Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representatives Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) and Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) introduced the Partnerships for Agricultural Climate Action (PACA) Act of 2025. This bill would scale and replicate Washington state’s bipartisan Sustainable Farms and Fields program, which supports farmers by incentivizing voluntary conservation practices, enhancing producer innovation and viability, and enabling locally led climate action.

“Our farmers play an integral role in our community here in Washington state, influencing our culture, economy, and environment,” said Congresswoman Schrier. “It is our responsibility to support our agricultural community, particularly as they face growing challenges posed by climate change. That’s why I’m proud to introduce the PACA Act to help producers here in the Eighth District and across the country voluntarily strengthen their climate resiliency, contribute to climate solutions, stay in business, and improve their bottom line.”

“The vast majority of farms in Washington state are operated by small farmers, who need support as they prioritize conservation and sustainability while remaining profitable,” said Congresswoman Strickland. “The Partnerships for Agricultural Climate Action Act prioritizes funding for climate-resilient innovative crops from low-income and minority farmers.”

Beyond scaling a successful state agriculture model, this bill allows farmers to best utilize their land and implement regionally relevant agricultural practices. Farmers, trusted partners, and state and Tribal governments can use PACA grants to support climate change adaptation and mitigation that best fits their land and circumstances.

The Partnerships for Agricultural Climate Action (PACA) Act of 2025 will:

• Establish a new subprogram under USDA’s existing Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) for local partners, States, and Tribes to improve and expedite resource access for producers who are reducing emissions, enhancing soil carbon storage, and improving resilience to extreme weather.
• Enable local, State, and Tribal entities and partnerships to direct climate action in ways that are regionally relevant and appropriate for local agricultural operations.
• Support first-time, low-income, and minority farmers by providing technical and financial assistance.
• Ultimately, make it easier and more affordable for farmers and ranchers to implement climate-smart practices that are regionally relevant.

“The Washington State Conservation Commission thanks Representative Schrier for her commitment to creating opportunities for farmers and ranchers to voluntarily adopt climate-smart practices,” said Washington State Conservation Commission Executive Director James Thompson. “Through experience with our Sustainable Farms and Fields program, we know producers in Washington are adopting creative solutions to mitigate climate change impacts, resulting in increased resiliency to drought, flood, and fire while supporting long-term viability. The PACA Act of 2025 would scale this proven approach, bringing much-needed resources to agricultural producers across the country.”

“The agriculture sector is often positioned as a climate adversary, but many farmers, ranchers, foresters, and rural communities across the country have a deep understanding of how to steward their land sustainably,” said Mary Olive, Interim Director of Policy at Carbon180. “The Partnerships for Agricultural Climate Action Act taps into the strengths of states, Tribes, conservation districts, and farmer cooperatives to leverage local knowledge, build resilience to extreme weather, and scale up climate-smart practices that sequester carbon and reduce emissions.”

“The Partnerships for Agricultural Climate Action Act, like Washington State’s Sustainable Farms and Fields Program, will incentivize farmers to sequester carbon and improve soil health, reduce air pollution and decrease their operating costs – it’s a complete win for everyone,” said Doug Ray, Ph.D. Carbon Washington Board Chair. 

“Washington’s potato growers are on the front lines of adapting to a changing climate and global market,” said Geordy Greene, Director of Government Affairs for the Washington State Potato Commission. “Legislation like PACA gives growers practical tools—not mandates—to stay competitive, protect yields, and invest in smarter, more resilient production. It’s a win for growers, consumers, and Washington’s ag economy.”

This legislation is supported by the Washington State Conservation Commission, Carbon180, Carbon Washington, the Washington State Potato Commission, the Washington Association of Wheat Growers, and the Washington Farm Bureau.  

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

WASHINGTON, DC –  Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) and Congressman Tony Wied (WI-08) introduced the BLOOD Centers Act, a bipartisan bill to cut onerous administrative requirements placed on blood centers to help ensure that hospitals have a sufficient blood supply to meet patient needs. Congressman Tom Tiffany (WI-07) was also an original cosponsor.

“As a doctor, I know that donated blood products save lives in dire situations,” said Congresswoman Schrier, M.D. “Redundant regulation and red tape make it harder for blood centers to get blood products where they are needed, when they are needed.  I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan legislation to reduce unnecessary administrative hurdles without compromising patient safety.” 

