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  • MIL-OSI Security: Three Texas Men Face Federal Charges for Robbing an ATM Repairman at Truist Bank in Murfreesboro

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

    NASHVILLE – A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Robert Bailey, Jr., 24, Demond Johnson, Jr., 19, and Ryan Smith, Jr., 26, all of Houston, Texas, with one count of bank larceny, announced Thomas J. Jaworski, Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee.

    According to the indictment and publicly available information, on November 14, 2023, the defendants stole over $50,000 from an ATM outside of Truist Bank on Old Fort Parkway in Murfreesboro while it was being repaired. Smith was arrested on Interstate 24 while riding in an Uber. Johnson was arrested at the Nashville International Airport. Bailey was able to catch a flight to Houston and was arrested on a later date. Law enforcement officers in Houston seized the bag containing the stolen money when it arrived at the Houston Hobby Airport.

    If convicted, each defendant faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a minimum fine of $250,000.

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Nashville Field Office and Houston Field Office, the Murfreesboro Police Department, and the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph P. Montminy is prosecuting the case.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Virginia Man Found Guilty of Felony and Misdemeanor Charges for Actions During January 6 Capitol Breach

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

                WASHINGTON – A Virginia man was found guilty today of felony and misdemeanor charges related to his conduct during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. His actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election.

                Robert William DeGregoris, 33, of Aldie, Virginia, was found guilty of civil disorder, a felony, and misdemeanor offenses of entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, and impeding passage through the Capitol grounds or building.

                DeGregoris was convicted following a bench trial before U.S. District Judge Rudolph Contreras. Judge Contreras will sentence DeGregoris on Feb. 7, 2025.

                According to evidence presented during the trial, DeGregoris was identified in publicly available images and open-source video on the Lower West Terrace of the U.S. Capitol building near an area known as the “Tunnel.” The Tunnel was the site of some of the most violent attacks against law enforcement on January 6th. There, DeGregoris can be seen in video footage climbing on the side of the entrance to the Tunnel and later near a line of Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers at about 4:01 p.m.

                DeGregoris then attempted to forcibly enter the Tunnel and can be seen on Capitol building closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage reaching toward the nearest MPD officer. At approximately 4:01 p.m., CCTV footage depicts DeGregoris possibly striking the helmet of the nearby officer.  A few seconds later, DeGregoris was sprayed with Oleoresin Capsicum spray by a nearby officer. However, despite being sprayed, DeGregoris continued to push with other rioters against the MPD front line for several more minutes.

                Evidence showed that at approximately 4:07 p.m., DeGregoris was turned with his back toward the front line of MPD officers as he pushed against the MPD line and a rioter next to him sprayed officers with pepper spray. Approximately 20 seconds later, DeGregoris can be seen assisting other rioters by helping to push a ladder toward the MPD officers.

                After being sprayed with Oleoresin Capsicum and prior to departing the restricted area of the Capitol building grounds, DeGregoris posted a photograph of himself on social media accounts with the captioned statement “Took some pepper spray & tear gas breaching the front doors….Worth it.”

                The FBI arrested DeGregoris on Jan. 25, 2023, in Virginia.

                This case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.

                The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department.

                In the 44 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,504 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 560 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony. The investigation remains ongoing.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Child Sexual Abuser Sentenced to 52 and One Half Years in Prison

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

                WASHINGTON – Matthew Stitt Johnson, 34, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 52.5 years in prison for two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor and one count second-degree child sexual abuse with aggravating circumstances for abusing three minor children.

                The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge David Geist of the Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division, and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

                Johnson pleaded guilty on August 29, 2022, before U.S. District Court Judge Jia M. Cobb. In addition to the 52.5-year prison term, Judge Cobb ordered Johnson to register as a sex offender.

                According to the government’s evidence, Johnson sexually abused three children, an eight-year-old, a five-year-old, and an eight-month-old infant, between 2015 and 2020. Johnson took videos of his sexual abuse of the five-year-old child and the eight-month-old infant. While the five-year-old and her sister reported the abuse to their mother, the abuse was not reported to law enforcement.

                In May 2021, law enforcement received a tip that Johnson downloaded child pornography from a cloud-based service and subsequently executed a search warrant on his home. Videos depicting the sexual abuse of the five-year-old and eight-month-old victims were discovered in Johnson’s cell phones along with 13,000 images of child pornography. Johnson distributed the images of his sexual abuse of children in internet forums dedicated to trading child pornography, particularly trading images of the rape and torture of infants and toddlers, and actively sought out and distributed other child pornography images over a two-year period.

                This case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. The task force is composed of FBI agents, along with other federal agents and detectives from northern Virginia and the District of Columbia. The task force is charged with investigating and bringing federal charges against individuals engaged in the exploitation of children and those engaged in human trafficking. The investigation received valuable assistance from the MPD’s Narcotics and Special Investigation Division, Human Trafficking Unit. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Platt and Janani Iyengar with the valuable assistance of Victim/Witness Advocate Yvonne Bryant.

                This case was brought as part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood initiative. In February 2006, the Attorney General created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Canadian National Pleads Guilty to Possession of Sex Abuse Videos of Toddler and Prepubescent Boys

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

           WASHINGTON – Matthew Norman Ballek, 32, of Saskatchewan, Canada, pleaded guilty today to a federal child pornography charge stemming from his distribution of child pornography to an undercover law enforcement agent in January 2024, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves; FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge David Geist, of the Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division; and Chief Pamela A. Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

                Ballek pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to one count of possession of child pornography. The Honorable Reggie B. Walton scheduled a sentencing hearing for March 21, 2025.

               According to plea documents, in January 2024, a member of the FBI–MPD Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force was monitoring an online dating application in an undercover capacity. Law enforcement has learned that the application is sometimes used by individuals who have a sexual interest in children. Ballek contacted the undercover agent and, believing he was communicating with a pedophile, expressed an interest in child pornography. Ballek later sent the undercover agent three video files via an encrypted messaging application. Those video files depicted adult men raping toddler and prepubescent boys. Ballek was arrested in the District of Columbia on February 7, 2024. The FBI seized and forensically examined Ballek’s phone, which contained 10 unique videos and at least 21 unique still images that constitute child pornography.

               Ballek has remained in custody since his February 7, 2024, arrest.

               Ballek faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. In addition, Ballek must pay mandatory restitution of at least $3,000 to any identified victim. The statutory sentences for federal offenses are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only. Any sentence will be determined by the Court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

               In addition, Ballek will be required to register as a sex offender and be subject to deportation proceedings and other adverse immigration consequences following any prison term.

               This case is being brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc.

               This case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office and MPD’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. The task force is composed of FBI agents, along with other federal agents and detectives from northern Virginia and the District of Columbia. The task force is charged with investigating and bringing federal charges against individuals engaged in the exploitation of children and those engaged in human trafficking.  

               The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul V. Courtney and Karen L. Shinskie.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Madison Man Convicted of Sexual Exploitation

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A jury has convicted a Madison man of child exploitation, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Carlton L. Peeples.

    The jury returned a guilty verdict against Anthony Ray Lawrence, 37, of Madison, after 3 days of testimony before U.S. District Court Judge Madeline H. Haikala. Lawrence was convicted of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor.

    According to evidence presented at trial, between April and May 2023, Lawrence used a social media application to engage with someone he thought to be a 14-year-old female but who actually was an undercover law enforcement officer. He told the undercover officer that he used the application to meet younger girls. On May 1, 2023, Lawrence traveled from Madison, Alabama, to Homewood, Alabama, to engage in a sexual act with a minor. At the time of his arrest, Lawrence possessed condoms and sexual lubricant. He had rented a hotel room nearby.

    If you suspect or become aware of possible sexual exploitation of a child, please contact law enforcement. To alert the FBI Birmingham Office, call 205-326-6166. Reports can also be filed with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) or online at http://www.cybertipline.org.

    The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.  Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, and to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

    The FBI investigated the case along with the Homewood Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel S. McBrayer and R. Leann White are prosecuting the case. 

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  • MIL-OSI Security: World Cotton Day: The Role of Nuclear Science

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    (Photo: F. Llukmani/IAEA)

    To mark World Cotton Day, the IAEA Director General has highlighted how nuclear science helps optimize the growth of the world’s most important natural fibre, at celebrations in Benin this morning. 

    In his recorded message to over 400 attendees at the World Cotton Day celebration, Rafael Mariano Grossi spoke of the Agency’s role in the international ‘Partnership for Cotton’ and the importance of the crop.  

    “Cotton really is a crop worth celebrating: It produces useful natural fibres. It alleviates poverty in some of the world’s least developed countries. It supports the income of women. And it removes harmful carbon from the atmosphere,” the Director General said. 

    The IAEA has over six decades of experience developing and sharing nuclear techniques that help get the best out of soil, water and crops like cotton, as part of the work carried out by the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre for Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture. 

    The centre’s laboratories in Seibersdorf conduct applied research and through the Agency’s Technical Cooperation Programme, the developed technology is then transferred to countries and eventually to farmers to employ these techniques in the field.  

    For example, IAEA/FAO scientists use irradiation to speed up the evolution of cotton seeds and develop varieties that are more resilient to drought, heat or disease.  

    And in Pakistan, for example, this technique, known as mutation breeding (see Plant mutation breeding), has helped develop 32 new cotton varieties since 1970. Now, more than 40 per cent of the cotton-producing areas in Pakistan are benefiting from the use these new varieties with improved traits adapted to climate change. 

    THE SCIENCE Plant mutation breeding

    Plant mutation breeding is the process of exposing plant seeds, cuttings or other planting material to radiation, such as gamma rays or X-rays, and then planting the seeds or cultivating the irradiated material in a sterile rooting medium, which generates a plantlet. The individual plants are then multiplied and examined for their traits. Those exhibiting the desired traits continue to be cultivated. 

    Plant mutation breeding does not involve gene modification, but rather uses a plant’s own genetic material and mimics the natural process of spontaneous mutation. 

    More about plant breeding here. 

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Update 253 – IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been informed both by the Russian Federation and Ukraine about the assassination last week of an individual in the city where most staff of the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) live, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said today.

    The person, identified as Mr Korotkyi, reportedly died in a car bomb explosion on Friday morning in Enerhodar, which is located a few kilometres from the ZNPP. In a letter to the IAEA, Russia affirmed he was “one of the key staff members responsible for ensuring nuclear security” at the plant. Ukraine told the IAEA he was not a ZNPP staff member anymore.

