Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Grace Meng (6th District of New York)

Bipartisan letter reaffirms unwavering support for Australian Jewish community and calls on Australia to implement measures to combat rising antisemitism

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Grace Meng (6th District of New York)

WASHINGTON, D.C. —Today, U.S. Reps. Grace Meng (NY-06) and Joe Morelle (NY-25) introduced legislation to reduce food insecurity for families across the nation. The Hunger Clearinghouse Enhancement Act would increase funding for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Hunger Clearinghouse Hotline and help improve access to food assistance, nutrition, and social services information for families in need.

“As grocery prices continue to rise, and food assistance programs dwindle, millions of Americans are experiencing food insecurity. In the richest country in the world, no one should go hungry,” said Congresswoman Grace Meng. “The Hunger Clearinghouse Enhancement Act will make it easier for people to find food resources they need and increase critical federal funding to address hunger prevention and education. I’m proud to join Congressman Morelle and Senator Gillibrand to introduce this important legislation and for their shared commitment to addressing the hunger crisis.”

“In the richest and most advanced nation in human history, it’s insulting that families are still worried about putting food on the table. We have a responsibility to confront this crisis head-on—and I refuse to stand idly by as Donald Trump continues to use hunger as a weapon against our families,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “This legislation strengthens access to nutrition assistance and helps ensure families have the support they need to stay afloat. I’m grateful to Senator Gillibrand and Congresswoman Meng for their partnership as we work to protect Americans.”

Joel Berg, CEO of Hunger Free America, a nonpartisan nonprofit organization, said: “Call volume to the Hotline in 2020-2025 continued to be literally three times higher than before the pandemic, yet federal funding for the Hotline has remained exactly the same, at a paltry $250,000 per year, which covers less than half of the Hotline expenses.  Big thanks to Congressman Morelle for fighting to increase funding for this vital service, which aids tens of thousands of the most vulnerable Americans per year.”

Roughly 14% of U.S. households reported food insecurity on average between January and October 2025, up from 12.5% in 2024. For many of these individuals, food insecurity is the result of limited financial resources and limited access to available options. any of these households are unaware of the food assistance programs that exist and could benefit them. Increasing funding for the USDA’s National Hunger Clearinghouse hotline is a solution to address this problem.

The USDA’s National Hunger Clearinghouse helps low-income individuals or communities by providing food assistance and other nutrition and social services information, serving as an important tool in combating hunger and promoting economic mobility.

Specifically, the Hunger Clearinghouse Enhancement Act would:

• Increase the National Hunger Clearinghouse’s authorization level from $250,000 to $750,000 to better assist families navigate the best options and resources.
• Provide resources to assist and educate families on ways to prevent hunger.
• Implement training for suitable volunteers willing to provide their support to address the staff shortage this program faces.

The full text of the Hunger Clearinghouse Enhancement Act is available here. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) has introduced the Senate companion bill.

For information on USDA’s Hunger Clearinghouse, visit the USDA webpage here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Doug LaMalfa 1st District of California

Washington, D.C.—Yesterday, the House passedCongressman LaMalfa’s (R-Richvale) legislation, H.R. 2400, the Pit River Land Transfer Act. The bill transfers approximately 580 acres of federally owned land known locally as the “Four Corners” to the Pit River Tribe.

The “Four Corners” is located between Burney, California and Fall River Mills in Northeastern California. The land represents a physical and spiritual landmark for the Pit River Tribe, central to their identity and ability to thrive and grow on their ancestral lands. The Pit River Tribe has ancestral ties to this land that span over 10,000 years, with the Four Corners holding deep spiritual and historical value to the tribe.

“For decades, the Pit River Tribe has pursued every legal and administrative avenue to acquire this land, facing endless bureaucratic delays,” said Rep. LaMalfa. “Transferring the Four Corners to them will allow the tribe to build an interpretive center, educate the public on their history, and honor their ancestral past. I am pleased to see the House pass this legislation as a step towards strengthening stewardship, land management, and tribal self-determination.”

