Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

Senator Alex Padilla Will Deliver the Democratic Response in Spanish 

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer today announced that Governor Abigail Spanberger will deliver the Democratic Response to President Trump’s State of the Union Address on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. The Leaders also announced Senator Alex Padilla will deliver the Spanish language response to the speech. 

Leader Jeffries said: “I am honored to announce that Governor Abigail Spanberger will deliver the Democratic Response to the State of the Union Address. A trusted public servant, Governor Spanberger began her career as a Postal Inspector and national security professional, protecting the country against our adversaries. She went on to vigorously serve her community in Congress. In November, she won the Governorship in Virginia by the largest margin for a Democratic candidate in six decades. Throughout her career, Governor Spanberger has worked to deliver real results for everyone, while upholding the Constitution.

“In her historic 2018 victory, she ousted a Republican incumbent to help deliver a Democratic House majority to serve as a check and balance on Trump’s first term. As the 75th Governor of Virginia and first woman ever elected to lead the Commonwealth, Abigail is a champion for lowering the high cost of living, saving healthcare from the relentless far-right assault and protecting the federal workforce so they can serve the American people without political interference,” Leader Jeffries continued. “She stands in stark contrast to Donald Trump, who will lie, deflect and blame everyone but himself for his failed presidency on Tuesday evening. As our nation marks its 250th anniversary this summer, Governor Spanberger embodies the best of America as a mother, community leader and dedicated public servant.”

Leader Chuck Schumer said: “Gov. Spanberger has always put service over politics — defending our national security and delivering real results for working families. She knows Americans want lower costs, safer communities, and a stronger democracy — not chaos and corruption. Gov. Spanberger will lay out a clear path forward: lower everyday costs, protect healthcare, and defend the freedoms that define who we are as a nation.”

Governor Abigail Spanberger said: “We are at a defining moment in our nation’s history. Virginians and Americans across the country are contending with rising costs, chaos in their communities, and a real fear of what each day might bring. Next week, I look forward to laying out what these Americans expect and deserve — leaders who are working hard to deliver for them.”

Abigail Spanberger is Virginia’s 75th Governor. In 2018, Governor Spanberger became the first Democrat in 50 years to be elected to serve Virginia’s Seventh District in the U.S. House of Representatives, where she served for three terms. Governor Spanberger began her career of public service as a federal law enforcement officer — working money laundering and narcotics cases. Governor Spanberger then joined the CIA, where she worked undercover as a case officer. Both at home and abroad, she collected intelligence, managed assets and oversaw high-profile programs to combat terrorism. Governor Spanberger and her husband Adam are the proud parents of three school-aged daughters.

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Leader Jeffries said: “The son of two Mexican immigrants and California’s first Latino U.S. Senator, Sen. Alex Padilla is a devoted public servant, extraordinary trailblazer and fierce fighter for Californians and the diverse community he represents. As Donald Trump, Kristi Noem and MAGA extremists have tried to silence the voices of our Latino brothers and sisters, Senator Alex Padilla has consistently fought back and proven Democrats will not bend the knee to this out-of-control administration. House Democrats are proud to have Senator Padilla leading the way as we communicate to Spanish-speaking households across the nation.”

Leader Chuck Schumer said: “As the son of immigrants, Senator Padilla knows firsthand what opportunity in America can mean — and he’s spent his career fighting to keep that promise alive. From lowering costs to defending our democracy, he’s delivered for working families. His message will stand in sharp contrast to President Trump’s chaos and self-dealing.”

Senator Alex Padilla said: “Americans don’t need another speech from Donald Trump pretending everything is fine when their bills are too high, paychecks are too low, and masked and militarized federal agents are roaming our communities violating Constitutional rights on a daily basis. We refuse to accept his failed economic agenda that makes billionaires richer while middle class Americans see their health care costs rise. We refuse to accept a federal government that weaponizes enforcement agencies against immigrants and U.S. citizens alike. And we refuse to accept attacks on the right to vote. There is a better path — one that lowers costs, safeguards our democracy, and reins in rogue federal agencies. Americans demand and deserve accountability, stability, and a government that works for them. That’s what I’ll be discussing on Tuesday.”

