Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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

LINCOLNSHIRE, IL – Rep. Brad Schneider (IL-10), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement in response to preliminary reports that the U.S. was responsible for a February 28 strike on a girl’s school in Iran:

“Reports that more than 150 girls and their teachers were tragically killed by an errant American strike on a school in Iran are devastating and damning. A preliminary U.S. assessment reportedly found the strike was likely the result of outdated targeting information that still identified the school as part of an Iranian military complex. 

“If true, these children’s deaths were the result of a leadership planning failure that should have been caught long before the first missiles were launched. This tragedy was not related to the fog of war, rather it is the result of the reckless rush to war. 

“Add this tragedy to the Administration’s failure to predict Iran’s harsh retaliatory strikes against our allies, the failure to prepare evacuation plans for American citizens caught in the region at the start of the war, and the failure to anticipate the impacts of Iran’s shutting of the Strait of Hormuz, and you see a recurring pattern of dangerous incompetence permeating the senior leadership in the White House and Department of War.

“Accountability starts at the top. Secretary Hegseth is responsible for ensuring our military goes to war with sound intelligence and careful planning. These reports indicate that the Pentagon went to war with targeting packages that hadn’t been updated in several years, threatening the safety of our troops and compromising the success of their missions.

“This is the same Secretary of War who leaked sensitive strike plans on Signal, reportedly ordered a second strike on survivors clinging to wreckage at sea, and fired or forced out dozens of our most experienced military leaders in an unprecedented political purge.

“The Administration must release the full findings of its investigation and provide a complete accounting to Congress. It remains abundantly clear that Secretary Hegseth is unqualified for his position and should be immediately relieved of his duties and removed from his office.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11)

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Haley Stevens (MI-11) introduced the Stop Unfair Electricity Prices Act, legislation aimed at holding investor-owned utility companies accountable and protecting Michigan families from rising electricity costs while executives and shareholders reap significant profits. The bill penalizes any rate hikes that happened after January 1, 2026, meaning this legislation would actively cut Michigan families’ energy bills.

Over the past two decades, Michigan’s electricity rates have outpaced inflation and risen faster than in 46 other states. In that time, the average Michigan family has seen their annual electricity bill skyrocket by roughly $850.

Corporate utilities continue to raise costs on Michiganders while reporting strong profits and awarding massive compensation packages to their executives. In 2024, Michigan’s two largest corporate utilities paid more than $10 million each to their CEOs. Despite record profits, one of those utilities is now asking state regulators to approve yet another massive rate hike on Michigan families after recently raising rates.

The Stop Unfair Electricity Prices Act would give Michigan families a reprieve on electricity rate hikes for three years by imposing significant penalties on investor-owned utilities that raise rates:

• If they raise residential rates in year one, they lose their federal funding.

• If they raise residential rates in years two or three, they must cut executive pay by twice the percentage of the rate increase or lose their federal funding.

“Michigan families are paying more and more for electricity, yet too many are getting worse service in return,” said Rep. Stevens. “While hardworking Michigan families struggle to afford higher bills, corporate executives are getting richer off their backs. That is unacceptable. This legislation makes clear that if utilities want access to federal taxpayer dollars, they must put Michigan consumers first.”

Text of the bill is available here.

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

Napa and Woodland, CA — Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-04) led over 700 community members, veterans, and military families this weekend in Napa and Woodland for “No Forever Wars” Day of Action events calling for congressional oversight regarding the U.S. military involvement in Iran.

“This unauthorized war in Iran has already cost seven American lives and more than a billion taxpayer dollars per day, with no clear end in sight,” said Thompson. “As a combat veteran, I know that war is hell, and the American people deserve transparency, a clear justification, and a real exit strategy from this administration. I voted for the War Powers Resolution, which would prevent the administration from taking further military action in Iran, because Congress must authorize sending our troops into harm’s way, and we cannot afford to repeat the costly mistakes of the past. No forever wars.”

In Napa, Thompson spoke at a “No Forever Wars” Day of Action on Friday, March 6 at Veterans Park, where over 500 community members gathered to hear from veterans, military families, and local leaders concerned about the prospect of another prolonged military conflict. Thompson was joined by speakers including American Canyon Mayor and Navy Beirut combat veteran Pierre Washington; Afghanistan Army combat veteran Carlos Salazer; Afghanistan Army combat veteran and Indivisible Napa co-lead Val O’Pry; Gold Star wife Leah Doyle; and Napa County Supervisor Liz Alessio, whose son served in the military.

