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  • MIL-OSI USA: Ricketts Leads Bicameral Legislation Pushing European Allies to Snapback U.N. Sanctions on Iran

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)
    February 13, 2025
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) introduced bicameral legislation that would push the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, otherwise known as the E3, to start a snapback of U.N. sanctions on Iran. These snapback sanctions would incude export controls, travel bans, asset freezes, and other restrictions on those involved in Iranian nuclear and missile activities. U.S. Representatives Claudia Tenney (R-NY-24) and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-05) introduced bipartisan companion legislation in the House.
    “Iran is the leading state sponsor of terrorism, and their actions have led to the murder of American servicemembers,” Senator Ricketts said. “Iran’s possession of a nuclear weapon would threaten our security and the security of our allies. Snapback sanctions are key to ensuring that President Trump’s maximum pressure campaign is successful. This legislation delivers a strong message to our European allies. They need to step up.”
    “Under the Biden administration, Iran grew more emboldened, bolstering its terrorist proxies worldwide with training, funding, and intelligence—all while expanding its nuclear stockpile,” Rep. Tenney said. “In contrast, within his first month in office, President Trump has taken decisive action to counter Iran’s malign influence and has pledged to reinstate his Maximum Pressure campaign. However, our E3 allies must invoke snapback sanctions on Iran before the ability to do so expires this October. Invoking snapback sanctions will restore all the UN sanctions on Iran that were lifted by the Obama administration’s failed Iran nuclear deal. This bicameral and bipartisan resolution sends a strong message to the E3 that it needs to step up and stop enabling Iran’s nuclear expansion. The time for snapback is now.”
    “We cannot forget where the money ends up when sanctions are lifted on Iran — the world’s leading state sponsor of terror,” Rep. Gottheimer said. “The Iranian regime continues to finance a robust network of terrorist proxies, including Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, while actively trying to jumpstart their nuclear program. These actions pose a grave threat to the security and stability of the Middle East, our key democratic ally Israel, and the entire world. Our E3 allies must act swiftly and initiate snapback sanctions to curb Iran’s nuclear and other nefarious ambitions.”
    Ricketts’ bill is co-sponsored by Senators John Barrasso (R-WY), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), John Cornyn (R-TX), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Jim Justice (R-WV), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), and Todd Young (R-IN).
    Text of the legislation can be found here. Bill introduction was first covered by Fox News here.
    Ricketts announced the legislation yesterday in a conference call with Nebraska media.
    BACKGROUND:
    Specifically, the legislation:
    Recognizes that Iran’s possession of a nuclear weapon would threaten the security of the United States, our allies, and our partners;
    Condemns Iran’s flagrant and repeated violations of the first Iran nuclear deal;
    Condemns Communist China and Putin’s Russia for supporting Iran’s malign activities;
    Reaffirms America’s right to take any necessary measures to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons;
    Supports increased sanctions on entities and individuals supporting Iran’s nuclear program;
    Calls on the United Kingdom, France, and Germany to invoke the snapback of United Nations sanctions against Iran under U.N. Security Council Resolution 2231 as soon as possible.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: Paper mill closure adds to growing job losses

    Source: New Zealand Labour Party

    The Government has no plan to support workers as 230 more jobs are lost today with the closure of the Kinleith paper mill.

    “This is devastating news for the whole of the community and the many families who rely on the paper mill for income,” Labour employment spokesperson Willie Jackson said.

    “This is on top of the 33,000 people who have lost their jobs across Aotearoa in the last 12 months under National. That’s more than the entire population of Blenheim, without the dignity of meaningful mahi.

    “This is not good enough. Winston Peters promised that he would be an ‘advocate on your behalf’ and that ‘Kinleith Mill is the lifeblood of the Waikato’, yet here we are with another large employer closing its doors.

    “The community and workers of Tokoroa deserve more than false promises.

    “It’s a disgrace that the Government can sit idly by and let thousands of people lose their jobs, after promising they would help, and then let this happen,” Willie Jackson said.

    Stay in the loop by signing up to our mailing list and following us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Have you seen Dezray?

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police are seeking the public’s assistance in locating 16-year-old Dezray who has been reported missing from the Mount Wellington area.

    Dezray was last seen on 19 January and is described as being 175cm tall with short brown hair and brown eyes.

    He is known to frequent the Auckland City, West Auckland and Northland areas.

    Police and Dezray’s family have concerns for his safety.

    We ask anyone who sights Dezray to please contact Police as soon as possible on 111.

    Additionally, anyone who has further information on his whereabouts should contact Police on 105, using the reference number 250121/4356.

    ENDS.

    Holly McKay/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Name release: Fatal crash, Mountain Road, Inglewood

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police can now name the pedestrian who died following a crash on Mountain Road, Inglewood on 4 February.

    She was 63-year-old Jacqueline Deam, of Inglewood.

    Our thoughts are with those close to her at this difficult time.

    Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash remain ongoing.

    ENDS 

    Issued by Police Media Centre 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Dean Heyl Appointed as Assistant Secretary of Labor for Public Affairs

    Source: US Department of Labor

    WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the appointment of Dean A. Heyl as assistant secretary for public affairs. 

    “It is my great privilege to get to tell the story of the Department of Labor as we seek to advance the fortunes of job seekers, wage earners, and retirees everywhere,” said Heyl.

    Heyl served in the first Trump Administration as the department’s director of the office of public liaison. Prior to returning to the department, he was the president and founder of Heyl Enterprises. He has extensive experience in government relations and as an attorney working with a number of associations. Earlier in his career, he served as a senior advisor to the Idaho attorney general and governor. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Troy Finnegan Appointed as Assistant Secretary of Labor for Administration and Management

    Source: US Department of Labor

    WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the appointment of Troy W. Finnegan as assistant secretary for administration and management. 

    “It is an honor to return to the department and continue serving an administration that believes in the limitless potential of American job creators and workers,” said Finnegan.

    Finnegan previously served as executive secretary to the secretary of labor, where he managed department correspondence and high-level administrative processes. He also brings extensive legal expertise to the department, formerly working as special counsel at Akerman LLP and as general counsel for one of Florida’s largest philanthropic organizations, Dr. Phillips Charities. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Sues Trump Administration, Challenging Elon Musk’s Unconstitutional Exercise of Power

    Source: US State of California Department of Justice

    Thursday, February 13, 2025

    Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

    Musk was never elected, nominated, or confirmed — an affront to the U.S. Constitution

    OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today joined a coalition of 14 attorneys general in filing a lawsuit that challenges Elon Musk’s unlawful exercise of power. In today’s lawsuit, the attorneys general argue that Mr. Musk, an unconfirmed, unelected government employee, is exercising authority that exceeds what the U.S. Constitution permits. In his commanding of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the lawsuit alleges, Mr. Musk is acting with at least as much authority as a “principal officer of the United States” — a position that only Congress can create and one that requires Senate confirmation. The lawsuit alleges that, by acting as a “principal officer,” Mr. Musk is acting in violation of the U.S. Constitution’s Appointments Clause, and the coalition seeks to immediately halt this unlawful exercise of power. 

    “Elon Musk does not occupy a position that Congress created or that the Senate confirmed — Mr. Musk occupies a position the President made up. This is a clear and dangerous effort to bypass the nomination and confirmation process required under the Constitution. DOGE’s ransacking of federal agencies has sown tremendous chaos, instilled distrust among the American people, and has caused deep harm to our country,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Like a bull in a china shop, Mr. Musk is wielding an enormous amount of illegitimized power over sensitive systems and important government programs that are vital to the American way of life.”

    In the lawsuit filed today, the attorneys general argue that Mr. Musk has unraveled federal agencies, accessed sensitive data, and caused widespread disruption for state and local governments, as well as critical systems American people rely on daily. By disrupting billions of dollars in federal funding essential for law enforcement, healthcare, education, and other critical services, Mr. Musk’s actions harm the states, including California. 

    In filing today’s lawsuit, Attorney General Bonta joins the attorneys general of New Mexico, Arizona, Michigan, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington.  

    A copy of the complaint can be found here. 

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Illinois Speaker of the House Michael J. Madigan Convicted on Federal Conspiracy and Bribery Charges

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

    CHICAGO — A federal jury in Chicago today convicted former Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives MICHAEL J. MADIGAN on conspiracy and bribery charges for using his official position to corruptly solicit and receive personal financial rewards for himself and his associates.

    Madigan, 82, of Chicago, was convicted on ten counts against him, including one count of conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States, four counts of using interstate facilities to promote unlawful activity, three counts of wire fraud, and two counts of bribery.  The jury acquitted Madigan on four counts of using interstate facilities to promote unlawful activity, two bribery counts, and an attempted extortion count.  U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey declared a mistrial on six other counts for which the jury did not reach a unanimous verdict – one count of racketeering conspiracy, two counts of wire fraud, one count of bribery, one count of conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States, and one count of using interstate facilities to promote unlawful activity.

    The jury returned its verdicts against Madigan after a four-month trial in U.S. District Court in Chicago.  A sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled.  Each wire fraud count is punishable by a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison, while each bribery count is punishable by up to ten years.  The maximum for conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States and each count of using interstate facilities to promote unlawful activity is five years.

    Judge Blakey also declared a mistrial as to all six deadlocked counts against a co-defendant, MICHAEL F. MCCLAIN, 77, of Quincy, Ill.  McClain was charged with one count of racketeering conspiracy, two counts of wire fraud, one count of bribery, one count of conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States, and one count of using interstate facilities to promote unlawful activity.

    Evidence at trial revealed that Madigan, who served as House Speaker and occupied a number of other political roles, conspired with others to cause the utility company Commonwealth Edison to make monetary payments to Madigan’s associates as a reward for their loyalty to Madigan, in return for performing little or no legitimate work for the business.  The true nature of the payments was to influence and reward Madigan in connection with specific legislation ComEd sought in the Illinois General Assembly.

    Madigan was also convicted of scheming to accept legal work unlawfully steered to his private law firm and his son by an Alderman of the Chicago City Council, in exchange for Madigan’s assistance in inducing the Governor of Illinois to appoint the Alderman to a compensated State Board position.

    The verdicts were announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI, and Ramsey E. Covington, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the IRS Criminal Investigation Division in Chicago.  The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amarjeet S. Bhachu, Diane MacArthur, Sarah E. Streicker, and Julia Schwartz.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two East Bay Residents, One Of Whom Was A Bank Teller, Indicted On Charges Of Cashing Stolen U.S. Treasury Checks

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    OAKLAND – A federal grand jury has indicted Franchesca Calagui, 25, and Dondre Gray, 27, with conspiracy to commit bank fraud and bank fraud, and also charged Calagui with receipt of U.S. Treasury check with forged endorsement or signature.

    According to the indictment unsealed yesterday, from around May 2022 through March 2023, Calagui and Gray, both of Emeryville, Calif., conspired to obtain stolen U.S. Treasury checks, recruit others to fraudulently endorse or sign the stolen U.S. Treasury checks, and give the checks to Calagui to cash for the defendants’ personal benefit.  At the time, Calagui was a part-time associate banker at JP Morgan Chase Bank.

    The indictment describes text messages between Gray and Calagui discussing the ongoing scheme in which Gray stated “I definitely don’t wanna scam with chase since you work there,” and Calagui responded “I do not care if u scam us lmao.”  Gray allegedly explained how he operated the scheme using runners, individuals who gets paid to enter a bank with a fraudulent check, cash it, and return the proceeds to the person who employed the runner.  In all, the defendants are charged with devising and executing a scheme to cash at least 339 stolen U.S. Treasury checks totaling more than $850,000.

    Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins, FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Dan Costin, Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) Acting Special Agent in Charge Brandon Knarr, Special Agent in Charge Tyler Hatcher of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Los Angeles Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Ryan Korner from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG), San Francisco Division Inspector in Charge Stephen M. Sherwood of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Special Agent in Charge Dimitriana Nikolov with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s (VA OIG) Northwest Field Office, and Acting Special Agent in Charge Dean Lake of the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General (SSA OIG) made the announcement.

    Both defendants are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1349 and five counts of bank fraud under 18 U.S.C. §§ 1344(1), (2).  Calagui is also charged with five counts of receipt of U.S. Treasury check with forged endorsement or signature under 18 U.S.C. § 510(b).  Calagui and Gray were arrested and made their initial appearances in federal district court yesterday.  Defendants are next scheduled to appear before U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers on April 3, 2025, for a status conference.

    An indictment merely alleges that a crime has been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.  If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a fine of $1,000,000 on each charged count.  Any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.

    Special Assistant United States Attorney Cynthia Johnson is prosecuting this case with the assistance of Amala James. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI, TIGTA, IRS-CI, FDIC-OIG, USPIS, VA OIG, and SSA OIG.

    Franchesca Calagui Indictment
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Brazilian National Pleads Guilty to Perjury

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant convicted of murder, attempted murder and physical and mental torture by Brazilian authorities for his involvement in “The Slaughter of Curió” in 2015

    BOSTON – A Brazilian national residing in Malden, Mass. has pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston for lying on his asylum application and at an immigration hearing. Upon applying for a U.S. Visa, the defendant never disclosed his arrest in a case involving the murders of 11 people, mostly teenagers, in Brazil in retaliation for the death of a police officer, an incident known as The Slaughter of Curió.

    Antonio Jose De Abreu Vidal Filho, 31, pleaded guilty to two counts of perjury before U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper who scheduled sentencing for Mau 29, 2025. In May 2024, De Abreu was indicted by a federal grand jury.

    In April 2014, De Abreu joined the Ceara State Military Police – Brazilian state forces who, under the governor, do first line policing on the street. In the early morning hours of Nov. 12, 2015, numerous Brazilian military police officers employed by the government of the Brazilian state of Ceará, including De Abreu, participated in a mass killing event of primarily young people from the impoverished neighborhoods of Barroso, Messejana, Guajeru, Curió and Lagoa Redonda in the capital of Ceará.

    The killings were in retaliation for the death of another police officer who was attempting to defend his wife who was being assaulted. In total, 11 people, mostly teenagers, were murdered and many others seriously injured and tortured. This incident has come to be known as A Chacina do Curió or The Slaughter of Curió or The Curió Massacre. A total of 45 individuals, including De Abreu, were charged by the Brazilian authorities and, on Aug. 31, 2016, De Abreu was arrested and detained by the Brazilian police. He was subsequently released pending trial on May 24, 2017.  

    Two weeks later, on June 9, 2017, while in Recife, Brazil, De Abreu applied for a United States non-immigrant B2 visitor visa. When asked whether he had ever been arrested or convicted for any offense or crime, De Abreu responded “no.” Thereafter, on or about June 21, 2017, the United States Department of State approved De Abreu’s Visa Application and issued him the B2 Visa based upon his false representations. De Abreu used the B2 Visa and travelled to Miami on May 30, 2018.

    Between May 30, 2018 through Aug. 14, 2023, as a result of the approval of his Visa Application, De Abreu obtained various state driver’s licenses, a social security card, travel documents and authorizations for employment.  

    De Abreu applied for asylum on Jan. 29, 2020, and lied when asked whether he had ever been accused, charged, arrested, detained, interrogated and imprisoned in any country other than the United States. He also failed to disclose his arrest and detention in Brazil when he applied for adjustment of status with United States Citizenship and Immigration Service.

    On June 25, 2023, De Abreu was convicted of 11 counts of murder, three counts of attempted murder and four counts of physical and mental torture in the First Court of Fortaleza, Ceará. That same day, De Abreu was sentenced to 275 years and 11 months in prison and an arrest warrant issued.

    On Feb. 9, 2024, De Abreu testified under oath at an immigration hearing conducted by U.S. Immigration Court, falsely claiming that he had never lied to immigration officials and that the only reason he had left off important information on immigration documents filed with the United States government was because he had not yet been arrested.

    The charge of misuse of visas, permits and other documents provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of perjury provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of falsifying, concealing and covering up a material fact provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Michael J. Krol,  Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; Bradley Parker, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Boston Field Office; Mathew O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, Boston Field Office; and Denis C. Riordan, District Director of the Fraud Detection and National Security Division of United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. This matter was investigated with the assistance of the United States Interagency Human Rights Violators & War Crimes Center. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura J. Kaplan of the National Security Unit is prosecuting the case.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Three Sales Executives Charged in Connection With Pre-IPO Fraud Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendants Lied to Investors Regarding Hidden Markups and Fees and Stole Millions of Dollars in Investor Funds for Themselves

    Earlier today, at the federal court in Brooklyn, a superseding indictment was unsealed charging Robert Cassino, also known as “Bobby Cassino,” Joseph Passalaqua and Joseph Rivera with securities fraud conspiracy, wire fraud conspiracy and securities fraud.  The defendants were arrested today and are being arraigned this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge James R. Cho.  Raymond John Pirrello, Jr., also known as “Ray John,” was previously indicted for his involvement in the scheme.

    John J. Durham, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and James E. Dennehy, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI) announced the charges.

    “The defendants repeatedly lied to investors about the costs associated with their investments and diverted millions of dollars in undisclosed mark-up fees to their sales offices,” stated United States Attorney Durham.  “My Office will vigorously prosecute those who seek to take advantage of individual investors for their own greed.”

    Mr. Durham expressed his appreciation to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), New York Regional Office, for its significant cooperation and assistance during the investigation.

    “At the behest of the company’s leadership, three defendants allegedly enticed investors with material misinformation to steal millions of their dollars through undisclosed upfront fees. This alleged scheme allowed the defendants’ respective sales offices to unlawfully profit at the expense of their clients’ trust and money. The FBI will never permit any individual to engage in hypocritical financial practices to covertly divert investments for personal enrichment,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Dennehy.

    As detailed in the superseding indictment, Pirrello, Cassino, Passalaqua and Rivera engaged in a scheme to defraud investors and prospective investors in securities offered by the company Late Stage Management, LLC (Late Stage). Late Stage was a New Jersey based manager of investment funds that offered investors “no fee” opportunities to invest in “Pre IPO” stocks, i.e., shares of stock in companies that anticipated an initial public offering (“IPO”) in the near term.  Late Stage worked with several sales offices throughout New Jersey, New York and Florida to promote the investments, including Pre IPO Marketing, Inc. (“Pre IPO Marketing”), Prior2IPO and B4IPO.

    Pirrello worked as the partner to the leadership of Late Stage, and Cassino, Passalaqua and Rivera led operations at Pre IPO Marketing, Prior2IPO and B4IPO, respectively.  Pirrello and co-conspirators communicated with Cassino, Passalaqua, Rivera and others about how to market Late Stage to investors.  Cassino, Passalaqua and Rivera then made material misrepresentations and omissions to investors and potential investors in Late Stage relating to, among other things, the existence and amount of fees paid by investors in stock offered by Late Stage.  For example, they claimed that the only time Late Stage profited was on exit, when the company made its IPO or sold to a larger company, in which case it would be entitled to a 20% share of the investor’s profits.  In reality, however, Late Stage charged fees in the form of upfront markups ranging from 10-50% of each investment.  In total, between approximately March 2019 and July 2022, sales offices working on behalf of Late Stage raised approximately $528 million from investors and diverted approximately $88.6 million in undisclosed upfront markups to Pirrello, Cassino, Passalaqua, Rivera and their co-conspirators.   

    The charges in the indictment are allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    If you believe that you or someone you know was victimized by Pirrello, Cassino, Passalaqua, Rivera or their co-conspirators, please inform the FBI at the following website: www.fbi.gov/Pirrello or by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI.

    The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Business and Securities Fraud Section.  Assistant United States  Attorney Jessica K. Weigel is in charge of the prosecution with assistance from Special Agent Martin Sullivan and Paralegal Specialist Sarah Burn.

    The Defendants:

    ROBERT CASSINO (also known as “Bobby Cassino”)
    Age: 62
    Long Beach, New York

    JOSEPH PASSALAQUA
    Age:  36
    Sparta, New Jersey

    JOSEPH RIVERA
    Age: 45
    Elmont, New York

    Previously Indicted Defendant:

    RAYMOND JOHN PIRRELLO, JR. (also known as “Ray John”)
    Age: 48
    Sparta, New Jersey

    E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CR-499 (S-1) (KAM)

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Haverhill Man Pleads Guilty to Fraudulent Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Claim for Brazilian Resident

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – A Haverhill man has pleaded guilty to making false statements in connection with a Massachusetts Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) claim he submitted in 2020 on behalf of a man who was living in Brazil at the time, and therefore ineligible to receive PUA benefits.

    Julio Roncaly Morais, 42, pleaded guilty to one count of false statements before U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs who scheduled sentencing for May 28, 2025. In June 2024, Morias was indicted by a federal grand jury.

    Morais filed a Massachusetts PUA claim on June 3, 2020, on behalf of a co-conspirator who was living in Brazil before and after the PUA claim was filed. In the PUA application, Morais certified under penalty of perjury that the co-conspirator was a resident of Massachusetts and was able and available to work in Massachusetts but was unable to due to the pandemic. As a result of this claim, the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance paid a total of $5,202 in benefits before suspending payments.  

    The charge of false statements provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in charge for the Homeland Security Investigations New England Field Office; Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; and Thomas Demeo, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Fraud Detection and National Security and the Woburn and Norwood Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kelly Begg Lawrence, James D. Herbert and Samuel R. Feldman of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Sacramento Woman Pleads Guilty to Participation in Nearly $2.6 Million COVID-19 Benefit Fraud Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. —Tabitha Leigh Markle, 53, of Sacramento, pleaded guilty today to mail fraud and aggravated identity theft in a scheme to defraud the unemployment insurance benefit program during the COVID-19 pandemic, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.

    According to court documents, between April 2020 and January 2021, Markle defrauded the California Employment Development Department (EDD) and the United States out of unemployment insurance benefits. Markle collected personally identifiable information (PII) including names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers and other information, and submitted fraudulent applications for unemployment insurance (UI) benefits to EDD. Markle and her associates caused the UI debit cards to be mailed to addresses she listed in the fraudulent applications. They used the cards that were issued in the names of the supposed beneficiaries to withdraw cash from ATMs throughout California. Markle and her associates often appeared in ATM surveillance photos taking out large amounts of cash from the cards. Markle and her criminal associates obtained approximately $2,599,038 from the fraud.

    Markle also used the means of identification of various victims, including N.T., who was a resident of Oakland. Without N.T.’s knowledge or permission, Markle filed a false unemployment insurance application with California EDD using N.T.’s true name and other identifying information, but using a false email address, phone number and mailing address. Markle’s associates withdrew thousands of dollars of unemployment insurance benefits from the card issued to N.T.

    This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General, California EDD – Investigation Division, and the United States Department of Labor Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christina McCall is prosecuting the case.

