Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)

Washington, D.C. – Today Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Chair Adrian Smith (R-NE) released the following statement after the Office of the United States Trade Representative announced it had reached trade deals with Malaysia and Cambodia and established frameworks for agreements with Vietnam and Thailand to lower tariff and non-tariff trade barriers. 

“President Trump and his trade team are taking pivotal strides to secure access in global markets for U.S. goods and services to the benefit of America’s farmers, ranchers, workers, and innovation drivers. The Agreements on Reciprocal Trade signed with Malaysia and Cambodia, as well as the frameworks announced with Vietnam and Thailand, represent meaningful progress for U.S. industry as we work to diversify our input supply chains and export markets. By strengthening strategic economic and national security partnerships in the Indo-Pacific, the United States is better poised to counter the Chinese Communist Party’s influence throughout the region. I look forward to working with the President and Ambassador Greer to ensure the full benefits of these deals and purchase commitments are realized.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)

Washington, D.C. – Today Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Chair Adrian Smith (R-NE) released the following statement after the Office of the United States Trade Representative announced initiation of a Section 301 investigation into China’s implementation of the Phase One Agreement.

“Since negotiation of the China Phase One Agreement during President Trump’s first term, China has failed to meet their purchase commitments, provide real intellectual property protections, or approve science-proven technology and production standards for our agricultural products. Rather than engaging in productive negotiations with the current administration to right the relationship, China has taken to eliminating purchases of our agricultural products, blocking exports of critical minerals, and further escalating tensions. I appreciate Ambassador Greer’s action to investigate implementation of the agreement and look forward to working with the administration to fully realize its benefits.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)

Washington, D.C. – Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE) led 20 House Republicans in sending a letter urging President Donald Trump to address Japan’s Mobile Software Competition Act (MSCA) during his visit to Japan. The MSCA targets American digital companies through unfair regulatory barriers which hamper innovation and threaten productivity. 

Key excerpts of the letter include:

We applaud your Administration’s tireless efforts to address longstanding trade barriers that negatively impact U.S. companies operating in foreign markets.

…

As you embark on your first trip to Asia of your current term, we wish to draw your attention to an area of ongoing concern in the U.S.-Japan bilateral trade relationship – the digital economy….Apparently drawing direct inspiration from the European Union’s highly problematic Digital Markets Act (DMA), Japan’s Mobile Software Competition Act (MSCA) targets solely U.S. companies for special rules and obligations that restrict how these companies can conduct business and interact with customers in Japan…No Japanese, Chinese, or other third-country companies are subject to the law.

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We encourage you to raise this issue in your upcoming meeting with the Prime Minister of Japan, and we stand at the ready to support your efforts to keep bringing down barriers for our world-leading digital companies.

Read the full letter here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Marc Veasey (33rd District of Texas)

Headline: Congressman Veasey Releases Statement on Fort Worth ISD Takeover by TEA

Fort Worth, TX — Congressman Veasey released the following statement in regards the Texas Education Agency’s (TEA) announced takeover of the Fort Worth Independent School District (Fort Worth ISD): 

“Let’s be clear: this takeover has nothing to do with improving the lives of low-income, children in Fort Worth ISD. This hostile takeover is about one thing: paving the way for underperforming charter schools and private school vouchers to dominate public education in Fort Worth.

As a Member of Congress, my job is to work with our city to strengthen neighborhoods. The school district’s job is to educate our kids. But it is not the job of politicians to play educator – ever.

This is 100% about politics. And if I’m wrong, then show just one initiative from the governor’s office that’s actually helping communities of color anywhere in Texas.

And let’s talk about hypocrisy. If these same folks are so worried about student performance in southeast Fort Worth, then where were they when the BIG UGLY BILL passed? That bill stripped Fort Worth families of health care and the ability to put food on the table. You think test scores and attendance won’t suffer when parents are choosing between groceries and medicine?