“H.R. 2400 is an important step in recognizing the rights and history of the Pit River Tribe,” said Natural Resources Chairman Westerman. “This bill restores tribal homelands and enhances both tribal sovereignty and local stewardship.  I applaud Representative LaMalfa for advancing this bill and look forward to seeing this meaningful tribal land settlement move toward final enactment.”

“For countless generations, the Pit River people have lived in relationship with these lands—caring for them, guided by the teachings of our ancestors. The return of these homelands is not merely about acres and boundaries; it is about restoring a sacred trust that has endured through hardship and dispossession,” said Yatch Bamford, Chairman of the Pit River Tribe. “We extend our deepest gratitude to Congressman LaMalfa for championing this legislation and for his steadfast dedication to seeing the Pit River Land Transfer Act advance through the House. His leadership honors our sovereignty and supports justice long overdue for our people. This moment renews our hope and strengthens our ability to preserve our culture and traditions for generations to come.”

You can view Congressman LaMalfa’s remarks in debate here.

Congressman Doug LaMalfa is Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus and a lifelong farmer representing California’s First Congressional District, including Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Shasta, Siskiyou, Sutter, Tehama and Yuba Counties.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose)

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Lofgren released the following statement after the attack at Australia’s Bondi Beach on Sunday, December 14, 2025:

“As families around the world gather for Hanukkah, my heart breaks for those killed and injured in this weekend’s antisemitic attack at Australia’s Bondi Beach. Nobody should live in fear while celebrating their faith, and we must condemn antisemitism wherever it appears,” said Rep. Zoe Lofgren.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose)

WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), alongside Rep. Ben Cline (R-VA), introduced the Skinny Labels, Big Savings Act, a bipartisan bill to help lower prescription drug costs by protecting generic drug makers from abusive lawsuits and preserving patient access to affordable medications.

“We have a prescription drug affordability crisis in this country. Lawsuits have eroded the “skinny label” pathway and delayed the rollout of lower-cost alternatives. With this bill, we are leveling the playing field and allowing generic drug manufacturers to get their lifesaving prescription drugs to the market faster, driving down costs for patients,” said Rep. Zoe Lofgren.

“Families across Virginia and the nation are facing rising prescription drug prices that strain their budgets and put their health at risk,” said Congressman Cline. “The Skinny Labels, Big Savings Act is a commonsense solution that protects competition in the marketplace and ensures patients can get the medications they need at a price they can afford. By reinforcing a key pathway that brings safe, effective generics to market, we’re putting patients ahead of profit.”

The legislation strengthens protections for the use of “skinny labels,” a critical regulatory tool that allows generic and biosimilar manufacturers to seek FDA approval for uses of a drug that are no longer protected by patents. This pathway accelerates access to more affordable alternatives while respecting valid intellectual property rights.

“For years, generic manufacturers have used skinny labels to lower drug costs without infringing on brand-name patents,” Cline continued. “But now, some pharmaceutical companies are exploiting legal loopholes to sue generic competitors and delay their entry into the market. Our bill stops that abuse and restores fairness to the system.”

The Skinny Labels Big Savings Act ensures that generic manufacturers who obtain FDA approval for skinny label uses are not held liable for method-of-use patent infringement when operating by federal law. It also provides clarity that drugmakers can describe their generics as FDA-approved therapeutic equivalents, provided that description aligns with FDA regulations. Importantly, the bill reinforces that the use of skinny labels does not weaken legitimate patent rights, but rather supports a system that was designed to bring savings to patients, insurers, and taxpayers alike. The bill has earned the backing of key patient and consumer advocacy organizations, including Patients for Affordable Drugs NOW and the Campaign for Sustainable Rx Pricing.

