Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Posted on

Rep. Craig's Office Recognized for Exceptional Constituent Services

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Angie Craig (MN-02)

EAGAN, MN – The Congressional Management Foundation awarded the office of U.S. Representative Angie Craig a “Certificate of Excellence in Constituent Service” for its exceptional work servingMinnesotans navigating issues with federal agencies. To date, Rep. Craig’s office has successfully returned $9.65 million from the federal government to Minnesotans. And earlier this year – during the height of Operation Metro Surge – Rep. Craig’s constituent services team secured the release of 12 constituents wrongfully detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).  

This year, more than 150 congressional offices from both sides of the aisle submitted applications for the Congressional Management Foundation’s “Democracy Awards.” Rep. Craig’s office was awarded a certificate of excellence for its commitment to public service and high-quality work on behalf of Minnesotans.  

“Folks in Minnesota’s Second Congressional District elected me to serve them, and that is my number one priority in Congress,” said Rep. Craig. “From helping CD2-ers cut through red tape to reuniting families separated by ICE, I am so proud of the work that my team has done for Minnesotans over the years – and especially this year, as we navigated unprecedented challenges in our state”  

Since Rep. Craig was elected to Congress in 2018, her office has completed 6,747 constituent cases. Her constituent services team has successfully completed 1,621 cases this Congress alone.   

Rep. Craig’s office has resolved cases involving the Social Security Administration (SSA), the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the Department of State, the Department of Education, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the Small Business Administration (SBA) and other federal agencies.  

Posted on

Rep. Angie Craig Joins Senators, Co-Chairs of Monopoly Busters Caucus to Introduce Legislation to Keep Private Equity Firms out of Youth Sports

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Angie Craig (MN-02)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig (D-MN-02) joined Senators Chris Murphy (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ) and fellow co-chairs of the House Monopoly Busters Caucus Reps. Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA-07) and Pat Ryan (D-NY-18) in a press conference to introduce their new legislation to combat private equity’s monopolization of youth sports. 

The Let Kids Play Act would hold private equity firms accountable for inflating the costs of youth sports and help protect access to sports for low-income families by banning both private equity vulture investors and the practices they use to rip people off. Specifically, the legislation would provide full refunds to families for any junk fees they incurred as the result of private equity’s predatory practices. Additionally, it would hold private equity vulture investors financially liable for any debts, legal judgements or law violations that occurred under their watch, and it would establish a youth sports fund using those financial penalties to provide scholarships, reduce costs and keep local fields open for free community use. Finally, if signed into law, the bill would give states and parents the legal right to sue private equity firms for damages. 

“As a mom, I know how important sports are for our kids – and for our families,” said Rep. Craig. “Not only are youth sports a way for kids to get active and build lifelong skills – they’re also a reprieve for working parents, who need those few extra hours after school to work, run errands, or just enjoy some time to themselves.”

“That’s why I’m proud to be standing here in support of this critical legislation to protect access to youth sports and hold private equity firms accountable for exploiting parents and monetizing play.”  

Since private equity’s takeover, youth sports has become a $40 billion industry. The cost to participate has risen 46 percent in five years, with many families paying more than $5000 per child each year. Thanks to private equity firms like Black Bear Sports Group, which owns over 40 ice rinks across the Midwest and the East Coast, families are facing rising fees for registration, equipment, travel and even paid streaming services, putting organized sports out of reach for millions of kids.

Rep. Craig is a founding member of the House Monopoly Busters Caucus and has led the charge to take on corporate consolidation across industries – from health care to technology to agriculture – and lower costs for working Minnesotans. 

You can watch video of the press conference HERE. 

Posted on

Indian American Members of Congress Condemn Anti-India Demonstration Outside Frisco City Hall, Stand in Solidarity with Indian American Community

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

WASHINGTON — Today, Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Ami Bera (CA-06), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), and Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), the Indian American members of Congress, released the following joint statement after a demonstrator outside Frisco City Hall in Frisco, Texas, tore an Indian flag amid anti-India chants and rhetoric during an immigration-related protest:

“We strongly support the constitutional right to freedom of expression for all Americans. At the same time, we condemn the tearing of an Indian flag outside Frisco City Hall alongside hateful anti-India rhetoric, which continues to fuel anti-Indian violence and xenophobia. Acts of hate and intimidation targeting any community are unacceptable and have no place in our country.

