Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO-02)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Chair of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Capital Markets, released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed her Developing and Empowering our Aspiring Leaders (DEAL) Act:

“My bipartisan DEAL Act will ensure the United States remains the most entrepreneurial country in the world, where the next great companies are founded and funded.  Small businesses are the engine of our American economy, and the entrepreneurs leading these companies are building something new, taking real risks, and driving growth in communities across the nation. Too often, they can’t get a fair shot at investment due to an extreme geographic imbalance in our capital markets that funnels money to just a handful of coastal cities, bypassing entire regions that are home to aspiring innovators and entrepreneurs.  

“I introduced the DEAL Act as a targeted, forward-looking effort to modernize outdated rules and channel investment to where it is needed most, especially our local economies right here in the greater St. Louis region and across the Midwest and South.  This vital legislation ensures our policies are helping capital move efficiently and effectively—not just to the coasts, but to brilliant businessmen and women across America, empowering those taking risks to build something new and helping good ideas grow into great companies.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO-02)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed her bipartisan Trafficking Survivors Relief Act, legislation co-led by Rep. Russell Fry (R-SC) and Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA) and co-sponsored by Rep. Ted Lieu (D-CA). This bill provides federal criminal record relief to survivors of human trafficking who committed non-violent offenses as a direct result of their exploitation.

“Victims of human trafficking are often revictimized by their traffickers who coerce them into committing crimes against their will, making it that much harder to escape from their abuse,” said Congresswoman Wagner. “This can leave them with a criminal record that follows them for the rest of their lives.  The Trafficking Survivors Relief Act would help survivors break that cycle of exploitation so they can reenter the working world and access critical support services.  Survivors of trafficking need every tool we can give them as they seek to find justice and hold the perpetrators accountable. I’ve been proud to champion the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act over multiple Congresses, and I look forward to the Senate taking up this bill so we can send it to the President’s desk.”

“I’m proud to see the House pass my bill, the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act, which delivers relief to trafficking survivors and their families,” said Congressman Fry. “Victims of human trafficking are often forced into criminal activity, leaving them with federal records that follow them for life. That means they can’t get a job, secure housing, or meet basic needs—all because of crimes they were coerced into committing. This legislation breaks that cycle and gives survivors the chance to move forward.”

“Survivors of human trafficking deserve justice and compassion, not criminalization,” said Congressman Lieu. “For too long, survivors have faced criminal charges because of crimes they were forced to commit while being trafficked, making it harder for them to obtain housing, jobs, and the chance to rebuild their lives. I am pleased that the House passed our bipartisan legislation to provide much-needed relief to trafficking survivors. I urge my Senate colleagues to pass this bill.”

“The American Hotel & Lodging Association applauds the passage of the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act,” said President and CEO of AHLA Rosanna Maietta. “The hotel industry stands firmly behind Representative Fry’s efforts to ensure that our nation’s response to human trafficking includes meaningful support for those who have endured unimaginable harm. Through the work of the AHLA Foundation, we have long been committed to elevating the visibility of this issue and uplifting survivors through investments in support to help them move forward. The Trafficking Survivors Relief Act is a vital step which allows survivors to truly heal and build independent lives.”

Background
Human trafficking remains a widespread crisis across our country. Traffickers often force or coerce their victims into committing crimes such as financial fraud, drug-related offenses, and identity theft. As a result, many trafficking survivors face arrest, conviction, and incarceration—often without recognition of their victim status.

At the outset of a prosecution, this legislation establishes an affirmative defense to provide survivors with the opportunity to defend against only those charges that arose directly from their trafficking victimization. It also provides critical relief for survivors who have already been convicted as a result of their trafficking victimization through vacatur, expungement, and sentencing mitigation.

Specifically, for a court to grant a motion to vacate a conviction or expunge an arrest, a defendant must show by a preponderance of the evidence that the offense was committed as a direct result of having been a victim of trafficking. Additionally, the defendant must establish, by clear and convincing evidence, that the defendant was a victim of human trafficking at the time the offense was committed.

The bill only allows for non-violent offenses that were committed as a direct result of trafficking to be eligible for vacatur and expungement. Additionally, this bill clarifies that any crimes eligible for expungement are crimes that do not involve a child as a victim.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO-02)

Washington, D.C. – Today, House Committee on Financial Services Chairman French Hill (R-AR), Capital Markets Subcommittee Chairman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-NY), and Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) unveiled the INVEST Act. 

Next week, the House of Representatives will consider the INVEST Act. This bill includes more than 20 bipartisan bills that advanced out of the Committee. The INVEST Act will cut Washington red tape, empower small businesses and entrepreneurs, and give Americans more freedom to invest. 

