Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mark Amodei (NV-02)

Washington, D.C. – Representatives Mark Amodei (NV-02) and Susie Lee (NV-03) reintroduced H.R. 1400, the Presumption for Radiation or Toxin Exposure Coverage for Troops Act (PROTECT Act). 

This legislation would ensure comprehensive medical care to veterans exposed to radiation and other toxins at the Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR) by establishing a presumption of exposure to radiation and toxins at NTTR between the years of 1972 and 2005.

“Veterans, who made such selfless sacrifices for our nation, should not have to move mountains to prove they are suffering as a result of their service,” said Rep. Mark Amodei. “Yet, hundreds of veterans who were stationed at the NTTR during that time frame have been denied the benefits they rightfully earned because exposure to toxic chemicals is microscopic, often referred to as the invisible enemy. I will continue to amplify the indisputable access to care our veterans deserve throughout their post-service lives.”

“Our men and women in uniform make countless sacrifices to keep our nation safe, so it’s our duty to ensure that we take care of them and protect them from invisible enemies like toxic radiation exposure,” said Congresswoman Susie Lee. “I helped pass the bipartisan PACT Act to do just that, and I’m continuing that work to get these veterans the long overdue care they deserve. This legislation will help save lives and bring justice to thousands of veterans who proudly served in Nevada.”

I am very excited to see this next step in The Invisible Enemy’s fight to bring the benefits to an amazing group of veterans and DoD employees and contractors,” said Dave Crete, Chairman of The Invisible Enemy Non-profit. “We are grateful for Congressman Amodei’s willingness to be our champion in Congress to right a wrong that has been ignored far too long.”

Read the bill text here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mark Amodei (NV-02)

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Mark Amodei issued the following statement following his reintroduction of H. Res. 152, reaffirming the deep and steadfast United States-Canada partnership and the ties that bind the two countries in support of economic and national security:

“In a world increasingly marked by global tensions and uncertainty, it is invaluable to have strong and dependable friends in every corner of the globe, especially along our border,” said Congressman Mark Amodei. “Nevada’s 2nd congressional district exports more than $1.4 billion in goods and $75 million in services to Canada annually, bolstering our supply chains and enhancing our competitive edge. We are united by our shared interests in securing our borders, delivering economic prosperity, and preserving democratic values. As the co-chair of the bipartisan American-Canadian Economy and Security Caucus (ACES), I’m proud to have reintroduced this resolution to reinforce our mutually beneficial commitment to each other’s safety and success.”

“The United States has no more reliable ally or steadier friend than Canada” said the Ambassador of Canada to the United States, Kirsten Hillman. “This Resolution highlights that no two nations benefit more from each other than the U.S. and Canada. With nearly $1 trillion in goods and services crossing our shared border every year, trade with Canada plays an important role in U.S. economic security and supports millions of American jobs. We are steadfast in our commitment to enhancing continental security, maintaining a secure border, supporting U.S. energy dominance, and uniting against the threat of foreign adversaries. I would like to thank ACES Co-Chairs, Representatives Mark Amodei, Lizzie Fletcher, Marc Veasey, and Buddy Carter, other co-sponsors, and all members of the ACES Caucus for their dedication to reinforcing the Canada-U.S. relationship.”

“The U.S.-Canada Alliance has long been one of America’s most important friendships. The ties between our nations are deep, with over 8,600 Canadian companies doing business in the Dallas-Fort Worth area alone” said Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33). “This partnership is vital, contributing to a staggering $40.3 billion in goods and services trade just between DFW and Canada alone. But beyond the numbers, our collaboration in energy, security, and countless other sectors strengthens both our economies and our shared values. As a proud representative of the Dallas-Fort Worth community, I am honored to continue working toward expanding and deepening this crucial friendship with Canada. Together, we are not just neighbors, but partners in prosperity and peace.”

“For more than a century, the United States and Canada have maintained a close partnership built on a foundation of shared democratic values,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-7). “I was glad to introduce this bipartisan resolution with Congressman Amodei, Congressman Veasey, and Congressman Buddy Carter to highlight the significance of the U.S.-Canada relationship to our economy and our national security. As close trade partners and allies, I look forward to continuing to advance policies to support and strengthen this important relationship.”

Key Facts:

• Supports expanding energy infrastructure across the U.S.-Canada border and reaffirms commitments to shared climate and environmental goals.
• Supports defense capabilities and preparedness in times of crisis.
• Supports continued collaboration to secure borders, strengthen supply chains, and promote global security.

Read the resolution here.
 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mark Amodei (NV-02)

Washington, D.C. – Rep. Mark Amodei released the following statement in response to voting in favor of the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025, a clean continuing resolution to extend government funding through September 30, 2025.