“The Indian American community is an important part of our nation and deserves to feel safe and respected. As Indian Americans and South Asian Americans face harassment, xenophobia, and hateful rhetoric, leaders must speak clearly: hate targeting any community cannot be tolerated or ignored.

“We stand in solidarity with the Indian American community in Frisco and across the country. Everyone deserves to live with dignity and safety, free from fear, harassment, and discrimination.”

Posted on

Congressman Riley M. Moore Presents $1 Million Check for Market Street Bridge Engineering Work

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Riley Moore (WV-02)

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Riley M. Moore presented a $1,000,000 check to complete essential engineering and design work that will pave the way to completely replacing the Market Street Bridge. Rep. Moore secured these funds through his work on the House Appropriations Committee in Fiscal Year 2026.

This $1 million investment is essential to completing engineering and design work that will complete the first phase of replacing the bridge and will unlock prior funding streams secured to rebuild the Market Street Bridge, which carries West Virginia Spur Route 2 across the Ohio River, Ohio Route 7, and the Norfolk Southern Railroad.

The prolonged closure of the Market Street Bridge has created traffic congestion, complicated daily commutes, and negatively impacted local businesses and economic activity throughout the Ohio Valley. The engineering work funded through this appropriation represents a critical first step toward constructing a new bridge and restoring this vital transportation corridor. 

Congressman Riley M. Moore released the following statement:

“The Market Street Bridge is a critical piece of infrastructure for the people of Weirton and the entire Ohio Valley. For more than a year, families, workers, and local businesses have dealt with the consequences of its closure, including longer commutes, increased traffic, and economic disruption. Through my work on the House Appropriations Committee, I was proud to secure $1 million to begin the engineering work necessary for a full replacement of the bridge. This investment moves us one step closer to restoring a safe, reliable crossing that will strengthen commerce, improve mobility, and better serve our communities for generations to come.” 

###

Posted on

As Part of America 250 Week, Davids Visits Kansas City VA, Highlights Impact of PACT Act on Veterans’ Care

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

Today, as part of America 250 Week, Representative Sharice Davids toured the Kansas City VA Medical Center to highlight the impact of the bipartisan PACT Act on veterans’ healthcare access, exposure screenings, and benefits delivery.

“America 250 is about recognizing the people and service that have shaped our country; and that all must begin with our veterans,” said Davids. “The bipartisan PACT Act is making a real difference in Kansas, helping more veterans get screened, treated, and connected to the benefits they earned after toxic exposure while deployed. I’ll keep working to make sure we deliver on that promise.”

“The PACT Act is a major victory for veterans, finally recognizing conditions like allergic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis as presumptive tied to toxic exposure,” said Rick McKenna, KS VFW Junior Vice Commander and Air Force veteran. “I’m grateful for leaders like Representative Sharice Davids, who voted to pass this historic law and ensure veterans receive the care and benefits we earned. This legislation is already making a real difference for veterans like me.”

During her visit, Davids met with Ryan Locascio, Assistant Director of the Kansas City VA, and Rick McKenna, KS VFW Junior Vice Commander and Air Force veteran, to discuss implementation of the PACT Act and ongoing outreach efforts to veterans across the region. 

The PACT Act has provided approximately $40 million in funding to the Kansas City VA to expand care and outreach. At the facility, 76 percent of enrolled veterans have been screened for exposure — above the national average of 72 percent — and among more than 45,000 veterans screened, 48 percent have reported at least one exposure concern, consistent with national trends.

The Kansas City VA has also expanded its capacity with two environmental health clinicians certified in Military Environmental Medicine, increased outreach efforts in partnership with local veteran’s service organizations to improve access and awareness and began offering Military Environmental Exposure Assessments in 2025.

Nationally, more than 2.36 million veterans and survivors have completed PACT Act-related claims between August 2022 and March 2026, reflecting the scale of demand and the law’s ongoing impact in connecting veterans to earned benefits.

Davids has worked hard to ensure Kansas veterans are supported after returning home from active duty. She passed bipartisan legislation to help veterans succeed when starting a small business and pushed back on extreme attempts to gut the VA.

