Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), a member of the House Agriculture Committee, and 214 of her Democratic colleagues in Congress are demanding Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins utilize the Congressionally authorized SNAP contingency fund to provide food assistance to hungry Americans as the Republican shutdown approaches its second month.

SNAP benefits were made available to eligible individuals in October, but due to the Agriculture Secretary’s unwillingness to use her statutory transer authority along with the roughly $5 billion SNAP contingency fund to deliver benefits in November, 42 million American seniors, veterans, and families with children risk not being able to keep food on their table. In Maine, 174,000 depend on SNAP benefits. 

The letter, signed by virtually every member of the House Democratic Caucus, comes as families, food banks, and farmers face rising costs and potential food shortages due to inflationary tariffs, increasing wealth inequality and reluctance by Trump administratin officials to exercise its legal authorities to ensure that SNAP operations continue through November. 

“USDA’s shutdown plan acknowledges that ‘Congressional intent is evident that SNAP’s operations should continue since the program has been provided with multi-year contingency funds…’ USDA still has significant funding available in SNAP’s contingency reserve – which Congress provides precisely for this reason – that can be used to fund the bulk of November benefits,” the lawmakers wrote. “Additionally, while the contingency reserve will not cover November benefits in full, we urge USDA to use its statutory transfer authority or any other legal authority at its disposal to supplement these dollars and fully fund November benefits.”

They continue, “There are clear steps the administration can and must take immediately to ensure that millions of families across the country can put food on their table in November. Choosing not to ensure SNAP benefits reach those in need this November would be a gross dereliction of your responsibilities to the American people.”

Read the letter here.

+++

Dear Madam Secretary,

Right now, millions of Americans are struggling to afford food due to the Administration’s ill-conceived trade war. Just this year, we’ve seen household staples like eggs, coffee, and ground beef hit record high prices. Now more than ever, millions of families across the country depend upon the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to make ends meet. For far too many veterans, seniors, and children, SNAP benefits are the difference between having food or not. Now, due to the government shutdown, they are facing crippling levels of uncertainty about whether they will be able to afford food next month.  

A potential lapse in benefits would be felt by Americans of all ages and affect every corner and congressional district in the country. As the largest food assistance program in the United States, SNAP serves 42 million people. That includes 16 million children, 8 million seniors, 4 million people with disabilities, and 1.2 million veterans.

That is why we were deeply concerned to see your comments suggesting that SNAP will run out of funding in two weeks and that no SNAP benefits will be issued in November. USDA’s shutdown plan acknowledges that “Congressional intent is evident that SNAP’s operations should continue since the program has been provided with multi-year contingency funds…” USDA still has significant funding available in SNAP’s contingency reserve – which Congress provides precisely for this reason – that can be used to fund the bulk of November benefits. 

We urge USDA to use these funds for November SNAP benefits and issue clear guidance to states on how to navigate benefit issuance. Additionally, while the contingency reserve will not cover November benefits in full, we urge USDA to use its statutory transfer authority or any other legal authority at its disposal to supplement these dollars and fully fund November benefits. 

There are clear steps the administration can and must take immediately to ensure that millions of families across the country can put food on their table in November. Choosing not to ensure SNAP benefits reach those in need this November would be a gross dereliction of your responsibilities to the American people. We appreciate your consideration of these requests.

Sincerely,

###

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

WASHINGTON—Today, Congressman Jim McGovern, Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee, Senior Member of the House Agriculture Committee, and a national leader on issues of hunger and food policy, released this statement following the Trump administration’s refusal to guarantee that federal food assistance benefits will go out on time in November:

“It’s been 24 days since Republicans shut down the federal government. Meanwhile, food prices continue to go up as ground beef, coffee, and other household staples hit record highs.

“But instead of looking after the concerns of regular families, Donald Trump and USDA Secretary Rollins now appear ready and willing to shut down America’s largest food assistance program, screwing over millions of working and low people—seniors, children, and American with disabilities—who are now wondering if they’ll be able to eat next month.

“This is a choice. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program has significant money set aside in multi-year contingency funding authorized by Congress for exactly this kind of a situation. Republicans are shutting down SNAP to create political leverage by inflicting pain on working families.

