Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) released the following statement after Tyson Foods announced the impending closure of their Lexington, Nebraska, beef processing facility:

“Today’s announcement by Tyson Foods is a disappointing loss for Lexington, Dawson County, the region, and the cattle industry as a whole.  Nebraska’s hard-working cattle producers are innovative and highly efficient as they work to provide high quality beef for consumers.  As the Lexington community and Nebraska agriculture respond to this announcement I welcome input from producers and stand ready to assist as we all move forward.”

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

Washington, D.C. – Reps. Adrian Smith (R-NE) and Kathy Castor (D-FL) recently introduced the Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act, legislation which would allow for Medicare reimbursement to licensed genetic counselors for services which would otherwise be reimbursable if provided by a physician.

Genetic counselors have extensive training in identifying which tests are most appropriate for a particular patient, and how to interpret test results to best inform the patient’s plan of care. With a wide variety of tests available on the market, leveraging the knowledge and experience of a genetic counselor can save both patients and the taxpayer money by avoiding unnecessary testing and allowing physicians to focus their time on what they do best – treating patients.

“Expanded access to genetic counseling will improve the lives of seniors across the country” said Rep. Smith. “Rapidly advancing technology and ever-growing knowledge of the human genome and its relationship with our health means seniors will be able to identify risks and diseases even earlier, improving outcomes and lowering treatment costs.”

“Genetic counselors guide and support patients and their families through some of the most difficult moments in their lives with expertise and compassion, and are an integral part of the care team,” said Rep. Castor. “I am proud that the University of South Florida is home to the first and only Genetic Counseling Graduate Program in the State, preparing students with the technical knowledge and clinical expertise to treat our neighbors. The common-sense, cost-effective Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act would help grow the genetic counseling profession and ensure our neighbors get the most accurate care.”

“Recognizing genetic counselors as Medicare providers would be tremendously valuable in ensuring patients receive timely, appropriate, and high-quality care. Many cancers have a genetic component, and it is genetic counselors who provide the critical expertise and reassurance families need to understand testing options and familial risk. That is why Cancer Partners of Nebraska proudly supports the Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act, led by Congressman Adrian Smith and Congresswoman Kathy Castor, which will benefit countless seniors, including those here in Nebraska,” saidJustin Rousek, PhD, MPH, MS, CEO at Cancer Partners of Nebraska.

“Genetic counselors are specifically trained to help patients understand complex test results, weigh options, and make informed decisions for themselves and their families,” saidDeborah Cragun, PhD, MS, CGC, Director of USF Genetic Counseling Graduate Program. “Allowing Medicare to directly reimburse for services provided by genetic counselors is a practical step toward more equitable, person-centered genomic care. By supporting the Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act, Representative Castor is advancing a policy that improves access, supports high-quality care, and uses health-care dollars more wisely.”

“Genetic counselors serve as connectors to the personalized care that could make all the difference for Medicare patients and their families facing diseases like hereditary cancer and Alzheimer’s disease,” said Sara Pirzadeh-Miller, MS, CGC, president of the National Society of Genetic Counselors and a cancer genetic counselor in Texas. “We’re so grateful that Representatives Smith and Castor, plus many others in Congress, understand the tremendous value that genetic counselors offer for their constituents and America’s healthcare system.”

Read the full letter text of the bill here.

Supporting Organizations:

