Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adam Smith (9th District of Washington)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Smith (D-Wash.) released the following statement:

“Last night, President Trump addressed a joint session of Congress. As Commander-in-Chief, he could have used this forum to bring the country together during a time of economic distress. Instead, he used his speech to mislead the American people and lie about critical issues. The American people deserve better from their President. 

“Families across our nation are struggling with high grocery prices, unaffordable housing, and expensive health care costs. Instead of addressing these problems, Trump has used his platform to reduce assistance for veterans, cut off cancer research, and cancel school meals for kids. He has spent the first 43 days in office cutting blank checks to the richest 1 percent, while leaving Middle-America to foot the bill. 

“The President’s priorities, from the economy to national security, are clearly wrong. At Trump’s urging, Elon Musk is blindly firing thousands of essential federal employees that keep our skies safe, safeguard our nuclear weapons, and keep our communities healthy from foreign viruses. Trump has also used the last 43 days alienate all of our friends in the world and make concession after concession to Putin. Trump’s efforts appear to be focused on weakening our federal government so he, Elon Musk, and their billionaire supporters can have great unchecked power.

“I urge my constituents who are concerned about Trump’s actions to remain engaged. Prioritize the issues that concern you most and devote your energy to addressing those issues. Our democracy thrives when people are present and informed. I am committed to standing with my constituents against policies that undermine our democracy, erode civil liberties, and favor the wealthy at the expense of working families.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adam Smith (9th District of Washington)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Smith (D – Wash.) released the following statement regarding the passage of the Continuing Resolution by House Republicans:
 
“We need to pass a full-year budget that funds health care for veterans, education for our kids, and affordable housing for our communities. However, instead of passing a full-year funding bill that meets critical needs in communities across America, House Republicans offered a Continuing Resolution (CR) on the House floor that effectively guts services for working- and middle-class families to fund military projects and gives a blank check to Donald Trump and Elon Musk.
 
“This poorly crafted bill would also hand vast discretion over spending decisions to President Trump and tech CEO Elon Musk to cut programs and redirect funding as they see fit. All of the thousands of pages of funding guardrails have been erased in favor of a 90-page bill that lacks congressional direction and clarity. The broadness of the language in the CR will give a blank check to Donald Trump and Elon Musk to continue their agenda to empower billionaires at the expense of the working- and middle-classes. Among the critical services that this CR cuts are health care access for veterans, rent subsidies that assist 32,000 families, and key infrastructure projects.
 
“We need to pass a budget that addresses high health care costs, unaffordable housing, and other critical needs in American communities. The CR offers no solutions to those challenges, threatens to exacerbate a growing divide between the wealthiest one percent and the working class, and hands vast amounts of power to Trump and Musk. I voted no.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adam Smith (9th District of Washington)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Smith (D-Wash.) released the following statement:
 
“Trump is creating mass confusion with his constantly changing, on-again, off-again tariff policies. There are new announcements every day about what is included and excluded from these tariffs, making it difficult for businesses and consumers to plan ahead.

“In rapid succession over the past few days, he has announced tariffs, declared potential forthcoming tariffs on all agricultural imports, rolled back tariffs for the auto industry, exempted goods from Mexico that fall under USMCA, and exempted goods from Canada that fall under USMCA. These haphazard announcements create chaos, confusion, and uncertainty. 

“Tariffs can be a strategic tool, but Trump’s approach makes it clear he is simply using tariffs as a political stunt without any clear plan for how to use them effectively and actually confront the issues everyday Americans are facing. We need the President to adopt sensible, steadfast economic and trade policies that strengthen the American economy and help American workers. Trump’s current behavior only recklessly endangers our economy and undermines our relationship with our trade partners.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adam Smith (9th District of Washington)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Smith (D-Wash.) released the following statement regarding the Egyptian Gaza reconstruction plan and the Trump Administration’s response: 
 
“Last week, Arab leaders endorsed an Egyptian-led plan for reconstruction of the Gaza Strip. The $53 billion plan for reconstruction would take place over five years and covered issues including immediate crisis repair, the construction of permanent housing and infrastructure, and plans to stimulate future economic growth.  

“There’s much more work that needs to be done before this plan could become a reality, as it fails to address details over the governance of Gaza and security arrangements for the region. However, despite its flaws, this proposal was a much-needed step forward for negotiations necessary to uphold the ceasefire and bring us closer to the ultimate goal of a two-state solution.  

“It is critical that the Trump Administration and the Israeli government take this starting point seriously and offer constructive feedback to continue the dialogue. We must be clear-eyed that Trump’s A.I.-fever-dream of a “Gaza Riviera” is an unacceptable option. Trump’s proposal would only result in the forcible displacement of over 2 million Palestinians and further destabilization of the region.  

