Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Bryan Steil (Wisconsin-1)

Washington, DC – This week, the House of Representatives voted to pass the Housing for the 21st Century Act (H.R. 6644), which includes the Accelerating Home Building Act (H.R. 5907), a bill co-led by Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) and Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (OR-05), on a vote of 390-9. 

“Housing costs have doubled over the last eight years in Wisconsin, making homeownership out of reach for many families,” said Steil. “By cutting through red tape and empowering local decision makers to increase supply, we can reduce costs and make it easier for families to purchase a home.”

Housing costs continue to rise due to a lack of supply, workforce shortages, and costly government regulations. These costs have put homeownership out of reach for many families. 

The Accelerating Home Building Act creates a grant program within the Department of Housing and Urban Development to help towns and cities implement pattern zoning, a process for architects and local governments to develop “pattern books” full of pre-approved, standardized plans and designs for use in their communities. This process tackles housing affordability by reducing red tape, lowering design costs, streamlining zoning approvals, and accelerating construction timelines.

CLICK HERE to read the Housing for the 21st Century Act.

CLICK HERE for a one pager on the bill.

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

(Houston, TX) —On Friday, February 13, 2026, Congressman Al Green will present a symbolic check for $500,000 to support Harris County Constable Precinct 7 in their combating of human trafficking across underserved communities in the Congressional District. This federal funding will provide specialized officer training and support community-based initiatives focused on prevention, victim services, and enforcement.

Houston continues to rank among the cities with the highest number of reported human trafficking cases in the nation, with vulnerable populations disproportionately impacted. Precinct 7 faces heightened risk due to socioeconomic barriers, major transportation corridors, large event venues such as NRG Stadium, and industries frequently associated with human trafficking activity. The funding will strengthen survivor advocacy services, expand community outreach and education efforts. It will also enhance law enforcement training as well as improve investigative coordination in partnership with local agencies and community organizations. 

Congressman Al Green stated, “Houston is one of the nation’s leading hubs for human trafficking, and far too many vulnerable residents are being exploited in our communities. This funding will help equip Harris County Constable Precinct 7 with the resources necessary to prevent trafficking, protect survivors, and hold traffickers accountable. As Houston prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, these proactive investments will help ensure we are prepared to address heightened risks of human trafficking and safeguard our communities.  I commend Constable ‘Smokie’ Phillips for his leadership and partnership in strengthening public safety throughout the district.” 

If you or someone you know may be experiencing human trafficking, or if you spot any red flags, help is available. Contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline by calling 1-888-373-7888, texting “HELP” or “INFO” to 233733, or visiting their website for confidential assistance and reporting options. 

Click here at 9:30 AM CT to watch the YouTube Live Stream of the event.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)

Bacon, Carbajal Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Workplace Protections for Cargo Pilots

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Don Bacon (R-NE-02), Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), and John Garamendi (D-CA-08), introduced the Safe Skies Act, a bipartisan bill to improve workplace protections for cargo pilots. 

Under current law, cargo pilots are operating under weaker flight, duty, and rest regulations than their passenger airline counterparts. This loophole increases the risk of fatigue and jeopardizes the safety of everyone who relies on our shared airspace. The Safe Skies Act closes this loophole by applying the same proven safety standards to cargo pilots that already protect passenger airline crews. 

Read the full text of the legislation here.

“I’m pleased to join my friend and colleague Rep. Carbajal in cosponsoring the Safe Skies Act to ensure one uniform standard of safety in our airspace,” said Rep. Bacon. “Cargo pilots fly in the same skies and land at the same airports as commercial pilots, and they should operate under the same science-based fatigue and rest standards.”

“Every pilot deserves the same workplace protections — whether they’re flying passengers or cargo,” said Rep. Carbajal. “The bipartisan Safe Skies Act is a commonsense step to reduce stress and fatigue for America’s cargo pilots. In doing so, it will enhance the safety of all who travel in our nation’s airspace.”

