Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Reprepsentative Kathy Castor (FL14)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S House Representatives Kathy Castor (FL-14), Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), and John Garamendi (CA-08) reintroduced the Children’s Health Protection Act of 2025, legislation to codify into law the only office within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) dedicated to children’s health, the Office of Children’s Health Protection (OCHP). This office would be responsible for rulemaking, policy, enforcement actions, research and applications of science that focus on prenatal and childhood vulnerabilities, safe chemicals management, and coordination of community-based programs to eliminate threats to children’s health where they live, learn and play. 
 
Similarly, the legislation would also make the EPA Children’s Health Protection Advisory Committee a permanent advisory committee. This advisory committee will advise the EPA Administrator in regards to the activities of the Office of Children’s Health Protection, all relevant information regarding regulations, research, and communications related to children’s health, and continue to serve the EPA in protecting children from environmental harm. 
 
The Children’s Health Protection Act of 2025 aims to ensure that no President will be able to remove these safeguards that help shield children from environmental harms to their health. 

 “The physical and mental health of children in America is paramount. Children face greater health risks from dirty air and water pollution and are at greater risk of developing chronic health conditions like asthma and diabetes. Young people also are vulnerable to stress and trauma from extreme events and climate-related disasters. This bill will ensure that the EPA’s critical work to protect children’s environmental health continues with strong congressional support,” said Congresswoman Kathy Castor (FL-14).

“Today, I am proud to reintroduce the Children’s Health Protection Act which confronts the urgent need to address the unique health risks children face from environmental factors,” said Congressman Jerry Nadler (NY-12). “By codifying the 1997 Executive Order that created the EPA Office of Children’s Health Protection—the only office within the EPA dedicated to protecting children’s health—this bill makes certain that the Office will remain a critical resource for our children, especially as the EPA’s critical functions are threatened.”

 “While the Trump Administration is stripping EPA regulations that protect children’s health, I’m thrilled that Congressman Nadler and Castor are leading the way to improve indoor air quality in our nation’s schools,” said Congressman John Garamendi (CA-08). “Our bill will ensure that the EPA prioritizes children’s health, allowing them to grow up and live happy, healthy lives. In 2018, the Trump Administration attempted to eliminate the EPA’s Office of Children’s Health Protection, which ensures that federal regulations for chemicals and other toxic substances account for children’s unique health needs. In 2025, Congressman Nadler, Castor and I are fighting to prevent the Trump Administration and any future administration from making such a reckless decision.” 

In addition to Representatives Castor, Nadler, and Garamendi, the bill is also cosponsored by Representatives Carson, Chu, Cohen, Dexter, Evans, Hayes, Holmes Norton, Johnson (GA), Lee (PA), Magaziner, Ocasio-Cortez, Sorenson, Thanedar, Tlaib, and Tokuda. 

BACKGROUND:
 
Since its creation in 1997 through Executive Order, the EPA’s OCHP has been crucial in protecting children, who are uniquely vulnerable, from environmental hazards. It has done so through policy, research focusing on their unique prenatal and childhood health vulnerabilities, safe chemicals management, and coordination of community-based programs to eliminate threats to children’s health.
 
The OCHP also studies how natural disasters affect children’s health, not only through exposure to hazards like mold and water-borne pathogens but also by analyzing the mental toll of displacement and loss. 
 
The Children’s Health Protection Act will ensure this vital work continues by strengthening and securing the OCHP and the EPA Children’s Health Protection Advisory Committee.
 
The Children’s Health Protection Act of 2025 is endorsed by a wide range of health advocacy groups and environmental justice organizations, including: Allergy & Asthma Network, Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments, American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Lung Association, Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, California Brain Tumor Association, Children’s Environmental Health Network,  Climate Mental Health Network, Climate Psychiatry Alliance, Endocrine Society, Green & Healthy Homes Initiative, Health Care Without Harm, Healthy Schools Network, International Society for Environmental Epidemiology: North America Chapter, Medical Students for a Sustainable Future, Moms Clean Air Force, National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, National Center for Healthy Housing, National Environmental Health Association, Northeast Ohio Black Health Coalition, OneGreenThing, Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility,  Pediatric Endocrine Society, Physicians for Social Responsibility, Physicians for Social Responsibility Maine, Physicians for Social Responsibility of Pennsylvania, Physicians for Social Responsibility – Texas, Prevention Institute, Rachel Carson Council, Rachel’s Network, San Francisco Bay Physicians for Social Responsibility, Sears-Swetland Family Foundation, Society for Public Health Education, Toxics Information Project (TIP), and 350 Bay Area Action.

