Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mark Takano (D-Calif)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sanford D Bishop Jr (GA-02)

COLUMBUS, Ga. – Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) released the following statement regarding the passing of civil rights leader, Reverend Jesse Jackson:

“My wife, Vivian, and I were deeply saddened to learn that our friend of longstanding, Reverend Jesse Jackson, had passed.

“Through his life’s work as an iconic activist for civil and human rights and his leadership of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, he was pivotal in creating a diverse coalition in the epic struggle to assure that America’s freedoms, justice, and opportunity were enjoyed by all.

“His historic run for President inspired generations to keep hope alive and to fight for a more perfect union where life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are not hollow words but rather the lived opportunity for all Americans.

“We extend our sincere condolences to his family and all who mourn his loss. But we thank God for his exemplary life of servant leadership for the betterment of humanity.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34)

WASHINGTON – Representatives Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.) Linda T. Sánchez (D-Calif.), Mike Thompson (D-Calif.), and Terri Sewell (D-Ala.) led 14 of their Ways and Means Democratic colleagues in calling on the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration to investigate the leak of 47,000 taxpayers’ confidential information by the Internal Revenue Service to the Department of Homeland Security.

Despite strict privacy laws protecting taxpayers, the IRS agreed last April to share sensitive information, including names and addresses, of individuals who were being targeted for immigration enforcement. This agreement is just another example of the Trump administration recklessly and unlawfully violating the rights of immigrants and working families. Federal courts have since held that sharing this private data violates taxpayers’ rights.

 “When agencies take advantage of public trust by illegally sharing taxpayer data, it creates an environment wherein undocumented individuals are not comfortable complying with tax law,” the members wrote. “Undocumented immigrants have paid taxes for years with assurances that they can safely do so – this illegal action has pulled the rug out from under working individuals who are trying to comply with the law.”

In addition to Gomez, Thompson, Sánchez, and Sewell, the letter was signed by Representatives Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas), John Larson (D-Conn.), Danny Davis (D-Ill.), Suzan K. DelBene (D-Wash.), Judy Chu (D-Calif.), Gwen Moore (D-Wis.), Brendan Boyle (D-Pa.), Don Beyer (D-Va.), Dwight Evans (D-Pa.), Brad Schneider (D-Ill.), Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.), Steven Horsford (D-Nev.), Stacey Plaskett (D-V.I.) and Tom Suozzi (D-N.Y.).

Full text of the letter is available HERE and follows:

 Ms. Heather M. Hill
Acting Inspector General for Tax Administration
Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration
901 D St SW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20024

Dear Acting Inspector General Hill:

As members of the Committee on Ways and Means, we ask the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) to immediately investigate the leak of confidential taxpayer information of 47,000 individuals reported today by the Washington Post in this morning’s article entitled IRS improperly disclosed confidential immigrant tax data to DHS.

Not only does this action endanger working, tax paying individuals who contribute to our economy, but it disincentivizes tax compliance for everyone. When agencies take advantage of public trust by illegally sharing taxpayer data, it creates an environment wherein undocumented individuals are not comfortable complying with tax law. Undocumented immigrants have paid taxes for years with assurances that they can safely do so – this illegal action has pulled the rug out from under working individuals who are trying to comply with the law. We are seeing an increasing rise of violence and illegality in President Trump’s immigration enforcement; it is highly unprecedented and completely inappropriate that the Department of the Treasury should take part in such efforts.

Since February 2025, we have been deeply concerned that confidential taxpayer information protected by Section 6103 of the Internal Revenue Code was being unlawfully and unjustly disclosed to or accessed by other government agencies. In fact, just last week, the Department of the Treasury responded to a letter from many members of this committee, alongside other Members of Congress, stating that they “share[d] our commitment to taxpayer privacy.” 

 On February 16, 2023, Chairman Jason Smith wrote to the Department of Treasury regarding a previous disclosure of private information, which has now resulted in the President suing the Internal Revenue Service for $10 billion. We similarly ask the following:

“Therefore, I request that TIGTA commit in writing that it will complete the following actions:

1. Conduct a comprehensive and timely investigation.
2. Produce a report that summarizes TIGTA’s investigation with findings and recommendations.
3. Provide these Members with a full copy of TIGTA’s unredacted report.
4. Make as much of that report public as possible, consistent with 26 U.S.C. § 6103.”

Thank you in advance for your attention to this request. We look forward to learning the results of your investigation.
 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Alma Adams (12th District of North Carolina)

WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (D-NC-12) released a statement mourning the loss of Reverend Jesse Jackson.

