Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mark DeSaulnier Representing the 11th District of California

Walnut Creek, CA – Today, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) announced he will host the 2026 Congressional Art Competition. High school artists living in California’s 10th Congressional District are invited to submit original artwork to Congressman DeSaulnier’s office from now through Thursday, April 9^th. The winning piece will be selected by a panel of local judges and announced at a special awards ceremony following the submission deadline.

“As a senior member of the House Committee on Education and Workforce, I continually see that the arts and creative pursuits are a crucial part of education and the Congressional Art Competition is a wonderful opportunity for students to dive into artistic endeavors and be recognized for their talent and originality,” said Congressman DeSaulnier. “As always, I am eager to see the incredible works young artists from our district will submit.”

The competition is open to all high school students in California’s 10th Congressional District. The winning piece will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol, and the winner will be provided two round-trip airline tickets to Washington, D.C. to attend a national reception honoring winners from around the country. 

All submissions must be emailed to Kaylee.DeLand@mail.house.gov along with a completed release form no later than 5:00 p.m. PT on Thursday, April 9, 2026. Complete contest guidelines and submission forms are available on Congressman DeSaulnier’s website.

The Congressional Art Competition is a nationwide high school visual art competition to encourage and recognize artistic talent across the country. Since the Competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated. For more information or help submitting artwork, please contact (925) 933-2660.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Hank Johnson (GA-04)

House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts Ranking Member issued the following statement after the Supreme Court sided with Republicans protecting a GOP-held district in NYC

WASHINGTON, D.C. — “The law is supposed to be predictable and consistent,” said Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, Artificial Intelligence and the Internet. “Yet the Roberts Court once again has withheld that reliability from the American people. The unprecedented decision to grant extraordinary emergency relief in Malliotakis v. Williams serves only to highlight the inconsistency and unpredictability that has come to define the Court’s emergency docket. Like too many other emergency docket decisions before it, this case was expedited without rigorous briefing and oral argument, yielding a hasty decision that undermines previously stated principles of jurisdiction, federalism and equity. The Supreme Court should be better than a double-standard disguised as principle and Americans deserve a court that acts as more than a rubber stamp for the President.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Hank Johnson (GA-04)

Congressman wants to reform Pentagon’s 1033 Program that gives military-grade weapons to local, state & federal law enforcement departments for free

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) re-introduced his commonsense Stop Militarizing Law Enforcement Act of 2026 that would place restrictions and transparency measures on the Department of Defense (DOD) Program that transfers excess military equipment to federal, tribal, state and local law enforcement agencies.

“When you see law enforcement in our communities across the country that look more like an occupying force armed to the teeth, masked and carrying weapons of war, something has gone terribly wrong,” said Johnson. “When law enforcement officers, particularly unaccountable federal agents dressed like commandos are dragging American citizens from their homes, their cars and killing American citizens on our streets, it changes the entire dynamic of public safety, even our democracy. The militarization of police — whether they be local, state or federal agencies – only terrorize our communities and make us less safe.”

Through the Defense Logistics Agency’s Law Enforcement Support Office, or “1033 program”, the Department of Defense has transferred more than $8 billion in surplus military equipment – often from warzones overseas – to our streets, without charge. 

Presidential administrations have sought to reform 1033 through executive orders, but these orders can easily be overturned, as we saw when President Trump rescind President Obama’s order reining it in in 2017 and Biden’s EO curtailing the program when he took office again in 2025. For a longer-term solution, Congress should pass the Stop Militarizing Law Enforcement Act to increase oversight and transparency of the 1033 program.

The Stop Militarizing Law Enforcement Act would:

• Prevent transfers of equipment inappropriate for local policing, such as military weapons, long-range acoustic devices, grenade launchers, weaponized drones, armored military vehicles, and grenades or similar explosives. 
• Require that recipients certify that they can account for all military weapons and equipment. In 2012, the weapons portion of the 1033 program was temporarily suspended after DOD found that a local sheriff gifted out army-surplus Humvees and other supplies. This bill would prohibit re-gifting and require recipients to account for all DOD weapons and equipment.

The bill adds requirements to enforce tracking mechanisms that keep up with and control transfers of the equipment, implement policies ensuring that police agencies can’t surplus the equipment for resale, and defines drones more clearly.