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING:

“Nearly 5 million children in the United States have asthma, and asthma causes more missed school days than any other chronic disease,” said Kenneth Mendez, President and CEO of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). “Environmental factors such as poor indoor air quality and outdoor air pollution play a role in making asthma symptoms worse. That’s why we need the EPA’s Office of Children’s Health Protection – to focus attention on steps to reduce asthma triggers. We thank Representatives Nadler, Garamendi, Castor for introducing this legislation to make this office permanent and ensure the health concerns of children are at the forefront of the EPA’s work.”

“Children are the brightest part of our future,” said Deb Brown, Chief Mission Officer of the American Lung Association. “That’s why it’s critical to do everything we can to protect them. With lungs and other organs that are still developing, children are more vulnerable to the health harms from air pollution. Ensuring there will continue to be an office and a team dedicated to protecting the health of children from environmental hazards is a small step that will reap large benefits for our future.”

“There are big gaps in our understanding of the long-term health outcomes resulting from exposure to the great number of toxins we’ve dumped into the environment over the last 50+ years,” said Sydney R. Sewall, MD, MPH, Pediatrician and President of Physicians for Social Responsibility (Maine Chapter). “We do know that children are at greatest risk, and more EPA policies need to be directed at reducing this risk.”

“Given the devastating environmental rollbacks we are witnessing each day, the time is now to formally protect the Office of Children’s Health Protection within EPA. We must continue to protect children from environmental harms like toxic air pollution, lead, tainted drinking water, and climate change. Rep. Nadler and Garmendi’s bill has never been more urgent,” said Heather White, OneGreenThing Founder & CEO

“Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR) commends Representative Nadler for safeguarding the health of children by introducing legislation to make the EPA Office of Children’s Health Protection and the EPA Children’s Health Protection Advisory Committee permanent fixtures,” said Paige Knappenberger, Director of Physicians for Social Responsibility’s Environment and Health Program. “As physicians, PSR members know that children have unique vulnerabilities to environmental harms like climate change and air pollution and deserve special protections from these harms so they can have safe places to grow, play, and learn.”

“The Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments enthusiastically endorses Rep. Nadler’s bill introduced this week, the ‘Children’s Health Protection Act of 2024, said Katie Huffling, DNP, RN, CNM, FAAN, Executive Director of the Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments. “This bill aims to make EPA Office of Children’s Health Protection (OCHP) and the EPA Children’s Health Protection Advisory Committee permanent. Established in 1997, OCHP is the only office within the EPA dedicated to the health of children, and as such, it safeguards our children from potential environmental harms to their health. We strongly urge members of Congress to support this bill to avoid any possibility of future administrations dismantling of this crucial office.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Reprepsentative Kathy Castor (FL14)

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) today issued the following statement in response to President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at “dismantling the U.S. Department of Education:”

“High-quality public schools and talented teachers depend on robust federal support to support students, especially in Hillsborough and Pinellas. Trump and Elon Musk are simply stealing funds from students and families to pay for a massive tax giveaway to billionaires who do not need it. 

“Every student with a disability, every college student with a Pell grant and every student who relies on a student loan is at risk for a more costly and complicated pathway ahead.  Trump cannot eliminate vital education initiatives by illegal fiat. It is Congress that determines the levels of student support under the law. 

“Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS), the seventh largest school district in the nation, will receive $78 million in Title I funding for the 2024-2025 school year, directly benefiting over 120,000 students across 172 schools. Pinellas County Schools receives Title I funding for 97 schools that would be jeopardized by eliminating the Department. Losing this funding means that some of our highest-need students would lose essential services designed to help them thrive. 

“Eliminating the Department would also disproportionately impact the 432,000 students with disabilities in Florida, who receive special services to empower them to attend school with their peers.

“It would eliminate Pell Grants and other initiatives to help with the high cost of college that help 459,000 students in Florida access higher education each year. It would leave 2.7 million Floridians with student loans in limbo.

“The Department has also been essential in addressing discrimination and ensuring equitable treatment for all students, regardless of race, gender, or income. Dismantling the Department removes a crucial tool for protecting students’ rights and combating barriers that prevent students from accessing a free, high-quality education.

“The claim that transferring authority to the states will improve educational outcomes overlooks the reality that federal oversight ensures a minimum standard of quality and equity across all states. History has shown the significant inequalities in education that arise when state leaders are not held accountable for ensuring fair access to education. Without federal oversight, we risk worsening existing disparities and reversing decades of progress.