“When it comes to aviation safety, consistency is not optional—it is essential,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “Protecting our skies requires vigilance, accountability, and a commitment to getting the standards right. Cargo pilots operate in the same airspace, face the same fatigue risks, and carry the same responsibility as passenger crews, and our regulations must reflect that. The Safe Skies Act extends the FAA’s proven duty and rest requirements to all-cargo operations, closing a gap that has persisted for too long and strengthening the safety framework that underpins our entire aviation system.”

“Cargo plane pilots are an integral part of our economy, yet they are not held to the same safety standards as commercial flight crews,” said Rep. Garamendi. “The Safe Skies Act changes that by applying the same common-sense rules to combat fatigue and keep our airspace safe as those required for other pilots. I’m honored to join Rep. Carbajal in reintroducing this critical bill to ensure strong workplace protections for cargo pilots and crew.”

“Airline pilots are affected by fatigue the same, regardless of whether we fly passengers or freight. It is time for Congress to pass the Safe Skies Act and ensure one level of safety for all airline operations,” said Capt. Jason Ambosi, ALPA president. “ALPA has long advocated ensuring all-cargo operations, which have an elevated accident rate and frequently require difficult, night-time schedules, are covered by modern, science-based fatigue rules. We thank Representatives Carbajal, Fitzpatrick, Garamendi, and Bacon for their continued leadership for increasing safety for the airline industry and the pilot profession”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

Know Your Immigration Rights

If you or a loved one encounter immigration enforcement officials, it is essential that you know your rights and have prepared your household for all possible outcomes.

Ask for a warrant: The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution protects you from unreasonable search and seizure. You do not have to open your door until you see a valid warrant to enter your home or search your belongings.

Your right to remain silent: The Fifth Amendment protects your right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. You are not required to share any personal information such as your place of birth, immigration status or criminal history.

Always consult an attorney: You have a right to speak with an attorney. You do not have to sign anything or hand officials any documents without speaking to an attorney. Try to identify and consult one in advance.

The New York City Office of Civil Justice and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) support a variety of free immigration legal services through local nonprofit legal organizations. To access these resources, dial 311 and say “Action NYC,” call the MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline at 800-354-0365 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or visit MOIA’s website.

Learn more here: KNOW YOUR IMMIGRATION RIGHTS  – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

“Black families who sought homeownership were held back by red tape, limited to redlined neighborhoods and faced blatant racism from banks.”

“And for those who managed to secure a mortgage and buy a home, the value of their homes was grossly diminished by an appraisal system rife with racial bias, and that same appraisal system is around today.”

WASHINGTON – During a House Financial Services Committee hearing this week, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) laid plain the harmful discriminatory nature of the home appraisal process that has disadvantaged many current and aspiring homeowners—especially homeowners of color, across the country and in Boston. Rep. Pressley pushed for essential reform to modernize the appraisal process, strengthen transparency and accountability, and help families challenge bias valuations.

In November 2025, on National Housing Day, Rep. Pressley introduced the Appraisal Modernization Act, legislation to promote equity and combat systemic bias in the home appraisal process. The Senate companion legislation is being led by Senator Raphael Warnock (D-GA). Bill text is available here.

A transcript of Congresswoman Pressley’s remarks is available below, and the video is available here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Jesús Chuy García (IL-04)

CHICAGO — Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) announced today that his guest for the upcoming State of the Union address will be Marimar Martinez, a constituent of Illinois’ Fourth District, a teacher’s assistant at a Montessori school and a survivor of a near-fatal shooting by a federal agent. 

On October 4, Martinez, a U.S. citizen, was shot five times by a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agent while going to donate clothing to her church. Following the shooting, the federal government charged and prosecuted Martinez, falsely labeling her a “domestic terrorist”. The government later dismissed the charges, yet federal officials continue to defame her. Now Martinez is fighting to release all evidence in her case to expose the Trump administration’s lies and how federal agents are endangering people where they have been deployed. 