 

Her office helps military and veteran constituents with casework and acts as a facilitator between federal, state, and local agencies. For more information on how veterans can receive assistance, constituents are encouraged to visit Davids’ website or call her office at (913) 621-0832.

Posted on

Congressman Baird Supports Legislation to Take Care of Veterans

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Baird (R-IN-04)

Congressman Baird Supports Legislation to Take Care of Veterans

Washington, June 15, 2026

Today, Congressman Baird released the following statement after serving as an original cosponsor of the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act, comprehensive and bipartisan legislation to modernize and reform U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) services for veterans, sponsored by House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chair Mike Bost (IL-12):

“This year, we celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday, and it is an opportunity to renew our promise to our veterans and their families,” said Congressman Baird. “As a Vietnam combat veteran, I am pleased to support this tremendous package to give veterans better access to healthcare, strengthen benefits for veterans and survivors, and reform outdated, bureaucratic processes at the VA that cause delays. We want to make the VA work for veterans again and make sure our country properly takes care of those who served our country. I’m also proud to see that the package contains the Major Richard Star Act, a priority for numerous Hoosiers and veterans in our district. I thank Congressman Bost for his leadership, and I will work with him to deliver this victory for our veterans.”

Additional information on the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act can be found here.

###

Posted on

Congressman Riley M. Moore Introduces Resolution Recognizing the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Riley Moore (WV-02)

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Riley M. Moore today introduced a resolution recognizing June 12, 2026, as the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and honoring the Sacred Heart as the living sign of Christ’s divine love, mercy, humility, and redemptive sacrifice.

The resolution comes as Catholics throughout the United States celebrate the month dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and follows the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ consecration of the United States to the Sacred Heart during America’s 250th year.

The resolution recognizes the centuries-old devotion to the Sacred Heart within the Catholic Church, its historic presence in American religious life, and its enduring call to prayer, repentance, Eucharistic devotion, and humility. It also commends the bishops of the United States for consecrating the nation to the Sacred Heart and encourages families, churches, and communities to renew this devotion throughout the month of June.

Congressman Riley M. Moore released the following statement:

“The Sacred Heart of Jesus is the ultimate symbol of God’s infinite love and mercy for humanity. His words—’learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart’—are as urgent today as ever. As our nation marks 250 years of independence, I commend the bishops of the United States for consecrating our nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and pray that Americans will renew their devotion to Christ, seek His mercy, and conform their hearts to His.”

Joining Congressman Riley M. Moore on this resolution are the following members of Congress: Representatives Mark Messmer (IN-08)

“The Sacred Heart of Jesus serves as a powerful reminder of Christ’s boundless love, mercy, and sacrifice for humanity,” said Rep. Mark Messmer (IN-08). “As the American people prepare to celebrate 250 years of our nation’s history, this resolution recognizes the enduring role faith has played in shaping our history and encourages us to live with greater compassion, courage, and devotion to others. As a Catholic myself, and as the representative of a district that is home to thousands of Catholics in southern Indiana, I am honored to support this recognition of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.”

The following organizations have endorsed Congressman Riley M. Moore’s resolution: CatholicVote, and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)

“This resolution comes at a pivotal moment. As our nation celebrates its 250th anniversary of independence, the United States Catholic Bishops has consecrated our country to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and we at CatholicVote joined His Eminence Raymond Leo Cardinal Burke on Friday to do the same—a profound act of faith that reminds us of the spiritual foundations upon which America was built. This House resolution beautifully echoes that consecration, affirming that our liberties and moral order draw strength from higher truths: love, mercy, humility, and justice. The devotion to the Sacred Heart has uplifted millions across centuries, calling believers to personal conversion, compassion for the vulnerable, and reparation for wrongs. By officially recognizing this solemnity, Congress sends a powerful message: that faith, prayer, and moral renewal remain vital to the health of our republic. In a time of division and uncertainty, reclaiming space for reflection on Christ’s boundless love is not only fitting but necessary.

I commend Representative Riley Moore for introducing this resolution, said CatholicVote.”

“On behalf of Archbishop Alexander K. Sample, chairman of USCCB’s Committee for Religious Liberty, we are grateful to Rep. Moore for the Resolution ‘Recognizing June 12, 2026, as the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and honoring the Sacred Heart as the living sign of Christ’s divine love, mercy, humility, and reparation for sin, said the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).”

