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  • MIL-Evening Report: ‘It’s a house battery you can drive around’ – how a handful of Australians are selling power back to the grid from their cars

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Scott Dwyer, Research Director, Energy Futures, University of Technology Sydney

    24K-Productions

    Our cars sit unused most of the time. If you have an electric vehicle, you might leave it charging at home or work after driving it. But there’s another step you could take. If you have a bidirectional charger, you can set it to sell power back to the grid when demand is high.

    Fewer than ten people across Australia actually do this, because the technology – known as Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) – is very new. To date, it only works with a single car model (Nissan LEAF) and a single charger (Wallbox Quasar 1). We’ve estimated the number of users based on sales of this charger. The chargers are expensive and there’s a thicket of regulations to navigate.

    But that could soon change. Last year, Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen announced new Australian standards and communications protocols for bidirectional chargers in a bid to make it mainstream. Cheaper EVs and bidirectional chargers will make this more appealing.

    If it takes off, V2G could become extremely useful to the power grid as a way to release power as required and stabilise the grid against fluctuations.

    This week, Australia’s renewable energy agency released a V2G roadmap, which notes widespread uptake could “materially reduce electricity costs for consumers and accelerate national emissions reduction”.

    To understand why people are using the technology and the challenges to do so, we interviewed five early adopters from New South Wales and South Australia. Our findings are released today.

    A bidirectional charger is necessary to sell power back to the grid.
    doublelee/Shutterstock

    Setting up V2G isn’t easy

    Our interviewees reported a long, complex journey to set up V2G. These early adopters had no playbook to follow, so the process was one of trial and error.

    Some relied on professional networks or social media groups to gather information. They spent significant time and energy finding electricians, installers and charger manufacturers to set up their systems. Strata approvals were required. They also had to negotiate with power retailers and distributors.

    Delays were common, especially when seeking approval from the energy distributor. Some interviewees reported delays of months to years.

    Most interviewees had experience in a technical field such as engineering or technology. Some reported a significant learning curve, while others using new software from their retailer reported a smoother “set and forget” process.

    So why do it? Our interviewees had several reasons, ranging from getting the most out of expensive assets (solar and the EV) to offsetting power bills entirely.

    Four out of five interviewees reported making a small profit of about A$1,000 annually instead of a bill. Many wanted to be able to reduce dependence on the grid and reduce their environmental impact.

    As one told us:

    you originally think of it as a car you can also use to power your house. [But actually] it’s a house battery you can drive around.

    Maximising savings

    Typically, our interviewees plugged their car in at home during the day to charge from their rooftop solar. In the evenings when power prices peaked, they used an app to sell power back to the grid. This maximised their cost savings for charging the car battery and their earnings from the grid.

    For instance, a V2G user was alerted by their energy retailer that power prices had spiked to over $20 per kilowatt hour – far above normal rates of 25–45 cents. They immediately set their car and home battery to sell power back to the grid. In two hours, they sold 28 kilowatt hours of power to the grid and made more than $560. As they told us: “I look forward to more such events.”

    Our interviewees often monitored energy prices, solar output and car battery levels to optimise their output. To avoid their EV battery getting too low, they set a lower limit – say 30% of charge – after which their car would stop exporting power.

    This photo shows the setup of one of our early adopter interviewees. Pictured is the Nissan LEAF and bidirectional charger. For years, this has been the only car model compatible with vehicle to grid, but this is set to change.
    Author provided, CC BY-NC-ND

    Is there a downside?

    One of the main reasons people are sceptical of V2G is due to concern about accelerated degradation of the battery.

    This is a common concern. But to date, there’s no consensus showing V2G shortens the battery life of EVs significantly. One recent study shows it increases degradation by 0.3% a year. But another showed V2G might actually extend battery life in some scenarios.

    Last year, we surveyed more than 1,300 members of a motoring organisation about their view of V2G technology. We found battery warranty was a bigger concern than battery life. This is because most EV manufacturers other than Nissan don’t mention V2G in their battery warranties, leading drivers to believe they might void their warranty by using V2G.

    Awareness of V2G technology is growing. The survey also found almost 40% of respondents were very or somewhat familiar with V2G, a jump from the 17% who reported familiarity in 2022. Among EV owners, almost 90% reported knowledge of the concept.

    Moving beyond early adopters

    For V2G to go mainstream, the process must be much simpler, cheaper and easier to set up.

    To accelerate uptake, reliable, accessible information is essential.

    Expanding government incentive programs to include bidirectional chargers would cut the upfront cost and make it more accessible.

    Even within the EV supply chain, knowledge of V2G is limited. Car dealerships will need to know which models work with V2G.

    Electricians may need specific training to install and maintain these chargers.

    EVs are falling in price as manufacturers vie for market share and cheaper options become available. V2G capabilities might help boost sales for competing car companies.

    As more motorists switch to EVs, interest in V2G will increase. While V2G can boost the appeal of EVs, there are others, such as Vehicle-to-Home (using your car to power your home during blackouts or to save money) and Vehicle-to-Load (using your EV to run power tools or appliances).

    Each of these can help consumers get more value from the vehicles parked in driveways and garages.

    Scott Dwyer receives funding from iMOVE Australia Cooperative Research Centre and the NRMA for this project.

    Scott Dwyer receives funding from iMOVE Australia Cooperative Research Centre and the NRMA for this project.

    Kriti Nagrath receives funding from iMOVE Australia Cooperative Research Centre and the NRMA for this project.

    – ref. ‘It’s a house battery you can drive around’ – how a handful of Australians are selling power back to the grid from their cars – https://theconversation.com/its-a-house-battery-you-can-drive-around-how-a-handful-of-australians-are-selling-power-back-to-the-grid-from-their-cars-249696

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: You’re playing (or watching) sport and someone blurts out a racial slur. The next 60 seconds are crucial

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Aish Ravi, Lecturer in Curriculum, Teaching and Inclusive Education, Monash University

    In October last year, the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) launched Dealing with the Moment: Anti-Racism in Community Sport, a free online course designed to help community coaches, parents, umpires and players respond to racism in sport.

    The course equips people with the tools they need to intervene effectively when racism occurs, ensuring everyone feels safe, welcome and respected.

    One of the key recommendations from the course is what to do if you hear someone say something racist on the sports field.

    Why racist remarks are so damaging

    Racist remarks hurt more than just a player’s feelings — they attack their sense of belonging and identity on the field.

    I know from my own experiences.

    During my years playing various community sports as a young adult, including Australian rules football, soccer and cricket, I was often one of the only people of colour.

    In those moments, I wanted my play and skills to be the focus but unfortunately, my appearance often made me stand out, which led to racist comments.

    Those remarks were deeply offensive and hurtful. They made me feel like I didn’t belong or shouldn’t be there.

    Racism in sport sends a harmful message: that someone doesn’t belong because of their skin colour or background. These incidents leave lasting emotional and psychological scars, even if they don’t result in physical harm.

    Why I helped develop the course

    I worked on developing the course to address a significant gap in how racism is handled in community sport.

    The course aims to ensure all sport participants have a positive and inclusive experience and that everyone understands the importance of addressing racism immediately – in the moment.

    It’s not good enough to delay action, even if that’s how it has often been done in the past. Some organisations claim that delaying action allows for thorough investigations and careful consideration.

    However, this is often a strategy to protect reputations and minimise backlash rather than address the root causes of the problem.

    Such delays can silence victims, perpetuate harm, and show a lack of genuine commitment to tackling systemic racism. Immediate action is necessary to demonstrate accountability and foster meaningful change.

    We must do better. We need to see progress, not stagnation.

    So, what should you do after a racist comment?

    If you don’t have time to dive into the full course, here are the key lessons:

    • the first 60 seconds are crucial: intervening immediately sends a strong message that racism won’t be tolerated and shows support for the victim

    • understand racism: recognise what racism is and how it affects people. Never dismiss someone’s experience by saying it’s “not racism” or telling them to “get over it”. Just because the harm isn’t physical doesn’t mean it’s not significant

    • take action: the course provides clear guidance on how to respond effectively to incidents of racism and support those affected.

    Why are the first 60 seconds so cruical?

    Acting early allows you to nip the issue in the bud by calling it out and intervening on the spot. It leaves no room for misinterpretation of events or for the narrative to shift.

    The longer the delay, the more time it allows for the situation to be downplayed, the narrative to change, or for excuses to be made.

    Ultimately, delays often result in the issue being swept under the carpet, with no one taking accountability for the harm caused.

    Immediate action demonstrates clarity, conviction, and a genuine commitment to addressing racism.

    Strategies for coaches, parents and officials

    Everyone — coaches, parents, officials, players and spectators — has a role to play when dealing with racism. Here are some practical strategies:

    • acknowledge and act: staying silent is not an option. A simple statement like “that’s not okay” sends a strong message of support and sets a clear standard of behaviour

    • use your authority: coaches can address players directly, officials can stop play, and parents can challenge inappropriate behaviour from the sidelines. Everyone has the power to intervene

    • educate yourself: take the course or learn more about racism so you feel confident and empowered to act

    • don’t minimise the impact: never tell someone to brush it off or suggest it’s not a big deal. Acknowledge their feelings, show empathy, and take the situation seriously

    • apply this to all inappropriate behaviour: these strategies aren’t limited to racism. They apply to misogynistic, homophobic, or other harmful remarks as well.

    Sport should be for everyone

    We live in a multicultural society – a melting pot of diverse cultures that is beautifully reflected on our streets and in our classrooms. It would be wonderful to see this diversity equally represented in community sport.

    Greater representation on the field and in the stands would create a sense of belonging and allow all players to thrive, regardless of their background.

    This is why addressing racism is so crucial — it paves the way for more inclusive and equitable participation in sport.

    The goal is to make sport a space where diversity is celebrated, teamwork is valued, and everyone can thrive without fear of discrimination.

    We can all play a part in creating lasting change.

    Aish Ravi receives funding from organisations for consulting work on training and education and evaluation work. She is also on various volunteer committees advocating for change.

    – ref. You’re playing (or watching) sport and someone blurts out a racial slur. The next 60 seconds are crucial – https://theconversation.com/youre-playing-or-watching-sport-and-someone-blurts-out-a-racial-slur-the-next-60-seconds-are-crucial-248671

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: USAID Cuts – Uncertainty around PEPFAR program puts millions of people at risk – MSF

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF)

    New York/Johannesburg/Brussels, February 13, 2025 — The decision by the US government to temporarily freeze funding to the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) alongside all other foreign aid for at least a 90-day period has had immediate effects on people living with HIV (PLHIV), said Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) today. Although the US has since clarified that certain treatment programs can continue at least until April, we are concerned that critical elements of the PEPFAR program remain frozen.

    “More than three weeks since the US government froze PEPFAR funding, there is still widespread confusion and uncertainty as to whether this critical lifeline for millions of people has been cut off,” said Avril Benoît, chief executive officer of MSF USA. “Despite a limited waiver covering some activities, what our teams are seeing in many of the countries where we work is that people have already lost access to lifesaving care and have no idea whether or when their treatment will continue. MSF is calling on the US government to immediately resume funding for the full range of PEPFAR operations as well as other critical health and humanitarian aid.”

    On February 1, after over a week of chaos and a freeze of activities, the US government issued a limited waiver allowing for the resumption of some programming with specific guidance for HIV. However, that guidance was unclear, and it did not immediately reach PEPFAR country teams. Across our broad network, MSF did not see a single organization able to resume work as a result of this limited guidance on waivers. On February 6, the US government issued clarified guidance on HIV care and treatment and prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) programs.

    However, we remain concerned that key areas of HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support are not included in this additional guidance, such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for all vulnerable groups, including LGBTQ people and sex workers, specific interventions for adolescents girls and young women in high prevalence countries, and community-led monitoring programs. These services are essential to ensuring a successful response to the epidemic.

    While MSF does not accept US government funding and will not be directly affected by cuts or freezes to PEPFAR, many of our activities are contingent on the programs that have been interrupted. In some places we’ve had to adapt and change our activities and the indirect effects of these freezes have already been felt in our projects in various parts of the world.

    In Sub-Saharan Africa, where MSF runs several HIV/AIDS and related health programs, we are already witnessing impacts on patients. In South Africa, many clinics providing HIV services, including testing, treatment, and PrEP through PEPFAR-funded organizations have been shuttered, leaving people confused and distressed about where to access their critical medication. In Mozambique, a major partner organization of MSF that provided comprehensive HIV services had to stop activities completely. In Zimbabwe, most organizations providing HIV services have also stopped work, disrupting in particular the DREAMS program aimed at decreasing new HIV infections in adolescent girls and young women.

    “Any interruption to HIV services and treatment is deeply distressing to people in care and an emergency when it comes to HIV treatment,” said Tom Ellman, director of the South Africa Medical Unit at MSF Southern Africa. “HIV medicines must be taken daily or people run the risk of developing resistance or deadly health complications.”

    In Democratic Republic of Congo, the aid freeze was already affecting the most successful model of antiretroviral drug distribution ever implemented in the capital city of Kinshasa: the community-run free distribution and peer support points, known locally as “PODIs”. In a country where stigma against people living with HIV is massive and poverty remains a barrier to care, PODIs have proven to be a medically necessary approach for addressing delays or therapy abandonment. With PEPFAR-supported points of care now closed and other activities frozen, thousands of people were left without support and with a high risk of developing advanced HIV. MSF teams supporting advanced HIV disease care in Kinshasa might not be able to meet the increased demand if disruptions persist.

    In South Sudan, approximately 51 percent of people living with HIV know their status, and 47 percent are on treatment. A discontinuation of this program will have devastating effects on thousands of people and their communities.  MSF has worked alongside PEPFAR providing essential HIV care in this context and has seen firsthand how this program saves lives. The support of PEPFAR in this country is critical.

    PEPFAR-supported programming is deeply interconnected with and reliant on other components of the US foreign aid system, specifically implementation support provided by USAID and technical and other assistance provided by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Given that the foreign aid freeze and stop-work orders continue to affect these other agencies, and staff from these agencies have been put on immediate leave or recalled, it is unclear when and how even the limited activities now allowed will be able to restart.

    “These disruptions will cost lives and upend years of progress against this virus,” said Benoit. “Every day that passes is an emergency for millions of people for whom PEPFAR is a lifeline.”

    PEPFAR-supported programming has been heavily integrated into key aspects of the broader health systems of partner countries over the last 20 plus years and as a result the consequences of these disruptions have been far-reaching. For this reason, some of the services affected go beyond purely HIV treatment and prevention, such as in Uganda, where PEPFAR-funded aspects of infectious disease surveillance and response, including for Ebola virus, have been stopped.

    “When MSF first started treating people with HIV/AIDS in South Africa 25 years ago, there were no ARV medicines on the shelves, every diagnosis felt like a death sentence, and communities were desperately trying to curb the virus’ spread,” said Ellman.

    Since then, PEPFAR support has helped save more than 25 million lives and encouraged the fight against HIV to be a truly global one. But continued success relies on continued access to the full range of HIV-related programs, services, and goods including prevention services and treatment, population-specific and targeted programs, programs related to gender-based violence, and other critical areas, said MSF.

