Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Betty McCollum, the Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, issued the following statement on Thursday:  

“The Republican majority has repeatedly refused to work with Democrats on a bipartisan reauthorization of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act that keeps Americans safe and ensures that their Constitutional rights are respected and preserved. A bipartisan, bicameral solution is the only way forward. If FISA is not reauthorized, then the failure to move forward falls on President Trump and Speaker Johnson.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Betty McCollum, the Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, issued the following statement on Thursday in response to President Trump’s assertion that the United States would hit Iran “very hard” tonight and take “total control” of Iran’s oil industry:  

“President Trump’s war of choice with Iran was unconstitutional when he launched it on February 28th and it remains unconstitutional today. The House has already voted for an Iran War Powers Resolution directing President Trump to draw our troops down and end the conflict. There is no military solution that will solve the Iranian nuclear problem.

“President Trump, get back to the negotiating table, get the Strait of Hormuz open, and end your war that the American people do not want.” 

 

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

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) issued the following statement regarding the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility being planned at 7240 Holsclaw Road in an unincorporated area outside Gilroy in southern Santa Clara County: 

“Just this week, Republicans in Washington decided to throw another $70 billion at ICE and CBP on top of the $140 billion they already gave for immigration enforcement last year,” Rep. Lofgren said. “This taxpayer money comes without any guardrails to prevent lawless agents from harming our communities, and it’s used to construct ICE facilities like the one planned outside Gilroy. The detention centers ICE is already operating have poor conditions, and it’s part of why deaths in ICE custody have been skyrocketing. Many local leaders have already denounced this proposed facility, and I applaud AG Bonta and Santa Clara County Counsel Tony LoPresti for their lawsuit to stop this illegal development. As for my role in Congress, I’m doing all that I can to block funding for new detention facilities.”

This week, Congresswoman Lofgren introduced three amendments to the Republicans’ $70 billion reconciliation package to fund ICE and CBP. These amendments, all rejected by House Republicans, would: 

Congresswoman Lofgren sent a letter this week expressing her opposition to the Gilroy facility to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Acting ICE Director David Venturella. She was joined on the letter by all of her Bay Area colleagues: Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, Rep. Mark DeSaulnier, Rep. Jared Huffman, Rep. Ro Khanna, Rep. Sam Liccardo, Rep. Kevin Mullin, and Rep. Jimmy Panetta. The letter can be read here.

Rep. Lofgren also recently conducted an unannounced oversight visit to the California City ICE detention facility on May 28th.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bill Foster (11th District of Illinois)

Washington, DC — Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) introduced the Parent PLUS Loan Fairness and Responsibility Act. This legislation would allow students to take over the student debt incurred by their parents on their behalf, providing a sensible solution for parents facing multiple financial burdens. 

This legislation would allow parents to transfer Parent PLUS loans to the student with the consent of the parent, student, and lender, provided the student meets the credit requirements for the PLUS loan program and has been out of school for at least six months. After transfer, the loan would be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

“With rising tuition and the overall cost of living continuing to increase, families should have greater flexibility in deciding who assumes responsibility for Parent PLUS loan debt based on their financial situations,” said Congressman Foster. “This legislation would provide a solution by allowing students, if they’re willing and able, to take financial responsibility for the loans that allowed them to go to college.”

A copy of the bill is available here.

The Parent PLUS Loan Fairness and Responsibility Act is co-sponsored by Reps. Jesús “Chuy” García (D-IL), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), and Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), and is endorsed by the National Education Association and the American Association of Colleges and Universities.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Randy Weber (14th District of Texas)

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Randy Weber (R-TX) and Congressman Dave Min (D-CA) introduced the Tax Relief for First Responder Beneficiaries Act, bipartisan legislation to ensure the families and designated beneficiaries of fallen public safety officers receive the full benefits intended for them without unnecessary tax burdens. The legislation serves as the House companion to S. 4497, introduced by Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Ted Cruz (R-TX).

