Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)

Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA) today issued the following statement on the results of yesterday’s general elections in Virginia:

“It is hard to overstate the magnitude of Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger’s victory yesterday. She won by the largest margin of any Democratic gubernatorial candidate in Virginia since the parties realigned during integration, with broad support that overcame differences of age, race, gender, and political affiliation. She flipped rural counties that haven’t supported Democratic candidates in years, and her success helped deliver the biggest Democratic wins in the House of Delegates in nearly four decades. She also shattered Virginia’s glass ceiling at long last, and I cannot wait to address my friend as ‘Madam Governor.’

“Virginia voters sent a clear message that they are not happy about rising prices, rising unemployment, and the state of the economy. President Trump ran on the promise to fix these problems quickly, but with his Republican allies he has instead made them worse: raising the costs of groceries and goods with crazy tariffs, and raising electricity prices and health care costs with their Big Bill. The concerns about high costs are not isolated to Virginia, this is a huge, nationwide problem that demands solutions which Republicans are failing to offer.

“I am proud and not surprised that some of the most enthusiastic voters were Northern Virginians, who have been treated so awfully by this Administration and its Republican allies. I have warned all year that DOGE, the illegal funding freezes and cancellations, the illegal destruction of agencies and attacks on the civil servants who work on them were deeply unpopular – and that is clearly reflected in these results. This is a broader economic and governance issue that activated and energized many people who are not employed by the federal government, and continues to reverberate in places far from Washington.

“Rather than address these issues, Republicans have chosen to run cover for a deeply unpopular president as he makes life worse for average Americans and engages in some of the most blatant corruption ever seen in this country. We have made clear that they will not do so unopposed, and the opposition will only gain strength and momentum from these powerful results. The American people do not want a king, they want leaders who care about them and solve their problems, which is the kind of governor Virginians see in Abigail Spanberger.

“I congratulate and thank our candidates, their staffs and volunteers, and all whose tireless efforts led to this incredible result.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ted Lieu (33 District of California)

LOS ANGELES – Today, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) issued the following statement after California voters passed Proposition 50, which requires temporary use of new congressional district maps through 2030.  The passage means California will use new, legislatively drawn congressional district maps starting in 2026. 

“Trump and his Republican acolytes have made it their mission to attack hardworking Californians and our Democratic principles. Last night, Californians told Trump that we will not yield. The resounding support for Prop 50 shows that there are political consequences to politicizing fire aid, sending troops to our neighborhoods, and terrorizing immigrant communities. California is the fifth-largest economy in the world and makes our country great. People here and across the country are sick of inflation and they’re sick of the Republican cruelty. Californians joined the chorus of Americans who made their voices heard yesterday to simply say: Republicans, stop attacking our communities and driving up the cost of everything.

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

WASHINGTON — On Day 36 of the Democrat Shutdown, Speaker Johnson hosted a press conference alongside members of the sophomore class and House GOP Leadership to discuss how Democrats have handed the keys of their party to avowed socialists and leaders who fantasize about the death of their political opponents. Speaker Johnson also reminded Democrat Rep. Chrissy Houlahan – who embarrassingly tried to interrupt the press conference – that she voted against funding for SNAP and pay for US troops.

“We talk about Mamdani for two reasons. It’s a bellwether because House Democrats, many of whom represent districts much less blue than New York City, have embraced him with open arms. And because his brand of Marxism is truly a bellwether for the Democrats nationwide,” Speaker Johnson said. “We’ve pointed out that other major metropolitan areas in the country are facing the same threat with candidates similar to Mamdani. And we are going to continue to call out their effort to mainstream and normalize socialism and Marxism in America.”

Today officially marks the longest shutdown in American history.

Watch Speaker Johnson’s full remarks here.

On Democrats embracing radical, Left-Wing candidates:

The new power center of the Left isn’t the moderates; it’s the AOC’s and the Bernie Sanders and the Mamdani’s of the party. It’s the activists who believe capitalism is evil, who disdain the founding principles of their own country, that claim that the salvation of our nation will be brought about by bigger government and more bureaucracy. Look what happened in New York City last night. For the first time in American history, an avowed, openly proclaimed socialist has been elected as the mayor of America’s largest city. Zohran Mamdani is without a doubt the biggest win for socialism in the history of the country. And it is the biggest loss for the American people.