“We must have a path forward that can lead to both legitimate Palestinian self-governance and security for Israel. The Egyptian plan for Gaza reconstruction is a starting point for how we can build a sustainable peace and must be taken seriously by Israel and the Trump Administration.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Donald Norcross (1st District of New Jersey)

President Trump’s speech neglects to address lowering costs, instead plans on cutting Americans’ healthcare and prescription drug benefits.

WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Representative Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Co-Chair of the Congressional Labor Caucus and member of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Education and Workforce Committee, released the following statement on President Trump’s joint address to Congress:

“Tonight, President Trump confirmed what we already know: Trump does not care about lowering prices for American families. Since taking office, Trump has launched an all-out attack on American workers, our allies abroad, and our democratic system of checks and balances. Planning to take away Medicaid, Medicare, and prescription drug benefits from seniors and children. 

“As prices continue to rise for hard-working families, Trump offered no solutions for Americans who continue to struggle. I co-founded the Congressional Labor Caucus to make sure workers have a voice in Washington. Trump’s anti-worker agenda makes it clear who he stands with, billionaires and big corporations, not the men and women who build our country.

“I will fight back against Trump’s disastrous plans that are hurting South Jersey families. In Congress, I will continue to advance policies that prioritize lower costs, good jobs, affordable quality education, healthcare, and security in our nation. While we may disagree on policies we should never disagree on the cornerstones of our democracy.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Donald Norcross (1st District of New Jersey)

WASHINGTON, DC– Today, U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (D-NJ) joined congressional leaders, labor leaders, and workers to introduce the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act. Rep. Norcross, a co-founder of the Congressional Labor Caucus, is a union electrician by trade, a former union organizer, and was president of an AFL-CIO regional labor council for nearly two decades. 

“I know how important it is to give workers a voice and protect them from unfair labor practices because I lived it,” said Congressman Norcross. “At its core, the PRO Act carries Rich’s legacy forward by promoting worker solidarity, giving hardworking women and men a voice in their workplace, and holding accountable corporate bosses who violate workers’ rights. I first met Rich back in the 80s at a union hall in Cherry Hill, where he was collecting donations to support striking coal miners.  The PRO Act strengthens union protections, and I can think of no better person to name this critical piece of legislation after than Rich.” 

The PRO Act increases protections for workers engaging in union or other collective bargaining activities, expanding unfair labor practices to prohibitions on the replacement of, or discrimination against, workers who participate in strikes. The bill also makes it an unfair labor practice to require or coerce employees to attend employer meetings designed to discourage union membership. 

The PRO Act protects the basic right to join a union by: 

1. Holding employers accountable for violating workers’ rights by authorizing meaningful penalties, facilitating initial collective bargaining agreements, and closing loopholes that allow employers to misclassify their employees as supervisors and independent contractors. 
2. Empowering workers to exercise their right to organize by strengthening support for workers who suffer retaliation for exercising their rights, protecting workers’ right to support secondary boycotts, ensuring workers can collect “fair share” fees, and authorizing a private right of action for violation of workers’ rights. 
3. Securing free, fair, and safe union elections by preventing employers from interfering in union elections, prohibiting captive audience meetings, and requiring employers to be transparent with their workers. 

For a fact sheet on the PRO Act, click here. 

For a section-by-section of the PRO Act, click here. 

For the bill text of the PRO Act, click here. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Donald Norcross (1st District of New Jersey)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representatives Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Jim Costa (CA-21), and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) introduced the Seizure Awareness and Preparedness Act to create a grant program to support students who have epilepsy or a seizure disorder. Based on a New Jersey law, the Seizure Awareness and Preparedness Act would authorize funding to ensure all students nationwide are surrounded by trained and prepared individuals in the event of a seizure. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

“I’m honored to introduce the Seizure Awareness and Preparedness Act to build on the progress we’ve made in New Jersey with Paul’s Law and ensure school staff members across the nation are prepared if a student has a seizure in the classroom,” said Congressman Norcross, Member of the House Committee on Education and Workforce. “We know that about 470,000 children and teenagers live with epilepsy in the United States, and all our schools must know how to keep them safe.”

“This legislation is crucial for creating a safer school environment for children with epilepsy and seizure disorders. By funding response training, we ensure school staff are prepared to act, providing every child the support they need to succeed,” said Congressman Costa.

“Medical emergencies like seizures demand immediate action from school personnel to ensure the safety of all individuals,” said Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1). “Our primary duty is to protect our children, and the Seizure Awareness and Preparedness Act is key to fostering safer learning environments and providing families with much-needed peace of mind. I am championing this bipartisan effort to ensure that no child facing a medical crisis is left without the care they need.”