I didn’t hear a single word from Gov. Abbott, the TEA, or any of these so-called “education reformers” about how the BIG UGLY BILL would devastate the families I represent.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA)

McGovern Statement on Appalling Reports of Summary Executions in Sudan

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11)

MI Congresswoman Haley Stevens moves to lower grocery prices and push back on Trump’s reckless trade policies that are making food and candy more expensive

WASHINGTON, D.C. – ICYMI: Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens is tackling rising grocery prices due to Trump’s chaotic tariffs. From candy to kitchen staples, prices continue to climb, turning the checkout line into the scariest part of Halloween for Michigan families. To help stop Trump’s price hikes, Stevens highlighted her No Tariffs on Groceries Act as a way to lower costs and give families some relief at the checkout line.

CBS Detroit:

• Michigan congresswoman Haley Stevens hopes a proposed bill will reduce the cost of groceries nationwide.

• Stevens introduced her No Tariffs on Groceries Act… The bill would require congressional approval before a president could impose tariffs on food products.

• Stevens believes the current administration’s tariff policies are driving up prices at grocery stores and making it more expensive to buy food.

• “I’m working as hard as I can to get this legislation heard and passed, and I’m not going to stop talking about it until it happens.”

WJR:

• “Just a handful of days ago, I was in Pontiac, Michigan, participating in a trunk or treat[…] parents were excited to be out there with their kiddos, but just a few minutes into the conversation, they were talking to me about the price of candy.”

• “[…] Some were asking me about SNAP benefits and feeling very frustrated.”

• “And right now, this administration is making a policy choice not to go into reserve funds to keep SNAP going, and I find it really wrong.”

• “I think we’re clearly in the cost-of-living crisis moment right now, with 1.3 trillion dollars of credit card debt in this country.”

• “People are putting grocery bills on credit cards, and I really believe this is why we need my bill, the No Tariffs on Groceries Act.”

WWJ:

• A congresswoman from Michigan wants to address food costs, and it starts with the rising costs from imported products.

• Representative Haley Stevens, from Michigan’s 11th Congressional District, introduced the No Tariffs on Groceries Act to address President Donald Trump’s ability to set tariffs on things like food.

• “We need open free market Capital, those principles to work and to win the day, just as we continue to provide and push for equal opportunity and accessibility.”

• “And look, the Government can level the playing field, but right now we have a President who is gallivanting the world”

WLNS:

• Rep Haley Stevens says both parties need to come together, to get SNAP benefits back.

• “Food should not be a partisan thing so the tools in the toolkit right now are available.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11)

While Trump continues his reckless trade policy, MI Congresswoman Haley Stevens’ bold plan aims to lower costs, create jobs, and protect Michigan workers and manufacturers 

Washington, D.C. — This week, President Donald Trump is in Asia continuing his reckless trade policy, and doing nothing to reduce America’s reliance on the Chinese for critical minerals. Trump’s attempts at making a weak deal with China emphasizes the importance of Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens’ Unearth America’s Future Act, a national strategy designed to revitalize the U.S. manufacturing supply chain, bring critical mineral production and innovation back from China, and prevent rising costs.

The Unearth America’s Future Act supports responsible domestic mineral production, fosters public-private partnerships, and invests in next-generation innovation — all while keeping jobs in Michigan and reducing reliance on foreign adversaries like China. Meanwhile, Trump continues to chase headlines overseas and fails to deliver results for American workers, leaving the United States reliant on China for mineral production. Rep. Stevens’ plan is a roadmap that ensures Michigan leads in autos, energy, and national security. Her bill is the only serious, long-term solution to build a resilient supply chain, lower costs, and keep Michigan competitive. 

“While Donald Trump wants to leave us dependent on the Chinese, I’m focusing on creating jobs in Michigan and lowering prices at home,” said Congresswoman Haley Stevens. “The Unearth America’s Future Act ensures that Michigan remains the center of manufacturing, creates good-paying jobs, strengthens our economy, and brings critical industries back home. We have the talent, the innovation, and the drive right here in Michigan.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Earl L Buddy Carter (GA-01)

Headline: Carter warns Georgia Senators: Their Shutdown Will Hurt Head Start Children

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) sent a letter to Senators Jon Ossoff (D-GA) and Raphael Warnock (D-GA) urging them to reopen the government before Head Start, a program that provides early education, health and nutrition, and family support for children and families in need, runs out of funding and low-income families in Georgia suffer. 

