Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative David Kustoff (TN-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman David Kustoff (R-TN) published an op-ed in the Washington Examiner titled, “The ‘one big, beautiful bill’ will restore the American dream.” In the op-ed, Congressman Kustoff highlights the historic tax cuts in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and lays out how they will jumpstart the economy. He urges the Senate to pass this bill as soon as possible.

The ‘one big, beautiful bill’ will restore the American dream
By: Congressman David Kustoff 

When President Donald Trump was elected in November, he made a series of promises to the people. One of those promises was to reinvigorate our economy and create more opportunities for families, farms, and small businesses across the nation.

Republicans in Congress have worked in lockstep with Trump to deliver on that promise. The key to jumpstarting our economy is for Congress to extend the successful provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 through a wonky legislative process known as reconciliation. Reconciliation allows lawmakers to expedite legislation and enact policy quickly. Trump has dubbed this the “one big, beautiful bill.”

Passed in 2017, TCJA was one of the hallmarks of the first Trump administration and was the first major reform to the federal tax code in over 30 years. It lowered individual income rates, reduced the corporate tax rate, changed rules for estate and retirement planning, and minimized taxes for small businesses. Essentially, it cut taxes across the board. 

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ignited a red-hot economy that lit an economic fire across our nation. After its passage, businesses were expanding, and families had more money in their pockets.

Unfortunately, if Congress does not act, many of the provisions in TCJA will expire at the end of the year. If that happens, the average family in my district of West Tennessee will face a nearly 26% tax hike. A child inheriting the family farm could pay such steep estate taxes that he is forced to sell it. And a small business owner competing with larger corporations could see her taxes nearly double.

These are not just numbers on a chart in Washington. These provisions affect each and every one of us. If they expire, the American dream could be unachievable for many of our citizens. 

While Democrats were spending tax dollars over the past few years like our economy was a game of Monopoly, the House Ways and Means Committee was preparing for this moment. 

As the chief tax writing committee in Congress, we held hearings across the nation to hear directly from individuals, business owners, manufacturers, and farmers. The number one thing they told us was that the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act worked, and we cannot let its important provisions expire. 

If we want to revitalize our economy, we must ensure that workers and businesses have the support they need from our tax code. My colleagues and I took what the public told us and crafted a tax bill that benefits both businesses and workers, incentivizes innovation, and creates more opportunities from coast to coast. 

This tax bill prioritizes pocketbooks by solidifying and increasing the doubled standard deduction, boosting the doubled child tax credit, expanding the small business deduction, and making the doubled death tax exemption permanent for family-owned farms. It even goes a step further and incorporates Trump’s priorities of no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, and tax relief for seniors.  

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act will be the cornerstone of Trump’s “America First” agenda. I am proud that the House of Representatives did its part and passed this historic legislation to ensure families and businesses are not forced to give more of their hard-earned money to Uncle Sam. 

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is once-in-a-generation, nation-building legislation that will drive economic growth, create jobs, and prioritize American families and businesses. Time is of the essence. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to pass this bill that will safeguard the American dream for all.
 

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn)

WASHINGTON — House Appropriations Committee Republicans today released their 2026 Defense funding bill, which will be considered by the Defense subcommittee tomorrow. Instead of working with House Democrats to strengthen our national security and prioritize the quality of life for our servicemembers and their families, the bill undermines democracy at home and abroad and includes harmful and divisive policy riders that would hurt military readiness.

For fiscal year 2026, the bill provides $831.5 billion, which is equal to current funding levels and $1.3 billion above the Administration’s fiscal year 2026 request.

Republicans have included language directing the Department of Defense to determine $7.75 billion in cuts to amounts listed in the bill. This jeopardizes every program other than intelligence activities. If made uniformly, it would reduce everything by approximately 1 percent, which would mean cuts of almost $2 billion for troop pay, over $2 billion for troop readiness, $409 million for health programs, $5 million each for Israel and Jordan, and over $2 billion for the procurement and modernization of weapons systems. At a time when the Trump Administration is already illegally stealing from American communities by refusing to spend funds, it is unfathomable that the Appropriations Committee would allow the administration to unilaterally make nearly $8 billion in cuts to defense investments.

The legislation:

• Weakens Ukraine and empowers Russia by eliminating support for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative.
• Undermines democracy at home and abroad by allowing disinformation and extremist views to flourish.
• Limits women’s access to abortion by preventing service personnel from traveling to seek reproductive health care
• Harms our military readiness with divisive provisions that undermine morale and fail to support our service personnel, by:
  • Continuing DOGE and the Administration’s cuts to vital civilian positions;
  • Attacking the LGBTQ+ community with hateful policies; and
  • Banning funding for diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.

“It disappoints me that I’m unable to support this bill as written, and we find ourselves in this position because the Trump administration has failed to get us the information we need in time to produce a complete budget request. The nation’s defense programs require a detailed annual review. But without the President’s budget request, this committee is unable to complete its work in a thoughtful and timely manner,” Defense Appropriations Subcommittee Ranking Member Betty McCollum (D-MN-04) said. “The president proposes, Congress disposes – that’s the way our system works. There are consequences to the taxpayer and to our military’s readiness when this process is not adhered to. It is deeply unfortunate that the Trump administration has put the Committee in this position. I look forward to working with the committee to improve the bill as it goes through the process in the subcommittee, in full committee, on the floor, and in conference. Our national security and strategic defense priorities are too important to risk getting it wrong.”

“Our allies and our adversaries are watching as House Republicans propose a Defense funding bill that will empower Russia, impair our own military readiness and national security, and put politics above our own servicemembers,” Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) said. “This is not a bill meant to responsibly fund our nation’s defense and promote and protect democracy. Instead, this bill advances and acquiesces to Elon Musk’s and President Trump’s reckless purging of critical civilian personnel, their equivocation on support for Ukraine, and their relentless politicizing of our troops. It is deeply regrettable that the conflicts our military must confront abroad, the issues we must confront within the Department of Defense, and the quality of life for our servicemembers and military families are not priorities of President Trump and House Republicans.”

A summary of House Republicans’ 2026 Defense bill is here. A fact sheet of the bill is here. The full text of the bill is here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn)

SAINT PAUL, Minn. — Congresswoman Betty McCollum, Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, issued the following statement on Sunday in response to President Trump’s decision to activate the California National Guard in defiance of Governor Gavin Newsom:

“President Trump is deliberately escalating the situation in Los Angeles by calling up the National Guard without a request from Governor Newsom. This decision is downright dangerous. Secretary Hegseth’s statement implying active duty Marines could also be called up is outrageous. The active duty military has absolutely no legal role in domestic law enforcement. President Trump and Secretary Hegseth should read the Constitution and follow the law.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is correcting a misunderstanding that reopening some waters to fishing somehow may have caused the seabed mining issue. In fact, the two executive orders by the President are separate, and he already had the authority to issue a seabed order before the fishery decision. 

“To be clear, the fisheries decision did not open Pacific waters to seabed mining. I understand the confusion because of the timing of the two separate decisions,” said Congresswoman Amata. “While both decisions have U.S. and Pacific long term security implications in preventing China’s dominance, one decision did not cause the other, nor did it have any bearing on the legality or authority of the critical minerals order.”

“The fisheries order is a success I’ve been working for throughout my entire time in Congress, to help secure our fishing and local economy.”

“On the other hand, the critical minerals order is not something I called for at any time, nor did I endorse or advocate for it. Instead, I have many questions, and our people have many concerns and even fears. As your representative, I am calling for the DOI to sit down with ASG and answer all the many questions, as well as the public comment period that the law will require. I stand with our people, and I am actively listening in multiple town hall and round table discussions. I will continue hearing from you, reporting back to you, and representing your concerns to the administration.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata held a roundtable meeting with leadership members of the Society of Fa’afafine in American Samoa (S.O.F.I.A.S.) to answer questions and discuss the issues that were brought up. 

The meeting included Ertta Laumoli, President, SOFIAS; Isabella Ah Mu Mageo, Miss SOFIAS 2025; Naea Tasha Rikki LeAtio’o, SOFIAS Senior Advisor; Shiki Leaupepe, SOFIAS Advisor; Shanee Masoli, SOFIAS Advisor; Athena Mauga, SOFIAS Advisor; Keniseli Fanolua, SOFIAS Secretary; Jaiyeh Saelua, American Samoa Faafafine Rural Program; and Zee Romero, SOFIAS Advisor. 

The most discussed issues were the status of the recent Executive Order on the Seabed Mining; education issues, such as the status of the U.S. Department of Education and federal funding for schools; and the Executive Order on Fisheries on April 17^th, which is separate from the critical minerals order. 

Other topics and related discussions included Cook Islands Seabed Mining agreement with China; China’s presence throughout the Indo-Pacific; old and new technology for Critical Minerals Mining; Coral Reef issues; Passport issues; and topics specific to the Fa’afafine community. 

“I enjoyed our conversation, and we covered many of the important and current issues,” said Congresswoman Amata. “I want to thank everyone in attendance. We had thoughtful questions and comments from everyone taking part. I hold opportunities to talk with our people as often as I can when I’m in American Samoa, so I can best represent our people in Washington, and I’ve had several Town Hall meetings during this graduation season while I’m able to be home in American Samoa.”

These meetings are listening sessions, with updates about events, legislation or discussions in Washington. Throughout the year if you have questions or a need for constituent services, please reach out to Congresswoman Amata’s office in Fagatogo.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is honoring the memory of Henry Saaga, who fought in the Normandy invasion, as the United States and World War II allies commemorate the anniversaries of two of the great turning points of the global war – D-Day in Europe in 1944, and the Battle of Midway in the Pacific in 1942. 

June 6^th is anniversary of D-Day, in which Allied forces stormed the beaches of Normandy, successfully but at great cost in lives. Also, this week, June 4-7 marks the anniversary of the Battle of Midway, a major air and sea battle that turned the tide of the war in the Pacific earlier in World War II. 

“On these historic dates, we honor the valor of many thousands who changed the world and advanced the cause of freedom for generations, which our living Veterans and Service Members have since helped protect,” said Congresswoman Aumua Amata. “These anniversaries are sobering reminders of the sacrifices of war, but celebrations of these heroes and their enduring legacy of bravery and honor.”

“Henry Saaga was a young Samoan soldier who was born and raised in Utulei Village, American Samoa. He fought in the invasion of Normandy, and was last seen fighting bravely in the hedgerow combat,” Amata continued. “He is honored on a commemorative wall in France, where names are highlighted with wet sand from the nearby beach – the only acceptable reason to take sand from the protected beach.”

Known as D-Day, the invasion in Normandy demanded enormous logistical effort. Once the Allies established landings in France, the U.S. and Allied forces began pushing back the Nazi forces and liberating western Europe. General Dwight D. Eisenhower sent the troops across the English Channel with the message, “The eyes of the world are upon you. The hoped and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you.”

Likewise, in the Pacific, the Battle of Midway was a difference-making three days of intense sea and air battle that historians agree changed the direction of the naval war for the years of fighting ahead.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is releasing a statement regarding seabed critical minerals:

“The people are always my top priority, and I will always stand with you. We highly value our ocean and land, from the reefs to the mountaintops, it’s ours as the people of American Samoa and it’s special to us, and a gift of God. We don’t want harm to come to our land. As I’ve publicly stated, following the announcement by the DOI, I do not support use of current technology that scrapes or vacuums or mines by digging the ocean floor, especially near our beautiful islands. The issue of critical minerals from the ocean is new and emotional for many. Because it is new, we should make a careful decision based on all the facts, then move forward together in wisdom, at the direction of the people!

“I am inquiring to DOI what is to come and when will they sit down with the leaders of American Samoa.  I am also concerned about the impacts of the mining of critical minerals to our people and on our environment.  We have to protect our islands for our future generations.  I would like DOI to clarify when their intent is, and I have a follow-up call with Interior Secretary Doug Burgum.”

Amata: O le finagalo lava o tagata ou te tu ai

Laumua i Uosigitone – O se saunoaga lea a le Faipule Tamaitai ia Uifaatali e uiga i minerale taua o le sami:

“O le finagalo lava o tagata ou te faamuamua, ma ou te tu faatasi ma i latou.  E sili ona taua ia te i tatou o tatou sami ma eleele, e afua mai i le iliti tai e o’o atu i le tuasivi, o lo tatou tofi lea mai le Atua.  E leai so tatou e loto ina ia o’o mai ni Faiga e leaga ai o tatou fanua.  Faapei ona ou faalauiloa faalauaitele atu, ina ua mae’a le faasalalauga mai le Matagaluega o le Initeria, ou te le lagolagoina le faaaoga o tekenolosi faa-ona po nei e valusia pe ave ese pe eli ai le iliti tai o loo tau lata i o tatou motu e sili ona matagofie.  E fou i le toatele o nai o tatou tagata ma ua aafia ai o latou finagalo i lenei mataupu e uiga i minerale aoga mai le sami.  E ao lava ona o tatou faia ni faaiuga faautauta e faavae i luga o mau ua maua mai ae faia lava e tusa ma finagalo o tagata o Amerika Samoa!

Ua ou fesiligia le Matagaluega o le Initeria e uiga i laasaga o le a uia ma le itu aso latou te feiloa’i ai ma ta’ita’i o Amerika Samoa.  E atugalu foi so’u taofi i aafiaga o nai o tatou tagata ma lo ta siosiomaga i le eliga o nei minerale aoga.  E ao lava ona tatou puipui o tatou motu auā o tatou tupulaga atalī.  Ou te loto ina ia faamanino mai lo latou faamoemoe, ma o loo loma la ma feutagaina ma le Failautusi o le Initeria, le susuga a Doug Burgum.”  

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

FRESNO, Calif. – Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) released the following statement after President Trump deployed California’s National Guard in response to ongoing protests in Los Angeles, California. “For the first time since the 1960s, a U.S. President has deployed the national guard into a state of our nation without the governor’s request. This is not leadership—it’s an effort to score political points. The fundamental right to peaceful freedom of speech must be protected. From Los Angeles to Fresno, Californians are raising their voice, but we must do so peacefully. Violence is never the answer.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today after voting on H.R. 488, Denouncing the antisemitic terrorist attack in Boulder, Colorado:

“I voted for today’s resolution condemning the antisemitic attack in Boulder, Colorado last week notwithstanding my profound disappointment that it failed to condemn antisemitism itself. Instead of putting forward a resolution that focused solely on denouncing the attack and antisemitism out of hand – which I believe would have received almost unanimous support – Republicans needlessly undermined bipartisan support for this legislation by trying to use it to score political points on immigration and law enforcement. This conduct is just the latest example of Republicans using issues related to antisemitism and the Jewish community as a partisan ‘gotcha’ effort to divide Democrats.

“I wanted to reassure Jews living in fear and trauma after the Boulder attack and the recent spike in antisemitism since October 7 that I stand with them, but this bill could and should have done more to denounce antisemitism. I urge my colleagues across the aisle to put politics aside and stand united with us to remove the cancer of antisemitism from our world. Antisemitism threatens not just Jews but democracy itself.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (15th District of Texas)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) announced that school districts in the 34th Congressional District of Texas are expected to receive an increase of Title I formula funds from previous years, with a total of $171,243,659 in Fiscal Year (FY25). The final allocation totals will be released by the U.S. Department of Education in the summer of 2025.

Due to the uncertainty regarding the Trump Administration’s actions to abolish the U.S. Department of Education, the status and dissemination of Title I funds remain unclear. 

“Title I funds are crucial for underserved communities across the country and in South Texas,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “These federal funds are used by public school systems in TX-34 to ensure all children, regardless of their family’s wealth or background, can have the education necessary to succeed in life. We must continue to fight for Title I funds and ensure these get properly distributed to our schools, our teachers, and our students.” 

The following preliminary allocations have been provided to school districts in the 34th Congressional District of Texas:

·         Brownsville ISD: $30,837,515

·         Donna ISD: $19,667,489

·         Edcouch-Elsa ISD: $5,138,957

·         Edinburg Consolidated ISD: $26,923,139

·         Harlingen Consolidated ISD: $9,351,357

·         Kenedy County-Wide Common School District: $1,254

·         Kingsville ISD: $2,383,920

·         La Feria ISD: $1,112,640

·         La Villa ISD: $577,928

·         Lasara ISD: $166,454

·         Los Fresnos Consolidated ISD: $4,101,663

·         Lyford Consolidated ISD: $735,717

·         McAllen ISD: $15,945,539

·         Mercedes ISD: $3,871,520

·         Monte Alto ISD: $1,234,922

·         Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD: $24,607,153

·         Point Isabel ISD: $1,183,081

·         Progreso ISD: $1,708,280

·         Raymondville ISD: $1,368,696

·         Ricardo ISD: $187,860

·         Rio Hondo ISD: $708,555

·         Riviera ISD: $117,824

·         San Benito Consolidated ISD: $7,577,875

·         San Perlita ISD: $112,260

·         Santa Maria ISD: $347,026

·         Santa Rosa ISD: $495,992

·         Weslaco ISD: $10,779,045 

Total $171,243,661

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