Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Julia Brownley (D-CA)

Washington, DC– Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (CA-26) joined Congressional Freethought Caucus Co-Chairs Representative Jared Huffman (CA-02) and Jamie Raskin (MD-08), House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel Ranking Member Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), and 26 of their colleagues in requesting U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) Inspector General Platte B. Moring III open an investigation into reports that servicemembers have lodged anonymous complaints about military commanders invoking religious prophecy and apocalyptic theology to justify the United States’ military actions in Iran.

“At a time when billions of dollars and untold numbers of lives hang in the balance while the Trump administration wages a war of choice in Iran, the imperative of maintaining strict separation of church and state and protecting the religious freedom of our troops is especially critical. We must ensure that military operations are guided by facts and the law, not end-times prophecy and extreme religious beliefs,” the lawmakers wrote.

The members went on to note the pervasive issue of extremist religious encroachment inside the military under the Trump administration, saying: “These allegations are also part of a broader political climate in which Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and senior civilian officials have publicly framed Middle East policy in explicitly religious terms.”

They then requested the DOD conduct an independent investigation to determine the accuracy of these reports and to “assess whether Secretary Hegseth’s extreme religious rhetoric has metastasized into segments of the military chain of command in ways that contravene constitutional protections, departmental rules and standards, or professional military norms.”

The members requested the DOD investigate and report back to Congress on several matters, including:

1. Whether military commanders or other officers have made statements to subordinates asserting that U.S. military operations against Iran are part of a religious prophecy, divine plan, or apocalyptic religious event, and if so, where such communications originated within the chain of command.
2. Whether any such statements constitute violations of Department of Defense policies, including DoD Instruction 1300.17 “Religious Liberty in the Military Services,” regarding religious neutrality, improper proselytizing, or abuse of command authority.
3. The scope and geographic distribution of complaints received within the Department of Defense regarding religiously framed messaging related to the Iran conflict.
4. Whether servicemembers who reported these concerns experienced retaliation or fear of retaliation within their units.
5. What training, guidance, or oversight currently exists to ensure commanders maintain religious neutrality in operational briefings, command communications, and other official settings.
6. Whether additional guidance or action is warranted to ensure that personal religious beliefs are not used to justify or frame U.S. military operations.

A full copy of the letter can be found here.

In addition to Brownley, Huffman, Raskin, and Houlahan, the letter was signed by Representatives Becca Balint (VT-AL), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Sean Casten (IL-06), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), Jesús “Chuy” Garcia (IL-04), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Mike Levin (CA-49), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Dave Min (CA-47), Kelly Morrison (MN-03), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Nancy Pelosi (CA-11), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Emily Randall (WA-06), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Eric Swalwell (CA-14), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Norma Torres (CA-35), Derek Tran (CA-45), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12).

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Issues: 119th Congress, Military, National Security

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Earl L Buddy Carter (GA-01)

Headline: ICYMI: Military action in Iran makes Americans safer

President Trump and our brave troops took bold action against Iran to address an imminent threat. For almost 47 years, the Iranian regime has waged war against America, our allies, and the Western world. It has have repeatedly refused peace, choosing instead to pursue a nuclear weapon and bring “Death to America.”

From day one, President Trump has reiterated that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon, and it never will. He’s keeping his promise to the American people. Protecting the United States from terrorists is putting America First.

In case you missed it, Rep. Buddy Carter discussed President Trump’s bold military action and the tragic loss of U.S. troops on CNN.

CNN State of the Union March 1, 2026

Dana Bash (host): “We know that three were killed and at least five were injured. We don’t know more than that. You represent many military bases.”

Rep. Carter: “Absolutely, this is a tragedy, and our thoughts and prayers are certainly with the families, and we pray that God will protect those troops that are out there.”

Dana Bash: “Generally speaking, are you supportive of what the president is doing?”

Rep. Carter: “Absolutely, I’m supportive. I mean, let’s face it, this is historic. This has been 47 years in the making. Iran has been funding terrorism, and they have thousands of American citizens’ blood on their hands… There are liberals in America who are protesting this. But the Iranians around the globe, they’re celebrating in the streets…

“The president has addressed an imminent threat… Iran had thousands of missiles aimed at American bases… He has made it clear they’re not going to have a nuclear weapon… This president has saved millions of lives in the future.