“A fundamental duty of Congress is to ensure the federal government remains open and operational,” said Rep. Mark Amodei. “Further, taking this step allows us to deliver on our commitment to strengthening our nation’s security and continue support for the men and women in uniform who dedicate their careers to doing so. In our current landscape, a clean, long-term continuing resolution is necessary to preserve the continuity of critical services and programs while avoiding unnecessary increases in taxpayer spending. While it’s not the ideal solution, this legislation, free of hidden agendas, allows Congress to focus on working with the President in implementing his agenda and restoring fiscal discipline to our nation. It’s time to move forward and show that the federal government can function efficiently, effectively, and in service of the public’s best interests.

“Moving forward, the Appropriations Committee will continue to do our work at breakneck pace as we expect funding deliberations to begin in short order on Fiscal Year 2026, while concurrently considering Reconciliation in the next 120 days. This mechanism will allow for robust investment in our nation’s border security and defense, while extending the tax cuts for middle class America first enacted by Congress under President Trump in 2017.

“As Chair of the Appropriations Homeland Security Subcommittee, I anticipate the nation’s fifth largest department budget to grow substantially in an effort to deliver on our mandate to combat illegal immigration and drug trafficking. Rest assured, I will take the responsibility of managing this increase in homeland resources seriously.

“It will be a busy spring, no doubt, and we are ready to continue the important work we were sent here to do.”

Background

Government funding is currently set to expire on March 14^th, this continuing resolution extends federal funding at current discretionary spending levels through September 30^th, 2025. This legislation reduces overall spending for FY25 below FY24 levels. It also includes anomalies requested by the Trump Administration which total $6 billion in defense investments and $13 billion in non-defense savings.

Topline Investments

• $1.6 billion to support a pay raise for junior enlisted service members.
• $2.5 billion to support the completion of 28 Navy ships.
• $3.3 billion in full funding and $6.2 billion in advance procurement to fund Columbia Class submarines.
• $6 billion in mandatory funding in the Toxic Exposure Fund to fully meet veterans’ health care needs.
• $7.6 billion for the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children.
• $425 million for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program to deliver food packages to low-income senior. 

Homeland Security Investments

• $485 million to address shortfalls related to immigration detention beds and transportation and removal costs for deportation operations.
• $450 million to prevent long wait times at Transportation Security Administration checkpoints.
• $360.5 million for military pay for service members and for the crewing, operations, and maintenance of new cutters.
• $2.25 billion for response, recovery, and mitigation activities related to Presidentially declared major disasters, including costs related to the L.A. wildfires and Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Topline Savings

• Rescinds over $20 billion provided to the Internal Revenue Service under the Inflation Reduction Act.
• Rescinds nearly $10 billion from the department of Commerce’s Nonrecurring Expenses Fund provided through the Federal Railroad Administration.

Extension of Programs

• National Flood Insurance Program, which provides flood insurance to property owners, renters, and businesses, and works with communities to adopt and enforce floodplain management regulations.
• DHS Counter Unmanned Systems Extension, which enhances the department’s ability to operate counter-drone technology.
• Community Health Centers and other public health programs.
• Medicare add-on payments for ambulances, certain low-volume and Medicare-dependent hospitals, and rural providers.
• Medicare telehealth flexibilities.
• Delay of scheduled Obamacare cuts to Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospitals (DSH).
• DEA scheduling authority for fentanyl-related substances.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mark Amodei (NV-02)

Washington, D.C. – Rep. Mark Amodei issued the following statement after voting in favor of H. Con. Res. 14, a budget resolution which lays the groundwork for the Budget Committee to pass one bill that delivers on the President’s full agenda. 

“The biggest threat standing in the way of American prosperity is ourselves. Our national debt has surpassed $36 trillion, an unsustainable path that is sabotaging the future of our nation for generations to come,” said Rep. Mark Amodei. “A huge contributor to that debt was the result of the last administration’s spending spree of taxpayer dollars to implement an agenda that failed to serve the American people.

“The House passed a comprehensive blueprint that prioritizes identifying areas to invest and areas to save. The blueprint outlines that we will invest in our safety and independence by prioritizing border security, national defense, and domestic energy production. It also outlines that we will identify any opportunities for savings, and the obvious first step is rooting out any abuses of taxpayer dollars in the federal government and rolling back burdensome Biden-era policies.

“While some have used their time distorting the truth about this resolution, Republicans have prioritized designing the playbook to put our country back on track. 

“This resolution lays the groundwork for putting more money in the pockets of everyday Americans by establishing a responsible, common-sense financial plan. It is an opportunity for us to restore our dominance on the world stage, make the federal government more efficient for all Americans, and ensure the long-term stability of our democracy.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mark Amodei (NV-02)

Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Mark Amodei issued the following statement following the reintroduction of the Northern Nevada Economic Development and Conservation Act, which will allow for the conveyance and disposal of federal lands in Douglas County, Pershing County, Carson City, Elko County, the City of Fernley, the City of Sparks, and the Incline Village General Improvement District (IVIGD) for public purposes and economic development. It also designates approximately 148,000 acres of wilderness in Pershing and Douglas Counties. 

