joe Wilson (2nd District of South Carolina)

span>Washington, D.C. – Representatives Joe Wilson (R-SC) and Donald Norcross (D-NJ) introduced the bipartisan United States-Israel Defense Partnership Act of 2025. Companion legislation was introduced in the Senate by Senators Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Gary Peters (D-MI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), and Jacky Rosen (D-NV).

     This bipartisan bill strengthens the U.S.-Israel security partnership by extending and expanding existing bilateral security initiatives. It also establishes new cooperative programs, including a broader initiative on unmanned systems, establishing a Defense Innovation Unit in Israel, and advocating for consideration of Israel’s inclusion in the National Technology Industrial Base (NTIB). Finally, it calls for greater cooperation between Israel and regional countries in advancing work on Integrated Air and Missile Defense.

Specifically, this bill takes several important measures:

• Establishes a U.S.-Israel cooperative program authorized at $150 million annually through FY30 to jointly research, develop, and deploy advanced technologies for countering unmanned systems that threaten the United States and Israel.
• Extends authorization for U.S.-Israel “Future of Warfare” emerging technologies cooperative program through FY30 at $50 million annually for further cooperation on technologies like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum, and automation.
• Reauthorizes U.S.-Israel cooperation in countering unmanned aerial systems and anti-tunneling through FY28 and increases both authorizations by $20 million each.
• Extends the War Reserve Stockpile Authority-Israel (WRSA-I) through January 1, 2029.
• Directs the Department of Defense to establish a Defense Innovation Unit office in Israel.
• Directs the Department of Defense to engage with Israel regarding the process of adding Israel to the National Technology Industrial Base (NTIB).

     “I’m grateful to introduce this critical legislation along with my bipartisan House and Senate colleagues,” said Congressman Joe Wilson upon introduction of the bill. “The U.S.-Israel Defense Partnership Act of 2025 will ensure that the United States and Israel continue to work together to confront the most diverse and dangerous array of mutual threats we’ve ever faced. This important bill will expand and deepen the bilateral defense partnership between our two nations and scale up joint research and development of key emerging technologies, such as countering unmanned systems, artificial intelligence, and quantum. It is imperative that the U.S. and Israel work together to meet and defeat emerging threats employed by state and non-state actors alike on the battlefield to protect American and Israeli families.”

     “The partnership between the United States and Israel is vital to maintaining Americans’ safety,” said Congressman Donald Norcross. “The United States-Israel Defense Partnership Act will build on this existing partnership by enhancing defense cooperation between our two countries. Together, we must invest in emerging technology and improve our defenses against tunneling, our missile defense systems, and our counter-drone capabilities.”

     The text of this legislation (H.R. 1229) is available here. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Joe Wilson (2nd District of South Carolina)

span>Washington, D.C. – Representative Joe Wilson (R-SC) today introduced the “Donald J. Trump $250 Bill Act.” This legislation directs the Bureau of Printing and Engraving to design and print a $250 dollar bill of legal U.S. tender that bears the image of President Donald J. Trump. This legislation will also create an exemption to previous 19^th century legislation banning living figures on currency to allow individuals who have served as President to appear on currency. 

Next year is the 250^th Anniversary of the United States and allows this currency not only to be in a larger denomination to help families carry less cash, but also symbolically recognize the President of the United States during the Semiquincentennial anniversary. 

AI concept artwork of what the bill may look like designed by Grok AI on X.

“Bidenflation has destroyed the economy forcing American families to carry more cash. President Trump is working tirelessly to fight inflation and help American families. This achievement is deserving of currency recognition, which is why I am grateful to introduce this legislation. The most valuable bill for the most valuable President!” said Congressman Wilson.

Original Cosponsors include Representatives Diana Harshbarger (R-TN), Ralph Norman (R-SC), and Darrell Issa (R-CA). 

A copy of the legislation is available here. 