    The IAEA is also aware of a public statement issued the same day by Ukraine’s military intelligence indicating that this person’s alleged actions after Russia took control of the ZNPP in March 2022 were the reason he was targeted. In addition, the country’s military intelligence posted an image of a destroyed car, and suggested others may also face “retribution”.

    In follow-up communication with the IAEA, Ukraine said it “does not attack civilians”. Ukraine did not confirm or deny any responsibility for the attack.

    In a letter to the IAEA, the Russian Federation said Mr Korotkyi was “head of the permits bureau” at the ZNPP and called the attack a “horrific crime” committed by Ukraine.

    Director General Grossi reiterated that while the IAEA does not have forensic capabilities or authorities to investigate the incident, maintaining nuclear safety and security remains of paramount importance to prevent a nuclear accident during the conflict. With this vital objective, the IAEA in March 2022 established seven indispensable pillars for nuclear safety and security that have been supported by all IAEA Member States.

    Pillar 3 states that “the operating staff must be able to fulfil their safety and security duties and have the capacity to make decisions free of undue pressure”.

    “Any targeting of employees of nuclear power plants would constitute a blatant violation of this pillar fundamental for overall nuclear safety and security,” Director General Grossi said.

    “In addition, any statements indicating further retaliatory measures – potentially affecting staff of the Zaporizhzhya NPP – would be unacceptable and contrary to the safety pillars established by the IAEA,” he said. “Any such threats deny staff who are not responsible for the overarching political and military situation the minimum standards of working conditions to do their jobs properly.”

    Director General Grossi once again called for maximum restraint during the conflict and said any action targeting staff at the ZNPP – in order to address issues related to its status – has a direct impact on nuclear safety and security and must cease.

    “The only way to avert the threat of a nuclear accident with transboundary radiological consequences during this war is to fully respect and adhere to the seven indispensable pillars for nuclear safety and security as well as the five concrete principles for the protection of the Zaporizhzhya NPP,” he said.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Commission on Crime and Delinquency Joins Victim Service Agencies in York to Highlight Support for Survivors of Domestic Violence and 2024-25 Shapiro-Davis Budget Investment for Victims Compensation

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    October 07, 2024 – York, PA

    Commission on Crime and Delinquency Joins Victim Service Agencies in York to Highlight Support for Survivors of Domestic Violence and 2024-25 Shapiro-Davis Budget Investment for Victims Compensation

    In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) visited the York County Victim/Witness Unit today to highlight the support and services offered to survivors of domestic violence and the importance of the $5 million investment in the Victims Compensation Assistance Program (VCAP) in the Shapiro-Davis 2024-25 state budget.

    “During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, it is essential to recognize the critical support available through PCCD’s Office of Victims’ Services and Pennsylvania’s Victims Compensation Assistance Program,” said Kathy Buckley, Director of Victims’ Services for PCCD. “VCAP not only provides financial assistance to crime survivors during a difficult time of their lives, but also empowers them to reclaim their independence after experiencing trauma. This financial support also plays a key role in ensuring safety and recovery for domestic violence survivors. By raising awareness, we can help ensure that every survivor knows they are not alone and that resources are available to support their healing journey.”

    VCAP serves as a critical financial lifeline for people who have experienced crime victimization by covering costs for medical bills and counseling, loss of earnings, loss of support, stolen cash, relocation, funeral, crime scene cleanup, and more. Over the past five years, PCCD has paid more than 76,000 VCAP claims totaling $65 million in eligible expenses for Commonwealth residents. In York County alone during that time period, VCAP has paid 2,822 claims totaling more than $2 million to support individuals in York County who have experienced crime victimization.

    List of Speakers:
    Faith Uhler-Myers, Deputy Administrator of York County DA’s Office Victim/Witness Unit
    Kathy Buckley, Director of Victims’ Services, PCCD
    Angie Cardona, Amber Fullwood, & Megan Pace, Domestic Violence Coordinators York Victim/Witness Unit
    Paula Copeland, Chief Services Officer of YWCA York
    Sarah Harvey, Director of YWCA Hanover Safe Home

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Slotkin Statement on Anniversary of October 7 Attacks

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin (MI-08)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin (MI-07) released the following statement on the one-year anniversary of the October 7, 2023 attacks:

    “Today marks one year since 1,200 Israelis were murdered, the single largest loss of Jewish life since the Holocaust. Thousands were wounded, women were raped, and hundreds were taken hostage during Hamas’ terrorist attack on Israel. 

    “Today is a somber day, an opportunity to remember and honor the parents, children, friends, and neighbors lost in an indiscriminate massacre defined by sheer hate.

    “It is also an important moment to acknowledge the trauma that persists in Israeli society, as those touched by that day continue to grapple with the loss. A year later, more than 60 hostages – including four Americans – remain in Hamas captivity, and more than 100,000 Israelis are displaced from their homes. 

    “But it’s also the bitter anniversary of a year of pain, and the cycle of violence that came after the attack. It is hard to overstate how this crisis has roiled the state of Michigan for 365 days. And one of the saddest things about what’s happened is that, in talking to both Jewish Americans and Arab and Muslim Americans nearly each day since, both communities experienced mirror-image pain this year. Both communities see themselves and their children in the faces of the wounded and killed. Both communities feel like other Americans don’t care about their dead. Both communities feel like some who used to support them no longer do. Both are pained by the sharp rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia. Both sides fear for their kids, and their experience at college. And both sides are struggling to find a path forward to feel hopeful about.

    “As the Jewish prayer says, ‘As long as we live, they too will live, for they are now a part of us, as we remember them.’ I’m sending my thoughts to all those in mourning today and to everyone who was touched by this tragedy.”

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Hudson, Tillis Lead NC Colleagues in Urging HHS & FEMA to Operationalize Greensboro Migrant Facility to Support Western North Carolina’s Recovery from Helene

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

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (R-NC) and Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) led Republican Members of North Carolina’s Congressional Delegation in a letter to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Deanne Criswell on the urgent need to operationalize urging the Greensboro Influx Care Facility (ICF) to assist in Western North Carolina’s recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene.

    In addition to Representative Hudson and Senator Tillis, the letter was signed by Senator Ted Budd (R-NC), and Representatives Chuck Edwards (R-NC), David Rouzer (R-NC), Dan Bishop (R-NC), Virginia Foxx (R-NC), Greg Murphy (R-NC), and Patrick McHenry (R-NC).

    The lawmakers wrote, “As you may know, Health and Human Services (HHS) currently operates GCC as an Influx Care Facility (ICF) meant to house and support unaccompanied alien children (UAC) in the case of an emergency. However, in June 2024, HHS’s Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) at the Administration for Children & Families (ACF) announced that GCC has “ramped down its operations to facility upkeep.”

    “Based on our understanding of this facility, we think that it could be incredibly useful in supporting the people of western North Carolina as the region recovers from Hurricane Helene,” the lawmakers continued. “For example, GCC could be used to temporarily house those displaced by the storm or to serve as a staging area for aid workers stationed in the state.”

    “Our delegation is grateful for the work that has been done by your agencies so far to assist the people of North Carolina. However, much more can and should be done to expediently aid those whose lives have been upended by this storm. We believe operationalizing GCC for the purposes of aid and recovery is an effective way to do so,” the lawmakers concluded.

    Read the full letter HERE.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Grothman’s Statement on One-Year Anniversary of the Attack on Israel

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah 6th District Wisconsin))

    Grothman’s Statement on One-Year Anniversary of the Attack on Israel

    Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-WI) released the following statement on the one-year anniversary of the unprovoked Hamas attack on Israel.

    “As we mark the one-year anniversary of the horrific attack on Israel, we are reminded of the profound impact that day had on countless lives and the enduring scars it left on the Israeli people. The coordinated assault by Hamas, targeting innocent civilians, including women and children, was a stark reminder of the evil that exists in this world,” said Congressman Grothman. “Israel has every right to continue defending itself against such unprovoked aggression, and it is essential that the United States continues to stand firmly with our strongest ally in the Middle East. The resilience of the Israeli people in the face of this tragedy is a testament to their strength and unity.”
    “The details of the attack are even worse than publicly known because they are too graphic to be printed. Civilians who tried to help hostages were targeted by Hamas in Gaza. We remind the world that the conflict which spun from this attack on Isarel could end anytime if Hamas surrendered.”

    “As we remember the victims and honor their memory, we must also acknowledge that many hostages remain in the hands of Hamas, enduring torture, and pray for their safe return home. We also grieve with the families of the hostages who were brutally murdered by Hamas terrorists. We must recommit ourselves to combating terrorism and ensuring that no nation faces such violence alone.”

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    U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah) is serving his fifth term representing Wisconsin’s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

     

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  • MIL-OSI USA: DelBene Statement on Anniversary of Hamas Terrorist Attack

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (1st District of Washington)

    DelBene Statement on Anniversary of Hamas Terrorist Attack

    Kirkland, WA, October 7, 2024

    Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) issued the following statement on the first anniversary of Hamas’ terrorist attack in Israel:

    “A year ago, Hamas brutally attacked Israel, murdering nearly 1,200 innocent people and taking over 250 hostages, including American citizens. I remain committed to Israel’s right to defend itself in accordance with international law and bringing home the remaining hostages as soon as possible.

    “We cannot lose sight of the innocent Israelis and Palestinians whose lives and livelihoods have been shattered in the wake of this tragedy. A negotiated ceasefire remains the best path forward to achieve lasting peace, surge humanitarian assistance to the many in Gaza who need it, and work towards a two-state solution.”

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Hudson, Tillis Lead NC Colleagues in Urging HHS & FEMA to Operationalize Greensboro Migrant Facility to Support Western North Carolina’s Recovery from Helene

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

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (R-NC) and Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) led Republican Members of North Carolina’s Congressional Delegation in a letter to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Deanne Criswell on the urgent need to operationalize urging the Greensboro Influx Care Facility (ICF) to assist in Western North Carolina’s recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene.

    In addition to Representative Hudson and Senator Tillis, the letter was signed by Senator Ted Budd (R-NC), and Representatives Chuck Edwards (R-NC), David Rouzer (R-NC), Dan Bishop (R-NC), Virginia Foxx (R-NC), Greg Murphy (R-NC), and Patrick McHenry (R-NC).

    The lawmakers wrote, “As you may know, Health and Human Services (HHS) currently operates GCC as an Influx Care Facility (ICF) meant to house and support unaccompanied alien children (UAC) in the case of an emergency. However, in June 2024, HHS’s Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) at the Administration for Children & Families (ACF) announced that GCC has “ramped down its operations to facility upkeep.”