    Markle is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley on May 13, 2025. Markle faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine (or twice the amount of the loss) for mail fraud, plus supervised release of up to five years. She also faces a mandatory two-year consecutive prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for aggravated identity theft. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the Court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

    This effort is part of a California COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Strike Force operation, one of five interagency COVID-19 fraud strike force teams established by the U.S. Department of Justice. The California Strike Force combines law enforcement and prosecutorial resources in the Eastern and Central Districts of California and focuses on large-scale, multistate pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors. The strike forces use prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lottery Fraud Scheme Against Seniors Lands South Florida Man in Federal Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MIAMI – A Miami man has been sentenced to 44 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $234,995 in victim restitution for participating in a nationwide lottery fraud scheme targeting seniors. The sentence comes after the defendant pleaded guilty in October 2024 to conspiring to commit mail and wire fraud and to criminal contempt for violating a court order.

    From May 2020 to July 2022, Akiel Doman, 34, of North Miami Beach, Florida, and others repeatedly called victims throughout the United States and falsely told them that they had won millions of dollars and often, a car, in a lottery. The caller, falsely claiming to be a representative of the lottery company, told the victims that they needed to first pay fees or taxes to claim their winnings. Others working with Doman gave the victims specific instructions on how, and to whom, to send the purported fees or taxes. In connection with this scheme, the victims sent money, including direct deposits, to Doman’s bank accounts.

    Doman also violated a consent decree entered by the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida in 2019 prohibiting him from participating in lottery frauds. United States v. Doman, No. 18-cv-24731.

    U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida and Acting Inspector in Charge Steven L. Hodges of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Miami Division, made this announcement.

    USPIS Miami investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bertha R. Mitrani prosecuted it.

    Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 24-cr-60133.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Foreign Nationals Plead Guilty to Illegal Entry into the United States

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that Mura Kvec, 39, Manix Razmias, 38, and Geto Kvec, 19, all citizens of Romania, pleaded guilty to a criminal complaint charging each of them with illegally entering the United States at a time or place other than designated for entering the country by immigration authorities.

    According to court records, on February 10, 2025, at approximately 12:45 a.m., U.S. Border Patrol agents were notified of three individuals walking south on Lake Road in Newport Center, Vermont, a road that borders the United States and Canada. Minutes later, a Border Patrol Agent stopped a car with four individuals traveling south on Lake Road and conducted an immigration inspection. In response to the agent’s questions, the driver was determined to be a U.S. citizen. The other passengers, Mura Kvec, Manix Razmias and Geto Kvec, admitted to being citizens of Romania. None of them possessed the necessary documents that would allow them to stay or remain in the United States legally. Under further questioning, the United States Border Patrol determined the three Romanians had entered the United States at a place other than an open port of entry.

    During their initial court appearance before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle on February 11, 2025, each of the three Romanians entered a guilty plea and received a time-served sentence. They had faced up to 6 months’ imprisonment.

    Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the investigatory efforts of the United States Border Patrol.

    The prosecutor was Assistant United States Attorney Greg Waples. Karen Shingler, Esq. represented Mura Kvec, Michael Straub, Esq. represented Manix Razmias, and the Office of the Federal Public Defender represented Geto Kvec.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: IMAGERY AVAILABLE: Coast Guard rescues three mariners 40 miles offshore from Caillou Bay, Louisiana

    Source: United States Coast Guard

    News Release  

    U.S. Coast Guard 8th District Heartland
    Contact: 8th District Public Affairs
    Office: 504-671-2020
    After Hours: 618-225-9008
    Eighth District online newsroom

     

    Port conditions change based on weather forecasts, and current port conditions can be viewed on the following Coast Guard homeport webpages:

    For more information follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Trisura Group Reports Fourth Quarter and Record Annual Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Feb. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Trisura Group Ltd. (“Trisura” or “Trisura Group”) (TSX: TSU), a leading specialty insurance provider, today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2024.

    David Clare, President and CEO of Trisura, stated, “Trisura achieved strong Operating net income of $38.2 million in the quarter, or $0.79 per share, supporting our highest ever annual Operating net income of $135.8 million, driven by growth, strong underwriting, and higher Net investment income. Operating combined ratio of 81.5% for the quarter and 82.9% for the year shows the strength and potential of the combined platform.

    Growth, strong earnings, unrealized gains and the impact of foreign exchange lifted book value by 27% to $785 million, an all-time high. Profitability from core operations continued, resulting in a 19.4% Operating ROE.

    We made significant progress expanding in 2024. Premiums from our US Surety platform grew by 197% in the year, broadening our footprint and developing relationships with important distribution partners. In US Corporate Insurance we bound our first premium, continued to establish our brand and grow our network while we build out licenses.

    We observed weaker performance from a group of US programs we had previously non-renewed. These programs have been included in Exited lines, to clearly demonstrate their impact. Premium growth and profitability continued in our ongoing portfolio of US Programs.

    Despite the impact of Exited lines, Trisura achieved an 88.8% Combined ratio for the year, and a 96.7% Combined ratio in the quarter. Net income in Q4 grew by 70.1% to $19.3 million and we reached our highest annual Net income ever of $118.9 million.

    Growth initiatives remain well-funded with our highest book value yet and a conservative 11% debt-to-capital underscoring flexibility and capacity for growth.”

    Financial Highlights

    • Insurance revenue increased by 5.2% in Q4 2024 led by strength in Primary lines (Surety, Corporate Insurance and Warranty). Importantly, these are the lines that have the highest underwriting margin.
    • Net income of $19.3 million in the quarter grew 70.1% compared to Q4 2023 as a result of growth in the business, higher Net investment income, as well as a lower Loss ratio. Operating net income(1) of $38.2 million in the quarter grew 47.6% compared to Q4 2023, as a result of growth in the business, higher Net investment income, as well as a lower Loss ratio.
    • Operating EPS(2) of $0.79 for the quarter increased compared to $0.54 in the prior year, demonstrating the strength of core operations(3) through continued growth and profitability. EPS of $0.40 in Q4 2024 was greater than $0.23 in Q4 2023, as a result of growth in the business, higher Net investment income, and improved profitability. EPS in the quarter was impacted by a higher Loss ratio associated with Exited lines.
    • Book value reached a new record of $785.3 million and book value per share(4) of $16.44 increased 26.3% from December 31, 2023, the combined result of earnings from Trisura Specialty, investment returns and foreign exchange.
    • ROE(4) of 16.9% increased compared to 12.2% in Q4 2023, demonstrating a return to our mid-teens target. Operating ROE(5) of 19.4% was slightly lower than Q4 2023, as strong profitability from core operations continued, but Shareholders’ equity increased disproportionately from unrealized gains and foreign exchange.
    Amounts in C$ millions Q4 2024 Q4 2023 Variance 2024 2023 Variance
    Insurance revenue 794.2 755.0 5.2% 3,118.3 2,789.2 11.8%
    Net income 19.3 11.3 70.1% 118.9 66.9 77.6%
    Operating net income(1) 38.2 25.9 47.6% 135.8 110.2 23.3%
    EPS – diluted, $ 0.40 0.23 73.9% 2.45 1.42 72.5%
    Operating EPS – diluted, $(2) 0.79 0.54 46.3% 2.80 2.34 19.7%
    Book value per share, $(4) 16.44 13.02 26.3% 16.44 13.02 26.3%
    Debt-to-Capital ratio(4) 11.1% 10.8% 0.3pts 11.1% 10.8% 0.3pts
    ROE(4) 16.9% 12.2% 4.7pts 16.9% 12.2% 4.7pts
    Operating ROE(5) 19.4% 20.0% (0.6pts) 19.4% 20.0% (0.6pts)
    Combined ratio 96.7% 105.4% (8.7pts) 88.8% 91.2% (2.4pts)
    Operating combined ratio(6) 81.5% 88.1% (6.6pts) 82.9% 81.9% 1.0pts

    Insurance Operations

    • Insurance revenue of $794.2 million, increased by 5.2% compared to Q4 2023, reflecting stronger growth from Surety and Warranty in particular. Trisura’s Primary lines (Surety, Corporate Insurance and Warranty) grew by 17.7% in the quarter.
    • The consolidated Operating combined ratio(3) was 81.5% for the quarter reflecting a lower Loss ratio(3) than the prior year, driven by strong results in Surety and Corporate Insurance, slightly offset by investments in our US expansion.
    • Strong underwriting contributed to a loss ratio in Trisura Specialty of 12.8%, a ROE of 27.4% and Operating ROE of 24.9% in Q4 2024.

    Capital

    • The Minimum Capital Test ratio(7) of our regulated Canadian subsidiary was 276% as at December 31, 2024 (251% as at December 31, 2023), which comfortably exceeded regulatory requirements(8) of 150%.
    • As at December 31, 2024, the Risk-Based Capital(9) of the regulated US insurance companies are expected to be in excess of the various company action levels of the states in which they are licensed. Calculations are finalized as statutory returns are completed.
    • Consolidated debt-to-capital ratio of 11.1% as at December 31, 2024 is below our long-term target of 20.0%.

    Investments

    • Net investment income rose 5.8% in the quarter compared to Q4 2023. The portfolio benefited from increased capital generated from strong operational performance.

    Earnings Conference Call

    Trisura will host its Fourth Quarter and 2024 Annual Earnings Conference Call to review financial results at 9:00a.m. ET on Friday, February 14th, 2025.

    To listen to the call via live audio webcast, please follow the link below:

    https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/mghkbw3a/

    A replay of the call will be available through the link above.

    About Trisura Group

    Trisura Group Ltd. is a specialty insurance provider operating in the Surety, Warranty, Corporate Insurance, Program and Fronting business lines of the market. Trisura has investments in wholly owned subsidiaries through which it conducts insurance operations. Those operations are primarily in Canada and the United States. Trisura Group Ltd. is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “TSU”.

    Further information is available at http://www.trisura.com. Important information may be disseminated exclusively via the website. Investors should consult the site to access this information. Details regarding the operations of Trisura Group Ltd. are also set forth in regulatory filings. A copy of the filings may be obtained on Trisura Group’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

    For more information, please contact:

    Name: Bryan Sinclair

    Tel: 416 607 2135

    Email: bryan.sinclair@trisura.com

    Trisura Group Ltd.
    Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
    As at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023
    (in thousands of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted)
    As at December 31, 2024 December 31, 2023
    Cash and cash equivalents         270,378         604,016
    Investments         1,434,534         890,157
    Other assets         42,392         53,712
    Reinsurance contract assets         2,771,163         2,003,589
    Capital assets and intangible assets         29,383         16,657
    Deferred tax assets         44,043         16,314
    Total assets         4,591,893         3,584,445
    Insurance contract liabilities         3,546,053         2,769,951
    Other liabilities         162,302         120,065
    Loan payable         98,272         75,000
    Total liabilities         3,806,627         2,965,016
    Shareholders’ equity         785,266         619,429
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity         4,591,893         3,584,445
    Trisura Group Ltd.
    Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
    For the three and twelve months ended December 31
    (in thousands of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted)
      Q4 2024 Q4 2023 2024 2023
    Insurance revenue         794,162         754,953         3,118,322         2,789,187
    Insurance service expenses         (881,999)         (615,167)         (2,748,110)         (2,245,246)
    Net income (expense) from reinsurance contracts assets         101,624         (135,627)         (253,980)         (458,606)
    Insurance service result         13,787         4,159         116,232         85,335
    Net investment income (loss)         17,138         16,206         67,045         51,669
    Net gains (losses) & net credit impairment losses         2,886         9,058         24,699         (8,763)
    Total investment income         20,024         25,264         91,744         42,906
    Finance expenses from insurance contracts         (7,015)         (27,716)         (78,522)         (75,875)
    Finance income from reinsurance contracts         5,908         23,511         67,732         65,759
    Net insurance finance expenses         (1,107)         (4,205)         (10,790)         (10,116)
    Net financial result         18,917         21,059         80,954         32,790
    Net insurance and financial result         32,704         25,218         197,186         118,125
    Other income         508         727         7,506         7,654
    Other operating expenses         (6,804)         (10,346)         (42,932)         (32,947)
    Other finance costs         (947)         (565)         (3,270)         (2,409)
    Income before income taxes         25,461         15,034         158,490         90,423
    Income tax expense         (6,208)         (3,714)         (39,575)         (23,482)
    Net income         19,253         11,320         118,915         66,941
    Operating net income         38,181         25,875         135,850         110,201
    Other comprehensive income (loss)         17,194         8,452         43,843         6,328
    Comprehensive income         36,447         19,772         162,758         73,269
    Trisura Group Ltd.
    Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
    For the three and twelve months ended December 31
    (in thousands of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted)
      Q4 2024 Q4 2023 2024 2023
    Net income 19,253 11,320         118,915         66,941
    Non-cash items (3,127) (11,727)         (20,517)         5,264
    Change in working capital 102,620 100,302         68,598         194,038
    Realized (gains) losses (784) 1,769         (2,314)         3,950
    Income taxes paid (16,609) (1,736)         (42,316)         (9,841)
    Interest paid (984) (1,115)         (2,640)         (2,439)
    Net cash from (used in) operating activities 100,369 98,813         119,726         257,913
    Proceeds on disposal of investments 140,380 12,894         342,306         102,492
    Purchases of investments (221,476) (41,001)         (795,269)         (219,121)
    Acquisition of subsidiary – –         (15,015)         –
    Net purchases of capital and intangible assets (647) 32         (3,835)         (714)
    Net cash (used in) investing activities (81,743) (28,075)         (471,813)         (117,343)
    Shares issued – (63)         2,989         51,507
    Shares purchased under Restricted Share Units plan 922 436         (2,215)         (1,409)
    Loans received – –         46,607         –
    Loans repaid – –         (23,335)         –
    Principal portion of lease payments (234) (510)         (2,006)         (2,034)
    Net cash from (used in) financing activities 688 (137)         22,040         48,064
    Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents, during the period 19,314 70,601         (330,047)         188,634
    Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 262,850 531,484         604,016         406,368
    Currency translation (11,786) 1,931         (3,591)         9,014
    Cash and cash equivalents, end of period 270,378 604,016         270,378         604,016

    Non-IFRS Financial Measures and other Financial Measures

    Table 1 – Reconciliation of reported Net income to Operating net income(4): reflect Net income, adjusted for certain items to normalize earnings to core operations in order to reflect our North American specialty operations.

      Q4 2024 Q4 2023 2024 2023
    Net income 19,253 11,320 118,915 66,941
    Adjustments:        
    Non-recurring Surety revenues – – – (4,596)
    Impact of certain changes in Fronting reinsurance structures – – 1,435 –
    Loss from run-off program – 19,196 3,714 47,229
    Non-recurring items (3,100) 4,549 3,565 4,549
    Impact of Exited lines 30,577 – 30,577 –
    Impact of SBC (839) 1,589 3,507 (1,914)
    Impact of movement in yield curve within Finance (expenses) income from insurance and reinsurance contracts (396) 2,071 1,207 723
    Net (gains) losses (2,886) (9,058) (24,699) 8,763
    Tax impact of above items, and other tax adjustments (4,428) (3,792) (2,371) (11,494)
    Operating net income 38,181 25,875 135,850 110,201

    Table 2 – ROE(4)and Operating LTM ROE(5): a measure of the Company’s use of equity.

      Q4 2024 Q4 2023
    LTM net income         118,915         66,941
    LTM average equity         702,012         549,672
    ROE 16.9% 12.2%
    Operating LTM net income(1)         135,850         110,201
    Operating LTM ROE 19.4% 20.0%

    Table 3 – Reconciliation of Average equity(10)to LTM average equity: LTM average equity is used in calculating Operating ROE.

      Q4 2024 Q4 2023
    Average equity         702,348         556,538
    Adjustments: days in quarter proration         (336)         (6,866)
    LTM average equity         702,012         549,672

    Footnotes

    (1) See section on Non-IFRS financial measures table 10.2 in Q4 2024 MD&A for details on composition. Operating net income is a non-IFRS financial measure. Non-IFRS financial measures are not standardized financial measures under the financial reporting framework used to prepare the financial statements of the Company to which the measure relates and might not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other companies. Details and an explanation of how it provides useful information to an investor can be found in the Q4 2024 MD&A, Section 10, Operating Metrics table.

    (2) This is a non-IFRS ratio. Non-IFRS ratios are not standardized under the financial reporting framework used to prepare the financial statements of the Company to which the ratio relates and might not be comparable to similar ratios disclosed by other companies. Details on composition and an explanation of how it provides useful information to an investor can be found in the Q4 2024 MD&A, Section 10, table 10.17.

    (3) See Section 10, Operating Metrics in Q4 2024 MD&A for the definition of Operating Net Income, and for further explanation of “core operations”.

    (4) This is a supplementary financial measure. Refer to Q4 2024 MD&A, Section 10, Operating Metrics table for its composition.

    (5) This is a non-IFRS ratio. See table 10.18 in Q4 2024 MD&A for details on composition, as well as each non-IFRS financial measure used as a component of ratio, and an explanation of how it provides useful information to an investor.

    (6) This is a non-IFRS ratio. Refer to Q4 2024 MD&A, Section 10, Operating Metrics table for its composition. Operating combined ratio excludes the impact of certain items to normalize results in order to reflect our Trisura Specialty operations.

    (7) This measure is calculated in accordance with the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions Canada’s (OSFI’s) Guideline A, Minimum Capital Test.

    (8) This target is in accordance with OSFI’s Guideline A-4, Regulatory Capital and Internal Capital Targets.

    (9) This measure is calculated in accordance with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, Risk Based Capital for Insurers Model Act.

    (10) Average equity is calculated as the sum of opening equity and closing equity over the last twelve months, divided by two.

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Information

    Note: This news release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of Canadian provincial securities laws and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include statements that are predictive in nature, depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, include statements regarding operations, business, financial condition, expected financial results, performance, prospects, opportunities, priorities, targets, goals, ongoing objectives, strategies and outlook of our Company and its subsidiaries, as well as the outlook for North American and international economies for the current fiscal year and subsequent periods, and include words such as “expects,” “likely,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “seeks,” “intends,” “targets,” “projects,” “forecasts”, “potential” or negative versions thereof and other similar expressions, or future or conditional verbs such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “would” and “could”.

    Although we believe that our anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements and information are based upon reasonable assumptions and expectations, the reader should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and information because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond our control, which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of our Company to differ materially from anticipated future results, performance or achievement expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and information.

    Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated or implied by forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: the impact or unanticipated impact of general economic, political and market factors in the countries in which we do business; the behaviour of financial markets, including fluctuations in interest and foreign exchange rates; global equity and capital markets and the availability of equity and debt financing and refinancing within these markets; insurance risks including pricing risk, concentration risk and exposure to large losses, and risks associated with estimates of loss reserves; strategic actions including dispositions; the ability to complete and effectively integrate acquisitions into existing operations and the ability to attain expected benefits; changes in accounting policies and methods used to report financial condition (including uncertainties associated with critical accounting assumptions and estimates); the ability to appropriately manage human capital; the effect of applying future accounting changes; business competition; operational and reputational risks; technological change; changes in government regulation and legislation within the countries in which we operate; governmental investigations; litigation; changes in tax laws; changes in capital requirements; changes in reinsurance arrangements and availability and cost of reinsurance; ability to collect amounts owed; catastrophic events, such as earthquakes, hurricanes or pandemics; the possible impact of international conflicts and other developments including terrorist acts and cyberterrorism; risks associated with reliance on distribution partners, capacity providers and program administrators; third party risks; risk that models used to manage the business do not function as expected; climate change risk; risk of economic downturn; risk of inflation; risks relating to cyber-security; risks relating to credit ratings; and other risks and factors detailed from time to time in our documents filed with securities regulators in Canada.

    We caution that the foregoing list of important factors that may affect future results is not exhaustive. When relying on our forward-looking statements and information, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. Except as required by law, our Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether written or oral, that may be as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Cautionary Non-IFRS and Other Financial Measures

    Reported results conform to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), in accordance with IFRS. In addition to reported results, our Company also presents certain financial measures, including non-IFRS financial measures that are historical, non-IFRS ratios, and supplementary financial measures, to assess results. Non-IFRS financial measures, such as operating net income, are utilized to assess the Company’s overall performance. To arrive at operating results, our Company adjusts for certain items to normalize earnings to core operations, in order to reflect our North American specialty operations. Non-IFRS ratios include a non-IFRS financial measure as one or more of its components. Examples of non-IFRS ratios include operating diluted earnings per share and operating ROE. The Company believes that non-IFRS financial measures and non-IFRS ratios provide the reader with an enhanced understanding of our results and related trends and increase transparency and clarity into the core results of the business. Non-IFRS financial measures and non-IFRS ratios are not standardized terms under IFRS and, therefore, may not be comparable to similar terms used by other companies. Supplementary financial measures depict the Company’s financial performance and position, and are explained in this document where they first appear, and incorporates information by reference to our Company’s current MD&A, for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2024. To access MD&A, see Trisura’s website or SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. These measures are pursuant to National Instrument 52-112 Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures Disclosure.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Patria Announces Changed Record Date for Previously Announced Regular Quarterly Dividend

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    GRAND CAYMAN, Cayman Islands, Feb. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Patria Investments Limited (Nasdaq:PAX) has amended the record date of its recently declared quarterly cash dividend of US$0.15 per share from February 28, 2025 to February 25, 2025. The payment date for the quarterly dividend will remain March 17, 2025, as previously announced on February 12, 2025.

    About Patria

    Patria is a global alternative asset manager and industry leader in Latin America. Founded over 35 years ago, Patria has total assets under management of $41.9 billion, and offices in 13 cities on 4 continents. Patria aims to generate attractive long-term investment returns and, through a diversified platform with strategies that include Private Equity, Infrastructure, Credit, Real Estate, Public Equities and Global Private Markets Solutions, serve as the gateway to alternative investments for both local investors in Latin America, as well as global investors. Further information is available at www.patria.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. You can identify these forward-looking statements by the use of words such as “outlook,” “indicator,” “believes,” “expects,” “potential,” “continues,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “seeks,” “approximately,” “predicts,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates,” “anticipates” or the negative version of these words or other comparable words, among others. Forward-looking statements appear in a number of places in this press release and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our intent, belief or current expectations. Forward-looking statements are based on our management’s beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to our management. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we do not undertake any obligation to update them in light of new information or future developments or to release publicly any revisions to these statements in order to reflect later events or circumstances or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause actual outcomes or results to differ materially from those indicated in these statements. Further information on these and other factors that could affect our financial results is included in filings we have made and will make with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time, including but not limited to those described under the section entitled “Risk Factors” in our most recent annual report on Form 20-F, as such factors may be updated from time to time in our periodic filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), which are accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included in our periodic filings.

    Contact: Patria Shareholder Relations
    E. PatriaShareholderRelations@patria.com
    T. +1 917 769 1611

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Compass Diversified Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Earnings and Conference Call Information

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WESTPORT, Conn., Feb. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Compass Diversified (NYSE: CODI) (“CODI” or the “Company”), an owner of leading middle market businesses, announced today that it plans to release financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024, on Thursday, February 27, 2025, after the close of market trading. The Company has scheduled a conference call to discuss the results on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. ET.