He is truly a committed Marxist, and the results of that race tell you everything you need to know about where the Democrats and their party are headed. From the back bench to their leadership, Democrats have fallen in line behind the socialist candidates. Hakeem Jeffries, as you know, is the highest-ranking Democrat in the House. He gave his full blessing to Mamdani and his socialist agenda. Chuck Schumer, the highest-ranking Democrat in the Senate and the highest-ranking Jewish leader in America, flirted with endorsing Mamdani all the way to the bitter end. Never mind the fact that Zohran has embraced antisemitic rhetoric and promised to arrest the Prime Minister of Israel if he visits New York City again.

And then there’s President Obama who called Mamdani over the weekend to extend his praise and act as a sounding board for the young socialist. You can’t make this stuff up. The man who made health care unaffordable with his own socialist scheme is advising the man whose false promises will surely make life unlivable for millions of New Yorkers who cannot afford to flee the city.

On House Democrats owning the consequences of their embrace of socialism:

We talk about Mamdani for two reasons. It’s a bellwether because House Democrats, many of whom represent districts much less blue than New York City, have embraced him with open arms. And because his brand of Marxism is truly a bellwether for the Democrats nationwide. We pointed out that other major metropolitan areas in the country are facing the same threat with candidates similar to Mamdani. And we are going to continue to call out their effort to mainstream and normalize socialism and Marxism in America. Working families watching this play out have a right to know that socialism and communism are not just confined in New York City.

They’re quickly coming to a town near you, unless you stand up and let your voice of common sense be heard. While Democrats hitch their wagon to the socialist agenda, Republicans are going to continue to act in good faith on behalf of hardworking Americans, and we will remind a new generation of Americans about the painful and inescapable realities of history.

On Rep. Houlahan’s embarrassing press conference charade:

We went to the White House; we went and sat in front of the resolute desk. We brought Leader Jeffries and Leader Schumer in, and we had a discussion. The President said, please don’t shut the government down. It would cause all this pain to the American people. This has never happened before. It’s a clean, nonpartisan CR that every Democrat, including you, voted no on September 19. You voted to shut down the government. You voted to stop SNAP benefits. You voted to not pay the troops, not pay TSA, Border Patrol. You may regret it now, but that’s your vote. And it’s on the record. So, the President had them in and they didn’t want to have a dialogue or debate. They thumbed their nose at him.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (1st District of Maine)

“USCIS’s own data makes clear that the agency continues to face severe delays in adjudicating EAD renewals. As a result, individuals who have already been deemed legally authorized to work will lose their jobs for no other reason than the government choosing not to process their paperwork in time,” the lawmakers said. “Ending automatic extensions under these conditions is effectively penalizing people for USCIS’s administrative shortcomings.

The lawmakers said the policy shift is both unfair and economically reckless, noting that immigrants with work authorization play critical roles in health care, education, agriculture, and other essential sectors. “Removing the ability from employers to employ those who are work authorized, tax-paying, and essential to our communities drastically undermines our economy and puts unnecessary burden on business owners who are already struggling to make ends meet.”

The lawmakers underscored that the new rule creates a bureaucratic trap for workers who are doing everything right. Current regulations encourage applicants to file renewal requests only up to 180 days—six months—before their work permits expire. Yet USCIS’s own data show that average processing times for many EAD categories now exceed six and a half months. 

“This gap ensures that, even when applicants submit renewals at the earliest possible date, their authorization will lapse before a new document can be issued,” the Members wrote. “In practice, this rule guarantees that lawfully employed individuals will be forced out of the workforce through no fault of their own.”

The lawmakers urged USCIS to immediately withdraw the rule or, at minimum, delay implementation until the agency can demonstrate that renewal applications will be processed within a timeframe that prevents lapses in work authorization.

Last year, Pingree and King led a push to codify a temporary rule granting a 540-day automatic extension to expiring work authorizations for immigrants and asylum seekers.  

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Dear Director Edlow,

We write to express deep concern regarding USCIS’s recently announced interim final rule ending the automatic extension of employment authorization documents (EADs) for individuals who have filed timely renewal applications. This change, to be implemented while significant processing backlogs persist, will have devastating consequences for workers, families, and employers across the country.