    As health care providers, we are deeply concerned by these disruptions to this lifesaving program.

    “Even temporary interruptions to key components of PEPFAR will harm people at risk of acquiring HIV and people living with HIV,” said Benoît. “We urge the US government to immediately resume all funding of critical humanitarian and health aid, including the full range of PEPFAR operations.”

    MSF is an international, medical, humanitarian organisation that delivers medical care to people in need, regardless of their origin, religion, or political affiliation. MSF has been working in Haiti for over 30 years, offering general healthcare, trauma care, burn wound care, maternity care, and care for survivors of sexual violence. MSF Australia was established in 1995 and is one of 24 international MSF sections committed to delivering medical humanitarian assistance to people in crisis. In 2022, more than 120 project staff from Australia and New Zealand worked with MSF on assignment overseas. MSF delivers medical care based on need alone and operates independently of government, religion or economic influence and irrespective of race, religion or gender. For more information visit msf.org.au  

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley, Ernst Work to Protect Farm Families’ Access to Higher Education

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a lifelong family farmer, joined Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) in introducing bipartisan legislation to protect farm families’ access to higher education. The Family Farm and Small Business Exemption Act would amend the FAFSA Simplification Act to restore the original exemption of non-liquid, farm and small business assets when determining a family’s FAFSA eligibility.  
    “Farm assets can’t be cashed out in the same way traditional investments can,” Grassley said. “Last Congress, I worked with the Department of Education to ensure the FAFSA asset test is only applied to investment farms, not family farms. Our bipartisan legislation would codify this guidance to ensure farm kids and other small business operators get a fair shake when applying for need-based financial aid.” 
    “No one should have to sell off the farm – or their small business – to afford college. As a farm kid myself, I know the enormous impacts grants and financial aid have on rural students’ decision to go to college,” Ernst said. “I’m fighting for Iowa families, so unfair policies don’t hold them back from investing in their child’s education.” 
    Additional cosponsors include Sens. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), John Boozman (R-Ark.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.). 
    Download audio of Grassley discussing the bill HERE.  
    Find bill text HERE. 
    Background:
    Under the original FAFSA contribution formula, the expected family contribution didn’t factor in the non-liquid assets of family farms and small businesses with fewer than 100 employees. However, the 2020 FAFSA Simplification Act, which went into effect last year, created a new formula that didn’t explicitly exempt family farms and small businesses from declaration.
    The value of a farm family’s assets – including land, buildings, livestock, unharvested crops and machinery – could total millions of dollars, but the family’s annual salary is significantly less. Per Iowa College Aid, if the value of family farms is included in the FAFSA asset test, a family making $60,000 a year could face over $41,000 in annual college tuition costs, compared to $7,600 previously. 
    Grassley has voiced strong concerns about the new FAFSA contribution formula’s impact on Iowa families. An overview of Grassley’s FAFSA-related efforts follows: 
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley Welcomes First Stars of Valor Veterans Fellow in U.S. Senate

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) is announcing Clayton Brown of Bondurant, Iowa will join his state staff as a veterans fellow and the first-ever participant of the U.S. Senate’s Stars of Valor Veterans Fellowship program. Brown, a U.S. Army veteran, will work directly with Iowa veterans and serve as a liaison with Veterans Service Organizations and other veterans service providers. He will attend local events and help Iowa veterans navigate federal agencies and facilitate connections with local medical services, employment opportunities and other community resources.  
    “During my 99 county meetings, I often hear about the challenges veterans face when they reintegrate into civilian life. Having a community outreach officer dedicated solely to Iowa veterans allows me to better address their needs and concerns,” Grassley said. “I’m glad to have Clayton join my dedicated team of caseworkers to help ensure the federal government fulfills its promises to the men and women who have served our country in uniform. A graduate of Colfax-Mingo High School, Clayton served for a decade as a unit supply specialist and brings important perspective to his new role serving our state’s hometown heroes.” 
    “I am deeply honored for the opportunity to represent Senator Grassley and Iowa veterans,” Brown said. 
    Background:
    A decade ago, Grassley created veterans fellow positions to add more eyes and ears on the ground to strengthen the process of representative government and focus on Iowa veterans’ unmet needs. Grassley’s office is the first in the U.S. Senate to utilize the Stars of Valor Veterans Fellowships program authorized in the 117th and 118th Congresses. 
    The Stars of Valor Fellowship Program provides two-year, paid fellowship opportunities in the U.S. Senate for qualifying veterans, eligible wounded or disabled veterans, active-duty military spouses and Gold Star families. 
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley, Longtime Champion of the False Claims Act, Urges AG Bondi to Fully Review Biden-Harris DOJ’s Pending Qui Tam Case Dismissals

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and author of legislation that significantly strengthened the False Claims Act (FCA), is urging Attorney General Pam Bondi to immediately halt pending FCA qui tam case dismissals issued under the Biden-Harris administration and conduct a full review to ensure decisions were made appropriately and in accordance with the facts and law. According to the DOJ, in 2024 qui tam FCA cases yielded the lion’s share of recoveries, recouping $2.4 billion out of the $2.9 billion recovered.
    “The False Claims Act (FCA) is our Nation’s greatest tool to fight and deter government fraud and return money to the taxpayers. A critical part of the FCA is its qui tam provision, which allows whistleblowers who typically have inside knowledge of fraudulent conduct to sue on the government’s behalf,” Grassley wrote.
    Last year, Grassley wrote two letters to the Biden-Harris DOJ requesting information on the Department’s standards for dismissing FCA qui tam cases in the wake of the Supreme Court ruling that DOJ may dismiss at any point during the litigation. Grassley raised concerns that the DOJ will be emboldened to dismiss qui tam cases, even years into the process and for reasons unrelated to the merits, after initially declining to intervene. The Biden-Harris DOJ failed to respond to either letter.
    “The Biden-Harris Justice Department’s failure to provide transparency into the process and standards it used to dismiss qui tam cases after initially declining to intervene raises questions with respect to whether fraudsters were potentially let off the hook at significant cost to the taxpayers,” Grassley continued.
    In her response to Grassley’s questions for the record, AG Bondi confirmed that she “will ensure the Department makes [FCA] dismissal decisions only as appropriate and in accordance with the relevant facts and law.” Grassley cited Bondi’s response in his letter and urged the DOJ to withdraw motions that do not align with the facts and the law.
    Text of Grassley’s letter to Attorney General Bondi follows: 
    February 7, 2025
    VIA ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION
    The Honorable Pamela J. BondiAttorney GeneralDepartment of Justice
    Dear Attorney General Bondi:
    The False Claims Act (FCA) is our Nation’s greatest tool to fight and deter government fraud and return money to the taxpayers.  A critical part of the FCA is its qui tam provision which allows whistleblowers, who typically have inside knowledge of fraudulent conduct, to sue on the government’s behalf.[1]  Since the updates I authored to the qui tam provision were enacted into law, the FCA has recovered over $78 billion in taxpayer dollars and saved billions more by deterring would be fraudsters.[2]  According to Justice Department statistics, in 2024 FCA cases recovered more than $2.9 billion lost to fraud.[3]  Of that $2.9 billion, over $2.4 billion came from qui tam cases.[4]
    On March 6 and May 9, 2024, I wrote to the Biden-Harris Justice Department requesting information and statistics concerning the Department’s dismissal of FCA qui tam cases after the Supreme Court’s June 16, 2023, decision in United States Ex Rel. Polansky v. Executive Health Resources, Inc., et al.[5]   In that case, the Supreme Court ruled that the Justice Department may dismiss a qui tam case at any point, so long as they first intervene.[6]  I am concerned that the Justice Department, after initially declining to intervene in a case, will now be emboldened to intervene at any point in litigation – even years into litigation – and dismiss FCA cases for reasons unrelated to the merits.[7]  My March and May letters were similar to my September 4, 2019, letter to then-Attorney General Barr requesting information about the Justice Department’s implementation of their new FCA dismissal policy, known as the “Granston Memorandum,” and its vague instructions that could potentially lead to a greater number of qui tam cases being dismissed for reasons unrelated to their merits.[8]  On December 19, 2019, then-Attorney General Barr responded to my letter and provided the list of cases I requested where the government moved to dismiss.[9]   However, the Biden-Harris Justice Department failed to respond to both of my letters. 
    The Biden-Harris Justice Department’s failure to provide transparency into the process and standards it used to dismiss qui tam cases after initially declining to intervene raises questions with respect to whether fraudsters were potentially let off the hook at significant cost to the taxpayers.  The process and standards the Biden-Harris administration used in determining whether to intervene and dismiss FCA cases post-Polansky may not align with the priorities of the current administration.
    In your response to my questions for the record about FCA dismissals, you stated “I will c decisions only as appropriate and in accordance with the relevant facts and law.”[10]  Accordingly, I strongly urge you to immediately halt all pending dismissals and conduct a review of all qui tam cases from June 2023 to the present with pending Biden-Harris Justice Department motions to dismiss to ensure that the decisions were made “only as appropriate and in accordance with the relevant facts and law.”  Should these motions to dismiss not align with the facts and the law, the Justice Department must withdraw them. In addition, I request that you provide responses to my March 6 and May 9 letters, which the Biden-Harris Justice Department failed to answer, which I’ve enclosed along with copies of my September 2019 letter to Attorney General Barr and his response.
    Thank you for your prompt review and responses. If you have any questions, please contact Brian Randolph on my Committee staff at (202) 224-7708.
    Sincerely,
    Charles E. GrassleyChairmanCommittee on the Judiciary

    [1] 31 U.S.C. § 3730(c).
    [2] Department of Justice, False Claims Act Settlements and Judgments Exceed $2.9B in Fiscal Year 2024, Press Release (Jan. 15, 2025) https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/false-claims-act-settlements-and-judgments-exceed-29b-fiscal-year-2024.
    [3] Id.
    [4] Id.
    [5] United States, ex rel. Polansky v. Exec. Health Res., Inc., 599 U.S. 419, 143 S. Ct. 1720, 216 L. Ed. 2d 370 (2023) https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/22pdf/21-1052_fd9g.pdf.
    [6] Id.
    [7] G. Norman Acker III, John H. Lawrence, Michael H. Phillips, Supreme Court Affirms Government’s Broad Dismissal Authority In False Claims Act Suits, US Health Care and FDA Alert (Jul. 5, 2023) https://www.klgates.com/Supreme-Court-Affirms-Governments-Broad-Dismissal-Authority-in-False-Claims-Act-Suits-7-5-2023; see also Tirzah S. Lollar and Megan Pieper, DOJ Flexes Its Post-Polansky (c)(2)(A) Muscles and Moves To Dismiss Qui Tam Midway Through Discovery, Qui Notes: Unlocking the False Claims Act (Mar. 19, 2024) https://www.arnoldporter.com/en/perspectives/blogs/fca-qui-notes/posts/2024/03/doj-flexes-post-polansky-muscles; Brenna E. Jenny and Matt Bergs, First Court of Appeals to Apply Polansky Upholds DOJ’s Dismissal, FCA Blog (Aug. 8, 2024) https://fcablog.sidley.com/2023/08/08/first-court-of-appeals-to-apply-polansky-upholds-dojs-dismissal/; Paula Ramer and Alejandra C. Uria, Another One Bites the Dust: The Government Secures Its Third Federal Qui Tam Dismissal Under Its Broad (c)(2)(A) Authority Since Polansky, Qui Notes: Unlocking the False Claims Act (Apr. 23, 2024) https://www.arnoldporter.com/en/perspectives/blogs/fca-qui-notes/posts/2024/04/another-one-bites-the-dust.
    [8] Letter from Senate Judiciary Chairman Charles E. Grassley to Attorney Barr re: Granston Memo, (Sep. 4, 2019) https://www.grassley.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/2019-09-04%20CEG%20to%20DOJ%20(FCA%20dismissals).pdf.
    [9] Letter from the Justice Department to Senate Judiciary Chairman Charles E. Grassley re: Granston Memo, (Dec. 19, 2019) https://www.arnoldporter.com/en/-/media/files/perspectives/publications/2020/01/doj-response-to-senator-grassley.pdf.
    [10] On file with Committee staff.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley, Cantwell Reintroduce Bills to Lower Prescription Drug Prices, Drive PBM Accountability

