Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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

Today, U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) and Jamie Raskin (D-MD-08), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, pressed the Trump Administration for answers following the detaining of a Canadian national and subjecting him to an unnecessary DNA collection under threat of criminal charges carrying one year in prison. The Canadian national, 68-year-old retired nuclear health physicist Kevin Larson, was seeking legal entry into Michigan to attend a peaceful No Kings protest. In a letter to the Department of State, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the Department of Justice (DOJ), Representatives Dingell and Raskin are demanding answers as to why Mr. Lawson was detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers after expressing his desire to attend a peaceful protest in Michigan. After complying with the DNA collection out of fear for his safety, he was let go, not charged, and not suspected of any illegal activity. “We are also deeply troubled that Mr. Larson may have been denied entry based solely on intended expressive activity that is constitutionally protected- for both citizens and visitors- and then subjected to invasive biometric collection without clear legal justification. We request clarity to better understand the grounds CBP officers had to detain Mr. Larson and compel a DNA sample under threat of prosecution. CBP’s own guidance states that DNA is not collected from individuals held at a port of entry during admissibility determinations who are not subject to further detention or proceedings,” the lawmakers wrote.

“This episode thus strongly indicates that official policy is not being followed and that discretion is being exercised at ports of entry in vindictive, cruel, and counterproductive ways. Furthermore, we are concerned about the handling of this sensitive biometric data, including how it is being transmitted to, stored by, and used within FBI systems, including the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), particularly in a case where no criminal predicate appears to exist,” they continued.

A copy of the letter can be found HERE and text is below:

Dear Secretary Mullin, Secretary Rubio, and Attorney General Bondi:

This letter is in response to an extraordinary incident on October 18, 2025, in which a Canadian retiree, Kevin Larson, with no known criminal record and no suspected illegal activity, was required to provide a DNA sample under threat of possible jail time while simply attempting to lawfully cross the Blue Water Bridge into Port Huron, Michigan.

On that date, Mr. Larson, a 68-year-old retired nuclear health physicist from Ontario attempted to enter the United States lawfully to attend a peaceful No Kings protest. Instead, he was detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers, apparently denied entry based on the nature of his planned activity, and subjected to fingerprinting, a phone search, and a DNA collection. He was explicitly informed that failure to provide a DNA sample could result in criminal charges carrying up to a year in prison. After complying under this threat, he was returned to Canada. Mr. Larson was not charged with any crime and was not suspected of illegal activity.

You may not have heard, but Canada is our major trading partner, our friend, our neighbor, and one of our strongest allies in defending democratic freedom around the world against fascism and authoritarianism. Canadians and Americans regularly cross the border in both directions to shop, work, and visit family. Episodes like this risk undermining that longstanding relationship and are already contributing to a chilling effect on cross-border travel and engagement. This kind of hostile and arbitrary treatment at the border could further damage one of our most important bilateral relationships already battered by President Trump’s vilification of the Canadian people and threats to annex their country. 

The informal Canadian boycott of American commerce, travel, tourism, and goods is already killing a lot of American businesses from Michigan and New York to Nevada and Florida, and this kind of authoritarian treatment of Canadian citizens at the border will only make matters a lot worse. 

We are also deeply troubled that Mr. Larson may have been denied entry based solely on intended expressive activity that is constitutionally protected- for both citizens and visitors- and then subjected to invasive biometric collection without clear legal justification. We request clarity to better understand the grounds CBP officers had to detain Mr. Larson and compel a DNA sample under threat of prosecution. CBP’s own guidance states that DNA is not collected from individuals held at a port of entry during admissibility determinations who are not subject to further detention or proceedings. This episode thus strongly indicates that official policy is not being followed and that discretion is being exercised at ports of entry in vindictive, cruel, and counterproductive ways. Furthermore, we are concerned about the handling of this sensitive biometric data, including how it is being transmitted to, stored by, and used within FBI systems, including the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), particularly in a case where no criminal predicate appears to exist.

In light of these extraordinary actions by CBP, we request a response to the following questions by April 10, 2026:

•Why was Mr. Larson denied entry to the United States on October 18, 2025? 