USCIS’s own data makes clear that the agency continues to face severe delays in adjudicating EAD renewals. As a result, individuals who have already been deemed legally authorized to work will lose their jobs for no other reason than the government choosing not to process their paperwork in time. Ending automatic extensions under these conditions is effectively penalizing people for USCIS’s administrative shortcomings.

Compounding this problem, current regulations only allow applicants to file for a renewal up to 180 days – six months – before their work permit expires. Yet, at the time of the rule’s publication, the agency’s average processing time for many the EAD categories covered by the extension exceeds six and a half months. This gap ensures that, even when applicants submit their renewals at the earliest possible date, their authorization will lapse before a new document can be issued. In practice, this rule guarantees that lawfully employed individuals will be forced out of the workforce through no fault of their own.

 This policy shift is not only unfair, but economically reckless. Employers in practically every sector–from health care and education to agriculture and food services–are all seeking to fill open positions. Removing the ability from employers to employ those who are work authorized, tax-paying, and essential to our communities drastically undermines our economy and puts unnecessary burden on business owners who are already struggling to make ends meet.

 We strongly urge USCIS to withdraw this rule and instead focus on addressing the underlying backlogs that have caused these delays. If the agency proceeds, it must at-minimum delay implementation until it can demonstrate that renewal applications will be processed within a timeframe that prevents lapses in employment authorization. Anything less will cause significant harm to workers, businesses, and the U.S. economy.

 Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. We look forward to your response outlining the steps USCIS intends to take to ensure that employment-authorized individuals are not stripped of their ability to work due to agency inaction.

Sincerely,

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

Headline: Rep. Carter Backs President Trump: End the Filibuster NOW

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) today released the following statement supporting President Donald J. Trump’s call to eliminate the Senate filibuster:

“President Trump is exactly right. The filibuster is killing our country. Democrats have turned it into a weapon to block America First policies, shut down our government, and stop progress for the American people. Enough is enough. It’s time to end the obstruction, end the excuses, and end the filibuster.”

Carter said Republicans must stop playing by the old rules while Democrats use every trick to advance their radical agenda:

“The American people don’t care about career politicians’ outdated swamp traditions. They want results. When President Trump fights, he wins. When Republicans fight with him, America wins. The Senate should act now: eliminate the filibuster, let us deliver on the President’s agenda, and put our people first again.”

Carter also backed President Trump’s call to end the outdated “blue slip” tradition that lets liberal senators block his nominees:

“Blue slips are just another swamp trick and a courtesy Democrats never return. President Trump deserves his team in place to clean up this mess, prosecute corruption, and restore law and order. It’s time to end blue slips and let him get the job done.”

Carter called on Republicans to find their backbone and stand with the President:

“Once again, President Trump is right. He’s leading, showing real courage, and fighting for the PEOPLE while politicians make excuses. It’s time for Republicans to do what they were elected to do, to stand with him, and to finish the job.” 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sam Graves (6th District of Missouri)

WASHINGTON, DC – Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO) joined Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA), Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA), Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN), House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-MI), and Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy today at a press conference to discuss the impacts of the government shutdown on our aviation system and the more than 13,000 air traffic controllers currently working without pay.

Chairman Graves took the opportunity to praise air traffic controllers for continuing to do their job despite the uncertainty surrounding their next paycheck: “They’re showing up for work, they’re doing the job, and they’re making sure that our skies stay safe.” Speaking about the shutdown and Senator Chuck Schumer, Graves said, “It’s unfortunate that he’s weaponizing the air traffic controllers,” and stressed that neither controllers nor their families should be used as political bargaining chips. 

Speaker Mike Johnson addressed reports that air traffic controllers are taking on second jobs to make ends meet during the government shutdown: “Air traffic controllers, some people call the policemen of our skies, they have been showing up at work without pay. And, news reports have suggested that these men and women are seeking outside employment just to keep their families afloat.”

