Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mark Pocan (2nd District of Wisconsin)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Representative Mark Pocan (WI-02) announced that he will host a town hall in Belmont, Wisconsin on Saturday, March 8, at 11:00 am. Today, he formally invited Congressman Derrick Van Orden (WI-03) who represents the district immediately to the west of Lafayette County. Pocan invited constituents from both his district and the 3rd to hear their concerns about what is happening in Washington. 

“I just wanted to invite Derrick Van Orden to participate in this town hall, given he only lives an hour away and it’s just on the border of his district. From what I understand, he may have never had an open public town hall. It might just be that he doesn’t know how to have one, so I thought it’d be the right thing to do and welcome him to participate in mine to see what one looks like given that many of his constituents may already be there.”

The town hall will be at: 

    Village of Belmont Community Building
    222 S Mound Ave 
    Belmont, WI 53510

Members of the media are also invited to attend. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mark Pocan (2nd District of Wisconsin)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Mark Pocan (WI-02) announced that he will host a town hall in Belmont, Wisconsin on Saturday, March 8, at 11:00 am.  The town hall will be held less than 10 miles from the border of Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District. Pocan has invited constituents from both his district and the 3rd to hear from a Member of Congress. 

“With everything at stake in Washington, Members of Congress must hold town halls more than ever to hear from their constituents. I welcome the opportunity to hear from mine, even those who disagree with me. It’s important for elected officials to hear from everyone.” 

“Last week, the House Republican majority voted on a new budget that would enable one of the largest transfers of wealth from the middle class and those aspiring to be in the middle class to pay for a $4.5 trillion tax cut for the wealthiest Americans, like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Donald Trump.” 

“I’m hosting this town hall close to the 3rd district because as I understand it, the current Representative has not held an open town hall in more than two years. This legislation is too consequential to ignore one’s constituents, and I welcome 3rd Congressional District constituents to hear the truth about how this legislation will impact them.”

The town hall will be at: 

    Village of Belmont Community Building
    222 S Mound Ave 
    Belmont, WI 53510

Members of the media are also invited to attend. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mark Pocan (2nd District of Wisconsin)

Fisher, a farmer on Medicaid in Western Wisconsin, has seen more than $30k of Federal Grants Frozen from Trump’s & Musk’s DOGE Cuts

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Gerry Connolly (D-Va)

Today, Rep. Gerald E. Connolly, Ranking Member of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Rep. Adam Smith, Ranking Member of the Committee on Armed Services, Rep. Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and Rep. Jim Himes, Ranking Member of the 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.” 

Click here to read 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.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Randy Weber (14th District of Texas)

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Weber (TX-14) and Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) introduced the Officer John Barnes Act, a critical piece of legislation aimed at ensuring timely support for our nation’s law enforcement officers and their families. Named in honor of Officer John Barnes, who demonstrated exceptional bravery during the Santa Fe, Texas shooting tragedy, this bill seeks to address the delays faced by officers and their families in receiving benefits from the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits (PSOB) Program.

The PSOB Program provides crucial support, including death and education benefits to survivors of fallen law enforcement officers, firefighters, and other first responders, as well as disability benefits to officers catastrophically injured in the line of duty. However, despite applying for these benefits, Officer Barnes and his family have experienced an excruciating wait for a determination from the Department of Justice (DOJ) since the 2018 shooting.

The Officer John Barnes Act seeks to address these issues head-on by requiring the DOJ to expedite the processing of claims and establish a clear timeline for benefit determination. By addressing the program’s inefficiencies, this legislation will help ensure that the families of our nation’s fallen and injured officers receive the timely support they deserve.

“In America, we back the blue—no ifs, ands, or buts. Our law enforcement officers risk their lives every single day to protect our communities, and when they are injured or fall in the line of duty, they and their families deserve answers, not years of bureaucratic nonsense,” said Rep. Weber. “It is downright disrespectful that officers like John Barnes waited for over seven years just to get a simple answer from the federal government. This isn’t just inefficiency; it’s a disgrace. The Officer John Barnes Act is about holding the system accountable and ensuring our law enforcement heroes get the timely support they’ve earned without being buried under mountains of red tape.”

“Across the country, our nation’s law enforcement officers selflessly serve as the front line of defense for our communities. Every single day, they put their lives on the line for their fellow Americans, and in times of crisis these heroes deserve to access the benefits they have earned without red tape getting in the way,” said Sen. Cruz. “We owe it to our law enforcement officers, like Officers Barnes who has waited for far too long, to eliminate these bureaucratic barriers hindering their access to benefits. I am proud to reintroduce the Officer John Barnes Act to ensure our men and women in blue receive the prompt support they deserve.”

Under the provisions of the Officer John Barnes Act, the DOJ would be mandated to issue a determination on benefit claims within 270 days of receipt, providing much-needed clarity and support to officers and their families during times of crisis.

Read the bill here.

The legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Representatives: Brian Babin (TX-36), Dan Crenshaw (TX-2), Troy Nehls (TX-22), and Brandon Gill (TX-26)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Randy Weber (14th District of Texas)

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Weber (TX-14) announced that he will continue to serve on the House Energy and Commerce (E&C)  and the Science, Space, and Technology (SST) Committees. Additionally, he has been named Chairman of the SST Energy Subcommittee and the Vice Chairman of the E&C Energy Subcommittee, where the committee focuses on advancing policies to secure America’s energy future and foster innovation. Rep. Weber was also named the Vice Chair of the House Energy Action Team (HEAT) under the Republican Study Committee, where he’ll champion energy policies that empower domestic producers, leverage an all-of-the-above energy strategy, and restore America’s energy dominance on the global stage.

“It’s an honor to continue to serve as a member on the influential Energy and Commerce Committee and to support the growth of our space exploration and energy distribution efforts—both are critical to the future of Southeast Texas,” said Rep. Weber. “My Gulf Coast district is an energy powerhouse with seven ports, seven of America’s largest petroleum refineries, three LNG plants, and 60% of the nation’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Texas’ 14th Congressional District will provide a crucial voice as I take on these roles. Our mission is clear: to reverse the damaging policies left behind by the Biden administration and rebuild what has been broken for Southeast Texas and our nation.”

“I am excited to name Congressman Randy Weber as the Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy. Congressman Weber is a friend, a trusted colleague, and a strong conservative who is dedicated to serving our nation and protecting our values,” said Energy and Commerce Chairman Brett Guthrie (KY-2). “As Vice Chairman, Congressman Weber will help to strengthen our domestic energy production while addressing the high costs of gas and electricity that have impacted families over the past four years. I look forward to working together on behalf of the American people.”

“I am thrilled to have fellow Texan Rep. Randy Weber as the Vice-Chair of the House Energy Action Team,” said RSC Chairman August Pfluger (TX-11), who led the Task Force in the 118th Congress. “Randy’s proven track record of fighting for American energy dominance makes him an invaluable addition to the HEAT team. I look forward to working with him in the 119th Congress.”  

“Congressman Weber’s energy expertise and values could not be more critical to the success of the SST Committee,” said Chairman Brian Babin (TX-36). “He’s a great friend, fellow Southeast Texan, and staunch ally in the fight to ensure America leads from the front. I’m looking forward to working alongside him this Congress.”

Rep. Weber will serve on the following subcommittees:

• Chairman of the Energy Subcommittee on the Science, Space, and Technology Committee
• Vice Chair of the Energy Subcommittee on the Energy and Commerce Committee
• Environment on the Energy and Commerce Committee
• Oversight & Investigations on the Energy and Commerce Committee

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Randy Weber (14th District of Texas)

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Reps. Randy Weber (TX-14) and August Pfluger (TX-11) introduced the Securing Every Vector, Enhancing Networks (SEVEN) Act, a bill designed to strengthen America’s defenses against cyber threats targeting the Signaling System 7 (SS7) telecommunications protocol. The legislation aims to address these vulnerabilities by coordinating efforts across the government and creating a task force of cybersecurity experts to develop solutions.

“For far too long, foreign adversaries have exploited critical weaknesses in the SS7 telecommunication protocol to track, spy on, and steal from Americans,” said Rep. Weber. “This cannot stand. The SEVEN Act delivers a decisive path forward to shut these vulnerabilities down and ensure our communications systems are secure—all without disrupting our networks. This is about protecting our citizens and safeguarding our national security, and we must act now.”

“Our adversaries around the globe are exploiting vulnerabilities in the digital backbone of our telecommunications infrastructure to spy on everyday Americans,” said Rep. Pfluger. “The SEVEN Act will ensure the safety of U.S. networks by establishing a dedicated task force to address this issue head-on. We must act swiftly to protect our national security.”

Read the bill here. 

Background: 

SS7 is a global telecommunication protocol that facilitates call routing, billing, and messaging. It is a crucial backbone of modern communication systems but has significant vulnerabilities. Hackers with access to a SS7-specific license (known as a “Global Title”) can exploit SS7 to intercept calls, read messages, and track locations. In June, Reps. Weber and Pfluger sent a letter to the Federal Communications Commission and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).  This letter was prompted by a CISA employee’s claim that unauthorized attempts to access user location data through SS7 and related protocols have occurred in the U.S. By addressing these vulnerabilities, the SEVEN Act seeks to protect Americans’ communications and bolster national security.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Randy Weber (14th District of Texas)

Washington, D.C. – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024, a bipartisan measure to improve the nation’s water infrastructure. This legislation includes critical projects advocated by U.S. Rep. Randy Weber to bolster ports, improve waterways, and drive economic growth in Texas’ 14th District. The 2024 WRDA features high-priority authorizations for TX-14 that will enhance the region’s infrastructure, promote economic development, and improve the safety and functionality of vital waterways.

Projects included in WRDA 2024 for Southeast Texas:

Galveston Harbor Channel Extension – This project authorizes modifications to the Galveston Harbor Channel, including further deepening and extending the Federal channel and Turning Basin 2. These upgrades will enable fully loaded vessels to safely navigate to Texas International Terminals, while the expanded Turning Basin will accommodate the new Oasis Class cruise ships at the Royal Caribbean terminal. The new terminal is expected to generate 800 jobs and $1.4 billion in local economic activity annually.

Sabine-Neches Waterway Widening Feasibility Study– Authorization was secured for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to expedite the review and coordination of the feasibility study for widening the Sabine-Neches Waterway. This critical navigation improvement project will address constraints impacting the safety and efficiency of maritime traffic in one of the nation’s busiest waterways.

Galveston Bay Ship Channel Feasibility Study – A feasibility study was authorized to evaluate improvements to ship channels and barge lanes in the Galveston Bay area, including the Galveston Bay entrance, Houston, Galveston Harbor, and Texas City ship channels. These enhancements are vital to maintaining the region’s role as a cornerstone of America’s energy security, supply chain, and economic development.

Cedar Port Deep-Water Navigation Study – The legislation authorizes USACE to expedite a feasibility study for developing a new deep-water federal navigation channel between the Houston Ship Channel and the Cedar Port terminal facilities. This project aims to reduce vessel congestion and increase operational capacity to support growing container volumes, benefiting industries throughout the Gulf Coast.

“Southeast Texas is home to seven ports—more than any other district in the nation—and vital waterways that power both our local and national economies,” said Rep. Weber. “Our region plays a critical role on the global stage, and these investments are key to sustaining its leadership in energy, commerce, and job creation while improving the safety and efficiency of our waterways. I was proud to advocate for these projects in WRDA and will continue working to ensure they become a reality.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Randy Weber (14th District of Texas)

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Weber (TX-14) introduced the Juneteenth Museum Act of 2024. This legislation directs the Smithsonian Institution to explore options for establishing a museum dedicated to Juneteenth in collaboration with Galveston and Texas officials. The study will evaluate potential locations in Galveston, Texas, and report recommendations to Congress.

“Juneteenth is an important chapter in our nation’s history, and it was right here in Galveston, Texas, where this historic day was first recognized. It’s a moment that symbolizes freedom, resilience, and the enduring spirit of America,” said Rep. Weber. “There is no better place to explore the option of a museum to honor that legacy, ensuring future generations understand the true significance of that day in 1865. We owe it to those who came before us to preserve this history and celebrate how far we’ve come. I’m proud to lead this effort and work with leaders and community members of Galveston to make this vision a reality.”

“Today, we celebrate the filing of the Juneteenth Museum Act of 2024 by Rep. Randy Weber as a major milestone in the community’s quest to create a Juneteenth museum in Galveston,” said Galveston Mayor Craig Brown. “We are grateful to Rep. Weber for seeking the resource of the Smithsonian Institution and for his support and leadership on this initiative. Passage of the Juneteenth Museum Act of 2024 will initiate an instrumental partnership with the Smithsonian Institution that can open the door for federal funding to complete a two-year study and potentially include a Galveston Juneteenth Museum as an annex of this prestigious national institution. The passage of the Juneteenth Museum Act of 2024 will provide the City of Galveston, and the historic locations where General Order No. 3 was read and distributed, with the federal resources and guidance needed for the perpetual national memorialization of Juneteenth.”

Background:

On June 19, 1865, more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, slavery officially ended in the United States. Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and delivered General Order No. 3, proclaiming: “The people are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property…” This historic moment marked the final chapter of emancipation in America. On October 24, 2024, the City of Galveston City Council officially endorsed this effort led by Rep. Weber.

Original co-sponsors include: Reps. Henry Cuellar (TX-28), Michael McCaul (TX-10), John Carter (TX-31), and Kay Granger (TX-12), and Al Green (TX-9).

Read the bill here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Randy Weber (14th District of Texas)

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Reps. Randy Weber (TX-14) and Chip Roy (TX-21) led a group of Texas Republican lawmakers in calling on the Biden-Harris Administration to immediately provide the necessary data to protect the integrity of Texas elections and ensure that only U.S. citizens are registered to vote in the State of Texas. The letter to the Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) follows Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson’s request for citizenship verification data and the federal government’s failure to meet the deadline for providing this crucial information.

In recent weeks, Governor Greg Abbott announced the removal of 6,500 potential noncitizens from Texas voter rolls, highlighting the critical need for further verification before the upcoming election. The federal government has thus far failed to comply with an urgent request made by the State of Texas for access to USCIS data, which is crucial in verifying voter eligibility.

Other Texas Republicans who signed the letter include Reps. Lance Gooden (TX-5), August Pfluger (TX-11), Ronny Jackson (TX-13), Troy Nehls (TX-22), John Carter (TX-31), Beth Van Duyne (TX-24), Pete Sessions (TX-17),  Brian Babin (TX-36),  Keith Self (TX-3), Wesley Hunt (TX-38), Pat Fallon (TX-4), Morgan Luttrell (TX-8).

“The Harris-Biden administration’s refusal to provide Texas with crucial information is a clear dereliction of duty,” said Rep. Weber. “They’re turning a blind eye to noncitizens influencing our elections, and they even killed the SAVE Act, which would have barred noncitizens from voting. Federal law prohibits noncitizens from voting, so why won’t they hand over the voter rolls Texas needs to keep our elections clean? My Texas Republican colleagues and I demand they release the information without delay.”

“Texas has a duty to prevent noncitizens from voting. The Biden-Harris administration is trying to prevent that for the same reason they fought the SAVE Act (H.R. 8281): they want noncitizens — especially illegal aliens — to vote,” said Rep. Roy. “Public confidence in elections is a necessary cornerstone of any representative government. That confidence must be earned through diligence and transparency.”

“This election is the most important election of my lifetime,” said Rep. Nehls. “The federal government must provide Texas’s Secretary of State, Secretary Nelson, with USCIS citizenship data to ensure non-citizens are not registered to vote in the Lone Star State. I’m proud to join my Texas colleagues in urging the Director of USCIS to expeditiously provide Secretary Nelson with this critical information to ensure the integrity of our elections.”

“Regrettably, we live in a time where Democrats, in order to cling to power, will break any law, violate any precedent, and utterly disregard the safety and well-being of the American people,” said Rep. Van Duyne. “Democrats have openly stated they want more mass illegal immigration because they need the populations in failing blue states.  While Biden and Harris have inflicted open border policies on our nation, Texas is, once again, working to do what is right by trying to make sure non-citizens are not allowed to vote and our states’ election integrity is preserved.”

“Ensuring American elections are decided by Americans is of the utmost importance,” said Rep. Sessions. “It is pressing that the federal government fulfill their role and provide information for Texas to verify their voter rolls. I am proud to stand alongside my Texas colleagues.”

“It’s outrageous that the Biden-Harris administration has refused Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson’s request for citizenship data from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services agency,” said Rep. Self.  “It is their duty.  It is what they were created for—it’s in the agency’s name. Texans are tired of this lawless administration. USCIS must hand over the data immediately—no delays, no excuses.”

“Democrats have consistently put illegal immigrants over American citizens, this includes allowing and encouraging them to cross our border and vote in our elections,” said Rep. Jackson. “There are far too many vulnerabilities in our election system, so I am proud to sign this letter and remain dedicated to doing everything I can to ensure we have safe and secure elections in Texas and beyond.” 

“The Biden administration doesn’t seem to have a desire to ensure the very basic level of election security is met by verifying that only Americans vote in America’s elections,” Rep. Carter. “The Biden’s administration’s failure to provide the requested information to Texas is unacceptable. The American people deserve a free, fair and secure election and I hope the Biden administration will work with the state to ensure that’s the case.”

Read the letter here.