Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joaquin Castro (20th District of Texas)

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Judy Chu (CA2-27)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, the U.S. Army conducted military training exercises in Pasadena and other communities across Southern California with limited community notice. Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28) released the following statement:

“Over the past week, dozens of constituents have contacted my office regarding military training exercises conducted in Pasadena and other communities across Southern California. Following these concerns, my office immediately reached out to the U.S. Army and the FBI to obtain additional information. Federal officials informed my office that these were routine military training exercises designed to prepare personnel for overseas operations in urban environments. They indicated that the exercises were not related to preparations for the World Cup, Super Bowl, or Olympic Games, and that similar exercises have not been approved in Pasadena in the near future.

While these exercises may have been routine, residents and local leaders should have received more advance notice about activities that would have such a significant impact on the surrounding community. For many Pasadena residents—particularly those in neighborhoods still recovering from the devastating Eaton Fire—the sounds of helicopters, simulated gunfire, and flash grenades late at night understandably caused alarm and distress. I will continue engaging with federal, state, and local officials to ensure that future exercises are coordinated appropriately and that residents receive timely notice before these operations occur. The safety and well-being of our communities remains my top priority.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Al Green (TX-9)

(Washington, DC) — On Thursday, June 11, 2026, Congressman Al Green delivered remarks on the House floor warning that invidious discrimination and racism still exist in America.

You can access and listen to Congressman Al Green’s speech on his official YouTube page or by clicking here. The floor speech highlighted is also accessible on various social media platforms, including Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter). 

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

WASHINGTON—Today, Representatives James P. McGovern, Maxine Dexter, Madeleine Dean, Senators Ed Markey and Chris Van Hollen, and 57 of their colleagues sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio demanding the Administration take immediate action to alleviate the humanitarian crisis facing cancer patients in Gaza.

In their letter, the lawmakers called on the Administration to press the Israeli government to reestablish a medical corridor that would allow Palestinian cancer patients in Gaza to obtain life-saving medical care in East Jerusalem and the West Bank. The lawmakers also demanded that the Administration ensure hospitals and medical infrastructure in Gaza are rebuilt and protected.

“Cancer diagnoses have become death sentences in Gaza,” wrote the lawmakers in their letter. “It is imperative that the United States and its regional partners urge the Israeli government to reestablish a medical pathway for cancer patients in Gaza to receive life-saving treatment in East Jerusalem and the West Bank.” 

The letter highlighted a six-year-old boy named Ghazal, who was diagnosed with leukemia and died while waiting for his evacuation request to be approved by the Israeli government. The lawmakers noted that more than 18,500 Palestinians require urgent medical care that is unavailable in Gaza, including approximately 11,000 cancer patients.

The lawmakers provided five recommendations for Administration action:

• Engage the governments of Qatar, Egypt, and Türkiye in a coordinated diplomatic effort to secure medical evacuations for pediatric cancer patients and their caregivers from Gaza to appropriate medical facilities in East Jerusalem and the West Bank;

• Facilitate the reestablishment of the medical corridor between Gaza and East Jerusalem and the West Bank for all patients requiring medical evacuation;

• Obtain assurances from the Israeli government that evacuated patients and caregivers will be permitted to return to Gaza once they are able;

• Ensure that Palestinians can rebuild and protect hospitals and medical infrastructure in Gaza; and

• Respond to all questions raised in a November 2025 letter by Senator Markey and Representative Dexter.

The full text of the letter is available here.

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Reps. Kathy Castor (D-FL) and Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) introduced the bipartisan Timeshare Transparency Act. This legislation increases accountability and transparency in the timeshare industry, protecting consumers from misleading contracts, hidden fees, and vague exit options.

“The dream of a vacation ownership — a timeshare — too often comes with hidden fees, confusing terms and few options when costs spiral out of control for hardworking families,” Rep. Castor said. “In Florida, where tourism is the foundation of our economy, families deserve clear prices and honest information, not fine print and expensive surprises, so that they can plan and budget with confidence. Instead, millions of Americans have found themselves locked into agreements with escalating costs and few ways to get out. The bipartisan Timeshare Transparency Act will establish commonsense safeguards so families can make informed decisions, avoid predatory practices and keep more of their hard-earned money in their pockets.”

“Bad actors in the timeshare industry have made a business model out of confusing consumers with misleading contracts, while leaving unsuspecting families with little recourse,” Rep. Thompson said. “Americans deserve clear and honest information when making significant financial decisions, rather than predatory and manipulative sales tactics. This bipartisan bill protects hardworking families, so they can safely invest in vacation experiences.”