In Woodland, Thompson participated in a second Day of Action on Saturday, March 7 at Heritage Plaza, where over 200 community members gathered in downtown Woodland to call for an end to endless wars and for Congress to reassert its authority over decisions to engage in military conflict. Thompson delivered opening and closing remarks and introduced local speakers, including Vietnam combat veteran Ramon Urbano; Air Force veteran Karen White; Afghanistan Marine Corps combat veteran Oscar Arbulu; Afghanistan Marine Corps combat veteran and IBEW representative Mike Tilden; and local elected officials.

Both events were part of a coordinated grassroots effort across the region to highlight the human cost of prolonged military conflicts and to amplify calls for congressional accountability before further escalation.

Videos from the events will be made available HERE.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)

Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) is inviting high school students who live or attend school in Washington’s Second Congressional District to showcase their artistic talents in the 2026 Congressional Art Competition.

“I am encouraging the many gifted young artists in Northwest Washington to submit their artwork to the 2026 Congressional Art Competition and have the chance to win a trip to Washington D.C.,” said Rep. Larsen. “It takes courage to put your work out there as a young person, and I appreciate the wonderful art that students submit for consideration every year.”

All art entries must be original in concept, design and execution. Art submissions and forms are due no later than Friday, April 17, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. PT. Interested students can find details and a full list of contest rules on Larsen’s website: https://larsen.house.gov/helping-you/2026-art-competition.htm

The U.S. House of Representatives holds the annual high school visual art competition to encourage and recognize artistic talent in each congressional district. Since 1982, hundreds of thousands of students nationwide have participated in the Congressional Art Competition. In 2025, Oak Harbor High School’s Tessa Meyer won the districtwide competition with her piece, “Swallow Your Attitude,” which has been on display in the U.S. Capitol for the past year.

How to Participate

The Congressional Art Competition is open to all high school-aged students (grades 9-12) who live or attend school in the Second District. Students can verify whether they are Second District residents or attend school in the district here.

To submit your artwork, please download and print this Student Consent Form. This form must be attached to the artwork that is entered. If you cannot print the form, please contact our office for a copy. Forms and art submissions are due by Friday, April 17, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. PT. Forms can also be mailed or delivered with art pieces to Rep. Larsen’s Everett office:

Office of Rep. Rick Larsen – Everett   
Re: Art Competition
Wall Street Building
2930 Wetmore Avenue, Suite 9F
Everett, WA 98201

Contact Larsen’s District Office for More Information

Students needing assistance in delivering their artwork to Rep. Larsen’s office can contact Jessica Zuleta at (425) 252-3188 or Jessica.Zuleta@mail.house.gov. Participants will be honored at a ceremony at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., later this year. Plans for a district celebration will be announced soon.

For more information, visit the 2026 Congressional Art Competition website here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06)

Today, Rep. Ben Cline (R-VA) introduced the Protecting Access to American Products Act, legislation aimed at streamlining the U.S. trade shipping process during times of supply chain strain and uncertainty. The bill amends current maritime law to ensure that products made in America are not prevented from reaching American markets. Further, it is designed to allow for administrative flexibility in circumstances where supply chain continuity is questionable. This is especially important for American energy producers, who at times face transportation barriers moving domestically produced oil and petroleum products between U.S. ports when no qualified vessel is available, potentially forcing reliance on foreign imports despite strong American production. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

“Excessive red tape and outdated regulations are slowing the delivery of essential goods and making it harder for Americans to access products made right here at home. The Protecting Access to American Products Act offers a commonsense, practical solution by streamlining the waiver process and helping ensure that American-made goods, including American energy products, can move across the country more easily. This legislation supports domestic manufacturing, strengthens American energy supply chains, and keeps U.S. products competitive with foreign imports while still protecting American maritime jobs. I’m proud to work alongside Senator Lee to deliver reforms that protect our domestic interests while putting American families and businesses first,” said Rep. Cline.

“Outdated regulations are forcing Americans to buy gas and other products from despotic regimes instead of our own producers,” said Senator Mike Lee. “America produces liquefied natural gas (LNG), but we can’t ship it to other American ports due to hundred-year-old red tape. States in need of LNG are forced to rely on Russia for their energy supply – a national security risk and lost opportunity for America’s economy. This bill will prioritize American manufacturing and energy dominance by allowing waivers for industries like LNG for whom the restrictions don’t make sense.”

Congressman Ben Cline represents the Sixth Congressional District of Virginia. He previously was an attorney in private practice and served both as an assistant prosecutor and a Member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Cline and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Botetourt County with their two children.