Beginning November 1^st, five Georgia Head Start providers will lose federal funding if the lapse in appropriations continues, forcing at least one provider – Action Pact – to close its doors. In a letter to impacted families, Action Pact cited a lack of “action by Congress” in forcing its decision. 

In the letter, Rep. Carter writes, “These programs provide high-quality early education, nutritious meals, health and developmental screenings, and essential support services for children with disabilities and those experiencing homelessness… In Georgia alone, more than 16,000 children and families depend on these services. Yet, because of your continued support to shut down the government, classrooms could soon go dark and hundreds of teachers will be furloughed.” 

Rep. Carter continues, “Instead of holding hardworking Georgia families hostage, I urge you to act immediately to end the government shutdown and keep Head Start programs open and operational so that no child in Georgia loses access to the care and education they deserve.”

Read the full letter here.

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

Today, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5) personally led two U.S. Capitol tours for students for Fort Recovery Middle School in Mercer County and Antwerp Middle School in Paulding County. 

During the ongoing government shutdown, many federal operations, including public Capitol tours, are suspended until the government reopens. However, Members of Congress are still permitted to lead tours themselves, allowing students and visitors to continue experiencing the U.S. Capitol. Last week, Congressman Latta led two Capitol tours for Marion Local Schools and Coldwater Middle School in Mercer County.  

Both Fort Recovery and Antwerp Middle Schools traveled to Washington, DC for their eighth-grade field trips, though many of their planned activities were cancelled due to the ongoing government shutdown. The Fort Recovery students spent over a year preparing for the trip, raising funds through a laundry soap fundraiser.Likewise, Antwerp Middle School students sold cookie dough, poinsettias, beef jerky, Little Caesars pizza, and baked goods, hosted raffles, and volunteered at local events to make their trip possible. Congressman Latta was glad to welcome both groups to the Capitol and ensure they could still experience one of the highlights of their visit. 

“It’s important for students to learn about American history and civics, and there’s no better way than by visiting the place where it all happens. I was glad to welcome Fort Recovery and Antwerp Middle School to the U.S. Capitol today, answer their questions, and show them the people’s House. I hope their visit inspires them to stay engaged and continue learning about their government,” Latta said.  

“When I initially heard of the government shutdown, I along with the students and parents was definitely anxious and nervous on how that would play out for us on our Washington, DC trip. This trip is an experience that students look forward to each year and has been ongoing in our district and many other Mercer County school districts for many years. So it’s a big deal. One consequence of the shutdown was we wouldn’t get to publicly tour the Capitol. Fortunately for us, K&K reached out to Congressman Latta and was able to secure this private tour. This was an amazing opportunity for our students, and we are greatly appreciative of his time and willingness to step up. One remarkable thing about living in a small town is that the networking is there and many other community members voiced concerns and advocated for us in finding a way into the Capitol to reprieve some of the disappointment of missing out on some other stops in the trip. This tour definitely will be something the students remember for years to come as a unique and memorable experience. We can’t thank Congressman Latta enough,” said Jessica Jutte, 7th Grade Teacher at Fort Recovery Schools.  

“The Antwerp Class of 2030 is grateful for the opportunity to still be able to tour the Capitol while on the 8th grade trip to DC this year. We thank Congressman Latta for taking time out of his busy schedule to make this happen! This is a very important part of the trip as it helps our students understand how our government works and the role Congress plays in its success. This will be a stop that they will never forget,” said Zac Feasby, Antwerp 7th & 8th Grade Social Studies Teacher.  

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)

WASHINGTON — On Day 29 of the Democrat Shutdown, Speaker Johnson held a press conference alongside House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast and House GOP Leadership to provide another civics lesson to Democrats and media members who refuse to acknowledge that 60 votes are required to pass the clean CR in the U.S. Senate. Speaker Johnson also addressed Democrats abandoning unions despite their plea to reopen the government and ensure federal workers are paid.