“After a Border Patrol agent brutally shot Marimar and bragged about it, the Trump administration wrongly called her a “domestic terrorist”. Even after all charges were dropped, they continue to smear her name. This is unacceptable,” said Rep. García. “I believe her personal story, as someone who has been harmed by this administration’s violent immigration enforcement, should be widely shared with the public, the media, and Members of Congress.”

“I am humbled by Congressman García’s generous invitation and appreciate Congressman García being in my corner from the beginning of this fight with the Department of Homeland Security over truth and fundamental fairness. I look forward to attending the State of the Union and hope the country can look at what happened to me and other victims of DHS’s unlawful behavior as a basis to call their elected representatives and demand accountability.” said Ms. Martinez. 

Martinez was nearly killed during Operation Midway Blitz, a months-long DHS operation that terrorized immigrant communities across Illinois, particularly in the district represented by Rep. García. During the operation federal agents used chemical agents against civilians, engaged in racial profiling, denied due process, and killed Silverio Villegas-Gonzalez. 

A report by DHS found that only 3 percent of those arrested during Operation Midway Blitz had serious crime convictions. 

“This is the federal government’s playbook: escalate violence, criminalize our neighbors, and then lie to justify brutality,” García continued. “I am proud to stand with Marimar and support her demand for full transparency and accountability.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24)

Today, U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) issued the statement below following the Trump Administration’s rollback of the 2009 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) endangerment finding. This finding determined that pollutants created from fossil fuels – such as methane and carbon dioxide – can be regulated under the Clean Air Act.

“The Trump Administration has once again chosen to prioritize the interests of Big Oil at the expense of the American people. It’s 2026 — the debate over the reality of climate change should be long settled. For decades, scientific evidence and firsthand experience have shown that greenhouse gases pose a serious threat to human health and to our nation’s security. Just last year, communities across the country suffered more than $100 billion in damages from climate‑related disasters, including our own state, which is still recovering from the wildfires that devastated Los Angeles. The Administration has a responsibility to protect the American people from the escalating dangers of climate change, and I call on them to reverse this decision immediately.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24)

U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24), along with U.S. Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), John Garamendi (D-CA-08), and Don Bacon (R-NE-02) introduced the Safe Skies Act, a bipartisan bill to improve workplace protections for cargo pilots. 

Under current law, cargo pilots are operating under weaker flight, duty, and rest regulations than their passenger airline counterparts. This loophole increases the risk of fatigue and jeopardizes the safety of everyone who relies on our shared airspace. The Safe Skies Act closes this loophole by applying the same proven safety standards to cargo pilots that already protect passenger airline crews. 

Read the full text of the legislation here.

“Every pilot deserves the same workplace protections — whether they’re flying passengers or cargo,” said Rep. Carbajal. “The bipartisan Safe Skies Act is a commonsense step to reduce stress and fatigue for America’s cargo pilots. In doing so, it will enhance the safety of all who travel in our nation’s airspace.”

“When it comes to aviation safety, consistency is not optional—it is essential,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “Protecting our skies requires vigilance, accountability, and a commitment to getting the standards right. Cargo pilots operate in the same airspace, face the same fatigue risks, and carry the same responsibility as passenger crews, and our regulations must reflect that. The Safe Skies Act extends the FAA’s proven duty and rest requirements to all-cargo operations, closing a gap that has persisted for too long and strengthening the safety framework that underpins our entire aviation system.”

“Cargo plane pilots are an integral part of our economy, yet they are not held to the same safety standards as commercial flight crews,” said Rep. Garamendi. “The Safe Skies Act changes that by applying the same common-sense rules to combat fatigue and keep our airspace safe as those required for other pilots. I’m honored to join Rep. Carbajal in reintroducing this critical bill to ensure strong workplace protections for cargo pilots and crew.”