•What was the legal authority for requiring Mr. Larson to submit to a DNA test under threat of criminal prosecution? 

•How did Mr. Larson’s case meet CBP’s criteria for DNA collection, what is the current governing policy, and how is it being implemented at ports of entry?

•How many individuals have had DNA collected by CBP at ports of entry despite not being charged with or suspected of a crime?

•How has Mr. Larson’s DNA been used, and what are the policies governing its storage, access, and retention by the FBI?

•Has Mr. Larson’s DNA been entered into CODIS, and if so, under what authority?

•If the collection was not consistent with CBP policy or legal requirements, what process exists to remove Mr. Larson’s DNA from federal databases?

Thank you for your immediate attention to this important matter, which could trigger major international repercussions, especially before the next No-Kings Day on March 28, and we look forward to your prompt response.

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

Today, U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) and Jim McGovern (D-MA-02) introduced legislation to protect American citizens evacuating foreign countries during a crisis. The Leave No Americans Behind Act would end the practice of charging fees from Americans evacuating foreign countries in times of crisis.

“We have a responsibility to get Americans out of harm’s way, no questions asked, and no strings attached,” said Dingell. “These fees place a real financial burden on people during an already traumatic time, while providing only a marginal amount of revenue. The government shouldn’t be charging fees to Americans in distress during a crisis outside of their control.”

 “Our government’s top job ought to be ensuring the safety of the American people at home and abroad,”said McGovern. “It’s outrageous and unacceptable that the evacuation of Americans during a crisis comes with strings attached. I’m proud to partner with Representative Dingell to make sure that Americans in danger can focus on getting to safety—not on whether they can afford to pay for an unexpected and unplanned emergency evacuation.”

Current State Department policy requires American citizens who are being evacuated from a foreign country to sign a promissory note obligating them to repay to the US government the equivalent price of a commercial flight from the area from which they are being evacuated. These evacuation fees typically cost hundreds of dollars, and the federal government will put a hold on an evacuee’s passport until this amount is repaid.

Dingell and McGovern first introduced the Leave No Americans Behind Act in 2018. Concerns about this practice resurface every time there is a major evacuation of U.S. citizens from a foreign country, like we are currently seeing across the Middle East. These fees provide a minimal amount of revenue to the federal government in a typical year, with less than $1 million collected from FY2015 – FY2018.

View the full text of the bill here.

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

Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06) today delivered her annual State of the District Address to the A2Y Regional Chamber.

In her remarks, Rep. Dingell provided updates on legislative successes from the previous year and addressed current issues including religious hate, ICE, the state of healthcare, the situation in Iran, and provided an update on the Gelman Plume.

Key excerpts as prepared

On Religious Hate:

“I am grateful no students or staff were injured in yesterday’s attack on Temple Israel synagogue. Houses of worship are meant to be sacred places. Places where people go for prayer, reflection, and clarity. Yet yesterday’s horrible attack reminds us once again that antisemitism and hatred are real threats. This kind of hate is unacceptable and happening too much.”

 “We have to stand up to hate whenever and whenever we see it. Period. Parents are afraid to send their children to school again, or gatherings. Faith communities are feeling very vulnerable and also question ‘can this happen to us?’”

 “We cannot normalize violence. We’ve got to stand together right now. People of all faiths and backgrounds need to say that violence and hatred cannot divide us. We stand united in supporting our Jewish neighbors, we’re united in condemning antisemitism, and we need to be united in condemning all forms of religious hate.”

On the Gelman Plume:

“Yesterday, the EPA announced it was adding the contaminated Gelman Sciences site to the Superfund National Priorities List. This marks a major milestone for the community and everyone who worked for years to hold Gelman accountable and ensure this contamination receives the resources it needs to support clean up.”

“This was only made possible due to the years of persistence of this community, but our work is not over. We must continue working with the EPA, state and local partners to ensure this cleanup is transparent and drinking water is safe. Our community deserves nothing less.”

“Many people across our region also care deeply about the rising cost of living, particularly housing. In communities like Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti, the demand for housing has increased faster than new homes are being built. As a result, the cost to rent or buy a home has risen dramatically.”