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and former Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, and Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Committee, are reintroducing two bipartisan bills to combat the high cost of prescription drugs and provide greater transparency of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs).
    “Iowans are fed up with the skyrocketing cost of prescription drugs and eager for Congress to act to put a stop to pharmacy benefit managers’ shady practices. These bipartisan legislative solutions will bring much-needed transparency to prescription drug pricing and ensure the federal government can effectively target the abusive practices that unfairly drive up drug costs,” Grassley said.  
    “For too long, Americans have been left in the dark while PBMs – the mysterious middlemen – manipulate prescription drug prices. We need to hold PBMs accountable for skyrocketing drug costs. With these bipartisan bills, I’m continuing to fight for accountability and transparency in the drug market so we can shine a light on unfair practices and make sure patients get a fair deal on the medications they need,” Cantwell said.
    Prescription Pricing for the People Act:
    This bill requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to complete a 6(b) study examining the effects of consolidation on pricing in the PBM industry, as well as other potentially abusive behavior by PBMs. The bill instructs the FTC to provide policy recommendations to Congress to improve competition and protect consumers.
    Grassley has welcomed the FTC’s interim staff reports on opaque PBM practices. The interim staff reports are a direct result of Grassley’s prior requests for a 6(b) study on potential anti-competitive practices in the prescription drug industry, as well as his bipartisan demands for a status update in light of FTC’s significant delays. Once passed, this legislation will bring the FTC 6(b) study to completion. The bill falls within the jurisdiction of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
    Additional cosponsors are Sens. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) and James Lankford (R-Okla.).
    The bipartisan proposal is supported by the AARP, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, American Pharmacists Association, Biotechnology Innovation Organization, Community Oncology Alliance, National Community Pharmacists Association and National Association of Specialty Pharmacy.
    Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) Transparency Act:
    This bill bans deceptive and unfair pricing schemes, prohibits arbitrary claw backs of payments made to pharmacies, and requires PBMs to report to the FTC on how much money they make through spread pricing and pharmacy fees. The bill falls within the jurisdiction of the Senate Commerce Committee.
    Additional cosponsors are Sens. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.).
    The bipartisan proposal is supported by the AARP, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, American Pharmacists Association, Association for Clinical Oncology, Association of Mature American Citizens, Autoimmune Association, Biotechnology Innovation Organization, Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, Community Oncology Alliance, National Community Pharmacists Association and National Association of Specialty Pharmacy.
    “AARP, which advocates for the more than 100 million Americans aged 50 and over, is pleased to support the Prescription Pricing for the People Act of 2025 and Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) Transparency Act of 2025. We value your ongoing bipartisan efforts to lower drug prices for consumers and taxpayers. It is outrageous that Americans pay the highest prices in the world for prescription drugs,” said Bill Sweeney, Senior Vice President, Government Affairs, AARP.
    “APhA supports Senators Grassley’s and Cantwell’s reintroduction of the Pharmacy Benefit Manager Transparency Act, which would go a long way toward addressing PBMs’ anticompetitive business practices putting many independent pharmacies out of business and creating ‘pharmacy deserts’ in rural and underserved communities, where the neighborhood pharmacy may be the only health care provider for miles. We also support the Prescription Pricing for the People Act directing the FTC to report on ways to enforce antitrust and consumer protection laws. APhA stands ready to work with Senators Grassley and Cantwell and the FTC to not only examine PBMs’ anticompetitive business practices but to take the necessary actions to end them,” said the American Pharmacists Association.
    “The Community Oncology Alliance (COA) commends Senators Grassley and Cantwell for once again taking an early lead in introducing pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) legislation in the 119th Congress. The Prescription Pricing for the People Act (S.113 in the 118th Congress) and the Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) Transparency Act (S.127 in the 118th Congress) lit the fuse for additional legislation in both the Senate and the House to stop the top PBMs from harming patients, especially those with cancer. We thank Senators Grassley and Cantwell for their leadership in reintroducing these bills in the 119th Congress. Americans face medication delays and denials, as well as higher costs and waste, at the hands of the top PBMs, especially CVS/Caremark, Cigna/Express Scripts, and United/Optum Rx, which control 80 percent of the prescription drug market. They have to be stopped from harming cancer patients and others with serious diseases. It’s time for Congress to act now!” said Ted Okon, Executive Director, Community Oncology Alliance (COA).
    “Increased transparency into PBM operations is critical to understanding the many ways their underhanded tactics lead to increased costs, delayed access to care, and an unfair marketplace for independent pharmacies – tactics that need swift, significant reforms. The PBMs’ attempt to block every action to increase transparency in the drug delivery system should concern everyone from patients to policymakers. We’re grateful to our allies in Congress like Sens. Grassley and Cantwell for keeping these bills on their agenda and pushing for accountability and change. PBM reform cannot wait,” said B. Douglas Hoey, CEO, National Community Pharmacists Association.
    “IBD patients deserve to understand why PBMs are making the decisions that they do, and whether these decisions are financially motivated or based on science. They should also share in any cost savings achieved by PBMs. The Pharmacy Benefit Manager Transparency Act would make great strides in revealing the true motives and operating practices of PBMs, and in aligning their incentives with increased patient access to medications,” said Erin McKeon, Director, Federal Advocacy, Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.
    “The Pharmacy Benefit Manager Transparency Act of 2025 would prevent anti-competitive practices and require PBMs to operate with full transparency. This bill ensures that PBMs can no longer manipulate pricing, prioritize profits over patients, or exploit loopholes that drive up costs. AMAC Action is committed to protecting seniors from predatory pricing schemes and ensuring they have access to affordable prescription medications. We commend you both for leading this bipartisan effort and urge Congress to swiftly pass this legislation to bring long-overdue transparency and accountability to the PBM industry,” said Andrew J. Mangione Jr., Senior Vice President, AMAC Action.
    About Pharmacy Benefit Managers
    PBMs were initially formed in the 1960s to process claims and negotiate lower drug prices with drug makers. Now, PBMs administer prescription drug plans for hundreds of millions of Americans.
    Today, three PBMs control nearly 80 percent of the prescription drug market. They serve as middlemen, managing every aspect of the prescription drug benefits process for health insurance companies, self-insured employers, unions and government programs.
    They operate out of the view of regulators and consumers — setting prescription costs, deciding what drugs are covered by insurance plans and how they are dispensed, pocketing unknown sums that might otherwise be passed along as savings to consumers, and undercutting local independent pharmacies.
    This lack of transparency makes it impossible to fully understand if and how PBMs might be manipulating the prescription drug market to increase profits and drive-up drug costs for consumers.
    Background:
    Grassley has long championed efforts to reduce the cost of prescription drugs. Three pieces of legislation authored and coauthored by Grassley have been signed into law to combat anticompetitive practices and stop drug makers from reaping profits at the expense of taxpayers and consumers. Grassley has also led in-depth congressional investigations to expose those responsible for prescription drug price gouging.  
    Other actions include:
    January 2025: Grassley welcomed the FTC’s second interim staff report on PBMs and urged congressional and executive branch action.
    July 2024: Grassley welcomed the FTC’s interim staff report on PBMs and urged congressional and executive branch action.
    January 2024: Grassley sent a letter urging the FTC to complete its investigation into the health care industry’s most powerful prescription drug middlemen.
    November 2023: The Finance Committee adopted a Grassley-led provision to strengthen oversight of CMS and hold PBMs accountable. 
    July 2023: The Finance Committee adopted several Grassley-led PBM accountability provisions. 
    March 2023: The Senate Commerce Committee passed a Grassley-backed bill to hold PBMs accountable for unfair practices driving up costs for consumers.
    February 2023: The Senate Judiciary Committee — which Grassley currently chairs — passed five Grassley-led bills to boost competition in the pharmaceutical industry and improve patients’ access to more affordable prescription drugs.
    October 2022: Grassley led a bipartisan letter urging the FTC to complete its investigation into PBMs to shine light on drug pricing practices.
    January 2021: Grassley and Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) released a two-year bipartisan investigation into insulin price gouging.
    August 2018: Grassley requested the FTC assess pharmaceutical supply chain intermediaries.
    Learn more about Grassley’s persistent efforts to lower prescription drug costs HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley, Cassidy Introduce Legislation to Ensure Viability of Organ Transplant Reforms

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    WASHINGTON – Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.), Chairmen of the Senate Judiciary Committee and the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, respectively, today introduced legislation to enable the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)’s continued implementation of Grassley’s life-saving reforms to the U.S. organ transplant system. The OPTN Fee Collection Authority Act would authorize HRSA to collect registration fees from OPTN member institutions, ensuring HRSA’s ability to maintain the improved organ transplant system.
    “It’s critically important our organ transplant system operates safely and efficiently, because lives hang in the balance. I was proud to lead reforms to our antiquated organ transplant system, and have been closely following HRSA’s implementation of the law at every turn. This latest fix will ensure HRSA has the tools it needs to implement the law as Congress intended, and patients receive the care they need,” Grassley said.
    “Continuing our efforts to reform the U.S. organ transplant system is vital to saving lives,” Cassidy said. “This legislation takes additional steps to improve the system and ensure more Americans can access lifesaving organs.”
    Find bill text HERE.
    Background:
    The Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) is a federal program, founded in 1984 and housed under the Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), that is responsible for coordinating all organ donations and transplants nationwide. For 40 years, the OPTN was operated by a single, deficient contractor – the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS).
    Grassley in 2023 authored and passed a bipartisan law to break up the OPTN contract, resulting in the first competitive bidding process for OPTN contracts in the program’s nearly half-a-century history. Previously, UNOS, as the sole OPTN contractor, collected all OPTN registration fees from Organ Procurement Organizations, transplant hospitals and other member institutions. The Grassley-Cassidy legislation provides HRSA explicit legal authority to collect these fees, rooting out UNOS’ and any other contractors’ undue influence and safeguarding the revamped program’s operation. The bill also requires a Government Accountability Office report to Congress within two years of the bill’s passage.
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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Delivers Opening Statement During Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing For Justice Department Executive Nominees

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    February 12, 2025
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today delivered an opening statement during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on the nominations of Todd Blanche to be Deputy Attorney General (DAG), and Gail Slater to be Assistant Attorney General for the Antitrust Division (AAG-Antitrust).
    Key Quotes:
    “President Trump has vowed to use the Justice Department to advance his own interests and to seek ‘retribution’ against ‘the enemy within.’”
    “The Trump Administration already purged dozens of senior career leaders at the Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation… And, the Administration has forced career law enforcement officers to retire, resign, or be fired simply for executing tasks that were assigned to them. These actions are nakedly partisan.”
    “Many members on the Democratic side of the aisle expressed fears that Attorney General Pam Bondi would put her loyalty to the President ahead of anything else. Our fears have been realized.”
    “On her first day as Attorney General, Pam Bondi issued 14 memos to Department of Justice staff that reflect the most extreme of President Trump’s priorities, including far-right Project 2025 policies. Attorney General Bondi established a ‘Weaponization Working Group’ that is a clear effort to make good on her pledge to ‘investigate the investigators.’”
    “Given the political retribution that is already being carried out with the blessing of the President at the Justice Department, Mr. Blanche’s nomination deserves heightened scrutiny. If confirmed, he will serve as the second-in-command at the Department, overseeing the day-to-day operations.”
    “With Ms. Bondi’s unyielding loyalty to President Trump already disclosed, we must ask ourselves whether Mr. Blanche would be willing to act as an independent voice within the Department’s leadership.”
    “Mr. Blanche, I enjoyed meeting with you in my office… You told me repeatedly that your true loyalty is to the rule of law. That’s the right answer from my point of view. But I am afraid I need to ask you more to conclude that you would be able to arise to the occasion which is likely to present itself.”
    “What is happening at the Federal Bureau of Investigation should give Republicans and Democrats pause. That great agency is entrusted with the safety and security of the United States of America. Making it political does not help.”
    Video of Durbin’s opening statement is available here.
    Audio of Durbin’s opening statement is available here.
    Footage of Durbin’s opening statement is available here for TV Stations.
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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Questions Todd Blanche, Trump’s Nominee To Be Deputy Attorney General, During Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    February 12, 2025
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, questioned Todd Blanche, nominated by President Donald Trump to be Deputy Attorney General (DAG), during today’s Senate Judiciary Committee nominations hearing. Mr. Blanche represented President Trump in multiple criminal cases, including the hush money prosecution brought by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office for which Trump was convicted on 34 counts. Mr. Blanche also represented President Trump in the criminal investigations and prosecutions pursued by Special Counsel Jack Smith regarding Trump’s mishandling of classified documents in Florida and his role in the January 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.
    Durbin’s questions focused on reports that Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove ordered Acting Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Brian Driscoll to compile a list of all current and former FBI employees who were assigned “at any time” to a January 6 investigation “to determine whether any additional personnel actions are necessary.”
    Durbin began by asking Mr. Blanche about the insurrection at the Capitol on January 6, 2021.
    “As a former prosecutor, when you saw those scenes, did it cross your mind that it should be investigated?” Durbin asked.
    Mr. Blanche responded, “absolutely.”
    Durbin then asked Mr. Blanche, “If you are going to have a federal prosecution of the people who assaulted the Capitol, it would be understandable that you would turn to FBI agents to conduct the investigation. True?”
    Mr. Blanche responded, “Well, yes.”
    “Of course, during the course of conducting the largest criminal investigation in the history of the Department of Justice, it is no surprise that some 5,000 FBI agents were called on and assigned duties to investigate those crimes,” Durbin said.
    Durbin continued, “Do you understand what is going on now? They are asking for the names of all of the FBI agents who were engaged in that investigation to be disclosed… I am just wondering, in this situation, how you can justify disclosing the identities of these individuals, many of whom were given an assignment. Didn’t you tell me that when you were a U.S. Attorney you didn’t have the luxury of picking the cases you worked on? You were told, at least at the beginning, that this is what you’ll do.”
    Mr. Blanche responded, “That is true.”
    Durbin went on to detail the crimes that January 6th insurrectionists, recklessly pardoned by President Trump, committed during the storming of the U.S. Capitol, including the violent assaults on law enforcement officers. Guy Reffitt was the first defendant to stand trial on charges related to the January 6 insurrection. He was sentenced to 87 months in prison for bringing a firearm to the Capitol on January 6, 2021. Reffitt’s 19-year-old son, Jackson, turned him into law enforcement after the attack. Jackson also indicated that Reffitt had threatened to shoot him and his sister, Peyton, if they reported him to authorities.
    Just weeks after his pardon, Reffitt returned to the Capitol to support Kash Patel, who has been nominated to serve as FBI Director despite a troubling record of peddling conspiracy theories about January 6 and whistleblower reports that he is personally involved in the ongoing purge of senior law enforcement officials at the FBI. Reffitt posted on social media: “Present and in support of @KashPatel as the leftist commies continue to spew lies, misinformation and disinformation. My man Klean House Kash…!!!”
    “Can you understand why the FBI agents would be reluctant to disclose not only their names but perhaps the locations of their families in an effort to justify keeping their jobs if this kind of person is on the loose?” Durbin said. “Let me lay it on the table. Are you prepared to say that if your nomination is approved by the United States Senate, you would stop any effort to disclose this information that might jeopardize the safety of FBI agents?”
    Mr. Blanche responded, “I cannot sit here and commit to anything beyond that statement that we will never do anything to put the lives of the family or the agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in danger.”
    Durbin concluded, “There were 5,000 agents involved in this investigation, and they are now being asked to disclose if they were involved in it. I don’t think there is any precedent at the FBI of that kind of effort. And the impact it’s going to have on morale and the operation of that agency will not benefit the safety of Americans.”
    Video of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here.
    Audio of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here.
    Footage of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here for TV Stations.
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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tillis Leads Resolution Calling on NATO Members to Meet Defense Spending Commitments for Leadership Roles

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Carolina Thom Tillis

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), Jim Justice (R-WV), John Cornyn (R-TX), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Mike Lee (R-UT), Steve Daines (R-MT), and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) introduced a resolution that expressed the view that, to maintain leadership roles within NATO and continue receiving benefits from NATO, Allies must now, at a bare minimum, meet the current required commitment with an eye towards likely increases in burden sharing to come. 

    In 2006, NATO Defense Ministers agreed to commit at least two percent of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to defense spending to ensure the Alliance’s military readiness. This resolution asserts that countries not meeting this goal should be excluded from holding leadership positions within NATO or hosting significant NATO events, including summits or foreign ministers’ meetings. Additionally, it calls for members to either meet the two percent commitment or have a plan to do so by the NATO Summit in The Hague in June 2025.

    “Given the increased aggression from Russia in Ukraine, provocations from China, and other rising threats, it is crucial that our partner nations not only meet but exceed the current defense spending goals,” said Senator Tillis. “The existing two percent commitment is the bare minimum necessary. We must aim for higher targets, such as the proposed five percent from President Trump, to bolster and strengthen NATO.”

    “Conflicts in Europe and the Middle East and tensions in the Indo-Pacific threaten our global stability and security,” said Senator Cornyn. “It’s critical for NATO nations to honor their commitments to spend two percent of their GDP on national defense, ensuring military readiness within the NATO alliance.”

    “Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, many of our European allies are finally pulling their weight when it comes to defense spending,” said Senator Daines. “However, the world remains dangerous and it’s time for the remaining European countries to step up. Raising defense spending is an important part of deterrence and the time to act is now.”  

    Full text of the resolution is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth Holds Senate Floor to Protest HHS Nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Underscores How RFK’s Extreme Views Would Endanger the Health of Millions of Middle-Class Americans

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

    February 12, 2025

    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined Senate Democrats’ protest opposing Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination to serve as the Director of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under President Trump. In her remarks, Duckworth underscored just how unqualified Kennedy is for the job and how his long-held, well-established extreme views would put programs and services that millions of middle-class Americans rely on—like Medicaid—at risk. Video of Duckworth’s full speech can be found on the Senator’s YouTube, Twitter/X and Facebook.

    Key quotes:

    • “Next month will mark the five-year anniversary of when COVID shut down our nation. In this moment, it is dangerous, reckless and heartless to everyone who lost a loved one in the pandemic to even consider nominating a guy who has stated that, quote, ‘no vaccine is safe and effective.’ And if our HHS Secretary refuses to ensure children are protected against preventable-yet-deadly diseases—like measles, RSV, whooping cough or polio—it will be our kids, not Mr. Kennedy, who pay the price.”
    • “The only reason Kennedy is even up for confirmation is because he, like Elon Musk, decided to throw his dignity to the wind and bow down at Trump’s altar. And because of that, he gets to be yet another rich guy with too few qualifications and too much power somehow now charged with leading our government… So why would any of us ever think that he’d have the courage to stand up to Trump if the President issues an order that actively harms everyday Americans? How could any of us actually believe that Kennedy would fight back against Trump’s worst instincts, when Kennedy has proven time and again that he believes more in sycophancy than science?”
    • “Americans are going be the ones to suffer. Because now, with Kennedy’s confirmation, even programs as popular, effective and vital as Medicaid will be in even greater danger… Medicaid is a lifeline for kids, pregnant women, people in nursing homes and Americans with disabilities. But Republicans don’t seem to care about any of that. It’s obvious that Donald Trump has never stayed up late at night hunched over the kitchen table, with a calculator in one hand and a medical bill in the other, praying to figure out a way to afford his child’s insulin.”
    • “To my colleagues on the other side of the aisle: I am sure many of you have faced health crises of your own. I’m sure many of you have had a parent who’s been sick or a nephew who’s been in a car crash, a spouse who’s needed an emergency C-section or a child who’s relied on an autoimmune injector. Imagine if your loved one hadn’t had care they could rely on in that moment. Then ask yourself how you can sleep soundly tonight if you vote to further the agenda of a couple rich guys who so clearly don’t care about making America healthy—they only care about tipping it even more in favor of the wealthy. They’re not bringing back the good ole days of Reagan. They’re just bringing back the days of dying from the measles. And they’re certainly not making America great again. They’re making America sick again. That’s the Trump-Kennedy promise.”

    Duckworth’s opening remarks as prepared below:

    You know, if you go back exactly 20 years ago today, I could tell you exactly where I was. I was in Walter Reed Medical Center. I was staring at the beige colored walls. And amidst the pain in every inch of my body, I was trying to muster the strength to sit up, or to take a step, or even just to take a breath.

    I spent months and months and months in that room. Hooked up to machines, getting wheeled in and out of surgeries, learning how to live again in my new, post-shootdown world. But despite it all, looking back, I consider every one of those days in that hospital room lucky.

    Because when the worst happened to me—when that RPG exploded in my lap in Iraq and I needed serious, sustained medical attention to survive the hour, the day, the year—I had health care I could rely on.

    The same cannot be said for countless Americans.

    Americans whose health care costs have already been too high, and whose access to care is in even greater danger if this Chamber is foolish enough to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as our next Secretary of HHS. Put simply, Mr. Kennedy cannot be trusted with the grave, grave responsibility that comes with this job.

    He cannot be trusted with our lives. He is focused on pushing his agenda—regardless of the cost to middle-class Americans. And if this man is confirmed, more Americans will die preventable deaths because of his policies.

    Next month will mark the five-year anniversary of when COVID shut down our nation. In this moment, it is dangerous, reckless and heartless to everyone who lost a loved one in the pandemic to even consider nominating a guy who has stated that, quote, “no vaccine is safe and effective.”

    And if our HHS Secretary refuses to ensure children are protected against preventable-yet-deadly diseases—like measles, RSV, whooping cough or polio—it will be our kids, not Mr. Kennedy, who pay the price.

    I’ve gotten letter after letter from my constituents, begging me to try to reason with my colleagues, to do whatever I can to prevent a man so ignorant of all things science and medicine from holding a position of such power over our child’s next breath.

    One pediatrician from Illinois wrote to me: I will always remember the 9-month-old infant with whooping cough who could not be saved despite every high-tech ventilator and medication we had available.” Another said: “I recall a father screaming and punching a hole in the wall when his 4-year-old son died of chicken pox.” The stories, the letters, the avoidable tragedies go on and on. Imagine how much worse the heartbreak will become under a guy who acts like the term “vaccine” is a swear word.

    Look, the only reason Kennedy is even up for confirmation is because he, like Elon Musk, decided to throw his dignity to the wind and bow down at Trump’s altar.

    And because of that, he gets to be yet another rich guy with too few qualifications and too much power, somehow now charged with leading our government.

    Trump is running this country like the mob: Kiss his ring, pledge your unyielding loyalty, get made—it’s just this time, you get made into a Cabinet Secretary. Well, Kennedy has given Trump his fealty.  So why would any of us ever think that he’d have the courage to stand up to Trump if the President issues an order that actively harms everyday Americans?  How could any of us actually believe that Kennedy would fight back against Trump’s worst instincts, when Kennedy has proven time and again that he believes more in sycophancy than science?

    Now, Americans are going be the ones to suffer. Because now, with Kennedy’s confirmation, even programs as popular, effective and vital as Medicaid will be in even greater danger. Republicans told us in Project 2025 that they would come for Medicaid—and this is the rare case when the GOP has actually kept its word, putting at risk the roughly 80 million Americans who rely on it. Americans in red states and blue, in big cities and small towns—folks who may have never heard of RFK Jr., but who will certainly feel the effect when he rips away the care their family so desperately needs.

    Medicaid is a lifeline for kids, for pregnant women, for people in nursing homes, for Americans with disabilities. But Republican’s don’t seem to care about any of that. It’s obvious that Donald Trump has never stayed up late at night hunched over the kitchen table, with a calculator in one hand and a medical bill in the other, praying to figure out a way to afford his child’s insulin.

    No. Of course not.

    With every passing day, it becomes clearer and clearer that Republicans care more about tax breaks for the billionaires they pal around with on the golf course than prescriptions for the middle-class folks who actually work at Mar-a-Lago.

    And while that teacher in Peoria lays awake at night, trying to work out how she can afford her father’s home care now that he can no longer get those services through Medicaid… While that new mom in Chicago who’s just learned she has stage 3 cancer is trying to find a second job so she can afford both diapers for her newborn and her own chemotherapy… Donald Trump and Elon Musk will be too busy lining their already-full pockets to care.

    To my colleagues on the other side of the aisle: I am sure many of you have faced health crises of your own. I’m sure many of you have had a parent who’s been sick or a nephew who’s been in a car crash… a spouse who’s needed an emergency C-section or a child who’s relied on an autoimmune injector. Imagine if your loved one hadn’t had care they could rely on in that moment.

    Then ask yourself how you can sleep soundly tonight if you vote to further the agenda of a couple rich guys who so clearly don’t care about making America healthy—they only care about tipping it even more in favor of the wealthy. They’re not bringing back the good ole days of Reagan. They’re just bringing back the days of dying from the measles.

    And they’re certainly not making America great again. They’re making America sick again. That’s the Trump-Kennedy promise.

    I care about my constituents’ ability to afford their prescription meds. Their ability to get the vaccines that’ll keep them alive through the next pandemic. Their ability to survive those worst-case-scenario health moments without going broke in the process.

    So for all those reasons and a thousand more, I will be voting no on Robert F. Kennedy Jr’s nomination. If my Republican colleagues care about any one of those things, too, then they will have no choice but to do the same. Thank you.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, Blackburn Renew Bipartisan Push to Help Cosmetologists Recognize and Respond to Domestic Violence

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

    February 12, 2025

    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Susan Collins (R-ME), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), John Boozman (R-AR), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to incentivize domestic violence awareness training for beauty professionals and cosmetologists, which would help these individuals better recognize signs of abuse in their clients, appropriately intervene and keep them safe. The bipartisan Supporting the Abused by Learning Options to Navigate Survivor (SALONS) Stories Act would increase already-established grants to states that require beauty professionals and cosmetologists to undergo free and easily accessible domestic violence awareness training in order to help ensure more of these individuals are trained to successfully navigate conversations with clients who could be in danger.

    “Victims of domestic violence often don’t know where to turn or who to talk to, but they do often continue going to their salons—which puts beauty professionals in a unique position of potentially being among the first people who can recognize signs of abuse,” said Senator Duckworth. “I’m proud to join Senator Blackburn in reintroducing our bipartisan bill, which builds on Illinois’s 2017 law, to help more beauty professionals access free domestic violence awareness training that can give them the tools and knowledge they need to help victims effectively. How they handle these critical moments could be life-saving.”

    “Domestic violence is a tragic epidemic in the United States, impacting millions of women every year who often suffer in silence,” said Senator Blackburn. “Given their close relationship with their clients, beauty professionals have the unique opportunity to be a first line of defense against domestic violence by identifying the signs of abuse and helping victims and survivors escape dangerous situations. The SALONS Stories Act would help save the lives of vulnerable and isolated women across the country, and the nation should follow Tennessee’s lead by equipping cosmetologists to recognize and support victims of domestic violence.”

    Illinois and Tennessee have joined several states in passing landmark legislation to give beauty professionals these necessary skills, serving as models for states around the nation. 

    The bipartisan SALONS Stories Act is supported by Professional Beauty Association, National Network to End Domestic Violence, National Domestic Violence Hotline, Shear Haven, YWCA USA and YWCA Nashville.

    A copy of the bill text can be found on Senator Duckworth’s website.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Risch, Cortez Masto Introduce Legislation to Protect Critical Mineral Production in the West

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho James E Risch

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) today introduced the Mining Regulatory Clarity Act to allow critical mineral production to continue in the West.

    This legislation would provide clarity that mine support activities, like waste storage or processing, can proceed on lands that do not contain economically valuable minerals. Recent litigation has upended the long-held interpretation of the Mining Law and, without congressional action, will significantly impede critical mineral production on public lands across the West.

    “Domestic mineral production is critical to everyday energy, technology, and national security needs,” said Risch. “For too long, Idaho’s minerals have been tied up in red tape, preventing responsible use of our natural resources. The Mining Regulatory Clarity Act ensures mining projects in Idaho and across the West can proceed and provide invaluable support to our communities and country.” 

    “We need to streamline our federal permitting process to unleash the full potential of Nevada’s critical mineral economy,” said Cortez Masto. “I’m continuing my bipartisan push to pass this commonsense bill that will cut red tape, protect mining jobs in Nevada, help support clean energy projects nationwide.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sens. Moran, Hoeven & Rep. Mann Introduce Legislation to Move Food for Peace Program to USDA

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas – Jerry Moran

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and John Hoeven (R-N.D.) – members of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry – joined Representatives Tracey Mann (KS-01), Rick Crawford (AR-01), Dan Newhouse (WA-04), David Rouzer (NC-07) and House Agriculture Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson (PA-15), in introducing legislation to move the administration of the Food for Peace Program from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

    For the past 70 years, American farmers have helped combat international hunger through Food for Peace, feeding more than 4 billion people in more than 150 countries.

    “Kansas has a long history of providing food to the hungry beginning with a Kansas farmer suggesting the U.S. provide surplus grain to countries in need, to President Eisenhower establishing the resulting humanitarian aid program, to Senator Bob Dole expanding Food for Peace, to the farmers who grow the crops that feed the world,” said Sen. Moran. “As part of an ongoing effort to save money and increase efficiency, Food for Peace should be moved to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. By moving this program closer to the producers who grow these crops, we can help reduce waste and make certain our farmers have access to this valuable market. Food stability is essential to political stability, and our food aid programs help feed the hungry, bolster our national security and provide important markets for our farmers.”

    “Our nation’s farmers and ranchers are the best in the world and work hard to provide food and fuel not only for our nation, but those in need across the globe,” said Sen. Hoeven. “The U.S. Department of Agriculture already administer U.S. farmer-based food aid programs and it only makes sense that USDA would oversee the Food for Peace program, as well.”

    “President Trump made a promise to the country to cut wasteful spending, reduce overbearing federal bureaucracy, and to ensure every taxpayer dollar was spent wisely and responsibly,” said Rep. Mann. “I applaud President Trump for upholding that promise and reviewing our federal spending line by line to root out waste, fraud, and abuse while ensuring programs like Food for Peace are in line with his mission and vision. For 70 years, Kansas and American farmers have played an active role in sending their commodities to feed malnourished and starving populations around the world. This free gift from the American people is more than food. It’s diplomacy and feeds the most vulnerable communities while helping them recognize the freedom, prosperity, and good America can establish across the globe. By moving Food for Peace to USDA, the program can continue to equip American producers to serve hungry people while providing more transparency and efficiency as to how taxpayer dollars are stewarded. I will continue to work with the Trump Administration to uproot wasteful spending while ensuring America can continue to be the beacon of hope and freedom we are to the rest of the world.”

    “Food for Peace is a critical program for American farmers and has a proven track-record of successfully feeding people all over the world,” said Rep. Crawford. “I am encouraged by the Trump Administration taking a fresh look at how we provide foreign assistance, including Food for Peace. I believe a move from USAID to USDA would make program administration more efficient and more in-line with America’s priorities. USDA already runs two international food assistance programs that deal with in-kind food donations, Food for Progress and the McGovern-Dole Food for Education program. This makes USDA a natural home for Food for Peace.”

    “The Food for Peace program plays a critical role in helping prevent starvation in places around the world that need it most, while also providing American farmers additional market opportunities,” said Rep. Newhouse. “Moving this program from USAID to USDA allows a commodity-focused agency to manage and execute the program’s mission while ensuring accountability that funds will be spent responsibly. America must continue to be a global leader in the fight against hunger.”

    Last week, Sen. Moran urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to quickly ship and distribute the American-grown food that was stalled in ports and warehouses in the U.S. and around the world as a result of the State Department’s pause on international assistance. Nearly $560 million worth of American-grown food was at risk of spoiling. On February 8, the State Department provided notices to participating aid organizations to resume shipping and distribution of the stalled American-grown food aid.

    Statements of Support:

    “Kansas farmers take great pride in Food for Peace and the impact the program and American commodities have had on feeding the world,” said Chris Tanner, president of Kansas Association of Wheat Growers. “Moving Food for Peace to USDA would continue to provide the needed relief for people in need. Thank you to Senator Moran and Congressman Mann for leading the way on this issue.”

    “Kansas-grown sorghum is a critical crop for food security in America and abroad,” said Adam York, CEO of Kansas Sorghum Producers Association. “Throughout changes in administrations, sorghum farmers have worked to have a seat at the table in international food programs housed across many agencies to ensure America’s farmers can contribute to our national security. We recommend policy makers continue prioritizing American agriculture as a solution to challenges in domestic and foreign policy.”

    “National Sorghum Producers supports this legislation that would move U.S. food aid programs under the U.S. Department of Agriculture—a move that makes sense and would ensure the long-term viability and success of these programs by continuing to provide a critical market for American sorghum farmers and the ability to move grain from our fields to the hands of those in need around the world,” said Amy France, chairwoman of National Sorghum Producers.