The proud son of Mexican immigrants, Alex Padilla is the first Latino elected to represent California in the United States Senate. A life-long Californian, Padilla grew up in a working-class community in the San Fernando Valley before earning a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Returning home after earning his degree, Senator Padilla was inspired to enter public service in response to California’s anti-immigrant Proposition 187. Padilla went on to be elected to the Los Angeles City Council, the California State Senate and as California’s first Latino Secretary of State where he oversaw a historic expansion of voting rights and voter participation, strengthening access to the ballot for millions of Californians.

First appointed to the Senate in January of 2021 to fill the vacancy of Vice President Kamala Harris, Senator Padilla went on to win a full term in November 2022. In the Senate, Padilla has been a leader on issues ranging from immigration, to voting rights, to climate change, with the goal of ensuring everyone has the same fair shot at the American dream his own family had.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Garamendi – Representing California’s 3rd Congressional District

Source: United States House of Representatives – Rep Ro Khanna (CA-17)

Washington, DC — Representative Ro Khanna (CA-17), author of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, released the following statement on the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor: 

“Even princes are not above the law. Rep. Thomas Massie and I forced the release of an email showing former Prince Andrew allegedly shared state information with Epstein. On February 9th, I called on King Charles to investigate and answer questions. Andrew is being held accountable because of the survivors, like Virginia Giuffre, who bravely spoke up.  

“We’ve also seen Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem resign from DP World, the former Norwegian Prime Minister be charged with gross corruption, Peter Mandelson be fired as ambassador and step down from the House of Lords, Kathryn Ruemmler step down from Goldman Sachs, and other examples of accountability around the world. But why isn’t more being done here? We should start with Howard Lutnick resigning,” said Rep. Ro Khanna. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13)

WASHINGTON, DC —Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), issued the following statement on a significant ruling this evening preventing data-sharing with ICE. 

“I am appreciative of tonight’s court decision to uphold the law as well as the protection of taxpayer privacy,” said Espaillat. 

“Today’s ruling reaffirms that IRS data, especially sensitive taxpayer identifying information, cannot be handed over to immigration enforcement agencies freely without legal justification. This is a victory in our efforts to protect immigrant families as well as to reassure confidentiality obligations that the IRS must abide by.  

“As Chair of the CHC, along with my colleagues, we led an amicus brief in this critical case that led to the first court injunction against the Trump administrations illegal data sharing. I will continue to advocate to uphold the law and due process for all.”

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Representative Espaillat is the first Dominican American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and his congressional district includes Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill and the north-west Bronx. First elected to Congress in 2016, Representative Espaillat is serving his fifth term in Congress. Representative Espaillat currently serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for funding the federal government’s vital activities and serves as Ranking Member of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee of the committee during the 119th Congress. He is Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC), and serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/.

Media inquiries: Candace Person at Candace.Person@mail.house.gov

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13)

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) issued the following statement on the retirement of Representative Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07): 

“Representative Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07) is a champion of New York, Puerto Rico, and all marginalized communities. She has made an indelible mark in Congress during her more than three decades of extraordinary service, leadership, and trailblazing achievements,” said Espaillat. 

“Nydia is a progressive champion and stalwart advocate for immigrants, women, families, and small businesses. As the first Puerto Rican woman ever elected to Congress, she shattered barriers and inspired countless others to pursue careers in public service to our nation. And as Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), she orchestrated the confirmation of the first Latina to the United States Supreme Court. 

“Her legacy of leadership and impact will continue to inspire each of us, and I wish my dear friend the very best as she enters this next phase along her illustrious journey.”

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Representative Espaillat is the first Dominican American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and his congressional district includes Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill and the north-west Bronx. First elected to Congress in 2016, Representative Espaillat is serving his fifth term in Congress. Representative Espaillat currently serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for funding the federal government’s vital activities and serves as Ranking Member of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee of the committee during the 119th Congress. He is Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC), and serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/.

Media inquiries: Candace Person at Candace.Person@mail.house.gov

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13)

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman Adriano Espaillat (D-NY), Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County), and Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (D-CA) introduced legislation that guarantees individuals held at immigration detention centers have access to congressional constituent casework services upon request. The Fairness and Access for Immigrant Rights (FAIR) Act would establish a clear, enforceable process for detainees in immigration detention centers to have access to the necessary privacy release forms (PRFs) and requires detention center facilities to notify the appropriate congressional office within seven days of a detainee’s request for assistance.