Additionally, Rep. Mark Amodei also introduced the Ruby Mountains Protection Act, which would remove the possibility of oil and gas leasing in over 300,000 acres of the Ruby Mountains of eastern Nevada.

“The Northern Nevada Economic Development and Conservation Act showcases the continuous effort to unlocking the potential of Nevada—whether that is creating space for more homes to tackle the rising cost of living, driving economic growth, or expanding recreational areas where residents can enjoy our state’s natural beauty,” said Rep. Mark Amodei.

“I’m thankful to all the local stakeholders, community members, and tribal leaders, who know these lands best, for working diligently with me in this process to ensure their voices are heard in how we manage these lands. While pushing forward a comprehensive land package that balances development with conservation has been an uphill battle no doubt, I’m confident and determined that we’ll secure a win for Nevada in this Congress.”

Background

The previous iteration of this bill was introduced in the 117^th and 118^th Congresses. It received a markup in November 2024, and was favorably reported out of the House Natural Resources Committee. The reintroduction of this bill restores the wilderness and conservation provisions of Douglas and Pershing counties, which are supported locally and by the elected county commissions.

Douglas County:

• Transfers approximately 67 acres to the State of Nevada to be used for state parks.
• Conveys approximately 7,777 acres to Douglas County for flood management and public purposes.
• Allows for public sale of up to 60 acres within 1 year of enactment and facilitates long-term joint selection of land through the BLM planning process between Douglas County and the Secretary.
• Allows no more 10,000 acres of land identified in the existing Carson City RMP to be sold.
• Directs special use permits for 188 acres for critical flood protection and water infrastructure sites.
• Conveys approximately 1,084 acres to Douglas County to be used for open space.

Incline Village:

• Conveys 2 parcels totaling approximately 14 acres to the Incline Village General Improvement District (IVGID) for public uses.

Truckee River Flood Management:

• Conveys 4 parcels totaling approximately 534 acres to the Truckee River Flood Management Authority (TRFMA) for flood attenuation, riparian restoration, and protection.

Jean Prison:

• Transfers the reversionary interest of the Jean Prison site, approx. 480 acres, which will allow for the land to be repurposed for economic development.

Carson City:

• Conveys approximately 211 acres of BLM land to Carson City for public purposes, flood management, and economic development.
• Removes reversionary interests on 3 parcels already held by Carson City to allow for economic development.
• Allows for disposal of approximately 17.45 acres of Carson City land for future residential development.
• Conveys approximately 0.45 acres of USFS land to Carson City to be used for a roundabout connecting South Stewart Street and South Curry Street.

Pershing County:

• Establishes the Checkerboard Resolution Area in Pershing County and authorizes the sale or exchange of lands previously identified for disposal by the BLM in a streamlined manner. This encompasses approximately 356,100 acres of land to be exchanged at a 1:1 ratio.
• Authorizes the sale of the surface estate to an owner of a mining claim, a mill site, or a tunnel site that exists in the Checkerboard Resolution Area on the date of enactment for fair market value.
• This bill previously passed through the House of Representatives by unanimous consent in the 115^th Congress.

Elko County and City of Elko:

• Transfers approx. 644 acres to the City of Elko for housing development. The lands surround existing housing subdivision, and will help alleviate the housing shortage in Elko.
• Transfers approx. 3,500 acres to Elko County for housing development, expansion of lands surrounding the town of Jackpot, and expansion of a shooting range.

City of Fernley:

• Conveys approximately 12,085 acres of federal land, for fair market value, to the City of Fernley for economic development.

City of Sparks:

• Conveys approximately 40 acres to the City of Sparks to be used for a cemetery.
• Conveys approximately 714 acres to the City of Sparks to be used for public parks.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)

Washington, DC – Representatives Rep. Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee; Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee; Gerald E. Connolly (D-Va.), Ranking Member of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform; and Jim Himes (D-Conn.), Ranking Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence sent a letter to President Trump’s National Security team demanding answers to questions stemming from a report in The Atlantic that asserts the team texted sensitive and potentially classified information, including plans for the United States’ military action against Houthi targets on March 15th two hours before the operation, over an unclassified messaging app.
 
In the letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Director of National Security Tulsi Gabbard, and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, the Ranking Members wrote: “We are deeply troubled by the report in The Atlantic that you and other Trump Administration officials conferred about highly sensitive national security matters, including ‘precise information about weapons packages, targets, and timing’ concerning pending military actions against the Houthis, via the open-source Signal messaging service. We are especially concerned that the reported deliberations may have constituted a security breach…These actions could have compromised the operational security of, and by implication the safety of the service members involved in, the related military activities.”
 