    “U.S. soybeans play an important role in addressing global hunger,” said Caleb Ragland, president of the American Soybean Association. “Soybeans are the only plant-based protein that provides all nine amino acids essential for human health, and our farmers have been proud to support international food assistance programs. ASA strongly supports efforts to protect these programs and to ensure U.S. grown commodities continue to feed vulnerable populations around the globe. We thank Representative Mann and Senator Moran for their leadership on this important issue.”

    “Our nation’s millers take great pride in feeding those facing famine emergencies around the world,” said Kim Z Cooper, Vice President of Government Affairs for the North American Millers’ Association. “Our flagship emergency food aid program Food for Peace not only helps those abroad, but is a critical component of Buy American and America First policies. We applaud Representatives Mann (R-KS), Thompson (R-PA), Crawford (R-AR), Newhouse (R-WA), Rouzer (R-NC), and Senators Moran and Hoeven for introducing legislation that would allow Food for Peace to operate under USDA, and reinstate this critical, life-saving program.”

    This legislation is also supported by the U.S. Dry Bean Council, National Sorghum Producers, U.S. Wheat Associates, National Association of Wheat Growers, The Midwest Dry Bean Coalition, North Central Bean Dealers Association, Northarvest Bean Growers Association, National Corn Growers Association, American Soybean Association, USA Rice, U.S. Peanut Federation, American Farm Bureau Federation and the International Dairy Foods Association.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sens. Moran, Scott Join Colleagues in Introducing Legislation to Ease Burdens on Small Businesses

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas – Jerry Moran

    WASHINGTON. – U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Tim Scott (R-S.C.) joined nine of their Senate colleagues in introducing legislation to ease burdens and shield small businesses from excessive legal red tape. The Protect Small Businesses from Excessive Paperwork Act of 2025 would extend the filing deadline for businesses to report beneficial ownership information (BOI) until January 1, 2026, giving the U.S. Department of Treasury more time to educate business owners on the new reporting requirements, assess Biden administration BOI decisions and make certain small businesses are not overburdened or penalized for violating unclear and unnecessarily complicated regulations.

    The senators were joined by Sens. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Katie Boyd Britt (R-Ala.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) and James Lankford (R-Okla.).

    “Small businesses are the backbone of our rural communities, and with limited staff and resources, the current reporting requirements place an unnecessary burden on our businesses,” said Sen. Moran. “Extending the filing deadline allows small businesses the additional time they need to comply with updated guidelines and avoid harmful penalties.”

    “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and we need to ensure they have the necessary time and information to comply with reporting requirements from the federal government,” said Sen. Scott. “This commonsense bill will ensure small businesses are protected and not overly burdened by unclear and unnecessarily complicated regulations – allowing them to focus on serving their customers while following the law.”

    Representative Zach Nunn (R-Iowa) led companion legislation in the House, which passed on Monday by a vote of 408-0.

    BACKGROUND:

    • The Corporate Transparency Act was signed into law as part of the FY21 National Defense Authorization Act and established new reporting requirements around beneficial ownership for businesses.
    • During implementation of the rule, the U.S. Department of Treasury Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) failed to notify small businesses of the new reporting requirements. According to a survey by the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB), 80% of NFIB members have never heard of the new reporting requirements.
    • On January 23, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to block the enforcement of these filing requirements. Now, small businesses across the country are expected to comply immediately or face harsh penalties.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government unveils plans for next generation of new towns

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Hundreds of thousands of working people and families will reap the rewards new towns across Britain, as the Prime Minister paves the way for the largest housebuilding programme since the post-war era.

    • Over 100 sites across England have come forward to be considered for next generation of new towns
    • Government on track to create beautiful communities, provide affordable homes, and deliver much needed infrastructure, including schools and nurseries, GP surgeries, and bus routes 
    • By taking on the blockers, 20,000 homes, along with new schools and health facilities, will move forward following government action, and we will now turn to unblock the remaining 700,000 homes across 350 sites 
    • Comes as government rolls out major planning reforms to sweep away the blockers and push through its housebuilding agenda as part of the Plan for Change

    Hundreds of thousands of working people and families will reap the rewards new towns across Britain, as the Prime Minister paves the way for the largest housebuilding programme since the post-war era.

    Visiting a housing development today, the Prime Minister will unveil the government’s plans for the next generation of new towns – well-designed, beautiful communities with affordable housing, GP surgeries, schools and public transport where people will want to live. 

    Over 100 proposals from across every region in England were submitted, showing local areas and housebuilders’ ambition to get on board to build the next generation of new towns – playing their part in getting Britain building and tackling the worst housing crisis in living memory. Every new town will have the potential to deliver 10,000 homes or more. 

    Delivering security is central to this government’s Plan for Change, because the least working people deserve when they graft hard is a secure home. That’s why the government is providing much-needed housing in the right places with the right infrastructure, and the New Towns Taskforce has today set clear principles on what the next generation of new towns will deliver: affordable housing, vital infrastructure and access to open green spaces and nature, to transform the lives of working people. 

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    For so many families, homeownership is a distant dream. After a decade of decline in housebuilding, the impact is a disconnect between working hard and getting on.

    This is about more than just bricks and mortar. It’s about the security and stability that owning your own home brings. I know what this means for working people – the roof above our head was everything for our family growing up. 

    We’ve already made progress in just seven months, unblocking 20,000 stuck homes. But there’s more to do.

    We’re urgently using all levers available to build the homes we need so more families can get on the housing ladder. We’re sweeping aside the blockers to get houses built, no longer accepting no as the default answer, and paving the way for the next generation of new towns.

    As part of the largest housebuilding programme since the post-war era, our ambitious Plan for Change will transform the lives of working people, once again connecting the basic principle that if you work hard, you should get on.

    Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Housing, Angela Rayner said:  

    Time and again we are seeing too many new homes stuck or stalled that not only act as a barrier to growth but also has real-world consequences for working people and families who see homeownership as nothing more than a distant dream.  

    I will not run away from the tough choices to fix the housing crisis we inherited that has left thousands of families on housing waiting lists, allowed homelessness to spiral out of control, and stopped an entire generation from picking up the keys to their first home.  

    While our vision for the next generation of new towns is setting the stage for a housebuilding revolution in the years to come, urgent action is needed now to build the homes and infrastructure that our local communities are crying out for. That’s why our New Homes Accelerator is working at pace to find solutions and remove blockages in the system, executing long-lasting solutions to get spades in the ground.  

    Today we are embarking on the next chapter in our Plan for Change to build 1.5 million new homes, deliver the biggest boost in social and affordable housing in a generation, and raise living standards for working people and families across the country.

    For far too long, working people have been let down by a decline in housebuilding. That’s why the government is rolling up its sleeves and is taking on the blockers with major reforms to planning regulation to get Britain building. 

    That work is already underway, with a staggering 20,000 new homes now successfully unblocked by the government’s novel ‘New Homes Accelerator’ programme, which deploys planning expertise to speed up the delivery of housing sites held by unnecessary delays.  

    Areas that have already benefitted from direct government action include:

    • Over 1,000 homes unlocked at Cowley Hill in Liverpool, where an agreement has been reached with the Environment Agency who withdrew its previous objections on both flood risk and biodiversity grounds, subject to planning.
    • And at Wolborough in Devon, the Accelerator has worked with Natural England to help accelerate this development, whilst ensuring environmental improvements are secured. On top of the 1,100 homes the site is injecting £1.75 million towards off-site pedestrian and cycle improvements, playing pitches, bus services and a local travel plan.  

    Housebuilders and local councils have put forward over 350 housing development sites stuck in the system under the previous government – that together could unlock around 700,000 new homes.

    Around a quarter of sites submitted are already receiving government attention since the call for evidence closed in October – demonstrating success of the programme, and local ambition to support the government’s 1.5 million homes target.

    This goes hand-in-hand with government action to overhaul the planning system, supporting the builders and not the blockers, taking the brakes off economic growth, raising living standards, and making the tough decisions to deliver for working people and families. 

    This includes:

    • Publishing a new growth-focused National Planning Policy Framework, which introduced new mandatory for councils to deliver the right homes in the right places, with a combined total of 370,000 homes a year.
    • Introducing the Planning and Infrastructure Bill next month. The Bill will overhaul environmental regulations to no longer accept the failed status quo where bats are more important than trains or newts more important than homes, and remove blockers to fast-track delivery of the homes and infrastructure that local communities need.    

    To get Britain building now – the government today announces plans to fast stream planning through brokering disagreements between the agencies and expert bodies, which by law must be consulted within the planning process. Bodies including National Highways, Natural England and the Environment Agency will need to bring planners and housebuilders to the table and iron out concerns that have been holding back development.

    Responding to sector concerns on pinch points, work stepping up with the Building Safety Regulator to ensure greater timeliness and efficiency when new tall buildings are signed off – to provide more homes for more people.

    This work will be bolstered by extra government funding announced today, including:  

    • £1 million for government agencies, including National Highways, Natural England and the Environment Agency, to speed up the planning approval of new homes and improve feedback to local authorities and industry where required.

    • £2 million to support the Building Safety Regulator to continue improving the processing for new-build applications.

    • Over £3 million of grants for local councils to bolster planning capacity, alongside direct advice and navigate through some of the more complex issues holding up new development.   

    Alongside the Accelerator, the government is also supporting local partners through a clearing service to help accelerate the sale of uncontracted and unsold affordable homes, with nearly 300 housebuilders, local councils and registered providers signing up in the first 50 days of its launch.   

    In December, the government set a clear hierarchy of brownfield first, grey belt second and green belt third. Today, further funding is being injected to drive regeneration and brownfield deliver in the following areas:  

    • £20 million to help transform neglected small-scale council-owned sites into new homes, for areas most in need.

    • Nearly £30 million from the Brownfield Infrastructure and Land Fund in Bradford to transform derelict brownfield sites into a vibrant residential area with 1,000 new homes, three community parks, shops, cafés, restaurants, and offices.

    • £1.5 million to support a regeneration programme at Manchester Victoria North, delivering a new district of 15,000 homes with transport links and green spaces.   

    Getting homes built for working people is a priority and is backed by investment in housing which is increasing to £5 billion for this year, including a top-up of £800 million being injected into the existing Affordable Homes Programme to help deliver tens of thousands of new affordable and social homes across the country.   

    This is in addition to an extra £100 million of cash to bolster local resources with increased planning fees to cover costs and funding to recruit 300 planning officers, making sure councils have the capacity they need to rubberstamp new homes and infrastructure.

    Updates to this page

    Published 13 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New industry bonus opens to support good jobs and low carbon manufacturing factories

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Industrial heartlands and coastal areas will receive a major economic boost as the government backs renewable energy firms investing in industrial communities.

    • Government launches new investment to support clean energy manufacturing, and highly skilled jobs in industrial towns and cities
    • offshore wind developers can now bid for financial support if they drive investment in UK’s most deprived regions, build low carbon factories, or support net zero supply chains
    • the bonus will kickstart growth and support good jobs – delivering the mission to become a clean energy superpower through the government’s Plan for Change

    Industrial heartlands and coastal areas will receive a major economic boost as the government backs renewable energy firms investing in industrial communities – backing good jobs through the government’s Plan for Change. 

    The application window has opened for the Clean Industry Bonus, which provides financial support for offshore wind developers, on the condition they prioritise their investment in areas that need it most, including traditional oil and gas communities – supporting highly skilled jobs such as engineers, electricians or welders.

    The support also rewards developers who build more sustainable low carbon factories, offshore wind blades, cables and ports to reduce industrial emissions across the clean energy supply chain.

    By encouraging developers to use less polluting suppliers, the bonus will help tackle the climate crisis while also addressing supply chain blockages in renewable technologies driven by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – supporting industry on the transition to clean, secure, homegrown energy that Britain controls.

    The UK produces more offshore wind than any other European country, making it the backbone for plans to deliver a clean power system by 2030 and become a clean energy superpower. This bonus will help accelerate the drive for clean power – incentivising developers to build the infrastructure the country needs to end reliance on unstable fossil fuel markets and help keep energy bills down for good.   

    Since July, the government has seen £34.8 billion of private investment into UK’s clean energy industries. In November, the government launched its carbon capture and storage industry supporting 4,000 jobs in the North West and Teesside. ScottishPower awarded a £1 billion turbine contract for its East Anglia TWO offshore windfarm to Siemens Gamesa, including blade production at its Hull blade factory – the company employ over 1,300 people in Humberside.

    Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said:   

    We are backing our proud manufacturing, coastal and oil and gas communities with good jobs, skills and private sector investment – delivering on the government’s Plan for Change.

    This is our clean energy superpower mission in action, kickstarting growth, delivering energy security and transforming towns and cities as part of the transition – from the ports of Nigg and Leith to the manufacturing hubs of Blyth and Hull. 

    Steve Foxley, Chief Executive of the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult, said: 

    This news is an important signal from government to industry of intent to grow our offshore wind sector in a way that benefits both our climate and our economy, supporting expansive regional job creation and bolstering national energy security.  

    Alongside innovating to develop next-generation technologies, delivering the right levels of future deployment and fulfilling the ambitions of the Industrial Growth Plan for offshore wind, it will drive up confidence in our ability to secure the clean investments we need in the years to come.

    Dan McGrail, CEO of RenewableUK, said:  

    The offshore wind industry already employs over 34,000 people in the UK, but there’s an opportunity to treble this number by the end of the decade if we grow the sector’s supply chain. Government initiatives like the Clean Industry Bonus, coupled with industry initiatives to support innovation and the upcoming Industrial Strategy, could drive hundreds of millions of pounds of private investment into new manufacturing. 

    Whilst we’re right to focus on securing investment in manufacturing new turbine foundations, blades and cables, we shouldn’t forget that there are also thousands of jobs in the construction and maintenance of wind farms too. You can go to places across the country like Grimsby and Great Yarmouth and Buckie on the Moray Firth and see boats full of engineers ensuring our wind farms operate at maximum efficiency. 

    Dhara Vyas, Energy UK, Chief Executive, said:  

    Offshore wind is set to become the backbone of a decarbonised power system. To build an industry that is resilient to supply chain challenges, we need a framework that supports sustainable deployment, while fostering investment in the UK’s industrial heartlands. 

    The Clean Industry Bonus will help to unlock economic growth, create job opportunities, and maintain the UK’s position as a global leader in offshore wind. 

    Alongside the development of a broader industrial strategy, the Clean Industry Bonus will play an important role in strengthening the Contracts for Difference mechanism. Clarity will be critical in ensuring we can deliver Allocation Round 7, which is likely to be the single most important auction to achieving the Clean Power goal.

    The UK is already home to the world’s first floating offshore wind farm and has the highest deployment of offshore wind in Europe. As a result, the UK’s offshore wind industry is supporting thousands of highly skilled jobs across the country. 

    This latest boost for renewable developers comes after the government delivered the most successful renewables auction round in history last year, securing contracts for Europe’s largest and second largest offshore wind farm projects. 

    The bonus will come with an initial £27 million per gigawatt of offshore wind projects. That means if developers commit to 7-8 GW of offshore wind, up to £200 million of funding could be made available. 