“At a time when our nation’s blood supply has reached a critical low, we must do everything we can to cut through red tape to ensure that people who are willing to donate can do so easily and swiftly,” said Congressman Wied. “That is why I am proud to introduce the bipartisan BLOOD Centers Act to expedite the ability of blood centers to open new locations and collect life-saving blood for those who need it.”

Under current Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, blood centers must report changes, including the addition of a new fixed site, to their approved biologics license applications (BLA). This process can include additional steps, further delaying federal approval and preventing blood centers from expanding their operations. Congresswoman Schrier’s bill addresses this issue by instructing the FDA to create an expedited licensure process following passage of the legislation. This will bring much-needed efficiency improvements to the process while maintaining rigorous safety standards. 

“Government red tape and delays can cost lives when every drop counts,” said Congressman Tiffany. “The BLOOD Centers Act streamlines approvals and requires the FDA to act within 30 days so lifesaving donations can reach patients quicker.”

“America’s Blood Centers applauds Rep. Wied and Rep. Schrier for introducing legislation to modernize regulations that impede patient access to life-saving blood products,” said Kate Fry, CEO of America’s Blood Centers. “Current licensure requirements impose redundant FDA reviews every time a new collection site opens, even when the same equipment, staff, and procedures are already approved and in use. By streamlining this process, this legislation will eliminate inefficiencies, help new donation sites open in a timely manner, and ensure patients have access to the safe and available blood supply they depend on.” 

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Kim Schrier (WA-08), Chair of the Democratic Doctors Caucus, along with her colleagues of the Democratic Doctors Caucus Ami Bera (CA-06), Herbert Conaway (NJ-03), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Kelly Morrison (MN-03), Raul Ruiz (CA-25), led 65 other members to demand that HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. immediately correct the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s website after it was updated to promote the widely disproven and dangerous claim that vaccines may cause autism. 

“As a pediatrician, I’ve dedicated my career to the health and well-being of children, and I know how important vaccinations are to keep them safe,” said Congresswoman Schrier, M.D. “I’ve taken care of children with some terrible infectious diseases, and no child should ever have to suffer from a vaccine preventable illness. RFK Jr.’s decision to spread fringe conspiracy theories and misinformation on the CDC’s official website is reckless. He’s scaring parents, undermining trust in the CDC, and putting children at risk.”

“We write to you regarding the alarming removal of scientific information refuting the link between vaccines and autism spectrum disorders (autism) from the Vaccine Safety page of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) website on November 19. The installation of false claims, without CDC expert career staff knowledge according to reporting, regarding a false connection between autism and vaccines is a direct threat to our nation’s public health. Before your agency’s anti-vaccine propaganda appeared on the CDC’s Vaccine Safety webpage, the CDC webpage stated that studies have shown that there is “no link” between vaccines and developing autism and that “no links” have been found between any vaccine ingredients and the disorder, according to archived webpages,” the letter states. 

The letter continues, “Your politicization of vaccines has made American families less safe, returns the U.S. to an era before mass vaccination prevented millions of infections, and will result in tragic deaths, particularly among children.”

To read the full letter, click here. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sam Graves (6th District of Missouri)

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06), Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, today commended the Trump Administration for its proposed rule to define Waters of the United States (WOTUS) under the Clean Water Act (CWA) in a manner that will provide much needed clarity and regulatory certainty for farmers, businesses, infrastructure builders, and communities throughout the United States. 

The Administration’s WOTUS rule, developed by the Environmental Protection Agency and the United States Army Corps of Engineers, aligns with the Supreme Court’s 2023 Sackett decision, which appropriately recognized that there are reasonable limits to the federal government’s regulatory authority under the CWA.  Today’s announcement follows previous efforts by the Biden Administration to dramatically expand federal regulatory power under the law, and it provides much-needed durability to defining what waters are and are not subject to federal regulation under the CWA.

Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (MO-06) said, “This action by the Trump Administration is a victory for common sense. Farmers, infrastructure builders, small businesses, manufacturers, home builders, local communities, and property owners will be able to function under a more reasonable regulatory environment without having to worry about the federal government constantly breathing down their necks. We can and will continue to ensure water quality throughout our nation under the Clean Water Act, but this proposed rule also protects the rights of states, individuals, and businesses to produce our food and goods, build infrastructure projects, and grow the economy.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sam Graves (6th District of Missouri)