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Joe Wilson (2nd District of South Carolina)

span>Washington, DC – Congressman Joe Wilson issued the following statement on his confidence in National Security Advisor Mike Waltz: 

      “Having served with him in Congress, I know firsthand of National Security Advisor Mike Waltz’s capability and competence. His loyalty to President Donald Trump is inspiring as he serves for Peace Through Strength.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Joe Wilson (2nd District of South Carolina)

span>Washington, DC – Congressman Joe Wilson issued the following statement on President Donald Trump’s closure of the Department of Education: 

     “As the grateful husband of a teacher, I support President Trump’s plan to eliminate the Department of Education. I know firsthand that education is a state issue with dedicated educators and locally elected school boards, working with parents.” 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Joe Wilson (2nd District of South Carolina)

span>Washington, DC – Congressmen Joe Wilson (R-SC) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) introduced the Pakistan Democracy Act. This legislation will promote democracy, human rights, and rule of law in Pakistan, especially following the flawed elections of February 2024 and ongoing concerns about military influence over civilian government. The legislation will provide support for democratic forces, authorize targeted sanctions, and require a report on progress towards democracy in Pakistan.

     “I believe that U.S-Pakistan relations are strongest when Pakistan lives up to its democratic ideals. In a world which faces a conflict that we did not choose following Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, between democracies based upon rule of law, and dictatorships based upon rule of gun, it is even more important to stand up for democracy and human rights around the world, including in Pakistan,” said Rep. Wilson. “I have major differences with Mr. Khan, not only in his past anti-American statements, but also his statements defending China, and refusing to take a strong stance against war criminal Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. However, Mr. Khan is clearly a political prisoner. Political differences should be dealt with through the ballot box and the Pakistani people should decide who rules Pakistan. Those who undermine democracy and persecute their political opponents should be held accountable through targeted sanctions especially visa bans.”

     “The wrongful persecution and imprisonment of Imran Khan and others for simply holding different political beliefs is an affront to the principles of democracy and justice,” said Rep. Panetta.  “The Pakistan Democracy Act makes clear that the United States will stand against authoritarian crackdowns and in support of free, fair, and open elections.  A stable, democratic Pakistan is not only vital for its people, but for regional security and the strength of democratic values around the world.”

     The full text of H.R. 2311 is available here. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green Ohio)

Today, Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH5) and Congresswoman Robin Kelly (D-IL2) reintroduced the Precision Agriculture Satellite Connectivity Act, which will help farmers across America more easily incorporate technology into their operations. 

Latta and Kelly previously introduced the bill in the 118th Congress, where it passed the U.S. House by a vote of 409-11 on April 26, 2023. 

“Farmers in Ohio’s Fifth District know that in order to continue producing high-yield crops, they need access to 21st Century technology,” Latta said. “That’s why I’m reintroducing my Precision Agriculture Satellite Connectivity Act, which will increase productivity and enhance the farming operations of those in Ohio and across America. The U.S. House overwhelmingly approved my bill last Congress, and I’m hopeful that it will receive the same swift, bipartisan support this Congress.” 

“Illinois’s Second District grew from 2,000 to over 4,500 farms strong, and a vast majority of them are family owned,” Kelly said. “They are the backbone of our food supply, with many of them directly providing nutritious foods to our communities. I’m proud to work with Rep. Latta again to introduce the Precision Agriculture Satellite Connectivity Act to help our farmers maximize yield and profitability. Farmers should have access to agriculture innovation and ingenuity.”

Background:

The Precision Agriculture Satellite Connectivity Act would require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to review its current satellite rules to determine if rule changes can be made to promote precision agriculture. This bill continues to build upon Latta’s Precision Agriculture Connectivity Act, included in the Farm Bill and signed into law in 2018, which established the Precision Agriculture Task Force.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green Ohio)

Today, the House Energy and Commerce Committee advanced the Precision Agriculture Satellite Connectivity Act – led by Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH5) and Congresswoman Robin Kelly (D-IL2) – to help farmers more easily incorporate technology into their operations.

Latta and Kelly introduced the legislation on February 26, 2025. The lawmakers also previously introduced the bill in the 118th Congress, where it passed the U.S. House by a vote of 409-11 on April 26, 2023.

“I’m pleased the Energy and Commerce Committee today advanced this important and bipartisan legislation to ensure farmers have the tools and technology they need to run their operations efficiently,” Latta said. “With this bill receiving such wide, bipartisan support this year and in the last Congress, I urge my colleagues to support it when it comes up for consideration on the House floor.”