Chairman Wagner said, “The House Financial Services Committee gets things done – full stop – and this package is a direct result of my mission in the Committee to advance policies that help American capital formation. The package of bills introduced today is the result of many months and years of my work with colleagues, engaging with stakeholders, holding hearings, and negotiating provisions to support Main Street investors and their families. As Chair of the Subcommittee on Capital Markets, I have worked with colleagues on both sides of the aisle who understand our public markets are the best in the world. I have made it my legislative priority to maintain that number one status, and ensure American financial markets grow stronger year over year so Main Street investors can continue to grow their portfolios and save for the future. The bills in the package introduced today support that priority, create even more opportunities for investors, and provide small businesses greater access to capital so they can keep building. Thank you to Chairman Hill for all of his work with us to make sure we get this package to the House Floor and across the finish line.”

Chairman Hill said, “The INVEST Act is about renewing the promise of American opportunity. For too long, outdated regulations have stood between our entrepreneurs and the capital they need to innovate and grow. Our bill puts the full power of America’s capital markets back to work for the people by modernizing rules, expanding access, and eliminating unnecessary burdens on small businesses. I commend Capital Markets Subcommittee Chairman Ann Wagner on her outstanding leadership on this bill that will positively impact all Americans and look forward to our package moving to the House Floor for a vote.”

Rep. Meeks said, “Today, more than half of American households have exposure to the stock market, not as day-traders or large-scale market players, but as teachers, firefighters, nurses, and workers saving for the future through mutual funds, pensions, and retirement plans like 401(k)s and IRAs. Strengthening our capital markets is about improving the financial security of millions of Americans who rely on these investments for long-term stability. This capital formation package expands opportunities for entrepreneurs, and for workers to grow their retirement savings and build real economic resilience. I appreciate the bipartisan collaboration that made this package possible, and I look forward to continuing this important work on behalf of the American people. At a time when families are feeling the pressures of rising costs, these reforms are a meaningful step toward addressing the affordability crisis and empowering people to secure their financial futures.”

Rep. Gottheimer added, “I’m proud to back this bipartisan package, which includes my Senior Security Act that will put a cop on the beat to protect seniors from financial scams. On top of that, this bipartisan legislation takes vital steps to give small businesses and start-ups the access to capital they need to grow and thrive, which is becoming increasingly important as costs continue to surge. I will continue to fight to support American innovation, create good-paying jobs, protect our families and seniors from scams, and bring costs down for Jersey families.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO-02)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) released the following statement after President Donald Trump signed into law her Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act:

“The world is on fire, and the People’s Republic of China has made it clear they have their sights set on exerting even more power over Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific.  The United States stands with Taiwan, and we will not allow China to destabilize the world even more than they already have.  My Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act asserts American superiority at a critical time in history and is a strong step forward in our unwavering support for Taiwan as they push back against the CCP aggression and influence campaigns. This law strengthens our own national security and will help us prevent China from expanding their dangerous foothold in the region and globally.”

Background

The Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act would require the Department of State to conduct periodic reviews of its guidelines for U.S. engagement with Taiwan. These regular reviews and updates must:

1. Explain how the guidance deepens and expands United States-Taiwan relations, and reflects the value, merits, and importance of the United States-Taiwan relationship;
2. Give due consideration to the fact that Taiwan is a democratic partner and a free and open society that respects universal human rights and democratic values;
3. Ensure that the conduct of relations with Taiwan reflects the longstanding, comprehensive, and values-based relationship the United States shares with Taiwan, and contribute to the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait issues.

 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Suzanne Bonamici (1st District Oregon)

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), ranking member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, and Representatives Buddy Carter (R-Ga.) and Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.), celebrated the Senate’s recent unanimous passage of S. 3022, the Save Our Seas 2.0 Marine Debris Infrastructure Programs Reauthorization Act, which would reauthorize key Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) marine debris programs to combat the worldwide crisis of trash entering the oceans and the threat of microplastics in the water. These programs were last authorized by the 2020 Save Our Seas (SOS) 2.0 Act, the most comprehensive legislation ever passed by Congress to address the threat of marine debris. Reps. Carter and Bonamici have introduced companion legislation in the House.

“Clean water and a healthy ocean support every family in the country and every sector of the economy,” said Representative Bonamici. “Extending these successful EPA programs will strengthen the recycling and water systems that stop plastic at its source and support projects that clear debris that damages our shores. These tools work. They deliver cleaner recycling operations, safer drinking water systems, stronger wastewater treatment, and faster trash removal. I’m glad that the Senate advanced our bipartisan bill and look forward to its swift passage in the House to keep families and the environment healthy.”