December 8, 2025

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06) announced that he secured $4,000,000 for the Sullivan County Memorial Hospital building project in the Fiscal Year 2026 Agriculture appropriations bill signed into law last month. “Our rural hospitals are critical to North Missouri,” Rep. Sam Graves said. “Sullivan County Memorial Hospital plays a vital role in ensuring that there is quick access to life-saving care when folks need it most. This new hospital facility will go a long way towards ensuring there is access to quality care in the area for many years to come. I’m thrilled to secure this funding to help move this rural hospital project forward.” Sullivan County Memorial Hospital CEO Martha Gragg said, “On behalf of the Board of Trustees and entire staff of Sullivan County Memorial Hospital, we are grateful and thank the leadership of Congressman Sam Graves and his staff in attaining this funding for our new critical access hospital and rural health clinic. This commitment marks a pivotal moment, helping to ensure the future of essential primary and specialty healthcare in Sullivan County and continue to be a key economic driver that has contributed to the county for the past 72 years.” The Sullivan County Memorial Hospital project will construct a new 16-bed critical access hospital and rural health clinic to replace the current 72-year-old facility.

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Lloyd Smucker (PA-16)

WASHINGTON – This week, the House of Representatives unanimously passed the Hospital Inpatient Services Modernization Act (H.R. 4313), bipartisan, bicameral legislation introduced by Reps. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11), senior member of the Ways and Means Committee, and Vern Buchanan (FL-16), Chairman of the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee. This legislation would extend successful “Hospital at Home” programs for an additional five years. 

“Home health care options provide patients with high-quality care at lower costs, reduce the risk of hospital-acquired infections, and increase recovery outcomes for patients,” said Rep. Smucker. “Extending this commonsense policy is a clear win for patients and taxpayers. I am proud to co-lead these efforts with Rep. Buchanan and thank my House colleagues for passing this legislation to give patients the ability to recover in the comfort of their own homes.”

The Hospital Inpatient Services Modernization Act of 2025 (H.R. 4313)

In November 2020, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) established the Acute Hospital Care at Home waiver to provide hospitals with increased flexibility to care for certain patients from the comfort and convenience of their homes, rather than in a hospital setting. According to the American Hospital Association, this model has been proven to “reduce costs, improve outcomes and enhance the patient experience.” 

A recent report from CMS shows that allowing patients to be treated in a more familiar environment and routine accelerates recovery time, lowers the mortality rate and reduces the risk of hospital-acquired infections and falls. 

Rep. Dwight Evans (D-Pa.) cosponsored this bill. Sens. Tim Scott, Reverend Raphael Warnock introduced companion legislation in the Senate. 

The American Hospital Association endorsed this legislation. 

See Rep. Smucker’s full remarks on H.R.4313 here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Lloyd Smucker (PA-16)

Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11), Vice Chair of the House Budget Committee, offered opening remarks during the Committee’s Member Day hearing held on December 3, 2025. His remarks, as prepared for delivery, are below: 

Good morning and thank you to everyone for being here. 

Member Day is a great tradition. I’m a big believer in it–especially in the context of what we’re highlighting here today. None of us has all the answers, and each of us brings a different perspective about the nature of the problems. 

If there is one fundamental issue that continues to hold Congress back, it’s that we simply don’t have a healthy, functioning budget process. And the reality is, we haven’t had one in a long time. 

Dating back to the late 1990s, we’ve averaged more than five continuing resolutions every single fiscal year. We are operating under one right now. No serious enterprise could operate this way and expect good outcomes. But for Washington, fiscal apathy has become routine, and the results speak for themselves. During the recent shutdown, our national debt surpassed $38 trillion. 

We’re spending $1 trillion a year on interest alone—more than our entire national defense budget. Ray Dalio has warned that we are inviting a “debt-induced heart attack.” And instead of treating the disease, we keep arguing about the symptoms—partisan fights over 20 percent of the budget while the other 80 percent runs on autopilot. 

A process built for another era cannot carry the weight of today’s fiscal challenges. Just think about how, as we discussed at our last hearing, in more than 50 years the Congressional Budget Office has never undergone a single external, operational audit. Not one. 
How can we produce better outcomes if CBO has never been independently evaluated for accuracy, transparency, or performance? 

There are numerous common-sense reforms like this on the table to breathe new life into this process, shake off the cobwebs, and shift the bias back toward action. 

Last Congress, our committee came together to pass 14 bipartisan reform bills. We can do more. We need better, more modern rules of the road, and clear, measurable targets to guide us–which brings me to another idea that is gaining traction. We know that right now, deficits are averaging somewhere around 6 percent of GDP. 