“Nearly half of America has followed in New Jersey’s footsteps and passed legislation to create safer environments for children with epilepsy,” said Senator Booker. “It’s now time we take action at the federal level, which is why I’m pleased to stand alongside my colleagues in the New Jersey delegation to reintroduce the Seizure Awareness and Preparedness Act. This legislation will equip our schools with the resources they need so school personnel are trained and prepared in the event that someone has a seizure.” 

In 2020, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed “Paul’s Law” into law, the first-of-its-kind in New Jersey named in honor of Paul St. Pierre, a New Jersey teenager with epilepsy. The legislation authorized the development of individualized health care plans for students with seizure disorders or epilepsy and mandates that school personnel are trained on how to care for students with such conditions.

About half of the states in the country have passed similar legislation to mandate or encourage seizure recognition and first aid training of school personnel, as well as other provisions to help ensure students with epilepsy are safe and supported in the school environment. The Seizure Awareness and Preparedness Act would continue this momentum by authorizing funding to help ensure all students nationwide are surrounded by trained and prepared individuals, including:

• Training of school personnel to administer or assist with the administration of seizure medications.

• Training and education of students on seizure awareness and preparedness.

• Recruiting, hiring, and retaining compliance staff who are responsible for ensuring that all training and program requirements related to seizure awareness, preparedness, and management are consistently met.

To read the full text of the bill, click here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Donald Norcross (1st District of New Jersey)

WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Congressman Donald Norcross (D-NJ) released a statement on the House Republican government funding package vote. 

“House Republicans just voted to target Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, cutting the programs Americans across the country rely on. Taking care of our seniors and veterans is not wasteful, it is our duty.  

“This vote is only the beginning. Now, House Republicans are turning their full attention to gutting Social Security, the very program seniors rely on. For our seniors, Social Security is a hard-earned benefit.  

“While housing, groceries, and healthcare costs are increasing, this vote makes it clear that House Republicans are focused on taking programs away that help our veterans and seniors. That’s why today I stood up for the people of South Jersey and voted no on this legislation.” 

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Donald Norcross (1st District of New Jersey)

WASHINGTON, DC—On Friday, Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) met with Emine Emanet and her family after she was released on a $7,500 bond from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody.   

“It was great to see Emine reunited with her family,” said Congressman Norcross. “The Emanet family’s story is a clear example of why we need real immigration reform that will make a legal pathway to citizenship. While their legal battle is far from over, my office will continue to work with the family throughout the process.” 

Emine and Celal Emanet, local restaurant owners and constituents of Congressman Norcross, were detained by ICE last month. While Celal Emanet was released from custody with an ankle monitor shortly after he was detained, his wife wasn’t released until Wednesday.   

Many community members have reached out to Congressman Norcross’ office to share stories about how the family and business have positively impacted the community. The family is known for giving away food for free to those in need.  

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

WASHINGTON – U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ranking Member of the Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement Subcommittee, Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, and Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Ranking Member of the Constitution and Limited Government Subcommittee are leading 103 Members of Congress in demanding answers from Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Department of State Secretary Marco Rubio regarding the detention of Mahmoud Khalil and the stripping of his Green Card.

Khalil, a lawful permanent resident of the United States, was arrested and detained, and the administration has attempted to revoke his Green Card under an obscure statute in the Immigration and Nationality Act. 

“The Administration does not allege that Mr. Khalil has committed any crime nor that he has ever been charged with a crime,” wrote the Members. “And the Administration has failed to provide any explanation of what deleterious foreign policy consequences Mr. Khalil has caused by exercising his free speech rights. […] This maneuver evokes the Alien and Sedition Acts and McCarthyism. It is the playbook of authoritarians, not of elected officials in a democratic society who claim to be champions of free speech.”

This arrest comes as Trump has said Khalil’s attempted removal would be “first of many,” with dozens of universities and colleges across the country having received threats from the Department of Education if they protect non-citizen students who have engaged in protest.

“While there may be disagreement with Mr. Khalil’s speech, it is his Constitutional right in our democracy to express his political views. That is why every American should be outraged by this brazen attempt to use the power of the United States government to silence and punish people who do not agree with the sitting President,” continued the Members. 

Judge Jesse Furman issued an order temporarily preventing the government from removing Mr. Khalil while he considers the legality of the arrest and detention. 

The Members are requesting a response from Noem and Rubio by March 27th, 2025.

The letter was signed by Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Becca Balint (VT-At Large), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Ami Bera (CA-06), Donald S. Beyer, Jr. (VA-08), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), André Carson (IN-07), Troy Carter (LA-02), Greg Casar (TX-35), Sean Casten (IL-06), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Judy Chu (CA-28), Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Herbert Conaway (NJ-03), Gerald Connolly (VA-11), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Danny K. Davis (IL) (IL-07), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Diana DeGette (CO-01), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Valerie Foushee (NC-04), Laura Friedman (CA-30), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), John Garamendi (CA-08), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Sylvia R. Garcia (TX) (TX-29), Al Green (TX-09), Raúl M. Grijalva (AZ-07), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Jim Himes (CT-04), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Julie Johnson (TX-32), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (GA-04), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), William Keating (MA-09), Ro Khanna (CA-17), John Larson (CT-01), Summer Lee (PA-12), Summer Lee (PA-12), Sam Liccardo (CA-16), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Sarah McBride (DE-At Large), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Morgan McGarvey (KY-03), James P. McGovern (MA-02), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Dave Min (CA-47), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Kelly Morrison (MN-03), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Nancy Pelosi (CA-11), Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Stacey Plaskett (VI), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Nellie Pou (NJ-09), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Emily Randall (WA-06), Deborah Ross (NC-02), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Linda Sánchez (CA-38), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Adam Smith (WA-09), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Mark Takano (CA-39), Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02), Mike Thompson (CA-04), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07), Maxine Waters (CA-43), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), and Nikema Williams (GA-05).

The letter was endorsed by 18 Million Rising; A New Policy; Action Corps; Adalah Justice Project; Alliance of Baptists; America’s Voice; American Civil Liberties Union; American Friends of Combatants for Peace; American Friends Service Committee; American Humanist Association; American Immigration Council; American Immigration Lawyers Association; American Muslims for Palestine (AMP); Americans for Justice in Palestine Action (AJP Action); Amnesty International USA; Arab American Institute (AAI); Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund; Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC; Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote (APIAVote); Bend the Arc: Jewish Action; CASA; Center for Constitutional Rights; Center for Human Rights and Constitutional Law; Center for Jewish Nonviolence; Center for Victims of Torture; Christians for a Free Palestine; Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA); CODEPINK; Communities United for Status & Protection (CUSP); Comunidad Maya Pixan Ixim; Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR); DAWN; Defending Rights & Dissent; Detention Watch Network; Emgage Action; Franciscan Action Network ; Freedom Forward; Friends Committee on National Legislation; Friends of Sabeel North America (FOSNA); Hindus for Human Rights; Human Rights First; IfNotNow Movement; IMEU Policy Project; Immigrant Defense Project; Immigrant Justice Network ; Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC); Immigration Equality; Indivisible; International Civil Society Action Network (ICAN); International Refugee Assistance Project; J Street; Jewish Voice for Peace Action; Justice Democrats; MADRE; MoveOn; MPower Change Action Fund; Muslim Advocates; Muslim Legal Fund of America; Muslims for Just Futures; National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum; National Immigrant Justice Center; National Immigration Law Center; National Immigration Project; National Iranian American Council; NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice; New Israel Fund; New Jewish Narrative; Nonviolent Peaceforce; P Street; Partners for Progressive Israel; Pax Christi Young Adult Caucus; Peace Action; Prayers for Peace Alliance; Presente.org; Project South; Rabbis for Ceasefire; ReThinking Foreign Policy; Right to the City Alliance; Rising Majority; RootsAction.org; Sisters of Mercy of the Americas – Justice Team; Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC); Sunrise Movement; T’ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights; The Nexus Project; The Southern Poverty Law Center; Unitarian Universalist Association; United Church of Christ; United Methodists for Kairos Response (UMKR); United We Dream Network; US Campaign for Palestinian Rights Action; USAHello; Win Without War; Yemen Relief and Reconstruction Foundation ; Arlington For Palestine; Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Atlanta; Asian Americans Advancing Justice | Chicago; Borderlands for Equity; CAIR- Philadelphia; CAIR-WA; Dignidad/The Right to Immigration Institute; Elmahaba Center; Estrella del Paso; Immigrant Defenders Law Center (ImmDef); Jews For Racial & Economic Justice; Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition; Mennonite Action Philadelphia; Miami Valley Immigration Coalition; New York Immigration Coalition; North Carolina Muslim Bar Association; OneAmerica; Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans – PANA; Pax Christi New Jersey ; Peace Action Montgomery; Prayers for Peace Alliance; Saratoga Black Lives Matter; Showing Up For Racial Justice Bay Area; SURJ Northern Virginia; West Philadelphia Mennonite Fellowship; Wind of the Spirit Immigrant Resource Center; Woori Juntos.

The full letter can be read here.

Issues: Civil Rights, Immigration