    In conjunction with reporting fourth quarter and full year 2024 results, CODI will host a conference call at 5:00 p.m. ET / 2:00 p.m. PT with the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Elias Sabo, the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, Stephen Keller, and Pat Maciariello, the Chief Operating Officer of Compass Group Management. A live webcast of the call will be available on the Investor Relations section of CODI’s website. To access the call by phone, please go to this link (registration link) and you will be provided with dial in details. To avoid delays, we encourage participants to dial into the conference call 15 minutes ahead of the scheduled start time. A replay of the webcast will also be available for a limited time on the Company’s website.

    About Compass Diversified

    Since its IPO in 2006, CODI has consistently executed its strategy of owning and managing a diverse set of highly defensible, middle-market businesses across the industrial, branded consumer and healthcare sectors. The Company leverages its permanent capital base, long-term disciplined approach, and actionable expertise to maintain controlling ownership interests in each of its subsidiaries, maximizing its ability to impact long-term cash flow generation and value creation. The Company provides both debt and equity capital for its subsidiaries, contributing to their financial and operating flexibility. CODI utilizes the cash flows generated by its subsidiaries to invest in the long-term growth of the Company and has consistently generated strong returns through its culture of transparency, alignment and accountability. For more information, please visit compassdiversified.com.

    Forward Looking Statements

    This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements, including statements with regard to the expected timing of earnings announcements and the future performance of CODI and its subsidiaries. Words such as “believes,” “expects,” and “future” or similar expressions, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to the inherent uncertainties in predicting future results and conditions. Certain factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in these forward-looking statements, and some of these factors are enumerated in the risk factor discussion in the Form 10-K filed by CODI with the SEC for the year ended December 31, 2023 and in other filings with the SEC. Except as required by law, CODI undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Investor Relations
    Compass Diversified
    irinquiry@compassdiversified.com

    Gateway Group
    Cody Slach
    949.574.3860
    CODI@gateway-grp.com

    Media Relations
    Compass Diversified
    Mediainquiry@compassdiversified.com

    The IGB Group
    Leon Berman
    212.477.8438
    lberman@igbir.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Prestige Wealth Inc. Announces First Half of Fiscal Year 2024 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HONG KONG, Feb. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Prestige Wealth Inc. (Nasdaq: PWM) (the “Company” or “Prestige Wealth”), a wealth management and asset management services provider based in Hong Kong, today announced its unaudited financial results for the six months ended March 31, 2024.

    Mr. Kazuho Komoda, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, commented, “Reflecting upon the first half of fiscal year 2024, we made many strategic layouts including exploring the path of using technology method to scale up wealth management business, preparing for expanding business areas and actively seeking talents for business upgrade. Meanwhile, we also maintain stable growth in our existing business and garnered an increase of our total revenues from compared to the same period of fiscal year 2023.”

    Mr. Komoda continued, “Benefited from our efforts and status of listed company, we have access to better business resources, advanced technology, and financing capabilities to hedge against negative macroeconomic impacts. In fact, we have also made many significant strategic initiatives in fiscal year 2024, including acquisitions and post IPO financing. This presents us with immense opportunities, and we want to assure our clients and shareholders that we are in prime position to harness these prospects. We will continue to strive to create value for all shareholders.”

    First Half of Fiscal Year 2024 Financial Results

        For the Six Months Ended March 31,  
        2024     2023     Change     Change  
        USD     USD     USD     %  
        (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)              
    Selected Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income Data:                        
    Net revenues   497,629     312,964     184,665     59.01  
    Operation cost and expenses   (1,105,629 )   (311,871 )   793,758     254.51  
    (Loss) Income from operations   (608,000 )   1,093     (609,093 )   (55,726.72 )
    Other income   118,580     3,335     115,245     (3,455.59 )
    (Loss) Income before income taxes   (489,420 )   4,428     (493,848 )   (11,152.85 )
    Income taxes (expenses) benefits   (14,009 )   21,132     (35,141 )   (166.29 )
    Net (loss) income   (503,429 )   25,560     (528,989 )   (2,069.60 )
    (Loss) Earnings per ordinary share – basic and diluted   (0.055 )   0.003     (0.058 )   (1,933.33 )
                             

    Net Revenues

    Net revenues were $497,629 in the six months ended March 31, 2024, compared to $312,964 in the six months ended March 31, 2023. The increase was primarily due to increase in net revenue from asset management services, partially offset by the decrease in net revenue from wealth management services.

    • Net revenue from wealth management services was $11,685 in the six months ended March 31, 2024, compared to $74,875 in the six months ended March 31, 2023. The decrease was primarily due to the decrease number of cases of referrals.
    • Net revenue from asset management services was $485,944 in the six months ended March 31, 2024, increased from $238,089 in the six months ended March 31, 2023. The increase was primarily due to the Company provided asset management related advisory services to new client.

    Operating Costs and Expenses

    Operating costs and expenses are primarily comprised of selling, general and administrative expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses were $1,105,629 in the six months ended March 31, 2024, compared to $311,871 in the six months ended March 31, 2023. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses was mainly due to the increases in wages & salaries from senior management, depreciation of right-of-use assets and audit fee.

    (Loss) Income from operations

    Loss from operations was $608,000 in the six months ended March 31, 2024, compared to an income from operations of $1,093 in the six months ended March 31, 2023.

    Income Tax (Expenses) Benefits

    Income tax expenses were $14,009 in the six months ended March 31, 2024, compared to an income tax benefit of $21,132 in the six months ended March 31, 2023, primarily because the Company had net taxable profits from one of its subsidiaries.

    Net (Loss) Income

    Net loss was $503,429 in the six months ended March 31, 2024, compared to a net income of $25,560 in the six months ended March 31, 2023.

    Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share

    Basic and diluted loss per share was $0.055 in the six months ended March 31, 2024, compared to basic and diluted earnings per share $0.003 in the six months ended March 31, 2023.

    Balance Sheet

    As of March 31, 2024, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $294,548, compared to $431,307 as of September 30, 2023.

    Cash Flow

    Net cash used in operating activities was $2,995,580 in the six months ended March 31, 2024, compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $454,660 in the six months ended March 31, 2023, mainly due to increase in prepayment.

    Net cash used in investing activities was $2,862,641 in the six months ended March 31, 2024, compared to net cash provided by investing activities of $1,414,297 in the six months ended March 31, 2023, due to decease in loan and interest repayment from a related party.

    Net cash used in financing activities was $nil in the six months ended March 31, 2024, compared to net cash used by investing activities of $545,499 in the six months ended March 31, 2023, due to decease in deferred offering cost.

    Recent Accounting Pronouncements

    On November 27, 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. ASU 2023-07 is designed to improve the reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the CODM. All public entities will be required to report segment information in accordance with the new guidance starting in annual periods beginning after December 15, 2023, with early adoption permitted. The Group is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the standard and does not expect that the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

    In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. ASU 2023-09 expands existing income tax disclosures for rate reconciliations by requiring disclosure of certain specific categories and additional reconciling items that meet quantitative thresholds and expands disclosures for income taxes paid by requiring disaggregation by certain jurisdictions. ASU 2023-09 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted. The Group is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the standard and does not expect that the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

    Recent Developments

    On November 4, 2024, the Company completed its acquisition of all shares of SPW Global Inc., a company incorporated under the laws of the British Virgin Islands, which in turn wholly owns Wealth AI PTE LTD. or Wealth AI, a company incorporated under the laws of Republic of Singapore. Wealth AI is a company based in Singapore that offers personalized, cost-effective wealth management solutions using artificial intelligence. Founded by AI experts from top technology companies in 2022, Wealth AI is dedicated to the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in wealth management.

    On December 16, 2024, the Company completed its acquisition of all shares of InnoSphere Tech Inc. (“InnoSphere Tech”), a company incorporated under the laws of the British Virgin Islands. InnoSphere Tech is a technology company that leverages its advantages in web scraping technology to collect data on finance, wealth management, and related industries according to international standards. Through the accumulation and processing of large amounts of data, its system can train a specialized large model tailored for the wealth management industry, providing robust foundational support to clients in the financial sector that surpasses traditional general-purpose large models.

    On December 16, 2024, the Company also completed its acquisition of all shares of Tokyo Bay Management Inc. (“Tokyo Bay”), a company incorporated under the laws of the British Virgin Islands. Tokyo Bay is a company based in Tokyo, Japan. Founded by experienced professionals, the Tokyo Bay team has accumulated extensive premium client resources and local market knowledge over the past years, providing wealth management services, family affairs services, lifestyle management services and related value-added services to high-net-worth clients in Japan.

    About Prestige Wealth Inc.

    Prestige Wealth Inc. is a wealth management and asset management services provider based in Hong Kong, assisting its clients in identifying and purchasing well-matched wealth management products and global asset management products. With a focus on quality service, the Company has retained a loyal customer base consisting of high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients in Asia. Through the Company’s wealth management service, it introduces clients to customized wealth management products and provides them with tailored value-added services. The Company provides asset management services via investment funds that it manages and also provides discretionary account management services and asset management-related advisory services to clients. For more information, please visit the Company’s website: http://ir.prestigewm.hk/index.html.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Investors can find many (but not all) of these statements by the use of words such as “approximates,” “believes,” “hopes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “projects,” “intends,” “plans,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “may” or other similar expressions in this prospectus. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s registration statement and other filings with the SEC.

    PRESTIGE WEALTH INC.
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
        March 31,
    2024    		     September 30,
    2023    		  
        (Unaudited)        
    CURRENT ASSETS                
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 294,548     $ 431,307  
    Restricted cash     200,000       200,000  
    Accounts receivable     350,826       273,257  
    Contract asset     3,002       91,565  
    Note Receivables     1,037,199       3,755,794  
    Amounts due from related parties     1,619,590       1,592,593  
    Right-of-use assets, current     213,978       213,814  
    Income tax receivable     45,783       29,279  
    Prepaid expenses and other assets     2,765,857       66,484  
    Total current assets     6,530,783       6,654,093  
                     
    NON-CURRENT ASSETS                
    Right-of-use asset, non-current   $ 42,247     $ 140,898  
    Prepaid expenses and other assets     68,672       68,620  
    Total non-current assets   $ 110,919     $ 209,518  
    Total assets   $ 6,641,702     $ 6,863,611  
                     
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY                
    Current Liabilities                
    Income tax payable   $ 37,345     $ 27,648  
    Lease liability, current     237,535       220,101  
    Amounts due to related parties     190,844       —  
    Deferred tax liabilities     11,858       14,415  
    Other payables and accrued liabilities     435,228       257,906  
    Total current liabilities   $ 912,810     $ 520,070  
                     
    NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES                
    Lease liability, non-current   $ 49,095     $ 160,996  
    Total non-current liabilities   $ 49,095     $ 160,996  
    Total liabilities   $ 961,905     $ 681,066  
                     
    Shareholders’ equity                
    Ordinary share ($0.000625 par value, 1,600,000,000 shares authorized, 9,150,000 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2024; $0.000625 par value, 160,000,000 shares authorized, 9,150,000 shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2023)*   $ 5,719     $ 5,719  
    Additional paid in capital     2,570,664       2,570,664  
    Retained earnings     3,139,565       3,642,994  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (36,151 )     (36,832 )
    Total shareholders’ equity   $ 5,679,797     $ 6,182,545  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 6,641,702     $ 6,863,611  
                     
    * The shares are presented on a retroactive basis to reflect the Company’s share subdivision on July 15, 2022.                
                     