“I strongly oppose this illegal executive order and will work tirelessly with my colleagues in Congress to protect students and teachers. I will not stand for cutting public education dollars that will help students, create good-paying jobs, and support safe and healthy schools while President Trump and Congressional Republicans instead try to give billions in tax cuts and giveaways to their billionaire friends. The children’s future and our nation depend on a strong and equitable educational system that serves all students.”

U.S. Department of Education Support for Florida Students At Risk:

• $858 million to support 432,000 students with disabilities
• $73 million to support afterschool programs
• $11.5 million to support children of servicemembers living on a military base or children living on a Native American reservation
• $134 million for career and technical education initiatives
• $244 million to expand employment opportunities and services for people with disabilities
• $2.2 billion in Pell Grants, supporting 459,000 low- and middle-income students
• $20 million to recruit and train teachers

Learn more about the harmful impacts of Trump’s actions on children and students here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Reprepsentative Kathy Castor (FL14)

Castor, Evans Lead Colleagues in Urging Trump Admin. to Reverse Funding Cut for Health Care Navigators

Source: United States House of Representatives – Reprepsentative Kathy Castor (FL14)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Reps. Kathy Castor (FL-14) and Deborah Ross (NC-02) introduced the bicameral Insurance Fraud Accountability Act, legislation to establish criminal penalties and enhance consumer protections against rogue health insurance brokers who are changing Americans’ Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans without their knowledge or consent. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) introduced the Insurance Fraud Accountability Act in the Senate today. While Congressional Republicans are using allegations of fraud in the ACA as a pretense for not extending the enhanced ACA tax credits, this legislation takes meaningful steps to crack down on real, documented fraud.

The bill comes as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has already begun undermining the ACA marketplaces by shortening the enrollment period, taking away financial assistance that lowers premiums, reducing benefits, and more.

“The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has been a godsend to families across America and in Florida, which has the highest number of marketplace enrollees nationwide. The ACA has lowered the cost of high quality health care and banned discrimination for preexisting conditions. Unfortunately, a few bad actors are exploiting people and signing them up for health insurance plans without their consent,” said Congresswoman Castor. “I’m proud to introduce the Insurance Fraud Accountability Act with Senator Wyden and Rep. Ross to bring greater transparency and accountability to the health insurance marketplace by cracking down on predatory health insurance sales, ensuring consumers are notified of plan changes, establishing stronger penalties for fraudulent enrollments and requiring brokers to act in the best interest of the customer. Together, these measures will protect hardworking Americans from predatory practices and keep money in their wallets where it rightfully belongs. If President Trump and Congressional Republicans were serious about addressing fraud in our health systems, they would support this critical legislation.”

“North Carolina families should never have to wake up to find their health insurance changed or cancelled without their knowledge,” said Congresswoman Ross. “I am proud to reintroduce necessary legislation that protects our communities from deceptive practices, holds bad actors responsible, and ensures every North Carolinian can trust that their health care decisions remain in their hands. While Republicans attempt to slash Americans’ health care, we are introducing a bill that would address tangible problems in our country’s health care system.”

“The best way to fight fraud is to go after fraudsters, not punish Americans trying to get affordable health care,” said Senator Wyden. “Working families need to be able to confidently purchase quality, affordable health insurance through honest brokers. Bad actors who are undermining that confidence must be held criminally responsible. Republicans have been talking a lot about waste, fraud, and abuse lately – this legislation is a great place to start rather than taking away health insurance from working Americans and increasing premiums for millions of families.”

This legislation will impose criminal penalties for agents and brokers who engage in fraudulent practices, including enrolling individuals in plans without their consent and using deceptive marketing to target vulnerable groups. To further protect consumers, the legislation will create a consent verification process, ensuring that individuals will be kept informed of any new enrollments or changes to their insurance coverage. This comprehensive approach aims to strengthen accountability and transparency in the health insurance industry. 

The bill is endorsed by AHIP, AiArthritis, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Kidney Fund, American Lung Association, Arthritis Foundation, Autoimmune Association, Blue Cross Blue Shield of America, Cambia, CancerCare, Centene Corporation, Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, eHealth, Epilepsy Foundation of America, Families USA, Hemophilia Federation of America, Immune Deficiency Foundation, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Lupus Foundation of America, Muscular Dystrophy Association, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship, National Health Council, National Kidney Foundation, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, National Organization for Rare Disorders, National Patient Advocate Foundation, Quote Velocity, Susan G. Komen, The AIDS Institute, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and UnidosUS.