    Funding will be allocated competitively with the results announced by the Energy Secretary in the summer.

    Notes to editors

    The Clean Industry Bonus will apply to all offshore wind projects bidding for funding through this year’s renewable energy auction, Allocation Round 7 of the Contracts for Difference scheme, which is the main mechanism for securing clean energy infrastructure for Britain. September’s auction secured 5 GW for offshore wind, enough to power the equivalent of around 8 million homes.

    The funding will come through the government’s Contract for Difference mechanism. The scheme is designed to protect billpayers from high costs with the lowest price bids successful, ensuring value for money.

    Updates to this page

    Published 13 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: VA Announces New Flag Display Policy

    Source: US Department of Veterans Affairs

    Skip to content

    WASHINGTON — The Department of Veterans Affairs today instituted a new flag policy limiting the display of certain flags on VA premises. The policy will establish consistent and clear guidance across the department and among all employees.

    The policy, which can be viewed here, outlines a list of flags — in addition to the American flag — that may be displayed at VA facilities.

    VA’s new guidance follows a longstanding Department of Defense policy instituted during the first Trump Administration and kept in place during the Biden Administration.

    “This policy will bring consistency and simplicity to the display of flags throughout the department, which now has a singular focus: serving the needs of Veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors,” said VA Secretary Doug Collins.

    Reporters and media outlets with questions or comments should contact the Office of Media Relations at vapublicaffairs@va.gov

    Veterans with questions about their health care and benefits (including GI Bill). Questions, updates and documents can be submitted online.

    Contact us online through Ask VA

    Veterans can also use our chatbot to get information about VA benefits and services. The chatbot won’t connect you with a person, but it can show you where to go on VA.gov to find answers to some common questions.

    Learn about our chatbot and ask a question

    Subscribe today to receive these news releases in your inbox.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: AKT Trading Inc. Recalls Seasoned Bamboo Shoots Because of Possible Health Risk

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    Summary

    Company Announcement Date:
    FDA Publish Date:
    Product Type:
    Food & Beverages
    Foodborne Illness
    Reason for Announcement:

    Recall Reason Description

    Potential Foodborne Illness – Botulism

    Company Name:
    AKT Trading Inc.
    Brand Name:

    Brand Name(s)

    CHOSHIYA

    Product Description:

    Product Description

    Menma Ajitsuke Prepared Bamboo Shoot

    Company Announcement

    AKT Trading Inc of Torrance, California is recalling 120 packages of Menma Ajitsuke Prepared Bamboo Shoot Product, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium which can cause life-threatening illness or death. Consumers are warned not to use the product even if it does not look or smell spoiled.

    Botulism, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning, can cause the following symptoms: general weakness, dizziness, double-vision and trouble with speaking or swallowing. Difficulty in breathing, weakness of other muscles, abdominal distension and constipation may also be common symptoms. People experiencing these problems should seek immediate medical attention.

    The bamboo shoot product was distributed at Tokyo Central Costa Mesa store in Costa Mesa, California.

    The affected product is packaged in a plastic bag and can be identified by the following information:

    • Brand Name: CHOSHIYA
    • Product Name: MENMA AJITSUKE PREPARED BAMBOO SHOOTS
    • Container: 8.8oz plastic bag
    • JANCODE (UPC): 4983673527332
    • Expiration Date: 1/29/2025

    No illnesses have been reported to date.

    This issue was discovered on 1/14/2025 at the Tokyo Central Costa Mesa retail store where the product was found being sold under ambient (non-refrigerated) conditions. The missing “Keep Refrigerated” label likely contributed to this issue. The product was immediately removed from sale at this location. Consumers who have purchased the affected product with the specified expiration date are urged not to consume it. Consumers should discard the product or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

    AKT Trading Inc. is committed to the safety and quality of its products and is taking this action out of an abundance of caution. We are cooperating fully with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on this matter.

    Consumers with questions may contact AKT Trading Inc. at 310-715-2174 or info@aktusa.com.

    This recall is being made with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

    Company Contact Information

    Product Photos

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Uncertainty around PEPFAR program puts millions of people at risk News Feb 12, 2025

    Source: Doctors Without Borders –

    The decision by the US government to temporarily freeze funding to the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) alongside all other foreign aid for at least a 90-day period has had immediate effects on people living with HIV, said Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) today. Although the US has since clarified that certain treatment programs can continue at least until April, we are concerned that critical elements of the PEPFAR program remain frozen.

    “More than three weeks since the US government froze PEPFAR funding, there is still widespread confusion and uncertainty as to whether this critical lifeline for millions of people has been cut off,” said Avril Benoît, chief executive officer of MSF USA. “Despite a limited waiver covering some activities, what our teams are seeing in many of the countries where we work is that people have already lost access to lifesaving care and have no idea whether or when their treatment will continue. MSF is calling on the US government to immediately resume funding for the full range of PEPFAR operations as well as other critical health and humanitarian aid.”

    On February 1, after over a week of chaos and a freeze of activities, the US government issued a limited waiver allowing for the resumption of some programming with specific guidance for HIV. However, that guidance was unclear, and it did not immediately reach PEPFAR country teams. Across our broad network, MSF did not see a single organization able to resume work as a result of this limited guidance on waivers. On February 6, the US government issued clarified guidance on HIV care and treatment and prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) programs.

    What our teams are seeing in many of the countries where we work is that people have already lost access to lifesaving care and have no idea whether or when their treatment will continue. 

    Avril Benoît, chief executive officer of MSF USA

    However, we remain concerned that key areas of HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support are not included in this additional guidance, such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for all vulnerable groups, including LGBTQI+ people and sex workers; specific interventions for adolescent girls and young women in high prevalence countries; and community-led monitoring programs. These services are essential to ensuring a successful response to the epidemic.

    While MSF does not accept US government funding and will not be directly affected by cuts or freezes to PEPFAR, many of our activities are contingent on the programs that have been interrupted. In some places we’ve had to adapt and change our activities and the indirect effects of these freezes have already been felt in our projects in various parts of the world.

    Failure to reauthorize global AIDS program would be catastrophic

    Read more

    In sub-Saharan Africa, where MSF runs several HIV/AIDS and related health programs, we are already witnessing impacts on patients. In South Africa, many clinics providing HIV services, including testing, treatment, and PrEP through PEPFAR-funded organizations have been shuttered, leaving people confused and distressed about where to access their critical medication. In Mozambique, a major partner organization of MSF that provided comprehensive HIV services had to stop activities completely. In Zimbabwe, most organizations providing HIV services have also stopped work, disrupting in particular the DREAMS program aimed at decreasing new HIV infections in adolescent girls and young women.

    “Any interruption to HIV services and treatment is deeply distressing to people in care and an emergency when it comes to HIV treatment,” said Tom Ellman, director of the South Africa Medical Unit at MSF Southern Africa. “HIV medicines must be taken daily or people run the risk of developing resistance or deadly health complications.”

    In Democratic Republic of Congo, the aid freeze was already affecting the most successful model of antiretroviral drug distribution ever implemented in the capital city of Kinshasa: the community-run free distribution and peer support points, known locally as “PODIs.” In a country where stigma against people living with HIV is massive and poverty remains a barrier to care, PODIs have proven to be a medically necessary approach for addressing delays or therapy abandonment. With PEPFAR-supported points of care now closed and other activities frozen, thousands of people were left without support and with a high risk of developing advanced HIV. MSF teams supporting advanced HIV disease care in Kinshasa might not be able to meet the increased demand if disruptions persist.

    In South Sudan, approximately 51 percent of people living with HIV know their status, and 47 percent are on treatment. A discontinuation of this program will have devastating effects on thousands of people and their communities.  MSF has worked alongside PEPFAR providing essential HIV care in this context and has seen firsthand how this program saves lives. The support of PEPFAR in this country is critical.

    These disruptions will cost lives and upend years of progress against this virus. Every day that passes is an emergency for millions of people for whom PEPFAR is a lifeline.

    Avril Benoît, chief executive officer of MSF USA

    PEPFAR-supported programming is deeply interconnected with and reliant on other components of the US foreign aid system, specifically implementation support provided by USAID and technical and other assistance provided by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Given that the foreign aid freeze and stop-work orders continue to affect these other agencies, and staff from these agencies have been put on immediate leave or recalled, it is unclear when and how even the limited activities now allowed will be able to restart.

    “These disruptions will cost lives and upend years of progress against this virus,” said Benoit. “Every day that passes is an emergency for millions of people for whom PEPFAR is a lifeline.”

    PEPFAR-supported programming has been heavily integrated into key aspects of the broader health systems of partner countries over the last 20-plus years and as a result the consequences of these disruptions have been far-reaching. For this reason, some of the services affected go beyond purely HIV treatment and prevention, such as in Uganda, where PEPFAR-funded aspects of infectious disease surveillance and response, including for Ebola virus, have been stopped.

    When MSF first started treating people with HIV/AIDS in South Africa 25 years ago, there were no ARV medicines on the shelves, every diagnosis felt like a death sentence, and communities were desperately trying to curb the virus’ spread.

    Tom Ellman, director of the South Africa Medical Unit at MSF Southern Africa

    “When MSF first started treating people with HIV/AIDS in South Africa 25 years ago, there were no ARV medicines on the shelves, every diagnosis felt like a death sentence, and communities were desperately trying to curb the virus’ spread,” said Ellman.

    Since then, PEPFAR support has helped save more than 25 million lives and encouraged the fight against HIV to be a truly global one. But continued success relies on continued access to the full range of HIV-related programs, services, and goods including prevention services and treatment, population-specific and targeted programs, programs related to gender-based violence, and other critical areas, said MSF.  

    As health care providers, we are deeply concerned by these disruptions to this lifesaving program.

    “Even temporary interruptions to key components of PEPFAR will harm people at risk of acquiring HIV and people living with HIV,” said Benoît. “We urge the US government to immediately resume all funding of critical humanitarian and health aid, including the full range of PEPFAR operations.”

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator King Statement on Vote Against Tulsi Gabbard to Serve as Director of National Intelligence

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) released the following statement after voting against Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard to serve as the Director of National Intelligence. Congresswoman Gabbard was confirmed in a vote of 52-48.
    “The Director of National Intelligence position boils down to judgment and management — and I find Congresswoman Gabbard lacking in both of these essential traits.
    “First to the quality of judgment and discernment. While the Congresswoman has demonstrated sometimes justified skepticism towards the work of the American intelligence community, that skepticism appears to wane when it comes to our foes and those posing threats to America’s national security. Consistently, she has taken actions that call into question her judgement in this regard. As a member of Congress, for example, she sought to drop espionage charges against Edward Snowden even though ample evidence was available demonstrating his egregious compromise of the security of our country.
    “In addition, she has consistently opposed the reauthorization of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, one of the most important tools available to our intelligence community. Although she has recently expressed support for this provision, I find her new-found enthusiasm unconvincing, and without solid administration support — starting with the Office of the Director of National Intelligence — this invaluable capability could be lost.
    “Secondly, while Congresswoman Gabbard has managed an office on Capitol Hill, and other small groups throughout her private sector career, she has not managed a larger body of professionals. While this would not be a deal breaker if she measured up in all other categories, this lack of experience in dealing with large-scale organizations also represents a shortcoming.
    “I thank the Congresswoman for her military service to our nation and I appreciate her willingness to represent the people of her district and make a public contribution. However, she does not get my vote to spearhead America’s efforts to monitor the threats facing Americans and managing the clandestine professionals who serve on the front lines protecting our national security.
    “Since the majority of my colleagues saw her nomination differently, I commit to working with her and providing her any guidance or feedback needed to help her and the intelligence community succeed. The priority here remains keeping Americans safe and our interests protected worldwide.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: In Forceful Senate Floor Speech, Murray Lays Out Real Dangers of Confirming RFK Jr., Calls on Colleagues to “Show Some Courage,” Reject Anti-Vaccine Conspiracy Theorist as Top Health Official