“Alaska has more coastline than the Lower 48 states combined, which means our state feels a disproportionate impact of the global marine debris crisis,” said Senator Sullivan. “These programs, last authorized by our Save Our Seas 2.0 Act, have helped our coastal communities clean up the debris that washes up onto our vast shoreline, provided access to clean drinking water, and supported the health and livelihoods of Alaskans, including our fishermen. I want to thank all my Senate colleagues for working to protect our coastal communities, ecosystems and economies, and I urge my House colleagues to join us in renewing these critically important programs before the end of the year.”

“In the first round of grants from one of our Save Our Seas 2.0 programs, every eligible state and territory requested funding,” said Ranking Member Whitehouse.  “It is a clear demonstration of the enormous demand from both red states and blue states to address dangerous plastic pollution, and I’m pleased that the Senate has come together to reauthorize these programs. Together, we can protect our clean water and tackle the scourge of plastic waste washing up on shores from coast to coast.”

“From East to West, all Americans deserve access to clean water. Protecting our oceans, rivers, lakes, and drinking water is not a partisan issue. Reauthorizing these programs will keep trash out of U.S. waters, keep plastic out of our drinking water, and improve water systems across America. This is a must-pass bill that will make our citizens safer and help our environment thrive,” said Representative Carter. 

Programs reauthorized by the legislation include the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) grants, which support recycling and waste management efforts. The 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act appropriated $275 million for SWIFR grants from Fiscal Year 2022 to FY 2026. Alaska communities and tribes have received 17 grants totaling $24 million.

According to the Recycling Partnership, every ton of new materials recycled generates $65.23 in wages in the U.S. The nonprofit organization estimates that fully investing in residential recycling nationwide could save taxpayers $9.4 billion in landfill fees over the next five years.

Other EPA programs reauthorized in the bill include the Trash Free Waters programs, a partnership to prevent, remove, and research marine debris, as well as the Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Grant Programs.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Suzanne Bonamici (1st District Oregon)

WASHINGTON, DC [12/4/25] – Today Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), and James Moylan (GU-AL) introduced bipartisan legislation to shield workers from discrimination caused by AI-based hiring tools.

The No Robot Bosses Act would prohibit employers from relying exclusively on automated decision systems when making employment-related decisions, and add protections for job applicants and employees. The legislation would also require employers to train users on responsible system management and disclose when and how these systems are being used.

“As more companies rely on artificial intelligence to make hiring decisions, we must establish safeguards to protect workers from potential discrimination,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “There are numerous examples of flawed AI systems that produce biased outcomes for people of different backgrounds, especially for lower wage jobs. No one should be shut out of a future job because of a machine’s decision. We must act now to keep the doors of opportunity open to all who are seeking employment.”

“It’s the Wild West out there for AI, and Congress should not twiddle its thumbs. It’s time to take up proposals that will protect the humanity and rights of workers,” said Congressman Deluzio. “The No Robot Bosses Act would step in to put in place common-sense guardrails during the hiring, disciplinary, or firing processes, fighting back against the rising threat of misuse and abuse of AI technologies.”

“AI can improve the hiring process, but only if people can trust the systems behind it,” said Congressman Moylan. “This bill strikes the right balance by encouraging innovation while putting commonsense safeguards in place so workers aren’t disadvantaged by untested or biased algorithms. At the end of the day, human judgment still needs to guide employment decisions, ensuring that the hiring process remains rooted in transparency and accountability.”

The No Robot Bosses Act:

1. Prohibits employers from relying exclusively on an automated decision system when making employment-related decisions;
2. Requires pre-deployment and periodic testing and validation of automated decision systems for issues such as discrimination and biases before the systems are used in employment-related decisions;
3. Requires employers to train individuals or entities on the proper operation of automated decision systems;
4. Mandates that employers provide independent, human oversight of automated decision system outputs before using the outputs to aid an employment-related decision;
5. Requires timely disclosures from employers on the use of automated decision systems, the data inputs and outputs from these systems, and employee rights related to the decisions aided by these systems; and
6. Establishes the Technology and Worker Protection Division at the Department of Labor to regulate the use of automated decision systems in the workplace.

 

A summary of the legislation can be found here. The full text can be found here.

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Suzanne Bonamici (1st District Oregon)

WASHINGTON, DC [12/3/25] – Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-1) introduced legislation that would grant immigrants the right to join immigration hearings virtually through video or telephone conference.

The Migrant Due Process Protection Act would allow immigrants to have their removal hearing held remotely through video or telephone conference. Currently, immigration judges have discretion to schedule a hearing in-person or virtually. But the Trump administration has been forcing immigrants to show up at court in person, pressuring judges to dismiss cases, and then violently arresting and detaining people who have their cases dismissed.