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

On Tuesday, Congresswoman Amata and her staff in DC welcomed representatives from the American Samoa Department of Health as part of their visit to the U.S. Capitol, and a group from American Samoa Department of Homeland Security was able to come by for a visit later the same day. 

Speaker’s Balcony photo at the Capitol with the National Mall in the background

The Department of Health representatives included Dr. Aifili John Tufa, Ms. Annie Noa, Mrs. Emma Reid-Alo, Langahelotu Vivao, Mr. Francis Vivao, Dr. Anaise Uso, and they were accompanied by several family members. They went on a previously scheduled tour of the U.S. Capitol with Amata’s staff, visited in the congressional office, and shared lunch with Congresswoman Amata nearby on Capitol Hill. 

Also pictured from the American Samoa Department of Homeland Security are Meshake Gaisoa, Jolene Mageo Kava, and Sharma Sapolu.

Congresswoman Amata with Dr. Aifili John Tufa, Ms. Annie Noa, Mrs. Emma Reid-Alo, Langahelotu Vivao, Mr. Francis Vivao, Dr. Anaise Uso, and some of their family members

“Thank you to all these dedicated professionals for taking time to visit, and sharing their priorities. I appreciate their efforts this week in DC, and especially all their work to deliver the best possible services back home,” said Congresswoman Amata. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Scalise (1st District of Louisiana)

DORAL, Fla.—Today, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) appeared on Fox Business Network’s Kudlow to highlight the contrast between Republicans’ record of delivering for American families and Democrats’ record of recklessness and chaos.

Click here or the image above to view Leader Scalise’s full interview. 
Highlights from Leader Scalise’s interview:On Republicans unleashing American energy production:“We stand ready to produce more oil. They just had another lease sale for Gulf of America leases because of what we put in the Working Families Tax Cut. That’s the second one under President Trump, when Joe Biden shut the Gulf down. Look, America knows how to produce energy. We’ve always had that ability. Joe Biden shut it down. President Trump opened it back up again. That’s why prices have dropped dramatically. And look, I know we’ve seen a blip right now. Even with that blip, Larry, let’s keep in mind, prices are still 30% lower than where they were when Joe Biden left office because Joe Biden raised gas prices over $5 a gallon. They’ve already come down under President Trump. They’ll come down even more when this conflict ends.”On radical Democrats keeping DHS shut down:“It’s unreal. Look, and you saw it at the State of the Union. President Trump – I think the seminal moment was when President Trump said, stand up if you support America and sit down if you support people here illegally that want to harm Americans. And every single Democrat sat down. The only time they stood up, actually, Larry, is when President Trump said, Democrats voted to raise your taxes. That’s the only time they stood up. They wouldn’t stand up for American war heroes. They are a lost party. The Democrats of today, the Mamdani wing of the party, it’s not your father, your grandfather’s Democrat Party. I think a lot of people don’t recognize just how radical the leadership has moved. And so they’ve lost their way. They don’t even want picture ID because they want voter fraud, Larry. Americans are seeing this.“They are shutting down right now, voting to shut down the Department of Homeland Security, when we’re at a heightened alert. If you’re at an airport today, if you missed a flight yesterday – in New Orleans a few days ago, they had longer than three-hour waits, the lines were right into the parking garage – [it’s] because Democrats, Democrats, not Republicans, shut down the Department of Homeland Security. They keep doing it because they want chaos. They don’t want to work with President Trump. They want chaos, and America doesn’t want chaos. Now you know who’s doing it to you: It’s Democrats in Washington.”On President Trump restoring order at the border:“Well, what you’re seeing is President Trump recognizing number one, the number one issue in the 2024 election was border security because Joe Biden opened the border and let millions of people in, including very violent criminals, as President Trump pointed out. Many of these countries unloaded their prisons and their mental institutions into America. We saw death from that, Americans that were killed. First bill President Trump signed, we put on his desk was the Laken Riley Act. You can see now President Trump has taken real serious action to get the border under control, and he’s making some moves to do things a little bit differently in terms of how they’re approaching the next phase of this.“He brought in Markwayne Mullin. Look, I served with Markwayne in the House. He’s been doing a great job in the Senate. He worked with us, Senator Mullin did, to get the strengthened border security measures that we put in the Working Families Tax Cut, to build the wall, to give our Border Patrol agents more tools to combat the drug cartels. You pointed this out, you showed this on your show for years, the drug cartels of Mexico had better technology than America’s Border Patrol. It was embarrassing. We fixed that, and every Democrat voted no. But Senator Mullin helped us get that through the Senate… And look, he’s got an incredible cabinet. Look at the people he’s brought in to serve this country so well and get this economy back on track and mop up the mess Joe Biden left him.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (25th District of FLORIDA)

DORAL, FL – Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart, Dean of the Florida Delegation, joined House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain to host a roundtable with working moms, small business owners, and tax professionals to discuss how the Working Families Tax Cuts are delivering real relief for families and workers during the 2026 tax season.

Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart said, “I’m grateful to be joined by House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain, who has been a strong leader in ensuring Americans across our country understand and benefit from the many tax relief provisions included in the Working Families Tax Cuts.

I am especially pleased to welcome her to Sergio’s restaurant in Doral, in Florida’s 26th Congressional District, where we had the opportunity to hear directly from my constituents — from working parents, entrepreneurs, UBER and DoorDash drivers, and local tax professionals — about how these policies are making a difference during tax season. These hardworking Americans are already seeing the benefits of the tax relief passed last year by House Republicans and signed into law by President Trump.

I also want to thank Carlos Gazitua for his hospitality and leadership and for bringing together such an outstanding group from our community.”

Chairwoman Lisa McClain said, “Across the country, we’re seeing the real people who benefit from these policies – hardworking Americans keeping more of what they earn. In Miami, Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart has been a steady leader, fighting to put money back where it belongs: in the pockets of families, small businesses, and workers. It’s been extremely helpful to hear directly from Congressman Diaz-Balart’s constituents about how these tax cuts are helping their businesses grow, their families, thrive, and their communities succeed.”

Carlos Gazitua, CEO of Sergio’s Restaurants, said, “When our team members keep more of what they earn through policies like no tax on tips, it puts money back into the local economy. At Sergio’s, we’ve seen sales grow as working families have more money in their pockets. That growth has helped us expand our business and create more opportunities for our team.”

Bob Mitchell of Miami, FL, Uber Driversaid, “Because of the no tax on tips legislation, I saved thousands of dollars on my tax return. I was able to use that money to reinvest in my family’s future and support my son as he goes through college. Thank you President Trump and Congress.”

Maria M. Negron-Gonzales, a realtor from Hialeah, Florida,said, “As a mom, my priority is making sure my child has every opportunity to succeed. The expanded Child Tax Credit is helping my family afford private tutoring so my child can feel confident and succeed in school.”

Adriana McLamb, Marketing Director of the Independent Women’s Forum, said, “I really appreciate the focus on these provisions and the leadership on this issue. Policies like the Working Family Tax Cuts Act make a real difference for families like mine, and it’s meaningful to be part of an organization that is helping elevate that message and support solutions that empower working parents.”

Chief Matthew Castillo, City of Miami Springs Police, said, “Overtime is a regular part of the job in law enforcement. Whether it’s covering shifts, responding to emergencies, or making sure our communities stay safe, those extra hours are often necessary.

The No Tax on Overtime delivers real relief to officers who regularly go above and beyond the call of duty. It also boosts morale across the department and helps leaders like me better support our teams when those extra hours are required. I’m grateful to see legislation like this that recognizes the sacrifices law enforcement officers make every day.”

Lt. Albert Vargas, City of Miami Springs Police, said, “No tax on Overtime is a big deal for law enforcement. Many officers work over 100 hours in a pay period, which means a lot of time away from our families. Whether it’s covering shifts, responding to emergencies, or making sure our communities stay safe, officers often work beyond our scheduled hours. The No Tax on Overtime provision recognizes those sacrifices, and it certainly helps officers like me keep more of the money we’ve worked hard to earn.”

Stephen G. Bussé, Metro-Dade Firefighter, said, “Thanks to the Working Families Tax Cuts Legislation, the extra hours I put in away from my family are finally being respected! I just filed my taxes and received the largest return I’ve ever received, providing my family with breathing room and dignity. Policies like these, supported by House Republicans and signed into law by President Trump, recognize that firefighters shouldn’t be penalized for the overtime it takes to protect the public. Thank you Congressman Diaz-Balart for your dedication to the hard-working first responders families like mine.”

Andrei Stern, Owner at SuViche Hospitality, said, “The No Tax on Tips and No Tax on Overtime provisions have been a huge benefit for our hardworking staff and have helped us, as employers, to recruit and retain the best workers. I’m grateful this historic legislation was signed into law to improve the livelihoods of those working in the service industry.”