Bill text is available here and a one pager is available here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Reprepsentative Kathy Castor (FL14)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) blasted House Republicans for advancing a bill that harms families and veterans while giving Donald Trump and Elon Musk unprecedented and dangerous leeway to shutdown essential services.

“House Republicans are turning their backs on veterans exposed to toxins, our neighbors who need housing that is affordable, and robust health research at institutions like Moffitt Cancer Center and the University of South Florida.  This is a new low for House Republicans as they roll back investments in law enforcement, nutrition assistance and efforts to reduce pollution. I also am concerned that tax cheats will get away free as Republicans take the cops off the beat, and that cuts to community health centers will hurt my neighbors.

“Meanwhile, the Trump/Musk economic squeeze continues – whether it’s illegally firing public servants or passing along new taxes or sabotaging retirement savings.  It’s getting more difficult to afford their policies, while they set the stage for a massive tax cut for billionaires at the expense of hard-working Americans.  In fact, yesterday Elon Musk stated that Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid should be on the chopping block.

“I remain ready to work on meaningful bipartisan legislation that protects Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and Veterans, if and when Republicans decide to put the American people over their billionaire donors.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gary Palmer (R-AL)

For Immediate Release

Media Contact: Hope Dawson (202) 225-4921

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Representative Gary Palmer (AL-06) introduced Lulu’s Law in the U.S. House of Representatives. Lulu’s Law is named after Lulu Gribbin of Mountain Brook, Alabama, who was attacked by a shark in June 2024.

Only 90 minutes prior to Lulu Gribbin and McCray Faust being attacked, another woman was attacked by a shark a few miles away. Lulu’s Law would codify the ability for authorities to quickly deploy wireless emergency alerts (WEAs) to the public if someone has been attacked by a shark or if the conditions for a shark attack are present.

“If there is a commonsense solution to keeping Americans safe and out of harm’s way, we should capitalize on it. Had an alert gone out on June 7, 2024, the dreadful shark attack on Lulu could have been prevented,” said Rep. Palmer. “Lulu’s tremendous strength, faith, and bravery throughout her healing journey has inspired many. By passing Lulu’s Law, we would be creating a practical solution to prevent future attacks from occurring and keeping beachgoers safe.”

Senator Katie Britt (R-AL) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate. 

“Last June, the unthinkable happened when Lulu suffered a devastating shark attack. When Lulu woke up, she said, ‘I made it’ and since then, she has only continued to prove her resilience,” said Sen. Britt. “I’m incredibly proud of her faith, her courage, and her strength – she truly personifies both grace and grit. Lulu’s Law would empower authorities to quickly and accurately put information in the hands of beachgoers to help keep them out of harm’s way. This is a commonsense measure aimed at keeping families safe – a cause that I know people can rally around, just like her local community, our great state, and the entire nation have rallied around Lulu.”

The Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) is managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and sends out local alerts in an effort to provide emergency information to the public. Other WEA alerts include extreme weather warnings, amber alerts, and more.

Read the bill here. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gary Palmer (R-AL)

For Immediate Release

Media Contact: Hope Dawson (202) 225-4921

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Monday, March 3, Representative Gary Palmer (AL-06) introduced H.R. 1776, the New Health Options Act. Rep. Palmer released the following statement:

“Our healthcare system under Obamacare is broken and leaves Americans with unaffordable plans and high prices,” said Rep. Palmer. “The New Health Options Act puts patients first and directly addresses the broken issues in our healthcare system. This bill proves that it is possible to allow families and individuals to have consumer choice, healthcare affordability, and price transparency without having to sacrifice one over the other.”

“The New Health Options Act is about giving working Americans coverage options that work for them. This parallel marketplace operates alongside the subsidized exchange and offers more tailored, transparent, and cost-effective plans so working individuals and families can choose the coverage that fits their needs at a better price,” said Tarren Bragdon, President and CEO of the Foundation for Government Accountability. “I’m grateful to Rep. Palmer for boldly leading the charge on this long overdue health care reform. With this bill, health care affordability is finally within reach.”

The New Health Options Act aims to provide Americans tired of the broken Obamacare system another option to choose for their healthcare needs. It does this by creating the New Options market separate from the Affordable Care Act marketplace, requiring the disclosure of cash price if it is lower than the negotiated rate, and offering flexibility for Americans stuck in narrow provider networks, all while providing guaranteed coverage for preexisting conditions at a lower cost.