“This is also yet another act of retaliation and revenge by a resentful and vindictive President. Massachusetts taxpayers send more to Washington than we get back—with the expectation that federal food assistance will be there for our friends and neighbors if and when they need it. It is untenable and absurd to expect us to pay more than our fair share—only to have the vital programs our tax dollars fund withheld by a petty, spiteful administration.

“It is entirely on Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress to fully fund SNAP next month, stop this shutdown, and start putting everyday people ahead of millionaires and billionaires.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)

U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (MI-06) and Rashida Tlaib (MI-12) sent a letter to Corewell Health Southeast Michigan President Lamont Yoder amidst concerns that the board of directors is considering closing the labor and delivery unit at Corewell Health Wayne Hospital. Given growing challenges to health care access due to President Trump’s ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act,’ the lawmakers have grave concerns about eliminating or reducing services that residents depend on.

“Corewell Health Wayne Hospital has served residents across Wayne County, including constituents from both of our districts, for decades,” the lawmakers write. “Notably, the hospital has been a critical provider of obstetrical and gynecological services and was designated in 2021 as one of the “Best Hospitals for Maternity Care” when it was operating as Beaumont Hospital – Wayne in 2021.”

“We are hearing you are considering eliminating obstetrical and gynecological services at Corewell Health Wayne Hospital, and we are deeply concerned about the impacts it would have on patients across Southeast Michigan,” the lawmakers continue. “Patients, many of whom already come from at-risk communities, would have to seek care from other health systems miles away who are likewise under tremendous strain. Not to mention, Corewell plays a vital role in training the next generation of residents in obstetrical care. Should residents be required to train at alternative locations, our region may lose this important workforce we need to retain in our community.”

“We urge you to maintain these critical obstetrical and gynecological services and redouble your efforts in investing in women’s health and growing the workforce necessary to support it,” the lawmakers conclude. “We stand ready to support you in any way possible.”

View the full text of the letter here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)

Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06) today sent a letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem in response to the partisan video addressing the federal government shutdown that is being broadcast at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints at airports across America, including Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW).

In the video, Noem says, “Democrats in Congress refuse to fund the federal government and because of this, many of our operations are impacted, and most of our TSA employees are working without pay.” Dingell is urging the Secretary to remove the video and instead focus efforts on supporting TSA employees who are working without pay during the shutdown.

“The video depicts you, in your official capacity as Secretary of Homeland Security, assigning blame to the Democratic party for the federal government shutdown,” Dingell writes. “The video is deeply concerning as it appears to be a partisan message, which is not allowed with federal resources. The Hatch Act explicitly prohibits federal employees from engaging in certain political activities to ensure federal programs are administered in a nonpartisan fashion. Under the Hatch Act, it is also illegal to utilize government resources to benefit or disparage any political party.”

“Many airports across the country are refusing to broadcast the video due to it violating local policies and state laws barring the use of public assets for political purposes and messaging,” Dingell continues. “At DTW, signs have been posted informing travelers that the TSA-controlled video does not reflect the views of the Wayne County Airport Authority (WCAA), which manages the airport, and that WCAA does not engage in partisan politics.”

“TSA employees are a backbone of the U.S. aviation system. They serve on the frontlines keeping Americans safe, ensuring security at our airports, and keeping our aviation system running. Yet due to the ongoing government shutdown, they are all working without pay,” Dingell concludes. “Despite this, they have remained committed to serving the American public and other travelers who depend on them for their safety. We should be entirely focused on supporting these dedicated men and women during this difficult time, not inserting political content that only undermines their important mission. I urge you to remove this video from public viewing at DTW and other federal security checkpoints and instead focus on helping the federal workers who show up every day to keep Americans safe. Passenger safety and their overall travel experience at airports should be our guiding light in the airport, not messaging on partisan politics.”

View the full text of the letter here.

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

Washington, D.C. — Today, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens introduced the Inclusion, Development, and Economic Advancement (IDEA) Act to protect minority-owned businesses from the Trump Administration’s efforts to dismantle the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)—a move that threatens jobs, innovation, and Michigan’s economic progress.