“It is with profound sadness that I acknowledge the passing of a civil rights icon, my North Carolina A&T Aggie brother, and my friend, Rev. Jesse Jackson. A transformational leader in his own right, he dedicated his life to confronting injustice head on—walking with, advising, counseling, ministering to, and fighting alongside generations of leaders in the ongoing struggle for equity and justice.

“I had the honor of serving as co-chair of his 1984 presidential campaign in Guilford County, and his work inspired me to run for School Board for the very first time. His example helped shape my journey in public service.

“Rev. Jackson was a soldier who fought a good fight and prepared his troops for the battles ahead. Now it is time for him to rest. I celebrate his extraordinary life, honor his enduring legacy, and recommit myself to calling out injustice wherever it appears.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Allen (R-GA-12)

Today, Congressman Rick W. Allen (GA-12) announced members of his staff will host Community Office Hours across Georgia’s 12th District during the month of March.

During these events, members of Congressman Allen’s staff will be available to assist constituents with a variety of federal issues, including help navigating various federal agencies such as FEMA, Social Security, Veterans Affairs, Medicare, and others. Community Office Hours are a quarterly resource provided by Congressman Allen’s staff designed to serve constituents closer to home. Congressman Allen himself will not be in attendance.

After the announcement, Congressman Allen issued the following statement:

“I invite anyone seeking help with a federal issue to take advantage of the one-on-one services my office provides. If you need assistance dealing with a federal agency, our dedicated caseworkers stand ready to help you. Please visit my team during Community Office Hours next month or contact one of our district offices for more information.”

See below for a list of Community Office Hours dates, times, and locations by county (excluding counties in which Congressman Allen has a permanent office):

Burke County

WHEN: Tuesday, March 10th from 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM

WHERE: County Commission Boardroom, Burke County Courthouse

111 E. 6th Street

Waynesboro, GA 30830

Candler County

WHEN: Monday, March 9th from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

WHERE: Metter City Hall

49 S. Rountree Street

Metter, GA 30439

Columbia County

WHEN: Wednesday, March 18th from 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM

WHERE: Grovetown City Hall

103 Old Wrightsboro Road

Grovetown, GA 30813

Effingham County

WHEN: Tuesday, March 3rd from 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

WHERE: Effingham County Chamber of Commerce

712 N. Laurel Street, Suite 200

Springfield, GA 31329

Emanuel County

WHEN: Monday, March 2nd from 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM

WHERE: Swainsboro-Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce

102 S. Main Street

Swainsboro, GA 30401

Evans County

WHEN: Monday, March 9th from 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM

WHERE: Claxton City Hall

206 W. Railroad Street

Claxton, Georgia 30417

Glascock County

WHEN: Wednesday, March 25th from 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM

WHERE: Family Connections & Communities in School

370 W. Main Street

Gibson, GA 30810

Jefferson County

WHEN: Wednesday, March 25th from 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM

WHERE: Community Club House

101 McNair Street

Wrens, GA 30833

Jenkins County

WHEN: Thursday, March 12th from 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM

WHERE: Jenkins County Chamber of Commerce

548 Cotton Avenue

Millen, GA 30442

Johnson County

WHEN: Monday, March 9th from 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM

WHERE: Wrightsville City Hall

8647 S. Marcus Street

Wrightsville, GA 31096

Lincoln County

WHEN: Wednesday, March 18th from 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM

WHERE: Lincoln County Courthouse

210 Humphrey Street

Lincolnton, GA 30817

McDuffie County

WHEN: Thursday, March 12th from 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM

WHERE: Thomson-McDuffie Administrative Building

210 Railroad Street

Thomson, GA 30824

Montgomery County

WHEN: Monday, March 2nd from 10:45 AM – 12:15 PM

WHERE: Montgomery County Courthouse

400 S. Railroad Avenue

Mount Vernon, GA 30445

Screven County

WHEN: Wednesday, March 4th from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

WHERE: Screven County Courthouse, Commission Boardroom

216 Mims Road

Sylvania, GA 30467

Tattnall County

WHEN: Wednesday, March 11th from 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

WHERE: Glennville Welcome Center/Chamber of Commerce

136 S. Veterans Boulevard

Glennville, GA 30427

Treutlen County

WHEN: Monday, March 2nd from 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM

WHERE: Treutlen County Commissioners’ Office

1830 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive

Soperton, GA 30457

Warren County

WHEN: Thursday, March 12th from 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

WHERE: Warren County Chamber of Commerce

46 Norwood Street

Warrenton, GA 30828

Washington County

WHEN: Thursday, March 19th from 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