“I’m pleased to join my friend and colleague Rep. Carbajal in cosponsoring the Safe Skies Act to ensure one uniform standard of safety in our airspace,” said Rep. Bacon. “Cargo pilots fly in the same skies and land at the same airports as commercial pilots, and they should operate under the same science-based fatigue and rest standards.”

“Airline pilots are affected by fatigue the same, regardless of whether we fly passengers or freight. It is time for Congress to pass the Safe Skies Act and ensure one level of safety for all airline operations,” said Capt. Jason Ambosi, ALPA president. “ALPA has long advocated ensuring all-cargo operations, which have an elevated accident rate and frequently require difficult, night-time schedules, are covered by modern, science-based fatigue rules. We thank Representatives Carbajal, Fitzpatrick, Garamendi, and Bacon for their continued leadership for increasing safety for the airline industry and the pilot profession.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II (5th District Missouri)

(Kansas City, MO) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) released the following statement after Platform Ventures announced they will not sell their south Kansas City warehouse for the purpose of a mega Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center.

“I welcome Platform Ventures’ decision to not move forward with the sale of its south Kansas City warehouse.

“From the outset, I had serious concerns about the scope, oversight, and justification for placing a large-scale immigration detention center in Missouri’s Fifth District. That is why I sent two letters to Secretary Noem demanding transparency from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) about their intentions and process. The questions I raised in my letters remain part of a broader responsibility Congress has to conduct oversight of DHS and ensure its actions are aligned with the law, basic standards of accountability, and human dignity.

“While this specific sale will not move forward, my concerns about the expansion of mass detention and the lack of transparency surrounding immigration enforcement decisions have not changed. Congress has a constitutional obligation to serve as a check on the executive branch, and I will continue pressing DHS for answers wherever due process, human rights, and fiscal responsibility are at stake.

“Kanas Citians deserve thoughtful public policy, responsible use of taxpayer dollars, and federal actions that respect both the law and the communities they impact. I remain committed to ensuring DHS is held accountable – in Missouri’s Fifth District and nationwide.” 

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Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee’s Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), U.S. Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA), and Representatives Sara Jacobs (CA-51) and Mark Takano (CA-41) are reintroducing the Transgender Bill of Rights amidst ongoing attacks on the trans community. This resolution encourages the federal government to take concrete measures to advance protections for transgender and nonbinary people, ensuring all Americans can live authentically and with dignity, no matter their gender identity or expression.

“The trans community continues to be targeted and scapegoated by hateful legislation and politicians. This cruelty must stop,” said Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, Co-Chair of the Transgender Equality Task Force. “Today, I’m reintroducing the Trans Bill of Rights to unequivocally say that trans lives matter and that every person deserves to live free from prejudice and discrimination. Our bill honors the resilience of the trans community, and lays out a clear vision for what Congress must do to ensure every trans and gender non-conforming person is treated with dignity and respect.”

“Trans rights are human rights. We must ensure that every trans and gender diverse person in America can live freely, safely, and authentically. That’s what the Transgender Bill of Rights is all about,” said Senator Markey. “I am proud to partner with Representatives Jayapal, Takano, and Jacobs, and with advocates from across the country to reject hate and reaffirm that trans people have a right to gender-affirming health care, to accurate identity documents, and to fully participate in school, in work, and in public life—just like anyone else. This is about who we are as a country: whether freedom belongs to all of us or only to some of us. We must choose freedom and justice for all.”

“Whether it’s pushing trans sports bans or blocking access to health care, the Trump administration continues to attack the trans community and threaten their basic human rights,” said Congresswoman Sarah Jacobs,  Co-Chair of the Transgender Equality Task Force. “We need protections for the transgender and non-binary communities at the federal level, because no one should live in fear of being who they are. I’m so proud to co-lead the Transgender Bill of Rights as proof of our commitment to protect the health, safety, and well-being of trans people in this country. To the trans community: we see you, and we will not stop until you can live freely and authentically.” 