At that level, the debt grows faster than the economy, interest costs accelerate, and we risk drifting toward a sovereign debt crisis. Bringing deficits down to about 3 percent of GDP—a target endorsed by both Ray Dalio and Secretary Bessent—would stabilize the debt and begin to restore credibility. Mandatory spending, driven by Social Security and federal health programs, and interest on our debt now accounts for 90 percent of all future spending growth. 

In the recent reconciliation bill, we began to move the needle, delivering historic mandatory spending reductions. Social Security and Medicare now face insolvency in 2032 and 2033, respectively. But no long-term fiscal plan is credible if it ignores the health care system. 

In my view, this conversation must happen on two tracks: first, making Americans genuine consumers of health care—able to shop, compare, and push the system toward value. And second, tackling the practices that inflate every medical bill—excessive hospital markups, opaque middlemen, and patent games that keep drug prices artificially high. 

In time, the broader challenges may have to be taken up by a fiscal commission. I’ve expressed support for modeling one after the successful Greenspan Commission—to confront these issues plainly and without regard for the politics of the moment. This is another area where I welcome the input and ideas of our members. 

Because ultimately, we can’t reverse the curse of public debt without exercising the political will to make the tough decisions we all talk about. And while we can’t manufacture political will in a hearing room, we can create better conditions for it–certainly better than the tough sod we have now. 

So today, and in the months to come, I am hoping to appeal to the better fiscal angels of our nature. 

There is still a part of this institution and in each of us that understands the responsibility we carry. We did not come here to preside over decline. We came here to leave the country stronger than we found it. And if we can summon those better fiscal angels—discipline, transparency, stewardship—we can begin to make choices that protect the next generation. 

That, to me, is the mission of this Committee, and it is the urgency of this moment. I look forward to our discussion today. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Lloyd Smucker (PA-16)

Legislation to help seniors maximize retirement benefits, protect children from identity fraud passed the House with near unanimous support.

WASHINGTON – This week, the House of Representatives passed two important pieces of legislation introduced by Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11), senior member of the Ways and Means Committee and Vice Chairman of the Budget Committee, the Claiming Age Clarity Act (H.R. 5284) and the Social Security Child Protection Act (H.R. 5348).

“This legislation ensures the Social Security Administration (SSA) works better and more efficiently for American seniors and families,”said Rep. Smucker. “The Claiming Age Clarity Act improves outdated language to help seniors understand and maximize their retirement benefits, and the Child Protection Act cuts bureaucratic deadlock to better assist families when a child is at risk for fraud when the Social Security number is lost or stolen in the mail.”

“Helping protect children from identity fraud and assisting seniors in receiving the benefits they rightfully deserve is something all of Washington should agree with, and I am thankful that my House colleagues supported these straightforward solutions.”

The Claiming Age Clarity Act (H.R. 5284)

This legislation would modernize outdated language used by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to help seniors better understand the timing of their decisions to claim retirement benefits.

“Millions of Americans are counting on their hard-earned Social Security benefits to help ensure they have the financial resources they need in retirement,” said Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08). “Unfortunately, under current practice, many Americans could end up forgoing some of those resources if they are unable to decipher the Social Security Administration’s misleading or confusing terminology when it comes to deciding when to begin claiming benefits. Thanks to the leadership of Congressman Smucker, Congress is advancing a solution that will bring needed simplicity to the language used by the Social Security Administration and help ease the stress of retirement planning.”

Early Eligibility Age would become Minimum Benefit Age – This is age 62, the earliest age at which someone can begin receiving retirement benefits. Full Retirement Age would become Standard Benefit Age – This is age 66-67 depending on an individual’s birth year. Delayed Retirement Age would become Maximum Benefit Age – This is age 70, the latest age at which someone can begin receiving retirement benefits.

Rep. Don Beyer (VA-08) co-sponsored this bill, and Sens. Bill Cassidy, Christopher Coons, Susan Collins, and Tim Kaine have introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

AARP, BPC Action, and AMAC Action endorsed this legislation. Read the endorsement letter here.

Watch Rep. Smucker’s full remarks on H.R.5284: 

The Social Security Child Protection Act (H.R. 5348)

This legislation would require the SSA to administer a new Social Security number to a child under 14 years of age if the card was lost or stolen in the mail, helping to prevent fraud before it occurs.

“A single act of identity theft can lead to a lifetime of financial harm,” said Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08). “Thanks to Representative Smucker’s leadership, the Social Security Child Protection Act of 2025 will ensure that families don’t have to wait and can immediately secure a new Social Security number if their child’s card is compromised, addressing a problem in government that has left too many families without recourse.”

