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  • MIL-OSI Economics: Update: Apply to secure your company’s spot for the Project Starline x HP product

    Source: Google

    Here’s a sneak peek at the upcoming product and how companies can be among the first to try it.

    Maz Khorasani – Group Product Manager, Project Starline

    Earlier this year, we announced Project Starline is coming out of the lab and into the world, with a focus on transforming the way distributed teams and individuals connect in the workplace. Through our partnership with HP, our technology will be commercially available starting in 2025.

    Today, we’re sharing a first look at the product design, built in collaboration with HP. The device’s design blends into meeting rooms, letting the experience take over so you can focus on what matters most: the other person. This helps make communication as natural as if two people were across from each other in the same room.

    Apply now to receive the Project Starline x HP product at launch

    We’ve seen incredible interest from companies eager to bring Project Starline to their employees. Starting today, companies can now apply to be among the first to receive the product when it launches in 2025. Through this program with HP, companies can sign up to secure their place in line and gain access to exclusive product information and updates.

    Learn more by visiting starline.google.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kamlager-Dove, Salazar, Castro Legislation to Codify U.S. Participation in the Summit of the Americas Passes House Foreign Affairs Committee

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager California (37th District)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar (FL-27), and Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) celebrated the bipartisan passage of the Summit of the Americas Act through the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

    The Summit of the Americas is the primary convening mechanism for leaders of Western Hemisphere countries to gather and discuss common concerns, craft solutions, and deepen areas of collaboration. This legislation would direct the Secretary of State to support the organization of the Summit of the Americas and codify the existing implementation unit at the State Department to ensure continued implementation of Summit commitments. The legislation would also institutionalize the Cities Summit, a convening of city and community leaders across the Hemisphere, to take place as part of the Summit of the Americas.

    “There are 48 countries in the Western Hemisphere, and each one is critical to promoting shared prosperity in our region,” said Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove. “The Summit of the Americas is an invaluable opportunity to give these relationships their due by upgrading and invigorating U.S. engagement within the Hemisphere. Further, the Cities Summit fosters relationships at the local level and invests in the future of the region by bringing together rising leaders such as Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico’s President-elect who attended the Cities Summit last December. The advancement of this legislation reflects the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s unwavering commitment to our regional partners—I look forward to getting this bill across the finish line.”

    “The nightmare Latin America is facing in Venezuela reminds us of the need for coordination among democracies to restore democracy and bring an end to the suffering in that country,” said Congresswoman Salazar, Chairwoman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere. “I am proud to see the House Foreign Affairs Committee commit to ensuring the Summit of the Americas will continue to be a useful space for the freedom-minded heads of state of our region to come together and work toward a more prosperous future.”

    “For the last three decades, the Summit of the Americas has provided a critical forum for the United States and our neighbors to address the most pressing challenges and opportunities in our hemisphere,” said Congressman Joaquin Castro, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere. “The Summit of the Americas Act is an important expression of bipartisan Congressional support for deepening U.S. multilateral engagement as a reliable champion of democracy and freedom. I am proud to stand with Reps. Kamlager-Dove and Salazar as this timely effort advances through Committee.”

    Full text of the bill can be found here.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Lawler’s Bill Enhancing Secret Service Protection for Vice President Harris and Former President Trump Passes Senate Unanimously

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Lawler (R, NY-17)

    Congressman Lawler’s Bill Enhancing Secret Service Protection for Vice President Harris and Former President Trump Passes Senate Unanimously

    Washington, DC, September 24, 2024

    Tonight, the Enhanced Presidential Security Act of 2024 – Representative Mike Lawler’s (R-NY-17) bill introduced with Representative Ritchie Torres (D-NY-15) to provide enhanced United States Secret Service protection for former President Trump and Vice President Harris – passed the Senate unanimously.

    “I am thrilled to see that the Senate unanimously passed the Enhanced Presidential Security Act tonight, building on the House’s overwhelming passage of this measure last week,” said Congressman Lawler. “Ensuring that both Vice President Harris and Former President Trump have an equal level of Secret Service protection to President Biden is critical for this election.”

    “Our elections should be decided at the ballot box, not by a bullet,” concluded Congressman Lawler. “This legislation will make sure that they are.”

    Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of the 118th Congress and represents New York’s 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: September 23rd, 2024 Heinrich Applauds House Passage of Bipartisan Bill to Accelerate U.S. Microchip Manufacturing Projects

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    Bipartisan legislation to expedite microchip plant construction now heads to President’s desk

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) applauded the House of Representatives passage of the Building Chips in America Act, legislation he cosponsored to streamline federal permitting processes for microchip manufacturing projects while maintaining bedrock protections for clean air and clean water. The bill, which had previously passed the Senate twice — first as part of the Senate NDAA and again as a standalone legislation — now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

    The legislation is led by U.S. Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.). Alongside Heinrich, the bill is cosponsored by U.S. Senators is Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), and Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.).  

    “Two years ago, I was part of the conference committee that finalized what eventually became the CHIPS and Science Act. I fought hard to pass this bill to spark a made-in-America manufacturing renaissance in New Mexico and across the country, and that’s exactly what’s happening,” said Heinrich. “This bill to speed up construction of microchip projects will build on the momentum we’ve created, strengthen our supply chain and national security, and solidify New Mexico as one of the best places in America to manufacture advanced technologies — helping to create hundreds of new, good-paying jobs that New Mexicans can build their families around. I’m pleased that this bill is now headed to the President’s desk to be signed into law.”

    “This is a major step forward for our economy and national security,” said Kelly. “By preventing unnecessary delays in the construction of microchip manufacturing facilities, this bill will help maximize our efforts to bring this industry back to America, creating thousands of good-paying jobs and strengthening our supply chains. I’m grateful to my colleagues in both chambers for their bipartisan work to get this done, and I look forward to seeing it signed into law.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: September 24th, 2024 Heinrich, N.M. Delegation Push for House RECA Vote

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    PHOTOS

    WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) joined advocates for a press conference calling on House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) to hold a vote on a Senate-passed bill that would strengthen the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA). It has been over five months since Heinrich helped secure Senate passage of RECA.

    Heinrich has reintroduced legislation to extend and expand RECA since his first Senate term, starting in 2013.

    Heinrich urges House Speaker Mike Johnson to hold a vote on Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) legislation at a press conference in the Capitol on September 24, 2024.

    “Now that the Senate has passed an extension and long overdue expansion of RECA, Speaker Mike Johnson and House Republicans must finally take up this critical legislation,” said Heinrich. “It is long overdue for Congress to finally amend RECA to include Tularosa Downwinders, all of the uranium miners exposed to radiation in service to our national defense, and all Americans who were directly impacted by our nation’s nuclear testing program. The federal government has a moral responsibility to correct this injustice.”

    Find pictures of Heinrich speaking at the press conference here.

    Heinrich recently pressed Speaker Mike Johnson to immediately take up the Senate-passed and fully comprehensive RECA extension in bipartisan, bicameral letter. The letter, led by Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), said in part: “We urge action immediately to strengthen the RECA program before its impending sunset in June 2024. The United States government exposed these Americans to radiation as part of our national security efforts through World War II and the Cold War. It is long past time that RECA is strengthened to give these Americans their recognition and compensation. Their livelihoods, often devastated by the long-term consequences of radiation exposure, depend on your leadership and commitment to rectifying past injustices. Let us honor the commitment we made to these citizens by ensuring they receive the support and recognition they so rightly deserve.” Read the full letter here.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin, Wicker Introduce Resolution Commemorating the 30th Anniversary Of the Eradication Of Polio In The Americas

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    09.24.24

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) today introduced a resolution commemorating the 30th anniversary of the eradication of polio in the Americas, in which the World Health Organization (WHO) certified the region as being “polio-free” on September 29, 1994.  Nearly 60,000 children in the United States were reported to have polio in 1952, with more than 20,000 cases of paralysis.  The polio vaccine was discovered at the University of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania by Jonas Salk and his research team between 1952 and 1953.  The resolution is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Patty Murray (D-WA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Cory Booker (D-NJ).

    “Polio is a cruel disease, one that has historically caused considerable pain here in the United States, and abroad,” Durbin said. “But thanks to the effort of groups like Chicago’s Rotary International, today, polio remains endemic in only two countries worldwide: Afghanistan and Pakistan.  The complete worldwide eradication of polio is imminently achievable.  I’m pleased to introduce this resolution with my colleague, Senator Wicker, recognizing the important achievements we have made and urging a sustained commitment to finally eradicate this disease once and for all.”

    “We are closer than ever to eliminating polio – thanks in part to consistent U.S. investments over the last 30 years. I will continue working to build on this momentum and strengthen eradication-initiatives, especially in Afghanistan and Pakistan,”Wicker said.

    “The Shot@Life campaign thanks Senators Durbin and Wicker for introducing this bipartisan Resolution and for their longstanding leadership in the fight to end polio,” said Cara Ciullo, Senior Director for Shot@Life.  “The Global Polio Eradication Initiative is a critical leader in the global effort to ensure children everywhere have access to polio vaccinations.  U.S. government support for these activities protects vulnerable children and strengthens global health security, keeping Americans safe at home and abroad.”

    “Rotary is delighted to see this resolution highlighting progress toward ending polio,” said Michael McGovern, Chair of Rotary’s International PolioPlus Committee. “While we celebrate the fact that the Americas have been polio free for more than a generation, we can’t become complacent. Polio anywhere is a risk everywhere. A polio free world is Rotary’s top priority and we are grateful for continued US leadership toward that shared goal.”

    In the resolution, the Senators highlight Rotary International, an international association founded in 1905 in Chicago, Illinois, and now headquartered in Evanston, Illinois, which has made eradicating polio globally one of its top priorities.  Rotary International has been a key contributor to reducing outbreaks of polio worldwide, including contributing more than $2.7 billion in the global fight against polio.  Since 1988 the number of cases of polio around the world has been reduced by 99 percent, as a result of the efforts and support from Rotary International, WHO, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Foundation, the United States, and other national governments.