“… When Americans woke up this morning, they were safer, they were safer because Iran is not as strong as they were two days ago.

“It is up to the Iranian people to make that decision of what happens next. …they will never have a better opportunity to take this government over than they have now.”

Watch the full interview here.

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

Washington, D.C.— Today, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY), Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-FL) introduced two pieces of legislation to strengthen music and arts education in schools nationwide. The Music In Our Schools Month Resolution, led by Velázquez and Frost in the House with Booker in the Senate, would affirm the importance of music education, highlight the benefits students receive from its instruction, and recognize the dedication of music educators across the country. The Guarantee Access to Arts and Music Education Act of 2026 (GAAME Act), led by Velázquez in the House with Booker in the Senate, would incentivize the use of federal funds to improve access to music and the arts for disadvantaged and low-income students, taught by certified arts and music educators.

 

“Access to music and arts education shouldn’t depend on a student’s zip code or family income. Music builds confidence, sharpens critical thinking, and opens doors that stay open for a lifetime,” said Congresswoman Velázquez. “As federal arts funding faces unprecedented cuts, we have a responsibility to fight for the programs and educators that make a difference in classrooms across the country. I’m proud to join Senator Booker and Representative Frost in introducing these bills to invest in music education and the students who benefit from it,”

 

“Access to music and arts education shouldn’t depend on a student’s zip code or family income. Music builds confidence, sharpens critical thinking, and opens doors that stay open for a lifetime,” said Congresswoman Velázquez. “As federal arts funding faces unprecedented cuts, we have a responsibility to fight for the programs and educators that make a difference in classrooms across the country. I’m proud to join Senator Booker in introducing these bills to invest in music education and the students who benefit from it.”

 

“As a musician, I’ve seen firsthand how music education can shape a young person’s confidence, discipline, and sense of belonging. I’m proud to co-lead the resolution designating March as ‘Music in Our Schools Month’ because access to music programs should not depend on a student’s zip code, income level, or background. When students can learn, perform, and create, they gain skills that carry into every part of their lives. Ensuring every student has access to high-quality music education is an investment in their growth and in the strength of our communities.” – Rep. Maxwell Frost

 

The GAAME Act will amend the Elementary and Secondary School Act (ESEA) to encourage the use of Title I funds to:

 

1. Bolster the number of certified music and arts educators available.
2. Purchase equipment for music and arts courses (sheet music, instruments, etc.)
3. Provide further professional development for certified music and arts educators.
4. Improve access to sequential, standards-based arts and music education taught by certified educators.

The GAAME Act and the Music In Our Schools Month Resolution are cosponsored by: Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-NJ), Rep. Eleanor Holmes-Norton (D-DC), Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV), Rep. Dwight Evans (D-PA), and Rep. Danny Davis (D-IL).

 

The following organizations support the GAAME Act: American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, American Federation of Teachers, The American Orff-Schulwerk Association, American String Teachers Association, Arts Ed NJ, Association for Popular Music Education, Chorus America, College Band Directors National Association, CMA Foundation, Drum Corps International, Education Through Music, Educational Theatre Association, The Feierabend Association for Music Education, Hawaii Youth Symphony, JazzSLAM, Kindermusik International, Missouri Alliance for Arts Education, Music Publishers Association of the United States, Music Teachers National Association, Music Travel Consultants, Music Workshop, National Art Education Association, National Association for Music Education, National Association of Elementary School Principals, National Association of Music Merchants, National Association of Secondary School Principals, National Concerts, National Dance Education Organization, National Education Association, National Federation of State High School Associations, National Music Council, Nuvo Instrumental, Organization of American Kodály Educators, Percussive Arts Society, Quadrant Research, Recording Academy, Rhythm and Blues Preservation Society, Rock and Soul Forever Foundation, Save the Music Foundation, State Education Agency Directors of Arts Education, Wurrly LLC, and Young Audiences Arts for Learning.