“I’m proud to represent a district that’s urban, suburban, and rural with over 4,500 farms,” Kelly said. “During a time when farmers are struggling to make ends meet, we must work in a bipartisan spirit to ensure they have the updated and necessary technology. As this bill advances to the House floor, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support farmers across the country as they did last Congress.”

Background:
The Precision Agriculture Satellite Connectivity Act would require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to review its current satellite rules to determine if rule changes can be made to promote precision agriculture. This bill continues to build upon Latta’s Precision Agriculture Connectivity Act, included in the Farm Bill and signed into law in 2018.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green Ohio)

This week, Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH) reintroduced Tyler’s Law, legislation aimed at preventing fentanyl overdoses in the United States. The bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to complete a study on how frequently hospitals test for fentanyl in patients experiencing an overdose and to use the results of the study to issue guidance to hospitals on implementing fentanyl testing in emergency rooms.

Latta joined Rep. Ted Lieu (D-CA) and Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA) in reintroducing the bill in the U.S. House. Companion legislation in the Senate has been introduced by Sen. Jim Banks (R-IN) and Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA).

“Illicit fentanyl and its analogs have claimed countless American lives, and we must continue to do everything we can to curb this deadly epidemic,” Latta said. “That’s why I’m proud to introduce Tyler’s Law, which will help us better understand fentanyl overdoses and the fentanyl overdose testing shortfalls occurring in hospital emergency rooms. I urge my colleagues in the House and Senate to support this vital, bipartisan legislation which will help save lives.”

“Fentanyl is the leading cause of drug overdoses in the US and hospitals must test for it,” Lieu said. “I have been honored to work with Tyler’s mom, Juli, on this bipartisan legislation to ensure no other family experiences such a devastating tragedy. It is shocking that some hospitals do not include fentanyl testing for patients experiencing an overdose. Many physicians may not even be aware that the routine tests they run do not detect fentanyl. Tyler’s Law will help better equip our doctors and hospitals to prevent fentanyl-related deaths. It’s time to come together and save lives.”

“No one should ever experience the heartbreak of losing a loved one to a fentanyl overdose, nor should anyone have to question whether that death could have been prevented,” Kamlager-Dove said. “In 2018, my constituent, Tyler Shamash, tragically lost his life to an overdose because fentanyl was not included in the emergency room’s drug screening. Tyler’s Law aims to save countless lives by ensuring that overdose victims can receive critical care before it’s too late. I am deeply grateful to have met Tyler’s mother, Juli, whose strength and tireless advocacy led to California’s requirement for emergency rooms to include fentanyl in their drug screenings. Now, we must take the next step and make fentanyl testing a nationwide standard by passing this lifesaving legislation.”

“Too many families in Indiana and across America have lost loved ones to fentanyl poisoning,” Banks said. “Tyler’s Law will help prevent these tragedies by directing emergency rooms to screen for fentanyl, ensuring overdose victims receive timely, life-saving care. I thank Tyler’s mother, Juli, for championing this legislation to make fentanyl testing a national standard.”

“The fentanyl crisis isn’t just a public health emergency — it’s a matter of life and death for communities in California and across the country,” Padilla said. “Far too many people, including children, have tragically died from fentanyl overdoses, including Tyler Shamash, a Los Angeles teenager whose hospital screening tests failed to detect the drug in his system. Our bipartisan legislation honors Tyler’s memory by bringing California’s updated standard of including fentanyl in emergency room screenings to the federal level. Even one preventable death is too many.”

“The night before Tyler died from consuming fentanyl, he was sent to the hospital with a suspected overdose,” Juli Shamash, Mother of Tyler Shamash, said. “When he got there, they did a drug test and it turned out negative. After he died, we found out it did not cover fentanyl because it was a synthetic opioid. Had we known, we could have sent him to a place with a higher level of care, instead of the sober living home where he died. This bill will save lives in situations like Tyler’s, as well as in cases where people are brought into an ER for an overdose of one substance, but they unknowingly consumed fentanyl from a poisoned product. Currently, many drug screenings in emergency rooms only test for marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, opiates, and phencyclidine (PCP) – but not fentanyl. Many doctors are not aware that since fentanyl is a synthetic opioid, it does not show up on most rapid drug screenings. Adding fentanyl to routine drug screenings in emergency rooms could prevent many fentanyl-related deaths.”