• Access to Expanded Carrier Screening Coalition (AECS)
• ACT Genetics
• Advocate Genetics
• Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease
• AliveandKick’n
• Alliance for Patient Access
• Alliance of Dedicated Cancer Centers
• ALS Association
• American Board of Genetic Counseling
• American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
• American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics
• American Kidney Fund
• American Parkinson Disease Association
• American Society for Reproductive Medicine
• American Society of Human Genetics
• Amyloidosis Foundation
• Arizona Genetics Alliance
• Ascension St. Vincent
• Association for Creatine Deficiencies
• Association of Cancer Care Centers (ACCC)
• Avera Health
• Avery’s Hope
• Barth Syndrome Foundation
• BillionToOne, Inc. (BillionToOne Laboratory)
• Born a Hero Research Foundation
• Boston University (BU) Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine
• Brigham and Women’s Hospital
• Cancer Advocacy Group of Louisiana (CAGLA)
• Cancer Partners of Nebraska
• Cancer Resource Foundation, INC; DBA Cancer1Source
• Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
• CDH International
• Chicago Genetic Consultants
• Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Cardiology
• Children’s Hospital Colorado
• Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
• Children’s Wisconsin
• Choroideremia Research Foundation
• City of Hope National Medical Center
• Coalition to Cure CHD2
• Colon Cancer Alliance for Research & Education for Lynch Syndrome (CCARE Lynch Syndrome)
• Colon Cancer Coalition
• Columbia University Irving Medical Center
• COMBINEDBrain, Inc.
• Corewell Health System
• CSNK2A1 Foundation
• Cure CMD
• Cure GABA-A
• Cure GM1 Foundation
• Cure Sanfilippo Foundation
• Cure VCP Disease
• CureGRIN Foundation
• Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
• DCM Foundation
• Denver Health & Hospital Authority
• DMC University Laboratories
• Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio
• Dup15q Alliance
• Elevate DD
• Emory School of Medicine
• Epilepsy Foundation of America
• EveryLife Foundation for Rare Diseases
• Exact Sciences
• Exceptional Lives, Inc.
• Family Connection of South Carolina
• Family Heart Foundation
• Fight Colorectal Cancer
• Flok Health
• Florida Association of Genetic Counselors (FLAGC)
• FOD (Fatty Oxidation Disorders) Family Support Group
• FORCE: Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered
• Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics
• Frederick Health
• GABA-A Alliance
• GeneDx, Inc.
• Genetic Support Foundation
• Genome Creative, LLC
• Genome Medical
• Georgia Center for Oncology Research and Education (CORE)
• GeriatRx
• Global Genes: Allies in Rare Disease
• Good Samaritian Hospital; Catholic Health
• Greenwood Genetic Center
• Grey Genetics
• Hannah’s Hope Fund for GAN
• Hawaii Society of Clinical Oncology
• HCU Network America
• HD Genetics
• HealthyGene
• Helix, Inc.
• Hereditary Neuropathy Foundation
• Human Genetics Association of New Jersey
• Immune Deficiency Foundation
• Indiana Oncology Society
• International Cancer Advocacy Network (ICAN)
• International Foundation for CDKL5 Research
• Invision Sally Jobe/Radiology Imaging Associates
• Iowa Oncology Society
• IVI RMA America
• Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo
• Johns Hopkins Medicine
• JScreen
• Kaiona Counseling
• KCNQ2 Cure Alliance
• Kennedy Krieger Institute
• Labcorp
• Les Turner ALS Foundation
• Li Fraumeni Syndrome LFSA Association
• Lipodystrophy United
• Long Island University Post Genetic Counseling Graduate Program
• M-CM Network
• Mass General Brigham
• Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions, Genetic Counseling Program
• Medical Oncology Association of Southern California (MOASC)
• Metis Genetics
• Middlesex Health Cancer Center
• Mirvie, Inc.
• Mississippi Metabolics Foundation
• MKGenetix
• Monica Weldon Consulting, LLC
• Montana State Oncology Society
• Muscular Dystrophy Association
• My Gene Counsel
• MyOme
• MyOme
• Myriad Genetics, Inc.
• Natera, Inc
• National Ataxia Foundation
• National Comprehensive Cancer Network
• National Down Syndrome Society
• National Organization for Rare Disorders
• NBIA Disorders Association
• NERGG, Inc. (New England Regional Genetics Group)
• Nest Genomics
• New England Cancer Specialists
• No Stomach For Cancer
• North Carolina Medical Genetics Association
• Northern New England Clinical Oncology Society
• Northwestern University Graduate Program in Genetic Counseling
• NW Rare Disease Coalition
• Ochsner Health
• Ohio Association of Genetic Counselors
• Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance
• Ovum Health
• Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD)
• Parents and Researchers Interested in Smith-Magenis Syndrome (PRISMS)
• Parkinson’s Foundation
• Pathways for Rare and Orphan Solutions
• Penn Medicine Basser Center
• Penn State Health
• Pennsylvania Society of Oncology and Hematology
• Personalized Medicine Coalition
• Prader-Willi Syndrome Association (PWSA|USA)
• Project Alive
• Propionic Acidemia Foundation
• PTEN Hamartoma Tumor Syndrome Foundation
• PXE International/Genetic Allliance
• Quest Diagnostics
• Rady Children’s Health- San Diego
• RARE-X
• Relevant Genetics, LLC
• Remember The Girls
• Rocket Pharma
• Saint Louis University School of Medicine
• Sarah Lawerence College
• SATB2 Gene Foundation
• Sharsheret, Inc.; The Jewish Breast & Ovarian Cancer Community
• Southeastern Regional Genetics Group (SERGG)
• Southern California Genetic Counselors (SCGC)
• STXBP1 Foundation
• Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndromes (SADS) Foundation
• Susan G. Komen
• Sutter Health
• The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD)
• The Collaborative Group of the Americas on Inherited Gastrointestinal Cancer (CGA-IGC)
• The Global Foundation for Peroxisomal Disorders
• The John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health
• The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research
• The Ohio State University Genetic Counseling Graduate Program
• The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
• The RUNX1 Research Program
• TSC Alliance
• United Leukodystrophy Foundation
• United MSD Foundation
• UnityPoint Health
• University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Genetic Counseling Graduate Program
• University of California San Francisco (UCSF Health)
• University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
• University of Maryland Master’s in Genetic Counseling Program
• University of Maryland School of Medicine
• University of Mississippi Medical Center Department of Pediatrics
• University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Hillman Cancer Center
• University of South Carolina Genetic Counseling Program
• University of South Florida
• University of Vermont Health Network
• USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center
• Usher 1F Collaborative
• UT Health | The University of Texas Health Center at Houston
• Vanderbilt University Medical Center
• Virginia Chapter of the American College of Cardiology
• Virginia Oncology Associates
• Watershed DNA
• Wentworth-Douglass Hospital
• Xavier University of Louisiana
• xCures