“Ensuring the privacy of vulnerable individuals and families seeking assistance from any government agency remains at the forefront of public service,” said Congressman Adriano Espaillat. “Whether related to immigration, education, or healthcare coverage, individuals must fill out a privacy release form, not only to provide consent to work on their behalf, but to establish a transparent level of standards for how these cases are managed. I am proud to join Congressman Lieu as a co-sponsor of the FAIR Act to provide clear guidance for how detention centers manage requests for sensitive documents from detainees and their loved ones throughout the casework process.” 

“Constituent casework is an essential part of every congressional office’s representational duties because it enables us to advocate for and on behalf of constituents having problems with the federal government,” said Congressman Ted W. Lieu. “Casework has become an incredibly important tool during the Trump Administration’s extreme ICE raids, where we have seen innocent people and children, including American citizens, being inappropriately detained. Creating a clear and enforceable way for detainees to access the services of their congressional office is critical in protecting detainees’ rights. I am pleased to work with Representatives Jacobs and Espaillat on this important issue.”

“Congress can’t effectively conduct oversight and ensure accountability if the people in immigration detention facilities can’t reach out for help,” said Congresswoman Sara Jacobs. “I’ve heard from families of several detainees at Otay Mesa detention facility who didn’t have someone in their corner pushing to protect their legal and human rights simply because they hadn’t been given the forms that allow congressional offices to legally and effectively intervene on their behalf. That’s why I’m proud to help introduce the FAIR Act to guarantee that every detainee can request congressional assistance regardless of where and how someone is detained.”

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Representative Espaillat is the first Dominican American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and his congressional district includes Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill and the north-west Bronx. First elected to Congress in 2016, Representative Espaillat is serving his fifth term in Congress. Representative Espaillat currently serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for funding the federal government’s vital activities and serves as Ranking Member of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee of the committee during the 119th Congress. He is Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC), and serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/.

Media inquiries: Candace Person at Candace.Person@mail.house.gov

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13)

WASHINGTON, DC — Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), today announced in collaboration with Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and Representative Mark Takano (CA-39), the reintroduction of the Jumpstart on College Act, which aims to expand dual enrollment and early college programs, empowering high school students in their junior and senior years to enroll in college courses and earn credits at little or no cost for them and their families. Dual enrollment and early college programs make higher education more affordable for students, especially first-generation and low-income students, by reducing the number of courses they need to take as a student of a two or four-year higher education institution where they would otherwise have to pay tuition per credit hour. As a result of these programs, students complete their higher education degrees at higher rates.

“We know that education changes lives and the path to success in higher education and economic mobility includes the ability to get a head start on college courses. The Jumpstart on College Act will open doors and unlimited opportunities for underserved students to earn real college credit while still in high school, getting a jump start on their academic achievement,” said Congressman Adriano Espaillat. “By expanding access to dual-enrollment programs and other resources, this legislation is essential in helping support students and their families towards academic success.”

“Dual enrollment and early college programs eliminate barriers to higher education, especially for low-income and first-generation students,” said Senator Markey. “The Jumpstart on College Act would expand these programs, lowering the cost of college and boosting college graduation rates. Every student should have the opportunity to achieve their educational dreams.”

“At a time where more and more young people believe the American dream is out of reach, dual enrollment programs lower the cost of higher education and help them achieve a degree faster,” said Congressman Mark Takano. “As a former high school teacher, I know firsthand that providing students the option to take rigorous courses will give them the confidence to pursue higher education — especially students who are the first in their family to go to college. I am proud to co-lead Rep. Espaillat’s Jumpstart on College Act to ensure that the wealth of these programs are available in school districts everywhere, not just those that can afford them.”

Specifically, the Jumpstart on College Act would:

1. Invest $250 million each year to establish six-year grants to support dual enrollment and early college high schools that primarily serve low-income students;

2. Create a competitive grant program for colleges and universities to partner with local school districts to support the development of these programs;

3. Provide financial support to states in order to develop and implement a statewide strategy for increasing access to dual enrollment programs for underrepresented students; and,

4. Improve college affordability by ensuring students pay nothing to earn college credit while in high school, including completion of a college degree or other postsecondary credential.