On Iran:

“President Trump’s unilateral decision to strike Iran should concern us all. The American people have lived through decades of war in the Middle East, and there is deep concern about being pulled once again into an conflict with no clear strategy or defined end that puts American servicemembers in harms’ way. We’re all mourning the lives of the servicemembers who have already died in this rush to war.”

“There is no question that the Iranian regime was brutal. It slaughtered its own people, massacred thousands, and posed a serious threat to regional security, especially in its quest to secure dangerous weapons.”

“However, acknowledging the evil of a regime does not relieve us of the responsibility to ask hard questions about what comes next. Will American troops be deployed? What’s our exit strategy? What will this mean for American servicemembers and their families? What are our NATO partners and regional allies saying?”

“America must always defend its national security interests and protect its personnel. And the Constitution is clear—only Congress has the responsibility to decide whether we take this country to war, and that responsibility cannot be sidelined. That’s why I voted in support of a War Powers Resolution to curb the President’s use of military force in Iran without congressional authorization. The resolution failed, but we will continue to push for congressional oversight.”

On ICE:

“The divisions in this country are raw. I have joined several vigils throughout the district where people came together peacefully to mourn and speak out.”

“Last week, Secretary Kristi Noem was fired. While the decision was long overdue, Americans still want serious reforms that would ensure ICE follows the same rules as other law enforcement agencies, like no masks, judicial warrants, mandatory body cameras, no more deporting and arresting American citizens, and no more targeting children in schools, hospitals, or places of worship.”

“Unfortunately, my colleagues across the aisle have not presented any meaningful reforms to ICE. As a result, the Department of Homeland Security remains shut down, along with TSA and FEMA.”

“Funding for TSA and FEMA is deeply important, especially following the severe storms Michigan experienced last weekend. But ICE’s actions must be addressed as immigration enforcement expands across Southeast Michigan.”

“Last month, ICE confirmed it purchased a warehouse in Romulus with plans to convert it into a detention center. The Romulus City Council has passed a resolution opposing the project, and officials across all levels of government are exploring options to try to stop it.”

On Healthcare:

“I’ve heard from hundreds of people who can’t afford their health insurance anymore and have decided to go without. When people lose coverage, they don’t stop getting sick. They simply end up in emergency rooms without insurance. This places enormous strain on hospitals and the healthcare system. In fact, at least four Michigan hospitals are at risk of closure, and others have already been forced to reduce services.”

“And it’s not just Medicaid beneficiaries and those on the exchange who will be impacted – premiums, copays, and deductibles for employer-sponsored insurance will rise too. “

“Despite these challenges, I’m proud to have passed several bipartisan healthcare bills this Congress. These include the Mikaela Naylon Give Kids A Chance Act to accelerate treatments for children battling rare diseases, and the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act to reduce burnout and suicide among health care professionals.”

“We also passed my Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act, which prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in the organ transplant system, and the Shandra Eisenga Human Cell and Tissue Product Safety Act to strengthen oversight of bone graft and tissue companies after the tragic death of a Michigander due to contaminated tissue.”

“These bills are great examples of what’s possible when we work across the aisle to focus on the issues that matter. I hope to see them get through the Senate to the president’s desk this year.”

Watch Rep. Dingell’s full remarks here.

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

Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06) today released the following statement in response to the Environmental Protection Agency’s decision to add the Gelman Sciences Inc. site in Washtenaw County to the Superfund National Priorities List. 

“Today’s decision to place the Gelman Sciences Inc. site on the EPA’s Superfund National Priorities List marks a major milestone for the Ann Arbor community and for everyone who has worked for years to hold Gelman Sciences accountable and ensure this contamination receives the resources it deserves. 

“For six decades, residents, local officials, and advocates have raised concerns about the spread of the 1,4-dioxane plume and the long-term risks it poses to drinking water, public health, and the environment. Listing the Gelman site on the NPL will help bring additional federal tools, authorities, oversight, and resources to support a cleanup and long-term strategy to protect public health.

“I want to thank EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and Region 5 Administrator Anne Vogel for recognizing the urgency of this issue, and for working closely with my office and the community to confirm this designation. This step reflects years of persistence from people who refused to let this problem be ignored. 

“While this designation is an important step forward, our work is far from finished. I will continue working with the EPA, state and local partners, and the community to ensure the cleanup is transparent, drinking water is safe, and public health is protected. The people of Ann Arbor and the surrounding communities deserve certainty that their health, water, and environment are protected.”

Gelman Sciences operated as a medical filter manufacturer from 1966 until 1986 near Ann Arbor, Michigan. The facility’s unregulated waste handling created a plume of the industrial solvent 1,4-dioxane, which has spread and contaminated groundwater in Ann Arbor and Scio Townships. Surrounding communities have lived with the impacts of 1,4-dioxane contamination near the Gelman Sciences, which was first detected in 1985.

Congresswoman Debbie Dingell has long advocated for the Gelman dioxane plume to be designated as a Superfund site. For years, she has worked with federal, state, and local officials to push for stronger oversight, accountability, and resources to protect drinking water and public health. In 2023, Dingell announced the plume had been deemed eligible by the EPA for inclusion on the NPL. In 2024, the EPA proposed adding Gelman Sciences to the NPL. The posting on March 12, 2026, to the Federal Register formally added the site to the EPA’s Superfund National Priorities List.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, participated with his bipartisan Energy & Commerce colleagues in a full committee markup of legislation to reauthorize the First Responder Network Authority and modernize the nation’s emergency alert system.

“Reliable communications are absolutely essential for our first responders in emergencies,” said Rep. Hudson. “The reforms included in this legislation are intended to ensure FirstNet delivers a reliable, interoperable communications network to the public safety community it serves.”

 “This legislation strikes an important balance that preserves the Board’s role in determining the needs of public safety and the strategic direction of the network, while ensuring the proper and responsible oversight of the network and reinvestment of funds.”

The House Committee on Energy and Commerce held a full committee markup on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 10:15 AM ET in 2123 Rayburn House Office Building.

Legislation considered includes:

• H.R. 7386, The First Responder Network Authority Reauthorization Act
• H.R. 7022, The Mystic Alerts Act

Hudson has led efforts in Congress to strengthen emergency communications infrastructure, including advancing Next Generation 9-1-1 and strengthening oversight of FirstNet to ensure it meets the needs of first responders. In North Carolina, first responders have raised concerns about network reliability during recent emergencies, including Hurricane Helene, underscoring the need for reforms.

Hudson, the bill’s sponsor Dr. Neal Dunn, and their colleagues have worked in good faith with bipartisan members to engage in open negotiations with public safety organizations and more stakeholders to address any concerns and recommendations. The bill is supported by more than fifteen public safety organizations.

The legislation aims to improve the reliability and accountability of FirstNet, strengthen public safety representation on the FirstNet Authority Board, and modernize emergency alert systems to better protect communities during natural disasters and other crises.

View Congressman Hudson’s Full Remarks Here.

The markup was open to the public and livestreamed at energycommerce.house.gov.

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

Effort comes as global instability, including war with Iran, drives up fuel costs

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Diana DeGette (First District of Colorado)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Diana DeGette (CO-01) released the following statement in response to the bombshell New York Times story on sexual abuse by César Chávez:

“The accusations against César Chávez are shocking and disturbing. Legacy does not guarantee absolution, and I unequivocally condemn these abhorrent actions and stand with the survivors of his abuse. The UFW movement is larger than any one single person, and it will continue to advocate for and support farm workers and immigrants.

“For too long, the women who co-led these movements have been underrecognized for their actions. Denver and Colorado should immediately begin the process of renaming any street, park, building, landmark, or memorial named for César Chávez in favor of the women whose struggles helped define this movement, like Dolores Huerta.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)

Today, Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE-03) and Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13) introduced the Preventing Real-time Exploitation and Deceptive Insider Congressional Trading Act (PREDICT Act), a bipartisan effort to prohibit senior government officials from participating in insider prediction market trading. 
 
The PREDICT Act would prohibit Members of Congress, their spouses and dependent children; the President and Vice President; and political appointees, including individuals serving in Executive Schedule positions, among others, from trading on the outcomes of political events, policy decisions, and other government actions on prediction markets.  
 