“Since the passage of Hatch-Waxman 40 years ago, skinny labeling has saved patients and the health care system billions of dollars annually,” said John Murphy III, President and CEO for the Association of Accessible Medicines. “Without hesitation, AAM applauds and supports legislation that will provide a safe harbor for skinny labeling, propelling patient access to lower-cost generic medications and protecting the overall health care system. Thank you to Representatives Cline and Lofgren for their hard work on behalf of patients.”

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

SCHAUMBURG, IL — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi today issued the following statement in response to renewed deployments of masked federal agents conducting surprise immigration raids in Chicago-area neighborhoods during the holiday season:

“My office is actively monitoring and responding to the renewed deployment of masked federal agents in Chicago-area neighborhoods. Conducting surprise raids during the holidays that chase people through our streets, separate families, and target non-criminal residents is not about public safety. It is about fear and intimidation. I will use every oversight and legislative tool available to confront these abuses, defend due process, and hold federal agencies and their leaders accountable.”

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

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) and Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) introduced the Investing in American Workers Act, legislation to help workers gain the skills they need to succeed as artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and rapid technological change reshape the economy. The Investing in American Workers Act would modernize the tax code to encourage employers to invest in workforce training tied to recognized postsecondary credentials, particularly for lower- and moderate-income workers, so employees can adapt to new technologies, transition into emerging roles, and share in the gains of a rapidly evolving economy.

“Businesses across the country are still struggling to find workers with the training needed for today’s jobs, and workers need better access to affordable, employer-supported opportunities to build new skills,” Congressman Krishnamoorthi said. “This legislation expands access to high-quality training programs that help workers move into good, stable careers while strengthening the competitiveness of our businesses and growing the middle class. If we want the United States to remain the world’s economic leader, we must invest in the workers who drive our economy. When people have the skills they need to get ahead, our communities grow stronger and the entire country benefits.”

“As artificial intelligence and automation transform nearly every sector of our economy, the question isn’t whether jobs will change – it’s whether workers will be given a fair shot to keep up. If we want the United States to lead in innovation, we must also lead in preparing workers for the jobs of the future,” Sen. Warner said. “Right now, our tax code rewards companies for investing in machines and software, but not nearly enough for investing in people. This bill applies a proven model, the R&D tax credit, to incentivize employers to offer workforce training, so workers can build new skills, businesses can stay competitive, and the benefits of technological change are more widely shared.”

As AI tools increasingly alter job requirements in sectors from manufacturing and logistics to health care, finance, and professional services, many workers lack access to affordable, employer-supported training. At the same time, businesses often face little incentive to make long-term investments in their employees. While the tax code offers a Research and Development (R&D) tax credit for investments in technology and capital assets, it provides no comparable incentive for workforce training.

The Investing in American Workers Act addresses this gap by:

• Establishing a tax credit for employers who increase spending on worker training, equal to 20 percent of increased training expenditures for eligible workers earning $96,000 or less per year.

• Incentivizing high-quality, industry-aligned training, including registered apprenticeships, WIOA-certified programs, community college and career and technical education programs, and employer- or labor-sponsored training that leads to recognized postsecondary credentials.

• Encouraging participation by small businesses, allowing eligible small employers and tax-exempt entities to apply the credit against payroll taxes through a simplified filing process.

• Promoting accountability and transparency, including data collection to ensure training investments are reaching a diverse workforce.

Supporters note that aligning workforce policy with the pace of technological change is critical to maintaining U.S. economic leadership and ensuring that AI-driven productivity gains benefit workers as well as employers.

“The accelerating pace of change in the workplace is reshaping workforce needs and reinforcing the importance of proactive, sustained investment in skills. Workday strongly supports the reintroduction of the Investing in American Workers Act, which recognizes the critical role employers play in helping workers build the agility needed for the future of work. This legislation affirms a powerful truth: reskilling is not an operational burden, but a strategic investment in an organization’s most valuable resource – its people,” said Chandler Morse, Vice President of Public Policy, Workday.

