Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04)

WASHINGTON — Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04) today issued the following statement in strong support of Speaker Mike Johnson’s comments regarding waste and abuse in the Medicaid system, following a new report exposing how non-working Medicaid recipients are spending their time.

“Speaker Johnson hit the nail on the head when he said Medicaid shouldn’t be going to ‘29-year-old males sitting on their couches playing video games.’ The American Enterprise Institute’s new analysis confirms it: many able-bodied Medicaid recipients who aren’t working are spending their time — not looking for jobs — but glued to screens.”

According to the AEI study, non-working Medicaid recipients without children spend an average of 4.2 hours every day watching TV and playing video games. That adds up to 125 hours per month — time that could be used for working, volunteering, or gaining job skills. 

According to estimates from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and supported by data from the American Enterprise Institute and the Congressional Budget Office, roughly 7 to 10 million able-bodied, non-working adults without dependents are currently enrolled in Medicaid — approximately 1 in 10 recipients nationwide.

“Let’s be clear: Medicaid was never meant to support a lifestyle of leisure for those who are fully capable of working,” said Aderholt. “Spending the equivalent of over three full workweeks a month on video games and TV is not what hardworking taxpayers signed up to support.”

“These benefits were designed to support the truly vulnerable — the disabled, low-income seniors, and struggling families. When able-bodied adults who choose not to work receive the same benefits, it cheats the system and it cheats those truly in need.”

Congressman Aderholt is a strong advocate for common sense work requirements, which are overwhelmingly supported by the American people — with 78% in favor.

“The next time Democrats claim Republicans are ‘cutting Medicaid,’ just remember what they’re really defending: a system that gives taxpayer-funded healthcare to individuals who spend more than 120 hours a month on the couch. That’s not compassion — that’s recklessness.”

“I stand with Speaker Johnson and my Republican colleagues to fix this broken system. We will continue fighting to protect Medicaid for those who genuinely need it — and to stop the abuse by those who don’t.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA), Congressman Troy Balderson (R-OH), and Senators Tina Smith (D-MN) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) reintroduced the Telemental Health Care Access Act, legislation that would remove barriers to high-quality, virtual mental and behavioral health care for Medicare beneficiaries.

Specifically, the bill removes the statutory requirement that Medicare beneficiaries be seen in-person within six months of being treated for mental and behavioral health services through telehealth. Eliminating this arbitrary requirement will ensure that patients can fully leverage telehealth to get the care they need from home.

Provisions and extensions based upon the Telemental Health Care Access Act have been passed through multiple appropriations packages and continuing resolutions, most recently in March of this year – temporarily delaying the in-person requirement through September 30, 2025. This legislation would remove the in-person requirement permanently.

“Mental health care is unequivocally as essential as physical health care – and telehealth has been a critical tool to bridge that gap and make it easier for Americans to access and seek care sooner,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “No matter where you live, whether it be rural or urban, you should not have arbitrary barriers like in-person visit requirements preventing you from accessing the care you need. That’s why we’re reintroducing this bipartisan, bicameral legislation that would ensure our Medicare beneficiaries can permanently get convenient, quality care, where and when they need it.” 

“Telehealth has transformed health care access for people in rural and underserved communities, offering timely, high-quality care that was once out of reach,” said Congressman Balderson. “In particular, virtual mental and behavioral health services have reduced wait times and lowered barriers for those seeking professional support. The Telemental Health Care Access Act eliminates unnecessary restrictions on Medicare beneficiaries, helping fully unlock the potential of digital health care.”

“Telehealth has proved to be an important lifeline and tool to close some of the most significant gaps in patients’ access to health care services,” said Senator Smith. “Especially for Minnesotans in small towns and rural communities suffering from mental health challenges, long commutes to the nearest provider can mean virtual care is the only feasible option. This bill is an important step in making it easier for mental health patients on Medicare to ask for help and get the care they need, without having to jump through administrative hoops.”

Stakeholders across the health care industry have long raised concerns about inequitable access to mental health services. This legislation has garnered significant support amongst health care leaders.