    “Based on our understanding of this facility, we think that it could be incredibly useful in supporting the people of western North Carolina as the region recovers from Hurricane Helene,” the lawmakers continued. “For example, GCC could be used to temporarily house those displaced by the storm or to serve as a staging area for aid workers stationed in the state.”

    “Our delegation is grateful for the work that has been done by your agencies so far to assist the people of North Carolina. However, much more can and should be done to expediently aid those whose lives have been upended by this storm. We believe operationalizing GCC for the purposes of aid and recovery is an effective way to do so,” the lawmakers concluded.

    Read the full letter HERE.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Matt Gaetz Spotlights Partisan Smear Against DHS Inspector General Joseph Cuffari Following Swamp Screed Report Recommending His Firing

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Matt Gaetz (1st District of Florida)

    Washington, D.C. — Today, in the wake of last week’s swamp screed report recommending President Joe Biden fire the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Inspector General (IG) Joseph Cuffari, U.S. Congressman Matt Gaetz (FL-01) sent a letter to IG Cuffari highlighting the partisan campaign against him.

    Rep. Gaetz’s letter comes after a panel of Biden-Harris appointees on the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity (CIGIE) released a 1,000-page report accusing IG Cuffari of misconduct in what appears to be partisan retaliation to his diligent oversight of DHS. IG Cuffari investigated and exposed multiple Biden-Harris DHS failures, including the crisis at the southern border, the attempted assassinations of President Trump, and the mishandling of funds by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). During a Judiciary Committee hearing in July, FBI Director Christopher Wray was in agreement with Rep. Gaetz that it would not be a “good idea” to fire IG Cuffari.

    Full text of Congressman Gaetz’s letter to Inspector General Cuffari can be found HERE. Additionally, exclusive coverage of the letter by Daily Caller can be found HERE.

    LETTER TEXT

    Dear Inspector General Cuffari:

    Testifying before Congress shortly after the first assassination attempt on former President Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, FBI Director Christopher Wray expressly noted that “I don’t think [it] would be a good idea” to remove you from your duties during the pendency of your investigation into that incident. I agree with Director Wray: It would look like a cover-up on the part of President Biden and Vice President Harris. Given two assassination attempts on former President Trump, your continued oversight responsibilities related to the Southern border crisis, and now the numerous whistleblowers coming forward about FEMA mismanagement of the Hurricane Helene response, removing you might be politically convenient for those in power, but Americans would see it as a dirty trick.

    You have independent oversight over the nerve center of the D.C. swamp, and the knives are out for you. I am very concerned that Vice President Harris and others who want to cover up the open border and the assassination attempts on former President Trump will be calling for your firing and privately leaning on President Biden to remove you. I am confident the Vice President would love to have the President remove you before the election, or in the lame duck period, politically the best time to effectuate such a coup. The bureaucracy is trying to give them a fig leaf to get away with it and to pretend it is anything other than a cover- up: last week’s long-awaited 1000-page screed attacking you.

    It is telling, and rather gross, that this report comes out right before the November election. After all, your office has oversight over parts of the Department of Homeland Security that might be asleep at the wheel as our election technology is penetrated by foreign adversaries.

    I, much of Congress, and the American people stand with you. Keep uncovering the truth and performing your constitutional duties faithfully.

    Sincerely, 

    Matt Gaetz​​​​​
    Member of Congress

    ###

    For updates, subscribe to Congressman Gaetz’s newsletter here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Canada to Unlock Critical Minerals Development in Northern Ontario with New Funding

    Source: Government of Canada News

    With the launch of the Critical Minerals Strategy in December 2022, the Government of Canada signalled the need for strategic investments in clean energy and transportation infrastructure to realize Canada’s critical mineral potential. To contribute to the implementation of the Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy, Budget 2022 proposed up to $1.5 billion over seven years, starting in 2023–24, for infrastructure investments to support expanded sustainable critical mineral production and unlock critical mineral rich regions.

    The Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund (CMIF) is Natural Resources Canada’s flagship program under the Critical Minerals Strategy to support enabling clean energy and transportation infrastructure projects necessary to increase Canada’s supply of responsibly sourced critical minerals, and the development of domestic and global value chains for the green and digital economy. 

    With the launch of the Critical Minerals Strategy in December 2022, the Government of Canada signalled the need for strategic investments in clean energy and transportation infrastructure to realize Canada’s critical mineral potential. To contribute to the implementation of the Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy, Budget 2022 proposed up to $1.5 billion over seven years, starting in 2023–24, for infrastructure investments to support expanded sustainable critical mineral production and unlock critical mineral rich regions.

    The projects announced today include:

    Green TM Resources Canada Ltd

    Green TM Resources Canada Ltd is planning to upgrade 112 kilometres of existing roads and replace three bridges to support the development of a lithium mine near Armstrong, Ontario. The road improvements would link the future Seymour Lithium Project mine site to existing road infrastructure, provide a route for non-residential traffic to bypass local residential areas and support a significant increase in Canada’s lithium supply, which is an essential component in the battery supply chain. These road improvements would be integral to advancing critical minerals development in Ontario, in partnership with the Whitesand First Nation. Pending final due diligence, Natural Resources Canada has conditionally approved an investment of up to $5.5 million under the CMIF for this project. 

    Rock Tech Lithium Inc.

    Rock Tech Lithium Inc. is planning to upgrade and extend a 10-kilometre access road and bridge north of Nipigon, Ontario, that would enable the transportation of lithium from its Georgia Lake Project mine site, an open pit and underground mine in advanced exploration. The project has the potential to increase lithium production in Northern Ontario, a region of strategic importance, and to contribute to the development of the domestic electric vehicle value chain. Pending final due diligence, Natural Resources Canada has conditionally approved an investment of up to $1.4 million under the CMIF for this project. 

    Frontier Lithium Inc.

    Frontier Lithium Inc. is planning two projects to develop the Pakeagama (PAK) Lithium Project in Northwestern Ontario. They plan to undertake preconstruction and project development activities, including Indigenous engagement, for a 56-kilometre, two-lane access road that would link the PAK resource to the Ontario highway system. They also plan to conduct studies related to engineering, design and permitting for a substation and transmission line to enable grid connection to the Wataynikaneyap (Watay) Power transmission line. These projects in combination have the potential to increase access and electrification to the region, and once completed, the grid connection would help to support the development and decarbonization of the PAK Lithium Project. Pending final due diligence, Natural Resources Canada has conditionally approved two investments for a total of up to $6.1 million under the CMIF for these projects.

    Generation PGM Inc

    Generation PGM Inc. is planning to complete engineering, design work and feasibility studies for road and rail links to support the movement of copper from its mining project located near Marathon, Ontario, to smelters. As part of this work, they intend to upgrade the five-kilometre site access road and develop a new, four-kilometre access road and a transload facility to transfer concentrates. Pending final due diligence, Natural Resources Canada has conditionally approved an investment of up to $771,100 under the CMIF for this project.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sullivan Statement on Anniversary of October 7th Terrorist Attacks

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Dan Sullivan
    10.07.24
    “One year ago today, on October 7th, the people of Israel suffered the worst terrorist attack in their history, a horrendous massacre that took the lives of 1,200 people—many of them innocent civilians in their homes or attending a music festival. Nearly 100 innocent hostages are still being held by Hamas terrorists, including several American citizens, and I reiterate our call for their immediate, unconditional release.
    “America mourns with the Israeli people on this difficult anniversary and remains steadfast in support of Israel’s right to exist in peace and security, free from the existential threat posed by the terrorist regime in Tehran and its proxies.”
    Sen. Sullivan, Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), and all 47 of their Senate Republican colleagues introduced a resolution demonstrating America’s solidarity with the people of Israel on the anniversary of October 7.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cramer Honors October 7 Victims, Reaffirms Unwavering Support for Israel

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
    BISMARCK, N.D. – A year ago today, Iran-backed Hamas terrorists launched a heinous attack on Israel, killing approximately 1,200 individuals and taking 251 hostages, in addition to launching thousands of rockets toward Israel. One year later, 97 hostages still remain unaccounted for, including seven Americans. 
    U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) joined U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) and every Republican Senator in introducing a resolution to condemn the brutal assault that occurred on October 7, 2023. The resolution reiterates support to “ensure the forever survival of Israel; destroy the ability of Hamas to reconstitute any leadership role in the region; and safely release and return all United States hostages.”
    “As hard as it is to believe, it was one year ago today that Hamas launched an attack with the sole purpose of eradicating Israel, kidnapping and slaughtering thousands of Israeli citizens and dozens of Americans in the process,” said Cramer. “Despite the reckless language of the left, we stand in support of Israel, unequivocally, our friend and our close ally. The United States must do everything we can to champion the continued existence and flourishing of Israel, and deny Hamas the opportunity to rebuild itself.”
    Additional cosponsors include U.S. Senators John Barrasso (R-WY), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), John Boozman (R-AR), Mike Braun (R-IN), Katie Britt (R-AL), Ted Budd (R-NC), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Susan Collins (R-ME), John Cornyn (R-TX), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Steve Daines (R-MT), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Josh Hawley (R-MO), John Hoeven (R-ND), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Ron Johnson (R-WI), John Kennedy (R-LA), James Lankford (R-OK), Mike Lee (R-UT), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Rand Paul (R-KY), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Jim Risch (R-ID), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Rick Scott (R-FL), Tim Scott (R-SC), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), John Thune (R-SD), Thom Tillis (R-NC),  Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), J.D. Vance (R-OH), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Todd Young (R-IN).
    Click here for bill text.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: New NREL Tool Estimates Lifetime Greenhouse Gas Emissions of the Most Well-Established Grid-Scale Energy Storage Technology

    Source: US National Renewable Energy Laboratory

    Hydropower Developers and Operators Can Use the Tool To Select Sites, Components, and Specifications That Minimize Emissions

    This digital mock-up showcases a pumped storage hydropower plant in action. This form of renewable energy not only stores electricity efficiently but also boasts the lowest greenhouse gas emissions among grid-storage technologies. Image from IKM 3D

    The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has developed a first-of-its-kind tool that enables hydropower operators and developers to estimate the greenhouse gas emissions associated with building and operating closed-loop pumped storage hydropower (PSH) facilities.

    Closed-loop PSH generates and stores electricity by moving water between an upper and lower reservoir. It is an established technology that accounts for most of today’s grid-scale energy storage.

    As part of the clean energy transition, low-carbon renewable energy sources such as solar and wind are being rapidly deployed on the electric grid. However, because these generation sources are variable, grid-scale energy storage is needed to help balance energy supply and demand.

    It is also important for the construction and operation of the storage technology to be low carbon. With PSH, for example, there can be greenhouse gas emissions due to diesel-powered construction equipment, the use of concrete and steel, and the local grid electricity mix powering the pump to move water to the upper reservoir.

    In 2023, an NREL research team published a study showing that PSH is the smallest emitter of greenhouse gases compared to four other grid-storage technologies—compressed-air energy storage, utility-scale lithium-ion batteries, utility-scale lead-acid batteries, and vanadium redox flow batteries. The finding suggests that PSH could offer substantial climate benefits by playing a key role in accommodating wind and solar generation.

    Recognizing this potential, the NREL team used the data and methods from the 2023 study to create the Pumped Storage Hydropower Life Cycle Assessment tool. PSH developers and anyone interested in PSH deployment can use this web-based, interactive application to determine the greenhouse gas emissions of a PSH facility over its lifetime. Lifetime emissions vary depending on numerous site-specific factors, such as construction materials, components, and especially the grid electricity mix used to operate the facility.

    Users can input specifications for PSH facilities at varying levels of detail. Examples of specifications include the reservoir volume, dam material and dimensions, number and capacity of turbines, and length of the transmission line that connects the PSH system to the grid. Users can compare different PSH scenarios side-by-side and view the emissions by component, material, and life-cycle phase. The idea is to help users determine the sites, specifications, and configurations that minimize emissions.

    “The tool’s ultimate goal is to show how PSH can contribute to overall greenhouse gas emissions reductions and make the clean energy transition as clean as possible,” Stuart Cohen said.

    The U.S. Department of Energy Water Power Technologies Office supported the development of the tool.

    Access the Pumped Storage Hydropower Life Cycle Assessment tool and learn how to use it. Have questions about the tool or want to collaborate with NREL on PSH project development? Contact Stuart Cohen.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: GLOBE Eclipse and Civil Air Patrol: An Astronomical Collaboration

    Source: NASA

    3 min read

    The Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is a volunteer organization that serves as the official civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force. The organization has an award-winning aerospace education program that promotes Science, Technology Engineering, & Mathematics (STEM)-related careers and activities. The total solar eclipse on 8 April 2024 was a unique opportunity to design a mission for cadets, senior members, and educators to collect atmospheric data in contribution the Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) Program’s GLOBE Eclipse protocol, for which a temporary tool in the GLOBE Observer app made it possible for volunteer observers to document and submit air temperature and cloud data during the eclipse.

    For the first time ever, the CAP had cadets and senior members participating in a mission from every wing (US state), in addition to two US territories and 2 Canadian provinces. Over 400 teams with over 3,000 cadets and over 1,000 senior members collected air temperature, clouds, wind, and precipitation for a total of 4 hours before, during, and after the eclipse. This work was led by Capt. Shannon Babb who organized the mission with the aerospace education team led from the Rocky Mountain Region.

    The collaboration between GLOBE Eclipse and CAP gave cadets the opportunity to do real, hands-on Earth science and be part of a mission alongside senior members. It also brought in over 40,000 students and more than 600 educators through the Civil Air Patrol’s education sites involving K-12 formal and informal educators at schools, youth organizations, museums and libraries. This unique collaboration was so successful, the CAP wants to continue doing missions alongside citizen science programs at NASA and the GLOBE Program. A 2025 mission is being formulated, focused on contrail formation using the strengths of the CAP in aeronautics and unique cloud observations made using the GLOBE Observer app. Results and announcements of 2025 mission plans were presented at the Civil Air Patrol National Conference on 16-17 August 2024 in San Antonio, Texas, USA.

    GLOBE Observer is part of the NASA Earth Science Education Collaborative (NESEC), which is led by the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES) and supported by NASA under cooperative agreement award number NNX16AE28A. NESEC is part of NASA’s Science Activation Portfolio. Learn more about how Science Activation connects NASA science experts, real content, and experiences with community leaders to do science in ways that activate minds and promote deeper understanding of our world and beyond: https://science.nasa.gov/learn

    https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/programs/aerospace-education/curriculum/2024-solar-eclipse

    Civil Air Patrol Cadet observing the 8 April 2024 total solar eclipse.
    Civil Air Patrol

    Civil Air Patrol Cadets making atmospheric measurements during the 8 April 2024 total solar eclipse.
    Civil Air Patrol

    Civil Air Patrol Cadets making atmospheric measurements during the 8 April 2024 total solar eclipse.
    Civil Air Patrol

    Civil Air Patrol Cadet observing the 8 April 2024 total solar eclipse.
    Civil Air Patrol

    Civil Air Patrol Cadet observing the 8 April 2024 total solar eclipse.
    Civil Air Patrol

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA, Smithsonian Open New Exhibit to Showcase Our Dynamic Earth

    Source: NASA

    NASA Administrator Bill Nelson joined the director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History in Washington and agency leadership to unveil the new Earth Information Center exhibit during an early preview on Monday.
    “NASA has studied Earth and our changing climate for more than 60 years. The Earth Information Center at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History will expand access to NASA’s data and our decades of Earth observation to even more people,” said Nelson. “Together with the Smithsonian, we are providing detailed, usable, and scalable information to enable the public to better understand the climate crisis and take action in their community.”
    The exhibit includes a 32-foot-long, 12-foot-high video wall displaying Earth science data visualizations and videos, interpretive panels showing Earth’s connected systems, information on our changing world, and an overview of how NASA and the Smithsonian study our home planet. It opens to the public Tuesday, Oct. 8. 
    “The new Earth Information Center at the National Museum of Natural History will bring Smithsonian and NASA data on the Earth’s environment and climate to thousands of museum visitors every year,” said Kirk Johnson, the museum’s Sant director. “It is an honor to partner with NASA to bring this dynamic view of Earth to museumgoers and connect people more deeply with their home planet.”
    Visitors also can explore Earth observing missions, changes in Earth’s landscape over time, and how climate is expected to change regionally through multiple interactive experiences. The exhibit will remain on display through 2028.
    “The Earth Information Center allows people to see our planet as we at NASA see it – an awe-inspiring and complex system of oceans, land, ice, atmosphere, and the life they support,” said Karen St. Germain, division director, Earth Sciences Division at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “We are thrilled that this collaboration puts NASA’s Earth science at the fingertips of Smithsonian visitors for the benefit of all.”
    With more than two dozen missions in orbit, NASA observes our planet’s oceans, land, ice, and atmosphere, and measure how a change in one drives change in others. NASA develops new ways to build long-term data records of how our planet evolves. The agency freely shares this unique knowledge and works with institutions around the world.
    As part of NASA’s ongoing mission to better understand our home planet, NASA created the Earth Information Center which draws insights from across all NASA centers and its federal partners – the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Agency for International Development, Environmental Protection Agency, and Federal Emergency Management Administration. It allows viewers to see how our home planet is changing and gives decision makers information to develop the tools they need to mitigate, adapt, and respond to those changes.
    NASA’s Earth Information Center is a virtual and physical space designed to aid people to make informed decisions on Earth’s environment and climate. It provides easily accessible Earth information, enabling global understanding of our changing planet.
    The expansion of the physical Earth Information Center at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History makes it the second location in the Washington area. The first is located at NASA Headquarters in Washington at 300 E St., SW.
    To learn more about the Earth Information Center, visit:
    https://earth.gov
    -end-
    Meira Bernstein / Elizabeth VlockHeadquarters, Washington202-358-1600meira.b.bernstein@nasa.gov / elizabeth.a.vlock@nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: How CBO Uses Discount Rates to Estimate the Present Value of Future Costs or Savings

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    Many activities of the federal government have budgetary and other effects that can last far into the future. To produce estimates of those budgetary effects—and to help lawmakers compare different policies—the Congressional Budget Office often has to translate a flow of future income or payments into an equivalent lump-sum value today. This report describes such present-value estimates, particularly how CBO selects and uses discount rates to calculate the value of future cash flows in its analyses.

    • Discount Rates and Present Values. The present value of future cash flows depends on the rate used to convert those flows into a single equivalent value at a specific time, generally the present. Discount rates account for the time value of money: the fact that an amount received or paid today is more valuable than the same amount received or paid in the future. Discount rates can also incorporate factors such as risk, inflation, and other considerations that can affect the value of an asset to a person or business.
    • Types of Estimates That Use Present Values. CBO uses discount rates for a wide variety of estimates. They include estimates of the budgetary cost of federal programs that make or guarantee loans, the financial position of the Social Security trust funds, and the long-term effects of spending for infrastructure or children’s health on federal spending and revenues. CBO also uses discount rates to estimate household wealth, the value of future retirement benefits, the lifetime costs of weapon systems, the likelihood that people will invest in energy-saving technologies, and the cost of future damage from flooding, among other topics.
    • CBO’s Methods and Data for Choosing Discount Rates. The choice of discount rates can have large effects on estimates, especially for cash flows far in the future. To estimate discount rates that are consistent with market prices and rates of return, CBO uses data from an array of sources, including financial markets, the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the Federal Reserve, and academic studies. CBO’s discount rates may differ from those used by the Administration for various reasons, such as differences in economic assumptions, assessments of risk, and decisions about what factors discount rates should reflect.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: House Republicans Will Always Stand With Our Ally Israel In Their Fight For Survival

    Source: US House of Representatives Republicans

    The following text contains opinion that is not, or not necessarily, that of MIL-OSI –

    Categories24/7 OSI, MIL-OSI, US House of Representatives Republicans, US Politics, US Republicans

    House Republicans Will Always Stand With Our Ally Israel In Their Fight For Survival

    Washington, October 7, 2024

    Today marks the one-year anniversary of the October 7th Hamas terrorist attacks against Israel, the bloodiest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust, when barbaric terrorists brutally kidnapped, raped, and murdered innocent civilians. As we mourn the lives lost and pray for the safe return of the 97 hostages still being held, including 4 Americans, the United States must show its unwavering support and unequivocally stand with our most precious ally, as they fight for their very existence. 
     
    As Iran and its proxies in Gaza, Lebanon, Yemen, and Iraq surround Israel, hellbent on its extermination, the Biden-Harris Administration’s failed foreign policy of appeasement has abandoned Israel and emboldened Iran by softening sanctions and slow-walking critical military aid passed by House Republicans. House Republicans know the only way to restore order in the world is by reimplementing a successful peace through strength foreign policy agenda. 
     
    MAKE NO MISTAKE: House Republicans will always stand with our most precious ally Israel and remain committed to ensuring it has the resources necessary to defend itself and bring the hostages home. 
     