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

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) has announced the names of the Third District high school students serving on his Youth Advisory Council for the 2025-2026 academic school year.  

Youth Advisory Council members include:

• Ava Wenzel of Arthur
• Dominic Kouba of Auburn
• Megan Macklin of Blue Hill
• Paxton Burke of Stromsburg
• Colton Zehendner of Pleasanton
• Bennett Murdoch of Grand Island
• Matthew Rosenlund of Grand Island
• Madeline Caskey of Ogallala
• Lillie Uhing of Chadron
• Bianca McDonald of Scottsbluff
• Addison Peck of Scottsbluff

Smith’s Youth Advisory Council is a forum for high school students to discuss opinions, thoughts, and concerns about local and federal issues with Smith throughout the school year. Through in-person meetings and other contacts, the council provides students with an opportunity for involvement and insight into their government and communities.

The council is open to Third District sophomore, junior, and senior high school students. More information is available on Smith’s website at AdrianSmith.House.Gov/Services/Youth-Advisory-Council. 

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

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE), Chairman of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade, released the following statement following reports indicating Rev. Franklin Graham was denied a visa by the Indian government on religious grounds. 

“For generations the Graham family have been leaders in demonstrating their faith in Christ through acts of charity to the poorest among us around the world and by sharing the gospel with all those who freely choose to hear it. 

“The decision by India’s federal government to deny Rev. Graham a visa is a troubling affront to Indian Christians and the Indian constitution’s protections for freedom of religion. The discriminatory treatment of Rev. Graham, prohibiting him from visiting a region where he was invited and expected to be warmly welcomed by thousands who share his faith does not align with Prime Minister Modi’s promises to work toward improved ties with the United States nor with his promises to protect religious minorities.”

Rev. Graham had been invited to participate in an event with thousands of Christians in Nagaland, a majority Christian state in Northeast India. His organization, Samaritan’s Purse, has provided relief, aid, and religious resources to Indians for more than forty years.

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

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) released the following statement after a White House event announcing federal support for agriculture producers impacted by ongoing trade disputes.

“I appreciate President Trump and his administration recognizing the challenges faced by American producers during ongoing trade negotiations. U.S. farmers and ranchers utilize world-leading practices to produce high quality food, strengthening our economy and national security. Through no fault of their own, producers have faced increasingly volatile market conditions in recent years due to weather, input prices, and unfair trading practices from our partners. 

“While supporting producers during this critical time is important, it is not a permanent solution. Nebraska farmers and ranchers dedicate their lives to producing because they want to sell their goods at home and abroad for a fair price. It is vital President Trump and his trade negotiators continue opening new markets and ensuring fair treatment of American agriculture around the globe. I appreciate the strong progress made by the administration so far, and I look forward to working with them to achieve additional agreements and ensure our partners fulfill their commitments.” 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Roger Williams (25th District of Texas)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Made in America Manufacturing Finance Act (H.R. 3174) under suspension, favorably out of the chamber. This legislation will significantly expand access to capital for small American manufacturers and strengthen the domestic industry. Chairman Roger Williams (TX-25) issued the following statement on the legislation.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Roger Williams (25th District of Texas)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Lloyd Doggett (D-TX)

Washington, D.C.—Today, U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Ranking Member of the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, sought answers from Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Dr. Oz concerning CMS’s response to agent and broker fraud in the Affordable Care Act Marketplace. His action follows alarming findings in a new, nonpartisan U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) report revealing persistent failure by the Trump Administration to identify and prevent fraud. 

“GAO has revealed Trump’s permissive response to extensive fraud caused by insurance broker/agent wrongdoing.  The remedy is not to deny a mother access to care for her sick child. What we need is effective law enforcement and less Trump coddling and pardoning of offenders ,” said Rep. Doggett. “Yelling “fraud” while empowering criminals solves nothing and will harm many. As usual, House Republicans fear any meaningful oversight of the Trump regime.” 