Current Original Cosponsors (19): Andre Carson (IN), Danny K. Davis (IL), Diana DeGette (CO), Lloyd Doggett (TX), Dwight Evans (PA), Maxwell Frost (FL), Sylvia Garcia (TX), Robin Kelly (IL), Ro Khanna (CA), Summer Lee (PA), LaMonica McIver (NJ), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Jan Schakowsky (IL), David Scott (GA), Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA), Lateefah Simon (CA), Shri Thanedar (MI), Rashida Tlaib (MI), Frederica Wilson (FL)

Endorsements: American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Amnesty International USA, Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd, Government Information Watch, Japanese American Citizens League, National Advocacy Center of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, National Priorities Project at the Institute for Policy Studies, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, ReThinking Foreign Policy, RootsAction, Stand Up America, World BEYOND War 

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING:

“The Stop Militarizing Law Enforcement Act is a critical step toward ensuring that policing is grounded in accountability, transparency, and bound by the Constitution. Armored vehicles and battlefield weapons are meant to intimidate and escalate conflict and have no place in American streets and communities.” — Nina Patel, ACLU Senior Policy Counsel Justice Division or Nina Patel, Senior Policy Counsel ACLU Justice Division

To read the bill, click HERE. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

WASHINGTON – U.S. Reps. Robin Kelly (IL-02) and Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) led 26 Members of Congress in a letter to major technology and telecom companies, inquiring how they respond, track, and comply with administrative subpoenas from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). As first reported by the Washington Post, administrative subpoenas are not widely known, but are a powerful weapon utilized by DHS to gather personal information on Americans. Under the Trump administration, administrative subpoenas have been used against people attending pro-Palestinian or anti-ICE protests.

“Administrative subpoenas allow federal agencies to demand the disclosure of records without prior judicial approval,” the members wrote in the letter. “Recent incidents demonstrate that DHS has used this authority to identify, surveil, and intimidate individuals based on speech and political expression protected by the First Amendment…These practices undermine public trust in both law enforcement and the private companies entrusted with Americans’ personal data.”

The letter was sent to the CEOs of Apple, Snapchat, Google, Meta, TikTok, Microsoft, X, AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile.

“The companies that receive these subpoenas serve a critical position,” the members continued. “Decisions to comply, challenge, or narrow government demands determine whether constitutional protections are meaningfully upheld. Companies’ decisions whether or not to provide notice to the affected individuals impacts whether they can exercise their free speech rights.”

The American Civil Liberties Union also endorsed the letter.

In addition to Reps. Kelly and Jayapal, these members signed the letter: Eleanor Holmes Norton, Danny K. Davis, Becca Balint, Madeleine Dean, Zoe Lofgren, Seth Moulton, Jesús G. “Chuy” García, Dan Goldman, Debbie Dingell, Emily Randall, Nydia M. Velázquez, Lloyd Doggett, André Carson, Rashida Tlaib, Mary Gay Scanlon, Maxine Dexter, Delia C. Ramirez, Seth Magaziner, Greg Casar, Sara Jacobs, Stephen F. Lynch, Summer L. Lee, Jasmine Crockett, Emanuel Cleaver II, Lauren Underwood, and Jan Schakowsky.

Read the full letter here.

Issues: Foreign Affairs & National Security, Science, Technology, & Antitrust

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

Griffith Celebrates $8.9 Million Manufacturing Expansion in Giles County

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries held a press conference, where he emphasized that Donald Trump and Republicans have lied and failed the American people, spending taxpayer dollars not to make life more affordable for them but to launch endless foreign wars and brutalize or kill everyday Americans. 

LEADER JEFFRIES: Donald Trump and Republicans have once again failed the American people. On the campaign trail, Donald Trump and Republicans promised to lower costs on day one. But failed Republican policies haven’t led to costs going down. Costs have gone up, and the Trump tariffs have increased costs on everyday Americans by thousands of dollars per year. On the campaign trail, Donald Trump and Republicans promised that immigration enforcement would focus on targeting violent criminals who are here illegally. But under Donald Trump, the Department of Homeland Security and ICE are spending taxpayer dollars to brutalize, and in some cases kill, American citizens like Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti. On the campaign trail, Donald Trump and Republicans promised not to get the American people into endless, failed, foreign, forever wars. And yet, Donald Trump has just gotten America into an endless war that he acknowledges and plans to be endless, as was the case earlier today. And we’ve already tragically lost the lives of six American service members because Donald Trump, without justification and without coming to Congress, has gotten America into a Middle Eastern war that we know will not end well based on what we’ve already seen in Afghanistan, in Iraq and, for that matter, in Vietnam as well.