“For years, right-wing politicians at every level of government have been relentless attacking the transgender community’s rights and dignity. Even in the face of these cruel attacks, our transgender siblings are still standing tall,” said Rep. Mark Takano, Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus. “The Transgender Bill of Rights is both a clear reminder to every trans person in the United States that we stand with them and a commitment to the work still left to do in order to build a safer, more loving, and more equal nation. As Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus, I’m proud to stand beside our Transgender Equality Task Force Co-Chairs, Congresswomen Jayapal and Jacobs, as well as Senator Markey, in introducing this resolution.” 

In 2025 alone, there were 1,022 bills proposed across the country that target the rights of trans and gender non-conforming individuals, including bills that would jeopardize the health and safety of trans and LGBTQ+ youth. Anti-trans laws aimed at minors have been linked with increases in suicide attempts by trans and gender nonconforming teenagers, and coincide with the Trump Administration’s cuts to suicide prevention services for LGBTQ+ youth. These laws also target an already vulnerable community, as trans people are four times more likely than cisgender people to be victims of violent crimes.

The Trans Bill of Rights calls on the federal government to provide protections for transgender and nonbinary people by:

• Ensuring that transgender and nonbinary people have equal access to services and public accommodations by amending the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to explicitly include gender identity and sex characteristics as protected characteristics and amending federal education laws to explicitly clarify that they protect students from discrimination based on gender identity and sex characteristics.
• Ensuring transgender and nonbinary people have the ability to provide for themselves and their families by codifying Bostock and clarifying that it is illegal to discriminate in employment, housing, and credit based on gender identity and sex characteristics.
• Ensuring every child is protected from discrimination based on their gender identity by ensuring the rights of students from participating in all areas of school life, including classes, athletics, and access to facilities. 
• Recognizing the right to bodily autonomy and ethical healthcare by expanding access to gender-affirming medical care, codifying the right to abortion and contraception, protecting transgender people from discrimination in healthcare, and banning forced surgery on intersex children and infants in violation of ethical standards of care.
• Promoting the safety of trans and nonbinary people by investing in community services to prevent violence against trans and nonbinary people and expanding services for survivors, investing in mental health services designed for transgender and nonbinary people, and banning so-called “conversion therapy” practices.
• Enforcing the civil rights of transgender people by requiring the Attorney General to designate a liaison within the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice dedicated to advising and overseeing the enforcement of the civil rights of transgender people.

This legislation is also cosponsored by Gabe Amo (RI-01), Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Becca Balint (VT-AL), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Wesley Bell (MO-01), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), André Carson (IN07), Greg Casar (TX-35), Sean Casten (IL-06), Judy Chu (CA-28), Gilbert R. Cisneros, Jr. (CA-31), Yvette Clarke (NY09), Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Diana DeGette (CO-01), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), Valerie Foushee (NC-04), Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10), John Garamendi (CA-08), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Jesús G. “Chuy” García (IL-04), Daniel Goldman (NY-10), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Al Green (TX-09), Adelita S. Grijalva (AZ-07), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (GA-04), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), William Keating (MA-09), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), John B. Larson (CT-01), Summer Lee (PA-12), Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03), Ted W. Lieu  (CA-36), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Doris Matsui (CA-07), Sarah McBride (DE-AL), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Morgan McGarvey (KY-03), James P. McGovern (MA-02), LaMonica McIver (NJ10), Rob Menendez (NJ-08), Grace Meng (NY-06), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Jerry Nadler (NY-12), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Scott Peters (CA-50), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Ayanna Pressley  (MA-07), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Emily Randall (WA-06), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Luz Rivas (CA-29), Deborah K. Ross (NC-02), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Linda T. Sanchez (CA-38), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Adam Smith (WA-09), Melanie Ann Stansbury (NM-01), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Dina Titus (NV-01), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Nydia M. Velázquez  (NY-07), James Walkinshaw (VA-11), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), and Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24).

Issues: Civil Rights, LGBTQIA+ Rights