Watch Rep. Smucker’s full remarks on H.R.5348: 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Lloyd Smucker (PA-16)

WASHINGTON—Reps. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11) and Brad Schneider (IL-10) introduced legislation to support American students studying abroad by ensuring their continued eligibility for federal financial aid.

Most American students who study at foreign institutions of higher education are able to access the Title IV loan program to finance their degrees. However, access to Title IV funds is currently prohibited if any part of their program of study is offered online. 

As institutions of higher education increasingly incorporate online elements to the classroom, the Providing Distance Education for Foreign Institutions Act ensures that American students will not lose access to federal student aid. 

“Students studying abroad shouldn’t risk losing federal aid just because some of their coursework is remote. I thank Rep. Schneider for joining me on this bipartisan fix, and urge my colleagues to support this commonsense legislation,” said Rep. Smucker.

“We need to help American students already weighed down by record-setting student debt and lift the barriers that stand in the way of accessing an international degree,” said Rep Schneider. “Students who pursue an international education gain skills that equip them to thrive in a global economy, and they deserve the same support they receive at home. Universities routinely offer a portion of their classes online in the US and abroad, but only students who study internationally are barred from receiving financial aid for such programs. This bill closes that gap.”

The International Education Council has endorsed the legislation.

“The International Education Council (IEC) applauds the introduction of The Providing Distance Education for Foreign institutions Act and commends Representatives Scheider and Smucker on the introduction of the bill.  The total online prohibition has shut the door on American students who need to finance their degree while physically attending campuses abroad. American youth should be able to choose their location and program of study, given the high-quality-for-value and unique offerings at highly reputable international schools.  This measure will continue to allow those Americans to use their federal loan funds to help obtain that experience as the delivery of education evolves,” said IEC Executive Director Robert Moran. “We are grateful to Representatives Smucker and Schneider for supporting American students and recognizing the need for this legislation.  American financial aid provides students with the ability to choose their institution. Participation by colleges and universities outside the United States in the Title IV Direct Loan program vastly expands opportunities for students who want to obtain their postsecondary education overseas. These opportunities provide students with a wealth of global awareness and diplomatic skillsets they bring home to the United States.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Lloyd Smucker (PA-16)

WASHINGTON – Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11) introduced an updated version of the Improve and Enhance the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) Act to build the U.S. workforce and help connect individuals to good jobs. The bill will strengthen and extend WOTC, which has a proven track record of helping disadvantaged individuals secure employment, but is set to expire at the end of this year without congressional action.

The WOTC provides a federal tax credit to employers who invest in American workers who have consistently faced barriers to employment, including eligible veterans, SNAP recipients, individuals with disabilities, and long-term unemployed individuals. The updated legislation extends eligibility to military spouses, includes a 5-year extension of the credit, and indexes the credit to inflation. 

“The best anti-poverty program is a good job. The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) helps both employers and workers, as individuals transition back into the workforce. I remain dedicated to helping disadvantaged Americans return to work by advancing legislation that strengthens this proven tool. WOTC is a bipartisan, commonsense approach that every Member of Congress should champion,” said Representative Smucker.

Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA), John Boozman (R-AR), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Jim Justice (R-WV), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), and Peter Welch (D-VT).

“Veterans and military spouses deserve every opportunity to build stable, rewarding careers,” said Dr. Cassidy. “By reducing the burden on employers who hire them and other individuals who have fallen through the cracks, we strengthen our economy and give people the chance they need.”   

WOTC has not been updated since its enactment twenty-seven years ago, and its value has been eroded significantly due to inflation. The National Employment Opportunity Network reports that the WOTC has saved the federal government an estimated $202 billion over ten years. According to EY, the legislation is estimated to directly support 350,000 new jobs, generating $3.7 billion in labor income and contributing $5.6 billion to GDP. Employers often incur higher recruitment and training costs to reach WOTC eligible populations and support their successful transition back into employment.  

The Improve and Enhance the Work Opportunity Tax Credit Act would:

• Update the WOTC, which has not been changed since its enactment twenty-seven years ago, and encourage longer-service employment.
• Increase the current credit percentage from 40% to 50% of qualified wages.
• Incentivize employee retention by expanding the credit for those who work 400 or more hours.
• Eliminate the arbitrary age cap at which SNAP recipients are eligible for WOTC. This change will provide an incentive to hire older workers and better align the credit with previously adopted work reforms.
• Extend the credit for 5 years.
• Expand eligibility to military spouses.
• Index the credit to inflation. 

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