“States have made tremendous progress expanding dual enrollment, but without sustainable funding and infrastructure, growth can only go so far. The Jumpstart on College Act gives states the resources they need to build durable systems that support every student,” said Alex Perry, Coordinator of the College in High School Alliance. “This bill recognizes that high-quality dual enrollment doesn’t happen by accident. It requires strong state policies, data systems, transfer frameworks, and advising infrastructure. Jumpstart on College provides the funding to make these systems work at scale.”

“We are deeply grateful for Senator Markey’s work and leadership on this legislation.  Massachusetts has a bold and growing Early College Initiative and it would be extremely helpful to get the federal government more invested in this evidence-based and highly impactful effort,” said Chessye Mosely, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Alliance for Early College.

“Expanding early college opportunities is one of the most effective ways to close equity gaps in higher education,” said Nate MacKinnon, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Association of Community Colleges. “Massachusetts has seen the life-changing impact of early college, and we fully support legislation that will allow those successes to reach students nationwide.”

 

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Representative Espaillat is the first Dominican American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and his congressional district includes Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill and the north-west Bronx. First elected to Congress in 2016, Representative Espaillat is serving his fifth term in Congress. Representative Espaillat currently serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for funding the federal government’s vital activities and serves as Ranking Member of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee of the committee during the 119th Congress. He is Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC), and serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/.

Media inquiries: Candace Person at Candace.Person@mail.house.gov

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13)

WASHINGTON, DC — Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) issued the following statement on his vote to release and make public the Epstein files: 

“Let’s be clear, this is a White House cover-up and Donald Trump and his Republican allies have done everything in their power to block the truth and it’s time to bring the secrets out of the shadows,” said Espaillat.

“Today, I stood with House Democrats to vote in favor of the Khanna-Massie Resolution, which would force the DOJ to release the files to the full House and public. This effort marks a long overdue step toward justice for Epstein survivors and sends a strong message to his evil allies that we will hold them accountable.”

 

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Representative Espaillat is the first Dominican American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and his congressional district includes Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill and the north-west Bronx. First elected to Congress in 2016, Representative Espaillat is serving his fifth term in Congress. Representative Espaillat currently serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for funding the federal government’s vital activities and serves as Ranking Member of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee of the committee during the 119th Congress. He is Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC), and serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/.

Media inquiries: Candace Person at Candace.Person@mail.house.gov

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Pete Aguilar (31 CD Ca)

Warrior Machinery has been impacted by President Trump’s expensive and erratic tariffs on steel, aluminum and machinery components found in construction and agricultural equipment 

RIALTO, CA – Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33) toured Warrior Machinery, a local agricultural and construction equipment company that has been hit hard by Trump’s chaotic and reckless tariffs. Warrior Machinery has had to raise prices to offset losses from tariffs on imported inventory items, which have hurt the company’s sales. The company has lost customers and profits due to higher costs from Trump’s tariffs, putting financial pressure on its owners, employees and their families. You can find photos from the tour above and here.
“Trump’s reckless tariffs are hurting local businesses and driving up costs for Inland Empire families,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar. “Everything that Warrior Machinery sells, from bulldozers to forklifts and tractors, now costs more because of this Trump tax on companies and consumers. This doesn’t just impact agricultural and construction companies; it impacts everyone. Instead of driving economic growth as he claims, Trump’s aimless tariffs are hurting American companies and workers by making everything more expensive. It’s time to roll back these costly and chaotic tariffs so that American businesses like Warrior Machinery can thrive.”
“Equipment Dealers, OEMs, and our customers are all working to adapt to dramatic and frequent changes to U.S. trade policy,” said Steve Nadelman, President and CEO, Warrior Machinery. “The impacts have been significant and broad-ranging for our industry. The uncertainty has created challenges for not only our business, but the local contractors that make up the majority of our customer base. We appreciate Congressman Aguilar’s engagement and focus on trade policy that supports growth, investment and job creation for companies that are ready to do the work and compete on level terms.” Tariffs on steel, aluminum and machinery components used in construction and agricultural equipment are hurting companies and consumers alike, driving up the prices of food, cars, housing and more. Trump’s reckless tariffs are raising the price of everyday goods and hurting working people. In California’s 33rd Congressional District, 99.4% of families will pay an average of $1,900 a year more thanks to Trump’s tariff policies and his Big Ugly Law.