    PRESTIGE WEALTH INC.
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
        For the six months ended
    March 31,    		  
        2024     2023  
        (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)  
    Net revenue            
    Wealth management services            
    Referral fees   $ 11,685     $ 74,875  
                     
    Asset management services                
    Advisory service fees     459,974       212,486  
    Management fees     25,970       25,603  
    Subtotal     485,944       238,089  
    Total net revenue     497,629       312,964  
                     
    Gross Margin     497,629       312,964  
                     
    Operation cost and expenses                
    Selling, general and administrative expenses     1,105,629       311,871  
    Total operation cost and expenses     1,105,629       311,871  
                     
    (Loss) Income from operations     (608,000 )     1,093  
                     
    Other income     118,580       3,335  
                     
    (Loss) Income before income taxes     (489,420 )     4,428  
    Income taxes (expenses) benefits     (14,009 )     21,132  
                     
    Net (loss) income   $ (503,429 )   $ 25,560  
                     
    Other comprehensive (loss) income                
    Foreign currency translation adjustment     681       6,016  
    Total comprehensive (loss) income   $ (502,748 )   $ 31,576  
                     
    (Loss) Earnings per ordinary share                
    Basic and diluted   $ (0.055 )   $ 0.003  
                     
    Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding*                
    Basic and diluted     9,150,000       8,000,000  
                     

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Australia – SA Premier features in book of migrant stories – AMES

    Source: AMES

    South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas features in new book that tells the stories of second-generation migrant Australians.

    Titled ‘At the Heart of Identity’, the book is a series of reflections from people sharing their families’ settlement journeys and their own search for identity.

    Premier Malinauskas shares his family’s post war journey to Australia and his own childhood growing up in a migrant community.

    He tells in the book how his family came to Australia in 1949 escaping war-torn Europe.

    “At some point in the late 1930s in regional Hungary a 20-year-old widowed mother named Eta was left little choice but to temporarily leave her daughter with extended family while she sought work at a nearby town. It was a fateful moment. As World War II mercilessly engulfed Europe, Eta quickly found herself caught in the web of the war,” Premier Malinauskas says.

    “Moved from camp to camp as forced labour for the Nazis, no parent could bear to imagine the pain, frustration and sense of desperation that Eta must have felt as every avenue to get back to her daughter was closed. Despite multiple efforts to return to Hungary, by the war’s end Eta had been stuck in a German munitions factory.

    “As the Nazi regime collapsed and Eta closed that chapter of her life, her ambition for reunification with her daughter was again thwarted, this time by another peril in the form of communism. Having had her sole possession, a single bike, confiscated by the Russians at a key roadblock, Eta was again turned around and sent back to Germany,” he says.

    Premier Malinauskas tells how his grandparents met after separately coming to Australia as refugees from the aftermath of WWII.

    “When my grandparents got married, they bought a block of land on Trimmer Parade, Seaton, where they built their home and, for many years, operated a fish and chip shop. I distinctly remember as a young boy standing at that fish and chip shop my grandfather built with his own bare hands as he told me about the importance of taking opportunities,” he says.

    I distinctly remember as a young boy standing at that fish and chip shop my grandfather built with his own bare hands as he told me about the importance of taking opportunities. He was always talking about opportunity – every opportunity you’ve got to grab.

    “An equally clear memory is of the time I inquired about him becoming an Australian citizen and grandpa quickly rushing off to retrieve his naturalisation certificate. I cannot picture the certificate, but I can still feel the depth of meaning it had to him as a symbol of the opportunity this nation and this state had afforded Eta and himself.

     

    “The desire of my grandparents, including Bob and Ursula May from my mum’s side, to seek, seize and share opportunity, even in the face of real hardship, has undoubtedly influenced my politics,” he says.

    Premier Malinauskas says his family’s story is emblematic of Australia’s migration story.

    “…this is a story about a young state in an even younger nation whose infectious optimism about the future gave it the courage to be open to new people looking for one thing above all else: opportunity, the same sort of opportunity our first re-settlers sought 112 years earlier and the exact same sort of opportunity new arrivals to our shores seek today,” he says.

    Other contributors to the book are: former Socceroo Archie Thompson, who has a New Zealand-born father and mother from Papua New Guinea; federal MP Cassandra Fernando, whose parents are from Sri Lanka; leading contemporary artist Saidin Salkic; and architect Maru Jarockyj, whose parent were born in Ukraine.

    Launched at Parliament House, in Canberra this week, as part of migrant and refugee settlement agency AMES Australia’s annual ‘Heartlands’ cultural project, the book is a reflection of Australia’s long and diverse history as a nation of migrants.

    AMES CEO Cath Scarth said the book was timely at a point in history when polarisation and divisiveness are on the rise across the globe.

    “Stories of settlement in Australia, no matter where you have come from, are things that unite us,” Ms Scarth said.

    “These stories are reflection of how migrants have helped to build Australia and helped to create the successful brand of multiculturalism we enjoy along with the high levels of social cohesion that we have built,” she said.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst Calls for the Senate to Confirm Kelly Loeffler as SBA Administrator

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, spoke on the Senate floor in support of Kelly Loeffler to be confirmed as the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA).
    Chair Ernst has highlighted Kelly Loeffler’s plan to fix the broken SBA and advanced her nomination out of committee on a bipartisan vote of 12-7.
    Watch her full remarks here.
    Ernst’s remarks as delivered:
    “Mr. President, later today we have the opportunity to advance the nomination of the Honorable Kelly Loeffler to be the Administrator of the Small Business Administration.
    “Senator Loeffler is immensely qualified for this role.
    “As a successful businesswoman, it is abundantly clear that Senator Loeffler truly understands what it takes to be an entrepreneur and will be an effective voice for small businesses across America.
    “Since President Trump’s election in November, optimism on Main Street has surged to its highest levels since 2018!
    “Our nation’s job creators – small businesses – are excited about the prospect of having a dedicated and knowledgeable leader at the helm of SBA.
    “Last week, the Small Business Committee, where I serve as Chair, favorably reported her nomination out with a bipartisan vote — a sure sign that my friends on both sides of the aisle believe she is fit to lead SBA. 
    “Senator Loeffler will bring accountability back to the agency and promote policies that will truly benefit American small businesses.
    “As evidenced in her nomination hearing, Senator Loeffler’s experience and her expertise make her the right person to lead the SBA and advocate for our small businesses.
    “Growing up on her family’s farm in Bloomington, Illinois, Senator Loeffler experienced firsthand the problems facing America’s farmers and small business owners.
    “And as a fellow farm girl myself, I look forward to having some more Midwest common sense in Washington D.C.!
    “Senator Loeffler also witnessed her parents start up a small trucking business and navigate complex rules and regulations.
    “She understands the struggles small businesses face because you know what, she has experienced them. 
    “Fortunately, Senator Loeffler is ready to cut the red tape and reduce the burdens that so many of our job creators still face today.
    “Senator Loeffler is also a successful entrepreneur.
    “She was the first employee and CEO of a financial technology company.
    “Through her hard work and tenacity, she aggressively grew the company and took it public within three years.
    “Additionally, Senator Loeffler knows what it means to work for Main Street and the American people.
    “During COVID, as a U.S. Senator, she worked tirelessly to bring relief to the people of Georgia, specifically through the Paycheck Protection Program.
    “However, she, like me, recognizes that some took advantage of this program, and they need to be held accountable.
    “During her confirmation hearing, Senator Loeffler detailed her zero-tolerance policy for waste, fraud, and abuse in the SBA.
    “Mr. President, that should be welcome news for all of us.
    “In addition, Senator Loeffler indicated the need for a full-scale audit – I started my political career as an auditor so I agree with this – the full-scale audit at the SBA to uncover any improper spending, and stated she would rely on that data to make the best decisions for the future of SBA.
    “Senator Loeffler also noted the importance of working with Congress, particularly when it comes to disaster relief.
    “She recognized the tragedy of the SBA’s disaster shortfall – which lasted for 66 days in the middle of back-to-back natural disasters – she recognized that this should never happen again. 
    “SBA’s vital role in the disaster process cannot be overstated, and we must ensure we have an Administrator who will alert Congress at the first signs of any concerns.
    “The SBA needs a strong leader with a proven track record in business management, and Senator Loeffler brings all of that and more to the table.
    “I look forward to working with Senator Loeffler to ensure small businesses all across America can thrive and maintain these high levels of optimism we’re already seeing under this administration.
    “I urge my colleagues to advance her nomination. Support her with a yes vote.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Markey, Luján, Peters Condemn Weaponization of Federal Communications Commission Against Broadcasters and Public Media