“The provision of mental health and substance use treatment through telehealth is a lifeline for those in rural and other underserved areas. It is essential, especially given current levels of demand, that we eliminate all unnecessary barriers and ensure continuity of care for these patients,” said APA CEO and Medical Director Marketa M. Wills, M.D., M.B.A. “APA strongly supports Representatives Matsui and Balderson and Senators Cassidy and Smith’s introduction of Telemental Health Care Access Act, as this legislation would greatly expand access to care.”

“We strongly support the Telemental Health Care Access Act, important legislation that would eliminate requirements that are not clinically appropriate and only serve to limit access to necessary care for millions of Americans with behavioral health conditions,” said Kyle Zebley, Executive Director, ATA Action and Senior Vice President of Public Policy at the American Telemedicine Association (ATA). “We remain grateful to our telehealth champions in Congress, including Representatives Doris Matsui and Troy Balderson and Senators Tina Smith and Bill Cassidy who are reintroducing this important bipartisan legislation. By passing this bill, Congress will clear the path for Medicare beneficiaries to have greater access to telemental health services when and where they need it.”

“Telehealth remains a crucial lifeline for patients seeking behavioral health support, particularly in communities with limited access to local providers,” saidArthur C. Evans Jr., PhD, CEO of the American Psychological Association Services. “Patients deserve uninterrupted, comprehensive care, yet restrictive policies on tele-behavioral health services threaten the progress made in expanding access to treatment options. The reintroduction of the Telemental Health Care Access Act by Representatives Matsui and Balderson is a pivotal step in protecting access to essential care. Their commitment to ensuring patients can receive lifesaving behavioral health treatment—regardless of geographic barriers—is a victory for all who rely on these vital services.”

“Mental health care reduces the risk of suicide. The Telemental Health Care Access Act will enable greater access to care by allowing Medicare coverage for telemental health without a requirement for patients to see their providers in person,” saidLaurel Stine, J.D., M.A., Executive Vice President and Chief Policy and Advocacy Officer at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. “Telemental health care is essential in connecting people in rural and other underserved areas with providers and removing unnecessary barriers to care, as well as for supporting access for individuals with limited ability to travel to office settings. We commend Representative Matsui, Representative Balderson, Senator Smith, and Senator Cassidy for leading this legislation to prevent suicide and protect access to mental health and substance use treatment.”

Endorsing Organizations:

• Alliance for Connected Care
• Alliance of Community Health Plans (ACHP)
• American Counseling Association (ACA)
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)
• American Medical Association (AMA)
• American Psychiatric Association (APA)
• American Psychological Association
• American Telemedicine Association (ATA)
• ATA Action
• Association for Behavioral Health & Wellness (ABHW)
• Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC)
• California Medical Association
• Center for Telehealth and e-Health Law (CTeL)
• Centerstone
• Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action
• Health Innovation Alliance (HIA)
• Hims & Hers
• HIMSS
• Included Health
• Mental Health America
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
• National Association for Behavioral Healthcare (NABH)
• National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
• Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies
• REDC Consortium
• Talkspace
• Teladoc Health
• United States of Care

Congresswoman Matsui has long led efforts to harness the power of technology to improve our health care system, including expanding access to telehealth services. She has continually led efforts to extend critical telehealth coverage for Medicare beneficiaries. She authored the Telemental Health Expansion Act, which permanently added mental health to the definition of Medicare-covered telehealth services, waived the geographic and originating site requirements for mental health provided through telehealth, and allowed Medicare beneficiaries to access these services at home. 

Full text of the bill is available HERE.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08)

SOUTHERN PINES, NC – U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-09) announced the 2025 Congressional Art Competition winners from North Carolina’s 9th District.

“The Congressional Art Competition is an incredible opportunity to highlight the artistic talents of our District’s high school students, and I was very impressed by all of the submissions we received this year,” said Rep. Hudson. “I congratulate this year’s winners and thank everyone who participated in the competition. I look forward to showcasing their artwork in the Capitol and my office.”

Below are the winning selections for North Carolina’s 9th District:

First Place – Olivia Radder of West End, Pinecrest High School, Among Friends

Second Place – Jacey Wilson of Trinity, Trinity High School, Drawn Out

Third Place – Caroline West of Graham, Alamance-Burlington Early College, Death Metal

The first-place winner’s artwork will hang in the U.S. Capitol, second place will hang in Rep. Hudson’s Washington, D.C. office, and third place will hang in his Southern Pines office.  

Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in the nation and in each congressional district. Since the Artistic Discovery competition began in 1982, hundreds of thousands of high school students have participated. North Carolina’s 9th District Congressional Art Competition is judged by a committee of local artists who reviewed submissions earlier this year.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Glenn Thompson (5th District Pennsylvania)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) and John Mannion (D-NY) today introduced the EMS Counts Act to address the chronic miscounting of emergency personnel.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Statistics (BLS) current occupational classification system does not properly account for firefighters who are cross-trained as a paramedic or EMT. This oversight results in recognizing cross-training results in a significant and chronic undercount of emergency personnel nationwide, making it challenging to track gaps in emergency services and meet the needs of first responders.

The EMS Counts Act would require the BLS to revise the Standard Occupational Classification System to accurately reflect the number of paramedics, EMTs, and other first responders throughout communities nationwide.

“Prior to serving in Congress, I spent decades as a volunteer firefighter and EMT. I recognize and value to the commitment these individuals have to their communities,” Rep. Thompsonsaid. “Correcting outdated classifications is important, because without a accurate count of the number of EMTs, paramedics, and other emergency service providers, it creates a challenge to adequately meet the health and safety needs of our communities.”

“The bipartisan EMS Counts Act supports our first responders by ensuring they are properly recognized in national workforce data,” Rep. Mannion said. “Firefighters and EMS personnel are often the first on the scene during emergencies, and the current data gap has real consequences for emergency planning, resource allocation, and workplace protections. By fixing this, we’re helping communities become safer, better prepared, and more resilient. I’m grateful to partner with Rep. GT Thompson and for his leadership on this commonsense legislation that honors the dedication of so many in Central New York, the Mohawk Valley, and across the country who put their lives on the line every day.”

“Fire fighters are proud to serve as the first medical professional to treat many critically ill or injured patients. Medical emergencies are one of fire fighters’ most common types of calls. The BLS’ failure to recognize that EMS is a core component of the fire service has led to incorrect data being used in emergency planning, labor surveys, and health protections for fire-based EMS professionals. The IAFF is proud to support this legislation from Reps. Thompson and Mannion which recognizes that EMS is an intrinsic part of the firefighting profession,” said Edward A. Kelly, International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) General President.

“The bipartisan EMS Counts Act is foundational legislation for the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) community. EMS consists of a diverse group of first responders, including health care practitioners such as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and paramedics who often serve in dual roles as Firefighter/EMTs and Firefighter/Paramedics. NAEMT applauds Representative Thompson and Representative Mannion’s introduction of the EMS Counts Act that will finally accurately represent the current structure of the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC), the system used by the Department of Labor BLS, which has led to a severe undercounting of EMS personnel across the nation. This data is the basis for funding and policy decisions, so to undercount EMS personnel is to undercut our nation’s ability to provide life-saving and preventive community care. NAEMT urges for passage of the EMS Counts Act,” said Chris Way, National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) President. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Glenn Thompson (5th District Pennsylvania)

COUDERSPORT, Pa. – U.S. Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson today announced that Mr. Adam Bell of State College, Pa. has accepted a fully-qualified appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md.

Bell is a senior at State College Area High School, and is the son of Elizabeth and Jayce Bell of State College. He is the grandson of  E. Ann Wortman and the Late Jerry Wortman of Warren, Pa., and Janie and Roy Bell of Alturas, Calif. He has two siblings, Samuel and Katelyn Bell.

Bell is involved in his high school’s culinary program and has represented his school in competitions. He is a varsity athlete in three sports, diving, wrestling, and track, and participates in Model UN.

“Whether in the kitchen, on the field, or in the classroom, Adam excels in every area,” Rep. Thompsonsaid. “His drive for success will help him excel at the Naval Academy. I wish Adam good luck as he begins this next chapter of his life as a midshipman and student athlete in Annapolis.”

Bell will continue his athletic pursuits while at the Naval Academy. He has been recruited as a pole vaulter for USNA’s track and field team.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Glenn Thompson (5th District Pennsylvania)

COUDERSPORT, Pa. – U.S. Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson today announced that Ms. Archie Walker, of Lock Haven, Pa. has accepted a fully qualified appointment to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y.

Walker is a senior at Central Mountain High School. She is the daughter of Jennifer and Greg Walker of Lock Haven and she has three siblings: Jackson, Lucy, and Lane Walker.

“Archie is an accomplished young woman striving to make a difference in her country,” Rep. Thompson said. “She has proven herself on the field and in the classroom. I have no doubt that her determination will serve her well at the Military Academy, and I wish her the very best in this next chapter.”

Walker is currently serving as the Vice President of the Rotary Club. She is a three-year varsity athlete in soccer, a dual-enrollment student at Commonwealth University, and a member of the National Honor Society.

 
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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Glenn Thompson (5th District Pennsylvania)

COUDERSPORT, Pa. – U.S. Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson today announced that Ms. Bryony Shipe of Ford City, Pa. has accepted a fully-qualified appointment to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, N.Y.

Shipe is a senior at Commonwealth Charter Academy, and is the daughter of Amanda and Lucas Shipe of Ford City. She is the granddaughter of Kathie and Dave Olinger of Manorville, Pa., and Patty and Larry Shipe of Swanton, Md. She has six siblings: Dylayn, Keira, Aynsley, Zayley, Skylyn, and Elijah Shipe.

“Bryony is a great example of a well-rounded student and active community member,” Rep. Thompsonsaid. “Bryony’s focus on service to others is an extremely valuable attribute that will contribute to her military career. I wish her the very best as she begins this journey.”

Shipe is an active volunteer and tutors at a local education center. She is a varsity athlete in cross country and swimming, and a co-captain of the varsity swimming and diving team. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Glenn Thompson (5th District Pennsylvania)

COUDERSPORT, Pa. – U.S. Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson today announced that Mr. Lucas Gaston, of Brookville, Pa. has accepted a fully qualified appointment to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y.

Gaston is a senior at Brookville Area High School. He is the son of Becky and Mike Gaston of Brookville. He is the grandson of Hazel and Joe Gaston of Brookville and Nancy and Ted Fox of Brookville.

“Lucas is an exceptional young man who has distinguished himself in the classroom, in athletics, and throughout his community,” Rep. Thompson said. “His achievements speak to a deep sense of purpose and a readiness to meet the challenges of the United States Military Academy. I have no doubt that he will thrive at West Point, and I wish him the very best as he begins this exciting new chapter.”

Gaston is currently serving as the Secretary of his class. He is a track and field and golf athlete, participates in the concert and marching band, is a Special Olympics Volunteer, and a member of the National Honor Society.

 
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Source: {United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bobby Scott (3rd District of Virginia)

Headline: Scott Statement on Trump Effectively Closing All Job Corps Centers

As originally released by the Committee on Education and Workforce, Democrats

WASHINGTON – Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03), House Committee on Education and Workforce, released the following statement after the Trump Administration ordered the effective closure of all Job Corps centers across the United States.

“Once again, the Trump Administration is harming those most in need.  The Department of Labor sent notices to all 99 Job Corps centers with which it directly contracts, stating they are going to ‘pause’ operations.  Let’s be clear:  these are not pauses.  The Department is effectively closing all Job Corps centers.  Without new contracts, these centers will cease to operate and will have to kick at-risk youth off their campuses, many of whom are homeless or in foster care and have nowhere else to go.

“Since its creation in 1964, Job Corps has trained over three million young Americans in trades such as welding, carpentry, and medical assistant training.  Job Corps trains young, low-income people, helps them find good-paying jobs, and provides housing for a population that would otherwise be without a home.  

“The Administration should be working with Congress to advance a bipartisan reauthorization of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and improve Job Corps, not end the program altogether.  I urge the Trump Administration to reverse this decision and give at-risk youth the support they need to access well-paying, stable jobs that will strengthen our communities and the economy.”

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Source: {United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bobby Scott (3rd District of Virginia)

Headline: Scott Statement on Excessive Trump Administration Response in Los Angeles

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement:

“The American people have a constitutional right to peacefully assemble, and I unequivocally condemn all violence and destruction of property. However, President Trump has inflamed the situation in California. Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell has said the arrival of military forces ‘presents a significant logistical and operational challenge for those of us tasked with safeguarding this city.’ The actions by the Trump Administration are incompatible with federal law, have increased incidents of violence, and are risking civilian lives.”

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