Secretary Duffy assured the public that it is still safe to fly and that the Administration’s efforts to modernize the air traffic control system, for which the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee provided a down payment of $12.5 billion in H.R. 1, is still progressing during the shutdown. However, he noted that the shutdown has the potential to negatively impact the recruitment of new air traffic controllers, as recruits are witnessing controllers go without pay. Hiring new air traffic controllers has been a priority for the Trump Administration as they work to address the current controller shortage. Secretary Duffy spoke about effects of the shutdown on new recruits saying, “They’re thinking about leaving the [FAA] Academy, smart young men and women, because they don’t want to work for a system that won’t pay them.”

Chairman Graves joined Secretary Duffy and House Republican Leadership in urging liberals in the Senate to pass a clear continuing resolution – which the House did weeks ago – and vote to reopen the government. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nydia M Velázquez (D-NY)

The program would provide Plant-Based Entrées in schools nationwide.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nydia M Velázquez (D-NY)

WASHINGTON- Today, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) led 35 Members of Congress in demanding answers from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent regarding the Trump Administration’s reported plan to extend approximately $20 billion in support to Argentina through the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Exchange Stabilization Fund (ESF).
 
The lawmakers warn that the ESF is being used to provide extraordinary financial assistance to President Javier Milei’s government for political ends, rather than to serve U.S. economic interests.
 
“At a time when tariffs, rising prices and cuts to essential domestic programs are straining American families and businesses, it is troubling that U.S. taxpayer-backed funds are being deployed to stabilize a foreign government’s currency, seemingly to advance partisan objectives, rather than to meet urgent needs at home,” wrote the lawmakers. “The Milei Administration’s extreme austerity program has caused spending on utilities to rise from 6 to 15 percent of the average salary, while failing to achieve its purported goal of macroeconomic stabilization. The recent provincial election results in Argentina underscore widespread dissatisfaction with these policies and the severe social costs of Milei’s experiment.”
 
The lawmakers also question the transparency and legality of the Administration’s actions. Historically, interventions through the ESF were guided by a defined policy framework. These actions typically included repayment schedules and required congressional notifications to ensure accountability and protect U.S. taxpayers. In this instance, the Administration’s decision to proceed without comparable safeguards or transparency raises serious concerns regarding the rationale, legality, and fiscal responsibility of its actions.
 
“Significant American investment of this nature demands consultation and oversight from Congress.  Historically, deployment of the ESF—like for Mexico in 1995— has come with substantial consultation and collaboration with Congress and transparency into the ESF’s operations,” continued the lawmakers. “We expect the Treasury Department to provide Congress and the American people with information concerning the actions taken through ESF to strengthen the Argentinian peso and stabilize Argentina’s economy.”
 
Reports indicate that major U.S. investment firms—including Fidelity, Pimco, and Discovery Capital Management—stand to profit directly from this intervention due to their exposure to Argentine bonds. This suggests the Administration may be using the Exchange Stabilization Fund to advance the interests of Wall Street investors at the expense of U.S. taxpayers.
The letter also raises concerns about Argentina’s ability to repay the loan. The government’s practice of draining billions in reserves to defend an overvalued currency is unsustainable regardless of how much it borrows from the United States or international lenders. The lawmakers write that the Treasury Department owes the American people a clear explanation of what actions have been taken to protect the ESF and U.S. taxpayers from potential losses.
 
“Treasury must explain what reforms or collateral are in place to protect the ESF and U.S. taxpayers from loss,” concluded the lawmakers. “Given the magnitude and precedent of this action, we request that Treasury suspend any disbursement or implementation of the proposed swap or credit line to Argentina until these issues are fully addressed.”
 
In addition to Velázquez, the letter was signed by Reps. Alma Adams (D-NC), Greg Casar (D-TX), Joaquin Castro (D-TX), Judy Chu (D-CA), Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO), Diana DeGette (D-CO), Suzan DelBene (D-WA), Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Veronica Escobar (D-TX), Dwight Evans (D-PA), Chuy Garcia (D-IL), Sylvia Garcia (D-TX), Al Green (D-TX), Jim Himes (D-CT), Steven Horsford (D-NV), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL), Sara Jacobs (D-CA), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Robin Kelly (D-IL), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Scott Peters (D-CA), Delia Ramirez (D-IL), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Brad Sherman (D-CA), Lateefah Simon (D-CA), Eric Swalwell (D-CA), Mark Takano (D-CA), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Jill Tokuda (D-HI), Paul Tonko (D-NY), Juan Vargas (D-CA).  
 