“Timeshare members and owners, including young families, seniors, veterans, and active-duty service members, have long waited for their voices to be heard. The Timeshare Transparency Act is the path forward that we and our volunteers and I have hoped for. This bill directly addresses the concerns we hear every day: no more hidden fees, no more confusing contracts, clear exit options and a 14-day penalty free cooling off period for every buyer. Better communication between consumers and developers is the foundation of a healthy industry. This bipartisan legislation puts that principle into action, and I applaud Congressman GT Thompson and Congresswoman Kathy Castor for championing transparency in the timeshare industry,” said Irene Parker, Co-Founder of Timeshare Advocacy & Reform Disclosure Alliance, Inc. (TARDA)

Specifically, this legislation requires all timeshare agreements to:

• Include a single document itemizing all acquisition and maintenance costs;
• Mandate disclosure of modifiable fees and the notice requirements for such changes;
• Provide clear, documented options to exit ownership;
• Grant buyers a 14-day, penalty-free cancellation period;
• Allow buyers time to review the timeshare agreement privately.

Senators John Curtis (R-UT) and Adam Schiff (D-CA) lead the Senate companion bill. 

Read the full bill text here.

Castor has worked to protect Florida families and visitors from fraud, scams and deceptive business practices that raise costs and undermine confidence in the marketplace. She has championed stronger consumer protections and greater price transparency, supported efforts to crack down on hidden “junk fees” and introduced the Hotel Fees Transparency Act to require upfront disclosure of mandatory lodging charges. Castor continues to work across party lines to promote honest competition, safeguard consumers and ensure that Florida families and visitors can make informed decisions and keep more of their hard-earned money in their pockets.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Michael McCaul (10th District of Texas)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) — chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security’s bipartisan Task Force on Enhancing Security for Special Events in the United States — released the following statement to mark the beginning of the 2026 FIFA World Cup:

“Today is a proud day for our nation, as the FIFA World Cup kicks off and the United States prepares to host the tournament for the first time in 30 years,” said Chairman McCaul. “Over the past several months, this task force has carried out crucial work — conducting hearings with expert witnesses, successfully pushing for host cities to receive security grants, and spearheading critical counter-drone legislation — to ​ensure top-notch security at these games and future events on American soil. As millions of fans gather to cheer on their favorite teams, coordination between the federal government, state and local officials, law enforcement agencies, emergency management entities, and private-sector partners will remain essential in the weeks ahead. I look forward to our continued work with the White House FIFA Task Force and all relevant stakeholders to ensure host cities, athletes, and fans can safely enjoy the sport that has brought us all together.” 

Background:

Since it was established in May 2025, the Task Force on Enhancing Security for Special Events in the United States has worked diligently to enhance security at upcoming events on U.S. soil, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

So far, the task force has:

• Conducted site visits to Audi Field and MetLife Stadium to assess security preparations;
• Successfully pushed for the passage and disbursement of $625 million to FIFA World Cup host cities for security enhancements and $500 million to state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement for improving their ability to detect and address drone threats;
• Held multiple task force meetings, includingan inaugural hearing to assess historical security incidents at mass gatherings, a second hearingto assess efforts to prevent and combat human trafficking at these events, and a roundtable with representatives from FIFA and the Los Angeles Organizing Committee for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games (LA28).

Chairman McCaul also penned an op-ed for the Washington Times and joined the “Threat Status” podcast to highlight the security challenges of mass-spectator events and how previous attacks at mass-gatherings should serve as a wake-up call for the United States as the nation prepares to welcome millions of visitors.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21), co-chair of the bipartisan Agriculture Trade Caucus, joined fellow caucus co-chairs Reps. Adrian Smith (NE-03), Dusty Johnson (SD-AL), and Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), along with 13 of their colleagues, in urging the Trump Administration to address burdensome non-tariff trade barriers imposed by Mexico that are affecting U.S. grain exports during the ongoing review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
In a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, lawmakers raised concerns about Mexico’s National Service for Agrifood Health, Safety, and Quality subjecting U.S. grain shipments to duplicative inspections despite those shipments already meeting established phytosanitary requirements. 
The lawmakers emphasized that U.S. grain exports to Mexico are routinely inspected by the Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) or its designated agencies, which verify shipment quality and compliance with Mexico’s import standards. Nevertheless, Mexican authorities continue to stop and reinspect grain shipments at the border under a zero-tolerance soil standard that differs significantly from U.S. practices.The lawmakers write: “In 2025, Mexico alone purchased more than $12 billion in U.S. grain and oilseed products. Currently, U.S. grain moving to Mexico is officially inspected by the Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) or one of its designated agencies. These inspections confirm the grade and quality of shipments and compliance with Mexico’s phytosanitary requirements. Despite this, Mexico’s National Service for Agrifood Health, Safety, and Quality stops shuttle trains at the border and reinspects them under a zero-tolerance standard for soil, which differs significantly from U.S. practice. This has real consequences. Reinspection delays trains, increases transportation costs, and often triggers fumigation orders that can cost shippers up to $70,000 per train. Rail carriers may send cars back empty rather than risk delays, and grain companies must purchase additional train capacity to keep supply chains running. These are onerous and duplicative procedures – not science-based protections.”
In addition to the Agriculture Trade Caucus co-chairs, the letter was signed by Reps. Jim Baird (IN-04), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), Michelle Fischbach (MN-07), Derrick Van Orden (WI-03), Darin LaHood (IL-16), Derek Schmidt (KS-02), Tracey Mann (KS-01), Mark Messmer (IN-08), John Rose (TN-06), Mike Flood (NE-01), Julie Fedorchak (ND-AL), Mike Bost (IL-12), and Dan Newhouse (WA-04).
ClickHERE to read the full letter.