The resolution specifically:

  • Recognizes June 12, 2026, as the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Honors the Sacred Heart as the sign of Christ’s infinite love, mercy, humility, and redemptive sacrifice.

  • Commends the U.S. bishops for consecrating the nation to the Sacred Heart.

Affirms the importance of prayer, repentance, reparation, Eucharistic devotion, and the sanctification of priests.

  • Encourages families, churches, and communities to renew devotion to the Sacred Heart during the month of June.
  • Calls upon all people of good will to seek the mercy of Christ, practice humility, and conform their hearts to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.

 

See Congressman Moore’s ‘X’ thread on this resolution HERE.

###

Posted on

Congressman García’s Statement on DACA’s 14th Anniversary

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

CHICAGO — Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) issued the following statement on the 14th anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program:

 “DACA was born out of broad, effective organizing by a coalition of communities, advocates, labor and religious leaders that built momentum and public support for Dreamers. When Senate Republicans refused to support the Dream Act, President Obama implemented DACA. Since then, the program has been under relentless assault by Republicans.

 “Yet DACA became a success story. It has stood the test of time and has allowed hundreds of thousands of Dreamers to build careers and families in the only country many have ever called home. The program has also allowed them to make significant economic contributions to the United States. Across our country, DACA recipient households pay approximately $9.5 billion annually in federal, state and local taxes.

 “In my state of Illinois, there were approximately 28,000 DACA recipients as of September 2023, who contributed $702 million in state, local and federal taxes and had a $2 billion total spending power.

 “But the Trump administration is using its racist, anti-immigrant agenda to expand its attacks and make life impossible for people with DACA, including by creating massive delays in processing renewals.

 “As a consequence, DACA recipients are losing their jobs and struggling to make ends meet as their work authorizations expire while they wait for an answer, even after submitting their renewal applications well in advance.

 “The uncertainty that DACA holders and other immigrants around the country are facing is a direct result of Congress’s failure to enact immigration reform.

 “I’m proud to have led 86 Members of Congress in opposing the delays in processing DACA renewals. Today, I say to all the DACA recipients and their families: we stand with you, and we will keep fighting back against these attacks. We must prioritize passing legislation that would create pathways to citizenship, like the Dream and Promise Act. We must keep working to finally build an immigration system that respects your dignity and your humanity.”

 Video of Congressman García’s floor speech honoring DACA can be found here.

 

# # #

Posted on

Natural Resources, Science Committee Democrats Demand Trump Administration Cease Illegal and Expensive Scheme to Dismantle NSF Ocean Observation System

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Huffman Representing the 2nd District of California

Unfortunately for the President, NSF’s ability to tear itself apart at his whim is limited by the law

June 15, 2026

Washington, DC – Today, Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-CA) of the Committee on Natural Resources and Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology led a letter with their Democratic Committee colleagues demanding that National Science Foundation (NSF) Acting Director Brian Stone immediately stop the administration’s illegal plan to dismantle NSF’s Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI).

“We write to you regarding the report that the National Science Foundation (NSF) is illegally dismantling the Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI),” wrote the Members. “On May 21, 2026, NSF quietly posted to its website its intent to remove four of the five currently operating arrays within the project. There was no process, no press, and no notification to Congress until the New York Times picked it up more than a week later. While NSF has referred to this action as ‘descoping,’ eliminating 80 percent of a project – represented by many hundreds of instruments spread across the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans – amounts to nothing less than dismantling. This is a startling use of resources in a resource-strapped time for the agency, and it is not difficult to draw a line from this move to the broader Administration’s anti-science, climate-denialist modus operandi. We demand that you cease this expensive, destructive, and – crucially – illegal action at once.”

The Members emphasize the multifaceted importance of this system:

“OOI observations provide crucial information to coastal communities, improving weather forecasts and ocean models. The real-time OOI observations on ocean currents and upwelling inform fishery management, supporting $319 billion in annual sales and 2.1 million jobs in the United States. In addition, Tribes use OOI data to monitor and protect Tribal resources. Unfortunately for these researchers, coastal managers, Tribes, and all Americans who paid for this system with their tax dollars and benefit from the insights it provides into our oceans, the OOI’s data is inconvenient for an Administration whose agenda to close our eyes to climate change comes above all else.”