    HOUSE REPUBLICANS’ SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL:

    • House Republicans passed the Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2023, which codifies President Trump’s Executive Order that discrimination against Jewish students may violate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and requires the Department of Education to take into account the 2016 International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism and its contemporary examples as part of its assessment of whether antisemitic discrimination transpired.
    • House Republicans passed the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, which fully funds the U.S.-Israeli cooperative missile defense programs and holds the United Nations (U.N.) accountable for its blatant bias against our most precious ally Israel by prohibiting any taxpayer dollars from going to the United Nations Commission of Inquiry against Israel and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency.
    • House Republicans passed H.R. 6126, the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024, with overwhelming support.
    • House Republicans passed H.Res. 771, Standing with Israel as it defends itself against the barbaric war launched by Hamas and other terrorists. 
    • House Republicans passed H. Res. 798, Condemning the support of Hamas, Hezbollah, and other terrorist organizations at institutions of higher education, which may lead to the creation of a hostile environment for Jewish students, faculty, and staff.
    • In February 2023, in a strong show of support for our ally, House Republican leadership sent a letter to President Biden encouraging the Administration to oppose and veto any anti-Israel resolution put before the U.N. Security Council.
    • In April 2023, House Republicans voted to support the expansion of the Abraham Accords to encourage nations to normalize relations with Israel and express continued support for bilateral cooperation across economic, security, and civilian issues.
    • In May 2023, House Republicans voted to condemn the rise of antisemitism and call on elected officials to identify and educate others on the contributions of the Jewish American community.
    • In June 2023, House Republicans voted to establish a Special Envoy for the Abraham Accords at the Department of State to strengthen and expand the Abraham Accords.
    • In July 2023, House Republicans passed the FY24 National Defense Authorization Act with key priorities to support the U.S./Israeli partnership and enhance Israel’s security.   

    THE BIDEN-HARRIS ADMINISTRATION’S HISTORY OF TURNING THEIR BACK ON ISRAEL:

    • In February 2021, the Biden-Harris Administration reversed President Trump’s move, ensuring that sanctions on Iran’s drones and missiles will expire in October 2023.
    • In September 2023, the Biden-Harris Administration waived sanctions to allow $6 billion in Iranian funds in South Korean banks to be transferred to banks in Qatar in exchange for the release of five American hostages.
    • Authorizing the transfer of $6 billion for Iran sets a dangerous precedent that will incentivize more hostage-taking by the number one state sponsor of terror and other bad actors.
    • In November 2023, House Republicans passed the No Funds For Iranian Terrorism Act, which would effectively prevent Iran from accessing these funds. 
    • In November 2023, the Biden-Harris Administration reissued a sanctions waiver that gave Iran access to more than $10 billion.
    • In March 2024, the Biden-Harris Administration supported Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s unprecedented calls for new elections in Israel. 
    • In April 2024, the Biden-Harris Administration demanded that our most precious ally Israel surrender to the Iranian backed terrorist organization Hamas.   

    FAR LEFT HOUSE DEMOCRATS’ OPPOSITION TO ISRAEL IN THE 118TH CONGRESS:

    KAMALA HARRIS’ FAILED FOREIGN POLICY OF APPEASEMENT HAS TURNED THE WORLD TO CHAOS:

    • The Biden-Harris Administration has failed to stand up to our adversaries in Beijing, Tehran, and Moscow. 
    • The Biden-Harris Administration’s strategy of appeasement toward Iran has resulted in the deadliest attack against the Jewish people since the Holocaust, hundreds of Iranian-backed terrorist attacks on American service members, and plunged the Middle East into chaos. 
    • On October 7, 2023, the world witnessed Iranian-backed Hamas terrorists perpetrate the deadliest attack against the Jewish people since the Holocaust. 
    • To appease his pro-Hamas base, the Biden-Harris Administration withheld aid from Israel. 
    • In May, Biden told CNN that he would withhold military aid to Israel if Israel continues their campaign against Hamas terrorists.
      • Biden-Harris’ decision greenlights Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran to escalate attacks following his failed foreign policy of appeasement. 
    • Biden-Harris went into hiding for nine days as antisemitic, pro-terrorist mobs overran colleges and universities, endangering Jewish students.
      • When Biden finally addressed the country for the first time in days, he did NOT condemn the antisemitic, pro-terrorist, mobs that have overrun colleges and universities, and he did NOT say how he would protect Jewish students.
    • In April, Biden was blasted for equivocating on antisemitic protests happening across the country.
    • To appease Iran, the Biden-Harris Administration removed the Houthis from the U.S. list of foreign terror organizations. 
    • In 2023, the Biden-Harris Administration gave Iran, the largest state sponsor of terrorism in the world, $6 billion as a ransom payment for five American prisoners, jeopardizing Americans’ safety around the world. 
    • While American service members were under attack by Iranian-backed terrorists, the Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin was MIA, and Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks was on vacation in Puerto Rico.
    • The Biden-Harris Administration allowed a Communist Chinese surveillance balloon to traverse the entire continental U.S. over the course of 7 days, gathering intelligence and flying over sensitive military sites, before taking action. 
    • Biden and Harris’ disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan resulted in:
      • The deadliest attack on Americans in Afghanistan since 2011, killing 13 of our brave service members and wounding many others. 
      • OVER 1,000 Americans were abandoned behind enemy lines for months at the mercy of the Taliban, and $7 billion in U.S. military equipment was left behind. 
      • Biden has been “privately defiant” that he made the right calls during his Administration’s catastrophic withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. 
      • In June, Biden FALSELY claimed no U.S. service members have died during his Administration. 
    • Under Biden and Harris, the U.S. Army fell 15,000 soldiers short of their recruitment goal for FY22, missing by 25%.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Abraxas Power Announces the Submission of the Environmental Assessment Registration for its Exploits Valley Renewable Energy Corporation Green Hydrogen Project in Central Newfoundland

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Oct. 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Abraxas Power Corp. (“Abraxas”), a leading energy transition developer, and its subsidiary Exploits Valley Renewable Energy Corporation (“EVREC”), are pleased to announce that EVREC has submitted the Environmental Assessment Registration (“EAR”) with the Department of Environment and Climate Change of the Government of Newfoundland & Labrador for its Green Energy Hub project in the Botwood area.

    EVREC is a P2X project that was awarded access to over 300 square kilometres of crown lands by the province of Newfoundland and Labrador in 2023 for EVREC’s use in the development of its project in Central Newfoundland. EVREC will include a 3.5 GW onshore wind project with its associated energy and molecular storage powering behind-the-meter hydrogen (H2) and ammonia (NH3) production. The project expects to generate up to 200,000 tons of green H2 and up to 1,000,000 tons of green NH3 annually that will be exported to global markets.

    Since the above-mentioned land access award, EVREC has significantly advanced the project through pre-construction activities which include environmental data collection, resource measurement, and public consultations. The final project design is subject to these ongoing assessments and activities.

    “Today marks a pivotal milestone for EVREC as we register the Project with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Colter Eadie, CEO of Abraxas Power. “This project is not just about harnessing the power of natural resources; it’s about developing a strong partnership with our local communities as we transform the future of energy. This initiative will boost Newfoundland’s economy by creating substantial high-skilled job opportunities and fostering economic stability and vibrant, thriving communities.”

    EVREC’s total capital investment is expected to be CAD$12 billion. According to an Economic Impact Assessment published by Jupia Consulting, when combining both CAPEX and OPEX economic activity, the project is expected to:

    • Boost provincial GDP by $7.8 billion over the 34-year life of the project (in $2024), excluding the GDP impacts arising from spending the tax/royalty revenue
    • Contribute $3.1 billion employment income in Newfoundland and Labrador
    • Support 10,900 person years of employment during the four years of construction and over 21,600 over the 34-year operating period
    • Boost annual household spending in NL by over $2.2 billion
    • Contribute $220 million in tax revenue to municipal governments over the 38-year period (CAPEX and OPEX phases). The provincial government will receive an estimated $8 billion and the federal government another $1.6 billion just from the in-province activity.

    EVREC’S EAR Document can be found at:

    Botwood and Area EVREC Green Energy Project – Environment and Climate Change (gov.nl.ca)

    About Abraxas Power:

    Abraxas Power is a pioneering energy transition developer focused on decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors and creating value by solving the current and future challenges of the energy transition. Abraxas Power’s broad mandate allows it to see opportunities across technologies and geographies to transform the global energy industry. Our team has extensive experience in leading, financing, and solving the challenges associated with energy transition, and a proven track record of delivering complex, large-scale development projects across various disciplines, including renewable power and storage, hydrogen and ammonia production, industrial and precious metals, large-scale project construction, and operations at scale. The team possesses strong project finance and capital markets experience and has a history of creating value for shareholders, stakeholders, and the communities they live in. Abraxas has signed strategic partnerships with various global strategics and technology providers.

    Abraxas has secured over US$9 billion in capital projects through competitive government awards over the past year in furtherance of the energy transition, including our marquis Exploits Valley Renewable Energy Corporation (“EVREC”) project.
    To learn more, visit http://www.abraxaspower.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Univest Financial Corporation to Hold Third Quarter 2024 Earnings Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SOUDERTON, Pa., Oct. 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Univest Financial Corporation (Nasdaq: UVSP), parent company of Univest Bank and Trust Co. and its insurance, investment and equipment finance subsidiaries, announced it will host a conference call to discuss its third quarter 2024 earnings on Thursday, October 24, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. Earnings are scheduled to be released after the close of the market on Wednesday, October 23, 2024.

    Pre-registration
    Telephone participants may avoid any delays by pre-registering for the call using the following link.

    Conference Call registration link: https://www.netroadshow.com/events/login?show=27c257f2&confId=71976

    Audio
    Dial in number: 1-833-470-1428
    Access Code: 752766
    Note: Participants who are unable to pre-register should dial in a few minutes prior to the start time.