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

The allegations in this indictment are serious and deeply troubling. Every student, faculty member, university leader, and member of our community deserves to learn, work, and engage without fear of intimidation, harassment, or violence.

The University of Michigan has long been a place where debate and civic engagement thrive. Freedom of expression is a core value, but it is not a license for criminal conduct. Attempts to silence others through threats, coercion, or violence have no place in Michigan and must be met with accountability. Political violence and antisemitism must be confronted wherever they appear. 

I will always support efforts to combat antisemitism, Islamophobia, and all forms of hate. 

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

Today, Representatives Gwen Moore (WI-04), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07), and Mark Pocan (WI-02) are introducing legislation to repeal the national federal tax credit voucher scheme included in the Republicans’ so-called Big, Beautiful Bill. 

Voucher schemes divert public funding into private schools that lack proper accountability and oversight. Private schools can pick and choose who they admit and lack protections for students with disabilities. In Wisconsin, Governor Evers vetoed legislation that would have opted Wisconsin into this program, further expanding vouchers in the state.

“In states across the country, charter school programs often operate with little transparency, sap funding from public schools, and primarily benefit wealthy students. In Wisconsin, taxpayers are paying $700 million this year alone for vouchers, and nearly all this money is funneled into religious schools.

Instead of investing in our public schools, which educate most of America’s students, Republicans used taxpayer funds to create a national voucher scheme. As a proud product of public schools, I am honored to spearhead legislation with my colleagues that reverses this scheme and stands up for public education,” said Representative Gwen Moore (WI-04). 

“The federal government is responsible for ensuring equitable access to high-quality, well-funded public education. Instead, in the ‘Big Ugly Bill,’ Congressional Republicans created a federal school voucher scheme that will funnel public dollars away from public schools to help subsidize private schools for wealthy families,” said Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03), House Committee on Education and Workforce. “That is why I am proud to support the Keep Public Funds in Public Schools Act of 2026 to undo the harm caused by Republicans’ ‘Big Ugly Bill’ and ensure that public dollars are spent on public education.”

“Public schools welcome and educate every child regardless of their background or income, and public funding should stay in public schools,” saidRepresentative Suzanne Bonamici. “The Big Ugly Bill’s voucher scam is a backdoor way to dismantle public education and divert public resources into private institutions – including religious schools. Research consistently shows that the majority of families participating in voucher programs already send their children to private schools. We must keep federal funding in public schools where all students can benefit.”

“Florida should be a warning about what happens when public education dollars are diverted into private voucher programs,” said Representative Maxwell Frost (FL-10). “We’ve watched public school funding flow into private voucher programs that lack the transparency, oversight and protections families deserve. Congress should be strengthening public schools, not exporting Florida’s mistakes nationwide. That’s why I’m proud to help lead the Keep Public Funds in Public Schools Act.”

“Arizona’s misguided experiment with universal private school vouchers should serve as a warning to the rest of the country. We’ve watched public education dollars be diverted into a system plagued by abuse,” said Representative Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07). “The federal government should not replicate this failed program on a national scale. The Keep Public Dollars in Public Schools Act will help ensure federal taxpayer dollars strengthen the public schools that serve the overwhelming majority of America’s children, not subsidize privatization schemes rife with fraud.” 

“As a proud public school graduate, I know firsthand the value and importance of our public education system,” said Representative Mark Pocan (WI-02). “Fixing this blatant abuse of the tax system will help kids across the country, not just those whose parents are members of Mar-a-Lago. I applaud my friend, Rep. Moore, for spearheading this legislation, and I’m glad to be part of this effort to keep public funds in public schools.” 

“As governor and a former educator, I’ve spent decades of my life watching the impacts that draining public funds from public schools to fund private voucher school programs has had on kids, schools, and public education in Wisconsin,” said Gov. Evers. “Republicans in Washington have given private voucher expansion carte blanche to run roughshod over public education in this country—and a blank check to do so at taxpayer expense—clearly without any regard for whether it actually does what is best for kids. It’s wrong-headed and does nothing to address the real problems our public schools are facing. I am glad to support Congresswoman Moore and Congressman Pocan’s work to repeal this dangerous and harmful law and instead ensure our kids and schools are given real, meaningful resources they need to thrive.”