Background on emergency drug screenings:
Currently, many drug screenings in emergency rooms only test for marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, opiates, and phencyclidine (PCP) – but not fentanyl. Since fentanyl is a synthetic opioid, it does not show up on most rapid drug screenings. Adding fentanyl to routine drug screenings in emergency rooms could prevent many fentanyl-related deaths, which increased 97-fold in the United States from 1999-2021, according to HHS. 

Background on Tyler’s Law:
Tyler’s Law is named in memory of Tyler Shamash, a 19-year-old boy who died in 2018 following a fentanyl ingestion. He was not tested for fentanyl upon being checked into the emergency room. His mother, Juli, has been advocating for this legislation and sharing her son’s story to prevent others from experiencing the same tragedy. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green Ohio)

Today, Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH5) provided the following statement in response to President Donald Trump’s joint address to Congress:

“After four years of the Biden administration failing to address record inflation, soaring energy costs, and an influx of illicit drugs and illegal immigrants over our southern border, it was refreshing to hear President Trump speak about the actions he has already taken to address these issues and make American lives better. I want to work with my colleagues in Congress to produce legislation to ensure these actions become law. 

“The Biden administration did not secure our border, resulting in skyrocketing illegal border crossings and a surge in deadly drugs – like fentanyl – that poured into our country. But just one month under President Trump’s leadership, southern border crossings have plummeted. With the President’s strong border protections being put in place, we are actively working to secure our borders and keep our communities safe. In Congress, we have acted to curb the deadly fentanyl crisis by advancing a bill I introduced – the HALT Fentanyl Act – to permanently classify fentanyl-related substances as a Schedule I narcotic. I’ll continue to urge the Senate to take up this legislation and send it to the President’s desk for his signature. 

“The President also spoke strongly about the importance of restoring U.S. energy dominance; I could not agree more. To lower energy costs and bolster our national security, we must unleash America’s diverse energy portfolio. As Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Energy, my goal is to work with the President, his administration, and my colleagues in Congress to slash energy crushing regulations, increase domestic energy production, and enact meaningful permitting reforms. I’m of the opinion that we must advance an all-of-the-above energy strategy to meet the energy needs and lower costs for the American people, and I look forward to advancing commonsense legislation through the Energy and Commerce Committee to help enact the President’s energy agenda.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green Ohio)

Today, Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH5), the Committee on Energy and Commerce’s Subcommittee on Energy Chairman held a hearing named Keeping the Lights On: Examining the State of Regional Grid Reliability. Witnesses included Mr. Manu Asthana, President and Chief Executive Officer, PJM Interconnection, LLC; Ms. Jennifer Curran, Senior Vice President for Planning and Operations, Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO); Mr. Richard J. Dewey, President and Chief Executive Officer, New York Independent System Operator (NYISO); Mr. Elliot Mainzer, President and Chief Executive Officer, California Independent System Operator (CASIO); Mr. Lanny Nickell, Chief Operating Officer, Southwest Power Pool (SPP); Mr. Gordon van Welie, President and Chief Executive Officer, Independent System Operator New England (ISONE); and Mr. Pablo Vegas, President and Chief Executive Officer, Electric Reliability Council of Texas, Inc. (ERCOT).

In response to questions from Latta, every single witness said America needs more energy produced to meet the growing need.

“Today’s grid operators made it clear that America needs more energy to be produced to keep up with our growing needs not just for consumers, but for the many small businesses, manufacturers, agriculture industry, and medical facilities that employ them,” Latta said. “Too many electric-generating facilities have been retired in recent years while new and emerging technologies are increasing the need. It is critical that we meet the growing demand for power, the need to secure it, and address the reliability challenges confronting our electric industry.”

To see Latta’s opening remarks, click here.

To see Latta’s questions for today’s witnesses, click here.