“It is a shame that Democrats need to be publicly prodded by millions of hardworking Americans to just simply do the most basic function of their jobs. A rational person would read the pleas of the federal workers and conclude that it is time to end the charade and turn the lights back on,” Speaker Johnson said. “But the Democrats are not rational right now. They’ve deliberately ignored the plight of all these federal workers around the country.”

Watch Speaker Johnson’s full remarks here.

On Democrats either not understanding civics or willfully misleading the American people:

Ronald Reagan used to remind us that you can always trust the American people. And we do. We trust their intelligence, and we trust their understanding of basic civics. In fact, we trust the American people’s understanding of civics far more than the Democrats in this building right now. And a quick reminder of that; the people know that in the House of Representatives, you need a majority vote. You need 218 votes to pass legislation, to pass a clean continuing resolution to fund the government. That’s exactly what we did on September 19. They also know that in the Senate, you have to have 60 votes to pass substantive legislation. And we’ve only got 53 Republican seats. That means we need, by the math, at least seven Democrats to join us to reopen the government. Now, in other words, the Democrats are the only reason that the government is closed, and there is no other way to spin that to make something else true about it.

And of course, the Democrats know all that. We’ve seen their party leaders and we’ve now made their, their phrases and their comments famous here every morning. Chuck Schumer, Whip Katherine Clark in the House, they’ve openly admitted that they’re using the pain of the American people as their leverage. Why? To show to their base that they’re fighting. And they’re counting on the American people not noticing all this. And that’s the very reason why we have to come in here every morning and relay the simple truth.

On Democrats abandoning labor unions and federal employees:

On Monday, the largest union of federal workers, the American Federation of Government Employees came out and publicly urged Democrats to join Republicans and pass the House’s short-term funding bill. The union’s president said, “A strong America requires a functioning government, one that pays its bills, honors its commitments, and treats its workforce with respect by paying them on time.” Amen to that. Of course, we agree.

But it wasn’t just the AFGE, you had the same commentary, the same plea by the National Association of Air Traffic Controllers, the Coalition of Airline Pilots Associations, the Net Jets Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots, the Allied Pilots Association, the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association, the leader of the Teamsters and the New York Steamfitters Union. They’re all coming out. These are the constituencies that the Democrats claim that they support. And that’s why the unions came on side of the Republicans in the last election. They’ve had enough of this nonsense, and they’ve all called on Senate Democrats to end this shameful shutdown. And it is a shame that Democrats need to be publicly prodded by their millions of hardworking Americans to just simply do the most basic function of their jobs. A rational person would read the pleas of the federal workers and conclude that it is time to end the charade and turn the lights back on. But the Democrats are not rational right now. They’ve deliberately ignored the plight of all these federal workers around the country.

On the mainstream media and Democrats both distracting from the pain caused by the shutdown:

According to the Media Research Center study, by a 2.5 to one margin, the Capitol Hill press corps has tweeted more about the House calendar during the shutdown than the negative consequences of the Democrat Shutdown. The troubles that we have, the hardships that are being experienced because of the troop pay and WIC funding and flights grounded and SNAP funding, you guys are writing more about the House calendar than the real pain that’s being inflicted on the American people. And that’s why we have to come in and relay the simple facts.

Now, there’s a misguided strategy that the Democrats are pursuing right now, and it reveals two important things that can’t be glossed over. Number one, it shows they have no cards to play except to try to blame the other team, which is ridiculous. And it shows how little they think of the American people. They had a rally a couple weeks ago. They tried to portray President Trump as a king. And we pointed out again the obvious truth. If the President was a king, then the government would be open. He’s been trying to do that. And low-income families would be getting the food assistance that they need by Saturday. Republicans cannot wave a wand and reopen the government on our own. We must have a handful of centrist Democrats in the Senate do the right thing.

And any Democrat suggesting otherwise knows exactly what they’re doing, and they insult the intelligence of the American people, and by the way, every reporter in this room, when they do that. Unlike Democrats, Republicans have nothing to twist or spin. We are just simply here relaying the simple facts and the truth. And the American people are responding to that. And that’s why the polling indicates that they trust us more than the other side, because we are the ones here telling you the truth. We have nothing to hide. They are trying to obscure the facts.

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