    Replay
    Dial in number: 1-866-813-9403
    Replay Code: 807549
    Available until: December 24, 2024

    About Univest Financial Corporation
    Univest Financial Corporation (UVSP), including its wholly-owned subsidiary Univest Bank and Trust Co., Member FDIC, has approximately $7.9 billion in assets and $5.0 billion in assets under management and supervision through its Wealth Management lines of business at June 30, 2024. Headquartered in Souderton, Pa. and founded in 1876, the Corporation and its subsidiaries provide a full range of financial solutions for individuals, businesses, municipalities and nonprofit organizations primarily in the Mid-Atlantic Region. Univest delivers these services through a network of more than 50 offices and online at http://www.univest.net.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Alexander Novak: Russia is preparing to present its climate strategy at the international conference COP29 in Baku

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Alexander Novak, Alexey Overchuk and Maxim Reshetnikov took part in a meeting on the use of the results of the first stage of the most important innovative project of national importance “Russian Climate Monitoring System” in the formation of state climate policy measures

    October 7, 2024

    Alexander Novak took part in a meeting on the use of the results of the first stage of the most important innovative project of national importance “Russian Climate Monitoring System” in the formation of state climate policy measures

    October 7, 2024

    Alexander Novak, Alexey Overchuk and Maxim Reshetnikov took part in a meeting on the use of the results of the first stage of the most important innovative project of national importance “Russian Climate Monitoring System” in the formation of state climate policy measures

    October 7, 2024

    Alexander Novak, Alexey Overchuk and Maxim Reshetnikov took part in a meeting on the use of the results of the first stage of the most important innovative project of national importance “Russian Climate Monitoring System” in the formation of state climate policy measures

    October 7, 2024

    Alexander Novak, Alexey Overchuk took part in a meeting on the issue of using the results of the first stage of the most important innovative project of national importance “Russian Climate Monitoring System” in the formation of state climate policy measures

    October 7, 2024

    Previous news Next news

    Alexander Novak, Alexey Overchuk and Maxim Reshetnikov took part in a meeting on the use of the results of the first stage of the most important innovative project of national importance “Russian Climate Monitoring System” in the formation of state climate policy measures

    Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak took part in a meeting on the use of the results of the first stage of the most important innovative project of national importance (IIP GN) “Russian Climate Monitoring System” in the formation of state climate policy measures. The event took place at the Government Coordination Center.

    The meeting was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk, Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov, Presidential Aide on Climate Issues Ruslan Edelgeriev, representatives of the Government, the Ministry of Education and Science, the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Construction, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Roshydromet, Roscosmos, business, the scientific community, fuel and energy companies, etc.

    The parties discussed the results of the work of the Federal State Budgetary Institution “Yu. A. Izrael Institute of Global Climate and Ecology” on adjusting the coefficients for greenhouse gas emissions in various industrial sectors – from agriculture to energy, petrochemistry and municipal solid waste management as part of the preparation of the draft National Inventory of Anthropogenic Emissions from Sources and Absorption by Sinks of Greenhouse Gases for 1990-2022. Data from Rosleskhoz, Earth remote sensing systems, etc. were used to adjust the coefficients. The second stage of the VIP GZ was instructed to be finalized.

    The monitoring system will ensure the formation of reliable and internationally recognized scientific data for assessing anthropogenic and natural flows of climate-active substances on the territory of the Russian Federation, and will also allow for the implementation of further measures to achieve the national goals set by the President, including in the field of ecology and climate.

    The Director of the Institute of Public Forecasting of the Russian Academy of Sciences reported on forecasts of greenhouse gas emissions and absorption for the implementation of the goals of the Strategy for Socioeconomic Development with Low Greenhouse Gas Emissions until 2050.

    Alexander Novak thanked the scientists for their work and instructed them to coordinate the new data with industry plans for investment in emission reduction projects and environmental programs. The Ministry of Economic Development will have to finalize and coordinate with federal executive authorities the draft presidential decree on establishing a target indicator for greenhouse gas emissions for 2035 and the draft operational plan.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://government.ru/nevs/52927/

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: North Sydney — RCMP investigates fatal vehicle-pedestrian collision

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    RCMP Northeast Traffic Services (NETS) is investigating a fatal vehicle-pedestrian collision that occurred in North Sydney.

    On October 4, at approximately 7:55 p.m., RCMP NETS, Cape Breton Regional Police (CBRP), fire services, and EHS responded to a report of a crash on Hwy. 125. RCMP officers learned that a pedestrian was on the roadway when they were struck by a Nissan Murano travelling eastbound.

    The pedestrian, a 65-year-old Sydney Mines man, was transported to hospital and pronounced deceased.

    The driver and passenger of the Nissan did not report physical injuries.

    An RCMP collision reconstructionist attended the scene and the investigation is ongoing.

    Hwy. 125 was closed for several hours but has since reopened.

    Our thoughts are with the victim’s loved ones at this difficult time.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Dartmouth — RCMP charges three drivers with stunting

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    The Nova Scotia RCMP has charged three drivers with stunting.

    On September 26, at approximately 2 a.m., an officer from RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment was doing radar on Portland St., in Dartmouth, and saw a Dodge Charger travelling at 116 km/h in a 50 km/h zone. The vehicle was pulled over and the driver, a 20-year-old Halifax man, was charged with Stunting. The vehicle was towed.

    On October 4, at approximately 10:25 a.m., RCMP Southwest Traffic Services was conducting traffic enforcement on Hwy. 1, in Weymouth, when a Ford Mustang was seen on radar travelling at 109 km/h in a 30 km/h school zone. A traffic stop was completed and the driver, a 28-year-old New Germany woman, was charged with Stunting and her vehicle was towed.

    Later that day, at approximately 8:40 p.m., an officer from RCMP Southeast Traffic Services (Metro) completed a traffic stop on a Honda Civic that was observed on radar travelling at 109 km/h in a 50 km/h zone of St Margarets Bay Rd., in Timberlea. The driver, a 19-year-old Hubley man, was charged with Stunting and his vehicle was towed.

    Stunting in Nova Scotia carries a fine of $2,422.50 for first time offenders, six licence demerit points and an immediate seven-day driver’s licence suspension.

    File # 24-132069, 2024-1463532, 24-136618

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Oral question – Irreplaceability of vehicles powered by internal combustion engines in emergency situations – O-000012/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for oral answer  O-000012/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 142
    Christine Anderson, Ivan David, Ewa Zajączkowska-Hernik, Marcin Sypniewski, Stanisław Tyszka, René Aust
    on behalf of the ESN Group

    It would be extremely challenging to replace internal combustion engines in rescue vehicles, especially during crises like the recent floods in eastern Europe. Internal combustion engines provide high power and reliability, both of which are crucial for coping with extreme conditions such as deep water, debris and unpredictable terrain. Electric or alternative-fuel vehicles often face limitations in range, refueling infrastructure and battery life. During emergencies, vehicles must be able to deploy rapidly and refuel quickly in remote or damaged areas, and current electric-vehicle technology struggles to meet these demands. Moreover, rescue operations often involve heavy-duty equipment, which requires sustained power output – something for which internal combustion engines are well suited. The current technological level of electric vehicles is not sufficient: further advances in battery technology, faster recharging, and guaranteed resilience in harsh environments are required.

    Hence the question:

    Catastrophic floods have shown that rescue work cannot be carried out without vehicles with internal combustion engines. Is the Commission aware that banning the sale of cars with internal combustion engines will paralyse the fire, ambulance and police services, as well as the military, and that it would no longer be possible to deploy these emergency services to save the lives, health and property of citizens and the public sector in the event of natural disasters?

    Submitted: 4.10.2024

    Lapses: 5.1.2025

    Last updated: 7 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the democratic backsliding and threats to political pluralism in Georgia – B10-0070/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    to wind up the debate on the statement by the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

    Urmas Paet, Petras Auštrevičius, Dan Barna, Helmut Brandstätter, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová, Bernard Guetta, Ľubica Karvašová, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Marie‑Agnes Strack‑Zimmermann, Hilde Vautmans, Lucia Yar, Dainius Žalimas
    on behalf of the Renew Group

    B10‑0070/2024

    European Parliament resolution on the democratic backsliding and threats to political pluralism in Georgia

    (2024/2822(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to its previous resolutions on Georgia,

    – having regard to the Association Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community and their Member States, of the one part, and Georgia, of the other part[1],

    – having regard to the European Council conclusions of 14 and 15 December 2023 and to the Commission communication of 8 November 2023 entitled ‘2023 Communication on EU Enlargement Policy’ (COM(2023)0690), which outline the steps for Georgia’s candidacy status, particularly step 9, concerning the freedom of civil society,

    – having regard to the statement by the spokesperson for the European External Action Service of 4 September 2024 on the legislative package on ‘family values and protection of minors’ in Georgia,

    – having regard to the statement of 18 September 2024 by the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on the laws, adopted by the Georgian Parliament, on ‘family values and protection of minors’,

    – having regard to the opinions adopted or endorsed by the European Commission for Democracy through Law (Venice Commission) on various pieces of Georgian legislation at its 139th session (21-22 June 2024),

    – having regard to Rule 136(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

    A. whereas the Constitution of Georgia protects the exercise of the freedoms of opinion, expression, association and peaceful assembly, and the right to universal, equal and free elections, as fundamental rights; whereas the Constitution of Georgia also guarantees the equality of all persons and protects them from discrimination; whereas, according to Article 78 of the Constitution of Georgia, ‘the constitutional bodies shall take all measures within the scope of their competences to ensure the full integration of Georgia into the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’;

    B. whereas, despite widespread public protests and calls from the EU and Georgia’s other Western partners, the ruling Georgian Dream party has adopted a Russian-inspired bill on the ‘transparency of foreign influence’, which requires civil society and media organisations that accept funds from abroad to register as ‘organisations pursuing the interest of a foreign power’ or face fines;

    C. whereas this legislation limits the capacity of civil society and media organisations to operate freely, curtails freedom of expression and unfairly stigmatises organisations that deliver clear benefits to the citizens of Georgia;

    D. whereas in March 2023, a proposal for similar legislation sparked widespread protests in Georgia, leading to its withdrawal; whereas since the proposal’s withdrawal in 2023, the ruling party and pro-government media have continued to escalate rhetoric against civil society and journalists;

    E. whereas on 20 February 2024, the ruling Georgian Dream party adopted amendments to the electoral legislation, endangering the independence and impartiality of the Central Election Commission and undermining public trust in this institution;

    F. whereas in late August 2024, oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili urged voters to help the Georgian Dream party retain a supermajority in the Georgian Parliament in order to initiate the process of outlawing several opposition parties; whereas this was supported by Georgia’s Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, who announced that the government would seek to ban more than half a dozen parties following the parliamentary elections;

    G. whereas on 17 September 2024, the ruling Georgian Dream party passed a law on ‘family values and protection of minors’, which strips LGBTIQ+ people of their rights;

    H. whereas two days after the introduction of the law on ‘family values and protection of minors’, Kesaria Abramidze, a transgender model and prominent public figure, was killed in her apartment;

    I. whereas previously, on 4 April 2024, the ruling Georgian Dream party abolished the mandatory gender quotas for political parties’ electoral lists contained in Georgia’s election code and overturned the gender-related funding rule laid down in the law on political associations of citizens, thereby undoing the progress achieved on the promotion of women’s political participation and representation;

    J. whereas the Georgian authorities have not acted on a single recommendation of the Venice Commission regarding the annulment or modification of the above-mentioned legislation on the ‘transparency of foreign influence’ and on ‘family values and protection of minors’, the abolition of gender quotas in local and parliamentary elections, and the formation of the Central Election Commission;

    K. whereas the ruling Georgian Dream party and pro-government media are spreading anti-EU and anti-democratic propaganda, as well as conspiracy theories;

    L. whereas the ruling Georgian Dream party and its leadership continue to escalate divisive, distorted and violent rhetoric against political opponents and international partners, including Ukraine; whereas the ruling party uses despicable political banners depicting Ukrainian cities destroyed by Russia, thus capitalising on the suffering of brave Ukrainians;

    M. whereas Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov’s statement expressing his readiness to help Georgia normalise its relations with ‘the neighbouring … states of Abkhazia and South Ossetia’ was praised by the leaders of the ruling party, demonstrating the Georgian Government’s departure from its policy of non-recognition of the occupied regions of Georgia;

    N. whereas in the Commission communication entitled ‘2023 Communication on EU Enlargement Policy’, the Commission recommended granting candidate status to Georgia on the understanding that Georgia takes nine steps, which include combating disinformation and interference against the EU and its values, engaging opposition parties and civil society in governance, and ensuring freedom of assembly and expression, as well as consulting civil society and involving it meaningfully in legislative and policymaking processes and ensuring that civil society can operate freely;

    O. whereas on 14 December 2023, Georgia was granted EU candidate status by the European Council on the understanding that the nine steps set out in the Commission recommendation are taken;

    P. whereas Georgia’s Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has stated that Georgia will not impose sanctions on Russia, but only prevent their circumvention from happening on its territory;

    Q. whereas trade and business cooperation between Georgia and Russia has increased over the past two years, with more than 100 000 Russians having moved to Georgia, opened more than 26 000 businesses, purchased real estate and engaged in activities that create risks of money laundering; whereas this situation jeopardises Georgia’s national security and increases its dependence on Russia;

    R. whereas in recent months, the United States has imposed financial sanctions on Georgian security officials and the leaders of a far-right party for undermining and suppressing the freedom of peaceful assembly in Georgia, and has imposed travel sanctions on 60 other individuals, including senior government officials; whereas the National Bank of Georgia has refused to comply with these sanctions;

    S. whereas parliamentary elections are scheduled to be held in Georgia on 26 October 2024;

    1. Strongly condemns the adoption of the so-called ‘transparency of foreign influence’ and ‘family values and protection of minors’ legislation, as well as the abolition of gender quotas in local and parliamentary elections and the changes in formation of the Central Election Commission by the Georgian Dream majority; underlines that this legislation is incompatible with EU norms and values, damages Georgia’s reputation and jeopardises its efforts towards EU accession;

    2. Urges the Georgian Dream majority to immediately withdraw the legislation on the ‘transparency of foreign influence’ and ‘family values and protection of minors’, to reintroduce gender quotas in local and parliamentary elections, and to ensure a consensus-based political process, which is crucial for the independence and impartiality of the Central Election Commission and for public trust in that institution; urges the Georgian Dream majority to implement the other recommendations of the Venice Commission; reiterates its call to cease all attacks on civil society, independent media, gender equality and the LGBTIQ+ community and to ensure a genuine enabling environment for civil society and media in the country;

    3. Stresses that the withdrawal of the legislation on the ‘transparency of foreign influence’ and ‘family values and protection of minors’ will be necessary steps in improving the relationship between the EU and Georgia;

    4. Stands in solidarity with the courageous Georgian people fighting for their democratic rights and the European future of their country; reiterates its unwavering support for all those who advocate for and defend human rights and work for a peaceful country and society committed to equality and human dignity for all;

    5. Calls for the EU funding provided to the Georgian Government to be frozen until these illiberal pieces of legislation are repealed, and for strict conditions to be placed on the disbursement of any future funding to the Georgian Government;

    6. Reiterates its calls on the Commission to promptly assess how Georgia’s legislation on the ‘transparency of foreign influence’ and ‘family values and protection of minors’, as well as the abolition of gender quotas and other changes in its electoral legislation, and the implementation of the Venice Commission’s recommendations in general, affect Georgia’s continuous fulfilment of the visa liberalisation benchmarks, in particular the fundamental rights benchmark, which is a crucial component of the EU visa liberalisation policy;

    7. Calls for the EU and its Member States to impose sanctions on Georgian officials who are involved in human rights violations against Georgian citizens or in the country’s democratic backsliding; reiterates its call on the Council to consider imposing personal sanctions on Bidzina Ivanishvili for his role in the deterioration of the political process and the human rights situation in Georgia; urges Georgian commercial banks to implement international sanctions;

    8. Reminds the Georgian Government that the EU granted Georgia candidate status on the understanding that the steps set out in the Commission communication of 8 November 2023 would be taken; underscores that the recently adopted pieces of legislation clearly go against this goal and put Georgia’s EU integration on hold;

    9. Reiterates its call on the Georgian Government to uphold its commitment to the promotion of democracy, the rule of law and human rights, and encourages it to adopt and implement reforms that are in line with its stated objective of joining the EU, as demanded by a large majority of Georgia’s citizens;

    10. Strongly urges Georgia, as an EU candidate country, to impose sanctions on Russia in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and to effectively enforce measures to prevent the circumvention of EU sanctions, as it has committed to doing; is deeply concerned by the alignment of the Georgian Government with Russian policies and the increasing dependence of Georgia on Russia, and by the Georgian Dream party’s use of violent images of the war in Ukraine as a means of manipulating public opinion and spreading disinformation in its campaign ahead of the October 2024 elections; calls on Georgia to fully align with the EU’s foreign policy and the EU’s strategy towards Russia;

    11. Calls for the EU and its Member States to guarantee their full support to Georgian civil society organisations in this difficult period, including on issues linked to fines and other burdens imposed on them by the new legislation;

    12. Urges the Georgian authorities to ensure that the October 2024 parliamentary elections adhere to the highest international standards, guaranteeing a transparent, free and fair process that reflects the democratic will of the people; urges the abolition of the ingrained practice of misusing public resources and administrative capacity for the benefit of the ruling party; insists that the presence of both domestic and international observers should be ensured in order to safeguard the integrity of the elections and calls for an expanded EU election observation mission;

    13. Is deeply concerned by reports that the Georgian Government is creating obstacles for the coalition of 30 NGOs and Transparency International Georgia in their efforts to conduct the ‘Go Out and Vote’ campaign; considers these obstacles an attempt to undermine democracy in the country;

    14. Is extremely concerned about the police brutality that occurred during the protests of March-June 2024 in Tbilisi, and calls on the Georgian authorities to conduct timely and thorough investigations into that police brutality;

    15. Reiterates its call for an impartial and independent long-term international election observation mission by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, in order to monitor Georgia’s upcoming parliamentary elections;

    16. Reiterates its call on the Georgian authorities to immediately release former President Mikheil Saakashvili and to allow him to receive proper medical treatment abroad;

    17. Calls for the EU and its Member States to continue to pay close attention to these matters and to closely monitor developments in Georgia ahead of and after the country’s October 2024 parliamentary elections;

    18. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Council, the Commission, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the Council of Europe, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and the President, Government and Parliament of Georgia.

     

     

     

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on strengthening Moldova’s resilience against Russian interference ahead of the upcoming presidential elections – B10-0073/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    to wind up the debate on the statement by the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

    Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, Adam Bielan, Mariusz Kamiński, Cristian Terheş, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Jaak Madison, Rihards Kols, Jadwiga Wiśniewska, Carlo Fidanza, Michał Dworczyk, Roberts Zīle, Alberico Gambino, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Ivaylo Valchev, Veronika Vrecionová, Ondřej Krutílek, Tobiasz Bocheński, Assita Kanko, Alexandr Vondra
    on behalf of the ECR Group

    B10‑0073/2024

    European Parliament resolution on strengthening Moldova’s resilience against Russian interference ahead of the upcoming presidential elections

    (2024/2821(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to its previous resolutions on the Republic of Moldova and on Eastern Partnership countries,

    – having regard to the Association Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Moldova, of the other part[1], which includes a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area and which fully entered into force on 1 July 2016,

    – having regard to Article 49 of the Treaty on European Union,

    – having regard to the Republic of Moldova’s application for European Union (EU) membership, submitted on 3 March 2022,

    – having regard to the Versailles Declaration of 10 and 11 March 2022,

    – having regard to the EU statement of 21 March 2024 at the OSCE Permanent Council No 1466 in Vienna on the recent security incidents in the Transnistrian region,

    – having regard to Rule 136(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

    A. whereas a presidential election is scheduled to be held in Moldova on 20 October 2024; whereas a referendum on Moldova’s accession to the EU is set to take place on the same day as the presidential election;

    B. whereas Russia has persistently sought to influence, subvert and undermine free, fair and independent elections in Moldova, as well as in various EU countries, by using disinformation, covert activities, corruption and many other hybrid warfare tactics aimed at destabilising the West; whereas, despite recent legislative improvements, concerns regarding campaign financing and the use of illicit Russian funds to influence electoral outcomes remain among the most sensitive issues within Moldova’s electoral landscape; whereas Russia’s efforts to exert influence are expected to increase in the run-up to Moldova’s presidential election;

    C. whereas there has been a noticeable shift in Russian interference tactics, with Russia expanding its support beyond traditional hard-line pro-Russian parties to a broader spectrum of political actors; whereas this spectrum now includes not only moderately pro-Russian and pro-Moldovan groups but also groups presenting themselves as ‘pro-European’; whereas this strategy appears, deceptively, to offer disillusioned voters a range of alternatives to the Party of Action and Solidarity, seeking to fragment the political landscape and dilute genuine support for the current government; whereas this shift reflects the Kremlin’s evolving approach to influence operations, prioritising the creation of multiple fronts to undermine democratic processes and foment internal discord;

    D. whereas Moldova’s local elections on 5 November 2023 reportedly saw unprecedented levels of Russian interference, including disinformation campaigns, voter bribery and financial support for pro-Russian parties, which pose a serious threat to Moldova’s democratic process ahead of the presidential election in October 2024; whereas recent reports by Moldovan investigators unveil the possibility that more than USD 15 million of Russian funds have allegedly been transferred to bribe voters in the upcoming elections;

    E. whereas Moldova has taken steps to combat Russian interference, including by banning pro-Russian parties, sanctioning oligarchs, suspending media outlets that spread disinformation, and increasing customs controls; whereas these efforts require further support from the international community and the EU in particular;