Find the full letter here.
 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Joe Wilson (2nd District of South Carolina)

Washington, DC – Representatives Joe Wilson (R-SC), Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Tom Kean (R-NJ), and Steve Cohen (D-TN) introduced the REPO Implementation Act of 2025. This bipartisan legislation builds off the REPO law of last Congress by repurposing a sizeable subset of the frozen Russian sovereign assets for Ukraine on a regular, set, timetable. REPO 2.0 jumpstarts the process of transferring assets to Ukraine, providing a way forward for allies to finally implement this common sense measure to make Russia pay for its war.

     “War criminal Putin chose to invade Ukraine. Despite losing his war, he continues mass murder and destruction while abducting and erasing identities of Ukrainian children. I was grateful to be among the first supporters of the original REPO Act, and I am grateful to sponsor the REPO Implementation Act of 2025 to ensure that Putin’s own money is used to help Ukraine defend itself against Russian aggression,” said Rep. Wilson. 

     “Last year, Congress overwhelmingly passed the Rebuilding Economic Prosperity and Opportunity (REPO) for Ukrainians Act to ensure that Russia alone is held responsible for the death and destruction that Dictator Putin has forced upon the free people of Ukraine,” said Rep. Kaptur (OH-09), Co-Chair and Co-Founder of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus. “While that step was an essential one, which we took along with our other allies for Liberty, more can be done. Today, Congress follows through on the promise of the REPO Act and ups the pressure on Putin’s Russia to come to the table for peace with the introduction of this new bipartisan legislation. Together, we will push Russia’s bloody incursion back across their own borders and rebuild Ukraine so that it can take its long-sought place among the free democratic nations in Europe.”

     “Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine continues to inflict tremendous suffering on the Ukrainian people. By repurposing frozen Russian sovereign assets in the United States, we can ensure that Russia bears the cost of Putin’s aggression. The REPO Implementation Act establishes a clear framework to provide Ukraine with consistent investments from the United States and encourages our G7 allies to do the same. Together, these efforts will help Ukraine sustain its defense and sovereignty, rebuild what Putin’s forces have destroyed, and strengthen Europe’s collective security,” said Rep. Kean. 

     “Vladimir Putin put his corrupt money in the United States and Europe, and we froze it. The REPO for Ukrainians Act was a major accomplishment last year, and we must continue this progress with the REPO Implementation Act. This bill ensures that this blood money will now be put to good use supporting the Ukrainians who Putin has attacked. This is a matter of basic justice—the aggressor must pay for his aggression,” said Rep. Cohen. 

     A copy of the full text is available here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Joe Wilson (2nd District of South Carolina)

Washington, D.C. – Congressmen Joe Wilson (R-SC) and Steve Cohen (D-TN), the Co-Chairs of the Congressional Caucus on U.S.-Türkiye Relations and Turkish Americans issued the following statement: 

     “As Co-Chairs of the Congressional Caucus on U.S.-Türkiye Relations and Turkish Americans, we join millions around the world in celebrating the 102nd anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Türkiye.

     Since its establishment in 1923, Türkiye has played a pivotal role as a bridge between continents, cultures, and global alliances. We fondly remember Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founding father of the Republic of Türkiye, and one of the great leaders of the 20^th century. The United States and Türkiye have long shared a relationship grounded in mutual strategic interests, robust economic ties, and a shared commitment to regional security and prosperity. Türkiye’s contributions to the Gaza peace plan and progress in Syria are the most recent examples of its role in advancing regional stability. As NATO allies, our cooperation remains essential to addressing the complex challenges facing our world today — from counterterrorism and energy security to trade and global stability.

     Equally important are the strong people-to-people connections that bind our two nations. The vibrant and successful Turkish American community continues to enrich the fabric of American society, contributing in countless ways to our economy, culture, science, and public life. Their achievements exemplify the enduring friendship between our countries and the promise of our continued partnership. 

     On this Republic Day, we honor Türkiye’s progress over the past 102 years and reaffirm our commitment to continue to work on strengthening the political, strategic, and economic dimensions of the U.S.-Turkish relationship. We extend our warmest congratulations to the people of Türkiye and Turkish Americans across the United States as they celebrate this historic milestone.”

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