Michigan is home to one of the nation’s largest and most diverse entrepreneurial communities, particularly in high-tech manufacturing, engineering, and small business development. MBDA partnerships and accelerator programs have helped Michigan companies scale production, reach new supply chains, hire local workers, and grow in emerging sectors like mobility and advanced manufacturing. Trump’s actions threaten that progress, and the IDEA Act ensures Michigan entrepreneurs don’t lose momentum.

The IDEA Act creates a statutory grant program to support business accelerators that expand access to capital, business networks, supply chains, and mentorship in underserved communities. Specifically, the bill will:

• Launch an MBDA accelerator grant program dedicated to serving minority-owned businesses

• Provide up to $1 million per accelerator for direct capital support through cash grants, networking programs that connect entrepreneurs to investors and innovation hubs, and other assistance approved by the Under Secretary of Commerce for Minority Business Development

• Require public transparency and reporting on the number of grants awarded and minority-owned businesses served

• Crack down on fraud by establishing penalties for knowingly misusing grant funds

“Let’s be clear: President Trump is turning his back on minority entrepreneurs—including right here in Michigan,” said Rep. Stevens. “Across our state, minority-owned businesses are creating jobs, fueling manufacturing, and building wealth for working families. The IDEA Act protects Michigan jobs, strengthens local supply chains, and invests in the small business owners who are the backbone of our communities.”
 

###

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – ICYMI: Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens sounded the alarm about the mounting health care costs and groceries prices Michigan families are battling.

With critical health care subsidies set to soon expire, Stevens reiterated her concerns about Republican’s plans to raise health care costs, saying the consequences would be devastating.

Stevens pointed to her No Tariffs on Groceries Act as a way to reduce prices and ease pressure on families at the grocery checkout line.

WWMT:

• [Congresswoman Stevens] says lawmakers have to come up with an agreement soon.

• She’s worried about Michiganders having to keep up with inflation, with groceries getting more expensive. And she says health care will get even pricier if Republicans succeed in cutting health care.

• “Hundreds of thousands of Michigan residents are going to lose coverage and face higher costs… that’s going to create some long-term damage for Michigan.”

• The health care subsidies are set to expire after next Saturday, November 1st. Stevens says health care will get more expensive after that.

• She worries more people will start putting bills on credit cards, especially because the consumer price index isn’t being released, and inflation is still high.

• She says her No Tariffs on Groceries Act is designed to help folks.

WGTQ

• “There’s a lot at stake for Michigan during this shutdown. Too many hard-working people aren’t getting paid.”

• “Families are struggling to make ends meet.”

• Stevens says health care could also get more expensive, with tax subsidies set to expire November 1st.

• “People are going to be forced to put more bills on credit cards with high interest rates.”

• “People are going to be priced out of their health care, and that’s not right.”

• “We’ve got an administration and Republican leaders who, you know, don’t want to come to the table for everyday people.”

• “People are being hurt. We need a better deal.”

 

###

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – ICYMI: Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens blasted President Trump and his Republican allies for their reckless shutdown tactics, which are putting federal workers and Michigan families at risk.

With the Republican shutdown stretching on, Rep. Stevens called on her colleagues to stand up to Trump’s reckless political games and make sure public servants are being compensated for their work, and raised alarm over skyrocketing health care costs for hardworking families in Michigan.

WLAJ:
 

• “It’s very frustrating to see a commander-in-chief who doesn’t care about paying federal workers—people who are working through a shutdown in this time. Trying to throw them away like yesterday’s trash is wholly unacceptable. We should be doing everything we can to ensure that people are compensated for their work and that their pocketbooks are protected.”

Bloomberg:
 

 

• “Look, I’ve done my part in the House, and I did vote alongside the people of Michigan and their pocketbooks.”

• “I’ll be very clear with you. We are in a health care crisis, and the responsibility of this moment is with the governing party, and what they are not doing is working in a very reasonable way with the other side of the aisle to keep the government funded…”

• “… the people who are paying the price are Michiganders.”

• “And I see this everywhere I go, the rising cost of food, that is grocery bills that are going on credit cards.”

• “700,000 Michiganders who are going to lose their health care when these Medicaid cuts go into effect, and notices that were given in the summer from this tax bill to Michiganders about their health care coverage and their benefits.”

• “And look, it’s not acceptable. People can’t afford more.”