     Text of the resolution can be found here.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Questions Witnesses During Senate Judiciary Committee On Supreme Court Ruling In Donald Trump Immunity Case

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    09.24.24

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today questioned witnesses during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing entitled “‘When the President Does It, that Means It’s Not Illegal’: The Supreme Court’s Unprecedented Immunity Decision.”  The hearing explored the ramifications of the Supreme Court’s ruling in Trump v. United States.  Durbin began by questioning Mary McCord, Executive Director of the Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection, a Visiting Professor of Law at Georgetown University Law Center, and a former Department of Justice (DOJ) official about the Supreme Court majority opinion in Trump v. United States, which established a framework for determining presidential immunity.  In the framework, the justices stated that there is no immunity for unofficial acts; but evidence of immunized official conduct is inadmissible to secure convictions for prosecutable conduct, such as unofficial acts.

    “Professor McCord, as a former prosecutor, could you walk us through what prosecutors need to establish to successfully secure convictions, and exactly how this prohibition on evidence in Trump v. United States would prevent prosecutors from doing so?”  Durbin asked.

    Professor McCord responded that a prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt “every element of the offense charged.”  The majority’s opinion in Trump v. United States will hamstring prosecutions of conduct that the opinion does not immunize by prohibiting the introduction of evidence of official acts that would “help secure [a President’s] conviction, even on charges that purport to be based only on [their] unofficial conduct.”  In Professor McCord’s response, she referenced Justice Barrett’s concurrence, which argued that, “[t]he Constitution, of course, does not authorize a President to seek or accept bribes…[y]et excluding from trial any mention of the official act connected to the bribe would hamstring the prosecution.”

    Durbin continued, “Justice Barrett went on to argue that the majority’s concern that ‘allowing into evidence official acts for which the President cannot be prosecuted may prejudice the jury’ is already addressed by the rules of evidence, which ‘are equipped to handle that concern on a case-by-case basis.’  Do you agree with that?”

    Professor McCord responded that she agreed.  She continued to say, “that includes when evidence might be prejudicial than probative.”

    Durbin then asked Philip Lacovara, a former Deputy Solicitor General of the United States for criminal and national security matters and Counsel to the Watergate special prosecutor, about finding the basis of presidential immunity in the Constitution. 

    Mr. Lacovara replied that “this is one of the great ironies of the decision by Chief Justice Roberts.”  He continued to say, “it’s not just a question of not being able to find authority in the text of the Constitution—any form of immunity… for commission of crimes by a president—the Constitution clearly says the opposite.  The president is subject to impeachment… [the] text [of the Constitution] goes onto to say, ‘but the party convicted, that includes the president, should nevertheless be liable and subject to indictment, trial, judgement, and punishment according to law.’”  He states that the framers of the Constitution clearly demonstrated that the president is subject to the normal course of law. 

    Durbin concluded the hearing by stating, “Holding a hearing on the Supreme Court decision is almost routine in this committee… History will judge that it was the right thing to do in light of the gravity of this decision.  And secondly, questioning the ethics of the Supreme Court happens to be our responsibility under the Constitution.”

    Video of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here.

    Audio of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here.

    Footage of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here for TV Stations.

    On July 1, the Supreme Court’s rightwing supermajority ruled that not just Donald Trump—but also future presidents—may be immune from abusing the levers of government to overturn an election or engage in other misconduct. The Court held in a misguided 6-3 decision that “the nature of Presidential power entitles a former President to absolute immunity from criminal prosecution for actions within his conclusive and preclusive constitutional authority. And he is entitled to at least presumptive immunity from prosecution for all his official acts. There is no immunity for unofficial acts.”

    Durbin previously condemned the ruling and announced this hearing, describing the decision as “judicial activism unmoored from the text of the Constitution and intentions of our framers” that “Congress cannot turn a blind eye to.”

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Al Green and Bishop James Dixon Hosts Press Conference with Houston Haitians United and Community Leaders to Denounce Inexcusable, Invidious Prevarications Against Haitians and Demand Respect for Haitians

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Al Green (TX-9)

    (Houston, TX) — On Monday, September 23, 2024, Congressman Al Green will host a press conference to denounce the recent inexcusable, mean-spirited prevarications made by Former President Donald Trump regarding the Haitian community in Springfield, Ohio. Congressman Green and other leaders will also demand respect for all Haitians, discuss the importance of defending the Haitian community, and the impact of his dehumanizing remarks. The press conference will feature Bishop James Dixon, President of the Houston NAACP, along with representatives from Houston Haitians United (HHU), Houston Caribbean Professionals Association (HCPA), and the Texas Caribbean Chamber of Commerce.

    “Houston Haitians United strongly stands in solidarity against the baseless and harmful allegations being promoted by certain campaigners in the current election cycle. These false claims unjustly target the Haitian people, and we denounce these tactics aimed at misleading the public and undermining our community’s integrity. We urge all candidates to refrain from divisive rhetoric and focus on promoting unity and truth in their campaigns,” stated James Pierre, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Houston Haitians United.

    “With no truthful basis and no substantive evidence, Haitians have been described as those who eat dogs, cats and pets. This dehumanization of the Haitian community should be an alarm to every American. It’s a continuing scheme to make citizens fearful of all people of color. The Houston NAACP is fully in support of demanding respect for Haitians and all victims of dehumanizing propaganda,” stated Bishop James Dixon, President of the Houston NAACP.

    Congressman Al Green stated, “People of goodwill have a moral imperative to unite against Former President Trump’s disrespect of Haitians for political gain causing pain. We must recognize the enduring resilience of Haitians in the face of centuries of economic hardship in tandem with invidious discrimination. People of goodwill cannot remain silent as harmful political rhetoric threatens the well-being of innocent people. It is our duty to defend the Haitian community, just as we defend the Muslim, Jewish, LGBTQ+, Women, African American, Asian, Latino, Native American, and other subsets of society when attacked. Disrespectful injustice against Haitians is a threat to respect and justice for all, as evidenced by the chaos created against the people of Springfield, Ohio. If we as a nation truly stand for liberty and justice for all as proclaimed in the Pledge of Allegiance, we must stand against Former President Trump’s wittingly or unwittingly dehumanizing Haitians for political gain.”

    Click here to watch the Facebook Live Stream of the press conference on YouTube 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Smith urges U.S. to independently investigate the fatal shooting of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adam Smith (9th District of Washington)

    WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Today, Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash) sent a letter, cosigned by 102 of his colleagues, to urge the U.S. to investigate the fatal shooting of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi.  

    See below for the full letter. 

    Dear President Biden, Secretary Blinken, and Attorney General Garland: 

    On September 6, we learned about the fatal shooting in the West Bank of American citizen Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, a Seattle resident and recent graduate of the University of Washington. We extend our deepest condolences to Ms. Eygi’s family during this moment of tragedy, and our thoughts are with her family and loved ones. 

    We are deeply disturbed by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) preliminary investigation that found “it is highly likely” Ms. Eygi “was hit indirectly and unintentionally by IDF fire which was not aimed at her” during a “violent riot.” This contradicts credible, independent eyewitness accounts that suggest the shooting was intentional without provocation. A Washington Post investigation based on interviews with eyewitnesses and West Bank residents, photos, and videos indicates the shooting occurred “more than a half-hour after the height of confrontations in Beita, and some 20 minutes after protesters had moved down the main road — more than 200 yards away from Israeli forces.” 

    Given the evidence, we believe the United States must independently investigate whether this was a homicide. To walk away without asking further questions gives Israeli forces unacceptable license to act with impunity. There must be accountability for Ms. Eygi’s death. We therefore call on the White House, State Department, and Department of Justice to lead an independent, thorough, credible, and transparent investigation into the killing of Ms. Eygi. This investigation should include all evidence found and rationale for how findings were determined in a written report to the family. 

    We request a written explanation provided to the family and the undersigned members to the following questions no later than October 4, 2024: 

    1. What does the U.S. government currently know about the circumstances surrounding Ms. Eygi’s killing? 

    1. Will the U.S. government conduct an independent, thorough, credible, and transparent investigation into the killing of Ms. Eygi? 

    1. What would be the proposed timeline and plan for such an investigation? 

    1. How will the U.S. government seek accountability if the Israeli government refuses to cooperate with such an investigation? 

    We appreciate your attention to these matters and look forward to your prompt response.” 

    A full copy of the letter can be found at the link above.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: At Historic Hearing on Project 2025, Pressley Spotlights Deadly Impact of Abortion Bans

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

    Hearing Underscored Devastating Harm of Project 2025 on Democracy, Reproductive Freedom, Workers, Seniors, and More

    “Every single woman who has died because of Trump abortion bans should be alive today. But what do we have instead? No compassion. No care. No justice. That’s not the America we should be.”

    WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), co-founder of the Stop Project 2025 Task Force and Region 12 Representative for the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee, joined House Democratic Leadership and her colleagues on the Steering and Policy Committee to hold a historic hearing on Trump’s Project 2025 and its devastating impact on families across America.

    Congresswoman Pressley, who also chairs the Pro-Choice Caucus’ Abortion Rights and Access Task Force, highlighted the harmful and deadly impact of abortion bans in America to date, and discussed the national abortion ban proposed by Trump’s Project 2025. Rep. Pressley also outlined in detail the shameful circumstances under which Amber Nicole Thurman died after being denied necessary abortion care in Georgia.

    Featuring testimony from everyday people who know firsthand how the policies of Trump’s Project 2025 have or will hurt them and their families, the hearing explored the impact of proposals to criminalize abortion nationwide, hurt the middle class with higher costs and tax reform that advantages the wealthiest, and end Social Security and Medicare as we know it.

    A full transcript of Congresswoman Pressley’s testimony is available below and full video is available here.

    Transcript: At Historic Hearing on Project 2025, Pressley Spotlights Deadly Impact of Abortion Bans
    September 24, 2024
    U.S. Capitol

    PART ONE

    REP. PRESSLEY: For half a century, Roe v. Wade was the law of the land. Roe protected the right of people in this country to make their own reproductive health care decisions, including the right to get an abortion.

    Abortion care is routine medical care, but then Donald J. Trump became president. He campaigned on banning abortion care and even called to punish women for having abortions.

    When Donald J. Trump took office, he appointed three extreme right-wing justices to the Supreme Court, and in June of 2022, just as Donald J. Trump promised they would, those three justices banded together with other Republican-appointed justices and overturned Roe.

    They gave a green light for Republicans to criminalize abortion, to criminalize doctors and nurses in states across the country.

    Today, one in three women in America lives under a Trump abortion ban. The consequences are being felt by people across this country who are denied the care they need and by providers who can no longer care for their patients, and we will hear from some of them today.

    Donald J. Trump’s campaign to end Roe was a devastating, decisive step in a decades long Republican effort to make it impossible for women to get reproductive health care.

    And while Republicans are now trying to run away from the consequences of their extreme agenda, they were jubilant the day that Roe was overturned and even promised to take it much further.

    [VIDEO BEGINS]

    SPEAKER MIKE JOHNSON: There’s no right to abortion in the Constitution, and thankfully, the Supreme Court finally said that decisively, thanks be to God.

    REP. JIM JORDAN: Mr. Speaker, let me first, first say God bless the United States Supreme

    Court, and God bless President Trump for the people he selected for our highest court.

    REP. ANDREW CLYDE: Thank you to the Supreme Court for removing the curse of abortion.

    REP. ANN WAGNER: I am so incredibly grateful and gratified that the Supreme Court has finally overturned Roe versus Wade.

    REP. ELISE STEFANIK: Today’s historic Supreme Court decision is a victory for the sanctity of life.

    REP. STEVE SCALISE: But the work just begins now to go and protect life even more because the Supreme Court’s decision overturning Roe v Wade, correcting that flawed decision, finally allows states and Congress to protect life in ways that we never were able to for the last 50 years.

    [VIDEO ENDS]

    REP. PRESSLEY: Republicans will not stop until abortion is criminalized nationwide. After all, just six pages into the more than 900 pages of Trump’s Project 2025 it says, “The Dobbs decision is just the beginning,” and we just saw how they celebrated the Dobbs decision.

    PART TWO

    [Gracie Ladd of Pennsylvania shares her story]

    REP. PRESSLEY: Thank you for your courage, for sharing your story, for sharing Connor’s story.

    I look forward to the day when people do not have to publicly uplift their trauma in order to compel action. And I’m deeply sorry for your loss. I’m devastated that your family and families across this nation have borne the burden of Trump’s abortion bans.

    No one, no one in America should go through what you went through. You should be able to get the safe and necessary medical care you need in your own community.

    We must restore reproductive freedom so what happened to you never, ever happens again. Women have already lost their lives. It is heartbreaking.

    The last few days, I’ve been thinking of one woman: Amber Nicole Thurman.

    A 28-year-old mom from Georgia, Amber was a dedicated mom to her six-year-old son. Every chance she got, she took her son to petting zoos, to pop up museums and on planned trips like one to a Florida beach.

    ‘The talks I have with my son are everything,’ she posted on social media. She loved her family deeply.

    Trump-appointed justices overturned Roe v. Wade on June 24, 2022. Georgia began enforcing its abortion ban that very same day.

    In August, Amber had a medication abortion in another state. She then went back home to Georgia.

    Abortion pills are very safe. On rare occasions they require a follow up, surgical abortion if the body has not expelled the tissue fully. That is what happened in Amber’s case. She developed an infection, one that could have easily been treated with a routine procedure called a D and C.

    But under George’s abortion ban, a doctor performing that procedure could go to prison for 10 years.

    So when Amber shows up at the hospital, the question on doctors minds isn’t just how they can best care for Amber. It’s also what they have to do to comply with Georgia’s draconian law and to stay out of jail.

    That’s never a choice that doctors should be faced with, but that’s exactly what happened in the case of Amber Thurman.

    On August 18, Amber’s infection reaches a boiling point. She’s vomiting blood. Amber arrives at Piedmont Henry hospital in the city of Stockbridge at 6:51pm.

    She suffers all night. She suffers all night.

    By 5:14am, her vitals are dire, and Amber runs the risk of bleeding out.

    At 6:45am – 12 hours from when she first arrived at the hospital – Amber is moved to the ICU. Her doctors look on as her condition worsens. They’ve now given her five liters of IV fluid to no avail.

    7:14am. Amber’s doctors discuss initiating a D and C, the routine procedure to treat infections like hers. Nothing happens.

    At noon, now five hours after Amber was moved to the ICU, a specialist reports that her condition is deteriorating. We are now 17 hours from when she was first admitted.

    2pm. Amber is wheeled into the operating room as her vitals crash and blood pressure bottoms out.

    Her mother is right there with her. As she heads into surgery, Amber turns to her and says, ‘Promise me you’ll take care of my son.’ That afternoon, Amber dies on the operating table.

    Amber should be alive today. Every single woman who has died because of Trump abortion bans should be alive today.

    But what do we have instead? No compassion, no care, and no justice. That’s not the America we should be.

    —

    In March 2024, Rep. Pressley was elected by acclamation to represent members of the New England Congressional delegation on the powerful House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee, which is responsible for appointing members of the House Democratic Caucus to committee seats and shaping caucus priorities.

    Rep. Pressley is a founding member of a Congressional Task Force designed to stop Project 2025, a thousand-page blueprint for Donald Trump to seize “supreme” powers and radically undermine reproductive rights, LGBTQIA+ equality, racial justice, free speech, and other democratic institutions and freedoms. The Task Force was announced by Rep. Huffman in June and its members are leaders on many of the issues currently under attack by Project 2025.

    As a member of the House Oversight Committee, Rep. Pressley has repeatedly sounded the alarm on Project 2025, a bucket list extremist policies that would uproot every government agency and disrupt the lives of every person who calls America home.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Cook Islands and Niue audiences to enjoy Australian content as Indo-Pacific Broadcasting Strategy continues to roll out

    Source: Australian Ministers for Infrastructure and Transport

    Australia has continued to boost its presence in the Pacific with the Australian Government today announcing the expansion of the PacificAus TV initiative to two new nations.
     
    Residents of Cook Islands and Niue will be able to access more than 2,000 hours of Australian TV content each year as part of the initiative.
     
    PacificAus TV, which is managed by Free TV Australia, currently receives $5.68 million per year under the Indo-Pacific Broadcasting Strategy to bolster the viability of Pacific regional media and expand access to Australian television programs.
     
    Sports programming is an important element of the PacificAus TV initiative, with Australian news, current affairs, children’s programs, drama, lifestyle and entertainment programs also available.
     
    Cook Islands Television, Vaka TV, and the Broadcasting Corporation of Niue have joined the initiative, with each able to individually broadcast a wide range of Australian television content according to their programming strategies, interests and audience preferences.
     
    They join 14 free-to-air broadcasters across Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu already accessing Australian content through the initiative.
     
    The Indo-Pacific Broadcasting Strategy seeks to increase access to trusted and reliable news, deliver quality content and foster engagement across the region, including through measures like this.
     
    The Strategy provides a framework to help foster a vibrant and independent media sector, counter misinformation, present modern multicultural Australia, and support deeper people-to-people engagement.
     
    For more information on the PacificAus TV initiative visit: www.infrastructure.gov.au/media-communications-arts/media-industry-programs/amplifying-australias-voice-pacific.
     
    Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:
     
    “With the expansion of the PacificAus TV initiative to the Cook Islands and Niue, now even more of our regional neighbours can access quality Australian content – fostering stronger cultural ties across the Indo-Pacific region. 
     
    “The Indo-Pacific Broadcasting Strategy continues Australia’s longstanding commitment to supporting a robust media sector in the Indo-Pacific, and has identified this opportunity for expansion.”
     
    Quotes attributable to Senator The Hon Pat Conroy MP
     
    “Australia has a proud history of support for Pacific media and broadcasters, and we know how critical a vibrant media sector is for sharing important stories and forging connections across our region.
     
    “Under the Indo-Pacific Broadcasting Strategy and the Australia-Pacific Media and Broadcasting Partnership, we are committed to expanding our engagement with the Pacific media sector.
     
    “PacificAus TV’s growth is delivering on our commitment to share content that resonates with Pacific audiences and complements investments to bolster media development and viability.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Ensuring First Nations children in Victoria are school ready

    Source: Australian Executive Government Ministers

    The Albanese Government is expanding the Connected Beginnings program, helping more First Nations children thrive in the crucial early years.

    Minister for Early Childhood Education Dr Anne Aly today announced more than $2 million for Gippsland and East Gippsland Aboriginal Co-operative to deliver the Connected Beginnings program in Bairnsdale.

    The program connects First Nations children aged zero to five with a range of early childhood education, health and family support services – helping children meet the learning and development milestones necessary to achieve a positive transition to school.

    The new site will support around 100 local First Nations Children. The Bairnsdale site joins 46 other locations across the country supporting more than 23,000 First Nations children. 

    The community-led program is a key contributor to the early childhood Closing the Gap targets, driving an increase in preschool enrolments and improvements to developmental outcomes.

    The Government partners with SNAICC National Voice for our Children and the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation to deliver the program.

    The new Bairnsdale site is part of an $81.8 million Government investment to expand to 50 sites across Australia. Once all 50 sites are established, the program has the potential to support up to 20 per cent of all First Nations children aged zero to five.

    Other Connected Beginnings sites in Victoria include Ballarat, Mildura, Shepparton and Whittlesea.

    Once all Victorian sites are up and running the program will support around 1,700 First Nations children across the state.

    Learn more about the Connected Beginnings program at: education.gov.au/early-childhood/community-child-care-fund/connected-beginnings.

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Early Childhood Education Dr Anne Aly:

    “All children, no matter their background or where they live, should be able to access the transformational benefits of quality early childhood education and care.

    “Connected Beginnings is delivering significant positive results for First Nations children right across the country, helping to Close the Gap by improving developmental outcomes.

    “The Connected Beginnings program is empowering communities to design and deliver the program in a way which supports their individual needs and aspirations.”

    Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister Ged Kearney:

    “Labor is committed to closing the health gap that leads to a significantly lower life expectancy for First Nations people.

    “Connected Beginnings is all about centring the voices of First Nations Australian and a community-led approach.

    “From child care, to pre-school, to primary school, Connected Beginnings is setting First Nations kids up for best start in life.”

    Quotes attributable to Federal Labor Senator for Victoria Raff Ciccone:

    “The Connected Beginnings program is making a big difference for families across Australia and its expansion in Bairnsdale is a terrific outcome.

    “The first five years of a child’s life are the most important and this program will provide foundational support to First Nations children in the Gippsland community.

    “Kids thrive when they have the best support available, and Federal Labor’s more than $2 million commitment will help children develop the skills needed to make a successful transition to school.”

    Quotes attributable to SNAICC Chief Executive Catherine Liddle:

    “Through Connected Beginnings, more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in Bairnsdale will benefit from culturally integrated services, including maternal and child health, early childhood education, and family support.

    “With Connected Beginnings, communities are empowered to customise and implement the program to meet their specific needs and aspirations, driving authentic progress. 

    “This initiative means around 100 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in the region will receive access to comprehensive, culturally appropriate services, laying a solid foundation for their learning journey.”

    Quotes attributable from GEGAC CEO Kenton Winsley:

    “We have long known that the strength of GEGAC’s Early Years services is that the families are immediately connected to the wide range of other services that GEGAC provides. Everything from maternal and child health services to medical and dental, counselling services, and cultural education events; here on site are the full range of supports our families need to raise healthy, deadly kids.

    “Connected Beginnings is going to enable us to take that holistic, connected approach to the next level, by engaging with new partners, and further involving the community, so we are all working together in the best interests of these children.

    “Our community is where we draw our strength from. We know that when we involve community members and empower them to be advisors and advocates, we get better outcomes for our people.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA to Close Its Business Recovery Center in Ruidoso

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Francisco Sánchez Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the Small Business Administration, announced today that SBA will close its Ruidoso Business Recovery Center at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 2. “SBA opened the center to provide personalized assistance to businesses that were affected by the South Fork Fire, Salt Fire and flooding that occurred June 17 – Aug. 20,” said Sánchez.

    Until the center closes, SBA customer service representatives will continue to meet with business owners to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process, help each individual complete their electronic loan application and close their approved loans. No appointment is necessary.

    LINCOLN COUNTY
    Business Recovery Center
    Ruidoso Public Library
    Archive Room
    107 Kansas City Rd.
    Ruidoso, NM  88345
    Mondays – Fridays, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
    Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
    Closes 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 2

    “SBA representatives will also continue to be available at the following federal-state Disaster Recovery Center to meet with businesses and residents,” Sánchez continued. The center is open on the days and times indicated. No appointment is necessary.

    LINCOLN COUNTY
    Disaster Recovery Center
    Horton Complex
    237 Service Rd.
    Ruidoso, NM  88345
    Mondays – Fridays, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
    Saturdays, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.

    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 regardless of whether the business suffered 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.

    Applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    The deadline to apply for property damage is Oct. 19, 2024. The deadline to apply for economic injury is March 20, 2025.

    ###

    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 www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Lafourche Parish

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Lafourche Parish

    Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Lafourche Parish

    BATON ROUGE, La. – FEMA and the State of Louisiana will open a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Raceland on Wednesday, Sept. 25 to provide one-on-one help to Louisiana residents affected by Hurricane Francine. 

    Center location:

    Lafourche Parish

    Lafourche Parish Emergency Operations Center

    4876 Hwy. 1

    Raceland, LA 70394

    Additional DRCs are open at the following locations: 

    St. Mary Parish

    Morgan City Municipal Auditorium
    728 Myrtle Street
    Morgan City, LA 70380

    Terrebonne Parish

    Terrebonne Parish Library

    151 Library Dr.

    Houma, LA 70360

    The centers will operate from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

    Residents in Ascension, Assumption, Lafourche, Jefferson, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Mary and Terrebonne parishes can visit any DRC to meet with representatives of FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration, along with other community partners. No appointment is needed to visit the center. 

    The centers are accessible to people with disabilities or access and functional needs and are equipped with assistive technology. If you need a reasonable accommodation or sign language interpreter, please call 833-285-7448 (press 2 for Spanish).

    You do not have to visit a center to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. The quickest way to apply is by going online at disasterassistance.gov/.

    Additional options when applying include:

    • Download the FEMA App for mobile devices. 
    • Call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.
    • To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance – YouTube.

    For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4817. Follow FEMA Region 6 social media at X.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.

    .facebook.com/FEMARegion6/

    alexa.brown

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: South Uniacke — Missing person: Help the RCMP find Erika MacLeod

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Missing person: Help the RCMP find Erika MacLeod

    September 24, 2024, South Uniacke, Nova Scotia… East Hants District RCMP is asking for the public’s assistance in locating 37-year-old Erika MacLeod aka Erika MacCormac. She was last seen at approximately 11:30 p.m. on September 18, 2024 in South Uniacke.

    MacLeod has brown hair and hazel eyes. She’s approximately 5’4, 100 lbs. It is unknown what she was wearing when last seen but it is believed that she could be driving a 2014 Chevrolet Traverse, Nova Scotia licence plate HGA 519.

    When someone goes missing, it has deep and far-reaching impacts for the person and those who know them. We ask that people spread the word through social media respectfully.

    Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Erika MacLeod is asked to contact East Hants District RCMP at 902-883-7077. If you wish to remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips App.

    File #: 2024-1406857

    Note to media: A photo of Erika MacLeod is attached.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Sept 24 U.S. Central Command Update

    Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

    Sep. 24, 2024

    Release Number 20240924 – 01

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    TAMPA, Fla. – In the past 24 hours, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) forces successfully destroyed one Iranian-backed Houthi uncrewed aerial vehicle over the Red Sea.

    It was determined this system presented an imminent threat to U.S. and coalition forces, and merchant vessels in the region. This action was taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S., coalition, and merchant vessels.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Secretary Blinken participates in a UN Security Council Ministerial Meeting on Ukraine

    Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)

    Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken participates in a UN Security Council Ministerial Meeting on Ukraine in New York City, New York, on September 24, 2024.

    Transcript: https://www.state.gov/secretary-antony-j-blinken-at-a-un-security-council-ministerial-meeting-on-ukraine/
    ———-
    Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.

    The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.

    Get updates from the U.S. Department of State at www.state.gov and on social media!
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/statedept
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/StateDept
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/statedept
    Flickr: https://flickr.com/photos/statephotos/

    Subscribe to the State Department Blog: https://www.state.gov/blogs
    Watch on-demand State Department videos: https://video.state.gov/
    Subscribe to The Week at State e-newsletter: http://ow.ly/diiN30ro7Cw

    State Department website: https://www.state.gov/
    Careers website: https://careers.state.gov/
    White House website: https://www.whitehouse.gov/
    Terms of Use: https://state.gov/tou

    #StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkG8Y6FlYSM

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pfluger, Levin Introduce Bipartisan Nuclear Waste Administration Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) and Congressman Mike Levin (CA-49) introduced the bipartisan Nuclear Waste Administration Act of 2024, which would modernize our country’s nuclear waste management program by establishing an independent Nuclear Waste Administration to manage the country’s nuclear waste. In line with recommendations from the Blue Ribbon Commission on America’s Nuclear Energy Future, this bill would establish a new, single purpose organization to manage the back end of the nuclear fuel cycle, provide for a consent-based siting process for nuclear waste facilities, and ensure adequate and reliable funding for managing nuclear waste.

    “Nuclear energy plays an important role in our energy mix, especially as a significant increase in energy demand is projected over the next decade. However, one of the most significant challenges to broad deployment is the impasse regarding a permanent repository. West Texas has experienced the consequences of this impasse as evidenced by the Andrews County interim storage site. I am proud to introduce the ‘Nuclear Waste Administration Act of 2024’ with Rep. Levin to move our country closer to developing a permanent repository and robust fuel management plan. We cannot meet our nuclear goals without this piece of the puzzle,” said Rep. Pfluger.

    “The federal government has a responsibility to safely manage our nation’s nuclear waste, but we’ve been caught in an impasse for decades,” said Rep. Levin. “This legislation represents a comprehensive pathway to modernize our nuclear waste program, based in consent. Our bipartisan bill would empower a new single-purpose, independent federal agency to consult and collaborate with communities to chart a path forward for safely storing and disposing of our nuclear waste. Years of inaction have left nuclear waste stored in communities all across the country – including ours – and with the federal government currently spending $2 million per day for the failure to fulfill its obligation to find a real solution. It’s clear that now is the time to act on bold solutions.”

    Read the full bill here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Remarks by President  Biden Honoring the 2023 National Women’s Soccer League Champions, NJ/NY GOTHAM FC | (September 23,  2024)

    Source: The White House

    10:38 A.M. EDT

    THE PRESIDENT:  Hey, guys.  How are you doing?  (Laughter.)  Holy mackerel.  I like your tie.  (Laughter.) 

    AUDIENCE MEMBER:  Can you guys say thank you?

    THE PRESIDENT:  “Dad, you didn’t tell me the president was going to talk to me.”

    Please, have a seat. 

    Well, good morning.  For the first time — for the first time in National Women’s Soccer League history, welcome to the White House to the 2023 championships [champions] the Gotham F.C.  (Applause.)  
    It’s so good to be joined by so many friends from New York and New Jersey — (applause) — team owners, the Tisch family — 

    AUDIENCE MEMBER:  Yes!

    THE PRESIDENT:  There you go.  God love you.  We go back a long way.  (Laughter.)  Led by Carolyn.  

    And — and the team — the fellow team governors and investors, Ed, as well as the great Sue Bird — (applause) — was here a few years ago to celebrate the Seattle Storm’s WNBA championship, and she’s simply incredible.  No, you are.  I tell you what, man.  (Applause.) 

    I also want to thank the founding team owners, and good friends of mine, the Murphys and, particularly, Tammy, to continues the — to be the champions for women’s sports.  They couldn’t be here today because they are representing the great state of New Jersey on a trade mission abroad.  

    But I also want to thank New Jersey’s newest United States senator, George Helmy.  Where — where are you, George?  (Applause.)  There you are, George.  George, you don’t get to take the trophy home.  (Laughter.) 

    And, of course, a special thanks to the incredible players.  You know — (applause) — one thing is clear: This organization is no stranger to adversity.  In 2022, Gotham placed last in the entire league.  There were doubts about turning things around.  But you never gave up.  You never gave up.  And you kept the faith, as my mother would say.  You retooled the roster, hired a new coach.  Something clicked.  

     And after a tough season, you were in — the final team to make the playoffs.  But as the saying goes, winners simply win.  Back-to-back playoff wins holding North Carolina and Portland scoreless and then beating Seattle to win it all.  The new Tiffany trophy is one at — new home now in Gotham.  

    Look, just yesterday, you clinched the playoff spot, so maybe you’ll be back here next year.  (Applause.)  Now, if you are, I won’t be president but ask if I can come and listen.  (Laughter.) 

    What’s really important is your championship win also set an attendance record.  I think it’s fair to say everyone — everyone watches women’s sports.  (Applause.)  It’s about time.   

    I got some All-State soccer players as well as — a goalie as well as lacrosse champions in my family.  And, by the way, in my family, we have a — an advantage: All the women are smarter than all the men — (laughter) — including me. 

    Look, and when fans watch you play, they also see the power of the example off the field as well.  It matters.  And I really mean it.  You lead the way in providing sports medicine and health care focused on women.  My wife is deeply involved in trying to make sure there’s enough attention paid and research done on women’s diseases as men.  As a matter of fact, we’re going to the United Nations after this to make that very case.

    You helped establish the Players Association fighting for the dignity of work all across the league.  And most powerful — I’m — you know, I get — I get categorized as the most pro-union president in American history.  I am, and I approve of what you’re doing, man.  (Laughter.)    

    You know, and your teammate Midge came to the White House with the U.S. Women’s National Team to highlight the campaign and equal — for equal pay.  That’s happening too.  Matter of fact, it’s going to get unequal here; you’re going to be paid a hell of a lot more, I think (inaudible).

    But let’s be clear.  And I mean this sincerely.  I was raised by my best friend in the world, who is my sister.  She — she — anyway.  I won’t get into all that, but — (laughter) — you know, I mean this sincerely: A woman can do anything a man can do — anything a man can do, including being president of the United States.  (Applause.)  

    Let me close by thanking you all.  You really represent our nation with such dignity.  You inspire all of us — and you really do; you’re an inspiration.  Think — I bet you wh- — you can’t walk down the street in your hometown without some young girl coming up to you just wanting to talk to you, just wanting to touch you, just wanting to hold your hand.  It’s amazing.  

    And congratulations to the Bats of Gotham.  You like being called the “Bats of Gotham”?  (Laughter.)

    GOTHAM FC PLAYERS:  Batties.  

    MS. PURCE:  The Batties.  

    THE PRESIDENT:  (Inaudible.)  

    MS. KRIEGER:  Batties.

    MS. PURCE:  The Batties.  

    THE PRESIDENT:  I like that.  (Laughter.)

    Look, I’m going to turn it over to the top Bat — no, the top — (laughter) — to Ali, last year’s team captain, who, by the way, I watched in 2015 win the World Cup in — when I was vice president — in Canada.  Ali, it’s great to see you again, kiddo.  (Laughter.)  The floor is yours.  (Applause.)

    MS. KRIEGER:  Thank you.  

    THE PRESIDENT:  I like your kicks.

    MS. KRIEGER:  Thank you.  They’re — I wore them for you, so — (laughter).  Yeah.

    Mr. President and esteemed guests, thank you for hosting Gotham FC, the reigning NWSL champions.  (Applause.)  

    We are deeply honored to be the first NWSL team to receive this recognition, marking a pivotal moment for women’s sports.  

    Firstly, I have to thank my teammates for their grit and perseverance to enable us to be the champions standing here today.  (Applause.)

    Starting the 2023 season, coming off of the last place finish — from worst to first — (laughter) — nobody backed this team to do what we did.

    Reflecting on my career, I recall times when women’s soccer lacked coverage and support.  Our progress since those days have been remarkable, from our humble beginnings to becoming champions.  

    Both Gotham and the NWSL have seen tremendous growth with more fans, greater engagement, and increased recognition.  

    Yet, despite these strides, we are reminded that our work is far from over.  

    Every time we step on the field, we think of young girls who dream the future in sports.  This moment is not just about titles or trophies, it’s about paving the way for them.  Being the first is historic, but it’s even more important that we ensure we are not the last.  

    We all know that we are committed to build on this momentum for future generations. 

    As a token of our appreciation and commitment to advancing women’s sports, we are delighted to present you with a Gotham FC jersey.  (Applause.)

    We expect you to be wearing that under the suit soon, okay?  (Laughter.)

    THE PRESIDENT:  I’ll wear it over it.

    MS. KRIEGER:  Yeah, great.  (Laughter.)

    On behalf of my exceptional teammates and the entire organization, thank you again for this incredible honor, for sup- — and for supporting the growth of women’s sports.  

    THE PRESIDENT:  All right.

    MS. KRIEGER:  Thank you.  (Applause.)

    THE PRESIDENT:  You know, I thought when I got to be president, I’d get to do things that I wanted to do, but my staff tells me what I can’t do.  (Laughter.)  But I’m going to do it anyway.  All the young women — young kids out there that are wa- — are out there, come on up and do this when we — stand behind me when we do this.  Come on.

    AUDIENCE:  Aww.  (Applause.)

    THE PRESIDENT:  And the guys.  Come on.  (Applause.)  

    (The president greets children coming to the stage.)

    THE PRESIDENT:  All right.

    MS. KRIEGER:  So, our head coach, Juan Carlos Amorós, and the — the championship 2023 MVP, Midge Purce.  (Applause.) 

    (The president is presented with a Gotham FC jersey.) 

    THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you. 

    10:49 A.M. EDT

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Prime Minister advances progress and prosperity at the United Nations General Assembly and the Summit of the Future

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    Progressive leadership is driven by a shared belief that we cannot falter – on rights, on equality, and on an economy that works for everyone. We must keep moving forward.

    That’s the message the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, delivered as he concluded his participation in the 79th Session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly (UNGA) and the Summit of the Future, in New York City, United States of America. During UNGA, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to advancing progress, prosperity, and fairness for every generation.

    Prime Minister Trudeau joined global leaders at the Summit of the Future, which concluded with the adoption of the Pact for the Future – an ambitious pact that will see countries work together to tackle shared challenges. At the Summit, the Prime Minister delivered a statement affirming Canada’s support for the Summit of the Future, its call for nations to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and its commitment to investing in our workers, our communities, and our future.

    Building on the progress made at the Summit of the Future, Prime Minister Trudeau joined world leaders and prominent advocates at UNGA to accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He emphasized Canada’s commitment to unlocking increased financing to achieve the SDGs globally, particularly through his role as Co-Chair of the SDG Stimulus Leaders group. He also underscored the central role of gender equality as a pathway to achieving sustainable development, and made clear that women and girls must be able to make choices about their bodies, their lives, and their own futures. Canada announced over $112 million to help protect the comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights of women and girls worldwide. We will also invest $58 million in projects that empower women and promote gender equality, particularly in Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. With this funding, Canada will fulfill its $100 million commitment to address issues in unpaid and paid care work in low- and middle-income countries.

    For tens of millions of people across the globe, including in Canada, climate change is not an abstraction. It is real, it is costly, and it does not stop at our borders. To successfully tackle climate change, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of global, collective climate action. He highlighted industrial decarbonization as one such approach to fight climate change, including through innovative tools such as carbon pricing. He also welcomed six new members to Canada’s Global Carbon Pricing Challenge, which calls on countries to put a price on carbon to cover 60 per cent of global emissions by 2030. The Prime Minister also announced $3.9 million to be delivered through Canada’s Global Forest Leadership Program so we can more effectively respond to wildfires and advance international leadership on sustainable forest management.

    Prime Minister Trudeau, alongside the Prime Minister of Haiti, Garry Conille, convened a High-Level Meeting of the UN Economic and Social Council Ad Hoc Advisory Group on Haiti to strengthen efforts to restore democracy, security, and stability in Haiti. The Prime Minister highlighted ongoing work to respond to the humanitarian needs of the Haitian people and Canada’s continued support of the Multinational Security Support mission in the country. He emphasized the criticality of Haitian-led solutions to the conflict. He announced over $16 million to support the transitional government’s election preparedness, increase humanitarian aid, reduce gang violence, and expand access to justice for women and youth detainees while supporting their reintegration into society. These measures will make a meaningful difference in helping Haiti address its immediate needs and create a better, more prosperous future for its people.

    At UNGA, the Prime Minister also announced $3.6 million in new wide-ranging investments to strengthen global peace and security, including on land mine clearance, and protect the rights of Indigenous Peoples, particularly women affected by conflict. He emphasized the role of UN agencies in accomplishing this important work, announcing a $9 million investment to support the UN’s efforts to strengthen development, humanitarian, and peacebuilding assistance in countries across the globe.

    The Prime Minister participated in a leaders’ roundtable titled In Defense of Democracy: Fighting Against Extremism, where he engaged with world leaders on challenges facing democracies, such as inequality, polarization, disinformation, and violent extremism, including online. He reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to strengthening the rules-based international order and multilateral institutions, like the UN.

    Throughout his visit, Prime Minister Trudeau met with international counterparts to discuss pressing geopolitical challenges, including Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine and its global impacts, as well as the evolving situation in the Middle East. He emphasized the importance of protecting democratic institutions from emerging threats, including misinformation and election interference, and safeguarding peace and security around the world.

    At UNGA, the Prime Minister held bilateral meetings with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, the Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz, and the Prime Minister of Japan, Kishida Fumio, among others. 

    In the face of global economic and social insecurity, Canada chooses to invest in our country. Whether it’s national $10-a-day child care, an ambitious housing plan, a national dental care program, or an industrial strategy that creates good-paying jobs while fighting climate change – these are choices that will make a positive difference in the lives of Canadians and help solve global challenges.

    Quote

    “Canada chooses to invest in our people, in our future, and in progress. That was my message at UNGA and at the Summit of the Future. Our government is taking action to fight climate change, break down barriers, solve the world’s most pressing challenges, and deliver fairness for every generation.”

    — The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

    Quick Facts

    • While in New York City, Prime Minister Trudeau had bilateral meetings with the Prime Minister of Haiti, Garry Conille, the Prime Minister of Japan, Kishida Fumio, the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, António Guterres, the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein of Jordan, the President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo, the Mayor of Kitchener, Berry Vrbanovic, the Governor of New York State, Kathy Hochul, the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh, Muhammad Yunus, the President of Kenya, William Ruto, and Malala Yousafzai.
    • The Prime Minister also had interactions with other leaders, including the Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Jens Stoltenberg, the Prime Minister of Denmark, Mette Frederiksen, the Prime Minister of Finland, Petteri Orpo, the Taoiseach of Ireland, Simon Harris, the Prime Minister of Bhutan, Tshering Tobgay, the President of Guatemala, Bernardo Arévalo, the President of Ecuador, Daniel Noboa, the President of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, the President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, Kristalina Georgieva, and the President of Spain, Pedro Sánchez.
    • As a founding member of the UN since its creation in 1945, Canada has actively contributed to the organization, playing a key role in drafting the UN Charter, the treaty that is the cornerstone of the rules-based international order.
    • Canada is the sixth-largest donor to the UN, including voluntary and assessed contributions totalling over US$2 billion in 2022.
    • In 2015, Canada joined all UN Member States in adopting ambitious goals for sustainable development, as outlined in Transforming our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The 2030 Agenda centres on a set of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), encompassing the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of sustainable development. Taken together, the SDGs aim to improve the lives of all people, while protecting the planet.
    • Released in 2021, Moving Forward Together: Canada’s 2030 Agenda National Strategy builds upon 30 actions and five core principles to create and foster an enabling environment for ongoing dialogue and participation to encourage Canadians to take action to realize the SDGs.
    • In 2022, Prime Minister Trudeau was named Co-Chair of the UN SDG Advocates group by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, alongside the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley. SDG Advocates work to raise global awareness of the SDGs and of the need for accelerated action by using their respective platforms.
    • Prime Minister Trudeau is also Co-Chair of the SDG Stimulus Leaders group alongside the Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness. The group advocates for equipping developing countries with the financial resources to invest in the 17 SDGs and secure a more just and equitable future for all people.
    • At the Summit for the Future, global leaders enhanced co-operation on critical challenges and addressed gaps in global governance. They reaffirmed existing commitments – including to the SDGs and the UN Charter – and moved toward a modernized UN system that can effectively tackle the challenges of today and tomorrow.
    • At the Summit, leaders adopted the Pact for the Future  and its annexes – the Global Digital Compact and Declaration on Future Generations. The Pact is a global framework to bolster global co-operation and address critical challenges facing the world, such as climate change, global inequality, and the need for stronger multilateral co-operation, for the benefit of all and for future generations.
    • In 2021, Canada launched the Global Carbon Pricing Challenge. This partnership aims to expand the use of pollution pricing by strengthening existing systems and supporting emerging ones. The Challenge, which has a collective goal of covering 60 per cent of global emissions by 2030, also serves as a forum for dialogue and co-ordination to make pricing systems more effective and compatible while supporting other countries in adopting carbon pricing and cutting emissions on the path to net-zero by 2050.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Sarbanes, Matsui, Huffman Urge Forest Service to Take Additional Measures to Protect Old-Growth Forests

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Sarbanes (3rd District of Maryland)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman John Sarbanes (MD-03) and Reps. Doris Matsui (CA-07) and Jared Huffman (CA-02) led a group of 33 lawmakers in sending a letter to Secretary Tom Vilsack, supporting the U.S. Forest Service’s (USFS) National Old-Growth Amendment and urging USFS to take additional measures to protect old-growth forests. 

    “Protecting older forests is part of an overarching climate-informed strategy to increase forest resilience to wildfires, combat climate-related impacts and help retain forest carbon,” the lawmakers wrote.  

    In April 2022, President Biden issued Executive Order 14072, recognizing mature and old-growth forests as vital to the health, prosperity and resilience of communities across the nation. Mature and old-growth trees absorb and store more planet-warming greenhouse gases than younger trees and are an important part of healthy, resilient ecosystems, making them essential to our climate and conservation goals. 

    In response to the President’s Executive Order, USFS proposed to amend all national forest management plans to protect, conserve and sustainably steward old-growth forests and foster the development of new old-growth forests. On June 21, 2024, USFS issued a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the National Old-Growth Amendment.

    “We strongly support the USFS’s proposed land management amendment, but we urge USFS to strengthen protections in the Final EIS,” the lawmakers concluded. “In keeping with the President’s E.O. 14072, we urge USFS to clarify that management activities must not degrade or impair old-growth forests and that an area cannot lose its classification as old-growth forest as a result of these management activities. Finally, we urge USFS to take concrete steps to conserve mature forests with the intention of nurturing future old-growth forests.”

    This letter builds on an April 2023 letter urging the USFS to initiate this formal rulemaking protecting old-growth forests and an April 2024 letter supporting USFS’s National Old-Growth Amendment, both of which Congressman Sarbanes also led with Reps. Matsui and Huffman. 

    A copy of the letter can be found here.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Maryland Delegation Members Announce $931,000 for Firefighters, First Responders in Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Howard Counties

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Sarbanes (3rd District of Maryland)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen John Sarbanes and Dutch Ruppersberger (all D-Md.) announced $931,896.84 in federal funding to support Maryland firefighters and first responders in Anne Arundel, Baltimore and Howard Counties. The funding will enhance emergency response capabilities through personnel recruitment and equipment upgrades, ensuring better protection for the public, firefighters and other first responders.

    “Maryland’s firefighters and first responders run towards danger every day to protect us, and we need to have their backs. This federal funding will help ensure our local fire departments have the resources and support they need to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies in our communities,” said the lawmakers.

    The federal grants have been awarded as follows:

    1. $490,909.08 to Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company in Anne Arundel County to replace thermal imaging cameras and purchase an air and light vehicle, which enables firefighters to refill oxygen tanks and provides high resolution lighting to assist on-scene response.
    2. $272,200 to Pikesville Volunteer Fire Company in Baltimore County for recruitment and retention activities. The Department also received a $64,772.72 award earlier this summer to implement a comprehensive cancer screening program for its members.
    3. $127,533.22 to the Baltimore County Fire Department Administrator Service to distribute and install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in at-risk communities.
    4. $41,254.54 to Howard County Fire and Rescue to support its Fitness and Injury Prevention Program.

    The awards are provided through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program, Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program and Fire Prevention and Safety Grant (FP&S) program with funds from FY2023 annual appropriations that the lawmakers fought to secure. The lawmakers additionally worked to reauthorize the AFG, SAFER and FP&S programs through FY2028 within the Fire Grants and Safety Act of 2023, which passed Congress and was signed into law earlier this year.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Maryland Congressional Delegation Members Press NASA for Answers on OSAM-1 Mission

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Sarbanes (3rd District of Maryland)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen John Sarbanes, Steny Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, David Trone and Glenn Ivey (all D-Md.) wrote to National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Administrator Bill Nelson, pressing the agency for answers on its decision to cancel the On-Orbit Servicing, Assembly and Manufacturing 1 (OSAM-1) robotic satellite maintenance mission, even after the lawmakers provided $227 million through fiscal year 2024 appropriations legislation to ensure its launch in 2026. The lawmakers also have been working to secure continued funding in the next fiscal year. The OSAM-1 mission, developed at the NASA Goddard Spaceflight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, was expected to offer operators new ways to maintain their satellite fleets more efficiently and help mitigate space debris. In their letter, the Maryland Congressional Delegation members ask Administrator Nelson for a detailed accounting of the review process that led to the cancellation as well as the plan to utilize the nearly complete OSAM-1 satellite.

    “As members of the Maryland Delegation, we write to request information regarding NASA’s decision to cancel the On-Orbit Servicing, Assembly and Manufacturing 1 (OSAM-1) mission on September 4, 2024. OSAM-1 is a space technology mission developed to demonstrate NASA’s capabilities to extend the lifespans of government-owned satellites and other satellites that were not originally built or intended to be serviced in space,” the lawmakers began. “This demonstration intends to show the ability to repair and restore existing satellites, prolong satellite mission life, and pave the way for more sustainable and cost-effective space missions in the future. […] There is currently no existing operation that demonstrates the unique capabilities of this technology within U.S. public or commercial missions.”

    “On February 29, 2024, NASA ordered an orderly shutdown of the OSAM-1 mission, citing technical, cost and scheduling challenges as well as the overall funding environment. Recognizing the value of the mission, Congress directed NASA to continue the OSAM-1 mission in the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Joint Explanatory Statement accompanying the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024,” they continued, citing their work to preserve the mission and keep it on track for launch in 2026.

    “It is our understanding that in April 2024 NASA received an updated plan from the mission team, which included a rescope of the mission to meet the launch and budget requirements, as directed by Congress, and reduced testing requirements to adopt a Class-D designation in line with the standard posture of a technology demonstration project. It is also our understanding that the OSAM-1 mission team has proceeded with executing on this updated plan,” pointing to further progress in resolving these issues. 

    The Delegation members conclude their letter noting, however, “On September 4, 2024, members of the Maryland delegation were notified of NASA’s intent to proceed with canceling the OSAM-1 mission.” Following this they underscore, “we have concerns regarding the Agency’s decision-making process,” and go on to ask for answers to a series of questions surrounding the decision, to be received no later than Monday, September 23. 

    Full text of the letter is here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Representatives Cleaver, Lee Introduce Bill to Prepare Workers and Next Generation for Technology Driven Workforce

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II (5th District Missouri)

    (Washington, D.C.) – This week, U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) and Barbara Lee (D-CA) introduced the Workforce of the Future Act, legislation that would identify how artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies will change the workforce of the future and provide workers, teachers, and our nation’s students with the resources to develop integral skills required to participate in that workforce. U.S. Senators Laphonza Butler (D-CA) and Mazie Hirono (D-HI) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

    “With the rapid development of technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing, there is boundless opportunity to boost innovation, productivity, and prosperity across the nation,” said Congressman Cleaver. “However, as with all new technologies, we must work to ensure the benefits will be distributed equitably across society. As has been highlighted by our work as co-chairs of CBC TECH2025, too often Black and Brown communities get left out when our leaders fail to make intelligent and proactive investments in growing a workforce that supports all Americans. To maximize the potential of these emerging technologies, the U.S. must ensure that we not only have a workforce capable of leading the world in these industries, but also that workers of every background and in every region share in the spoils. I’m proud to partner with Representative Lee and Senator Butler in introducing the Workforce of the Future Act to strengthen the pipeline of America’s technology workforce and safeguard our status as a global leader in innovation.”

    “With the advent of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies, it’s essential that we ensure we don’t widen the digital divide that disproportionately harms people of color,” said Congresswoman Lee. “The Workforce of the Future Act will invest $250 million into preparing our students, teachers, and workers for the advanced technology jobs that will shape our future. This bill is about equity, and ensures that the opportunities of tomorrow are available to all communities, particularly those historically underrepresented in the tech sector.”

    The Workforce of the Future Act would require the Department of Labor (DOL), National Science Foundation (NSF), and Department of Education (ED) to conduct a study on the effects of artificial intelligence (AI) on job outlooks across sectors.

    This bill would also authorize $250 million in grant funding for labor organizations and state, local, and tribal entities managing education and workforce development programming to foster the development of emerging and advanced technology education in K-12 schools. It would also train a new generation of emerging and advanced technology teachers and provide workers with up-skilling and lifelong learning opportunities.

    Major concerns have been raised over the impact AI will have on the job market, particularly in the manufacturing, automobile, and entertainment industries. Throughout 2023, writers, musicians, and other entertainment industry workers held strikes in an attempt to prevent AI from supplanting their jobs.

    Concerns have also been raised about AI not impacting all communities equally. Many AI models are trained on biased data, leading to outcomes that disproportionately harm marginalized groups, especially Black, Indigenous, and other people of color. These biases can manifest in hiring practices, criminal justice systems, healthcare, and more.

    “Emerging technologies have the potential to significantly change the reality of work. We must continue to understand those impacts, ensuring that we adequately prepare America’s workers to thrive in the evolving job market,” said Senator Butler. “The purpose of this legislation is to solidify our commitment to today’s – as well as tomorrow’s – workers, preparing them to work in tandem with AI and to be ready for the jobs of the future.”

    “As advancements in AI rapidly increase, so do concerns regarding the potential effects of this technology on our workforce,” said Senator Hirono. “This legislation will help protect American workers by identifying the impacts AI has on jobs, and investing in education and workforce development to better prepare our students, educators, and workers for the future.”

    Specifically, funding from the Workforce of the Future Act would be administered by the Labor and Education Departments and distributed as follows:

    1. $80,000,000 for the creation of K-12 educational programming utilizing emerging technology to foster interest in and increase exposure to science, technology, engineering, art, and math;
    2. $80,000,000 for initiatives to increase the development and recruitment of emerging and advanced technology teachers; and
    3. $90,000,000 for workforce development, upskilling, and lifelong learning programs specifically targeted towards workers in industries or occupations that are projected to see worker displacement as a result of AI adoption.

    The Workforce of the Future Act is endorsed by The Screen Actors Guild—American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), Microsoft, American Federation of Teachers (AFT), the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE), the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), the National Association of Voice Actors (NAVA), the Urban League, and the California Department of Education.

    Official text of the Workforce of the Future Act is available here.

    Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee’s Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Cleaver, KC-Area Colleagues Unite Across Party Lines to Address USPS Mail Delivery Delays

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II (5th District Missouri)

    (Kansas City, MO) – Today, U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO-05), Jake LaTurner (R-KS-02), Sharice Davids (D-KS-03), Mark Alford (R-MO-04), and Sam Graves (R-MO-06) united in a bipartisan effort to address mail delivery delays in the Kansas City area. The group called on U.S. Postal Service (USPS) Postmaster General Louis DeJoy to act on a recent audit’s recommendations, which identified staffing shortages and inadequate management oversight as key factors contributing to the delays in the Kansas City area.

    “In recent months, our offices have received a growing number of messages from Kansans and Missourians concerned about missing mail, delayed postal delivery, and extended periods with no delivery service at all,” wrote the lawmakers. “The USPS Office of the Inspector General identified clear deficiencies…and identified numerous other issues related to the safety and security of personnel in this audit.”

    Conducted by the independent USPS Office of Inspector General (OIG), the recent audit examined operations at the Kansas City Postal and Distribution Center following reports of some of the nation’s slowest mail service in the nation. The audit identified several deficiencies, including delays in mail delivery, issues with package scanning, and poor property conditions. In response, Davids and her colleagues are calling on the USPS to promptly implement the OIG’s recommended solutions.

    “It is unacceptable that these facilities have fallen and are failing to keep up with the USPS standard of service. We wholeheartedly urge the leadership of the Postal Service to roll out the recommendations of the USPS Office of the Inspector General immediately to improve the service of the USPS in the Kansas City Metro area for our constituents.” Cleaver and his colleagues continued.

    A full copy of the letter can be found here.

    Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee’s Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Scott Votes Against Partisan GOP Government Funding Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bobby Scott (3rd District of Virginia)

    Headline: Scott Votes Against Partisan GOP Government Funding Bill

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement after voting against House Republicans’ partisan continuing resolution:

    “For months, Congressional Democrats have tried to work with Congressional Republicans to fully fund the government for Fiscal Year 2025. Speaker Johnson and extreme MAGA Republicans have rejected bipartisanship with today’s continuing resolution. This legislation is not a serious attempt to avert a government shutdown. It would inflict harmful cuts and it would implement significant parts of the Project 2025 agenda. The only viable path forward to avoid a costly government shutdown at the end of the month is for Speaker Johnson and the extreme MAGA Republicans to work with Democrats to pass a short-term continuing resolution that is free of extreme and partisan elements and will allow us to complete the appropriations process.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Scott To Attend Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony Honoring the Hidden Figures

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bobby Scott (3rd District of Virginia)

    Headline: Scott To Attend Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony Honoring the Hidden Figures

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03) was invited by House Speaker Mike Johnson and Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries to attend the Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony in honor of the distinguished women recognized by the Hidden Figures Congressional Gold Medal Act; Katherine Johnson, Dr. Christine Darden, Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, and all of the women who contributed to the success of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) during the Space Race. Johnson, Jackson, and Vaughan’s work took place at NASA Langley Research Center in Virginia’s Third Congressional District.

    “Today’s ceremony honors an extraordinary group of women from Hampton Roads, Virginia,” said Congressman Scott. “Breaking down barriers of both gender and race at NASA, these women laid the groundwork for John Glenn to become the first American to orbit the earth, and for Neil Armstrong to walk on the moon. I am looking forward to today’s ceremony where we will build on efforts in recent years to ensure these exceptional women’s stories are no longer hidden.”

    Video of the ceremony can be found by CLICKING HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Biosecurity New Zealand prepares for school holidays

    Source: Ministry for Primary Industries

    Biosecurity New Zealand is gearing up for the September school holidays, with international passenger arrivals expected to be higher than last year.

    Passenger arrivals at Auckland Airport are predicted to be 2% higher than in 2023, which saw 217,195 air passengers pass through biosecurity checks, says Biosecurity New Zealand commissioner Mike Inglis.

    “We’re continuing to recruit more frontline border officers and so far this year, 70 new trainees have been recruited, including 51 in Auckland.

    “Nationwide, our officers screened 474,272 passengers in August, up from 459,122 in the same month last year. Officers also seized 7,536 risk items in August and issued 610 infringement notices to passengers who failed to declare items.

    “Our role is to ensure biosecurity threats such as the exotic fruit fly and brown marmorated stink bug do not cross our borders,” says Mr Inglis.

    “These and other pests and diseases could have a devastating impact on New Zealand’s $54 billion primary sector.”

    The top 3 seizures in August were fresh produce, meat products and used equipment, while unusual finds included dried cow dung patties and a large haul of giant clams.

    Mr Inglis says there has been a steady increase in passenger numbers since COVID-19 travel restrictions eased and Biosecurity New Zealand continues to improve passenger flows at international airports while maintaining strict biosecurity controls.

    Last year, a new risk assessment process was introduced for passengers arriving at Auckland Airport with nothing to declare. The process uses declaration information to assess risk before passengers collect their baggage. Low-risk passengers are directed to an express exit lane, where they are screened by detector dogs.

    “This initiative has reduced the average biosecurity processing time at Auckland Airport to around 5 minutes, down from a peak of 13.16 minutes in February 2023.”

    Biosecurity New Zealand is looking to risk assess more passengers before they collect their baggage rather than after.

    Mr Inglis says trials at international airports across the country shows this reduces screening times.

    He says the quickest way to pass through biosecurity screening is to avoid bringing food or other items that could pose a biosecurity risk.

    For more information, contact New Zealand Food Safety’s media team on NZFoodSafety_media@mpi.govt.nz.

    For general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 00 83 33 or email info@mpi.govt.nz

    For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Mary Peltola’s flip-flop on biological men in women’s sports exposed

    Source: US National Republican Congressional Committee

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

    September 24, 2024

    Extreme Democrat Mary Peltola flip-flopped to allow biological men invading women’s sports, a new investigation revealed.

    “Democrat Mary Peltola’s shameless flip-flop isn’t just a betrayal of Alaska’s women and girls—it’s a full-blown assault on fairness in sports. Peltola has made it clear she’d rather pander to radical San Francisco leftists than represent Alaska values.” – NRCC Spokesperson Ben Petersen

    In case you missed it…

    Vulnerable Alaska Democrat’s Embrace of Transgenderism Could Cost Her In November
    Daily Wire
    Mary Margaret Olohan
    September 24, 2024

    When Alaska Democrat Mary Peltola ran for the Congress seat in 2022, she danced around addressing whether trans-identifying men should be allowed in women’s sports. Fairness is important, she indicated, but she needed to learn more.

    “I need to better acquaint myself with this issue, which I believe is more complicated than some make it out to be,” Peltola told the Anchorage Daily News in August 2022. “My starting point is that sports should be fair for all students, and we must protect the rights of all students – especially those that are already subject to significant discrimination. I look forward to learning more, and focusing on the many other pressing challenges the U.S. Congress is facing.”

    Fast forward about a year to April 2023, when Peltola voted against the “Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2023” — legislation prohibiting school athletic programs from allowing boys who identify as girls to play in girls’ sports. The bill, which passed the House of Republicans, would have made it a violation of Title IX for federally-funded education programs to allow men in women’s athletic programs.

    When Republican South Carolina Rep. Nancy Mace put forward an amendment to that same legislation, which would have required a study on the effect that men participating in women’s sports has on women, Peltola voted against it.

    She also co-sponsored the far-left “Equality Act,” legislation that would amend the 1964 Civil Rights Act to prevent “discrimination on the basis of sex, gender identity, and sexual orientation,” meaning that individuals who identify as another gender could not be denied access to the locker room of their choice.

    The Equality Act would specifically require public women’s facilities, such as women’s bathrooms, locker rooms, and shelters, to admit men who identify as transgender women. Critics have pointed out that women who are trying to escape violent men and seek refuge in shelters would then be forced to share living spaces with men who identify as women.

    As “Must Read Alaska” reported at the time, the bill would apply to institutions like Anchorage’s “Downtown Hope Center,” a faith-based cold-weather shelter where women can seek refuge during the night.

    Peltola’s positions may put her out of step with her home state. The Alaska Board of Education voted in August 2023 to block boys who identify as girls from playing on girls’ athletic teams. And the Alaska House of Representatives passed a law in May 2024 banning boys from playing in girls’ sports. The bill then went to the State Senate, where it is expected to die, but the House Republicans who voted for the bill told Alaska Public Media that they were prioritizing the issue at the request of their constituents.

    “Alaskans are outraged by Rep. Mary Peltola’s misguided championing of the radical transgender agenda,” Cindy Glassmaker, an Alaskan mother of three daughters who play or played high school sports, told The Daily Wire.

    “Peltola’s stance is a slap in the face to every female athlete,” Glassmaker added. “We’re not buying this woke nonsense that cancels women’s sports and hands women’s hard-earned rights to biological men.”

    Peltola did not respond to requests for comment from The Daily Wire asking for clarity on her gender positions.

    Since 2022, Peltola has received about $6,000 from the Human Rights Campaign, which pushes transgender sex change hormones, surgery, and puberty blockers for children, and $5,500 from Planned Parenthood Action Fund, the action arm of Planned Parenthood, which boasts of being the “second largest provider” of transgender hormones like estrogen and testosterone.

    Her opponent, Nick Begich, told The Daily Wire that Peltola is endangering the rights of women in Alaska.

    “Mary Peltola’s reckless push to allow biological males to compete against girls isn’t just unfair— it’s a direct assault on women’s athletics,” Begich said. “Alaska can’t allow Peltola’s radical woke ideology to erase opportunities for our daughters, sisters, and mothers. It was our late Senator Ted Stevens who fought for Title IX and Mary Peltola should not be working to erase such an important part of his legacy.”

    Peltola finished first in the August primary, coming in at 50.38% with 48,418 votes. Begich followed her at 26.98% with 25,930 votes, and Nancy Dahlstrom came next with 20.01% and 19,234 votes.

    But NRCC polling released Monday found Begich “surging into the lead” against Peltola. Begich is now leading Peltola 44% to 40% on the first round ballot, with 10% undecided.

    That polling found that the more voters learn about Peltola, the less they like her.

    “Among those who have seen, read, or heard something recently about Peltola, a plurality of voters are left with a more unfavorable impression of Peltola.”

    “Mary Peltola is taking on water despite her initial spending advantage, driven in large part by Republican ads highlighting her support for the Biden agenda and votes against Alaska’s veterans and those actively serving in uniform,” says a memo from American Viewpoint on the key findings of the Alaska survey. “If this trend continues, Nick Begich will be the next Member of Congress from Alaska.”

    Read more here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Minister Rishworth interview on Sunrise with Natalie Barr and Shadow Finance Minister, Jane Hume

    Source: Ministers for Social Services

    E&OE TRANSCRIPT

    Topics: Interest rates; Cost of living; Inflation; Housing; Commonwealth Rent Assistance; Medicare; Negative gearing.

    NATALIE BARR, HOST: Another major blow for mortgage holders as the Reserve Bank decides to hold interest rates at 4.35 per cent for the seventh time in a row. In a press conference yesterday, Governor Michele Bullock refused to rule anything out of stressing that she wants to see inflation come down before the bank takes decisive action. For their take, let’s bring in Minister for Social Services, Amanda Rishworth and Shadow Finance Minister Jane Hume. Good morning to both of you. So, the RBA is resolute in its position, arguing that the latest inflation figures are not good enough at just 3.5 per cent. Amanda, people are blaming you, aren’t they? Is there anything that you think you can do better?

    AMANDA RISHWORTH, MINISTER FOR SOCIAL SERVICES: Well, firstly, I would say that this rate hold is not unexpected. We have seen now no rate hike for almost a year, and that shows that we are, you know, working towards our fight on inflation. This is really, really important and we are making sure that this is absolutely our primary focus. And that’s why you’ve seen responsible budgeting, but also cost of living support that doesn’t add to the inflation challenge. So, we’re very much working on this. We’ve seen a halve since the peak when it comes to inflation, and this is something that we’re taking very seriously as we fight inflation, which is a primary issue in the country, but we know people are doing it tough and that’s why we keep working on it.

    NATALIE BARR: Isn’t some of that cost-of-living relief actually not helping? Aren’t they looking through some of the energy help and saying, look, we’re putting that out of the way and we’re looking at the figures and they’re still no good?

    AMANDA RISHWORTH: I would say that when it comes to the Reserve Bank’s job, their job is, of course, to look at monetary policy. Our job is to make sure that we’re responsible with our fiscal policy. That’s exactly what we’re doing. But it’s also to support people and help people. And we know, for example, that cost of living is an issue people are facing. And that’s why we have important measures like rent relief, for Commonwealth Rent Assistance recipients, and also, of course, energy bill relief. These are really important measures to support people that are adding to the inflation challenge. So, this is, is really important. We get the balance right and that’s exactly what we’re doing.

    NATALIE BARR: Okay, Jane, what would you say that the Government should be doing or could be doing to change where we are economically at the moment?

    JANE HUME, SHADOW FINANCE MINISTER: Well, Nat, the Reserve Bank have said two things. One is that inflation is homegrown, so that means it’s not being imported from overseas. It’s a problem with our domestic policies and it’s also sticky, which means it’s not coming down fast enough. The Reserve Bank economists told the cost-of-living committee that I chair that unless they see a reduction in public sector expenditure, well, then they’re not going to be able to bring interest rates down any sooner. They’ve now pushed out their forecast to say that they don’t expect inflation to come sustainably back to the band in which they could lower interest rates until 2026. Now, that’s 15 months away and it’s more than a year longer than Labor’s own forecasts were saying. So, that’s going to be cold comfort to mortgage holders that are really feeling the pinch of those high interest rates, and that’s a real shame. So, the government can’t just say, well, we’re not making the problem worse. They have to tackle it head on and particularly around tackling this growing public sector expenditure.

    AMANDA RISHWORTH: We are. We are, Jane. Of course, what we’re doing is returning the budget to surpluses. That’s something that you weren’t able to do when you were in government. But of course, the question, Jane, for you and your opposition, is what would you cut? I mean, you flag cutting pension increases.

    JANE HUME: No we haven’t. We haven’t done that. That’s your talking.

    AMANDA RISHWORTH: You have said, cuts to Medicare. You are planning cuts.

    JANE HUME: No, we haven’t.

    AMANDA RISHWORTH: No, no. That’s what you said. You said you saw billions of dollars of unrestrained spending, which you would look at cutting with other pension increases. They’re actually Medicare…

    JANE HUME: We’ve said that we won’t cut essential savings.

    NATALIE BARR: Look, I want to get to negative gearing because this is making headlines this morning. An anonymous senior Labor official has revealed that work has begun on developing options to scale back negative gearing and capital gains tax concessions. The Government has reportedly asked Treasury for expert advice on the possible changes, with the PM not ruling out any changes when asked on radio last week. Amanda, are you considering scaling back negative gearing in this country?

    AMANDA RISHWORTH: I want to be really clear. We’ve got a very ambitious housing policy in front of us at the moment – $32 billion of investment in increasing supply and housing and a number of policies is already underway. A number that, unfortunately, the Coalition, the Greens are blocking in the Senate. But we’ve got a really ambitious housing policy that is focused on supply. It is not our proposal to address or to add negative gearing to that. We’re getting on with the job.

    NATALIE BARR: So, it’s not your proposal, but are you asking Treasury what the numbers look like to possibly scale back negative gearing?

    AMANDA RISHWORTH: Treasury does this sort of work. It would have done so under the previous Coalition government…

    NATALIE BARR: Not if they’re not asked, I guess.

    AMANDA RISHWORTH: Well, Treasury does routine work all the time around different policies, different ideas.

    NATALIE BARR: Do they just think it would have happened or do you ask them? Have you asked them?

    AMANDA RISHWORTH: Well, of course they look at a variety of scenarios across the board and they would have done under the Coalition, many times.

    NATALIE BARR: Yeah, but, I mean, look, we’re with you guys, you’re the Government. Have you asked the Treasury to look at the numbers on scaling back negative gearing? Just a question.

    AMANDA RISHWORTH: I have to be very clear that as a Government, our focus is on delivering our housing agenda that we’ve got in front of us. And quite frankly, if the Greens and the Coalition would get out of the way of the Senate, and that’s obviously a no, we can have more rent to buy. We’ve got a housing policy and it’s there to be seen.

    NATALIE BARR: Yeah, we know you have a housing policy, but that’s obviously not something you want to answer this morning. Jane, there are a lot of arguments for scaling back negative gearing. Number one, I guess a lot of net three quarters of people who negative gear properties do it for established houses. Would you consider this?

    JANE HUME: Actually, when we looked at this policy in 2019, when a then Shorten-led Labor Opposition was proposing changes to negative gearing, the Coalition worked out that, in fact, if you scale back negative gearing, it can have dramatic effects on supply. And we’re already beginning to see, well.

    NATALIE BARR: If it’s used for housing, it’s not adding to the supply. That would be the number one reason to scale it back. Would you look at it?

    JANE HUME: If you take landlords out of the system, well, then all that happens is rents go up. I was down in Western Victoria just on Monday, walked into a real estate agent and there’s a sign up saying no rental properties available. And that’s a catch cry that we’re hearing right around the country. You take away negative gearing, as clearly the government are planning to do. That’s why they’re commissioning the work. Clearly they’re planning to do this. You take away negative gearing, you’re going to have a dramatic impact on rental supply. That’s a real problem in this country already. It would only make it worse.

    NATALIE BARR: Ok, thank you both.

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