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
    Letter Text (PDF)
    Washington (February 13, 2025) – Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and Gary Peters (D-Mich.), members of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, wrote to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr and Commissioner Nathan Simington regarding recent actions taken by the FCC under the Trump administration demonstrating that the FCC is weaponizing its authority over broadcasters and public media for political purposes.
    In the letter the lawmakers wrote, “We write to express our serious concern about the recent actions taken by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) under Chairman Carr to open or reopen investigations into broadcasting companies without any evidence of wrongdoing in what appears to be an attempt to intimidate broadcasters for political purposes. Specifically, we are concerned by both of your recent assertions that broadcast stations could be investigated over their editorial decision-making, which raises concerns under the First Amendment. Additionally, we are deeply concerned that in just the first two weeks under Chairman Carr, the Commission has reinstated three previously closed complaints against ABC, CBS, and NBC — absent any new evidence — without also reinstating a similar complaint against a Fox broadcasting station. Finally, we are troubled by your announced investigation into PBS and National Public Radio (NPR) member stations without any evidence that these news sources have departed from decades-long practices for sponsorship disclosures. Taken together, these efforts appear politically motivated and designed to punish, censor or intimidate members of the free press based on political disagreement with editorial choices. This weaponization of the FCC is unacceptable. We urge you to immediately cease such conduct and respect the First Amendment.
    The lawmakers continue, “We urge you both to follow the Constitution, immediately cease abusing the FCC’s legal authority, and return to the evidence-based decision-making that has been a staple of the Commission’s long and storied history.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell Hits Trump’s Trade Policy on CNBC: “It Almost Seems Like A Tariff Tantrum”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
    02.13.25
    Cantwell Hits Trump’s Trade Policy on CNBC: “It Almost Seems Like A Tariff Tantrum”
    WA depends on steel & aluminum imports; last year, the state imported $1.2B worth of steel & aluminum for aerospace, shipbuilding, electronics & more; Last round of Trump trade wars nearly decimated WA’s apple export market to India; Cantwell helped negotiate end to retaliatory tariffs in 2023 & restore the market
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – This morning, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and a senior member of the Senate Committee on Finance, appeared on CNBC’s Squawk Box to push back against President Trump’s aggressive use of tariffs, even against the United States’ closest allies, instead of focusing on opening up export markets and lowering costs for American consumers.
    “This is the fourth week of the Trump Administration, and I would hope that we would have been hearing about how we’re lowering costs on housing, food prices, and drugs. And instead, we’re now in – it almost seems like a tariff tantrum, like we’re just going to tariff everything. And what I would like to see is an engagement by both Democrats and Republicans pushing back on this notion that a ‘tariff everything’ strategy is the way to get out of this situation,” Sen. Cantwell told Squawk Box’s Andrew Ross Sorkin.
    “I’ve been critical of Obama’s tariffs. I’ve been critical of Biden’s tariffs. What I want people to understand is we live in a world, now, where alliances and dealing with these issues on a coalition basis will get us further, because 95% of consumers are outside the United States,” she continued.
    “In the last Trump administration, he did the same thing [… he] cut hundreds of apple jobs in my state that never recovered. But it decimated a $120 million market, and then, basically, because of the retaliatory tariffs, we were without an apple market to India. I worked in the Biden administration to get that restored. So, what people don’t understand is, in this environment, you don’t just lose farmland — because actually, Bill Gates or somebody will buy it — you’re losing farmers. And right now, the world, we should be opening up markets. We should be opening up agriculture opportunities around the globe.”
    Her full appearance on Squawk Box can be viewed HERE; a transcript of the interview is HERE.
    In Washington state, two out of every five jobs are tied to trade and trade-related industries.  Combined, the state imported $1.21 billion worth of steel and aluminum last year – and the major industries and employers in Washington that rely on steel and aluminum include aerospace, shipbuilding, utilities, and electronics.
    When President Trump imposed steel tariffs in 2018, our trading partners immediately responded by imposing tariffs of their own on Washington products, especially agriculture, including cherries, apples, pears, and potatoes. Nationally, across all industries, the steel and aluminum tariffs resulted in a decrease in production worth about $3.4 billion per year, according to an ITC report.  
    Sen. Cantwell has remained a steadfast supporter of free trade to grow the economy in the State of Washington and nationwide. Sen. Cantwell was the leading voice in negotiations to end India’s 20% retaliatory tariff on American apples, which was imposed in response to tariffs on steel and aluminum and devastated Washington state’s apple exports. India had once been the second-largest export market for American apples, but after President Trump imposed tariffs on steel and aluminum in his first term, India imposed retaliatory tariffs in response and U.S. apple exports plummeted. The impact on Washington apple growers was severe: Apple exports from the state dropped from $120 million in 2017 to less than $1 million by 2023.  In September 2023, following several years of Sen. Cantwell’s advocacy, India ended its retaliatory tariffs on apples and pulse crops which was welcome news to the state’s more than 1,400 apple growers and the 68,000-plus workers they support.
    Last week, Sen. Cantwell also delivered a major speech on the Senate floor arguing that the president’s arbitrary tariffs would threaten domestic job creation and economic growth in an Information Age. She outlined a strategy focused on building coalitions, growing exports, and establishing principles to support innovation in the Information Age.
    Sen. Cantwell also voted against advancing the nomination of Howard Lutnick, President Trump’s choice to be Secretary of the Department of Commerce, citing concerns with Lutnick’s support for Trump’s proposed tariffs. More information on how President Trump’s proposed tariffs on goods from Mexico, Canada, and China would affect consumers and businesses in the State of Washington can be found HERE.
    In May 2023, Sen. Cantwell sent a letter urging the Biden Administration to help U.S. potato growers finally get approval to sell fresh potatoes in Japan. In June 2023, Sen. Cantwell hosted U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), then-chair of the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, in Washington state for a forum with 30 local agricultural leaders in Wenatchee to discuss the Farm Bill.
    In 2022, Sen. Cantwell spearheaded passage of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act, a law to crack down on skyrocketing international ocean shipping costs and ease supply chain backlogs that raise prices for consumers and make it harder for U.S. farmers and exporters to get their goods to the global market.
    In August 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Sen. Cantwell sent a letter to then-Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue requesting aid funds be distributed to wheat growers. In December 2018, Sen. Cantwell celebrated the passage of the Farm Bill, which included $500 million of assistance for farmers, including those who grow wheat.
    In 2019, Sen. Cantwell helped secure a provision in the $16 billion USDA relief package, ensuring sweet cherry growers could access emergency funding to offset the impacts of tariffs and other market disruptions.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell Sounds Alarm on Trump Funding Cuts for Lifesaving Biomed Research

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
    02.13.25
    Cantwell Sounds Alarm on Trump Funding Cuts for Lifesaving Biomed Research
    State University is on the front lines of avian flu research – Trump’s NIH cuts could jeopardize pandemic response
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Finance Committee, joined the entire Senate Democratic Caucus in sending a letter to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. expressing serious alarm over the Trump Administration’s recent decisions that threaten to undermine America’s life-saving biomedical research infrastructure, in violation of federal law.
    “This change to NIH’s indirect cost rate represents an indiscriminate funding cut that will be nothing short of catastrophic for the lifesaving research that patients and families are counting on. The Administration’s new policy means that research will come to a halt, sick kids may not get the treatment they need, and clinical trials may shut down abruptly,” the Senators wrote.
    Last week, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced it would set the maximum rate for indirect costs to 15 percent—creating a serious funding shortfall for research institutions of all types across the country. This move would dismantle the biomedical research system and stifle the development of new cures for disease.
    This Trump administration action is blatantly illegal as Congress’ bipartisan Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations law prohibits modifications to NIH’s indirect costs. Moreover, Congress specifically included this language in the law after President Trump similarly tried to unilaterally impose a sweeping across-the-board cut for research institutions in his first term – and Congress has included it in every appropriations law since then.
    Research entities in Washington state received $1.29 billion in NIH funding in Fiscal Year 2023, which supports nearly 12,000 jobs and nearly $3 billion in economic activity. A state by state analysis of total NIH funding, jobs supported, and economic activity supported through NIH research is available HERE.
    Earlier this week, Washington state Attorney General Nick Brown joined 21 other attorneys general in filing a multi-state lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for Massachusetts challenging the move. A federal judge in Boston temporarily blocked the NIH rate cut and set a hearing for February 21st.
    Sen. Cantwell discussed the repercussions of the proposed NIH cuts during her floor speech explaining her opposition to RFK Jr.’s nomination to head the Health and Human Services Administration last night. Video of Sen. Cantwell’s speech is available HERE, audio HERE, and transcript HERE.
    For decades, Sen. Cantwell has remained a staunch supporter of medical innovation and evidence-based science, including treatments for fentanyl addiction, abortion, vaccinations, stem cell research, and more.
    The full text of the letter is HERE and below.
    Dear Secretary Kennedy,
    We write to express our serious concern with the Trump Administration’s recent decisions that threaten to undermine the nation’s biomedical research infrastructure and set us back generations. The steps the Trump Administration has taken will create a serious funding shortfall for research institutions nationwide, threaten to undermine progress on lifesaving scientific advancements, could cost the U.S. economy billions of dollars, and threaten the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of workers. 
    As the largest public funder of biomedical research in the world, NIH plays a critical role in sustaining the research infrastructure necessary for scientific breakthroughs in cancer treatment, infectious disease prevention, and medical technology innovation, among many others. President Trump has wreaked havoc on the nation’s biomedical research system in recent weeks. In his first several days in office, President Trump imposed a hiring freeze, communications freeze, ban on travel, and cancellation of grant review and advisory panels that are necessary to advance research. While some of these efforts have been reversed, they continue to cause confusion and miscommunication among researchers and recipients of NIH funds.
    Just last week, NIH announced an illegal plan to cap indirect cost rates that research institutions rely on. In capping indirect cost rates at 15 percent for NIH-funded grants, this policy would cut funding essential for conducting research, such as operating and maintaining laboratories, equipment, and research facilities. This change to NIH’s indirect cost rate represents an indiscriminate funding cut that will be nothing short of catastrophic for the lifesaving research that patients and families are counting on. The Administration’s new policy means that research will come to a halt, sick kids may not get the treatment they need, and clinical trials may shut down abruptly.
    These confusing and harmful policy changes threaten patient safety. The strength of the American research enterprise – recognized as the best in the world – is built on Congress’ bipartisan commitment to supporting essential research infrastructure. This funding, which Congress has long appropriated on a bipartisan basis, fuels groundbreaking medical discoveries and cements the United States’ position as the global leader in biomedical research.
    In addition to the stifling impact on discovering new cures and ripping away treatment from those who need it, changes to NIH policy and communications threaten jobs in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, with everyone from custodians, to research trainees, to scientists facing potential layoffs. NIH research supported more than 412,000 jobs and fueled nearly $93 billion in new economic activity in Fiscal Year 2023. Every dollar the NIH invests in research generates almost $2.50 in economic activity. These reckless policy changes not only threaten biomedical innovation and research, but also the livelihoods of thousands of workers in every state across the nation.
    The Trump Administration has left researchers, universities, and health systems with great uncertainty about whether they can continue to support entire research programs and patient clinical trials across the country. Institutions and grantees nationwide are dealing with an unprecedented external communications “pause” enacted by new leadership at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the lack of transparency regarding the Administration’s illegal funding freeze, and the uncertainty of how new Executive Orders would be applied to their critical work. These actions resulted in NIH freezing grant reviews and cancelling advisory meetings, delaying critical funding that scientists need to continue advancing new cures and treatments. These disruptions do not just slow research – they cost lives.
    The NIH plays a critical role in our nation’s efforts to fund scientific advancements that improve health and save lives. Our standing as a world leader in funding and producing new medical and scientific innovations has been put at risk by these recent actions from the Trump Administration. We urge you to stop playing political games with the lifesaving work of the NIH and to allow NIH research to continue uninterrupted.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sullivan Legislation Strengthens U.S./Israel Alliance, Reinstates “Peace Through Strength” Policies in the Middle East