“Workers need access to high-quality skills training, and employers need a workforce with the skills required to meet rapidly changing hiring needs. By incentivizing employer investments in training, including small businesses, this bill helps meet hiring needs while expanding workers’ access to good jobs and strengthening communities more broadly,” said Megan Evans, Senior Government Affairs Manager, National Skills Coalition.

“AI is transforming jobs at unprecedented speed, putting many workers at risk of being left behind unless we act quickly to help them build new, in-demand skills before they exit the labor market. The Investing in American Workers Act offers a smart, scalable solution – modeled on the R&D credit – by incentivizing employers to expand high-quality training that leads to portable credentials and enables workers to advance while staying connected to the workforce.” – Maria Flynn, President & CEO, Jobs for the Future

The legislation has also been endorsed by Jobs for the Future and the American Association of Community Colleges.

Text for the Investing in American Workers Act is available here. 

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

Denounces Rising Global Antisemitism and Stands with Jewish Communities Worldwide

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

SCHAUMBURG, IL — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi released the following statement after reports of antisemitic, anti-Indian, and racist graffiti, including swastikas, inside NYU’s Bern Dibner Library in Brooklyn:

“The hateful graffiti discovered at NYU’s Bern Dibner Library, including antisemitic symbols and slurs targeting Indian students and other communities, is deeply disturbing and wholly unacceptable. Acts of hatred and intimidation have no place on our campuses or anywhere in our society. This incident must be fully investigated, and we must remain united in confronting antisemitism, anti-Indian hate, racism, and all forms of bigotry so every student can learn and live free from fear.”

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

WASHINGTON — Today, Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Deborah Ross (D-NC), and Marc Veasey (D-TX) introduced a resolution to terminate President Donald Trump’s national emergency authorizing tariffs of up to 50 percent on imports from India, helping to restore Congress’s constitutional authority over trade. The resolution follows a bipartisan Senate-passed measure to end Trump’s Brazil tariffs and rein in his abuse of emergency powers to raise duties on imports.

The resolution would terminate the national emergency that President Trump invoked to impose sweeping tariffs on Indian goods under the International Emergency Economics Powers Act (IEEPA) and rescind the additional 25 percent “secondary” duties that took effect on August 27th on top of earlier reciprocal tariffs. Together, these measures raised duties on many Indian-origin products to 50 percent.

“President Trump’s irresponsible tariff strategy toward India is a counterproductive approach that weakens a critical partnership,” Congressman Krishnamoorthi said. “Instead of advancing American interests or security, these duties disrupt supply chains, harm American workers, and drive up costs for consumers. Ending these damaging tariffs will allow the United States to engage with India to advance our shared economic and security needs.”

“North Carolina’s economy is deeply connected to India through trade, investment, and a vibrant Indian American community,” Congresswoman Ross said. “Indian companies have invested over a billion dollars and created thousands of good-paying jobs in our state – especially in the Research Triangle’s life sciences and technology sectors. Meanwhile, North Carolina manufacturers export hundreds of millions of dollars in goods to India each year, including pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and advanced machinery. When Trump destabilizes this relationship with illegal tariffs, he puts North Carolina jobs, innovation, and our long-term competitiveness at risk.”

“India is an important cultural, economic, and strategic partner and these illegal tariffs are a tax on everyday North Texans who are already struggling with affordability at every level,” Congressman Veasey said.

Representatives Ross, Veasey, and Krishnamoorthi have been leading voices in Congress opposing Trump’s tariff agenda and calling for a reset of U.S.–India relations. In October, they partnered with Congressman Ro Khanna (D-CA) and 19 Members of Congress in urging President Trump to repair America’s strained relationship with India and reverse his harmful tariff policies.

Ending Trump’s India tariffs is part of a broader effort by congressional Democrats to reclaim Congress’ constitutional authority over trade and to stop the President from using emergency powers to unilaterally impose his misguided trade policies.