When a public safety officer makes the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, federal law provides certain death and survivor benefits to help support their loved ones. However, portions of the Internal Revenue Code currently limit some tax relief provisions to “surviving dependents,” potentially excluding other beneficiaries designated by the fallen officer. The Tax Relief for First Responder Beneficiaries Act modernizes these provisions to ensure benefits are treated consistently and can reach a broader range of intended recipients.

“Our first responders willingly put their lives on the line every single day for people they may never meet,” said Rep. Weber. “They answer the call at all hours, walk into dangerous situations, and put service above self. When one of these heroes makes the ultimate sacrifice, Congress has a duty to stand with the ones they leave behind. The loss of a loved one does not end when the funeral is over, and families should not have to fight through outdated tax rules while carrying that burden. This legislation ensures benefits can reach the beneficiaries our fallen public safety officers intended to provide for and honors the sacrifice these brave men and women made in service to their communities.”

“Families of fallen first responders have already paid an unimaginable price. The last thing they should have to worry about is whether the benefits meant to support them will be reduced by unnecessary federal taxes or limited by outdated definitions of who qualifies as a survivor,” said Rep. Min. “This commonsense fix ensures that public safety officer death benefits go where they belong: to the loved ones these heroes leave behind. We have a responsibility to make sure their families receive the full support, dignity, and flexibility they deserve.”

The Tax Relief for First Responder Beneficiaries Act would:

• Expand tax relief for public safety officers’ death benefits by updating the Internal Revenue Code from a narrow definition of “surviving dependents” to “surviving beneficiaries.”
• Allow survivor annuity benefits to extend beyond a child of the fallen officer to include designated beneficiaries of life insurance policies and benefit plans.
• Better ensure benefits are distributed according to the wishes of the fallen officer and reach the individuals they intended to support.

“Public safety officers risk their lives every day to keep our communities safe. When tragedy strikes and an officer loses their life, we must look out for their families in their time of need,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I’m proud to fight for this legislation, and I will keep working across the aisle to make sure families of first responders receive the support they deserve for their sacrifices.”

The legislation would provide greater certainty that benefits intended for the loved ones of fallen first responders are not diminished by outdated tax provisions. By expanding eligibility for certain tax-free death and survivor benefits, the bill helps ensure surviving beneficiaries receive meaningful financial support during one of the most difficult times of their lives.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Sean Casten (IL-06)

June 11, 2026

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Sean Casten (D-IL-06) and María Elvira Salazar (R-FL-27) introduced the Stop Crypto ATM Scams Act, bipartisan legislation to provide strong protections for potential fraud victims, require that crypto ATM companies comply with robust anti-money laundering and anti-fraud measures, and help ensure that sophisticated scammers targeting seniors and other vulnerable Americans are held accountable.

“My constituents have lost devastating sums of money to crypto-enabled fraud. Local banks and credit unions in my community are doing everything within their limited authority to stop these scams before they happen,” said Rep. Sean Casten. “Crypto ATMs offer criminals a quick and easy way to prey on seniors and steal their hard-earned money. Congress can address these abuses by requiring enhanced consumer protections, mandating clear scam warnings and robust disclosures, and applying the same anti-money laundering rules and fraud prevention measures that other crypto firms, banks, and credit unions must comply with. This bill builds on strong action taken at the state level, including in Illinois, to crack down on crypto ATM scams.”

“In South Florida, I have seen firsthand the devastating impact financial scams can have on seniors and their families. America’s seniors spent a lifetime working, saving, and planning for retirement. They should not have to worry about criminals using new technologies to steal what they worked so hard to build,” said Rep. Salazar. “The Stop Crypto ATM Scams Act will strengthen safeguards against fraud, give law enforcement the tools they need to fight back, and provide consumers with clearer warnings and stronger protections before they become victims. We have a responsibility to protect our seniors and hold those who prey on them accountable.”

More than 30,000 crypto ATMs are operating nationwide, located in places like gas stations, convenience stores, and shopping malls. These machines can be used to convert dollars into digital assets and enable immediate, pseudo-anonymous, and irreversible transfers, making them an attractive tool for illicit actors seeking to defraud unsuspecting Americans.

These scams may begin with a message from someone claiming to be from a legitimate source, such as a federal agency, law enforcement, or a well-known company, or scammers may establish contact via social media and build trust with the victim over time. Eventually, scammers will convince the victim that immediate action is needed to resolve a supposed issue, avoid financial penalties or legal troubles, or help with a “financial emergency” before directing victims to withdraw funds from their bank or credit union, deposit cash into a crypto ATM, and transfer digital assets to the criminal’s anonymous digital wallet. According to law enforcement, stolen money from these scams often ends up in foreign countries that are less likely to cooperate with U.S. investigations, making it more difficult for law enforcement to recover these funds.

According to the FBI, Americans lost more than $333 million to crypto ATM scams in 2025, representing a 33% increase from 2024. The figures are likely understated and only represent losses reported to authorities. Many victims of fraud, including older victims, never report the fraud because they feel ashamed or pressured to keep silent. A 2024 FBI report found that among cases in which the victim’s age was known, individuals aged 60 and older accounted for 86% of all losses due to crypto ATM scams.

Text of the legislation can be found here.

A one-page summary of the legislation can be found here.

A section-by-section summary can be found here.

If you think you may be the victim of a scam, contact your local police department to file a report. If you think you may be the victim of an online or internet-enabled crime, report it to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), ic3.gov, as soon as possible. These reports are used for investigative and intelligence efforts and can help support the recovery of lost funds.

The Stop Crypto ATM Scams Act

Applies Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Requirements to Crypto ATM Operators: This bill requires that operators implement a written AML program, conduct strict customer due diligence, report fraudulent activity to U.S. regulators, and regularly update a list of all kiosk locations. In 2019, the Treasury Department issued guidance clarifying that crypto ATM operators must register and adhere to the same AML rules that apply to banks. However, there are high rates of non-compliance: According to a 2021 investigation, more than one-third of crypto ATM companies operating in New Jersey had failed to register at the federal level.

Imposes Daily Transaction Limits for Customers: This bill imposes a $2,000 daily transaction limit for new customers, which applies over a 14-day period following their first transaction. In addition, over the 14-day period, new customers cannot deposit more than $10,000 in total. This bill also imposes a $7,500 daily limit for existing customers. There are countless stories of victims losing their entire life savings to crypto ATM scams. For example, one woman in Ohio met a new “friend” online and sent them funds to help take care of their “family”, losing more than $660,000, including funds from her Roth IRA.

Requires Anti-Fraud Measures and Scam Warnings: This bill requires operators to provide scam warnings and red flags to look out for before a customer enters into a transaction, which will be informed by annual fraud alerts issued jointly by the Treasury Department, FBI, and FTC. Crypto ATM scams can take various forms: scammers may impersonate a government official or a representative from a victim’s bank or utility company, and convince them urgent payment is needed to avoid financial penalties or legal troubles; or scammers may contact a victim via social media or a dating app, build a connection and trust over time, before requesting money for an “emergency” or hyping up an “investment opportunity”, and directing a victim to send funds via a crypto ATM machine.

Ensures Key Customer Protections and Tools for Law Enforcement: The bill requires that detailed disclosures are provided before a customer enters into a transaction, which shall be informed by guidance issued jointly by the Treasury Department, CFPB, and FTC. It also requires written or electronic transaction receipts with specific information that helps with law enforcement investigations. Crypto ATM operators will also be required to provide live customer service and a dedicated phone number for law enforcement inquiries.

Addresses High Charges to Customers: This bill requires that operators clearly disclose charges collected from the customer, including by providing a reference to the current market price of the cryptocurrency as it is trading on a regulated exchange. It also requires that operators refund the charges collected on fraudulent transactions in a timely manner. Crypto ATM operators have been found to mark up the price of cryptocurrency. For example, one operator reportedly sold Bitcoin to a customer at a rate that was 24% higher than the price at which Bitcoin was actually trading.

Balances State and Federal Regulation: The bill establishes a federal standard for future state and local limits on transaction volumes, while preserving states’ authority to impose any additional requirements necessary to protect consumers, including but not limited to requiring full refunds for defrauded customers, imposing limits on charges, or outright banning operations within their borders.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (15th District of Texas)

For almost two years, the Congressman has echoed a clear warning in Washington. The Administration didn’t listen.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13)

WASHINGTON, DC –Today, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) issued the following scathing rebuke of House Republicans’ increased budget allocation to fund ICE:

“Donald Trump and Republicans simply do not care about the problems that the American people are facing. This week, the House will consider the Reckless Republican Budget that hands ICE a blank check to brutalize Americans and does nothing to lower the sky-high cost of groceries, gas, or health care. And it doesn’t stop there. Last week, at 5 o’clock in the morning, the Senate passed a budget that gives ICE and Border Patrol another $70 billion in addition to the over $170 billion they gave the agency last year – without the commonsense reforms New Yorkers are demanding.

“As a senior appropriator, this budget does nothing to decrease the burden felt by my constituents and families across the nation. Republicans have again failed to work collaboratively to bring down the cost of groceries, gas, or health care – which are all spiking due to their failed policies and Donald Trump’s war with Iran. And Senate Republicans voted against amendments that would have stopped the DOJ from giving $1.8 billion in taxpayer dollars to right-wing allies and violent insurrectionists.

Enough is enough– as ICE is brutalizing our communities, killing Americans in the streets, and locking up innocent families and children without due process or cause. While American families are struggling to pay the bills and make ends meet, Trump allies are getting richer. I am continuing my push for accountability and to lower costs for my constituents and families around the nation, not turning a blind eye to corruption and passing a budget that hands over billions of dollars for the Department of Homeland Security’s violent mass deportation policies. I maintain my opposition towards ICE and voted against this funding package that will bolster federal support for ICE without oversight.” 

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

U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (D-VA), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) today reintroduced the Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act, bipartisan legislation to expand federal paid leave to include 12 weeks of family and medical leave. Under current law, federal employees are eligible for paid parental leave, but family and medical leave continues to be unpaid.

“I’m proud to represent a district with one of the largest numbers of federal employees in the country, so I am especially conscious of how beneficial it would be to provide comprehensive paid family and medical leave to our public servants,” said Representative Beyer. “We’ve already made meaningful progress by securing paid parental leave for federal employees and expanding paid leave for service members who transition to the federal workforce. The next step is expanding family and medical leave to all federal workers, because every American deserves the peace of mind that comes from being able to take time off to care for their health or a loved one without losing a paycheck.”

“Unpaid leave may protect a job on paper, but for too many working families, it is not leave they can actually afford to take. When a federal employee faces a serious illness or needs to care for a loved one, the choice should not be between earning a paycheck and being present for their family. Without paid leave, workers can be pushed out of careers they have spent years building, agencies lose experienced public servants, and taxpayers lose operational expertise that cannot be easily replaced. Paid family and medical leave is a matter of fairness for federal workers and their families—and smart policy for a government that relies on experienced public servants to deliver for the American people,” said Representative Fitzpatrick.

“I was proud to help lead the charge in securing paid parental leave for our federal employees in 2020. This important bipartisan bill builds on that effort and ensures that medical and caregiving leave are also accessible,” said Representative Houlahan. “Federal workers should no longer be forced to choose between making ends meet or recovering from an illness or caring for a sick loved one. I look forward to working with my colleagues to see this commonsense bill become law.”

Following the enactment of the Federal Employee Paid Leave Act in 2019, federal employees now receive paid parental leave, but family and medical leave continues to be unpaid. Studies have shown that providing paid leave for federal employees would save the government at least $50 million annually in turnover and replacement costs. With federal agencies struggling to recruit and retain young talent, family-friendly policies are necessary to maintain a robust workforce. Just six percent of the federal workforce is under the age of 30, while roughly 40 percent of the workforce is eligible to retire within the next three years.

The Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act will guarantee 12 weeks of paid family leave for federal employees in all instances covered by the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Specifically, the bill guarantees 12 weeks of paid leave in the following cases:

• Because of a serious health condition that makes the employee unable to perform the functions of the employee’s position; and
• In order to care for the spouse, child, or parent of the employee, if such spouse, child, or parent has a serious health condition;
• In order to care for the employee or a family member who is a survivor of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, sex trafficking, or stalking;
• Because of any qualifying exigency arising out of the fact that the spouse, child, or parent of the employee is on covered active duty (or has been notified of an impending call or order to covered active duty) in the Armed Forces.

The Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act is supported by the American Association of University Women (AAUW); American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE); American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME); American Federation of Teachers (AFT); A Better Balance; Bipartisan Policy Center Action (BPC Action); Caring Across Generations; Coalition on Human Needs; Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP); Equal Rights Advocates; Futures Without Violence; Jewish Women International; MomsRising; National Alliance for Caregiving; National Council of Jewish Women; National Domestic Violence Hotline; National Education Association (NEA); National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE); National Partnership for Women and Families; National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU); National Women’s Law Center Action Fund; Paid Leave for All; Reproductive Freedom for All; and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

“NTEU is proud to endorse the Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act. This much needed legislation will allow federal workers to take the leave they need, when they need it, without worrying about losing a paycheck,” said NTEU National President Doreen Greenwald. “We appreciate the work Reps. Beyer, Fitzpatrick, and Houlahan have done to craft this legislation in a way that it puts the needs of working people and their families first.”

“Our federal workforce has faced unprecedented challenges to their livelihood under this administration over the past year, yet they have continued to serve with dedication,” said Jocelyn Frye, President of the National Partnership for Women & Families. “Federal workers should not have to choose between keeping their jobs and caring for themselves and their families. They deserve dignity and respect in their roles as employees, as family members, and as people. The ability to take paid time off to meet caregiving responsibilities or protect their health and safety should not be an additional burden federal workers have to face now or in the future. We stand in support of Reps. Beyer, Houlahan, and Fitzpatrick and call for the passage of the Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act to build on the protections for federal workers who are new parents to cover other forms of caregiving, health and safety needs – a critical next step toward providing paid leave for all.”

Full text of the Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act is available here.

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

WASHINGTON — Today, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), longtime leaders of congressional efforts to decolonize Puerto Rico, issued the following joint statement opposing the status legislation introduced today by Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández Rivera:

“During the last three Congresses, we have led serious, legislative efforts to forge a path towards real self-determination for Puerto Ricans, underscoring that non-territorial, non-colonial options are the only options viable for true decolonization. Throughout the process of crafting legislation, we engaged in a series of meetings, hearings, and dialogues with Puerto Rican experts, academics, and stakeholders, the Diaspora, and Congress.

“Today, the Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico co-opted our legislation and introduced a bill that includes an option to maintain the current status of the island as a colony. Over the last three congresses, more and more members have come to acknowledge that the current colonial condition of Puerto Rico is a moral stain on our nation’s history that must be addressed. Our country cannot claim to be a bastion of democracy as we continue to hold colonies in the Caribbean and the Pacific.

“The Resident Commissioner’s bill denies the colonial character of the Commonwealth, erases historical realities, subverts Democratic consensus, and ignores Supreme Court decisions like United States v. Vaello-Madero, which reaffirmed that Puerto Rico remains subject to Congress’s plenary powers. We stand together in opposing this legislation and will continue to fight for a serious decolonization process for Puerto Ricans. This is too vital an issue to be sullied by individual political aspirations.”

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