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
    Murray: “If you think RFK Jr. will change who he is, you are lying to yourself… If you do not draw a line somewhere, you will cross every line you could ever imagine. You will be pushed further and further into accepting things you never thought you would—things you never thought you could.”
    ICYMI: In Senate Hearing, RFK Jr. Refuses to Say HPV Vaccine is Safe to Sen. Patty Murray, Pressed on Credible Accusation of Sexual Assault
    Murray, a longtime congressional leader on health care who has led hearings on addressing vaccine hesitancy, has been a leading vocal opponent of RFK Jr.’s nomination—speaking out on the Senate floor, holding events, raising the alarm after meeting with him
    *** VIDEO of Senator Murray’s floor speech HERE***
    Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former Chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, took to the Senate floor to warn of the very real dangers that lie ahead if Republicans insist on confirming RFK Jr. as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and urge her colleagues to “show some courage… show some conscience” and vote against this nomination.
    Murray laid out the many ways RFK Jr. could undermine vaccines as HHS Secretary—as well as so much else that’s at stake with his confirmation. Murray pointed out that, if confirmed, there will be nothing stopping RFK Jr. from firing the CDC’s entire vaccine advisory committee—responsible for making recommendations about vaccines and indirectly determines which vaccines must be covered by insurance—and replacing them all with vaccine skeptics. RFK Jr. will also oversee FDA, another agency he has repeatedly tried to discredit and attack—and where he has said he plans to fire hundreds of scientists on Day One.
    “My colleagues should know better. They do know better,” said Murray on the Senate floor. “But they are looking the other way. They are choosing to pretend like it is in any way believable that RFK Jr. won’t use his new power to do exactly the thing he has been trying to do for decades—undermine vaccines.”
    Murray spoke about how RFK Jr. will also have jurisdiction over NIH, where he could redirect funds away from promising cures, or make good on his plan to fire hundreds of researchers and pause infectious disease research. Pointing to Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s’ recent attacks on NIH biomedical research funding, Murray said: “At a time when lifesaving research like this is already under attack from the President and the richest man in the world, no one who truly values medical research should vote to install one of the biggest attackers of medical science as the Secretary of Health and Human Services.”
    Murray also spoke about health insurance—another huge responsibility for HHS. “Last time Trump was in office, we saw millions of people lose their health coverage,” Murray said. “The uninsured rate went up after years of hard-won progress, and we all know he still wants to rip up the Affordable Care Act—driving up costs and kicking people off their coverage. And there’s no reason to think Mr. Kennedy will stand up to that effort. Indeed, there is no reason to think he has the experience and understanding of the system to do so. During his committee hearings, RFK Jr. confused Medicare and Medicaid—basic stuff—and failed to describe the components of Medicare.”
    Murray also hammered how RFK Jr. poses an enormous risk to reproductive health care in America—pointing out that not only did RFK Jr. confess to having no real understanding of the Department’s role in enforcing Americans’ right to emergency care, but he showed he will be totally open to Republicans’ efforts to rip away access to medication abortion nationwide.
    Also noting the danger of putting RFK Jr. in charge of pandemic threats, Murray emphasized that “We cannot take this man at his word—something he has changed and gone back and forth on time and again. But we can take him at his record—which is that he has consistently undermined vaccine confidence and even profited from it.”
    “I cannot tell my colleagues enough: this isn’t a game, this is not a political role without consequence, the Health Secretary has real power over whether Americans can get basic information and care that impacts whether they live or die,” Murray continued.
    “So if my colleagues are feeling the pressure from President Trump or if they are feeling the weight of the richest man in the world on their backs, I would warn them: this will certainly not be the last test we face here in the Senate… If you do not draw a line somewhere, you will cross every line you could ever imagine. You will be pushed further and further into accepting things you never thought you would—things you never thought you could.
    “I think most of my colleagues know what is really at stake here. I think most of my colleagues know what sort of man RFK Jr. is and what sort of damage he could do if confirmed. There are political realities, we all get that—but there is also right and wrong… So, I urge all my colleagues to show some courage. I urge them to show some conscience. I urge them to join me in voting NO on RFK Jr.’s nomination,” Murray concluded.
    When President-elect Donald J. Trump first announced his intention to select Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of HHS, Murray immediately and forcefully condemned the move—and she has consistently spoken out and laid out for her colleagues the case against his nomination since, including in a lengthy Senate floor speech earlier this month—VIDEO HERE. Murray met with RFK Jr. on January 15th and released a statement afterward reiterating her opposition to his nomination and urging her colleagues, “to be honest with themselves about the stakes of putting one of the anti-vaccine movement’s loudest, proudest champions in charge of HHS and join me in opposing RFK Jr.’s nomination.” In December, Murray held a roundtable discussion at UW Medicine on the importance of scientific research and vaccines—especially for children—and spoke about how having RFK Jr. lead HHS would threaten Americans’ health and safety. At the hearing on his nomination before the Senate HELP Committee, Senator Murray pressed RFK Jr. to acknowledge that the HPV vaccine was safe and effective—he would not—and respond to credible accusations of sexual assault.
    As a longtime appropriator and former Chair of the Senate HELP Committee, Murray has long fought to boost biomedical research, strengthen public health infrastructure, and make health care more affordable and accessible. Over her years as a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, she has secured billions of dollars in increases for biomedical research at the National Institutes of Health, and during her time as Chair of the HELP Committee she established the new ARPA-H research agency as part of her PREVENT Pandemics Act to advance some of the most cutting-edge research in the field. As Chair of the HELP Committee, Murray was also instrumental in crafting the American Rescue Plan Act, including its landmark investments in public health and health care. Senator Murray was also the lead Democratic negotiator of the bipartisan 21st Century Cures Act, which delivered a major federal investment to boost NIH research, among many other investments. Murray is also the lead sponsor of the Public Health Infrastructure Saves Lives Act (PHISLA), legislation to establish $4.5 billion in dedicated, annual funding for a grant program to build up and maintain the nation’s public health system across the board. 
    In 2019, Senator Murray co-led a bipartisan hearing in the HELP Committee on vaccine hesitancy and spoke about the importance of addressing vaccine skepticism and getting people the facts they need to keep their families and communities safe and healthy. Ahead of the hearing, as multiple states were facing measles outbreaks in under-vaccinated areas, Murray sent a bipartisan letter with former HELP Committee Chair Lamar Alexander (R-TN) pressing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director and HHS Assistant Secretary for Health on their efforts to promote vaccination and vaccine confidence.
    Senator Murray’s full remarks on the Senate floor, as delivered are below and HERE:
    “Mr. President, the American people are watching now with alarm—because the vast majority of people know: vaccines are safe, they’re effective, they are lifesaving.
    But we are now on the verge of confirming, as our nation’s highest health official, a man who has spent considerable time, money, and effort undermining that basic fact.
    “A man who has abused his platform by refusing to acknowledge the well-established science that shows that vaccines arenot linked to autism. Fear about that point—fueled by RFK Jr. and others peddling misinformation—is a leading reason that parents do not get their kids vaccinated against preventable, dangerous diseases.
    “That’s why elevating a man like RFK Jr. to lead HHS would be so dangerous. Just giving him any platform to spread vaccine doubt is dangerous. But to give him one of the biggest megaphones in the world? It is truly shameful that we even are debating this.
    “My colleagues should know better. They actually do know better. They are looking the other way. They are choosing to pretend like it is in any way believable that RFK Jr. won’t use his new power to do exactly the thing he has been trying to do for decades—undermine vaccines.
    “Never mind the fact that CDC has already modified webpages with information about vaccines and other vital public health information—which a federal judge has now ordered the Trump Administration to restore.
    “Never mind that the Trump administration is also, reportedly, planning widespread and significant layoffs—layoffs—at CDC and across HHS.
    “This is how RFK Jr. substitutes his own beliefs for science. So, when the vaccine conspiracies start swirling—and RFK Jr. turns HHS into ground zero for misinformation—‘I had no idea’ is not going to be an excuse for confirming him.
    “Because at the HELP Committee hearing, the Chair pressed him repeatedly about the debunked claim that vaccines cause autism. And when RFK Jr. said he needed to ‘see the evidence,’ he was shown the evidence. But, to no one’s surprise, he did not keep his word, admit he’d been wrong, and spread the good news that vaccines do not cause autism.
    “He has had two weeks since that hearing to look at the same settled science as everyone else—crickets. But he won’t hesitate to quote the latest anti-vax conspiracy. He is totally up to speed on that front.
    “Are my colleagues really buying this guy will take an impartial look at the science?
    “If you think RFK Jr. will change who he is, you are lying to yourself. He has given no evidence to suggest that—and all the evidence in the world to the contrary.
    “Given his long, and growing track record, we cannot just pretend if RFK Jr. finally gets power to undermine vaccines—a cause that he has dedicated a considerable amount of time and effort to—that he’ll just give it up. That is not believable.
    “And I know I’ve been talking a lot about vaccines—because it is so obviously alarming—but the responsibility he would have goes far beyond that.
    “So, let’s break some of this down—both the ways he could undermine vaccines as HHS Secretary, and the other responsibilities that would be at stake.
    “To start with, the CDC is under HHS. That means that the Secretary directly appoints people to CDC’s vaccine advisory board. That board is responsible for making recommendations about vaccines—and it is those recommendations that determine whether or not certain vaccines have to be covered by insurance.
    “So, simply put: changing those recommendations will change what vaccines millions of Americans, including kids, will be able to get from their health care provider.
    “If he is confirmed, there would be nothing stopping RFK Jr. from firing the entire board and replacing them all with vaccine skeptics.
    “After all, he has said many times, and in many ways, he thinks CDC is corrupt and bought by pharma—as usual, by the way, without any evidence.
    “RFK. Jr. would also oversee the Food and Drug Administration; that is another agency he has repeatedly tried to discredit and attack—where he says he plans to fire—fire!—hundreds of scientists on Day One. And an agency that plays the crucial role of making sure our drugs and our treatments—including vaccines—are safe and effective.
    “Not only would Mr. Kennedy have a key perch from which he could undermine vaccines on a scale like never seen before, he could also use his platform to peddle quack treatments with no basis in science.
    “RFK Jr. would also have jurisdiction over NIH. That alone means influence over billions of dollars in medical research—research that is responsible for a significant portion of our economy, and more importantly, research that patients are desperately hoping will help them find cures. 
    “But RFK Jr. could redirect those funds to promote his favorite pet conspiracies instead of promising cures.
    “Or he could make good on his plan to fire hundreds of researchers and pause infectious disease research—for eight years. It should go without saying: viruses aren’t going to take a break.
    “And here’s the thing—the attacks on medical research are now already happening under Trump. From his day one Executive Orders, President Trump has already been threatening medical research.
    “Suddenly, all of our grants are at risk because they are looking at addressing ‘barriers to care’ or understanding why Black and Native American women have higher maternal death rates.
    “And now—President Trump also is trying to illegally, arbitrarily, and suddenly change NIH guidelines to set an unrealistically low cap on indirect cost rates. That would mean researchers are laid off, studies canceled—including lifesaving clinical trials—and kids are not able to get the treatment they need.
    “All because President Trump and Elon Musk don’t seem to understand how we actually fund important research, and couldn’t even be bothered to find out before taking an axe to medical research labs.
    “At a time when lifesaving research like this is already under attack from the President, and the richest man in the world, no one who truly values medical research should vote to install one of the biggest attackers of medical science as the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
    “And, M. President, insurance is another huge portfolio for HHS. Last time Trump was in office, we saw millions of people lose their health care coverage. The uninsured rate went up after years of hard-won progress, and we all know he still wants to rip up the Affordable Care Act—which will drive up costs and kick people off their coverage.
    “There’s no reason to think Mr. Kennedy will stand up to that effort. Indeed, there is no reason to think he has the experience and understanding of the system to actually do so.
    “During his committee hearings, RFK Jr. confused Medicare and Medicaid—this is basic stuff! He failed to describe the components of Medicare. 
    “And yes, Mr. President, I also absolutely have to talk about abortion care. This is of grave importance—especially right now.
    “In his hearings, not only did RFK Jr. confess to having no real understanding of EMTALA—that is a law which requires patients have access to lifesaving emergency care including, in some cases, abortion care—he also showed that he will be totally open to Republicans’ fact-free efforts to rip away access to medication abortion.
    “Like so many other issues that RFK Jr. is simply wrong about, the science on that has been settled for many years now.
    “Mr. Kennedy made clear though, he is very open to revisiting access to the abortion pill, based on a Republican argument against the science that basically boils down to: ‘Nuh uh, nuh uh!’
    “Putting up barriers to accessing the abortion pill—or ripping it off the market completely, as Republicans have made very clear they want to do—would be absolutely devastating.
    “And let’s not forget about pandemic threats. The lies that RFK Jr. spread during the last pandemic already make clear he is not the man to do this job. But if that weren’t enough, when there was a pandemic threat response planning session for this new Administration—he skipped it! He didn’t go! It would almost be comical if this wasn’t so serious.
    “Mr. President, everywhere you look, everything about this nominee is so concerning.
    “We cannot take this man at his word—something he has changed and gone back and forth on time and time again. But we can take him on his record—which is that he has consistently undermined vaccine confidence and, by the way, note: he even profited from that.
    “And we can take the threat of what he might do seriously, especially given the alarming things that are already happening.
    “If RFK Jr. gives you his word of honor, that he won’t freeze research—well guess what? We are already seeing the Trump Administration totally upend medical research. Thanks to the Trump funding freeze, NIH hasn’t issued any grant awards in weeks!
    “If RFK Jr. swears that he is not going to take down information about vaccines, that he is not going to silence experts, well don’t look now—but the Trump Administration has already taken down or changed CDC pages about vaccines. They have already silenced public health experts.
    “If RFK Jr. pinky promises you that he won’t undermine medical science or studies, and he won’t ignore global health threats, well, you might want to sit down for this—but President Trump has completely demolished our global health aid work. He has already completely demolished it.
    “The fallout is utterly heart wrenching. Already we know of a woman who died—because the USAID-supported hospital she went to for oxygen was forced to discharge her because they got a ‘stop-work’ order from the Trump administration.
    “It is not clear if she was the first death caused by Trump’s complete freeze, but there is no question, she will not be the last.
    “And Mr. President—let me make a really important point here: it is not just people across the world who will be affected by this.
    “There was a study being done on a new HIV treatment with thousands of volunteers, a study being done already having a thousand volunteers doing the treatment. But now, without their regular injections, which are cut off because of Trump’s move, there is going to be too little of the drug in their system to protect those people from HIV—but enough of the drug that if they contract HIV, it could mutate to become drug resistant.
    “So, for all the absolutely unhinged conspiracies we have heard about medical research from RFK Jr. and the like, where is the concern for this actual risk, in this actual study, happening right now all because President Trump cut off foreign assistance?
    “RFK Jr. has been silent about that risk, silent about how wrong that is—and so, even as he is making these empty promises on one hand to some of our colleagues, he is already standing by as President Trump breaks them on the other hand.
    “Oh, and here’s one more—if RFK Jr. says he is going to consult you on health care personnel, please do not be fooled.
    “Look, I don’t know why my colleagues need me to tell them this—I like to think we have some pretty smart people around here—but this vote, RFK Jr.’s own nomination, this is your consultation on health care personnel. Not some made up promise for later. This is the point you have the most power.
    “Whatever he might say, you don’t get to choose who RFK Jr. will appoint to this or that—heck, he doesn’t get to choose who President Trump appoints. 
    “The decision you get to make, all of us on this floor get to make, is the decision on this floor before us right now. You get to choose who you vote to confirm. And you will have to live with that decision.
    “And, if you ignore the warning signs, and confirm RFK Jr.—then, when the wheels fall off the wagon, you may try to tell yourself you were lied to, but you knew who you were dealing with. You knew who you were dealing with. You knew what he has said before, and what he has refused to say.
    “You had all the knowledge you needed to do the right thing.
    “I cannot tell my colleagues enough: this is not a game, this is not a political role without consequence. The Health Secretary has real power over whether Americans can get basic information and care that impacts whether they live or die.
    “As I have tried to drive home throughout this process—vaccines save lives. That is not a question. It is not a slogan. It is a fact.
    “If, when parents look to you, worried about their newborn, wanting to do what is best for their baby, and trusting your advice as a public health leader—if you cannot tell them the same truth that centuries of science and experience tells us, which is that vaccines are safe, effective, and lifesaving, then you have absolutely no business leading the Department of Health and Human Services. None. 
    “And so, just as I did at the hearing, I want to warn all of my colleagues: by merely voting to confirm Mr. Kennedy, we would be telling our constituents he is worth listening to on vaccines. That alone will get people killed—before he even lifts a finger.
    “Because he does not even need the levers of power to get people killed—all he needs is a megaphone.
    “To affirm his views by voting to confirm him as our highest health official—let’s not mince words about what that will mean.
    “When babies die from whooping cough because parents weren’t sure the vaccine was safe—will you be able to look them in the eye? When the flu sweeps our nursing homes, when measles sweeps through our communities—will it be worth it?
    “Mr. President, I will end on this—I’m sure there are plenty of members who know perfectly well just how dangerous it would be to confirm RFK Jr. They don’t need to hear it from me—in fact, some of them may even know the danger better than I do.
    “But here’s what I do know: conscience is a muscle. Courage is a muscle. The less you use them, the more they fade away.
    “So if my colleagues are feeling the pressure from President Trump or if they are feeling the weight of the richest man in the world on their backs on this vote, I would warn them: this will certainly not be the last test we face here in the Senate.
    “Giving into pressure now won’t make it go away. It won’t soften the pressure you face later, and it will not strengthen your resolve when the stakes are higher. It will just show: pressure works.
    “If you do not draw a line somewhere, you will cross every line you could ever imagine. You will be pushed further and further into accepting things you never thought you would—things you thought you never could.
    “I think most of my colleagues know what is really at stake here. I think most of my colleagues knowwhat sort of man RFK Jr. is, and what sort of damage he could do if confirmed.
    “There are political realities, we all get that—but there is also right and wrong. There is also fact and fiction.
    “There is people staying healthy, and people dying pointlessly—kids dying pointlessly—from diseases that we can prevent, because they thought Congress took its job vetting our health secretary seriously.
    “So, M. President, I urge all my colleagues to show some courage. I urge them to show some conscience. I urge them to vote NO on RFK Jr.’s nomination.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to study looking at hormonal contraceptives and stroke and heart attack risk

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A study published in the BMJ looks at hormonal contraceptives and the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

    Dr Sonya Babu-Narayan, Clinical Director at the British Heart Foundation and consultant cardiologist, said:

    “You shouldn’t be overly alarmed by these findings if you are using or considering starting hormonal contraception.  The additional risk of heart attack and stroke is very low for the vast majority – it’s equivalent to one extra heart attack for every 10,000 women using hormonal contraception for a year.  And pregnancy itself also increases your risk of developing blood clots, stroke and heart attack.