Rep. Doggett’s full letter can be found here and below.

Dear Administrator Oz:

I write regarding CMS’s response to the deeply alarming findings in the Government Accountability Office’s recent report concerning persistent unauthorized and fraudulent enrollments and plan switches in the federally-facilitated Marketplace completed by agents and brokers without consumer consent. 

GAO’s preliminary analysis identified “30,000 applications in plan year 2023 and at least 160,000 applications in plan year 2024 that had likely unauthorized changes.”^[1] CMS records also show nearly 275,000 related complaints from January–August 2024.^[2]

Between June and October 2024, CMS suspended 850 agents and brokers for suspected fraudulent or abusive conduct related to unauthorized enrollments or plan switches.^[3] Although initially prohibited from participating in the Marketplace, CMS officials confirmed to GAO in May 2025 that CMS reinstated all of these suspended agents.^[4] No meaningful justification was offered for reinstatement, nor was any explanation provided as to what investigatory steps were taken to assure no criminal activity had occurred.

I am further concerned that CMS has diminished its oversight and enforcement capacity with the apparent layoff of 200 staff members in the Office of Program Operations and Local Engagement, which oversees Marketplace fraud.^[5] I am deeply alarmed that such reductions may impair CMS’s ability to maintain proper oversight, ensure timely relief for victims, and hold these fraudulent actors accountable. 

GAO also outlines serious and longstanding failures in CMS’s fraud risk management. Despite major program changes, CMS has not updated its fraud risk assessment and failed to properly identify all inherent fraud risks, including those specific to state-based Marketplaces. GAO further found CMS failed to meaningfully evaluate whether its existing controls were effective and, in some cases, may have overstated their impact. CMS did not develop a formal antifraud strategy aligned with leading practices in GAO’s Fraud Risk Framework. Such failures hinder CMS’s ability to proactively identify and mitigate fraud risks.^[7] Given these failures, I urge CMS to use the full extent of its enforcement authority, including imposing civil monetary penalties under Section 1411(h) of the Affordable Care Act.

To better understand CMS’s response to fraud in the ACA Marketplace, I request your prompt response to the following questions by no later than December 19, 2025:

1. For the 850 brokers suspended between June and October 2024 who were reinstated by the Trump Administration, what investigatory steps were conducted to assure no criminal activity or other wrongdoing occurred? For each individual, please include case descriptions concerning the reason for suspension; accompanying evidence, including whether the individual had any previous suspension or other enforcement action; and the basis for your reinstatement of each. Please provide any reinstatement notice issued to brokers and agents, as well as any notice provided to the respective state insurance commissioner.
2. Separately, please identify what specific oversight and safeguards have been used to ensure no repeat offenses by these reinstated individuals, and indicate whether any have been a subject of new complaints.
3. What steps has CMS taken this year to detect and dismantle fraud schemes by agents, brokers, or other actors engaging in unauthorized enrollments or plan switches? Please include all relevant policies, guidance, and implementation dates.
4. Since implementation of the federally-facilitated Marketplace, how many civil monetary penalties or similar enforcement actions have been issued against agents and brokers? Please detail each individual case, including the circumstances resulting in the enforcement action, the timeline, and what specific enforcement actions were taken. Please also identify any cases referred for prosecution.
5. Did state insurance commissioners identify any of the suspected fraudulent conduct that resulted in the suspension of agents and brokers? Did the commissioners offer any evidence that resulted in the suspensions, or the later reinstatement decisions?
6. What is CMS’s plan and timeline for updating and developing its antifraud strategy related to Advanced Premium Tax Credits?
7. As of October 2024, CMS reported that most unauthorized enrollment cases were being resolved within approximately 52 days of receipt, with unauthorized plan switches being resolved within approximately 16 days.^[8] What is CMS’s current average timeline to resolve consumer complaints concerning unauthorized enrollments or plan changes? Please provide the average timeline for calendar years 2023, 2024, and 2025.
8. How many staff members in HHS’s Office of Program Operations and Local Engagement received layoffs or took early retirement this year? Have any of these staff members been reinstated? Please provide the number of staff members and timeline for layoffs, and if relevant, reinstatement.
9. Under Title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act, CMS has authority to take enforcement action against insurance issuers to ensure compliance with health insurance market reforms, where the state lacks statutory authority or is not enforcing such provisions. Given this authority, what consequences, if any, do insurance agencies face when their agents are suspected or found guilty of unauthorized or fraudulent Marketplace activity? Please provide all relevant enforcement records.

Thank you for your timely attention to this matter. 

Cc: Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services

Peter Nelson, Deputy Administrator and Director of the Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight