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  • MIL-OSI USA: VIDEO: Budd Calls Out Biden & Harris For Using Federal Agencies for Partisan Politics

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ted Budd (R-North Carolina)

    Washington, D.C. — In a speech on the Senate floor today, Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) pushed the chamber to pass the Promoting Free and Fair Elections Act.

    The bill would prohibit federal agencies from using taxpayer funds to implement or enter into agreements with partisan organizations that conduct voter mobilization activities.

    The legislation was blocked by Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA).

    Senator Budd said in his speech:

    “I do not believe that the federal government should be using official taxpayer resources to advance partisan politics.”

    “Congress has attempted to conduct oversight on this order. And citizens have filed Freedom of Information Act lawsuits. The Biden-Harris administration has released only a tiny fraction of these agency plans. In at least one instance, the administration redacted every single paragraph of an agency plan leaving only vague headers. So that begs the question… What does the Biden-Harris administration have to hide?”

    WATCH VIDEO OF THE EXCHANGE

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto’s Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Tribal Public Safety Passes Committee

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and John Hoeven (R-N.D.) released the following statements after the Senate Indian Affairs Committee voted to pass their bipartisan Bridging Agency Data Gaps & Ensuring Safety (BADGES) for Native Communities Act. Specifically, the BADGES for Native Communities Act would support the recruitment and retention of Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) law enforcement officers, bolster federal missing persons resources, and give Tribes and states tools to combat violence.
    “I hear it often from Tribes in Nevada—law enforcement officers are stretched thin in their communities and it’s having an impact on everyone, especially when it comes to combating the epidemic of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “I’m proud of our bipartisan work to pass the BADGES for Native Communities Act through committee today. This bill to give Tribal police the resources and tools they need to fight crime and keep their communities safe is one step closer to becoming law.”
    “Securing committee approval of our legislation is an important step toward strengthening the resources available to Tribal law enforcement,” said Senator Hoeven. “Our bill authorizes the BIA to conduct its own background check of law enforcement applicants, which empowers Tribes to meet their law enforcement staffing and infrastructure needs, enhances public safety and helps bring offenders to justice.”
    Senator Cortez Masto is a strong supporter of Tribal communities and has passed two bipartisan bills, the Not Invisible Act and Savanna’s Act, to combat the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) crisis. The commission created by the Not Invisible Act specifically called for passage of Cortez Masto’s BADGES for Native Communities Act to help law enforcement better serve Native communities. The BADGES for Native Communities Act would:
    Increase Tribal access to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) by requiring Tribal facilitators to conduct ongoing Tribal outreach and serve as a point of contact for Tribes and law enforcement agencies, as well as conduct training and information gathering to improve the resolution of missing persons cases.
    Require a comprehensive report on Tribal law enforcement needs.
    Allow the BIA to conduct its own background checks for law enforcement officer applicants in order to speed up and improve officer recruitment.
    Establish a grant program to help states, Tribes, and Tribal organizations coordinate efforts related to missing and murdered persons cases and sexual assault cases.
    Ensure BIA officers and Tribal police have access to culturally appropriate mental health and wellness programs.
    Senator Cortez Masto has repeatedly called on the administration to do more to address the epidemic of violence against Native women and girls, including securing federal funding to protect Native communities, urging the administration to draft a plan to address this issue, and requesting the Government Accountability Office (GAO) investigate the federal response to this crisis. She’s also fought to ensure that law enforcement officers across the country have the support they need. She secured historic funding for the Byrne JAG grant program in the FY2022 omnibus. The program is the leading source of criminal justice funding for state, local, and Tribal governments and provides support for programs related to crime prevention, law enforcement, prosecution, corrections, and mental and behavioral health. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rails Subcommittee Ranking Member Rep. Wilson, Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Rep. Larsen, Brightline President, and U.S. Federal Railroad Administration Focus on Rail Safety

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Frederica S Wilson (24th District of Florida)

    Washington, DC — Today, Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee Ranking Member Frederica Wilson, Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Larsen, President of Brightline Mike Reininger, and the U.S. Federal Railroad Administration Administrator Amit Bose remain committed to promoting rail safety. For that reason, Ranking Member Wilson introduced a Resolution to name the week of September 23rd through September 29th, “See Tracks? Think Train! Week” to reduce highway-rail grade crossing-related incidents, fatalities, and injuries.

    “Every week, we see new headlines of folks getting hurt in grade crossing accidents across my community and the nation. These deaths are preventable, and we must do more to help prevent these accidents and raise awareness for grade crossing incidents,” Ranking Member Frederica S. Wilson said. “That is why I am making this week “See Tracks? Think Train! Week”. Everyone across the private and public sectors doesn’t want these deaths to happen. That is why we are all united to raise awareness for grade crossings, and I, along with Transportation Democrats, are united to pass bipartisan legislation to reduce grade crossings.”

    According to the Federal Railroad Administration, highway-rail grade crossings lead to more than 2,000 incidents and 200 fatalities each year. Highway-rail grade crossing and trespassing incidents constituted approximately 96 percent of all rail-related fatalities in 2023.

    “Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, communities like Blaine and Burlington in Northwest Washington have the funding they need to improve safety at grade crossings,” Ranking Member Rick Larsen said. “That said, Congress must do more to prevent the nearly 2,200 grade crossing accidents that happen across the country each year. During “See Track, Think Train!” grade crossing safety awareness week, T&I Democrats reaffirm our commitment to passing bipartisan legislation to help prevent accidents at rail grade crossings in communities in Washington state and across the country.”

    “Rail safety requires many voices to amplify the message, and we appreciate Rep. Frederica Wilson and Rep. Rick Larsen taking leading roles in raising awareness for See Tracks? Think Train! Week and Operation Lifesaver,” said Patrick Goddard, President for Brightline Florida. “Incidents around grade crossings and tracks can be avoided if we all recognize that a few extra seconds isn’t worth your life.”

    “The Federal Railroad Administrator’s top priority is safety. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, FRA has issued new rules, drawn attention to safety concerns, conducted safety audits, invested in rail safety upgrades, and undertaken new, focused efforts to keep people working on, living near, and traveling along railroads safe,” said FRA Administrator Amit Bose. “We cannot accept business as usual when it comes to rail safety, and we invite others to join us to build on actions already taken and push to do even more to make rail safer.”

    “We know all too well that highway-rail grade crossing-related injuries are far too frequent and preventable,” said Congressman Hank Johnson. “As a senior member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Rail Subcommittee, I am proud to co-sponsor this legislation led by Ranking Members Wilson and Larsen to educate our constituents about rail safety to prevent these injuries and deaths from taking place on grade crossings.”

    “Rail safety is a critical issue for so many communities, including my own in Western Pennsylvania,” said Congressman Chris Deluzio. “Ninety-five percent of my constituents live within five miles of the tracks, and raising awareness about safety near grade crossings can help save lives in my district and across the country. Thank you to Ranking Members Wilson and Larsen for leading this effort. I look forward to keeping up the push in the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to make freight rail safer for all of us.”

    “Since the tragic train derailment in East Palestine last year happened just miles from my district, rail safety has been top of mind for people in our communities. No one wants to see train accidents or derailments in their own backyards. I’m glad to partner with Rep. Wilson to introduce this resolution to increase awareness about the importance of rail safety and emphasize why Congress must immediately pass rail safety legislation like my bipartisan RAIL Act,” said Congresswoman Emilia Sykes.

     

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CONGRESSMAN BISHOP VOTES FOR BIPARTISAN FUNDING BILL TO KEEP GOVERNMENT OPEN THROUGH MID-DECEMBER

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sanford D Bishop Jr (GA-02)

    WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr., (GA-02), a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, supported the passage of a short-term funding bill to keep the federal government open and serving the American people. The bill was adopted by a bipartisan vote of 341-82 and now heads to the U.S. Senate for approval.

    Current federal funding expires at the end of this month. This bill would extend funding through mid-December. The measure was necessary as Congressional Democrats continue to work towards a final, full-year funding bill with their Republican colleagues.

    “As Members of Congress, it is our key Constitutional duty to ensure that the government is funded and serving the people. I am glad that we were able to come to a bipartisan compromise – a short-term funding bill that gets us through to mid-December and avoids immediate catastrophe,” said Congressman Bishop. “However, I hope the House majority has learned after several months of failed attempts to pass partisan appropriations bills that we must put poison pill amendments and culture war politics aside. We must pass a bipartisan, full-year funding bill so that our federal and local governments can provide uninterrupted services to our citizens as well as plan their budgets for the year ahead.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Action against Afghanistan over violations of human rights of women and girls

    Source: Australian Government – Minister of Foreign Affairs

    Australia will join Germany, Canada and the Netherlands to take unprecedented action to hold Afghanistan to account under international law for the Taliban’s treatment of women and girls.

    This action is being brought against Afghanistan for violations of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, to which Afghanistan is a party.

    We urge Afghanistan to participate in negotiations, as provided for under the Convention.

    Australia is strongly committed to protecting and promoting the rights of women and girls at home and around the world.

    Today we were united with partners from all regions of the world on the importance of strong international action in response to the Taliban’s treatment of women and girls.

    The Taliban has demonstrated contempt for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of women and girls in Afghanistan, through a campaign of sustained and systematic oppression.

    This includes denying girls their right to education and attempting to erase women from public life.

    We will not stand by and allow the situation in Afghanistan to become a ‘new normal’.

    We have heard the calls of Afghan women and we are committed to defending their human rights and amplifying their voices.

    The participation of women and girls in society is essential to achieving peaceful societies and sustainable development.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Support for tomato industry workers

    Source: Ministers for Social Services

    Joint with:

    The Hon Bill Shorten MP
    Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme
    Minister for Government Services

    The Hon Julie Collins MP
    MInister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
    Minister for Small Business

    The Australian Government is working closely with the South Australian Government to support tomato industry workers stood down due to the impacts of tomato brown rugose fruit virus, and ensuring their financial wellbeing is a priority in what is a difficult time for them and their families.

    Minister for Government Services Bill Shorten said workers who have been stood down as a result of quarantine measures, would have access to personalised information about the government payments and services available for their circumstances.

    “Services Australia has stepped in quickly to provide priority access to its specialist Financial Information Services (FIS) Officers, who can provide comprehensive information on termination payments, superannuation and Centrelink payments,” Minister Shorten said.

    “They’ll be working hand-in-hand with the South Australian state government’s taskforce to help these workers through their next steps.

    “While this is an evolving situation, the bottom line is that workers impacted should take advantage of the support available through Services Australia, as it’s really important they understand their options.

    “Of course income support payments such as Job Seeker may be available, but individual circumstances can impact on eligibility, which is why tailored assistance can be so valuable.

    “The FIS staff are highly knowledgeable and can help those facing uncertainty make the right decisions for their personal situation, for the short and longer term.”

    For information on how best to manage your financial situation, call our free Financial Information Service on 132 300.

    Services Australia also provides comprehensive services for those that do not speak English as a first language, including free interpreting and translation services in over 200 languages. Customers can call the Multilingual Phone Service on 131 202 or visit: servicesaustralia.gov.au/yourlanguage

    Additionally, the Government is also aware that Pacific and Timor-Leste workers engaged under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme are affected by the stand down. Services Australia will provide social workers to connect those affected with further supports.

    The PALM scheme settings require approved employers to have contingency plans in place for unforeseen circumstances. The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) is working closely with the approved employer to initiate contingency arrangements including redeployment of impacted PALM workers to ensure that they continue to achieve the benefits of participating in the PALM scheme.

    PALM workers who have concerns or questions should contact DEWR on 1800 51 51 31.

    South Australia’s Department of Primary Industries and Regions is responsible for leading the biosecurity response to the detection of tomato brown rugose fruit virus under the national Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed.

    The Australian Government continues to provide support to state and territory governments and domestic industries, and to engage with our trading partners to minimise its impact.

    Australia’s biosecurity system is one to be envied, with its strength coming from us all working together and playing our role in protecting Australia from exotic pests, diseases and weeds.

    Australia has strong food safety standards and there is no concern for the quality or safety for the purchase of tomatoes. There is no immediate risk to supply chain disruption from the current outbreak in South Australia.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s remarks to the Security Council on the situation in Lebanon [bilingual, as delivered; scroll down for all-English]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Madam President, Excellencies,

    Hell is breaking loose in Lebanon.

    As I told the General Assembly yesterday, we should all be alarmed by the escalation. 

    Lebanon is at the brink. 

    Of course, the Blue Line has seen tensions for years. 

    But since October, exchanges of fire have expanded in scope, depth, and intensity.

    Hizbullah and other non-state armed groups in Lebanon and the Israel Defense Forces have exchanged fire on an almost daily basis – with Hizbullah indicating that they would require a ceasefire in Gaza to cease hostilities.

    The exchanges of fire have been in repeated violation of Security Council resolution 1701. 

    The daily use of weapons by non-State armed groups is in violation of Security Council resolutions 1559 and 1701.

    Lebanese sovereignty must be respected and the Lebanese state must have full control of weapons throughout Lebanese territory.  We support all efforts to strengthen the Lebanese Armed Forces.

    Madam President,

    Since October, nearly 200,000 people within Lebanon and over 60,000 from northern Israel have fled their homes.

    Many lives have been lost.

    All this must stop.

    The communities of northern Israel and southern Lebanon must be able to return to their homes, and live in safety and security, without fear.

    Madam President,

    Since the emergency Council session on Lebanon on 20 September – in the wake of the remote detonation of pagers and hand-held radios used by Hizbullah across Lebanon – hostilities have escalated dramatically.

    The past weekend saw heavy exchanges of fire endangering civilians on both sides of the Blue Line — with Israel Defense Forces striking approximately 400 Hizbullah targets in Lebanon, while Hizbullah launched hundreds of missiles, rockets and drones into northern Israel.

    Monday was the bloodiest day in Lebanon in a generation. 

    The Israel Defense Forces said that it struck some 1,600 Hizbullah targets.

    Many civilians were killed, and many, many more were injured.

    Since then, Israel continued its deadly strikes across Lebanon, including in the southern suburbs of Beirut.

    Hizbullah targets. Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health reported that 569 people were killed on Monday and Tuesday — including 50 children and 94 women.  Over 1,800 people were injured.

    Lebanese authorities report a total of 1,247 deaths since October.

    Two colleagues from UNHCR were among those killed in yesterday’s bombing.

    Today, further strikes killed at least another 50 people and injured more than 200.

    Meanwhile, roads are clogged as families desperately seek safety.

    Many are stranded at the Beirut airport.

    The Ministry of Interior of Lebanon has reported that over 90,000 people have fled southern and eastern Lebanon towards Beirut and the northwest, with 30,000 people in shelters.

    At least $170 million are needed to respond to growing numbers of displaced and mounting humanitarian needs.

    Madam President,

    The people of Israel have endured also repeated attacks from Hizbullah and others.

    According to Israeli officials, since last October, more than 8,300 rockets, around 1500 anti-tank missiles and hundreds of explosive unmanned aerial vehicles have targeted Israel — with 49 Israeli deaths and hundreds injured. 

    Hizbullah continues to launch drone and increasingly high calibre missile and rocket attacks on military targets and residential areas in Israel.

    Earlier today, they launched a ballistic missile targeting Mossad headquarters near Tel Aviv.  

    The ongoing rocket attacks have injured several people in Israel, with homes and other structures damaged.

    Monsieur le Président,

    Les efforts diplomatiques se sont intensifiés afin de parvenir à un cessez-le-feu temporaire – permettant l’acheminement de l’aide humanitaire et ouvrant la voie au rétablissement d’une paix plus durable. 

    Nous soutenons pleinement ces efforts. 

    En début de semaine, la coordinatrice spéciale de l’ONU pour le Liban, Mme Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, s’est rendue en Israël pour des consultations, insistant sur le fait qu’une escalade militaire n’était pas dans l’intérêt de personne.  

    Le Chef de mission et Commandant de la Force intérimaire des Nations unies au Liban – la FINUL – le Général Aroldo Lazaro, est resté en contact étroit avec les parties, soutenant l’accès humanitaire partout où cela est possible et continuant d’appeler à une désescalade immédiate.

    Malgré les conditions dangereuses, nos soldats de la paix restent en poste.

    Afin de réduire les risques pour le personnel de la mission, la plupart du personnel civil a été temporairement transféré au nord du fleuve Litani.

    Quelques membres essentiels du personnel restent dans la zone d’opérations de la mission, en compagnie de nos Casques bleus.

    Je tiens à réaffirmer notre profonde reconnaissance envers nos agents de la paix – civils et militaires – qui servent le long de la Ligne bleue, ainsi qu’à l’ensemble de tous les pays contributeurs de troupes.

    Madam President,

    I implore the Council to work in lock-step to help put out this fire. 

    The parties must immediately return to a cessation of hostilities and take real action towards full implementation of resolutions 1559 and 1701.

    Civilians must be protected. 

    Civilian infrastructure must not be targeted. 

    The safety and security of all UN personnel and assets must be ensured. 

    International law must be respected. 

    To all sides, let us say in one clear voice:

    Stop the killing and destruction.

    Tone down the rhetoric and threats.

    Step back from the brink.

    An all-out war must be avoided at all costs.  It would surely be an all-out catastrophe.  

    The people of Lebanon – as well as the people of Israel – and the people of the world — cannot afford Lebanon to become another Gaza.

    And I thank you. 

    ***
    [all-English]

    Madam President, Excellencies,

    Hell is breaking loose in Lebanon.

    As I told the General Assembly yesterday, we should all be alarmed by the escalation. 

    Lebanon is at the brink. 

    Of course, the Blue Line has seen tensions for years. 
    But since October, exchanges of fire have expanded in scope, depth, and intensity.

    Hizbullah and other non-state armed groups in Lebanon and the Israel Defense Forces have exchanged fire on an almost daily basis – with Hizbullah indicating that they would require a ceasefire in Gaza to cease hostilities.

    The exchanges of fire have been in repeated violation of Security Council resolution 1701. 

    The daily use of weapons by non-State armed groups is in violation of Security Council resolutions 1559 and 1701.

    Lebanese sovereignty must be respected and the Lebanese state must have full control of weapons throughout Lebanese territory.  We support all efforts to strengthen the Lebanese Armed Forces.

    Madam President,

    Since October, nearly 200,000 people within Lebanon and over 60,000 from northern Israel have fled their homes.

    Many lives have been lost.

    All this must stop.

    The communities of northern Israel and southern Lebanon must be able to return to their homes, and live in safety and security, without fear.

    Madam President,

    Since the emergency Council session on Lebanon on 20 September – in the wake of the remote detonation of pagers and hand-held radios used by Hizbullah across Lebanon – hostilities have escalated dramatically.

    The past weekend saw heavy exchanges of fire endangering civilians on both sides of the Blue Line — with Israel Defense Forces striking approximately 400 Hizbullah targets in Lebanon, while Hizbullah launched hundreds of missiles, rockets and drones into northern Israel.

    Monday was the bloodiest day in Lebanon in a generation. 

    The Israel Defense Forces said that it struck some 1,600 Hizbullah targets.

    Many civilians were killed, and many, many more were injured.

    Since then, Israel continued its deadly strikes across Lebanon, including in the southern suburbs of Beirut.

    Hizbullah targets. Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health reported that 569 people were killed on Monday and Tuesday — including 50 children and 94 women.  Over 1,800 people were injured.

    Lebanese authorities report a total of 1,247 deaths since October. 

    Two colleagues from UNHCR were among those killed in yesterday’s bombing.

    Today, further strikes killed at least another 50 people and injured more than 200.

    Meanwhile, roads are clogged as families desperately seek safety.

    Many are stranded at the Beirut airport.

    The Ministry of Interior of Lebanon has reported that over 90,000 people have fled southern and eastern Lebanon towards Beirut and the northwest, with 30,000 people in shelters.

    At least $170 million are needed to respond to growing numbers of displaced and mounting humanitarian needs.

    Madam President,

    The people of Israel have endured also repeated attacks from Hizbullah and others.

    According to Israeli officials, since last October, more than 8,300 rockets, around 1500 anti-tank missiles and hundreds of explosive unmanned aerial vehicles have targeted Israel — with 49 Israeli deaths and hundreds injured. 

    Hizbullah continues to launch drone and increasingly high calibre missile and rocket attacks on military targets and residential areas in Israel.

    Earlier today, they launched a ballistic missile targeting Mossad headquarters near Tel Aviv.  

    The ongoing rocket attacks have injured several people in Israel, with homes and other structures damaged.

    Madam President,

    Diplomatic efforts have intensified to achieve a temporary ceasefire – allowing for delivery of humanitarian relief and paving the way for the resumption of more durable peace. 

    We fully support these efforts. 

    Earlier this week, the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon –
    Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert – travelled to Israel for consultations, underscoring that military escalation is in no one’s interest.   

    The Head of Mission and Force Commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, UNIFIL – General Aroldo Lazaro – has continued his close engagement with the parties, supporting humanitarian access wherever possible and continuing to urge immediate de-escalation.

    Despite the dangerous conditions, our peacekeepers remain in position.

    To mitigate the risk to mission personnel, most civilian personnel have temporarily relocated north of the Litani River.

    A few critical staff members remain in the mission’s area of operations, together with the Blue Helmets.

    I want to reiterate our sincere gratitude to our peacekeepers – civilian and military – who serve along the Blue Line, as well as to all the troop-contributing-countries.

    Madam President,

    I implore the Council to work in lock-step to help put out this fire. 

    The parties must immediately return to a cessation of hostilities and take real action towards full implementation of resolutions 1559 and 1701.

    Civilians must be protected. 

    Civilian infrastructure must not be targeted. 

    The safety and security of all UN personnel and assets must be ensured. 

    International law must be respected. 

    To all sides, let us say in one clear voice:

    Stop the killing and destruction.

    Tone down the rhetoric and threats.

    Step back from the brink.

    An all-out war must be avoided at all costs.  It would surely be an all-out catastrophe.  

    The people of Lebanon – as well as the people of Israel – and the people of the world – cannot afford Lebanon to become another Gaza.

    And I thank you. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: McClellan Joins Whip Clark to Invest in Child Care, Call Out GOP on Inaction

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (Virginia 4th District)

    Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) joined Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-05) and four other House Democrats to reintroduce the Child Care Infrastructure Act and the Child Care Workforce Development Act, two bills that address America’s child care crisis with robust investment in early learning facilities and educators. Alongside Congresswoman McClellan, these bills are also co-led by Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), and Jill Tokuda (HI-02).

    “As one of the 6 percent of members of Congress who is a mother to young children, I know firsthand the challenges working families face when seeking quality, affordable child care,” said Congresswoman McClellan. “House Democrats are fighting every day to address the child care crisis and give hardworking American families some relief from exorbitant costs. I’m grateful for Democratic Whip Katherine Clark’s leadership on this pressing issue, as we introduce the Child Care Infrastructure Act and the Child Care Workforce Development Act. These bills will bolster federal investment in our nation’s child care industry and incentivize care workers and early childhood educators to continue their invaluable work.” 

    “Democrats are focused on one of the most urgent challenges facing everyday families: the outrageous cost of child care,” said Whip Clark. “This pair of bills will build out child care facilities across the country while recruiting talented Americans to pursue careers in early education. This investment would mark a critical step forward in House Democrats’ fight to lower costs for parents, create opportunities for our children, and build an economy that works for working families. While Republicans ignore the child care crisis, we are ready with solutions.”

    “Child care is infrastructure and an important investment for children, families, and the economy,” said Congresswoman Bonamici. “The ongoing hurdles child care providers and families face are limiting economic growth, threatening employers and small businesses, and holding back working families. I’m grateful to partner with Whip Clark to introduce legislation that will provide funding to improve and build facilities to help meet the demand for affordable, accessible child care.”

    “As a father and the founder of the Dads Caucus, I know firsthand how difficult it can be to find affordable child care, and I know that the working parents of this nation face the same concern. Many families today are living in child care deserts, where there aren’t enough quality, affordable daycares nearby—my colleagues and I are fighting to change that,” said Congressman Gomez. “I’m proud to join Whip Clark on these two bills that will make becoming an early childhood educator more attainable for students, expand our child care provider workforce and fund building new daycares as key infrastructure investments. Working families should rest assured that their children are being looked after in quality facilities with qualified educators who are supported.”

    “As a working mom of a four-year-old son with another child on the way, I know firsthand how difficult it is to find affordable child care and the struggles families in my district are facing, especially in more rural communities,” said Congresswoman Pettersen. “That’s why I’m proud to help reintroduce these two pieces of legislation to bolster our child care workforce, help lower costs for parents, and ensure every family can access the care they need for their children to thrive. I’m incredibly grateful for the leadership of Whip Clark and my colleagues who joined today.” 

    “The rising cost of child care has made it difficult for millions of parents to balance earning a living with caring for their families. Nonetheless, my Republican colleagues refused to join us in supporting working parents and allowed vital federal child care stabilization funding to expire last year. Our working families deserve better. Without additional action by Congress, the unaffordability and unavailability of child care in the U.S. will only worsen,” said Congresswoman Tokuda. “As a mother of two boys that has to make tough choices, I’m proud to join our Democratic Whip, Congresswoman Katherine Clark, in introducing the Child Care Infrastructure Act and the Child Care Workforce Development Act. Together, these bills will provide for greater investment in the programs and the people we entrust to take care of our kids so they can continue serving children and families across the country.”

    The Child Care Infrastructure Act would:

    • Direct the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to conduct a national needs assessment of early child care and learning facilities to understand the impact of the child care crisis and evaluate the ongoing infrastructure needs of child care facilities across the U.S. 
    • Establish a grant program to award grants to states for the purpose of constructing new or renovating existing child care facilities.
    • Set aside a minimum of 10% and a maximum of 15% of the authorized funds to award grants of up to $10 million to intermediary organizations, including development financial institutions or other organizations that have demonstrated experience in developing or financing early care and learning facilities.
    • Authorize $10 billion over five years to invest in our nation’s child care infrastructure.

    The Child Care Workforce Development Act would: 

    • Authorize HHS to administer a student loan repayment program of up to $6,000 annually for five years for early childhood educators working for providers eligible to receive Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) funding. 
    • Establish a program to provide up to $4,000 annually to eligible individuals pursuing an associate’s degree or a certificate in early childhood education. 

    Congresswoman McClellan has championed child care during her time in Congress. Last year, McClellan and Rep. Nancy Mace (SC-01)introduced H.R. 5581, the bipartisan Child Care Assistance for Maternal Health Act, to increase short-term child care access for mothers and their families during the pregnancy, birth, and postpartum period. McClellan and Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA)convened a roundtable discussion with parents and child care providers to discuss the child care crisis in America following a tour of Kidz with Goals Unlimited, a child care and early education center in Hopewell. Earlier this year, McClellan and Whip Clark toured Sprout School at Second Presbyterian in Richmond and convened a roundtable discussion at YWCA Richmond with child care providers, advocates, and community leaders to discuss federal funding for child care resources. Congresswoman McClellan is a member of the Black Maternal Health Caucus, the Mamas Caucus, and the Bipartisan Congressional Pre-K and Child Care Caucus.

    Photos of the press conference can be found HERE. The full press conference can be viewed HERE. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ciscomani Issues Statement on House Passage of H.R. 9747, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Juan Ciscomani (Arizona)

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement after voting for H.R. 9747, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 to keep the government funded and working for the American people:

    “As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I am committed to pursuing common sense solutions on the issues affecting our nation and delivering tangible results for my district,” said Ciscomani. “A government shutdown is bad policy that hurts my constituents, disrupts the functioning of critical federal agencies, like the Department of Veterans Affairs, and would harm our federal employees, including members of the Armed Forces, CBP Agents, postal workers, air traffic control, and others who would be furloughed or have their pay delayed. The American people should not be made to suffer for Washington’s dysfunction. While this legislation isn’t perfect, it accomplishes the goal of keeping the government open and working.  However, this is only a temporary solution and we still have major work to do on the budget before the end of the year.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed Helps Congress Pass Two Bills to Combat Alzheimer’s & Improve Dementia Care

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed
    WASHINGTON, DC – The number of Americans living with Alzheimer’s is growing fast.  One in three older Americans dies with dementia, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.  And Congress needs to wisely prioritize research dollars to effectively combat Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. 
    The fight to find a cure and new treatments for Alzheimer’s got a significant boost this week as the U.S. House of Representatives approved a pair of bipartisan bills backed by U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) that previously cleared the U.S. Senate.
    Now that they have cleared both chambers, the National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA) Reauthorization Act and the Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act (AAIA), are headed to President Joe Biden’s desk to be signed into law.
    The NAPA Reauthorization Act reauthorizes NAPA through 2035 as a much needed roadmap for coordinated federal efforts in responding to Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  Since NAPA was first passed in 2011, Alzheimer’s research funding has increased seven-fold.  Today, funding for research into Alzheimer’s and other dementias totals over $3.8 billion.
    The Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act would require the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to submit an annual budget to Congress estimating the funding necessary to fully implement NAPA’s research goals.  This will help ensure Congress can make a well-informed decision  to determine necessary Alzheimer’s research funding levels.
    “This is a positive step toward renewing the nation’s commitment to healthy aging, boosting funding for Alzheimer’s research, and improving dementia care in Rhode Island and nationwide,” said Senator Reed, a cosponsor of both bills. “Alzheimer’s is a devastating disease that impacts millions of families.  While real progress has been made over the last decade since we enacted NAPA, we’ve got to keep up the positive momentum.  These bipartisan bills will help ensure federal research investments into Alzheimer’s and dementia are wisely allocated and can fund breakthroughs, a cure, and effective help for caregivers and families struggling with this disease.” 
    According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 6.9 million older Americans – including 22,000 Rhode Islanders — are living with Alzheimer’s disease in 2024, a nationwide increase of about 200,000 cases over last year, and the population is projected to nearly double by 2060 to 14 million people.
    Alzheimer’s costs the United States an astonishing $360 billion per year, including $231 billion in costs to Medicare and Medicaid, according to the Alzheimer’s Association, up $15 billion over the previous year
    As a member of the Appropriations subcommittee that oversees funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Senator Reed helped provide a $275 million increase for Alzheimer’s disease research in the fiscal year 2025 Senate Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and related Agencies Appropriations bill.  In 2019, NIH awarded Brown University researchers, along with Boston-based Hebrew SeniorLife (HSL), over $53 million in federal research funds  to lead a nationwide effort to improve health care and quality of life for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, as well as their caregivers.
    In 2011, U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) led passage of the National Alzheimer’s Project Act (P.L. 111-375), which Senator Reed supported.  NAPA convened a panel of experts, who created a coordinated strategic national plan to prevent and effectively treat Alzheimer’s disease by 2025.  The law was set to expire soon and needed to be reauthorized to ensure that research investments remain coordinated, and their impact is maximized.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hawley Brings Bipartisan Momentum to Bill Boosting Warehouse Worker Safety

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo)

    Wednesday, September 25, 2024

    U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) joined U.S. Senator Ed Markey (D-Mass.) in reintroducing the Warehouse Worker Protection Act.
    The bill would protect warehouse workers by prohibiting dangerous work speed quotas that lead to high rates of worker injuries. The newly reintroduced legislation includes new enforcement authority for the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), as well as an exemption for small businesses.
    “Corporations too often prioritize profit over their workers’ safety and well-being, treating them like cogs in a machine. It has to stop. This legislation combats the warehouse industry’s worst practices while ensuring corporations do right by their employees in treating them with the dignity they deserve,” said Senator Hawley.
    “The Warehouse Worker Protection Act is about protecting the health and dignity of workers from the scourge of corporate greed at Amazon and other large companies,” said Senator Markey. “This movement is strong and growing, and we will not rest until warehouse workers know when they clock in that they will return home unharmed.”
    The Warehouse Worker Protection Act was also sponsored by Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Bob Casey (D-Pa). With Senator Hawley’s support, the legislation now has bipartisan momentum.
    Senator Hawley has consistently advocated for American workers, including standing with and voting to support rail workers as they sought a fair deal with sick leave, fighting to keep jobs here in the U.S., and protecting United States Postal Service workers. More information about his past work in support of the American worker can be found on his website.
    A copy of the reintroduced legislation can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hawley Goes Public with Details from Conversation with Secret Service Director Rowe: ‘Stonewalling Must Stop’

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo)

    Wednesday, September 25, 2024

    Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) released the following statements following a phone call he had with Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe earlier today:

    “I just had an extraordinary conversation with Director Rowe at the Secret Service, who called me personally to dispute a whistleblower allegation—but refuses to respond in writing. Just as he has declined to respond substantively to ANY of the whistleblowers’ allegations.

    “Rowe complained about whistleblowers & complained about requests for information based on whistleblower reports. I informed him it is his JOB to provide the facts to the public & Congress. Stonewalling must stop. And I reminded him whistleblowers are *protected under federal law.*

    “I emphasized to Rowe that it is indefensible that his agency has not cooperated fully with congressional investigators – to the point that today the Homeland Security Committee again adopted my legislation to COMPEL Secret Service & DHS to cooperate.

    “The Interim Report today from the Homeland Security Committee details multiple leadership failures at USSS – including evidence that Rowe gave misleading testimony to Congress in July. There must be accountability.”

    Today’s conversation with Acting Director Rowe comes after Senator Hawley revealed his latest whistleblower allegation just yesterday, detailing the Secret Service’s refusal to provide former President Donald Trump with the resources and manpower needed for a rally in Wisconsin—effectively forcing his campaign to cancel the event. 
    Today the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC) also unanimously passed Senator Hawley’s legislation requiring the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to submit to HSGAC any and all information in the possession of DHS and the Secret Service pertaining to both the July 13 and September 15 assassination attempts against former President Donald Trump.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Polis Kicks Off New Solar Farm at Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield Farms and Auraria Campus Composting Facility

    Source: US State of Colorado

    LITTLETON – Today, Governor Polis helped kick off two new facilities that will support Colorado’s climate goals and protect the state for future generations. First, Governor Polis attended the grand opening of the new agrivoltaics Solar Farm at Denver Botanic Gardens’s Chatfield Farms. This solar farm, funded through Denver’s Climate Action, Sustainability & Resiliency, will create clean energy to power the entire site while generating low-cost energy for 150 Denver Public School families. The Governor joined Denver Mayor Mike Johnston at the Chatfield ribbon cutting. 

    “Colorado is a national leader in clean energy and conservation solutions. Harnessing the power of agrivoltaics, Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms will continue to provide a habitat for hundreds of plant species and butterflies, while creating clean, low-cost energy for hardworking families and businesses. The Botanic Gardens is an example of how innovative solutions are lowering costs, creating a more sustainable future, and enhancing our Colorado way of life,” said Governor Polis. 

    Earlier this month the Department of Agriculture announced $500,000 in new awards for agrivoltaics efforts around the state. Governor Polis then attended and provided remarks at the Auraria Sustainable Campus Compost Program Launch. This first-in-Colorado student-led composting effort will reduce campus waste to create compost for trees, plants, and grass across campus. This initiative received a $129,150 Recycling Resources Economic Opportunity (RREO) Grant from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). 

    “Thanks to these students and their passion for sustainability, Auraria Campus will reduce waste and ensure healthy green spaces for the community to enjoy. By utilizing a state grant this effort will boost sustainability on campus while helping the state identify how to reduce landfill waste,” said Governor Polis. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation

    President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation

    WASHINGTON — FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance is available to the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by wildfires from June 22 – July 8, 2024.  

    The President’s action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation. Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.  

    Federal funding is also available to the Tribal Nation on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by wildfires Yakama Nation.  

    Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.  

    Tonia Pence has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made at a later date if warranted by the results of damage assessments.  

    Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 1-800-621- 3362 or by using the FEMA App. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.

    amy.ashbridge

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman McCaul on House Passage of the STOP CCP Act

    Source: US House Committee on Foreign Affairs

    Media Contact 202-226-8467

    Washington, D.C. — House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman McCaul (R-TX) issued the following statement after the House passed Rep. Lisa McClain’s (R-MI) H.R. 3334, the Sanction Tyrannical and Oppressive People within the Chinese Communist Party (STOP CCP) Act of 2024, which sanctions top Chinese Communist Party (CCP) officials responsible for threatening Hong Kong and Taiwan, violating human rights in China, and infringing upon the sovereignty of Tibet.

    “Weakness invites aggression. The Biden-Harris administration’s failure to confront the malign actions of the CCP has emboldened Chairman Xi and the perpetrators of territorial aggression across the Indo-Pacific to commit egregious human rights violations in Xinjiang and Tibet. Earlier this year, I met with the Dalai Lama in Dharamshala, India and learned firsthand about the abuses the CCP has committed against the Tibetan people, as well as CCP efforts to undermine Tibetan culture, language, and religious beliefs. When the U.S. projects strength through action like this, the world listens.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Stands Ready to Assist Washington Businesses and Residents Affected by Wildfires

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Low-interest federal disaster loans are now available to Washington businesses and residents as a result of President Biden’s major disaster declaration, U.S. Small Business Administration’s Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzmanannounced.

    The declaration covers the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation as a result of wildfires that occurred June 22 – July 8.

    “SBA’s mission-driven team stands ready to help Washington’s small businesses and residents impacted by wildfires,” said Administrator Guzman. “We’re committed to providing federal disaster loans swiftly and efficiently, with a customer-centric approach to help businesses and communities recover and rebuild.”

    Businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets. SBA can also lend additional funds to help with the cost of improvements to protect, prevent or minimize disaster damage from occurring in the future.

    For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size, SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic injury assistance is available to businesses regardless of any property damage.

    Disaster loans up to $500,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $100,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property, including personal vehicles.

    Interest rates can be as low as 4 percent for businesses, 3.25 percent for private nonprofit organizations and 2.688 percent for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    Interest does not begin to accrue until 12 months from the date of the first disaster loan disbursement. SBA disaster loan repayment begins 12 months from the date of the first disbursement.

    As soon as Federal-State Disaster Recovery Centers open throughout the affected area, SBA will provide one-on-one assistance to disaster loan applicants. Additional information and details on the location of disaster recovery centers is available by calling the SBA Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955.

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    About the U.S. Small Business Administration
    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit http://www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Deputy Secretary-General’s message to the High-Level Meeting on International Cooperation on Capacity-building on Artificial Intelligence [as prepared for delivery]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    His Excellency Mr. Wang Yi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China,

    His Excellency Mr. Felix Mutati, Minister of Technology and Science of the Republic of Zambia,

    Excellencies,

    Ladies and gentlemen,

    I thank the Governments of China and Zambia for organising this High-level Meeting on International Cooperation on Capacity-Building of Artificial Intelligence.

    We stand at a truly pivotal moment. Artificial Intelligence is developing at an unprecedented rate, transforming our world in ways we are only beginning to comprehend.

    It has the potential to help rescue the SDGs and usher in a more durable and equitable future. Recent studies show us that AI can help accelerate nearly 80 per cent of the SDGs.

    Yet, we face a stark reality: AI opportunities are not evenly shared.

    Today, AI capacities are concentrated in a handful of powerful companies – and even fewer countries. The leaders of these companies are exclusively men, and the algorithms they are building risk reinforcing gender and geographic biases.

    Meanwhile, too many countries face significant challenges in accessing AI tools, and too many women and girls lack access to education that could be a platform for careers in this emerging field.

    Excellencies, 

    To truly harness AI’s potential, we need international cooperation – and solidarity. We must urgently bridge the AI capacity gap for developing countries and for women and girls. The risks posed by AI are equally uneven.

    Without adequate guardrails, AI could further exacerbate inequalities and digital divides – once again disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable.

    Excellencies,

    Technology should benefit everyone. 

    AI should be a tool for closing the developmental divide, the digital divide, and the gender divide.

    As we build AI capacity, we must also develop shared knowledge and digital public goods.

    This can be achieved through networks where expertise and AI training data are pooled and made available to everyone who needs them. 

    Interconnected AI centres across different countries and continents can accelerate the advancement of AI, promote data diversity and inclusivity, and foster cooperation rather than competition.

    Last week, the Secretary-General’s High-level Advisory Body on AI issued its final report, with a series of recommendations including:

    •    Creating an AI Capacity Development Network to connect AI centres and provide expertise and training data especially for developing countries; 

    •    Establishing a Global Fund on AI for the Sustainable Development Goals.

    •    And developing a Global Data Framework, so that local AI ecosystems can flourish.

    Many of the recommendations from this Body have been integrated into the recently agreed Global Digital Compact – a landmark agreement that will advance global digital cooperation.

    The Compact includes the first truly universal agreement on the international governance of Artificial Intelligence.

    It also supports networks and partnerships to build capacity on AI in developing countries:

    Commits governments to establish an independent international Scientific Panel on AI; 

    And it represents the first collective effort to reach agreed interoperability standards.

    Excellencies,

    The United Nations is uniquely placed to promote digital cooperation and support the global exchange of best practices for AI capacity building.

    I urge you all to promote a collaborative AI, and to engage in flourishing partnerships – in line with the Global Digital Compact.

    Together, let us develop innovative and inclusive tools for AI governance and cooperation – and build a more sustainable and equitable future for all, where no one is left behind.

    Thank you.
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ricketts Introduces Five Bills to Combat Chinese Communist Party Influence

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)
    September 25, 2024
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE), a member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, introduced five pieces of legislation aimed at combatting the influence of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in America’s agriculture and financial sectors.
    “The CCP is the single greatest threat to America’s national security and financial independence,” said Senator Ricketts. “A CCP-led world would mean coercion instead of choice, tyranny instead of liberty, and dictatorship instead of democracy. The only way to combat this threat is with a strong, strategic, all-of-government approach. These bills move us closer to that.”
    The Securing American Agriculture Act bolsters and protects our domestic food and agriculture supply chains and reduces America’s reliance on foreign adversaries.
    The Protecting Endowments from our Adversaries Act disincentivizes endowments from investing in adversarial entities flagged by the U.S. Government as threatening to our national security.
    The No Capital Gains Allowance for American Adversaries Act eliminates tax breaks for investments made in companies based in China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and Belarus.
    The PRC Military and Human Rights Capital Markets Sanctions Act prevents Wall Street firms from using Americans’ investment dollars to effectively underwrite the CCP’s human rights abuses and aggression.
    The No China in Index Funds Act prevents index mutual funds from holding Chinese stocks.
    The bills were first covered by Fox News here.
    BACKGROUND:
    Securing American Agriculture Act – The PRC’s strategic control over crucial sectors of our food and agricultural supply chain poses a serious national security threat. In recent years, the PRC gained significant market share in the production of essential agricultural inputs like vitamins, veterinary pharmaceuticals, and crop protection tools. China now controls over 90% of vitamin C and vitamin B6 production and up to 85% of amino acids used in animal feed.
    Losing access to these key inputs could drastically reduce agricultural productivity, increase food prices, and undermine domestic food security. A University of Wisconsin-Whitewater study found that, if left unchecked, the PRC’s domination of the amino acids market would destroy 30,000 U.S. jobs and reduce economic activity by $15 billion per year. The Securing American Agriculture Act bolsters and protects our food production supply chain.
    Specifically, the bipartisan bill:
    Requires the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in conjunction with the U.S. Trade Representative and the Department of Commerce, to conduct an annual threat assessment of critical food and agricultural supply chains.
    Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to provide recommendations to mitigate potential threats from the PRC and for legislative and regulatory actions to reduce barriers to domestic critical input production.
    U.S. Representatives Ashley Hinson (R-IA-02) and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI-07) haveintroduced companion legislation in the House. The Senate bill is co-sponsored by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Mike Braun (R-IN), John Barrasso (R-WY), John Cornyn (R-TX), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Jim Risch (R-ID), Rick Scott (R-FL), and Eric Schmitt (R-MI).
    A one-pager on the bill can be found here. Bill text is available here.
    Protecting Endowments from Our Adversaries Act (PEOAA) – U.S. University endowment dollars have helped fund technology behind the CCP’s surveillance of Uyghur Muslims in China. Many endowment fund portfolios own Chinese stocks listed on American exchanges, either directly or indirectly. Tax-advantaged endowment dollars are supposed to be used to lower tuition costs and improve education, not to fund our adversaries.
    Specifically, the bill:
    Imposes a 50% excise tax on initial investments in adversarial entities on the Entity List, Military End User List, Unverified List, or FCC Covered List.
    Imposes a 100% excise tax on the realized gains derived from listed investments one year after an entity is listed.
    Applies to private college and university endowments over $1 billion.
    U.S. Representative Greg Murphy (R-NC-3) has introduced companion legislation in the House. The Senate bill is co-sponsored by Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) And Deb Fischer (R-NE).
    One-pager can be found here. Bill text is available here.
    No Capital Gains Allowance for American Adversaries Act – According to a comparative analysis of capital gains tax rates by the Law Library of Congress, many countries have investment incentives not applicable to some foreign investments. For example, China provides investment incentives through its tax code, but foreign investments are eligible only with the pre-approval of the Chinese government. The No Capital Gains Allowance for American Adversaries Act stops subsidizing our adversaries’ investments in the United States. 
    Specifically, the bipartisan bill:
    Eliminates the capital gains tax break for investments in companies based in China, Russia, Belarus, Iran, and North Korea.
    Eliminates a related tax break, the “step-up in basis” at death, for investments in such companies.
    Requires disclosure to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that no tax breaks are available for these stocks.
    U.S. Representatives Brad Sherman (D-CA-32) and Victoria Spartz (R-IN-05) haveintroduced companion legislation in the House.
    One-pager can be found here. Bill text is available here.
    People’s Republic of China (PRC) Military and Human Rights Capital Markets Sanctions Act – A recent report identified 144 Chinese companies, or their affiliates, whose practices were so adverse to U.S. interests that it is illegal for Americans to buy their products. Most of these companies have been found to violate human rights. Others play an integral role in the CCP’s military-industrial complex. While buying the products of these companies is illegal, it is still legal to buy their stock. The PRC Military and Human Rights Capital Markets Sanctions Act fixes this problem.
    Specifically, the bipartisan bill:
    Prohibits Americans from purchasing, selling, or holding publicly-traded securities of companies that appear on sanctions lists or have an affiliate on the sanctions list.
    Prohibits Americans from purchasing, selling, or holding publicly-traded securities that are derivatives of securities issued by a sanctioned company.
    Prohibits Americans from purchasing, selling, or holding securities that provides investment exposure to a publicly-traded security issued by a sanctioned company or affiliate.
    Requires divestment from the prohibited securities within 180 days.
    U.S. Representatives Brad Sherman (D-CA-32) and Victoria Spartz (R-IN-05) haveintroduced companion legislation in the House.
    One-pager can be found here. Bill text is available here.
    No China in Index Funds Act – Index mutual funds minimize their expenses by simply investing in all the companies in a certain market sector, without looking closely at the individual companies. There are unique difficulties in evaluating the risks of investing in Chinese companies. Americans should not invest in these companies without carefully evaluating the risk. The No China in Index Funds Act will keep these hard-to-evaluate Chinese stocks out of index mutual funds.
    Specifically, the bipartisan bill:
    Prohibits index funds from investing in Chinese companies.
    Requires index funds to divest from such investments within 180 days.
    U.S. Representatives Brad Sherman (D-CA-32) and Victoria Spartz (R-IN-05) haveintroduced companion legislation in the House.
    One-pager can be found here. Bill text is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: PREPARED REMARKS: Sanders Calls on U.S. Senate to Approve Contempt Resolution for Steward CEO

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Vermont – Bernie Sanders
    M. President: Over 4 months ago, Steward Health Care and the more than 30 hospitals it owns in 8 states declared bankruptcy with some $9 billion in debt.
    This bankruptcy has caused devastating harm to patients, health care workers and entire communities from Massachusetts to Arizona.
    In July, the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee (the HELP Committee) that I chair voted to authorize a bi-partisan investigation into the financial mismanagement of Steward Health Care.
    On that same day, the HELP Committee also voted to subpoena Ralph de la Torre, the CEO of Steward Health Care, to testify at a hearing on this very important issue on September 12th.
    Sadly, Dr. de la Torre made the unfortunate and unacceptable decision not to show up at this hearing in defiance of a Congressional subpoena.
    So, last week, the HELP Committee voted 20-0 on two resolutions to hold Dr. de la Torre accountable for his failure to appear at this hearing.
    The first resolution instructs Senate Legal Counsel to bring a civil suit in the District Court for the District of Columbia to require Dr. de la Torre’s compliance with the subpoena and his testimony before the HELP Committee.
    The second resolution would refer this matter to the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia to criminally prosecute Dr. de la Torre for failing to comply with the subpoena.
    In a few moments, I will be asking unanimous consent to pass the second resolution which seeks to hold Dr. de la Torre in criminal contempt for failing to comply with the Congressional subpoena.
    But before I do that let me take a moment to briefly explain why the HELP Committee believed it was so important for Dr. de la Torre to testify before Congress.
    First, we wanted Dr. de la Torre to explain to us how it could happen that at least 15 patients at hospitals owned by his company died as a result of a lack of medical equipment or staffing shortages and why at least 2,000 other patients were put in “immediate peril” according to federal regulators.
    That is something that the American people deserve to know. 
    But, perhaps most importantly, we wanted to know how it could happen that while thousands of patients and health care workers suffered and communities around the country have been devastated as a result of Steward Health Care’s financial mismanagement, Dr. de la Torre and the companies he owned were able to receive at least $250 million in total compensation over the past 4 years.
    For months, Senator Cassidy, the Ranking Member of the HELP Committee; Senator Markey, the Chair of our healthcare subcommittee; and I have asked Dr. de la Torre to testify before our committee to answer these questions.
    And time after time he has arrogantly refused.
    That is absolutely unacceptable.
    So, today, I will ask the Senate to unanimously adopt this resolution seeking to hold Dr. de la Torre in contempt of Congress.
    Let me take this opportunity to thank Ranking Member Cassidy and his staff for working with me and my staff on this important issue.
    The passage of this resolution by the full Senate will make clear that:
    Even though Dr. de la Torre may be worth hundreds of millions of dollars; 
    Even though he may be able to buy fancy yachts, private jets, and luxurious accommodations throughout the world; 
    Even though he may be able to afford some of the most expensive lawyers in America, no.  Dr. de la Torre is not above the law.
    If you defy a Congressional subpoena, you will be held accountable no matter who you are or how well-connected you may be.
    The goal of the HELP Committee throughout this entire process has been to make sure not only that we have a complete understanding of the financial chicanery surrounding Steward Health Care, but to do everything we can to make sure that such a travesty never happens again.
    M. President: I ask unanimous consent that two letters be printed in the congressional record—one from Dr. de la Torre’s attorneys to the Committee, and a response letter from Ranking Member Cassidy and me.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEWS: Sanders and Colleagues Move to Block Arms Sales to Israel

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Vermont – Bernie Sanders
    Today, with colleagues, I introduced Joint Resolutions of Disapproval seeking to block certain arms sales to Israel. The Senate will vote on these resolutions when it reconvenes in November. Let me explain why these arms sales must not proceed.
    Israel clearly had the right to respond to Hamas’ horrific terrorist attack on October 7th, which killed 1,200 innocent Israelis and took hundreds of hostages. But Prime Minister Netanyahu’s extremist government has not simply waged war against Hamas. It has waged all-out war against the Palestinian people, killing more than 41,000 Palestinians and injuring more than 95,000 – 60 percent of whom are women, children, or elderly people. Netanyahu has bombed hospitals and schools, starved children, destroyed infrastructure and housing stock, and made life unlivable in Gaza. The United States must end its complicity in this atrocity.
    Sending more weapons is not only immoral, it is also illegal. The Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and the Arms Export Control Act lay out clear requirements for the use of American weaponry – Israel has egregiously violated those rules. American weapons have been used indiscriminately, and several of the systems included in these sales are responsible for a large number of civilian casualties. There is a mountain of documentary evidence demonstrating that these weapons are being used in violation of U.S. and international law. It is also clear that Israel has blocked U.S. humanitarian aid, making it ineligible for U.S. security assistance under Section 620I of the Foreign Assistance Act.
    There are also clear policy reasons not to proceed with these arms sales. For months, the Biden Administration has been trying to reach a ceasefire deal that would secure the release of the hostages and allow more aid to flow into Gaza. Every time an agreement appears close, Netanyahu introduces new demands and sinks the deal. It is clear that Netanyahu is prolonging the war to cling to power and avoid prosecution for corruption. Meanwhile, his government has also overseen record illegal settlement expansion in the West Bank and unleashed a wave of violence there that has killed nearly 700 Palestinians, including 150 children, and several Americans over the last 11 months.
    And now the world must contend with the dramatic escalation in Lebanon.
    President Biden has emphatically called for de-escalation and said that a “full-scale war is not in anyone’s interest.” He has underlined that a ceasefire for hostage deal in Gaza is the key to a diplomatic solution to the wider conflict. That is the policy of the United States: to pursue a ceasefire for hostage deal that will prevent further escalation, stop the killing and the rocket attacks, allow displaced people to return to their homes sooner, and finally bring the hostages home.
    Netanyahu has resisted these calls. Instead, at every stage of this conflict, when presented with the choice between military escalation and diplomacy, Netanyahu has chosen to escalate to preserve his coalition at home.
    For all of these reasons – moral, legal, and strategic – sending more weapons to Netanyahu’s extremist government is unacceptable. That is why many of our closest allies have already stopped offensive arms transfers. Congress must now act to uphold U.S. and international law and use our leverage to advance U.S. policy goals.
    The Joint Resolutions of Disapproval are as follows:
    Sanders, Welch, Merkley to block the sale of additional Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs);
    Sanders, Welch, Merkley to block the sale of 120mm tank cartridges;
    Sanders, Welch, Merkley to block the sale of 120mm High Explosive mortar cartridges;
    Sanders, Welch, Merkley to block the sale of enhanced JDAM receivers;
    Sanders and Welch to block the sale of Modified M1148A1P2 Medium Tactical Vehicles;
    Sanders to block the sale of fifty new F-15IA aircraft, associated weapons and parts, as well as upgrade kits for existing F-15 aircraft.
    Read the fact sheet, here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Wicker Statement on President Biden Planning to Use Presidential Drawdown Authority for Ukraine

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Mississippi Roger Wicker
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., the highest-ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, today released the following comment in response to reports that the Biden-Harris administration intends to notify Congress that they will tap into the nearly $6 billion remaining in Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) for Ukraine.
     
    The authority to transfer weapons to Ukraine would expire October 1, 2024, unless Congress approves an extension. The administration does not plan to accelerate the transfer of weapons to Ukraine, meaning this nearly $6 billion package will be parceled out through the end of calendar year 2025 at current rates.
     
    “It is unfortunately typical of this administration to wait until the last possible moment to announce full use of the PDA. Brave Ukrainians are fighting and dying defending their country so that Americans and Europeans won’t have to. President Biden needs to expedite the actual transfer immediately. They need weapons, not words,” Senator Wicker said.
     
    Congress granted President Biden extensive use of drawdown authority for two reasons: It enables him as commander-in-chief to deliver weaponry at a much faster rate to Ukraine than most other tools, and it would help the United States fortify its defense industrial base for the long term with replenishment funding.
     
    Senator Wicker also highlighted the following facts:
     
    Almost three years into this war, the Biden-Harris administration has not publicly articulated a strategy for Ukrainian victory, nor any measurement for the speedy delivery of weapons.
    Almost three years into this war, the Biden-Harris administration has yet to private or publicly conduct an assessment of how much weaponry the United States could give to Ukraine given that weapons transfers to date have significantly degraded the Russian military.
    Utilizing the PDA would expedite the distribution of artillery, air defense interceptors, missiles, and more from our stockpiles.
    In 2022, the Biden-Harris administration allowed nearly $3 billion in Ukraine support authority to expire.
    The Department of Defense is allowing decisions about weapons deliveries to take months longer than necessary, and some weapons systems contracts are now years behind where they could be.
    The spring 2024 national security supplemental was intended to last Ukraine through the election, with an authority to use $7.7 billion in weapons drawdowns. The Biden-Harris administration has not spent close to all of this figure, and is roughly supporting Ukraine at a pace four to six months behind the optimal tempo.
    The Biden-Harris administration still has roughly $2.8 billion in “recaptured” drawdown authority that they have not used.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Wicker Raises Alarm Over Damaged Navy Oiler in Arabian Sea

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Mississippi Roger Wicker
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., the highest-ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement in response to press reports that the Navy’s fleet oiler USNS Big Horn was damaged off the coast of Oman in the Arabian Sea:
    “I am troubled about reports that the Navy’s sole fleet oiler in the CENTCOM region has been rendered temporarily inoperable. If we cannot fuel our ships, our capabilities will be greatly diminished,” Senator Wicker. “The Big Horn’s problems also speak to a larger challenge – we are woefully in need of a larger logistics fleet, which is the lifeline for our global military presence. I hope this incident serves as a wake-up call that it is high time to fix our shipbuilding industrial base and support our merchant mariners.”
    Senator Wicker posed the following questions to the Department of Defense:
    Where did the Big Horn take damage?
    What is the initial damage assessment for the Big Horn?
    What was the cause of the damage (weather, navigator error, etc.)?
    Can the Big Horn operate under its own power?
    What is the estimated time required for the repair of the vessel?
    Is there another vessel able to fill the capability gap? If so, when will it be in the area?
    Does the administration support additional executable funding for fleet oilers in the FY25 appropriations process?
    Senator Wicker noted the following facts related to shortfalls in the U.S. Navy’s logistics fleet:
    Senator Wicker’s recent “21st Century Peace Through Strength” report calls for adding funds for an additional T-AO fleet oiler, as well as investments into modular CONSOL adapter kits and related equipment to allow commercial ships to replenish Navy vessels.
    Senator Wicker’s budget amendment that passed through the Senate Armed Services Committee markup of the FY24 National Defense Authorization Act included $398 million for fleet oiler advance procurement.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Oportun Announces Definitive Agreement to Sell its Credit Card Portfolio

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN CARLOS, Calif., Sept. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Oportun (Nasdaq: OPRT), a mission-driven financial services company, today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to sell its credit card portfolio to Continental Finance. This transaction reflects a key milestone towards Oportun’s initiative to enhance profitability in 2024 and beyond by simplifying the business and driving performance in its three core products: unsecured personal loans, secured personal loans, and its award-winning Set & Save™ savings product.

    The closing date is now anticipated to be on or around November 10, 2024, rather than by the end of the third quarter as indicated on the August 8th second quarter earnings call. Due to the revised closing date, the sale is expected to be accretive by approximately $2 million to Adjusted EBITDA in 2024 as compared to the $4 million previously indicated. Oportun continues to expect that the transaction will result in Adjusted EBITDA favorability of approximately $11 million in 2025.

    “We’re pleased to have signed a definitive agreement to sell our credit card portfolio to Continental Finance, a leading U.S. credit card marketer and servicer,” said Jonathan Coblentz, Chief Financial Officer & Chief Administrative Officer of Oportun. “This transaction underscores our commitment to focus on winning in the marketplace with our core product lines, thereby enhancing the value we can deliver to our shareholders.”

    Tamer El-Rayess, Continental Finance’s Chairman of the Board, said “Continental Finance is excited to enter into an agreement to acquire Oportun’s Visa credit card portfolio with its partner bank, The Bank of Missouri. The Continental Finance team will be collaborating with the Oportun team to ensure a seamless transition of their customers onto our platform. Our goal is to continue to provide exceptional, personalized service to these valued customers for many years to come.”

    About Oportun
    Oportun (Nasdaq: OPRT) is a mission-driven financial services company that puts its members’ financial goals within reach. With intelligent borrowing, savings, and budgeting capabilities, Oportun empowers members with the confidence to build a better financial future. Since inception, Oportun has provided more than $18.7 billion in responsible and affordable credit, saved its members more than $2.4 billion in interest and fees, and helped its members save an average of more than $1,800 annually. For more information, visit Oportun.com.

    About Continental Finance
    With over 5.3 million credit cards managed since its founding, Continental Finance prides itself on excellent customer service and access to bank-issued credit products with innovative features that provide affordable and safe options to consumers with poor or limited credit. Utilizing responsible innovation, Continental Finance works to provide each customer with the necessary educational tools for them to be successful in managing their personal credit.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release contains forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to the safe harbor provisions under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical fact contained in this press release, including statements as to future performance and financial position; expectations regarding the impact of the sale of the Company’s credit card portfolio, including expected timelines; our planned products and services; achievement of the Company’s strategic priorities and goals and the plans and objectives of management for our future operations, are forward-looking statements are forward-looking statements. These statements can be generally identified by terms such as “expect,” “plan,” “goal,” “target,” “anticipate,” “assume,” “predict,” “project,” “outlook,” “continue,” “due,” “may,” “believe,” “seek,” or “estimate” and similar expressions or the negative versions of these words or comparable words, as well as future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “should,” “would,” “likely” and “could.” These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause Oportun’s actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Oportun has based these forward-looking statements on its current expectations and projections about future events, financial trends and risks and uncertainties that it believes may affect its business, financial condition and results of operations. These risks and uncertainties include those risks described in Oportun’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Oportun’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K and most recent quarterly report on Form 10-Q. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and, except to the extent required by federal securities laws, Oportun disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which the statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. In light of these risks and uncertainties, there is no assurance that the events or results suggested by the forward-looking statements will in fact occur, and you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

    Investor Contact
    Dorian Hare
    (650) 590-4323
    ir@oportun.com

    Media Contact
    Michael Azzano
    Cosmo PR for Oportun
    (415) 596-1978
    michael@cosmo-pr.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed Helps Congress Pass Two Bills to Combat Alzheimer’s & Improve Dementia Care

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed
    WASHINGTON, DC – The number of Americans living with Alzheimer’s is growing fast.  One in three older Americans dies with dementia, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.  And Congress needs to wisely prioritize research dollars to effectively combat Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. 
    The fight to find a cure and new treatments for Alzheimer’s got a significant boost this week as the U.S. House of Representatives approved a pair of bipartisan bills backed by U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) that previously cleared the U.S. Senate.
    Now that they have cleared both chambers, the National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA) Reauthorization Act and the Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act (AAIA), are headed to President Joe Biden’s desk to be signed into law.
    The NAPA Reauthorization Act reauthorizes NAPA through 2035 as a much needed roadmap for coordinated federal efforts in responding to Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  Since NAPA was first passed in 2011, Alzheimer’s research funding has increased seven-fold.  Today, funding for research into Alzheimer’s and other dementias totals over $3.8 billion.
    The Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act would require the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to submit an annual budget to Congress estimating the funding necessary to fully implement NAPA’s research goals.  This will help ensure Congress can make a well-informed decision  to determine necessary Alzheimer’s research funding levels.
    “This is a positive step toward renewing the nation’s commitment to healthy aging, boosting funding for Alzheimer’s research, and improving dementia care in Rhode Island and nationwide,” said Senator Reed, a cosponsor of both bills. “Alzheimer’s is a devastating disease that impacts millions of families.  While real progress has been made over the last decade since we enacted NAPA, we’ve got to keep up the positive momentum.  These bipartisan bills will help ensure federal research investments into Alzheimer’s and dementia are wisely allocated and can fund breakthroughs, a cure, and effective help for caregivers and families struggling with this disease.” 
    According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 6.9 million older Americans – including 22,000 Rhode Islanders — are living with Alzheimer’s disease in 2024, a nationwide increase of about 200,000 cases over last year, and the population is projected to nearly double by 2060 to 14 million people.
    Alzheimer’s costs the United States an astonishing $360 billion per year, including $231 billion in costs to Medicare and Medicaid, according to the Alzheimer’s Association, up $15 billion over the previous year
    As a member of the Appropriations subcommittee that oversees funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Senator Reed helped provide a $275 million increase for Alzheimer’s disease research in the fiscal year 2025 Senate Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and related Agencies Appropriations bill.  In 2019, NIH awarded Brown University researchers, along with Boston-based Hebrew SeniorLife (HSL), over $53 million in federal research funds  to lead a nationwide effort to improve health care and quality of life for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, as well as their caregivers.
    In 2011, U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) led passage of the National Alzheimer’s Project Act (P.L. 111-375), which Senator Reed supported.  NAPA convened a panel of experts, who created a coordinated strategic national plan to prevent and effectively treat Alzheimer’s disease by 2025.  The law was set to expire soon and needed to be reauthorized to ensure that research investments remain coordinated, and their impact is maximized.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Assault during Eyre break-in

    Source: South Australia Police

    Police are investigating a break-in at Eyre, where a teenage boy was assaulted.

    About 2.30am today (Thursday, 26 September), police were called to a house in Edward John Parade after reports that three people had forced their way into the property and assaulted a 16-year-old boy.

    Two of the suspects were armed with machetes.

    An 18-year-old man from the house ran out and was chased by the suspects, who may have left the area in a black sedan.

    The injured boy was taken to hospital for treatment. His injuries are not considered to be life-threatening.

    Police suspect the incident was not random and ask anyone who may have witnessed the incident to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or online at http://www.crimestopperssa.com.au

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Man charged with attempted forcible abduction

    Source: Tasmania Police

    Man charged with attempted forcible abduction

    Thursday, 26 September 2024 – 8:20 am.

    Police have charged a 60-year-old man with attempted forcible abduction following an incident involving a youth at Queens Domain last night.
    Detective Sergeant Sam Storer said officers from the Bridgewater Criminal Investigation Branch and members from across the Southern Division quickly responded to reports of a man attempting to force the youth into a vehicle shortly after 8pm
    “The youth was not physically injured and provided a detailed version of events including the man’s number plate.”
    “Police located and arrested the man a short time later.”
    “He was charged and has been detained to appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court later today.”
    Police are calling for any witnesses to the incident to contact them, as well as anyone who was in the area at the time and has dashcam footage. 
    Information can be provided to police on 131 444, or anonymously to Crime Stoppers Tasmania at crimestopperstas.com.au. 

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NREL Experts Accelerate Electrification of Department of Defense Nontactical Fleets

    Source: US National Renewable Energy Laboratory

    One of the Nation’s Largest Fleets Is on the Path to Going Electric Thanks to NREL Tools, Analyses, and Experience

    NREL fleet electrification experts are partnering with the U.S. Army and other agencies within the U.S. Department of Defense to accelerate transitioning their nontactical vehicle fleet to electric, like this vehicle plugged into a solar powered charging station at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. Photo by Dave Cook

    As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to grow their share of the market, several federal agencies are transitioning their own fleets to EVs, too.

    At the U.S. Army, for example, 27% of the new or replacement light-duty vehicles (like sedans, minivans, and pickup trucks) ordered in 2022 were EVs or plug-in hybrids, up from just 1% the year before. To maintain the momentum, they needed to know they were making the right decisions on how many EVs they needed and how to manage their charging needs. So, the Army team and other agencies within the Department of Defense (DOD) turned to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) for tools, analysis, and guidance.

    “The Army has expertise, resources, and funding for fleet electrification,” said NREL’s Leidy Boyce, a research engineer and federal fleet electrification expert. “But having that additional set of eyes—especially those who can offer decades of experience on charger deployment challenges—is what our partners look for when they come to NREL.”

    ‘We Connect the Dots’

    Crosscutting expertise, advanced tools, longtime experience, and responsiveness make NREL’s EV and charging infrastructure deployment experts the go-to fleet electrification resource. In a single year from 2021 to 2022, NREL researchers helped increase EV acquisitions in the federal fleets nearly sixfold.

    “It’s more difficult for DOD agencies to manage the many elements of EVSE [electric vehicle supply equipment] rollout than a private fleet company because these agencies are huge and have a critical responsibility for protecting the country that has to be their primary objective,” said Cabell Hodge, NREL’s Analysis and Vehicle Deployment group manager. “Therefore, they look to experts to consult on these matters, and our team fits the bill.”

    NREL researchers have worked with DOD since 2016 when they began helping the Navy, Marine Corps, and Army with site assessments to determine the best locations to install EVSE on its bases. More recently, NREL has engaged in complex projects to assess the potential for bidirectional charging as a resilience strategy with the U.S. Army National Guard, built a web tool for the entire federal government to complete EVSE site assessments remotely, and begun exploring the charging needs for privately owned vehicles at every Army base in the country.

    “Working with NREL provides assurance that it will be done right the first time,” Boyce said. “More than likely, we have done it before, we have the skills, and we can connect the dots between technologies and deployment strategies through data.”

    Tools for Everyone

    An electric vehicle is plugged into a charger at Naval Station Mayport. Photo by David Holt

    To achieve the nearly sixfold growth in federal fleet EV acquisitions without visiting every federal site, NREL developed tools to identify easy-to-electrify vehicles, group vehicles by location, identify charging station needs, and generate cost estimates for the chargers.

    These tools include the Zero-Emission Vehicle Planning and Charging (ZPAC) tool, which was developed in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy Federal Energy Management Program in planning for future zero-emission vehicle acquisitions, as well as NREL’s marquee EVI-X Modeling Suite of Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Analysis Tools.

    In the last two years, DOD’s Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP) funded the NREL team to assess where EVs can provide backup power and develop an EVSE site-assessment tool and cost estimator called EVI-LOCATE for federal fleets.

    “NREL has been a great partner in DOD’s efforts to electrify our nontactical vehicle fleet,” said Tim Tetreault, the Installation Energy and Water Program manager with ESTCP. “In addition to the tools they’ve developed, like ZPAC and EVI-LOCATE, their expertise and analytical capabilities are helping the department keep pace with the rapidly changing technology and evaluate how the department can potentially gain new capabilities with the transition to EVs.”

    “Developing EVI-LOCATE required our team to tap into expertise from many disciplines,” said Ranjit Desai, an electric vehicle charging researcher at NREL. “We relied on the lab’s expertise in fleet operations and on how federal fleets work, our team’s understanding of the duty cycles and operations of DOD fleets, and our analysis capabilities such as financial modeling—all that had to come together to build the tool.”

    The NREL researchers also had to be prepared to pivot. As part of developing EVI-LOCATE, the team conducted stakeholder engagement to understand how agencies using the tool needed it to work. DOD fleet managers shared that they needed to transmit EVI-LOCATE results—site recommendations and cost estimates—to a specific government form to request funding from agency leadership to install EVSE. To streamline the process, they wanted EVI-LOCATE to generate results formatted to easily be inputted into the form, rather than the existing generalized report output. In response, the NREL team is crafting a solution to get the tool’s output directly into the form’s format, making the tool even more applicable and valuable for DOD’s specific use case.

    The federal fleets team is currently creating a public version of EVI-LOCATE—expected to roll out later in 2024—that will let people anywhere plan for commercial charging stations.

    Beyond providing analysis and tools for planning zero-emission vehicle acquisitions and charger installation, NREL researchers use their experience with EVSE deployment to provide recommendations for DOD on which combination of charger power levels is appropriate. Level 1, Level 2, and direct-current fast charging all have different levels of power, charging speeds, and requirements for installation. Deciding what distribution of chargers to use depends on when EVs are being used, the length of each vehicle’s shift, and the number of shifts, among other factors. NREL experts are helping DOD identify the most cost- and energy-efficient mix of chargers.

    Additionally, NREL is helping DOD assess how their sites will have to adapt to prepare for increased electricity demand from more EVs. Adapting could mean adjusting charging strategies to balance demand over periods of time or expanding the electrical distribution grid. A potential NREL-developed tool can help entities like DOD select the strategies that work for them.

    One of the reasons Hodge enjoys working with DOD is that the resulting analyses and tools can propel the entire industry forward.

    “The work tends to be on the cutting edge,” Hodge said. “DOD wants us to conduct critical analysis such as using bidirectional chargers as backup power for critical loads. The analysis and tools we develop for them can then be scaled and shared to support many others interested in EV adoption.”

    Desai agreed.

    “The DOD fleet is one of the largest fleets in the United States,” he said. “If DOD can transition their nontactical vehicles to zero emissions, that is a high-profile success story for vehicle electrification.”

    Learn more about NREL’s transportation and mobility research. And sign up for NREL’s quarterly transportation and mobility research newsletter, Sustainable Mobility Matters, to stay current on the latest news.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Schrier Introduces The Access to Claims Data Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) alongside Congressman Larry Bucshon (IN-08)  announced a bipartisan bill, The Access to Claims Data Act, which would require the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to establish a program that allows clinician-led clinical data registries access to Medicare claims data for research, quality of care measurement, and reporting. Clinician-led clinical data registries are data repositories operated by physician groups that collect information about particular diseases and therapies.

    “As a doctor, I understand how beneficial and effective quality data is for physician researchers to develop best practices so that all physicians can provide their patients with the best care possible,” said Congresswoman Schrier, M.D. “That’s why I’m proud to introduce this commonsense, bipartisan legislation which will help improve patient outcomes in both the immediate and long-term future.”

    “When it comes to health information, nobody is more qualified to assess and evaluate than those who provide direct patient care,” said Congressman Bucshon, M.D. “That is why I am proud to introduce the Access to Claims Data Act—commonsense legislation that will increase transparency of health care reimbursement claims, better informing clinicians and ultimately improving outcomes for patients.”

    “Folks in our region deserve a federal government that is providing them with access to affordable and effective healthcare,” said Congressman Kilmer. “That’s why I’m supporting bipartisan legislation that will help support the necessary research to ensure that today’s medical treatments and interventions are effective, accessible, and reliable, by providing medical professionals with the information they need to make informed decisions about the best course of action for their patients. Having these decisions based on data and facts will better serve people across the country in the long run and allow for advancements in patient safety and outcomes.”

    “The reintroduction of the Access to Claims Data Act is a pivotal step towards enhancing patient care and advancing longitudinal research,” said Jennifer Romano, MD, MS, President of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS). “By providing surgeons and other providers with comprehensive access to federal claims data, we can identify trends, improve treatment protocols, and ultimately ensure better patient outcomes. This legislation empowers clinicians with the information necessary to make informed decisions, driving quality and efficiency in our healthcare system.”

    “The American College of Cardiology has led the field in clinical data registries for more than two decades, helping the cardiovascular community measure and improve the quality of care they provide by ensuring evidence-based practices. The Access to Claims Data Act would further enable clinician-led data registries to improve the ability to perform research and data analyses that will inform treatment choices; assist in the evaluation of practice patterns and the dissemination of best practices; and inform future research endeavors,” said ACC President Cathleen Biga, MSN, FACC. “The ACC strives to transform cardiovascular care and improve patient outcomes in all our endeavors. We look forward to working with Congress to pass this legislation as the entire medical community works to provide the best possible care for all our patients.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Sewell Votes for Continuing Resolution to Avert a Government Shutdown

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Terri Sewell (AL-07)

    Washington D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) voted in favor of a continuing resolution to avert a government shutdown and fund the federal government at current levels through December 20, 2024. Despite Republican infighting, House Democrats united to responsibly keep the government open. Sadly, 82 House Republicans followed former President Trump’s orders and attempted to shut down the government over disproven election lies.

    “I voted for this continuing resolution because it would prevent the costly and devastating effects of government shutdown. But make no mistake, the failure of House Republicans to fund the government through the regular appropriations process is leaving many of our federal agencies without adequate funding to serve the American people,” said Rep. Sewell. “For example, this measure would prolong Republicans’ $47.5 million cut to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, hurting the agency’s ability to combat gun violence in our communities.”

    “While Democrats have shown again and again that we are focused on governing, it is disappointing that so many House Republicans would rather take orders from Donald Trump than do what is best for the American people,” continued Sewell.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Sewell Leads Moment of Silence on the House Floor for the Victims of the Birmingham Five Points South Shooting

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Terri Sewell (AL-07)

    Washington D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) led her colleagues in a moment of silence for the victims of the Birmingham Five Points South shooting on the House Floor. Rep. Sewell was joined by her colleagues of the Alabama delegation and other representatives whose districts have been affected by gun violence. 

    Watch it on YouTube here.

    Rep. Sewell: It is with great sadness that I rise to recognize the victims of the horrific mass shooting that rattled Birmingham, Alabama’s community over the weekend.

    On Saturday night, just after 11:00 p.m., 21 people were shot in Birmingham’s Five Points South entertainment district, and four lost their lives.

    Our thoughts are with the families as they endure this unimaginable loss, and we pray for a speedy recovery for those that were injured.

    James 2:26 teaches us that faith without works is dead. While our thoughts and prayers are important, only by taking meaningful action can we stem this needless loss of life.

    Elected officials at every level must do all we can to eliminate the pandemic, the epidemic of gun violence that is raging in our communities. It’s past time for Congress to act.

    I ask my colleagues to join me in a moment of silence for the Birmingham victims of Saturday night’s shooting and their families.

    Thank you, and I yield back.

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    MIL OSI USA News –