Donald Trump and Republicans have consistently lied to the American people over and over and over again on matters related to both domestic and foreign policy. These extremists have been a complete and total disaster. They have consistently failed the American people. And Democrats are here to offer a better path forward. And our commitment to the American people remains—we’re going to fight to make your life better in every way possible, to drive down the high cost of living, to fix our broken healthcare system, to deliver an immigration enforcement system that’s fair, just and humane, that focuses on violent criminals who are here illegally, not targeting law-abiding immigrant families or killing American citizens. And we are here as Democrats to make sure that we’re spending taxpayer dollars in ways that are designed to improve the quality of life for the American people, not launching another endless war in the Middle East that is destined to cost more American lives and billions, if not trillions, of dollars unless Congress is able to stop Donald Trump in his tracks, which is what it is our intention to do.

Full press conference can be watched here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Levin (CA-49)

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

CHICAGO – On Monday, U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) awarded $1.2 million in Community Project Funding to the Chicago Park District at Griffin Museum of Science and Industry (MSI). The funds will enhance the safety and accessibility of Jackson Park, including the pathways that connect the park to Griffin MSI and the future Obama Foundation Center.

“I’m proud to bring home $1.2 million to Jackson Park so everyone can enjoy this beautiful green space right in the Second District,” said Rep. Kelly. “Whether you are visiting Griffin MSI, the future Obama Foundation Center, or taking a stroll through Jackson Park, these improvements will ensure our community spaces are safe, accessible, and well-lit for all residents.”

“Griffin MSI is proud to call Jackson Park home,” said Chevy Humphrey, President and CEO of Griffin MSI. “We are in the process of transforming our South Portico into an even more welcoming, fully accessible entrance creating a more seamless connection between the museum, Jackson Park and the vibrant South Side communities we serve. The federal funding supporting accessibility improvements in Jackson Park will make a meaningful difference for our neighbors, families and our many visitors for generations to come.”

“The Chicago Park District is honored to accept $1.2 million in federal funding from Rep. Kelly for access and connectivity improvements in Jackson Park. This funding will be used for pathway paving, lighting and wayfinding measures to create a safer, more accessible environment for the public,” said Carolos Ramirez-Rosa, CEO and General Superintendent of the Chicago Park District. “In partnership with Griffin MSI, these enhancements will elevate the experience for park patrons to explore Jackson Park and visit its world-class amenities including the Osaka Garden, Griffin MSI and Obama Presidential Center opening later this year.”, including the pathways that connect the park to Griffin MSI and the future Obama Foundation Center.

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

Administrative subpoenas from Homeland Security are issued without a judge, used to suppress free speech

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02)

WASHINGTON — In a letter to top leaders at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) lauded the recent creation of the position of “Fisherman in Residence” and the appointment of Mainer Dustin Delano to the post. 

Delano, of Friendship, is a fourth-generation lobsterman and leading advocate for Maine’s seafood harvesters. Thanks to his experience, knowledge and the respect of his peers, Delano has held positions on the board of the Maine Lobstermen’s Association and the Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative. He also helped create the New England Fishermen’s Stewardship Association in 2023. 

As Fisherman in Residence, Delano is tasked with strengthening communications between fishermen and NOAA, making federal fishery management processes more accessible and responsive to fishermen, and enhancing decision-making frameworks so they reflect industry realities and support balanced outcomes, among other responsibilities. 

“Mr. Delano is a perfect fit for the position,” Golden wrote in a letter to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere Dr. Neil Jacobs. “[His] exemplary record as a fisherman and advocate for the marine resources economy speaks for itself. I applaud NOAA for identifying the need for a real harvester, not another bureaucrat, to have a seat at the table and to provide input and clarity on fisheries issues.”

Golden, a member of the House Natural Resources Committee (HNRC), voiced his support for the Fisherman in Residence as other Democrats on the committee launched unfair attacks against Delano. HNRC Ranking Member Jared Huffman (CA-02) and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Maxine Dexter (OR-03) questioned Delano’s fitness for the position in a letter earlier this week. They insinuated he had “conflicts of interest” because of his fishing experience and advocacy for Maine harvesters — even though that experience was the very reason he was appointed to the post.

Huffman and Dexter “seem to believe that the only place for people with real-world harvesting experience is at the receiving end of government regulations, not in the rooms where those decisions are made,” Golden wrote. He noted that Delano is a contractor under the Intergovernmental Personnel Act, a law designed to allow people with relevant experience outside of government to bring their expertise to bear in temporary posts.

“Good policy and regulations must not be created in a vacuum, and those who are being regulated must have a real voice in the process,” Golden said. “I am confident the creation of the Fisherman in Residence will give voice to harvesters, and I applaud NOAA for taking this proactive step to bring fishermen into the fold.”

Click here to view Golden’s full letter. 

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