    F. whereas on 3 March 2022 the Republic of Moldova applied for EU membership and, on 17 June 2022, the European Commission presented its opinions on the applications submitted by Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova; whereas Moldova was granted the status of candidate country on 23 June 2022 by unanimous agreement of the 27 Member States; whereas the Commission outlined nine steps for Moldova to address in its 2023 Enlargement Package report, which was presented on 8 November 2023, recommending the opening of accession negotiations, provided that remaining reforms in justice, anti-corruption and deoligarchisation were accomplished; whereas the Council decided to open accession negotiations on 14 December 2023, and the first intergovernmental conference formally launching these negotiations was held on 25 June 2024;

    G. whereas the EU has imposed sanctions on key Moldovan oligarchs and pro-Russian actors, and the United States (US) has repeatedly warned Moldova of Russian plans to destabilise and overthrow its government;

    H. whereas Russian actors, including sanctioned individuals like fugitive Moldovan oligarch Ilan Shor, have been directly involved in those destabilisation efforts, using state-funded Russian media outlets located in Russian territory and criminal networks to influence Moldovan politics;

    I. whereas Russian interference, combined with Moldova’s vulnerable economic situation, political divisions and geostrategic importance, risks undermining Moldova’s future in the EU, despite its significant progress towards EU accession; whereas oligarch-backed media and corrupt financial networks continue to destabilise Moldova’s political landscape, posing a threat to its sovereignty and democratic institutions;

    J. whereas Russia Today (RT) and its employees, including editor-in-chief Margarita Simonyan, have directly coordinated with the Kremlin to support Russian Government efforts to influence the October 2024 Moldovan election; whereas Simonyan leverages the state-funded platforms in which she holds leadership positions – namely RT, Sputnik, and their parent company, the international information agency Rossiya Segodnya, a federal state unitary enterprise – to attempt to foment unrest in Moldova, likely with the specific aim of causing protests to turn violent;

    K. whereas Russia is escalating its years of ‘grey zone’ assaults on Moldova through disinformation, cyberattacks, bomb threats and other manipulations; whereas this campaign is part of what experts and government officials discuss as Russia’s steadily evolving hybrid war from the Baltic to the Black Sea: its invasion of Ukraine and destabilisation efforts against Georgia, Estonia and other neighbours; whereas Putin’s primary instruments for destabilising Moldova are propaganda and the corruption exercised by billionaire allies such as Ilan Shor and former ruling party leader Vladimir Plahotniuc, as well as Russia’s influence over two regions: Gagauzia, a stronghold of Ilan Shor in the south, and Transnistria, located on Moldova’s eastern border and controlled by Russian troops;

    L. whereas in 2023, the Russian government expanded the operational scope of RT by embedding within it a cyber-unit with direct ties to the Russian state; whereas this unit has been involved in intelligence and influence operations globally, including in Moldova; whereas the information gathered by this entity, operating under RT’s cover, is reportedly funnelled to Russian intelligence agencies, state-controlled media, mercenary groups and other actors aligned with the Russian Government; whereas RT is also engaged in disinformation campaigns, covert influence operations and military procurement efforts in support of Russia’s war in Ukraine;

    M. whereas the Intelligence and Security Service of the Republic of Moldova published a report in 2023 highlighting the unprecedented intensity of the actions carried out by the Russian Federation aimed at anchoring the Republic of Moldova within its sphere of influence; whereas the mechanism used to carry out this threat is of a hybrid nature, aiming operationally at attacking democratic processes and undermining Moldova’s path towards European integration by amplifying radical, separatist tendencies in the southern region of Moldova, particularly in Gagauzia, spreading propaganda and altering the information space, interfering in Moldova’s electoral process and conducting subversive operations;

    N. whereas on 18 September 2024 two close allies of Ilan Shor – Marina Tauber, member of the Parliament of Moldova, and Governor (Bashkan) of Gagauzia Evghenia Guțul – met the spokesperson of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, and subsequently released false information about the EU and Moldova’s future in it, thus manipulating Moldovan citizens and trying to influence the upcoming election;

    O. whereas Moldova faces growing economic and security challenges, including the risk of political backsliding if Russia-backed candidates succeed in the upcoming presidential election;

    P. whereas Ukraine’s decision to close its border with Transnistria, which hosts 1 500 Russian troops, significantly curtailed trade between Kyiv and Tiraspol, cutting off critical revenue streams and reducing Transnistria’s trade volumes with Russia by 22 % in 2022; whereas Moldova now controls most of Transnistria’s access to external trade, representing an unprecedented opportunity to influence the separatist region; whereas Moldova has implemented a pressure strategy that includes criminalising separatism, tightening customs checks and stripping Transnistrian businesses of customs privileges, thus creating significant economic strain; whereas, despite receiving free Russian gas, Transnistria remains vulnerable to the potential cutting off of the Russian gas transit through Ukraine by December 2024, which could leave the region without energy;

    Q. whereas Russia has a substantial military presence in the Black Sea, including through undisclosed numbers and capabilities of its submarines, and considerable potential to dominate adjacent maritime transport routes; whereas the volatile situation in Transnistria poses a strategic risk, as Russia could seize control of the region and escalate the conflict, owing to Ukraine’s likely military response;

    R. whereas, according to journalistic investigations, dozens of priests from the Metropolis of Moldova travel to Russia, where they receive cards through which they later withdraw funds; whereas these trips are reportedly organised by Ilan Shor in close collaboration with the Russian Orthodox Church, which is closely aligned with the Kremlin regime, with the intention of using the clergy for electoral purposes;

    S. whereas in response to Russia’s continued efforts to undermine Moldovan democracy and interfere in Moldova’s electoral processes, the US State Department is imposing additional sanctions on a critical aspect of Russia’s malign influence in Moldova;

    1. Stands in solidarity with the people of the Republic of Moldova and reiterates its unwavering support for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova within its internationally recognised borders; in particular, commends Moldova for its 2022 electoral code reforms, which addressed long-standing recommendations and set a stronger framework for the upcoming election and for an increase in the number of polling stations abroad and a new partial postal voting initiative; stresses also the important role being played by the Republic of Moldova in the safety and stability of the EU’s eastern border in the context of the humanitarian crisis caused by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine;

    2. Strongly condemns Russia’s repeated attempts to destabilise the Republic of Moldova, its institutions and society; calls on the Russian authorities to respect the Republic of Moldova’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, to cease its provocations and attempts to destabilise the country, and to immediately and unconditionally withdraw its military forces from the occupied territories of Moldova (Transnistria), Georgia (Abkhazia and South Ossetia) and Ukraine;

    3. Reaffirms its full commitment to the Republic of Moldova’s membership of the EU; welcomes the Moldovan authorities’ considerable efforts to advance the reform agenda and their determination to fulfil the nine steps identified in the Commission’s opinion of 17 June 2022 in order to progress towards EU membership, despite Russia’s pressure on Moldova and the crises triggered by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine;

    4. Stresses that, based on the experience of the 2023 local elections, the Russian Federation is likely to employ the tactic of using ‘filler’ parties in the upcoming parliamentary elections in 2025, creating a smokescreen to facilitate the entry of at least one Ilan Shor-controlled party into Parliament;

    5. Congratulates Moldova for the first intergovernmental conference on the opening of accession negotiations, which occurred in June 2024, only two years after the granting of candidate status, and thus serves as evidence of Moldova’s determination to fulfil the EU’s reform agenda; acknowledges the significant progress made by Moldova in the EU accession process and calls for the intergovernmental conference to conclude cluster 1 of the negotiations in the coming year;

    6. Calls on NATO and its members to consider enhancing NATO’s naval presence and readiness in the Black Sea region;

    7. Calls for the EU to support Moldova’s efforts toward the peaceful reintegration of Transnistria by providing financial and technical assistance for economic stabilisation, social cohesion measures and the diversification of Transnistria’s energy through neighbouring Member States, ensuring that Moldova’s progress toward EU accession is not undermined by the unresolved status of Transnistria;

    8. Encourages the Government of Moldova, as the country advances on its path to EU accession, to repair the injustices done by the oppressive Soviet occupation to all religious denominations;

    9. Recognises the Orthodox Metropolis of Bessarabia as a victim of Soviet oppression; notes in this regard that the Orthodox Metropolis of Bessarabia, after it was abusively abolished by the Soviet authorities, was not officially recognised until 2002, after a decision of the European Court of Human Rights;

    10. Calls on the Commission, the European External Action Service and the Member States to urgently provide funding and expertise to support the training of short-term election observers in Moldova for the October 2024 elections, in collaboration with the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and its dedicated services and offices;

    11. Calls on the Commission to consider enhanced cooperation to provide Moldova with specific counter-interference technical assistance and to improve Moldova’s election infrastructure, including assisting with the implementation of secure voting technologies and measures to ensure the integrity of the transmission of vote count results;

    12. Urges the Commission to develop and present a comprehensive growth plan for Moldova that would aim to facilitate foreign investment and foster economic development within the country; calls for the continued provision of robust financial support to Moldova to ensure its sustainable growth and stability; further calls for the permanent abolition of import duties and quotas on Moldovan exports to the EU;

    13. Welcomes the assistance provided under the European Peace Facility in support of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Moldova, aimed at modernising the country’s air defence capabilities, and calls for the continued provision of such support; notes that every sovereign state has the inherent right to invest in its defence capabilities, and affirms that such actions are fully consistent with the Republic of Moldova’s status of neutrality;

    14. Commends the launch of the EU Partnership Mission in the Republic of Moldova under the common security and defence policy, aimed at strengthening the resilience of Moldova’s security sector; strongly supports the mission’s activities and its role in providing crucial assistance and expertise to enhance the country’s security and stability;

    15. Commends the signing of the security and defence partnership, which will strengthen Moldova’s resilience and enable the EU and Moldova to jointly address common security challenges; emphasises that Moldova is the first country to sign such a partnership with the EU, demonstrating the strong commitment of both parties to enhanced cooperation in the field of security and defence;

    16. Calls for the EU, the US, Canada and the United Kingdom to continue to apply and expand sanctions against individuals, media outlets and entities involved in Kremlin-sponsored activities to subvert the democratic processes and electoral integrity of Moldova and all EU countries and partners;

    17. Urges the Moldovan Government to increase vigilance over potential electoral irregularities, enhance public communication on election security, and prepare to address Russian attempts to incite protests following the election results;

    18. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Government and Parliament of the Republic of Moldova, the Russian Federation, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, the United Nations and the Council of Europe.

    MIL OSI Europe News –