MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Ilhan Omar (DFL-MN)

WASHINGTON – Ranking Member Ilhan Omar (MN-05) delivered the following opening statement at Workforce Protections Subcommittee hearing entitled, “Reclaiming OSHA’s Mission: Ensuring Safety Without Overreach.”  

“Thank you, Chairman, and thank you to our witnesses for your testimony today.

“Over the past 100 days, President Trump and his administration have decimated the very agencies and resources that keep workers safe and healthy.  Now, Committee Republicans are following suit by holding this hearing to attack the work of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

“We should all be able to recognize a basic truth: no job should ever be a death sentence.  Workers deserve to come home to their families at the end of the day- not in pain, not in fear, but alive and well.

“To protect that fundamental right, Congress passed landmark safety laws and established important agencies like OSHA, the Mine Safety and Health Administration, and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.  But all three of these agencies have been chronically underfunded since their inception.  And, largely because of that, they have long struggled to robustly defend workers from preventable injuries, illnesses, and death at work.

“In the 54 years since it was established, OSHA has made great strides, but it remains hamstrung by an overly complicated regulatory process, persistent underfunding, and the long, uphill battle of updating standards to reflect scientific advances.

 “Despite these constraints, OSHA took action during the Biden Administration and proposed common-sense safeguards, like the heat stress rule, to prevent tragedies in the workplace.   Rather than build on that progress, the Trump Administration is now threatening to dismantle any government program or agency that prioritizes workers’ health and protects workers on the job. 

“At one point, DOGE targeted at least 11 OSHA field offices to be permanently shut down – including the only office in Louisiana, located in what is known as ‘Cancer Alley’ due to the presence of over 200 chemical plants and the high rates of cancer in the area. MSHA had at least 30 field offices slated for closure on DOGE’s hit list, including an office created in response to the Upper Big Branch Mine disaster.  And while we face a surge in child labor violations, DOGE is still cutting staff and planning to close 20 Wage and Hour Division offices.

“Shutting down field offices will endanger workers’ lives by cutting off the public from DOL’s most vital services.  This also means severely limiting the geographic coverage of inspectors’ and investigators’ enforcement activities against law-breaking companies and further straining an already resource-strapped DOL.  And it doesn’t stop here.

“On April 1^st, nearly the entire NIOSH workforce was placed on leave, with the promise of being fired later this summer by HHS Secretary Kennedy.  In one sweeping move, Secretary Kennedy put 50 years of scientific expertise and public health research at risk.

 “DOGE kicked out NIOSH staffers, paid them to not work, and then – after realizing that effectively eliminating NIOSH was a mistake – the Trump Administration started to reverse course and rehire only some of those staffers.  This entire circus was wasteful, expensive, and harmful for workers; a description that could apply to most of DOGE’s actions. 

“Workers are not expendable.  They are not a statistic.  OSHA and NIOSH do the essential work of keeping workers safe.  We must fund them properly and strengthen the laws the support their mission.

“In my own district, we are already feeling the consequences of these cuts: The University of Minnesota’s Midwest Center for Occupational Health and Safety is one of just 18 NIOSH-funded Education and Research Centers in the nation.  It trains the next generation of workplace safety experts in the region and helps protect our workers in high-risk industries.

“Without NIOSH, the invaluable research and workforce development provided by that Center—and others like it across the country—will be lost.  That means fewer trained medical and safety professionals, less research capacity to prevent fatal accidents, and, ultimately, more injuries, more deaths, and more grieving families.

“Democrats are committed to honoring those workers who have been harmed or killed on the job, not just with words, but with action to change the system. 

“Recently, Ranking Member Scott, Representative Courtney, and I reintroduced the Protecting America’s Workers Act – a bill that would make long-overdue improvements to the enforcement of the Occupational Safety and Health Act.  This bill would expand coverage to millions of workers currently excluded from the law’s protections and strengthen whistleblower protections.  These reforms are critical to preventing the most serious violations that endanger workers’ safety. 

“Democrats are also championing legislation to protect healthcare and social service workers from violence, to make mining safer, and to prevent illness and injury from extreme heat.

“This is what it means to have an agenda to ensure safety.  And with that in mind, I hope that we can have a productive discussion today.

“Thank you, and I yield back.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Ilhan Omar (DFL-MN)

WASHINGTON– Yesterday, Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) spoke on the House Floor in honor of Sue Abderholden for her over two decades of service as the Executive Director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness Minnesota. During her tenure, she helped pass over two dozen landmark laws that reshaped education, health care, housing, and criminal justice to better serve people living with mental illnesses.

The full video can be found here.

Full transcript below:

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sue Abderholden for her transformational leadership and advocacy for accessible mental health care services in Minnesota.

“During her 24 years of service as the Executive Director for the National Alliance on Mental Illness Minnesota, she helped pass over two dozen landmark laws that reshaped education, health care, housing, and criminal justice to better serve people living with mental illnesses.

“Sue championed legislation to require mental health training for teachers and expanded crisis and early intervention services. 

“Thanks to Sue’s unwavering commitment to expanding culturally responsive, person-centered mental health care, our communities are safer and healthier.

“I am grateful for her years of service and hope she has a wonderful retirement.

“Thank you and I yield back.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Ilhan Omar (DFL-MN)

WASHINGTON– Yesterday, Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) spoke on the House Floor in honor of Ted Pouliot for his decades of service to Minneapolis. This past weekend, Mr. Pouliot raised $12,000 at his art sale to benefit nonprofits working to end homelessness and address hunger across the city.

The full video can be found here.

Full transcript below:

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ted Pouliot for a lifetime of service supporting our Minneapolis community.

“As a senior at DeLaSalle High School in Minneapolis in 1952, Ted first started volunteering at House of Charity’s dining hall to help feed Minnesotans going hungry. ​​This was just the start of his decades of service. 

“Later in life, Ted founded the Minneapolis affordable housing nonprofit, Project for Pride in Living, helping folks find stable housing.

“Now, at 91, Ted paints to raise funds for nonprofits throughout Minneapolis.

“This past weekend, he raised 12,000 dollars at his art sale to benefit nonprofits working to end homelessness and address hunger for Agate Housing and Services, Groveland Emergency Food Shelf, and Sabathani Food Shelf.

“Ted truly embodies what it means to live a life of service. It’s truly an honor to recognize him here today. 

“Thank you and I yield back.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Ilhan Omar (DFL-MN)

Today, US-Africa Policy Working Group Chairwoman Ilhan Omar hosted a Member-level briefing detailing the devastating human impacts of Donald Trump and DOGE’s dismantling of USAID and cuts to humanitarian and development assistance.

Members were briefed on the real-world consequences of the short-sighted and cruel policies of the Administration, including the abrupt termination of food assistance to the world’s hungriest people, and the increased likelihood of infectious diseases and pandemics reaching into the United States of America.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Ilhan Omar (DFL-MN)

WASHINGTON–Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) issued the following statement on the Trump Administration’s decision to deport migrants to Libya.

“The Trump Administration’s plan to send migrants to Libya is unconscionable, cruel, and blatantly illegal. This decision flies in the face of basic morality. Sending migrants to a country that they didn’t come from and where they could face torture and inhumane treatment is appalling and criminal. Amnesty International has described conditions in Libya’s detention centers as a ‘hellscape’ and ‘life threatening.’ There are reports of human trafficking and sexual violence. No human being should be subjected to these horrific conditions. There is no doubt that these migrants will have their lives put at severe risk.

“We need transparency on who in Libya our government negotiated with to make this deal. If, as seems likely, this was negotiated with Haftar’s militia, it represents an even graver violation of human rights and abdication of our responsibilities under the Convention Against Torture.

“The administration’s continued rejection and reckless disregard of due process is deeply alarming. Our Constitution guarantees due process and equal protection under the law to everyone in our country, not just citizens.​ Donald Trump is moving us toward authoritarianism with every passing day.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06)

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO-06), a member of the House Armed Services Committee and veteran of the war in Afghanistan, called for 20,000 additional visas to be included for the Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program in the FY26 appropriations bill. 

SIVs provide a life-saving path to safety for Afghan nationals who face deadly retribution as a result of their work alongside U.S. troops, diplomats, and contractors during the war in Afghanistan.

“As a veteran who served in Afghanistan, I might not be here today were it not for our Afghan partners,” said Congressman Crow. “Our Afghan partners helped America in our time of need and we cannot turn our backs on them now. Congress must ensure that our Afghan allies receive SIVs so they can start a life here in the U.S.”

Congressman Zach Nunn (R-IA-03), along with over 100 other members, joined Congressman Crow in signing this letter.

To qualify for an SIV, Afghan allies must complete rigorous vetting processes including multiple rounds of background checks, biometric screening, interviews, and security vetting conducted by the Department of Homeland Security and across intelligence agencies, often taking years to complete. In Fiscal Years 2019-2024, Congress recognized the importance of the SIV program and demonstrated our shared commitment to honoring our allies by including additional visas through the Appropriations process. 

Congressman Crow has been a long-standing champion of the Afghan SIV program. During previous congressional hearings, Crow highlighted the importance of the SIV program and previously worked to ensure the authorization of 12,000 additional Afghan SIVs in the State Department’s foreign operations funding bill. He also introduced the Afghan Allies Protection Act to expand and extend the SIV program, helped introduce the Afghan Adjustment Act to provide a legal adjustment process for Afghan allies already in the US, and started the Honoring Our Promises Working Group following the announcement of the withdrawal to help expedite SIVs and U.S. Refugee Admissions Programs.

A PDF of the letter can be found here, with full text appearing below:  

Dear Chair Diaz-Balart and Ranking Member Frankel: 

As you craft the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations bill, we urge you to provide an additional 20,000 visas for the Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program. Afghan SIV holders served U.S.-led democratization and military efforts during our nation’s years in Afghanistan, providing significant faithful service to our security and strength. Ensuring there are sufficient visas for the Afghan SIV program is critical to keeping the program operational in order to secure these wartime allies. 

The Afghan SIV program was first enacted through the Afghan Allies Protection Act of 2009 to provide a life-saving path to safety for Afghan nationals who face deadly retribution as a result of their work alongside U.S. troops, diplomats, and contractors. Since that time, the program has been improved multiple times, each time with significant bipartisan and bicameral support. 

To qualify for an SIV, Afghan allies must complete rigorous vetting processes including multiple rounds of background checks, biometric screening, interviews, and security vetting conducted by the Department of Homeland Security and across intelligence agencies, often taking years to complete. These allies have passed the gold standard of vetting conducted by the United States. In Fiscal Years 2019-2024, Congress recognized the importance of the SIV program and demonstrated our shared commitment to honoring our allies by including additional visas through the appropriations process. Congress must build on this support so that the executive branch is able to issue visas to Afghans who face imminent threats from the Taliban, al Qaeda, and other hostile groups because of their service to the United States. 

The U.S. Government committed to honoring our promises and made great strides in recent years to strengthen and expedite processing and resettlement. Similarly, the American people have never faltered in their support for our closest Afghan allies – from evacuating our partners in 2021, to welcoming Afghan allies as neighbors across the country, to bringing eligible SIV holders to safety in 2025. Through private flights and reception for our Afghan allies, veterans organizations, faith leaders, and everyday Americans continue to mobilize to bring our closest allies to safety. They need our sustained partnership to finish the mission. 

That is why we respectfully urge you to continue your support for our Afghan allies and include an additional 20,000 Afghan Special Immigrant Visas in the FY 2026 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations bill. Thank you for your consideration and support. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06)

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO-06) hosted a telephone town hall with nearly 13,000 Coloradans, in which he spoke directly with constituents about his work in Congress and answered their questions live. The conversation focused on a variety of topics, including Congressman Crow’s work to lower costs, protect veteran care, and stand up to the recent actions of the Trump administration. 

“One of the most important parts of my job is hearing directly from constituents, and I was glad to speak with thousands of Coloradans tonight on the issues that matter most to them and their families,” said Congressman Crow. “I’m glad to answer questions about my work in Congress to lower costs, protect veteran care, fight back against Republican Medicaid cuts, and stand up to the worst impulses of the Trump administration. I’m thankful to everyone who called in tonight to participate in our democracy.”

The telephone town was live-streamed on Congressman Crow’s website, and a full recording of the entire telephone town hall can be found here. 

Throughout his time in Congress, Congressman Crow has made it a priority to speak directly with Coloradans. Earlier this year, he held an in-person town hall event at Aurora’s Hinkley High School with more than 1,300 Coloradans in attendance. He has been vocal about the importance of hosting town halls and has called out his Republican colleagues who refuse to meet with their constituents. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

Washington, D.C. — In case you missed it, Congressman Joe Neguse joined a bipartisan coalition on the House Floor yesterday evening to call on Speaker Mike Johnson to bring forth legislation that would ban Members of Congress from holding or trading stocks. Neguse, who has led the four-year effort to ban the practice, spoke of the need to weed out corruption in Washington and ensure transparency in all branches of government. 

NEGUSE: Our 26th President, Teddy Roosevelt, once said, “No man who is corrupt, no man who tolerates corruption in others, can do his duty by the community.” That admonition rings true today.

Four years ago, I led an effort to ban stock trading by Members of Congress, joined with colleagues on both sides of the aisle. For four years, we have tried to convince this Chamber to ban Members of Congress from trading stocks. Why? Because Members of Congress should be serving their communities, their constituents, and their country—not their stock portfolios.

In that four-year span, forty-eight months, 1,400 days—how many millions of dollars have Members of Congress in this body made from trading stocks? It’s unconscionable. It’s a practice that should have ended years ago. And we have continued to beat that drum, month after month, week after week, day after day—and we will keep doing it until a majority in this body joins the rest of the American people, the public, in supporting a ban on this insidious practice. 

And I’m grateful to Representative Magaziner for continuing to beat that drum. Leading the effort now, over the last two years. It feels as though we’re on the precipice—as Mr. Magaziner noted—of finally getting traction in this Chamber to end this practice. 

But the one cautionary note I would offer, Mr. Speaker, is that in that four-year span, as I mentioned, this journey, this battle that we have waged—again, colleagues of mine on both sides of the aisle to ban stock trading—I have heard virtually every excuse in the book from some of my colleagues.

It’s too complicated. There are competing bills. The legislative text is complex. 

This is very simple. Just ban it. 

Not five years from now, not next year. Just put a bill on the Floor to ban it. Period. 

Members of Congress will no longer be able to trade stocks. Simple as that. 

I hope, Mr. Speaker, that my colleagues will join me, join Mr. Magaziner, join the coalition that has organized around this issue so that we can finally get this done and end corruption here in Washington. 

With that, Mr. Magaziner, I yield back.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

Washington, D.C. — This week, Congressman Joe Neguse, Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Federal Lands, joined forces with Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke to introduce the bipartisan Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program (CFLRP) Reauthorization Act of 2025. The bill would reauthorize and expand CFLRP, a highly successful U.S. Forest Service program that supports collaborative and community-based forest management to improve forest health, reduce wildfire risk, and support rural and mountain communities. 

The legislation, which is also co-led by Representatives Andrea Salinas (OR-06) and Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), would extend CFLRP for another ten years, increasing the size and scope of the Collaborative to reduce wildfire risk and make other program improvements. Since it was first authorized in 2009, CFLRP projects have restored 5.7 million acres of forestland, and helped improve 1,000 miles of trails and maintain 25,000 miles of roads. 

“In Colorado and across the Rocky Mountain West, we know that protecting our forests and lands benefits our communities,” said Congressman Neguse. “The Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program is a successful partnership program that bolsters community-based stewardship, supporting efforts to promote cooperative, science-based wildfire mitigation. I’m incredibly proud to lead my colleagues in the House to champion its reauthorization.” 

“Every year hundreds of thousands of acres of forest burn to the ground destroying landscapes, watersheds and homes. We can’t prevent every fire, but we can certainly manage our forests, so they are in better health and more resilient against catastrophic fires,” said Congressman Zinke. “The Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program was a proven success that leverages public and private entities to grow more resilient forests. When a program works, we should extend it. Montana forests must be multi-use. Recreation, conservation, and resource development all have their place and must be part of the conversation, but none of them can exist if our forests are unhealthy or burning down. The continuation of this program will promote the collaboration needed preserve more of our forests for use by the communities around them.”

“All Washingtonians have seen firsthand that wildfires have become more frequent and severe in our state and throughout the West, a problem that will continue to be exacerbated by climate change,” said Congresswoman Schrier, M.D. “To protect our communities, we have to invest in improving forest health. Smart, sensible programs like the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration (CFLR) program, have been shown to help reduce wildfire risk. That’s why I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan, bicameral bill to strengthen our wildfire safety and reauthorize and expand the CFLR program.” 

“Collaborative forest management leads to better outcomes for our forests and our communities. The Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration program has a proven track-record of success in reducing wildfire risk and improving forest health,” said Rep. Salinas. “By embracing the CFLRP model, we can advance critical projects and prevent them from being bogged down by bureaucracy. I am proud to join my colleagues in co-leading the effort to reauthorize this critical program, and I will continue working to advance responsible forest management practices.” 

The bill is also being championed by Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Mike Crapo (R-ID) in the United States Senate and has support from Michael Bennet (D-CO), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Jim Risch (R-ID), and Steve Daines (R-MT).

“When people come together to develop collaborative plans to manage our forests, we can thin overgrown forests, strengthen our timber stands, support diverse ecosystems, increase fire resilience, and boost workforce development,” said Senator Merkley. “This is a proven, bipartisan model that delivers healthier forests and stronger communities instead of litigation and conflict. Investing more in collaborative solutions will make a real difference in rural communities across Oregon and beyond.”

“Shared, active forest management plays a vital role in reducing the risk of wildfires and fire suppression,” said Senator Crapo. “Ensuring long-term reauthorization of the CFLRP will promote Idaho’s forest health, encourage the responsible stewardship of our public lands and foster resilient, rural economies. Reauthorizing the CFLRP results in stronger relationships on the ground, more effective projects and a decreased risk of conflict and litigation.”

“Collaborative forest projects help create jobs throughout Colorado while restoring wildlife habitat and managing fuel for wildfires. In Colorado, they bring together people across local government, industry, and conservation advocacy to make our forests more resilient and help our communities adapt to a changing climate,” said Senator Bennet. “As a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, I’ll work to expand this valuable program for Colorado in the upcoming Farm Bill.”

The CFLRP brings stakeholders from all walks of life together to create solutions aimed at reducing wildfire risk across the West. Requirements of this program ensure that various local stakeholders collaborate, resulting in stronger relationships on the ground, better, more effective projects, and a decreased risk of conflict and litigation. Learn more about the program’s active and past projects HERE. 

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

Washington, D.C. – Today, Robert Aderholt (R-AL), Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, underscored the critical need to strengthen public health systems and enhance the well-being of Americans. The hearing featured testimony from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., who discussed the Department’s FY26 priorities.

“Despite spending nearly $2 trillion annually on health care, America continues to face unacceptable health outcomes,” said Chairman Aderholt. “We need bold, innovative approaches—not simply more spending—to truly improve the health of our citizens. I’m encouraged by Secretary Kennedy’s willingness to bring fresh perspectives and reforms to HHS.”

During his opening remarks, Chairman Aderholt welcomed Secretary Kennedy, noting his recent confirmation and swift engagement in the Administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” initiative. Aderholt expressed his hope that Kennedy’s leadership will catalyze needed reforms and restore public trust in health agencies.

Chairman Aderholt specifically highlighted key challenges facing rural communities like those in Alabama—including disproportionately high rates of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, coupled with mounting pressures on rural hospitals and persistent shortages in the health care workforce.

“The health care challenges in rural America are urgent and deeply personal for the communities we serve,” Aderholt noted. “I’m committed to working with Secretary Kennedy to find practical, life-affirming solutions to protect access to care and support our rural hospitals and providers.”

Aderholt also praised the Secretary’s commitment to protecting the sanctity of life and the conscience rights of medical professionals, stating, “As a strong supporter of the right to life, I appreciate Secretary Kennedy’s pledge to uphold these fundamental values.”

During the hearing, Chairman Aderholt raised concerns about previous actions taken under the Biden administration that undermined pro-life protections. He cited reports that the CDC funded abortion-related activities overseas in violation of the Helms Amendment, and that Title X funding had been denied to states for not providing abortion counseling, contrary to their laws.

Additionally, the Congressman acknowledged the public health impact of President Trump’s success in curbing illegal border crossings, including the 54% reduction in fentanyl inflow and a sharp decline in the trafficking of unaccompanied minors. “The President’s actions at the border are not only a national security issue but a public health victory as well,” he said.

The hearing also focused on proposed structural reforms at HHS, including the creation of a new Administration for a Healthy America and efforts to overhaul the National Institutes of Health. Aderholt expressed optimism about these initiatives and reiterated his commitment to a collaborative legislative process.

“Reforming Washington is never easy,” Aderholt concluded, “but we in Congress stand ready to work with the Secretary and the Administration to deliver lasting, meaningful improvements to our health care system.”

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