The Ranking Members called for answers to multiple questions, including whether the information from the March 15th action was disclosed as reported and, if so, by whom. The Members asked whether any information shared could have compromised the operational security or capabilities of the U.S. armed forces or those of a U.S. ally or partner. The Members further asked what measures have been taken to ensure any disclosures are preserved, in accordance with federal law, and what steps have been taken to ensure such a breach “will not occur again.”
 
A copy of the letter can be found here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representatives Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY), Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee; Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee; Jim Himes (D-Conn.), Ranking Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence; and Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ranking Member (D-Ill.) of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party issued the following statement in response to President Trump’s repeated annexation threats and the risk that poses to U.S. national security.

“President Trump’s ongoing threats to annex Greenland, the Panama Canal, and Canada present profound dangers to U.S. national security. The President’s tilt toward authoritarian rhetoric and policy undermines the rules-based order that the international community has spent decades building since World War II and that has benefited U.S. security and economic prosperity.

“The President of the United States has adopted a blatant ‘might makes right’ view in which anyone, anywhere is simply there for the taking. This sends a horrible message to Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping, condoning their disregard for the rules-based order. President Trump is pushing our country into territory that threatens to leave us alone to face other challenges we cannot overcome on our own.

“We urge all Members of Congress, especially our Republican colleagues, to reject these irresponsible threats against allies and partners as dangerous and unprincipled attacks on the international system and our own national security.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Grace Meng (6th District of New York)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies, today issued the following statement on the March 14 executive order to shut down the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA).

“Since the agency’s founding under President Nixon and strengthening under President Reagan, the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) has been a lifeline for thousands of American entrepreneurs who are building businesses, creating jobs, and strengthening our communities. With relatively modest annual funding, every year the MBDA helps American businesses secure billions in contracts and financing and support tens of thousands of jobs. This isn’t government waste – it’s a smart down payment on economic opportunity and American competitiveness, with a fantastic return on investment.

 In recognition of MBDA’s decades of success as an engine of opportunity, Congress permanently authorized MBDA in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and appropriated $68,250,000 for the agency for fiscal year 2025, which was signed into law by President Trump just last Saturday. This contradicted an action he took one day earlier: when urged on by Elon Musk, President Trump signed an executive order to unlawfully shut down MBDA’s services for small businesses. The executive order isn’t just illegal – it’s an attack by billionaires on vital programs that power the American dream for business owners and workers in every state. I expect President Trump and his Administration to abide by and implement the funding for MBDA that he approved and signed into law last Saturday.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Grace Meng (6th District of New York)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens), a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on National Security, State Department, and Other Related Programs, announced that she sent a bipartisan letter urging the President to nominate a qualified Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism.

The Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism is a Senate-confirmed State Department position dedicated to advancing US foreign policy on antisemitism. The Special Envoy’s work is critical to countering antisemitism around the world. Antisemitism has been on the rise for years. However, Jewish communities worldwide have experienced a significant increase in antisemitism following Hamas’s October 7 terrorist attack against Israel. In synagogues, schools, sporting venues, and daily life, Jewish people have increasingly faced exclusion, demonization, and physical threats, including fire-bombings and even premeditated pogroms.

In the letter, the members wrote, “The United States must continue sending a strong message that antisemitism has no place in our world—and that those who engage in illegal antisemitic conduct must be held accountable. Since the first appointment of a Special Envoy in 2006, all have received strong, bipartisan support through both Republican and Democratic administrations. We urge you to nominate a qualified Special Envoy as soon as possible to maintain U.S. leadership in this fight.”

Thanks to the Office of the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism, the United States has a dedicated entity within the State Department to counter this hate. Under the Biden Administration, the office developed initiatives like the Global Guidelines for Countering Antisemitism – a set of principles that provide a roadmap for responsiveness and accountability. 42 countries and international bodies have already signed on to the guidelines to date. 

The letter was led by Rep. Meng, a co-chair of the House Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism, with eight House Democrats and Republicans co-chairs including Don Bacon (R-NE), Dan Goldman (D-NY), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Ted Lieu (D-CA), Randy Weber (R-TX) Marc Veasey (D-TX), Haley Stevens (D-MI), and Rep. Dan Meuser (R-PA). In total, 62 members from both parties joined the letter.

It is supported by the American Jewish Committee, Anti-Defamation League, Orthodox Union, National Council of Jewish Women, Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Agudah Israel, B’nai B’rith International, National Council Supporting Eurasian Jewry, Union for Reform Judaism, and Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations.

In January, Meng introduced a bipartisan resolution on International Holocaust Remembrance Day commemorating 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz and recommitting to combatting all forms of antisemitism.  

A copy of the letter can be viewed here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Grace Meng (6th District of New York)

Congresswoman’s district includes Social Security facilities in Rego Park and Flushing