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. [2/19/26] – Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici announced that legislation containing the 15 community projects she championed was recently signed into law. 

These projects will bring more than $16 million in federal investment to NW Oregon.

“This federal funding uplifts local priorities,” said Congresswoman Bonamici. “These investments will build stronger, safer, more resilient communities across NW Oregon.”

The projects are:

$2 million for Portland State University’s Semiconductor Innovation and Nanoscience Equipment Purchase

The funding will be used to purchaseimaging and fabrication equipment for the University’s Semiconductor Innovation and Nanoscience Center.   

$1.092 million for City of Hillsboro’s Seismically Resilient Water Treatment Plant Chemical Building

The funding will be used for a seismically reinforced building foundation to allow swift restoration of safe drinking water to 450,000 residents after a major earthquake. 

$1.031 million for Oregon CASA Network’s A CASA for Every Child Project

The funding will be used to recruit, train, supervise, and support community volunteers to advocate on behalf of children and young people in the foster care system.

$1.031 million for Clatsop County’s Public Safety Equipment and 911 Operations Initiative

The funding will be used to replace and upgrade an outdated public safety communications system so first responders can communicate with each other and the public during an emergency. 

$800,000 for Multnomah County’s Pretrial Monitoring Program Behavioral Health Expansion Pilot

The funding will be used to add behavioral health staff to Multnomah County’s pretrial monitoring program for individuals who have been arraigned and released by a Multnomah County Circuit Court judge pending trial.

$3.15 million for the City of Beaverton’s Senior Housing and Community Space Construction Project 

The funding will be used to build the ground floor and community space of a new affordable housing development for seniors in Beaverton.

$1 million for the City of North Plains’ Civic Center Construction

The funding will be used for design and construction of a new civic center that will help expand government services and provide opportunities for residents and visitors to gather for farmers markets, community meetings, and other activities.

$850,000 for the City of Portland’s Gateway to OMSI Project 

The funding will modernize and update key intersections along Water Avenue to address safety and congestion concerns and prepare the new OMSI District for growth and development.

$250,000 for Multnomah County’s Broadway Bridge Deck Replacement Project

The funding will be used toward the replacement of the failing driving surface on the movable portion of the Broadway Bridge to keep it in service and safe for the traveling public. 

$250,000 for the Salmonberry Trail Foundation’s Williams Creek Trestle and Learning Mile Project

The funding will enhance trail infrastructure, integrate educational elements, and maintain ecological health along a portion of the Salmonberry Trail.

$500,000 for TriMet’s LIFT Vehicle Replacement Project 

The funding will support the replacement of LIFT paratransit service vehicles that have exceeded their FTA useful life so TriMet can continue to provide safe, on time, reliable and accessible transportation. 

$2 million for the Port of Garibaldi’s Engineering for Seawall Replacement Project

The funding will be used to support the replacement of the Port’s breakwall to meet current seismic standards. 

$1 million for the City of St Helens Reservoir Replacement Project

The funding will be used toward the replacement of an existing reservoir in St. Helens that is currently out of service because of health and safety concerns. 

$850,000 for the City of Cornelius’ Community and Recreation Center 

The funding will be used for renovation and construction of the city’s first community and recreation center, delivering much-needed programs and services.

$250,000 for the Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District’s Americans with Disabilities Act Facility Upgrades Project

The funding will be used to complete necessary upgrades at THPRD’s recreation and swim centers to make them ADA-compliant and increase accessibility for residents with disabilities.

Under the rules of the House Appropriations Committee, Members of Congress can each submit up to 15 Community Project Funding requests for consideration during the fiscal year 2026 appropriations process. The reformed and transparent Community Project Funding process allows Members of Congress to advocate for specific community priority projects in a highly competitive process. 

You can find more information about the fifteen Community Projects she championed this fiscal year on Rep. Bonamici’s website: Bonamici.House.Gov/CommunityProjects

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