    “When considering hormonal contraception options, you will be able to discuss the risks and benefits with your GP so that you can make an informed decision about what is best for you.  This could include discussion and management of your existing cardiovascular risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, or if you are living with obesity.

    “The study lends weight to previous evidence of an association between hormonal contraception use and a small increase in the number of heart attacks and strokes.  The researchers made use of a wealth of long-term electronic healthcare information from over 2 million people in Denmark – this scale and breadth makes the findings more reliable and complete than previous studies and enables study of even rare complications like these.

    “However, the study is observational so it can’t prove cause and effect, and there may be other factors at play driving the links seen that aren’t sufficiently accounted for.

    “This latest study supports the current practice of recommending the option of a progestin intrauterine device – the hormonal coil – for those already living with high cardiovascular risk, as this wasn’t linked to more heart attacks and strokes.”

    Dr Becky Mawson, NIHR Clinical Lecturer in Primary Care, and GP with special interest in sexual and reproductive health, University of Sheffield, said:

    “Please do not stop using contraception based on this study!  The risk of stroke and heart attack in pregnancy and postnatal period is significantly higher than the risks reported in this study for contraceptives.  For those using contraceptives for treatment of health conditions, the slightly increased risk needs to be balanced with the benefit in quality of life for those suffering debilitating gynaecological and hormonal conditions.

    “Saying that, if you have other risk factors for strokes and heart disease, then it is worth discussing with your healthcare team to look at the safest options like the hormonal coil.  This observational study looks at relationships in data, not causes.  It adds to previous studies within the same database looking at increased blood clot risk.

    “While it remains true as it has done for years that we need to find better, risk-free alternatives to prevent pregnancy, in my view this study hasn’t changed that and should not cause alarm but does add to growing knowledge in this area.”

    Dr Clare Arnott, Conjoint Associate Professor, Cardiologist and Head of Cardiovascular Program, The George Institute for Global Health, and UNSW Sydney, said:

    “This is an interesting, timely and important study.  It is wonderful to see sex-specific cardiovascular risk factors given appropriate attention in medical research.

    “The study identified twice the risk of stroke and heart attack in those exposed to the combined oral contraceptive pill (and around 1.5x the risk for progestin only formulations).  Interestingly, while risk was also increased for the combined vaginal ring and patch (with relative risks higher with these preparations), no increased risk was observed for the progestin-only IUD.  Also of note, and clinical relevance, duration of use did not appear to impact risk.

    “While these relative risks are important, particularly at a public health/population level, it should be noted that absolute risk remains low in this patient population of young women.  It is also important to note that this study excluded women with a history of arterial thrombosis – a high risk group, and thus these results cannot be extrapolated to that population.

    “The study is strengthened by a large cohort size, which is nationally representative, long patient follow up period, and is adequately powered with respect to the number of events recorded.  Of course, as the authors rightly acknowledge, this is observational research, and correlation is not the same as causation.

    “Nonetheless, it is valuable information that should be routinely communicated to women to allow them, in conjunction with their healthcare provider, to make informed decisions about their health.  These data are also very important at a public health/ population level given the >200 million women worldwide using hormonal contraception, and thus public health clinicians and policy makers should take note.”

    Prof Angela Clerk, Professor of Biomedical Science, University of Reading, said:

    “The study appears to be comprehensive and rigorous, representing the whole of the Danish population.  There should be some caution in extrapolating to other populations with different ethnicities, since genetic background and cultural variation could affect cardiovascular risk, and some ethnicities not fully covered by the Danish population could have greater vulnerability.

    “This is clearly an important study but, while the focus is on the potential negative effects of contraception on cardiovascular risk, it is also clear that any increase in risk is actually very small.  This emphasises the overall safety of the drugs, particularly when balanced against the negative effects of unwanted pregnancies resulting from a lack of contraception.  Yes, there should be informed choice of the type of contraception, but perhaps lifestyle choices need to take greater precedence.  Though I am past that stage, this study would not stop me from using any of these forms of contraception over not using one and facing an unplanned pregnancy.”

    Dr Channa Jayasena, Consultant in Reproductive Endocrinology, Imperial College London, said:

    “Contraceptive medication is a vital healthcare option, which offers lower chances of accidental pregnancy compared with barrier contraceptive methods.  Contraceptives work by using high doses of female hormones like oestrogen and / or progesterone to temporarily ‘switch off’ the ovaries and womb.  Oestrogen is a ‘sticky’ hormone because it makes blood more likely to clot.  It is well-known that The Pill increases blood clot risk.  Increased blood clot risk increases risks of related problems like stroke and heart attack.  The current study helps to define the risks of different types of contraceptive medication.

    “The study is well designed because looks at health records from 2 million women of reproductive age living in Denmark.  The authors were careful to adjust for factors which might have affected the results.  The findings confirm that The Pill is associated with increased risks of stroke and heart attack.  Observational studies like this one cannot conclude that the Pill has caused stroke and heart attack; but our prior knowledge of how the pill works makes this likely.

    “My biggest criticism is the way that the results are presented.  Only 3 per 1000 women were affected by a stroke or heart attack; the risk among those on the pill was about 6-10 per 1000.  The absolute risk of having a stroke or heart attack on The Pill is still very low.

    “Women should take away the importance of smoking cessation, healthy eating, and exercise to minimise the (small) increased risk of stroke or heart attack associated with being on the pill.  Women who have high risks of stroke or heart attack that cannot be reduced should strongly consider a hormonal coil, because of its lack of associated increased stroke or heart attack risk.”

    ‘Stroke and myocardial infarction with contemporary hormonal contraception: real-world, nationwide, prospective cohort study’ by Harman Yonis et al. was published in the BMJ at 23:30 UK time on Wednesday 12 February 2025.

    DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2024-082801

    Declared interests

    Dr Sonya Babu-Narayan: “No conflicts of interests to declare.”

    Dr Becky Mawson: “Current project with South Yorkshire Digital Health Hub – The Hormone Effect – developing an app to collect data on side effects of contraception.

    Research lead (unpaid and no financial benefits) – The Lowdown Women’s Health Platform.”

    Dr Clare Arnott: “None to declare.”

    Prof Angela Clerk: “I no conflict of interest under any of the categories below with respect to industry funding.  I have no conflict of interest with any of my own research under these categories either.  I am a woman, however.”

    Dr Channa Jayasena: “No conflicts to declare.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI China: Lantern Festival celebrated across China

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Lantern Festival celebrated across China

    Updated: February 13, 2025 07:09 Xinhua
    People visit a lantern fair at Beijing Garden Expo Park in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 10, 2025. Two major lantern fairs are held in Beijing to mark the Lantern Festival, which falls on Wednesday. [Photo/Xinhua]
    People visit a lantern fair at Beijing Wenyuhe Park in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 11, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Children make a lantern in Tianjin, north China, Feb. 12, 2025. Various activities were held across China to celebrate the Lantern Festival, which falls on the fifteenth day of the first month of the Chinese lunar calendar. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Folk artists perform a traditional dance in Jinan, east China’s Shandong Province, Feb. 12, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Folk artists stage a performance in Jingxing County, north China’s Hebei Province, Feb. 12, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Folk artists perform dragon dance in Zunhua, north China’s Hebei Province, Feb. 12, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    People look at lanterns in Shijiazhuang, north China’s Hebei Province, Feb. 12, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Artists perform lion dance near the National Stadium in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 12, 2025. Folk artists from Beijing, Zhejiang, Fujian and Shaanxi gathered at the Beijing Olympic Park to celebrate the Lantern Festival, the 15th day of the first month of the Chinese lunar calendar, with various forms of folklore performances listed as intangible cultural heritages. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Folk artists stage a performance in Changji City, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Feb. 12, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    People watch cross-talk performance at a temple fair in Hefei, east China’s Anhui Province, Feb. 12, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Folk artists stage a performance at China Flower Expo Park in Yinchuan, northwest China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Feb. 12, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Folk artists stage a performance in Haoqiao Town of Xingtai City, north China’s Hebei Province, Feb. 12, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    People pose for photos with lanterns in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 12, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: Willis’ supermarket announcement all talk, no plan

    Source: New Zealand Labour Party

    Nicola Willis’ latest supermarket announcement is painfully weak with no new ideas, no real plan, and no relief for Kiwis struggling with rising grocery costs.

    “New Zealanders struggling with the cost of their weekly grocery shopping don’t need more vague promises from Nicola Willis, they need real action,” Labour commerce and consumer affairs spokesperson Arena Williams said. 

    “When Labour was in government, we took bold action to break up the supermarket duopoly. We banned restrictive land covenants, enforced mandatory wholesale access, and introduced a Grocery Commissioner to hold the industry to account. We didn’t just talk about competition, we legislated for it.

    “If National was serious about tackling the supermarket duopoly it would build on the real progress Labour made. Instead, all Nicola Willis is offering is no new ideas, no deadlines, and no clear policies.

    “It’s a smokescreen for a government that is floundering when it comes to the cost of living,” Arena Williams said.

    “Nicola Willis talks about ‘growth’, but the only growth we’ve seen is in the number of job losses, the number of Kiwis leaving, and the number of homeless Kiwis,” Labour finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds said.

    “Willis’ announcement is part of a troubling trend of all talk and no action. This government has failed to deliver on their FamilyBoost promises, they’re failing on ferries, and now they’re failing to seriously address grocery prices.”

    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: Serious crash, Puruatanga Road, Martinborough

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Four people on a shared bicycle have been injured in a serious crash with a car in Martinborough.

    The collision happened on Puruatanga Road, between Regent Street and Todds Road, about 10.45am.

    At least one person is being flown to hospital with critical injuries. Three others have serious injuries.

    The driver of the vehicle is uninjured and is being spoken to by Police. 

    The Serious Crash Unit has been notified and the road will likely remain closed for some time. Members of the public are advised to avoid the area.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fiscal indicators in line with expectations

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The latest financial statements show the Government’s books are tracking broadly as expected, with some indicators in better shape than forecast at the Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update last year.
    The Interim Financial Statements of the Government of New Zealand for the six months ended 31 December 2024 were published by Treasury today.
    Treasury reports a $400 million improvement in the Government’s headline operating balance indicator, OBEGALx, compared to what was forecast. Net core Crown debt is $700 million lower than forecast.
    “The Government is committed to returning OBEGALx to surplus and to bringing net core Crown debt below 40 per cent of GDP,” Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.
    “Prudence with taxpayers’ money supports the Government’s work to grow the economy, invest in things that matter most to New Zealanders and build resilience to future shocks.”
    The publication of the statements coincides with the launch of the Government’s Going for Growth progress report, which lays out the work already underway, as well as the work planned, to grow New Zealand’s economy.
    “Economic growth supports the ability and speed with which we can rectify the Government’s financial position.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Armstrong congratulates Superintendent Baesler on nomination to U.S. Department of Education post

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    Gov. Kelly Armstrong today congratulated state Superintendent of Public Instruction Kirsten Baesler on her nomination to serve as Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education in the U.S. Department of Education.

    Baesler has served as the state school superintendent and administrator of the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction since January 2013 and was re-elected to a four-year term in November 2024. She plans to continue serving in the role until being confirmed for the Department of Education position.

    In addition to her 12 years as state superintendent, Baesler served for 24 years in the Bismarck Public Schools system as a classroom teacher, instructional aide, library media specialist and vice principal, as well as nine years on the Mandan School Board.

    “Superintendent Baesler has the background and experience needed to bring North Dakota common sense to the U.S. Department of Education,” Armstrong said. “She understands that decisions affecting local schools are best left to local school districts, with guidance from the state and limited involvement from the federal government. We wish her all the best in D.C. and look forward to working with her to support 21st century learning environments that engage students, expand educational opportunities and empower parents.”

    Per state law, once Baesler is confirmed and resigns as state superintendent, Armstrong will appoint a replacement to serve in the role until the next regularly scheduled general election in November 2026.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: North Dakota HHS supports oral health through education, preventive screening, services and child health coverage

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    February is nationally designated as Children’s Dental Health Month. In observance, North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) joins dental professionals, health care providers, educators and other partners in promoting good oral health to children, their parents and caregivers, teachers and others.

    According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tooth decay is the most common chronic disease of childhood in the U.S.1 More than half of children ages 6-8 years have had a cavity in at least one of their baby teeth.2

    The Oral Health Program in HHS supports children’s dental health through prevention, education and SEAL!ND – a school-based sealant program. This program uses public health dental hygienists, private practice dental professionals and Federally Qualified Health Centers to provide oral health education, dental screenings, sealants and fluoride varnish treatments to thousands of children across the state.

    During the 2023-2024 school year, SEAL!ND was able to provide screenings for 3,070 students, apply 5,006 fluoride varnish applications, protect 8,531 teeth with dental sealants and make 1,817 referrals for further oral health treatment.

    “Schools are an ideal place to reach children, teachers and caregivers,” said Toni Hruby, HHS oral health prevention coordinator. “Through collaboration with external partners, we are able to expand our reach and serve more children.”

    Within HHS, North Dakota Medicaid also supports children’s dental health. North Dakota Medicaid’s Health Tracks benefit pays for dental care including exams, cleanings, x-rays, sealants and fluoride treatment for enrolled children. There are no copays for qualifying families. For more information about Health Tracks, visit hhs.nd.gov/health-tracks.

    HHS encourages North Dakotans of all ages to care for their smiles by following these tips: 

    • Brush teeth at least twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste
    • Floss teeth daily
    • Eat a balanced diet
    • Drink tap water and limit sugary drinks and snacks
    • Avoid using cigarettes, smokeless tobacco and electronic nicotine or vaping products
    • Replace toothbrushes every three to four months and after an illness
    • Talk to a dentist about fluoride varnish and sealants for children to prevent cavities

    In addition to daily dental care at home, HHS also encourages North Dakotans to schedule an annual checkup with a dentist. Learn more about oral health and the HHS Oral Health Program at hhs.nd.gov/health/oral-health-program. To apply for North Dakota Medicaid, visit hhs.nd.gov/applyforhelp.

    SOURCE: (1) Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). GBD Compare Data Visualization. Seattle, WA: IHME, University of Washington. 2020. Accessed October 17, 2023.

    SOURCE: (2) Lin M, Griffin SO, Gooch BF, et al. Oral health surveillance report: trends in dental caries and sealants, tooth retention, and edentulism, United States : 1999–2004 to 2011–2016. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; 2019.

    MIL OSI USA News –