WHERE: Community Health Care System

220 Morningside Drive

Sandersville, GA 31082

Wheeler County

WHEN: Monday, March 2nd from 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM

WHERE: Alamo City Hall

7 W. Main Street

Alamo, GA 30411

Wilkes County

WHEN: Thursday, March 12th from 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

WHERE: Washington-Wilkes Chamber of Commerce

22B West Square

Washington, GA 30673

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (3rd District of Ohio)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) and Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11) submitted an official public comment letter to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner in strong opposition to HUD’s proposed rule to eliminate the “disparate impact” standard under the Fair Housing Act, arguing that this change would “significantly weaken the federal government’s role in preventing and remedying housing discrimination.”

 

The comment was co-signed by Ohio Delegation colleagues Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) and Congressman Greg Landsman (OH-01).

 

Established by the Obama Administration in 2013, the disparate impact standard allows HUD to investigate and enforce against housing and lending policies that have discriminatory effects in practice.

 

The members write: “Ohio communities—like many communities across the country—continue to face significant housing challenges, including rising housing costs and documented disparities in mortgage access and valuation outcomes that can undermine fair access to homeownership and wealth-building. At a moment when housing affordability and availability are worsening nationwide, weakening fair housing enforcement would exacerbate—rather than address—these disparities.”

 

The full text of the public comment letter is HERE. 

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3)

Overland Park, KS — Today, Representative Sharice Davids (KS-03) joined local partners to celebrate the completion and grand opening of the express lanes on U.S. 69 between 103rd and 151st Streets. This three-year design-build project was a successful collaboration between Davids’ office, Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), Kansas Turnpike Authority, and City of Overland Park.

“This is a big day for our community,” said Davids. “Anyone who lives, works, or drives through Johnson County knows the frustration of sitting in traffic on U.S. 69. Too many families have also felt the pain of crashes on the highway. These new lanes will ease congestion, make travel safer, and give thousands of Kansans a more predictable, reliable commute every day. I’m proud of this team effort!”

“69Express is a result of successful collaboration between our federal, state, and local partners,” said Calvin Reed, Secretary, KDOT. “Together, we’re implementing express lanes as a sustainable congestion-management solution to provide drivers with reliable travel times today and as traffic grows in the future.”

 

Three years ago, Davids helped break ground on this project, noting that “modernizing U.S. 69 has been a priority since my predecessor’s predecessor.” Today, she highlighted federal funding that she secured to relocate and modify sanitary sewers along the busy corridor — a critical step KDOT identified as necessary to move the project forward.

Davids also emphasized the role of the bipartisan infrastructure law in partially funding the express lanes. She was the only member of Kansas’ congressional delegation to vote in support of the law. While the legislation was being crafted, Davids joined her colleagues at the White House to advocate for U.S. 69 upgrades, focusing on improving safety, reducing congestion, and promoting economic growth along the corridor.

The bipartisan infrastructure law, which is paid for through a combination of new revenues and savings, has been called the most fiscally responsible infrastructure bill in at least a decade by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. In all, more than $3.2 billion in federal bipartisan infrastructure law funding has been announced for Kansas, with more than 311 specific projects identified — from lead pipe replacement in Olathe to safety initiatives in Kansas City, KS to long-overdue upgrades to K-68 in Miami County.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today regarding the passing of civil rights leader Reverand Jesse Jackson:

“I join people across our region, country, and world in mourning Rev. Jesse Jackson. His is a terrible loss for America and for the cause of freedom, democracy, and justice everywhere. I’m praying for his entire family, including his sons Jonathan and Jesse Jr. whom I’ve served with in the Congress. 

“From the road to Selma to the balcony of Lorraine Motel, from leading Operation Breadbasket to advocating for D.C. Statehood, Rev. Jackson was always a voice for, in his words, ‘the desperate, the damned, the disinherited, the disrespected, and the despised.’ Crucially, he was a voice for the determined – for the people who refused to accept the status quo and who fought for what was right. He will forever be a member of that great pantheon of Civil Rights leaders along with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., my dear friend and brother John Lewis, Rosa Parks, and so many others.

“At a time when voting rights are under attack, when a middle-class life remains out of reach for so many, when some in our country wrongly view diversity and equity as our nation’s weakness rather than as its strength, Rev. Jackson’s memory will continue to guide us as we work to ‘keep hope alive.'”

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

WASHINGTON – Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) — chairman emeritus of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs — discussed his concerns about the future of Syria at a full committee hearing, titled “Syria at a CrossRoads: U.S. Policy Challenges Post-Assad.” McCaul directed his questions to Nadine Maenza, the former chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom.