###

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

Pontiac, MI  –  Today, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens joined local leaders, students, and educators for the kickoff of Oakland County’s Manufacturing Day 2025 at the Oakland Schools Technical Campus in Pontiac. Stevens delivered remarks to students and chaperones before they departed for tours of leading manufacturers across the region.

During her remarks, Stevens celebrated National Manufacturing Day as an opportunity to honor Michigan manufacturers and showcase the career pathways available in the advanced manufacturing sector. She reminded students that Oakland County is at the heart of Michigan’s industrial strength and told them they would be visiting companies on the frontlines of developing technologies.

Congresswoman Stevens has been a steadfast champion of Michigan manufacturing She connected the day’s visits to her record in Congress, noting that one of her first acts was introducing the Building Blocks of STEM Act to expand opportunities for young people to explore science and engineering. She highlighted her role in helping pass the CHIPS and Science Act. Stevens also pointed to her Manufacturing Monday program, mirroring the student site visits, as a way she has stayed engaged with Michigan manufacturers and carried their voices back to Washington. Through these efforts, she has consistently worked to strengthen supply chains, create jobs, and ensure Michigan and America’s leadership in advanced manufacturing.

“Whether it’s securing our supply chains, supporting small and mid-sized manufacturers, or investing in the workforce, Michigan is leading the way,” said Rep Stevens. “Today’s Manufacturing Day shows the incredible potential of our students to carry forward our state’s proud legacy of innovation.”

Photo available for media use below. Videos for media use can be provided upon request.

 

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is requesting that the U.S. House of Representatives delay her paycheck until the federal government has reopened, to stand with all those awaiting paychecks. Her pay would not be restored until federal employees are being paid, military personnel are fully supported and certain to receive their next paychecks, and services to the people have resumed.

In the lengthy 2018 shutdown, Congresswoman Amata also requested her pay be held up until the shutdown was solved, by making a formal request to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of the House. The pay for Members of Congress is not subject to the shutdown, based on constitutional requirements to pay the Congress, so it is up to individual Members to take action to hold up their own pay in solidarity with the millions of Americans bearing the cost of the shutdown.

“I appreciate that some other Members of Congress are also making the decision to delay their pay in recognition of the shutdown’s cost to the people of the country, though most of us have high housing costs in the DC area,” said Congresswoman Amata. “We must stand with the many Americans who are not being paid due to the shutdown, and many others who face delays in having federal services processed or other uncertainties.”

“I continue to disagree with the Senate vote that shut down the federal government in the first place, as I believe that health care priorities, including those I support, are best solved with bipartisan dialogue while the government is open and at work for all Americans,” Amata continued. “I’m encouraged by some of the suggestions from Senate Majority Leader Thune to provide a path forward, such as the idea to pass pay for military and excepted federal employees who are still at work. I urge senators to continue negotiations with urgency, so that the government opens as soon as possible.”

Article I, Section 6 of the Constitution requires that “Senators and Representatives shall receive a Compensation for their Services,” and the 27th Amendment prevents changing their pay rate during the current Congress, stating, “No law, varying the compensation for the services of the Senators and Representatives, shall take effect, until an election of Representatives shall have intervened.” 

Federal employees, whether working or furloughed, will receive back pay after the shutdown, required under the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019.

The House-passed clean funding through Nov. 21 would have maintained funding for seven weeks at the time it passed, but it did not pass the Senate. The House Appropriations Committee has also passed all 12 appropriations bills, and the Senate has completed work on eight of the 12 bills, providing points of agreement for negotiating the end of the shutdown.

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)

SCHAUMBURG, IL – After Florida politician Chandler Langevin—who recently called for the mass deportation of Indian Americans—attacked Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi’s name and heritage, calling him a “foreign occupier” in response to the Congressman’s earlier condemnation of his racist comments, Congressman Krishnamoorthi issued the following statement:

“It’s telling that rather than apologizing for calling for the mass deportation of Indian Americans, Mr. Langevin chose to double down with racist mockery. I was born in India, raised in Peoria, and elected by the people of Illinois—there’s nothing ‘foreign’ about standing up for my fellow Americans. Hate may be loud, but it will never drown out the values of decency and democracy that unite us.”