Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Robin Kelly IL

“Given the scale of detention being carried out by this Administration, we urge DHS and ICE to provide answers about food service operations within detention facilities,” the Members wrote in the letter. “It is important to note, detention is a civil, not criminal, process as ICE’s own website notes ‘Detention is non-punitive.’ While individuals are held in ICE custody, they deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, which includes providing all detainees with complete and nutritious meals.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Robin Kelly IL

Mercedes Wells gave birth on the side of the road after being discharged from an Indiana hospital

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Robin Kelly IL

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02) and Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) introduced the bipartisan Medical Nutrition Therapy Act of 2025 to expand Medicare coverage for medical nutrition plans and addressing health disparities. 

“Far too many people in underserved communities experience adverse health outcomes due to limited access to healthcare, healthy foods, and opportunities for exercise,” said Rep. Robin Kelly, Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust. “Medical nutrition therapy is a proven method for managing and alleviating symptoms of many chronic illnesses and diseases beyond diabetes and kidney diseases. It is essential that Congress ensures affordable access to this proven treatment for all diseases related to nutrition. Through this legislation, I’m committed to expanding access to nutritious foods for everyone.”

“I’m proud to join Rep. Kelly in leading the Medical Nutrition Therapy Act of 2025. As a nurse practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how often the value of medical nutrition therapy is overlooked—and yet how important it is for patients, especially our older population,” said Rep. Kiggans. “This legislation takes an important step forward by expanding access to MNT for patients living with multiple chronic conditions, helping them better manage their health and improve their quality of life. Our seniors and families deserve every tool available to stay healthy, and expanding access to proven, preventive care like MNT is a commonsense way to do just that.”

Currently, Medicare only covers medical nutrition therapy for patients with diabetes or renal disease. The Medical Nutrition Therapy Act of 2025 will provide Medicare beneficiaries with greater access to registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) by expanding the availability of nutrition services under Medicare Part B. 

This expansion would include coverage for the following diseases: diabetes and prediabetes; renal disease; obesity; hypertension; dyslipidemia; malnutrition; eating disorders; cancer; gastrointestinal diseases, including celiac disease; HIV and AIDS; cardiovascular disease; and any other disease or condition specified by the Secretary related to unintentional weight loss.

Furthermore, the Medical Nutrition Therapy Act will authorize nurse practitioners, physician assistants, clinical nurse specialists, and psychologists to refer their patients for medical nutrition therapy.

The Medical Nutrition Therapy Act is endorsed by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

“Despite proven success, medical nutrition therapy (MNT) continues to be underutilized and under covered across our health care system, including Medicare,” said Deanne Brandstetter, MBA, RD, CDN, FAND, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ 2025-26 President. “Currently, Medicare covers MNT for people with kidney disease and diabetes. With this bill, coverage of MNT would expand to include other chronic diseases such as obesity and cardiovascular disease, and Americans will see overall health improvements, from weight management and lower blood pressure to improved blood lipids and blood sugar control. America’s health is at a crossroads and with the current spotlight on nutrition, the time to act is now. The Academy applauds Representatives Kelly and Kiggans for leading the charge to increase access to MNT provided by registered dietitians, a practical, cost-effective way to improve health outcomes, prevent complications and reduce health care spending. It’s one of many steps we must take to address the nation’s health concerns.”

Read the full bill text here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Robin Kelly IL

“Today, I voted for the victims and survivors of Jeffrey Epstein who deserve justice and for the American people who deserve the truth. After years of peddling conspiracy theories and hoaxes about the Epstein Files, President Trump buckled under bipartisan pressure and now must release the Epstein Files. He cannot hide or try to cover up the truth anymore. The Epstein Files will be brought to the light.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Robin Kelly IL

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) led 61 Members of the Democratic Women’s Caucus and Members of Congress in a letter to demand the release and investigation of pregnant, postpartum, and nursing women currently detained by Immigration and Custody Enforcement. After hearing reports of pregnant women detained in several ICE facilities in Illinois, Louisiana, and Georgia, the Members expressed their extreme concern and urgency to ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons and Kristi Noem, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

ICE is instructed not to detain pregnant, postpartum, or nursing people under its own policy; however, there have been multiple reports of pregnant and nursing women shackled, placed in solitary confinement, or deprived of proper prenatal or lactation care.

“The health and safety of pregnant women should not be threatened as a result of the administration choosing not to adhere to Federal regulations,” the Members wrote. “That is why we urge the administration to fully comply with the existing regulations and immediately correct the violations.