Click to watch

Remarks as delivered:

McCaul: Thank you, Mr. Chairman; thanks for holding this important hearing. We’re focused on a lot of other areas of the world right now, but we can’t let our eyes off the ball on Syria.

I remember when I chaired the Homeland Security Committee, watching the rise of ISIS and the caliphate was one of the most terrifying things I’ve seen in my career and my lifetime, and the threat it posed to the United States and our national security interests was real, as we saw foreign fighters entering Europe and the United States.

So here we are back in Syria again. All roads lead to Damascus. …

[The] March 10th agreement was done in part to satisfy conditions made by the Congress to lift the Caesar Act sanctions. Unfortunately, that document was not fully enforced. We saw an upscale in violence.

I was in Israel and I talked to the Druze Sheikhs there. They showed me videos of decapitations similar to what I saw when I chaired Homeland a decade ago when ISIS controlled Syria.

The SDF who was an ally of ours — we worked with the SDF to defeat ISIS — has been under advancement and attack by Syrian forces as well.

Most disturbingly, we saw prisoners from the prison in Eastern Syria being released to go God knows where. Thank God CENTCOM stepped in and removed 7,000 remaining ISIS detainees to Iraq, but we do not have a full accounting of what happened to those who actually got out. That is a nightmare scenario from a national security perspective.

I am pleased that there is a new agreement [signed on] January 30th in response to this uptick in violence against ethnic minorities, including Christians, in response to the attacks on the Kurds and SDF.

When the March 10th [agreement] called for integration and normalization, that was not happening. So now we have this new agreement, January 30th, an attempt to get back to normalization and integration between the ethnic minorities, SDF forces, and the new Syrian government.

Ms. Nadine Maenza, can I ask you: What is the status now of the implementation of the January 30th agreement?

Maenza: Thanks so much, congressman. I did get an update this morning from northeast Syria, and of course there’s great hope that this agreement will be successful. But currently, the Syrian government has not withdrawn troops, and they need to by the end of the day. While the governor of Hasakah was appointed and chosen, he’s assumed his responsibility, but the government hasn’t officially appointed him yet. You know, they also apparently are appointing people to different positions without consultation from the SDF. We also, of course, continue to see the siege of Kobani, which is dangerous at this point. And there’s supposed to be an exchange of detainees, and that isn’t also being facilitated, and there continues to be hate speech and rumors that are just adding a lot of tension to it.

… I think that we have not seen the Syrian government keep any of their deals with the SDF so far. But there is hope. I tell you what: they want this to work in the northeast. But … I fear that unless the international community and the U.S. in particular, is really strong on it, that might not happen.

McCaul. Well, my biggest concern is a return to the Islamic State. I am supportive of this new president. I want him to succeed. But I do not want a return to an Islamic State again in Syria.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04)

WASHINGTON — Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04) today announced that the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), a federal-state partnership funded by Congress, has approved a $264,432 grant for the Blount County Education Foundation to strengthen STEAM training programs for students in Blount County.

This project will expand hands-on learning opportunities in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) for more than 2,200 students. In total, the initiative represents a $903,003 investment, including $638,571 in local funding support alongside ARC’s federal contribution.

“I am proud that Congress continues to support the Appalachian Regional Commission and the important work it does in communities like Blount County,” said Congressman Aderholt. “This investment will help ensure our students have access to the technology, equipment, and training necessary to compete in today’s economy and pursue high-demand careers right here in Alabama.”

As a federally authorized and congressionally funded economic development agency, ARC invests in projects that expand opportunity and strengthen communities across Appalachia. This latest award reflects continued federal support for workforce development and education initiatives in Alabama’s Fourth District.

According to ARC, the grant will fund upgrades to technology, equipment, and educational resources to ensure equitable access to high-quality, hands-on STEAM learning experiences. The initiative will be carried out in partnership with the Blount County Board of Education and will include in-school and summer STEAM training sessions, as well as ongoing professional development for STEAM lab teachers.

Congressman Aderholt emphasized that strengthening education and workforce readiness is critical to supporting Alabama’s economic growth.

“Alabama continues to lead in industries such as advanced manufacturing, aerospace engineering, and cybersecurity,” Aderholt added. “By investing in STEAM education now, we are preparing the next generation of workers to fill these important roles and continue our state’s economic success.”

The Appalachian Regional Commission serves 423 counties across 13 Appalachian states and works to build community capacity and promote long-term economic growth.

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