“The Trump administration’s egregious immigration enforcement tactics have put people who are legally participating in immigration proceedings at risk of detainment and arrest when they show up at court,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “These aggressive tactics are inhumane and do not make our communities safer. I’m introducing this legislation to provide immigrants with the right to have their removal hearings virtually so they can continue through the legal process while staying safe. It will also make hearings more accessible for people who face mobility and transportation challenges.”

The legislation has been endorsed by the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). It is cosponsored by Representatives Jamie Raskin (MD-8), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Dina Titus (NV-1), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Ilhan Omar (MN-5), Andrea Salinas (OR-6), Mike Quigley (IL-5), Goldman (NY-10), Timothy M. Kennedy (NY-26), Pamila Jayapal (WA-7), and Yvette Clarke (NY-9).

The full text of the Migrant Due Process Protection Act can be found here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Alma Adams (12th District of North Carolina)

WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12) released a statement on her vote for H.R.4405, the “Epstein Files Transparency Act”, which requires the Department of Justice to publish all unclassified materials related to the investigation and prosecution of Jeffrey Epstein.

“The victims of Jeffrey Epstein, their families, and the American people deserve to know the whole truth about Epstein’s heinous crimes,” said Congresswoman Adams. “Our legal system is based on transparency and accountability, and justice cannot be served in darkness. The “Epstein Files Transparency Act” is an important step to answering the questions our country has on the Epstein investigation, and I was proud to vote for their release.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Alma Adams (12th District of North Carolina)

WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12) released a statement condemning the cruel and inhumane practices of U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) as the agency concludes their campaign of terror against the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community.

“Border Patrol’s operation in Charlotte-Mecklenburg was an inhumane and unnecessary campaign of terror that disrupted the lives of our entire community. Students stayed home from school, employees missed work, and businesses closed their doors to keep their employees and customers safe,” said Congresswoman Adams. “Charlotte never caved to their cruelty and fear. Citizens instead packed churches for training to empower themselves to respond to Border Patrol agents, parents banded together to safely get children to school, and business owners patrolled the streets to protect their neighbors. I’m grateful for the community’s efforts and am proud that Charlotte will always be a place that stands up for one another.”

On Friday, November 14, Congresswoman Adams sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem calling for an end to CBP’s unwanted operations in Charlotte.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Alma Adams (12th District of North Carolina)

WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12), Senior Member of the House Agriculture Committee, and Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) introduced the Fair Credit for Farmers Act to strengthen financial security for agriculture producers. The bill improves access and accountability for the farm loan services offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) and strengthens the borrower rights of the farmers and ranchers who provide our food, feed, and fiber.

“The Fair Credit for Farmers Act offers relief to our small, mid-sized, and family farms, allowing them to compete with the growing corporate consolidation of agriculture,” said Congresswoman Adams. “Small-scale farmers are the backbone of North Carolina’s economy but falling commodity prices, the impacts of climate change, and the Trump trade war are making it harder for these farms to stay in business. My bill reforms FSA loans, making it easier for farmers to get farm credit and removing harmful barriers that have prevented underserved farmers from receiving the support they deserve.”

“Vermont farmers are facing challenges at every turn, from brutal flooding and drought to shifting markets and rising costs caused by Trump’s reckless economic policies. Those hardships are made worse when farmers have nowhere to turn to absorb losses without risking their farms. Working to eliminate financial barriers and expand access to FSA loans is essential to ensuring farmers facing hardship can get help when they need it most,” said Senator Welch. “Our bill will reform FSA loans to better meet the needs of farmers in Vermont, North Carolina, and across the country.” 

“Independent farmers and ranchers are facing extreme, often unpredictable financial challenges, including the highest level of farm debt in history. Improving transparency and fair access to the public loans offered by FSA must be a top priority to support the hard-working farmers that put food on our tables. The improvements made through the Fair Credit for Farmers Act will support farmers in confidently sustaining and growing their businesses, and their ability to remain resilient against the unique challenges of farming,” said the National Family Farm Coalition.

“Farmers are navigating all types of uncertainty right now – whether that’s fluctuating costs and prices, changes at USDA, or increasingly frequent weather disasters.  Farmers need FSA to be a lender where they can have a fair shot at accessing credit that makes sense for their businesses, and who will work with them when they hit hard times. The Fair Credit for Farmers Act directly addresses many of the barriers we’ve seen farmers encounter as we work with them to navigate those crises,” said Margaret Krome-Lukens, RAFI Policy Co-Director.

Bill text can be found here.