“By detaining vulnerable women in appalling conditions while pregnant, you are subjecting both the pregnant individual and the unborn child to significant risks and possible death,” the Members continued. “We urge the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and ICE to follow its own rules and regulations on detention of pregnant women and demand their humane treatment.”

Read the full letter here.

In addition to letter leads Robin Kelly, Delia Ramirez, Sydney Kamlager-Dove, and Sylvia Garcia, the letter was signed by Yassamin Ansari, Becca Balint, Nanette Barragán, Joyce Beatty, Suzanne Bonamici, Julia Brownley, André Carson, Troy Carter, Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, Judy Chu, Yvette Clarke, Emanuel Cleaver, Angie Craig, Jasmine Crockett, Danny Davis, Diana DeGette, Veronica Escobar, Valerie Foushee, Lois Frankel, Laura Friedman, Jesús García, Jahana Hayes, Val Hoyle, Glenn Ivey, Pramila Jayapal, Henry Johnson, Julie Johnson, Robin Kelly, Ro Khanna, Summer Lee, Teresa Leger Fernandez, Zoe Lofgren, Lucy McBath, Jennifer McClellan, James McGovern, LaMonica McIver, Gwen Moore, Kelly Morrison, Eleanor Norton, Mike Quigley, Emily Randall, Deborah Ross, Andrea Salinas, Janice Schakowsky, Terri Sewell, Lateefah Simon, Melanie Stansbury, Shri Thanedar, Dina Titus, Rashida Tlaib, Norma Torres, Juan Vargas, Nydia Velázquez, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Bonnie Watson Coleman, Nikema Williams, and Frederica Wilson.

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

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is welcoming a new $171,272 federal grant from the U.S Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to strengthen Maternal and Child Health Services in American Samoa. The grant, awarded through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), supports the American Samoa Department of Public Health from 2025 to 2027, and vital services for mothers, infants, and young children.

“Supporting our mothers and children with steady, compassionate, and quality care from the earliest stages of life is one of the most meaningful ways we can strengthen our community,” said Congresswoman Amata. “The wellbeing of our mothers and young children is a direct investment in the future of our territory.”

“I congratulate Governor Pulaali’i and Lt. Governor Pulumataala, Director of Health Dr. Saipale Fuimaono, and especially Project Director Dr. Anaise Uso and the whole dedicated team for their continued work in securing this important federal support,” continued Aumua Amata. “I also thank HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr and HRSA Administrator Tom Engels for recognizing the needs of American Samoa and supporting this vital program.” 

The Congresswoman emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between the federal government and American Samoa: “These partnerships allow our health system to grow stronger and ensure that families – especially mothers and young children – receive the care, resources, and advocacy they need.”

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

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is commemorating National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day for this year’s 83^rd anniversary, and released the following statement:

“This year, December 7^th is once again on Sunday. While there was war in much of the world, it was a peaceful and lovely Hawaiian morning until the sudden air raid at 7:55 A.M. This attack changed the world, and brought the United States into World War II, destroying many ships and planes, and taking the precious lives of 2,403 U.S. Sailors, Soldiers, Marines, and civilians, and many more wounded.

“Like many of us, I’ve been at the Pearl Harbor historic sites, including the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial. These are incredibly moving experiences, and important for us to remember and teach to following generations.

“American Samoa has a direct part in this history, as my father Uifa’atali Peter T. Coleman was there serving in the U.S. Army that day, stationed in Oahu. He survived having his Jeep strafed in the attack, serving in the Pacific throughout the war. Our people take great pride in all our Toa o Samoa, before and since, and our people continue a special tradition of faithful service, dedicated military families, and honored veterans.

“Today, we are thankful for the great World War II generation, which sacrificed so much for freedom. We are thankful for all our Veterans, and our Service Men and Women. Remembering this Pearl Harbor Day, three weeks before Christmas, we pray for long-lasting peace as we commemorate their courage and sacrifice.”

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

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata welcomes Wednesday’s joint announcement of the new Congressional Territories & Commonwealths Caucus, which starts with the five Representatives from the territories.

The founding members are Congresswoman Aumua Amata Radewagen (American Samoa), Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett (USVI), Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds (CNMI), with Congressman James Moylan (Guam) and Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández (Puerto Rico) serving as the Co-Chairs for the 119th Congress.

This bipartisan caucus is now officially registered as a Congressional Member Organization. It will focus on strengthening federal policies, improving program access, and elevating the visibility of American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Congresswoman Amata also serves on several issues or region-based caucuses, including as a Co-Chairman of the Pacific Islands Caucus, as well as a Vice Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus. 