“Serving the American people is a privilege, not a pathway to profit. Our commonsense, bipartisan bill will give Americans confidence that the decisions of their elected officials are guided by merit, not personal profit. I am proud to partner with Representative Budzinski to ensure that government officials do not profit from the sensitive information entrusted to them,”said Smith.   
 
“The American people are tired of politicians using their influence for personal gain, and the rise of prediction markets has made those concerns even more relevant. In recent months, we’ve seen instances of little-known traders making massive profits on events ranging from war with Iran to how long a government shutdown will last, raising necessary questions about the use of inside information. I am excited to be working with Representative Smith to close that loophole and ensure that those with access to sensitive information cannot profit from it,”said Budzinski. 
 
Violations of the PREDICT Act would result in a civil penalty equal to 10 percent of the value of the prohibited transaction, as well as full disgorgement of any profits earned, to be paid into the U.S. Treasury. 
 
Click here to read the full text of the bill.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06)

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO), a former paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division, released the following statement in response to reports that the Trump Administration will deploy the 82nd Airborne to the Middle East:

“I led a platoon of paratroopers in Iraq with the 82nd Airborne division. I know that these are some of America’s best.

“I also know what it’s like to be deployed overseas with no clear strategy and no clear end game. I’ve fought in and lived through decades of America’s forever wars. After I returned home from war, I ran for Congress to stop this endless cycle of conflict from impacting future generations of Americans.

“Sending our servicemembers into harm’s way is one of the most solemn decisions a President or Congress can make. But President Trump started a war of choice with Iran that is now escalating into another cycle of conflict. 

“These paratroopers, and the American people, deserve better. We must protect our servicemembers and stop spending billions of dollars a day fighting overseas wars of choice, especially as folks back home can’t afford gas, groceries, or health care.”

In addition to his service in the Middle East with the 82nd Airborne Division, Crow also served as an Army Ranger. He currently serves on the House Armed Services Committee and House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

Washington, D.C. — Today, Colorado Congressman Joe Neguse teamed up with Republican Representative Derrick Van Orden (R-WI) to introduce the bipartisan Agriculture Access to Addiction and Mental Health Care Act. This bill directs the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) to take steps to improve access to addiction and mental health care providers and services for farmers and ranchers in rural areas.

Colorado’s farmers and ranchers work around the clock to provide for people across the country, often at a personal cost and while grappling with frequent wildfires, severe drought, and volatile commodity prices. Yet, at the same time, many rural and agricultural communities lack reliable access to mental health care.  

“Colorado’s farmers, ranchers, and producers are the backbone of America and are essential to the vitality of our state’s economy and our nation’s food security. We must make sure we are supporting access to health care for them and their families,” said Congressman Neguse. “The Agriculture Access to Addiction and Mental Health Care Act takes an important first step towards bridging access and care gaps and ensuring that rural America has access to essential health care services.”

“Farmers and ranchers are the backbone of our nation, working tirelessly to feed and fuel America. This legislation takes an important step toward understanding the gaps in access to mental health and addiction care for our agricultural communities. I’m committed to making sure our farmers and rural families have access to the support services they deserve, and I’m proud to help lead this bipartisan effort with my friend Congressman Joe Neguse,” said Congressman Van Orden. 

Read bill text HERE. 

“Colorado Farm Bureau appreciates Congressman Joe Neguse’s leadership on the Agricultural Access to Mental Health and Addiction Act. The study this bill would authorize comes at a crucial time as farmers and ranchers face historically low snowpack conditions and below average rainfall. We know the correlations between deteriorations in mental health and increased production risk are profound, so we are proud to support this effort and aim at providing additional resources for those producing our food and fiber,” said Carlyle Currier, President, Colorado Farm Bureau.

“The Agricultural Access to Addiction and Mental Health Care is a critical step toward addressing the behavioral health crisis in agricultural communities nationwide. There are many factors which make it difficult for rural Americans to receive behavioral health support, such as social isolation, cultural stigma, and inaccessibility of resources. RMFU’s AgWell program has seen the impact small investments in programs can make and support this bill,” said Carlyle Stewart, Director of AgWell at Rocky Mountain Farmers Union (RMFU).

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