Nikki Trevino, Florida Door Dasher said, “After a surgery in 2020 left me with a permanent disability, many traditional jobs were no longer possible for me. As a former nurse, caring for others has always been my calling, but I needed work that could adapt to my health. Dashing has been a godsend because it lets me choose when I work — and rest when I need to. Tips aren’t extra for me; they’re essential income. Being able to keep more of my hard-earned tips through No Tax on Tips will make a real difference for my family, especially as my daughter prepares for college. This policy recognizes and supports workers like me who are doing everything we can to provide for our families.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

FRESNO, Calif. – This week, Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) met with Central Valley health care providers to discuss challenges facing local hospitals and clinics. The roundtable focused on the impact of federal funding reductions under H.R.1, including changes to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act, and explored opportunities for federal support amid record-low ACA enrollment.
“Last year, Republicans made the largest cuts in history to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act in the ‘big ugly bill,’ leaving our Central Valley, and communities across the country, to make the hard decision of shifting priorities, making cuts, and adding strain to an already overloaded health care system,” said Rep. Costa. “Providers had to make difficult choices about staffing, patient care, and services, and many programs and expansions were delayed or scaled back. I met with local providers to hear firsthand how these changes have affected their operations, understand the challenges they face in serving our communities, and discuss opportunities for federal support as we work to ensure residents can access quality care.”
“We appreciate Congressman Costa for bringing together health and medical education leaders to discuss the challenges facing the Central Valley health care landscape,” said Jose M. Barral Sanchez, MD, PhD, Vice Dean at the UCSF Regional Campus in Fresno. “Supporting medical education and training our own health care professionals is essential to addressing the physician shortage and meeting the health care needs of our communities.”
Background
H.R.1 and Impacts on Hospitals and Medicaid
In July 2025, President Trump and Congressional Republicans passed H.R.1, a sweeping budget reconciliation bill. The legislation enacted over $1 trillion in cuts to core health programs, including Medicaid, CHIP, Medicare, and the ACA. These reductions directly affect hospitals, clinics, health care workers, and the 1.8 million residents in California’s Central Valley who rely on these programs.
Key provisions of H.R. 1 include:

Block Grants and Per Capita Caps: Federal Medicaid contributions are capped, reducing funding flexibility for states during economic downturns or health crises.
Elimination of the 90% Federal Match for Medicaid Expansion: Funding for states that expanded Medicaid under the ACA was cut by $600 billion, forcing states to cover costs or reduce services.
Biannual Eligibility Redeterminations: Starting in 2026, states must verify Medicaid eligibility every six months, increasing administrative burdens and risking coverage losses.
New Work Requirements: Adults aged 19–64 must work or participate in training/community service 80 hours per month to maintain coverage, which could result in coverage loss for millions.
Increased Cost-Sharing and Reduced ACA Marketplace Subsidies: Low-income individuals face higher out-of-pocket costs, and DACA recipients are barred from ACA marketplace coverage.
Restrictions on State Financing Tools: Limits on provider taxes and directed payments may undercut funding for hospitals and clinics that rely on Medi-Cal reimbursement. 

Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) and Rural Hospital Relief Fund 
H.R.1created the $50 billion RHTP to strengthen rural health systems nationwide. California was awarded $233.6 million this year (FY26) to support sustainable access, workforce development, technology modernization, and care coordination in rural areas, including the San Joaquin Valley. The state will determine allocations for individual hospitals and clinics, with priority given to facilities formally designated as rural or facing financial distress. 
While these funds provide targeted support, they are not sufficient to offset the broader reductions enacted under H.R.1. 
To view photos of the meeting, click here. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) received a perfect 100 percent on the Alliance for Retired Americans 2025 scorecard. He has a 99 percent lifetime score with the group. Every other member of the Tennessee Congressional Delegation, including its two senators, received scores of zero (0 percent) in 2025.

The Alliance looked at House votes to gut health and safety programs, cut nursing home and nutrition program spending, efforts to disenfranchise voters, cuts to home-based health services and to provide federal workplace security programs including retirement benefits, among other issues.

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

“I am pleased to see my positions on issues important to senior citizens are being recognized by the Alliance for Retired Americans. As Trump and his acolytes in the Republican Congress work to give tax breaks to the rich at the expense of our safety net programs for our elderly residents, you can count on me standing up for, and voting for, what’s right. I appreciate the 99 percent lifetime score from the Alliance and pledge to continue to work hard for our seniors.”

See the Alliance for Retired Americans’ scorecard for the Tennessee Congressional Delegation here.

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