The letter can be found here.

###

Posted on

Rep. Aguilar Delivers Big Wins for Veterans

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Pete Aguilar (31 CD Ca)

From helping veterans access job programs to obtaining their benefits, Rep. Aguilar has consistently delivered for veterans in his district and across the country
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Throughout his time in Congress, Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33) has fought to make life better for veterans, including by successfully amending Republicans’ government funding bill to make improvements to veteran programs, advocating for constituents dealing with issues at the VA Loma Linda Healthcare System and passing legislation into law improving veterans’ access to benefits. 
“After sacrificing so much for this country, veterans shouldn’t have to struggle with getting their benefits or enrolling in job training programs through the VA once they come home,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar. “That’s why I’ve fought to streamline VA services and programs so veterans in the Inland Empire and across the country can access the benefits they’re owed without delay or denial. I’ll keep fighting to make life better for the brave men and women who risked their lives for the United States and uphold our promise to them.” 
As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, Rep. Aguilar secured key changes to the bipartisan government funding bill to make it easier for veterans to obtain their earned benefits and ensure fairer access to veteran job training programs. 
Recently, after a constituent received poor justification for being denied from the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Veterans Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program, Rep. Aguilar secured a change in the government funding bill that urges the VA to follow recommendations from the Office of the Inspector General to help prevent similar issues for veterans nationwide. Additionally, Rep. Aguilar pushed for a provision to get State and Territorial Veterans Service Officers (SVSOs) to use technology to reduce the VA’s workload and make it easier for veterans to access disability compensation claims and the federal benefits they have earned.
The Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 MilCon-VA bill passed in the House of Representatives on May 15, 2026 and includes $53 billion in Democratic-led funding for the Toxic Exposures Fund and invests $121 billion for Veterans’ Medical Care. Rep. Aguilar voted in favor of this important legislation, which passed with bipartisan support. 
In addition to the wins secured by Rep. Aguilar in the House Appropriations Committee, he has advocated on behalf of his constituents for better patient care at the VA Loma Linda Healthcare System. Following the tragic death of a constituent due to delays and staffing shortages, he contacted the Department of Veterans Affairs, urging them to address their inadequate patient care practices. Rep. Aguilar demanded that the VA take the proper steps to prevent additional veteran deaths stemming from negligent care protocols that could be avoided. The Secretary committed to Rep. Aguilar to address staffing issues and to review patient safety protocols at the VA Loma Linda Healthcare System. Additionally, after an inquiry from Rep. Aguilar’s staff into the hematology/oncology department, the VA’s Office of Inspector General took action to resolve delays in clinical care, ensuring veterans receive the quality treatment they deserve. 
After constituents Justin Stewart and Bryce Erickson informed Rep. Aguilar’s office that they were not receiving their benefits because of poor communication from the Veterans Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program, Rep. Aguilar filed a congressional inquiry with the Department of Veterans Affairs. This inquiry into their situations resolved the issues, ensuring that they received the necessary contact and payments.
“After I was accepted into a graduate program, I wasn’t receiving my retroactive benefits through the Veterans Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program and I couldn’t get in touch with my counselor at the VA about my application,” said Justin Stewart, Veteran and CA-33 Resident. “This was stressful because my family relies on my benefits while I am in school to make ends meet. I reached out to Rep. Aguilar’s office with my issue, and they contacted the VA on my behalf, helping me get a response from my counselor and the benefits that I was owed. I’m grateful to Rep. Aguilar for his advocacy and commitment to veterans in the Inland Empire and across the country.”
“I applied to the Veterans Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program and didn’t hear back from them for close to three months, when they stated that I should’ve heard back within 30 days of applying,” said Bryce Erickson, Veteran and CA-33 Resident. “I reached out to Rep. Aguilar’s office, and they assisted in opening a congressional inquiry to have a counselor contact me. They did reach out and I am now enrolled in the VR&E program.”
Additionally, in 2023, Rep. Aguilar’s bill, the Wounded Warrior Access Act (H.R. 1226), became law. Passing with bipartisan support, the legislation streamlines the veterans’ benefits claims process so they can access their benefits more easily and quickly.
Rep. Aguilar will continue fighting to uphold our promise to veterans who have sacrificed so much for our country and ensure that they receive the care and benefits they need.