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Dan Sullivan
    02.13.25
    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), introduced a package of three bills focused on promoting stability and security in the Middle East: the Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act, the United States-Israel Defense Partnership Act of 2025, and the Stop the ICC. These bills work to strengthen the U.S.-Israel military alliance, bolster the U.S. sanctions regime against Iran—the architect of chaos in the Middle East—and prohibit U.S. funding of or cooperation with the antisemitic International Criminal Court (ICC). Much of Sullivan’s Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act dovetails with President Trump’s recent executive orders on Iran and Israel.
    “Taken together, this suite of bills sends a clear message that the United States stands firmly with Israel,” said Senator Sullivan. “The Biden administration refused to enforce the comprehensive Iran sanctions that President Trump enacted during his first term. As a result, Iran was given more than $70 billion and used this windfall to spread terror across the Middle East and in Israel. Congress needs to send a clear message that this must stop. Further, to better protect our interests at home and strengthen our alliance with Israel, we must strengthen the U.S.-Israel security partnership and stand with Israel against antisemitic institutions that threaten the existence of our closest ally in the Middle East. It’s time to return to ‘peace through strength’ in the Middle East and stand stronger than ever against the Iranian regime and its terrorist proxies that are threatening Israel and American interests throughout the region.” 
    See below for summaries of Senator Sullivan’s legislation.
    Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act
    This legislation supports the return to a maximum pressure posture toward Iran by strengthening the U.S. sanctions regime against Iran by filling the gaps on existing sanctions legislation and mandating rigorous enforcement of sanctions. Specifically, the legislation expands the range of sanctions to encompass the full logistical chain of Iranian energy exports, it creates an interagency task force to constantly track Iranian illicit activities, and it sunsets the timeline to issue sanctions waivers. It also includes provisions to encourage a new multilateral contact group with like-minded nations to coordinate international sanctions enforcement efforts.
    Specifically, the bill takes several important measures:
    Imposes secondary sanctions on the entire logistical chain of foreign entities supporting Iran’s illicit oil sales, including Chinese banks, maritime insurance providers, and flagging registries, as well as the executive-level leadership in those corporations and their immediate family members. It also imposes sanctions on family members of individuals in Iran sanctioned for terrorism, ballistic missile production, or weapons of mass destruction (WMD) facilities.
    Creates an interagency Iran sanctions working group tasked with constantly tracking illicit transfers of Iranian oil, gas, and related products, with a periodic reporting plan to outline efforts to keep abreast of the evolving sanctions-evasion efforts, and identify new sanctions designations packages.
    Creates a multilateral contact group for harmonizing and enforcing international sanctions on Iran.
    Directs the provision of a private sector reporting mechanism, which financially incentivizes private sector counterparts to share information about illicit Iranian transfer operations.
    Initiates a periodic (180-day) review by the President to justify maintaining existing waivers on eligible nations’ purchase of Iranian oil, accompanied by a detailed, credible plan to phase out the need for waivers for each applicable country. This would include sunset waiver authority on Iran sanctions, following a periodic congressional review.
    Sunsets the presidential sanctions waiver authority in February 1, 2029.
    This legislation is cosponsored by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.).
    The United States-Israel Defense Partnership Act of 2025
    This bill strengthens the U.S.-Israel security partnership by extending and expanding existing bilateral security initiatives. It also establishes new cooperative programs, including a broader initiative on unmanned systems, establishing a Defense Innovation Unit in Israel, and advocating for consideration of Israel’s inclusion in the National Technology Industrial Base (NTIB). Finally, it calls for greater cooperation between Israel and regional countries in advancing work on Integrated Air and Missile Defense.
    Specifically, this bill takes several important measures:
    Establishes a program between the United States and Israel on Countering Unmanned Systems (C-UxS). This entails a program of cooperation to develop, test, and deploy advanced C-UxS technologies to address threats posed by UAS, funded at $150 million per year.
    Extension and expansion of the U.S.-Israel Counter-UAS Cooperative Program. This would increase funding for the current initiative from $55 million to $75 million annually.
    Extension and expansion of the United States-Israel Anti-Tunneling Cooperative Program. Extends the authorization of the U.S.-Israel Anti-Tunneling Cooperative Program to Dec 31, 2028 and increases the authorization to $80 million per year.
    Authorizes cooperation between the United States and Israel on emerging defense technologies for 5 years (United States-Israel Future of Warfare Act).  Provides $47.5 million a year to encourage further defense collaboration with Israel in areas of emerging technologies, including autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum, and biotechnology.
    Reauthorizes the War Reserves Stockpile Authority – Israel (WRSA-I); extends the authorization of WRSA-I, which expires at the end of 2026, through January 1, 2029.
    Establishes a Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) office in Israel. A DIU office in Israel will work with the Israeli Minister of Defense and private sector to counter Iran’s development of dual-use defense technologies.
    Israel-National Technology Industrial Base (NTIB) Engagement. This requires the Secretary of Defense to engage with his or her Israeli counterpart to initiate a discussion on the process of Israeli ascension into NTIB. 
    Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD). This requires the Secretary of Defense to provide a report on strengthening IAMD in the Middle East.
    This legislation is cosponsored by Senators Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.).
    Stop the ICC Act
    This bill prohibits funding for and cooperation with the International Criminal Court (ICC), based on its antisemitic efforts to prosecute top Israeli officials and create a false equivalence between Israel and Hamas, a terrorist organization. It also prohibits U.S. economic support for the Palestinian Authority (PA) based on its cooperation with the ICC’s investigations against Israeli officials. Specifically, it instructs the President to freeze property assets and deny visas to any foreigners who materially or financially contributed to the ICC’s efforts to “investigate, arrest, detain or prosecute a protected person.” Protected persons are defined as all current and former military and government officials of the U.S. and allies that have not consented to the court’s jurisdiction, such as Israel.  The legislation covers the 32-member NATO and the 19 major non-NATO countries, which include Israel, Japan, Taiwan, Australia, South Korea, the Philippines, and Egypt. It would also rescind any funds the U.S. has designated for the ICC and prohibit any future money for the court.
    Background:  In May 2024, ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan announced that he was seeking warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and then-Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, as well as Hamas leadership. In November 2024, the court issued warrants for Mr. Netanyahu, Mr. Gallant and Hamas leaders for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
    This legislation is cosponsored by Senator Tom Cotton (R-Ark.).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyoming Delegation Introduces Legislation to Ensure Reliable Mail Delivery in the Cowboy State

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wyoming Cynthia Lummis

    Washington, D.C.—  Senators Cynthia Lummis, John Barrasso, and Congresswoman Harriet Hageman (all R-WY) introduced the bipartisan and bicameral Postal Operations Stay Timely and Local (POSTAL) Act. This legislation prevents the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) from closing, consolidating, or downgrading processing and distribution centers (P&DC) if it would eliminate the only P&DC in a state.

    “The people of Wyoming are greatly disadvantaged by the mail delivery policies implemented under the Biden administration,” said Lummis. “It is commonsense for every state to have at least one sorting facility, to ensure efficient and timely in-state mail delivery. I am proud to champion this commonsense mail policy for rural communities, so every American, regardless of zip code, can rely on USPS once again.”

    “The United States Postal Service (USPS) is a lifeline in rural states like Wyoming,” said Barrasso. “Keeping a processing and distribution center in Wyoming will help prevent delays and keep mail operations running smoothly across our state. I’ll continue to fight to make sure the people of Wyoming have access to a reliable and timely postal service.”

    “Wyoming residents and postal employees are deeply concerned about the impact of these planned downgrades,” said Hageman. “The Postal Regulatory Commission found Postmaster General DeJoy’s plan to move processing out of state will lead to substantial delays and undermine reliable mail service for rural communities. For many Wyomingites, USPS is vital for everything from healthcare access to ensuring election integrity. This bill protects Cheyenne and Casper’s P&DC status and safeguards Wyoming’s postal infrastructure.”

    Background:

    • The USPS, under its “Delivering for America” modernization plan, has begun to consolidate or downgrade many of its existing processing and distribution centers, shifting the bulk of mail processing and delivery functions to other locations. 
    • As part of this shift, USPS plans to downgrade both P&DC facilities in Wyoming, shifting Casper’s P&DC operations to Billings, Montana and Cheyenne’s operations to Denver, Colorado, leaving Wyoming without an in-state P&DC.

    Bill text can be found here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Graham Statement On RFK Jr. Confirmation

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Lindsey Graham

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement after voting to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Kennedy Jr. was confirmed by a vote of 52-48.

    “Every president deserves their team. I look forward to working with RFK Jr. to improve our quality of life and health in America.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Graham Statement on Rollins Confirmation

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Lindsey Graham

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement after voting to confirm Brooke Rollins as the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture (USDA). Rollins was confirmed by a vote of 72-28.

    “Congratulations to Brooke Rollins for being confirmed by the Senate to be our next Agriculture Secretary. America is blessed with the most abundant, affordable, and safe food supply in the world. Under Brooke’s leadership, we will take agriculture to a new level in America.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fischer Questions Experts on Importance of Increased U.S. Presence in Greenland

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nebraska Deb Fischer

    At a Senate Commerce Committee hearing this week, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) questioned expert witnesses on the strategic importance of Greenland and the need to maintain a strong American presence in the Greenland-Iceland-UK (GIUK) Gap.

    During the hearing, Senator Fischer questioned Dr. Rebecca Pincus, Director of the Wilson Center Polar Institute, and Mr. Alexander Gray, a senior fellow in National Security Affairs at the American Foreign Policy Council, on the importance of Pituffik Space Base and the U.S. radar systems based in Greenland, as well as the significance of the GIUK Gap in light of increased Russian and Chinese activity in the Arctic. Senator Fischer highlighted how critical it is that the Department of Defense maintain its access to spectrum airwaves so it can detect and track incoming threats to our homeland.

    Click the image above to watch a video of Sen. Fischer’s questioning

    Click here to download audio

    Click here to download video


    Senator Fischer questions experts:

    Senator Fischer:     Dr. Pincus, there’s been much discussion of late on Greenland, but I think what’s underappreciated is something that you were trying to focus on, and that’s the importance of Greenland to a whole host of U.S. strategic interests that are there. And, obviously, yes, we need to develop a good working relationship, a good partnership, with Greenland. You mentioned the Space Base that’s in Greenland. It’s a critical forward operating location. It is the Department’s northernmost installation. It hosts radar systems that are essential to our missile defense.

    You know, the comment was made that there could be flight paths of ICBMs over Greenland. Well, that may or may not happen. But what is key there is that no matter where in the Arctic ICBMs are flying, what we have to have is radars to be on Greenland so that not only can they track, but they can also detect any incoming threats.

    I’d also like to consider the Greenland-Iceland-UK (GIUK) Gap, and Mr. Gray, maybe you’d want to add some into this discussion as well. As we look at the increased Russian submarine activity there in recent years, and you couple that with the growing Chinese and Russian presence in the Arctic, I think it’s hard to understate that Gap’s importance. So, both of you, do you assess that increased U.S. presence in the GIUK Gap would be beneficial?

    Dr. Pincus: Thank you very much, Senator, for that terrific question. You know, I think it’s very helpful to talk in terms of specifics. And in Greenland, we have long had radar installations to give us early warning of incoming ICBMs coming from Eurasia. And in the current era of hypersonics, new missiles, new missile delivery systems, it’s very important that those radars remain in place and that we recapitalize and modernize them to give us as much advance notice as possible. So, there’s a big radar system at the Pituffik Base. There’s a big airfield, there’s a deep-water port on the east coast of Greenland, that is the westernmost point of the GIUK gap. So, it is a key point for monitoring Russian naval activity and, you know, I think we are looking at a set of challenges in the GIUK gap related to Russian activity, undersea activity. That is a real problem set for us.

    The gap between Greenland, Iceland, the U.K., also I would add Norway, provides us some really important points from which to support monitoring and activity. It would be best to talk to the Department of Defense in a classified setting about what specific capabilities and access they may need. But I will say that the 1951 Defense Agreement gives us very wide access to Greenland. We have never had a problem asking for access and permissions and not getting it. And both Greenland and Denmark have made it clear that they stand ready to have that conversation again. I think the Danish defense investments that have been announced include domain awareness capabilities and presence that will help us.

    There’s certainly more that can be done, but I think being very specific about ‘what the problem is’ is helpful in terms of thinking about our appropriate response, and also recognizing that in an event of a contingency, fixed installations—whether it’s a radar asset or an airfield—they would be taken out with long range missile strikes. So, I would say that Russia doesn’t have the capability to seize and hold Greenland, and nor would there be a strong military argument for it to do so, given that its most likely response in the event of a contingency would be to strike those assets and then keep moving on.

    Senator Fischer: Which would also make it extremely important that DOD maintains that spectrum is used to be able to identify what’s coming in, not just for the homeland but also for Greenland.

    Dr. Pincus: Absolutely, and I think having a conversation about air defense and missile defense options we have. We do not have interceptors in Greenland. We do not have interceptors in Canada. We have them in Alaska. So, I think there is a conversation to be had about that specific capability. Thank you.

    Senator Fischer:     Mr. Gray, before I get called out, please.

    Mr. Gray:     Thank you, Senator. So many of our concerns, strategically, about Greenland, going back to the ‘40s, have been about the GIUK gap, and it’s been a concern across multiple great power competitors. It is a concern today. To me, the question is less—Dr. Pincus has made the comment about militarily, it would probably not be taken out. I’m more concerned about a future political arrangement in Greenland that could be influenced or controlled adversely by an adversary power in a way that would prevent us from being able to exercise the type of control or the type of domain awareness over the gap that we have had in recent years.

    That’s why I think these proposals that I’ve mentioned, others have put forward for what is the long-term political arrangement in connection with Greenland—it’s so important because we have to have the ability to maintain some sort of control and some sort of awareness over that gap. 

    Senator Fischer:     Thank you.

    MIL OSI USA News –