Congresswoman Amata emphasized strengthening long-standing cooperation among the islands: “Many of our best successes have come from working together in unity on shared priorities, and that cooperation is strengthened even further when our colleagues step forward as friends of the territories. This Caucus is another excellent avenue to draw needed attention to our efforts and help our colleagues understand how they can support the islands. I’m enthusiastic about the possibilities, and I appreciate our founding members and all who join us.”

Congressman Moylan emphasized the importance of coordinated advocacy across the territories: “By forming this caucus, we’re creating a unified platform for Members committed to advancing the shared priorities of the territories. This is our way of ensuring our colleagues across Congress better understand the unique needs and challenges facing America’s island jurisdictions. Whether it’s healthcare access, infrastructure, cost of living, or federal program parity, our voices are stronger when we speak together. I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure every territory is heard and never overlooked.”

Resident Commissioner Hernández underscored the caucus’s bipartisan mission: “We formed this bipartisan caucus to bring greater attention and structure to the federal issues affecting the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and U.S. territories. As Co-Chair, I’m committed to working across the aisle to strengthen affordability, expand opportunity, and ensure federal programs reach every corner of the United States. This effort is about responsible governance and making sure that Puerto Rico and U.S. territories have a clear voice in Congress.”

Congresswoman King-Hinds highlighted the collaborative impact of the caucus: “I’m proud to see the Congressional Territories & Commonwealths Caucus officially established. The Northern Mariana Islands and other commonwealths and territories face shared challenges and shared opportunities, and this caucus gives us a united platform to push for progress. I’m excited for the work ahead and the partnerships we will continue to build.”

The Congressional Territories & Commonwealths Caucus will work to strengthen coordination on legislation affecting the territories, expand access to federal programs, improve economic, healthcare, and infrastructure opportunities, and ensure that every U.S. territory and commonwealth has a clear and informed voice in federal policymaking.

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

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata released the following statement in celebration of Thanksgiving Day 2025:

Colossians 3:15-17 (NKJV) ~ And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

“Happy Thanksgiving! The Holy Bible has no shortage of thanksgiving verses, reminding us to live with gratitude and be mindful of our blessings, and God as their source. We are a thankful people, and these verses stood out to me this year, because they highlight singing, and our people dearly love to sing. I personally love to hear our various congregations or school groups as they follow our wonderful island tradition of enjoying music to the fullest.

“A special thank you to those protecting us in the military, who can’t be home, or serving as medical professionals and first responders on call to keep us safe during our time off.

“Thanksgiving is a welcome pause in everyone’s busy lives. Congress is no exception, as we must complete the remaining appropriations bills over the next few months, or renew a government funding extension after January for some federal departments and agencies. I also expect we will very soon finalize the yearly NDAA Defense bill which authorizes all Pentagon efforts and the pay increase for our military, and a Coast Guard authorization that directs growing attention to the Pacific and boosts the cutter fleet. I will keep you informed of these priorities.

“May you have a joyful time and delicious meals this Thanksgiving with family and dear friends. Have a blessed and thankful holiday!”

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

WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement on the announcement of Operation Southern Spear and the rapid U.S. military escalation toward Venezuela:

“In recent weeks, the Pentagon has carried out at least 20 illegal strikes on boats in the Caribbean, resulting in the extrajudicial killings of 76 people. In all that time, they have not provided a shred of evidence to Congress or the American people about who was killed or how these decisions were made.

“At the same time, the administration has undertaken a military buildup not seen in the region since the 1989 invasion of Panama. Fifteen thousand U.S. military personnel are now present in the area, along with the world’s largest warship, the USS Gerald R. Ford. In response, Venezuela has ordered its own mass mobilization, ratcheting up tensions and raising the specter of war between our countries. It is unacceptable that Puerto Rico is once again being used as a forward base for military escalation. The people of the island should not bear the risks of another unnecessary and unlawful conflict.

“Yesterday’s announcement of Operation Southern Spear seeks to justify these blatantly illegal strikes and formalize this escalatory campaign. 

“As the President considers military options against Venezuela, including strikes inside the country, it is clear he is marching us toward another illegal and potentially disastrous foreign intervention, the exact type of conflict he campaigned on avoiding. I opposed the Iraq War because the Bush administration misled the American people to justify an invasion, and I am seeing disturbing parallels now.

“If the White House keeps moving toward strikes inside Venezuela or a broader military campaign, I will back every tool we have, including a War Powers Resolution, to prevent an illegal and catastrophic war. Congress must act now to stop this reckless escalation before it turns into a regional crisis that takes countless lives. I call on my colleagues to join me.”

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