 

The following organizations support the Music In Our Schools Month Resolution: American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, American Federation of Teachers, AASA-The School Superintendents Association, The American Orff-Schulwerk Association, American String Teachers Association, Arts Ed NJ, Association for Popular Music Education, Chorus America, College Band Directors National Association, CMA Foundation, Drum Corps International, Education Through Music, The Feierabend Association for Music Education, Hawaii Youth Symphony, JazzSLAM, Kindermusik International, League of American Orchestras, Missouri Alliance for Arts Education, Music Publishers Association of the United States, Music Teachers National Association, Music Travel Consultants, Music Workshop, National Art Education Association, National Association for Music Education, National Association of Elementary School Principals, National Association of Music Merchants, National Association of Secondary School Principals, National Education Association, National Federation of State High School Associations, National Music Council, National PTA, Nuvo Instrumental, Organization of American Kodály Educators, Percussive Arts Society, Quadrant Research, Recording Academy, Rhythm and Blues Preservation Society, Rock and Soul Forever Foundation, Save the Music Foundation, State Education Agency Directors of Arts Education, Wurrly LLC, and Young Audiences Arts for Learning.

 

For a copy of the Music in Our Schools Month resolution, click here.

 

For a copy of the GAAME Act, click here.

 

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

Today, Congressman Adrian Smith (NE-03) invites high school students across Nebraska’s Third District to submit their artwork for the 2026 Congressional Art Competition by Friday, March 27th.   
 
“Every year the Congressional Art Competition showcases the talent, creativity, and unique perspectives of young people from across our country, generating an amazing collection of artwork that reflects the creativity of the next generation. Students across Nebraska’s Third District never fail to amaze me with their impressive talent and imagination, and I look forward to seeing this year’s entries,”said Smith. 
 
BACKGROUND:  
Official rules, guidelines, and submission forms are available on Congressman Smith’s website: https://adriansmith.house.gov/services/art-competition.   
 
First-place artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol, alongside winning entries from across the country, and Smith will display one of the runners-up in his Washington, D.C., and each of his Third District offices.  
 
The Congressional Institute annually sponsors the Congressional Art Competition for high school students from all fifty states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories.   
 
For additional information, please contact Smith’s Grand Island office at (308) 384-3900.   

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), helped advance key legislation to protect children online during a House Committee on Energy and Commerce markup. Congresswoman Schrier’s bill, Sammy’s Law, passed during the hearing. This legislation would improve kids’ online safety by requiring social media companies to cooperate with third-party watchdog apps that would alert parents if their children have been exposed to harmful messages or interactions online.

“As a pediatrician, I’ve seen firsthand how social media and online threats have compromised children’s health and well-being,” said Congresswoman Schrier, M.D. “I’ve also witnessed how social media companies have refused to put responsible guardrails on their platforms to keep our kids safe, instead choosing to prioritize profits. This week’s Energy and Commerce markup was an important step in advancing my bill, Sammy’s Law, that would empower parents and protect our children online. I also fought against legislation that would roll back protections for children online and fail to hold social media companies accountable for promoting harmful content.”

During the markup, Congresswoman Schrier voted against the watered-down version of the Kids’ Online Safety Act (KOSA), a traditionally bipartisan, comprehensive piece of legislation intended to protect children from harmful content online. Congresswoman Schrier was a lead sponsor on this legislation last Congress, and it passed through committee with support from both parties. However, the version of KOSA reintroduced this year is significantly weaker. Specifically, this year’s bill has completely banned the duty of care provision found in previous iterations of this legislation, which required social media companies to actively prevent or mitigate harms to children on their platforms and held them legally responsible if they failed to do so. This version of KOSA also would have overridden more protective state online safety laws, actually decreasing children’s safety in many states.

To view Congresswoman Schrier’s remarks on Sammy’s Law, click here, and to view her remarks on KOSA, click here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL)

WASHINGTON – Rep. Brad Schneider (IL-10) released the following statement after the House voted on Department of Homeland Security appropriations:

“I again voted to refuse giving any additional funds to the Department of Homeland Security until we fully address the abuses of ICE and CBP and hold the bad actors to account.

“Kristi Noem may finally be gone – I have been calling for her resignation or firing for months – but I have no doubt that Trump Administration’s chaotic, cruel, and violent immigration enforcement policies will continue unless we stand firm to force desperately needed reforms.

“Under the Trump Administration’s leadership, ICE and CBP agents have been absolutely out-of-control. Americans have been gunned down, our communities have been terrorized, and our Constitution has been ignored. The abuse needs to end.