Read the bill here. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gary Palmer (R-AL)

For Immediate Release

Media Contact: Hope Dawson (202) 225-4921

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Representative Gary Palmer (AL-06) and Patrick Ryan (NY-18) introduced the Standard Fees to Expedite Evaluation and Streamlining Act (Standard FEES Act) in an effort to streamline the application process for placing communication facilities on federal property by removing equivocal and confusing fees. Upon introduction of the Standard FEES Act, Rep. Palmer released the following statement:

“The goal of the Standards FEES Act is to help streamline the application process for placing communication facilities on federal property,” said Rep. Palmer. “The process has long been characterized by complex and ambiguous fees. This leads to the application process being riddled with confusion for businesses. The Standard FEES Act requires the General Services Administration (GSA) to establish a standard fee schedule so businesses can have more clarity and certainty in their application processes.”

“The Standard FEES Act will enable federal dollars for broadband deployment to flow faster and will make the deployment process more efficient. The digital divide in America leaves too many behind—I’ll always fight for practical solutions that bring high speed internet to every household,” said Rep. Ryan.

If passed, the Standard FEES Act would establish a common fee for the processing of applications for deploying communication facilities on federal land. The fee would be competitively neutral and would be allowed to cover the costs of granting an easement, right of way, or lease.

Read the text of the bill here. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gary Palmer (R-AL)

For Immediate Release

Media Contact: Hope Dawson (202) 225-4921

BIRMINGHAM, AL – Each December, Congressman Gary Palmer partners with his Academy Advisory Board to interview and nominate outstanding students from Alabama’s Sixth Congressional District for an appointment to our nation’s service academies. U.S. Service Academy recruiters laud the level of preparedness and exceptional achievements of cadets from this district. Students who are accepted as cadets and midshipmen will be receiving the highest levels of education, athletic conditioning, leadership building, and training to defend the Constitution and America’s freedoms alongside an extensive network of academy alumni.

The application process for most U.S. Service Academies involves receiving a nomination from their U.S. House Representative, U.S. Senator, the Vice President or the President. These academies include: the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, NY; U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO; U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD; and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY. Once the nomination is confirmed, the academy will review the whole candidate for enrollment consideration. Students who enroll become scholar soldiers, joining among the most prestigious traditions in America.

This year, 13 students received congressional nominations from Congressman Palmer. They are as follows:

Nate Brisco of Hewitt Trussville High School, is nominated for U.S. Military Academy and U.S. Naval Academy;

Kennedy Doyle of Indian Springs School, is nominated for U.S. Naval Academy;

Rex Everette of Mountain Brook High School, is nominated for U.S. Military Academy;

Annie Gregory of Marion Military Institute, is nominated for U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy;

Ruby Harris of Indian Springs School, is nominated for U.S. Naval Academy;

Hagen Holley of Spain Park High School, is nominated for U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy;

Jackson Kalnoske of Chelsea High School, is nominated for U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy;

Truman Lee of Mountain Brook High School, is nominated for U. S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy;

Jason Love of Briarwood Christian School, is nominated for U.S. Military Academy;

Millie McCormick of Pelham High School, is nominated for U.S. Naval Academy;

Braydon Saylor of Thompson High School, is nominated for U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy, and U.S. Air Force Academy;

Jude Smith of Mountain Brook High School, is nominated for U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Military Academy;

Emily Spooner of Vestavia Hills High School, is nominated for U.S. Military Academy;

Congratulations to these impressive students, who seek to achieve at the highest levels in order to serve our country. If you or someone you know is interested in attending a military service academy, please visit palmer.house.gov and select Services: U.S. Service Academy Nominations for more information. Eligible applicants must be at least 17 years old, a U.S. citizen, have a strong academic background, proven leadership skills, and be of good moral character.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gary Palmer (R-AL)

For Immediate Release

Media Contact: Hope Dawson (202) 225-4921

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Gary Palmer (AL-06)’s bill to reverse the Biden-Harris Administration’s ban on natural gas water heaters passed in the House of Representatives. Following the bill’s passage, Rep. Palmer released the following statement:

“In November, the American people gave the Republican party a mandate to put the people first. By passing H.J. Res 20, we are fulfilling that mandate,” said Rep. Palmer. “This is a major step towards undoing the previous administration’s attack on home appliances and reinstating the importance of consumer choice. Not only does this bill protect gas water heaters, but it protects all natural gas appliances. I look forward to seeing this bill pass in the Senate and eventually land on President Trump’s desk.”

H.J. Res 20 passed by a vote of 221 – 198 – 2.

Read more information on Rep. Palmer’s bill by reading this article from Fox Digital, or this article from Yellowhammer News.

Watch Rep. Palmer’s floor speech in favor of the bill here.