“Every student deserves a fully-funded public school in their neighborhood that prepares them with the lessons, support, and life skills they need to reach their full potential. Parents and educators agree that we should be investing in public schools, where 90% of students and 95% of students with disabilities learn, not taking money away from them to send to private schools. Let’s reduce class sizes so students get more one-on-one attention, and increase educator pay to help address the teacher and staff shortages. That is why the National Education Association applauds Congresswoman Gwen Moore for introducing legislation to repeal the first national school voucher program, which would drain funding from public schools and funnel it to unaccountable and discriminatory private schools,” said National Education Association President Becky Pringle. 

“The use of public dollars for private voucher schemes remains anathema. While it’s a good thing that the political backlash has resulted in some potential uses for public school parents, vouchers are never a substitute for direct, sustained investment in public education.

Let’s be clear what this administration is doing: putting its thumb on the scale for privatization and spending billions more to prop up this scheme than it ever has on public schools. It telegraphs, in words and in deeds, that it has no interest in improving the schools that 90 percent of kids attend. That’s why we wholeheartedly support the Keep Public Funds in Public Schools Act, which would repeal the tax credit and help the neighborhood schools that 90 percent of kids attend,” said American Federation of Teachers (AFT) President Randi Weingarten.

“Repealing the private school voucher tax credit is critical to protecting public education. At a time when state and federal budget cuts threaten public schools, vouchers would divert scarce resources away from the students who need them most—particularly Black, Latino, and low-income students and students with disabilities—and into systems that do not serve every child.

With widespread OCR case backlogs and growing attacks on civil rights protections for Black students, expanding school privatization would further weaken accountability and leave many families with fewer safeguards. We should be strengthening public schools, not undermining them. EdTrust urges states not to opt into this program and calls on Congress to advance this important legislation to protect public education and educational opportunity for all students,” said Augustus Mays, EdTrust’s Vice President of Partnerships and Engagement.

“We commend Representatives Gwen Moore, Bonamici, Frost, Grijalva, and Pocan and the other cosponsors for their leadership in introducing the Keep Public Funds in Public Schools Act. Their efforts would repeal the federal tax credit program that will funnel billions of dollars to private schools that are not held to the same legal obligations to protect students with disabilities, jeopardizing their academic and social emotional growth. NCLD firmly opposed this program when it became law last summer. We urge members of Congress to support this legislation and ensure federal funds come with the legal protections all students are entitled to,” saidDr. Jacqueline Rodriguez, CEO of the National Center for Learning Disabilities.

Watch the livestream of the press conference here.   

The Keep Public Funds in Public Schools Act is endorsed by numerous state and national organizations. 

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

Headline: Carter honors local firefighter’s legacy in namesake safety bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) today introduced Chief Chris Eddy’s Law, a bill directing the Department of Transportation (DOT) to issue regulations requiring placards on all pressurized refrigerated containers following the tragic and avoidable death of Greene County Fire Rescue’s Battalion Chief. 

In 2024, Georgia’s Greene County Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Chris Eddy, remembered as a “dedicated firefighter, leader, mentor, and loving husband and father,” was killed in the line of duty during an explosion caused by the rapid ignition of refrigerants inside a reefer storage container. Had the container been properly labeled, Eddy’s life could have been saved, as he would have known the dangers before approaching. 

Rep. Carter delivers speech on Chief Chris Eddy’s Law on House floor

This bill will prevent future loss of life by ensuring all first responders are aware of the presence of these refrigerants before intervening. 

“Georgia lost one of our best in an accident that never should have occurred in the first place. While we honor and remember Chief Eddy for his sacrifice and bravery, we must also commit to never allowing this tragedy to be repeated,” said Rep. Carter. “By introducing this bill, we are ensuring those who protect us have the resources and information necessary to do so safely. I thank the local fire departments, including Greene and Chatham counties, for their advocacy, which will make our nation safer and ensure Battalion Chief Chris Eddy’s legacy lives on.” 

“Battalion Chief Chris Eddy dedicated his life to protecting others, and this legislation honors his legacy by helping protect future first responders from preventable tragedies. The establishment of universal placarding for refrigerated containers will provide critical hazard information to firefighters, law enforcement officers, and emergency personnel before they take action, allowing them to make informed decisions in dangerous environments,” said Rodney Wiggins, Greene County Fire Rescue Chief. “We are grateful to Congressman Buddy Carter for his leadership and commitment to advancing this important safety measure. Chief Chris Eddy’s Law is a meaningful step toward improving responder safety nationwide and ensuring that Chief Eddy’s sacrifice continues to make a lasting difference in our profession.”

Read full bill text here.