“I will continue to oppose funding for ICE and CBP until there are meaningful reforms that rein in their behavior. Reforms that take masks off these agents and put body cameras on. That end warrantless arrests and stop the targeting of courts, schools, and churches. That demand an independent investigation into every DHS shooting. And that stop the deportation of U.S. citizens.

“Republicans need to come to the table and finally work with Democrats to deliver the much-needed changes at DHS that Americans are desperate for.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

 Today Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01), Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Congressman Jack Bergman (MI-01), and Congressman Andrew Garbarino (NY-02), Co-Chairs of the Congressional Postal Service Caucus, convened a roundtable with leaders from postal unions to discuss how the caucus can support them in protecting postal workers and improving mail delivery for constituents.

“Prompt and reliable mail and package deliveries are essential for our families’ well-being, small businesses’ financial stability, and communities’ economic growth. That service would not be possible without the thousands of dedicated professionals who deliver mail,” said Congressman Pappas. “It was great to join postal union leaders and Postal Service Caucus members for a roundtable discussion to talk about how we can continue to strengthen mail service and support these dedicated workers.”

“I was thrilled to bring together leaders from America’s postal unions for the first roundtable of the Congressional Postal Service Caucus today,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “As we face distinct challenges like lagging delivery rates and rural post office closures, I will continue to work with my fellow co-chairs to fight back against the misguided Regional Transportation Optimization plan and deliver the reform necessary to ensure USPS meets the needs of our communities.” 

“Delivering mail in rural America comes with challenges that are often overlooked,” said Congressman Bergman. “In Northern Michigan and the UP, postal workers travel long distances across small towns and rural roads to serve their communities. They’re not just delivering mail – they’re delivering medications, checks, and a lifeline for seniors, veterans, and families in remote areas. As the Congressional Postal Service Caucus looks at the future of the Postal Service, we must keep the people who serve these communities front and center.” 

Labor unions are on the forefront of postal service operations. Organizations represented at the meeting included the National Association of Letter Carriers, the National Postal Mail Handlers Union, the National Association of Postal Supervisors, the American Postal Workers Union, the National Rural Letter Carriers Association, and United Postmasters and Managers of America.

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

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata released the following statement of support for U.S. Service Members: 

“Many of our nation’s dedicated Service Members have been called upon in the Middle East region over the past week. In the past, I’ve visited our troops at some of those bases in the region, met up with our Toa o Samoa who were there, as well as other Pacific Islander American Service Members. While I do not know how many are involved in current operations, I am certain we have some of our own deployed in U.S. Central Command. 

Congresswoman Aumua Amata recording remarks on the first floor of the US Capitol recently

“Every American can unite in holding our Service Members and their families in our hearts, and praying for their safe return.

“Readiness is a constant imperative, and I always support the best possible equipping and training of our military to enable them to succeed and return home whenever they are ordered into combat by the Commander-in-Chief.

“By statute, the role of Congress will increase 60 days from the start of this action. As we focus on Central Command, it also remains strategically important to maintain the U.S. commitment to the Pacific region and preserve long term investment in Indo-Pacific security and objectives. God bless our troops.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Garamendi – Representing California’s 3rd Congressional District

WASHINGTON, DC — Yesterday, Congressman John Garamendi (CA-08) a senior member of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, Rep. Scott Peters (CA-50), Rep. Jim Costa (CA-21), Rep. Raul Ruiz (CA-25), Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-52), Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49)  introduce the Drought Relief Obtained Using Government Help Today (DROUGHT) Act, to help address the Western water crisis caused by severe and ongoing drought conditions affecting the Colorado River and its reservoirs.

The DROUGHT Act would allow drought-impacted and underserved communities to both bring in additional federal funds and remain eligible for long-term, low-interest Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loans. It does not affect the obligation of borrowers to repay their loans, the timeline for repayment, or interest rates of applicable loans.

“Every Californian deserves access to safe, clean, reliable drinking water. I’m proud to join Congressman Peters in introducing the DROUGHT Act to ensure communities have the resources and federal support they need to advance equitable, sustainable water infrastructure projects,” said Rep. Garamendi.

“San Diegans know we cannot take our water for granted — that’s why the city and county are investing in long-term solutions like Pure Water,” said Rep. Peters. “The federal government must help communities across America invest in much-needed drought relief and prevention projects as we continue to face the worsening effects of climate change. Clean water is one of our most basic needs, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress and our local partners to ensure every American has access to safe, reliable water.”

“Access to reliable water is essential for every community. Large-scale water projects have long supported our local communities, and increasing federal assistance for drought-prone, low-income areas where access to safe drinking water is often limited will help meet the growing demands on our water infrastructure. As our climate changes and aging infrastructure requires updates, we must continue expanding support for new water projects to ensure every community has the water it needs,” said Rep. Costa.

“The DROUGHT Act is a commonsense step to help drought-prone communities access the federal support they need to build resilient water infrastructure. By increasing WIFIA funding for projects in low-income and high-need regions, this bill ensures cost isn’t the barrier between families and reliable water supplies,” said Rep. Ruiz.

“Drought is a serious issue for our region, especially as the impacts of climate change intensify,” said Rep. Vargas. “I’m proud to introduce this legislation alongside my colleague, Congressman Scott Peters, to help make federal support for drought mitigation efforts and water projects more accessible for our communities.”

“Water is a basic human need. But many of our communities, especially in underserved areas, do not have reliable and affordable water supplies,” said Rep. Barragán. “The DROUGHT Act addresses this issue by increasing federal funds for infrastructure projects that provide Americans greater access to the water they need.”

“We must take every opportunity to invest in Southern California’s water infrastructure so that we are prepared for the next drought. Water supports our local economies, powers tourism, and allows our San Diego County farmers to grow avocados, tomatoes, flowers, and other crops,” said Rep. Levin. “The DROUGHT ACT will guarantee that federal loans are sufficient and accessible to support water infrastructure projects for the people of Southern California — both those living here today and the generations to come. I’m proud to join Rep. Peters in pushing this important legislation forward.”
 

Background
Currently, projects that receive loans under the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) cannot accept assistance from the federal government for more than 80 percent of project costs. This federal share cap restricts financing options and leads to delays for state and local governments building much-needed water infrastructure projects. The DROUGHT Act would raise the limit from 80 percent to 90 percent for projects in areas experiencing extreme drought, projects of regional and national significance, or projects serving historically disadvantaged communities.
The DROUGHT Act has been endorsed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the American Public Works Association, the California Association of Sanitation Agencies, and the San Diego County Water Authority, and the City of San Diego.

Full text of the bill is available here and a bill one-pager is available here.
 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Garamendi – Representing California’s 3rd Congressional District

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman John Garamendi (CA-08), a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement after voting YES on the Iran War Powers Resolution:  

“Today, I’m proud to announce that I voted YES in favor of the bipartisan Iran War Powers Resolution, which reasserts Congress’s sole constitutional power to declare war and directs the President to remove United States Armed Forces from unauthorized hostilities in Iran. It is shameful that Republicans in Congress have once again deferred and weakened this power by continuing to allow President Trump to engage in an illegal war with Iran. Last week, Trump, in direct violation of the United States Constitution, attacked Iran and has since continued to engage in a military conflict that has already taken the lives of six servicemembers.

“I am glad that the current Ayatollah has been eliminated because his decades-long regime has violated human rights, created chaos in the Middle East, and enabled terrorism worldwide.  

“However, Trump’s decision to launch yet another attack without clearly articulating the legal justification, strategic objectives, and anticipated consequences to Congress and the American people runs counter to the constitutional framework established by our Founders. Congress, as representatives of the American people, should be responsible for deciding when we go to war, not a rogue President.    

“It is clear that the Trump Administration has no plan to sustain the current conflict, no plan to transition the current Iranian government toward democracy, and no plan to de-escalate or contain the conflict from spreading throughout the region. Trump has pulled the United States into a Middle East war and put thousands of servicemembers at risk.  

“This is a dangerous moment, and it is time for Congress to act. I applaud Representatives Ro Khanna (D-CA) and Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Rand Paul (R-KY) for their leadership in bringing forth this resolution. I wish more of my Republican colleagues felt the obligation to reassert Congress’s constitutional role. It’s a shame that too many feel comfortable letting Trump violate the Constitution.

“Despite my disagreements with this war, my thoughts remain with the six brave servicemembers who lost their lives and for all of the servicemembers currently serving our country and their families. Their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten, and I remain fully committed to ensuring that those in harm’s way receive our unwavering support.”

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